either) may he dwell ever in thy breast!" The several etymologies are curious, some of them obscure, perhaps forced, but exactly in keeping with the character of the Hindu poetical style and phraseology.

We have thus discharged our duty on the present occasion, and shall conclude by observing that the entire work of Chiranjíva, though not equal throughout, nor remarkable for a display of talent either in the thought or diction, is yet peculiarly valuable as bringing into a small bird's-eye view, as it were, some of the prominent peculiarities of the various sects of Hinduism both in theology and philosophy: it will eminently serve also to expose the weakness of reasoning by which the whole are attempted to be supported, and above all the innate viciousness of the entire systems here represented. The votarist of one God is the keenest satyrist of another. "What," says the disciple of Ráma, smiling, "Do you prove the superiority of Krishna from his pre-eminence in debauchery ?" "Why," replies the worshipper of Krishna," that very pre-eminence in licentious indulgence is predicable of Ráma as well." Rám and Krishna are pitted one against the other, and both equally seen to be unworthy, not only of divine homage, but of respect and love as mortals, indulging in every vice and practising every cruelty and excess. So the rival votaries of Shiva and Vishnu contend: "It is not the mere name," says the Vaishnava, "that proves the god; but all the Vedas and Puráns attest the deity of Vishnu: behold your Shiva, livid with ashes from the pyres of the dead, decked with a necklace of skulls and other bones, and the circling snake, dancing along amid ghosts and body-sprites, and malignant demons, in the fashion of a madman, naked, with dishevelled hair, monster-eyed, (i. e. with three eyes, the third in the forehead :) with blazing brow and red with fiery crest; how should so deformed and inauspicious a being as this confer blessings on his worshippers? I have ever heard that the worshipper resembles him to whose worship he is devoted: shew me then that one may not become a demon by the worship of Shiva? By such costume and such doings, he is declared to have been so highly advanced as to have obtained the name of Maheshwara or Supreme Lord, but how should he have acquired real deity ?" On the other hand, the Shaiva retorts on the Vaishnava, the superiority of Shiva; till at length both are silenced by a Pandit, who asserts them both to be one and the same being! Alas! poor heathenism,-such are thy gods; and such, feeble but proud reason, such are thy discoveries! Blessed be God who caused the light to shine out of darkness,' and who has revealed himself to us, poor benighted mortals, in the pure and blessed gospel of his Son. May Shaiva and Vaishnava, the worshipper of Ráma and of Krishna, Shákta and Vedantist, alike soon in His light see light,' and arise from the moral and spiritual death of sin, to life, and purity, and eternal glory! HAVARENSIS.

Missionary and Religious Entelligence.

CALCUTTA.

1.-THE BENGAL AUXILIARY MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

In the January number of the OBSERVER, we inserted a short notice of the Anniversary Meeting of this excellent institution, held in the Union Chapel on the 3rd of December. Since then we have been favoured with a copy of the Report for the last year, and as many of the readers of the OBSERVER may not have an opportunity of seeing it, and yet, feeling deeply interested in every thing connected with the propagation of the Gospel in this country, may wish to ascertain the nature of its contents, we shall endeavour to gratify their wishes by presenting a few extracts from its pages.

The Report opens with observations on the diversified methods God has been pleased to adopt for the accomplishment of his purposes of mercy towards a guilty world, observing that in some cases, national moral revolutions have been the work of ages, while in others they have been effected at once, but not without much preparatory work, by which knowledge has been diffused, prejudices overcome, and the people prepared for the transition when "a nation has been born in a day.' is the method by which this country will be brought to own the authority Such, it is supposed, of the Lord Jesus Christ, and hence the success of Missionary operations is not to be estimated so much by the number of conversions effected by them, as by their efficiency as means to bring about, in due time, that great moral change contemplated.

