“Dec. 11th. Yesterday, an old Mahomedan called on me: we had a long conversation on religion. After some previous talking, he said ‘The deity is above our comprehension; we are blind, and speak of Him as blind men do from handling an elephant; each one according to his apprehension of the part he handles.’ I answered, ‘True; but if a man possessing sight were to behold the elephant, he would describe it properly; and we might believe his report.’ He answered, ‘Yes.’ ‘Such,’ I replied, ‘were the prophets and apostles,’ &c. This led him to speak of the various prophets in whom, he said, we trusted. ‘Our services [said he] are confessedly unworthy of God, therefore there is need that a worthy Mediator be found, &c. one who wants nothing for himself, but can merit for us.’” Agreeably to the resolution which Mr. Corrie had formed, to observe New-year’s-day as one of several days for self-examination, we find him observing in his journal: “Chunar, January 1st. 1808. I praise God who has brought me thus far in mercy; and I perceive a good monument of praise on the review of the past. My first desire, on last New-year’s-day, was to be enabled to be useful here; and I mark an answer to prayer in that I am heard with attention, and have evidently obtained some influence amongst the people. One, I believe, is gone home to Christ; whilst I trust, three others have entered on the narrow way. The Government yet prohibits attempts at conversion; and the kingdom of Christ, to outward appearance, has made but little progress in this land; but there is mercy vouchsafed sufficient to encourage me to pray; and there is still cause for prayer. The Bettiah-walla and two others have been raised up to me; with other hopeful appearances amongst the native women. I bless God for renewed health of body and vigour of mind; and for somewhat of increasing patience and diligence in the work of the ministry. With respect to my resolutions, I find I have visited more than I wished to do; but less than I might have done, and more than I hope to do for the future. I praise God that I am not so much ashamed of the Gospel of Christ as I have been; and that I have been enabled to preach Jesus Christ from house to house, in some small degree; but, I have done far less than I might have done: Yet, O Lord; I ought to praise Thee for thy mercy: Thou hast wrought all my works in me! I know I am a sinner; but thy grace is sufficient for me, and by thy grace I am what I am. The native schools have refused books; but I hope to establish a Christian school, and desire that my whole life, spirit, soul, and body, may be occupied in the work of the Lord.”