Chapter XV (1)

CAWNPORE--CALCUTTA--RETURN OF MR. THOMASON--DEATH
OF BISHOP HEBER.

It was because Archdeacon Corrie did not find himself equal to the fatigue of travelling, that when the party reached Lucknow, it was decided, that instead of proceeding with the Bishop, he should endeavour to recruit his strength by remaining stationary for a time at Cawnpore. From that place, therefore, he writes

TO THE REV. MR. THOMASON.

“Cawnpore, Dec. 26, 1824.

“I have been expecting, for some time, to receive a few
copies of the last Report of our Calcutta Church Missionary
Society. I am very desirous of endeavouring to help the
funds; but cannot well make applications without giving
some information as to our plans. I begin to fear that
even if about eight copies were dispatched immediately,
they would not reach me in time, as I am only waiting the
Bishop’s decision as to my movements. I have now done
the duty here, for five Sundays, and expect to be here
about three Sundays more. I could much have wished Mr.
Torriano[119] to have arrived before I leave, but he will
find his way comparatively smooth. You know I brought
Fuez Messeeh with me from Benares, where he was doing
little, and had fallen ill. He is still prevented by the
cough, which has for some time affected him, from doing
all I believe he is willing to do for the gospel. I have
every reason to believe him to be a partaker of Divine
grace; though his talent in communicating what he knows to
others, is not great. He, on our arrival, brought a few of
the families of the Christian drummers and fifers to our
house, for Sunday worship; and about six of their girls are
learning to read Hindoostanee and to sew, with Mrs. Corrie.
About three weeks ago, Mr. Fisher, Peter Dilsooke and his
wife Ruth, with their two sons came here. They had a chit
[letter] from Mr. Fisher, and I have since written to him,
and ascertained that he thinks well of them as Christians.
I have retained him on ten rupees a month, to teach such
Christians [adults] as wish to learn to read the Scriptures
in their native tongue, and Nagree character, and he has a
school in the lines, of eight adults; and his wife teaches
the Christian girls in our house, their two boys go to the
Free School. There are three native corps here generally.
The Christians connected with them are not fewer than sixty
or seventy; and there are many of a similar class connected
with the many public offices of the field command,
besides a considerable number of poor people of the same
description, who resort to Cawnpore, as the Calcutta of the
Upper Provinces. The native population too, is wonderfully
increased since I was resident here. On the whole, this
place calls loudly for Missionary help; and I greatly hope
something may be done, at least for those who profess
Christianity, and understand only the native language.
Already our congregation on Sunday last had increased to
about twenty; and I am writing to Chunar for copies of the
native catechism, and Nagree hymns, which are much desired
by some of the Christians. I happily got a supply of the
Scriptures in various languages. Should the Bishop decide
on my residing in the Upper Provinces, these stores will
prove invaluable; and become the means of blessing, I hope,
to many. The duties of a Chaplain, I know from experience,
leave him, at such stations as this, little leisure for
extra-parochial engagements. As I shall have more leisure
for such pursuits, with liberty to remove from place to
place, I shall consider it a peculiar happiness to be the
means of establishing christian worship, for the class of
people who are to be found at every station professing
Christianity, and knowing only the native language.

“I believe no copies of the ‘Outline of Ancient
History,’[120] have been sent to Bombay; will you be so
good as to send twelve or twenty copies to Mr. Farish,
as a specimen, that more may be sent if required? The
first class of native youths, in the Free School here,
are reading it; and get, from the former chapters of the
work, such information on the early religious history
of the world, as they would not otherwise at present
obtain. This Free School will, I hope, prove very useful
to this part of the country. There are ten boys and ten
girls already on the foundation, on the plan of the
Calcutta Free School. Many poor Christian day-scholars,
and seventeen natives, are learning English. There are
also, belonging to the Institution, a Persian and Hindee
school, containing together about one hundred children; who
read only the School-book Society’s books. The young man
who is schoolmaster, is a conscientious man, and attends
diligently to the duties of the school. The divisions you
have heard of nearly annihilated the school for a time; and
an opposition school was opened for day-scholars. This will
eventually do no harm. Competition will produce exertion,
and education will be better forwarded. It is wonderful
how much a little superintendence may help on these things,
where there is no selfish end in view, and no seeking
of preeminence; and I cannot but hope Mr. Torriano will
prove a great blessing to this place. How would it have
rejoiced the heart of Martyn, could he have had the chief
authorities associated by order of Government, to assist
him in the work of education; and how gladly would he have
made himself their servant in the work, for Jesus’ sake!
One poor blind man, who lived in an outhouse of Martyn’s,
and received a small monthly sum from him, often comes to
our house; and affords a mournful pleasure in reminding me
of some little occurrence of those times. A wealthy native
too, who lived next door to us, and who was intimate with
Sabat and Abdool Messeeh, sent his nephew to me, a few days
ago, to make ‘Salaam;’ and to express to me the pleasure
he derived from his acquaintance with Martyn. These are
all the traces I have found of that ‘excellent one of the
earth,’ at the station.”

The Archdeacon remained still another month at Cawnpore, and then proceeded toward the valley of the Dhoon,[121] with the intention of spending the hot season there. He writes to his sister, in a letter dated

“March 6, 1825.

