ment was produced in the town in consequence of the principal pandaram* of the weavers, (a numerous and respectable body there,) having refused to officiate any longer in their temple; he relinquished its emoluments, threw off his robes, and placed himself under the instruction of the Missionary. He evinces a humble and teachable spirit at present, and I have every reason, says Mr. Addis, to think him sincere, especially as his worldly prospects have materially suffered by this change; his family have forsaken him, and he has voluntarily given up the honours usually paid to such "sacred personages" as the pandarams, for no ostensible worldly good. May he prove, indeed, a subject of Divine grace! With respect to the progress of the schools, and of the Mission generally, since its commencement, the following comparative statement furnished last year by our brother, Mr. Addis, will afford the most complete and accurate view which can be given : "When the Mission was commenced, there were two native assistants employed; the number is now increased to 12, and the majority of these have been raised up at Coimbatoor. There is also a class of promising young men preparing for the work of native teachers. At the commencement no schoolmasters could be found who would teach Christian books, and for some time only one ventured to do so. Now there are 12 boys' schools established on decidedly Christian principles, in an efficient state, and well attended; and the advantage of Christian instruction is openly acknowledged. The prejudices against female education were then so strong that the mere mention of it produced offence; but now we have a female boarding-school on the Mission premises which only requires the necessary funds to be greatly increased in number, and a girls' dayschool in a populous part of Coimbatoor has recently been commenced with a fair prospect of success. The schools, collectively, contain from 600 to 700 scholars. Tracts, which on our arrival were, when distributed one day, frequently brought back through ignorance or fear the next, are now sought for by people from all parts; when it is known that a new supply has been received, great numbers eagerly apply for them, and scarcely a day passes without persons coming to the Mission-house for tracts and portions of Scripture. The number of respectable people who have applied during the past year has been greater than at any previous time; and a single copy of the New Testament has been joyfully received for the use of a whole village, the head man pledging his word for its careful preservation. In this respect prejudice and timidity have surprisingly declined, and the distribution of books could now be carried to almost any extent." Prefixed to this article is a sketch of the Mission-chapel. It was built entirely by public subscriptions, affords accommodation for about 300 persons, and is considered an ornament to the town. MALACCA MISSION. ALTHOUGH the empire of China has not yet been opened to the continuous labours of the Missionaries of Christ, and the faith and patience of the churches in relation to this land of idolatry, superstition, and atheism, still remain in a state of deep and anxious trial, the kingdom of our Divine Lord is gradually extending its peaceful dominion among the multitudes of Chinese inhabiting the Malayan Peninsula and its neighbouring islands. In the frontier stations the light of hope for China has arisen; here have been gathered the first-fruits of China unto Christ, and from hence the finger of the Lord is distinctly seen pointing • Priest. to that now benighted empire which shall at length stand among the nations of the earth, one of the most signal monuments of redeeming love. Among the latest communications from this part of the world, the following has been received by the Foreign Secretary, in a letter dated April 2nd, from the devoted Missionaries at Malacca, conveying a delightful and most encouraging view of the progress of their work. Writing at that period, Messrs. Evans and Dyer thus advert to the increase of the numbers united in the fellowship of the church from among the Chinese : In our last half-yearly communication, we informed the Directors that there were several candidates for baptism, whom we hoped soon to admit into the visible church. We have now the satisfaction and pleasure of communicating the pleasing intelligence. On the last Sabbath and the last day of 1837, eighteen individuals, men, women, and children, (all Chinese,) were admitted into the church militant of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The adults answered the questions put to them in a manner which affected all present, and proved that they were earnestly seeking the salvation of their souls. We hope and pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth, and make them examples and blessings to their idolatrous countrymen. It was peculiarly pleasing to witness those who, together with their wives, had been baptised on a former occasion, bringing their new-born infants to dedicate them to the service of the only living and true God. Instead of being taken to the idol's temple, as is commonly done at the same tender age, they are brought to the temple of Jehovah, and the blessing of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost is implored that it may rest on them for ever. Yesterday being the first Sabbath in the month, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was administered to a part of the adult con verts. This was a most affecting season: a day never to be forgotten. Twenty-nine Chinese, male and female, together