456 WESTERN AFRICA.—SOUTH AFRICA.—MEDITERRANEAN. Cruel Punishments and Superstitions of the Ashantees. Jan. 6, 1842-One of the King's daughters died to-day, and a custom was made, during which three poor creatures were hurried into eternity in the shape of sacrifices; one of whose headless trunks I saw dragged along through the marketplace into the dell where the greater part of the sacrifices are thrown. Jan. 13-This morning an old Chief in Coomassie died, in consequence of which a large custom is making. During the day, twelve persons have been sacrificed. I witnessed the pushing of the knife through the cheeks of one poor creature, to prevent her from cursing the King. This was done almost instantly, after which her hands were tied behind her back. She was squatting on the ground, and in this way they left her some time. She seemed in a complete stupor; and when they went to take her away to sacrifice her, they were obliged to shake her, as one would shake a man to rouse him out of a deep sleep. I believe that the Lord mercifully interferes, in some peculiar way, to prevent the poor creatures from suffering that extreme horror of death which is frequently discovered in criminals when they are executed. Jan. 17-Two persons of importance were executed to-day, for conspiracy and treason. We saw those wretched persons with knives driven through their cheeks, their hands fastened to a log of wood behind their backs, with iron staples. They were exposed to public view in this way for some time, that their punishment might be a warning to others. I went from thence to Apoko's house; and in returning I saw the head of one of them struck off. His blood served to besmear the King's drums, &c.; his heart was then taken out, and one of his ribs: what they did with this, I do not know. All this was done in the sight of the survivor. What must have been his feelings! And, to add to his torments, an old woman sent her boy to beg his teeth when he should be killed. "No," said the executioner, "unless she give me some rum, I will not take them out; but, if you like, you may take them out yourself." All this was done and said with the greatest apathy and unconcern imaginable. These two persons, it is evident, retained their facul [OCT. sent into another world to accompany him, five of whose headless trunks were lying together at one time in the street, and six heads. Feb. 4-This morning about six o'clock I rode out to the saw-pit; and when I came in again, in riding into our house the back way, on turning a corner, I came at once upon a person who had been sacrificed since I rode out. The head was lying at one place, and the body at another, and the vultures were preying upon both. Although our reception was good, and our prospects are delightful, yet the scenes we sometimes witness are absolutely revolting to human nature. Oh for more grace, more Christian courage and zeal, more of that wisdom and love, that shall make me a true Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, that I may be instrumental in God's hands of introducing among them the Gospel of peace! South Africa. WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. GREAT NAMAQUALAND. THE Rev. Edward Cook, of Nisbet Ik ben, She JOB WITBOOIJ. Mediterranean. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE REV. F. A. Hildner and his ties to the last moments, and were quite family arrived safely in Syra on the aware of what was going on. Jan. 30-This day a man of consequence died, and twelve individuals were 22d of February. He found the Mission in a very satisfactory state. In a Letter dated April 18, 1842, he The examination of the Higher Schools being public only once a year, in August, they were this time privately examined by Mr. Sanderski and myself. The examination of the Middle Schools was public, and lasted two days. Several Members of the School Commission were present, and the Governor attended at the examination of the Girls' School. It is gratifying to remark, that we always see a considerable number of parents and other friends of the children and Schools present; and it is not less encouraging that the Governor and the School Commission continue to shew interest and zeal in the progress of the Schools in Syra.. They are not only very polite, but really friendly; and did not fail, on this occasion, to add to their usual expression of thanks and gratification some words of encouragement to us and the children. Summary of the Schools at the end of March 1842. Boys: No. on List. Aver. At. 28 Higher School 31 163 177 129 is acknowledged by many of the Greeks here. The Governor himself told me, at the visit which I paid to him after my return from England, "Among the fruits which your Schools have produced in Syra is this-that they excite and keep up zeal IN the other Schools, and FOR them. If we had the means," he added, 66 we would immediately build another School, because it is needed; and yet this would not be sufficient for the children who are grown up, and wish to go to School: therefore your School Establishment will ever be a desirable thing for Syra." As a proof of the zeal in the establishing Schools in Syra, I may mention, that the site which, in the new plan of Syra, was assigned for a Theatre has been appropriated for a School: thus at least a newspaper of Syra informed us, and the Governor has confirmed it to me. Even the Upper Town, inhabited entirely by Roman Catholics, has now a Boys' Only a few days ago, having been inSchool, which is beginning to flourish. vited, I attended the examination of the first class of this School, and witnessed had made, under the guidance of a dilithe gratifying progress which the boys gent Master. The Governor and all present were pleased: the Governor, however, expressing his surprise that scarcely any of the parents of the children attended, thus seeming to shew very little interest in the education of their children. It is, indeed, a striking fact, that the Roman-Catholic population have remained signally behind the Greek CathoIt is exlics in establishing Schools. pected that the Government will soon urge them to establish a Girls' School. have been given to Schools in Syra and other places in Greece. Translations. Previous to my leaving Syra for England I had prepared for our Press in Malta a Church History, Commentary on the Romans, Hymn-Book, and a SpellingBook and Reading-Book for Infant Schools. I regret that uncertainty as to the destiny of our Press in Malta has prevented or retarded the printing of these books, as the last two, particularly, are very much needed for our Schools. The number of several other very useful School Books is also reduced to a few copies; and as it is desirable that a new edition should be speedily printed, I hope the way may soon be opened to furnish the supply. Endia within the Ganges. