THE ORISSA CONFERENCE. 155 devoted worshipper of Jaganath, and sought to entice others to visit the shrine; now he goes to preach Christ, and to guide the deluded worshippers of the famous idols to the knowledge of Him. Discipline was unhappily necessary in the case of Narian Varistan, of Bonamalipore; but the native brethren to whom the question was submitted, while they admitted that he had been guilty of great inconsistency, recommended that he have another trial; so he was suspended for three months, in the hope that he will be much more watchful in the future than he has been in the past. One of the brethren proposed the question-a very important one too-can anything be done to promote the efficiency and increase the numbers of our native preachers? It was pretty fully discussed; and the answer given was, we have always felt the importance of doing all we can in this direction, and fully intend to do so in the future. It would, of course, be easy enough to increase the number of native labourers by lowering the standard, but no wise man would recommend this. THE WORK OF SPREADING ABROAD THE GOSPEL BY THE PRESS was fully considered; we reported what had been done during the past year, and decided upon what it would be desirable to do in the present. Fuller details are given in the Minutes; but it may be stated here that, among other things, it was decided to print another pocket edition of the Oriya New Testament-3,000 copies. O that we could do a thousand times more in this department of our work than we are doing! A year ago we discussed the desirableness of employing BIBLE WOMEN, and I am glad to report that we have now native Christian women at work at three of our stations, Cuttack, Berhampore, Piplee. This will, I trust, be gratifying to friends at home who are interested in this work. The Conference agreed to recognize these Bible women as accredited helpers in our work, and warmly approved of Miss Packer having the superintendence of those at Cuttack. Special funds will, we hope, be forthcoming to meet or nearly to meet the expense incurred by this additional agency. The operations of the ORISSA TRACT SOCIETY were fully considered. It was reported that another edition of "Sweet Story of Old" had been printed during the year. It is admirably adapted for the young, and the coloured pictures kindly given by the Religious Tract Society render it the best illustrated book we have in Oriya. "Mirror of the Soul," a collection of interesting anecdotes and illustrations of Scripture, had also been printed. This is a reprint of an old work considerably revised and enlarged, and will, it is hoped, in its new dress, be attractive and useful. It was decided to print a translation made by a respected member of the church at Cuttack-Babu Joseph Das-of Newman Hall's "Come to Jesus," and we shall all pray that it may lead many to come to Him in whom the weary wanderer may find rest and peace. It was also decided to print "Children of the Bible," "Henry and his Bearer," and "Phulmani and Kurana," the last named is an invaluable work for native Christian women. It was first written in Bengali by the late Mrs. Mullens; and the first Oriya edition was translated by Mr. Stubbins. It was gratifying to all the brethren to know that the financial condition of our Orissa Tract Society was 156 MISSIONARY OBSERVER. better than it had been for more than thirty years; in other words, a debt which had long been due to the Mission Press is cleared off, and we start again free from incumbrance. It is a blessed thing for societies, as well as individuals, to be out of debt. Debts grievously hamper honest men in their work. I had hoped, long ere this, to report the completion of the new chapel at Khoordah, but instead of this we had a letter from our respected friend, Mr. Bond, informing us that a further sum of about 300 rupees (£30) would be required to finish the work. This information was as unexpected as it was discouraging, but we have begun the building; it is now nearly completed, and it must not be hindered for any such sum as I have mentioned. It was also mentioned that two Missionaries-Messrs. Pohl and Bothman-are located in Jeypore, which is in the Vizagapatam district; and as this is an Oriya-speaking country, with a population of nearly half a million, Mr. Bailey was instructed to correspond with them with the view of rendering them any assistance in their work. The last I heard from them was that they had been obliged to leave for a time on account of fever. The town of Jeypore contains between 9 and 10,000 inhabitants, but is extremely unhealthy; and it is very doubtful whether Europeans can bear the climate. It is in Lat. 18° 55′ N., and Long. 82° 38′ E. Other things, which need not be particularized here, engaged our prayerful consideration. And now calmly and hopefully we enter on the work of another year. What will be the changes before another Conference we know not, but after the exciting scenes of the last two or three weeks we return to our ordinary duties thanking God for the past, trusting in Him for the future, and praying for grace to do with all our might the work which our hands find to do. Next to the blessedness of being with Christ in heaven is the exalted privilege of doing His work upon earth. May each devoutly say, "His work my fleeting days shall bless, Till health, and strength, and life are o'er; His love hath animating power." The Voyage to India. BY REV. T. F. MULHOLLAND. A STORY OF "DEGREES," IN FOUR PARTS. PART III.