DOMESTIC MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. MONTHLY MISSIONARY PRAYER-MEETING. MADRAS. THE mission established by the Society at this distinguished city and seat of one of the thice presidencies of British India, was commenced in 1805. It has been prosecuted under many disadvantages, partly resulting from the frequent change of the missionaries; in consequence of death, illness, and other unavoidable causes. From the For several years its operations were chiefly directed to the propagation of the Gospel among the Indo-British population, and other inhabitants of Madras acquainted with the English language. Stated Christian worship was shortly instituted for their benefit, in the northern district of the city, called Black Town, and formed, at that time, a peculiarly interesting spectacle amid the surrounding spiritual barrenness and darkness. congregation in Black Town a church was formed in 1819. This church, at present, consists of about fifty members. In 1815 a free school for boys, conducted on Christian principles, was formed in connexion with the congregation in Black Town, and, a few years afterwards, another school, on the same establishment, for girls. The children instructed in these schools, which are supported by public contributions, are descendants of Europeans. The number on the establishment has usually fluctuated between one and two hundred, but of late has been considerably reduced, in consequence of the establishment of schools of a similar description in the immediate vicinity. Many of them have made attainments in the knowledge of the Scriptures, and in useful learning, highly creditable both to themselves and the institution. About the year 1817, the missionaries were enabled to establish several schools exclusively for the children of the heathen. The number of these schools, which are supported by the Society, has varied from 10 to 20, and that of the scholars instructed in them from 300 to 800. The latest returns state the number (including a female native school) at 819. The Scriptures were introduced into these schools gradually; but for many years the Bible has formed a standard book in all of them, the course of instruction being entirely under the regulation of the missionaries. Stated religious services, in the native language, have for many years been performed, by the missionaries of the Society, in different parts of Madras, but chiefly in Black Town, and at Pursewaukum; in each of which vicinities a chapel has been erected by means of the liberality of pious and benevolent individuals on the spot.t At Pursewaukum a native church was formed in February 1830, consisting of upwards of 20 members, principally, but not entirely, natives. This native congregation has fluctuated between 60 and 100. There is also a small Christian Society, composed chiefly of Indo Britons, who form part of the congregation attending English worship at Pursewaukum. The attendance on the native services in Black Town has of late rapidly increased; and we are happy to add, that attention to spiritual things is extending among the Indo-British population, generally, at Madras. At this, as at many of the other stations in the East Indies, some of the best opportunities for addressing the natives, enjoyed by the missionaries, have been afforded by periodical examinations of the children belonging to the native schools. On such occasions the missionary is usually surrounded by their parents, who listen while he reads and expounds the Scriptures, and parts of a Christian catechism. Among them are many whom no persuasion could induce to attend public worship in a mission-chapel. For many years English services have been performed by the missionaries for the benefit of the military at Fort St. George, and attended with good effect. Other means of increasing the efficiency of the mission have been, more or less, employed, such as the distribution of the Scriptures and religious tracts, in various languages, and the performance, occasionally, of missionary tours in the adjacent country. The latter mode of extending the usefulness of the mission has led to the establishment of an out-station at Tripassore, a town situated about thirty miles from Madras. Here a small chapel has been built, and an English and a Tamil congregation collected. From each of these congregations a number have been united in church-fellowship, but in distinct churches; the English church being composed chiefly of Europeans, and the other principally, but not entirely, of natives. Connected with this out-station there are two schools, one for boys, and the other for girls, containing together about 35 scholars * The population of Madras is estimated at upwards of 300,000; of these the greatest proportion are Hindoos. The chapel in Black Town was erected in 1810-11; that at Pursewankum in 1819. In 1817 an Auxiliary Missionary Society, in immediate connexion with the Society, was formed here, which, beside rendering aid to its funds, has contributed, with other similar institutions, to disseminate missionary information, and to excite a missionary spirit among the European and other inhabitants of the presidency. An Auxiliary Bible Society, and an Auxiliary Religious Tract Society, have also been established by the European residents, in conjunction with the missionaries of this and other similar Societies, which, beside being instrumental in extensively distributing the word of life among the inhabitants of that part of India, have also assisted the funds of the respective Parent Societies at home. These, and other public societies at Madras, having a benevolent object in view, have tended to improve the character of society in that city. Indeed, the very existence, much more the liberal support of such institutions, is itself evidence