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE Rev. T. Sandys has been almost daily visited by inquiring Hindoos, many of whom are from the Native Colleges their chief object has been to obtain New Testaments. In this way many copies have been most hopefully circulated, and, in several instances, have led to an open acknowledgment of the truth of Christianity. Confirmation of Native Candidates. Mr. Sandys refers, in his Journal, to two occasions on which this most interesting Service was held in Calcutta during the last year : : July 27, 1841-In the evening, I attended a Confirmation held by the Bishop at Christ Church, when 15 Native Candidates were admitted to the rite, and affectionately addressed by the Bishopthe Minister, the Rev. Krishna Mohana Banerjea, interpreting for him. I felt particularly interested in the Confirmation; several of the Candidates having been under my charge, and baptized by me, before the completion of Christ Church Aug. 13-The Bishop, the Archdeacon, and the Rev. John H. Pratt, came to the Mission Premises. The Liturgy having been read, 39 Candidates for Confirmation were presented. The Bishop explained to them the nature and object of the rite; and desired them and the congregation to let their prayers ascend to Almighty God, that He would graciously vouchsafe the gift of His Holy Spirit to those who were about to be confirmed. The Candidates then knelt, and the Prayer of Confirmation was offered, first in English by the Bishop, and then in Bengalee by me. It was a solemn and interesting Service; and, I trust, a season in which the Native Christians received from above that Divine aid, by which alone they can be preserved stedfast in the faith. After the Confirmation, the Bishop addressed the newly-confirmed, and laid down several rules for their future guidance; which he desired me to translate into Bengalee, and to let those who had been confirmed take a copy for themselves. AGURPARAH. The following Extracts from the Rev. J. F. Osborne's Journal afford an additional illustration of the Fearful Character of Heathenism. March 29-To-day one of the Catechists came to tell me that a Ghaut murder was about to be perpetrated near the Mission Station. I immediately went to the spot; and saw a poor fellow, who was dying of the cholera, lying on his bed, which was standing IN the river. There were present many Brahmins, with whom I and my Catechists reasoned on the folly and wickedness of their conduct; but it was all in vain. After some time, they took the unhappy creature, and rolled him in the mud of the river. They cried out, in a dreadful tone, that the Ganges was God; believing, that if the sick man died in the mud hearing those cries, his eternal felicity would be secured. I protested, as strongly as my imperfect acquaintance with the language admitted, against the horrid deed. Some mocked, others blasphemed, and they would not desist. I gave away some Tracts, and left the dreadful scene sorrowing. I could not forbear to think of the blessings which Christianity, even in a temporal point of view, would introduce, when it should be diffused throughout this dark land. April 11-This is the principal day of the Churruck Poojah. I went to a large tank, where I understood the swinging would take place, and was astonished at the immense concourse of people. How my heart sickened, when I saw a poor wretch, with several spikes driven through the fleshy part of his back, fastened to the swing; and raised, by means of a pole, thirty feet, I should think, from the ground! He was then turned round and round in a frightful manner, much to the amusement of the degraded and inhuman spectators. I saw two unhappy men swinging at the same time. I spoke to some of the people in English, to others in Bengalee. One affirmed that the proceedings at this Poojah were according to the command of God; and a Brahmin said, that without shedding of blood God was not satisfied. I then told him of that Saviour, whose blood cleanseth from all sin, and who suffered in our stead. Having given away many Tracts, I stood on a bank with two Catechists, who addressed about 50 or 60 people gathered around us. While we were thus engaged, some Devotees passed, followed by many people. Some went before them with music, one flourished a sword, and another waved flags. I never felt so much what Heathenism is as I have felt to-day; and this is the Lord's Day! What a contrast between the dreadful scene which I have this day witnessed in India, and those far different Lord's-Day scenes with which I have been familiar in happy England! Administration of the Lord's Supper Death of a Native Christian. In the midst of these abominations, however, a small flock of Native Christians has been gathered; and in pleasing contrast to the above, Mr. Osborne reports― Feb. 21, 1841-I administered the Lord's Supper in the Bengalee Language, for the first time, to nineteen Native Communicants. Feb. 24-To-day, Jageshwar, one of the Native Christians, died of cholera. His conduct was remarkably consistent. The Scriptures were read to him, and prayer offered up with him, during his last sickness; and on the Lord's Day before his departure he received the Holy Communion. He said that his only hope was in Christ; that he believed, and was happy. I trust that he was among those whom God has called from among the unhappy Natives of India. I read the Burial Service over his remains, in Bengalee; a large number of Christians being present. KRISHNAGHUR. Communications have been re July 11: Lord's Day-I held Divine Service at half-past ten, and had a most encouraging congregation. After the sermon, I administered the Holy Communion to forty. Our Collections were between 3 and 4 rupees. How joyful a sight, to see some of these poor people giving