AT ALDEEN--APPOINTED TO CHUNAR.
On Mr. Corrie’s arrival in Bengal both he and Mr. Parson took up
their abode with Mr. Brown at Aldeen, a short distance from Calcutta,
and remained under the same hospitable roof until they proceeded
to the stations that had been assigned to them respectively by the
government. Henry Martyn was their fellow-guest for a time, and with
that honoured servant of God Mr. Corrie’s intimacy was close and
brotherly. Mr. C. was also in the habit of preaching regularly during
his residence with Mr. Brown, and of maintaining constant intercourse
with the whole body of Christian Missionaries in Calcutta and
Serampore. In his Journal, too, occur many intimations of the anxious
affection with which he regarded such of the Cadets as remained
within reach of his visits, or were willing to correspond with him.
A peculiar regard for the welfare of young persons was, in fact, a
distinguishing feature of Mr. Corrie’s character.
Early in December 1806, Mr. Corrie and Mr. Parson left Aldeen, the
one having been appointed at Chunar, the other at Berhampore. As
respects Mr. C. it will be seen, that during the whole of his journey
to the place of his destination, the subject of the conversion of the
heathen occupied a large portion of his thoughts.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF CALCUTTA.
“Calcutta strikes me as the most magnificent city in
the world; and I am made most happy by the hope of
being instrumental to the eternal good of many. A great
opposition, I find, is raised against Martyn, and the
principles he preaches; this gives me no uneasiness--by
the help of God, I will stand fast in the doctrine of
Christ crucified, and maintain it against all opposition.
But, Lord, grant me the wisdom that is from above, that I
may act with discretion, and in nothing give unnecessary
offence!
“At three o’clock,[14] Martyn preached from Rom. iii.
21-23, the most impressive and best composition I ever
heard. The disposition of love and good will which appeared
in him must have had great effect; and the calmness and
firmness with which he spoke raised in me great wonder.
May God grant a blessing to the word. O may it silence
opposition, and promote religion for Jesus Christ’s sake,
Amen.
“Tuesday, Sept. 30th. I have neglected for some time to
make a memorandum of occurrences; but remember, that in
general, my mind has been without any lively sense of
divine things; though my heart has been going out much
after God. The joy expressed by the few serious people here
is very great; and were not those comforts withheld which
I have been some time favoured with, their kindness would
have a tendency to make me proud: for, Oh! I feel an evil
heart cleaving to the world, though not under its former
shape. I am not without a secret uneasiness, that I have
not talents to render me equally acceptable with others.
This is not to be content with God’s appointments; though,
I think, I would not have others brought to my standard,
but would rise to their’s, that God may be more glorified.
I have received great kindness from Mr. Brown, and much
benefit from his conversation. Blessed be God, I feel no
disposition to shrink from the shame of the cross, but
hope, with boldness, to declare myself a fellow-labourer
with Martyn, in the controversy excited by his preaching.
“I preached on Sunday [Sept. 28,] evening, at the Mission
Church, from 2 Thess. i. 7-10: my mind was somewhat
impressed with the importance of my office, both before
and during the service. I trust the furtherance of God’s
glory, and the good of souls, was, and is, my prevailing
desire. Went up to Serampore yesterday, and in the evening
was present at the marriage of Mr. Desgranges.[15] Mr.
Brown entered into their concerns with much interest. The
pagoda[16] was fixed on, and lighted up for the celebration
of the wedding; at eight o’clock the parties came from
the Mission house, [at Serampore] attended by most of
the family. Mr. Brown commenced with the hymn, ‘Come,
gracious Spirit, heavenly dove!’ A divine influence seemed
to attend us, and most delightful were my sensations. The
circumstance of so many being engaged in spreading the
glad tidings of salvation,--the temple of an idol converted
to the purpose of Christian worship, and the Divine
presence felt among us,--filled me with joy unspeakable.
After the marriage service of the Church of England, Mr.
Brown gave out ‘the Wedding hymn;’ and after signing
certificates of the marriage, we adjourned to the house,
where Mr. Brown had provided supper. Two hymns given out by
Mr. Marshman[17] were felt very powerfully. He is a most
lively, sanguine missionary; his conversation made my heart
burn within me, and I find desires of spreading the Gospel
growing stronger daily, and my zeal in the cause more
ardent. But O ‘my leanness’ in comparison of these ‘burning
and shining lights’ around me. Yet, in the strength of
Jehovah will I go forward, and will tread in their steps,
and pursue them at a distance, though I may not hope to
come near their attainments.