“We left Cawnpore on January 24; were one Sunday
at Futtyghur, and two at Meerut, and are to-day at
Muzuffernugur, three marches N. W. of Meerut, and in sight
of the snowy mountains. At Futtyghur we met dear old
Abdool, who is grown remarkably larger, but is reduced
in strength. At Meerut we enjoyed the society of several
excellent persons. Mr. Fisher has regular service in a
fine church, on the plan of the cathedral in Calcutta, on
Wednesdays and Fridays, besides the morning and evening
service on Sundays.... I was much pleased with what I saw
of Mr. F., and his labours are blessed.

“We are proceeding to the Dhoon, a valley on the first
range of hills. We expect to reach the Ghaut[122] in five
days, and to be at Dehrah, the head station on the Dhoon,
by next Sunday. We have in company with us, a son of
Mr. Layard of Uffington,[123] who has suffered from the
climate, although he has been only a year in the country;
but will, I hope, recover among the hills, as he has no
symptoms of serious illness about him. I am, through great
mercy, quite well. I do not expect, indeed, that my nerves,
never strong, will be ever what they were; still I am well,
have recovered my former appearance and size, and have
nothing to complain of.

“I have daily more cause for thankfulness in my present
appointment. Being confined to no station, I can go
generally where I am likely to be most useful; and retreat,
as we are now doing, from the violence of the hot winds.
The country acquired by the Nepaul war is likely to be of
great service as a retreat for invalids from the burning
plains. There is a mountain near Dehrah in the Dhoon, which
can be climbed with some difficulty, and has a fine level
top where we can pitch our tent, and have the thermometer
at 60° during the month of May. There we expect to pass
the months of April and May, and to descend when the rains
threaten; and so return to the plains. Farther on, the
climate is equally favourable; with a greater range to roam
over; but we are content to take the nearest shelter, as I
have no desire after field sports, and we are happy enough
at home. We have one of the Agra youths, named Amannee,
with us, so that we make a congregation of six, and enjoy
the repose of the sabbath much. We have a couple of small
camel-trunks filled with books, and so carry with us food
for the mind as well as the body.... Thus you know all our
affairs. Surrounded by temporal mercies, I trust we are
still saying, ‘Whom have we in heaven but Thee, and there
is none on earth, &c. &c.’”

To his brother, the Archdeacon writes:--

“Dehrah Dhoon, March 30, 1825.

“I am so much recruited in strength as to indulge the
hope of some further years of further endeavour for the
good of India. You hear of our public affairs from public
sources, but there are certain discouragements in the
situation of affairs, both as it respects church and state,
which you will not hear, and which it is scarcely worth
while to fill one’s paper with. He ‘whose kingdom ruleth
over all,’ is engaged to make ‘all things work together
for good to them that love Him,’ and with His love in
our hearts what need disquiet us?... Our difficulties in
church-matters arise chiefly from want of cordial union,
and from the fluctuating nature of our Society, which
renders it necessary to begin our affairs anew every few
years; and causes the labour of communicating intelligence
to be continually recurring. But the church generally is, I
doubt not, advancing among us; and we must not grow weary;
however, of necessity, we grow less able to do what we
would. In our Bishop we have all we can have in one man, to
unite us and to help our work by its various instruments.

“You would be delighted if you could visit us in our
present situation. We are living on the ridge of Kalunga
hill, near where General Gillespie fell ten years ago.[124]
The house we occupy is a kind of hunting bungalow, three
miles from cantonments, belonging to the commanding
officer here. Leopards in plenty live around us, and some
of our workmen going a few days ago to drink water at a
pool, in a recess in the wood, spied a large tiger on the
opposite side. We, however, have nothing to fear from them;
and now the novelty is over, the day passes in our usual
studies and pursuits, very happily. The children and I ride
on ponies, through the path-ways, early in the morning;
with a few men with large sticks ahead, to frighten away
any thing that might come among us. We have had snow on
the neighbouring hill, within a week, and specks of it are
still visible. We contemplate ascending the second range
of hills, about 8,000 feet above those we now are on; and
to pitch our tent there, during the approaching months of
April and May, where the thermometer ranges, we are told,
between 60° and 70°. Here we are happy to have it, from
twelve o’clock to six, about 80°.... Even this is a relief
unspeakable from the plains, and our nights are cool; the
wind regularly setting-in, in the evening, from the snowy
mountains. I have nothing to say about this people, (who
differ a good deal from the people of the plains,) because
I know but little about them.”

In another letter to his brother, dated 6th of April, Archdeacon Corrie observes:--

“I have told G. that our Bishop confirmed about 150 adult
natives, at the different Church Missionary stations
between this and Calcutta; which shows that we labour not
in vain. The progress, though slow, is still a progress,
in respect of the diffusion of Divine truth, in these
parts. It will be an especial care to establish seminaries,
at the principal stations, for the instruction of native
christian youths, on as permanent a footing as we can.
Our territories, in this part of the world, are beginning
to be too extensive. We can scarcely hope to have men, at
the head of affairs, always of capacity enough for such
a load of government; but He who ruleth over all, will
doubtless use us for some good purpose, to this benighted
land. May those of us who feel the importance of this
subject be up and doing! There is a general falling off
amongst the Hindoos, from their former system. They have no
reverence for the usual forms of an oath. They set little
by the Brahmins generally; and, except on festivals, and
at particularly celebrated places, their idolatrous rites
are fallen into considerable disuse. The Hindoos, too,
much more generally than formerly, keep the Mahomedan
festivals. These facts are noticed by all the men in
office, throughout the country. From this, however, no good
has, as yet, arisen, to the righteous cause. Though less
observant of their own rites, they know nothing of the
gospel that they should value it. Their festivals resemble
an English fair, much more than what we consider by the
word ‘worship;’ and it is not to be wondered at, that the
natural man loves these occasions; or that a people so
circumstanced, should at first turn away from the humbling,
self-denying truths of the gospel, when set before them.

