RESIDENCE AT CHUNAR.
Although Mr. Corrie had been but a short time at Chunar, yet it
was evident that his ministerial labours there had begun to excite
attention both among Hindoos and Mahomedans. He had not, indeed,
acquired such a knowledge of the language of the country as satisfied
his earnest desire to make known among the heathen the glad tidings
of salvation, yet he had made progress in Hindoostanee sufficient to
enable him to hold important communications with the people of the
country. We accordingly find in his Journal and Letters more frequent
notices of his personal intercourse with the native population.
“Sep. 21st. An Old Brahmin came from Benares, whom Wheatly
told me of. He knows most of our church-catechism. He told
me that the [answers to] two questions, those respecting
our duty towards God, and our duty towards our neighbour,
contained the sum of all good. For a long time he had a
very bad opinion of the English. The Mahomedans, he said,
do abstain from _one_ kind of meat; but the English eat
every thing. This bad opinion was confirmed by hearing a
gentleman, whom every person praised as a good man, in a
great rage, using many abusive expressions to a servant
for killing a rabbit which should not have been killed.
But when he read the holy Scriptures, he found them pure,
and that our practices were not consistent with them. This
led him to ask whether I thought all the English would
be saved? I answered, No: which startled him very much.
‘I greatly fear,’ said he, ‘on that account.’ ‘If I lose
caste, and afterwards come short of heaven, I shall fail
in both worlds.’ This he said with tears. ‘But,’ said he,
‘I thought it must be so, because the tenth commandment
says, Thou shalt not covet, &c.’ and then he told me a
story of an English collector, who took by force a little
spot of ground that he had devoted to the reception and
entertainment of sick travellers, when he would not sell
it to him: which stumbled him greatly. Baptism, and the
eating of meat, which, he says, disagrees with him, are
the rock he appears likely to split upon. I told him the
_truth_, and pointed it out to him from the Scriptures. The
Lord render it effectual to his salvation! I gave him a New
Testament, at which he expressed great surprise, saying, he
supposed it would cost several rupees; nor did he think my
reason (viz.) the love of God, in giving his Son for me,
sufficiently constraining to induce me to _give away_ a
thing of such value.
“Sep. 27th. The Brahmin came on Tuesday; and, after many
endeavours to evade the force of God’s word, agreed, with
much weeping, to be baptized. I have some doubt of his
sincerity on this point. He is gone to Calcutta.
“Dec. 11th. Yesterday, an old Mahomedan called on me: we
had a long conversation on religion. After some previous
talking, he said ‘The deity is above our comprehension; we
are blind, and speak of Him as blind men do from handling
an elephant; each one according to his apprehension of
the part he handles.’ I answered, ‘True; but if a man
possessing sight were to behold the elephant, he would
describe it properly; and we might believe his report.’
He answered, ‘Yes.’ ‘Such,’ I replied, ‘were the prophets
and apostles,’ &c. This led him to speak of the various
prophets in whom, he said, we trusted. ‘Our services [said
he] are confessedly unworthy of God, therefore there is
need that a worthy Mediator be found, &c. one who wants
nothing for himself, but can merit for us.’”
Agreeably to the resolution which Mr. Corrie had formed, to observe
New-year’s-day as one of several days for self-examination, we find
him observing in his journal:
“Chunar, January 1st. 1808. I praise God who has brought
me thus far in mercy; and I perceive a good monument of
praise on the review of the past. My first desire, on
last New-year’s-day, was to be enabled to be useful here;
and I mark an answer to prayer in that I am heard with
attention, and have evidently obtained some influence
amongst the people. One, I believe, is gone home to Christ;
whilst I trust, three others have entered on the narrow
way. The Government yet prohibits attempts at conversion;
and the kingdom of Christ, to outward appearance, has
made but little progress in this land; but there is mercy
vouchsafed sufficient to encourage me to pray; and there is
still cause for prayer. The Bettiah-walla and two others
have been raised up to me; with other hopeful appearances
amongst the native women. I bless God for renewed health
of body and vigour of mind; and for somewhat of increasing
patience and diligence in the work of the ministry. With
respect to my resolutions, I find I have visited more than
I wished to do; but less than I might have done, and more
than I hope to do for the future. I praise God that I am
not so much ashamed of the Gospel of Christ as I have been;
and that I have been enabled to preach Jesus Christ from
house to house, in some small degree; but, I have done far
less than I might have done: Yet, O Lord; I ought to praise
Thee for thy mercy: Thou hast wrought all my works in me!
I know I am a sinner; but thy grace is sufficient for me,
and by thy grace I am what I am. The native schools have
refused books; but I hope to establish a Christian school,
and desire that my whole life, spirit, soul, and body, may
be occupied in the work of the Lord.”
The quarterly report transmitted by Mr. Corrie to Mr. Brown, on the
4th of January, 1808, supplies us with an outline of the progress
of religion at Chunar up to that date; and touches upon the great
practical difficulty, inseparable from that loss of the means of
subsistence, which converts from heathenism usually have to endure.
“Let us begin our correspondence with erecting an Ebenezer
to our gracious Lord, who continues us in the land of the
living, and gives us opportunities of obtaining a great
nearness to His blissful presence, and a more exalted
station among those who turn many to righteousness. I might
well, in the review of the past year, dread the imputation
of unprofitableness, but yet I perceive it a dishonour
to the grace of our Redeemer, to disparage the smallest
appearance of His grace in myself, or in others; and though
I am sure I must say, ‘Lord, when saw I thee a stranger,
&c.,’ I consider it my duty to credit the precious
declaration spoken by our great Bishop, respecting himself
and his διάκονοι, ‘Though Israel be not gathered, &c.’ Is.
xliii.
