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isn't "hog-Latin" or hawking German. I wish you could hear a pack of Oriya boys rattling away in animated conversation. They make music, I assure you. And their little words and quick speeches have taken me farther back than the beautiful blue hills did a moment agoto times before school-days in America, when I too was an Oriya boy at the dear old home at Patua. The lads are talking my native language, and, how strange the power of association! while listening to their merry prattle words come back to me which have been forgotten for fifteen years. And this reminds me of my first attempt at Oriya preaching. It was only last May, in the old pulpit at Jellasore. (I use Jellasore and Patua convertibly-the first designates the post office, and the second the bazaar, close by which our mission premises are located.) Up to that time I had been doing all my work in Bengali, which the Oriyas understand very well; still they appreciate what is said to them much more when the speaker uses their own dialect. This is particularly true of the children; and as they made up by far the larger part of the Patua congregation, I was determined to try Oriya. The reading of it I had kept up all the time I had been away, but the trial was to come in the talking. I had hardly read my opening hymn when all idea of trying entirely left me, and the words came along just when and where I wanted them to the very end of the service. Ah! but that was not all owing to the power of association, for somehow there is a special inspiration which always comes over me when I try to preach in that dear old home-pulpit. The Lord comes very near to me, and brings to my remembrance the manifold mercies which made my childhood so blessed, and the holy hand which opened life's path before me. I've heard brethren speak of having "good times" in preaching. God gives me such precious seasons at my early home. There each room in the old house, each tree in the yard, and each flower in the garden, awakens a thousand happy memories of boyhood days, and everything bids me give thanks to God.

Well, this has certainly been a rambling letter; but you may depend upon it one don't feel much in a writing mood after a night in the saddle, with an interval of three hours for general bleeding in a musquito camp. I must sleep.

HELP FOR ORISSA FROM SCOTLAND.

Appeal to Christian Liberality.

[We are happy to find that friends now living in Scotland, who formerly resided in Orissa, are interesting themselves for the Mission. We gladly publish the following appeal, not only for its own sake, but for the information it contains about Orissa, and the pleasing testimony it furnishes to the valuable labours of our Missionaries in that province.]

CHRISTIAN FRIENDS, - During the years 1866-67 the newspapers everywhere furnished the most heart-rending accounts from the famine-stricken districts in India.

Orissa is a beautiful hilly country as large as England. It is peopled with an active and intelligent race. The great and far-famed Idol Temple of Juggernath stands about the centre of its sea coast; and the building now standing has witnessed the heathen orgies conducted there for more than six hundred years. To this idol shrine have flocked pilgrims in vast multitudes from all parts of India at all seasons of the year, but more during the time of the " car festival," in the month of July, when the idols-Juggernath, his brother Bulbuder, and their sister-are taken out of the temple and placed in the huge carriages, to be drawn to the bathing temple, about a mile in distance. The carriage or car of Juggernath is forty-five feet high, resting on sixteen wheels, each seven feet in diameter. The three cars are drawn by the multitudes of votaries who come to worship; and a most sickening sight it is to witness the doings of an ocean of human beings assembled before these ugly grim idols. There are thousands of priests, cooks, and servants, attached to the temple; and the place is a sink of iniquity. Of the multitudes who flock to Juggernath to worship, ninety per cent. are women. The long, dark spell in which idolatry has for ages bound India has received a mighty blow by this dreadful visitation of famine-a famine which, notwithstanding our incalculable power and boundless appliances and wealth, has swept from the land oneand-a-half million of Her Majesty's Indian subjects! And friends on the spot, who have laboured through all these dark days of famine, in attending to the wants, spiritual and temporal, of the people, affirm that the distress was fearful; families have been broken up; villages

left with scarcely an inhabitant; parents have been selling their children for food; stepmothers have driven their little ones from their own homes; infants have been found at the breast of dead mothers; multitudes of living skin-and-bone beings eating the vilest filth; dogs and jackals tearing open bodies still alive; and ten thousand miseries too barrowing to be dwelt upon, but which are quite without a parallel in any record, ancient or modern, unless it be in the dreadful horrors of the siege of Jerusalem.

