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9.-SUFFERINGS IN THE DOAB.

We have been requested by a true friend to the poor of this country to call attention to the present sufferings of the miserable inhabitants of the Doab. If pleasure there can be in responding to such a call we have the most sincere, and there is a pleasure both in contributing our own mite, and exhorting others to give if it be but a cup of cold water to the perishing. Nothing that we can pen could so well and affectingly describe the existing misery as the following extract of a letter from an eye-witness. We leave it to tell its own pitiful and heart-rending tale. May it move the hearts of the rich of our faith to open their purse-strings in aid of the destitute and forlorn of another, who, if left to the mercies of that creed must perish. Oh what an opportunity for shewing them the connection between the principles and practice of our faith !

"I feel convinced, that the Calcutta public cannot be aware of the misery prevailing in the Doab, otherwise we should perceive a manifestation of sympathy. The harrowing scenes which every where present themselves to a traveller between Cawnpore, Futtehghur and Agra, is such as to call for an active demonstration of feeling on the part of the Christian public-individual charity can effect little, when a tract of land like that of the Doab, lies unproductive, and its inhabitants appear as the mere shadows of men. Where no tributary stream offers its bosom to receive the dead, the bare ground around the villages forms the cemetery, and the number of those who have fallen victims to starvation may be known by the skeletons which every where are visible. I would wish to be understood to refer more particularly to the lower parts of the Doab. Such is the depth of wretchedness, that in several villages few inhabitants remain; in one, mentioned only as an instance, for I feel sure it is not a solitary case-two alone remain of 80 families. Never have I regretted more than I do at the present time, that powers of language are wanting to enable me to describe in befitting terms, the misery which my mind recoils to think exists. From my own personal observation, and from communication with those engaged in superintending the distribution of the alms of the public of Cawnpore, I can speak confidently respecting the state of those whose happy lot it is to reach the hallowed spot where Christian philanthropy is in active exercise. Emaciation marks the whole-the energies of life appear in varying grades of dissolution-some barely totter to the place of distribution, and before the want they make known is under relief, the pulse of life has sunk too low to be invigorated by the means adopted to strengthen it. I am given to understand, from authority on which I can place the greatest reliance, that the number of men, women and children, at present relieved, including about 60 in hospital, is not less than 1,600-of these, excepting some of the children whom it is difficult to detach from the parents, not one, after the most rigid scrutiny, is considered able to do any thing toward his own support. The number of deaths from starvation and effects of bad food is 20, at the lowest calculation-these are ascertained deaths; many more most certainly occur where there is no heart to pity or relieve."

We shall be happy to convey any gift however small to the Cawnpore Relief Committee who appear from their position to be the best almoners of public bounty.

10. ABOLITION OF PERSIAN.

This incubus on the transaction of business has at length been removed. All the transactions of Government will in future be transacted in the vernacular and English languages. Surely our favours come upon us too thickly to be rightly appreciated. The regulation sanctioning the change will come into operation on the 1st of January, 1839: this will be a happy day for India and her people.

11.-BURMAH, MISSIONS, AND THE WAR.

We have been informed by a friend that the latest accounts from the Missionaries at Moulmein represent all perfectly quiet at that station. The success of Missionary operations in Burmah notwithstanding the rumours of wars is quite unprecedented in eastern Missions. The Missionaries of the American Baptist Mission have baptized 40 Karens since our last announcement, and the king of Burmah has appointed one of the Christians as Governor of that singular people. This is the more remarkable on his part as he dismissed the Missionaries from Ava with such peremptoriness as to exclude hope of his future favour. It would be singular enough if he were acting the warrior in order to amuse the people and keep up his character in the nation for a brave man without incurring the expenses of war.

12. MEETING OF CAPTAINS AT THE SAILOR'S HOME.

A most interesting meeting was held at the Sailor's Home on Tuesday morning the 27th of February, of the commanders of vessels now in port. About twenty were present, together with others, deeply interested in the welfare of Sailors. The object of the meeting was to secure the cooperation of the Captains, which as far as those convened were concerned has been effected. They most heartily approved of the plan and operations of the Society, and passed resolutions to the effect that they approved, and would recommend and support in every possible way, the objects of the institution. About 250 rupees were subscribed on the spot. We look upon this as the most important step which has been taken to secure the success of the Home.

