country over which for ages thick darkness had brooded-and conducted according to the most improved system of instruction, it was regarded by all as an experiment fraught with general interest. If successful, it could not fail to give a mighty impulse to the progress of education: if unsuc cessful, it might slacken though not paralyse many an effort of benevo lence.

It has been mooted in certain circles, that the school has proved almost, if not altogether, a failure, because the average attendance of the boys and their average relative progress, have been less than during the year preceding. But after perusing the statements now given, will any candid reader venture to say that this inference is a sound one? If the average annual attendance has been less, is it not because of the virulence of an epidemic which raged the greater part of the year? And if the average relative progress has been less, is it not because, for the reason now assigned, the average loss of time to the whole school has exceeded six, out of the twelve months?

If the proper allowance be made for the retarding circumstances now enumerated, instead of being disappointed, one may find ample grounds for encouragement. When the institution was visited in March last, by the Rev. Mr. McKay, it was found “to exhibit a most gratifying state of efficiency." And when visited, in the early part of this month, by the Rev. A. Duff, its state of efficiency was far beyond what could well have been anticipated. Disease having wholly disappeared, its injurious effects on the school disappeared also. All the boys that survived, had returned. In the English department, between 90 and a 100: in the Bengalí about the same number: and in the Persian, as many as the writer ever wishes to see so employed. Life and activity were restored. And all seemed animated afresh with the thirst of knowledge and the glow of generous emulation.

The second annual examination of the Institution, was held on the 13th instant, in the presence of several European gentlemen from Bagandi and the neighbouring stations, as well as numbers of Native gentlemen, with the Babus, Kalináth Ray, and Boykantanáth Ray, at their head. The whole of the classes were examined in the most searching manner, on all that had been read or learnt. And to all the minutely varied questions, the most prompt and appropriate answers were returned. Without entering into particular details at present, it is enough to say, that in every branch of study, reading, parsing, geography, arithmetic, &c., a clear and specific advance had been made. The senior class, in addition to their regular daily lessons, had voluntarily translated into English a little Bengali work, entitled "Nitikatha:"-and really, considering the short period of their English studies, the translation was wonderfully correct. Altogether the exhibition was more than gratifying. It far surpassed the expectations of all present, and in securing so happy an issue, it was not easy to decide which deserved the greatest credit for perseverance and diligence,-Mr Wilson or his pupils To the uncommon merits of both parties, the result of that day's examination bore conspicuous testimony. So that instead of finding the symptoms of a failure, stronger proofs than ever were furnished as to the absolute certainty, with God's blessing, of ultimate success.

On a review of the year's (or rather half year's) proceedings, many ob servations naturally suggest themselves. I shall, however, confine myself to the few following.

1. Every one must be delighted with the admirable tendency of the interrogatory system pursued, to sharpen the intellect, and cultivate the powers of observation. A little fellow about eight or nine years old, meeting with the word "bald" in his lesson, was asked the meaning of the term. Pausing a moment, as if at a loss how to express himself, he

cast his eyes on one of the gentlemen present, the crown of whose head happened to be bald, and suddenly cried out, with a significant smile, "he got bald top." Such an answer may be thought trifling by many, but as an indication of a habit of independent thought and observation, it can only be despised by the foolish and the ignorant. And there was not a class in the school, the boys of which did not afford abundant evidence that they were accustomed to think for themselves.

2. One could not fail being struck with the marked superiority of those whose minds had been quickened by the English discipline. Many of the English boys had formerly commenced the study of Persian-and some of them still continued more or less to improve their acquaintance with it. These were examined along with the Persian boys, or those that devote day and night to the study. The active intelligence of the English boys, and their ready acuteness in answering questions, finely contrasted with the stiff mechanical scholastic appearance of the disciples of Persian lore. One of the Native gentlemen felt constrained to exclaim, "These boys (the English) know things: but these (the Persian) only words." A pregnant remark truly; and coming from an educated Native gentleman, worth a thousand arguments.

