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 B;raf 
 
 NARRATIVE 
 
 of the 
 
 BAPTIST MISSION 
 
 in < 
 
 INDIA. 
 
 INCLUDING AN ACCOUNT OF TRANSLATIONS OF THE 
 
 SACRED SCRIPTURES 
 Into the Various Languages of the 
 EAST. 
 
 THIRD EDITION. 
 
 With Maps Illustrative of this Narrative and the 
 Periodical Accounts in General. 
 
 SOLD BY THE BOOKSELLERS 
 IN LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND DUBLIN; 
 
 And may be had of the Baptist Ministers in most of the 
 Principal Towns in the Kingdom. 
 
 1810. 
 
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ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 AS the history of the Baptist Mission in India is interspersed 
 through the several Numbers of Periodical Accounts, it has 
 been thought desirable that a brief and connected Narrative of 
 the leading facts should be drawn up, both for the convenience 
 of our constant readers, and the information of such persons as 
 may feel an interest in the undertaking, but who are not ac- 
 quainted with its rise and progress. 
 
 To the Friends of the Mission. 
 
 IF any Gentlemen possessed of Books calculated to facilitate an acquaintance 
 with the Oriental Lan6uages, or to afford assistance in translating the 
 Holy Scriftures; or which, in their estimation, may be of service to the 
 Missionaries at Serampore, should be disposed to make a present of any such 
 articles to them, the same will be thankfully accepted, by any of the Persons 
 authorised to receive Donations in aid of the Mission. 1 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 SECT. I. The formation of the Society, and the sending 
 
 out of its two first Missionaries, Page 5 
 
 Sect. II. The arrival of the Missionaries in India, and 
 
 their settlement in the neighbourhood of Malda, 13 
 Sect. III. Progress of the Mission, from 1795 to 1799 , 17 
 Sect. IV. Four other Missionaries sent out, and the seat 
 
 of the Mission removed to Serampore 20 
 
 Sect. V. Progress of the Mission at Serampore, from 
 1800 to 1807, containing the principal events 
 
 under each year successively, 24 
 
 Sect. VI. Progress of the Mission continued to the be- 
 ginning of 1 809, including a list of the Persons 
 baptised from the commencement, £)C 69 
 
Subscriptions and Donations 
 
 To the Baptist Missionary Society, are received by 
 
 The Treasurer, Mr Thomas King, Birmingham , 
 The Secretary, Mr Andrew Fuller, Kettering. 
 
 Also by Friends at the following places : 
 
 Abingdoti, Mr Evans, 
 
 Bradford, Mr Steadman, 
 
 Bristol, Dr Ryland, 
 
 Hebden Bridge, Mr Fawcett, 
 Hull, Mr Carlill, merchant, 
 London, Mr Burls, Lothbury, 
 — — Mr Button and Mr Bur- 
 ditt, Paternoster Row. 
 
 Nottingham, Mr Jarmaa, 
 Norwich, Mr Mark Wilks, 
 Olney, Mr SutclifF, 
 
 Oxford, Mr Hinton, 
 Plymouth Dock, Mr Birt, 
 Shrewsbury, Mr Palmer, 
 Salisbury, Mr Saffery, 
 Wellington, Mr Cherry. 
 
 In Scotland by 
 
 Dr Charles Stuart, ^ 
 
 Messrs Braid wood and Co. v Edinburgh. 
 
 Mr Christopher Anderson, J 
 Mr Greville Ewing, -j 
 Mr William Muir, > Glasgow. 
 
 Mr James Deakin, * 
 
 And in Ireland by those Ministers who occasionally itinerate 
 for the Society. 
 
 Periodical Accounts, Vol. I. H. and III. boards, One Guinea. 
 
 Any of the volumes, or any number^ may be had to complete sets. 
 
 Sold by Button, 24. or Burditt, 60. Paternoster Row, Lon- 
 don , Oliphant and Balfour, Ogle, Black, Edinburgh ; Ogle, 
 Duncans, Glasgow ) and other Booksellers. 
 
 Subscribers of One Guinea annually, may receive the Periodi- 
 cal Accounts gratis, as they are published, from the person 
 to whom their Subscription is paid. 
 
 N. B. In page 83, instead of 70 read 17 millions. 
 
BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 of the 
 
 BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 The Formation of the Society, and the sending out 
 of its tzvo frst Missionaries. 
 
 At an association of ministers and churches held at 
 Nottingham in 1784 , it was resolved to set apart an hour 
 on the first Monday evening in every month for extraordi- 
 nary prayer for the revival of religion, and for the extend- 
 ing of Christ’s kingdom in the world. This resolution 
 was attended to for about seven years with some degree of 
 zeal and importunity. 
 
 In 1787 , Mr Carey was ordained pastor of the church 
 at Moulton, and joined the association. From his first 
 entering on the work of the ministry, if not from an earlier 
 period, his mind appears to have been deeply impressed with 
 the state of the heathen world. In reference to this object 
 he made himself acquainted with the geography, popula- 
 tion, and religion of the various nations of the earth ; and 
 with the labours of Christians, both of early and later 
 ages, in propagating the gospel. He also acquired some 
 considerable knowledge of various languages, particularly 
 
 B 
 
6 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 Latin, Greek and Hebrew ; and all seemed to be directed 
 to the same end. Whenever he met with his brethren in 
 the ministry, he would seldom omit to converse with them 
 on the importance and practicability of missions. 
 
 These conversations, together with the monthly prayer 
 meetings, wrought considerably on the minds of the mi- 
 nisters. It seemed scarcely reconcileable with sincerity to 
 pray month after month, and year after year, for the en- 
 largement of Christ’s kingdom, and use no means for en- 
 larging it; 
 
 About 1790 , Mr Carey visited Birmingham, and became 
 acquainted with Mr Pearce, whose kindred soul entered 
 with ardour into all his views. Some of the leading mem- 
 bers also of Mr Pearce’s church were much interested in 
 his proposals, and promised to assist him. 
 
 In the spring of 1791 , at a ministers’ meeting held at 
 Clipstone, the two sermons that were preached bore 
 much upon this subject. One was delivered by Mr 
 Sutcliff, from l Kings xix. 10. I have been very jea- 
 lous for the Lord God of Hosts, &c. and the other by Mr 
 Fuller, from Hag. i. 2. Thus speaketh the Loid of Hosts, 
 saying, This people say the time is not come, the time that 
 the Lord’s house should be built. After worship was over, 
 Mr Carey perceiving: the minds of his brethren impressed 
 by what they had been hearing, was very desirous, that 
 before they parted they would come to some resolution 
 on the forming of a Missionary' Society. The only reso- 
 lution that was formed however at this time was, that as 
 Mr Carey was known to have a manuscript by him on the 
 subject, he should be requested to revise and print it for 
 the consideration of the religious public. 
 
 In the spring of 1792 , the annual association was held 
 at Nottingham, and Mr Carey was one of the preachers. 
 His sermon was founded on Isa. liv. 2 , 3 . Enlarge the 
 place of tlnj lent , and let them stretch forth the curtains 
 
OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 7 
 
 of thine habitations : spare not, lengthen thy cords, and 
 strengthen thy stakes ; for thou sha/t break forth on the 
 right hand and on the left, &c. Having observed in his 
 introduction, that the church was here addressed as a de- 
 solate widow, dwelling in a little cottage by herself ; that 
 the command to enlarge her tent contained an intimation 
 that there should be an enlargement in her family ; and 
 that to account for so unexpected a change she was told, 
 that her “ Maker was her husband,” who should be “ call- 
 ed the God of the whole earth he took up what he con- 
 ceived to be the spirit of the passage in two exhortations, 
 viz. Expect great things — Attempt great things. 
 The effect of this discourse was considerable. A resolu- 
 tion was passed, that a plan should be prepared against 
 the next ministers’ meeting at Kettering, for forming a so~ 
 ciety for propagating the gospel among the heathen ; and 
 Mr Carey generously engaged to devote the profits which 
 might arise from his late publication on the subject, to the 
 use of such a society. 
 
 In agreeing upon a plan we had no difficulties to en- 
 counter from diversity of opinion, for in every thing of 
 importance there was a happy unanimity. . We conversed 
 on all subjects, without debating on any. The general 
 principles on which the society was formed, were, — in re- 
 spect of civil government to yield a cordial and .unreserved 
 obedience in every thing consistent with our duty to God ; 
 and in respect of Christians of other denominations, to 
 cherish a catholic spirit towards them, and engage in a 
 ready co-operation with them in every thing which did 
 not require a sacrifice of religious principle. Considering 
 the present divided state of Christendom, however, it ap- 
 peared to us that each denomination, by exerting itself 
 separately, would be most likely to answer the great ends 
 of a mission. Hence the name by which we at first chose 
 to designate ourselves was, The Particular (or Calvinistic) 
 
s 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 Baptist Society for propagating the gospel among the hea- 
 then. But so far wgre we from having in view the exclu- 
 sive promotion of our own peculiar principles as Baptists* 
 that we were determined from the beginning* if no op- 
 portunity appeared for sending out Missionaries of our 
 own, that we would assist other societies already in be- 
 ing amongst the Presbyterians and the Moravians. 
 
 Some of the greatest difficulties which we had to en- 
 counter were the following: We were inexperienced in the 
 work — we knew of no opening for a mission in any one 
 part of the world more than another — we had no funds to 
 meet the expence that must attend an undertaking of the 
 kind — our situation in an inland part of the country was 
 inconvenient for foreign correspondence — the persons who 
 would have the management would live at such a distance 
 from each other as to render frequent consultation imprac- 
 ticable — and, finally, in forming a society there would be 
 danger of its falling under irreligious influence. From 
 these and other considerations, those who were expected 
 to engage in the work entered upon it with much fear 
 and trembling. 
 
 On Oct. 2. 1792, the ministers met at Kettering, and 
 after the public work of the day was over, retired for 
 prayer. They then, in a most solemn manner, pledged 
 themselves to God, and to one another, to make a trial 
 for introducing the gospel amongst the heathen. They 
 were not insensible of their want of experience, but hoped 
 that He whose cause it was, would endue them with wis- 
 dom as occasions required, and guide them with his eye. 
 — As to funds , they opened a subscription at the time, 
 the amount of which, though only 13l. 2s. 6d. was sufficient 
 for present purposes. They had no idea of appealing to 
 the public till a more specific object could be proposed to 
 their consideration. — In respect of foreign correspondence , 
 they hoped to find friends at the different sea-ports who 
 
OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 9 
 
 would be willing to assist them, which hope has been fully- 
 realised. — As to the difficulty of a number of persons re- 
 siding in different parts of the kingdom acting together, 
 they felt themselves obliged to encounter it as well as they 
 could, and to supply the want of personal intercourse by 
 writing. On this account, however, they found it imprac- 
 ticable to have a large acting committee, or for the mem- 
 bers of it to go out at certain periods, and others to be 
 chosen in their stead. Finally, with respect to preserving 
 the society from irreligious influence , though every per- 
 son who should subscribe 101. at once, or 10s. 6d. per an- 
 num, was considered a member, yet as the committee, to 
 whom the management was intrusted, consisted either of 
 ministers, or respectable characters in the different churches, 
 who would act without any pecuniary reward, and whose 
 places, as they should die, would be filled up at a general 
 meeting by others of like character, it was thought as 
 great a preservative as human means could suggest ; and 
 such it has hitherto proved. The names of the first com- 
 mittee were, John Rijland, Reynold Hogg, William Carey, 
 John Sutcliff, and Andrew Fuller. Reynold Hogg was 
 chosen Treasurer, and Andrew Fuller Secretary. 
 
 Mr Pearce of Birmingham was present at this meeting, 
 and entered into the undertaking with all his heart. On 
 returning home he stated particulars to his friends, who 
 immediately formed an assistant society amongst them- 
 selves, and collected 701. towards the fund. 
 
 On Oct. 31. 1792, a meeting was held at Northampton. 
 Mr Pearce was added to the committee, and an address 
 to the public ordered to be drawn up. 
 
 On Nov. 13. the committee met again at Northampton. 
 Here they learned that Mr John Thomas, who had been 
 several years in Bengal, preaching the gospel to the na- 
 tives, was then in London, endeavouring to establish a 
 fund for a mission to that country, and that he w r as desi- 
 
10 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 rous of engaging a companion to return with him to the 
 work. The committee considered this as a probable open- 
 ing in Providence, and resolved that the Secretary should 
 make inquiry concerning Mr Thomas, as to his character, 
 principles, abilities, success, &c. that if things should prove 
 agreeable, he might be invited to go out as one of their 
 missionaries. 
 
 Inquiry was made, and the accounts which were receiv- 
 ed proved satisfactory. It appeared that Mr Thomas was 
 by profession a surgeon ; that after having embraced the 
 gospel under the ministry of Dr Stennett, he, in the year 
 1783 , went out as surgeon of the Oxford East Indiaman ; 
 that while he was in Bengal he felt a desire to communi- 
 cate the gospel to the natives ; and that being encouraged 
 to do so by a religious friend, he obtained his discharge 
 from the ship, and after learning the language, continued 
 from the year 1787 to 1791 preaching Christ in different 
 parts of the country. He described the Hindoos as super- 
 stitious; attached to what is called cast, and very immo- 
 ral ; but tolerant, and willing to hear whatever was res- 
 pectfully addressed to them. He also mentioned a few 
 individuals of whose conversion to Christ he entertained 
 hope; namely, Ham Bos/wo, Mohun Chund, and Parbotec. 
 The two latter were brahmans. 
 
 On Jan. 10 . 1793 , a committee meeting was held at 
 Kettering, when the Secretary reported the result of his 
 inquiries respecting Mr Thomas, which was satisfactory 
 to all present. The committee being fully of opinion 
 that a door was now open for a mission to the East Indies, 
 resolved to invite Mr Thomas to go out as one of their 
 missionaries; and to endeavour to furnish him with a col- 
 league. Mr Carey being present, and his mind towards 
 missionary work well known, was asked, if he were wil- 
 ling to accompany Mr Thomas ? To which he readily 
 answered in the affirmative. 
 
OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 11 
 
 Within the last two or three years Mr Carey had re- 
 moved from Moulton to Leicester, but had never lost 
 sight of this great object, nor concealed from the people 
 he served his earnest desire, whenever opportunity offered, 
 to engage in it; find though the church at Leicester were 
 greatly attached to him, and he to them, yet when they 
 heard of his consenting to go, they could not conscientious- 
 ly object to it, but freely gave him up, trusting in God to 
 supply them with another pastor. 
 
 In the former part of this meeting Mr Thomas was not 
 present ; the committee however were employed in reading 
 his papers, which had be?n communicated to them. In 
 the evening he himself arrived at Kettering, and fully 
 acceded to all that was proposed to him. 
 
 The committee then resolved to support him and Mr 
 Carey, with their families, to the utmost of their power$ 
 till they should be able to support themselves. 
 
 The next step was to calculate the expense of sending 
 them out, and to obtain the means of defraying it. The 
 expense was estimated at 5001. which sum required to be 
 raised in about three or four months. To accomplish this 
 the committee frankly stated to the religious public then- 
 plan, requesting that so far as it appeared to be deserving 
 of encouragement, they would encourage it. Letters also 
 were addressed to the most active ministers of the deno- 
 mination throughout the kingdom, requesting their con- 
 currence and assistance. The result ivas, that more than 
 twice the sum which had been asked for was collected ; 
 yet, when the w-ork was finished, the actual expense had 
 so far exceeded the estimate, that there were only a few 
 pounds to spare. One principal cause of this w 7 as the cir- 
 cumstance of Mr Carey’s whole, family , with Mrs Carey’s 
 sister, being induced to accompany him. At first it was 
 supposed that Mr Carey would go out with only his eldest 
 son, and with a view of returning ; but when things came 
 
12 
 
 ERIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 to a crisis, Mrs Carej consented to go with him, provided 
 her sister would accompany her ; and this circumstance, 
 though it added to the expense, yet, upon the whole, was 
 considered as favourable to the object. 
 