“Pursuing the plan suggested with so much propriety by our
senior brother, I have to observe that since my last, some
changes have taken place in our society, which seem upon
the whole to have been for the better, as we have gained
a captain of artillery, of great decorum of manners, both
in public and private. Of our old members, I am persuaded
that the seed of the word has put forth the ‘tender blade’
in the lady and gentleman I have before alluded to; whilst
considerable alteration in the outward conduct of another
gentleman is noticed; but I fear, ‘one thing’ at least is
lacking in him. By four out of the six families here, I am
asked to say grace at dinner, which when I first arrived
was unusual. I know not what I ought to think of this,
knowing well that in Christ, nothing availeth but ‘faith
that worketh by love;’ yet perhaps something is gained. The
Lord help me to be more devoted to his glory, that I may
not seem to countenance them in stopping short of the ‘new
creation!’ One person is often very contemptuous towards
me, but finds no one to join him at present. Among the
common Europeans little but discouragement appears: only
one seems entirely from under the dominion of outward sin.
He is the sergeant I have mentioned, and appears a subject
of divine grace. Several are approvers, and attendants on
public worship, but the sad abuse of the late holy festival
has damped my hopes respecting them.
“The first Sunday in November, having prepared a moveable
tabernacle, it was erected at the barracks, and divine
service has been performed there every Sunday evening
since. On the first few occasions forty or fifty attended,
yesterday there were about twenty-five. These are, for the
most part, very attentive, and a good deal of devotion
appears among them in making the responses, &c. About
six, perhaps, attend divine service twice a day. At the
hospital one man seems piously affected, another humble
and resigned; both these have been long ill and seem
daily decaying. One, the first time I spoke expressly to
him, declared with much earnestness, that he believed he
had never offended his Maker; he now speaks a different
language. One man, who was greatly alarmed during a fit of
sickness, is, I fear, resting in a “form of godliness,”
though his outward conduct is decent, and he comes every
Sunday evening to join in worship with me.
“At Benares, where I occasionally go, the pious merchant
I have mentioned, appears much grown in ‘grace and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, &c.’ He
reads the service of the Church of England and a sermon
from some author, twice every Sunday and every Wednesday
evening, in a tent erected for that purpose. One Wednesday
evening I officiated there among twenty-seven, who heard
the word with much attention. One artillery-man of the
lately arrived party, the merchant speaks of as hopeful.
But I find that last week a restraint was laid upon the
artillerymen from attending: I trust it will soon be
removed.
“Among the Company’s servants there, one known as a
proficient in Hindoo literature, has discovered himself
well acquainted with evangelical principles. Another
Company’s servant seems to me one of the Lord’s secret
ones. I trust there is among us ‘as the gleaning grapes
when the vintage is done,’ one or two.
“But what I have to say on personal experience will cast
further light on the religious state of our society,
or rather, it will cast a shade on the prospect.
Notwithstanding these agreeable particulars already
presented, there is little farther outward acknowledgment
of God among us; there appears as yet no disposition to
speak and act openly as the dependent creatures and avowed
subjects of the Most High; so that, except now and then
in private, I cannot give vent to those feelings which I
find it my duty and happiness to cherish. On this account
much of my religious exercises pass without that delight in
God which His love and mercy demand; and my experience in
general is that of the Psalmist, when he said, ‘my heart
breaketh for the longing &.’ yet our state before God
depends in no respect on frames and feelings; and though
miserably defective still in every point, some greater
degree of boldness for Christ in public, and something
of resignation to labour in his vineyard though no fruit
should appear, I acknowledge as the work of his free
Spirit, by whom I trust to be upheld unto the end. My
preaching since my last, has been on the following among
other subjects, ‘God is not a man, &c.’ (Numb. xxiii. 19.)
‘In this was manifested, &c.’ (1 John iv. 19.) ‘How shall
we escape, &c.’ (Heb. ii. 3.)
“The state of the natives here has lately attracted much
of my notice. From their long intercourse with Europeans,
native habits are much laid aside. They are generally
greatly addicted to drunkenness, and are proverbially
dissolute. They are, in consequence, very little awed by
the European christians. I am assured that they are usually
ready to enter into personal contest with any of the
European invalids, who may attempt to lord it over them;
and except from those who eat the salt of the settlement,
none of us have many tokens of respect paid us. In the four
native schools, there are at present seventy-five scholars;
those mentioned as reading books have left the schools from
some cause or other, and no more books have been received.
“The native women connected with the Europeans, have
assembled on Tuesday evenings in the Fort, and on Friday
evenings at the barracks. The usual numbers at both places
is from ten to sixteen. For these much of my time has been
taken up in translations, &c. Yesterday, in the fort, a
congregation of nineteen attended prayers in Hindoostanee.
I used the translation our dear brother Martyn favoured
me with, excepting a few words altered to the dialect of
this part of the country. On these occasions the native
Christian, I before mentioned, is of the greatest service.
He has acquired a tolerably accurate idea of the plan of
salvation, and enlarges, with much evident feeling, on the
heads I suggest from the portion of Scripture before us.
He officiates as clerk in the Hindoostanee congregation,
and yesterday read the lessons, and explained and applied
them as I suggested to him. The effect of his exhortations
lasts. This man is afflicted with an asthma, which lays
him up now and then; but the eagerness with which he
returns to teaching the native women, indicates, I trust,
his heart to be right with God. Some differences took
place in his family some time since, which disturbed me a
good deal; but no fault has appeared in him. In a late fit
of illness, I found he had a book of prayers, containing
addresses to angels, &c. Several of the women have learned
from him the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer and the
Creed; and it excited a gleam of holy joy yesterday to
hear several repeating these after me, and also whispering
some of the responses. This reminds me of a school in
which an European teaches ten children for me, some of
them orphans, and some who are not eligible to the school
in Calcutta. Since the establishment of evening worship,
one of these children has repeated the Church catechism
and some questions of Scripture History, with an accuracy
rather surprising considering their years. These also join
in the responses and in singing the Psalms, and increase
the ‘Hosanna to the Son of David.’
“Two youths, one the son of the native teacher, are on my
premises, and read twice a day in the Hindoostanee gospel.
One discovers no capacity whatever, nor does the word
seem to affect him in the least. He has made considerable
proficiency in the knowledge of the letters and reads the
gospel without much difficulty, but can seldom at the end
of a verse, tell the contents of it. The other discovers
considerable quickness of apprehension, and gains knowledge
readily; but as yet gives no evidence of any heart-work
begun. Him I intend, if it please God, to appoint teacher
of a school, in a short time. I know now of six children,
the offspring of native Christians, whom I wish him to
instruct; two children now attend him.
