“A rich Brahmin told me yesterday that if any one died in Benares, or within ten miles of it, he would undoubtedly go to heaven, though he were ever so great an offender. I told him I would come some night and plunder his house, and then go to Benares, and so secure both present and future riches. He saw my meaning, and said with a smile, ‘there is no need for Sahib to take any money by force; my wealth is all at his feet,’ and so evaded my argument. I could fill volumes with conversations of this kind, but they have no more seeming effect than words spoken to the air; so deeply-rooted is error in their minds, and so congenial are their lying idols to the corrupt nature of man. I should not, however, forget the power of God, nor limit its operation. This I feel sure of, that the young, with means of instruction, will grow up ashamed of their idolatry; and means of instruction are not now entirely wanting. My three dear sons in the faith (young officers who were fellow-passengers) continue to walk in the truth. O, were the British all true Christians, the conversion of the heathen world, humanly speaking, would be comparatively an easy work! The appointment of Chaplain is, in this point of view, important.” It will be recollected (p. 62), that a short time before Mr. Corrie left Calcutta to proceed to Chunar, he had consulted with Mr. Brown and other friends, as to the means by which they “might best promote the glory of God in the earth,” and that among other means that were deemed likely to contribute towards so noble an object, one was, that each of the parties then present should forward a quarterly report of his ministerial plans and prospects, to Mr. Brown in Calcutta; who, having appended his own observations, should transmit a copy of the combined reports to each individual.[36] It was considered that a mutual knowledge of the facts and observations which might be accumulated in the course of each other’s labours and experience, would tend greatly to encourage and direct them as individuals, amid the difficulties which the Missionary and Chaplain had then to contend with. The first of these Reports seems to have been made on the 6th of April 1807, but no copy of Mr. Corrie’s communications is met with among his papers, of an earlier date than the Report which is here subjoined. “Chunar, July 6, 1807. “The same routine of engagements and employments offers little of variety, either to amuse or profit my honoured brethren; but the idea of being under an engagement to communicate something on this day, has been no little spur to activity, that I might have something to relate to them. The motive I feel to be an unworthy one; but those among whom I am placed may have been benefited from it, and our plan will redound to their benefit at least.