172 Ahmednuggur :-Report of the Ahmednuggur Station. JUNE, women connected with all our Christian families, and with such other families as are in any way under our control, are instructed nearly every day in Scripture truth by different ladies of the mission; and the natives connected with us, both male and female, have the opportunity of attend and effort, till this voice for help from | attended by the female members of the church, Mrs. Todd's grave is answered? About when it is convenient for them to do so. The twenty years ago, through your Board, you told her to come here. She was your missionary. But remember this. No one stands up in the place where she fell; and now, while you are worshiping Jesus, these poor Hindoos are vainly worshiping our departed sister, and pro-ing other religious exercises besides those above bably have been worshiping her these seventeen years, and, for aught I now see, will continue to worship her, till some one shall come to teach them the true way. Ahmednuggur. REPORT OF THE AHMEDNUGGUR STATION. MESSRS. BALLANTINE and Hazen, in submitting their report for 1852, first allude to the changes which have recently taken place in the missionary force at Ahmednuggur. Mr. and Mrs. Burgess went to Satara in November, 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder left for Kolapoor in November, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Ballantine arrived on the 31st December, 1852, and found Mr. and Mrs. Hazen already on the ground. Miss Farrar, through all the changes which have occurred around her, has remained at her post. With two native preachers, and five other native helpers, the station may be regarded as adequately supplied with laborers. And it is earnestly to be hoped that the God of missions will be pleased to permit these brethren and sisters to continue many years in their present relations, that they may carry out the plans which they have formed. Ordinary Services. The subjoined extract shows the usual routine of religious services at Ahmednuggur. "As heretofore, there are two services in the chapel on the Sabbath, one at nine o'clock in the morning, and the other at four in the afternoon, conducted by the missionaries at the station, or occasionally by the native preachers, and attended by our church members living in Ahmednuggur, with their families, and by the persons in the employment of the mission, as also by the children in all our schools, and by visitors from the town and the adjacent villages. The attendance of strangers is as good as in former years, though it is not such as we desire to see. On Thursday afternoon the women of the church assemble for instruction and prayer, the meetings being conducted by one of the ladies of the mission. On Friday afternoon the male members of the church assemble for a similar purpose, and are instructed in reference to their Christian duties by one of the missionaries. This meeting is also mentioned once every day, and many of them twice a day. The meeting for our native congre. gation on the first Monday in the month, at which information is given of the progress of the gospel in other parts of the world, continues to be very interesting." Messrs. Ballantine and Hazen deem it very desirable to occupy different points in Ahmednuggur; and they propose to do more in this "line of things" than they have hitherto attempted. Inquiry among Young Men. The following extract is significant and hopeful; and it shows the importance of missionary labor in India at the present time. "There is quite a disposition, among an interesting and increasing class of young men in this city, to inquire into the truth of Christianity. Some of these are the teachers of government young men schools, and writers in the public offices. Having received their education in the government institutions at Poona and Bombay, however, they have imbibed deistical opinions. They look down with contempt upon the absurd superstitions of Hindooism; and some of them do not hesitate to come and eat with our converts ; though they prefer at present to do this secretly, for fear of being expelled from caste. They cannot be said to regard Christianity with favor; and yet they approve some of its doctrines, and express a desire to know more concerning its tenets, with the reasons for believing them, as also the evidences of the truth of Christianity. For some months a society has been in existence, composed of this class of young men, the object of which is to discuss various subjects connected with morals and religion. It has been sustained in a great measure by two of our converts, Hurripunt and Daood, who have given a tone to its discussions. The existence of such an association, and the character of its meetings, are encouraging. It should be added that there are several young men in this society, who hav been raised up in our schools, and are prepared to go farther than the deistical portion in acknowledging the truth of Christianity; but they, as well as the rest, need the influences of the Spirit to change their hearts, and renew them in the image of God. Quite a number of these young men come to the Sabbath services occasionally; and, by their connection with our 1853. Ahmednuggur :-Report of the Ahmednuggur Station. 