 On March 20 . 1793 , a meeting was held at Leicester 
 for prayer, and the solemn designation of the missionaries. 
 At this meeting Messrs Fawcett of Hebden Bridge, Hop- 
 per of Nottingham, Mills of Sheepshead, Blundel of Arns- 
 by, Staughton of Northampton, Morris of Clipstone, 
 Yates of Leicester, Bruin of Glenn, Trinder of Northamp- 
 ton, Wilson of Olney, and Hobson of Walgrave, were 
 added to the committee. fc 
 
 Our brethren set sail on June 13 . 1793 , on board the 
 Princessa Maria, a Danish Indiaman. After their depar- 
 ture we had time for reflexion. In reviewing the events 
 of a few preceding months we were much impressed. 
 We could scarcely believe that such a number of impedi- 
 ments had in so short a time been removed. The fear and 
 trembling which had possessed us at the outset, had insen- 
 sibly given way to hope and joy. Upborne by the mag- 
 nitude of the object, and by the encouraging promises of 
 God, we had found difficulties subside as we approached 
 them, and ways opened beyond all our expectations. The 
 thought of having done something towards enlarging the 
 boundaries of our Saviour’s kingdom, and of rescuing 
 poor Heathens and Mahometans from under Satan’s yoke, 
 rejoiced our hearts. We were glad also to see the people 
 of God offering so willingly ; some leaving their country, 
 others pouring in their property, and all uniting in pray- 
 ers to heaven for a blessing. A new bond of union was 
 furnished between distant ministers and churches. Some 
 who had backslidden from God were restored, and others 
 who had long been poring over their unfruitfulness, and 
 questioning the reality of their personal religion, having 
 their attention directed to Christ and his kingdom, lost 
 
OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 l n 
 
 their fears, and found, that peace which in other pursuits 
 they had sought in vain. Christians of different deno- 
 minations discovered a common bond of affection ; and 
 instead of always dwelling on tilings wherein they differed, 
 found their account in uniting in those wherein they were 
 agreed. In short, our hearts were enlarged ; and if no 
 other good had arisen from the undertaking, than the 
 effect produced upon our own minds, and the minds of 
 Christians in our own country, it were more than equal 
 to the expense. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 The arrival of the Missionaries in India , and their 
 settlement in the neighbourhood of Ma Ida. 
 
 AFTER many anxious thoughts about our brethren, 
 letters were received on July 29 . 1794 , informing us of 
 their safe arrival, and containing a few particulars, as to 
 their difficulties and their prospects. They met with 
 Ham Boshoo soon after their arrival ; but found to their 
 grief that he had not kept himself from idols. The let- 
 ters, upon the whole, contained as much encouragement 
 as could be expected. We afterwards learned, however, 
 that for the first three or four months, Mr Carey was re- 
 duced to great straits and trials. Through a number of 
 occurrences, which he could not prevent, the investment, 
 which was taken out for their immediate support, was 
 sunk ; and he, with his wife and family, in a foreign land, 
 were utterly destitute of the means of subsistence. Tak- 
 ing his family with him, he went about forty miles east 
 
 c 
 
14 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. II. 
 
 of Calcutta iri a boat. On Feb. 6. 1194, he stopped at 
 Debatta, the residence of the late Charles Short, Esq. 
 who afterwards married his wife’s sister, and whose gene- 
 rosity and kindness, in a time of such extremity, ought 
 never to be forgotten. 
 
 Tn this neighbourhood he built him a house, or tent, 
 and thought of taking land, and of cultivating it for his 
 support ; but early in March he received a letter from 
 Malda, inviting him to go, with his family, and take the 
 
 oversight of an Indigo-factory belonging to Mr U 
 
 His colleague also, Mr Thomas, who had stopped at 
 Calcutta, under an idea of ■fcpporting himself by his 
 profession, received, a little netore, a similar invitation. 
 Circumstanced as they were, they could not but consider 
 it as an interposition in providence in favour both of them 
 and their object, and accordingly complied with it. 
 
 This undertaking however occasioned some reflexions 
 at home, chiefly among those who were not so fully ac- 
 quainted with the terms on which the Missionaries left 
 their country, which \yere, that they were to be supported 
 by the Society till they should be able to support them- 
 selves. Conscious as they were of acting from the purest 
 motives, the fears which were entertained by some lest 
 they should get entangled in worldly pursuits, grieved 
 them. The strain ip which Mr Carey wrote in his 
 Journal at the time, is sufficiently expressive of his dis- 
 interested regard for the mission. “ What is there,” 
 says he, “ in all this world worth living for, but the pre- 
 sence and service of God ? I feel a burnino; desire that all 
 the world may know this God, and serve him. Oh, how 
 long will it be ere I shall know so much of the language 
 of the country, as to preach Christ crucified in it !” “ I am 
 resolved to write to the Society, that my circumstances are 
 such that I shall not need their future support, and to de- 
 
J794.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 15 
 
 vote a sum monthly for the printing of the Bengalee 
 Bible.” 
 
 Mr Carey was not able to set off for Malda till May 2'3. 
 1794. While thus detained he seems to have felt much 
 from the want of Christian society, and of being able to 
 preach to the natives ; and yet to have been greatly sup- 
 ported. “ I seem,” says he, in his journal of April 3. 
 
 “ to be cast out of the Christian world, and am unable 
 yet to speak with any advantage to the heathens. I have 
 no friend to stir up, or encourage me in the things of God- 
 The infidelity of Europeans grieves me. They tell me 
 that the conversion of tire natives is impossible. In Eng- 
 land I should not be discouraged by the sayings of unbe- 
 lievers ; but here I have no Christian friend to sympa- 
 thize with me, nor am I able to make the trial by preach- 
 ing the gospel. All my hope is in God. Without his 
 power no European could possibly be converted, and his 
 power can convert any Hindoo. When I reflect that 
 HE hath stirred me up to the work, and wrought wonders 
 in preparing the way, I can hope in his promises, and am 
 encouraged and strengthened.” 
 
 It was observed, that under all the trials of the first year, 
 our dear brother, in his communications to the Society, 
 made the least of them ; and was much more concerned 
 lest they should be discouraged, than for any thing which 
 he himself endured. 
 
 Arriving at Malda on June 15. he found himself in very 
 agreeable society. Next day he preached twice in Eng- 
 lish, and his friend and colleague, Mr Thomas, met him. 
 His pleasure was great on this occasion, being heightened 
 by the recollection of the last six months. “ I feel,” said ' 
 he, “ as if released from a prison, and restored to the 
 
 joys of Christian fellowship Surely the Lord is not thus 
 
 making room for us, and removing every difficulty out of 
 the way, without some- gracious designs towards us.” 
 
16 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. II. 
 
 Mr Carey then accepted the superintendence of an Indi- 
 go-factory at Mudnabatty, and Mr Thomas of anather at 
 Moypauldiggy, both in the neighbourhood of Malda ; 
 and covenants were granted to them by the British Go- 
 vernment. Letters were then sent to England expressing 
 great pleasure in their being able to decline at present 
 any further assistance, and hoping that the funds of the 
 Society would be employed in another mission. 
 
 On the arrival of these letters, a meeting was held at 
 Arnsby, April 7 . 1795 . The question was put respecting 
 another mission, and which was thought by all present 
 to be desirable. At the same tii&e two young men, Mr 
 Jacob Grigg and Mr Jas. Rodway, had offered themselves 
 as missionaries, and were considered as suitable persons. 
 The committee therefore resolved on another mission to 
 Africa, in the neighbourhood of Sierra Leone. In the 
 autumn of 1 795 , the missionaries left England ; but through 
 the indiscretion of one of them, and the ill health of the 
 other, the undertaking failed. 
 
 The Rev. Mr Hogg, finding his situation inconsistent 
 with the treasurership, proposed to resign it. The com- 
 mittee thanked Mr Hogg for his past attentions, and chose 
 in his stead Mr King of Birmingham. Mr Jos. Dent of 
 Northampton was at the same time chosen a member of 
 the committee instead of Mr Trinder deceased. The 
 members also of the Assistant Society at Birmingham were 
 incorporated into the committee of the Primary Society. 
 At the same time it was resolved to propose it to the sub- 
 scribers, in the next Number of the Periodical Accounts, 
 Whether a small part of the Society’s funds might not be 
 properly applied to the encouragement of preaching the 
 gospel in the most unenlightened villages in our own 
 country ? 
 
 In the spring of 1790 , Mr John Fountain, offering 
 himself as a missionary, was accepted, and sent out to join 
 
1794.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 17 
 
 the brethren in India. The same year it was proposed 
 that two of the Bristol students during the vacation should 
 supply the churches at Salisbury and Broughton, and that 
 Mr Saffery and Mr Steadman, the pastors of those churches, 
 should be requested for that time to preach the gospel 
 through the county of Cornwall. This request was com- 
 plied with ; and as it was thought to be productive of 
 good effects, the same was repeated the next year by 
 Messrs Steadman and Franklin. 
 
 The above measures were engaged in mostly under an 
 idea that our brethren in India were now able to support 
 themselves ; but in a little time they found their resources 
 precarious, and again requested our assistance. It was 
 then resolved to pay them the whole of their arrears, and 
 to continue to allow them as from the beginning. 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 Progress of the Mission in Bengal from 1 7,94 
 to 1799 . 
 
 THE missionaries being settled as superintendents of the 
 Indigo works at ' Mudnabatty and Moypauldiggy, they 
 had each an opportunity of addressing the workmen, and 
 of making excursions to the surrounding villages. But 
 during the first year Mr Carey had repeated attacks of an 
 intermittent fever with a dysentery. Mrs Carey also, 
 and their eldest son were much afflicted ; and their third 
 son, Peter, at five years of age, died of a mortification in 
 his bowels. As soon as they were able to apply themselves 
 to the work, they set up schools at their respective facto- 
 
IS 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. III. 
 
 ries ; preached every Lord’s day, and frequently on week 
 days ; and Mr Thomas was particularly kind to the poor, 
 in administering medicines, and conversing with them. 
 Many people besides the workmen attended their preach- 
 ing. But for a considerable time it seemed to be without 
 effect. There were however a Mr Long and a Mr Powell, 
 two Englishmen who had settled in Bengal, who were 
 each baptized; and on Nov. 1 . 1795, they, with the mis- 
 sionaries, formed a church, and commemorated the Lord’s 
 death in the Supper. Mr Long was afterwards excluded 
 for improper conduct ; but Mr Powell continued an useful 
 character till his death, which was at Dinagepore, on Sept. 
 25. 1802. 
 
 After two years labour some appeared to be impressed 
 by the word. w My pundit,” says Mr Thomas, “ asks 
 questions, sheds tears, and requests part of the scriptures 
 of us.” His name was Podo Loson. Mr Carey also 
 entertained considerable hopes of a young brahman of the 
 name of Cassinaut. The brahman, Mokun Chund, also, 
 who had professed to believe the gospel while Mr Tho- 
 mas was first in India, came to them, and continued for 
 some time with them. Toward the end of 1796, just 
 at the time of Mr Fountain’s arrival, there were several 
 Mahomedans who appeared not a little promising ; parti- 
 cularly Sookmun at Mudnabatty, and Yardee, Dourgotleea, 
 &c. at Moypauldiggy ; where also there was a general 
 attention to the word. But none of them had resolution 
 enough to give up their cast, nor have they since associated 
 with Christians. 
 
 These disappointments must have been very discourag- 
 ing ; yet, while the parties continued promising, they 
 served no doubt to strengthen the hands of the missiona- 
 ries. Early in 1797 they visited Bootan , and were kindly 
 treated by the Soubah, a person in authority. The effect 
 
1794 - 9 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 19 
 
 was, a desire, whenever opportunity offered, to introduce 
 the gospel into the country. 
 
 Nor were the whole of their labours in this neighbour- 
 hood in vain. Mr Carey was situated within about thirty, 
 and Mr Thomas within about fifteen English miles of 
 the city of Dinagepore, containing a population equal 
 to Birmingham or Manchester. From this city a letter 
 was received, signed by five Hindoos, intimating that 
 about three years before that time the brahman Mohun 
 Chund had been there, and had told them a little about the 
 gospel of God ; promising also to send them certain parts 
 of the translation, but which had not been sent. The 
 object of the letter was to request a sight of the transla- 
 tion, and some person to be sent to give them further in- 
 struction. 
 
 About the same time they heard of a Mr Ignatius Fer- 
 nandez, a gentleman of Portuguese extraction, residing in 
 that city, who was desirous of hearing the gospel. Upon 
 the whole they dermined to go. First Mr Fountain and 
 Mr Powell went over ; then Mr Fernandez paid a visit to 
 Mr Thomas; and afterwards Mr Carey went and preached. 
 Mr Fernandez embraced the gospel with much affection, 
 and proved a most amiable and valuable character. At 
 his own expense he built a place for Christian worship, 
 and his heart and house were always open to the mission- 
 aries. Here also they met with Mr William Cuninghame, 
 Register of the civil court, and assistant to the magistrate 
 at Dinagepore, whose regards to them and the gospel 
 greatly endeared him to them. From the magistrate him- 
 self also they received much friendly treatment. 
 
 Mr Fernandez was afterwards baptized. It was at his 
 house that Mr Fountain, Mr Thomas, and Mr Powell 
 died. He is at this time the diligent and useful pastor of 
 a church in the same place. 
 
20 BRIEF NARRATIVE [Sect. IV. 
 
 Nor was the introduction of the gospel at Dinagepore 
 the only permanent effect of the labours of the missiona- 
 ries in the neighbourhood of Malda. About fifty lads 
 were taught to read and write, who would otherwise 
 have known nothing. It was there, too, that the scrip- 
 tures were translated into the Bengalee language, ready 
 to be printed as soon as opportunity offered. We have 
 also of late been informed of pleasing appearances in that 
 neighbourhood by the ministry of some of the native 
 preachers. May they reap in joy the harvest for which 
 the missionaries sowed in tqars ! 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 Four other Missionaries sent out , and the seat of 
 the Mission removed to Serampore. 
 
 AS repeated requests had been made for more mission- 
 aries, and particularly for one who should understand the 
 printing business, the committee paid every possible atten- 
 tion to this object. In the spring of 1799, they were 
 enabled to send out four men and four women ; namely, 
 Mr and MrsMarshman, Mr and Mrs Grant, Mr and Mrs 
 Brunsdon, Mr William Ward, and Miss Tidd. Mr Ward 
 understood the printing business, and Mr and Mrs Marsh- 
 man had kept a school. 
 
 The instructions given them were, among other things, 
 to “ beware, both from a principle of conscience and from 
 a regard to their own interest, and that of the mission, of 
 intermeddling with any political concerns — to be obedient 
 to the laws in all civil affairs — to respect magistrates, both 
 supreme and subordinate, and teach the same things to 
 
1794 - 9 -] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 21 
 
 others — in fine, to apply themselves wholly to the all-im- 
 portant concerns of that evangelical service to which they 
 had so solemnly dedicated themselves.” Moreover, that 
 “ however gross might be the idolatries, and heathenish 
 superstitions that might fall under their notice, they should 
 sedulously avoid all rudeness, insult, or interruption, dur- 
 ing the observance of such superstitions, observing no me- 
 thods but those of Christ and his apostles, namely, the 
 persevering use of scripture, reason, prayer, meekness, 
 and love.” 
 
 Our brethren embarked on board the Criterion, com- 
 manded by Captain Wicke^on May 25. 1799; and after 
 an agreeable voyage, arrived at the Danish settlement of 
 Serampore on Oct. 13. of the same year. From thence 
 they wrote to Mr Carey and waited his answer. 
 
 On Lord’s day Oct. 27. they had public worship, and 
 the Danish Governor (Col. Bie) with several other gen- 
 tlemen attended. — The same day Mr Grant was taken 
 ill of a cold, attended with a kind of stupor ; and the fol- 
 lowing Thursday died ! The Governor, his family, and 
 a number of Europeans attended the funeral. 
 
 On Nov. 9. Mr Fountain arrived from Mudnabatty, 
 and was married to Miss Tidd; and, on the 14th, he and 
 Mr Ward set off to visit Mr Carey at that place. 
 
 Circumstances at this time were difficult, and delicate. 
 Mr Carey had made all the interest he could, that the 
 four missionaries, and their wives, might be permitted 
 to proceed and settle in the neighbourhood of Malda, but 
 without effect. As they could not come to him, the only 
 alternative was, whether he should go to them, or whe- 
 ther they should labour separately. The decision of this 
 question was the object of Mr Ward’s journey. 
 
 In respect of Mudnabatty, the factory at that place 
 had, owing to the failure of the crops, been given up ; 
 and Mr Carey, with a view to provide for the mission, 
 
 D 
 
22 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. IV. 
 
 had taken a small place at Kidderpore, about twelve 
 miles distant, where he intended to carry on a little busi- 
 ness, and to erect some dwellings for the other mission- 
 aries. The relinquishing of this undertaking would be a 
 loss of 5001. They had formed a church — God had given 
 them some Europeans for their hire — a degree of light 
 had been diffused among the natives — a school was esta- 
 blished* — the state of things at Dinagepore w r as promis- 
 ing — the Society would be burdened with new expenses, 
 &c. &c. On the other hand, Mr Carey’s engagements 
 at Mudnabatty were within a few weeks of terminating 
 — at Serampore, they wouli meet with protection and 
 accommodation — the great ends of the mission, particular- 
 ly the printing of the scriptures, were likely to be answer- 
 ed in that situation rather than in the other — the country 
 was more populous — All things considered, Mr Carey 
 determined to remove. It was not a light matter to him ; 
 but a necessity seemed to be laid upon him. On Jan. 10. 
 1800, he arrived at Serampore; and the next day was 
 introduced to the Governor, who received him in a very 
 friendly manner. 
 