“Of the women who were candidates for Baptism, one, it
appears, is living in sin: and on my refusing to baptize
her till the fruits of repentance [should appear] has given
up seeking instruction. The other appears very sincere;
she comes a considerable distance, into the Fort, twice a
week (on Tuesdays and Sundays) and is herself, as far as I
know, of unblemished life. But some circumstances connected
with her daughter, has made me defer Baptism, which seems
to afflict her; and she promises to pursue whatever line of
conduct I may point out. The difficulty is in suggesting
what these people are to do for an honest livelihood. I am
already engaged in disbursements beyond what my pecuniary
circumstances point out as prudent; and to tell them to
trust in Providence whilst no means of subsistence appear,
seems to savour too much of fatalism.
“Let me, therefore, conclude with proposing to the
consideration of my brethren, The best mode of employing
native Christians who may be destitute of subsistence? And
I think to ascertain this, it may be of service to enquire,
What are the manufactures most engaged in at our different
stations? And, perhaps, a barter might be established among
themselves, without much of our personal interference,
if communications were opened between them; which would
certainly be desirable.”
In a Letter to Mr. Buckworth, written a few days later than the
preceding Report, Mr. Corrie enters more into detail respecting his
ministry among the heathen, and the method of teaching employed by
the native Christian of whom mention has so frequently been made.
“Your welcome letter of February last reached me November
1st: and I sat down instantly to read and answer it; and
have filled three sheets of paper which would have been
sent had opportunity offered; and, from your affection for
myself, would have amused you. I find on review, however,
they are very unsatisfactory; and must select from them
a moderate-sized epistle. You rightly suspected that the
climate might affect my body, and by consequence my
spirits also; as some of my letters to you will shew; but,
thanks to the Lord our healer, I am as well, and have been
for some time, as at any period in my life. Mary had told
me of your presentation to D; had it taken place before I
left England, the pleasure of being a fellow-helper with
you would probably have kept me there for life; but He who
knows what is best for us has ordered it otherwise; and I
am unspeakably content. At the same time, I little knew
my own unsuitableness for the work I am engaged in; yet
‘hitherto hath the Lord helped me:’ and, though I groan
under a sense of my shortcomings, He has not suffered me
to go back from His sacred ways: and has, moreover, given
of His Divine presence. These opportunities of writing
call forth all my former feelings towards you; and I am
conscious, that though so widely separated, we are one in
the Lord Christ. But I must refrain, and give you some
account of matters here.”
After having adverted to the fears of the Indian Government lest the
animosity of the natives should be excited by any attempts to convert
them to Christianity, Mr. Corrie writes:
“I suppose we should be taken to task, were we to preach
in the streets and highways: but other methods not less
effectual are to be used, and less likely to produce
popular clamour. Natives themselves may and can be
employed, with the greatest advantage, in Evangelizing
their brethren, whilst the Minister superintends, and
directs and encourages. I have great reason to be thankful,
that the Lord has raised up a native christian, born of
Roman Catholic parents, who, from March last, has been
daily with me; and now, having acquired a sufficient
knowledge of the way of salvation, is daily employed in
instructing others! A despised race, whom the Europeans
have attached to themselves, hear him with great
attention; and some with evident profit. He is at present
very ill; but I trust the Lord will spare him to us, when
more extensive plans will be engaged in.
“At present, there are seventy-five children in my native
schools learning to read, which will tend to undermine the
superstructure whose basis is ignorance; and I purpose
establishing a school for [native] Christian children,
of whom I know now of six, and shall find more. The bulk
of the people are wretchedly poor from their indolent
habits, which never let them lay up for a rainy day.
When a Mahomedan gets a little money, he usually spends
it in debauchery; and a Hindoo works no more till it is
gone. This is the character of the people: hence, beggars
innumerable swarm; many truly wretched objects, who often
make one retire with overflowing eyes, unable to supply
them all. Of the Europeans, several are very attentive; and
my labour is evidently not in vain, though I know only of
one or two I can speak of with good hope. Of my three dear
young friends, two are going on delightfully: one of these
has lately been with a detachment against a native prince
who refused his tribute, and saw some hot work: twelve of
his brother officers fell on the occasion, but he received
only a slight wound in the knee: the dear lad is much grown
in spirituality since then; and is not without trials
of ‘cruel mockings:’ he writes to me once a week, and I
endeavour, by writing constantly to him, to encourage him
to stand fast. Away from the means of grace, and without a
single companion like-minded, he plainly stands by faith.
The other at Madras goes on well, and has the ‘communion
of saints’ to resort to. The third, a most affectionate,
sensible youth, is, I fear, led captive; though not, I
think, with his will. Oh! my heart yearns over them, in
consideration of the many, many obstacles in their way!
The demon that oppresses Europeans in this land, ‘goeth
not out but by prayer and fasting.’ Example, opportunity,
solicitation allure them to the paths of death; and few,
alas, return from them! Those I allude to, are from
eighteen to twenty or thereabouts; from which you will see
at once the danger they are in.”
On the subject of missions Mr. Corrie adds:
“The nature of missions seems little understood, even by
those whose hearts the Lord inclines for the work, till
they come into it. Mr. Cecil’s sermon, before the Church
of England Missionary society,[37] of which I have only
seen extracts, is, I think, an excellent discourse on
this subject. The work requires the patience of a Job,
with the prudence of an Apostle: and O, the self-denial
required! How little I am fit for the work, my brother well
knows; yet here, by the good providence of God, I am well
content, and determined to count not even ‘life dear’ so
that I may make ‘full proof of my ministry,’ and ‘finish my
course with joy.’ I could fill sheets with conversations
respecting religion, which I have had most days, with some
one or other of the natives. Their duplicity makes it,
beyond measure, difficult to know when they are convinced,
or even silenced. The least appearance of impatience on
my part makes them consider me angry; and not a word more
will they argue, but yield every thing. I may say to you,
the friend of my bosom, that my natural impatience is
somewhat abated; and I am not conscious of having offended
in this way often; but even what is the effect of eagerness
and zeal, is construed into a passion, by a people whose
highest perfection consists in restraining the feelings,
and whose despotic government rendered disguise necessary
to existence and peace.