“These regions, [the Dhoon] are becoming much resorted to
at this season by the British, on account of the coolness
of the climate. I have a christian youth with me, whom I
daily instruct, and we met here a Brahmin, who has been
baptized by one of the Baptist Missionaries. He would not
stay with his teacher, having been long used to a roving
life. He seems quite convinced of the supreme importance of
Christianity. He reads the scriptures with me; and I hope
may grow in knowledge, and in grace.”

To Mr. Sherer, who had just arrived in Calcutta from England, in company with the Rev. Francis Goode, one of the Company’s Chaplains, the Archdeacon writes:--

“May 25, 1825.

“The arrival of Mr. Goode, after some recent comers, is a
source of much thanksgiving. I can now say, as far as the
church in India is concerned, ‘Lord! now lettest thou thy
servant depart, either to some retreat for a time on earth,
or to the rest which remaineth!’ I speak only in respect of
the prospects of the church at this Presidency, which, from
the several valuable ministers she now possesses, may well
do without so bruised a reed as I am.

“Mr. Newton,[125] you will know, is now the financial
secretary of our Church Missionary Society. He, above all
our Committee, has been with me like-minded, entering
with all his spirit into our concerns, and looking our
difficulties in the face. Having, as I hope, got Mirzapore
into some form, we must go on cautiously; by which I mean,
have our resources in view before we extend our plans. I am
now anxious to get the Female Central School built, and to
extend no more, but rather contract the present scale of
small schools.”

It will have been seen that it was in Bishop Heber’s contemplation, that the Archdeacon should permanently reside in the Upper Provinces, that by this means more effectual assistance might be rendered to the Bishop in administering the affairs of his vast diocese. It was however, ultimately arranged that whilst Bishop Heber was visiting Madras and Bombay, the Archdeacon should proceed to Calcutta. With this object in view, Archdeacon Corrie left the Dhoon, in the beginning of June, for Meerut. From that place he wrote

TO MR. SHERER.

“June 25, 1825.

“We have been here (as you will have heard through Mrs.
Ellerton) a week. I feel some comfort in the idea of being
a hundred miles nearer to you, but here, I apprehend, we
must stay a month at least. The season has been unusually
warm here. For several years past, the seasons have proved
irregular, but this year the regular hot winds have been
blowing, and the natives anticipate a plentiful production
of the fruits of the earth. We are tied in the meantime;
and on every account I must not expose myself [to the heat]
more than I can help. We are at present in a bungalow which
Parson and his family inhabited most of the time they were
at Meerut. It is in Mr. Fisher’s compound; and here, I
believe, we must stay, for no other place is to be found.
An additional regiment of Cavalry and one of Infantry, are
to be here, so that every corner is filled. We have been
living with the Fishers almost entirely, but have now got
their leave to supply ourselves in this bungalow.

“Mr. F. is more attended to than any chaplain in the
country, by the upper classes, as well as by the lower; and
has a wide correspondence among conductors, writers, &c. at
surrounding stations. He has also a native congregation.
This is doubtless his proper work. A missionary, however,
would not at all interfere with any thing doing here. It
is evidently of God alone, that the few natives professing
christianity have been drawn together and kept together.
Many are reported as prepared for the reception of
christianity at Delhi, and Mr. H. Fisher yesterday went to
reside there, with Anund Musseeh. Anund has been unwell
with the small-pox, and unable to attend Mr. Fisher, for
scriptural instruction, as the Bishop desired; so that
his ordination must be postponed until some more distant
period. I am anxious to hear from the Church Missionary
Committee respecting Abdool and Bowley, in answer to my
letter of the 14th of April. If I hear nothing I shall
bring them down, considering the Bishop’s wishes sufficient
authority.”

To the same relative, the Archdeacon again wrote

“July 23, 1825.

“We purpose leaving this [Meerut] at the end of August,
and shall get down to you speedily. I told you that the
heat affected me, but by keeping quiet, I have avoided
feeling more than languor. I have not yet called on any,
except one or two in the next premises around us. I have
always assisted Mr. Fisher; and kept his flock together
during twelve days he was absent at Lehornupore and
Deyrah, where his son John is. He and his son Samuel had a
narrow escape from drowning, on their return. One of the
mountain-torrents came down suddenly. A _Suwarr_,[126] who
was with them, escaped with difficulty, together with his
horse. Samuel’s horse was carried down a good way, but both
his and Mr. Fisher’s horse, being in better heart than the
Suwarr’s horse, got over. A pedestrian, who attempted to
swim over, was drowned.

“We have now the rains, but scantily. The natives begin to
say the rains will not be heavy this year.”

