ARRIVAL OF BISHOP JAMES--CONSECRATION OF THE BISHOP’S
COLLEGE--DEATH OF BISHOP JAMES--VISIT TO THE UPPER PROVINCES.
Although Dr. James was consecrated Bishop of Calcutta on the 3rd
June, 1827, yet intelligence of his appointment to that See, did not
reach Calcutta till toward the close of the year. In the meanwhile
questions and difficulties had arisen, which the authority of a
Commissary was not sufficiently recognised to settle, and the letters
of the Archdeacon contain, in consequence, many expressions of
anxiety for the arrival of the Diocesan. To his brother he writes:--
“I have sent home several folios of late about Missions
and other matters: some private to Mr. Sherer, some to Mr.
Bickersteth. If you have any curiosity about such matters,
you may gratify it by referring to those sources; for I am
weary of the subject, though it is getting every day more
perplexing, and deserving of more attention.”
The domestic affairs of the Archdeacon were, also, a source of trial;
for the health of his children (especially that of the eldest,) had
of late been gradually suffering from the climate, until it became
necessary to arrange for sending them to England, accompanied by
their mother. In the prospect of this separation from his family, he
writes
TO MR. SHERER.
“Nov. 12, 1827.
“Altogether, we concluded that it was the will of God that
they should proceed to England. Wherein we have decided
amiss, the Lord pardon us; for I am painfully certain
that not every movement that comes recommended by fair
appearances, is from above, but often to prove whether we
trust God or not.”
And after the day of actual separation had arrived the Archdeacon
writes
TO HIS BROTHER.
“Calcutta, Dec. 14, 1827.
“The ship which carries this, sails at the same time
with the ‘Duke of Lancaster,’ which carries my earthly
treasures. I try to think of my children as going to
school, and their Mother going to take care of them. This,
in our circumstances, is duty; but I have known no trial
to be compared to it, except parting with Mary, when I
went the first time to embark at Portsmouth. I cannot, in
sober thought, bring myself to resolve on following them;
but much may arise to render it proper, if not necessary:
and as I made no positive resolve on leaving home about
returning, I make none now about remaining here. When our
infants were called away, their Mother and others in their
stead were left. Now all are going; but there is hope, in
every sense, of meeting again. I feel too proud, I fear, of
my children, as most parents perhaps do. Their Mother and
I have enjoyed as much of happiness, as earth affords; and
remembrance of happiness only will follow her: whether ever
to be renewed, He only knows certainly who is engaged to
make all things work together for our good.”
The time was now approaching when the Archdeacon was to be relieved
from his duties as Commissary, for within a month of the date of the
preceding letter, he writes
TO HIS WIFE.
“January 21, 1828.
“The Bishop is at length arrived. He was installed
yesterday. On Monday the report of the ‘Mary Anne’s’
arrival reached us; on Friday [Jan. 17,] we went down,
Messrs. Eales, Abbott, Mill, Cracraft, Prinsep (the
younger.) We found the ship at Culpee, near to where we met
Bishop Heber. Bishop James resembles him much in appearance
and manner. He is evidently of a kind disposition, and for
my own part, I have much reason to be satisfied with my
reception.
“I have not ascertained any of the Bishop’s plans, nor
perhaps has he yet settled any. I mentioned the residence
in the Upper Provinces, but he did not think the Archdeacon
could be spared from Calcutta, on account of the frequent
absence of the Bishop.”
The bishop, however, expressed a wish that, subject to his own
instructions, his correspondence with the Chaplains and the
Government, should be carried on by the Archdeacon, but it does not
appear that any plan to that effect was settled. As regarded himself,
the Archdeacon occupied his comparative freedom from public business,
in assisting the chaplains in their clerical duties, in finishing the
translation of the Prayer-book and the Homilies into Hindoostanee,
and in superintending a translation of the Prayer-book into Persian
by Mr. da Costa. These were all afterwards printed, either by, or by
the aid of, the Prayer-book and Homily Society. With reference to
these occupations, the Archdeacon writes
TO HIS WIFE.
“Feb. 12, 1828.
“I have been officiating at Howrah, and the same sermon
enabled me to assist Goode; so that I have not been idle,
and am much the better for it.”
And again:--
“I know not what C. has taken [to England] for you: I
told him to take you a copy of the translations of the
Common Prayer. I send three copies, by this ship, to the
Prayer Book and Homily Society. It is found fault with, as
Martyn’s Testament was; but I care little, as time will
bring to light the labours I have gone through; and those
who can improve it may.”
He adds--
“I have been much moved by the affection of the
Hindoostanee congregation for John Adlington. He has always
been more disposed to suffer in silence, than to complain;
yet after some time the Native Christians became so
attached to him on account of his ministrations, that one
day, on going to Church, he found a _punkah_[133] hung up
for him. The place for the Communion table being bare, one
begged to be allowed to place a mat on it. Another placed
a carpet, where John stood to minister; and lately one
came and said, he had been so comforted at the Communion,
that he begged to be allowed to present a silver cup, and
wished to know what shape John would have it made in.
These are genuine expressions of Christian Native feeling,
beyond what has appeared here; for Bowley is a great
disciplinarian, and his people are more under awe than
John’s flock. These facts the Hindoostanee Homilies brought
to my mind; for the translation is now read to the people.”
It has now to be observed, that as the frequent correspondence which
the Archdeacon maintained with his wife, during the time that she
was absent from India, affords a kind of Journal of the writer’s own
feelings, and of such occurrences as passed under his notice, little
more for the present is necessary than to subjoin extracts from his
letters to her. Thus, under date of April 7th, he writes:--
“I should tell you that Mr. Deerr had a most interesting
occasion last week, at Culna; he has baptized five persons
there, and another offered himself. The new Christians
begged the baptism might take place in their quarter of
the large spreading town. No appropriate building being
available, Mr. Deerr had a table set under a tree, in a
large Mango grove; the table covered with ‘a fair linen
cloth,’ and on it a marble basin full of pure water.
The Christians sung a hymn. About one hundred and fifty
assembled. Mr. Deerr preached from “Hallowed be thy name.”