173 friends in discussions, they are frequently brought | female education; and we only wish that these into contact with us." efforts may be very much increased." Schools. The mission have but one school for boys in Ahmednuggur. It is taught by a Christian, and is the same as the Christian school formerly connected with the seminary. "Most of the boys are the children of Christian parents, some of them being candidates for admission to the church." In respect to another educational effort, which has been regarded with some degree of interest, our brethren speak as follows: "We have three schools, under Christian teachers, already established in villages where a number of individuals have pledged themselves to give up idolatry, keep the Sabbath, and engage in Christian worship. They are at Pudhegaum, Dedgaum and Chanday; and they contain in all sixty scholars. The teachers act also as Scripture readers, being professing Christians, and conduct religious services on the Sabbath, reading and explaining a portion of the Bible. The influence of these schools on the portion of the population which they are intended to reach, seems to be very good. The inhabitants of other places, in the vicinity of the villages just mentioned, are desirous of having schools on the same plan." Besides the schools above mentioned, our brethren have none without the city of Ahmednuggur, excepting one at Newasse, under the superintendence of Ramkrishnapunt. This has numbered fifty scholars during the year, and is the object of chief interest to the Christian in that stronghold of heathenism. The schools for Christian girls, embracing only such pupils as belong to the families of church members, or those entirely under the control of the mission, is kept at the place which was occupied by the former girls' boarding school, and is taught by the same teacher. Indeed, it is in all respects under the same regulations, except that the present pupils are not supported by the bounty of the mission. There is the same opportunity, however, for giving religious instruction; and some of the girls, now receiving instruction, are very intelligent. Miss Farrar has four schools for girls under her direction, one of which assembles at her own house, and is, therefore, more immediately under her superintendence. Her labors in past years have resulted in the establishment of girls' schools by natives themselves. They have raised funds, and set in successful operation two schools for native females, which are attended by girls of even the highest caste. "This movement has been rather injurious to Miss Farrar's schools," our brethren say; "still we cannot view with regret the efforts made by the natives to promote Out-stations. Messrs. Ballantine and Hazen next describe the condition of the out-stations. "At Wudaley," they say, "we have a chapel where religious services are conducted once or twice every Sabbath. These services are attended by the Christians in that place and in the neighboring villages, Khokur, Wadgaum, &c., and sometimes by those in two or three others more distant. The native assistant at Wudaley is required to visit twenty-five villages in that vicinity every month; and these tours he endeavors to make regularly. The religious interest in this region is very encouraging. There are several candidates for church membership; among whom are the wives of some who have long been Christians." From Newasse, however, the report is less favorable. Ramkrishnapunt, a native preacher, with his family, resides at this place. With the aid of a teacher, he sustains the school which has been referred to already, and to this he has the opportunity of imparting a large amount of religious instruction. He has daily religious services in his own house, as also on the Sabbath, all of which are attended regularly by the boys in the school, and by any visitors who may desire to be present. He also visits the towns and villages in his vicinity. "The people of Newasse," our brethren say, "are in general very bitter against the truth; and they will have no communication with Ramkrishnapunt or his family; though some come occasionally to his house, and converse with him on the subject of religion. But the prospect is very dark." Dedgaum is now an out-station, though it may not continue such permanently. It is fourteen miles from Newasse, and nearly on the opposite side from Wudaley. "Our school in this place," the missionaries say, "is in a very flourishing condition; and we have a native assistant residing there to give instruction in the truths of Christianity. The mahars of that village all pledged themselves to give up idolatry, to keep the Sabbath, and to attend our religious services, if we would station a native assistant among them. The interest manifested has been quite marked; and though no case of conversion has occurred as yet, we think that the circumstances justify the erection of a building to be used as a school and a chapel." But these people are likely to suffer considerable persecution from the authorities of the village. "We shall doubtless soon see them tried sufficiently," Messrs. Ballantine and Hazen say, "to enable us to form some idea of their probable firmness and perseverance." Chanday, six miles from Dedgaum, is a con- | the fold of the Good Shepherd. Several months siderable town on the main road from Ahmednuggur to Aurungabad and Calcutta, and is about twenty-four miles from the station. "Here," the report says, "we have a small school, taught by a Christian teacher. Only a few persons at this place are on the side of Christianity. One man is a member of our church; and another is an inquirer. In two or three villages, within a short distance, there are three Christian families, as also some inquirers who could easily attend religious services at this place; and hence we think of making it a regular station." The Church. During the past year five persons have been baptized and received into the Ahmednuggur church; and one excommunicated person has been restored to Christian fellowship. One church member has died; so that there has been an addition of five to the number of communicants. One person has been suspended from church membership the past year; and another, previously suspended, has been restored. The number now on our list of communicants is one hundred and fifteen; ten of whom are at present connected with the missions at Satara, Kolapoor, and Bombay. ago he expressed a desire to be admitted again to the church; and after a careful examination of his views and feelings, and a long probation, he was received on the first Sabbath of this year. He has witnessed a good profession before many witnesses, having for some time past been very active among the educated young men of this place, discussing with them the truths of Christianity and natural religion, and showing the folly of the superstitions which prevail in this land. He has a good situation as an English writer in the Judge's Court, and is, consequently, in a post of