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This direful visitation has been the means of opening the eyes of multitudes to the vanity of caste and idol worship; so much is this the case, that, were the missionaries so disposed, they could add an almost unlimited number of persons to the nominal christian communities." And it has also thrown a great number of orphan children upon the hands of the authorities, who have given them over to the missionaries to be cared for and educated. And now 1,200 of these famine orphans, besides the number hitherto found in the Mission Institution, are on hand to be cared for and educated. As may well be supposed, many and touching have been the incidents regarding these tender children; but our space will not allow.

Orissa, besides containing the Rome of Hindostan in the priestcraft of Juggernath, has been one of the first parts occupied by the christian missionary; and, during the last forty-five years, a small but most devoted number of English missionaries have, single-handed, held that stronghold of Satan, and contended with the lion in his den. Seven missionaries and their wives, two unmarried ladies, and seventeen native preachers, form the small but noble band who hold that important_post. The battle bas lasted long. The army is but small, simply from want of funds, though the pay required for the European missionary is but small, and that of the ordained native preacher only about thirty-three shillings a month, a sum which a blacksmith in our own country receives as one week's wages. And these native preachers are men of character, men who have been trained and educated in the Mission College. Some are highly gifted-men of originality of thought Spurgeons in their sphere-and, were they to leave their preaching, could secure lucrative employment in Government offices.

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The circumstances in which the missionaries have been placed are now most extraordinary; more than twice as many orphans have been received in 1867 as during the previous thirty years," and the labours of the missionary become so overwhelming that now they cry"The awful judgments of God which befel the land of our adoption, impose on us new and solemn obligations, and we cry daily to God for strength and grace faithfully and earnestly to discharge them." And we would affectionately, and with deep solicitude, entreat all the friends of the missionary to consider their duties and responsibilities in the light of this solemn visitation. Our native force is not increasing, disease and death counterbalancing the increase, and the number of European missionaries is painfully reduced. Can it be that those who should "hold the rope" are doing all that God requires, and that man may reasonably expect, to encourage "those who are working in the mine?" The late G. F. Cockburn, Esq., a very godly, earnest christian of the Church of England, Her Majesty's Commissioner in charge of that province, said, at a public meeting held in England, "I have only to add, after a long experience in India, my conviction that he is the truest friend to India who helps on the missionary cause there."

Surely, then, it is the duty of all to come forward and help in this good work, and more especially when we consider that Orissa is a part of British India, under the rule of our beloved Queen; that the only christian mission in that part of India is a truly pure and devoted band of labourers, who have all along had hard work to "make ends meet" even though their numbers be so small to support; and that Scotland has hitherto done nothing, or next to nothing, for that part of our Indian possessions; and that we know not what reckoning God may yet have with us as a nation for the lives of these one and a half millions of people who have perished under our rule, at arm's-reach from Calcutta, the seat of power, where we had daily at command the most unbounded resources-resources which would have been used in time to save the greater part of these multitudes (as every one may know) had not the most unfortunate measures been adopted.

And now we put the question to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ-Have you a heart to help in this good work?

Some will say, "So many things now-adays:" but ob! think a minute. France, in the year 1802, had not one Protestant religious, nor even philanthropic institution, though she had 430 Protestant churches. No money was called for on account of any of these matters. People spent all their money as they pleased. But at the present day France has, at least, twenty-six different kinds (how many of each we can't say) of religious and philanthropic institutions to support! Are Protestants in France the poorer for all this? Does God's blessing make people poorer? Is it not much rather the reverse? that it and it alone maketh rich, Pro. x. 22; and that those who give lend to the Lord, and he repays them well? Pro. xix. 17. Is it not a real luxury to do good when in our power, or even to have the heart for it when beyond our power, should that ever be the case? And in return to be "met by God," Is. lxiv. 5; is not this enough? But it is not all; for is it not a laying up of treasure in heaven? Luke xii. 33, Rev. xiv. 13. Now, in this life, acts of kindness may be done in secret, but ere long Christ will say to you, in the hearing of assembled nations-" Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto ME; Matt. xxv. 40.