with the members of the mission families, united in commemorating the sufferings and death of our once crucified but now exalted Saviour and Redeemer. Many of the heathen part of the congregation remained as spectators, and to these an appropriate address was delivered by one of the native members of this little church: it appeared as though his whole soul was filled with this one thought, "Come with us, and we will do you good." The distribution of the Scriptures and tracts has been continued as usual. We have been enabled to make several tours into the interior, among the tin mines, pepper plantations, &c. &c.; and on every successive visit, we distributed a great number of books to men eager to receive them. We have also been enabled to meet the demands of our brethren at other stations, and to supply their wants. The total number of volumes, Scriptures, and tracts distributed during the last six months, is 16,824. We are anxiously looking forward to the period when we shall have the typographic press at command for Chinese books. In point of quantity of type, by far the larger portion of a complete fount has long been quite ready for use; but, when it is remembered that Chinese characters are complete words, and not component parts, it will be readily perceived that so long as our vocabulary of types, if the expression may be used, is incomplete, we cannot work with much facility: there is yet a considerable variety wanted to render the fount complete. Although the quantity of type of each variety is extremely small, there is the same labour required to prepare the original punch where the quantity of type required is small as where the quantity is large. The work has been and still is going on without interruption, each day adds new varieties to the fount; and there is every prospect of this daily increase of quantity until the work is finished, and, when once the matrices are complete, a few months' notice would set any typographic press at work in behalf of China. The system of education in the schools is much the same as has been heretofore reported. Chinese education admits of but little variety, except in the number of schools and children. The Chinese language is a task of many years, to boys of the very best capacity. Our hearts are cheered by the encouragement which this department of the Mission affords. The present number of children receiving education is as follows:-Chinese, boys, 205, girls 115; Malays, boys 70, girls 20; total, 410. In the Malay department we could treble the number of children, had we time to visit the schools and attend to the education of the children. But our avocations among the Chinese are so numerous and pressing, that they leave us very little time at command for the Malays. The Chinese services, both weekly and on the Sabbath-day, are exceedingly well attended. The seriousness and decorum of our congregation would well become any Christian assembly in England; and, pleasing to say, it is our almost daily privilege to exclaim, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." From the present aspect of the Mission, the Directors will perceive that the cause of our Divine Saviour is, although slowly, gaining ground among the Chinese. What the Lord has already accomplished through our instrumentality, feeble as it is, encourages us to persevere, and to anticipate the day when the whole of China shall be brought to the obedience of faith. Indeed we never had the shadow of a doubt that China shall be converted, and from one end of that vast empire to the other, every knee shall bow to Jesus. It would be to us a source of the greatest joy to see a nation born at once; but although we see not as yet so happy a result of our labours, it is not a little encouraging that men come one by one, renouncing the idolatries of their ancestors and countrymen, and embracing the religion of Jesus. INFANTICIDE IN CHINA. NOTWITHSTANDING the testimony of several writers on China in relation to the prevalence of this unnatural crime, doubts respecting its existence, excepting in very rare cases, have been repeatedly expressed. The following official edict, which appeared in the Chinese Repository for May last, is painfully conclusive evidence that these doubts can be no longer entertained. Distressing as the fact is, and fearful as is the confirmation it supplies of the veracity of the inspired description of the dark places of the earth, it will but strengthen the claims of the millions of China on the sympathy, prayers, and efforts of all who desire that the time may be near when they shall experience all the benevolent influence of the Gospel on their present state of existence, and be cheered by its hopes in relation to that which is to come. The edict, which was made public in Canton at the commencement of last year, is as follows: Lieut.