 The first object of attention was to settle a plan of fa- 
 mily government. All the missionaries were to preach 
 and pray in turn ; one to superintend the affairs of the 
 family for a month, and then another; Mr Carey was ap- 
 pointed treasurer, and keeper of the medicine chest; Mr 
 Fountain, librarian ; Saturday evening was devoted to ad- 
 justing any differences which might arise during the week, 
 and pledging themselves to love one another ; finally, it 
 was resolved that no one should engage in any private 
 trade ; but that whatever was done by any member of the 
 family, should be done for the benefit of the mission. 
 
 * This however must have been given up on removing to Kidderpore, 
 equally as to Serampore. 
 
1794 - 9 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 23 
 
 The rent of the lodgings which they at present occu- 
 pied was very high. They therefore purchased a house, 
 by the river side, with a pretty large piece of ground. 
 It had various accommodations, but the price alarmed 
 them ; yet the rent in four years would have amounted 
 to the purchase. 
 
 Mr Carey having nearly finished the translation of the 
 Old and New Testament into Bengalee ; having also ob- 
 tained a press, and agreed with a letter-founder at Cal- 
 cutta for types, all things were now in readiness for print- 
 ting. Accordingly, the press being set up, under the 
 direction of Mr Ward, they proceeded to advertise for 
 subscribers to the Bengalee Bible. And as it was neces- 
 sary for their support to attend to printing in general, 
 and to open a school to be superintended by Mr and Mrs 
 Marshman, each was included in the advertisement. As 
 an encouragement at the out-set, they were promised the 
 Government printing, and the teaching of the Governor’s 
 children. Some inquiry was made by the Governor- 
 General, respecting the press ; but on being informed 
 that (official papers for the Danish Government excepted), 
 its operations were confined to the printing of the Scrip- 
 tures, and religious tracts, and that the missionaries made 
 it an invariable rule to print nothing of a political nature, 
 he was satisfied. 
 
24 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 P rogress of the Mission at Serampore from 1 800 
 to 1807 , containing the principal events under 
 each year successively. 
 
 1800. 
 
 AS soon as the missionaries were settled at Seram- 
 pore, those who had acquired the language began preach- 
 ing the gospel both in the town and neighbourhood. The 
 first sheet of the Bengalee New Testament was struck 
 off May 16. They printed 2000 copies, besides five 
 hundred of the gospel by Matthew, for immediate dis- 
 tribution. Early in June they opened a Bengalee school, 
 m which the children of those natives who chose to send 
 them, were taught gratis ; and by the 20th of July 
 there were forty scholars. A native of the name of Go- 
 liool , residing at Serampore, appeared to be much affected 
 with what he heard and saw. Early in August Mr Ward 
 speaks of having had Mr Carey’s two eldest sons in his 
 room for religious conversation and instruction ; and says, 
 they wept, read, prayed, and asked questions.” “ All 
 our brethren,” says Mr Carey about the same time, “ have 
 lately been more than usually solicitous for the spread of 
 the gospel.” • 
 
 Mr Fountain had been visited by a severe dysentery, 
 which laid him aside for several weeks. He had so far 
 recovered, however, as to set off with Mrs Fountain on a 
 journey up the country, and on July 26th reached Din- 
 
1800.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 25 
 
 agepore. By letters which he wrote to his brethren, it 
 appeared that he was nearly recovered ; but the disorder 
 returned, and on Aug. 20th, at the house of Mr Fernan- 
 dez, he died. All was done for him that medical skill 
 and Christian kindness could do ; but all was ineffectual. 
 He was resigned and happy. 
 
 In October, Mr Marshman and Mr Ward began to 
 preach to the natives ; and Felix Carey going out with 
 the latter, addressed them in a striking, simple, and 
 evangelical strain. 
 
 Soon after this an afflicted lady came up the river from 
 Calcutta. She intended to have gone farther, but feeling 
 herself unable, stopped at Serampore. Having taken 
 lodgings at the hotel, she inquired for an English prayer- 
 book. As no such article could be had at the hotel, her 
 desire was communicated to the missionaries. But neither 
 could they furnish her with the article she wanted. Mr 
 Marshman, however, wrote her a friendly note, and ac- 
 companied it with two other books, pointing out the way 
 to everlasting life. The lady came next morning to the 
 mission-house, apparently in great distress of mind, and 
 inquiring what she must do ? She requested permission to 
 stop during family worship. The hymn sung on that 
 occasion was, “ Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched.” 
 She was greatly affected, and asked leave to attend with 
 them every day during her continuance at Serampore. 
 After this she was desirous of hearing more about the 
 way of salvation, and Mr Marshman discoursed on the 
 atonement as the ground of acceptance with God, read 
 the agony in the garden, the 53d chapter of Isaiah, and 
 the third chapter of the Romans, while she with the great- 
 est eagerness drank in the doctrine of the cross. In a short 
 time she returned to Calcutta, and died ; and, they had 
 every reason to hope, in the faith of Christ. 
 
26 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 After the lady’s decease, Mr Marshman saw her hus- 
 band, from whose account of her last end his hopes were 
 strengthened. The event also appeared to have made a 
 considerable impression on his mind. He proved to be 
 conversant with the Bible, and yet totally ignorant of the 
 way of salvation. He was quite astonished at what was 
 stated to him from Rom. iii. 23 — 28 . After a long and 
 serious conversation, nearly at midnight, they both kneel- 
 ed down, and prayed in succession. The gentleman’s 
 name was Rolt. He was afterwards baptized, and mar- 
 ried for his second wife Mr Brunsdon’s widow. 
 
 Mr Thomas, who was preaching in Bheerboom, about 
 the end of October paid a visit at Serampore, and brought 
 with him a Hindoo, whose name was Faldra , of whom he 
 entertained great hopes. Fakir a of his own accord pro- 
 posed to be baptized, and all were satisfied with his pro- 
 fession ; but before the time, he left Serampore, and went 
 amongst his relatives, with a view, as he said, first to 
 fetch his child. Whether his resolution failed him, or 
 whether he was forcibly detained by his relations, the 
 missionaries heard no more of him. 
 
 During this visit, Mr Thomas’s conversations and pray- 
 ' ers were observed to be more than usually impressive. 
 He himself says, in his journal of Oct. 12. “I longed 
 for the out-pouring of God’s Spirit, and did ask for it 
 believingly for an hour or more together. At midnight 
 I was enabled to pour out strong cries and supplications 
 to God.” Speaking also of the other missionaries, he 
 says, “ The holy unction appears on them all, especially 
 of late.” A weekly prayer-meeting was set up at Mr 
 Thomas’s desire, for the success of the mission ; and what 
 was observed of Mr Carey, seems to have been common to 
 them all, that the death of Christ teas more and more the 
 theme of their preaching . 
 
1800.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 27 
 
 Early in November many repaired to the mission- 
 house for the gospel by Matthew, which was given to all 
 who desired it. On the 25th, Mr Thomas was called to 
 attend a man whose arm was dislocated. After the ope- 
 ration, he talked to him very impressively concerning his 
 salvation. The name of the man was Kristno. He 
 wept like a child, and even sobbed while Mr T. talked to 
 him. Gokool, of whom mention has been made before, 
 lived near him, and was present at the time. Two days 
 after this, Kristno wanted to come to the mission-house 
 for instruction ; for he said, they had not only cured his 
 arm, but brought him the news of salvation. He and 
 Gokool came together and heard the word. The conse- 
 quence was, Gokool’s wife and family deserted him ; but 
 those of Kristno were like-minded with himself. The 
 family of the latter was then visited. The women ap- 
 peared to have learned more of the gospel than was ex- 
 pected ; and after having heard it more particularly ex- 
 plained, they declared for Christ. 
 
 On the 22d of December, Gokool and Kristno came 
 and ate publicly with the missionaries, by which act 
 they threw away their cast. The servants, and as many 
 as witnessed it, were astonished, as they had all said, No 
 one would lose cast for the gospel ; nor were the mission- 
 aries much short of being so. They saw that day what 
 they had been waiting and hoping for many years, and 
 concerning which they had met with so many disappoint- 
 ments. This insurmountable difficulty, as it had been 
 considered, seemed now to give way without any effort on 
 the part of the missionaries. “ God,” as Mr Marshman 
 observed, “ has done it with perfect ease. Thus the door 
 of faith is opened to the Gentiles ; who shall shut it ? The 
 chain of the cast is broken, who shall mend it ?” 
 
 The same evening, Gokool without his family, but 
 Kristno with his, came and offered themselves willingly 
 
28 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 to the church, each making a solemn profession of faith 
 in Christ, and of obedience to his commands. Their 
 hearts, to use the words of Gokool, seemed “ nailed to 
 Christ.” Mr Thomas was almost overcome with joy. 
 At the close of the meeting they all stood up and sung, 
 “ Salvation, O the joyful sound,” &.c. 
 
 It was soon noised abroad that these people had lost 
 cast ; and now a time of trial drew near. The next day a 
 great company of people assembled, two thousand or 
 thereabouts, pouring out their execrations upon them. 
 Taking them by force, they first dragged them before the 
 Danish magistrate ; but he, instead of censuring, com- 
 mended them for what they had done. Being dismissed, 
 they came a second time with Kristno with a new charge, 
 accusing him of refusing to deliver up his daughter to a 
 man who had contracted for her in marriage. The ma- 
 gistrate however defended Kristno, and assured the girl 
 that she should not be compelled to marry the man against 
 her consent. The Governor also promised the missionaries 
 that they should not be interrupted in baptizing. 
 
 The hubbub that had thus been raised did not shake 
 the resolution of Kristno ; but his family, and Gokoo /, 
 were intimidated by it. On the 27th they sent to the 
 mission-house, saying, “ they wished to put off their 
 baptism for a few weeks.” The next day, (Lord’s day 
 the 2Stli) w r as the time appointed for baptizing. Kristno 
 came forward, and with Felix Carey, was baptized in the 
 Hoogly. A considerable number of Europeans and natives 
 ' attended ; many of whom appeared to be struck with the 
 solemnity of the ordinance. M When Kristno came from 
 dressing, (which here is a very short work) a German 
 lady who was present, took him by the hand and held 
 him for some moments. She was unable to make him un- 
 derstand her words, but she manifestly thanked him in her 
 heart for having renounced the worship of devils.” After 
 
1801 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 29 
 
 the Lord’s supper had been celebrated, Kristno said he was 
 “ full of joy.” 
 
 1801. 
 
 On the first day of January, Mr Fernandez, with his son 
 and Mr Powell, arrived from Dinagepore. His design 
 was to be baptized, and to place his son at school. Gokool 
 having absented himself from the missionaries, was sitting 
 melancholy in his house. Kristno’s heart was happy, and 
 his conversations and prayers in his family appear to have 
 been blessed to the restoring of them to a right mind. 
 Being asked by a European in the street, “ What he got 
 by his late profession of Christianity?” He answered, 
 “ He got nothing but joy and comfort : it was the work 
 of love.” 
 
 On Lord’s day the 18th, Mr Fernandez and Joymooni 
 ( Kristno’s wife’s sister) were baptized, and joined the 
 church. At a conversation meeting on the 22d, she said, 
 “ She had found a treasure in Christ greater than every 
 thing else in this world.” Kristno said his “ chief 
 thoughts now were about the salvation of others.” 
 
 About this time Mr Ward called on a Scotch gen- 
 tleman who had met with some severe worldly losses. 
 He said he was religiously educated, and that this res- 
 trained him a good deal till he came into India, when 
 he became like other Europeans. Ten years ago his 
 troubles came pn. They failed however to produce any 
 good in him. He came to Serampore five years since, 
 but continued to live without God till he attended wor- 
 ship at the mission-house, when he felt a new kind of 
 sensations. After that he borrowed and read the most 
 valuable books in the mission library. His happiest 
 
 * 
 
30 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 hours, he said, were at a throne of grace. His Bible was 
 to him a new book. His afflictions appeared in a new and 
 interesting light. The law was new ; and the way of 
 salvation was precious. 
 
 A widow of the name of Unna who lived in Kristno’s 
 family, was observed to weep in hearing Mr Ward dis- 
 course to them. She came afterwards with the other wo- 
 men to the mission-house. She said one day to Mr 
 Carey, “ Formerly, I never saw my sins : now I perceive 
 that I am a sea of sin.” On Feb. 13tb, she made an 
 open profession of Christ’s name. Rasoo also ( Kristno’s 
 wife) was present, and appeared to be of the same mind. 
 On Lord’s day, the 22d, they were both baptized. 
 
 The effect of these baptizings was, that all the children 
 of the Bengalee school were taken away by their parents, 
 lest they should be made Christians ; and the only chil- 
 dren left for instruction were those of Kristno , to whom 
 the missionaries now paid the greater attention, and 
 amongst whom there were some hopeful appearances. 
 
 The baptized Hindoos appeared to grow much in know- 
 ledge and affection. Their manner of speaking was 
 singular and impressive. “ Christ (said one) is my joy, 
 my hope, my all. If worldly things draw my mind from 
 him, I say, Mind, why dost thou leave Christ ? There is 
 no other Saviour. If thou leave him, thou fallest into 
 hell. I charge thee. Mind, that thou keep close to 
 Christ.” — “ I was formerly (said another) in prison. 
 The light of the gospel came to the prison door, and I 
 got out. My prayer now is, that Satan may imprison me 
 no more. I call to mind continually the sufferings of 
 Christ.” 
 
 The printing of the New Testament being finished, a 
 meeting for thanksgiving -was appointed. Copies were 
 presented to the Governor and the Governor-General, 
 which were favourably received. All things wore an en- 
 
1801.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 31 
 
 couraging aspect ; except that the state of Mr Brunsdon’s 
 health excited strong apprehensions that they would be 
 called to part with him. 
 
 In April, Kristno’s eldest daughter, Golook, was forci- 
 bly taken away by the person who had contracted for her 
 in marriage, and carried to Calcutta. As she was passing 
 by a police-office, she cried out for justice. The men 
 who carried her off were of course detained. When the 
 magistrate inquired into her complaint, she answered, u I 
 have heard of the love and sufferings of Christ : these 
 things have laid hold of my mind : I am a Christian of 
 choice ; and am not willing to go with this man.” The 
 magistrate said, he “ could not separate them, but would 
 take care that she should profess what religion she chose.” 
 This however was what he could not, or did not per- 
 form ; and the young woman was much grieved at being 
 left, contrary to her will, in the hands of idolaters. It 
 was also a great trial to Kristno and his family. The 
 women endeavoured to find her out, and to furnish her 
 with a New Testament and some hymns. 
 
 About this time Mr Carey was appointed by Marquis 
 Wellesley to an important station in the New College of 
 Fort-William. He had no expectation of any such ap- 
 plication being made to him ; and when it was made, had 
 some hesitation as to complying with it, lest it should 
 interfere with his proper work as a missionary. Nor did 
 he accede to the appointment till he had consulted with 
 his brethren, who thought that it might promote rather 
 than obstruct the great objects of the mission. Every 
 temporal advantage that might arise from it would, on the 
 ground of their established rules, be only so much added 
 to the missionary stock. 
 
 On the morning of May 8th, the British flag was hoist- 
 ed at Serampore. At ten o’clock the missionaries were 
 ordered to appear at the Government-house. On present- 
 
S2 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 ing themselves they were treated with the utmost civility, 
 both by the late Danish Governor, and the English Com- 
 mander, and told to go on with their school, preaching, 
 
 &c. in the same peaceable way as before On the 29th, 
 
 Gokool , who had fainted at the outset, came forward 
 again, resolved to join the gospel standard, let the con- 
 sequences be what they might. On June Tth, he was 
 baptized ; and what was more surprizing, his wife, who 
 had made such violent opposition, was present, and seem- 
 ed to express some approbation of the gospel. She had 
 listened to her husband more attentively of late, and her 
 prejudices seemed to be giving way. 
 
 Next day Mr Carey accompanied Kristtio to Cal- 
 cutta to see his daughter. He talked affectionately to the 
 family ; but while they seemed to be listening to his 
 ■words, he perceived something going forward indicative 
 of mischief. He therefore stepped into his palanquin, and 
 ordered the bearers to take him away. The opposition 
 which they made to this, left very little doubt of its being 
 their intention to assassinate him. 
 
 Kristno was now in the habit of talking to his neigh- 
 bours who came to him at his w T ork, in some such strain 
 as this : — w In all your worship there is no fruit. None 
 of the debtas died for sinners ; but Jesus Christ came into 
 the world for this. This is the greatest love I ever heard 
 of. At the house of the missionaries I have seen such 
 love as I never saw before. When a man believes in 
 Christ he gets a new mind. This is the fruit of becoming 
 a Christian, Sic. &.c.” The missionaries from such spe- 
 cimens hoped that he would soon be able to preach. Christ 
 to his countrymen. 
 
 On the 3d of July, Mr Brunsdon, after a long afflic- 
 tion, died at Calcutta. This, with the deaths which pre- 
 ceded it, was a heavy loss to the mission. Early in 
 August, the missionaries were visited by their much res- 
 
1301.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 35 
 
 pected friend, Capt. Wickes, from Philadelphia ; who 
 rejoiced to hear of all the mercy and the truth which the 
 Lord had shewn them. 
 
