this new branch of Missionary exertion in faith; and it is excouraging to us to see that the Lord is smiling upon our endeavours. The necessary supplies are forthcoming at the time we want them: several kind friends have assisted us most liberally; and regular subscriptions are now coming in, which have hitherto covered the greater part of our monthly expenses. The building is constructed of solid masonry, ninety-two feet in length, containing a school-room, a bed-room for the children, and an apartment for the overseer: to this is joined a kitchen, where the children have to prepare their own food. In a few weeks, a new room will be added for the sick; and the whole is now being enclosed with a wall, forming a large court-yard for a play-ground. Two of our poor orphan children were found by Mr. Hæberlin in a street of Calcutta, in a state of starvation. He sent them to Mrs. Wilson, the unwearied advocate for female education in India. Some food having been placed before them, one cried out in ecstasy, “Ah, yesterday we had nothing to eat, and now we have abundance of rice before us! alas my poor brother, I wish he were here also!" She wept, in uttering these words. "Have you then a brother?" She replied: "Yes; I would that he could eat with us: he was so weak, that he could no longer go with us, and we left him behind in the street." Such scenes happen in that city of palaces, where thousands revel in abundance and luxury. Must not every Christian wish and pray that the Lord may dispose their hearts to spare a little of their abundance, to save therewith a poor starving heathen child from temporal and spiritual misery.

In this work of mercy, Mrs. Weitbrecht actively assists. From a letter written by her, after a year's experience of the plan, we make the following extracts, which abundantly prove that no labour in the Lord is in vain. She writes under date of Burdwan, September 8th, 1835:—

I believe you are aware that we have lately-about a year since-erected an Asylum for Hindoo Female Orphans, in connexion with the daughters of such Native Christians as live in distant villages, and have no local means of education. Forty girls have been already received; three of whom were Christians,

and the remaining thirty-seven heathen refugees, who came to me in the most wretched and starving condition possible. During the twelve months in which the School has been in operation, one of the Christian Girls has married; and four of the refugees have died, notwithstanding every care, and the best medical assistance, benevolently rendered. That so many have survived is astonishing, when the state in which they came is considered; and the circumstance is a striking proof of the beneficial effects of wholesome and regular food and industrious habits; with extreme attention to cleanliness, and an airy and comfortable house. There are now 35 girls in the School, who have made a most pleasing and satisfactory progress; considering the dreadful state of ignorance in which they were a year ago. Several can already read the Gospels in Bengalee, and easy words in English. They nearly all know Watts's Catechism; and are learning that of the Church, and one on the Evidences of the Christian Religion. Some can sing a little, and all know a hymn or two were there suitable children's hymns in Bengalee, they would be as forward with them as with Catechisms. All, except the two or three infants, have learned to sew, and many of them do so in a very neat manner. Several can mark; and all can spin: most of them net and knit. Every attention has been paid to the formation of industrious and active habits. do every thing required in the way of cooking, cleaning, taking care of the littleones, &c., except washing their clothes, which they will do as soon as I can get a mangle. The irons of this country are too large for them to use. A Christian woman has been hitherto employed as nurse and cook-for some of the girls are very young; but she is now about to be removed, to take charge of a similar Institution for Boys, that we are about commencing.

They

We have been signally blessed with friends, to encourage and support us in this undertaking. It would seem that He who gave us faith to commence it has honoured the exercise of His own grace. We are not without hope, too, that a change not only of outward habits has taken place, but an inward and spiritual regeneration, in one instance at least.

To the following passage in Mrs. Weitbrecht's communication we pårticularly desire to draw the attention

of our Readers, as it revives the mention of a practical subject of importance. The Society would gratefully acknowledge the many instances of liberal contributions in Useful and Ornamental Work, &c. forwarded through it, by friends in England, to India and to various other Missionary Stations. An account of the articles most needed was printed in our Volume for 1832, page 50, from a paper by Mrs. Wilson. We here beg to renew the subject, from Mrs. Weitbrecht's communication.

Suggestions relative to Supplies sent out.