of a considerably improved state of things. Beside the direct results of missionary labours at Madras, the above-mentioned, and other co-operating causes, have, also, tended to effect a considerable change among the natives. Prejudice is evidently on the decline. Even the Brahmins manifest less attachment to their superstitions; while among the Mohammedans less confidence is placed in the authority of their Prophet. Exclusive of others, differently composed, prayer-meetings are statedly held, by the brethren of several religious denominations, united, to implore the blessing of God on the operations of their respective Societies, and on those of all other kindred institutions, having in view the same great object of propagating the Gospel of Christ throughout the world. May all Christians of every denomination, at home, likewise unite their supplications, for the success of the same cause in every nation under heaven; and the members of our own Society, particularly (in reference to the immediate object of the present paper), in petitions that Madras, distinguished by her political and commercial importance, may, eventually, be still more distinguished by the number of her pious inhabitants, both European and Native. SUBSCRIPTIONS ON BEHALF OF DR. PHILIP'S CASE. Extracts of a Letter from Rev. Dr. Philip, addressed to John Foulger, Esq., under date Cape Town, 3rd August, 1831, in acknowledgment of the Contributions raised by the Friends of Missions in Great Britain and Ireland, towards defraying the Expenses of his late Trial at Cape Town. MY DEAR SIR, It has been shrewdly remarked by a Frenchman, that the reason of misreckoning in the expected returns of gratitude, is this, the pride of the giver and the pride of the receiver, can never agree about the value of the obligation. Between my friends in England and myself there can be no misreckoning, because they know, as well as I do, the value of the obligation which they have conferred. When I left England, prepared for any form of opposition, excepting the precise form in which it assailed me on my arrival at the shores of Table Bay, the friends of humanity and religion, at home, gave me sufficient pledges that I should not be allowed to sustain the contest unaided; and, in the manner in which they have redeemed their pledges, my expectations have been more than exceeded. To enable my friends at home rightly to appreciate the value of their own exertions, so far as the cause in which I am engaged is concerned, they must have seen, as I have, the state of things which succeeded to the exercise of an abused authority, and the impressions produced when the sentiments of England, respecting it, began to be known in the colony. Could the gratitude I feel towards my friends, for their exertions on this occasion, be analyzed, and could it be reduced to so many cents; were I to allow one cent of the whole sum to go to the account of personal interest, the remaining ninety and nine would be found making up the sense of obligation which I feel for the services they have conferred on all missionaries situated as I am-on the cause of humanity in general, and on the cause of truth and righteousness over the whole world. I am glad that the Directors of the Society have made their appeal to the public, on this subject, in the manner in which they have done. Had they covered my expenses by a vote from the funds of the Society, that mode would have been far from being so satisfactory as the one which has been adopted, coming to me, as it does, as an expression of public opinion. So far as I am concerned, with respect to the disposal of the surplus funds, I wish it to be understood that I shall be perfectly satisfied with the manner in which those entrusted with their management may think proper to dispose of them. Had they been left to my disposal, it is more than probable that I should have thought of applying them to the purchase of land for the Hottentots. On my reasons for thinking of such a measure at this time I need not enlarge: I perceive, by your remarks on the subject, you can enter into my feelings with regard to it; but the mode which has been proposed, of in resting the money, removes my objections, because whatever is done for my family in this way, is, in fact, done for the London Missionary Society, as it relieves the Society (should the fund be secured) from any obligations that the Directors might feel themselves to lie under towards my family after my decease. I am, therefore, desirous that the whole of the surplus contributions should, for the present, be placed so as to accumulate, at compound interest, for the benefit of my family after my decease. If it be agreeable to yourself and the Directors, it may be desirable, for the satisfaction of the public, that my sentiments, as I have stated them to you, should be made known through the medium of the Missionary Chronicle. (Signed) JOHN PHILIP. As it is intended to invest the amount of the Surplus Subscriptions in the public funds, in the names of Trustees appointed by the Directors, for the benefit of Dr. Philip's family after his decease, as intimated in the above letter, it is respectfully requested that any subscriptions, which may not yet have been paid, may be forwarded to Messrs. Hankey, Bankers, without delay. ANNIVERSARY. BOLTON, The annual meeting of the Bolton Branch Missionary Society was held in Duke's Alley Chapel, on Monday, the 21st of November. On the preceding Lord's-day, sermons were preached in that place of worship, and in Mawdsley Street chapel, in behalf of the Society, by the Rev. J. Ely, of Rochdale, and the Rev. T. H. Walker, Wesleyan minister, of Bolton. At the public meeting, the chair was taken by the Rev. Dr. Clunie; and resolutions were moved and seconded by the Rev. R. Fletcher, J. Griffin, and