A passage in the Twenty-second Report of the Church Missionary Society gives an affecting picture of the condition of this large portion of mankind:On the awful state of the Native Population of these vast regions, the Committee have the afflicting testimony of the very highest authority. A passage from a Letter of the Most Noble the Governor-General to the Noble President of the Society, will very forcibly shew the necessity which exists in India, for the utmost exertions of Christian Societies, and the good prospect under which these exertions are carried on. The Marquis of Hastings writes.

"It will be gratifying to your Lordship to learn, that the dissemination of Instruction in this country proceeds extensively and rapidly. As the Books prepared for the Schools are expositions of the simple principles of Morality, NO OTHER INCULCATION OF WHICH EXISTS THROUGHOUT INDIA, there is reason to hope that the diffusion of those Lessons may be of much advantage to the Native Community. Had I not been in a position to ascertain it, I could not have believed that an immense, and in some particulars cultivated, population, was to be found so DESTITUTE OF LAUDABLE QUALITIES!"

The increase of Education and the diffusion of Scripture Knowledge must be the remedy for this flagrant evil: for what other state of morals can be expected among a people, who live under the dominion of such vain fancies and pernicious superstitions as were described at pp. 334-336, 385, and 386 of our last Volume? There is, indeed, a powerful and increasing body of Hindoos-the Esoteric Philosophers of India-who avow that their Sacred Books, if properly explained, declare One God, and Him to be the sole object of worship: of the manner in which they attempt to make out this explanation, our Readers had some specimens at pp. 370-375 of the Volume for 1816, and at pp. 518-523 of that for 1818. The indefatigable Reformer, Rammohun Roy, still labours, and other Natives are cooperating with him. They are now fairly committing their Creed to the test of public investigation; and openly impugn, on the grounds of reason and comparison with their own notions, the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel. Rammohun Roy, in particular, discovers in his publications an extensive knowledge of English Polemical Writings. A Periodical Work was begun in 1821, in Bengalee and English, with the express view of defending the Hindoo Religion: it is entitled the "Brahminical Magazine: the Missionary and the Brahmin"; it is mild in its avowals, and acute in its sophistries; but its spirit is bitter, and its misrepresentations flagrant. But these Reformers are all preparing the way for the Gospel. One of them, lately deceased, left, in Bengalee, a masterly piece" Against the prevailing System of Hindoo Idolatry," a translation of which has been made by the Rev. Deocar Schmid, and revised by Rammohun Roy, at whose expense it has been published: a series of extracts from this Tract will be found in the Seventh Appendix to the Twenty-second Report of the Church Missionary Society.

Among the indications of the progress of Knowledge in India, we quoted, at p. 333 of the last Volume, the Address of Native Gentlemen to Sir Edward East on his quitting India. We add a testimony on the same subject from the Journal of the Rev. Pliny Fisk, American Missionary, when at Alexandria, in February of last year :-

Major-General Sir John Malcolm, who was going from India to England, was with us two Sabbaths. With him I had some interesting conversation respecting India and Persia, in which countries he has spent about 30 years of his life. He says the progress of knowledge and civilization in India is astonishing. Though he has some fears that young Missimmaries who go to India will be too zealous, and endeavour to "go too fast" at first, yet he entertains no doubt of their ultimate success.

But one of the surest indications of the improving state of India, is the attention which is beginning to be paid to the just rights of Females: all the labour and kindness bestowed on this object will remunerate the friends of India a hundred fold, by the beneficial influence of all improvements in the Female Character on the great body of society.

Of the present wretched condition of Females in India, we have adduced frequent evidence; and particularly in the last Volume, pp. 422-425, from Mr. Ward: and it will be seen, from pp. 481-485 of the same Volume, that the attempts to introduce Education among Female Hindoos is assuming, with great promise, a more systematic form. By recent advices, we learn that Female Schools, in connection with different Societies, are rapidly Jan. 1823.

F

increasing: and that the Hindoos themselves begin to advocate this Cause; a highly respectable Brahmin having written a Treatise, in Bengalee, in support of this object, which is put into circulation among the Natives.