“Oct. 10th. I have for some time past been oppressed with
a sense of the want of spiritual affections: my heart as
cold as ice, no mouth to speak of, or for God: deadness in
prayer, and languor in every spiritual duty. I perceive
my great insufficiency for the work of the ministry; and
lament exceedingly my small opportunities of education,[18]
and my sinful negligence in not better improving those I
had. ‘God be merciful to me a sinner,’ and perfect praise
to Himself out of my weak and unskilful mouth! Last night
I went to the Mission-house, [at Serampore] and supped
at the same table with about fifty native converts. The
triumph of the cross was most evident in breaking down
their prejudices, and uniting them with those who formerly
were an abomination in their eyes. After supper, they sang
a Bengalee hymn, many of them with tears of joy; and they
concluded with prayer in Bengalee, with evident earnestness
and emotion. My own feelings were too big for utterance.
O may the time be hastened when every tongue shall confess
Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father!
“On Friday evening, [Oct. 10th.] we had a meeting in the
pagoda, at which almost all the missionaries, some of their
wives, and Captain W. attended: with a view to commend
Martyn to the favour and protection of God in his work. The
Divine presence was with us. I felt more than it would have
been proper to express. Mr. Brown commenced with a hymn and
prayer, Mr. Desgranges succeeded him, with much devotion
and sweetness of expression: Mr. Marshman followed, and
dwelt particularly on the promising appearance of things;
and, with much humility, pleaded God’s promises for the
enlargement of Zion; with many petitions for Mr. Brown and
his family. The service was concluded by Mr. Carey,[19]
who was earnest in prayer for Mr. Brown: the petition that
‘having laboured for many years without encouragement or
support, in the evening it might be light,’ seemed much
to affect his own mind, and greatly impressed us all.
Afterwards we supped together at Mr. Brown’s. The influence
of this association remained on my mind, and shed a divine
peace and composure through my soul.
“Sunday 12th. This day I preached at the New Church from
Gal. vi. 14. The Governor General, &c., attended. I felt a
good deal of palpitation before I ascended the pulpit, but
afterwards experienced great composure of mind; and had no
idea that any one would be offended, being conscious that I
was speaking the truth. I found much earnestness in prayer
before, and after, divine service. God grant an increase to
His own word for Jesus Christ’s sake!
“Oct. 13th. I came to Serampore to dinner. Had a
pleasant sail up the river: the time passed agreeably in
conversation. In the evening a fire was kindled on the
opposite bank; and we soon perceived that it was a funeral
pile, on which the wife was burning with the dead body of
her husband. It was too dark to distinguish the miserable
victim of superstition; but by the light of the flames
we could discover a great crowd of people: their horrid
noise, and senseless music, joined with the testimony of
some of the servants, convinced us that our apprehensions
were founded on fact. The noise continued till ten o’clock,
and the fire was kept burning till that time. My mind was
struck with horror and pity. On going out to walk with
Martyn to the pagoda, the noise so unnatural, and so little
calculated to excite joy, raised in my mind an awful sense
of the presence and influence of evil spirits. O that
the Lord would command his word to run and be glorified,
in casting them out, and placing in their stead the mild
influence of his Gospel!
“Oct. 18th, 1806. On Wednesday last, Mr. Brown, Parson
and myself proceeded up the river with Martyn, to set him
on his way to Dinapore. We landed at Ghyretee, and walked
through a most delightful avenue; afterwards through a neat
village (for this country), and arrived at Chandernagore
about seven o’clock: we took tea at a tavern, and went
on board our budgerow, about nine o’clock. After joining
in prayer, we retired to rest. On Thursday morning,
we proceeded to Chinsurah, on foot, through groves of
fruit trees; we arrived at Chinsurah soon after seven
o’clock, and received a most hospitable reception from
Mr. Forsyth:[20] after dinner, we went with Mr. F. above
Bandell; and after worship, returned to Chinsurah in &
_paunchway_.[21] Yesterday morning, the weather having
commenced rainy, we determined to return to Aldeen, on
account of Mr. Brown’s boat becoming uninhabitable. We
first engaged, according to arrangement, in alternate
prayer. Mr. Brown commenced with reading a portion of
Scripture, singing a hymn, and prayer, which order was
observed by P., myself, and Martyn. A sense of the Divine
presence was experienced by each of us, and our consolation
in Christ Jesus abounded; so that we left our friend
without regret, and he parted with us cheerfully; each
persuaded that God was with us, and would be our ‘shield
and exceeding great reward.’
