Missionary Conference at Cuttack.

BY REV. J. BUCKLEY, D.D.

(Continued from page 75.)

Much time was usefully spent in attending to

BIBLE AND TRACT WORK.

I need not enlarge on the immense importance of our efforts to diffuse the holy light of the gospel by means of the press. All our intelligent friends are fully convinced of it. In this respect we have an advantage which even apostles did not possess; and though we lack the gift of tongues, it may fairly be argued that in the press we have a full compensation-let us wisely and liberally use it. We had the pleasure of acknowledging a grant from the Bible Translation Society of £150, which, owing to the favourable rate of exchange (favourable I mean to those who send money from England to this country, for it is a sore loss to those who have to transmit from India to England), realized 1,714 rupees annas. The work ordered at the last Conference had been completed, with the exception of Scripture Selections, or Holy Lamp, which was about half printed, but which, it is hoped, will be finished in a month or two. Two thousand copies of Scripture Lessons from the four Gospels and Acts; and, if funds be available, the same number of copies of Selections from the Psalms, were directed to be printed. Our work in relation to tracts and Christian books occupied much serious and anxious consideration. We had, as we always have on such occasions, to acknowledge the liberal help of the Religious Tract Society; a truly noble and catholic Society, that helps Protestant Missionaries in every part of the world, and that has long had a very affectionate regard for Orissa. We had also to acknowledge a grant of 100 dollars from the American Tract Society, which realized 230 rupees 3 annas. Nor was the generous aid of our own Committee forgotten. Questions relating to the revision of two or three of our old tracts were carefully considered, and we were aided by the opinions of our most intelligent native friends. Several New Tracts were presented; but, before being printed, will undergo careful examination. A translation of "Children of the Bible”—a work published by the Religious Tract Society was presented by Shem; Makunda Das presented a translation of a Bengali book on the personality and work of the Holy Spirit. Both were referred to a Committee of examination. The former will be useful to the lambs of the flock, for whom we must never cease to care; and the latter will, if approved, supply a desideratum in our Oriya literature, as we have no separate work on this important branch of Christian truth. The printing of Mr. Miller's translation of "Fulfilled Prophecy" is nearly completed. It will, I hope, be finished before the end of the year, and will convey much interesting and instructive information, not only to our Christian community, but to thoughtful Hindoos. I had to report on Companion to the Bible." About three-fourths is ready for the press; and, I hope, if the Lord will, that the remainder may soon be completed; and the work printed in the coming year. I have been much assisted by Ghunooshyam and Soda Sebo. When we pray, "O send out Thy light and Thy truth," we should never forget how much light and truth may be sent out by the press.

The Treasurer's accounts were presented and were found correct-at least with the exception of half a pice, which is about a quarter of a farthing. Various cases respecting the College, and the Native Preachers, were considered, on which I cannot now enlarge; but must mention that we had a pleasing letter from the church at Berhampore respecting their native pastor, Anunta Das. The church has been independent for some three years, and we were glad to learn that the experiment had been so far successful; that a united desire was felt for its continuance at least for another three years. It was also gratifying to know that he had not only cared for the church, but had been actively engaged in bazaar work and itineracy. A desire was also expressed that Anunta Das should be publicly set apart to the work at Berhampore. In this the Conference cordially concurred, and appointed the writer-in case of failure Mr. Bailey-to represent the brethren on this interesting occasion, and Shem was also requested to take part in the service. The church further stated

that they were not able to raise the full amount required for their pastor and other expenses, and asked the Conference to sanction the payment of the balance from Mission Funds. The sanction was cheerfully given, as the whole amount was not more than about £7 for the year. It was, however, sanctioned on the understanding that their pastor continue his evangelistic labours; and we expressed our hope that when times are more favourable (and we trust they soon may be), the church will be able to raise the whole amount required. It is right to add, that the present year has been one of great and general suffering in the Berhampore district. We have had our trials at Cuttack, owing to the great dearness of provisions, and so have our friends at Piplee; but at Berhampore the pressure has been much more severe.

