reach. I gave the poor fellow the best advice that I could as to his future conduct, and told him that religion would have saved him from his troubles, which he confessed to be true. This made us sorrowful for a good while.

we had only time to visit the school-house, which was being built in the city. It will be a house well adapted to its purpose; and when it shall be opened, I have no doubt, from its situation, that it will prove the means of making the school more useful. I understand the school is now well attended, for a place no larger than Ambala; but a small distance makes a great difference in a place of public resort; and therefore our school-houses should always have carefully chosen sites.

Departure for Saharunpur-Bearers contend for large wages-Preaching.

Arrival at Ambala—An inquirer after the truth. After another night's march we reached Ambala at half-past six in the morning, and stopped at the house of my old friend, Rev. J. M. Jamieson. Mr. Orbison, his only associate at this station, was still absent on the tour in the hills with Mr. Woodside, which I had left him just commencing at Kasauli; and it was vacation time in the school. I spent the day very pleasantly with the Jamiesons. A good Ambala on our way to Saharunpur. The next day, about five in the afternoon, we left I had Mr. part of the day was passed in long interviews with a Orbison's horse and buggy for the first ten miles, Brahmin-a Pandit-who was from the Panjab. He had been attached in some capacity, which I partly to save some expense, and partly to get over have forgotten, to the establishment of Rajah Gulah the ground more quickly; because the stage for this Singh of Jamu, whom the English have made Maha-into two. On reaching the place where the doolies night was very long-indeed, it is usually divided rajah of Jamú and Cashmere. Afterwards he lived had been sent, there was some little delay in cola couple of years at Kangra. He had met with our missionaries at Kangra and at Jawálá Mukhí, and lecting bearers, as they undertook to drive a hard procured and read our books. He appeared to be bargain with me, and to enforce it by a combinafully convinced of the falsehood and folly of Hindu- who are mere bearers of burdens, and work for half tion. I began to proclaim that I would take coolies, ism, and generally of the truth of Christianity; the wages of professional bearers, and then the men though there were some doctrines about which he came to fair terms immediately. While waiting for required further information. He was travelling them to get together, I talked about Christianity for about, making inquiries of different missionaries, and holding discussions with Pandits. There ap- these bearers had accomplished their ten miles, they a quarter of an hour to the people around. After peared to be several good points in him-he was begged that I would keep them for another ten; though living on his own money, and not begging, as many when they were trying to extort from me an unusual professed inquirers do; he had been offered a situation as a teacher in a Government school, and de- price, they did not wish to go at all. In the mornclined it, saying that he would first spend what ng after daylight, we crossed the Jumna; and after money he had while settling for himself the matter horse and buggy, which had been sent out for us, some more miles of jolting, found Mr. Campbell's of religion, and then he would take such service as for the same reason that made us borrow one at would afford him the means of living; and he seemed Ambala. We reached Saharunpur about 9 o'clock. honest and sincere. The unfavourable points were equally prominent: he seemed very anxious to show Arrival at Saharunpur-Labours of the missionary that he was a learned man, and would have talked brethren here-Street preaching. as much about eclipses of the sun and moon about Christ, if we had not taken great pains to keep him to the more important matter. He said that he had been induced to visit Mr. Jamieson by hearing, amongst the Pandits at Patíálá, that he was learned in astronomy. He appeared to have but little feeling on the subject of sin. This, however, is not to be wondered at. Hindus are more accustomed to look on some mere ceremonial defilement as sin, than on transgressions of the moral law; and it takes a long time to get their conscience to act in a really healthful manner. During the second day, the greater part of which I spent there, we had further conversations with him. He took possession of an empty apartment on Mr. Jamieson's premises, and expressed his intention to remain several days, in

as

order to learn that in which he was not satisfied.

I remained at Saharunpur over the Sabbath, and preached in their very handsome church, in both occasions was good. There is here an orphan asyHindustani and English. The congregation on both lum for boys, and several catechists and teachers; so that there are more materials for a Hindustani congregation than at Ambala, where operations have lish residents at Saharunpur attend the one English been commenced more recently. Most of the Engservice of the mission every Sabbath.

burial ground in their midst, are pleasantly situated, and well planned. The school-house is well placed in the border of the city, and I understand that the school is promising, and doing good. Mr. Campbell was delivering a course of lectures on the maps, connecting with his account of any country, infor

The three mission-houses, with the church and

Mr. Jamieson has since written to me, that he had gone on to Saharunpur, to converse with our breth-mal statements relating to its history, religion, manren there.