“Oct. 22nd. On coming down the river, I saw the figures
of Doorga[22] paraded on the river, and the indecencies
of idol-worship. My mind was inexpressibly grieved; and
most earnestly did I desire to be able to address the poor
deluded heathen.
“Nov. 3rd. For some time past I have made no memoranda
of the state of my mind. Alas, my wretched backwardness
to any really good thing! In general my heart has been
hard and insensible, though my desire has been to the
contrary; and I have had but little inclination to pray,
though no disposition to give up prayer; and sometimes have
experienced enlargement of heart, and melting of soul in
prayer. I have preached several times at the Old Church,
and once at the New. My purposes of labouring among the
heathen are, I bless God, more fixed; and a desire to be at
my station, and about my proper work, grows upon me.
“When I hear of a spirit of covetousness which has affected
many, I fear and tremble; and I think something of that
disposition was working within me this morning. Oh! how
often have I said that I desire not to leave one shilling
behind me at death. I would record my own declaration,
beseeching thee, O Lord, that I may be enabled to trust
thee for future supplies, and to live by faith upon thee
for daily bread!
“24th, For some days past my mind has enjoyed quiet and
peace with God; my indisposition has been in a great
measure removed, and I can speak and act as usual. ‘Praise
God from whom all blessings flow.’ My mind has been calm
and resigned to the will of God, in the prospect of my
destination, and in my preparation to set out for Chunar;
but little, alas! of lively affection, with much wandering
of heart in prayer. The youths who came out with me have
been much on my mind. My dear relatives have not had so
particular an interest in my prayers as at some other
times; but their welfare is exceedingly dear to me, and the
prospect of having my sister with me very cheering.
“Nov. 29th. This morning Mr. Brown, Parson, Mr.
Thompson[23] (of Madras), and myself, met in the pagoda
at Aldeen, to consult in what way we may most effectually
promote the glory of our redeeming God in the earth. After
prayer by Mr. Brown, and after some conversation, we
agreed, 1st. To join in the views, and aid to the utmost of
our power, the purposes of the British and Foreign Bible
Society: 2ndly. To help forward the translation of the
Scriptures into the languages of the East, as much as in
us lies; and to take the expense of the Sanscrit and Greek
Testaments upon ourselves: and 3rdly. To make a quarterly
report of our prospects, our plans, and actual situation in
our various stations, as far as the Church is concerned, to
Mr. Brown; who will add his own, and cause a copy of the
whole to be transmitted to each individual. After prayer we
separated.
“Dec. 8. To-day set off for Chunar. In the strength of the
Lord God I go forth. O, prepare a people for Thyself, and
make me the instrument of gathering them into thy fold!
Keep me by thy mighty power in body and soul; and enlarge
my heart that I may delight in Thy will, and lay out all my
time and labour in Thy service! Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen!
“Dec. 13th. On Monday last Parson and myself left Aldeen,
to proceed to our stations; Mr. Brown and Mr. Thompson
accompanying us. We arrived at Chinsurah about three
o’clock, after a quick sail up the river, the tide being
in our favour: we called on Mr. Forsyth, with whom we
spent the evening. Mr. F. conducted family worship, and
was excellent in the application, and very fervent for
the fulfilment of many precious promises. The presence of
God was with us. Mr. F. gave me favourable intelligence
respecting General M. at Chunar, to which place Mr. L.
had sent tracts, which had been noticed with approbation
by the General. I hope the Lord has prepared my way.