All were hushed in silent attention; not a sound besides
Mr. Deerr’s voice, except the gentle sighing of the breeze
among the branches. Mr. Deerr hopes a good impression was
made. A little circumstance characteristic of the people
must be added: after the service, an old woman came up to
Mr. Deerr full of bustle, ‘Sir,’ said she ‘one of your
Christians owes me money, command him to pay me.’ Mr. Deerr
said this was not a suitable time for such business. ‘Sir,’
replied she, ‘if I am not heard in so holy an assembly,
where shall I get justice?’”
It might seem an unkindness to his memory to keep back another
portion of the same letter, illustrative as it is (with many other
extracts that might be given) of that enduring strength of natural
affection, with which the subject of these Memoirs was so peculiarly
imbued.
“This is a day, on several accounts, to be remembered by
us. It is your birth-day; it is also close on my own. It is
a day long to be remembered, too, for the sorrow we were
visited with ten years ago; when our John was removed from
this scene of trial, to behold his Father’s face in heaven.
It is fit that we should call these things to remembrance;
whilst deep humiliation becomes us, before Him who has been
about our path all our days. We have much, also, to praise
him for, both as it respects the past, and the present. I
think of you now as about the Channel, approaching your
desired haven. How the weather may have proved, and what
the society on board ship, and whether my children have
escaped all accidents, and how your health has been? These
are anxious questions [to which] I must wait some months
for an answer. To what, also, may await you in England. ‘Is
my father yet alive,’ the ‘old man’ to whom we all owe so
much? But why perplex myself on these accounts? I could not
but observe yesterday, how blessed is the appointment, that
time alleviates the feeling of loss. What agonies did we
endure, when our John was taken away? Of Emily, I confess,
I think less, because I knew her not as you did; but now
it seems well, that they are safely lodged in the Lamb’s
bosom, and it would be unkind to wish them back. O may our
two remaining loves hear the Saviour’s voice, and in their
early youth, know the love and kindness of His heart!”
The Archdeacon afterwards forwarded to his wife, the following
memorandum:--
“Calcutta, Thursday, April 10, 1828.
“This day completes my fifty-first year. The last year
has proved very eventful in several respects. The change
in my circumstances by the departure to England of
my wife and children, is great and painful beyond my
expectation, though I anticipated painful things. The
change in the circumstances of the Church Mission, by
the sickness of several, and the defection of others, is
painful to a degree. A blight seems to have come over
my temporal prospects; and much reason is there for
self-examination, as to why I am thus: but I need not go
far, nor search long. To my own soul, at least, the cause
is so obvious as to silence all complaints. If these be
not for my individual sin, yet my sins deserve much more
of mortification and shame. In company, vain words and
compliances leave a sense of sin that would drive me
to solitude: solitude cannot be improved without the
grace of solitude. Indolence, preference of amusement to
profit, want of delight in the Scriptures; in public and
in private, in the pulpit and in the closet, in capacity
to benefit myself or others, is brought more power fully
home to me, as I advance in life. And will it ever be
otherwise? And how can I meet death in this state? I know
theoretically the fulness, freeness and sufficiency of the
Saviour’s grace, but am I a partaker therein? I can think
of my beloved family without exertion, and follow the
intimations of my wife’s will, though she be far removed
from the knowledge of what I do, or power of contradicting
me; were the love of the Saviour as really in me, would it
not operate in the same way with reference to His will? I
know it would; and pray to be kept from self-deceiving. O,
may I take no rest until I have the evidence of that faith
in me which worketh by love, and overcomes the world, the
flesh and the Devil! I resolve that thus it shall be, the
Lord being my helper.’ Amen.”
In a subsequent letter the Archdeacon writes to his wife:--
“I have been very busy since I last wrote. A poor creature
who killed his wife in a fit of jealousy, sent for me last
week; and I visited him several times before the day, and
on the morning of his execution. My dreams for several
nights were of prisoners and fettered captives, imploring
help. The man was a native of Dacca, a Native christian,
spoke English with considerable fluency, and had acquired,
from attending on Michael Rosario, a considerable knowledge
of Scripture: and had not his awful crime called for more
pungent sorrow than he exhibited, he might have passed out
of life with a good name for christian knowledge. To his
own master he hath given an account. The day after this
poor creature left the world, I was startled by a note from
G. saying, ‘_his brother was indeed gone_!’ We had heard,
of his (the aid-de-camp) illness, but had no idea he was
in danger: but so it has come to pass. That finely-formed
youth, who was, perhaps, too proud of the personal
advantages God had given him, was seized with fever,
and sunk under the effects, [of it] in a few days, aged
twenty-one! Poor R. G. when he found his brother was in
danger, spoke to him of the Saviour: and the dying youth,
it seems, poured out a prayer, that, for Christ’s merits,
he might find a place in His kingdom. ‘And this,’ says R.
G. ‘is the only ray of light that this dark dispensation
affords.’”
The following letter records an interesting passage in the history of
Bishop’s College, Calcutta.
“May 16, 1828.
“Yesterday was Ascension day, and it was a ‘high day’
at Bishop’s College. The consecration of the chapel and
burial-ground took place. All the clergy were invited
by advertisement. The Bishop said that he should be at
the Ghaut,[134] opposite the College, at five o’clock in
the morning. I left home, therefore, at four: Latham and
Adlington went with me. We arrived first; and as the Bishop
had said that his coach would be full, we took advantage of
a dingy,[135] and passed over before him,--but there was
no meeting, or any reception at the Ghaut. We mustered at
Mill’s; and from thence proceeded to the place appointed
for a burying-ground. M. had prepared a shepherd’s crook,
gilt, with an ornamented staff; and this was carried before
us, by a Native christian from Madras, with a coat of
crimson colour, such as you know they wear on the coast.