Burial of a child-The new school-house. We would have gone to the city in the evening to preach, had it not been so very hot, the hot winds being in full blast, that we could not go out early; and we had the funeral of a little child, belonging to one of the native Christian families to attend to. I performed the service, and we committed the body to the ground, in a part of the mission-house garden, which had been set apart for the purpose of forming a burial ground. This child, I believe, was the first to take possession of it. After the funeral,

ners, &c. The school was greatly interested in these lectures, and many people from the city were attracted to hear them.

There is at Saharunpur probably a more thoroughly organized plan of street preaching than at any of our other stations. Some of the mission go to the city every evening; and the plans are so laid, that if one be otherwise engaged, or unwell, still the main party goes, and the work is done.

After leaving Saharunpur I hurried home; and I will not ask the readers of the Record to accompany me farther. I have already said almost all I wish to say. I will only add, that this view of the

Lodiana mission, and the evident spread of knowledge and missionary influence, from the Ganges to the Jhelum, both delighted and strengthened me.

OBITUARY

OF THE REV. JOSEPH PORTER.

Mr. Porter was born in Derby Plains, in the State of Ohio, January 5th, 1808. His paternal ancestors he traced back to Massachusetts, and his maternal to Ireland, being of Scotch origin. His parents were both pious. His religious training, therefore, began with his earliest childhood. But at the tender age of twenty months, he was bereaved of his father. How soon his first religious impressions began to develope themselves, he was not able to say. He, however, remembered, when, at the age of five or six years, he used, with his sisters, to seek a retired place in the garden for prayer. Shortly after his father's death, his mother, with her children, removed within the limits of the church of which her eldest brother was the pastor. Under his ministrations in the sanctuary, and his mother's instructions at home, Mr. Porter received those first lessons in divine things which in after life were ever his stay and support. When about the age of thirteen, he heard a melting sermon preached from the text, "I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself." He retired, bathed in tears, to the churchyard, where his mother, in passing by, found him, and with deep emotion said to him, "My son, are you a mourning Ephraim?" It was under this sermon that the first definite thoughts of entering the gospel ministry were awakened in his mind; thoughts which were never abandoned, but which were known to no human being for years after. It was in his sixteenth year, while living with his eldest brother, that he humbly trusted his conversion to God took place. It was, however, more than three years after this time, that he was visibly connected with God's people. At the time of Mr. Porter's uniting with the church, he was living with a minister, at a distance from home, and pursuing his studies under his care, for entering the ministry. After remaining with him some fifteen months, he returned home, where, with many interruptions, he continued his studies with his uncle. While thus employed, he established and superintended a Sabbath-school in New Carlisle, which is still in existence, and has been greatly blessed. It was while here that he made a formal surrender of himself to God, to become a foreign missionary. In pursuance of this object, he entered himself a student in the Miami University, where he spent four and a half years, and was graduated in the autumn of 1835.

hope that they are now rejoicing together in the presence of their Saviour.

In November, 1835, Mr. and Mrs. Porter, in company with six other missionaries and their wives, sailed from Philadelphia for Calcutta. While on the passage, he and his brethren were instrumental, as they hoped, in bringing the Captain and first mate of the ship, and several of the sailors, to the knowledge of the truth. The writer, who was one of the company, well remembers with what earnestness Mr. Porter prayed that God would give us all that sailed with us, and how affectionately he urged the unconverted to turn to Jesus. On his arrival at his destined field in Northern India, he was appointed to the Lodiana station, and took charge of the High-school, in December, 1836.