“The same submissive disposition in the people makes it
difficult to know when I am understood; as they do not
either acknowledge their ignorance or ask explanation. The
dialects of the different provinces are so different as to
make them nearly different languages.... Among the learned
and the Mahomedans, much Persian and Arabic is introduced
into their language, which to the Hindoo is unintelligible;
and, it is now well known that a person who learns the
language from books only, will not be understood by the
bulk of the people. This I am aware of, and ask questions
from the women above-mentioned; when I often find the
meaning has been imperfectly, or not at all understood;
which leads to fresh explanation. One specimen of our mode
of proceeding, I have made a memorandum of, and which may
amuse you:--After having read the first chapter of Genesis,
which I translated, I suggested to this native Christian
to enlarge upon the following heads, which he did in this
manner, ‘Learn, first, the honour put upon man by God: He
gave him dominion.’ ‘See,’ continued he, ‘the elephant;
one blow of his would be instant death, yet he goes here
and there at man’s word.’ ‘Observe the power of God: He
commanded, and it was done, &c.’ ‘Let a man try to create
an ant, he cannot do it; let him try to make a hair, he
cannot do it: yet look at the hills, &c., God made them;
and think not that He used labour: no, the word of His
mouth was sufficient.’ I suggested, ‘How ought we then to
fear this great God!’ He proceeded, ‘are you not afraid
of your masters; are you not fearful to offend them lest
they should punish you?’ This was so feeling an appeal that
they answered, ‘Yes, yes!’ ‘O then,’ said he ‘how ought
you to fear an infinitely powerful God! He is infinite
in strength; and, if you sin against Him, you deserve
infinite punishment: and think how great punishment He will
inflict!’ One of them at this fell a weeping. I observed,
‘See the goodness of God in providing such comforts and
accommodation for man in this world.’ He went on to speak
of the greater love of God in providing a salvation
for our souls, which he spoke of with much warmth; the
women hanging upon his words. These occasions are often
productive of sweet sensations to my soul: whilst yet the
want of positive evidence of grace in them [the people so
instructed] generally makes me to go heavily. Most days
are devoted to close study of the native languages: the
Hindoostanee proper I can understand, though not to speak
it with any fluency or accuracy: and I also begin to know a
little Persian, which is a very agreeable study. I rise at
day-break, breakfast between seven and eight, take a slight
repast about one, and make my principal meal when evening
sets in. Then my mind is usually too exhausted for study,
and sweet would be the society of some with whom I could
talk freely of what Christ did, and said, and suffered for
us here below. For the want of such society, very little
of the lively feeling I enjoyed in England enters into
my experience: yet I am conscious of some more boldness
for Christ, and fewer deviations from His holy ways than
before; for which I adore His free grace by which alone I
stand. These expressions I owe to your affection, who will
fear, perhaps, for me; lest by any means the tempter gain
the better of me. O, that I could say this were never the
case! Yet, though I should justly be deemed a fool for thus
boasting to others, yet I may call upon you to rejoice with
me that I have obtained help from the Lord thus far, and
have a hope that I shall never be ashamed.
“From all that has passed, I see further proof that to
preach nearly or quite Christianity, and live as the world
lives, is the way to popularity: to live and preach so as
to fancy to _recommend_ Christianity to the carnal mind,
is the way to be little esteemed: to live godly in Christ
Jesus is the way to win souls, and to obtain friends,
with persecution here, and with the certain expectation
of glory hereafter. O Holy Ghost, write these truths with
deep conviction on my mind; and let my soul know nothing on
earth but Jesus Christ and him crucified!”
When it is considered that the labours of a native Teacher cannot
but be of great importance, even in the most effective state of
Missionary arrangements, it will not excite surprise that in
Mr. Corrie’s circumstances at Chunar, the illness of the Bettiah
Christian should occasion him anxiety. Mr. C’s journal, however,
affords pleasing evidence that the Bettiah-walla in his sickness,
found consolation in that gospel which he seems to have been
earnestly desirous of making known to his countrymen.
“Jan. 7th. I sent off to-day a copy of the Gospels, and of
the Morning Prayer, and Ten Commandments, to Bettiah, at
the request of a person who is said to be the Sirdar[38]
of the Christians there, and of whom even the padras stand
in awe: he is represented, also, as understanding Persian,
Portuguese, and a little Latin. I dined with Captain
M----; after sitting silent for some time, I was induced
by some remarks of Major General ----, to enter into a
long argument in behalf of Christianity, as the General
maintained Mahomedanism to be equal to Christianity: the
argument arose from my remarking that I thought men would
invariably be guided in their conduct respecting temporal
affairs by their religious opinions. ‘This,’ he said,
‘was a great mistake, and had led to the most disastrous
effects: that no greater misfortunes had come on mankind
than the contentions between Christians on religious
pretences.’ I answered, that these were not caused by
Christianity; and Gibbon himself being judge, Christianity
was only the pretext: and on a comparison between
Christianity and Mahomedanism, I was enabled so to speak as
to leave him without reply.
“Jan. 11th. Yesterday, the Bettiah-walla was seized with
fever. I asked him how he was, as it regarded spiritual
things: he said, ‘Happy.’ To-day he is worse: but, in
answer to my question, he told me, ‘that he was not afraid
of death, but of sin.’ In the evening I took Mr. G. to
see him, who kindly offered his services. We found him
in danger: he told me that ‘his mind was fixed on Christ
Jesus: who could do all things.’ ‘I am,’ said he, ‘in His
hands;’ and, in answer to my question, he told me ‘he found
comfort.’ I have prayed that the Lord will spare him; and I
trust he will be continued to the Church here.
“Jan. 17th. The Bettiah-walla better: but very low: he
speaks of every event as proceeding from the mercy of
Jesus. After having spoken to him of the Redeemer, I asked
him if he remembered Christ’s words, (John iv. 13, 14.) ‘he
that drinketh, &c.’ he took up the words and finished the
passage, adding, with a significant expression, ‘How can I
forget Him?’ And many other declarations were added of His
grace and greatness.