We then assembled in the anti-chapel of the chapel, and
the Consecration service began; the gilded crook being
carried before us, up to the Communion-table. The ceremony
was then gone through, and M. preached the Sermon from
Malachi i. 2. ‘From the rising of the sun even until the
going down of the same, my name shall be great among the
Gentiles, &c.’ In the conclusion, he quoted part of the
prayer used by Bishop Middleton, on laying the first stone;
and pointed to his monument on the wall. I was, perhaps,
the only person present besides himself, who had taken part
in that ceremony. Mr. Schmidt, the Old Church organist,
had been engaged, with his three school-singing boys, and
also a finger organ for the occasion. They chaunted ‘The
_Venite_,’ ‘_Te Deum_,’ ‘_Jubilate_,’ and sang an Ascension
hymn before Communion, and after Communion, an anthem from
the eighth Psalm. The Armenian deacon was present in his
festival robes, which were of yellow stuff, with a collar
worn as our scarf, figured with large crosses embossed. The
Bishop provided a breakfast in the hall, to which forty
persons sat down.
“May 18th. We are just returned from the Cathedral, W. and
J. Adlington were ordained priests. Henderson preached the
sermon. Dear John, as pale as death; but he got through
without distress. When we commenced the Communion Service,
and I was reading the prayers for the Church militant, the
remembrance of the last ordinations, and of the beloved
Bishop Heber, came so strongly upon me, that I could
scarcely give utterance to the expression of thanks for
those departed in the faith and fear of God our Saviour: I,
however, got through. The whole congregation were kept the
whole time, but only Mrs. James, and Miss O. communicated,
besides the clergy.”
In the letters which Archdeacon Corrie wrote about this time, he
frequently mentions the failing health of Bishop James. Thus he
writes in a communication, dated
“Calcutta, June 30, 1828.
“The Bishop left this place last week, [for the Upper
Provinces.] He continued very ill past Chinsurah. He has
constituted me his commissary for this Archdeaconry, and
the other Archdeacons for their’s respectively; and so
devolved everything upon us, reserving only the power of
interfering when he pleases; and that before any definitive
sentence shall be passed, reference shall be made to him.
Had the former Bishops done this, they might both, perhaps,
have been alive still; and had not the present Bishop
their fate before him, he might not have thought of such a
measure; and if there be a real necessity for it, as to a
considerable extent there is, there should be more Indian
Bishops.”
This deputing of the administration of a portion of the diocese
to the Archdeacon, necessarily increased his occupations; yet his
correspondence intimates that he neither declined to perform ordinary
clerical duty as occasion served, nor to attend to affairs of
missions. Scarcely a month however had elapsed, ere increased illness
obliged the Bishop to return to Calcutta; and so seriously unwell
was he on reaching that place, that it was not considered advisable
for him to land. Respecting the Bishop’s state of health, Archdeacon
Corrie writes,
TO MR. SHERER.
“Calcutta, August 8, 1828.
“Bishop James has been, and now is, at death’s door, from
liver complaint. He was affected with it in England, and
this climate has excited the disease, almost to death, if
indeed he survive. He has sent in his resignation of the
bishoprick, and is gone to New Anchorage to embark on board
the Huntley, for Penang. He told me that his plan is, to
stay awhile at Penang, and go from thence to Bombay, and,
if possible, to New South Wales, and so to England. Thus we
are again without a Bishop, although he will be nominally
so, whilst he remains within the Company’s territories.”
With reference to missions, the Archdeacon adds:--
“A blessing is vouchsafed to Deerr’s labours, beyond
most. He has lately baptized eleven persons, viz. five at
Burdwan, and six at Culna. Our Report exhibits sixty added
to the Church; and since May 1st, fifteen more. Simon, one
of my school-boys, has resigned a salary of eighty rupees
a month, to engage (unsolicited) in Missionary work. Thus,
among many discouragements the gospel grows among us.”
During the ensuing month the Archdeacon had occasion to visit some of
the stations on the river; and observes in a memorandum: dated
“Fultah, Sep. 18, 1828.
“By unexpected circumstances I find myself here, just
twenty-two years since passing a day here on my [first]
arrival in India. How altered for the worse is this place!
How many changes have I seen since then! How altered in
contrast, are my circumstances! A stranger then, wandering,
friendless, and in my own apprehension, poor; for I
understood in England, my salary would be three hundred
pounds a year, and was warned that it would supply no
superfluities. Though this was a mistake as to sterling
amount, and there was something, I apprehend, of a pious
fraud used, to prevent my taking the appointment from
temporal motives;--though I have enjoyed much beyond what
was then contemplated by friends or myself, yet I am still
poor; though, blessed be God, neither friendless, nor
without a certain object in life. When I say poor, I mean
in worldly reckoning, for I am rich, in not caring for
riches. I have long seen that they add neither to personal
worth, nor public usefulness; except as used with a single
eye, to the grace and goodness of God in granting them. As
to objects, I now see what is practicable, in reference to
the spread of the gospel in the land, which I was utterly
ignorant of when I came here in 1806; and what reason for
thanksgiving to God is there, that times and circumstances
are so much more favourable now! Then all was untried and
uncertain to a great degree; now the work of Missions is
better understood; success has been in many instances
granted to it, and the duty and probability of success of
the work made, in a considerable degree, manifest.”
At the time the foregoing remarks were penned, the Church in India
had been again deprived of her chief pastor, by death; although the
intelligence of Bishop James’ decease did not reach Calcutta until
the 17th of Oct. In apprising Mrs. Corrie of that mournful event, and
of his preaching the Bishop’s funeral sermon, in the cathedral on
Sunday morning, Oct. 19, the Archdeacon writes:--
“I took for a text Job xxx. 23, [“I know that thou wilt
bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all
living.”] I offered--
“I. Some reflections on our situation in the world. As
rational creatures, we are subject to a law which we
have broken, in consequence of which death reigns. But a
reprieve is proclaimed, and an offer of escape from the
second death made by Jesus Christ.
“II. Christianity can render the prospect of death and the
grave, comfortable--‘a house,’ ‘a home.’
“III. But it is by self-application that it does so; “_I
know_ that thou wilt bring me to death.”
“IV. And by a determination to live under the influence of
the self-application. “_I know_,” is experimental, not mere
theory.