13. SIR CHARLES METCALFE'S LIBERALITY.

Sir Charles Metcalfe has left us, crowned with worldly honors and followed by the good wishes of the whole community of India. Willing that his character for princely munificence should be sustained to the last, he presented as a parting gift various sums to the different Religious and Charitable Societies. To the Parental Academy 1000 Cs. Rs., District Charitable Society 1000, Seamen's Friend Society 300, and to almost every minor institution, towards which he had contributed in former years, 100 Cs. Rs.; and this besides large sums bestowed in individual and private cases. May his end be blessed.

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I have here, said the late Mr. Fuller, two religious characters, who were intimately acquainted in early life. Providence favoured one of them with a tide of prosperity. The other, fearing for his friend, lest his heart should be overcharged with the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches, one day asked him whether he did not find prosperity a snare to him. He paused, and answered, “ I am not conscious that I do, for I enjoy God in all things." Some years after, his affairs took another turn. He lost, if not the whole, yet the far greater part of what he had once gained, and was greatly reduced. His old friend being one day in his company, renewed his question, whether he did not find what had lately befallen him to be too much for him. Again he paused, and answered, "I am not conscious that I do, for now I enjoy all things in God." This was truly a life of faith.

Day of the Month.

Barometer.

Meteorological Register, kept at the Surveyor General's Office, Calcutta, for the month of January, 1838.

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N.

N.

,940 68,8 68,068,0 Cm.
,972 71,3 68,6 79,0 Cm.
w.,978 68,268,067,9
w.,953 68,0 67,967,5 Cm.
w.,906 68,0 67,5 67,3 Cm.
W. ,880 68,5 67,7 67,4 Cm.
N.,920 68,3 57,067,0
w.,916 70.5 70,7 71,1
,918 70,0 68,3 68,5 Cm.
,961 69,5 68,270,0 Cm.
,974 70,0 68,5 69,3 Cm.
,948 70,269,070,3 Cm.

W

Cm.

Cm.

29,970 62,5 57,6 58,0

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Cm.

,028 66,8

12

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N.

13

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N.

,01 70,9 75,2 71,0

Cm.,030 67,3 71,066,0 N. E.,000 68,5 78,0 73,8 N. E.,950 70,0 79,7 74.5 N. E.,930 69,3 75,3 72,6 N. E.
30,020 63,3 57,0 58,5 N. ,066 68,9 72,8 67,0 N. E.,030, 72,3 77,7 69,5 N. E. ,980 73,8 78,0 73,6 N. E.,960 73,0 73,7 72,5
,000 62,0 55,0 56,2 N. ,050 65,5 67,061,3 N. ,020 69,5 73,7 67,0 N. ,973 70,7 75,0 70,0 N. w.,966 69,0 72,068,2 N.
.003 62,9 50,8 51,9 Cm.,038 66,0 67,5 62,0 N. ,002 69,5 73,0 68,0 N. w.,947 70,0 75,0 70,8 N.b w.,942 69,6 73,469,8 N.
29,972 62,8 51,0 52,8 Cm. ,012 66,0 66,061,0 N. w.,986 69,8 73,0 68,8 w. bx.,902 71,2 75,2 70,9 N. w.,898 70,1 73,4 69,7 N.
,917 63,2 52,0 53,0 Cm. ,951 66,3 69,0 63,0 w.b N.,923 70,4 74,6 70,4 W. ,877 72,7 77,0 71,0 W. ,870 72,5 74,370,2
,930 63,2 51,2 53,0 Cm.
,000 66,5 70,0 64,9 N. ,970 70,8 75,0 70,8 w.b N.,920 72,7 77,5 70,9 w.b N.,913 70,8 73,8 69,9 w.b
,929 64,3 53,5 54,7 Cm.,012 68,9 71,565,5 E. ,978 71,7 79,8 74,0 N. W.,914 73,6 81,0 76,0 N. w.,906 72,0 76,3 72,7 N.
,968 64,5 55,8 56,9 Cm.,990 67,0 65,265,3 s. w.,965 71,3 76,4 73,0
.909 71,5 76,7 73,5
,980 64,0 53,0 54,3 Cm.,030 67,3 69,5 64,8 N. b E.,000 70,7 75,0 70,8
,955 69,8 74,370,0
,992 63,4 54,055,1
69,8 63,5 W. ,006 71,6 76,5 71,0
,962 71,5 75,5 72,9
992 64,3 54,5 54,5
,014 67,0 68,0 64,5
,988 71,0 75,4 71,0
,996 64,7 55,0 56,0
,034 67,8 71,065,5