Yesterday morning, after breakfast and family worship, we
set forward, Mr. Forsyth accompanying us. In the evening
we walked on the bank, whilst the boatmen hauled our boat
along. The encouragement and comfort his conversation
raised in my mind will, I hope, never be forgotten: much
lively and spiritual conversation passed, chiefly on
the means most suitable for us to employ under present
circumstances. We concluded by commissioning Messrs. Brown
and T. to buy Bibles, Testaments, and Common Prayer-books,
to be sent to us from time to time for distribution. Our
friends left us to return to Calcutta. A sweet composure
fills my heart: and, without regret, I leave all that earth
and sense hold dear, to do thy will, O my God! Let me find
strength according to my day; and call Thou me to any
thing in which I may most glorify Thee. Leave me not for a
moment; for though now, ‘by thy goodness, thou hast made
my mountain strong,’ yet if thou hide thy face I shall be
‘troubled!’
“Dec. 14th. Yesterday morning we left Sook Saugur: in the
afternoon our attention was arrested by loud lamentations:
we observed a dying man put into the river to expire; this,
in the opinion of the Hindoos, insuring Paradise. We were
much shocked at the spectacle. Lord, how long, how long
shall Satan triumph? Four out of six are killed in this
way, and hurried out of life.”
On the 16th of December, Mr. Corrie writes to his father:--
“I am now on my way to my station at Chunar, five days’
journey from Calcutta, and three from Berhampore. To this
last place Parson is appointed, and we are together in
the same boat; after which I have eight weeks’ journey
alone. I have, however, several introductions to christian
friends on the way, and Martyn’s station is before me,
where I intend to stay a few days with him. My mind is at
perfect ease, and my soul happy in the love of God, and
overflowing with gratitude to the Giver of all good. Much
and unexpected kindness has been shewn me in this strange
land; and I have found that whosoever forsaketh aught for
Christ shall reap an hundred-fold ‘in the present life:’
how, then, can I doubt the fulfilment of that part of the
promise which relates to the life to come? In the house
of Mr. Brown, every attention that affection could think
of has been shewn me.... The country through which we
have come, is, in general, very pleasant, though flat. We
walk on the bank morning and evening; and amuse ourselves
with finding out resemblances, or fancied resemblances to
scenes we remember in Britain. We have every comfort we can
wish for; and our morning and evening worship, consisting
of singing, prayer, and reading the Scriptures, tends to
revive our souls; whilst we walk as friends, and take sweet
counsel together on the ends and means we purpose in our
ministry. I have written so often that I forget what I
may have said to you; but you who know how much I am the
creature of impulse in every thing--except my expressions
of affection for you all, and in matters of fact,--will
not judge of the state of my mind from one single letter.
I allude especially to what I have written respecting the
conversion of the heathen. _You_ know, what _I_ now know,
how sanguine I am in schemes that my soul enters into; and
oft have I made calculations and statements which have
afterwards made me blush.--The state of society among our
own countrymen here is much altered for the better within
these few years. The Marquis Wellesley openly patronized
religion; whether from motives of state policy or not, it
is not ours to judge. He on every possible opportunity,
made moral character a _sine quâ non_ to his patronage,
and sought for men of character from every quarter to fill
offices of trust. He avowedly encouraged, and contributed
to, the translation of the Scriptures into the native
languages; and wherever he went, paid a strict regard to
divine worship on the Sunday. Before his time, all causes
were tried in the courts of justice, through the medium of
interpreters; but by the College which he instituted, he
furnished the natives with judges capable of determining
from their own knowledge of the language, and judgment on
the evidence; and has thus laid the foundation of peace
and justice, such as Asia before knew not. _He has been
the saviour of India to Britain._ The state of the natives
in a moral point of view is deplorable; the most shocking
indecencies form a part of their worship; and lying,
cheating, &c., are not considered crimes. Two youths who
were seriously impressed during the voyage, and one who
was our fellow-passenger, and has since been brought to
consideration, are going on consistently in the ways of
wisdom. These first-fruits of our Indian engagement afford
me the most lively encouragement, and the strongest hope
that God is with me of a truth. O may He be a spirit of
power in my own heart, and a word of power in my mouth,
that many may be turned unto righteousness: then I am sure
that you will bless the day that took me from you, and we
shall rejoice together in the loving-kindness of our God!”