“Application, 1st. Let every instance of mortality around
us, lead us to set our house in order; thus we shall be
growing in capacity for the enjoyments and employments of
heaven. Nor can our conduct, in this respect, fail to have
a powerful influence on our general character, as members
of society. He who thinks not of death, and of preparation
for it, cannot set an example of religious living to
others. He who wilfully postpones the subject, will shun
solitude; the concerns of a future state will be, as much
as possible, kept out of sight, and temporal considerations
will be all in all.
“Finally, with reference to the occasion of my appearing
in this place to-day, to men who live not under the
impression of death and the grave, the removal of one after
another, of the chief pastors of the Church, will appear
in no other light, than the removal of secular persons.
The improvement in the religious condition of our own
community being suspended, and the consequent influence
such improvements might have had on the immortal interests
of the natives, among whom we dwell, being interrupted, and
to a considerable extent postponed,--these will not enter
into the consideration of those, who value not Christianity
as the only ground of a sinner’s hope; the only guide of
his judgment and practice. How many of our countrymen
now proceeding in an irreligious course, might, by the
example, and the exertion of great attainments put forth
in the service of religion, aided by the influence of high
station, have been turned to a life of righteousness! How
many of the youth, among our countrymen at our stations,
exposed to every wind of temptation, with scarcely any
controlling influence, might by such exertions, and such
influence, have been saved from premature death, and
rendered heirs of everlasting life! These and similar
considerations, will not enter into the calculations of
men who live only for the present world. True Christians,
however, whilst they sympathise with bereaved relations and
friends, mourn chiefly the loss of the immortal interest
of mankind, involved in these, seemingly premature,
bereavements. They will pray that surviving ministers may
be enabled to redouble their diligence and zeal; as their
work is no less, and their disadvantages greater. They
will pray that the Lord of the harvest may send suitable
labourers into the great and important field of labour;
and then, whatever may be the result as to others, our
own enjoyments will be heightened, by conscious attention
to the duties which present circumstances call us to; and
we shall be kept in patient continuance in well doing;
waiting for that glory, honour, and immortality, which the
Lord, the righteous judge, will give to all who love his
appearing.”
By the premature death of Bishop James, the administration of the
diocese of Calcutta devolved for the second time on Archdeacon
Corrie; and it could scarcely be supposed, but that the increased
demands on his time which these changes brought with them, would
to some extent debar him from corresponding so frequently with his
friends, as he might formerly have been able to do. We find him,
therefore, now observing to his valued friend, the
REV. J. BUCKWORTH.
“Among the causes of my not writing to you, one is,
that much of what I write home is published, so that
you know generally what I am about. This circumstance,
also, has contributed to the difficulty I often find in
writing to friends. The publication of my letters has
at times occasioned me great uneasiness, chiefly on my
own account. You cannot but know how little qualified I
am for the public sphere unto which I have been called.
You know, also, how little in early life I intended it;
and, I can truly say, I have never desired it, and now
greatly wish for the shade, my proper place. Another
cause of my unfrequent correspondence is, the wearisome,
inward conflict I endure, with little or no intermission.
I travel, indeed, heavily on the heavenly way. Few, I
think, can be burdened as I am with the body of sin and
death. My views of the plan of salvation have been clear,
I apprehend, from the early part of my course; and I may
thank you, in no small degree for this; but every now and
then, the evil of my heart breaks out, as it were, more
inveterately than ever, and I seem ready to perish. The
text of the first sermon you preached at Stoke, is my
stronghold at this time, Psalm xxv. 11, “For thy name’s
sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity; for it is great.” It
needs infinite mercy, and infinite merit; and _both_ are
manifested in Christ Jesus.... These interruptions, and the
differences which have arisen amongst the religious public
with you, make me fear the latter day glory is not to be
revealed so soon as once was generally apprehended. I see
no reason to differ from Scott’s general view of Scripture
truth; but I observe most of those at home, who contend so
strenuously for the personal reign [of Christ,] and those
here, who have been most dissatisfied with Missionary
matters, are high doctrinal men. Well, the counsel of
the Lord shall stand. His hand goes not forth even now
in vain: where humble men persevere in setting forth the
Saviour, as the sinner’s only hope, some are drawn to Him.
Souls are added to the Church frequently, at almost every
Missionary station; and the Word of God is taking root, up
and down this part of India. Three remarkable instances
have lately come to light, of individuals far removed
from each other, in the upper parts of the Presidency,
receiving incidentally the New Testament [translated,]
taking it home, and, after understanding the blessed
contents, calling their friends and neighbours, to hear the
Scriptures read. In one case, the man was murdered; though
it is thought for his wealth, rather than in a way of
persecution. In another case, the man was obliged through
persecution to flee from his native place, and in the
third case, as a brother of some influence in the place,
has taken a decided part in favour of the gospel, it is
hoped more good will result to the neighbourhood. But the
labourers are very, very few; and if larger salaries are
[not] to be given to Missionaries, the number must diminish
rather than increase. It seems as if we must labour more,
to raise up labourers on the spot. This has always been an
object with me; but I have had but little success. Now,
indeed, some young men, born in this country, are coming
forward to offer themselves for Missionary work. The
characters of such, in a natural point of view, are almost
always less robust than that of Englishmen. Their bodies
are generally feebler, and the mind seems to partake of the
same. They, however, assimilate more to the natives; seem
to bear with their feebleness of character, and meet the
case of the unconverted with more readiness than Englishmen
can do, from the entirely different channel in which
their ideas flow. It is, perhaps, never intended that the
Indian should equal the European in energy; and we must be
content with things as the God of nature intended them. My
attachment to the country increases, as my acquaintance
with the people, and, also, the language, becomes more
familiar. I must mention, that during the last year, and
with the help of competent assistants, I have translated
and have printed a complete copy of the Book of Common
Prayer. Every letter and tittle of the Prayer-Book is now
clothed in the Hindoostanee language, and will become
increasingly useful, as the borders of our Zion become
enlarged.”[136]
At the beginning of November 1828, Archdeacon Corrie set out to
visit the Upper Provinces of Bengal. A Journal of his proceedings is
contained in his correspondence with his wife.[137] Thus he writes
from
“Burdwan, Nov. 8, 1828.
