Under date of the 9th of December, Mr. Anderson remarks:—
Since I have no interesting intelligence to communicate respecting my own labours in this country, perhaps I may be privileged to speak of the good that has apparently resulted from the labour of others. And here I would refer to the native church, over which W. H. Pearce presides as the pastor; it is impossible to contemplate but with feelings of interest and gratitude, upwards of sixty of your fellow-creatures, who were once in the darkness of heathenism, now uniting in rendering worship to the true God. There is an appearance too in many of them, that would indicate that they live very near to God—that they are none other than the meek and penitent followers of the Lamb. I would not forget to mention the schools at Chitpore, under the care and superintendence of my esteemed friend the Rev. J. Ellis; they speak highly of the diligence and devotedness of the labours both of himself and of his dear partner in life. Having been requested to examine them in history, geography, and the Scriptures, I complied, and the result was most satisfactory, and beyond all expectation. I would that I could say any thing to stir up the minds of the friends at home on behalf of these valuable institutions. In addition to the five youths, who have publicly professed their faith in Christ by baptism, and who afford unequivocal proof of a change of heart, there are two others, who will speedily follow their example. We bless God for these fruits, which we hope are but the earnest of a future glorious harvest.
DIGAH.
We learn, by a letter from Mr. Lawrence, dated the 22nd of November, that he was about to remove from this station to Allahabad. At that large and populous city, which, it is expected, will be the seat of the new presidency, he will be joined by Mr. Anderson, and both will labour in conjunction for the benefit of the native population of Allahabad and its neighbourhood. The reasons for taking this step have been explained at length to the Committee, who concur in the arrangement, and trust it will promote, in an increased degree, the great object in view.
JAMAICA.
The tenor of recent letters from this island is, on the whole, highly satisfactory. Our brethren on the north side are actively engaged in rebuilding their chapels. Mr. Knibb writes from Falmouth, under date of the 20th of February:—
My church is, I hope, in a prosperous state; most of the backsliders have returned with weeping and supplication, while the inquirers are pressing forward to the kingdom of God. Since my return rather more than 200 have been baptized; their experiences have delighted me; I do believe that the Lord has been with them of a truth: full 1000 are now waiting for examination. I shall proceed slowly and prayerfully with them, and I hope shall receive assistance from above. Most of those who have been baptized were praying for five years, during which time, their conduct, as far as we are able to discover, has been consistent. My plan is this, I examine each one privately, Mrs. K. talking with the females. The deacons are appointed to examine into their conduct, and I get them to talk with them. I then call a church-meeting, read over the names of those whom I have examined, and of whom I think favourably, and request any member present to mention any thing they know against any one. If nothing is said, I receive them for baptism. I speak as plainly as I can, and I feel that, if they are deceived, I am clear of their blood.
On February the 14th, the corner-stone of the new chapel was laid, and a glorious day it was. Being Saturday, the country friends could be with us, and they came from various distances of ten to fifteen and twenty miles round. About half-past three the service commenced. We had erected half our useful tent, and had provided a temporary platform under it. Brother Hutchins commenced by giving out the 102nd Psalm: