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peace and confer on the things pertaining to the kingdom of Christ. On the 16th instant, as you have no doubt been informed, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, with their family and your own dear son, safely reached Cuttack, and I need not assure you how thankful and glad we all were to welcome them. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson were unable to share in our joy, as a passenger ship, the Alnwick Castle, touched at Gopalpore, and it was felt that much exposure and expense would be saved by embracing so favourable an opportunity. They are now, with their little boy, on the stormy deep. May the Lord, whom they serve, protect them while on the mighty waters, and render their return a blessing to the mission and to the churches of our fatherland. All the other brethren and sisters were present, and the interest of our meeting was enhanced by the presenee and the counsels of Mr. Cooley, from Balasore, as the representative of our American fellow-labourers for the evangelization of Orissa.

The conference sermons were delivered on Lord's-day, the 20th, which we felt to be a day of much holy pleasure and profit. Mr. Bailey preached in Oriya in the afternoon, from Acts, xii. 5, a portion of Scripture from which he deduced some interesting and pertinent remarks, fitted to impress us with the importance of continuing instant in prayer. "Who that knows the worth of prayer" but wishes to enjoy a much larger measure of devotional fervour? Oh! that all who have been " separated to the Gospel of Christ" may feel that their one great work is, "prayer and the ministry of the word," pleading with men and crying to God. The congregation was very large, and the sermon was listened to by our native friends with marked attention and evident interest. In the evening Mr. Taylor preached from 1 Cor. i. 23; "We preach Christ crucified." It was a refreshing and profitable service; the discourse was affectionately delivered, and the doctrine was sound and scriptural good old divinity. On the following Sabbath we commemorated together the Lord's death, and many, I believe, could from experience say, "Lord, it is good to be here." An impressive address in Oriya was delivered by Mr. Stubbins, on our obligations to manifest gratitude to God for his benefits, from Psalm ciii. 2. We feel it to be a privilege at our annual communion to bave one of the addresses in our mother tongue. This was delivered by myself, from Hebrews, xi. 13. Our native missionary meeting was held on Wednesday evening, and was the most gratifying service of the kind we have ever held; the attendance was good and the addresses were excellent; we were all exceedingly delighted with the meeting. The speakers, and the sentiments on which they severally spoke were as follows:-Gunga Dhor, "The case of an idolator leaving the kingdom of satan and entering into the kingdom of God's dear Son." It was illustrated by his own interesting history, and it was a rich treat to hear his graphic description of the manner in which he tested the divinity of Juggernaut. Rama Chundra, "The cross of Christ the theme of our ministry." Rama Das, from Balasore, "The intercession of Christ." Jugoo Roul," Motives that should stimulate us in seeking the salvation of others." Three were mentioned-Compassion for perishing souls; The constraining power of the love of Christ, and The hope of the final recompense. Thoma, "Necessity of prayer for the bestowment of the Holy Spirit." The young men handled their weapons well; but where all was so good it seems invidious to particularize. A fuller account of this interesting service will, I doubt not, be some time given to the friends of the mission: but I must not omit to add that Mr. Stubbins presided, and that the meeting was opened with prayer by Damudar, and closed by Kumbhoo.

The brethren were pleased to elect me to preside over their sittings. The reports from the several churches disclosed various interesting facts, and showed that much important work had been done, not only in the asylums and schools, in the translation and printing of various useful works, but also in the direct preaching of the Gospel to the people. Our preaching labours had been partially interrupted by the terrible visitation that had swept over the land, though not to so great an extent as might have been apprehended. Several had been baptized, though not so many as last year; and at Berhampore, it was said, an unusual number had been removed by death, but it was trusted they had joined

the church in heaven. Among these was Deenabundu, once a native preacher. He died in Christ. A favourable report was given of the printing office; there was plenty of work, many educational works having been published for the Government, as well as much mission work done. In these days when John Company is so much abused, (and sometimes unjustly so) it seems right to say that he has been one of the best supporters of our mission press, and he is a good pay-master. At Jellasore a new missionary brother, Rev. E. C. B. Hallam, with Mrs. Hallam, had arrived, and since their arrival there had been an improvement at the station. At Balasore the general state of things was said to be encouraging; four had been baptized, and by the heathen a disposition had been manifested to hear the Gospel. In the dispensary many cases of suffering had been relieved, and the Gospel had been preached to the sufferers. It was further stated that the Free Baptist Society had, at the present time, three missionary candidates, who were likely to be accepted and in due time sent forth to strengthen the hands of our American brethren. At several of the stations, especially Cuttack, considerable local aid had been obtained from the European residents. After the accustomed reports had been given, by request of the brethren, Mr. Bailey favoured us with the paper read at his valedictory services, and Mr. Goadby read the answers given to the questions on his ordination day, with both of which we were much interested.

