DISQUIETUDE CONCERNING THE ANGLO-HINDOO COLLEGE--DEATH OF BISHOP
TURNER.
On the 20th of June, 1830, Archdeacon Corrie left Calcutta in
company with the Bishop, with a view to attend that Prelate in a
visitation of the Upper Provinces. They proceeded, however, only
as far as Chunar, circumstances having decided the Bishop to defer
his Visitation of Delhi and the intermediate Stations. The Bishop
and Archdeacon, therefore, returned to the Presidency by the latter
end of September. One result of this journey was, to create a
greater anxiety than ever in the mind of the Archdeacon, that in the
contemplated renewal of the East India Company’s Charter, some more
efficient provision should be made for the spiritual wants of India,
than had hitherto been the case. On that important subject he writes,
TO MR. SHERER.
“Calcutta, Oct. 6, 1830.
“The times are troublous both at home and abroad;
discontent is spread through every branch of this service,
in many cases unreasonably, in many the privations actually
inflicted cause much distress. Your political atmosphere
seems very cloudy;--what may follow the death of George
IV. we dare not conjecture. It affects my mind especially,
with reference to the renewal of the East India Company’s
charter. ‘The Lord reigneth,’ might well serve on this
head, as on the affairs of England; but I have no call to
interfere in the latter, whereas I must plead for India.
Do, beloved brother, look about for aid in this matter;
affairs here in reference to religion are more and more
pressing. The young civilians are now sent out of Calcutta
soon after their arrival, qualified or not, so that at the
small stations, there are more than formerly. You will
remember that out-of-the-way place Azimgurh: there are five
civilians, three young officers, and a doctor, with the
usual _Cranies_:[153] such is the general increase at our
Stations. Now, a Chaplain at each of such stations, is too
much at present to expect, but such a number as would admit
of a Chaplain from Benares, Gazeepore, or Gorruckpore,
visiting the subordinate stations at stated intervals,
might and ought to be allowed. Instead of this, it is
recommended from this [Government], to reduce the present
number of Chaplains to seven, and to secure the occasional
services of Missionaries, of any and every persuasion, and
to abolish the Scotch establishment altogether. Our House
of Commons seems indeed at a low ebb. From what a height
of splendour, in eloquence and lofty feelings at least,
is Parliament fallen. I look in vain for an advocate for
poor India, in all that passes,--at least as reported
here. Perhaps a dissolution of Parliament may bring to
light some ‘gem of purer ray;’ though it is rather to
be feared lest India be lost sight of amidst contending
politics at home. I can tell you in confidence, that our
Bishop has represented to the powers here, that by such
a scheme of Church arrangements as above, Government
would recognise Missions, which they have never done;
have no control over the agents so authorised; and that
by a variety of procedure in those employed, confusion
probably would ensue. Whereas if they are serious in
their attempts to extend sound knowledge, by extending
the Church establishment, and taking more pains than at
present to secure fit persons, they might provide a body
of most efficient agents in forwarding the improvement of
the country. I need not tell you, except to refresh your
memory, that were a Clergyman of respectable character
and attainments placed at Krishnaghur, and every other
Sudder[154] Station, the indigo-planters would in time
avail themselves of his services, by coming in with their
families at the Festivals, or receiving occasional visits
at their houses; besides, there might be a school under
his own eye at home. Would not many of the planters be
induced to establish a school each, which the Chaplain
would occasionally visit, &c.? All this has been stated
to the Governor General, who at the time is friendly, but
is hopeless as to the Court of Directors. Our Bishop is
of opinion that were the subject taken up judiciously at
home, by a person not suspected of party spirit; and the
Bishop of London, and Archbishop, who are both desirous of
India’s religious welfare, were judiciously instructed how
to proceed, and fully and truly informed of the state of
things here,--that the Duke of Portland, for instance, and
many in high places would join in furthering an extension
of Church establishment, _along with other_ measures. The
subject taken up singly, our Bishop fears, would not find
sufficient patronage. I have said all I can, to urge our
Bishop to go home himself. It would, I know, be a venturing
of everything, and myself, perhaps, durst not, were I in
his place, make the venture, yet circumstances seem to call
for it.
“A controversy has arisen on the subject of missionary
exertions, most unexpectedly. The whole history is in
point. I will send it to you by Captain J. next week. The
missionary of the Scotch General Assembly, and Mr. Hill,
opened a Lecture in a house in the square, opposite to the
Hindoo College: some of the youths attended; the College
council forbad them!”
The history here referred to, is too instructive to be omitted.
It appears that not only serious christians, but the friends of
morality and social order generally, and many of the parents of the
students in the Hindoo College, had become alarmed at observing,
that whilst the system of education pursued in the College was
subverting the pupils’ faith in Hindooism, it was substituting no
other faith instead. Many of the students, in fact, were becoming
sceptics, others downright atheists. To obviate, if it might be, the
mischievous consequences likely to result from such an education
as that, it was determined to give the students an opportunity for
becoming acquainted with the evidences of Natural and Revealed
religion. In order to this, Mr. Duff, the Missionary of the Scotch
church, having offered the use of his rooms for the purpose, Mr.
James Hill, one of the Missionaries of the London Society, began a
course of lectures on the evidences of religion; and many of the
students of the Hindoo College attended. The subjects discussed
were exclusively religious, and were listened to with marked
attention. But no sooner did it reach the ears of the Managers of
the Anglo-Indian College that these lectures were attended by some
of the students, than that attendance was prohibited by a public
order; as if Christianity were the only religion that ought not to
have a hearing. It was stated at the time, in excuse for such of the
managers of the College as were Europeans, that they had signed the
order of prohibition with a great degree of reluctance, and only
because some of the parents of the students had required the council
to interfere;--but it was not easy to understand how the interdicting
of those Students from listening to Christian missionaries, could
be distinguished from an act of religious persecution. With regard
to the principle on which the Hindoo College was carried on, it was
stated by Archdeacon Corrie in a letter to Mr. Sherer, that at the
first interview which the Archdeacon had with Lord William Bentinck,
he was led to observe to his Lordship that the College was breeding
up a race of Infidels and Philosophers so called; and that the first
petition for a Colonial council would probably come from thence.
The same subject forms a prominent portion of a letter, in the
following month,
TO MR. SHERER.
“Calcutta, Nov. 4, 1830.
“I wish sometimes I could have an hour’s conversation
with you, for I know not how to set about writing all you
would like to hear. Ram Mohun Roy is a passenger in the
Albion. It is said he is become a Fakeer, and does not
lose caste by this proceeding. He has not called on the
present Bishop. The Hindoo college is working the ruin of
caste; and, unless better principles be insinuated, the
ruin of British interests. Miss B. visited the college
last week, and examined one of the classes in history.
