MISCELLANY. NATIVE AGENCY AND LIBERALITY | by others they are gathered weekly on a AMONG THE SHANAR CHRISTIANS. particular day. On these occasions the catechists give in systematic reports of In the Magazine for December, 1855, the state of the separate villages under their p. 491, some account was given of the management. They report on the Shanars of India, and their native worcondition of the congregations and schools; the attendance at public worship, and the wonderful triumphs of the gospel among them, drawn from an inter- the places they have visited; the burials ship; the sermons they have preached; esting narrative by Rev. Joseph Mul- they have performed; the number of lens, of Calcutta. A pleasing view is given by the same writer of the employers; the number desirous of baptism; converts added; the progress of inquirment of native agency among the peo- the applicants for admission to the comple, and of the Christian liberality to munion: and so on. They also receive which they are trained. instruction; the missionary dictating a An interesting topic connected with sermon to them, or regularly reading the Shanar missions is the system of through for their benefit a book of Scripagency adopted by the missionaries for ture. In some stations, the catechists the instruction and discipline of their preach sermons dictated to them by the multitudes of disciples: of whom each missionary; in others they prepare sermissionary has on an average two thousand. In these extensive missions, mis- the missionary's criticism. Both plans mons of their own, and submit them to sionaries appear much more as the directors and superintendents of several conhave the same object, that of providing gregations than of one; and much more instruction for the out-stations. proper as pastors of Christian flocks than direct Similar reports are received from the preachers to the heathen. The influschool-masters. Again, in most cases, ence of each one of them is thus spread the agents of the mission pass through over a much wider surface, without be- different grades of employment, as from ing at all dissipated. The system of assistant schoolmaster to that of schoolmanagement is very complete through- master. Thence they pass to the office out all the missions; and will, I feel of assistant catechist; then become cateunder God's blessing, tend to establish chists: and finally may be ordained. the converts in sound doctrine, and to This plan is found to work well, as furapply the gospel widely and fully to the nishing a stimulus to exertion and imextensive district where they toil. This provement. In the Church Missionary system has been the growth of years; Society, there are also superintending and its elements have been suggested by schoolmasters and superintending catethe experience of actual wants. It is chists, who have charge of several divinot invariably the same in form, individ- sions of a district. ual missionaries making modifications of their own. All missionaries have a body of native catechists under their direction, who are employed in the charge of the various village congregations, connected with each head station. By some, all the catechists of a district are gathered monthly for three or four days at a time: sure, The work of the missionary in the complete and constant superintendence of the separate districts of each mission is by no means light. It embraces several distinct departments. First, a missionary is directly the pastor and preacher of the station where he resides. He also teaches the chief classes in the school of ment in the mission. Special instructors have been appointed to these institutions, and great pains are taken to secure the end for which they were established. The longer they are maintained, the greater will be the good influence which they exert throughout the Shanar missions. A thing specially worthy to be noticed in these missions is the practice early introduced among them, of leading the converts to contribute to the gospel which they have themselves received. In Bengal and other parts of India though a beginning has been made, native churches have been backward in this matter. The plan was first introduced into Tinnevelly by Mr. Rhenius, and was then adopted at Nagercoil. In all the stations, contributions are sought for various Christian societies. There are for instance the Bible Society and the Tract Society, both well supported in 1852, the Christians contributed nine by native subscriptions. In Tinnevelly, hundred rupees to the Bible Society. From Travancore they remitted three hundred and forty-eight rupees. Nagercoil and two neighboring stations, the same year the collections and purchases in the Tract Society amounted to the station, especially in the boarding a view of being fitted for employschool, and the Bible class. He has to receive the reports of all his native agents; to meet their difficulties; give them advice; or by them send advice to the people. He must also be prepared to see smaller or larger deputations arriving from all parts of his district at any hour of the day, to ask his assistance in settling quarrels, making up marriages, securing loans from the benevolent societies, or treating special