G. Taylor, of Manchester; the Rev. J. Dyson, of Halshaw Moor; and the Rev. W. Jones, S. Ellis, T. H. Walker, and Mr. Burdon, of Bolton. Andrew's, began the services of the day by praise, reading the Scriptures, and prayer. The introductory discourse was delivered by the Rev. David Russell, of Dundee, from Isa. Iv. 4, 5. The Rev. Robert Machray of Perth proposed the usual questions, which were answered by Mr. Paterson in a very satisfactory and highly interesting manner, and seemed to produce a very pleasing effect upon the auditory. Mr. Machray then offered up the ordination prayer, accompanied by the imposition of hands; and the charge to the missionary was given by the Rev. Mr. Lothian, Mr. Paterson's former pastor, from 2 Tim. iv. 5 ----"Do the work of an evangelist." The service commenced at 12 at noon; and, though it lasted four hours, the deepest interest appeared to be felt by the numerous and respectable audience assembled on the occasion, which we have no doubt will tend to promote the cause of missions in general among the inhabitants of St. Andrew's. It is pleasing to reflect that several young men, educated at the university of that city, have of late years devoted their talents to the work of the Lord among the heathen, and it is hoped that the services of this day may be the means of exciting others to emulate so noble an example. The interest felt on the occasion referred to, was also heightened by the circumstance of Mr. Paterson's predecessor, Mr. Adam, having been for some time a student at St. Andrew's, where he was well known and universally esteemed, and where the news of his lamented death had been received only a few weeks before. On the evening of the same day, after prayer by the Rev. John Murdoch of Anstruther, an excellent sermon was preached in the secession chapel, by the Rev. George Paterson, of East Linton, Haddingtonshire, from 2 Tim. i. 10, when a collection was made in aid of the funds of the St. Andrew's Auxiliary Missionary Society. On the evening of the preceding day, a meeting for prayer was held in Mr. Lothian's chapel, to commend the young missionary to the grace and protection of God. May the prayers then presented receive a gracious answer! It was pleasing to see, on this interesting occasion, the cordial feeling manifested by Christian friends of different denominations. Besides the pastors of the neighbouring independent churches, several ministers of the secession church attended the service, and manifested the most friendly feeling towards the Society. Though no unusual sight in England, it was rather a novel occurrence, on this side of the Tweed, to see the ministers of each body uniting, as with one heart, in commending their young brother to the service and care of their common Lord. L. Mr. John Bilderbeck. Mr. John Bilderbeck, a native of Madras, who was brought to a knowledge of divine truth through the instrumentality of the Society's missionaries in that city, and who arrived in this country last summer, for the purpose of being educated for the missionary service, but who has been obliged to return to his native land, not being able to sustain the severity of this climate; and having been appointed by the directors to labour as a missionary at some station in the Madras presidency, was ordained at White Row meeting house, Spitalfields, on Thursday December 22nd. The very interesting service was commenced by reading appropriate portions of Scripture, and the offering of prayer, by the Rev. John Arundel. Rev. Robert Halley, resident tutor of Highbury College, delivered the introductory discourse, on the obligation of churches to support missionary operations. Rev. D. Bishop, resident tutor of 1lomerton college, asked the usual questions, and received from Mr. Bilderbeck most satisfactory answers; especially in the account which he gave of his conversion to God, and of his enunciation of the errors of the Roman Catholic church, he having been educated at the Jesuit College at Pondicherry. Rev. Dr. Pye Smith, Mr. B.'s theological tutor, offered the ordination prayer, Rev. Henry Townley, his pastor, gave to him the charge, and Rev. John Clayon, jun., concluded with prayer. Mr. Orlando T. Dobbin. On Friday, Jan. 6, 1832, Mr. O. T. Dobbin, who, with Mr. James Paterson, had been appointed to Siam, but on account of the recent visitations of death in India, and other circumstances, had their appointment changed, was ordained at York Street Chapel, Walworth, when the Rev. George Browne introduced the service by reading the Scriptures and prayer. Rev. John Burnet preached, on the great door and effectual which is now opened into the pagan world for missionaries of Jesus Christ. The usual questions were proposed by Rev. William Ellis. The ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. John Clayton, jun. (instead of the Rev. Dr. Henderson, Mr. Dobbin's tutor, who was prevented by illness), the charge was delivered by the Rev. George Clayton, and the Rev. John Arundel concluded the interesting service by prayer. DEPARTURE OF MISSIONARIES. On Sunday morning, January 1, 1832, Rev. John Bilderbeck sailed from Gravesend in the ship Lady Kennaway, Captain Moncrieff, for Madras. On Thursday morning, January 5th, Rev. John Wray, Mrs. Wray, and their son, sailed from Gravesend, in the ship Rosana, Captain Foster, for Berbice. Our deat brother, having mercifully experienced the resto. ration of his health, hopes to resume his important labours in that colony with renewed vigour. On Thursday, January 26th, Mr. and Mrs. Dobbin, and Mr. and Mrs. Paterson, sailed from Gravesend in the Hon. East India Company's ship Asia, Captain Bathie, for Bengal. The former having been appointed to Berhamporc, to join Mr. M. Hill; the latter to Calcutta, to join Mr. Christie. FROM REV. JOHN