-Governor Ke hereby promulgates his instructions. Whereas heaven and earth display their benevolent power in giving existence, and fathers and mothers exhibit their tender affection in loving their offspring, it is therefore incumbent on you, inhabitants of the land, to nurse and rear all your little infants, whether male or female. On inquiry, I find that in the province of Canton the drowning of female children is common, and that both rich and poor run into this practice. The causes of infanticide are manifestly these: the poor suppose, that, because they have not the means of support, it is unfitting they should nourish a commodity (female infants) which will become only an increasing source of expenditure; while the rich affirm, that sach slender tenants of the nursery can never be raised to any important posts in the household. Surely you forget, that your mothers and wives about you were once female children. Had there been no mothers, whence would you have obtained your own bodies? If you have no wives, where will be your posterity? Being yourselves the offspring of those who were once female children, why cast your own into the field of death? Reflect! Consider what you are doing! The destruction of female infants is nothing less than the slaughter of human beings. That those who kill, shall themselves be killed, is the sure retribution or omniscient Heaven. Should the widowed mother ever be left without a son, on whom she can be dependent for maintenance, the husband of a daughter may become the support and solace of her old age is this a benefit lightly to be esteemed? Moreover, that just conduct ensures happiness, and that its opposite leads to misery, are two principles of retribution most firmly supported by reason. The crying, weeping babe, the moment it comes into being. is entangled in the net of death! To do this, requires the disposition of a pirate-the utter extinction of every generous feeling! To such the hope of a numerous posterity, a long line of descendants, celestial reason will never grant. Recently an essay on infanticide has been written by Hwang Wan, a literary gentleman belonging to the district of Yingtih. Therein I perceive that the reciprocal influences between Heaven and man, the basis of success and misfortune, of weal and woe, are delineated with force and light sufficient to unstop the ears of the deaf and to open the eyes of the blind. Copies of this essay I have caused to be sent into all the departments and districts of the province, with admonitions and instructions, that the practice of infanticide may everywhere be examined into and forbidden. I also issue this proclamation for the instruction of all the inhabitants of the province, both civil and military. Henceforth it becomes the duty of each and all of you to revere the benevolent power of heaven and earth; to exercise in their fullest extent those kind feelings which fathers and mothers owe their offspring; and when you have sons and daughters born to you, and your hearts are inclined to this most foul and cruel practice of infanticide, then break from your slumbers, repent and turn from your former misdeeds. And you, elders and gentry, chief among the people, ought likewise continually to endeavour by your exhortations, your support, and your kind ness, to prevent the destruction of human life. Hereafter if any dare to oppose and act in opposition to these instructions, it shall be the duty of the elders and gentry to report them to the local magistrates, that they may be seized, examined, and punished. Assuredly no clemency will be shown to such offenders. Therefore give good heed to these instructions. A special proclamation. BRIEF MEMOIR OF MRS. DREW. THE afflictive intelligence of the death of Mrs. Drew, which, in the dispensations of Divine Providence, occurred at Madras, on the 20th of February last, was communicated in the Missionary Magazine for July. A number of the Madras Missionary Register, which has been since received, contains the following brief notice of this devoted woman, including further particulars in relation to the closing hours of her short but valuable life. Mrs. Drew was born at Chicacole* on the 18th of March, 1813. Through the pious care of an affectionate mother, she went from this country to England, at about the age of seven years, with her mind stored with Scripture truth and religious hymns. She was greatly indebted to the excellent family with whom she was placed for her education, and she ever remembered their affectionate care with gratitude and love. She became the decided subject of religious impressions in the year 1827, and in 1830 she was admitted a member of the church of Christ under the pastoral care of the Rev. Dr. Cox, by whose ministry she had long benefited. She came to this country in the year 1831, though not in the character, yet with the full desire of living the life, of a Missionary. Shortly after her arrival, as she was expecting to reside at Vizagapatam, she began the study of the Teloogoo language, which she pursued at Palmanair, when, together with her mother, she visited, and endeavoured to impart instruction to an interesting school of Teloogoo boys. She still thirsted to consecrate her whole time to the work she loved, and when on her arrival at Madras, in 1833, she became the wife of a Missionary, the desires of her heart were fulfilled, and she gave herself unreservedly to her new duties. Her absorbing desire was that she might glorify God, by a course of conduct becoming a Missionary's wife. She earnestly and perseveringly pursued the study of the Tamil language, often in the midst of weakness and of suffering, and when encumbered by the cares of a quickly growing family. Wherever she was, she sought to gather together a school of native girls. After her arrival from Bangalore, in October last, she had collected twenty-one girls, had placed them in a large and airy room in her own house, and was delighting in their progress, and in the further improvements she was meditating in the school, when her Divine Master called her from her short but cheerful services on earth to her reward in heaven. It was in her heart to do much for God. Her desires knew no bounds but her means. She would most gladly have borne any sufferings and endured any privations in her Saviour's cause. She latterly met once in a week a few of the members of the