TH

a native ministry would be certain to perform

in the evangelisation of India very early

engaged the earnest thought of Carey and his fellow missionaries. As sober-minded and practical men, by no means the visionary fanatics some imagined them to be, they saw clearly enough that to whatever extent their feeble numbers might be strengthened by European reinforcements, the millions of the heathen would never become enlightened, unless it were by the efforts of an indigenous Christian agency. The immense advantages of such an agency, arising out of considerations of language, climate, knowledge of fellow-countrymen, &c., were obvious and unquestionable; and therefore no opportunity was lost to create and promote it. Hence we find Krishnu Pal, the first Hindoo convert, encouraged to instruct inquirers, and to devote himself as an itinerant in evangelistic journeys.

In the natural course of things, as missionary

operations extended, as new stations, schools and churches were formed, and the number of the converts multiplied, the time arrived when it was felt to be absolutely necessary to provide an institution in which native Christians desiring to devote themselves to evangelistic and pastoral work, and having gifts and graces for such service, might be suitably trained. Consequently, in 1817, the idea of a missionary training institution, which for years had been under consideration, was so greatly developed that Carey wrote thus to Ryland :

"We have bought a piece of ground adjoining the mission premises, on which there is an old house, and which, for the present may be sufficient for the instruction of those whom God may give unto us. But we should be glad to see, before our removal by death, a better house erected. I conceive that the work of duly preparing as large a body as possible of Christian natives of India for the work of Christian pastors and itinerants is of immense importance. English missionaries will never be able to instruct the whole of India. The pecuniary resources and the number of missionaries required for the Christian instruction of the millions of Hindoostan can never be supplied from England, and India will never be turned from her grossness of idolatry to serve the true and living God, unless the grace of God rest abundantly on converted natives to qualify them for mission work, and unless by the instrumentality of those who care for India they be sent forth to the field. In my judgment, therefore, it is on Native Evangelists that the weight of the great work must ultimately rest."

In the following year a prospectus of a College was issued, setting forth the objects contemplated. It was proposed thoroughly to instruct the students

both in the doctrines they were to combat, and the doctrines they were to teach; much stress being laid upon the desirability of acquiring a knowledge of Sanscrit, without which knowledge it was felt the Christian teacher, especially in dealing with learned natives, would be placed at great disadvantage. It was firmly believed that if ever the Gospel was to prevail in India it would only be as native was opposed to native in demonstrating its excellence above all other systems. But whilst supreme importance was attached to the acquisition of the vernaculars of the people and the sacred classic language, instruction in English was not to be neglected. The prospectus stated: "Though it would be vain to attempt to enlighten a country through the medium of any language besides its own, it does not follow that English could not be studied as a learned language to great advantage by youths of superior talent; thus enabling them to dive into the deepest recesses of European science and enrich their own language with its choicest treasures. But the knowledge of English was only to be attempted after that of the Sanscrit had been acquired. One prominent feature in the proposed Institution was its unsectarian character, the rights of conscience being most carefully respected. A detailed calculation was made as to the annual expense of maintenance. In appealing to the public for support Carey and his colleagues most generously announced their intention to subscribe from their personal resources the sum of £2500. And it was proposed to invest the government of the College in the Governor of Serampore and the three senior missionaries.

On this prospectus being drawn up it was submitted to the Governor-General, Lord Hastings, who ex

pressed his most hearty approval and his wish to become the first Patron. The Danish Governor, Col. Krefting, was also most cordial, and consented to be the first Governor of the College. Col. Krefting further showed his interest in the Institution by sending a copy of the prospectus to the King of Denmark, which, if His Majesty approved, might also be laid before the Royal College of Commerce at Copenhagen.

Thus encouraged, a plot of land in a most eligible situation, eventually enlarged to ten acres, was purchased, and a plan for the College buildings was designed. The Grecian style of architecture was thought to be the most suitable. We are indebted to Mr. J. C. Marshman for the following description: "The centre building, intended for the public rooms, was a hundred and thirty feet in length and a hundred and twenty in depth. The hall on the ground floor, supported on arches, and terminated at the south by a bow, was ninety-five feet in length, sixty-six in breadth, and twenty in height. It was originally intended for the library, but is now occupied by the classes. The hall above, of the same dimensions and twenty-six feet in height, was supported by two rows of Ionic columns; it was intended for the annual examinations. Of the twelve side-rooms above and below, eight were of spacious dimensions, twenty-seven feet by thirty-five. The portico which fronted the river was composed of six columns, more than four feet in diameter at the base. The staircase room was ninety feet in length, twenty-seven in width, and forty-seven in height, with two staircases of cast iron, of large size and elegant form, prepared at Birmingham. The spacious grounds were surrounded with iron railing, and the front entrance was adorned with a noble gate, likewise cast at Birmingham."