One of the most important questions that required our attention was the location of the brethren who had just arrived: the subject was freely and fully discussed, and it was at length agreed that Mr. Bailey labour at Berhampore, his former station, in conjunction with Mr. Hill; and that Mr. Goadby be associated in labour with Mr. Taylor, at Piplee. May both these decisions, in which the brethren immediately concerned cordially concurred, and which appeared to be in accordance with the Master's will, receive His abundant blessing. The location of the native preachers was considered, and most of them were present and expressed their acquiescence in the proposed arrangements as to their labours for the year. The interview enjoyed with these our esteemed "fellow-workers unto the kingdom of God" was an unusually gratifying one. Mr. Bailey told them how many affectionate inquiries had been made in England respecting one and another, and how many fervent prayers were offered for them. Mr. Stubbins conveyed to them the kind wishes and friendly advice contained in dear Mr. Heard's letter, written by appointment of the committee. Much feeling was manifested, and tears of holy joy were shed. A less agreeable duty devolved upon me. Our old friend, Seboo Sahu, was present, and though he appears in a better state of mind there is still room for improvement, and by request of the conference I spoke to him on the importance of governing that "unruly" member "which no man can tame." On this point, however, as most of us know, practice is harder than preaching, for "if any offend not in word the same is a perfect man." Matthew having completed his studies was received as a native preacher on probation, and will, I trust, be useful. Danae, a highly promising young person in the asylum, and brother of Thoma, was accepted as a candidate for the advantages of the academy, and the names of two others were mentioned, but their cases were referred to the Cuttack committee. It was decided that at our next conference three of our brethren, Jugoo, Paul, and Juggernaut, shall D.V. be ordained to the work.

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Some valuable additions have been made during the year to our vernacular christian literature, and in this department brother Stubbins has rendered much useful service. I may particularly refer to two works, Line upon Line, Part L the translation for our young people of a well-known English work, and Phulmani and Kurana, a work peculiarly adapted to interest and benefit native christian women. The tract, "The man that killed his neighbours," is a useful addition to our tracts, though of course more adapted for circulation among our native christians than among the heathen; but as the English names, Reuben Black, Joe Smith, and Simeon Greene would be very strange to Hindoo readers, they have been very properly changed to Krishnoo Chundra, Hurree Das, and Prama Chanda. The funds have been supplied by the Calcutta Christian Tract and

Book Society, and by a benevolent gentleman high in office here. The Auxiliary Bible Society in Calcutta has also helped us by supplying the money for an edition of the Psalms in Sanscrit and Oriya. A good supply of tracts was ordered to be printed for distribution. Thanks were voted to the Nottingham friends for their spirited and liberal exertions for the establishment of an Industrial School. Resolutions were also passed welcoming brother and sister Bailey on their return to Orissa, and your son on his arrival. We also recorded, most devoutly and humbly, our thanksgiving to God for our preservation as a mission band, and for the preservation of our beloved native christians through this year of peril and alarm, and expressed our earnest hope that the intense interest awakened in England on Indian topics might be wisely directed to useful legislative enactments, and that in answer to the many prayers of God's faithful ones, obstructions to the advancement of Christ's kingdom might be removed, and the word of the Lord have free course and be glorified throughout India. We further expressed our heart-felt sympathy with other missionary societies, whose losses, in various ways, by this awful rebellion have been considerable. Other business, not necessary to be detailed here, engaged our anxious attention, but you will see from this brief sketch how many important matters relating to the kingdom of Christ in Orissa were considered at this annual conference.