We are the more rejoiced at this growing attention to the state of Females among the Hindoos, because we fear that it is only to the prevalence of just views and feelings among the Natives, that we must look for the extinction of those cruel superstitions under which they suffer, so long as the Native Expounders of their Books can find any colourable pretext in support of them as a part of their religion. In a Government Order, issued in February last, we find it distinctly avowed-" that during the ceremony denominated Suttee (at which Hindoo Women burn themselves), certain acts have been occasionally committed, in direct opposition to the rules laid down in the religious institutes of the Hindoos, by which that practice is authorized and forbidden, in particular cases: as, for instance, at several places pregnant women, and girls not yet arrived at their full age, have been burnt alive; and people, after having intoxicated women by administering intoxicating substances, have burnt them without their assent whilst insensible; which conduct is contrary to the Shasters, and perfectly_inconsistent with every principle of humanity." But what follows?—The Govern ment Officers are strictly enjoined to use the utmost care and to make every effort to prevent these forbidden practices"; but they are to let the people know, "that it is not the intention of the Government to check or forbid any act authorized by the tenets of the religion of the inhabitants of their dominions, or even to require any express leave or permission being obtained previously to the performance of the act of Suttee." This document is important, to adopt the words of another writer," as it fully authenticates the facts, on the subject of these atrocities, which from time to time have been reported by Missionaries; and it will operate to prevent many of them, if the Order be faithfully executed. It is now established, beyond all power of palliation or contradiction, that pregnant women, girls under age, women made intoxicated for the purpose of rendering them victims, and women whose consent has not been obtained, have fed these detested fires!" We rejoice, with the same friend, "that the Indian Government has interposed to prevent such enormities; but we deeply regret that the Order is drawn up so as almost to imply a sanction of the practice, where the victim is consenting, and the above-mentioned circumstances do not occur:" and we cannot but feel, with him, " that some expression of horror that such practices should, in any case, be prescribed by the religion of the Natives, was surely demanded by humanity, as well as by religion, and ought to have found a place in a State Paper which will be read throughout India." But whoever has duly weighed the mass of afflicting evidence, brought forward in the House of Commons on the Motion of Mr. Buxton, and since printed in a Folio Volume of 270 pages, on the base and cruel treatment of Women in India under pretext of religion, will be well satisfied, that, as now these atrocities are brought out before the eyes of just and humane men, the poor Females of India will not be much longer abandoned to Delusion and Oppression.

Two or Three of the first Stations met with at the south-east part of Bengal are not in point of fact "within the Ganges,' but they fall naturally within this division of the Survey.

CHITTAGONG,

Is a district, 120 miles by an average of 25-the capital is Islamabad, but it is frequently called by the name of the district-it is 8 miles from the sea, and 317 miles travelling distance from Calcutta. BAPTIST MISSIONS.

1812.

James Colman, Missionary.

John Johannes, Schoolmaster.

American Baptists, acts in concert with the Baptists of India.

Under various disadvantages there are said to be 150 Members. Nearly 100 Scholars are in daily attendance of these it is said

:

They all bear the Christian Name, and are the offspring of Roman Catholics; but being left bytheir Priests without any instruction, and without the Scriptures, they equal their Heathen neighbours in ignorance and depravity.

At the Annual Examination, the Collector bestowed Pocket Bibles on 20 Boys, and pecuniary rewards on upward of 80. In Arracan, between Rangoon and

Mr. Colman, from Rangoon, of the Chittagong, there are Christians among

the Mugs, who are under the care of Mr. Fink and Five Native Preachers.

Mr. Colman was about to settle in Arracan, in the midst of a large population.

NOACOLLY.

In the District of Tiperah, north of that of Chitta gong, and bordering on the Burman Dominions. CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY.

1821.

The last Report states—

At Noacolly, a Missionary would be eminently useful. Although Schools are already formed withi a special view to the improvement of the long-neglected Christians discovered at this place, but little removed from Paganism, an able Instructor is requisite to give effect to these establishments,

DACCA.

A large City in Bengal, the Capital of the Eastern division of that Province-Inhabitants, 150,000; of whom more than half are Mahomedans-travelling distance north-east, from Calcutta, 170 miles. BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Revived in 1816.

Owen Leonard, Missionary.

Ramprusad, Native.

An Auxiliary School Society has now existed at Dacca for four years; and has received, not only the support of the European Gentlemen residing in the city, but that of many leading Natives. The following abstract is taken from the last Report of this Society :

:

The attempt to create Native Schools in Dacca has been attended with the most pleasing effect. Seventeen Bengalee Schools have been raised and kept up in such a manner, that they give 76 Scho. lars each as the average attendance, the whole number amounting to 1300. The examination of these, at different periods, has afforded the most lively satisfaction.