In accordance with the purpose expressed in the foregoing letter, Archdeacon Corrie left Meerut on the 22nd of August. In a letter addressed to Mr. Sherer, on the 25th of that month, the Archdeacon remarks:--

“We left much good at Meerut, and passed our time
pleasantly; and, I hope, not unprofitably.... We are in
sight of Futtyghur, from whence I shall dispatch this.
Goodness and mercy continue to attend us. The weather is
unusually favourable for us, but the country requires rain.

“At Meerut we had a Bible Society Sermon on the 14th, and
a public meeting on the 16th. Considerable interest, above
former years, was excited, and a fair collection made. Some
converts to the cause, also, among the upper classes of
Society.”

On his way to the Presidency, Archdeacon Corrie visited Cawnpore, Chunar, Benares, and other stations with which he had been before time connected or acquainted. With regard to Cawnpore, he observed in a letter to Mr. Sherer, dated

“Allahabad, Sep. 12, 1825.”

“I wrote to Mr. Thomason, from Cawnpore, about a native
chapel. I am happy to tell you that little, if anything,
will be needed from the [Church Missionary] Society to
accomplish this object. I put a paper into circulation
before I left, and there was enough for present purposes
being raised at the station.

“On the Sunday, which I passed at Chunar, about two
hundred attended Divine service, of whom about forty were
unbaptized inhabitants of the place, and most of whom
attend every sabbath-day. Some of the scholars who have
received instruction in English, afford the most pleasing
hopes of their sincere conversion.”

And in a letter to the same relative, he writes from

“Benares, Sep. 26, 1825.

“We are detained here longer than I wished, but I hope to
do something for the mission by the delay. Our friends are
each doing what he can in his sphere. They have suggested
that I should write a letter to the Committee, which might
be printed in the Monthly Intelligence, giving some account
of the schools and congregations. I will send such a
letter, and it may be printed or not.”

With reference also to this subject, the Archdeacon informs his brother in a letter dated

“Oct. 11, 1825, above Monghyr.

“Mr. H. Fisher, at Delhi--his father at Meerut: Mr.
Torriano, at Cawnpore--have each a native missionary
who labours around them, and instructs especially those
natives who profess christianity. This last class is fast
improving, I would fain hope, in knowledge and character;
and thus they become ‘Epistles of Christ, read and known’
among the heathens: and the reproach which formerly
attended the gospel is lessening.”

Thus wherever the Archdeacon might be, the subject nearest his heart was, the progress of the gospel among the heathen.

It was on the 25th of October 1825, that Archdeacon Corrie arrived in Calcutta, on his return from the Upper Provinces. Among the first things to which the Archdeacon directed his attention, were the affairs of the Church Missionary Society, which he found to be as prosperous as could well be expected. At the end of the following month he was gladdened by the ordination of his long-tried friend Abdool Messeeh, who, together with Messrs Reichardt and Bowley, was admitted into the order of Deacons, by Bishop Heber. The ordination took place on the 30th of November, in the Cathedral of Calcutta, and in the presence of a large congregation, among whom were more than twenty clergymen. It was remarked by one who was present on that interesting occasion, that

“Nothing could equal the joy of Mr. Corrie: he appeared
as if he could just then adopt the language of Simeon of
old. He has watched the gradual progress of every thing:
he could remember when matters assumed a far different
semblance.”

On the 23rd of December the Archdeacon attended the Bishop at a public examination of the children educated in the schools maintained in the Calcutta Ladies’ Society for Native Female Education; when, during the examination, the Rajah Boidenauth came forward and presented the Society with a donation of 20,000 sicca rupees, toward the erection of a central school. One of the great objects which the Archdeacon had long had in view, was thus in the progress of being realized; and as a preliminary measure, he obtained permission to place under the Ladies’ Society, those Female-schools at Burdwan which had hitherto been supported by the Church Missionary Society.

These several causes for rejoicing were not, however, without a corresponding draw-back. The hot season of 1825 had been unusually unhealthy, and among others who had suffered in health were Mr. and Mrs. Thomason, especially the latter. This decided Mr. Thomason to return to Europe early in the spring of 1826. Mr. Sherer, too, having accomplished the object for which he went out to India, was preparing to return to his family in England. The Bishop, moreover, left Calcutta on the 30th of January 1826, for the purpose of holding visitations in Madras. Under these circumstances Archdeacon Corrie writes to Mr. Sherer, then on the point of embarking for England:--

“Feb. 22, 1826.

“A feeling of desolation oppresses me, which I try to shake
off, by looking to Him who possesses all fulness, in order
to supply his needy dependents. In P. I lost my worldly
adviser, and in Mr. Thomason my religious helper: but the
Lord liveth. In you, I will not say how much we seem to
have lost; but this much I cannot but say. There is no
possibility of my following you in less than five years,
and what may occur before then, who can tell? It would be
presumptuous to say any of us shall see that period; and
yet there is no doubt a secret hope that we shall. How I
shall part with the mother and the children, I know not. It
seems as if they ought sooner to go into a more favourable
climate, and if it were necessary, I suppose the necessity
would go far to reconcile me to it. My heart goes with you
to Morcott and Colsterworth; may you be carried to them in
health and safety, and may the peace of God attend your
meeting with them! It seems superfluous to say anything
about my love for them. They need no assurance of it; yet
it is a relief to write about it.”