But to return to the Journal:
“December 18th. This evening we are at Plassy. Walking on
the bank of the river, we passed an old man brought down to
die by the river-side: he exhibited signs of considerable
vitality; and certainly no symptoms of immediate
dissolution. My spirit was stirred within me; and a Brahmin
coming past, I began to talk to him on the wickedness of
killing men in this way. He said his shasters[24] commanded
it, and that the doctor had pronounced the man dying. I
told him that God did no injury to man; that He was good;
and, therefore, the shasters were not God’s word; and that
God was displeased at such proceedings; he understood me,
and pleaded their customs. I answered, that the custom,
the shasters, and the people, were all bad; and that
when he died he would go down and lie in fire for ever.
He evidently understood me and seemed confounded. I then
told him that at Cutwa, a Sahib lived, who would give him
the true word of God, and recommended him to go there. It
appeared, however, that he came from Moorshedebad, and
showed no disposition to return to Cutwa. Passing on, we
found a party going to Juggernauth. I asked one of them,
Why he went there? What use it would be to him, and what
good it would do to him? He seemed confounded, and made no
reply. I told him also of the anger of God, and of the fire
after death. A Birajee[25] came running after us to beg; he
was an old man. On being told by him what he was, I said
to him, that he was a lazy man that would do no work, but
only eat, and that God was angry with him, and that when he
died he would go down to fire for ever. He was surprised at
this reception, and could only plead his age. I recommended
him to Cutwa. This is my first effort at missionary work:
but O, how I blush, and abhor myself, for the imperfect
manner I speak for God. I know enough of the language to
have conveyed different ideas, and more of them, but I
am nothing, and know nothing. Lord, grant me wisdom and
utterance; and, O, smile on my feeble attempts for the
furtherance of thine own glory, through Christ Jesus!
“Dec. 21st. We are now by the kind providence of God at
Berhampore. On Friday Mr. Grant and Mr. Ellerton stopped
our boat, about one o’clock, and we stayed at that place
all night. We met, also, with Messrs. B. and their
friends; one a youth from England, by the Nelson. They
also stayed with us; and in the evening, we were joined by
two officers, going down to Calcutta. We made a party of
eight, and sat up till twelve, talking to little profit,
chiefly about the siege of Bhurtpore. Yesterday morning
we separated, and were accompanied the whole of the day by
the Messrs. B., who joined with us in morning and evening
worship.
“Dec. 23rd, 1806. (Bogwongola). Yesterday morning we waited
on General P. and afterwards visited the place appointed
for public worship, a large upper room. In the afternoon,
we visited the hospital. I drew near the bed of a man
apparently in the last stage of disease, who received the
word with tears, and requested me to pray with him. Having
made this known, P. invited the others to draw near: a
large party collected from all parts of the hospital. I
expounded the third chapter of St. John’s Gospel, and
prayed. Much attention in the poor men.
“I left Berhampore this morning at seven o’clock; and,
after passing through a well-cultivated and fertile
country, arrived here at twelve. I am now on the great
river, proceeding to Mr. Creighton[26] at Gomalty. I am
much pained at heart on account of separation from dear
Parson, and disheartened at the prospect of being so long
on the way to Chunar; and tired with the importunity of the
natives. Never, never have I felt so keenly the separation
from dear relatives; but I have no wish to draw back, but
would pray and hope that “God will be the strength of my
heart, and my portion for ever,” in and through Jesus
Christ.
“Dec. 26th. Last night I arrived at Gomalty, and found
a very kind reception from Mr. Creighton. In the course
of conversation, I have learned that he, with Messrs.
Ellerton and Grant, have instituted about twelve schools
in the villages, in this neighbourhood, in which many
children of the poor natives are taught to read and write;
and christian tracts, and the New Testament in Bengalee
are read to them, and by them. One Brahmin objected to
the reading the Holy Scirptures; but, some parts of them
being read to him, his objections were removed, and he
considered that they were very good. In one of the schools
the master is a Brahmin, who teaches these tracts, &c.;
though he says, that if the sentiments contained in them
prevail, the Brahmin’s power will soon be at an end.
The salary allowed the teachers is five rupees[27] per
month; for which they teach as many children as choose
to come. In one school about seventy or eighty children
attended at first; and about forty still continue to
come. In this school thirty have been taught, and are
gone off to different employments. Many of the boys have
made considerable proficiency in reading and writing; and
through them, the knowledge of the Scriptures is diffused
to a considerable extent; the consequence is, that much
less dissension is found in the neighbourhood; so that when
the native missionaries come amongst them, the people are
much more ready to hear them than in other districts. They
hear, also, with much attention, and in general approve of
Christian truth.