-CEYLON TO CUTTACK. SATURDAY, 18th Nov. (30th day).--This morning we are all in the best of spirits because our dreary run across the Indian Ocean is almost at an end. All the passengers are on deck striving who will be the first to see the beautiful island of Ceylon. Many are the mistakes made by the more sanguine spirits - clouds causing an optical illusion. About 2 p.m. we get the first unmistakeable glimpse of Ceylon's isle, and gradually we become charmed by the beautiful and sublime scenes which unfold themselves to our view-beautiful because of the well formed trees, with dark-green foliage, which skirt the sea, with here and there a handsome mansion nestling in their midst; sublime in the extreme because of the awe-inspiring mountains in the back-ground of Colombo, rising peak above peak till they reach an altitude of some 1,200 feet above the level of the sea. As we gaze on the picturesque landscape we are reminded of the wretched shrivelled foliage of Egypt and the barren rocks of Aden, and we think Ceylon must be the favourite child of "Flora." A STORY OF "DEGREES" IN FOUR PARTS. Some of our passengers leave us at Colombo, among whom are the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. St. Dalmas, whose society we have much enjoyed during the voyage. Their walk and conversation have testified them to be "fellow-helpers to the truth." Last night we had a pleasing and profitable meeting for praise and prayer among the large number of Christian workers we have in the Goorkha. Our dear brother and sister who were about to leave us were specially commended to the care of the Chief Shepherd. 4 p.m. The anchor is dropped, and we are riding safely inside the capital break water which successfully keeps back the heavy surf which rolls in all along the western shore of Ceylon. We are immediately surrounded by a fleet of strange small crafts, propelled by a stranger set of men-we say men, but we are not sure of the gender, because beings with robes like a lady's morning dress, and long hair done up with a crop comb, give one a confusing idea in regard to the sexes. The catamaran would interest our boating friends at home. It is like the half of a tree cut lengthways, and scooped out. At the side, attached by two hoop-like arms, there is a beam of wood that effectually prevents the seeming frail craft from toppling over. Among the first who step on board is that true friend of all missionaries, missions, our Indian Gaius, A. M. Ferguson, Esq. He soon makes himself known to our party, and, indeed, to all the Nonconformist mission workers on board, giving a pressing and general invitation to all who were not otherwise engaged to enjoy the hospitality of himself and likeminded nephew (J. Ferguson, Esq.) as long as the steamer was in port. The kindness of these two gentlemen and their dear partners was boundless, and will not soon fade from our memory. Brother Bailoy and myself preached in the chapels lately under the pastorate of Rev. T. R. Stevenson. I took the opportunity of publicly giving the Christian salutation of our dear brother and his wife. The many enquiries regarding them, and the expression of good received (especially by a Mr. Pete, a sorely afflicted but choice saint), showed unmistakeably that the seven years' work in Colombo of the present pastor of St. Mary's Gate, will not soon be effaced. The work here is very promising; the shepherdless sheep are not scattering. It would be a risky thing for a stranger to describe Colombo, having such a knowing critic in Derby. Suffice it to say that there are buildings which would adorn any city. The houses for the 157 married soldiers make us think that their lines are fallen in pleasant places. We have already spoken of the fresh green home-like look of the trees, which give a pleasant shade from the sun in almost every street. The drive along the esplanade we enjoyed immensely; but the railway carriages are not equal to the "Midland." Ceylon is by far the best fruit-growing country in this part of the world-the result of the monthly rains by which it alone is favoured. It grows capital tea-quite a new production. We had a cheering cup from Mrs. Ferguson, which we enjoyed immensely after the wretched decoction we were obliged to drink on board ship. Its cinnamon gardens were visited, the fragrance of which gave rise to the spicy breezes of Bishop Heber. While driving out with Mr. Ferguson we had our attention drawn to the banyan and breadfruit trees: the former with its roots dropping from its extended branchesthe latter giving fuel and food to its owners. It is pretty evident that progressive Western ideas have got a firm footing in Ceylon-long the stronghold of Buddhism. In driving through the bazaar we saw the Indian native at home. It is a sad sight--" sitting in darkness." God grant that they may soon see "the Great Light." The missionary has but to touch Indian soil to be sadly conscious "that the land is not yet possessed." On leaving Ceylon we were deeply grateful for the