She asked about America, and was informed very accurately
of its form of government, with high commendations of the
limited power of the President; and also of the office
being elective. On being asked if this had always been
the condition [of that country,] ‘It was answered, “That
they were formerly a Colony of England, but that on being
taxed excessively, they had taken upon them the governing
of themselves, as,” said the youth, “we shall one day do.”
To the question, of what religion were the Americans?’
It was answered, ‘Protestant christians generally, and
that Unitarianism was making rapid progress among them.’
Mr. Duff, the Scotch Missionary, goes a good deal into
the debating Societies, which these Bengalees have
established lately among themselves. Politics and religion
are excluded from the subjects of discussion, but when
discoveries in science or government happen to come up;
France is eulogised unboundedly, and America; but England,
if referred to, always depreciated. Thus our Rulers are
preparing a scourge for their own backs.... I hope, too,
the counteracting influence is at work. Mr. Duff has a
school of upwards of 200, in the Chitpore road, in the
house where first the Anglo-Hindoo College was held. The
Methodist missionaries have established themselves in
that street, a little below the Nietta Bazaar, and have
a school of 115 Portuguese boys, and also some girls;
and are collecting a Congregation of that class. We have
seventy boys at Mirzapore; and now a regular congregation
of upwards of thirty Christians. Mrs. Wilson goes on as
usual; and a school is, I hope, in a fair way of being
permanently established on the ruins of the Grammar School.
It is called the ‘High school,’ and has ninety scholars,
country-born. A very energetic master is at the head of it.
A Mariners’ Church has been fitted up just behind Fairlie
and Co’s. house in the Strand. The attendance of sailors
has not yet been large, but we hope the place is gaining
attention.”
Soon after the date of the foregoing Letter, the Archdeacon was
attacked by fever, which almost incapacitated him for attending to
any public duty. The transition, from the hot to the cold season,
was this year so sudden as to cause great unhealthiness in Calcutta.
The Archdeacon complained, in his correspondence, of feeling great
debility, and an “inefficiency arising from lengthened residence in
that wasting climate.” It was during this sickness that the following
memorandum was penned:--
“Nov. 21, 1830. I have had much meditation of late on
the inward witness of the Spirit, as a part of christian
experience which few cultivate as they ought. Besides
the acknowledging of the truth of God’s word, there must
be an acquaintance with, and belief of its contents; and
the experience of it as influencing our tempers and every
action. Without this latter, there can be no ‘assuring of
our hearts before him.’ May I be enabled to realise this
latter truth, and persevere in seeking such realising views
of God’s mercy in Christ, as shall enable me to say, ‘He
_loved me_, and gave Himself _for me_! With this witness
I shall be enabled to pass on the few years that seem to
remain, with more courage, decision, and usefulness.”
It was not till the middle of January 1831, that Archdeacon Corrie
recovered some degree of health. Then it was that he writes,
TO MR. SHERER.
“January 15, 1831.
“We are, through God’s goodness, in our usual health again.
I had been ill since the beginning of November with a cold,
and for a time, with fever. The news from France[155] has
given occasion to balls and dinners, and speeches at the
Town-Hall here:--may excesses be prevented, and may the
liberty obtained for Divine truth, be used for extension
through the whole continent of Europe. Doubtless, ‘The
time of the end is coming,’ but what its distinct features
will be, I think the Scriptures do not define, except as
to the righteousness and peace that shall prevail. Here
truth advances with slow steps, but it is on the advance,
doubtless.... Missions are every where receiving additions
to their converts, though you know how little as yet the
people can be said to be interested.”
TO THE SAME.
“February 24, 1831.
“Missionary work looks more encouraging than I have ever
known it here. The classes are adding to their numbers,
especially in the villages to the south and west of
Calcutta: at a village called Rass-poonjee twelve miles
south east, the Church Missionary Society has a school. I
was there on Monday last with our Missionary ladies. There
are about fifty children, and a new movement appears in
sixteen adults formed into an exercising school to learn
to read. The school-house was filled with people, who
listened very seriously, in several instances, with marks
of approbation: whilst, through a native Christian who
understands English, I set before them the fall of man, and
the means of his restoration to God and happiness.
“Mrs. C. and I went to Burdwar last week.... We staid a
week with the V’s. Twenty-two of the European residents
attended the communion on Sunday. Among them your shipmate,
M. S. who is judge there. A gratifying fact was established
from considerable observation,--that not an individual
educated in the Mission-schools, has been brought as a
culprit before the magistrate there. The D’s have also
120 girls in four schools. I was grieved to observe
that amongst these favourable appearances there are few
instances of conversion so deep as one could wish. The
natives see the temporal advantage of being under a sahib’s
protection, and though sufferings connected with loss of
caste are, to a degree, unavoidable, other benefits accrue
to them. This is evidently favourable to the general
diffusion of Christian knowledge, but we need greatly, more
of the Holy Spirit’s grace. This has set us on a union in
prayer, after the method proposed by Mr. Brown in 1802. I
will send you soon some of the ‘proceedings.’
“A newspaper called ‘The Reformer,’ has been set on foot by
natives, in English, of which four (weekly) numbers have
appeared, which I will also send you. ‘The schoolmaster
is abroad,’ but, as I have stated before, the influence
at work in the ‘Reformer,’ and all in that connexion, is
anti-English, and Christian only, as it cannot help being
so.[156] But you will be glad to hear that a lecture on
‘Morals,’ is proposed for the Hindoo College.”
Then after referring to some of the religious movements which have
already been mentioned, the Archdeacon adds,
“With all these favourable appearances, you will understand
that many perplexities arise in the detail of things. The
truth of that saying often appears--‘that if Christianity
were not divine, its own friends would prove its ruin.’ It
may not appear so manifest at home, but here, where the
contrast between truth and error is so marked, the errors
of those holding the truth work much evil.... Would that
we had some addition to the ‘moral strength,’ as Lord
Wellesley used to call it, of our department! What will
the new Charter produce? He who knoweth the end from the
beginning, is well aware; and knoweth how to overrule all
to his own glory! O for a stronger faith to look within the
veil, and to credit what the Saviour saith both in respect
to one’s self and the world at large! I know not how it is
with you, but I cannot but feel that the evening of life
is drawing on; and the expectation of escaping from these
uncertainties to the possession of eternal realities, is at
times welcome.”