I am thankful to tell you that Cuttack, and the district round it continue quiet, but I am sorry to say that the state of affairs at Sumbulpore (170 miles west of us) is very bad. You would doubtless hear last month that English blood had been shed in Orissa, a medical officer, Dr. Moore, having been murdered on his way from Cuttack to Sumbulpore, and his assistant, Mr. Hansom, narrowly escaped falling into the hands of bloody men. The rebels have intercepted the communication, so that no news have been received from Sumbulpore for three weeks, and it is also understood that the Bombay dawks have been stopped. It is on the great post road between Bombay and Calcutta ; the officer in charge, Captain Leigh, is one of the incapables, and has been superseded. Our commissioner left this a week ago for the seat of the disturbances, and it is understood that he has full powers from the government to inflict summary punishment on the insurgents. He is a servant of God, and a most benevolent man. I have full confidence in his ability and vigour. The Lord prosper his work and grant a speedy return to peace. There is evidently a bad spirit abroad even in this neighbourhood, that is only restrained by the power of law. After the missionary meeting last week, three native preachers, Rama Das, from Balasore, Jugoo and Thoma, with several native christians, were journeying together to Khunditta, and when eighteen or twenty miles on the way they were attacked, and several of them were beaten by men who were in Government employ as post runners. Happily no serious injuries were inflicted, but the spirit of the men may be judged of from their language: "These," they said, "are neither Hindoos nor English, they are christians; their time is come; their life is of little worth, of no more value than a cotton plant when putting forth: let them be destroyed." The case is now under the consideration of the magistrate, who will no doubt deal with them according to their deserts. Still we are not prevented from itinerating. Mr. Taylor and I have been travelling together in the country for a month, and we are all now preparing to leave home again in a few days. We shall not, of course, go into the jungly parts of Orissa, nor to any place where danger threatens. The Lord will shield us in doing His work. The Government has issued orders that all pilgrims from the north-west on their way to Juggernaut shall be stopped; and this appears to me one of the most important measures that could have been adopted for preserving the peace in Orissa, as the rebels are bent on mischief, plunder, and blood, and are ready to "take all shapes that suit their dark designs." They can assume the disguise of pilgrims, or byraggee, or indeed any other. What shall be the end of these things? One of the weighty lessons which the terrible occurrences of the past few months have deeply imprinted on my own mind is this, how much in peaceful times the bad passions of evil-minded men are kept in

check by the power of law. My hope is, that the elements of confusion will soon be calmed, and that the promise will be fufillled in our experience, "The Lord will bless His people with peace."

An incident which to me was deeply affecting shall close this letter. Last Sabbath evening, among the attendants at our English worship was a medical gentlemen, whose brother was one of the officers treacherously massacred at Allahabad. At the close of the service he showed brother Stubbins and myself his brother's Bible, which was found on the parade ground. A collection of psalms and hymns was bound up with the Bible, and a verse of one of the hymns was marked with pencil, and was the only one thus marked. It was the following:

"The hour of my departure's come,

I hear the voice that calls me home;
At last, Oh Lord, let trouble cease,
And let thy servant die in peace."

I cannot tell you with what deep emotion I saw that pencil mark.
Your's affectionately,

JOHN BUCKLEY.

LETTER FROM THE REV. G. TAYLOR.

Cuttack, Orissa, East Indies, Jan. 4th, 1858. MY DEAR MR. GOADBY.-It is with feelings of fervent gratitude to our heavenly Father, that I write a hasty line to inform you of what I am sure will greatly rejoice your heart, namely, that despite the distracted state of the country, and even the disturbed condition of some parts of this province, we have been permitted to itinerate among the people as usual, without the slightest interruption.

Brother Buckley (with whom I had previously arranged to take a tour) left Cuttack on the 12th of November, and made for the Piplee district; and I, accompanied by my dear wife and darling boy, left Piplee on the same date, and joined brother B. at Phatagarda on the following day. From this place we journeyed into the Bonamalipore district, where we continued labouring for a fortnight, we hope with success. It was our intention originally to have remained in that neighbourhood until such time as we should hear of the arrival of our dear friends from England; but as it was so early in the season, the rice was not cut, and consequently there were no roads for our carts; indeed it was with the utmost difficulty we got so far as we did. My gang had several break-downs, and on one occasion, could not reach our encampment until the following day. As our way in that district seemed obstructed, we resolved to go to Cuttack, replenish our stores, and proceed in another direction. We accordingly went to Cuttack on Friday, Nov. 27th, and remained there until the following Tuesday, when we made for the district of Hurritunpore. Here we found a most important field, and some of the largest markets I have seen in Orissa. In this neighbourhood we continued to labour until the welcome news arrived that our dear friends had safely reached Calcutta; when, as a matter of course, we wended our steps back, thankful to the "God of all grace," for having had the opportunity of proclaiming in the hearing of many thousands, the unsearchable riches of Christ. It will be pleasing to you to know, as it was most gratifying to us to witness, that the people, as a whole, never heard better than they have done this season. Indeed I think, so far as my own district is concerned, that in many instances the people heard much better than they did last year. In one instance this was very marked. In giving you an account of my tour last year, I referred to our having visited a village from which came Bhogaban Das, one of our Piplee native christians; and that on that occasion the people were most violent in their opposition to the truth, and would not so much as permit its sound to alight upon their ears. This year, however, they were all but silent; nor did

