"Do not you think it would be a great improvement in the Ordnance Commissariat, were all the native store and book-keepers' accounts, 'Issues,' receipts, day-books, ledgers, &c. so written, that they might be examined by the Conductors and English writers, instead of being as now sealed books in Nágarí scratches, which none but the native store-keepers themselves can read or compare? Do not you think it would be an excellent plan to make all the native store-keepers keep their books, though in the native language, yet written in English letters and figures? The bookkeepers would learn the 24 Roman letters in a month; and how satisfactory would all their check books be when written in Roman characters, and kept after the English plan. The words would be the same as now; the old Hindi scratches, merely replaced by neat English letters. The Conductors and native store-keepers could then sit down together, and read and compare each other's books, for all the names are those on the ledger. This unity of letters would be a grand reform. I dare say you have both Hindi and Bengálí accounts quite sealed from the English office. What think you of the plan? I rather think some of the Káhnpur Magazine native store-keepers, under R. write in English letters. I dare say, were you to exhibit to the Board all your native check books, neatly written in Roman characters, they would be likely enough to direct the improvement throughout the Ordnance Commissariat.' " Let not our readers imagine, that the writer of this paper and his associates are friends to the Romanizing system, or even to the English language exclusively-Far from it. We are FRIENDS TO INDIA; and to the Romanizing system, and the English language, as two noble instruments of benefiting its immense population. By introducing the students of either, through the medium of one common alphabet or language, into closer contact with their European protectors and benefactors, and into a more ready acquirement of their literature, science, and religion, the happiness of our subjects must be promoted. This alone we seek. Does any one object to the teaching of English, and prefer the vernacular dialects?-we quarrel not with him on that account; only let him give his aid to education in the languages he prefers. Does any one think the Roman character capable of being advantageously applied only to languages possessing no proper alphabetic character of their own, (as those of China and Japan;) or to barbarous tribes, as those on the borders of Bengal and A'sám, who have no written character whatever?-let him in these cases only push its application, and we are content. Does any one object to the use of the character entirely ?-we are still his friends, if he will only communicate valuable instruction in the native characters. Is any one a friend to the education of the natives, but is apprehensive that by communicating Christian instruction at first his efforts will be impeded?-still his aid will be accepted with thankfulness, since we firmly believe that for the soul to be without "general knowledge" is not good; and that, where the ability to read is acquired, the zeal and liberality of Missionaries and their friends will soon supply tracts and Scriptures, which will render that acquirement a blessing to its possessor. Should any one object entirely to the education of the natives, and believe that their advantage will be better secured by their improvement in the arts of life :-we will not with such an one dispute the point; let him introduce a better plough, or superior breed of cattle, or routine of crops, or any other improvement, and we will still regard him as a friend of our great object. The glorious car of India's improvement has many wheels, and if each of our readers will but aid, to the extent of his power, its triumphal progress, we shall rejoice to see him at either of those wheels exert his energies. We quarrel only with those who do nothing-who in a country so vast and so benighted, and therefore claiming so fully the exertions of every one who has it in his power to enlighten her, are yet content to live and die without making any exertion for her benefit -they who, possessed of time and talents, will use little; of influence, will exert little ;-of property, will give little or nothing -to an object so noble, even when pursued in the very way which they themselves profess to approve. The state of India's population, inviting us daily to exertion for its benefit, calls aloud for the efforts of every individual; and criminally indifferent indeed must he be, who amidst the general awakening of mind in every quarter, can be content with doing nothing to give it a right direction, or lead it to a happy result. Members of this class, we trust our readers are not; or, if any now are, that such they will not remain. Poetry. THE OPENING OF THE FIRST SEAL. BETA. And I saw, and behold, a white horse; and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.-REV. vi. 2. BEHOLD, arrayed in emblems of His might, The great Redeemer of the world appear!