“Dec. 27th. To-day Mr. Creighton sent for the schoolmaster
of the place with his little charge, about fourteen: some
others were in the habit of attending, but were at this
time absent. The method of teaching is by writing the
character in the sand, and then pronouncing the letter;
thus they learn both to read and write at the same time:
some of the children have made considerable advancement.
The manners of the children are much the same as those
of children at home; and much gratification did their
contented faces and their little tricks afford me.
“Dec. 29th. Yesterday morning Messrs. W. the two B’s and
A. came over to attend Divine worship. At ten o’clock we
went and heard the Bengalee missionaries preach to their
countrymen: the three appear to be humble and sincere
Christians. Those who understood them say, that the
preaching was very energetic and eloquent.
“Gomalty, Jan. 1st. 1807. I would begin the new year by
reviewing the old. The mercies of the past year are
many and great; and, for these mercies, I am bound to be
exceedingly thankful. During the voyage, my attempts were
not without some good effects on the minds of V. and Y.
especially: the Lord made my presence a restraint on some
who would otherwise have been more profane, and gave me
favour in the sight of many: kind friends have been raised
up for me in India, wherever I have come, and all my wants
have been abundantly supplied. These mercies call for the
loudest praise to Him who rules on high; but especially do
spiritual mercies call for gratitude: that I have been kept
from gross sins before men; that I have not been permitted
wholly to restrain prayer before God, or to cast off His
fear; that I have been enabled in public preaching to
declare what I believe to be the whole counsel of God; and
that some tokens of Divine approbation have been granted
to His word. I feel a growing boldness to speak for God in
private, and something more of a power to cast off the fear
of man. These are subjects which may well furnish matter
for everlasting songs. I would record what I feel still
wrong, that I may be disposed to live more simply on Christ
for strength as well as righteousness. I find a disposition
to seek the applause of men, which sometimes leads me into
words and actions which grieve the Holy Spirit, and wound
my own soul. There is a sinful nature; a disposition to
rest in the form of godliness; and a spirit of indolence
which causes me to waste hours and days to no profit.
These things grieve and bow down my soul. I would, also,
record my purposes, that I may be bound to perform them. I
intend to keep aloof from visiting parties at Chunar, as
much as I can; to establish worship as often as possible;
and to teach and preach Jesus Christ, ‘publicly and from
house to house,’ both to professed Christians, and to the
heathen. But, when I reflect how most of my resolutions
have hitherto come to nothing, O Lord, let thy power rest
upon me! I would record my most earnest desires, to mark
the Lord’s dealings with me, and His answers to prayer. My
first desire is, that a ‘door may be opened’ at Chunar,
and that I may have power to enter in thereat, that so
‘the word of God may have free course and be glorified’
in the conversion of souls. Secondly, that my dear family
may be the special objects of the favour of Jehovah; and
that my dear sister may come out to me, _if it be the will
of God, otherwise not_. Thirdly, that V., Y., and B., may
be kept from the power of the devil, the world, and the
flesh; and that they may be redeemed and preserved from
all iniquity, and have liberty to serve God without fear.
Fourthly, that the choicest mercies both of Providence and
Grace, may descend on all whose hearts have been disposed
to favour me; and that the Government of India may be
disposed to _permit_, at least, attempts for the conversion
of the natives; and that the kingdom of Christ may come.
And, O Lord, I would devote my life, my strength, my every
faculty, and every gift of grace, nature, or providence,
wholly to thy service and glory! I offer myself to Thee.
O pardon, accept, and bless me, through Jesus Christ; and
bring these purposes to good effect, for thy name’s sake!
“Jan. 6th. Left Mr. Creighton at Gomalty yesterday morning.
In travelling, found my mind somewhat stayed on God. I
welcomed the budgerow, and the dreary river, as old though
inconvenient friends, who would put me in the way of active
usefulness. I was much pleased with the school in Mr. C.’s
bungalow; and, from the pleasure the Brahmin showed, in
making the scholars read the Bengalee New Testament, I have
a hopeful presentiment that the kingdom of Satan, thus
divided against itself, cannot stand long.