The “union in prayer,” to which the Archdeacon here refers, was the
result of a meeting of Clergymen, held at his suggestion, in the
Old Church rooms in Calcutta, on the 28th of the preceding month,
“to take into consideration the propriety of uniting in prayer, and
engaging others to do so, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” It
seemed to himself, and others conversant with India, that the state
of religion among professing christians, and the widely extended
ignorance and error of heathen nations, were such as to call forth
the sympathies of all who desired to further the prosperity of the
Church of Christ, and the conversion of the world. Considering,
however, that it is only by the Almighty power and grace of God the
Holy Ghost, that “the whole church is governed and sanctified,”
and that the preaching of the Gospel is in an age or country made
effectual to the conversion and salvation of those who hear, it was
agreed by the Archdeacon and his clerical friends, to set apart
individually a stated portion of time for the purpose of praying
God “the Father, that for Christ’s sake, He would pour His Spirit
upon all flesh.” They agreed, also, to engage their congregations
and friends, as much as possible, to unite with them severally in
prayer, at the same stated time and for the same great object.
The resolutions agreed upon at the meeting were subscribed by the
Archdeacon and the other Clergymen, and were embodied in a circular,
in which also were pointed out the special objects for which the
influences of the Holy Spirit should be sought. This circular
seems to have been reprinted, and made the subject of supercilious
animadversions in some of the Calcutta newspapers. Nor was that
matter for surprise; since persons who had deluded themselves with
the belief that science and merely secular education, were alone
sufficient to make man what God would have him to be, could not be
expected to understand and enter into the convictions of those
who regarding the grace and influence of the Holy Ghost to be
essential to the true civilization of the world, prayed and laboured
accordingly.
The allusion by the Archdeacon to the “errors of those who held the
truth,” was called forth by the circumstance that some in India
had been unsettled by a Treatise on Faith, written by Mr. Thomas
Erskine, a Scotch advocate, and which had recently reached Calcutta.
This book, though of but ephemeral existence, seems to have produced
discussion at the time, and excited in the Archdeacon some fears
lest it should have diverted the attention of his friends from the
great truths which accompany salvation. His own reflections on Mr.
Erskine’s opinions are contained in a memorandum, dated
“April 10, 1831. To-day I have attained fifty-four years,
and of these, twenty-nine spent in the ministry. In review
of the past, chiefly unprofitableness and unfaithfulness
is to be seen. My own defects are certainly becoming more
apparent to myself: the fulness and freeness of the Gospel
become increasingly glorious, and nothing but full, free,
unconditional forgiveness of all sin, and justification
from all things, would meet my case. With reference to
the past year, I do hope some progress has been made.
Much enquiry has been stirred up by Erskine’s view of the
Gospel: I have examined it with much anxiety, but see no
reason to change my former views on that subject. Pardon
is full and free to all who receive Christ, because life
eternal is in Him; and whosoever receives Him cannot
fail of life eternal, yea, possesses it with Him. There
may be some occasion for Mr. E’s charge against some for
referring exclusively to fruits as an evidence of faith.
I think I have met with some who, whilst they acknowledge
justification to be exclusively of faith, yet depend on
works to justify their faith; and thus their dependence,
after all, is on works. Such, as far as I know myself, is
not my feeling.”
It has here to be stated that Bishop Turner had quitted Calcutta at
the end of September 1830, with the intention of visiting the other
Presidencies. His Lordship had proceeded overland from Madras to
Bombay, and from thence had gone to Ceylon. During his Visitation he
had maintained a regular correspondence with Archdeacon C. and seems
now to have been on his way back to Calcutta; for the Archdeacon
writes,
TO MR. SHERER.
“Calcutta, April 30, 1831.
“Our kind Bishop is not yet returned, but we are expecting
him daily. He left Colombo on the 4th for Jaffna, &c. to
Madras; and thence by sea hither. He is much out of heart
with Ceylon in everything but as respects Missionary work;
and he says that the Church Missionary Society has done,
and is doing enough there, to answer all the expenditure
ever incurred by it. I am desiring him back greatly, the
times seeming to call for him here, for which his wisdom
and pious liberality will, I hope, be found just suited.”
Then follow some instructive particulars respecting the Anglo-Hindoo
College.
“The Hindoo college you knew when yet in embryo, and
your conclusion of an argument with H. M. is beginning
to be realized, ‘Well, well, build away, and some will
come after you who will use it in a proper manner.’ The
mode proceeded on, has succeeded in detaching many of the
Hindoo youths from religion of every kind. In sentiment
this has appeared for three or four years, it now begins
to appear in practice. At the late East Indian dinner,
sixteen Hindoo lads had bought tickets to go, actually
determining to break through all restraints. This was
however prevented; Sir E. R., Mr. C., and J. Y. were the
means of preventing their young friends from doing this
open violence to Hindoo feeling; but one youth of the
Moterjee family has left his home, and taken a house,
determined to live in European fashion. He was, also, about
to marry a young woman of Portuguese origin, one of the
De Rozio family, but this I am told is put off. The main
mover in the meeting among the Hindoos is D., the poet.
Mr. H. W. became so convinced of the need of morals to the
Hindoo College system, that he proposed a moral philosophy
lecture, and D. as the lecturer. W. B., who is one of the
Committee of Public Education, let his colleagues, who had
consented, know the character of D. and it was agreed best
to postpone the appointment; and now D. is dismissed from
the Hindoo College on a charge, by respectable Hindoos, of
Atheism. He stoutly denied the charge; but they said, ‘We
see your works.’ It is evident the English I have named,
are at their wit’s end. The young men say, they will no
longer be guilty of the hypocrisy of upholding Hindooism.
Christianity they have been warned against as an English
prejudice; and they seem to hate Christianity and England
heartily. Their advisers now say, ‘Wait for Ram Mohun Roy’s
return.’ In the mean time, some of the youths are gone
to other schools. Upwards of fifty have left the Hindoo
College, six are entered at the High School. Mrs. Wilson
has a party daily of from ten to fifteen who come expressly
to read the Scriptures with her. One begged for an English
Testament, Mrs. W. said, ‘You can understand Bengalee
better,’ but, said she, ‘I dare not take a Bengalee one
home. An English one my friends will not suspect, and I
can read it at leisure.’ Two come daily to Mr. Sandys
at Mirzapore, professedly to be assisted in preparing
their lessons; but they always also read the Bible. They
are not of the first in wealth; that class seem to a man
opposed to every thing English. Not a movement in favour
of religion in any form is heard of. This has arisen in a
degree, from the part R. and his friends,[157] have been
and are playing. They complain as if they had lost mighty
privileges once in possession, and claim to be employed by
the state, as a matter of right. This I think has arisen
from Government having withheld all patronage from plans
of Christian improvement. The little they are advanced
above former days, is entirely through their own exertions.