We believe that your Readers will readily come forward to aid this branch of the Lord's work; both by their prayers, which we most earnestly entreat, and by their contributions. In the fullest confidence of this, I beg leave to suggest, that if such as are trades-people will favour us with contributions of the various things they sell, we may derive equal benefit; and they, by this means, will be able to aid us more liberally than their means would otherwise allow them to do. I would particularly mention such things as noteand letter-paper of the best kind; which, if it arrived in good condition, would sell at a profit. Common writing-paper for the use of the children; pens; ink; pencils; rulers; wafers; approved schoolbooks, such as, Watts's and Taylor's Hymns, Judson's Scripture Questions, Butler's Gradations,&c.; lambs-wool of all colours and sizes; patterns of worsted rugs, with worsteds in shades; flosses and needles; sewing needles and cotton; marking-thread; English braids, especially white cotton; all kinds of ribbons, especially narrow sarsnet; cotton stockings of all sizes, and children's cotton socks; children's kid slippers; gloves; fine flannel; coarse small blankets; all sorts of linendrapers' remnants; baby linen; nets and laces; calicoes; chintzes; prints; pocket-handkerchiefs; white canvas, and cotton and silk for marking it for samplers; European combs and brushes; tooth-brushes; medicines; silver thimbles; pencil-cases; and small common thimbles for the children; little common trunks, with locks and keys, for rewards to the children; small cut-glass bottles; china toys and ornaments; dress

net

ing-cases; diapers; Scotch and French cambrics, &c. It is necessary that every thing should be wrapped in flannel, and packed in tin cases for the voyage; and all the articles, except the coarse blankets, brass thimbles, common trunks, and prints, must be of the very best description, or they will not sell. It is particularly requested that the retail sellingprice may be marked upon the goods. We add a few passages, illustrating painfully the

Strength of the Fetters of Idolatry.

April 23, 1834-Visited Gangpore, a large village on the Calcutta Road. Two nights before, a fire had destroyed sixteen cottages in this place, together with a little Siva Temple. I sat down before one of the walls of the burnt cottages, and listened for a while to the mournful tale of the people who had lost their dwellings and property by the calamity. The most painful thing to them was, that the Brahmin, who was the priest of the temple, had run off in the moment of danger, when they expected that he should have averted the affliction by reading his muntras and invoking the aid of the idol. I told them to give up the delusive worship of idols; since they had a visible proof before them, that an idol is nothing; unable even to save itself from the flames, much less to afford them the slightest protection. I afterward read to them part of Matt. vi. Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth. Some of my hearers seemed deeply impressed by the truth, that he fares best who lays up for himself treasures in heaven. But idolatry has a fearful hold upon the minds of the Hindoos. The conviction of the vanity of idols passed away like the dew before the morning sun; and a few weeks afterward, I observed that the walls of the idol temple were the first part that required, in their estimation, immediate repair.

May 6 Went this morning to a market-place at Berl. Expounded the Parable of the Sower. Two ignorant Bralımins endeavoured to interrupt me, by impertinent questions: it requires all the patience of a Christian to bear with such persons, generally the most immoral among the nation: they endeavoured to justify idol worship, in all its bearings. I asked them to show me the fruits of their faith: they were not able. I said, If you cannot, I must show them;"

"

1836.]

and exhibited the whole catalogue of vices prevailing among them, all of which can clearly be traced to idolatry as the origin. In conclusion, I assured them that the whole fabric of Hindooism must eventually fall, bearing the seed of destruction in itself; and stated my firm conviction, that the pure Religion of Jesus Christ would grow and be established upon the ruins of idolatry. The Brahmins answered, May that day be very far hence!" I said, And I pray daily to God that it may soon be ushered in !"

[Rev. J. J. Weitbrecht.

Oct. 5, 1834-Went into the town; and found that one of the School - houses which I rent was filled with idols, it being the time of Doorga Poojah. The people were just about to perform their worship; which, as may be expected, is any thing but devotional. We spoke long and earnestly against the sinful

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practice of idol worship; but they did not pay particular regard, being intoxicated with the sensual pleasure they derive from their noisy services. They were no more fit to hear of a spiritual worship, than a professedly Christian youth when about to start for a ball.

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Dec. 26 A Sircar from Nuddea, came to tell me that a young Brahmin had expressed to him his wish to become a Christian. I asked the old Sircar, "And why do you not renounce idolatry ?" Sir, I cannot ;" was the reply. A better strong-hold Satan could never have invented, to perpetuate his dominion in this country, than the institution of caste. But an aged person informs me, that caste is much less regarded now than twenty years ago; and what gives way, is certainly likely to fall. So, then, Christians may take new courage, in their labour of love. [Rev. H. C. Krückeberg.

New Holland.