"In order to assist in accomplishing this important purpose," say the Committee, "all the available means of this Society have been employed during the past year; and considering the very limited number of the active agents of the Society, and the multiplicity of their engagements, as much perhaps has been done as could reasonably be expected. The Gospel has been preached regularly in the different languages of the country, and many thousands have had an opportunity of hearing the delightful declaration that God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosover believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' Por. tions of the sacred scriptures and large numbers of religious tracts have been circulated. The rising generation has been instructed, and in order to prepare duly qualified Native Catechists and Preachers, a Seminary has been established, in which Christian children alone are admitted.

"How far these means have answered the desired end, the Report now to be laid before you will only in part declare. Their full effect will be revealed hereafter. Relying on the promises of God, the Agents of this Society have gone forth as the ambassadors of the Prince of Peace, and have entreated men to be reconciled unto God; and though at times faint and discouraged, they have returned mourning over the indifference manifested to their message, saying, Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?'-yet at other times, their faith has been strengthened, and their expectations of success revived, by seeing the work of the Lord prospering in their hand."

The stations at which Missionary labours are conducted are Calcutta, Kidderpur, Chinsurah, and Berhampur; a short notice of Banaras is also given. The Calcutta station, which includes Kristnapur, is under the care of Mr. Gogerly, who writing of the Native Churches at both these places, observes:

"In these Churches, I have had much to try my patience and to exercise my faith. No one not fully acquainted with the character and habits of the lower orders of Hindus in Bengál, can possibly understand the difficulties with which the Missionary who aims at their spiritual welfare has to contend. Their apathy, indolence, and the want of all generous feeling, are beyond description great. A low selfishness, which looks only to the realizing a certain good at the present time, is the peculiar feature

in their character; and it is to be feared, that from this unworthy motive several have forsaken their caste, and whilst unchanged in heart, have called themselves Christians. Whilst such persons are a constant source of grief to the Missionary, they become stumbling-blocks in the way of the real but weak believer, and inflict a severe wound on the cause of Christianity amongst their heathen neighbours and friends.

"With much of this during the past year I have had to struggle, and I must acknowledge, that the effect which it has produced on my mind has been most distressing. Encouraging circumstances do, however, occur, and I am not without evidence that God is graciously owning my feeble efforts, and is raising up from among this people some who by their holy walk and conversation will shew forth the praises of Him who has called them out of darkness into marvellous light.

"Although several have offered themselves for Baptism, I have thought proper to keep them some time longer as Catechumens; therefore no adults have been admitted by this ordinance during the year into the Church. Two families at Kristnapur have relinquished caste, and regularly attend the means of grace; and they with many others stand as candidates for Baptism. I have been compelled to separate two persons from the communion of the Church, whilst some who were stated hearers have absented themselves. The villages have been visited regularly twice every week, either by myself or the native teacher, and we frequently go together. Mr. Lacroix also occasionally favours us with his assistance, either by accompanying us, or by going in my stead.

"In the Native Chapels at Hátkholá, Tontoneah, and Bow Bazar, large and frequently overflowing congregations assemble, and generally conduct themselves with propriety. Tracts are always on these occasions distributed, and during the year, in this manner, some thousands have been put in circulation."

Respecting Itineracies, Mr. Gogerly adds:

"In the last cold season, accompanied by Mr. Lacroix, I again visited Ságar Island at the time of the annual bathing festival, and in connection with the Rev. Messrs. Mack and Leechman of Serampore, whom we met there, preached to numerous and attentive congregations; after which, we proceeded to Kedgeree and the adjacent places, where the distress occasioned by the inundation of May most prevailed. The misery we witnessed in this excursion is beyond all description. Through famine, the very features of many appeared to be altogether changed, and they scarcely seemed to belong to the family of man. Cold, naked and hungry, they flocked around us, and with shrivelled hands outstretched, faintly implored relief. At one time, upwards of 800 persons surrounded us, and they exhibited a scene of wretchedness and misery such as we never saw before. To these poor miserable creatures we distributed the alms of some of our friends, and gave them rice and other necessaries of life. To these gifts, we endeavoured as far as possible to add the consolations and advice of the Gospel. During this journey we distributed about 3000 Tracts."

