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NOTES OF THE MONTH.

LEICESTER, Dover-street.-Two were baptized, Oct. 23rd. J. M. PETERBOROUGH.-On Lord's day, Oct. 2nd, two candidates were baptized in the General Baptist chapel; and on Lord'sday, Nov. 6th, three others were also baptized and received into the church.

WHITTLESEA.-On Lord's-day, October 23rd, five candidates were baptized and received into the church, by Mr. Barrass, of Peterborough.

PRAED-STREET, Paddington.-Since our last communication we have baptized; on May 29th, eleven persons; on July 31st, seven; and on Wednesday, September 28th, four-three brethren and one sister. RUSHALL.-On Lord's day, Oct. 23rd, we baptized two persons (man and wife). We have more hopeful inquirers. May the good Lord still send prosperity.

W.

DONINGTON, near Louth.-Lord's-day, Nov. 20th, was a day of high rejoicing to the friends of the General Baptist cause in this village. Four persons were buried

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with Christ in baptism, by Mr. Burton the pastor of the church, who also preached on the occasion, from Acts xxii 16. Our chapel was crowded to excess, many being unable to gain admittance. During the administration of the ordinance, many were affected unto tears. We trust this is the beginning of brighter days than we have experienced for a long time. T.B.

LOUTH, North-gate.-On the morning of Sunday, November 6th, the ordinance of baptism was administered to nine persons, and these in the afternoon received from the pastor the right hand of fellowship. One was an orphan, several others were the children of widows; one was a reformed sceptic, and all were young. As each one was addressed at the Lord's table according to his peculiar circumstances, a deep and tender feeling pervaded the whole assembly, and many were bathed in tears. There are others expected soon to follow Christ in baptism.

MISCELLANEOUS.

LOUTH, North-gate. Two sermons were preached by Rev. J. J. Goadby, of Lenton, on Lord's-day, October 30th, 1859, after which collections were made towards the debt remaining on the school

rooms.

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LEICESTER, Dover-street.-A most interesting and instructive lecture, "Coal, its origin and uses," was delivered by Rev. J. Cholerton, Coalville, Tuesday night, Nov, 1st, in Dover-street School-room, Leicester, in connection with the mutual improvement class.

on

J. M. WALSALL, Farewell Tea Meeting.-In September last, a tea meeting was held, and a purse of gold, containing £17 5s., was presented to the Rev. Chas. Burrows, who has resigned his pastorate, and since left the town. The meeting was numerously attended by Christian friends of all denominations. In the absence of J. Brewer, Esq., Mr. E. Stanley was called to preside, who apologized for the absence of S. Stephens, Esq, and Rev. R. Bulmer. Appropriate and excellent addresses were delivered by Revs. G.

Cheatle, of Birmingham, A. A. Cole, E. Myers, and Messrs. J. Evans, J. Clark, and W. Cox. The purse was presented by Mr. Cox (a zealous religious friend of the town) Rev. C. Burrows then suitably replied.

C.B.

MEASHAM, Welcome Tea Meeting.-A tea meeting was held on Wednesday, Nov. 7th, to welcome Rev. Chas. Burrows, as pastor. Addresses were delivered by Revs. W. Gray, Ashby-de-laZouch, G. Cheatle, of Birmingham, C. Burrows, Mr. Rice, and Mr. Shakspeare. The choir sung some very appropriate pieces of music. It was a pleasant and a happy meeting. May the God of all grace sanctify the union between pastor and people.

REV. W. SHAKSPEARE, of Ripley, having ceased his connection with the church in that place, is open to a call.

REV. C. BURROws has recently accepted an invitation to become pastor of the church at Measham.

Rev. T. R. STEVENSON Commenced his labours, as pastor of Enon chapel, Burnley, on the first Lord's-day in October.

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months. Mr. l'inney has returned from Australia in vigorous health. Episcopalians have recently opened a new church at Halifax, built at the expense of Mr. E. Akroyd, and costing £30,000. A "Church Defence Association" has been formed at Cambridge, to counteract the efforts of the Liberation Society. We rejoice to hear it. This is the best sign of the other's success. The Bishop of Winchester has directed proceedings to be instituted against Mr. Heath, the vicar of Brading, Isle of Wight, for a volume of sermons recently published at Ryde. Mr. Heath is a disciple of Maurice. Romanists are still calling loudly for sympathy with the Pope, and with little success. The Bible Society's agents are actively at work in Italy. Poor Escalente, who was put in prison last May, by the Spanish Catholics, for distributing Bibles, still lies in prison at Cadiz. As a native of Gibraltar, he is a British subject, but at present has appealed in vain for British protection. And yet, we are told in England, with some flourish of trumpets, that the late rector of the Catholic University, is now translating the Bible, and will shortly publish it at the Derby Catholic press! Mexico has completely shaken off the papal yoke. The civil power has been declared supreme; and the country is therefore open to all missionaries.