The Rev. Messrs. Watson and Handt have forwarded Journals for the first half of the year 1835, from which we shall give a variety of extracts. The nature of this Mission is such, as to occasion them to proceed slowly: yet, advance they do. Notwithstanding the irregularity of the visits of the Natives, their desultory habits, listless behaviour, interested motives, and degraded character, one great object is still pressed forward by the Missionaries, and will not be pressed in vain. By the translation of the Holy Scriptures, by spiritual appeals to the conscience, by the conscientious observance of the Lord's Day, and by kind attention to the bodily wants of the wretched Aborigines, the Missionaries are gradually gaining ground: and it is no mean consolation to reflect, that ground thus gained will, by God's blessing, be surely retained. A work is commencing, the results of which, in future years, will be incalculable: and who hath despised the day of small things ?

Jan. 3, 1835-About twenty Natives came up to-day: some inquired if they might have soap to wash themselves with, that they might be ready for the Lord's Day. All who have been for any time at the Mission House know that that day is a day of rest, and, during the week, frequently inquire," What name to-day?"

Jan. 4: Lord's Day-Twelve Natives at church: several whom we expected to see there went away after breakfast. In the afternoon, I addressed my children and a few other Natives, in our kitchen, in the aboriginal language: it was a paraplirase on the principal matters contained in the first three chapters of Genesis. When speaking of various parts of the creation, I was frequently interrupted by one and another mentioning animals, trees, &c., which I suppose they thought I had forgotten. Our old man, Bobbagul, who understands very little of the English language, paid particular attention; and when some seemed disposed to laugh, he said, "Do not laugh; do not laugh."

Jan. 6-A large fire appearing in the

bush behind our paddocks, I sent out men to burn the grass near to the fences, to preserve them; but, after all our care, more than one hundred yards were destroyed. After Evening Prayers, I and my children went out to ascertain if the fire was out. On my way homewards, one of the girls, looking upward, said, "Moon and stars! Ah, there were no moon and stars the first day: God made light the first day: that was the first thing God made." I endeavoured to show her, that the first thing God does in the conversion of a sinner is to cause light to shine into his mind, by which he is led to see how very wicked he is. I then remarked: "But you have not received that light yet: you never felt sorry for your sins you never wept because you had grieved the great and gracious God by doing wrong." She inquired, “Did you do so, when a boy? did your father and mother teach you that way?” I was able to answer both these questions in the affirmative.

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Jan. 9,1835-I had an interesting conversation with several of our Natives today, but of so desultory a nature, as our conversations with them generally are, that I cannot record it. It commenced by my showing them a portrait of Edward Parry, a New Zealand Christian, and proceeding to speak of the success of our Brethren there; telling them how very far many of the New Zealanders would come to hear the Gospel; that many were engaged in preaching Jesus Christ to their countrymen; of their having a large axe suspended from a tree, which they beat, in order to summon their neighbours to Family Worship. I told them that I should very much like them to see the NewZealand Christians; but that I was well persuaded, if they went on board a ship with me, they would think I was going to take them to prison. They acknowledged that they should think so. I then endeavoured to explain to them the necessity of a change of heart, &c. ; but while we are labouring to instruct, we must look to the Author of every good gift for the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Jan. 18: Lord's Day-This morning, about two o'clock, the Rev. T. Hassal, a Colonial Chaplain, son-in-law of the Rev. S. Marsden, and his overseer, who is also a pious man, arrived at the Mission House. They had travelled seventy

miles in one day, in order to be able to spend a Christian Sabbath with us. Mr. Hassal preached a sermon in the morning, and, in the evening, addressed us on 1 Kings v. Visits from such Christian friends are cheering to our minds, in this moral wilderness.

Jan. 22-As it is very seldom that we can persuade the young men to learn to read, I gave them to-day some tin letters, as a means of amusement as well as of instruction; promising, as a reward to those who could name most correctly, some peaches. They were amused, and, at the same time, became familiar with the alphabet.

Feb. 9-Thirty Natives have to-day encamped at a short distance. One of them, to whom I gave a brass plate to wear on his breast some time ago, brought it back, saying, “Master, all about say plate no good: parson, you take it back." They are all anxious to have brass plates, with their names engraved on them; which they hang round their necks with twine or small chains. When I was in Sydney, in Oct. 1833, I purchased six plates, such as my Native Youth selected from among others. All means have been tried, by Europeans in the neighbourhood, to put the Natives out of love with them. This circumstance is recorded, to show how determinately persons around us are opposed to our Mission. However, in all our perplexities and troubles, it is our comfort to know that the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth, and that He will make the wrath of man to praise Him.