In

In October, 1837, he was ordained to the gospel ministry, by the Lodiana Presbytery. This station, with the exception of two years he was absent on a visit to his native land in 1848 and 1849, was the scene of his labours ever since his arrival. While at home, Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Miss Mary Parvin, daughter of the late Rev. Theophilus Parvin, missionary to South America, and granddaughter of the late Hon. Cæsar Rodney, Minister to the Court of Brazil. She survives to mourn his loss. For several years before his death, Mr. Porter had charge of the Lodiana mission press, and was indefatigable in his labours to make it efficient. He also had charge of all the mission buildings, and seemed to take pleasure in relieving his brethren of the secular affairs of the station. This he did the more cheerfully, as for several years an affection of the throat, which finally undermined his constitution, prevented him from doing much in the way of direct preaching. He was well acquainted with the Hindustani and Panjabi languages, and when his health permitted, was an acceptable and affectionate preacher in these dialects. His last work on earth was correcting the final proof sheets of a Panjabi Dictionary, on which he and two of his brethren had long laboured. This labour he continued until the day before his death, or until his hand refused to perform what his heart desired. his intercourse with the natives, whether Christian or heathen, our departed brother was ever kind and considerate; but no one felt more deeply when his kindness was repaid with ingratitude. He was ever ready to give advice and aid to those who requested his assistance. He was highly esteemed by his brethren, and all who knew him, for his kindness of heart and work's sake. His mind was more accurate and practical, than brilliant or imaginative. In speaking or writing, his sole aim was to make a true impression, and his sincerity seldom failed to carry conviction to his audience and readers. A short time previous to his leaving the Universi- memory was remarkably retentive as to facts and ty, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet dates. His judgment was sound, and his opinions Athearn, a young lady of kindred spirit, who ac- on all subjects within the range of his information, companied him to India, and shared his joys and were ever valuable. He did not exercise in things sorrows until separated from him by death in 1842. too high for him. Like Paul, he determined to In conversation with his mother concerning his know nothing save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. mission, the inquiry was made, "Mother, have you On this his heart was fixed. One of the most conany objection to my going to India as a missionary?"spicuous traits in his character was perseverance. She replied, "My son, I dedicated you to God in your baptism for the gospel ministry, but I never thought of your going to a foreign field. Still, I have nothing to object." This was another instance of the influence of the faith and prayers of a pious mother, in leading her sons to a covenant-keeping God. She led his wayward feet into the paths of peace, and then departed to her rest. May we not

His

By this he accomplished much in his missionary career. "For some months before his death (writes his widow,) when alluding to the probable issue of his illness, he remarked that while he felt that as far as regarded himself, it would be better to depart and be with Christ, yet he would like to labour a little more for his Master, and although he was able to commit the dear members of his family to the

father, and of his humble evangelical piety, and of
his faithfulness as a missionary of the cross, who,
after seventeen years of devoted labour at this sta-
tion, has died at his post, respected and lamented by
all who knew him.
J. M. J.

MISCELLANEOUS.

MEETING IN NOVEMBER, 1853.

Two years and a half ago, I wrote you a letter

from the period of its organization until that time. According to the order prescribed in the book, I will continue to notice our proceedings up to this time.

In November, 1851, the Presbytery was opened with a sermon by Rev. H. V. Rankin, on "The Encouragements of the missionary in his work." Rev. S. N. and W. P. Martin presented their dismissals from the Presbytery of New Albany, and were received into the Ningpo Presbytery.

66

Idola

Lord, yet he deeply felt the separation. On the evening of that day I had a very delightful conversation with him; and had I known that I was then listening to what might be almost called his dying words, they would have been treasured up with more care. Our orphan girls were singing a tune of which he was very fond, in their schoolroom. He caught the sound, and endeavoured to join in their song of praise, and then remarked that he had felt the inability to sing, caused by the affection of his MINUTES of the ningpo PRESBYTERY, CHINA, AT THEIR throat, most deeply, so that he had often been ready to weep. 'But,' said he, 'I shall sound nobler strains and strike a golden harp in heaven;' and after enlarging for some time on this theme, he ex-giving a general account of the Ningpo Presbytery, claimed with much solemnity and bursting into tears, O, the amazing grace that saved a wretch like me!' In speaking of the trials through which we, as a family, had been led, he said, 'We are indeed passing through deep waters; but we have many precious promises on which to lean.' Although he was aware of the critical state of of his health; yet he did not realize how near death was; for, after speaking of his great prostration, he added, 'But I have a strong hope that I shall yet be permitted to praise God in the land of the living. At P. Martin preached before Presbytery on May 19th, 1852.-Mr. Way in the Chair. Mr. W my request, he dictated a message for his dear absent children. Tell them,' said he, that it is my ry." Voted, to hold henceforth our regular meet heart's desire and prayer for them, that they shouldings only once a year, the first Wednesday of Nobe fitted by natural abilities, training, and, more than all, by grace, for the gospel ministry; and tell them, too, to take care of their mother.' On the dayrevious to his death, he had the orphan girls called in, and as they gathered around his couch, he spoke to them of the importance of listening to the preached word, remembering that it was from God, and was able to make them wise unto salvation. With deep feeling, he urged upon them the importance of preparation for death, so that when they should be in his situation they would not fear. They wept with him; but whether any lasting impression was made the future must show. The morning of his death his mind wandered much; still, on being asked if Jesus was precious, he replied, Aur kuecht nakir'-There is none beside,' and in his wandering he seemed to mistake the door where the bright morning light was shining, for the entrance into heaven. But soon the last tones of his voice died away on our ears, and he sank like a weary child to rest. Jesus, no doubt, was with him, and the dark valley of the shadow of death was lightened by his smiles. The river of death seemed very narrow, for there was scarce a sigh or a groan to tell when it was passed."