Some further account of his condition is given by the Archdeacon

TO MR. SHERER.

“March 14, 1826,

“We continue much as you left us. The wet has set in, and
the monsoon has been almost constantly against you. The
Bishop was twenty days reaching Madras. This will delay
your progress; but great is our happiness in knowing that
winds and waves obey His will, “whose we are, and whom we
serve.”

“Our Friday evening [services] have been but irregularly
attended. The Government dinners have, no doubt,
interfered; and next Friday Lady A. has an ‘at home.’
Shall we ever have ‘the powers that be’ on our side? Yea,
doubtless, it shall be even so.

“You will know all about Lord A’s recal before this reaches
you. May it please God to send us a Governor who will at
least own his duty in respect of the God of Christians!
The most painful thing in the present administration is,
that our duty as Christians is not recognised. Policy is
avowedly the idol worshipped.

“I am thankful and happy in my present situation. I know
not what time, if permitted to me, may bring forth, but
I cannot at present conceive of happiness in leaving my
station. A few short years will unite us all, I trust,
where probably natural feeling will be absorbed in
relationship to Christ, but not, I apprehend, be forgotten.
In the mean time, while passing through this ‘valley
of Baca,’ let our correspondence serve as ‘pools of
refreshment.’”

TO HIS BROTHER.

“Calcutta, April 11, 1826.

“Before this reaches you, we hope you will have received
back our dear Sherer, well in all respects. In this
changing world, we know not what a day may bring forth, but
we are taught that “sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof;” and, therefore, I will anticipate none of those
things, evil to nature, to which both he on the water and
his family on land are liable, but trust that your meeting
has been joyous and thankful. We go on much as Sherer left
us. The fall of Bhurtpore and peace with Ava,[127] leave
the country externally quiet, but in so extended an empire,
composed of such discordant elements, we are less, in
reality, settled. Two native regiments at Bhurtpore refused
to go into the trenches; the business was hushed up, but
a discovery was made of the state of the native mind. The
fact is, that ‘the powers which be,’ while they fear the
smallest movement in favour of Christianity, fear nothing
when saving money is concerned. Whereas the native, if he
be liberally dealt with, will give you his caste even, if
you do not demand it all at once. “The Lord reigneth,” must
be our motto; and though we cannot but see what is doing,
must refer ourselves, to His power, providence and grace,
to order all things as shall be for His own glory.

“Yesterday I completed forty-nine years. Great goodness
have I experienced, great ingratitude am I conscious of;
but great is the mercy of God my Saviour; infinite the
value of Jesus’ blood. Therefore I will hope on, and expect
to be preserved by “the power of God through faith unto
salvation.” “He restoreth my soul for his name’s sake.”

Within a few days of the date of the foregoing letter, Archdeacon Corrie received the afflicting intelligence that it had pleased God suddenly to remove Bishop Heber from this scene of trial, to the church triumphant in heaven. Appended to a copy of the letter from the Rev. Mr. Doran which announced this event, and the circumstances by which it was accompanied, the Archdeacon wrote

TO MR. SHERER.

“Calcutta, April 15, 1826.

“By the copy on the other side you will see with what a
heavy stroke God has smitten us; doubtless in mercy, though
we see it not now. Nothing can be added at present to Mr.
Doran’s account. All here is mute astonishment. Public
and individual concern is spread over all. I will send
all the public documents, and will take the first further
opportunity to send more particulars.”

These particulars are too well known to need repetition in this place, but the following extract from a letter addressed about that time by the Archdeacon to his brother, may not be without interest:--

“You will hear from other sources of the loss all India
has sustained, in the death of Bishop Heber. My first
impression was to inform Sherer, who, from being so lately
among us, could judge more readily of our feelings on the
occasion. I have printed, and privately distributed, a
sermon preached at the time; and have sent some copies
to Mr. Pratt. Mr. Robinson [subsequently archdeacon of
Madras,] took some copies to send home, with a sermon
of his own, preached at Trichinopoly, the Sunday after
the Bishop’s death. We cannot but be anxious as to who
will succeed to this see. Our late beloved Bishop was so
entirely a Missionary, that we can scarcely hope to see one
like him; and in respect of temper and beauty of general
disposition, to expect the like of him seems utterly
hopeless. In what I have said of him in the sermon, I have
said what I know his views were on certain points, rather
than expressed my own. Such was the natural amiability of
Bishop Heber’s character, that it was often difficult to
say whether he acted from nature or grace. But whatever
might be judged by some, at times, to be errors of
judgment, the general tenor of his life was so opposed to
worldly maxims, and what the world would have wished him
to follow, that there seems no doubt grace was the ruling
influence of his conduct. The great number of subscribers
he obtained for the society for the Propagation of the
Gospel, shews what an influence he had obtained; and how
many he had drawn over to support the Missionary cause.”

The sermon here alluded to, was preached in the Cathedral Church of Calcutta, on Sunday, April 23, from Heb. xiii. 7, 8. In a short notice prefixed to the sermon, the reason for printing it is stated to be “not any idea of its pretensions to literary merit, but a sincere desire on the part of the author, to improve the melancholy occasion of it, to the good of a community with which he had been connected nearly twenty years.” The Archdeacon added, that as “all who approached their late beloved and venerated diocesan, could not but admire his brilliant conversation, various acquirements, and commanding talents, it was hoped that, the perusal of the sermon might tend to recommend, to some at least, the cultivation of those principles of Christian piety which spread a charm over all his other great qualities.”