GENERAL.

The year opened gloomily. and with rumours of wars. It will not be the

fault of the Times, if the year does not end as it began. Stock-jobbing has been' again pulling the strings in Printing House-square; and as we have no Parliament sitting, no questions can be asked. On every side we hear of rifle corps; or, as some will persist in calling them, trifle corps. It will be a disastrous thing if the war-spirit should be again awakened; but every true patriot must feel that he would rather be fore-armed for any invader, let him come from whatever quarter he nay. English freedom and continental despotism will always be unfriendly, from the nature of the case. Rumours are afloat that the government is busy with the details of a new reform bill,

The past month has been one of fearful storms. Many hundred lives have been lost by shipwrecks on the British. coast; but no single disaster equals the loss of the Royal Charter. The sacrifice of life was nearly as great as in the Royal George, for ever made memorable by the thrilling ode of Cowper;

"Toll for the brave,

The brave that are no more,
All sunk beneath the wave,

Fast by their native shore," &c.

Mr. Binney, and one of our own ministers, Mr. Syme, were both persuaded by their friends to come home in this vessel; and have thus most providentially escaped a watery grave. We rejoice to hear that the state of Missouri will soon cease to be a slave state.

Marriages and Deaths.

MARRIAGES.

Oct. 13th, at the Primitive Methodist chapel, Rippingale, Mr. W. Clarke, of Peterborough, to Ann, youngest daughter of the late Mr. T. Scargill, of Gosberton, for many years superintendent of the General Baptist Sunday-school in that place.

Oct. 24th, at the Baptist chapel, Ripley, Mr. G. Bramley, to Miss M. Marriott.

Oct. 27th, at Ashby church, Thos. Smith, Esq., Barton-in-the-Beans, to Miss Annie Wagstaff, of Ashby.

Oct. 27th, at the same place, Mr. W. E. Morriss, Boston, to Miss Sarah Page,niece of Mr. J. Simpson, of Kirkby Underwood, near Bourne.

Oct. 31st, at Sacheverel-street chapel, Derby, Mr. J Morby, to Miss L. Hatchet. Nov. 1st, at the Baptist chapel, Goodshaw, near Burnley, by Mr. Maden, the

father of the bridegroom, Rev. J. Maden, of Macclesfield, to Miss Ellen Haworth, of Gambleside, Lancashire.

Nov. 10th, at Mansfield-road chapel, Nottingham, by Rev. G. A. Syme, M.A., Mr. W. Gamble, to Miss Eliza Giles.

Nov. 15th, at Dalberry, by Rev. H. J. Cotton, Rev. T. Hoe, of Woodhouse Eaves, to Ann, second daughter of Mr. J. Holmes.

DEATHS.

In September, suddenly, Mrs. Johnson, of Isleham. She had been a member nineteen years.

Oct. 26th, at Market Harborough, Mrs. Fawson, twenty-five years a member of the church at that place.

Oct. 28th, at Isleham, Mr. John Diver, aged 56, many years a Sunday-school teacher, and an acceptable occasional preacher. He had been a member at Isleham more than thirty-six years.

Missionary Observer.

HINDOOISM: ITS CHANGES IN FIFTY YEARS.

I have often heard it remarked, not only by the Hindoos themselves, but also by Protestants, that it is impossible for them to change their long-established customs, and embrace Christianity; that the universal prevalence of caste, and the claim upon the son to pursue the same avocation in life as the father, will never admit of any radical change; that such and such were the acts and customs of their forefathers, and, to deviate in the remotest from their example, the most dire calamities would inevitably follow. But such a view of the case is not only unwarranted, but untenable. Protestants who have thus represented the matter, are certainly either unacquainted with the facts, or else they belong to that class who know nothing of the promises of the Bible, and are opposed to the spread of the glorious gospel of God's Son. That Hindooism has undergone the most wonderful changes during the last half century I will now proceed to show.