“I yesterday, at half past ten o’clock, went to Bogbonar:
Candy and Hammond went with me. I felt relieved on getting
away from Calcutta. At twelve the tide turned. I had a long
look at our sweet Cossipore abode. The Ganges is unusually
full this season, so that by the time I reached Serampore,
the tide turned again. I stopped therefore at Marshman’s,
where Mrs. J. Marshman gave me a kind welcome.
“Bearers being procured, I set off soon after four o’clock,
for Chinsurah; but it being Kalee-poojah, they were tipsy.
At first, they shouted and joked; afterwards, getting
tired, they quarrelled, and scolded, and, amidst deafening
noise, I did not get to Herklot’s till 8 o’clock.... I
set off for Burdwan, where I arrived before ten this
morning. Deerr and his family are well. They have two fine
children, a boy, and a girl, very like each other, and the
picture of health. My mind is kept in a measure of peace.
I have begun the book of Joshua, for travelling reading.
I trust Joshua’s God is with me; and that I go on my way
according to His will.
“Sunday, 9th. This has been a day of mixed feeling. In the
morning, I met the native Christians at family worship.
There were twenty-two present. There are two sick, and
three absent, making twenty-seven adults, besides children.
A converted Brahmin read 1 Cor. xi.; and Deerr interpreted
what observations I wished to make to them, on the Lord’s
Supper. They seemed to understand. Something also was
said to the women, on the honour conferred on them by the
gospel, in restoring them to their original state, as the
helpmeet of man, and fellow-servants of the Lord. They
seemed to understand, and were very attentive. At ten
o’clock, Divine service in English; about fifteen present.
Knowing that the Bengalee worship was waiting, I did not
prolong the English service beyond half-past eleven--got
back to the Mission-house quarter before twelve o’clock;
but the [Bengalee] worship did not commence till half-past.
After a selection from the morning prayer, and a hymn,
Deerr preached on the institution of the Lord’s Supper. I
found that three men and two women had not been instructed
with reference to the Sacrament, and at my desire they
withdrew. The Lord’s Supper was then administered to ten
men and six women; I read the prayer of consecration in
English. I then pronounced the words in Bengalee, which
I had written down in Roman characters; and gave the
bread, and Deerr the wine. The whole went off, I trust,
in an edifying manner; and, on the whole, thankfulness
prevailed.... One end of my coming was, by this means
to try some, and promote the edification of others. It
is found that being baptized merely, does not prevent
return to caste: partaking of the Lord’s Supper does. In
consequence, one tried to evade putting the bread into
his mouth; and another, on drinking of the cup, nodded
slily to another, as much as to say (in my interpretation
of his look and manner) ‘We are caught.’ This is sad: but
some are sincere beyond all doubt; and, I may be mistaken
in my judgment of others. Mrs. Deerr and her sister say
of the women, that their carelessness (as it appears
to me) is merely their shyness at the appearance of a
stranger. One thing was very pleasing, they were almost all
well-looking people; clean, and nicely dressed--and gave
me the impression of being the better sort. The two I have
mentioned as sick, are a young Brahmin and his wife. He is
upwards of six feet high, with quite the erect, independent
look and manner of the Brahmin--He is of the highest caste.
One uncle is Treasurer to the Commercial Bank; and a cousin
is the Dewan[138] of the Burdwan Rajah, at one of his
Purgunahs.[139] Notwithstanding the favourable appearances
here, it would be easy for an unfeeling man to break up the
work; and render what is doing, matter of worldly scorn.
The English around are too careless to take notice of what
is doing; and too ignorant of the ways of the people among
whom they dwell, to judge rightly. I have always been
averse to exciting too much attention in them to missionary
work, knowing how easily an ungodly man might turn it all
into ridicule. But from my inmost soul, I rejoice even in
these very imperfect beginnings--I am sure they are the
beginning of better days.
“Nov. 20th. I am now within four coss [eight miles] of
Benares, on the Calcutta side of the Ganges, waiting for
bearers, who ought to have been waiting for me. You are
made acquainted with my intention of visiting the missions
here. I wrote to you from Burdwan on the twelfth. On that
day I went to Bancorah, and had a rainy and very tiresome
journey on account of the broken road. I received great
kindness from Dr. and Mrs. Clarke--Dr. C. laid my _dawk_,
so as to admit of my resting every night at one of the
stageing bungalows, and I am, thus far, rather refreshed
than otherwise by the journey. I am glad to have travelled
this road; for after having traversed in all directions
the valley of the Ganges, I had no idea of the varied
scenery which borders on it; on the west side, as well
as the east. About one hundred miles from Calcutta, at
Bancorah, the ground begins to rise: the range of hills
we saw at Cuttack, runs on the left hand (going upwards);
and you proceed through an uneven surface of country,
(the scenery a good deal like the Dhoon,) ascending for a
hundred miles more. Then a table-land commences, of nearly
another hundred miles, but abounding in ups and downs;
and presenting, at different points, views such as we saw
in the Himalahs; only by no means on so grand a scale....
At about three hundred miles from Calcutta, steep ghauts
occur; and by degrees, the traveller gets to the plains you
know so well.
“Nov. 22, 1828. I arrived about twelve o’clock on the 20th
at Secrole. On the way from a large ghaut, where I crossed
the river, a new, tall steeple, pointing to the skies,
attracted my eager eyes, as I approached Secrole. You
cannot conceive what a picture the Church is now become.