 Gokool’s wife, whose name was Komal , had now become 
 an attentive hearer and believer of the gospel ; and as 
 she was always considered as being of a frank and open 
 temper, the missionaries had the less apprehension of 
 being imposed upon. On the 4th of October, she was 
 baptized. “ We have now, (says Mr Marshman) six 
 baptized Hindoos, whom we esteem more precious than 
 gems. Yet we need great prudence in our conduct to- 
 wards them. We have to encourage, to strengthen, to 
 counteract, to advise, to disapprove, to teach, and to do 
 all in such a manner as to endear our Saviour and our- 
 selves to them.” 
 
 About the same time the missionaries purchased the 
 house and premises adjoining their own. The garden and 
 out-buildings contained more than four acres of land. By 
 this addition they had room not only for the schools, and 
 for the printing and binding business, but also for any 
 new missionaries that might arrive. They made them- 
 selves Trustees for the Society, as they had done in the 
 first purchase. 
 
 On the 13th of this month died Mr John Thomas, at 
 the house of Mr Fernandez at Dinagepore. This was the 
 fourth death that had taken place among the missionaries 
 within the last two years ! For the memoirs of these 
 four missionaries, we must refer to the Periodical Ac- 
 counts, Nos. vii. — x. ' 
 
 During this month Mr Ward and Kristno visited cer- 
 tain parts of the country from whence persons had come 
 for religious instruction, preaching and distributing papers 
 as they proceeded ; and some of the women went to visit 
 th eir female relations up the country, where they also 
 conversed about the gospel. Mr Ward in his excursion 
 
34 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 was detained by a police officer, on much the same 
 grounds as have been lately alleged, namely, that the 
 Company had given no orders for the natives to lose cast. 
 Mr W. assured him that the papers were entirely religious; 
 and on his offering to sign them with his own name, the 
 officer released him. The papers thus signed were sent 
 to Calcutta, and examined. Some alleged, that it was 
 improper to attack the religion of the natives ; but others 
 answered that there was nothing more in the papers than 
 had been always tolerated in the Roman Catholics in the 
 Company’s territories. Nothing therefore came of it ; 
 and during the administration of Marquis Wellesley no- 
 thing more was heard on the subject. During the months 
 of November and December there were many people 
 inquiring after the gospel, and some hopeful appearances 
 among the Portuguese Catholics at Calcutta. 
 
 In the course of this year. Col. Bie transmitted to his 
 Government an account of the settlement of the mission- 
 aries at Serampore, in consequence of which his Danish 
 Majesty directed the Royal College of Commerce at 
 Copenhagen to signify his pleasure to the Governor of 
 Serampore, that the society of missionaries be considered 
 as under his Majesty’s protection and patronage, which 
 they accordingly signified by a letter, bearing date Sept. 
 5. 1801. 
 
 The Governor-General also of British India was pleas- 
 ed to assure one of the missionaries, that he “ was per- 
 fectly acquainted with all the concerns and operations at 
 Serampore, and felt great satisfaction at their affairs be- 
 ing attended with a degree of success.” 
 
I $02.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 Sa 
 
 1802. 
 
 This year was introduced by a solemn thanksgiving 
 to God for his great goodness during that which was 
 past, with the baptizing of a native of the name of Peturn- 
 ber Shingee. He had about a month before read a tract, 
 which had so impressed his mind that he resolved to find 
 out the writer. On the l2thof December 1801, he came 
 to the mission-house and heard the gospel ; on the 20th 
 threw away his cast, and on January 3d was baptized. 
 He appeared from the first to be very sincere and decided, 
 and has proved an honourable and useful character. He 
 is since dead.* 
 
 In the first three months of this year there was much 
 to encourage, and much to try the missionaries. Persons 
 arrived from the district of Jessore for New Testaments 
 in consequence of having read some of the tracts distribut- 
 ed in the preceding October ; many were inquiring after 
 salvation ; several Europeans were impressed with the 
 reality of religion ; Letters on the evidences of Christi- 
 anity had been published in the Calcutta Gazette, and 
 were now reprinted at Serampore. — On the other hand, 
 some unpleasant things took place among the baptized, 
 which called for a faithful and prudent exercise of disci- 
 pline ; difficulties also arose on the employment of the 
 converts ; and cases occurred of husbands whose unbeliev- 
 ing wives refused to live with them. 
 
 On the 4th of April, a native who had previously lost 
 cast, of the name of Sjam Dass, was baptized. He prov- 
 
 * See the Memoir of him in Periodical Accounts, No. xvii. 
 
36 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE. 
 
 [Sect. v. 
 
 ed to be a simple-hearted good man, and was instrumen- 
 tal to the conversion of one of his neighbours ( Bharut ) ; 
 but died, or was murdered on a journey in the autumn of 
 the same year, about five months after his baptism. 
 
 About this time a brahman came to Serampore who 
 lived with Dulol. Dulol is a famous leader of a Hindoo 
 sect. They are a kind of deists, setting light by the su- 
 perstitions of the country, and by the cast ; but making 
 light also of sin, heaven and hell. He said that Dulol sent 
 him to get baptized first, and that he himself would follow, 
 and bring with him an hundred thousand disciples ! The 
 missionaries had no faith in this tale : they thought it right, 
 however, to pay him a visit. For this purpose Mr Carey, 
 Mr Marshman, and Kristno (who had formerly been one 
 of his disciples) set off for Ghospara, the place of his 
 residence. They perceived him to be a designing man, 
 living in state upon the credulity of his followers ; and 
 full of the notion, that whatever evil we did, it was God 
 that wrought it in us. After a little friendly but faithful 
 conversation, they parted. The only favourable impres- 
 sion which struck them was, that this sect was calculated 
 to shake the superstitions of the country, and so might 
 prove subservient to the gospel. 
 
 ' On May 10th, Mr Ward and Mrs Fountain were 
 married. Heretofore the marriages had been performed 
 by an English clergyman ; but the missionaries having 
 been advised to marry their own people, they, with the 
 concurrence of the civil authorities, drew up a simple 
 form for the purpose ; and the business was conducted to 
 the satisfaction of all present. Soon after this, three 
 Mussulmans came from a distance of about sixty miles to 
 inquire after this new wnij. The missionaries invited 
 them to stay a few days and judge. They were very 
 inquisitive, and stated their objections candidly. When 
 the way of salvation was pointed out, they paid great 
 
1S02.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 07 
 
 w 
 
 attention, and departed quite pleased with their visit, 
 inviting the missionaries into their part of the country. 
 
 Kristjio having lost much of his former employment by 
 becoming a Christian, the Governor was very kind in 
 employing him, and in sending for his children to hear 
 them read. Kristno was also employed by Mr Rolt. 
 This kindness was the more acceptable, when others, 
 even Europeans, who pretended to be Christians, were 
 joining the idolaters in ridiculing and reproaching him. 
 
 The native free-school, which had been deserted on the 
 first baptizing, began to recover its former state. Its 
 funds also, which were supported by the liberal donations 
 of the friends of the gospel in different parts of the coun- 
 try, exceeded all expectations. 
 
 Golooli, Kristno’ s eldest daughter, having returned to 
 her father’s house, prayed the missionaries to baptize her. 
 After waiting about a month, they complied with her re- 
 quest. She was baptized on June 6. — Miss Rumohr also, 
 a German lady who resided at Serampore, was baptized 
 on the 13th. At this time, Mr Marshman says, “ There 
 is a greater number of inquirers than at any former pe- 
 riod.” 
 
 On July 4. four more were baptized ; namely, Peroo , 
 a Mussulman ; Bharut , a Hindoo, whose conversion was 
 occasioned by a conversation with Si/am Dass ; Petumber 
 Mittre , a kaist from Jessore ; and Dropodee , his wife. 
 
 Mr Marshman going one evening about this time to the 
 house of Kristno , found them spinning. Upon inquiry, 
 he found that what a woman might earn by industry bears 
 as great a proportion to the wages of a man, as the same 
 employment used to do in England. He took occasion 
 from thence to mention the advantages which they, as 
 Christians, would derive from industry, frugality, and 
 contentment with small things ; adverting to the case of 
 many poor but honourable Christians in England, who 
 
 F 
 
38 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 thus adorned the gospel. This is a necessary lesson here, 
 as their ideas of industry and economy are generally very 
 lax. 
 
 Towards the end of this month, a Mussulman, whose 
 name was Moorad , came from Ponchetaluckphool, or as 
 they usually call it by way of contraction, Luckphool, with 
 an invitation from a considerable number of people in that 
 part of the country to go and preach the gospel to them. 
 It was determined that Mr Marshman should go with 
 Moorad. They set out on the 10th of August, taking 
 Petumber Mittre and Bharut with them. Arriving at 
 Luckphool on Lord’s day the 15th, they stopped under a 
 large tree, which was the appointed place for hearing. 
 The people came together and received them in the most 
 affectionate manner. Each sitting down on the grass, 
 they entered immediately on the subject. After having 
 heard with much earnestness for about half an hour, they 
 entreated the preacher to rest, and take some refreshment. 
 He did so, and then renewed his subject. They heard 
 with great attention, put questions to him as he proceeded, 
 and insisted on proof for every thing ; but all in the most 
 candid manner. The idea of God’s hatred of sin being 
 manifested more by the death of his Son, than if the 
 whole world had been punished, struck them sensibly. 
 
 Having discoursed four or five hours, Mr M. observed 
 that they must needs be weary, and proposed to retire to 
 his boat. To this they consented ; but they followed him 
 to the boat, and while he lay down to sleep, were in full 
 conversation with Petumber. In about two hours he rose 
 and renewed his work. Taking these words as the ground 
 of his discourse, “ We pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye 
 reconciled to God,” he described the distance that sinners 
 were at from God ; and the insufficiency of all other ways 
 of reconciliation but the gospel. — After this they retired 
 to a veranda, where they spent the evening, sitting round 
 
1802 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 39 
 
 and asking questions on Christ, the resurrection, a future 
 state, &c. At nine o’clock Mr M. retired, full of thank- 
 fulness and astonishment at what had passed in the day ! 
 
 These people, amounting to some hundreds, had for the 
 last fourteen years begun to dislike the idolatry of the 
 country ; and attaching themselves to a grave elderly man, 
 as their goroo or teacher, had from that time been inquir- 
 ing after the right way. Neelo (for that was the old 
 man’s name) had taught them that there was one God , 
 whom he called Father , who alone was to be zvorshipped ; 
 that sin was to be forsaken ; and that a farther revelation 
 was to be expected . It was in consequence of his having 
 heard of the missionaries that Moorad was sent to Seram- 
 pore, to request them to come and visit them. After Mr 
 Marshman had spent the Lord’s day amongst them, as 
 above related, the old man took him aside for private con- 
 versation, and appeared to be very averse to brahmanism, 
 and friendly to the gospel as opposed to it, recommending 
 it also to his people, as being the revelation which he had 
 given them to expect. Many of the people accompanied 
 Mr Marshman several miles on his return, and seemed to 
 part with him with much reluctance. 
 
 M I never saw any Hindoos,” says Mr M. “ except 
 Kristno’s family, listen to the gospel like these people: 
 time can only discover how they really feel towards it. 
 Their behaviour towards me was very affectionate.” 
 
 In returning home, Mr M. called on another goroo, who 
 had nearly 20,000 followers. His name was Seeb Ram 
 Dass , and his residence at J uggerdandakatty . There was 
 much less pomp and artifice in him than in Du/ol ; and 
 much less conviction and affection than in Neelo and his 
 people at Luckphool. The general impression was, that 
 they were loosened from the Hindoo and Mahomedan sys- 
 tems, which marked the hand of providence, and might be 
 introductory to the gospel. 
 
 
40 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 On Sept. 4. Mr Rolt of Calcutta was baptized, and 
 joined the church at Serampore. Upon the whole, many 
 things wore an encouraging aspect. They were balanced 
 however by others of a different complexion. Gohool re- 
 quired to be excluded, and Petumber Mittre to be sus- 
 pended. On the 25th, Mr Powell died ; and about the 
 same time Syam Dass was supposed to be murdered. 
 
 On the 27th, three of the Luckphool people arrived at 
 Serampore, with intelligence of the brahmans having rais- 
 ed a persecution against them. Mr Marshman soon after 
 his departure had been hung in effigy by them ; and these 
 messengers on their setting out were hissed away by the 
 mob. ■ They requested to be visited again. 
 
 On Oct. 11th, Mr Ward and William Carey set out 
 with them for Luckphool. On their arrival they had much 
 conversation with Nee/o and his friends, who agreed to set 
 up a school, and proposed building a place for Christian 
 
 worship During this year Mr and Mrs Chamberlain 
 
 were sent out by the committee to assist in the labours of 
 the India Mission. 
 
 1803. 
 
 This year was introduced with some painful events 
 among the baptized natives. Krislno, though an upright 
 character upon the whole, yet by giving way to temper, 
 produced a schism in the church, which, had it not been 
 managed with great prudence, might have been of serious 
 consequence. By means of expostulation and forbearance 
 all was rectified. 
 
 While these things exercised the patience of the mis- 
 sionaries, they were encouraged by perceiving symptoms 
 of repentance in Golcool whom they had been obliged to 
 
1803.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 41 
 
 exclude ; also by the coming of two inquirers after the gos- 
 pel, Boodhessa and Kristno Prescind. The former was a 
 Mussulman ; and had made an eight day’s journey, in 
 consequence of having seen a tract. The latter was a 
 young brahman from Dahatta. On Jan. 22d, they were 
 both baptized. Boodhessa being very desirous for some 
 person to go with him to his part of the country, Kristno 
 was appointed for that purpose. — On the 27th Mr and 
 Mrs Chamberlain arrived at Serampore. The pleasure 
 with which they were received by the native Christians, 
 as well as by the missionaries, was great. “ They cannot 
 talk our language,” said they, 44 but we perceive that all 
 our hearts are one : we are united in the death of Christ.” 
 —Towards the end of this month, besides the New Tes- 
 tament, the first volume of the Old, the Psalms, and a part 
 of Isaiah were finished, and began to be a good deal read 
 in different places. A new fount of Naggree types was 
 nearly completed ; and a house was taken in Calcutta for 
 preaching to both Europeans and natives. 
 
 In February they speak of 44 the affairs of the mission 
 growing more and more weighty.” Several new inquirers 
 arrived ; amongst whom was Sheetaram a sooder, from 
 Bishoohurry in Jessore, and who on the 27th was bap- 
 tized. The zeal, the simplicity, and the good conduct of 
 this man proved, as will be seen, a great blessing to seve- 
 ral of his relations and neighbours. 
 
 Gokool having of late discovered much of a right spirit, 
 was forgiven, and on March 5th, restored to communion. 
 On the 6th, Petumber Shingee began preaching to a mixed 
 congregation of Hindoos, Mussulmans, Armenians and 
 English. After praying a short time with fervour and 
 consistency he sat down, and with his hands joined to- 
 gether and stretched out, craved their attention. He then 
 spoke for an hour with faithfulness and propriety, and 
 closed with prayer. The missionaries were pleased and 
 
42 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 satisfied with this his first attempt ; and as it was the first 
 sermon from a native, considered it as an important aera 
 in the history of the mission, and the increase of such 
 preachers to be the grand desideratum for the conversion 
 of the Hindoos. 
 
 The duty of a Christian native who had more than one 
 wife at the time of his conversion, was discussed about 
 this time. The result seems to have been this, that 
 though the New Testament condemns polygamy, yet 
 where the party has more wives than one at the time of 
 his becoming a Christian, he is not required to put any 
 of them away, only that he shall be unqualified for the 
 ministry. 
 
 During this month, Mr Marshman paid another visit 
 to Luckphool, and talked seriously to those who professed 
 to believe in Christ, and yet from fear of temporal incon- 
 veniences declined to be baptized in his" name. It appear- 
 ed to Mr M. from this visit very doubtful, whether the 
 zeal which these people discovered on his first going 
 amongst them, did not arise more from opposition to the 
 power and influence of the brahmans, than from any just 
 sentiments of the gospel. 
 
 Lord’s day, April 3. was introduced by a morning meet- 
 ing of thanksgiving to God for his mercies. After break- 
 fast, Sadutsa, the brother of Boodhessa, a farmer ; Ram 
 Boteen, a young kaist, of respectable connexions in Cal- 
 cutta ; and William Carey, Mr Carey’s second son, were 
 baptized. In the afternoon it was observed, they had a 
 lovely company at the Lord’s supper ; and that their 
 anxiety for converts to Christ was now in a measure chang- 
 ed into anxiety for those who were already converted. 
 