Let us notice, first, the changes that have taken place in the articles of dress and household furniture. Half a century ago, the Hindoos had but little if any furniture, and that of the rudest style; now, many wealthy natives have their palaces furnished to overflowing with the most fashionable and costly of English manufacture. Half a century ago, the sun-dial and water clock were their only timepieces; now, clocks and watches, the most beautiful and valuable, grace their drawing-rooms. In articles of dress, many of the wealthy wear English-made fabrics in preference to their own. Now, many pursue occupations which, but a very few years ago, were entirely unknown in this country. Half a century ago, there were no printed books in the Bengalee language; now, thousands are appearing at Calcutta annually. Half a century ago, no Hindoo ever thought of making himself acquainted with the English language; now, there are hundreds in the English countinghouses of every large city throughout the land, who read, write, and speak the language fluently. For many generations the Hindoos have been accustomed to travel in rude country boats, on foot, in palanquins, or in cow carts; but now the most wonderful changes have been introduced

even in this respect; now it is not uncommon to see the opulent seated in a stately equipage of English manufacture, drawn by a pair of costly Arabian or English steeds. The Government steamers that now plough the thrice hallowed and bloody waters of the great Ganges are crowded with passengers. The railroad even, that most modern invention, they are taken with; and the trains that now run between Calcutta and Raneegunge, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles, are filled to overflowing every day. In the telegraph offices, too, they are at their posts, controlling the wonderful machine.

In a religious point of view, the result has been the same. Half a century ago, thousands of infants were thrown into the Hoogly, (an outlet of the Ganges,) at the great Saugor Mela, annually; but now, not one. Half a century ago, many widows were annually burnt alive with the bodies of their deceased husbands; but now, the remembrance even of this barbarous custom seems to have been almost forgotten. Formerly, it was thought a very shocking thing to touch the flesh or the hide of a dead cow; but now, many brahmins even wear shoes made of cowhides instead of their old wooden sandals. Only ten years ago, Brahminism was so rife, that the appearance of a brahmin in the midst of a crowd addressed by a Christian missionary, was sufficient to dismiss the whole assembly, and leave the earnest missionary without a hearer; now, not only the brahmins themselves, but the people listen attentively without molestation. But a very few years ago, hardly a Hindoo would have ventured, through fear of banishment from home, caste, and friends, to recommend the marriage of widows; but now, through petitions made by the Hindoos themselves, the Government, during the present year, have passed an act making such marriages hereafter legal.

If we examine into their ancient religious rites and ceremonies, we find many not only unobserved, but forgotten. Half a century ago, how many native Christians were there in Hindostan? Now, between Lahore on the north, and Calcutta on the south, there are more than 25,000 souls professing salva

Half a cen

tion through Jesus Christ.
tury ago, how many schools were there in
which a liberal education was imparted?
Now, in the north-west provinces alone
there are 3,781 in full operation. Of this
number, 87 are Government schools, with
5,907 pupils; 33 are missionary, with
1,749; 3,661 are common, with 40,181
pupils; making a grand total of 47,837
pupils. Half a century ago, there was
not one girls' school in all India; now
there are several, conducted under the
most flattering circumstances.

and the rapid progress of civilization and science? Who shall now say that the close of the nineteenth century shall not see the whole fabric of Hindooism, as well as Mohammedanism, dissolved, and remembered only as one of the things that were? Who shall now predict that heathenism is too strong for Christianity and civilization? The past refutes such an assumption. The present promises changes that will astonish the whole world. Let the friends of Christ, therefore, rally all their strength around the banner of the Cross; Such are some of the most important and let their prayers ascend with one harchanges of Hindooism during the last fifty monious voice to Jehovah of Hosts, pleadyears. Christianity is gradually working ing that this glorious work, begun and so its way through the multitudinous objects successfully carried on in heathen lands, that oppose its progress, and light is fast and especially in India, may be crowned dispelling the moral darkness that hangs with still more success; that more labourthick and dreadful over this land, where ers may be sent into the harvest. And every prospect pleases, and only man is we have the promise that the work shall vile." If the last half century has ac- be done, and "that His word shall accomcomplished so much, what may we not ex-plish that whereunto He hath sent it."pect from the next, with its increasing Presbyterian Banner. facilities for moral and religious education,

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THE LITTLE ONES CARED FOR.

Cuttack, September 18th, 1859.

THE "Ladies' Society" are again sending | when she herself was taken very ill. By out a box of articles to be sold for the benefit of our school. I always feel cheered by our Society being helped. Both the military and civilians are so friendly, and appear so interested in our labours, that we hope to have a good sale when the box arrives. Our congregations are larger than when I last wrote, and we are now obliged to have half-a-dozen more chairs to accommodate the hearers on a Sabbath evening. We trust too, good is being done by the Word preached. Four of our dear girls were baptized last Sunday, and at our last church meeting there were eleven candidates. Thus far I had written, one evening, when a friend came in, and my desk was put aside. Since then wearisome days and watchful nights have been appointed me. First, dear little George Taylor was brought in by his father from Piplee, very ill, Mrs Taylor remaining with her baby all alone. Dear little George seemed to rally, and the father after staying with us four days, returned home, leaving his sick boy with me. The weather became cold and stormy in a few days after he left, and the little fellow had a relapse. I had night after night to get up to him, six and seven times, and to feel daily that the little creature might die, and his parents far away. At length Mrs. Taylor made up her mind to come with her baby,

