It was a gratifying circumstance to Mr. C. to observe, from the eagerness with which all persons with whom he conversed, enquired after the progress of missions among the heathen, that there had been a great increase of zeal for the spread of divine truth, as compared with the state of religious feeling at the time he left England in 1806. He expressed himself, also, agreeably surprised to find that the increased regard for sacred things which he observed in London, was not less visible in his native village and county; in the more orderly observance of the Sabbath, and in the attention that was given by the gentry and clergy to the education of the poor, to Sunday schools, and to the support of different religious societies. On the other hand his affectionate nature was afflicted by hearing of the death of neighbours and friends; by learning that some with whom he had formerly “walked in the house of God as friends,” had turned aside from the simplicity of the gospel; and by having to witness the many other changes which the lapse of years never fails to bring about in families and localities. Deep therefore were the emotions called forth both in preacher and hearers, when, for the first time after his return from India, Mr. Corrie occupied his father’s pulpit, and urged his surviving neighbours to use the numberless changes and trials and deaths, that had occurred since he last addressed them, as a reason for increased anxiety to secure to themselves an enduring inheritance.[91] No sooner, however, had Mr. C. somewhat recruited his health, than he visited his friends, in different parts of England; taking occasion to plead the cause of missions, both from the pulpit and at public meetings, as opportunities occurred. Such portions of his time, also, as were not thus occupied, he devoted to a revision of the Liturgy in Hindoostanee. His purpose was, if practicable, to carry out with him to India, a reprint of that important translation, for the use of the native Christians. In the spring of 1816, Mr. Corrie was engaged to preach the anniversary sermon for the Church Missionary Society in London. With reference to that circumstance he wrote TO J. W. SHERER, ESQ. “I am appointed to preach that sermon, which I would gladly have avoided: but it was said, ‘That many would be discouraged if I held back; for that the idea would be, that the subject [of missions] was not considered so important by us in India, as it has been represented here.’ I therefore consented, leaving the issue to God.” Before preaching the sermon, however, Mr. Corrie availed himself of Mr. Simeon’s judgment and experience; and in transmitting a copy of the manuscript to that honoured friend, he observed:--