A Persian School is opened for respectable Mussulmans.

A School for indigent Christian Children has been

of the highest value to this city; and has rendered those Youths valuable Members of Society, who, without the instruction given, would have been wandering in the streets in vice and wretchedness: 57 Boys at a late Examination manifested great improvement.

In the greater number of the Schools, the Scriptures have been introduced without creating any alarm.

The gradual disappearance of opposition to the introduction of the Sacred Scriptures into the Native Schools, connected with the different Societies who promote this object, is among the most pleasing and animating features of improvement.

BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1807.

William Thomas, Portuguese ;

·with Four Native Assistants.

Mr. Thomas and his Assistants are constantly engaged in travelling from village to village. The number of villages visited, in the course of two months only, is stated at upward of 150. In the last two years, more than 20 persons, chiefly Idolaters, have been baptized.

The following extract from the Periodical Accounts will shew the vexations to which the Native Christians are subject:—

For a considerable time back, the Native Christians have suffered great inconvenience, from the refusal of the native barbers to shave them. In India every man, however indigent, employs a barber. As the Native Christians have no barbers among them, an attempt has been made with too much success to distress them, on the part of some men of opulence in this district. The plea alleged for the refusal was, that to shave a Native Christian would be fatal to the caste of the heathen barber. After considerable altercation, it was proposed to limit the aid of the barbers to those among the Native Christians who had originally enjoyed distinction of rank; but these refused to take advantagé of the offer, saying that among Christians there were no distinctions of caste. The plea of loss of caste, so plausibly advanced, was, however, totally void of truth; for an application being made to the authorized expounders of the Hindoo Law in Calcutta, they, in a couplet of Sanscrit Verse, delivered it as the law, that, as no loss of caste was incurred by shaving those of a different religion, so an equal latitude was to be allowed in favour of those Hindoos who had embraced a foreign religion.

BARRIPORE.

About 16 miles south-east of Calcutta. CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE society, 1807.

The Diocesan Committee have taken a large School under their care, and have erected a School House.

CALCUTTA.

The Chief of the British Presidencies in India-
Inhabitants, including 20 miles round, calculated,

in 1802, at 2,225,000: those of Calcutta itself very
variously estimated.

AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY,

The Society has proceeded diligently in the preparation of Versions and Editions of the Scriptures. The edition of the Malay Bible, in Arabic characters, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Hutchings, was about to issue from the press: that Gentleman has declined, in gratifying terms, the acceptance of a liberal gratuity offered to him. The Hindoostanee Version of the Old Testament was coming to a con,

But the desire for information is not | confined to the youth training in the Schools. At a Festival, where it was computed that nearly 200,000 persons were collected, such was their eagerness to receive Tracts, that thousands filled the garden and the house, and would not depart till each had received one. The distri-clusion: the arrival from the Parent Sobution occupied five days; on the first of which, alone, more than 3000 individuals were supplied.

SAHEBGUNJ.

The principal Town in the District of Jessorenearly 80 miles east-north-east of Calcutta.

ciety of 4000 copies of the Hindoostanee New Testament, printed in London, has been highly seasonable: various quantities of them were dispatched to different parts; the Pentateuch being in great request among Mahomedans, 2000 extra copies

were to be printed. Portuguese Bibles, forwarded from England, remained unsold. In the circulation of the Scriptures the Society has been equally diligent. All persons engaged in the work of Missions, of whatever persuasion, were encouraged to make their wants known, and were liberally furnished according to the Society's means. The list of places, to which the Scriptures have been sent, comprehends all the most important places in the Presidency, besides the various Auxiliaries in India.

The contributions of the Tenth Year amounted to 14,141 rupees; exceeding those of the Ninth by 4000.

SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE

GOSPEL.

The lamented death of the Right Reverend Founder of the Society's College was stated at pp. 513-515 of our last Volume. Some notices of the progress of the College and its Statutes were given at pp. 301 and 802.

By the powerful and zealous aid of the Bishop of Calcutta, the labours of the Society in India within the last year have been more extensive, and it is hoped more effectual, than at any former period. The exertions of the District Committees have also been materially increased. A larger number of books has been distributed; and the proceedings in every department have acquired a degree of order and consistency, which can hardly fail to contribute

essentially both to present and ultimate success.