The Kidderpur station comprehends also those of Rámmákál Chok and Gangri, and is under the superintendance of Messrs. Lacroix and Campbell. Of the Church at Rámmákál Chok they say:

"It has been visited every Sabbath throughout the year, the ordinances regularly administered, and pastoral visits paid, as usual, in the villages during the week.-Six adults with their children, have been admitted by Baptism into the Church, and there has been a considerable accession of candidates; several Hindu families having forsaken heathenism and joined the congregation. Some individuals among these are hopeful characters, and by their punctuality in attending the means of grace, and their anxiety for Christian instruction, evince a sincerity not always witnessed in persons of this description."

Schools. The boys' Bengálí School formerly established in Calcutta has been relinquished. One at Kristnapur contains from 10 to 20 children. There are in Calcutta three girls' Schools, containing collectively 108 chil dren. Connected with the Kidderpur station are five Schools, in which 260 boys attend, respecting whom the Report states:

"The progress in the various branches taught is encouraging and satisfactory. The English school in particular, which has been recently recommenced at Kidderpur by Mr. Campbell, promises to be very useful. Although it has been but lately opened, the attendance already amounts to 50 pupils, principally respectable bráhman lads. The Missionaries look upon this circumstance as a decided proof of the decline of prejudice; for it is publicly known at Kidderpur, that the system of

education pursued, is on Christian principles, and that the books taught are of a religious character. The branches at present studied, are reading, writing, English grammar, arithmetic, geography, &c.

"In the Native Christian Boarding School, which is composed of the male children of the native converts belonging to our Churches and congregations, both English and Bengálí are regularly taught; and the progress which the boys have made in the two languages, since last year, is very encouraging. The Missionaries cannot omit observing, in particular, with gratitude to God, the great improvement of the scholars in moral principles and religious habits. Separated from their parents, who have but recently emerged from idolatry, and kept apart from the society of the heathen, they furnish an incontrovertible proof of the commanding influence of a religious education. The Missionaries have reason to believe, also, that God has made some of the boys savingly acquainted with the power of divine truth; so that a hope may be indulged, that they will hereafter become teachers of others; and at all events, Christians far surpassing their fathers in moral feeling and intelligence. This institution has been in existence only about 14 months. The Missionaries earnestly recommend it to the notice and prayers of all who desire the moral and religious improvement of India; and who long to see the power of our holy religion experienced and displayed through the length and breadth of the land."

At Chinsurah, where Mr. Mundy resides, it is said,—

"A third school, for boys, has during the last year been added to the two previously in operation. The school-house (being in a very good situation for the purpose) would have been opened as a Chapel, had my health permitted; the progress of the boys is very pleasing, and the expense of the two schools previously existing is so far reduced, as to include the third without any additional outlay. The number of boys in attendance in the three schools is about 300. The attendance at the Free School is now comparatively small; but the progress of the boys in the English language and in general knowledge is very encouraging.

"A considerable number of pious soldiers from His Majesty's 44th Regiment attend at the Mission Chapel, and afford me much encouragement. In addition to the regular service on Sabbath mornings, a service for their benefit has been commenced on the Monday evenings, which is in general very well attended.

The Female Department of the Free School, conducted by Mrs. Mundy at her own house, (with the assistance of a European female, who teaches needle-work,) becomes increasingly interesting: there are now 24 on the books. The children evince a pleasing degree of attention, never seem so happy as when at school, and afford much encouragement in every respect.

"The Bengali Female School formerly at Hughly has been removed to Chinsurah: the number in attendance is from 21 to 25, and it affords more encouragement to perseverance than any female school previously established at this station; the expense is considerable, but it cannot be reduced without injury to its efficiency. Time only will prove whether the benefit will eventually be adequate to the sacrifice. "A few inquirers from the villages occasionally visit me at my own house, and two or three also from the immediate neighbourhood who are intelligent, and of rather a superior order. They appear serious and in earnest in their inquiry after truth; but what the result of their inquiries will be time alone must determine."