The limits within which it is desirable to comprise these memoirs, do not allow of the insertion here of the vivid sketch of Bishop Heber’s ministerial life in India, which this sermon contains, but as, in the letter quoted above, specific reference is made to the Bishop’s “views on certain points,” it may be proper to quote the outline of the doctrines which the Archdeacon states himself to have “heard the deceased prelate preach,” on different occasions.

“It was the _word of God_ which he administered. For man,
fallen from God and far from original righteousness,
he preached a full and free redemption by the blood of
Christ--justification by faith--the need of the Holy
Spirit’s grace to incline and enable man to repent, and
to bring forth fruit meet for repentance, persuading
man, by the terrors of the Lord, to flee from the wrath
to come, and by the mercies of Christ, to be reconciled
unto God--the pleasantness of religious ways--the comfort
attending the death of the righteous--the terrors of a
judgment-day to the impenitent, and the rewards of the
faithful servant--setting forth every Christian duty in
its relation to Christian principle, in his own peculiarly
lively and impressive manner.”

It is scarcely necessary to add, that Archdeacon Corrie was among those who met in the Town-hall of Calcutta, on the 6th of May, for the purpose of expressing their deep concern at the loss which India had sustained in the death of Bishop Heber, and for devising means by which the memory of the labours of that man of God might be transmitted to future generations.[128]

On the 18th of May, the Archdeacon, after having long desired to see such an object accomplished, was called upon to take part in the ceremonial of laying the foundation-stone of a Central School for the education of native females. Four years, it will be remembered, had now elapsed since female education in India had been first commenced on a general plan; but the difficulties in the way of such an undertaking were apparently so serious, that but few could have ventured even to hope that such an inroad on Hindoo prejudice and superstition could have been made, as that above five hundred females should already have been brought under instruction in Calcutta and the vicinity alone. The ground purchased for the site of the school and other requisite buildings, was in the centre of the Hindoo population, and about half a mile to the north of the Church Missionary station at Mirzapore. The foundation stone was laid by the Lady Amherst, prayer having been offered up by the Archdeacon for the divine blessing on the undertaking. Many natives (particularly women and their daughters) were present, on this interesting occasion; and the Rajah Boidinath Roy, through an interpreter, congratulated the Lady Amherst on the success which had crowned the exertions of her Ladyship and the Ladies of Calcutta; expressing also, his deep sense of the gratitude which himself and others entertained for the benefits which might be expected from the education of his country-women.

The demise of the Bishop devolved on the Archdeacon the administration of the affairs of the diocese during the vacancy of the See. In writing to his brother he therefore observed:--

“Calcutta, June 29, 1826.

“We are now residing in the Episcopal house, which
Government allows me to use, as Commissary for the See,
and gives me the Bishop’s salary instead of my own. It is
a new thing to me, to be consulting Burn’s Ecclesiastical
law, Gibson, &c. There is, indeed, no power vested in the
Bishop of Calcutta, for Government reserve the decision of
every point to themselves; and the letters patent give no
independent authority. Yet such a man as Bishop Heber will
be applied to from all parts of India, on points affecting
divorce, wills, &c., and his opinion will be received as
law: so that such studies as I have mentioned, are not in
vain. The love for antiquity, indeed, which some entertain,
overlooks, I think, too much the present race of men; and
sooner than deviate from ancient modes, would suffer them
to pass out of life in their ignorance; but I have as yet
discovered no ground for such rigid adherence to rules
adapted to the Church in a settled state, and am sure the
early Evangelists did not observe them.

“All things here begin to assume their usual appearance
again, except that our beloved Bishop no more occupies his
seat among us; and that a second Escutcheon, hung up in the
Cathedral, reminds us, that two Bishops have passed away
from among us. My mind seems wearied with considering what
may be destined for our Indian Church. The work of Missions
had assumed a regular form. In the south of India, regular
help, and enough of it, would give Christianity an almost
established form; so many Natives profess Christianity. May
God be gracious unto the land, and send us a man of a right
spirit!”

By the advice of the medical men in Calcutta, the Archdeacon decided on a journey up the river, as for as Benares and Chunar. He, therefore, left Calcutta in the month of July 1826, visiting several of the out-stations as he passed along. On reaching Benares, one of the chief objects of his attention naturally was Joy Narain’s school, in the founding of which the Archdeacon had taken so much interest. He had now the satisfaction to find the School in excellent order; there being in it one hundred and thirty-one boys under daily instruction. Besides this, he found that two youths who had been educated in the school, had been engaged ever since January last, as assistant English-teachers in the free-school at Cawnpore, and were giving satisfaction; and that the success of those youths in thus obtaining a comfortable provision for themselves, had recommended the school to the good opinion of the natives of Benares and the neighbourhood. The Archdeacon found, also, that six other schools had been established, in different parts of the city, in which, among other books, the gospels were read. With reference to these schools he observes:

“The streets of Benares, being for the most part very
narrow, the boys assemble in long Verandahs, and the
passers-by see and hear all that takes place. This, though
unfavourable for the purposes of a School, yet causes what
the boys read to be heard by many; and sometimes a hundred
people, and upwards, will crowd around, while the boys are
examined, in the previous week’s Exercises: and thus their
knowledge is diffused.”