BILDERBECK ON HIS PASSAGE OUTWARDS. On Board the Lady Kennaway, Portsmouth, January 4, 1832, addressed to the Home Secretary. MY VERY DEAR SIR, The pilot is now about leaving the ship, and I avail myself of the opportunity thus offered to inform you, that, under the controlling guidance of a merciful God, I was safely and comfortably conveyed by the steamer to Gravesend, which I reached at a little after 5 o'clock on the evening of last Saturday. The part of my person al baggage, &c. which was sent after me safely arrived, and was happily in time for shipment. I beg herewith to tender my warmest and most grateful acknowledgments to those kind friends who accomplished its dispatch so expeditiously. Though I have not entirely got over my fatigue, and mental excitement, I am, I thank God, considerably better, and hope to feel more so when we get quite clear of the channel. My accommodations are very good and comfortable. My friends on board are all kinder to me than I deserve; nor can I forget Him whose mercies are neither few nor small, whose loving-kindnesses call for the exercise of unfeigned gratitude, who daily lays me under additional obligations to love and serve him, and who, for the consolation of his faithful people, has sworn himself as the God of Jacob, a covenant-keeping God! We sailed from Gravesend, as was expected, on Sabbath morning;—while you were celebrating the first day, and the first Sabbath, of a new year, by commemorating the Redeemer's dying love at the sacramental feast, it was my lot to be beating about the channel. Oh, how I envied my brethren and sisters at White Row, where I was accustomed to celebrate the Lord's death! Being absent from my usual place of worship, and calling to mind the many soul-transporting seasons which I have there enjoyed, I felt that I could with David exclaim, How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord God of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth, for the courts of the living God! : The steward of our vessel, having been very ill with some inflammatory complaint in his chest, died this morning, at four o'clock. I spent an hour in reading and prayer with him yesterday he confessed, with deep humility and penitence, his state as a sinner before God, and alluded, with sorrow, to his abuse and gross neglect of the Scriptures and the means of grace while in England-but his views in reference to the way of salvation, I regret to state, were not sufficiently clear and satisfactory; I endeavoured to lead him to Jesus as the friend of sinners, and quoted several invitations of Scripture as directed to sinners, and other passages containing animating promises to the children of God, who were reconciled to him through the blood of Christ. The poor dying man listened to them with patience and interest, and, when I left him, he assured me that he would be constantly looking to Christ as the sinner's only Saviour; but earnestly entreated that I would not forget him in my private prayers. I assured him that I would not forget him, and then left him in the hope of seeing him again this day-but alas! he entered into eternity before I awoke this morning! I hope he slept in Jesus. In the hurry and bustle of my departure I neglected the calls of several valued friends -you have been a witness to all the anxieties and difficulties connected with my early departure a word of explanation from you to any one who may inquire after me will greatly oblige me. The Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Tippets, of Gravesend, were very good and kind to me; we had family-worship together, and I was greatly edified by their conversation and spiritualmindedness. I have also to express my sense of gratitude for all the kind attentions of Mr. Roberts in assisting and seeing me safely on board; also, for all the valuable assistance rendered to me by yourself and my other friends in packing and preparing for the voyage. Several friends have kindly favoured me with many valuable books as memorials; but I was so much pressed for time that I was not able to write and thank them. These books will ever be held in lively remembrance of them, and will, I trust, always excite grateful reflections. I hope personally to write to the donors when I reach Madras, Deo volente. Time admonishes me to conclude; remember me affectionately to all; and soliciting a continued interest in your prayers, and in those of the Directors, allow me to remain, in great haste, with all due respect and esteem, My dear Sir, Yours, very affectionately, JOHN BILDERBECK. Give my affectionate regards to every individual member of your dear family, and tell them I shall never forget their kind attentions, and the unmerited concern they manifested at my departure, and that I shall write to them from Madras. J. B. DEATH OF MRS. THOMPSON. On Friday, January 13th, 1832, Mrs. Thompson, wife of Rev. J. C. Thompson, of Quilon, died at the house of her maternal parent, Mrs. Johnston, Berwick-uponTweed, where she had gone for the restoration of her health. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The thanks of the Directors are respectfully presented to the following, viz.: A few Friends at Hitchin, per Rev. J. W. Wayne, for a Box of Sundries for the South Sea Islands. Rev. C. Redford's Congregation, Worcester, for a Box of various Articles for the Schools in Madagascar. Rev. G. Greatbatch and Friends, for a Box (contents unknown) for Madagascar. Mr. Smith, for a Bale of Articles of Clothing for the South Sea Islands. The Teachers of the Borough Sunday School, by Mr. Thomas Jerson, for a Box of Works of Taste, for Africa. To E. K., Mrs. Mills, Miss J. Roworth, and J. B. Turner, Esq., for Numbers and Volumes of the Evangelical Magazine, &c. ERRATA IN THE MISSIONARY CHRONICLE FOR JANUARY, 1832. 37, ་ |