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Dr. Duff's Institution, and was on the point of embracing the Gospel, but his relations shut him up for three days, and then his brothers secured him an appointment far away from his former Christian associates, where they thought there would be no likelihood of his having Christain society. He told me that he read the Testament, and said he was a Christian at heart. When I urged on him the duty of confessing Christ and being baptized, he referred to his mother and his wife and other relatives, but he does not seem to be happy in the neglect of the duty to make a public profession. He seemed remarkably humble and gentle. I could not but pray earnestly for him, that he may have grace to follow Christ fully.

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of my colleague and others in the town, and although they go away, and are lost sight of, yet the seed is sown in many a heart, impressions are produced which would, we might reasonably hope, issue in the salvation of some of the people could we follow up the good done by continuously visiting the people in their homes.

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"THE SPEECHLESS ASCETIC.

24th.-We revisited Kawot Purea and I met there the person whose intelligence and conviction of the falsity of idolatry I have referred to, in the house of an ascetic who is observing a vow of perpetual silence. He has an attendant, a Brahmin, who made up for the want of speech on the part of this ascetic by the readiness and force with which he expressed himself. He argued with the colporteur with intense earnestness in favour of Hinduism. He told me he had four or five of our books at his house. I could not help thinking what a valuable acquisition to the Church such a man would be if his talents were sanctified to the Saviour's service. I was reminded of my former helper, Ali Mahomed, of Jessore, whose acceptance of the Gospel was followed by a large accession of converts."

A Few Words about our Zenana Work.

THE

HE readers of the HERALD will be glad to receive some intelligence respecting that very interesting department of missionary operations. now being carried on in the homes of India. The work has grown, and is growing so rapidly, that it will be impossible to extend the effort, unless we can secure the co-operation and sympathy of our Christian friends all over this highly favoured land, and this, with the help of God, we must endeavour to obtain. A few extracts from letters lately received will report the progress that is being made.

Mrs. Robinson writes thus from Calcutta :

"I hope the friends in England will be stirred up more than ever to feel the importance of this quiet work in the homes of the Hindus, and judge from the slow but sure leavening that is taking place, of the great and happy results that may be hoped for in the future. Such cases as those of G

and K-B-, must fill us with encouragement and hope. The change in their character, and the patient endurance, on their part, of much suffering for Christ's sake, prove the sincerity of their profession; and may we not look forward to many more who may testify to the truth of the Gospel in the same manner? Yes, we have already most promising tokens that the seed has been sown in good soil, and is fast springing up to bear fruit in the life. In four Zenanas that I lately visited with Mrs. Saunders, I had the great satisfaction of seeing and hearing things that made me very thankful; some believed in the Word, and were happy in the comfort and peace which it offers; and there were others most interesting, women who evidently felt that something very rich and precious was within their reach, and they must strive to attain it at any cost; there was an eagerness and a longing to understand the Word that was spoken expressed by their

Mrs. Saunders also writes very

looks, by questions put in now and then, and in their unwillingness to leave us even for a little while. These women who live in seclusion are far more sensitive and easily impressed than those accustomed to outdoor engagements. To me they appeared very sincere and genuine, and their sad and troubled lives in some cases claimed our tenderest sympathy. G -d wished me to tell you that she is very happy in mind since she. has trusted her all to Jesus. She read part of the 14th chapter of John to us, and paused and took comfort from the words, I will come again and take you to myself.' She can smile on her troubles now, for she understands the design of afflictions, and realises the good that has come from Christ. I think with much pleasure of these dear women in their heathen homes, and can hardly wish for any change in their circumstances. They can be truer lights and shine more brightly for the deep darkness around them, than can many who are placed in more favourable circumstances. Yes! they are shedding a blessed influence in their homes, for we know of friends who come to them for guidance and instruction, and servants who are taught and led by them to the only Saviour."