On reaching Chunar, the Archdeacon records in a memorandum dated--

“Chunar, Sep. 17, 1826.

“It is twenty years since I reached Bengal, having
arrived in Calcutta on Saturday, Sept. 20, 1806. I had
appointed the 20th. Sept. as a day for calling my ways
to remembrance; but have aforetime too much neglected
this duty: and I fear interruption on Wednesday, the
Anniversary of my actual entrance on life in this land.
Many sinful causes have of late years, prevented me from
making Memoranda of the state of my mind, as formerly, but
I have thus deprived myself of the power of calling many
things to mind, of which I ought deeply to repent; and am
constrained to pray, “Cleanse me from my secret faults,”
secret and hidden by forgetfulness from myself. Early in
1819, I arrived at the highest emoluments in the way of
Chaplains. In 1822, I received increased emoluments as
a Commissary for the See; and now enjoy alone, all the
advantages arising from the second vacancy of the See. I
feel decidedly, and painfully, that large means have not
been of advantage to myself, or family. My own soul has
gradually lost much of the liveliness I once possessed
in religion. The readiness to labour, the willingness to
attend to the poor, the pleasure of going here and there to
serve others, either officially or of choice, is greatly
departed from me. Increased years, and debility, may have a
share in this indisposition to active duties, but are far
from being the whole cause. I am deeply conscious, also,
that the receiving of so many [persons] from time to time
into our house (though in many cases a mere returning of
civilities, or rather favours previously by us received,
and a debt of gratitude, and in almost every case appearing
to be an exercise of hospitality) yet the numbers at table,
consequent desultory conversation, &c. weaken the power of
religion in me, and I seem to myself to have no strength
in comparison of former days. I have many thoughts how far
this company and constantly full table have had a share
in my loss of health. I would especially call to mind, my
dulness in secret duties, and how seldom I can ‘take hold
on God.’ I read and kneel in devotion, but too generally
without apprehending or appropriating any benefit. Deeply
humiliating as this is, I yet bless my Saviour that it
is no worse; that He has not cast me utterly from his
presence, nor taken His Holy Spirit from me. I am conscious
of a desire to be ‘as in days past,’ and of some endeavour
after it. But O! I have much ground to regain; many days
to redeem, and fewer left to work out my salvation in.
The cross of Christ is my only hope and glory. The Lord,
I think, knows I desire to be crucified with Christ; and
to have all iniquity taken away. Lord, work thou in me to
do, no less than to will! Oh! incline and enable my dear
partner to bear in mind more and more, the subjects of our
late conversations; that our own souls and our lovely and
beloved children, may be improved in every grace of the
Spirit; and that our light may yet shine before men, to the
glory of our heavenly Father. Preserve our dear children in
health; and O! give them spiritual healing and blessing.
Make us more and more one in Christ Jesus. Help me to walk
circumspectly, and to behave in present circumstances as
becometh the gospel of Christ. O keep me from any fall,
either in public or private; and lead me in the paths of
righteousness _for thy name’s sake_. Other plea have I
none: other refuge have I none. To thee, to thee alone I
cleave. A poor feeble vine, I would cleave to thee as the
stem; and in thy strength alone be strong. Quicken me more
and more. Lead me from strength to strength. ‘Hold thou me
up, so shall I be safe?’ O! forsake not the work of thine
own hands. I am thine, save me. Amen.”

As it was at Chunar that Archdeacon Corrie commenced his missionary labours, his account of the state of the native church there may not be omitted. He writes:--

“The congregation of the Hindoostanee worshippers, is
rather on the increase. The day I was there, upwards of two
hundred attended, of whom at least fifty were unbaptized
natives. I conversed with some of the recent converts, who
appear to be really sincere. Among them some are natives of
villages in the neighbourhood, who, at first, were greatly
opposed by their relatives; but retreating to Chunar, they
continued to receive renewed strength and encouragement,
by attending on the means of grace. By repeating their
visits home at intervals, they have at length overcome
prejudice so far, as to be heard with attention, on the
subject of their change; and in one case, the convert (who
is one of several brothers, Brahmins, who are the principal
cultivators in the village) has been acknowledged by his
family, and allowed to resume his place among them.

“Of those natives who attend Christian worship, one whole
family have become candidates for baptism. The first of the
family who became impressed with the subject of religion,
was the eldest son; about two years ago, he proposed
himself for baptism, but his father entreated Mr. Bowley
to delay, and he also would consider whether he should not
join the son. Mr. Bowley on this account recommended delay
to the son; he has continued steady, and now the father and
mother, and some other members of the family, are resolved
to embrace Christianity.”

On the 20th of September the Archdeacon commenced his journey back to Calcutta. When above Rajemahl, he wrote

TO MR. SHERER.

“Oct. 4, 1826.

“At Benares and Chunar, our friends are greatly improved,
and their usefulness and comforts increased by the
ordination. There is also more of Christian union and
love among them, and their work prospers. We call on the
chaplains and missionaries as we pass along, and on few
besides. We hope to reach the Berhampore river to-day. We
have been mercifully preserved, during our journey on this
uncertain river. By going leisurely, we have not had an
alarm, while most persons we have met with have lost boats,
or been some way annoyed. What lies before me I know not. I
regret not having regularly to preach, for though ministers
are too apt to read the Scriptures for others, I find it
good in any way to be kept close to them.