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,964 73,4 79,0 73,2

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,934 72,0 79,2 73,4 N. E..934 71,3 76,072,3

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,970 71,7 79,0 73,2 N.

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,010 68,0 77,5 73,6

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15 30,010 64,0 53,2 54,0
,036 63,5 53,0 53,8
,040 63,0 52,8 53,5 Cm.,092 66,4
18 29,945 63,8 55,0 57,0 Cm.
19 30,070 62,9 53,0 54,9 Cm.

N.

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,966 71,0 75,5 72,0
,966 69,7 76,0 72,7
,973 69,0 68,868,8 Cm.
,040 71,4 77,0 72,S ,974 73,5 80,0 75,0 N.b w.,960 71,5 75,7 73,0 N.b w.,970 70,0 68,7 69,5 Cm.
,070 71,5 77,8 71,1
,024 73,0 81,0 74,5 W. ,022 73,2 77,0 73,3 W. ,024 70,169,9 69,0 Cm.
,069 71,0 77,0 71,0 W. ,000 73,5 78,5 73,2 s.b w..978 73,2 76,3 72,9 s. b w.,978 70,3 69,070,2 Cm.
,000 70,5
,990 75,2 77,8 73,0 ss. w.,932 76,4 81,2 75,2 s. w.,952 76,7 79,6 75,0 s. w. ,938 72,7 71,571,5
,122 69,0 71,5 66,1 N. E.,098 73,6 78,0 73,4
,044 73,2 79,0 73,5 N.b E.,044 72,8 76,0 73,0 N.b E.,060 70,6 69,269,3 Cm.
,138 72,0 75,0 70,5
,068 72,6 77,8 71,5 N.b E.,050 72,9 74,6 72,5
,056 70,5 69,069,0 Cm.
68,8 63,5 N. ,066 68,0 75,0 70,8
,000 68,0 77,5 71,7 N. ,998 68,5 74,072,0
,007 68,0 68,868,5 Cm.'
66,8 62,0 N. bw. ,058 70,1 76,0 69,7
,004 72,4 78,2 72,6 W. ,000 71,3 76,272,7
,002 69,167,969,2
,114 66,8 70,263,4 N. ,090 71,7 77,8 71,0 N. w.,026 73,0 79,2 73,7 N. w.,020 72.0 77,5 73,5 N. w.,024 69,5 68,3 68,7
Cm.,110 66,3 72,5 65,8 N. ,090 70,8 78,8 72,4 N. ,024 72,4 79,0 72,3 N. ,016 72,0 78,074,2 N. ,024 70,0 70,070,8
Cm.,140 66,3 69,065,0 N. ,118 71,4 76,2 68,0 N. w.,050 72,8 77,9 72,0N. w.,030 72,5 74,8 72,3 N. w.,036 70,6 69,2 69,5 Cm.
,114 67,0 70,8 64,0 N. w.,995 73,1 76,5 70,0 N. ,030 75,5 79,5 73,2 N. w.,022 73,6 77,5 73,0 N. w.,022 70,8 70.9 70,9 Cm.
Cm.,098 67,5 71,064,5 N. ,066 73,9 79,0 72,0 N. ,999 76,4 84,5 81,3 N.b w.,980 75,0 81,781,3 N. w.,994 71,3 71,271,2
W. ,000 68.3 72,3 65,5
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Cm.,005 69,8 73,367,0 w. ,990 77,8 83,273,0 N. w.,954 79,3 66,0 77,0
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Cm. 1,080 71,3. 76,169,0 N. E. ,062 75,8| 81,0 73,0 N. b E.,982 75,9 83,0| 75,1|

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THE

CALCUTTA CHRISTIAN OBSERVER.