The inside enlarged by the removal of the internal wall, to
the north, and the south; and the verandah inclosed. A new
pulpit and reading-desk of really exquisite workmanship;
and the front of the organ-gallery of the same; executed,
as the whole has been, under Mr. J. P. Prinsep’s immediate
eye. A well-proportioned stone font, placed near the west
entrance; and the whole arranged with real taste and
propriety. I could fill sheets with all I see and hear. I
will only now add, that the state of this station affords a
striking comment on the sin of despising the day of small
things. I used to come, first to Wheatley’s back parlour,
and meet a few writers and artillery men. We then got an
unoccupied house, and all the station assembled; but next
week, an alarm was taken: ‘The discontented would take
advantage of our assembling, and fall upon us, and cut off
all the English together.’ General M. would no more allow
the artillery-men to attend. Thomas B. declared he would
not again venture into such a ruinous dwelling; but strange
to say the house is yet standing. We then assembled in
S’s. house, every third Sunday: and after two more years,
I ventured to circulate a proposal for building a place
of worship, out of which, by remarkable progress as you
know, has sprung the present commodious and really elegant
structure. The new Missionaries are not arrived here yet;
nor likely to be here for ten days to come.
“Chunar, Nov. 29. To my great joy, the church is
substantially repaired, looks better than ever, and is
likely to stand a century. I yesterday had evening service:
the Church was full; not less than two hundred and fifty
people, including three officers and their families, of the
Regulars. Last Sunday I had service twice at Secrole. P.
was here. To-morrow I purpose having service twice here.
This will testify of my strength; for indeed, not being, by
my situation, called to it, I would not attempt so much, if
I suffered from it.
“Benares, Dec. 6th. 1828. Crauford, Wilkinson, Bowley,
Eteson, and Frend have arrived; who, together with Proby,
make seven Padres: and to-day Mr. Adams, of the London
Society, and Mr. Robertson, of the same, came in. We
commenced soon after ten o’clock, and continued till after
two. We. discussed the signs of the times, with reference
to the spread of the gospel among Europeans and Natives
in India. The utility of schools where boys leave early,
and the evidences required in adults, in order to baptism.
Each spoke in turn, and, on the whole, order was kept; and
all seemed gratified. It was admitted, that the progress
of the gospel advances. Many instances were adduced of its
gaining a hold on the native public. One man, eighteen
coss from Allahabad, heard the gospel from a Missionary;
and received a copy of the New Testament. He read it at
home to his family; his neighbours also came to hear,
till the usual effects began to appear; some siding with
him, others opposing. Lately he came to Mr. Crauford,
to know what he must do. A Fakeer received a gospel,
and sent it to his village in Goruckpore district. His
brother, a Thannadar,[140] had, also, received a gospel
from Mr. Wilkinson. The two brothers now unite in reading
the Gospel, and collect their neighbours to hear. The
raising up of native teachers was also adduced: and the
power of Divine truth, in rendering aged Hindoos active
and industrious in spreading the knowledge of the gospel,
instanced in several cases. Schools were admitted to be of
incalculable value; especially as rendering the visits of
the Missionary welcome to the adults of a village; and, it
may be hoped, in preoccupying the mind with some degree
of useful knowledge; though, as yet, no direct instances
of conversion have come to light in the schools. It was
agreed, that repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ, should be required in candidates for baptism:
but it was also agreed, that the fruits of these would
appear in vast variety, and be differently judged of by
Missionaries; so that no one should judge another in the
admission of converts. In the evening, I preached in the
Church from John xvii. 20, 21. “Neither pray I for these
alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through
their word; that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art
in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that
the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
“December 12th. Yesterday we passed at the mission
bungalow. Mr. E. from Ghazeepoor also joined us. So that
there were eight padres. The forenoon was passed as the day
before. We discussed the influence the personal character
of a Minister is likely to have on his office; and agreed
to some resolutions on a prayer-union, as formerly set
on foot by Mr. Brown. This may prove a blessing to others
also. At dinner, much discussion arose about recording
conversations with natives on religious points; and the
general opinion was favourable to its utility. I was asked
to print my sermon, preached on Wednesday evening. If I see
any prospect of usefulness, I may do so.[141]
“Dec. 13th, 1828. This evening, I have experienced
the greatest pleasure in Hindoostanee worship, I can
remember ever to have done. About sun-set, I rode into
the Bazaar, and saw a crowd; and on approaching, I found
the missionaries with Tryloke, raised on the steps of
a door; T. arguing with great seriousness, and perfect
calmness of manner, and the people listening attentively.
There had been levity, it seems, displayed by some of
the crowd before I came; but they were then all serious;
and T’s manner and appearance were very patriarchal. I
was much solemnized by the scene: we then adjourned to
the preaching-house. Charles prayed and read our Lord’s
discourse with the woman of Samaria, with a comment,
adding also some appropriate remarks of his own, and
ended with prayer. Kewal Messeeh, then, commenced a hymn,
in Hindoostanee; and a few joined him. The measure also
was Hindoostanee. The words, and his correct manner,
affected me much; and arrested the attention of many of
the hearers. It was to the effect of “O Jesu, Saviour,
God, shew mercy;” and then instanced several proofs of
his power; and the last verse was an exhortation to trust
in that mercy, as the only safe way of salvation. Tryloke
then read a sermon on, “There is joy in heaven over one
sinner that repenteth.” He read with animation, but towards
the conclusion of his prayer, his earnestness for his
neighbours, and especially for his own family, was very
affecting. He seemed to wrestle for a blessing upon them.
Doubtless these are the fruits of the Spirit; and God’s
presence is evidently with them.
“Sunday evening, 14th. This forenoon, a full church at
English service. At three o’clock, p. m., Mr. Frend
read prayers in Hindoostanee, with wonderful propriety,
considering the short time he has been in the country.
His pronunciation is distinct, and he would be perfectly
understood, though some words were imperfectly expressed.
After prayers, three adult converts from Hindooism were
baptized by Mr. Bowley. The mother of one of them came in
an agony to church, and also his brother; but he refused
to forego his purpose. After church, the poor woman seemed
more resigned, saying, ‘her son was old enough to judge for
himself; and she did not know what might have moved him to
the step.’ The family live near the church. Another was a
teacher of a school; the third was brought to the faith of
Christ by means of an Indigo planter, and sent hither for
baptism. He gave his mala[142] to Mr. Eteson, saying, it
was once his treasure, ‘but now,’ said he, ‘these are my
treasures;’ referring to a Hindoostanee Prayer-book and
New Testament he had under his arm. After the baptisms,
Mr. Wilkinson preached in Hindoostanee, on the baptism
of the Eunuch. I could not but be very thankful for the
means of instruction thus supplied. I felt how much better
the people of this place were off, in respect of means of
grace, than when I resided here; and, I think, I was, from
my heart, content to sink in the scale; and that these
devoted servants of Christ should become in every way more
useful, and as ministers, more honourable; and may an
abundant blessing follow the instructions afforded here
this day!”