After adverting to Berhampur and Banaras, the Report closes with the following observations :

"In conclusion, your Committee feel emboldened to recommend the Society to the continued patronage of the Christian Public of India. It aims at the best interests of our fellow men, and if the command To love our neighbour as ourselves' is still binding upon us, the spiritual necessities of those, among whom Providence has cast our lot, but who are perishing for lack of knowledge, should certainly engage our attention, and call forth our most zealous exertions.

The Gospel of God's grace has been committed to us, and we, as stewards of this inestimable treasure, are bound to make it known far and near; and if we enter upon this work with a proper spirit, relying entirely on divine influence for success, God will graciously own our feeble endeavours, and reward us far above our deserts: but if we are remiss in this important duty, he will visit us with his disapprobation; for he has said, Them that honor me, I will honor; but they that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed.'"'

2.-CALCUTTA BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The services connected with the Anniversary Meeting of this Society, which was held on Thursday evening the 12th ultimo, in the Circular Road Chapel, were particularly interesting. The assembly was large,

composed of persons of different religious denominations, but apparently animated by the same spirit of love to the Redeemer's cause, and desire for its universal triumph in this Heathen land. And the speakers, and all who took a part in the proceedings of the evening, appeared to feel that they stood on consecrated ground, and were pleading for a cause common to all and dear to each. About half-past seven o'clock, Rev. T. Boaz of the London Missionary Society, took the chair, when part of a hymn having been sung, the Rev. W. Ewart, Missionary of the Church of Scotland, engaged in prayer. The chairman then opened the business of the meeting, and in order to excite the audience to a generous liberality in support of the Society, gave a spirit-stirring account of what he had lately witnessed among the Churches in England, where many feeling the weight of their obligations to the Lord Jesus Christ, had from principle and a deep sense of duty, contributed largely for the promotion of his cause, and in some instances consecrated their entire gains unto him who is the Lord of the whole earth.

The Secretary, Rev. J. Thomas, then read the Report, which afforded gratifying evidence of the progressive extension of the Redeemer's empire in this Heathen land; beside a considerable number of persons, who were said to have renounced caste, and ten or more candidates for baptism, eighteen Natives were stated to have been baptized, exclusive of an equal number at other stations unconnected with the Society. The funds, we regret to add, were said to be greatly embarrassed, and utterly inadequate to the efficient support of the various operations of the Society.

The resolutions were moved and seconded by Rev. Messrs. Lacroix, Yates, G. Pearce, Campbell, and Ellis, and by Messrs. Woollaston, Byrn, and Carey. Rev. W. Yates, in seconding the 2nd Resolution, which was worded with a respect to the deficiency of funds mentioned in the Report, urged in a powerful speech and by a variety of arguments, the duty of Christian liberality in generously supporting Missionary operations, dwelling particularly on the worth of the soul, the solemnity of its future destiny, its happiness or misery ;-the example of Christ, and especially on the words of Christ, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and in conclusion stating some illustrious instances which had come to his own knowledge, of persons acting up to the principle he had laid down, and experiencing the blessedness inseparably connected therewith. One of those persons, he observed, had resolved to devote the whole profits of his business for one year, to aid the Missionary cause, and as the result had presented the sum of £900 as an offering to the Lord. The Chairman, in putting the resolution to the meeting, again adverted to the example of British Christians, and proposed that it should be imitated on the present occasion in this country, stating at the same time that two individuals had just intimated that they would contribute ten rupees each, if 50 persons would do the same. To this call upon their liberality numbers responded, some gave their names and others their contributions; and the amount received will considerably relieve the funds of the Society, and enable the Committee in some degree to prosecute their useful and important labours. Altogether the meeting was one of a most interesting character, and furnished a lovely example of Christian union and benevolence.

3. ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES.

We have only just room to announce the arrival during the past month of a reinforcement of Missionaries, from the United States. It includes, Rev. Mr. Wilson and Lady, Rev. Mr. Newton and Lady, and Miss Davis, sent out by the Western Missionary Society, and designed to strengthen the Mission of that body among the Shikhs; Rev. Mr. Brooks and Lady, who have come from England, by way of America, in order to join the