vember.

November 3d, 1853.-Rev. S. N. Martin in the Chair. Moderator preached on "The Adoption of Children."

November 3d, 1852.-Rev. W. P. Martin in the Chair. Rev. A. W. Loomis was dismissed to join the first Presbytery of New York. It was voted that a Committee of three be appointed to translate into the Ningpo colloquial language portions of the Form of Government, Directory for Worship, and Book of Discipline, together with the Shorter Catechism, to be presented for approval at the next annual meeting. Also to correspond with our brethren in Shanghai and Canton, respecting the translation of the whole or part of the Constitution of the Presby terian Church in the mother language of China. Rev. W. P. Martin, H. V. Rankin, and R. J. Way, were by ballot elected said Committee.

Rev. Mr. Way preached the sermon before Presbytery, on the doctrine of election.

The Narrative of Religion which was read, presented a favourable picture. Seven natives have been added to the Church, on profession, and have been baptized during the year-all of them educated-five of whom are young men, who, we fendly He died on the morning of the 21st of November, hope, may yet all of them become evangelists. The 1853, and in the forty-sixth year of his age. Had total number of native communicants is 13; also 8 he been permitted to choose the place, and time, members who are either missionaries, or the wives and circumstances of his death, he would, in all of missionaries. Other Chinese are inquirers. Four probability, have chosen them just as they occurred. children have been baptized. One native church He breathed his last in Lodiana, at the time of the member has died, making the second who has been annual meeting of the Mission, and in the presencer moved by death belonging to the church. Two of of eight of his missionary brethren.

At their next session, the following minute was adopted:

Whereas, Since our last Session it has pleased the Lord to remove our dear brother and fellow missionary, the Rev. Joseph Porter, from the labours of earth to the fruition of heaven,

Resolved, That this meeting, humbly acquiescing in the afflictive providence, and deeply sympathizing with the widow and children of our deceased brother, cordially record on our minutes our high sense of his sterling qualities as a man, a husband, and

those earliest baptized have denied the faith, and been suspended and excommunicated. The present number of converts all seem to run well. Yet, while we gratefully acknowledge God's merciful dealings with us, we would seek to be very humble, lest these very favourable circumstances lead us to self-gratulation and consequent pride.

The present number of ministers in this Presbytery consists of seven, viz., Rev. Messrs. Way, Quar terman, Rankin, S. N. Martin, all of Ningpo; and Rev. Messrs. Culbertson and Wight, of Shanghai. During the year, Mr. Coulter, a member of the

1854.]

BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.

church, and also a candidate, has been removed by
death. With Christian regard, I am, Rev. and dear
Sir, very truly yours,
H. V. RANKIN,

Stated Clerk of Ningpo Presbytery.

THE CLAIMS OF OLD CALABAR AND ITS VICINITY.

Old Calabar is situated on the western coast of Africa, in the Gulf of Benin, and between the principal outlets of the Niger and the Kamerúns mountain. It was noted in former times for the atrociously cruel habits of its people, and for its immensely large slave trade.

The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland formed a mission there in 1846, and from the influence which the missionaries have already acquired over the minds of the people, and the work of grace that has recently commenced there, it may hereafter become as pre-eminent for the outpouring of God's spirit, as it has heretofore been for its heathenish cruelties. Our readers will be interested in the following description of the place, and its prospects as a missionary station.