cases of sickness. He has also to visit in turn the chief out-stations in the district; to examine and teach the local schools; preach in the village churches; meet the candidates for baptism; and settle a thousand varieties of miscellaneous business, which the people are certain to have on hand for his advice. He must also be architect and builder, not only of the mission buildings, but also superintendent of the village streets which spring up around his dwelling. How well these things can be done by devoted and energetic men, is proved by many examples spread over the whole province. Every station bears witness to their skill: but the villages of Edeyenkoody and Suviseshpuram; the establishment at Sawyerpuram; the beautiful Gothic churches, built of stone, at Suviseshpuram, Panniveli and Meg-six hundred and seventy rupees. At nanapuram, display it in the strongest some stations there is a Book Society; light. The districts to which they be- at some a Dorcas or a Poor Fund. In long are also some of the most interest- the Nagercoil mission subscriptions are ing, for the numbers and character of gathered as a contribution to the Home the converts, in all Tinnevelly. Society, and for several years they have amounted to a thousand rupees, enough for the support of twelve readers. Throughout Tinnevelly there are societies to aid the building of village churches. An immense number of such churches have been erected by their aid. They subscribe also to the founding of villages as well as societies, and are now endeavoring to establish endowments both by gifts of money and planting lands. Most of the Christians are poor, particularly in the southern parts; yet even the poor give willingly. Many that have no money, contribute lumps of sugar: their coin however is very small: the copper cash having a very minute value; and All the Societies among the Shanars have paid much attention to the raising of a thoroughly good native agency. Had they better materials, the results would be better than they now are, though still they exhibit a great advance on former days. Three Seminaries have been established for this purpose, at Nagercoil; at Palamcottah for the Church Missionary Society; and at Sawyerpuram for the Propagation Society. At each place a large number of promising lads and young men are subjected to a course of instruction, extending over several years and embracing the most important branches of education, with At many of these appear in the collecting | mission. The same plan has been acted boxes. The catechists and more wealthy on elsewhere. The societies have been formed on the principle of an Assurance Company: monthly subscriptions are paid; the fund is lent out on interest; and the widows of subscribers receive pensions in proportion to the amount subscribed. These societies have proved exceedingly useful. men give liberally and that too without boasting. In special cases many have frequently given a month's salary. One catechist in the Propagation Society's Jubilee gave four months' salary; and when Mr. Cæmmerer objected, thinking it too much, he said that he must give it in thankfulness for what he had received from the mission, and for the education of his children in the knowledge of the gospel. The same man on collection days has been known quietly to give his two boys two rupees each to put into the box. Richer men do more. In Mr. Tucker's district, where the Shanars are wealthy, some have frequently given five, four, or three rupees at one time: and one man on several occasions has given twentyfive. Let but the principle be understood and the habit established; and why may not the same be seen in other parts of India? Through the kind aid of the Rev. W. Clark, of Palamcottah, I have obtained a carefully prepared statement of the sums of money contributed by the Tinnevelly Christians to their different Christian Societies during the last four years. The statement is not quite complete: but it proves the astonishing fact, that the Christians of eleven stations, 21,000 in number, contributed during that period for the various benevolent objects above mentioned, no less than seventeen thousand rupees. If we reckon those of the seven other stations, containing 14,000 people, as liberal in an equal degree, it will exhibit the sum total given by the whole Christian community in the province, as amounting to more than twentyeight thousand rupees in those four years. At nearly all the stations, numbers of widows were found by the missionaries to be continually dependent on their charity. In one district, that of Santapuram, Mr. Lewis found a hundred and fourteen. Mr. Rhenius many years ago secured for their benefit the establishment of a Widows' and Orphans' Fund at Palamcottah, intended especially for the catechists and other agents of the Another plan for the benefit of this poor class was devised by Mrs. Mault of Nagercoil. Finding a number of distressed women in the mission she thought of introducing among them the art of lace-making. She procured materials their work very advantageously. The from England, taught them, and sold women learned it immediately; their the delicate process. At present there taper fingers being admirably suited for