The question of the KHOORDAH NEW CHAPEL was considered, and suggestions made for expediting the work and avoiding unnecessary expenditure. A paper was read before the Conference at one of our sittings by Thoma, on the best means of promoting the independence of the churches, and some useful remarks were made on the importance of united effort and liberal contributions to the cause of God. We were not favoured with a representative from the Northern Orissa Mission; but in response to a proposal in a letter from our venerable brother, Dr. Jeremiah Phillips, who came to Orissa forty-two years ago, we agreed to offer special prayer for the prosperity of the work of God in Orissa on the 5th, and 6th January, 1879.

Shortly after the Conference the Zayat, or, as we agreed to call it, Christian Book Room, was opened; but my letter is already too long, and the particulars of the opening must be deferred to another communication. And now I close, exhorting all my readers to work for Christ on earth till they rest with Christ for ever in heaven.

NORTHERN ORISSA MISSION.

December 10th, 1878.

It will gratify all who are interested in the evangelization of Orissa to know that our American brethren have recently welcomed a much needed addition to their mission staff. Dr. James L. Phillips with Mrs. P. and his sister, Miss Julia Phillips, have arrived per S.S. City of London. After a sojourn of two or three years in the United States, during which they have zealously laboured to promote the missionary spirit, they have returned to resume the work in the discharge of which they have already proved their fidelity and devotedness; and they are, as they deserve to be, very highly esteemed in love for their work's sake. Four new friends have come with them, viz.: the Rev. J. W. Burkholder, Miss Hattie Phillips (another daughter of our venerable friend, Dr. Jeremiah Phillips), and two other young ladies, one of whom, according to rumour, is expected soon to be the wife of Mr. Lawrence, Superintendent of the Mission Press, Midnapore. Mr. L. has, we may add, recently altered his own name. According to an advertisement in one of the Calcutta daily papers, it was notified that from and after a certain date he would cease to hold the not very savoury name of " Hogbin," and would expect to be addressed by that of "Lawrence." One of my old friends used to say that it was a comfort to have a nice name. Who, for example, could like to be addressed as Mr. Scattergood or Mr. Scamp?

THE ZAYAT,

Or, as we prefer to call it, the Christian Book and Reading Room, was opened at Cuttack by an appropriate service on Monday evening, Nov. 25th. The writer presided, and gave some historical information as to the spot where they were assembled once the site of a heathen temple dedicated to the impure worship of Mahadabe; and afterwards of the Mission chapel, where, for nearly half a century, the gospel was faithfully proclaimed. The report of the building, of receipts and expenditure, was given by Mr. Miller; and honourable mention was made of kind help cheerfully rendered as to the erection by Mr. Bond and Mr. Macmillan. It was stated that it was designed not only to be a depôt for the sale of books in English, Oriya, Bengalee, and other languages, but also to be a reading room; and as a native preacher would usually be there, an opportunity would be afforded for religious conversation with any who wished it. Prayer was offered on this interesting occasion in five different languages-English, Oriya, Hindoostanee, Telegoo, and Tamil.

The Work of Grace among the Telegoos.

DURING the past few years a wonderful work of grace has been going on among the Telegoos-an ancient people of India, inhabiting a country to the south of Orissa. On the 1st of January, 1867, an American Baptist Church was formed in Ongole,-a town one hundred and seventy miles north of Madras-with only eight members. In 1877 that church reported a membership of three thousand two hundred and sixty-nine.

From June 16th, to July 6th, 1878, i.e., in twenty-one days, Mr. Clough, the American Missionary, and his native assistants, baptized five thousand four hundred and twenty-nine; as many as two thousand two hundred and twenty-two being baptized in one day, making the membership, at the latter date, nearly nine thousand souls.

Since the above report was furnished three thousand two hundred and sixty-two additional baptisms have taken place; the total from June 16th, to July 31st, i.e., in forty-five days, being eight thousand six hundred and ninety-one.