Yet two thirds of them are raised above the station their
fathers held, and their pretensions are ridiculous. With
them, however, the enlightened Hindoos seem disposed to
make common cause. They can effect nothing at present,
but the _impolicy_, not to say the sin, of withholding
christian instruction is now beginning to appear.”
In a letter to Mr. Sherer of a somewhat later date, the Archdeacon
mentions other incidents connected with the Hindoo College, which may
here be fitly related.
“The Hindoo College,” he writes, “has borne some fruit,
not agreeable to those who planted it. The young men are
many of them licentious to a degree. The more moral of
them are scoffers at all that is good. One very clever
youth, after feasting with his friends on beef, &c. threw
the bones into a neighbouring Brahmin’s compound.[158] The
Brahmin and his friends attacked the convivial party, and a
sad _fracas_ ensued. One of the lads comes often to me, and
I am not without hopes of him.”
Bishop Turner arrived in Calcutta on the 4th of May 1831, but he
was in a state of health, which excited much apprehension among his
friends. As also, his health continued to decline after his return
to Calcutta, a voyage to Penang and New South Wales was recommended,
in the hope that his valuable life might be prolonged; but the rapid
decay of the Bishop’s strength rendered it necessary for him to
abandon all thoughts of leaving home. On the 29th of June a still
further change for the worse took place; so that Archdeacon Corrie
writes,
TO MR. SHERER.
“July 4, 1831.
“I regret to say that our Bishop is in but a very
indifferent state. He came back to us early in May
unwell; and the debility has increased till hope of his
continuance among us is well nigh taken away. His disease
is some internal disarrangement. This was excited into
activity by the fatigue and heat he had to endure whilst
on his visitation of the other Presidencies. He is dying,
we fear, of debility, with occasional paroxysms of short
breathing.... I do not like to give up the hope of his
living: though it would seem unbrotherly under these
circumstances, to let a ship go without acquainting you
with our state. To me the loss would be the greatest I
have experienced out of my own family. The kindness and
confidence with which he has treated me, and the benefit
I have derived from his conversation, must ever be deeply
felt. To the Indian Church the loss will be greater than
any yet suffered. He unites the best qualities of his
predecessors, with the knowledge of the business of a
clergyman, in the conducting of schools, management of
charities, &c. &c. Just now [three P. M.] his medical
attendant reports the Bishop worse. The Lord be gracious to
this land, and bring light out of this darkness!”
Within three days of the date of this letter, the Indian church was
deprived for the fourth time of its chief Pastor, by the death of
Bishop Turner. Among the Archdeacon’s papers is the following account
of the last illness of the Bishop.
“On Saturday evening, the 2nd of July, the Bishop first
spoke to me as if he were not to remain in India. After
our evening drive I accompanied him up stairs, and he
indicated a wish that I should sit down with him in the
drawing-room. ‘He was going to Penang,’ he said, ‘and if
he did not recover there as he expected, should proceed
to New South Wales. He now had seen enough of the Diocese
to judge of the state of religion generally amongst us.
He thought the state as favourable as, under present
circumstances, he could well expect. He judged too it would
be progressive. There is a sad deficiency of clergy, but,
notwithstanding, many active agents are at work:’ and he
alluded to several laymen, especially officers, of whom he
had spoken, as wisely and diligently attending to schools
in different places he had visited. ‘That no difficulties
manifested themselves, at present, in the administration
of ecclesiastical affairs, and that he should leave India
without anxiety.’
“2. The Bishop had intended to have crossed the river next
morning, in order to partake of the Lord’s Supper, in
Bishop’s College Chapel. I was afraid he might not be able;
and had made arrangements for the duty at Barrackpore,
in order to remain with him: as I had, indeed, before,
from his saying early in June, after he could not go to
church, ‘these dull Sundays destroy me.’ I had, therefore,
remained at home two Sundays; and though he said nothing
on the subject, I had the satisfaction to see that it was
agreeable to him. On the evening of the 2nd, the Bishop
said, ‘he felt it would be too much for him to cross the
river;’ and he gladly assented to my proposal to have
communion at home, after my return from morning sermon,
in the Old Church. Accordingly, about half-past-twelve,
on Sunday, the 3rd, the Bishop, Mrs. Corrie, and Miss
Bird, assembled in the drawing-room: preparations having
been previously made. It was a very solemn occasion. He
was able to kneel only whilst receiving the elements.
After communicating, Mrs. Corrie left the room, being
much moved, and unwilling to give him pain by shewing it.
After a short pause, the Bishop said, ‘How many blessings
have we to be thankful for?’ ‘I have often enjoyed these
ordinances in administering them, but a person must be
in my circumstances to feel the value of them.’ ‘I have
growing evidence that I know in whom I have trusted:’
and then went on to contrast the uncertainty attending
science, with the certainty religion supplies. ‘A little
knowledge of science,’ he said, ‘makes us confident; but
as we advance, we feel less certainty; whilst the more we
advance in religious knowledge, the greater certainty we
attain.’ I here left the room, and the Bishop continued in
conversation with Miss B. for some time respecting family
matters. In the evening, the Bishop retired, for the first
time, before tea.
“3. On Monday, he did not leave his room; and his medical
attendant being now in the house, I merely saw him twice,
on going into his room to enquire after him. In the evening
he went out in the _Tonjon_, and spoke to me, on the bank
of the river, about a marriage which he had been consulted
upon; but he was soon tired, and retired to his room,
without coming into the drawing-room.
“4. On Tuesday, he did not leave his couch. I saw him
early: he was very unwell; and his medical attendant being
constantly with him, I did not go into the room again till
about 4 P. M. He then requested me to make known to Mr.
Robertson of Bareilly, the state of weakness into which
it had pleased God to bring him. After which he said, ‘he
enquired not after Mrs. Corrie, but he felt deeply the
kindness she had uniformly manifested.’ ‘He desired his
kind love to her; and that she should be told he felt his
obligation.’ On my saying that, ‘had he been able to come
into the drawing-room, she had hoped to see him in the
evening, and would be glad to come to his room:’ he said
with emotion, ‘he thought he would rather be spared.’
‘He did not,’ he said, ‘speak much to me on the state of
the diocese; I knew it as well as he did, and in some
respects better; and added, ‘I say with truth, I feel no
reluctance to leave things as they are. There was nothing
of importance claiming immediate attention, and should any
difficulty arise, you will get over it.’
“The faithfulness of God to His word was referred to by
him; and on my mentioning an expression of the late Rev. D.
