“Jan. 7th. I sent off to-day a copy of the Gospels, and of the Morning Prayer, and Ten Commandments, to Bettiah, at the request of a person who is said to be the Sirdar[38] of the Christians there, and of whom even the padras stand in awe: he is represented, also, as understanding Persian, Portuguese, and a little Latin. I dined with Captain M----; after sitting silent for some time, I was induced by some remarks of Major General ----, to enter into a long argument in behalf of Christianity, as the General maintained Mahomedanism to be equal to Christianity: the argument arose from my remarking that I thought men would invariably be guided in their conduct respecting temporal affairs by their religious opinions. ‘This,’ he said, ‘was a great mistake, and had led to the most disastrous effects: that no greater misfortunes had come on mankind than the contentions between Christians on religious pretences.’ I answered, that these were not caused by Christianity; and Gibbon himself being judge, Christianity was only the pretext: and on a comparison between Christianity and Mahomedanism, I was enabled so to speak as to leave him without reply. “Jan. 11th. Yesterday, the Bettiah-walla was seized with fever. I asked him how he was, as it regarded spiritual things: he said, ‘Happy.’ To-day he is worse: but, in answer to my question, he told me, ‘that he was not afraid of death, but of sin.’ In the evening I took Mr. G. to see him, who kindly offered his services. We found him in danger: he told me that ‘his mind was fixed on Christ Jesus: who could do all things.’ ‘I am,’ said he, ‘in His hands;’ and, in answer to my question, he told me ‘he found comfort.’ I have prayed that the Lord will spare him; and I trust he will be continued to the Church here. “Jan. 17th. The Bettiah-walla better: but very low: he speaks of every event as proceeding from the mercy of Jesus. After having spoken to him of the Redeemer, I asked him if he remembered Christ’s words, (John iv. 13, 14.) ‘he that drinketh, &c.’ he took up the words and finished the passage, adding, with a significant expression, ‘How can I forget Him?’ And many other declarations were added of His grace and greatness. “Jan. 18th. Twenty-two women attended, and heard the history of Ishmael, with much attention. The Bettiah-walla, speaking of the trouble occasioned to Abraham and Sarah, by the strife which arose from their sin in the matter of Hagar, spoke so feebly, yet with such affection, of the love of Christ, through whom they received forgiveness, and through whom we too must seek forgiveness, that most of them wept. I could scarcely contain myself for joy. O Lord, make thy word effectual!