“Jan. 18th. Twenty-two women attended, and heard the
history of Ishmael, with much attention. The Bettiah-walla,
speaking of the trouble occasioned to Abraham and Sarah,
by the strife which arose from their sin in the matter of
Hagar, spoke so feebly, yet with such affection, of the
love of Christ, through whom they received forgiveness, and
through whom we too must seek forgiveness, that most of
them wept. I could scarcely contain myself for joy. O Lord,
make thy word effectual!
“A Tickour woman [who was desirous of baptism] in answer to
my questions, and without any suggestion that could lead
to such answers, said, ‘that her heart is much employed in
thinking of her Creator: if it were not, what could she
expect of good either here or hereafter.’ 2ndly, ‘that God
as Creator and Lord has a right to command us; and that
she is disposed to obey His will in all things.’ 3rdly,
‘that Jesus Christ is God, who came into the world for
us sinners, and through whom we may obtain forgiveness,
and the favour of God.’ 4thly, ‘that in order to this, we
must lay hold of Him with the heart, pray to Him, and beg
forgiveness.’ 5thly, ‘that to be baptized, and not to act
thus, must needs brings down greater evils upon us; and
in the world to come, surely great destruction will be our
lot, &c.:’ with much more to the same effect, in a spirit
of seeming sincerity and earnestness.
“Jan. 31st. 1808. On Friday evening, thirteen women
(native) attended at the barracks. Sergeant W. told me that
his native wife, a short time since, entered into a long
conversation with a Brahmin, and exhorted him to forsake
his idolatry, which he acknowledged to be unreasonable; but
the loss of caste frightens him.
“Saturday, [Feb. 6.] Just returned from burying a drummer’s
wife. The Bettiah-walla explained that I was not praying
for the dead, but that we might have grace to walk in God’s
ways. He told them, that when the breath is gone, the soul
is fixed in an eternal state; and that in the last day,
the body too will be raised and partake with the soul of
happiness or misery: [he concluded] with an exhortation (in
which he mixed many quotations from scripture) to watch and
pray that that day might not come upon them unawares. Many
natives were present, who listened with deep attention;
except one or two who laughed. At my gate I found a blind
beggar, whom the Bettiah-walla also exhorted and who went
away; as I have often seen the poor glad to get a rupee and
to be off.
“Feby. 10th. This morning a Brahmin came to me, who
declared ‘that the Sanscrit language is not the invention
of man, but came from Maha Deva’s[39] Bàni: that four
genii, who remain about the size of children of eight
years of age, hearing the sound of the drum, repeated the
sounds, from whence, having written them, they collected
the twenty-five letters of the alphabet. On my asking him,
how so many letters could be collected from one sound;
after some dispute he said, ‘Maha Deva’s Bàni was not like
to any now in size, but at the day of judgment it will
sound again, and strike all with horror.’ I then inquired,
who committed this language to writing in the Shasters?
He answered, ‘three Fakeers, to whom the four genii
communicated it.’ On asking where they lived, he mentioned
‘a jungle near the hill:’ on asking where the hill was,
he could not tell; and, after a long argument, went away
promising to bring a map, and shew me the situation of the
hill; ‘which, however, is beyond the snowy mountains, in
the land of the genii.’ To this I objected, that as the
Shasters confined the residence of the Hindoos to this
country, the religious men would never call their own place
of residence unholy; and, therefore, it must be in this
land. We parted with the promise of his coming again.
“Feb. 12th. Yesterday, the Brahmin came again; and, after
much conversation said, ‘there is no difference in places;
and that only the ignorant worship stones, &c., but the
fear of popular displeasure keeps them silent.’ In the
evening, he came again, and we had a sharp dispute, chiefly
on the distance of places: his Shasters describe Hindoostan
as seventy-five millions of miles long. My moonshee and the
Brahmin had a warm argument.
“Feb. 21st. The Tickour woman gave notice that she had
found sponsors. On calling her, I asked her if it was the
intention of her heart to be the slave of Jesus Christ; to
which she replied in the affirmative, with great fervency,
saying, ‘that it was her desire to walk in His paths
always.’ I reminded her of what I had been reading in John
xiv., ‘He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them,
he it is that loveth me;’ to which she answered, ‘that
her desire was to obey His will; that it may be well with
her both in this life, and the next.’ She then used some
expressions of admiration at the grace of God to sinners;
and on my saying, that when the Bettiah-walla returned, I
would appoint a day for baptism, she fell on the ground
at my feet in tears, putting her hand on my shoes, and
raised her hand to her forehead. On being asked [a few
days afterwards] ‘why she so earnestly desired baptism;’
she said, ‘that she might be directed in the right way;
obtain pardon of sins and receive God’s mercy; both in
this world and that which is to come.’ She then entered
on a long history of her life, told me that her husband
died and left her in poverty, that she went about begging,
till her daughter was married, who, after much ill usage,
was at length left destitute; and now, to her grief, is
connected with P. ‘It was of no use,’ she said, ‘to walk in
God’s laws, and in this way, for three or four days; or,
in attempting to deceive me, for that God knows her heart;
and should she attempt to deceive me, God would punish her
both in this world, and the next.’ I left her, desiring her
to consider whether she would cause her daughter to take
a separate house; which is evidently a trial to her, and
which will, in good earnest, prove her sincerity, if she
does.”
The first anniversary of Mr. Corrie’s ministerial connexion with
Chunar is thus commemorated in his Journal:
“It is a year to-day [Feb. 22.] since I commenced my public
duty at Chunar; and, on considering the way in which the
Lord hath led me during that period, I find great cause
for thankfulness that I have not laboured in vain: some
doors of usefulness have been opened, and some good has
been done. Many amongst the invalids are altered for the
better in their conduct; several of them have married,
and two artillery-men, I would fain hope, are serious and
impressed. Amongst the Hindoos, some, I trust, have been
brought to the knowledge of Jesus Christ; yet, I think,
I am not so spiritually-minded as I was before I left
England: though, I think, I am more constantly fixed, and
more undeviatingly aiming, at the end of my ministry; yet I
fear that the warmth of spiritual affection is gone; but I
will ‘do again my first works.’ O thou whom my soul loveth,
grant me that ‘gold, white raiment, and aye salve,’ which
thou hast in store for needy creatures; heal me for thy
mercies’ sake!”
