“I fear lest the school-plan proposed [by government] should swallow up all the funds government can spare, in mere literary objects, and the gospel be left still to depend on the charity of God’s people. There is nothing in Arabic or Sanscrit, as at present studied in India, that can enlarge the mind or prepare it for the gospel: so that if Christians also are not to be educated, we shall be just where we were.” But whilst Mr. Corrie was thus busily occupied with plans for the extension and perpetuating of divine truth, his health had again begun to decline; for in writing to his brother-in-law, he concludes some observations on the state of religion at Agra, with the remarks:-- “The care of these things tends greatly to increase the inflammation in my side, which is as bad as ever it was at Cawnpore, though I trust it will, as hitherto, give way to medicine.” In this expectation, however, Mr. C. was disappointed. His illness so increased upon him, that early in July 1814, a voyage to sea was decided upon, as the only means likely to prolong his life. In the letters which Mr. C. wrote to his friends about this time, he speaks of himself as being greatly tried at the thought of having “to leave a variety of hopeful prospects and persons, without knowing how they would terminate;” and in his Journal observes:-- “July 31, 1814. Having been recommended by the medical men to go to England for the recovery of my health, application has been made for leave [to do so.] My mind is, in consequence, much occupied by the subject. Sometimes it is suggested that I am weary of the work, and wish to run away from the difficulties which the various tempers, and wants of the people impose upon me. But certain it is that my frame is so shattered that these difficulties agitate me more than can be conceived, and so as to prevent my gaining strength. On the other hand, I think the horror I feel at the sea-voyage, with the expence and trouble attending it, would prevent my undertaking it from mere self-pleasing motives. I feel, at the same time, so little ability to benefit the cause of missions at home, that I see no good, in that view, likely to arise from the journey. Only a wish to recover strength to serve God in newness of life, I think, is uppermost, though many base and foolish thoughts intrude themselves.” Before, however, taking his departure from Agra, Mr. Corrie administered the Lord’s Supper to fifty-nine native communicants, and on the next day (Aug. 18th.) he committed the congregation to the care of Mr. Bowley and Abdool Messeeh, “amid many tears on the part of the new converts, and much sorrow on his own.” Respecting that season of interest and solemnity, Mr. C. writes:--