some influence. He bears a high character among his native acquaintances.” It is obvious that our brethren have much to encourage them in their labors; but their hope is in God alone. They have an unwavering trust in the energy of the Spirit; and hence they feel sure that the gospel is to triumph among the Mahrattas. Seroor. STATION REPORT. As Mr. Bissell has resided but a few months in India, much of his time has necessarily been devoted to the acquisition of the language. By the aid of native helpers, however, the Sabbath services and other weekly meetings have been sus to the church in 1852; but interesting cases of inquiry have shown that the means of grace were not used in vain. On the first Sabbath of the present year, one young man received baptism. Two free schools for boys have been in operation during most of the year, one of which has had twenty-five scholars. As the other embraced the children of Christian parents, it had but few other pupils. During parts of the year favorable to missionary tours, the Word has been preached in the surrounding villages. "On one tour of sixteen days," Mr. Bissell says, "more than forty vil The number of baptized children is 159, of whom nine were admitted to this ordinance in 1852. This statement is followed by a few re-tained, as heretofore. No additions were made marks which will be read with pleasure. "The families of the church members," our brethren say, "form a most interesting field of labor, and one which promises the richest fruits. As the children of our converts grow up, they exhibit an interest in religious things which encourages us much; and the number of those of this class who have already been received into the church, or are now candidates for church membership, shows that God is faithful to his covenant, and willing to bless the instructions and prayers of parents to the conversion of their offspring, as well as our efforts in their behalf" The history of Daood, the converted Moham-lages were visited, in some of which the truth medan, is not unknown to the readers of the Herald. This report describes his case somewhat at length. After speaking of his lamentable fall, our brethren proceed to say: "A deistical friend, who was in the habit of occasionally coming to our chapel, induced Daood to attend one Sabbath afternoon. The thoughts which were there presented to his mind, together with the memory of past days, seem to have been blessed to him; and the next Sabbath he was in Ramehundra, a native helper, is still residing the same place again. And ever since he has at Seroor, and conducts the religious services in been a most punctual attendant upon the preach- the chapel on the Sabbath. A few Christian ing of the Word. His appearance in the chapel | families remain; but the number of church memwas the occasion of his being remembered, in bers has been considerably diminished by remost earnest prayer, that he might be restored to movals to Ahmednuggur and elsewhere. had not before been heard. The kindest reception is often given by those who listen for the first time. In some places the people are earnest in asking for a teacher to come and reside among them, that they may learn the truth more perfeetly. They say to us, You come here, and talk to us once or twice a year; but before we see you again, we have forgotten all that you told us."" Gawar. LETTER FROM MR. COAN, FEBRUARY 17, tirely remove. 1853. Deacon Tamo. THE readers of the Herald will be sorry to learn that Deacon Tamo was in prison, at the date of the most recent communication from Gawar. Still there is reason to hope that he will gain his liberty very soon, if he is not already, indeed, enjoying the society of our missionary brethren at Memikan. A short extract from Mr. Coan's letter contains the latest information on this subject. We have to-day received letters from Mr. Brown, our Chargé d'Affaires at Constantinople, from Col. Williams and Mr. Dwight, also from Mr. Brant, H. B. M. Consul at Erzroom, which lead us to hope for the speedy release of Deacon Tamo. On reaching Constantinople, Col. Williams lost no time in representing the case to Col. Rose, H. B. M. Chargé d'Affaires, who promptly reported the case to Fuad Effendi, the Foreign Minister. He promised that he would give orders for the Deacon's immediate release. The case was delayed for some time; but Mr. Brant of Erzroom has Our there is still a dread upon the minds of the people, which, I fear, the return even of Deacon Tamo may not at once enWe hope our school is exerting a good influence, not only upon this village, but upon other villages. Not long since a lad came to us from a neighboring place, and said, "I can say the Lord's Prayer, and some of the Commandments." "Let us hear you, my little man," was the answer. He then went through with the Lord's Prayer and the first two Commandments, without a this?" "From my father." "But where single mistake. "Where did you learn did your father learn it?" "From the boys of your school." We not unfrequently have strangers present, while the boys are at their studies, who listen to their reading and answers to questions, and go away, saying, "Glory to God! There is nothing bad in all this." The mothers sigh for the return of her who was their teacher a year ago; though we meet with them once a week for religious instruction. We not unfrequently see the tearful eye under the exhibition of the truth; but we need the converting influences of the Holy Spirit. Erzroom. 