cost us some portions of Syriac, Greek, and Arabic." Such was the employment of all the time which Mr. Brown could appropriate without neglecting his especial duties as senior chaplain to the Presidency. It will not be unsuitable to mention here, in giving directions respecting any inscription by which the remembrance of him should be transmitted to posterity, he desired it to be recorded, not that he had filled successively the highest stations in the church of our chief East-India Settlement; not that he had been distinguished by the confidence, respect and friendship, of each successive administration of the Supreme Government; not that he had been placed at the head, and assisted to form á splendid and important establishment, as Provost, of the College of Fort William; but, that "in the Mission church of Calcutta, for twenty-five years, he preached the Gospel to the poor." A slab to this effect, has been inscribed by the congregation, and placed within its walls. By this short inscription, the chief delight of his soul, and the one great end of his life, were justly delineated. He truly endeavoured to walk in the steps of his divine Master, agreeably F 2 agreeably to the representation given of the Messiah by the prophet Isaiah *. God was pleased to give him many seals to his ministry, among all classes of his hearers, but especially among the poor, whom he labored first to convince of their utter poverty before God; and then to enrich with the unsearchable riches of Christ. Those, who at first most revolted from such doctrine, and resolved never to attend his ministry more, have nevertheless been brought back by God and their own conscience; and have either departed into eternity, rejoicing in this faith, or have continued witnesses to this day, of his earnest and affectionate ministry, under which they have been induced to 66 cease to do evil and learn to do well." No persons, however mean in circumstances or ignorant of instruction, were beneath his earnest solicitude and tenderest sympathy, when he discerned in them true poverty of spirit; while he could prevail with himself to pay very little homage to any, who were filled with the good things of this life, or put their trust in their own righteousness for salvation. The truly humble Christian, of whatever rank or descent, was the character he *Isaiah lxi. ver. 1—4. most most admired, and by which he himself was most adorned. His steady exertions to commend the Lord's Christ as the Divine Saviour, were not confined to the pulpit; he was at all times ready to assist enquirers, like the Greeks of old, to "see Jesus." In one particular instance, known to the narrator, it pleased God to enable him to convey conviction, instantaneous as the lightning's flash, by his instruction in conversation with a person, who till then had heard, and read, and searched and prayed with athick darkness of understanding, which was not removed, till Mr. Brown was made the blessed instrument of pointing to a God Incarnate, the atoning sacrifice for sinners. He was ever willing to assist the private devotions of his people and for a small circle of serious believers, who adopted the custom of meeting weekly at the house of an aged disciple, or alternately at each other's houses, he arranged, at their request, heads of what should be their mutual petitions. They read a chapter together, with conversation; making it a rule to introduce none but of a religious tendency; they sung a hymn, and closed with prayer, according to the plan, or occasional F 3 occasional counsel, given them by their revered pastor. About the year 1802, a remarkable spirit of prayer was stirred up among both pastor and people. Several of them united to keep a prayer hour early on Sunday mornings; not meeting together, but agreeing on the same hour and same petitions. Their prayer was for Divine blessings generally; but more especially for the furtherance of true religion in the earth, and for the increase of all the means of grace in the Eastern countries, especially those under the Company's jurisdiction. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth more laborers into his harvest," was the spirit of their mutual intercessions. And it was with undescribable pleasure that they saw such ministers as the Rev. Mr. Martyn, and Mr. Thomason, arrive in India, as if in answer to this prayer. About the close of 1806, Mr. Brown had the happiness of forming an association for correspondence, with a small band of fellowchaplains, his friends, who, to strengthen each other's hands, and encourage one another, agreed on mutually communicating such observations and facts as they gleaned in the course Among course of their respective labors. these ministers, Mr. Brown had generally the greatest share of intelligence to impart, being placed in what had become, through the blessing of Almighty Providence, the most fruitful part of the Eastern harvest. A specimen or two from these circular communications are given among Extracts from his Correspondence; and afford a testimony, that amidst the thorns which too generally beset his course, he was occasionally refreshed and invigorated by some sweet fruits of his labors. In the beginning of his career in India, Mr. Brown had dedicated some attention to the acquirement of the languages of the country. He likewise made himself well acquainted with the superstitions, prejudices, and manners, of the Natives, with a view to cultivate a degree of intimate intercourse with them as a people, and to attract their favorable attention to him; that so he might bring the Christian religion under their observation, and combat with effect the fatal errors of their system. At all times he treated them with urbanity and respect; and towards him they conducted themselves with uniform deference: but he never would endure that they should, unchecked, F 4 |