3. This circumstance tends to heighten one's pleasure at the announcement, that the English is "now universally admired and studied with avidity" at Táki, while the Persian has fallen comparatively into" contempt." The change of feeling towards the two languages is so characteristic, and fraught with instruction, that it is worth while to particularize a little. Táki abounds with respectable native families-many of them off-shoots of the house of the Ray Choudris. Amongst these, several members have at all times found access to offices of responsibility. Hence the possibility and prospect of rising in the world, has been vividly set before the young men generally; and a proportionate emulation has been excited amongst them. Now, as hitherto, the Persian language formed the exclusive passport to offices of trust, the study of it has been pursued with astonishing zeal and perseverance at Tákí:-so much so, that when the English School was opened there, many of the most talented of the young men would not enter it, on the plea that English would be of no service to them, whereas a thorough knowledge of Persian would inevitably pave the way to honourable and lucrative situations. All reasoning_was lost upon them: one reply sufficed to rebut every argument: lish is of no use: for, Government will not, cannot, abolish Persian.' Well, upwards of a twelvemonth ago, it was announced in the Calcutta Journals, that Government had abolished Persian in the Political department. This intelligence did more than all our previous arguments. The young men justly concluded that if in one department Government would, and could, and did abolish Persian, the same government possibly could, and probably would, abolish it in every department of the public service. Forthwith much of the zeal and time and labour expended on the Persian were directed to the acquisition of English. And if instead of a partial substitution, Government had formally announced its design of substituting English universally, Persian would have been wholly abandoned, and the undivided energies of the mind, devoted to the study of English literature and science. From this we may infer that, if the natives ouly once feel assured that a thorough knowledge of English will open the way to employment in the service of the state, it cannot be doubted, that in a few years there may be even a redundancy of qualified candidates.

Eng

4. The extent to which the confidence of the boys had been gained and the desire to acquire knowledge excited, challenged the highest admiration. Having asked Mr. Wilson for an expression of his experience on this head, he, in substance, emphatically replied: I have been engaged in teaching

these 20 years, and I have never before seen boys so anxious to be instruct, ed. Their lessons are in general well prepared at home, and every effort apparently used by them, to aid us in pushing them forward. Very often, almost every day, when the time allotted for hearing a class was expired, Í have the earnest request made to me by many of them: Ask us more ques tions, teach us more! Who would not have pleasure in giving instruction to such boys? And I may say, I have not seen one who is not fired with the same noble ardor.

With a testimony so decisive before us, is it unreasonable to hope that the most complete success will crown our efforts to diffuse the blessings of a sound education among the people of Tákí?

5. It is impossible to bring these hurried remarks to a close, without reverting in terms of special commendation, to the Babus Kalináth Ray, and Boykantanáth Ray, with all their friends and relations. They have proved, by their unabated zeal, and undiminished liberality, that, as natives, they are no ordinary men. By their steady undeviating conduct, they have done much, to wipe away the charge of fickleness that has ever attached to the Hindu character. And by a continued perseverance in this line of conduct, they will highly exalt their own name in the present age, and ages yet unborn may have reason to revere their memory. Long may they witness the fruits of their generous exertions for the improvement of their countrymen and long may they continue to enjoy the highest of all earthly rewards, the satisfaction of doing good. Verily, these are the men whom the enlightened rulers of this land ought "to delight to honour." A FRIEND TO NATIVE EDUCATION.

Calcutta, June 20th, 1834.

IV.-MONTHLY PRAYER MEETING IN CALCUTTA.

It may not be generally known to our readers, that on the first Monday of every month, a public prayer meeting is held in the Union and Circular Road Chapels alternately. The service commences with prayer; after which an address is delivered, or Missionary intelligence read, by some one of the Missonaries previously appointed for that purpose. The Rev. Messrs. Duff, Mackay, Lowrie, Mather, Campbell, Ellis, and Hill, have already delivered addresses. The next meeting will be held on the evening of the first Monday in July, at the Circular Road Chapel; Mr. Groves, so well known to the world for his Christian devotedness, is expected to take part in it. It is earnestly hoped, that such of our Calcutta readers as are friendly to missions, will be present to assist us with their prayers.