“Dec. 25th, 1828. This day has been a day of thanksgiving.
At church, I preached, and administered the Sacrament of
the Supper, with Proby. Thirty-eight attended the Lord’s
Supper, of the English congregation; and I found Mr.
Eteson had above twenty communicants, at the Hindoostanee
Chapel. P. is, at times, all gloom, as if this were a day
of vengeance for Benares; and the people were filling up
their measure of wrath. I maintain, that he would be of an
opposite opinion, could he have seen the place twenty-three
years ago. I am much importuned to go to Goruckpore; and
propose leaving this to-morrow night, by _dawk_, for
that quarter. I go only five stages by bearers; and then
expect to find a buggy the rest of the way. You will
conclude, that at times, I feel anxious about who may be
the next Bishop; and you will, I know, give me the earliest
intelligence you can. The two young men last arrived
promise well; and at times, I am ready to think that means
for forwarding the kingdom of Christ are rising up around,
which may render my services of little consequence, and
then, I should think, I had better withdraw. But who shall
reckon on to-morrow? May we labour for the things which are
eternal; and whether in India or England, we shall have the
presence of the Saviour to support and comfort us!
“Goruckpore, Dec. 29, 1828. On Sunday I preached twice for
Mr. E. In the morning, the singers sang a psalm-tune I do
not recollect to have heard since I left Colsterworth. It
reminded me strongly of early days.... The band-master was
clerk: and is a man of real piety, and more than common
propriety of manners. The singing is well conducted there.
A new church is building, on a plan supplied by Bishop
Heber; but the drain of money, caused by the Burmese war,
has caused all matters which require money, to go on very
slowly, ever since. At nine o’clock in the evening, I left
Mr. E. and came on in a palanquin towards this place.
Through the kindness of Mr. Bird and Mr. Wilkinson, I had
five relays of horses, and a buggy waiting on the road: so
by seven in the morning I mounted the gig. On the bank of
the Ganges, I found Mr. Bird in a tent, waiting for me,
with breakfast ready. We made a comfortable meal, and he
afterwards drove me through a country, finely cultivated,
to Goruckpore; where we arrived just after sun-set.
This district has been reclaimed from the forest nearly,
since the English gained possession; and a quantity of
the forest-trees remain, in scattered clumps, which give
a rich appearance to the country. It is in sight, too, of
the perpetual snows; and is seldom scorched as the plain of
the Ganges is. R. B. has a house of the best style of the
Moffusil,[143] surrounded with quite a park.
“Tuesday, 30th. After breakfast, I set out to explore the
mission-premises here; and was much gratified indeed with
the general appearance. First, came the Christian houses,
situated close to the town; with a field of about three
acres in cultivation before them, towards the high road.
On the north side of this field stands the seminary, as
it is called. A pucka[144] building, with two lower rooms
at the north end; and over them one sleeping room. The
whole verandahed all round, with tasty pillars, in front
of the dwelling part. This forms a most comfortable abode
for a single man. In this will dwell a country lad, named
Raphael, whom I brought up from Calcutta. He seems to have
received religious benefit from Crauford’s Friday evening
catechizing, at the old Church room; and is mentioned in
the last Report of the Church Missionary Committee, as a
missionary student. He came over here with Wilkinson, from
Benares; and you will be glad to hear that both W. and R.
B. are favourably impressed with what they have as yet seen
of him. Next to the seminary, eastward, across the road,
is the Church, at present levelled with the ground. The
last year here was unusually rainy. The earth became so
saturated with rain, that all the wells were running over;
and the sandy soil becoming thus impregnated with moisture,
the foundations of the Church gave way. R. B. with his
usual decision, pulled it all down; and is now employed
in rebuilding it on piles, and on a broader foundation;
intending, also, a less ponderous roof. Behind the Church,
eastward, is the parsonage; a very pretty and commodious
building. It consists of a lower room to the west, and one
of similar dimensions to the east; with two rooms on each
side; a verandah all round, and corner rooms to each side:
a complete Indian dwelling, outhouses in abundance; and a
fine garden, kept up by the prisoners sentenced to hard
labour. The whole extent of ground is about twelve acres;
which is made over to the Mission, including the site of
the Church. I must not forget to mention a nice building,
nearly finished, intended for christian girls: and called,
in joke, ‘the nursery.’ Sarah Bowley was to have come here,
to take charge of it, but this plan is suspended, owing to
the departure of Dr. and Mrs. Clarke. Perhaps Bowley and
his daughter will come here, for the hot season; and then
the plan will proceed. All these temporal advantages, the
Mission owes to Mr. B; and it is a matter of thankfulness
that he has notice of being appointed Commissioner here,
on the new system; and will now, (if spared) in all
probability, continue here several years.
“You will now have some idea of the external state of
this place; but cannot adequately conceive of the beauty
of the situation of this part of India. But now for the
better part. On my going into the Mission-house, all the
Christians collected, old and young; and the room was
filled. I could not speak to them all at once, and so
proposed a hymn. We sang the thirty-fourth of Bowley’s
Hindoostanee translation, and then some from Betteah were
introduced, the children of persons who had received copies
of the Gospels from me at Chunar, and which are kept now as
relics. Raphael, one of my school-boys, is major-domo of
the christian settlement; and shewed it to me with great
glee. The aged Zemindar, and several converts from Islam,
conversed for some time; and two or three Hindoo devotees
sat ‘clothed’ beside us, ‘and in their right mind.’ On
coming away, I saw one of these talking with great
earnestness to a fat Fakeer, covered with ashes; he seemed
to be repeating Scripture to him, but I did not stay to
hear, lest I should put an end to the discourse.