16, 1853. continually pressed the matter with Col. LETTER FROM MR. PEABODY, FEBRUARY Rose, who has acted promptly. own Chargé d'Affaires, Mr. Brown, alIn the present communication, Mr. Peabody though we have not applied to him for that purpose, has kindly interested him- has described another case of persecution; and self in the case, and has interceded for the reader will perceive at once, that it makes a the Deacon. They all expressed the strong appeal to his sympathies. Within the hope that before this he would have re-limits of the Russian empire nothing like religious turned to his home. These assurances toleration can be expected. We can only hope, are certainly much more pleasant to us, therefore, that the God of missions has interposed than was the report, circulated through-in some way to rescue an interesting young man out this district a few days since, and well nigh driving his family to distraction, that he had been beheaded, and his body thrown to the dogs. Messrs. Coan and Rhea have been very happy in their work during the winter; though there is some reason to fear that their health may have suffered for lack of suitable accommodations There has been but little snow comparatively at Memikan; and yet the thermometer has sunk as low as 30° below zero. from the perils which environed him. And let us all pray that the days of trial for inquirers after the truth, in whatever land, may be shortened, and that the gospel of Christ may speedily triumph in all the earth! Eighteen months since there was in Nakchivan, Georgia, in his wealthy father's house, an Armenian young man, Abraham Khadabashean by name. He was surrounded by everything supposed in this country to be necessary to impart comfort and happiness. He was an only Our school has been in very success-child, much beloved by his father, who ful operation; and it numbers at present was very anxious that he should remain twenty pupils, four of whom are from with him; but no persuasion could inother villages. Many have expressed a duce him to do so. The riches, honors desire to come and attend our school; and pleasures of this world had lost their and some have promised to do so; but charms. He felt an awful vacuity, which no earthly objects could fill. He knew countrymen are most ignorant and bigotnot what was necessary for him; but ed, yet having a Persian passport and there was something that he must have, the regular papers of the Russian Consul or be miserable for ever. It was a spirit- of this place, he was confident that he ual necessity which, as he supposed, could should be protected, and succeed in his not be supplied at home; he must, there-business. I have said he had a Persian fore, go abroad in quest of the one thing needful. passport. The reason of this was, that the place of his birth is near Ispahan, where many Armenians reside; and it is only a few years since his father removed from that place to Nakchivan. He left us February 3, 1852, going by way of Kars. But whither should he go? He left his paternal abode, not knowing the answer to this question, with the prevailing feeling, however, that the object of his desire could not be obtained, unless he should go to a monastery, or a wilderness Ševeral months passed, and nothing to become a hermit. On arriving at was heard of him. We began to be Tabriz, he met with an Armenian ac- alarmed for his safety; and on inquiry quainted with us, who advised him to set we learned, upon good authority, that his face towards Erzroom. Having when he arrived at Gamri, in Russia, it reached our city, without delay he made was at once noised abroad that he was a known to us the state of his mind. Ap- Protestant; and, at the instigation of the pearing to be a promising young man, Armenian Bishop of that town, the auwe consented to take him as a scholar or thorities seized and imprisoned him; and probationer, furnishing him with nothing there is good reason to believe that the except a small room, where he could plan was matured in this place, as soon study. He worked at his trade enough to supply his temporal wants. as his intention to leave for Georgia was known. After remaining in prison ten We found it not difficult to convince days, he disappeared, leaving us in most him that the object of his pursuit could painful suspense in respect to his situanot be obtained in a monastery or a tion; if, indeed, he is still in the land of wilderness; that the thing necessary the living. In order to compel him to for him was the righteousness which is renounce his faith, there is every reason of faith, and is not to be found in such to believe that his tormentors will seek places, but speaketh in this wise, "Say to render his life miserable. If he is not in thy heart, Who shall ascend into only imprisoned, he is in some loathsome heaven," &c. "But what saith it? The dungeon, devoured by vermin, his conword is nigh thee, even in thy mouth stitution ruined by pestilential air and and in thy heart; that is, the word of wretched food. But his fate may be faith which we preach." This word of even more terrible than this. No indifaith he appeared to receive with all vidual is visited with such implacable readiness of mind, and searched the revenge, in this dark region, as that one Scriptures daily to see if the things who is suspected of the crime of seeking preached were indeed so. He habitually salvation through faith in the Lamb of manifested much joy that, though the God. Lord had led him in a way he knew not, yet he had led him into the light of truth. He applied himself with commendable diligence, not only to the acquisition of divine knowledge, but also to obtain an acquaintance with some of the sciences. After remaining with us about six months, he received intelligence of the death of his father. Having obtained a taste for knowledge, and become acquainted with the way of salvation, he felt that he could turn his patrimony to a good account by expending a part of it in I have twice written to the British Consul at Tabriz, begging that he would lay the case of this young man before the proper Russian authorities, with a view to their making an investigation of the matter, provided they can get any clue, and demanding him as one of their subjects; but I have not yet heard that he has been able to effect anything. Constantinople. gaining an education to prepare himself LETTER FROM MR. DWIght, march 14, for greater usefulness. With this object in view, he determined to return to Nakchivan, with the expectation of securing it. Although aware of his danger from going into a country where nothing like toleration is known, and where his own 1853. Installation at Rodosto. THE following description of a recent visit to Rodosto, made by Messrs. Dwight and Benjamin, will furnish new evidence of the progress |