with the Mahommedans, and puts them to silence by the arguments he has learnt; and on the riots at Benares a great concourse of Mahomedans came to him and my moonshee. One night they continued to dispute until midnight, not respecting Hindooism and Mahomedanism, but entirely respecting the Mahomedan and Christian writings. I hope I am getting better, but not so speedily as last year. My flock is already as without a shepherd. I have not been among them for a month. A few came to the house on Sunday evening, but the exertion on the occasion, though little more than family worship, has thrown me back.” “April 3, 1810. “Your last letter found me very unwell, so much so, that greatly as I wished, I could not engage in answering it. I have no fear of being forgotten by you, yet these tokens of your regard are indeed very acceptable. It seems a weakness in my nature that makes me cling to creatures as I do; and the same weakness is the source of what you are so kind as to call by a softer name. “It would be a cause of deep regret to me to be excluded from your ‘Translation library;’ you will really oblige me by inserting my name among the subscribers, and I will make an effort to set all straight with you and all the world. After deducting the amount of the house here, which I have sold and am to be paid for in August, I do not owe above 3000 rupees: yet I do owe all I am, and all I ever shall have in my power, to such purposes as you propose. I will endeavour first to be just, and then I will glory in devoting my all to the propagation of the gospel in India. The doctors say there is no occasion for my going down the country, but I shall be guided much by Mr. Robinson.[58] He is near at hand; yet come I shall not without some alteration for the worse. I have now very little pain, but am weak and incapable of application. I should rejoice more in visiting Aldeen than Cawnpore even, for the children are all very dear to me, and their playfulness delights me. I hear Martyn has received the packet from you, and has heard from Mr. Simeon that Cambridge university voted Buchanan, a D.D. degree.[59] I hear general M. wishes to reside at Ghazeepore with the 67th. The poor old man has thrown obstacles in the way of our church till the materials are likely to be lost, but the congregation increases in proportion to the general’s opposition. W. has often 30 at Divine Service, and usually about 20. They sing hymns, and are generally a very interesting people; though but a few, as usual, give evidence of any change.” “Chunar, April 28, 1810.