“Wednesday, 31st. This morning at eight o’clock, I
assembled with the Christians at morning prayer in the
school-room. Forty-three were present; of whom about ten or
twelve were boys, of ten or twelve years of age or under;
the remainder adults, male and female. The morning Psalms
were read, in alternate verses, in Hindoostanee. The third
of St. Matthew was then read, and the latter part commented
on by Mr. W.; a hymn was first sung, I should have said,
and all concluded with prayer, by Mr. W. Thus the word of
God grows and increases. About two, p. m. I went again to
the Mission-house, and read the second Homily, and part
of the third, with the Zemindar, and an intelligent young
convert from Islam and a few others. They entered into
the subject earnestly, and much conversation arose out of
different parts of the reading.
“January 1st. 1829. I, this morning, went on the top of the
house before sun-rise, and had a sight of a peak of the
snowy mountains. It brought strongly to my mind Masoree
Tabea, and the happy days we passed there in 1825: my heart
yearned after our sweet children, and I tried to pray for
them, that this may prove a happy year to them, and that
through all eternity we may rejoice together. We had a
New-year’s day service, with the native Christians; it was
to me, and I believe to several of them, an interesting
service; I spoke to them on life as a journey. I am almost
constantly with you in spirit; and associate you in all my
poor prayers, for mercy, and blessing. To-day news have
arrived here of various movements, seemingly propitious.
May divine grace accompany them to those concerned; and
they cannot fail to prove so!
“17th. I have told you of all the people I met with, up to
Monghyr. On the 14th, I got to Boglipore, and walked to the
cantonments of His Majesty’s 3rd Regiment, now stationed
there. They are on the Calcutta side of the old station,
and the distance is considerable. I was rather heated,
and could only leave word with a serjeant, that I would
come up next morning to the school-house. After a while,
the school-master came to my boat, a pious young man who
received the knowledge of the truth under a Chaplain in New
South Wales. He has been the means of drawing eight others
to join in a religious society, and seems an estimable
character. Next morning, at nine o’clock, I went up and
found the commanding officer, Colonel C., at the mess-room;
and five children with parents and sponsors assembled. The
Colonel went with me to the school, where I catechised
the Protestant children, and gave each a little book. He
then went with me to the hospital, where I read prayers;
and exhorted the convalescent, about twenty or thirty
in number. The Colonel then took me, in his gig, to his
bungalow, and introduced me to his wife, and a grown-up
daughter. There was a little son also, who seemed greatly
pleased with a book I gave him. I was much pressed to stay
and dine with the mess, but I had accomplished what seemed
in my power, and declined the civility. I gave a good many
of the tracts and religious books I mentioned, as having
been brought out for me by Mr. Eteson, to the schoolmaster
for distribution.
“Jan. 22nd. I am near Cutwa. It had been my intention to go
over to Maldah, from below Chandree; but unexpectedly this
river is still open; and the Manjee[145] said, it would
make five days difference, as to the length of the journey;
beside the delay of going over to Maldah: and I have been
long enough absent from Calcutta, at this time. I hear,
also, that the Governor General is about Maldah, shooting;
so that I should have had little comfort in the visit. At
Berhampore, I called on the D’s, Mr. Hill, and the new
Chaplain, Mr. Wintle; but remained only about three hours:
there seemed nothing to detain me. I am expecting to see
the V’s., this evening, or early to-morrow, at Krishnagur,
to call at Culna, and perhaps meet Mr. Deerr, and inspect
the schools.... My recreation is drawing to a close, for
the present, for Calcutta has never been a residence of
my choice. On the whole, my journey has yielded all the
pleasure I expected. I have kept free from colds, and
have reaped all the benefit of the change and variety....
I have met with kindness everywhere; and seen much of a
religious nature, to encourage. From long acquaintance
with the natives, I have also derived amusement, beyond
any other time, from observing their innocent sports. But
alas! their language, even when in sport, is sadly corrupt.
However, I see more and more, how little those who do
not mix familiarly with them can know them. Their whole
conduct may be construed either seriously, or as in joke,
if necessity oblige them to conceal their real meaning.
Christian knowledge is doubtless gaining ground, wherever
Missionaries dwell. At Monghyr, Mr. M. told me that many
natives now come to hear the word regularly. Mr. Hill, at
Berhampore, told me the same. The interruption they used
to meet with seldom occurs; and many listen attentively
to the end of a discourse, instead of going out and in,
as formerly. Still, it is but ‘the day of small things;’
and, respecting the general population, but a very few
come under the ‘joyful sound.’--I heard, at Monghyr,
of a wealthy farmer, as you would say in England, near
Sheergotty, who received a Hindoostanee New Testament, from
Mr. Bowley, in one of his journies back from Calcutta. The
man read it to his neighbours also; and other Missionaries,
who have since met with him, were delighted with the love
he shewed for the truth. This man has lately been murdered;
it is thought, on account of valuable ornaments he wore;
but the particulars are not known. These incidental
occurrences shew the value of itinerant labourers.”
[133] A board suspended from the ceiling, and having ropes
attached by which to swing it to and fro, for the
purpose of cooling the room.
[134] Landing-place.
[135] A small kind of boat.
[136] It may here be mentioned that the Creed of St.
Athanasius, as translated in this Prayer-book, so
attracted the attention of the learned Mahomedans,
and the demand to possess it became consequently so
great, that Archdeacon Corrie was induced to have
several hundred copies of it struck off for separate
circulation. One of those persons, on applying for a
copy of the Creed, observed, “Now we know what you
Christians believe.” The Archdeacon on relating this
circumstance stated, also, that nothing could exceed
the bitter enmity against the doctrine of Christ,
which the exposition of divine truth contained in
that Creed, seemed to stir up in the Mahomedan heart.
[137] Many particulars connected with this Journey, and
not contained in the following pages, may be seen in
the Missionary Register for 1829.
[138] Chief Minister or agent.
[139] A large division or district of land.
[140] A kind of police-officer.
[141] It does not appear that the Sermon was ever printed.
[142] Rosary or string of beads.
[143] Out-stations.
[144] Brick.
[145] Steersman.