 The next day Kristno Presaud was married to Onunda, 
 Kristno’s second daughter. The marriage was conducted 
 much in the same way as Mr Ward’s had been. Mr 
 Carey, after explaining the nature and ends of marriage, 
 
1803 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 43 
 
 and noticing the impropriety of the Hindoo customs, read 
 certain portions of scripture, and after them the marriage 
 agreement. The parties then joined hands, promised love, 
 faithfulness, obedience, &c. ; then signed the agreement, 
 to which others added their names as witnesses. A 
 prayer for a divine blessing followed, and the whole was 
 concluded with a temperate and cheerful repast of raisins, 
 plantains, &c. The day following they had a supper at 
 the house of Kristno, the bride’s father, where all sat down 
 together without distinction of colour or country. This 
 to spectators was a new thing. It was begun and ended 
 with prayer and praise, and afforded a glorious triumph 
 over the cast. 
 
 On the 25 th, Sheetaram arrived, bringing with him his 
 sister Oomaree , and two other persons ; namely, Golamee , 
 a Mussulman, and Kyemee, a Hindoo widow, who were 
 desirous of hearing the gospel During this month seve- 
 
 ral of the native brethren, as Kiistno Presaud, Ram 
 Roteen , &c. went into the villages to talk with the people 
 about Christ. They were treated with abuse, but bore 
 it with Christian meekness, telling their abusers, that 
 they “ only did what every sect did, who, whether Hin- 
 doos or Mussulmans, were allowed to perform their pooh- 
 jahs in the streets ; and that insults, stripes, and even 
 death were good for them, so that God by them did but 
 turn their hearts.” 
 
 On the first of May, Tazoo , a Mussulman from Barro- 
 bazar, Radhamonee, a Hindoo woman from the same 
 place, and Oomaree the sister of Shetaram , were baptized. 
 The missionaries thought favourably of the two other per- 
 sons who came with Sheetaram ; but owing to some cir- 
 cumstances, which did not affect their character, their 
 baptism was deferred. Those who were baptized, after 
 being commended to the grace of God, returned to their 
 own homes. Kristno Presaud , the young brahman, de- 
 
44 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 livered his first sermon in Bengalee, much to the satisfac- 
 tion of the brethren. — A letter from Chinsurah informs 
 them of the death of a lady who had been one of Mrs 
 Marshman’s boarders, and that there was hope in her 
 latter end. 
 
 On the 3d of July, Bhoyerub or Bhyrnb , a young koolen 
 brahman, from the neighbourhood of Calcutta, and John , 
 formerly a Mussulman, of late called a Portuguese, were 
 baptized — Soon after this, Sheetaram returns, bringing 
 with him Golamee and Kheymee , who on the 19th are 
 baptized. 
 
 In August a new and improved edition of the Bengalee 
 New Testament was begun, as only six hundred copies 
 remained of the first impression. 
 
 In September, Kristno visited Luckphool and Bisho- 
 hurry. On his return he gave a pleasing account of 
 Slieetaram’s walk in his family. The four members at 
 Bishoohurry observe the Lord’s day, and meet for wor- 
 ship. Others also come in an evening and sit and talk 
 with him. Sheetaram is a mild and inoffensive character, 
 greatly respected ; and though unable to read, yet is very 
 active in recommending the Saviour. 
 
 Mr Ward’s health being impaired by too great an at- 
 tention to business, he this month took a journey to Din- 
 agepore, accompanied by young Fernandez, Kristno Pre- 
 sand,' and Ram Roteen. They preached at many places. 
 Kristno Presand addressed his countrymen with much 
 earnestness and fluency. They found Mr Fernandez full 
 of love and good works towards the natives. He sup- 
 ports a native school, and administers much relief to 
 the afflicted poor. 
 
 During the last three months some very improper con- 
 duct was found to have taken place among the younger 
 branches of one of the families of the Christian natives, 
 and in which some of the elder branches were more or 
 
1803 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 45 
 
 less implicated : but by a faithful and persevering use of 
 discipline, the parties were about this time restored to a 
 right state of mind, and to the fellowship of the church. 
 
 For several weeks past, Gokool seemed to be drawing 
 near his end. His mind was steadily fixed in the faith of 
 Christ. On October 7th, he died. “ About two hours 
 before his death, (says Mr Marshman) he called the 
 native brethren round him to sing and pray. He was 
 perfectly sensible, resigned, and tranquil. Some of the 
 neighbours had been trying to persuade him to employ a 
 native doctor ; but as all their medicines are accompanied 
 with heathen incantations, he refused them, saying, he 
 would have no physician but Jesus Christ. “ How is it, 
 said they, that you, who have turned to Christ should be 
 thus afflicted ?” My affliction, replied he, is on account 
 of my sins : my Lord does all things well. Observing 
 Komal to weep (who was a most affectionate wife) he 
 said, Why do you weep for me ? His tranquil and happy 
 end has made a deep impression on our friends. They say 
 one to another, May my mind be as Gokool’s was!” 
 
 As this was the first Christian native who had died, it 
 was the desire of the missionaries to set such an example 
 of Christian burial as might be favourable to the gospel. 
 A decent coffin was made for him by Kristno , lined at his 
 own expense, both inside and out, with white muslin. A 
 great number of people being assembled, they sung an 
 hymn ; after this two of the missionaries and two of the 
 native brethren took up the corpse, and with the assistance 
 of two others, carried it to the grave. Mr Marshman ad- 
 dressed the spectators. They appeared to be much im- 
 pressed by the love which Christians discovered to one 
 another even in death, and with the difference between 
 this and throwing their relations, half dead, into the 
 river, or burning their bodies with perhaps a solitary at- 
 tendant. 
 
 G 
 
46 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 On the 23d of this month (October) a brahman from 
 Assam, near Boutan, having been two or three months at 
 Serampore, and professing to believe in Christ, was bap- 
 tized. His name was Pudmu Nab/nt. 
 
 On the 2d of November, Sheetaram and Golamee arrive, 
 and bring with them an elderly man whose name is Ko- 
 beer. After tarrying awhile, they depart, leaving him, 
 at his own desire, to hear more about the gospel. 
 
 In December, Sheetaram returns to Serampore, and he 
 and Kobeer prevail on Mr Marshman to visit their neigh- 
 bourhood ; to which he consents, minding to take Luck- 
 phool in his way. On the 23d he set out with them, and 
 took Kristno with him. At Luckphool they were re- 
 ceived as usual with kindness. Neeloo, the old goroo, 
 Sooker Bishes, Torribiit Bishes, Moorad , &c. have some 
 Christian notions, and support a Christian school amongst 
 them ; but are afraid to appear openly on the side of 
 Christ. Mr M. discovers much heathenish error in the 
 conversation of old Neeloo, and finds them all disbelieving 
 in future punishment, and holding with universal salva- 
 tion. Coming to Bishoohurry, where there are four 
 members, they are received with great affection, and have 
 a congregation, gathered by the previous invitation of 
 Sheetaram* From thence, accompanied by Sheetaram , 
 they depart for Arenda, the village of Kobeer. On their 
 way they call, according to promise, on some who had been 
 to hear the preceding evening, where, in the yard of an 
 aged and respectable farmer, they preach with much plea- 
 sure to about seventy people. Arriving at the house of 
 Kobeer , they find him to be the head of a family of more 
 than twenty persons, and greatly respected. After preach- 
 ing and conversing with many people, they, accompanied 
 by Kobeer and Sheetaram , return to Serampore. 
 
 During this year the Society presented a copy of the 
 New Testament, and of the Pentateuch, to his Majesty, 
 
1804.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 47 
 
 by the hands of Robert Bowyer, Esq. His Majesty was 
 pleased graciously to accept of them, and to direct that his 
 thanks should be given to the Society. ^During this year 
 also a plan was laid for translating the Scriptures into va- 
 rious other eastern languages. 
 
 1804. 
 
 In the autumn of the preceding year, four more young 
 men had been set apart for the work of the mission ; viz. 
 John Biss, Richard Mardon, William Moore, and Joshua 
 Rowe. On the 3d of January in the present year, they 
 with their wives set sail for India, by way of America. 
 After a tedious and perilous voyage, during which they 
 received much kindness from friends, both in America and 
 at Madras, they all arrived safe at the place of their desti- 
 nation. 
 
 To return to the proceedings at Serampore — On the 8th 
 of January, John Fernandez is baptized. On the 16th his 
 father, Mr Fernandez of Dinagepore, is set apart to the 
 work of the ministry. On his return from Serampore, 
 Pudmu Nabhu, the Assam brahman, goes with him, in 
 his way to his own country. Fears are entertained for 
 Boodhessa, Sadutsa, Tazoo, and Radhamonee, who all live 
 near each other at Barrobazar. 
 
 On Feb. 5th, a prayer meeting is held for a blessing 
 on the undertaking of Mr and Mrs Chamberlain, who 
 were about going to a new station. ,At the same time 
 Kristno and Petumber Shingo are solemnly set apart for 
 the work of the ministry, with prayer, and the laying 
 on of hands. 
 
 In the course of this year, fourteen more natives were 
 baptized. Among them were Kobeer of Arenda, whom 
 
48 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 Mr Marshman had visited at the close of the preceding 
 year, and limn Moliun , a brahman, who has since proved 
 a useful minister. As a list of the baptized will be given 
 at the end, we omit the names of many in the narrative. 
 
 On the 19th of May, a letter is received from Mr 
 Chamberlain, informing the brethren that he had taken 
 a piece of ground at Cutwa for a missionary station. 
 Two more schools are opened ; one at Arenda, under 
 the care of Kobeer ; and the other at Bishoohurry, super,, 
 intended by Sheetaram. At these schools, adults as well 
 as children frequently attend for instruction Ten thou- 
 
 sand copies of Luke, the Acts, and the Epistle to the 
 Romans, are printed for distribution. 
 
 On July 1th, Totoram died, but little more than three 
 months after his baptism. All who knew him spoke 
 well of him. As he was borne to the grave by his 
 brethren, both Europeans and natives, the spectators ob- 
 served, “ This is great love: they are kind to those that 
 join them, even to the last.” 
 
 On October 14th, Rmn Mohun , the brahman who had 
 been baptized on April 1st, preached at Calcutta to about 
 forty natives, and with much freedom declared unto them 
 
 the way of salvation Mohun , the husband of Kristno’s 
 
 eldest daughter, Go/ooft, comes and lives with her, and 
 hears the gospel — On the 23d, Mr Felix Carey is mar- 
 ried to a young person of Calcutta. 
 
 On the 6th of November, Mr Ward sets off on a visit 
 to Jessore. Calling at Sooksaugur, finds Petumber’s wife 
 in a hopeful state of mind. Coming to Luckphool, finds 
 the school in rather a promising condition, but the people 
 otherwise. Proceeding to Bishoohurry, he found things 
 more pleasing. A young man whose name is Go/ook , 
 and who superintends the school, appeared to be on Christ’s 
 side. Going from thence to Arenda, he found Kobeer’s 
 wife and children had left him for fear of losing cast. 
 
1804.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 49 
 
 From the same cause the school was diminished. On 
 reaching Sooksaugur, in his way home, he is greatly af- 
 fected with the afflictive intelligence of the death of Mrs 
 Chamberlain, who died at Cutwa on the 14th of this 
 month. Her amiable spirit had endeared her to all who 
 knew her. — About this time some of the native Chris- 
 tians are insulted and abused by their heathen neighbours; 
 but endure it with meekness. 
 
 Towards the end of the year, several disorders and 
 some defections take place among the baptized. By rub 
 the brahman, and after him, Bish/wonuut Mitt re, and 
 Bazoo , are excluded for immorality. Yet upon the whole 
 the missionaries are not disheartened. “ Notwithstanding 
 various disappointments and discouragements (say they) 
 the church never appeared in a more prosperous state 
 than at present.” Speaking of the school, under Mr 
 Marshman, they represent it as a nursery to the church ; 
 and of the press, under the direction of Mr Ward, as 
 the grand engine of the mission. By means of the latter, 
 they hope to give the word of God to many eastern na- 
 tions. Estimating the extent of the country and the po- 
 pulation, where those languages are spoken into which 
 they are employed in translating it, they reckon the Ben- 
 galee and Maharastra or Mahratta, each equal to Great 
 Britain ; the Ootkul or Orissa, to Ireland ; the Telinga 
 and Kurnata , each to England ; the 1'amul , to Spain ; and 
 the Iiindostanee, to France and Italy. 
 
 1805. 
 
 This year was introduced by a plan for erecting a new 
 place of worship at Calcutta. On the first of January, 
 4800 rupees were subscribed towards it. — On the 6th 
 
50 BRIEF NARRATIVE [Sect. V. 
 
 Deep Chund , the companion of Fotick from Jessorc-, and 
 Mrs Felix Carey, were baptized. 
 
 A parcel of ground, with buildings upon it, adjoining 
 to the mission premises, being on sale, it was thought 
 advisable to secure it ; and on March 28th it was purchas- 
 ed for 14,000 rupees, or about ISOOl. The money was 
 borrowed ; but a warehouse belonging to the estate was 
 let, for nearly enough to pay the interest. 
 
 The spiritual state of the mission being at this time 
 rather low, a meeting for humiliation and prayer is held 
 on April 7th. The same day Moliun , the husband of 
 Golook , was baptized. 
 
 On the morning of May 17th, Mr Ward visited Pc- 
 ( umber Shingo , who was now very ill. While standing 
 by his bed side, the good old man spake as follows : — “ I 
 do not attribute it to my own wisdom, or to my own 
 goodness, that I became a Christian. It is all of grace ! 
 It is all of grace !— I have tried all means for my reco- 
 very; all are vain: God is my only hope. Life is good, 
 death is good ; but to be wholly emancipated is better.” 
 
 Mr Ward reminded him of the use of affliction to 
 
 wean us from the world. He answered, “ I have a wife, 
 a daughter, a son-in-law, &c. I have tried to induce them 
 to embrace the gospel by presents, and by persuasions ; 
 but they refused. I am therefore weaned from them all. 
 I can only pray for their salvation. This is the only 
 way in which I can now manifest my love to them.” 
 He considered it, he said, as a great honour that God had 
 given him the respect of all his brethren. He spoke with 
 respect of Kristno Presaud , as the person who amongst 
 all the native brethren, most adorned the gospel. He 
 lamented many things amongst them. Many of the bre- 
 thren were now standing round the bed, and hearing him, 
 to whom Mr Ward recommended the dying advice of the 
 venerable man as most weighty and solemn. 
 
1805 .] 
 
 OF THE 3APTIST MISSION. 
 
 The next day Col. Bie died, much respected and la- 
 mented as a Governor. A great part of the night pre- 
 ceding his death, he was said to be praying most fervently 
 to the Saviour. The poor natives said at his interment, 
 “ Never shall we see another such a master !” 
 
 On June 2d, Kangalee , a byraggee from the neighbour- 
 hood of Cutwa, and Caleb Hirons, brother of Mrs Rolt, 
 lately arrived from England, were baptized. The former 
 had heard of the gospel, and had been seeking after some 
 person to give him further information, when he met 
 with Bydenant , who told him all he wished to know, and 
 brought him to Serampore. He was greatly affected when 
 speaking before the church — Qn the 15th S/ieetaram ar- 
 rives with two of his neighbours ; Byicon ta of the writer 
 cast, and Lochon , a husbandman. On the 2 2d they were 
 both baptized. On July 7th, Mr Joseph Maylin, an Eng- 
 lishman, who has long resided in the upper provinces of 
 India, having lately embraced the gospel, is baptized. 
 
 On August 4th, Kobeer arrives* bringing with him 
 Beeshonaut , a neighbour of his about thirty-five years old, 
 who is earnestly desirous to find the way of life. All the 
 native brethren, (who know the Hindoo character much 
 better than Europeans do) think well of him. On the 
 
 18th he is baptized These successful labours of Kobeer , 
 
 Sheetaram , tkc. gave the missionaries to perceive more 
 and more the importance of encouraging native preachers. 
 Kawnye preached well the same day. 
 
 About four years ago, Mr Ward, being on a visit at 
 Calcutta, went with Kristno to a village called Ramlcreesh- 
 nnpore , on the other side the river, opposite Calcutta. 
 Here they left a number of small tracts and a New Tes- 
 tament ; declaring it seems, that “ the Testament was for 
 the use of the whole village, and that he who could read 
 the best should keep it, and read it to all who wished to 
 hear it.” Till now the effects were unknown. Kristno 
 
BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 52 
 
 on revisiting the village meets with a byraggee, who tells 
 him that the books have been read, and that several per- 
 sons are convinced by them. 
 