from 2 pice to 4 annas! The merciful Lord will, I trust, increase our numbers on these solemn occasions. July 20-I had a conversation with a Christian on the right reception of Christianity. He observed, "A bribed soul is a bad one. If our hopes are built on Christ, we shall be firm even in persecution; but if they are built on rice, rupees, or the help of man, they will be washed away like sand by a flood." July 22-To-day I have been comforted by the faith of a Christian of Solo. "Sir," he said, "a den of thieves!" striking his hand on his breast. "This is the house, full of all evil. The Lord died," he continued, "praying for His enemies; and now He liveth, praying for Again-" Well, Sir, he that gets the mind us; and we are full of sin, dying sinners." of Christ will be saved. He will perfect this mind, if we ask Him for it." I believe Azeem to be one of those whom the world know not, but who are known of Christ. July 26-I had very encouraging conversations with some of my old acquaintances; one in particular, the head of a Tool, or Sanscrit College, and formerly the Pundit of the Judge of Burdwan. He was very desirous to obtain an entire copy of the Bible, which I promised him, Aug. 22: Lord's Day - During the Morning Service, I baptized the wife of a Christian man from Hridaypace. She was very desirous of baptism; and I trust, from all I know of her, that she was sincere, having repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. She is the mother of a family, and has been a candidate two years. CHUPRA-An interesting account of the progress of the work in this. District is contained in a Letter from the Rev. W. J. Deerr to the Archdeacon of Calcutta. From this Letter, which was published in the Calcutta Christian Intelligencer, we extract the following particulars: All the persecutions have subsided, and all the old candidates have been baptized, one village excepted; and there exists now a breathing of love and good feeling among all the congregations. The Public Baptisms, when all the candidates have been baptized into one body, have produced a blessed effect In Kulleenagur, toward the end of April, forty persons were baptized on one occasion. The devout feelings of these Converts were evident to every bystander: the Heathens themselves, who were present, seemed pleased, and friendly disposed. In the beginning of May last, there were baptized at once, in the Hoodai Chapel, seventy-two persons. The Chapel was pretty full, I having my own people with me. The whole of the Service gave great satisfaction. Silence. as well as reverence, prevailed in a high degree. The inward joy and gratitude which I felt was more than I can express. I like to give to such ceremonies all the solemnity I can, as it makes a good impression upon the Heathen who come to witness them. I usually take a number of the Youths of my School with me, and sometimes, also, Readers, because they read the responses orderly. During the greater part of the time we were engaged in this solemn ordinance a number of respectably-dressed people stood in the verandah of the Chapel and after all was over, they said to me, "Sir, what you do is all right and good; but these people cannot keep the instruction you give to them. We have heard," they added, that it is very difficult to keep the precepts of the Christian Religion." I replied, "You, being planters, should know that your plants do not come to perfection at once; and though these converts are now not all they should be, still we put them in the way of becoming holy." They said, "But we also have Shasters: we read and instruct our people as you do, and shew them the road." I replied, "It is true that you shew them a way; but whither does your road lead? Does it not lead to idol worship? Do you not make your people bow down before wood, stones, &c.? But we lead our people to the True God."-I felt that I had come too close upon them; and therefore at once gave them my salaam and left, the heat also in the open air being greater than my strength could bear. On the 12th of May we had a similar Service at the Antolee Chapel: 40 persons offered themselves for baptism. These candidates had been under instruction for several years. In the verandah of the chapel, and outside, were such crowds of people, that I could hardly see to read. The Heathens took a great interest in the Service; and as the village belonged to a friendly Christian Isendar, every bystander behaved civilly. The baptized persons were thankful upon being admitted into the Church, after so long a detention without the pale. On the 14th I went to Domkopor. Here we have no chapel; but the people assembled under a shed belonging to the Reader of the place. Instead of mats or carpets, the cultivators brought their empty rice-bags and spread them on the ground: they also hung up pieces of cloth, to make it appear a little decent for the occasion: but still the place was open. Some of the young women, who are of good families, were in great agitation: one of them had her face wrapped up in her cloth, so that only her eyes and forehead could be seen. I did not wonder at it, for nearly the whole village was assembled the men stood on one side, and the women on the other. In their idol worship, it is no shame for women to be seen; but in the cause of God they nearly die for shame. This false shame may be found in every country, in one shape or other. On the whole, I was contented: their answers were satisfactory, and I thanked God for the day. Twenty-six adults and three children were baptized. On Lord's Day the 17th we went to Badlungee, a village very near the Mission Premises. In this village, light and darkness have been for a long time in severe conflict: the converts have suffered very much in this place. The Headman is on the side of the Talookdar, and is as inimically disposed. The Talookdar put one of the converts into prison for false debts, which were brought up in the name of his ancestors; and the greater number of the other converts had to run away, leaving their valuable land behind them. ever, 50 persons remained, and prepared themselves for baptism. Taking with me all my school-boys, 45 in number, and my Reader and Christian servants, I went to hold Morning Service at the place, instead of having it on our premises; and after How |