- Dispel the gloomy clouds of doubt and fear ;- Shall high the standard of Jehovah rear, The sword of might is girt upon his thigh- Missionary and Religious Entelligence. INDIA. DEATH OF A NATIVE CHRISTIAN AT KATAK. The power of divine grace often discovers itself most effectually in the time of affliction or in the hour of death, by the comfort it gives, the patience it bestows, and the triumph it secures over the last enemy. This was lately manifested in the death of the wife of Ráma Chandra, one of the Native Preachers connected with the General Baptist Missionaries in Urissá. She was taken in labour, and though every assistance was afforded to the sufferer by the native assistants, and also by the European doctor of the station, she continued in labour for five days, and no skill or attention could render her relief. She expired without being delivered, on Sunday, 28th June. During this severe affliction she was constantly attended by Mrs. Brown, the wife of one of the Missionaries, to whom she expressed the dying experience of a Christian. She frequently talked of dying with the greatest calmness; and when comforted by her friends with the hope of getting better, she would calmly reply, " No, that cannot be. I shall not recover, but I shall go to heaven, and all troubles will be over with me then." On the fifth day, she said, "Present my salám to the Missionaries," (putting her hands to her head in the manner of the Hindus, and sending to each separately.) On seeing Mrs. Brown weep, she said, "O dear, do not weep for me. I shall soon be out of all my troubles." She then asked for a little bread and tea, and on taking a small quantity, she said, "This is all I shall ever want on earth with my friends; before night I shall be in heaven ;" and falling back almost immediately, she said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and then died without a groan. Thus died the wife of Ráma Chandra: she had been married but ten months; her age was thirty-five. She was by birth a Maharatta; a person of gentle manners, quiet in her deportment, and had been a member of the church about a year. I trust she has joined the assembly in heaven, and that she is with the redeemed, enjoying a fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore. Cuttack. M. M. B. BURMAH. The following extract from a letter from Mr. Hancock, addressed to a friend in Calcutta, dated July, contains the last intelligence from the Burman Mission. "Some changes have taken place during my absence, and more are about to take place of a pleasing nature as it regards the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom on earth. Brother Simons has leit M. for Ava and not Arracan, and as Ava is the place of his choice, no doubt he will be more useful than in Arracan. You have probably received the letter from Mr. Judson, communicating the pleasing intelligence of their acceptance of the proposition made to them in reference to the Sudiyah mission, and also of their appropriation to that field of labour. The result has exceeded my fondest hopes, and though we are to lose the associates of our early days, and those whose society we hoped to enjoy in Maulmein, brother and sister Cutter, yet we cheerfully make the sacrifice, and rejoice in it. "A few words in reference to our present situation and prospects, and I must close. There is a more general spirit of inquiry on the subject of Jesus Christ's religion in this place than was perhaps ever before known. Former hostility and indifference seem to be giving place to more candid inquiry, and some are publicly declaring their belief in the divinity of this religion. Four or five Native Assistants are daily itinerating in this town and neighbourhood, and find much encouragement in their labours. O for the wind of the Spirit to blow upon this valley, that they may stand up an exceeding great army to the praise and glory of God in Christ. In Tavoy also, the good work of the Lord is going on; more than thirty have been baptised since the commencement of the present year, and there are now several candidates for baptism. Interesting schools are in successful operation at this station. At Rangoon, their prospects are at present rather discouraging. Their Native assistant, the one who was cast into prison, has been positively forbidden to preach or distribute tracts; and nothing is now done, except what is done by our Missionaries, who must labour to great disadvantage, owing to their inadequate knowledge of the language. But we hope and pray for better days. At Ava, brother Kincaid still labours unmolested, and finds much encouragement." AVA. The following particulars relative to an interview between Mr. Kincaid and the principal officers of the Ava Government, although not recent, cannot fail to interest our readers, they are contained in a letter from Mr. K. to the Rev. Dr. Bolles of America. Rev. and very dear Sir, Ava, April 14, 1834. In February I sent off a letter and a few extracts from my journal, up to the first of that month. On the 31st of March I had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter, dated Sept. 17, 1833. One year and eight days have now passed since we left Rangoon; and, in a review of the past, I feel that we have reason to rejoice in the good providence of God, in all our labors and all our journeyings. I have sent you à continued series of journals and letters, from which you will learn every particular worthy of notice. Arraignment before the High Court. Some of the ministers of Government have appeared very unfriendly from the first, and the Mea-wa-de Woongee has shown himself particularly hostile. For ten times, he has forbidden me preaching the Gospel, and giving books, Last October, he placed a man over me as a spy. The subject has been taken up in the Ill-wool-day, but it was not till the 22nd of March, that a message came, directing an immediate appearance before the high court of the empire. The Mea-wa-de Woongee conducted the business alone. He requested brother Cutter and myself to sit down near him. We did so. He then inquired sternly, "Why have you come to the royal city?" I replied, "To diffuse abroad the knowledge of the eternal God." Woongee. Dare you say the religion of the king, his princes, his nobles, and his people, is false? No, my Lord, I do not say so; but