 On the 21st of August, Pet umber Shingo died. “ A 
 little before his departure,” says Mr Moore, “ he called 
 the brethren who were at hand, and desired them to sing 
 Iiristno hymn, Smvahon by the blood and righteousness 
 of Christ. And while they were thus engaged, the tears 
 of joy bedewed his placid face ; and in this happy frame 
 of mind he breathed his last !” “ He has been,” says Mr 
 
 Carey, “ a very honourable member of the church. His 
 conversation on his death-bed was highly encouraging and 
 edifying. He frequently observed that he had obtained 
 the peace which Paul wished in the introduction to his 
 epistles.”* — Kristno , who visits ltamkreeshnopoi c, or as 
 they call it bv contraction, Kreeshnopore , is greatly de- 
 lighted to see the effects of the New Testament and the 
 tracts. He tells of ten or eleven persons at and in the 
 vicinity of Calcutta, who are inquiring “ How they may 
 obtain the fruits of Christ’s death?” He is surprised at 
 the knowledge they have obtained. — The next morning 
 after the interment of Pctiunbi , two persons came to the 
 house, who from what they had heard and seen, w’ere 
 much impressed in favour of the gospel. The name of 
 one of them was Golnl, a young man from Calcutta. 
 After visiting the mission-house most days, on the 27th 
 he came to abide with them. 
 
 On Sept. 1st, BhagVfi , a young brahman, and Fd/oo , 
 the mother of l oth /:, whom he had brought with him from 
 
 Jessore, are baptized About the same time the relations 
 
 of Go/uk are using all means to induce him to relinquish 
 Christianity. Mr Ward, after much conversation with 
 them, told them that they could not take him away by 
 force ; and that they ought not if they could. On leaving 
 
 * See a Memoir of him in No. xviii. P. A. 
 
1805.] OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 53 
 
 them he said to Goluk , “ Here are four of your relations, 
 and you have a mother also at Serampore — If you choose, 
 you may go with them ; but if not, go with me.” They 
 allowed this was fair. The young man then said, “ He 
 would not go with them, but with Mr Ward,” who 
 accordingly took him to the mission-house ; and on the 
 15th he was baptized. , 
 
 During this month, Mr Moore, Mr Wm. Carey, and 
 three of the native brethren, set out on a missionary tour 
 through the country to Dhacca, where being interrupted 
 by a Collector, and afterwards by a Magistrate, they were 
 obliged to desist. On their return they called on a con- 
 gregation of Hindoo Catholics, with whom they convers- 
 ed freely, and offered them a New Testament ; but the 
 priest being absent, they dare not receive it. Though there 
 did not appear to be any thing like true religion amongst 
 these people, yet the missionaries could not but observe 
 a difference as to their manners, when compared with those 
 of the heathen natives. They took well all that was said 
 to them, and expressed their gratitude for the visit. They 
 were invited in return to visit Serampore, should any of 
 them be coming that way. 
 
 On the 6th of October, the brethren Marshman and 
 Ward were chosen co-pastors with brother Carey ; and 
 the brethren Mardon, Biss, Moore, Rowe, Kristno , and 
 Kii.it no Prescind , were set apart to the office of deacons. 
 During this and the two following months tzcenty-one 
 persons were baptized, seven of whom came from Krist- 
 nopore, and were the fruits of the New Testament and 
 tracts which were left at that village. One of them, named 
 Kristnoo Dass , referring to Mr Ward’s' having declared 
 concerning the Testament, that “ It was for the use of 
 the whole village, and that he who could read the best 
 should keep it, and read it to all who wished to hear it,” 
 said, “ He had got it, and that the reading of it had 
 
 H 
 
54 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. 
 
 changed his ideas, made him leave off idolatry, and put 
 his trust in Christ.” The Testament was produced, and 
 was nearly worn out by reading. Ten out of the twenty- 
 one were baptized on November 3d. “ A solemn serious- 
 ness,” says Mr Biss, “pervaded the company. Some who 
 seemed to know nothing of the power of religion, never- 
 theless shed tears.” At the Lord’s supper there was great 
 joy through the whole church, singing, and making me- 
 lody in their hearts to the Lord ! 
 
 In the autumn of this year. Captain Wickes being in 
 London, the committee sent by him a thousand guineas 
 which had been collected in England, Scotland, and Ire- 
 land, towards the translation of the scriptures into the 
 eastern languages. On the Captain’s arrival in America, 
 he expressed a wish in the public papers that the friends 
 of religion in his country would add something to it. 
 The result was, that by the generous exertions of the dif- 
 ferent denominations, the original sum was considerably 
 more than doubled, and sent in dollars to Serampore. 
 
 1806. 
 
 In November 1805, the Secretary received a letter from 
 Rob. Ralston, Esq. of Philadelphia, informing him that 
 Capt. Wickes would in the spring following sail in a 
 ship of his for Holland ; after which he would touch at 
 London, in his way to Bengal ; and that if we had any 
 persons or goods to send, he would take them free of 
 charge as to passage or freightage. The society having 
 two young men on probation, Mr Chater and Mr Robin- 
 son, availed themselves of this kind offer to send them out. 
 On April 12th they set sail for Serampore. 
 
1806 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 55 
 
 Early in January, Mr Maylin and Mr Fernandez, jun. 
 set sail for England, by way of America. Mr Fernandez, 
 sen. came down at this time to take leave of his son, and 
 brought with him two natives who wished to be baptized. 
 Their names were Nundkishore and Heduram. On the 
 26th they were baptized. On the 27th, a new church 
 w T as formed for Dinagepore. Several of the members who 
 resided in that part of che country, with Mr and Mrs Biss, 
 were dismissed from the Serampore church for this pur- 
 pose ; and 'who chose Mr Fernandez for their pastor. 
 
 A young man, of the name of Burford, grandson of a 
 baptist minister of that name, a predecessor ot Mr Booth, 
 heard Mr Ward at Calcutta ; and being deeply impressed 
 with a sense of his sins, came to Serampore and opened 
 his mind to Mr Ward. He wept much. A few days 
 after this, he seemed to find rest for his soul in the 
 doctrine of Christ, which was recommended to him. 
 
 The principal events of the first six months of this year 
 are the following — Ground for the new chapel at Calcutta, 
 in a place called the Loll Bazar, is purchased for 7250 
 rupees ; and after investing it in the hands of ten trustees, 
 a shed or temporary mat-house is erected for present use 
 — Proposals for subscriptions to the translation of the 
 scriptures into the eastern languages are publicly adver- 
 tized, and by June 14,000 rupees are subscribed — Mr Biss 
 has a dangerous liver complaint — Seeboo , a native bro- 
 ther in Jessore, dies j and, contrary to his own desire, is 
 burnt after the manner of idolaters. He dies declaring 
 his faith in'Christ, and recommended his wife to believe 
 in him — Some are excluded for immorality ; but others 
 are received almost every month. Out of about forty, 
 received within a year, four or five appear suspicious ' 
 characters — The native preachers are very active, and in 
 general very acceptable — The shed is opened in Calcutta, 
 and many resort to it : some hearing with great attention, 
 
56 
 
 RRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. v. 
 
 others mocking and loading both the missionaries and the 
 native Christians with reproach. — The converts at Kristno- 
 pore suffer much from their heathen neighbours ; but 
 bear all with patience and fortitude. During this period 
 there appear to have been fourteen persons baptized ; 
 among whom were Mr Ephraim Burford, the young man 
 above mentioned-, and three more from Kristnopore, the 
 village where the New Testament was left, and read. Upon 
 the whole, things at this time wear a very promising ap- 
 pearance. “We have,” says Mr Marshman, in a letter 
 of August 18th, “ the utmost reason for thankfulness with 
 regard to the whole of our affairs. In no period has the 
 mission appeared more promising.” 
 
 About the same time an extraordinary church meeting 
 was called, in which the native brethren were given to 
 understand the importance of their entering w r ith all their 
 hearts into the great object of the mission, and using all 
 proper means to promote the salvation of their country- 
 men ; and that as they could not support their families 
 while engaged in this service, the church w-ould allow 
 them for the time which w'as so employed. — Of these 
 itinerating excursions of the native brethren there are two 
 journals, printed in No. xvii. of the Periodical Accounts, 
 for a specimen : the one of Deep Chwi<\ and the other of 
 Kristno Das s, both in the true spirit of Christianity. 
 
 But it was the will of God in the midst of these open- 
 ing prospects to try them, and that in a way to which 
 they had not been accustomed. 
 
 On August 5th, Mr Moore writes from Dinagepore, 
 that on their arrival at that city, a servant of the magis- 
 trate came to the boat demanding their names, occupa- 
 tion and place of residence ; to w'hich they readily made 
 answer, declaring also the object of their journey. The 
 result was, they were required to return to Serampore. 
 
1806 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 57 
 
 On the 23d of August, the brethren, Chater and 
 Robinson, with their wives, arrived in the ship, Ben- 
 jamin Franklin, Captain Wickes. On presenting them- 
 selves at the police office, some demur was made as to 
 their being permitted to proceed to Serampore. Next 
 day, on Mr Carey’s going to the office, he was told by 
 one of the magistrates that they had a message to him 
 from the Governor-General, and which was, “ that as Go- 
 vernment did not interfere with the prejudices of the 
 natives, it was his request that Mr Carey and his col- 
 leagues wmuld not.” This request, as explained by the 
 magistrates, amounted to this— “ They were not to preach 
 to the natives, nor suffer the native converts to preach ; 
 they were not to distribute religious tracts, nor suffer the 
 people to distribute them ; they were not to send forth 
 converted natives, nor to take any step, by conversation 
 or otherwise, for persuading the natives to embrace Chris- 
 tianity.” 
 
 Mr Carey inquired whether they had any written com- 
 munication with the Governor-General ; and was answer- 
 ed in the negative. He then took leave of them, as- 
 suring them that neither he nor his brethren wished to 
 do any thing disagreeable to Government, from which 
 they could conscientiously abstain. 
 
 Some of the foregoing particulars, however, were soften- 
 ed in a subsequent conversation between the magistrates 
 and a friend to the missionaries. “ It was not meant,” 
 they then said, “ to prohibit Mr Carey or his brethren 
 from preaching at Serampore, or in their own house at 
 Calcutta ; only they must not preach at -the Loll Bazar. 
 It was not intended to prevent their circulating the scrip- 
 tures ; but merely the tracts abusing the Hindoo reli- 
 gion : and that there was no desig-n to forbid the native 
 Christians conversing with their countrymen on Chris- 
 
BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 58 
 
 [Sect. v. 
 
 tianity, only they must not go out under the sanction of 
 the missionaries.” 
 
 The Governor-General at this time was Sir George 
 Barlow, who not only professed to believe in Christianity, 
 but had expressed his persuasion that it would prevail in 
 India. The news of the Vellore mutiny had lately 
 reached Calcutta. 
 
 In a conversation that took place between the magis- 
 trates and a friend of the missionaries, they acknowledged 
 themselves “ well satisfied with their character and deport- 
 ment, and that no complaint had ever been lodged against 
 them.” An order of council however was passed, com- 
 manding Messrs Chater and Robinson to return to Europe, 
 and refusing Capt. Wickes a clearance unless he took them 
 back with him. 
 
 This order being communicated, it was represented to 
 Government that Capt. W. cleared out from Rotterdam 
 for Serampore ; that his clearing out from England to 
 Serampore was no more than a necessary step to accom- 
 plish the first intended voyage ; that Messrs Chater and 
 Robinson were then at Serampore, and had joined the 
 mission under their direction, and the protection of the 
 king of Denmark. 
 
 This representation produced an inquiry whether the 
 mission was really under the protection of Denmark. To 
 this the Danish Governor gave an explicit answer. An 
 amicable discussion between the Captain and the Magis- 
 trates followed, in which he assured them that neither he 
 nor the missionaries wished to give offence, and that if 
 friendly representations could not prevail, rather than 
 oppose Government, they would give up the two bre- 
 thren. Captain W. was on this furnished with his pass- 
 ports. As Government however appeared to be dissatis- 
 fied with the continuance of the two missionaries, to re- 
 move every subject of complaint as far as they could, a 
 
1806-3 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 09 
 
 new mission to Rangoon, in the kingdom of Burmah, was 
 contemplated ; and Mr Chater, with another brother, 
 agreed to go to that country, to make observations on its 
 practicability. 
 
 Here matters rested, and the missionaries went on pretty 
 much as usual, only that they had no preaching at the 
 Loll Bazar ; and hoping that things in a little time might 
 take a favourable turn, devoted more of their attention for 
 the present to the instruction of the younger missionaries, 
 and less of it to itinerating excursions. 
 
 The adversaries of Christianity (of whom there are 
 many in India) not having fully accomplished their end 
 with the Government abroad, directed their attention to 
 that at home. A tract was translated and sent to England, 
 in which the missionaries are represented as calling the 
 natives 44 barbarians,” and their shasters 44 barbarian 
 shasters,” when in the original they had only intreated 
 them not to reject the Bible as being the shaster of the 
 barbarians or 44 M’ leeches ,” a name by which they desig- 
 nate all who are not of the cast. After this a "pamphlet 
 appeared by a Mr Twining, and was followed by several 
 more, written by Major Scott Waring, and others: some 
 abounding in low abuse, others openly espousing the 
 cause of idolatry, and all filled with unfounded statements, 
 and ineffectual endeavours to trace the Vellore mutiny to 
 the attempts at Christianizing the natives. The charges 
 produced in these pamphlets were answered by the friends 
 of the gospel. 
 
 While the missionaries were afflicted from one quarter, 
 they were encouraged from another. When the Armenian 
 and Portuguese in Calcutta perceived their difficulties, 
 they came forward, and fitted up places for them on their 
 own premises. From September to the end of the year, 
 seven more natives were baptized, and a new mission to 
 Rangoon undertaken. Mr Chamberlain and Mr Mardon 
 
60 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. v. 
 
 were diligently engaged up the country ; but in Septem- 
 ber the former sustained a second bereavement in the 
 death of his wife. On Dec. 25th the missionaries say, 
 “ During the past year we have baptized twenty-two 
 persons. These, with one at Cutwa and another at Dina- 
 gepore, make the whole number baptized a hundred and 
 four, ten of whom are Europeans. In the course of the 
 last six years we have been under the necessity of exclud- 
 ing thirteen, and six have been removed by death.” 
 
 Towards the close of the year an event occurred more 
 than ordinarily impressive. Three persons from Luck- 
 phool, Neeloo , Torribut, and Sookur Bishess , who had 
 long professed to believe the gospel, but declined an open 
 profession of it, came on a visit to Serampore. In con- 
 versing with Sookur Bishe.o, the missionaries warned him 
 of the danger of temporizing in the manner he had hither- 
 to done, assuring him that if he was ashamed of Christ 
 before men, Christ would be ashamed of him before his 
 Father and before his angels. He declared, that “ He 
 thought there was no way to heaven besides the Saviour, 
 and that if he thought himself near death, he would make 
 an open profession of his name.” He was then reminded 
 of the uncertainty of life, and intreated to consider whe- 
 ther his refusal to appear publicly on the Lord’s side 
 did not proceed from his secretly regarding sin, and 
 fearing men more than God. The example of others 
 of his countrymen were mentioned, to shew that where 
 the heart was really given to God every thing else vanished. 
 He seemed impressed, but not determined. On the sixth 
 day after his return he was murdered in his own village, 
 with circumstances peculiarly awful. It seems he had, 
 though unknown to the missionaries, carried on a criminal 
 intercourse with a woman, some of whose relations be- 
 longed to a gang of robbers. These men had long re- 
 solved to be revenged on him ; and having heard that 
 
1807 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 61 
 
 he had been at Serampore, they imagined he must have 
 obtained a sum of money there ; an idea which has been 
 circulated from the beginning to scandalize the gospel, 
 though nothing can be more void of truth. Thinking 
 this a favourable opportunity, they one night beset the 
 house, where he and this woman were ; and after bring- 
 ing them out bound, set lire to it. Having loosed the 
 woman, they threatened to throw him into the lire, unless 
 he would discover where he had hidden the supposed ,§um 
 of money. He, probably hoping to escape, led them to 
 a tree at some distance, and told them to dig underneath it. 
 After digging some time in vain, one of them, enraged, 
 pierced him through with a spear, and shed out his 
 bowels ; another cut him across the breast ; and a third 
 cut off his head ! 
 
 1807 . 
 
 Mr Biss’s complaint getting worse, he was ordered by 
 Dr H. to return to Europe, as the only possible mean of 
 saving his life. On Jan. the 5th, he and his family em- 
 barked for America. During the first fortnight his health 
 seemed to be greatly amended ; but after this he relapsed, 
 and on Feb. 5. died ! 
 
 A Hindoo, whose name was Seeboo Roy, having seen 
 some religious tracts, came to Cutwa for further instruc- 
 tion. He appears to have believed the gospel ; and being 
 a person who had considerable influence in his village, 
 had recommended it to others. He kept up Christian 
 wdrship in his own house on the Lord’s day, and some 
 of his neighbours attended with him. Mr Chamberlain 
 received much pleasure from him, and expected that he 
 
 l 
 
62 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V. • 
 
 would soon be baptized ; but in the month of January 
 this year he died. His relations burned his body, after 
 the manner of the Hindoos, but it was contrary to his 
 desire. He earnestly wished to have been taken to 
 Cutwa, instead of Gonga, to die. During his illness he 
 exhorted those who used to meet with him for worship 
 not to forsake the assembling of themselves together, 
 nor to cease publishing the glories of the Saviour. “ I 
 am going,” said he, u but we shall soon see each other 
 again.” He had conversed much with his wife ; and 
 when he died, she did not beat her forehead, and cry 
 aloud, as is the custom of women in that country on such 
 occasions. Being asked why she did not ; she answered, 
 “ What use is that ? I sit and think of what he said to 
 me.” 
 