Brown, on his death-bed, viz. ‘The Lord’s will is best. His
way is best. His time is best.’ The Bishop added, ‘that he
greatly needed the intercession of his friends, that such
might be his state of mind.’
“5. In the night of the 5th, [the Bishop] being restless,
the doctor asked, ‘if he would like me to come and sit
beside him?’ On his assenting, I was called; I went to
his bed-side, he took me kindly by the hand and said, ‘he
feared he interrupted me.’ He then began to say, ‘how happy
he should be, could he speak to the natives in their own
tongue;’ and referred to his head-bearer. I offered to
speak to him in Hindoostanee; but the Bishop said, ‘not
now, he is fearfully untutored.’ He spoke a good deal on
subjects of religion, connected with his own state; of the
insufficiency of learning, talents, &c. &c., without the
blessing of God; how often God brings about great things
by small means; and instruments we should not have thought
of. After about an hour, he asked me to pray with him; then
said, ‘he would try to compose himself to rest.’
“6. Wednesday, July 6th, was a day of intense and incessant
suffering, from difficulty of breathing. He seemed unable
to attend to any thing; but on Miss B. going into the room,
he desired her to read to him a Psalm, and conversed about
a quarter of an hour on points which occurred in reading.
About 4 o’clock I went into his room: I observed, that ‘I
feared he had had a trying day.’ He said with emphasis,
‘_Very._’
“On my saying, ‘that when he felt able to attend, if he
would just express his wishes, I should be glad to wait
upon him for prayer:’ he assented. He after some time
observed, in broken sentences, (for his articulation had
become indistinct) ‘That we do not arrange matters in
religion sufficiently for ourselves.’ More I could not
understand. In order to keep up the train of thought, I
said that ‘our mercy consists in that the covenant is
ordered in all things and sure.’ He assented, and said,
‘but to those who were orderly there might be more of joy
and peace in believing.’ I said ‘in great bodily distress,
it seemed to me, there could be little beside a child-like
reliance on a father’s care and love.’ He said, ‘I have
an assured hope:’ and added, ‘that we want God to do some
great thing for us, that shall prevent the necessity of
humiliation, and closing with Christ.’ After this I read
a hymn, ‘Jesus the way, the truth, the life.’ He said,
‘that one feeling was universal, it pervaded all hearts.’
In continuation I read the hymn, ‘This God is the God we
adore;’ and then prayed out of the Visitation of the Sick,
ending with the Lord’s prayer, and ‘The grace of our Lord,
&c.,’ to which he added a fervent ‘Amen.’ After a pause,
the Bishop broke out in prayer: ‘O thou God of all grace,
stablish, strengthen, settle us. Have mercy on all, that
they may come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved.
There is none other name given by which they _can_ be
saved. Other foundation can no man lay.’ On his ceasing,
I added, ‘and this is a _sure_ foundation.’ On which his
feelings were much moved; and the doctor coming in, our
conversation ended.
“In the evening, it was found that the Bishop’s
articulation had failed. He spoke no more after the above
recorded prayer, expressing feelings amongst the most
appropriate that could have occupied the thoughts of a
dying man. He manifested little, if any, consciousness,
during the remaining hours he lived; breathing the whole
time with great difficulty. About ten o’clock he was
helped from his bed to an easy chair, from which he did
not again move; nor did he appear to sleep, or to get the
least repose or cessation from suffering. His appearance
exhibited the most perfect picture that can be conceived,
of patient endurance. Not a word or a look indicated a wish
or a want.
“7. About half-past-six, he changed for death. I read the
Commendatory Prayer, and we watched for his departure.
About half-past-eight, another change came on to a state
of less suffering, but of more weakness; and the lingering
spirit took its flight, at a quarter before ten on the
morning of the 7th of July.”
The Archdeacon appended the following note:
“I have not inserted the answers I made, on many of the
occasions here referred to. What is in the third person is
the substance of what was said; and the words as nearly
as I could remember them. What are given as the Bishop’s
words, were spoken as written.”[159]
Having watched over the death-bed of Bishop Turner, there yet
remained to the Archdeacon the afflicting office of preaching the
Funeral Sermon. This he did on Sunday, July 10th; and one who was
present on that occasion related, that the preacher was enabled to
discharge “with firmness and strength of voice, though with deep
feeling,” the mournful duty which had devolved upon him. The estimate
which an almost brotherly intimacy with the deceased enabled the
Archdeacon to form of Bishop Turner’s worth, was thus summed up:--
“We have left us, in the character of our departed
Bishop, an example of one who sought glory, honour, and
immortality, by patient continuance in well-doing. He began
where the scriptures teach us to begin--with personal
religion. He had low thoughts of himself. He was seriously
affected with a sense of his frailties and unworthiness,
and rested his hope of salvation, only on the mercy of
God in Jesus Christ. He had attained, in a remarkable
degree, the spirit of self-controul; so that he was to a
considerable extent a copy of the great Shepherd and Bishop
of our souls, whose word is “Learn of me, for I am meek and
lowly.” He took Revelation for his guide; and whilst the
Tri-une God of the Bible was the object of his adoration,
the will of God was the rule of his practice.
“In his peculiar office he came near to the apostolical
standard [given] in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
Of his learning, and capacity for perpetuating an order
of ministers in the church, it would require one of a
similar measure of learning and piety to speak, but all
could judge that as a Bishop he was blameless and free
from reproach. Moderate in all his habits and pursuits.
Disinterested in a high degree, and free from all suspicion
of the love of money. He was apt to teach--a true labourer
in the word and doctrine--sober in judgment--wise to solve
difficulties--of a compassionate spirit--and heartily
desirous of men’s eternal good.... The lively sense he had
of his own responsibility rendered him more keenly alive
to such defects in any of those under his authority, as
might hinder their usefulness, or do injury to the cause
they had solemnly pledged themselves to serve. He felt
himself bound, therefore, when occasion arose, to reprove
and to rebuke ‘with all authority.’ An assured hope that
in being released from the body, he should be with Christ,
strengthened our departed Prelate to endure protracted and
intense bodily suffering with patience and fortitude not
to be surpassed; till at length, being released from this
strife of nature, he entered into that eternal life to
which he had long aspired!”
With reference to the death of the Bishop, Archdeacon Corrie also
writes,
TO HIS BROTHER.
“Aug. 6, 1831.
“At first my mind was more stunned, than by any loss yet
experienced. It seemed such a mark of divine withdrawing;
and yet the deceased would have argued the contrary.
He used to say, that ‘designs which took all at once,
seldom held a long course:’ and I desire to draw this
inference,--that seeing the Lord tries us, He will at
length establish us.”