Native Congregation, of her own sex, and endeavoured to impart to them religious instruction, and was most thankful when she had been able to speak to them with tolerable freedom. She earnestly sought the welfare of the inhabitants of this country, and greatly rejoiced when her husband was wholly given up to labour among them. Her religion was thorough. It was her life. She delighted in all its exercises. They were at all times welcome to her. The great truths of the Gospel were the stay of her mind. When she was depressed, the simple mention of these truths was sufficient immediately to revive her. They were as cordials to her mind, Naturally weak, and desponding, she was strong in the Lord to endure much affliction. She thus writes concerning a peculiar trial: "On September the 12th, last year, in the midst of my bodily weakness, and while separated from my beloved husband, who with Anna, on account of the ill-health of both, was obliged to go to Bangalore, our heavenly Father saw fit to take from us our darling boy, who had just completed a twelve-month of his earthly career. my Father, I have great cause to praise • Madras Presidency. thee when I remember thy great goodness to me in that season of trial; I was enabled to sit near my darling boy, and watch his gentle departure from this world of sin and woe. But not till I had pleaded with thee thy promises, 'When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee;' and, As thy days, so shall thy strength be,' did I feel this composure of mind. Thou wert indeed with me in these waters of affliction, thou didst enable me, at the very moment of our dear boy's death, to say, not my will, but thine be done.' I would record it to thy glory, either for my dear children's comfort when I am gone, or for my own future consolation, that thou wert a faithful God; though thou didst afflict us, thou didst abundantly strengthen and comfort us; and didst enable us to bow to thy rod. O fit us more to glorify thee, our God, on earth; and in thine own good time, take us to thyself, and our dear boy, in heaven." Thus also was she sustained in the death of another sweet child, four days before her own; but though she was upheld in mind, it is very probable that the exhaustion of animal spirits, under that trying loss, was one great cause of her death. Her religion showed itself in conscientiousness, especially as a mother, a mistress and a friend. She sought the highest welfare of all with whom she associated. Her sincerity led her faithfully to point out every fault she observed. What she thought she spoke. Guileless, and sincerely desirous of the good of others, she scrupled not to state her opinions without considering how unwelcome they might sometimes be. Single in all her aims, and simple in all her views, she exemplified this especially in her dress and manners; but above all in her views for her children, for whom she had no other desire than that they might be prepared to engage in Missionary duties. She often anticipated an early death, but especially of late. In the contemplation of it her language was:-" This does not distress me: I have been enabled hitherto to leave that with the Lord. Only let me know I am the Lord's, and life or death I would leave with him." As the hour drew near, the impression became still deeper; and when it came, she said, "I shall sink,-O pray for me that I may be patient, that I may be sustained: pray much for me." When her strength was exhausted, she said, "I am dying, call my husband." Her kind medical attendant, who saw her extreme weakness, but yet hoped she might recover, fearing that this would be injurious to her, objected; when she said, "Then tell him I die happily,-tell him I am going to my Saviour." At one time it was hoped she was falling asleep, and it was whispered, "She is going to sleep." She overheard it, and said, 'No, I shall never sleep, till I sleep in Jesus." Expiring nature kept up for a time by powerful stimulants; but when these were given to her, she said, "It is of no use, I am dying." At length it was agreed that her husband should be called. She heard his voice, and sufficient strength was left her to utter two words, two full, precious, and inexpressibly consoling words, "quite happy." She shortly after fell sweetly asleep in Jesus. - was She often, in her lifetime, thought of death with alarm, but the sting of death was taken away from her. Her life and her death were a seal to the truth of the religion of Christ, and beautifully prove that, "Tis religion that can give Sweetest pleasures while we live; Solid comfort when we die." Like her may we live !-like her may we die ! LATTAKOO MISSION, SOUTH AFRICA. THE accounts received within a recent period of the progress of the work of God in the stations beyond the colony have been of a peculiarly encouraging character. The tokens of the Divine blessing on the labours of the brethren among the Bechuanas, appear, in an eminent degree, distinct and numerous. At Griqua Town, Philippolis, and Lattakoo, augmenting numbers from among this extensive tribe are now gathering into the fellowship of the church, and the hearts of the Missionaries are increasingly cheered by the conviction that a most abundant harvest unto the Lord will at no distant period be the gracious reward of the long and arduous toils of which the Bechuana nation has been the object. The extent to which the Lattakoo Mission has thus been recently favoured, with some brief notices of the general progress of the labours of the brethren at that station, is contained in the subjoined extracts of a letter from Messrs. Moffat, |