Feb. 22: Lord's Day-I have always thought, that, by "Baggeen," the Natives meant the evil spirit; but Kabahrin told me to-day, that every man has a Baggeen and a Tullubang (soul). I inquired, "Do you see Baggeen and Tullubang?" "Yes."-" If they are inside the body, how do the Natives see them? They cannot see the heart, which is in the body." Oh, doctors can see them: doctors do not tell lies." He would say no more on the subject. Only ten Natives at church: several went away after breakfast.

March 8: Lord's Day-When I was speaking with my children on the nature of repentance, and asking if they felt any fear that they would not go to heaven, they appeared affected; and one of them said, with tears rolling down his cheeks, that he did often feel afraid.

April 12-Seven Natives at church

to-day. I read prayers to them in their own language.*

April 17, 1835: Good Friday-Many Natives attended prayers in the morning; but none were present at the English Service, except our own children. Some excused themselves this evening, by saying this was not Sunday. Our girls remembered the discourse pretty well today it was what they had been taught. April 20 — Prayed with the Natives at the camp this evening. On inquiring if they understood me, some answered in the negative. I then went over the prayer in separate sentences, and they said they understood it. I afterward conversed with them, and felt my soul watered from above, and entertain hopes that some of the Natives were touched with Divine grace.

April 24-Preached to different parties of Natives this morning: many laughed when they ought to have wept, viz. at the recital of some of their improper and unholy proceedings. Some nodded at the close of every sentence, as if they understood what was said. One female, the wife of a professed Native doctor, was very ill this morning. I wished to bleed her, but she was unwilling, till I had fetched her husband from the camp.

She is much better this evening. Spent most of this day at the camp, conversing with the Natives. That some understood me is evident, from their asking questions respecting their future state. I was asked by some of them, if I should ever return to England. I answered, that it was not my intention to return that I had come to live and die among the Natives, to teach them the way to heaven. They exclaimed: "Gunning dyang!" an expression of admiration, but which literally signifies "motherless.' When asking several questions, I was pleased to find, that one who had once lived with us, but who had been absent for some time, answered readily; which shows, so far as knowledge is considered, that our labour is not altogether in vain.

April 25-All the Natives came up this morning, in separate parties and at different times. I preached to one party; and, from their deeply sighing, I could not but hope that they felt all was not

From this time, when mention is made of reading prayers, or preaching to the people, to prevent repetition, it is to be understood as being in the aboriginal language.

right within. When I addressed the females, afterward, one of them was much affected. She had been an inmate of our house, but her husband took her away. In the afternoon, while addressing another, and when speaking of the consequence of living and dying unregenerate, one and another exclaimed, "Not me, I believe; not me, I believe." One of them confessed that he was afraid of going to hell, but said that he had never killed any one. They have this characteristic mark of fallen nature in common with othersnone will freely acknowledge his guilt. Several have gone away: we have thirty here now. We begin to hope for brighter

scenes.

May

May 1-The Anniversary of our safe arrival in the colony a day of thankfulness for mercies enjoyed, and of deep humiliation for unprofitableness. we have grace to live for God and souls! Many Natives came up to-day: one of the men, Geordie, brother to king Bobby, had only one of his wives with him. I asked where the other was. He, in a joke, said, "She is dead." I however embraced the opportunity of speaking on her unprepared state. He was very angry, and extremely agitated. He said that no other gentleman spoke about Natives being wicked: that all other gentlemen were good. I spoke to him seriously about his soul. He sighed very much, as he did on a former occasion when I was preaching. Two females, who heard our conversation, were affected.

June 2-All the Natives, except Mr. Handt's boys, are cooked for every day by us; and it is pleasing to hear how correctly they ask a blessing before they partake of the food provided for them.

June 7: Lord's Day-As the weather is so coldt, the Natives cannot be easily persuaded to come to Church: I therefore went to the camp, and preached to forty, in two companies. It is very pleasing to hear two children at the camp, two or three years of age, repeat morning and evening prayers. Oh, that out of the mouths of these sucklings God may be pleased to perfect praise!

June 8 Many Natives have gone from hence into the bush: they said they were going to look out opossums, to make cloaks, the weather was so cold.

June 12-I asked one of the females

+ It being winter time in that hemisphere.