What makes this wonderful work appear the more remarkable is, that for twenty-five years success among the Telegoos seemed hopeless. As a fruitless and hopeless enterprize it was proposed to abandon the mission-which was called by its American supporters the "Lone Star Mission." This proposition was made at the anniversary meeting in Albany, N.Y., in 1853. On that occasion Dr. S. F. Smith wrote as follows:

"Shine on, "Lone Star!' thy radiance bright

Shall spread o'er all the eastern sky:

Morn breaks apace from gloom and night:
Shine on, and bless the pilgrim's eye.

Shine on, Lone Star!' the day draws near

When none shall shine more fair than thou:
Thou, born and nursed in doubt and fear,
Wilt glitter on Immanuel's brow."

In that same year, 1853, Mr. Jewett, his wife, and one native helper, visited Ongole, a town seventy-seven miles north of their regular station, Nellore. In the public thoroughfares of the town the missionary was reviled and stoned. The present missionary, Mr. Clough, arrived and settled in Ongole in 1866, and, under God, his work has been marvellously blessed.

But some may ask, are they not "rice-christians," Christians from worldly motives? Touching this point the Report states:

"On account of the terrible famine throughout the Madras Presidency, at the opening of the year 1877, all strictly missionary work was suspended. Mr. Clough was entrusted with a large amount of famine funds to disburse to the starving. With his twenty-two native helpers, he was constantly employed in feeding and caring for the suffering thousands

around him. But very few of the thousands baptized ever received any of the famine funds disbursed by him. He says, 'Perhaps not one hundred of the whole number ever received a pice from me, directly or indirectly, and never expect to receive any money or financial aid in any way.' For prudential reasons the doors of the church had been kept

Mr.

closed for over fifteen months. Clough adds:-'On June 16th, we again commenced receiving converts, believers in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour and the Saviour of the whole world. Since

then the work has gone on widening and deepening; and now, as I write these lines, it seems to me that the blessed gospel which we try to preach is going to sweep everything before it.”

But will these converts remain firm? Upon this point, in his report to the Union for 1877, Mr. Clough remarks:

"During the year under review, although continually amid horrible, sickening scenes, we feel that as Missionaries, and as a Mission, we have enjoyed the special smile of Heaven upon us continually. The spiritual condition of the Ongole Mission was, perhaps, never better than to-day. The members of the church, though hungry and starving, and many of the aged and little children of their households sickening and dying inch by

inch, yet I speak advisedly-I have not heard of a single instance of real apostasy. It is true that only one hundred and ten have been baptized; but it should be remembered that since about the 15th of March we have not baptized any, though hundreds, yes, thousands, have clamoured for the ordinance; but we have not had the time or strength, even if it had been desirable, to conduct the necessary examination of the candidates."

In the midst of his labours this toiling, reaping missionary thus appeals to the supporters of the Mission. "I am all alone. Send help at once,―men and money. Do not plead hard times. What am I to do? I need, I must have, help!"

Then again, after baptizing in a few days over five thousand converts, his last words are, "Please consider my appeal for help in the light of the figures above. Send out the best pastor and evangelist in all America at once.

Do not delay."

Reading and pondering over the above figures are we not ready to ask whether they are correct? Do they not seem incredible? Two thousand two hundred and twenty-two baptized in one day! five thousand four hundred and twenty-nine baptized in twenty-one days! eight thousand six hundred and ninety-one baptized in forty-five days! by one missionary and his twenty-two native helpers! It really seems as if Pentecost had returned.

Let us hope and pray that other parts of India may be visited with similar ingatherings of souls. Ought we not to expect great things from God, and attempt great things for God.

Pleasing News from Balasore.

SINCE writing the above we are extremely gratified to hear that the Lord is remarkably blessing the work at this station. A letter from Rev. A. J. Marshall, missionary at Balasore, to one of our brethren at Cuttack, under date of Jan. 16th, contains the pleasing information that two hundred men-heads of families have broken caste, and expressed a desire to unite with the Christians. A brahmin, who is said to be rich, and to have great influence over a large community, came to the missionary at Sorah, a station between Balasore and Bhuddruck, and ate with the Christians. There were two boishnobs with him, who are leaders among the people. They, too, ate with the Christians; and, it is said, were "busily engaged in inducing others to come out." Our brother adds, "There are a good many in other directions that have promised to come out, and who are already disciples of our Lord." We hope to receive further particulars of this important movement.