their silence appear to be the result of that cold indifference, much more to be dreaded and deplored than violent opposition; but it seemed rather occasioned by a sense of the truthfulness, and importance of the sentiments expressed by the preacher. The change to my own mind was most gratifying; especially so, because I went with the full persuasion that we should be sternly confronted. I was equally pleased with a brief conversation held with the nephew of Bhogaban Das. He seemed rather ashamed that he had not taken the decisive step and followed his uncle; and while I talked with him of his condition, and urged him to take Jesus as his friend and refuge without delay, methought I saw the tear of penitence stand glistening in his eye. May the Lord Jehovah " open his heart, that he may attend to the things spoken in his hearing."

During our travels, not the most distant reference has been made by the people in our hearing to the present calamities; and nothing in the general behaviour has led us to suppose that they feel differently towards us now to what they did ere the mutiny broke out. In one or two instances, however, persons who had become favourably impressed regarding christianity, mentioned to the native preachers, and that with much concern, what they had heard was shortly to be the fate of all "Feringees," and what had already been the fate of the "Padre Sahibs," and native christians. One poor man* told Paul that his neighbours had been telling him that the Piplee and Cuttack Padre Sahibs and christtian people had been blown from the mouths of cannon. "On hearing this," the man added, "I felt much depressed and discouraged; but replied, ah, well, you will see it is not the case; and some day ere long the Padre and the teachers will make their appearance in the market as usual." So we are again visiting the same place. As soon as we entered the market, the man exclaimed, "did I not tell you your reports were false? see here they come again!" And the poor fellow seemed as delighted as if he had met a long-lost friend. Another man, who is, I trust, in heart, a christian, had heard a similar report; and in speaking about the matter to the senior preacher, Sebo Patra, he said "Oh, brother! when I heard you had all been destroyed, my mind was full of sorrow! Yea, if I had heard such tidings of my own brother, I could not have felt more distressed. But I have not time to give further details of the town; these I must furnish at some future date (D.v.). Still I thought you would be rejoiced to hear that hitherto we have not been compelled to relinquish our work of itinerating, as many of our dear fellow-labourers have been in other parts of the empire. We sincerely hope and pray that this high privilege may be continued to us, although matters are by no means assuring at Sumbelpore, a little less than two hundred miles from Cuttack. No communications have been received from the above place for several days. A letter from one of our missionary friends at Balasore, moreover, stated that the Santals were likely again to rise, and that the Jellasore missionaries had come into Balasore. Should they rise, I hope there is no danger of their going much beyond their own borders, unless some other Hill tribe or tribes join them. Brother B. and I had thought of taking a tour beyond Kunditta, but as that would bring us into a rather too close proximity to the Hill tribes, we have decided to take another course.

You will have heard that Mr. and Mrs. Bailey, and your dear son, reached Cuttack safely. Since then conference has been held, and, I am happy to inform you, that brother J. O. Goadby has been appointed to be my associate at Piplee. I'm sure, I cordially thank those dear friends who came forward, and so nobly and liberally contributed to remove the obstacle that threatened to deprive Orissa of a another “labourer," and myself of a much-needed fellow-helper. But I must close, it is just post time.

My dear wife unites with me in kind regards to yourself, Mrs. Goadby, and family.

I am, dear sir, affectionately yours,

GEO. TAYLOR.

*This man is the person who last year stood up in Rutnapore market and preached to his heathen neighbours; and who we trust will soon come out from heathenism and join our ranks.

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