are no less than three establishments of this kind; two at Santapuram and Edeyenkoody, with the original one at Nagercoil from which they sprang. Patterns, pins and thread are obtained from England, but the pillows and bobbins are made on the spot. Instruction in the art is reserved for poor but respectable widows, or the very best of the school girls. To the latter it is quite a dowry : and great is the competition among the young men to secure as a bride one of the favored few who have acquired the skill. It is astonishing what beautiful work they can turn out, and in what comfort they are supported. More than this, the respectability and cleanliness of the employment react upon the mind and character of those who pursue it, and tend to preserve their intelligence and self-respect. Many of them are church members and consistent Christians. To many may be applied Cowper's beautiful lines on the English cottager, pursuing like employment. They are another specimen of what the gospel, the despised gospel, is doing to elevate the character, and control the principles of the Christian poor: and, though sceptics may doubt and infidels oppose, that gospel shall not be without its triumphs even among the happy lace-makers of Nagercoil. AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONARY UNION. ARRIVAL, &c. OF MISSIONARIES. Mrs. Bronson arrived safely at Madras after a delightful voyage. Miss Vinton reached Calcutta, March 6th, and left the following day for Rangoon, in company with Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls, who were at Calcutta for the benefit of the health of the latter. We regret to state that the health of Mr. Ingalls, which for a season was more favorable, is again prostrated. Mr. Whitaker, who has been in feeble health, is so far restored as to be able to go on a visit to Shwaygyeen by boat. Mr. Harris gives accounts of continued successes of a most encouraging character among the Karens around Shwaygyeen. DONATIONS. RECEIVED IN APRIL, 1856. Maine. Jefferson, 1st ch. 5; Eastport, Vermont. Windsor, ch., William Gay tr., 25.35; Newbury, John Renfrew 5; Phebe McLay 1; Massachusetts. Boston, South ch., of wh. 25 is fr. Rhode Island. South Kingston, 2d ch. and soc. 10; Westerly, ch., to cons. Dea. Albert Buel L. M., of wh. 40 is Connecticut. Bristol, ch., of wh. 25 is fr. E. N. Jewett City, ch. 15.76; Norwich, New York. Lebanon, ch,, tow. sup. of Rev. T. Granville, ch. 20.50; Horace Saratoga Asso., Stillwater, Eph. 95.00 Stephentown Asso., Chatham, 31.35 Hudson River South Asso., Mrs. New Jersey. Newark, 1st German ch., female West N. J. Asso., Millville, ch. 110.00 1.25 111.25 38.00 21.76 59.76 88.25 15.00 119.95 100.00 100.00 59.00 2.00 635.98 18.00 25.10 623.50 43.00 666.50 Pennsylvania. Reading, Sab. Sch., Jas. S. Hill's class, Michigan. 21.00 Orion, J. A. Rowley, per Rev. J. D. Cole, agent, 5.00 3.00 20.00 8.10 7.18 Clarion Asso., Kittaning, John H. Broome and Tioga Asso., Bing- 33.75 30.00 43.28 Vassar, Mr. and Mrs. H. Hobart 5; Perry, ch. 6; Pontiac, Mrs. Lucinda Butterfield 19; Kalamazoo River Asso., Kalamazoo, ch., 10; Galesburg, ch. 3.69; Battle Creek,ch. 13,75; Marshall, ch. 10.76; Ceresco, ch. 15 10; per Rev. A. S. Ames, agent, Jackson Asso., Napoleon, ch. 9.50; Brooklyn, ch. 6.10; Columbia, ch. 70 cts; per Rev. A. S. A., agent, Washtenaw Asso., Manchester, ch., per Rev. A. S. A., agent, 53.30 16.30 2.50 89.01 16.00 St. Lawrence Asso., John A. Leavitt 5; Mrs. Venilia A. Spaulding 25; per Rev. H. A. S., agent, 30.00 Onondaga Asso., Little Falls, ch. 8.28; Frankfort, ch. 4.25; per Rev. H. A. S.. agent, Washington Union Asso., Kingsbury, ch. 14; Fort Edward Village, ch. 14.48; Glen's Falls, ch. 17.28; Sandy Hill, ch. 16.62; Henry Tefft, with other donas. to constitute himself L. M., 25; Fort Ann Village, ch. 7.07; Iowa. Iowa City. Rev. Dexter P. Smith 4; Marion, "E. A. H." 3; Shawanoe Mission. Delaware Station, Wm. A. Conner, for def., 5; Charles Journeycake, for def., 5; Isaac Journeycake, for def, 2; Charles Armstrong, for def., 5; Mrs. C. Armstrong, for def., 5; M. Palmer, for def, 1; "Two friends of the Union," for def, 10; Joseph W. Amstrong, for def., 1; mon. con., of wh. 6 is for def., 16; Othawa, ch., Rev. J. T. Jones, for def., 17.75; per Rev. J. G. Pratt, 7.00 67.75 Indiana. Greencastle, Rev. P. H. Evans, tow. sup. of a native preacher, per Rev. A. S. Ames, agent, White Lick Asso., Greencastle,ch., per Rev. A. S. A., agent, Nova Scotia. Illinois. Mokena, Rev. J. B. Dibell, for def., 5; Bristol, ch. 5; Jacksonville, ch. 20; Delavan, ch., H. L. Fisher tr., mon. con. 5; Godfrey, Monticello Sem., M. S. Tolman 2; Payson, ch., Robert G. Kay tr., 23.35; Ottawa Asso., Sublett, ch. 13; Amboy, ch. 24; per Rev. J. D. Cole, agent, Siam. Bangkok, Communion Sabbath colls., per Rev. W. Ashmore, 34.10 $2379.89 Legacy. Salem Asso., New Hope, ch., per Rev. J. D. C., agent, Weare, N. H.. Mary Sargent, per Hon. J. L. Hadley, Exr., 5.00 13.00 Rock Island Asso., Johnson's Creek, ch. 16.00; Lyndon, ch. 7.50; Union Grove, ch. 7; Erie, ch. 5.50, per Rev. J. D. C., agent, 36.00 Chicago Asso., Bloomingdale, ch., $2384.89 per Rev. J. D. C., agent, Greenup, E. H. Starkweather, per Rev. J. D C., agent, 16.20 10.00 172.55 |