It has been already stated that the Europeans at Secrole were
regarded by Mr. Corrie as part of his ministerial charge; but as
Secrole was a kind of suburb to Benares, he was necessarily brought
into contact with the Hindoos resident in and about that ‘very
citadel of Idolatry.’ Hitherto, however, it does not appear that any
opportunity had occurred to Mr. C. for seeing much of the native
city. Under date, therefore, of March 2, 1808, he writes:
“Yesterday morning, desiring to see Benares, I went down
the Ganges in a small boat; but was greatly disappointed
at the appearance of the city, which stands entirely on
the west side of the river. One place, the residence of
Badshahzada, has the appearance of ruined magnificence;
and several ghauts are extensive and laboured monuments
of superstition: but the smallness of dimensions of the
buildings around makes them appear nothing, to an European.
Amidst them all, I came to the British flag, flying at the
Ghaut Mangees stairs, which excited grateful sensations.
Idolatry is plainly on the decay. Our boat line getting
entangled with another boat, much abuse was bestowed on the
Feringhee.”
Mr. Corrie relates, that on this occasion he preached to some
natives of Benares, as well as gave instruction to the European
soldiery. Three weeks later than this visit he was called upon to
baptize a Brahmin, who after many strugglings of conscience had been
strengthened by the grace of God to ‘confess the faith of Christ
crucified.’ An account of this event is given by Mr. C. in a letter
to his father, dated March 25, 1808.[40]
“I have to tell you of the baptism of a Brahmin at Benares,
on Wednesday last, when I was down there, which will
gratify you much. You must remember that he understands
enough of English for common purposes; and most of our
conversation was in English. He came to me in September
last, as I wrote to some of you; he had before been
seeking after truth; and a pious merchant at Benares had
given him a Book of Common Prayer: this was the chief
instrument in his conversion. The two answers respecting
‘our duty towards God and our duty towards our neighbour’
struck him forcibly; and he learned many of the prayers,
and much of the catechism by heart. He was, however,
greatly averse to baptism in September, and argued that
he could serve God in private, and even promote His
cause more, whilst he refrained from the open profession
of Christianity. I pointed out from Mark xvi. 16, and
John iii. the necessity of attending to ‘the outward and
visible sign, as well as the inward and spiritual grace,’
if we would ‘make our calling and election sure.’ He
left me with tears, acknowledging that I spoke truth;
but absented himself until January last, when he again
went to the pious merchant, saying he had been very ill,
and now found that none but Jesus Christ could save him:
he would, therefore, give up all for Christ. After much
intercourse, on Tuesday last I asked him, ‘Are you willing
to be baptized?’ Answer, ‘Yes, I have no other Lord, no
other Saviour, but Jesus Christ: He is God, and my God.’
What makes you think Him God? Answer,--‘Why, Sahib, I don’t
know how many times I may have been in the world before,
or whether born at all, or not, before this time; but I
have continued a great sinner still, (the Hindoos believe
in the metempsychosis,) a very great sinner, I believe: I
went to Juggernaut and here to Benares, and here and there
(mentioning other places) to poojah (worship;) but I was
still very bad, Sahib, very great sinner. When I found no
good among Hindoos’ worship, I went to Musselmans,’ to
Lucknow, (mentioning a great mahomedan doctor there,) to
enquire; but found no good in Musselmans’ religion; but
all bad, very bad. Then I met with the ten commandments,
and these two, my duty towards God, and my duty towards
my neighbour: this my heart say good, very good: this is
Jesus Christ’s word, and I pray to Him for His grace, and
He gave me understanding: now I know the true God; my
heart love His word; and I no more love sin, or bad way;
therefore, I know Jesus Christ is God,’ with more to the
same effect. (You will perceive that if men set themselves
to seek Christ in this way, we should have no Arians or
Socinians.) I then asked, What do you think will be after
death? Answer, ‘I shall go to God; what else, Sahib? Now
He has given me grace, I am all light within: will He put
light with darkness again? No, I shall go to God after
death.’ Will you forsake your family and friends? Answer,
‘My father, Sahib, very old: he wash in Ganges, and make
poojah: I cannot help him, but I will love him, I will
honour him, as Jesus Christ’s word is: O! I cannot help
him, but I will make prayer for him: I must follow my Lord
Christ; there is no Saviour but He: Hindoos, Musselmans,
all worship devils,’ with more to that effect--adding
‘Ever since I was with you, Sahib, my heart was full, and
now, if you please, I will be baptized.’ After prayer, we
separated: next day when he came to me, I asked him, ‘Have
you thought much of the matter, and are you willing to
forsake all for Christ?’ He answered, ‘I have made much
prayer to God for His grace; and now I will forsake all for
my Lord Christ: you will pray, Sahib, that He will wash
me, and make me clean: you will mention before Him for the
old sinner, a very great sinner, an old rogue, very bad,
very bad sinner; that He will save me, and give me grace,
that I may love Him with all my heart. I cannot keep His
commandments without his grace; but I will pray always, and
love Him, and cleave to Him (laying hold of his own garment
with eagerness;) and, I will always speak truth, and take
care of my words.’ All this with the expressive action of
the natives, who have more action than even the French in
conversation. At the time of administering the sacrament
of baptism, he made the responses from the Book of Common
Prayer, with much feeling: when addressed in the service,
he shewed the most lively attention, and was very earnest
in the prayers: after the service, he shook hands with all
present, expressed with tears his thankfulness to God for
his mercy to so great a sinner; and said he would serve Him
for ever, and devote all his time to learning His word more
perfectly that he might instruct others.”
Although there was much to comfort and encourage Mr. Corrie in this
manifest example of the power of divine grace, in the conversion of
this Brahmin; yet by an entry in his journal, dated March 31st, we
find him complaining:--
“I have for several days laboured under sad spiritual
decay; and have been dreadfully oppressed with the fear of
man; and very backward to every good word and work. When
the Brahmin consented to be baptized on Tuesday, the enemy
raised an alarm in my mind respecting what the effect might
be; tumults among the natives; anger on the part of the
Europeans; removal by the government: these suggestions
greatly distracted me: and I got me to my Lord right
humbly, who mercifully delivered me from all these fears;
and all these difficulties vanished; yet, at the time, I
felt none of that joy or gratitude I ought, on account of
the triumph of the cross.”