great kindness we had received from our Colombo friends, whom we shall not soon forget. we Friday, 24th. This forenoon reached Madras, after a very stormy passage from Colombo. The latter place boasts a splendid break water. But the maker of the one at Madras had not calculated the strength of his enemy, and his work has come to nought. We got inside the break water, but the difference was imperceptible. Those passengers who landed at Madras had to have all their wits about them; and even then they fared well who escaped with wet feet only. Madras, like a great many other things in this world, looks best at a distance. The buildings fronting the sea are really handsome; but I understood from those who went through the town that some parts are extremely wretched looking. The heat here at mid-day is intense, entitling the town to the name of the "Frying-pan of India." Had we not had such a pleasant time at Colombo, our first touch at India proper would have been somewhat cheerless. Friday, 31st Nov.-This morning we are riding at anchor in the mouth, or 158 MISSIONARY OBSERVER. rather in one of the mouths, of the Ganges. The voyage during the past week has been most unpleasant-heat, winds, and pelting rain-what Englishmen would call "a regular soaker." We are therefore exceedingly glad that our somewhat stormy voyage is near a close. 12 noon. We are now steaming up the Hooghly, and all are making preparations for landing. 2 p.m.-We have just received a note from Mr. Sykes, our Calcutta agent, telling us to prepare for transhipping to the False Point steamer. For several reasons we are glad that it is so, although we regret not having time to see Calcutta. The chief officer, who has been to the passengers uniformly kind during the voyage, gave us every facility to collect together our large amount of luggage. One sight characteristic, I suppose, of these latitudes we have just seen a dead body, possibly the remains of a poor devotee, floating down to the sea, with a kite sitting on it, revelling in the spoil. No one on shore was paying the least heed to the ghastly sight. Ah! people learn out here. 7 p.m.-We have had our last dinner on board the Ghoorkha; we have bid a possibly last farewell here to several pleasant travelling companions, and now we are leaving for the other steamer. We pass through what appear to be miles of ships from all nations. And at last we are put on all safe the steamer that conveys us to False Point. Saturday, 1st Dec.-Sleep last night was out of the question, what with the noise from the men loading the steamer and the bite of the river mosquitoes. Ah, we had a pleasant night! When Mrs. M. and Miss B. appeared, the former seemed to have a bad, and the latter a partial attack of small-pox, rendering them, of course, still more beautiful. We are having a look at Calcutta. We were at it, not in it. The view of the "City of Palaces" will be to us a pleasure of the future. Monday, 3rd.-We have safely reached False Point, and are looking out for brother Miller. We learn that he is at Jumboo, and to Jumboo we go. Well for us that brother Bailey is one of our company or we would be in a nice fix. The natives at Jumboo tell us that sahib Miller is coming-but when? Our good brother Bailey made the best of a bad job, especially in requisitioning the provender of the steam launch Eliza. We retired to a dak (or empty) bungalow, and made ourselves comfortable. 4 p.m., and no brother Miller. Ah, like Dickens' Mark Tapley, we can say there is now some "credit." We go to the house top and look afar off, but “no one coming," to use sister Anne's phrase in "Blue Beard." 6 p.m.-Still he does not come. But we must have our dinner. The cook from the Eliza did his best; milk in abundance was secured for the children. The provisions that were to do for the poor agent of the small steamer were taken for poorer G, B.'s, and the tablewith a dim lamp erected on a collar box in the centre-groaned under the load of good things. Really the room was quite interesting. The children lying on a stretcher-like erection, covered with the superfluous clothes of the ladies, looking out at their elders dining, thinking, doubtless, that India was a great country. By way of variety we had one or two bats wheeling round the empty room, and coming uncomfortably near to our faces. 7 p.m, and still no Mr. Miller. Well, there is nothing for it but make ourselves as comfortable as possible for the night -the ladies and the children in one room and brother B and myself in another. My sleeping companion suited the action to the word, and with travelling bag for a pillow, he turned on not in, for there was no bed-cover. Alas! I had no travelling bag to hand, and to go to the steamer was exposing myself to wandering tigers not unknown in these parts. My only available thing was a bunch of sticks. The ladies were hoping against hope in regard to brother Miller's coming. Mrs. M. was making her bairns as comfortable as possible, and Miss B., as became the teacher of young Orissa, was pacing, with folded arms, the empty room, thinking, doubtless, that we were having a fair start. 8.30 p.m.