in my own country, and in all the world, before the knowledge of the living God appeared, the people worshipped idols; and the command of God is, to go into all the world, and preach this religion." Woongee. Stop: it is not proper to say much. It is the wish of the king, his ministers, and myself, that you should preach no more. "If you send us away, the whole world will ridicule you. Why, my lord, are you afraid of two men?" Woongee. We do not wish you to remain here: you may go to Rangoon. "Are there no other towns where we can go ?" Woongee. Rangoon is a good place; go there. Much conversation took place about our disciples, our books, and various subjects connected with the propagation of religion. In my conversation, which lasted some time, I used respectful but firm language. I told him we had no political motive, no connexion with any earthly power; that our only object was to teach the people the law of God. I observed, "Under all civilized governments, teachers of religion are allowed to preach the divine law." Towards the close, he used less haughty language than in the beginning, but utterly refused to reason with me. Reflections and Resolution. Our fondest hopes appeared to be blasted, and the door soon to be closed against all future efforts. Alas! how mysterious the ways of God! a few souls are gathered into the fold of God, and many others appear to be near the kingdom. Mnst we leave them forever? With feelings which brother feels for brother, when about to be separated forever, we returned to our home. On account of having so many encounters with this nobleman before, I hoped that darkness would only continue for a night, and that light would shine out of darkness. We resolved to continue in our various labors, until a written order, compelling us to leave Ava, should be put into our hands. A few days after, Major Burney, the English resident at the court, having an opportunity, inquired of the Woongees, "Why do you wish to send them away?" They replied, "We do not intend to send them away; but we do not wish to have our religion subverted, neither do we wish them to live in the midst of the city, as they now do." By permission of the Government we have rented a house, standing on the spot where brother Judson lived, for one year. Thus, the storm is past: blessed be the name of God, our prospects are encouraging. Account of Baptisms in Ava. I will now mention the names and dates of disciples baptized in Ava. Oct. 13 Ma Nwa Oo, the wife of Ko Thla, an old Rangoon disciple. She is about 36 years old. Moung Kai, a native of Ava, about 40 years old, was baptized Oct. 20. He is every way a superior man; and, amidst alarms, has been a bold and faithful disciple. Jan. 20, Moung Shwa-ra was baptized. He is a native of Ava, 25 years old. He appears well. On the same day, a country-born, nearly 30 years old, was baptized. April 6, Ko Gwa and his wife were baptized. He is about 60, and his wife, Mah Dike, nearly 50. They are natives of Ava, are quite polished in manners, and appear to be devoted Christians. April 13. A Government writer, Moung Shway Nee, was baptized. He is about 40 years old, and a man of first-rate talents. The last three mentioned disciples have been inquirers the last six or seven months. We feel encouraged by this addition to our little stock of believers. Inquiry is spreading in every direction, and I often feel that no earthly power will be permitted to arrest its progress. CEYLON. We have learnt, with pleasure, that the Rev. Mr. Hall and Mrs. Hall have safely arrived at the appointed scene of their future labours in Ceylon. A letter received from Mrs. Hall contains the following short, but pleasing account of the success, which has attended Missionary operations in Batticotta during the past year. "The Missionary operations here have been peculiarly blessed during the past year, particularly the seminary at Batticota, and the girls' boarding school at Uduville. A large number have been hopefully born into the kingdom of God's dear Son; 46 have been received into the church; these at one time as the fruits of a blessed revival: others are indulging hope at both of the above stations, who will probably be received at a future period. A particular account of this very interesting work, Mr. Hall hopes soon to send Mr. Pearce for publication. Three days meetings are now held weekly at different stations; one commences to-morrow morning at half-past 6 o'clock, at Uduville. Sister Spaulding told me last evening, that there was existing a good deal of seriousness on the minds of the girls; she thought ten were quite anxious about their salvation." DOMESTIC OCCURRENCES. [Where the place is not mentioned, Calcutta is to be understood.] 12. At Cawnpore, J. S. Toke, Esq. Surgeon, 1st Regt. N. I., to Miss F. F. Bishop. 13. Mr. J. M. D'Souza, to Miss Bird. 14. At Dinapore, J. W. Hicks, Adjutant, 67th Regt. N. I., to Mary Rosa, eldest daughter of the late Captain R. C. Walker, B. N. I. 15. G. E. Plowden, Esq., C. S., to Miss E. A. Rutledge. At Agra, Captain W. E. Hay, Major of Brigade, to Elizabeth Margaret, eldest daughter of the late Colonel Taylor, Engineers. 22. Captain W. Bell, Superintendent of Public Works, Cuttack Provinces, to Mary, only daughter of the late James Stewart, Esq. JULY. Pedro D'Silva, Esq. of Sibpore, to Erene, daughter of Mr. G. A. Esaw. 2. At Agra, J. H. Fenwick, Esq. 13th Light Infantry, to Louisa, daughter of M. Shendan, Esq. of the same corps. 14. At Allahabad, Mr. D. J. Peremien, Assistant Sudder Dewanee Office, to Miss Arabella Eliza Beatson. At Mozuffurpore, F. Cardew, C. S., to Caroline Louisa, second daughter of Robert Anstruther, Esq., Captain, 6th Light Cavalry. |