The Journal proceeds:
“April 10th, 1808. To-day I am thirty-one years of age. I
praise God that I am in the land of prayer; I have been
praying for a right spirit of self-examination. It strikes
me as remarkable in my experience, that although I could
be always on my knees, I am usually straitened, perplexed,
and confused in prayer: wandering thoughts perplex me
beyond measure; and my imagination is wild and troubled,
yet without order, even in vainly flying from one scene to
another, and musing on the greatest improbabilities. My
mind is, through grace, settled and grounded in the ways
of Christ; and, I am persuaded that I shall never leave
the heavenly way, because the Lord will keep me in fear
of forsaking it. I have no enjoyment in worldly company,
or amusements; otherwise, I have nothing of _assurance_,
as I have understood it: and though I consent to every
tittle stated in our 17th Article, it works nothing of
‘unclean living or presumption.’ It does, however, preserve
me from despair; for, I never should be delivered but by
the Spirit of Christ: nor, could I hope that His gracious
influence would be granted to my prayers, were it not
for the unconditional, covenanted, love of God in Christ
Jesus. I have many short, but sweet, visits of heavenly
grace. My soul is frequently melted down in praise, for
the Divine condescension towards me; but little of abiding
joy, or realizing faith, stays with me. I find ‘the work
of righteousness’ to be ‘peace.’ More of my time has been
employed for God, than I could once have thought possible
to give; yet few days pass that my soul is not overwhelmed
with a sense of short-coming: hence, Thou, O Christ, art
all I want!
“We have had some slight awakenings here (Chunar) during
the past year: one in August; but it is, I fear, come
to nothing, except H. who may have found mercy of the
Lord: the others have turned backward, and ----, died in
consequence of intoxication. At present a greater enquiry
is excited than ever: three are come out (from the world)
and several are anxiously concerned. ‘The Lord knoweth them
that are His.’ Now, my soul, look to it lest thou let any
of those things ‘slip’ which thou hast heard and learned
of Jesus. O, for a spirit of grace and supplication: for
‘good understanding in the ways of godliness.’ O, for
the conversion of souls! Lord, hear me in these matters:
prosper thy work; let thine own kingdom come. Bless my
country, my family, my friends: and, O, accept a poor worm
who offers himself unto Thee. Take me, as thy dear-bought
purchase; and secure me unto thyself. Let my life bring
glory to thy name; and my death bear testimony to Thy
faithfulness and truth: let me live, and die to Christ
Jesus, Amen!
“In the afternoon, I baptized the Tickour woman, by the
name of ‘Mary.’ Satan continues to mar my comfort; though
he cannot, through the grace of Christ, prevent the word of
God. When I baptized the Brahmin, he raised in my mind such
a fear of the anger of those in power as almost drove me
to my wits’ end: but now I see that all was over-ruled for
good, in order to prevent my overweening conceit of myself
in this matter.”
It will have been observed, that Mr. Corrie not unfrequently
complained of the loss of health. The cause might no doubt be traced
to his want of due regard to the trying nature of the climate of
India to an European constitution. Repeated notices occur, therefore,
in Mr. C.’s Journal and Letters, of a languor and general debility
which threatened to lay him altogether aside from duty, if not to
render it necessary for him to quit the country. At this time,
however, a material change for the better seems to have taken place
in his health; for in writing to his father under date of April, 20,
1808. Mr. C. remarks,
“A gracious Providence who has followed us with goodness
and mercy all our days, has prospered me thus far. You
will bless God with me, who upholds me in perfect health
... a most surprising change seems to have passed upon my
constitution, so that I feel very little inconvenience
from the heat. Last year I was obliged to have recourse
to medicine to keep me from fainting; now, though the
hot winds have been blowing some weeks, I feel active
and cheerful as when with you. A sigh of regret at our
separation often, indeed, interrupts my joys, and sends
me with tears not unfrequently to your Father and my
Father, to your God and my God. O, praise to a precious
Redeemer, through whose love and grace so lasting an union
has been brought about, which swallows up even natural
ties, or rather rivets them by an indissoluble bond! All
painful idea of separation and distance is lost in the
consideration of that better country, where we shall meet
to part no more for ever!
“You will rejoice to hear that the word of God is
not without increasing witness among the soldiers.
Eighteen attended the sacrament of the Lord’s supper
on Easter-day, most of whom are serious and attentive;
and many are regular at our evening worship, where
they attend voluntarily. Among their wives also great
attention continues to be paid; and knowledge, at least,
is increased. The Brahmin whom I baptized came up (from
Benares) last Sunday; and after attending worship in
Hindoostanee, expressed much delight. He proposed, as
a doubt, what would once have been an article of faith
with him:--‘Sahib, you have been so little while in this
country, and [yet] know the language so well, I think you
must have been a Hindoo before you were born in England,
and, therefore, your fresh language came to you so quick
again.’ A fortnight since, I baptized a woman, who is
evidently seeking sincerely the kingdom of God. Yesterday,
she expressed her gratitude for instruction, by saying,
‘I am a poor woman, and have nothing to offer to Sahib in
return for his favour, except three fowls which I shall
send to-morrow, if he will please to accept them.’ On
my saying, God has given me plenty, she said, ‘True,’
but it is my duty to lay my neck beneath Sahib’s feet.’
The language of the common people is, indeed, full of
compliment; but none of them show a disposition to give
any thing away, except in some instances where grace seems
to open their hearts. Another, the wife of an European,
who seems the best Christian of them all, on my noticing a
little dog, sent it to me next day, begging my acceptance
of it. To excuse myself, I said it was too young, and she
is now keeping it for my sister, and takes great pains in
teaching it to beg, &c. that my sister may be amused with
it when she arrives.”
TO THE REV. J. BUCKWORTH.
“April 25, 1808.