V.-INFANT SCHOOL AT THE CAPE.

We have not space for a full report of the proceedings of the fourth anniversary meeting of the school at the Cape-occupying as it does six closely printed columns of the South African Advertiser-but we cannot deny ourselves the gratification of stating, that the system has, in the four years of its operation, been thoroughly successful, and already receives the countenance of the first persons in the colony. Sir Benjamin and Lady D'Urban, Sir John Herschell, Sir John Truter, and Sir John Wylde are amongst its warmest supporters. The children educated at the schools at Cape Town only have ranged between 70 and 100, twenty of whom are English—and of about one hundred and thirty, who have passed from the Infant into other schools, the teachers of the latter "concur in saying, that they exhibit a marked superiority both as regards docility and aptness over those who come to them after having passed the first six or seven years of their lives without the moral discipline and training of an Infant School.”—The Englishman.

Several excellent speeches, warmly recommending such institutions, were delivered by the Rev. Drs. Phillip and Burrow, the Rev. Mr Hough, Mr. Advocate Cloete, and Sir John Herschell. How delightful to the Christian to see one of the most eminent of living Missionaries, and the first of living philosophers, engaged heart and hand in the same good cause, the moral and spiritual improvement of their race!

VI.-STATE OF RELIGION IN THE AMERICAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

An admirable practice has been introduced into the Presbyterian Church in the United States. Previous to the sitting of the General Assembly, each Presbytery sends up a report of the state and progress of religion within its bounds during the past year; and these, being digested and condensed by a Committee appointed for that purpose, are published annually under the sanction of the Assembly. We shall endeavour to lay before our readers an abstract of this most interesting document for the year ending in May, 1833. After lamenting that the past year had been less distinguished than the two preceding, by the power of renewing and sanctifying grace, which it attributes to the lukewarm and worldly spirit of professing Christians, it proceeds to narrate what the Lord had been actually doing for his cause. The following is the order of the report:

1. REVIVALS OF RELIGION.-We would notice, with fervent gratitude, spe. cial divine favour in the effusions of the Holy Spirit: "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities." From ninetytwo Presbyteries, which have made reports, it appears that sixty-two have been favoured with" times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." Upon more or less of the churches under the care of thirty-six of these Presbyteries, divine influence has descended like the morning dew or gentle showers. In some of them

a few only of their congregations, while in others several, and in some, nearly all, have been cheered and blessed with these gracious visitations. Their good effects are apparent in the increased humility, zeal, and activity of the disciples of the Saviour, and the accessions to their number from the world of such as we trust he will own as his, when he shall make up his jewels.

But the Lord has done greater things for us than these, whereof we are glad. Twenty-six of the Presbyteries report revivals of equal extent and power with any which occurred in preceding years. The Lord has made bare his arm in behalf of his heritage. His people have been humbled and revived, and exhibited delightful evidence of increased devotedness to his service, and proud rebels have been made to bow at his feet. From them he has taken all the armour in which they trusted, silenced their self-justifying pleas, and constrained them to ascribe righteousness to him, and sue for mercy at the foot of the cross. These glorious exhibitions of divine power and grace have been made in all portions of our widely extended limits.

Nor are the subjects of renovating mercy confined to any particular age or class. They are found among the aged and the young, among the rich and the poor, the bond and the free, the learned and the ignorant, the polished and the rude. Yet all, notwithstanding this diversity of condition and circumstances, agree in ascribing their rescue from endless sin and suffering to God's rich and discriminating grace. They acknowledge Christ as their Master and Lord, and cheerfully devote themselves to his service. For all these trophies of redeeming mercy, let Zion's God be praised. The Assembly regard revivals of religion as the great purifiers of our moral atmosphere, and the most important means of replenishing the church on earth with living, active members, and of peopling heaven with redeemed sinners. They would therefore exhort the churches to pray without ceasing, " O Lord, revive thy work," and to act in accordance with this inspired petition.