-Brother Miller just arrived, after travelling with all possible speed since yesterday morning. We at once learned that the Cuttack brethren were not to blame for our detention our departure from Calcutta not being telegraphed till Saturday evening. However, we were not sorry, or we would have missed our little adventure. Need I tell of seeing alligators in the canal which we passed through at the rapid speed of 14 miles an hour? Shall I speak of the hearty welcome of the friends in Cuttack? That you all take for granted. My story of "Degrees" is told. It has, on the whole, been pleasant. Many friendships have been made-much has been learned. God grant that our presence in this land of spiritual darkness may help to support the band of workers who are still toiling in the field. Arrival of Mr. Bailey at Berhampore. IN accordance with the suggestions of the Committee, and with the approval of the Orissa Conference, Mr. Bailey has proceeded to Berhampore. With his three motherless children in England, and with no missionary colleague nearer than Cuttack-a three day's journey distant-his position is, in many respects, a very trying one, and merits the sympathy and prayers of friends in England. Writing from Cuttack on Jan. 13th, Mr. Bailey says: There were so many things to attend to last week before the mail closed that I was unable to write you; you would, however, see from the minutes that the case about Berhampore had been settled, and I am to go there. The brethren recognized the difficulties attending the arrangement, but concurred in the view I had expressed. The position will, in some respects, be a trying one, but I have not sought it, and my only desire in connection with it has been to know and follow the guidings of Providence. I am, moreover, strong and well at present, and able, I trust, to deal with matters as they arise; and certainly am sustained by the conviction that I am in the path of duty, and may, therefore, expect the blessing of God. The brethren accord me their hearty sympathy and good-will; but the more than a hundred miles lying between us will render any practical help difficult in case of emergency. I shall try to make and find friends there, and I hope you, too, will endeavour to send help in the shape of a missionary brother next cold season. Under date of Feb. 1, writing from Berhampore, Mr. Bailey remarks: I write you, at length, from Berhampore, having arrived here at three o'clock on Monday morning, but all my belongings were in a state of such utter chaos that it has taken me all my time to get them a little into line. I have still a good deal to do in that direction, but as to-day is the great "poila," or first of the month, I have suspended other operations to get into proper harness, as this, of course, is of the first importance. I shall not, however, be able to do very much, as Daniel Babu will not be ready to make over his accounts till to-morrow morning, and I cannot begin to square till I have them. Shem, Balaji, and Jacob, have accompanied me on the journey from Cuttack, and we have had very good preaching opportunities. At Ganjam I met with two Baptists, one a Mr. K-, from Ongole, where he had been head master in the mission school, teaching up to the matriculation examination, but is now in the Salt Department; the other a son of Mr. B. Both are anxious to be helpful, and the former especially has the power to be so. I should be very glad indeed if he were at Berhampore. It has occurred to me that as I shall have three competent men here, and one at Padri Polli, and as no move of the kind has been made for some time, if we could do something at Ganjam it would be a good thing. Mr. K. would be able to give employment to any suitable men might send there, and would also take a kindly interest in the preacher. Shem thinks well of the proposal, and Daniel also, and I am hoping that Messrs. K. we and B. will be able to get suitable premises, which they have promised to do their best to obtain. We went about a good deal, and fixed upon a very proper holding, but it is not certain that it is for sale. We had an English service there in the evening, and I left for Berhampore about ten o'clock at night, and rode my horse nearly the whole of the way, arriving here, as I have said, about 3 a.m. on Monday morning, well tired and stiff with the night's wakefulness and travelling. I have since called upon all the European residents-more than I expected to find; there are more than twenty houses-and have been most kindly received by all. Nearly all the native Christians have called, and I have also been to see them in the villages. I hope to be able to get to the bazaar this evening, as I have not yet seen the native part of the town. We are discussing the probabilities of a book-room being useful and obtainable, the feasibility of employing Bible-women, the desirableness of a better-class school than the existing one. The Governor of Madras is expected in a few days, and we are preparing an address, the only petition in which is to be that more encouragement be given to Oriyas in granting appointments by the Government. When at Khoordah, on my way down, I received your letter of Dec. 28th. Though so early in the season, water is getting scarce here, and people are becoming anxious. It was cloudy yesterday, and we may have rain; I wish it may be so. I hope to get to the new village next week. |