“The heat of the climate induces a despondency entirely
unknown to you. I perceive plainly that this despondency
not a little infected my mind most of the last hot weather;
which was, perhaps, increased by continued ill health. I
have been enabled, however, to hold fast my integrity; nor
ever have handled the word of God deceitfully; nor has the
word been without witness. A great increase is now made
to my evening congregations, which are my only joy, they
coming voluntarily; and on Wednesday next, I begin a weekly
lecture.... I am, through mercy, now in perfect health,
and usual spirits; and see it ‘good for me to have been in
trouble.’ My present mode of passing my time will give you,
perhaps, pleasure, certainly amusement. On an average I do
not dine from home above once a week, and seldom see any of
my equals here, except a family, who, I hope, are pious,
though their progress is slow. From morning (five o’clock
till eight) I attend to my own private affairs, with a
little exercise: then till three or four, learn the native
languages; when every day, either some of the natives come
to me to read the Scriptures, or I attend some place of
meeting for that purpose. Mr. Martyn writes to me weekly:
he is preparing a copy of the gospels in Hindoostanee for
the press; this will be an invaluable acquisition: the
one we have is so learned as to be unintelligible to the
vulgar for the most part. I have altered [the version of]
St. John’s Gospel which we use. The Acts of the Apostles
especially delight the native teacher: I have told you of
----; you would be surprised to see the effect it has upon
him; and the eagerness by which it is heard by others.
I feel it to be too little regarded by myself, and am
too apt to consider the divine manna a common thing. I
send my father by these ships the history of a Brahmin’s
conversion, whom I lately baptised.[41] I baptized a woman
a fortnight since; and several of the soldiers’ native
wives. Sinners are plainly under good impressions; but, Oh!
the patience and perseverance necessary to deal with them!
“Dr. Buchanan is on his way home: whatever he may publish
will give you a true and clear insight into religious
affairs here; except that you can have no idea of the
magnitude of the work of conversion, unless you were here.”
In the Journal, Mr. Corrie relates
“May 14th. Yesterday morning, I went to Wheatley’s
hospital. The Dhobee[42] only seems truly in earnest: he
said that since he first heard the word, his heart had been
much taken with it; that the more he hears it, the more he
esteems it; and that he is happy in it. ‘Jesus Christ,’ he
says, ‘is the creator and preserver of all things, who will
take him to God’s presence; or if not, His will be done:
yet he will serve Him; and has forsaken Satan’s works, and
will return to them no more. Satan’s works are worshipping
stones, poojah, &c. &c.’ Here one of the bystanders said,
‘Satan’s works are also lying, stealing, &c. &c.’ To-night
Anselmo[43] is ill. On my speaking to him, he said,
‘Whether well or ill, I am always begging for pardon of sin
from Jesus Christ: I am not deserving of it, but am worthy
of hell; yet, as He died for sinners, God for His sake will
hear me: this is my constant hope; but now, indeed, I need
more grace and support.’--Praise God for these things. O
for patience and perseverance in the Lord’s work!
“SECROLE. July 25th. According to leave obtained, and
notice given, I came down on Friday evening with the view
to perform divine service yesterday. On Saturday morning,
I waited on the general, who received me with the most
chilling coolness. He told me that he had nothing to do
with divine service, or the artillery-men; and that he
should not interfere: he had heard nothing of divine
service, except from my application. Mr. ----, who had been
forward for my coming down, on hearing of my arrival flew
quite off, and said, ‘they could do as well now as before,
without divine service,’ he, however, came yesterday
morning. A congregation of at least sixty assembled; and
after service, Mr. A. thanked me, and said he hoped they
should give me encouragement to come amongst them oftener.
Afterwards, the Brigade Major came with a message from
the general, (who did not come to church) saying, that
I was ‘at liberty to come and go as I pleased, but the
artillery-men and officers could not be permitted to attend
so far from the lines, for fear of the natives seizing the
guns whilst they were at a distance: if the court-house
were used to assemble in, or a place of worship erected
near the lines, he should have no objection; but all
this was to be kept a secret.’ Well: blessed be God, who
hath opened a door here for His word! Had there been no
obstacles thrown in the way, it would have been unusual.
Satan never yet freely and without a struggle, resigned
his dominion. O Lord, I have no might or skill to resist
this great enemy; neither know I what to do; but mine eyes
are towards thee! In the morning service, I was sadly
amazed by the presence of so many of the great ones of the
earth; but after the service commenced, these feelings
vanished.
“Aug. 24th. On Monday I went to Mirzapore, where I saw an
old Fakeer, the most wretched victim of superstition I have
met with. He has been a great traveller, and by the strange
noises he utters, and the inhuman appearance he puts on,
causes the people to take him for some great one. He struck
me as strongly under Satanic influence. I endeavoured
to gain from him some idea of his creed; but could not.
Narsingha, who is celebrated in the Bhagavat Geeta,[44] is
his titular deity, whom he considers equal to the other
gods. I am confounded at the thought that, from the conduct
of the English present, I was prevented warning him as I
ought of his danger.
“Aug. 31st. Yesterday was spent at Ghazeepore; much talk
about religion, and religious people; but little religious
conversation. In prayer, I have been sometimes enabled to
make my ‘requests known with thanksgiving;’ but have felt
great backwardness to the public services of the Church.
‘Lord, be merciful to me a sinner!’ for that I suffered the
rain to prevent me from going to the evening worship; and
that when I have spoken unto the men, it has been in a cold
and indifferent manner! I see in Robinson[45] of Cambridge
(whose life I read yesterday) how far a person, and even a
minister of religion may go, and yet be as ‘sounding brass
or a tinkling symbol.’”
[37] Printed in the Proceedings of that Society, vol. i.
p. 179, and seq.
[38] Head.
[39] The Chief Deity.
[40] The substance of this account was afterwards printed
in the Missionary Register, vol. i. p. 317, and seq.
[41] See above pp. 110, &c.
[42] A Native washerman.
[43] Formerly a Roman Catholic. See below p. 125.
[44] A poetical Exposition of the doctrines of a
particular school of Hindoo Theology. It forms
an Episode in the Maha Bharat, one of the great
Hindoo Poems, and has been translated by Wilkins.
An abstract of it is given in the Quarterly Review,
Vol. 45.
[45] An Anabaptist preacher, celebrated in his day for
his extreme opinions, both as respected politics and
religion; who, after having written a ‘Plea for the
Divinity of Christ,’ rejected Christianity and died
a Socinian.