encouragingly of her work in Calcutta :—

"I believe I mentioned in my last letter that a family residing in Comar Durgah, had invited me to their house to tell them more of Jesus. I used to meet the lady occasionally in N--'s house, and she became quite interested in Gospel truths; various things hindered me from going there before yesterday. God led me there then. I met the Baboo at the entrance; he very

courteously welcomed me, and called to his sister to conduct me to the female apartments, where I was received very warmly. The mistress of the house said, on seeing me to-day, 'Will our house become sanctified?' I said to her, 'Why do you use that expression?' She said, 'Are you not one of God's people?' 'Yes,' I replied, 'I have that honour.' Then she

said, 'I have a great desire to know more of the religion of Christ; as you have come to-day, I wish you to remain a long while to speak to us and teach us.' We had a nice time. N

spoke of what Jesus had done for her, that she never experienced such peace and joy till she found Him. I next called on K-B-. It does one's heart good to see how she is bearing testimony for Christ. During the

Poojah she was invited by two families to go and witness the annual celebration of the great goddess Doorgah, but she declined, on the plea that she did not believe in it, and did not care to witness the obscene sights that are too common in Poojah houses. Wonderful to say, that her husband approved of her refusal, but from what motives I could not tell."

Mrs. Trafford, from Serampore, has sent us the following appeal on behalf of the work which was under her superintendence:

"For the last five years an earnest Christian lady has been working in the homes of the poor women in Serampore. She gained admission which had been denied to others, and, until her own resources failed, laboured without remuneration of any kind. Her work has now increased, and she is aided by native helpers and by funds from the Zenana Society. The work of the Zenana teachers is for the most part among the wealthier classes of Bengal society, and hers has been chiefly among such; but she has also a school of poorer women, begun through the importunity of one who, longing to be taught more than her priests could tell her, stopped the teacher as she was riding to her work, and, getting into

her conveyance, entreated that she
would come to her small home; she
assured her that if she would, she
could bring others to learn too, and
that she would give part of her house
as a place for their instruction. The
teacher's hands were already full, but
she could not refuse this poor woman.
She went, and found seven or eight
gathered together; it was indeed a
pleasure to see their earnest faces.
They learnt to read the New Testa-
ment, the Peep of Day, and committed
texts to memory.
made it necessary to hire a hut, and
the teacher longs to build a small
room, which might cost £20. Will not
some kind friends enable her to do
this?"

The result now has

Did space permit, similar accounts could be given from friends who are labouring in Delhi, Benares, Soorie, Allahabad, and other stations. We may just quote the remark made by one, "That the women are getting more earnest in their inquiries, very eager for religious teaching, and bolder in avowing their belief in the truth."

Our dear friend, Mrs. Lewis (whose ill-health prevented her accompanying Mr. Lewis to Calcutta, as she earnestly wished, had it been the Lord's will), has awakened great interest in the work of the Society by the accounts she has given at meetings which she has been specially invited to attend. The result of such an effort at Bristol has been that the ladies have resolved to hold a bazaar in the spring, and it is earnestly hoped that contributions of all kinds will arrive from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

As far as health and strength permit, Mrs. Lewis will be happy to visit other places, and tell of what God has done, and of the great and blessed work that is yet before the church, in answer to faithful prayer and efforts.*

A Visit to the Out-islands.

BY THE REV. W. LITTLEWOOD, OF INAGUA.

ROM time to time Mr. Littlewood continues to visit the various islands

FROM

of the district of the Bahamas, where he has now laboured for many years. Inagua is the largest of them, and there he usually resides. These visits are often attended by considerable peril, from the sudden storms which arise amidst the numberless coral reefs which have grown up on the great Bahama bank. Twelve or thirteen times has Mr. Littlewood suffered shipwreck, but the Lord has preserved him until now.

"A gracious Providence watched over me in my voyages and long travels. My health remained good, and although the rain fell heavily many times, I suffered very little inconvenience. A ride of many days over very bad roads would not be preferred, but it has its advantages as well as its drawbacks.