“I sometimes long to visit you all; but vain are such
longings, for after all, we are only that to each other
which God makes us. The light of His countenance alone,
maketh whole; and I should have no comfort in leaving my
post, without some more evident necessity than appears at
present.”

Archdeacon Corrie arrived in Calcutta toward the end of October, and early in the following month (Nov. 12th) was present at the opening of a new chapel at Mirzapore, in which it was intended to have the services of the Church of England statedly conducted in Bengalee. Not long before Bishop Heber left Calcutta on his last visitation, he had recommended the Church Missionary Society to make a pecuniary grant toward the building of the chapel, and the Archdeacon had laid the foundation-stone of it during the April of this year; the object mainly contemplated in the erection of it being, to afford native Christians and such natives as might be enquiring after Christianity, an opportunity for attending the worship of God, conducted in their own language. On this occasion, a considerable number of native Christians were assembled within the chapel, and the doors were thronged by crowds of Hindoos and Mahomedans, who were attracted to the spot.

On the day following, the Archdeacon writes

TO HIS BROTHER.

“Calcutta, Nov. 13, 1826.

“From Sherer you will learn our own affairs, and will know
that since he left us we have been up to Benares. We are
rendered uncomfortable in this large house by the decaying
state of some part of the walls; so that our personal
comfort is not increased by the enlargement of our limits.
And so I have found it in every advance in temporal
circumstances; something or other connected with it, has
always prevented increase of enjoyment. All true happiness
dwells in the mind: and O, “What shall I render to the
Lord,” that the peace of God, through Christ Jesus, is no
stranger to my breast? Too often, alas, have I had reason
to mourn my backslidings in heart, and temper, and conduct;
but if guilt removed return, the power of the atonement
may, also, be again and again proved.

“I find myself more a bishop than during the former vacancy
of this See; but here again the passings-by of some, the
reluctance with which others apply for what they cannot do
without, &c. might well embitter this temporary elevation
also; but that, I trust, I have learned to forbear in some
measure, and to forgive as I expect forgiveness; so that
no breach has occurred with any of our body. I am bound
both in conscience and consistency to take part in those
measures which have, all along, given offence to some,
whilst they are obliged also to take me with them in their
plans. The reluctance, however, is on their part, for ‘so
that Christ be preached, I rejoice.’

“Now our cold season is set in, I think with reluctance, of
returning to England. Here, I trust, I am useful in helping
on projects for the good of many thousands; in England,
a small parish would be all I could undertake the charge
of. Nothing, therefore, but decided inability to remain
in India should make me leave it. Our children, indeed,
cannot here fully comprehend that flow of the Christian
affections which the interest taken in all classes at home
calls forth; and whether I shall be able to part with them
and their mother, for three years, to visit England, I know
not. I greatly shrink from such a separation.

“You will have read the life of Dr. E. D. Clarke, and will
have seen the intense desire with which, when abroad, he
sought letters from home. Now something similar has always
dwelt in me, though wife and children, dear as life, have
consoled me under long silence from home. The life of
Clarke is admirably well done. I remember the person of the
biographer, and admired his fine delivery of a sermon at
St. Mary’s [Cambridge]; the subject of it I have forgotten.
But that is a long time ago, he must be getting old now,
and I am following fast after him.”

During this month (Nov.) it was, that a circumstance occurred of some interest, as indicative of the feeling of the native mind, with regard to Christianity. It appeared that for want of funds, the Committee of the Church Missionary Society in Calcutta, were intending to withdraw their missionary from Culna, a populous town and district on the west bank of the Hooghly, where schools had been established. But no sooner were the principal native inhabitants of the place (who were chiefly of the Brahmin caste) apprised of that intention, than they presented a petition in Bengalee, to Archdeacon Corrie, requesting that the missionary might be continued with them. Among other things, they observed that:--

“They acknowledged that they formerly entertained some
slight degree of apprehension of our sacred books; but that
in consequence of the Rev. Mr. Deerr making known to them
these our Scriptures, not only had their fears entirely
vanished, but they considered that these books were
deserving of unqualified reception, and highly beneficial;
and on this account, they considered themselves equally
benefitted, and rejoiced, as much as a man born blind when
he receives his sight.”

It having been decided to appoint an assistant to Mr. Bowley, in the mission at Chunar, Mr. Landeman, who was born in India, and well acquainted with Hindoostanee, was the person fixed upon. Previously, however, to the departure of this gentleman from Calcutta, a meeting was held (Dec. 15, 1826,) in the Church Missionary Library, at Mirzapore, when Archdeacon Corrie delivered an address to Mr. Landeman, in which he took a brief review of the circumstances connected with the then state of missions, and the duties arising out of them. The whole address was characterised by that large-mindedness, singleness of heart, and tenderness, which the Archdeacon was wont to manifest on occasions like these.[129]

As several months had now passed since the death of Bishop Heber, the intelligence of the appointment of his successor, was daily expected to reach Calcutta. Thus the Archdeacon writes

TO MR. SHERER.

“Calcutta, January 25, 1827.