 On January the 24 th, the brethren Mardon and Chater 
 set sail for Rangoon. They had been recommended 
 to the grace of God by the church at Serampore, with 
 many prayers for their prosperity. About the same time 
 cheering accounts are received from the neighbourhood 
 of Malda, where the native preachers are heard with 
 much interest, and treated with kindness by many of 
 their countrymen. Five or six hundred often assemble 
 to hear them, when no European is present. ByJconta , 
 one of the native brethren, returns from Jessore full of 
 joy : his wife has forsaken her father’s house, resolved to 
 cleave unto him, and to the Saviour.— At Cutwa, brother 
 Chamberlain and several of the native Christians labour 
 with diligence and success. Three persons, namely, Koma /, 
 Soogul Mooku'rgee (a Koolin brahman) and Vindyabund 
 (a byraggee) are baptised.— Things also appear promis- 
 ing at Dinagepore; and though at Serampore they have 
 baptized only one during the first three months, and labour 
 under some restrictions, yet the translating and printing 
 of the scriptures go on, and upon the whole they speak 
 
1807.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 63 
 
 of their efforts to spread the gospel as being but little 
 diminished. — On March the 18th, letters are received 
 from Rangoon, and every thing wears the most favour- 
 able appearance as to that important undertaking. 
 
 During the months of April, May, and June, ten per- 
 sons were baptized ; among whom were a respectable 
 Portuguese family of Calcutta ; namely, Mr and Mrs 
 Derozio, and two of their daughters ; also a Serjeant 
 Oaky, whose father was a member of the baptist church 
 
 at Kingstanly in Gloucestershire A new church was 
 
 formed in Jessore, of which Ram Mohun and Kao: nee, 
 were chosen deacons — the brethren at Cutwa were also x 
 formed into a church — and a petition was presented to 
 Government for leave to erect a new chapel in Calcutta, 
 signed by one hundred and fifteen of the inhabitants, many 
 of whom were merchants of the first respectability, and 
 to which a favourable answer was returned. 
 
 On the 31st of May, Ram Mohun is set apart by 
 prayer and the laying on of hands for the work of the 
 ministry.- 
 
 During this summer Mr Fernandez w T as heavily afflict- 
 ed. Two persons were on this account obliged to wait 
 some months for baptism. , They were baptized, how- 
 ever, on the 21st of June. Their names were D/tamt- 
 kora , and his wife Dhash ishhurry. 
 
 In June and July, several Europeans correspond with 
 the missionaries, and afford pleasing hope of a work of 
 grace. One was reproved for his profane language, by 
 a Hindoo ; another heard the Christian natives converse 
 about Christ, and was filled with shame at his own igno- 
 rance; and another was impressed by his conversation 
 with a serious lady, whom he afterwards married. M We 
 are acquainted with nine or ten, (says Mr Moore) in 
 Calcutta, most of whom we knew not four months ago, 
 but who now afford us hope.” 
 
64 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. V„ 
 
 On the 6th of July, at the monthly prayer meeting, a 
 consultation was held about the mission to Burmah, and 
 the minds of the two brethren sounded as to their willing- 
 ness to return to that country. Brother Chater was still 
 of the same mind ; but brother Mardon declined it on 
 account of ill health. He was afterwards succeeded by 
 brother Felix Catrey. 
 
 On Lord’s day, Aug. 2. a soldier of the name of John 
 Axell , from the neighbourhood of Basingstoke in Hamp- 
 shire, was baptised by Mr Ward, at Calcutta. The same 
 day were baptised by Mr Carey at Serampore, a native of 
 the name of Seeboo Ram , from Jessore, and a Mr Prit- 
 chett a young man, the son of a clergyman of South Wales. 
 He had been taken prisoner by the French, and carried 
 into the Isle of France, where, during his imprisonment, 
 he lyas brought to serious reflection on the state of his soul. 
 
 About this time twelve of the Portuguese at Calcutta 
 sign an affectionate letter to Mr Ward, expressing their 
 faith in the gospel, and attachment to him as a minister of 
 it. . 
 
 Soon after this, an event occurred which filled the friends 
 of the Mission with deep concern, and furnished its adver- 
 saries with a momentary triumph. A tract which had 
 been printed in Bengalee, and which in that language con- 
 tained nothing offensive, was put into the hands of a native 
 to be translated into Persic. The translation being finish- 
 ed, it w r as, through the pressure of business, inadvertently 
 printed zcithout being first inspected by the missionaries. 
 It proved, unhappily, that the translator had introduced 
 several strong epithets, calling Mahomet a tyrant, ike. 
 which it was alleged would irritate his followers ; and 
 though no such effects had been produced, yet a copy of 
 it being conveyed to a person in office under Government, 
 it was taken up in a serious manner. Mr Carey was sent 
 for ; but being unacquainted with the circumstances of the 
 
1807.] OF THE baptist mission. 6.5 
 
 case, he could only acknowledge the impropriety of the 
 epithets, and promise to inquire into the cause of their 
 appearance in the tract in question. Had the object of 
 the party been merely to prevent the disturbance of the 
 public tranquillity, things would have issued here ; Mr 
 Carey, on learning particulars, would have made an apo- 
 logy, and corrected whatever w r as improper. But be- 
 fore he had time to do this, proceedings were commenced, 
 which, had they been carried into execution, must have 
 been not only ruinous to the mission, but greatly injuri- 
 ous to the cause of Christianity in India. In consequence, 
 however, of an explanation, and a respectful Memorial 
 presented to the Governor-General, the most serioqs part 
 of the proceedings was formally revoked. On this occa- 
 sion two of the missionaries w r aited on his Lordship to 
 thank him fdr the candour with which he had attended to 
 their Memorial ; to which his Lordship replied, that no- 
 thing more teas necessary than a mere examination of the 
 subject, on which every thing appeared in a clear and 
 favourable light. 
 
 But as all the printed tracts had passed under examina- 
 ation, and as two others, as well as that in Persic, were 
 objected to, the missionaries were required in future, not 
 to print any tracts without first submitting the copy to the 
 inspection of Government. 
 
 Concerning the epithets, &c. objected to, the missiona- 
 ries say, “ Though there is nothing in any of the tracts 
 but what would be perfectly harmless in England, and 
 has been actually so here ; yet, as such things lay us open 
 to animadversion from those who are averse to the mis- 
 sion, and are of no use in the conversion of the natives, 
 we wish they had not been used.” — No restrictions how- 
 ever were laid on the translation or circulation of the 
 Scriptures. 
 
BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. v. 
 
 G5 
 
 From the time that the Jessore brethren were formed 
 into a church, one of the native preachers has gone over 
 at least once in a month to assist them, and to administer 
 the Lord’s supper amongst them. Mr William Carey 
 having visited them in September, gave a pleasing account, 
 on his return, of what he saw and heard in some parts of 
 that district. He mentioned eight or nine persons, besides 
 the members, who appeared to be inquiring in good earnest 
 what they must do to be saved. 
 
 On the 11th of October, a Mr and Mrs Pittman were 
 baptised ; and on the first of November, Miss Williamson, 
 a lady from Elgin, Scotland. 
 
 The state of public morals amongst Europeans is sup- 
 posed never to have been lower than at this tiihe. Plays, 
 masquerades, and every species of dissipation, are on the 
 increase ; and amongst people of this description it need 
 not be added, the religion of Jesus Christ is scouted. Yet 
 it prospers, even among Europeans ; and though the na- 
 tives plainly perceive that it is not the wish of many of their 
 superiors that they should become Christians, yet they are 
 not the less inclined to inquire after the good and the 
 right way. It may also be to the honour of the gospel 
 thus to make its way. — “ Not by might, nor by power ; 
 but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” 
 
 - The following is the state of the translations, as given 
 by Mr Carey, at the end of the year IS 07. “ The work 
 
 of printing the scriptures is now going on in six languages, 
 and that of translating them in six more. The Benga- 
 lee is all printed, except from Judges vii. to the end of 
 Esther ; the Sungscrit New Testament to Acts xxvii. ; 
 the Orissa to John xxi.; the Mahratta (2ded.) to the end 
 of Matthew ; the Hindostanec. (new version) to Mark v. 
 and Matthew is begun printing in Guzeiattee, 
 
 u The translation is carried on nearly to the end of John, 
 in Chinese, Telinga, Kuril at a, and the language of the 
 
180 “.] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 6 ? 
 
 Seeks. It is also Carried on to a pretty large extent in 
 Persian , and begun in Barmah. 
 
 In addition to the translations carrying on at Seram- 
 pore, the missionaries received manuscript copies of the 
 gospels translated into Malai/a/a , the language spoken in 
 Travancore and the adjoining countries. They were 
 translated from the Syriac, under the direction of the 
 bishop of the Syrian churches in those parts, and sent 
 to Serampore to be printed. 
 
 Towards the fatter end of this year several of the 
 native brethren were diligently employed in preaching 
 the gospel. The following are extracts from the journal 
 of Peep Chund and Ram Presaud: “ tarried in the 
 neighbourhood of Goamalty about a month and a half, 
 preaching daily to the farmers who were cultivating the 
 indigo plant, and to many other strangers. We also' visit- 
 ed many tillages and distributed tracts. At Miniary* 
 we continued a week, preaching to and conversing with 
 great nunibers, who had never heard the gospel from their 
 own countrymen before. At Purneah we preached two 
 days together in the market-place to great multitudes, 
 some heard with a ready mind, others derided. In the 
 last part of our journey, the gospel was a new sound, mul- 
 titudes heard who had never heard it before, and who may 
 never hear it again, or know its value, till they see the 
 Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven !” 
 
 In October died Mr Creighton of Goamalty, -and Mr 
 William Grant of Munoharee, both at the same place, 
 and within a fortnight of each other. The labours of 
 these excellent men in establishing schools, circulating 
 the scriptures, and otherwise promoting Christianity, 
 were of great importance to the cause of Christ in Bengal, 
 and their death would of course be severely felt. They 
 were lovely and pleasant in their lives, say the mission- 
 
 I y 
 
 * The residence of the late Mr William Grant, sometimes written Munoharee- 
 
68 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. v. 
 
 aries, and in their death they were not divided! The 
 former had drawn up some valuable thoughts on the esta- 
 blishment of schools, which are printed in the Periodical 
 Accounts, Vol. III. p. 445 ; and the latter bequeathed 
 twenty thousand rupees (about 25001.) to the mission, ten 
 thousand to the translations, and ten thousand for the sup- 
 port of an evangelical ministry in a church called the 
 mission church in Calcutta. In consequence of these events 
 Mr Mardon was soon afterwards stationed at Goamalty, 
 and Mr Moore at Munoharee. 
 
 Towards the end of November the brethren James 
 Chater and Felix Carey, with their families, after form- 
 ing themselves into a church, and chusing brother Chater 
 for their pastor, and after being committed to God by their 
 brethren, embarked for Rangoon , where they safely ar- 
 rived after a voyage of eighteen days. 
 
 In a review of the year 1807, fifteen, it appears, have 
 been added to the church at Serampore and Calcutta, 
 among whom were five Europeans and an American ; three 
 to that at Cutwa ; and two to that at Dinagepore ; two 
 were restored after exclusion ; tw r o called to the ministry, 
 and two new churches formed ; — new rules were formed 
 suited to the present state of the mission, every station 
 being independent of the other, but all united' as a general 
 body ; — a considerable advance w’as made in ten of the 
 translations ; two new founts of type completed, viz. the 
 Orissa , and the Mahratta , and two others begun, viz. the 
 .Burmah and Chinese ; a new and improved fount of Na- 
 gree also begun ; — with respect to Printing , an impres- 
 sion of 1500 copies of the fourth volume of the Benga- 
 lee Old Testament, (containing all the prophets), complet- 
 ed ; the third volume, comprising the historical books, in 
 the press, wdiich, when finished, w'ould complete the Ben- 
 galee Bible; an edition of 10,000 copies of Luke, the 
 Acts, and the epistle to the Romans, completed ; the 
 
1808 .] OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 6§ 
 
 New Testament in the Shanscrit and Orissa consider- 
 ably advanced ; the Hindostanee , Mahrattu and Guzu- 
 ratee , put to press. 
 
 SECTION VI. 
 
 Progress of the Mission continued to January 
 1 809 , including a List 0 ) the Persons baptised 
 from the commencement, tyc. 
 
 ON January 28 . Serampore was taken by the Eng- 
 lish, but without making any difference in the situation 
 of the missionaries. A considerable addition was made 
 about this time to their audience, not only on Lord’s 
 days, but at their ordinary family worship. 
 
 Mr F. Carey, having studied medicine at Calcutta, in- 
 troduced the Vaccine inoculation at Rangoon. After 
 having inoculated about fifty in the city with success, he 
 was sent for by the Governor to perform the operation 
 on his children. This circumstance proved favourable to 
 their settling as missionaries. 
 
 In February Mr and Mrs Mardon departed for their 
 new residence at Goamalty, Kreeshno Dass , Goburdhttn, 
 and Ram Presaud, with their wives and families, accom- 
 panied them, and who on their arrival formed themselves 
 into a church. 
 
 About this time several died. One of them was a Mr 
 Burney, a teacher of the orphan school at Calcutta, one 
 of the first fruits of Mr Thomas’s early labours. He had 
 some occasion to visit Rangoon, was taken ill before his 
 arrival, and died early in the month of March, very 
 happy, in the house of the missionaries. They had ano- 
 
 K 
 
70 
 
 BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 [Sect. vi. 
 
 ther death in April, at Serampore, of an eminent Hindoo 
 Christian, whose name was Futick. He was baptised in 
 1804, and during the four years of his Christian progress, 
 had been instrumental in the conversion of his mother and 
 his sister ( Bhanee,') also of Kanaee, Kmt.no, and Deep 
 Chunk, his neighbours. At the time of J'ulii death 
 . Deep C/utfta had, to the great grief of his friends, gone 
 back into idolatry. This lay heavy on Futick ’ •• mind, and 
 before his departure he intreated the brethren to seek after 
 that poor wanderer.* 
 
 The members of the infant church at Goamalty had a 
 large portion of affliction during this summer. Mr Mardon 
 for some time lost the use of his speech. He and Mrs 
 Mardon were both very ill for a long time, and obliged 
 to leave the station for the sake of medical assistance. 
 The natives wept on their departure. There was also 
 much affliction among them, so that for the greater part of 
 the season they were unable to engage in any active labours. 
 u But to shew,” as Mr Mardon says, “ that success does 
 not depend on the strength and exertions of poor mortals, 
 the Lord hath wrought among the heathen for his great 
 name’s sake ! ” They had begun with seven. Mr Ephraim 
 Burford, who had joined the church at Serampore in 1S06, 
 being engaged in the indigo business in the neighbourhood 
 of Goamalty, removed his communion to them; and on 
 Lord’s day, June 19 th, four were baptized, viz. Mr John- 
 son, an assistant in the indigo works, and three natives, 
 which made their number twelve. Mr Mardon also speaks 
 of several more of whose conversion he entertained great 
 hopes, and of two persons in particular who had died, and 
 whose death was attended with some circunistances pecu- 
 liarly affecting. 
 
 * Sec an interesting Account of Futick’s family in Periodical Accounts, 
 Vol. .III. p. 3!)8, and which is continued, on occasion of his death, in No. 
 XIX. p. 511. 
 
1808 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 71 
 
 One was a byraggee of the name of Subhasingha of the 
 Rajpoot cast, who was going on a pilgrimage to the temple 
 of Jaggurnaut. Mr Mardon observing him to stop under 
 a tree at Goamalty, and being unable at that time to speak 
 much himself, requested Kreeshno Dass to go and speak 
 to him. He accordingly went, and in conversation told 
 him of the sufferings and death of Christ for the salvation 
 of sinners. The poor man seemed to feel the subject as 
 suited to his case. He said “ he would take Christ for 
 his refuge, and instead of prosecuting his journey to Jag- 
 gurnaut, would stop and hear more of the word of God, 
 believing that by this his soul would be purified.” 44 On 
 hearing this,” says Mr Mardon, 44 Kreeshno came to me 
 almost in raptures to know what he should do. I re- 
 quested him to take the man to his house, and instruct 
 him in the way of salvation. I -went over shortly after 
 and spoke to him a little myself. He was very attentive. 
 In the course of the day the native brethren, especially 
 Kreeshno , conversed with him freely, and in the evening 
 directed their prayers particularly on his behalf. He ate 
 with them without hesitation, making nothing, as it would 
 seem, of his cast ! The next morning; he threw off his 
 poita and necklace, as useless things ! His body was in 
 a very weak state. Next morning he appeared as usual, 
 but in a few hours lost his speech, and seemed to be in 
 pain. About three in the afternoon, surrounded by us 
 all, he died. May we not hope that this was a brand 
 plucked out of the burning ?” 
 