Letter from Reb. W. Miller.

Calcutta, January 17, 1879. We left Cuttack on the 6th instant, and came on to Chandbalee in the Herald. The Government steamer overtook us, and towed us the last twenty miles, so that we reached on Wednesday night. We left Chandbalee on the morning of the 10th, and got here next day at 4.0 p.m. We were very glad to be met by Mrs. Bond and Alice, as well as Mr. G. Sykes. It was a hard struggle to get away from Cuttack-to sever for a time the various ties which bind us to the place and people—and was more difficult than had been anticipated. Paul (native preacher) accompanied us to Chandbalee: parting with him, the last visible connecting link, awakened memories of the past and thoughts in regard to the future more easily imagined than described. Could I have returned with him in restored health, gladly should I have retraced my steps. I respect Paul much. We have travelled and laboured together a good deal the last seven years. Though not without his faults, he is thoroughly upright and outspoken, never afraid to give utterance to his feelings and opinions. A short time ago two officers from Cuttack encamped near Dhurmapore Choga on a shooting expedition. Paul was sent for. They proposed going after game on the Sunday. He remonstrated, and pointed out the effect of their bad example on the people, etc. They inquired what they were to do. "Come to chapel," said he. "We cannot understand Oriya," was the reply. 'Stay in your tent and read your Bibles," was the advice then given. It is pleasing to add that it was so far carried out that they refrained from shooting on the Lord's-day.

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We are staying with the Bond's, 22, Theatre Road. Their house is nicely situated, about ten minutes walk from the Circular Road Chapel, where they attend, and where we worshipped last Sabbath morning and evening. Mr. Williams has removed to Serampore. Mr. Robert Robinson was the preacher. Mr. Trafford and the new minister of Union Chapel are to supply next Lord'sday. I fear the church is not in a good state. I suppose they are looking out for another minister. The Bond's are entering heartily into Christian work with them. He conducts a service in turn with others at one of their branch stations. Last Monday evening I heard Col. Haig deliver a very instructive and impressive address to the Young Men's Association. General Litchfield, American Consul, a zealous Christian, was in the chair. A very encouraging feature of Calcutta religious life is the number of laymen who are actively engaged in Christian work.

Yesterday I called at the Bible and Tract Society's Depôt, and met with Dr. Murdoch for the first time. One object in view was to solicit help on behalf of "Fulfilled Prophecy." No hope, however, was held out, as they are in debt. I was directed to the Parent Society in England. The work now published is a very nice volume of 408 pages, apart from the Preface. It has cost a good deal of labour and thought, but will amply repay all spent on it. Brother Brooks will be sure to send you a copy. I have also prepared a tract from a chapter of the above, with a conclusion of my own especially adapted to " Bramhos," and entitled, "What think ye of Christ ?" It is an immense relief to have got the above and the tract completed before coming away. In this the Lord has been better than my fears. Sanguine as I generally am, I had little hope-on returning to Cuttack last June-to be able to remain so long. Though much better than I was, I have to keep quiet. My side often occasions anxiety. Whether rest and the change to England will, with God's blessing, re-establish my health and enable me to labour again, remains to be seen. I intend to call on Dr. Coates, who is now Principal of the Campbell Hospital, not far from here. The Almorah, the steamer in which we have taken our passage, has not yet arrived. She is advertised for the 13th February, and will, I fancy, be punctual to her time. It will probably be the end of March before we reach England.

Brother Pike with Mrs. Pike and family are expected to reach Cuttack, en route to Sumbulpore, to-morrow. I feel unspeakably thankful for the decision to allow brother Pike to go there. I sent the Herald back as soon as possible to be ready, and have recommended him to go in her as far as Dole