By the demise of Bishop Turner, the Archdeacon had for the fourth
time to administer the affairs of the diocese. In the letter just
quoted he adds:--
“I am again Commissary for this See, and feel myself
adequate to the charge. The routine of duty is familiar
to me; and I can act with more decision from feeling my
ground.”
At the same time he had to contend alone with such difficulties as
might occur, there being less of co-operation oftentimes than would
have been desirable. The Archdeacon’s observation on that point in
another letter is, that
“A Bishop has but to signify his will, and those who do
not like it, will not oppose it; but with a mere _Locum
tenens_, friends argue and opposers shew themselves. I do
what I can to carry friends with me, and overrule, as I am
able, objectors, or leave them behind. I feel as before
and more than ever, the undesirableness of power, beyond a
small measure. Not to recommend measures of emolument &c.,
to Government, is to ‘act unkindly;’ and to interfere to
prevent abuses is to be an ‘enemy.’ ... But in nothing have
I more to be thankful for, than in the strength given me
to bear these things; persisting at the same time, in the
measures I think right.”
This kind of wear and tear of body and mind, coupled with separation
from his children and relatives, seems to have very much tended
to foster a desire in the Archdeacon to leave India at the first
opportunity that might warrant such a step. His feelings with regard
to that subject, had indeed been so frequently expressed, in his
own correspondence, and, also, in that of Mrs. Corrie with their
children, that his family fully expected that he would return to
England when the newly-appointed Bishop should arrive in Calcutta. It
was therefore, with reference to this, that he writes
TO HIS BROTHER.
“Calcutta, Oct. 22, 1831.
“I yesterday received a letter from Mr. Goode of Clapham:
he had seen you a few days before he wrote, and said you
were expecting that I might be on the way home. I dare
say I write very differently on the subject at different
times. To-day we have had rain, and the thermometer being
only 82°, I feel active; and after all, much of the want of
elasticity experienced, must perhaps be put to the account
of years. I know not whether you read Blackwood, but the
article ‘Christopher North taking a day’s shooting,’
reminded me of much of the cause of my own ailments. On
buttoning on his gaiters and preparing for the walk, he
found his instep had lost something of its spring. This
is my case, and it would be vain to expect to regain that
spring, in any country or clime.... What I have sometimes
thought of, as to coming home, is to leave this about
January 1833; but circumstances may put it off to 1834,
even if life be spared.”
Then with reference to what was called the “Reform Bill,” and the
origin of the “Trinitarian Bible Society,” the Archdeacon observes:--
“All affairs here appear flat, compared with the
spirit-stirring events that are occurring around you.
I, on my first voyage, attempted a Poem, beginning with
something about, ‘Britain, the glory of all lands.’ Parson
got hold of it, and by his well-deserved raillery cured me
of the only poetical fit, with which I was ever visited.
But whether Britain is to continue the glory of all lands,
appears now to be doubtful. Well: we must look more at the
Church; of which ‘glorious things’ are still ‘spoken.’
The part of it called the Church of England, is exposed
from within as well as from without. Captain Gordon’s
proceedings, if persisted in, will throw the weight of the
Bible Society into the dissenting interest, by withdrawing
the wrong-heads in the church who adhere to him.”
On the same subject the Archdeacon observes
TO MR. SHERER.
“We have heard with much concern of the proceedings of
Captain Gordon and his friends in the Bible Society: to
me it indicates the breaking up of the Society, and the
splitting of the religious world into small, powerless
parties.... How it grieves one to see men pass by all the
political patrons, the trafficking beneficiaries, &c., &c.,
and make this ado about Socinian participation in giving
away Bibles! The whole of their arguments go on the idea of
the Bible Society being the _Church_, than which nothing
can be more vague: not one act of church-membership is
performed by the Bible Society.”
About the same date the Archdeacon writes
TO HIS SISTER.
“The sound of most of the controversies which occupy you
at home, reaches us here; and I think there was some
reason for the accusation against many pious ministers,
who make sanctification almost the Saviour: whereas
true and effectual holiness arises from clear views of
reconciliation to God by Christ. Not theoretical views, but
that heart-felt sense of the preciousness of the Saviour,
which only those who experience it can understand, and
which every believer should seek to realize more and more.
On the other hand, we have an instance or two of young
converts entering into this view, so as to go beyond their
experience, and afterwards to become greatly perplexed.
May we, dearest sister, learn more and more of that
expression,--‘The life I live ... I live by the faith of
the Son of God?’”
Among the important objects which engaged the attention of the late
Bishop Turner, was that of providing additional accommodation for
public worship; and by his lordship’s exertions in that respect,
arrangements had been made for building three additional churches
in and about Calcutta. One of these was designed to be connected
with the Free School; so as not only to enable the whole of the
children in that establishment to attend public worship on the
School premises, but, also, to serve for the accommodation of the
immediate neighbourhood in which the School was situate. Many
circumstances, however, occurred after Bishop Turner’s death to
retard the completion of the Free-School Church, but this having
been at length effected, the Church was opened on Nov. 20, 1831,
the Archdeacon preaching on the occasion, from Matt. xviii. 11. The
sermon was afterwards printed; and on mentioning this in a letter to
his brother, the Archdeacon observes:--
“I know the Sermon is worth little but for local
circumstances, and that I have had to contend with some
cross-grained spirits, since the Bishop’s death, to get the
Church opened at all. The Sermon will, I hope, counteract
their misrepresentations with the public.”
Some additional and more striking results of education without
religion, began now to attract attention. Those Hindoo philosophers,
as they were called, who boasted of their desire to rescue their
countrymen from ignorance and superstition, had begun to take
alarm at the freedom with which some of the natives, who had been
educated at the Hindoo College, were attacking the Brahminical faith
and morals. They therefore, somewhat inconsistently, resolved to
hold no communication with any who impugned the Hindoo system; and
went so far as to procure the ejection from house and home, of the
native editor of a paper called “The Enquirer,” because he continued
fearlessly to expose Hindooism. On the other hand, the sceptical and
infidel portion of the Native community, avowed their sentiments
whenever occasion occurred, and acted out their education without
reserve. A curious incident, illustrative of this state of mind
occurred in the December of 1831. A large importation of “Paine’s
Age of Reason” had arrived from America for sale in Calcutta, and
a native bookseller, by way of experiment, fixed the price of the
book at one rupee. At first, a few copies only were sold at this
low price; but the work was found so exactly to fall in with the
principles and tastes of the young enlightened Baboos of Calcutta,
that at the end of five days the bookseller had not a copy of Paine’s
blasphemy left, although the price had been raised to as high as five
rupees the single copy. As was to be expected, moreover, the same
Hindoo liberalists, who persecuted such of their native brethren as
exposed the Brahminical superstition, were ready enough to avail
themselves of an opportunity to shew their hostility to Christianity.