 Another was a Hindoo, an inquirer after the way of 
 salvation, whose name was Heeradee. 44 Nearly two 
 months ago (says Mr Mardon in a letter of Sept. 6.) he 
 was bitten by a mad jackall in the corner of his mouth. 
 It is only & week yesterday since I heard of it, when the 
 natives brought him hither to get some medicines for him. 
 On Monday last he began to feel the effects of the bite, 
 and concluded he should die. Mrs Mardon went over 
 
BRIEF NARRATIVE 
 
 72 - 
 
 [Sect. vi. 
 
 twice to see him. He was very earnest in prayer, not 
 only for himself, but also for the church, that the Lord 
 would pour out his blessing upon it. He was much in 
 prayer the ensuing night. Yesterday he began to be 
 enraged. The native brethren were afraid to come near 
 him. Mr Johnson visited him repeatedly. In the even- 
 ing he and Mr Burford were obliged to tie him down 
 to the bedstead. This morning he appeared much the 
 same. At intervals, however, the fits would leave him, 
 and his reason return, and those seasons he would improve 
 by prayer, or by talking about Jesus. He had the use 
 of his reason it seems at last, for he expired with prayer 
 upon his lips, between eight and nine o’clock this morn- 
 ing ! He has left a widow 'and two children.” 
 
 During this year Mrs F. Carey and Mrs Chater, being 
 very unwell at Rangoon, it was thought necessary for them 
 to go to Serampore. On May 14th, they and their chil- 
 dren arrived. After a while Mr Felix Carey followed 
 them. Towards the latter end of the year, he and Mrs 
 Chater returned to Rangoon, leaving Mrs F. Carey at Se- 
 rampore. In December, after being delivered of her third 
 child, she died. Mr Chater, who by reason of these afflic- 
 tions, was left alone for some time, was making progress 
 in the language, in which he was assisted not only by his 
 teacher, but by the kindness of a Mr Babasheen, an Ar- 
 menian gentleman, in office under Government, and who 
 discovered much interest in the settlement of the mis- 
 sionaries in the country. Besides this, Mr Chater began 
 building a dwelling house and a place of worship, towards 
 the expences of which he obtained a handsome collection 
 from among the merchants. 
 
 The Armenian brother, C 'ufapcit C ha lor, after visiting 
 Jessore in company with Srbu&ram, was sent to reside 
 among the brethren in that district. 
 
 At Serampore twelve were added in three of the sum- 
 mer months ; and Deep Chund who had fallen into ido- 
 
1808 .] 
 
 OF THE BAPTIST MISSION. 
 
 73 
 
 latry, came back with contrition, and was restored to the 
 church. The account which he gave of the occasion of 
 his fall, the state of his mind under it, and the effects of 
 several visits from his brethren, together with a letter from 
 the church, were very affecting.* 
 
 The Danish clergyman at Serampore being dead, a 
 question was moved among the inhabitants, who should 
 succeed him ? The majority expressed their wish, that 
 the missionaries might be permitted to do so. A peti- 
 tion was accordingly presented to the Governor-General 
 for the purpose, and which being, granted, the parish 
 church has from that time (about September) been occu- 
 pied by some one of the brethren. They accept of ne 
 pecuniary reward for their services. 
 
 Towards the latter end of September there was a second 
 examination of the lads engaged in the study of the Chi- 
 nese language, held at Serampore ; at which were present 
 the Vice-president of the Asiatic Society, with several 
 other European gentlemen, who expressed their satisfac- 
 tion in very strong terms, and their conviction that nothing 
 but perseverance was necessary to the complete acqui- 
 sition of the Chinese language. Rewards were presented 
 to the lads. 
 
 In October they say, “ almost all the increase which 
 the Serampore church has lately received has been from 
 Calcutta. The opening of the new chapel is anxiously 
 looked for by many. Our brother Oaky of that city, 
 whose father is or was a member of the baptist church at 
 Kingstanley in Gloucestershire, died this month in the 
 blessed hope of everlasting life. In a letter dated Nov. 
 29th they speak of having stationed Kreeshnoo (the first 
 Christian convert) at Calcutta, where he is constantly em- 
 ployed in preaching and conversing about Christ, some- 
 times to natives, and sometimes to Europeans. They also 
 
 * See the particulars in the Periodical Accounts, No. XIX. p. MS>, 
 
7.4 JJRIEF narrative [Sect. vi. 
 
 mention their having access to the prison , (the jailor and 
 his wife having joined the church) and also to the dispen- 
 sary, at both which places there is great opportunity of 
 addressing the afflicted and miserable people. 
 
 No particular review of the events of this year has 
 been received, but in a letter from Mr Ward, dated Jan. 
 12th 1809, he says, “ Brother Robinson is going up to 
 form a station on the borders of Bootan , though on the 
 Company’s territories. He goes alone, but sister R. will 
 soon follow him. If this succeed, we shall have ten Mis- 
 sionary stations : viz. 
 
 Bootan, 
 
 Robinson. 
 
 Dinagepore, 
 
 Fernandez. 
 
 Saddamahl, 
 
 Wm. Carey. 
 
 Goama/ty, 
 
 Mar don. 
 
 Miniary, 
 
 Moore. 
 
 Cutwa, 
 
 Chamberlain. 
 
 Jessore, 
 
 Carapeit Chator. 
 
 Serampore, 
 
 Carey, Sec. 
 
 Calcutta, 
 
 Carey, 8cc. 
 
 Rangoon, 
 
 Chater and F. Carey. 
 
 The SJianscrit Testament is out, the last volume of the 
 Bengalee Bible, with another volume of the Ramayuna ; 
 the Orissa New Testament I hope will be out in March ; 
 the new chapel in Calcutta (70 feet square) was opened 
 on Jan. 1st, and last Lord’s day we baptized in it ; several 
 others are coming forward ; Mrs Carey is unwell, all the 
 .rest of us are well. The publications in England against 
 the mission have created no alarm here. — Lord Minto re- 
 ceived the Shanscrit New Testament very graciously. 
 
 Mr Marshman, in a letter dated the 14th of the same 
 month, says, “ things with us are through mercy well : 
 we are full of encouragement and hope.” 
 
1 80S.] 
 
 OF THE BAT I ST MISSION. 
 
 75 
 
 In the autumn of 1808 , a brief Memoir of the Trans- 
 lations having been printed, Mr Fuller visited the north 
 of England and Scotland to collect for them. The libe- 
 rality with which the friends of Christ of all denomina- 
 tions, in Scotland especially, came forward in support of 
 this important object, may be seen by the appendix to 
 No. xviii. of the Periodical Accounts. It exceeded every 
 thing which had gone before it, in the three preceding 
 visits of 1799 , 1802 , and 1805 , and affords a pleasing 
 hope, that the work will not stop for want of support. 
 
 The following is a List of Persons baptised in Bengal, be- 
 longing to the church of Christ at Serampore, and the other 
 churches formed from it. 
 
76 
 
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List of Persons Baptised by the Missionaries in Bengal. 
 
 78 
 
 PRESENT SITUATION OR 
 
 EMPLOYMENT 
 
 We fear gone back 
 
 Called to the ministry 
 
 Died in the faith 1808 
 
 Doubtful character 
 
 Excluded 1804 
 
 Native Christian itinerant 
 Bengalee compositor, preacher 
 Gone back it is feared 
 
 Died in the faith 
 
 Printing-office 
 
 Died in the faith 1808 
 
 Died in the faith 
 
 Departed for England 
 
 Died among the heathen 
 
 Schoolmaster 
 
 India for life 
 
 Gone back it is feared 
 
 Bengalee compositor, Preacher 
 
 Now at Dinagepore 
 
 RESIDENCE 
 
 . 
 
 Sooksaugur 
 
 Now at Miniary 
 
 Panjeea in Jessore 
 
 Ditto, now at Serampore 
 Jamulpore, Burdwan district 
 Kishenagur 
 
 Jessore district 
 
 Ditto, now at Serampore 
 Burdwan district 
 
 Arenda in Jessore 
 
 Burdwan district 
 
 Panjeea in Jessore 
 
 From Scotland 
 
 Calcutta 
 
 Once at Calcutta 
 
 Cutwa 
 
 Jessore district 
 
 Bishoohurry, Jessore 
 
 Now in America on his way to 
 Jessore district 
 
 Serampore 
 
 Jessore, now at Serampore 
 
 Of Calcutta, then Serampore 
 
 CAST OR RELATION 
 
 Hindoo, 
 
 Brahman of Kishenagur 
 Hindoo 
 
 Ditto 
 
 A Brahman, lame 
 
 A Musselman 
 
 A Kaist 
 
 Ditto 
 
 A Brahman 
 
 Hindoo, nephew to No. 35 
 A Kaist, brother to ditto 
 
 A Kaist 
 
 A European , 
 
 Husb. of 9. Kristno’s daught. 
 Brother to Mrs Rolt 
 Byraggee 
 
 Acquaintance of Sheetaram 
 Writer Cast 
 
 Englishman 
 
 A Kaist neighbour of Kobeer 
 A young Brahman 
 
 Mother of Futick, No 41 
 First impressed at Petumber’s 
 ! funeral 
 
 No. 
 
 OOClOH(NCOTj<inOhCO OlOrl(NCOri«iflCI-35CO 
 
 tC ifi in vD tn in in in iTJ to 
 
 NAMES 
 
 Hurry 
 
 Ram Mohun 
 
 Ramu Kauntee 
 
 Futtick 
 
 Ramanund 
 
 Buxoo 
 
 Ram Kaunt 
 
 Hawnye or Kanaee 
 Soroop 
 
 Tonoo 
 
 Bisshonaut Mittre 
 
 Deep Chund 
 
 Mrs Felix Carey 
 
 Mohun 
 
 Caleb Hirons 
 
 Kangalee 
 
 Lohon 
 
 Bykonta 
 
 Mr Joseph Maylin 
 Bishoonaut 
 
 Bhagvat 
 
 Felloo 
 
 Golook 
 
 WHEN 
 
 BAPTISED 
 
 April 1 
 
 May 21 
 July 8 
 Aug. 5 
 
 Sept. 2 
 
 Nov. 4 
 
 1805 
 Jan. 6 
 
 April 7 
 June 2 
 
 23 
 
 July 7 
 Aug. 18 
 Sept. 1 | 
 
 
79 
 
List of P ersons Baptised by the Missionaries in Bengal. 
 
 80 
 
 >d Xja 
 
81 
 
 
 
 
82 
 
 Besides these, the following names occur in the Periodical 
 Accounts, of whose baptism no particular mention is made, 
 viz. Brindabund and Ponchew, at Cutwa ; Carapeit Chator, an 
 Armenian, now stationed in Jessore ; the jailor and his wife, at 
 Calcutta ; though these two last are probably included among 
 the twelve persons, who were baptised during the summer 
 months of 1808 . The usefulness of the Missionaries, how- 
 ever, is by no means to be considered^ as confined to the num- 
 ber of baptised persons. There are some who have appeared 
 to die in the faith of Christ, who never joined any of the churches ; 
 such as, Subhasingha, Heeradee, Mr Pinhorn, &c. Serious 
 inquirers are found in many parts, and come to Serampore 
 from all quarters ; while hearers at the various Stations are on 
 the increase. 
 
 The following is a List of the Missionaries. 
 
 Mr William Carey, sen. 
 
 At Serampore Calcutta. 
 
 Joshua Marshman, 
 
 ditto ditto. 
 
 William Ward 
 
 ditto ditto. 
 
 Joshua Rowe, 
 
 ditto ditto. 
 
 John Chamberlaine, 
 
 Cutwa, in Bengal. 
 
 Richard Mardon, 
 
 Goamalty, ditto. 
 
 William Moore, 
 
 Miniary, ditto. 
 
 James Chater, 
 
 Rangoon, in Burmah. 
 
 Felix Carey, 
 
 ditto. ' 
 
 William Robertson, 
 
 Bout an. 
 
 William Carey, jun. 
 
 Saddamahl, in Bengal. 
 
 Besides these, it will be 
 
 remembered that there are two 
 
 other stations, occupied by persons who were not sen* out as 
 Missionaries by the Society, viz. Dinagepore , Mr Ignatius 
 Fernandez, and Jessore, Carapeit Chator. 
 
83 
 
 The Translations about which the Missionaries at Serampore 
 are engaged are twelve in number, viz. 
 
 LANGUAGES. 
 
 Bengalee, 
 
 Sungskrit, 
 
 Orissa, 
 
 Hindoostanee, 
 
 Mahratta, 
 
 Guzeratic, 
 
 Chinese, 
 
 Telinga, 
 
 Carnatic, 
 
 Siku or Seeks, 
 
 Persian, 
 
 Burman 
 
 PROBABLE EXTENT TO 
 WHICH THEY ARE SPOKEN. 
 
 About Great Britain, 
 Read all over India, 
 About Ireland, 
 
 About France & Italy, 
 About Great Britain, 
 
 Read all over China, 
 About England, 
 
 The same, 
 
 Persia, read in India, 
 Burmah, about 70 mill. 
 
 PRESENT PROGRESS. 
 
 Bible printed. 
 
 N. T. ditto. 
 N.T. ditto. 
 N.T. printing. 
 N. T. ditto. 
 
 N. T. ditto. 
 
 N. T. of these six 
 last translating 
 for the Press. 
 
 The New Testament in the Malaysia is also printing at 
 Serampore (p. 67 .) for the use of the inhabitants of Travan- 
 
 core. 
 
 GEOGRAPHICAL REMARKS, 
 
 Illustrative of the. Map of Bengal. 
 
 The province of Bengal is larger than Great Britain. The 
 great rivers, Ganges* and Burrampooterf , with their numerous 
 branches and adjuncts intersect the whole country, in such a 
 wonderful variety of directions, that except round Burdwan, 
 Birboom, &c. every place is situate within thirty miles of some 
 navigable stream ; and generally within a third part of that 
 distance. Thirty thousand boatmen are always employed by 
 this inland navigation. 
 
 The rivers in Bengal are extremely variable in their course 
 or channel, owing to the nature of the soil, which is that of sand 
 or black mould } nothing so coarse as gravel being found nearer 
 the |pa than (Oudanulla) 400 miles up the Ganges. This noble 
 
 * The Hindoostanee name of this river is Pudda or Padda. It is also 
 named Burra Gonga, or the Great River, and Gonga, the River by way of 
 eminence. This explains the phrase, “ bathing in Gonga,” which oiteR 
 occurs in the Periodical Accounts. 
 
 f The name in Sungskrit is Brahmapooter, i. e. the son of Brahma. 
 
S4 
 
 River receives, in its course through the plains, eleven rivers, 
 some of which are equal to the Rhine, and none smaller than the 
 Thames, besides as many of lesser note. About 300 miles from 
 the sea the Delta of the Ganges begins. The two westermost 
 branches, viz. the Cossimbazar and the Jellinghy rivers, unite and 
 form the Hoogly. The former is almost dry from October to 
 May, and the latter is unnavigable for two or three of the driest 
 months ; therefore the only subordinate branch of the Ganges 
 (except the Hoogly) which is always navigable is the Chundnah, 
 separating at Moddapour, and terminating in the Hooringotta 
 river. 
 
 The hot season begins with March, and continues to the end 
 of May. The rainy season continues from June to September. 
 By the latter end of July all the lower parts of Bengal, conti- 
 guous to the two great rivers, are overflowed to an extent of 
 above 100 miles in width, ("as seen in the Map) nothing appear- 
 ing but villages and trees. Embarkations of every kind traverse 
 the inundation : while husbandry and grazing are both suspend- 
 ed ! The periodical rains and intense heat produce a luxuriance 
 of vegetation unknown in Europe ; and the rich variety of the 
 vegetable creation delights the eye of every spectator. 
 
 The lower part of. the Delta, called the Sunderbunds, which 
 is one hundred and eighty miles broad next the sea, is equal in 
 extent to the principality of Wales. This tract is completely 
 enveloped in woods, and so abounds with tygers and other wild 
 beasts, that all attempts to clear it have been yet in vain ! Here 
 salt is prepared, equal to the consumption of Bengal and its de- 
 pendencies 5 rvhile those who make it are in constant peril of their 
 lives, as the tygers not only appear on the margin, but often, 
 in the night-time, swim to the boats lying at anchor in the mid- 
 dle of the river. 
 
 In drawing this Map the best modern authorities have been 
 consulted. Both the Roads and the inland Navigation of Rennel 
 are here combined in one. Where the rivers are marked by 
 double lines they are always navigable j where they shut, or are 
 seen in single lines, the river, though also navigable, is not 
 always so. Serampore, the seat of the Mission, wall be found 
 about 13 miles north of Calcutta, and the Missionary Stations 
 will be seen tinged with red. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 o