“Jan. 16th. This morning, I visited the wells near
Monghyr.[28] One of the wells is cold; but close to it,
another bubbles up water, like the bubbles that rise from
the bottom of a caldron as the water grows hot. I found
this water so hot, that I was scarcely able to bear my
hand in it. Here, they say, Ram’s wife bathed, after she
had been stolen away, and recovered again by her husband.
Many Brahmins and Faqueers were staying there; and were
very importunate for money. With a _buckshish_[29] I
offered tracts, and was immediately told that a Sahib, a
short time since, had left many. A very interesting boy,
about fifteen years of age, read in one of the tracts, and
told me that it meant, There is only one God, and that all
their poojahs, &c., are vain. I spoke to him, and an old
man, with several around; the boy seemed to understand
perfectly what I meant; and said, that when he understood
the matter thoroughly, he should leave off poojah; and,
as I spake of hell as the portion of wicked men, several
behind showed symptoms of scorn. The old man discovered
much impatience, but, for the _buckshish_, stayed till I
had said all that I thought necessary. The boy’s father
manifested uneasiness, and evidently wished his son away;
but for the same reason permitted him to stay. The father
said, that Adam was first created, and that all men are his
children: that the world was drowned, and then Noah became
the parent of us all. I replied that it was true; and that
Adam and Noah worshipped God, and paid no regard to poojahs
and the river. Why, then, did they pay that regard to the
creature, which was due only to God? He answered, that when
God should give all the world to be of the same opinion, it
would be so. To which I replied, That it was true; and that
in England we worshipped God as Adam and Noah did; and that
now the word was sent to him.
“Jan. 26th. On Friday, I left the budgerow, and came
through a most fertile country to Dinapore. I observed some
of the customs of the natives which explained passages of
Scripture. In the evening, the conversation of dear Martyn
seemed to drive away all pain; but weakness soon made me
wish for rest. Yesterday, I preached here to an attentive
people, from Matt. vii. 21-23. Some of the officers
scoffed. Oh! what cause for thankfulness in the sweet
communion I am favoured with in Martyn, and in the kindness
I meet with on all hands! O for a heart to praise the Lord
for his goodness! O for power to do His will, to love His
work; and for a spirit of compassion for perishing souls!
“Jan. 29th. Just leaving Dinapore to proceed to Chunar, in
tolerable health and spirits. I have found but little of
spiritual comfort; though much pleasure in communion with
dear Martyn. My purposes of labouring amongst the heathen
are much revived, encouraged and strengthened, by the
conversation of this dear friend: we agreed to exchange
letters every other Monday. I found the vanity of worldly
pursuits in the society I went into; and perceive afresh
that God is alone the fit and satisfying portion of the
soul. O may I live under this impression, and may my life
and conduct testify that it is a divine impression!
“Feb. 15th. On approaching Chunar, the appearance of
the fort struck me as beautiful; but, from the reports
of its unhealthiness, I was ready to consider it as my
grave, and approached it with a heavy heart. I have found
some earnestness and liberty in praying for a blessing
on my entrance in amongst them. I trust the Lord will be
entreated.”
[14] On Sunday, Sept. 21.
[15] One of the London Society’s Missionaries.
[16] The Hindoo temple of the idol Bullub, which the
Brahmins had deserted. Mr. Brown had repaired,
and fitted it up as a family chapel and study.
The pagoda was, also, sometimes appropriated
to the accommodation of Mr. Brown’s particular
friends.--MEMORIAL SKETCHES OF REV. D. BROWN, p. 137.
[17] Baptist Missionary.
[18] During the four years that Mr. Corrie resided in the
neighbourhood of London, little or no attention was
paid to his education.
[19] Baptist Missionary.
[20] One of the London Society’s Missionaries.
[21] A small covered boat.
[22] One of the principal Hindoo female deities.
[23] The Rev. Marmaduke Thompson, late Chaplain at Madras.
[24] Holy books.
[25] A kind of religious mendicant.
[26] Superintendent of Indigo works.
[27] About ten shillings sterling.
[28] The celebrated hot-well named “Seetacoom,”--the
fountain of Seeta.--BISHOP HEBER’S JOURNAL.
[29] Present.