A Depôt of Books at Cawnpore has been added to those before formed: 1967 have been issued from it. Individuals also, at Agra and elsewhere, zealously promote the Society's objects. Public Es tablishments continue to be supplied. The demand for Elementary Works is rapidly increasing. In 1821, the number of books received was 10,822 of these, 5885 had been put in circulation.

The Diocesan Committee had put to press 2000 copies each of the Discourses, the Miracles, and the Parables of our Lord, in Hindoostanee; and the same number both in Hindoo and Bengalee: making together 18,000 copies.

Of another useful design, it is said by the Board—

Lending Libraries have been partially established in this Presidency; and appear to have given great satisfaction to those, who take an interest in the moral and religious improvement of the country. It is determined that the Libraries shall consist of a complete set of the bound books, amounting to 42 Volumes, and of the works admitted on the Supplemental Catalogue.

It was expected that the buildings would be finished by the present time. In July 1821, the contributions in India amounted to 1900 rupees, in addition to 4000 from the late Bishop toward fitting up the Chapel. The Society has appropriated 1000%. per annum to the maintenance of Ten Divinity and Ten Lay Scholarships; and has it in contemplation to adopt measures, for rendering the Sons of Clergymen educated by the Clergy Orphan Society available for the purposes of the Society. On this sub-make ject, the Board remark→

Should any arrangement of this nature be carried into execution, it cannot fail to be productive of the most lively interest in all the supporters of that Establishment, when they see the Sons of their Brethren, whose forlorn situation at the death of their Parents has claimed for them the protection which they now enjoy, educated for the same rank in life, and for the same blessed purpose which their Fathers promoted in advancing the interests of Christianity, though in a far distant country. An elegant view of the College is given with the last Report of the Board.

CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY.
Mr. Van Gricken,
Superintendant of Schools.
Of the advantages of an Ecclesiastical
Establishment in India, the Board say-
They are well aware that the propagation of
Christianity in the East is justly regarded with
peculiar interest by the whole community. The
formation of an Ecclesiastical Establishment in

India, has not only restored to Religion her legi-
timate honours, where she had long been disre-
garded, forgotten, or despised; but has opened also

Several New Schools have been added. On the state of the Bengal Schools, the Board remark

The report is highly encouraging. The children much greater proficiency than heretofore, and the value of instruction is now more duly esti mated.

BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

1801.

John Lawson, Eustace Carey, W. Yates,
James Penney, W.H. Pearce, J. Statham,
Missionaries:

with Native Assistants.

The English Chapel was opened in March 1821: the expense, found to amount to about 3000%., was nearly defrayed by local contributions. There appear to be now Eight Places of Native Worship. Preaching is considered as the most indubitable means of awakening the Heathen. The attention of the Natives has been encouraging. Discussions often take place in public.

The Missionaries have had the pain to lose one of their number; Mr. Adam having fallen into dangerous errors, denying the Lord who bought him. His place has, however, been supplied by Mr. Staa sublime and animating prospect. It has fixed a great centre of union, without which the real inte- tham, who has been united to the Mission: rests of Religion can never prosper; and it has a Brahmin also, Anunda, has been bap. given a fresh impulse and direction to every effort for the dissemination of the Gospel through thetized, and promises to be a very useful vast and populous territory of Hindoostan.

They add, in reference to the benefits derived to the Society by the same means→

Teacher of his countrymen : Mr. Carapeit Aratoon, formerly at Surat, renders important and gratuitous assistance.

In the last two years, Tracts and School | Books, in Bengalee, Hindoostanee, Hindoo, and Sanscrit, had been printed, to the number of 52,950; besides 14,600 miscellaneous Tracts, and various larger Works, A Female Juvenile Society" has been in operation for some time. It had, at first, great difficulties to encounter. In December 1821, there were 76 Girls, in three Schools, under Native Teachers: a fourth was added in January, and had soon twenty Scholars. The expense of each is

about 201. per annum.

At the Eleventh Annual Examination of the Benevolent Institution, established for Indigent Christian Childreu, held December 21, 1821, nearly 200 Children were present, of whom 84 were Girls. Of this Institution, the state of which is high-pore, by native houses and huts, their comly satisfactory, it is said in the Periodical Accounts