the blessing of God, on good food and nursing, I had the pleasure of seeing both mother and her sick son become better; and after staying with us a fortnight, Mrs. T. returned home, leaving her boy with me again, at the urgent request of the doctor, who says, if he and I can but pull him through the rainy season, he hopes he will grow strong in the cold season. He has been very sickly from his birth, and his parents cannot help but feel very much, having buried two of their little ones. They have no doctor at Piplee, and not a single European family. It is a very important station, and there ought to be two missionaries at such a place. Well, shall I go on with my catalogue of trials? No sooner had I parted with dear Mrs. Taylor, and her boy became a little better, than my baby was taken ill-yes, my baby. Providence has sent me another little castaway, who had to travel in the pouring rain sixty miles before she was a month old, to find a home and mother's heart. Her mother is a Brahminee, a widow, and this poor infant is the fruit of sin, the mother having been seduced by a vile punda, who forsook her as soon as he knew she was likely to become a mother. The poor woman became affected in her intellect, and determined to destroy her babe. The magistrate of the district got

LETTER FROM REV. J. O. GOADBY.

to hear, and set proper persons to watch, and wrote to us to know if we would receive the infant. She has been with us two months, but owing to the exposure during the damp weather when so young, her little chest is very delicate.

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been appropriated to another lady before I heard of the decision of the young people, we have now selected for their support the youngest of the little girls, rescued and sent to us by our good commissioner, of whose warm temper I mentioned to you some particulars in my last letter, and we shall have her name changed to Catherine Kirkman. She is a very pretty child and improving in her manners. I wish you could see her seated at her patch-work, her little fingers plying her needle so nicely.

Lately the weather has been most trying; one moment we are in a steaming atmosphere, saturated with perspiration, and then all at once a storm comes up, and a cold wind begins to blow from the four quarters, and it seems impossible to avoid a chill. Last Sunday night I was up all night with my poor baby-its breathing greatly distressed me. Your uncle was from home, on a visit to our Choga people. The Lord blessed the means, and the attack gave way, and now the little creature is rewarding me for all my anxiety with loving smiles and cooing sounds. She is at present a wee creature, but when well, very good, and as lively as a butterfly. I have now a very severe cold, and can hardly sit at my desk to scribble these few lines. Your uncle has just been to beg of me to leave off and rest my aching head. But should I be restored to health, I have a mountain of labour before me. It was in my heart to write a letter to the Sabbath-schools at Barton, Barlestone.&c., who have undertaken to support a little girl in my school, but I dare not now attempt it. Kindly convey to them our warmest love and thanks. Topsy having (From a letter to Miss Derry, Heather

How often in my heart I thank my dear kind friends in England for the bundles of patchwork they gave me. It has kept my very little children busy in sewing hours for nearly four years; they have made nearly two quilts, the smallest bits they have stitched together. The grand secret of making children happy, is keeping them in some way busy. Just now several of our dear children are suffering from colds and fever. One day I was telling my dear little Emily about the love of Jesus, when she suddenly put her arms round my neck, and gave me a hard squeeze, and then said "does Jesus love as much as this?" She was rather jealous of the baby, but now she calls it her darling little sister. Miss Butler is very well,

and so are all our friends at Cuttack. SARAH BUCKLEY.

Lodge.)

LETTER FROM REV. J. O. GOADBY, TO THE SECRETARY. (Continued from page 439).

When we had fairly begun to move along,
I sat up to watch for an hour or two while
brother B. slept; then he promised to
relieve me. This precaution was neces
sary, or the boatmen would have all de
serted their posts and moured their boat
to the shore the moment they saw us fast
asleep. As it was, I had great difficulty
in keeping them to their work. My
watch over, I got to sleep, and on awaking
in the morning, found we were within
a mile of our destination. In a short
time we reached Manikpatna, and found
to our astonishment and chagrin, no
bearers, and could find no one who
knew anything about them. What was
to be done? There were no bearers in
this district, as most of the people were
fishermen. We couldn't walk 20 miles in
a burning sun? Our palkys would not
go without bearers? After a time we

prevailed on the old man in charge of the boat to take us on to a village, distant about two miles, where we hoped to get bearers or a man to take a letter to Pooree that our friends might send bearers to fetch us. Before we arrived, however, it became so hot that we resolved to go on shore and rest in a small hut, built on the coast for the sails and tackle of a native ship lying near. Although we could not get inside, by the help of one of the boat's sails and two or three pieces of matting lying near, we made a good shelter, and after bathing in the lake, prepared to have our breakfasts. Here several Telinga fishermen (the Telingas live on the east coast of India) who were working at the ship came to see us, and after making several inquiries of them concerning bearers, &c., began to be interested in our mis

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