When the heart is set upon a good work, it is wonderful how the means will be found. The sailor's daughters in the Orphan Refuge, Hampstead, denied themselves treacle to their pudding, and thus saved sixteen shillings for the famine fund.

A public meeting might have been held, and this information given, and much more of an interesting nature; but as very few of those whom this appeal is intended to reach in all Scotland would have been present, it is thought the best way to publish this statement and circulate it as generally as possible, in the hope that those who have the means, or who have the leisure, may 66 come to the help of the Lord."

The plan now suggested, is-That those who can send us money; that those who prefer to work, or to send materials, do so, with a view to a box, or boxes, being got up to forward to the missionaries in Orissa.

We know of one family, at least, who have set apart one evening in the week for this work.

A committee, composed as follows,

has been formed in Ayr, to receive money, materials, or work, until the 10th of May, for the above purpose.

All articles should be marked, by the parties sending, with the home value, for a guide to the custom-house charge in Calcutta.

Committee:-Mrs. Macneille, of Blackburn Villa; Mrs. Fairlie, of Holmes, near Kilmarnock; *Mrs. Crawford, of Roseburn; Mrs. R. A. Wallace, of Killichonate, in Inverness-shire; *Mrs. Douglas, 6, Havelock Terrace; Mrs. Dykes, Ayr Manse; Mrs. Copland, 7, Havelock Terrace; Mrs. Macdonald, 20, Cathcart Street; Mrs. Dixon, 3, Bath Place; *Mrs. Denholm Young, Green Lodge; Miss M'Taggart, Seafield; Miss Aytoun, Sunnyside; Colonel Crawford, Ayr; Lieut.-Col. Young, Ayr. Mrs. Denholm Young to be convener and treasurer. Names marked with an asterisk will receive contributions in Ayr.

Articles suitable for bazaar to be held in Cuttack, India; proceeds for general purposes of Orissa Mission:

Children's dresses of light woollen fabrics, prints, muslins, and holland, for boys and girls under eight years of age. Children's boots and shoes of a light make. Babies' caps, cashmere hoods, linen hats and bonnets, bibs, &c. Ladies' Garibaldis, Zouaves, collars, cuffs, headdresses, &c. Ladies' and children's hats, bonnets, ribbons, lappets, and flowers; dress-pieces and remnants of light fabrics, braids, buttons, trimmings, lace edgings, pins, needles, thread, silk, strong bobbinnet for musquito curtains, cotton stockings, and socks. Gent's neckties. Stoppered bottles of confectionery, lozenges, jujubes, carraways, perfumery, cutlery, and carpenters' tools, stationery, books, tracts, and picture books. Fancy worksmoking caps and slippers (not made up), sofa cushions with cord and tassels (not stuffed), antimacassars, tea cozies and trays, toilet sets, toys, and dolls (not wax) dressed and undressed. Drawing room ornaments. Flower seeds. Large supplies of sewing and crotchet threads and needles, also of merino and Berlin wools and wires, are most desirable for the use of the native orphans in the schools.

The following articles should not be sent to this station-Purses, pockets, fire screens, night caps, watch pockets, and work done with steel beads.

Ayr, Feb. 10, 1868.