In regard to the means which have been blessed in promoting this precious work of mercy, the churches have reported little that is new or extraordinary. The truth, plainly exhibited and pungently applied, has been (as it always must be)

the grand instrument. It has been successfully presented by means of Sabbath school and Bible class instruction, protracted meetings, and most of all, the ordinary exercises of the pulpit. In these revivals God has signally appeared as the answerer of fervent, believing prayer.

2. THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY.-This Society has issued 91,168 Bibles and Testaments during the year, making a total of 1,533,668 since its commencement; and has appropriated 30,000 dollars for the printing and circulating of Bibles among foreign nations, and the American aborigines.

3. MISSIONS. The American Board of Commissioners for foreign missions have 227 labourers already employed, and 13 others, with three assistants, have been lately appointed. The Western Foreign Missionary Society (just formed) has sent one Missionary to Africa, and is preparing to send two more to N. India*.

The Assembly's Board of Missions has labored with pleasing progress, in the work of supplying our destitute churches with the bread of life. It has employed within the year two hundred and sixty-nine Missionaries. It has six hundred Ses. sional and sixty-four Presbyterial Auxiliaries, embracing one thousand ministers, and one thousand five hundred churches. The Missionaries report thirty 'new churches organized, thirty-two houses of worship erected, and several others in progress. Four hundred individuals are employed in giving instruction, and twenty-five thousand children are taught in Sabbath schools. They have also eight hundred Bible classes, embracing ten thousand learners; and five hundred Temperance Societies have been established, whose members amount to twenty-five thousand. God has also honoured their labours by making them instrumental in producing several interesting revivals of religion. The success of the American Home Missionary Society has been highly encouraging. During the year past, it has employed six hundred and five ministers, who have laboured as Missionaries or agents in eight hundred and one congregations. The amount of ministerial labour reported to have been performed is four hundred and sixteen years and nine months. The number added to the churches, on profession of their faith, is four thousand two hundred and eighty-four; the whole number added, six thousand and forty-one. One hundred and one churches have been blessed with revivals, and three thousand four hundred and thirtyfive hopeful conversions have been reported. Connected with the churches aided by the Society are seven hundred and seventy Sabbath schools, embracing thirty-one thousand one hundred and forty scholars. They further report three hundred and seventy-eight Bible classes, containing eleven thousand pupils: and fifty-three thousand seven hundred and forty-six persons, who are pledged to the principle of total abstinence from intoxicating drinks.

4. TRACTS.-The American Tract Society has printed nearly 40,000,000 of pages, and circulated little less than 50,000,000. It has appropriated 10,000 dollars for supplying foreign parts.

5. EDUCATION.-The Board of Education of the General Assembly has been much prospered in its efforts to furnish men for the Gospel ministry. They have now under their care, regularly reported, and enrolled, four hundred and twenty students. Not regularly reported, but estimated to be under the care of eighteen auxiliaries, twenty-two, making a total under their care from nineteen states, and pursuing their studies in eighty-one schools and seminaries of learning, four hun. dred and fifty young men. Of these fifty are studying with reference to foreign fields, and six for Liberia. The Board are acting upon the pledge given to the churches to receive and sustain every young man, of suitable qualifications for the ministry, applying for patronage. They are also as far as practicable striving to educate men within those portions of the country, where they will probably labour after they enter upon the great work.

The American Education Society is prosecuting its work with increasing vigour. At present it is sustaining between six and seven hundred young men in a course of education for the ministry.

*Note. The Revd. Messrs. Lowrie and Reed.

+ Can any of our readers tell us the meaning of this?