They accordingly had portions of the “Age of Reason,” translated
into Bengalee, and published in one of their newspapers; calling
upon the Christian missionaries at large, and on the Archdeacon by
name, to answer Paine’s infidel lucubrations. Several, however, of
the most respectable of the Hindoos in Calcutta, expressed their
disapprobation of this proceeding, and deprecated all notice of the
publication.
At Christmas-tide the Archdeacon took part in the admission of some
native converts into the Church of Christ. It was on the 26th of Dec.
1831, that the Chapel at Mirzapore was filled with native Christians,
the children from St. James’ and Infant Schools, and the friends of
missions, from Calcutta and neighbourhood. Divine service commenced
by the Native Christians singing a Bengalee hymn; and during Morning
Prayer, the Sacrament of baptism was administered to ten native
adults, and eight native children. At this season, too, it was, that
there was an examination of the schools, and a dinner provided for
the native Christians and their children; of which the following
lively account was given by the Archdeacon
TO HIS DAUGHTERS.
“The christians at the Church-Mission-house, dined all
together on Monday last. There were 190 who sat down to
dinner, as they report of the Lord Mayor’s and other such
feasts; and why may we not say so of this feast, though
they all sat on the ground? They had, moreover, three
courses and a desert. Plantain leaves being placed, one
for each, with a little space between. They then seated
themselves, each behind this plate of Nature’s manufacture.
Then came the cooks, and gave, one, a large spoonful of
rice, another, a portion of vegetable curry. (I should
premise, there was rice enough for each, placed at once,
and a small portion of curry.) This latter being discussed,
a portion of meat-curry was then placed beside the
remaining rice,--after this, sweet-meats, and then fruit.
When all were arranged, and ready to begin, Roop, the
catechist, said a grace;--rather too long, I thought, as, I
dare say, thought some of the hungry children. They seemed
all very happy. It was a day of thankfulness to many of
us. Ten years ago, there was not one christian connected
with this Mission; now, of these about one hundred and
fifty are connected with Krishnagur. Some of them residing
in the neighbouring villages, the remainder were guests,
connected with other Missions. All were feasted for about
four pounds, which your papa supplied. There were some
English friends, too, with Mr. Sandys. We all assembled in
the Chapel for worship at twelve o’clock, and it was quite
filled; so that if things prosper, as we hope they will,
the Chapel must soon be enlarged.”
Except when occasions like these called the Archdeacon from home,
his time was now chiefly spent between Calcutta and Barrackpore.
He appears, too, to have continued the custom originated by the
late Bishop, of allowing any friends who might chuse to attend his
family-worship on Friday-evenings; and to many were those social
meetings the means of instruction. Respecting himself, he observes in
a memorandum, dated
“Barrackpore, April 22, 1832.
“On the 10th of this month, I completed 55 years. Great
mercies on the part of God, great ingratitude on my part,
appear in review. Such has been my history throughout. I
do not look on it as a thing of course, but as a proof of
the inveterate nature of human depravity; and as setting
forth the unutterable condescension and love of God, the
Saviour. I would not have it continue; whilst I am sure
if left to myself it will continue, and continuing must
exclude me from Heaven. My expectation, and my desire
is, to be saved from sin; and I thank God, through Jesus
Christ, that thus it will be. The prospect before me, if
life be spared, is full of anxiety. I feel very reluctant
to quit India. I had intended to have spent my life here;
but that implied an useful life. My present appointment has
operated to make my defects more manifest. Who would have
thought, when I was glad of release from the duties of the
Presidency, (being from debility unable to perform them,)
that so much publicity would have followed? Who could have
calculated on the Bishops being removed, one after another?
This is the Lord’s doing. If I have not brought discredit
on my religious profession, it is also of Him. He has
hid me in ‘the secret of his pavilion’: I feel this most
sensibly.”
The Archdeacon’s correspondence shews that the anxiety here expressed
respecting the future, was much increased by the accounts which
reached India of that turbulent spirit, which now pervaded England;
and which had been called forth and fostered by unprincipled
men; who, in the absence of arguments, derived from truth and
righteousness, in favour of their schemes of reform, did not scruple
to recommend the use of the brick-bat and the bludgeon. Thus in
writing
TO MR. SHERER.
“April 25, 1832.
“The overland news have reached us up to the 13th January.
Very troublous times seem coming over you. May the Lord
avert or guide the storm, as He surely will! But who may
be swept away in its violence, who can say? What anxiety
you must have experienced about Lucy during the riots at
Bristol! And now again burnings have commenced in various
parts. These things make the prospect Englandwards very
dreary, and add to the natural indecision of my mind as to
what it may be right to do, respecting having our children
here, or going to them. Yet I expect and confidently
believe, that when the time comes our path will be plain.”
And with reference to the same subject he writes
TO HIS BROTHER.
“The rejection of the Reform Bill by the House of Lords,
seems very disastrous. I think they did their duty, but the
late promotions in the Church look as if the proverb were
about to be realized, ‘Quem Deus vult perdere &c.’ What
can result from the influence of such men but laxity of
doctrine and of practice, and changes in every department?
Change may be required in some things, but they should
be men who fear God and reverence his word, who make
the changes. Well: _the Church_ shall stand to which we
belong. The Rock, Christ, is not to be shaken by these
convulsions.--Yet these troubles in Old England distress
me much, not only for the sake of the land of my fathers,
but as affecting the determination I shall be obliged to
come to, if spared a few months longer, as to return or not
return to you. Sometimes friends here say, I shall have
the offer of becoming Bishop, or one of the Bishopricks
of India. This I do not myself think; or when the thought
occurs, it creates only fear lest the offer should be
made.... Ever since I left college, present duties have
required present exertion; and if I have any reputation for
discretion, it is, because like the owl, I have preserved
silence on points on which I was ignorant. With these true
thoughts of myself, every occasion of publicity has brought
me only secret humiliation; with, at times, overflowing
feelings of thankfulness to God, who ‘out of the mouths
of babes ordains praise.’ But now my secret desire is for
privacy. This perhaps, is at the bottom, after all, of that
hankering I feel after what I always called Home. Though
England since our father’s death, presents no [particular]
home to my mind, the Island generally is home; and should
it be the will of God that I come among you, a small circle
will bound my affections. And yet I should soon love all
those whom my brothers and sister love, and all who have
shewn kindness to the children of our love. But when I
should be loosing my cords and preparing to take down the
earthly house of this tabernacle, I may be in danger of
becoming more attached to the passing scene. So, after all,
there is no safety but in fearing always.