"At Long Cay and Crooked Island I had an opportunity of meeting our people, but Brother Green, their excellent pastor, was absent on a visit to the Church on Mayaguana, he is doing some good work-marrying, baptizing, &c. At Bird Rock, Crooked Island, I found a new substantial chapel; the Sabbath school had been discontinued, but would be reorganised and started afresh. We visited Little Bird Rock Cay, a small islet where there is being erected a fine lighthouse. Here I had a good congregation and a happy service, and a warm shake of the hand as we took our departure at about 9 P.M. to

pursue our voyage.
It was on the
reef of which this Cay forms a part, or
lies near by it, that I was near ending
my mortal career, rather abruptly, and
was not a little glad when our vessel
again rolled freely in the deep blue
waters. Only two weeks before my
arrival the other day, a large steamer
with an assorted cargo and a few
passengers, were in great danger of
being lost on this terrible barrier.
Much of the valuable cargo was thrown
overboard to lighten the ship; finally
she floated, and she was saved.

"AT LONG ISLAND.

"At Long Island I was anxiously expected; several letters had reached me urging me to come as early as possible. Brother Essex Wilson, our native pastor, had felt it his duty, through illness, to resign the pastorate of the churches on the islands, and some confusion had arisen. My arrival, therefore, gave great satisfaction, and I could hear the warm

Any communications will be gladly received by the Secretaries, Mrs. Angus, The College, Regent's Park, and Mrs. Smith, 16, Highbury Grange, N.

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expressions around-'I knew he would come,' 'I told you he would soon be here,' &c. My first service was held on the evening of the day of my arrival. I had come to work, and at once commenced. The Saturday following I was at Molly Well,' at the south end of this island, near 100 miles long by land. On Sunday we saw the Sabbath-school, which gave much satisfaction; preaching and the Lord's Supper followed. Immediately after dinner, I started on a ride of thirteen miles, to be in readiness to preach the evening sermon at the harbour. Monday was a busy day, preaching, ordinance of baptism, and Lord's Supper, and the day brought to a close by a church meeting.

"PLEASURES OF THE MISSIONARY LIFE.

"Tuesday, commenced the long, wearisome journey to the north end of the island. Slept at Brother Mears'. Wednesday, recommenced the journey, halted at Brother Bethel's, and took a cup of coffee, and proceeded to the chapel at the Cay, preached, and took leave of the warm-hearted folks; continued my journey to Brother Essex Wilson's. Enjoyed a comfortable night in a cot he swung for me, and started on a fiery steed the next morning. Twenty-five miles over a pretty rough road both cooled and heated him. A night's rest at McKinnen's was very acceptable, and the next morning, not wishing to have my neck broken, I changed my horse for a more sober-going animal, and so hastened to Sim's; and on Saturday, not having better employment, I strolled into a pine apple field, and as I cut the luscious fruit from the tree, and ate as I never ate pine apple before, I thought of you and my good English friends, and said to my companion, 'If they who send us here could

only see us feasting on this delicious fruit, they would forget to pity the poor missionary, and I fancy many would be inclined to change places with him.' Well, we could not eat pine apples all the day, and so returned to my friend's comfortable house, where, after tea, I swung my hammock and soon forgot my fatigues and comforts. Sunday was another working day, and, after breakfast, I mounted my horse, who began to know I was not to be thrown off his back easily; so I started, and soon lost my friends, lost the road if there were any, and lost myself and horse in the bush. However, I suddenly came up by a cottage, and the good boys who were preparing for chapel set me right, at least they said so, but it seemed rugged, full of bush, and altogether wrong for a while; but suddenly I came again upon my stray friends, who, with wonder and astonishment, inquired where I had been; they thought I was well on to the chapel. It was a puzzle to answer their questions, and so I said 'I turned this way, and that way, and last of all I have come here. You are pretty guides in thick bush!'

"The chapel was crowded by the time we reached it, and I had to go to work. Preached and felt happy; the Lord's Supper followed, and a little rest; then a church meeting, plans proposed and considered, and adopted, and lastly a pastor chosen. I did not even name any one, it was their own act, and perfectly unanimous. Brother Robert Knowles is the man of their choice, and it is supposed they could not have done better. An excellent Christian man, who has been better educated than most of his class, and possesses fair abilities for his duties, he is quite a business man, and is highly respected in the community.

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