No. 71.-April, 1838.

I-The connexion of the British Government with the Idolatry of India.

The connexion of the British Government with the idolatry of India, has become a subject of deep interest and solicitude to the philanthropists of Britain and of India. The feelings of the religious and humane at home have been excited towards the subject, and their first energies put forth to effect a separation of the unholy alliance between the powers of darkness and the representatives of a Christian people in a heathen country; an alliance as disgraceful to the country we represent, as it is opposed to the reforming principles and practice of professedly liberal statesmen, and a blot-a most foul blot-on a system of Government matured by the statesmen of a Christian nation. We feel assured that those feelings have but to be legitimately wrought upon and that energy rightly directed, to effect "the consummation so devoutly to be wished." Feeling that we, who are on the spot, have a part to play in this important drama, as well as those at home, our inquiry has been in what way can our efforts and energies apply with the greatest advantage to the good cause? We have been led to the conclusion that, as violence is to be deprecated in the advocacy of all truth, so agitation of a violent character would be impolitic in this, until the public mind shall be enlightened upon a subject on which we wish it to feel in unison with ourselves, and to act as with the energy of one man. We were the more inclined to this peaceful but, we hope, effectual way of effecting our design, from the fact that a large proportion of those who might be expected to understand the subject are but very imperfectly informed either as to the nature or influence of the connexion reprobated and condemned. We have therefore determined to publish periodically, as matter may present itself and opportunities VII. 2 c

serve, the most accurate information relative to this subject, accompanied by remarks dictated, not by the love of party, but by a sincere desire to advance the cause of equity and truth. In order that the information obtained may not lose its force by going forth under an anonymous signature, a provisional committee has been organized, whose object it will be to inquire into the accuracy of such statements as are presented for publication. It is hoped that while this may, on the one hand, be a check upon exaggerated reports, it will on the other give a character and influence to the statements which they could not possibly derive from individual influence however potent. We have no party purposes to serve in this matter; the advocacy and advancement of true religion, the upholding of public morals, and the protection and extension of civil and religious liberty-these are the only causes that "move us to the deed." We firmly believe them all to be retarded, prostrated or impeded, by the connexion which at this moment subsists between a Government exclusively composed of professedly Christian men representing a Christian people in a heathen land, and the idolatry of the country. In carrying out our intention, we have no wish to touch men but measures; nor to attack Jagannath or the Imámbárá separately, but the great principle of the union; hoping, if we should succeed in showing that to be at variance with civil freedom, moral rectitude, and religious truth, we shall have made out a case that must induce "the powers that be," to say of the idolatry of India, "Thy money," if we must administer it for such purposes," perish with thee!" Should we employ in this or any future papers in this series, a word or expression that may appear to bear with undue severity on those whom we respect in high places, we once for all disavow any thing personal or a desire unnecessarily to wound; we entreat them to believe that our love of truth would rather induce us " in calmest reason" to beseech them to retire from the questionable position which as the followers of Christ they now hold. Rather would we do this, than rashly wound and exasperate; and we hope our regard for truth would not only induce us to expostulate with them, but to sacrifice on its altar the most endeared connexion we may or can have, were it necessary, to vindicate the insulted Majesty of Heaven. We most willingly concede to them sincerity of intention, while it is not only our duty, but our imperative duty, to reprobate the position in which they are content to remain, withal most sacredly protesting against the dark measures to which they often affix not only their official seals but also their signatures. How sinful must it appear in the eyes of the Omniscient, when a poor deluded pilgrim casts himself for salvation at the feet of Jagannáth, that the regulation

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