“All things here continue much as usual, except indeed,
that the great reductions in the army have led to the
display in several parts of the country of a disposition
to plunder and to insurrection. It is not, I apprehend,
from dissatisfaction with this more than with any other
government, which might have been in possession. But it
is human nature unrestrained by the outward or inward
influence of Christianity: and our men in authority will
not learn, how much they owe to the Gospel, even as it
respects this life, in restraining the evil passions of
mankind. A small offering to the idol, of any plunder
gained, sanctifies the remainder to the possessors: and now
that so much country is left without the presence of any
military force, why should not the natives help themselves
to whatever is within reach? This is the spirit at work in
much of this land.”
Meanwhile the preaching of the gospel was not without effect, for the
Archdeacon was able to inform
MR. SHERER.
“July 7, 1832.
“In our mission this year, 108 have been added to the
Church, of whom seventy-two are adults; and there is a
growing willingness in the natives to listen to the Gospel.
We have a converted Jew,[160] also, seeking the welfare of
the lost sheep of the house of Israel; and Mr. Wolff is
in the Punjab on his way hither. He has been imprisoned,
bastindoed, made to work as a slave, and scarcely reached
Peshawar alive; but now Runjeet Singh, hearing of his
connection by marriage with the Governor General, has sent
him a guard of honour; and he who was yesterday literally a
beggar, finds himself treated as a prince.”
In the following month the Archdeacon had the happiness to witness
the baptism of one of those native youths, who have been already
mentioned in connection with the Hindoo College in Calcutta;[161]
and of whom several, by attending the lectures of Mr. Duff and Mr.
Hill, on the Evidences of Religion, had been led into a belief of the
truth of the Bible, as a revelation from God. The youth in question
was baptised in the Old Church on the 26th of August, and soon after
became a student in Bishop’s College. The decided preference,
however, which this youth and others evidenced for the Church of
England, seems to have occasioned much annoyance to many, of whom
better things might have been hoped.
“The Baptists,” as the Archdeacon writes to his sister,
“did all they could to prejudice them [the native youths]
against us: so that when the youth referred to, came to
talk over the Baptismal service, all the usual objections
were familiar to him; but he was satisfied with the
explanations so often rendered of them. These,” adds
the Archdeacon, “are little refreshments amidst much to
depress us: for the spirit which is abroad in England, is
also spreading here. Many are not only disposed to favour
dissent, but to discourage the Church. Here, where are no
tithes or exactions to complain of, we might expect to be
let alone. But no: we must be pulled down, if possible,
from the elevation we have gained. Our Governor General and
his Lady have done much towards this, by going alike nearly
to Church and meeting; so Mr. J. Hill publishes a book to
explain, as he professed, the principles of Independency,
but it is in reality a collection of the bitterest things
which have been uttered from time to time, against
Establishments in general, and the Church of England in
particular. It has however, answered his end with few or
none; whilst it has exposed to many the bitterness they
would not believe could dwell under so meek an exterior.”
So again the Archdeacon in writing to his brother observes:--
“Here we have no tithes, no collection of Church-dues, to
call forth ill feeling. We interfere in no way but in our
religious character, yet this offends.”
It might truly be said that there was “much to depress” the spirit
of a Christian, when such persons as Mr. Hill professed to be, could
have so carefully treasured up, to be poured forth as occasion
served, “the bitterest things which had been uttered against the
Church of England;” because such a proceeding must have given reason
for doubting the religious sincerity of the parties themselves.
(Phil. i. 15; 1 Cor. xiii. 1-3.) Whatever evils might have been
connected with “establishments in general, and with the Church of
England in particular;” no person with truth could charge those
evils upon that Church in India. On the contrary, it was impossible
to overlook the extensive good which our Church was at that moment
effecting, in every corner of the Eastern empire; and that by means
of funds as unconnected with the State, as Mr. Hill himself could
have desired. If history and experience therefore, had not explained,
that it was Episcopacy and not Establishments that called forth the
sad exhibition of Independency of which the Archdeacon complained,
this outbreak of Mr. Hill and his friends must have appeared most
unaccountable. The Archdeacon therefore, being fully aware that
the question to be decided was, “The office of the ministry, is it
of Christ, or only by the suffrages and allowance of the people?”
reprinted, (but without any allusion to Mr. Hill’s book,) Hey’s tract
on the three-fold ministry of the New Testament; and as subsidiary
to this tract, Dr. Mill printed Chillingworth on the Apostolical
institution of Episcopacy. Both were eagerly read, and many who
scarcely knew the difference between the Church and dissent, had now
their eyes effectually opened. Amidst such causes for sorrow, there
were counterbalancing occasions for rejoicing. In the letter to his
sister already referred to, the Archdeacon writes:
“I am not without fruit in my own sphere. Several
respectable Mahommedans have come most mornings, for some
months past, to read the scriptures with me. Two of them
were baptised about a month since, and two are to be
baptised to-morrow (Sep. 5.) and new enquirers are often
appearing; so that there seems a prospect of a native
Church being gathered from that class, in time.”
The baptisms here spoken of as expected to occur, took place in
the mission-chapel at Mirzapore on the 5th of September. One
of the parties baptised was a young person of talent and great
respectability, who had gone through the usual course of education
at the Mahommedan College, with a view to his becoming a Molwee.
The sacrament was administered by the Archdeacon, who conducted the
service in Hindoostanee. After the baptism, he addressed the European
portion of the congregation, exhorting them “to take heed, lest
whilst the natives of India were thus entering into the kingdom of
God, they, the professors of the Christian name, should come short of
everlasting life.”
[153] Writers.
[154] Chief station.
[155] Respecting the revolution which placed Louis
Philippe on the throne.
[156] Nothing could be worse than the state of the Native
press about this time. Besides papers published in
English, there were nine or ten in the Bengalee
language, some of which contained the most polluting
language and sentiments.
[157] These were the Anglo-Indians, who, for some time
past, had been clamouring for political privileges.
[158] It will be remembered that animals of the ox-tribe
are sacred among the Hindoos; so that whilst the
“feasting on beef” manifested the greatest contempt
for Hindooism on the part of the youths; no greater
insult and profanation could have been inflicted on
the Brahmin than to have ox-bones thrown into his
premises.
[159] Some notices of Bishop Turner are collected in the
Missionary Register, for March and May 1832.
[160] Mr. Samuel.
[161] See above pp. 494, et seq.