In the "Record" for November, a paper, written by the Rev. Mr. Waddell, was given, stating that the time has arrived for extending the mission, describing six places where missionaries might advantageously be located, and proposing that an extra sum of £2000 be raised for the purpose of opening these stations. Since that time Mr. Waddell has been actively engaged in collecting money for this object, and we are happy to state that he has already obtained upwards of £1000. It is obvious, however, that at least £3000 will be needed to defray the expenses connected with founding six new stations, irrespective of what will be requisite for caring them on; and the very gratifying tidings from Calabar, announced in the last and in the present numbers of the "Record," show that the work of conversion has there been begun, that the mission was never in so interesting a state as it is at present, and that it is incumbent upon us to do what we can to sustain and enlarge it. The committee on foreign missions consider this a fit time for laying before the Church the following statements.

1. The Inland Regions of Western Central Africa present a very extensive field for Missionary operations. The great rivers, the Niger and the Tchadda, the former of which has a course of 2600 and the latter of 1500 miles, drain with their tributaries the richest, the most fertile, and the best peopled portions of Western Africa. The countries which these rivers and their branches irrigate, are said to be inhabited by a population which amounts to more than thirty millions. These vast multitudes are sunk in the deepest ignorance, superstition, and spiritual wretchedness. They have been, and they still are without the gospel. There is not a spot in all these lands, teeming though they are with inhabitants, where the feet of a Christian teacher have ever stood, or where the sound of salvation has ever been heard. Sixty generations have, since the ascension of the Saviour, passed away, embracing probably greatly more than a thousand millions of immortal beings; and yet, though during all that period the words "Go ye into all the world and

preach the gospel to every creature," were sounding in the ears of the Church, no messenger of mercy was sent to them, and they were allowed to live without Christ and to die without hope. The inhabitants of these regions are as destitute at this day as their fathers were eighteen centuries ago, and their cry for sympathy and help comes across the broad plains of Africa and the waters of the Atlantic with a thrilling distinctness, enough to move the deepest feelings of the Christian churches.

And the

2. The proper entrance to these wide and populous regions is through Old Calabar.-The Niger and the Tchadda unite their waters about 170 miles inland, flow in a combined stream for nearly 60 miles, and then throw off branches, thus reaching the Atlantic by many mouths. These run through the Delta, an immense alluvial deposit, covered with trees and grass, and inhabited by fierce and savage tribes. The navigation of the Delta is almost impracticable. The streams are winding, full of mud-banks, skirted by rank vegetation, and steaming with malaria; and the consequence is, that the seeds of fever are sown before the ships have threaded their way through the mazes of the Delta, and reached the more healthy lands of the Middle Niger. Even the Ethiope steamer, though guided by the experience and skill of Mr. Becroft, took, in 1845, nearly a week to go through the windings of the Nun branch. It is very unlikely, therefore, that till the Delta be cleared of its forests and drained, and the rivers deepened, intercourse will, to any considerable extent, be carried on with the interior by means of its streams. Savage tribes, rotting vegetation, banks of mud, and deadly malaria, present obstacles which it will need many years to surmount, and which steam vessels alone can encounter. But the Calabar frith, which lies immediately to the east of the Delta, and which runs up into the country for nearly 60 miles, offers a free and safe access to ships of any burden at all seasons of the year. Our missions are planted within a few miles of the top of this frith. very important and valuable fact is, that the Cross river, a stream of great size, which flows into the frith, is, where it turns to the east, (some 50 miles inland,) within 40 miles of the Tchadda, the chief tributary of the Niger. Observe, then, the facilities which Old Calabar gives for the spread of the gospel. In the first place, its wide frith affords a safe and easy access to ships at all times, without their requiring to go through the pestilential Delta of the Niger. In the second place, around Calabar, and within a reachable distance, lie the six stations which Mr. Waddell has described, and which are waiting for missionaries. In the third place, the people of Calabar trade with the Eboes, of which they are themselves a colony, a numerous nation, whose territory stretches from the Cross river to the Niger. There is good reason to anticipate that our missionaries located at Ekrikok, one of the six stations, would ere long come into contact with the Eboes, and their friendship would open the way to the Niger above the Delta. In the fourth place, were a canal or railroad made which would connect the Cross river and the Tchadda-an undertaking which, considering the vast commercial resources of Central Africa, which the recently established as well as projected steam communication with the coast is likely to open up, is not beyond the power of modern enterprise-there would be had at nearly all periods ready access to Western Central Africa. What would be the results? Persons could sail down the Tchadda into the Niger, and hold intercourse