MONUMENT TO GUNGA DHOR. TO THE EDITOR

My dear Sir,-For nearly forty years the name of Gunga Dhor has been "familiar as a household word" to the friends of the Orissa Mission. Being the first Oriya convert and native preacher, his name, not only through all coming time, but also throughout eternity, must be intimately associated with the church of Christ in Orissa. His

record is on high, and written in a more enduring form than on marble or brass, but I am persuaded that the friends of the mission would not willingly let his name perish from the earth. By your permission, therefore, I beg to suggest that a plain but substantial tablet be erected to his memory in the Mission Chapel at Cuttack; on one side of which I would have the inscription in English, and on the other in Oriya, so that the name of our revered and departed friend might be handed down to coming generations. If the funds were sufficient I would couple with it, or place on a separate tablet, the name of our late, and not less honoured friend, Rama Chundra, who nearly as long, and not less faithfully and well, served the cause of Christ in Orissa. To accomplish this object,

therefore, I beg to suggest that a subscription list be opened forthwith. From each individual the amount need not be large, as I am persuaded that the object has only to be mentioned in our churches and schools to meet with a general and hearty response. Who would not be glad of the opportunity to aid in erecting a monument to Gunga Dhor?

As it is desirable to keep the amount quite distinct from the ordinary mission contributions, I shall be happy, with your approval, to receive contributions towards the above object, which, to save trouble, might be acknowledged in the Observer. Let the matter be attended

to at once. The tablet, or tablets, can be prepared in England and sent to India the first opportunity. "The memory of the just is blessed, the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance." I am, dear Sir,

Yours faithfully,

W. HILL. P.S.-Amounts under five shillings might be forwarded in stamps to my address, as below. Post office orders should be made payable at Market Bosworth, Leicestershire.

Barton Fabis, Atherstone,
March 18, 1868.

Foreign Letters Received.

BERHAMPORE-T. Bailey, January 22.

CUTTACK-J. Buckley, February 4.

Contributions

RECEIVED ON ACCOUNT OF THE GENERAL BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY, FROM FEBRUARY 20th, TO MARCH 20th, 1868.

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Subscriptions and Donations in aid of the General Baptist Missionary Society will be thankfully received by T. HILL, Esq., Baker Street, Nottingham, Treasurer; and by the Rev. J. C. PIKE and the Rev. H. WILKINSON, Secretaries, Leicester, from whom also Missionary Boxes, Collecting Books, and Cards may be obtained.

THE

GENERAL BAPTIST MAGAZINE.

MAY, 1868.

THE PROGRESS OF OPINION ON ECCLESIASTICAL

QUESTIONS.

BY THE EDITOR.

THE readers of this periodical may not exceed a few thousands in number, and only a small proportion of these may be in positions of publicity and power among their countrymen. Yet few, and obscure, and feeble as we are, we have both rights to maintain, and responsibilities to fulfil, in common with the most eminent and influential of our contemporaries. While we are citizens of heaven, we are just as truly denizens of the earth: and while we have something better to mind than

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earthly things," we are still bound to pay anxious attention to events which are passing around us, and to study those great questions which stir the mind of the nation to its lowest depths, and to its farthest extremities. Indifference to these questions and events would be stolid and shameful, and would indicate a want of gratitude to the God of Providence for His propitious intervention in our national affairs. The world through which we are travelling, as well as that to which we are going, is God's world, and whatever VOL. LXX.-NEW SERIES, No. 17.

pertains to the weal or the woe of its inhabitants should awaken our warmest sympathies. We ought at least to emulate the wisdom of ancient Issacher, whose men "had understanding of the times;" and when the times are specially remarkable, and unusually hopeful, it is in all respects proper to cherish a livelier interest in them. The leading journal of the day has lately asserted that "the swift advances of public opinion in more than one direction are daily baffling political foresight, and undermining the very foundations of party discipline. We are all undergoing, consciously or unconsciously, a process of education so rapid that months now suffice to produce convictions which formerly could not have been matured in years."

The design of this paper is to give a condensed account of those ecclesiastical questions on which public opinion has recently made such swift progress, and which are at this moment discussed with a freedom and an earnestness hitherto unparalleled.

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