Memoires of the Right Rev Daniel Corrie

“Cuttack, Orissa, June 23, 1823.

“You will have heard the reason for my being here, so I will not repeat the history of my ailment. I am, through Divine mercy, much better, but this enfeebling climate is not favourable to the recovery of strength, especially at the age of forty-six. You accuse me of writing despondingly, I am not aware of any such feeling; though sickness induces reflection, and ‘it is a serious thing to die.’ Although my faith in the Redeemer is unshaken, and affords at times strong consolation, yet the presence of sin often clouds the view. But I will not fill my paper with such reflections.

“On the death of the Archdeacon about two months after that of the Bishop, Parson and I were appointed Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The Archdeacon of Bombay remonstrated against our appointment, and some of the Chaplains have acted without reference to us. We have gone on quietly; as in fact, there is little for us to do officially; and I should not wonder to see in some of the high church Reviews, (if opportunity offer) accusations of neglect. The fact is, the Bishop has no authority whatever beyond what his personal character may procure him. The late Bishop laboured all his Indian life, to establish an authority independent of the local Government. This was resisted covertly by the Government, and was felt to be a grievance by the Chaplains. I rejoice greatly in Mr. Heber’s appointment, and trust it is a token for good to the established church in India. Nothing short of annihilation as a society, will be refused him by the Church Missionary Society in Calcutta; and in truth, everything short of a separate existence for it, was repeatedly offered to the late Bishop.

“I should not have entered on this subject, except to tell you how in the providence of God, I have been affected by events.”

During Mr. Corrie’s absence from the Presidency, the Rev. Isaac Wilson arrived from England, and the Calcutta corresponding Committee of the Church Missionary Society having thus obtained the aid of a clergyman, whom they could appoint as secretary, decided on forming a Church Missionary Association, as had been done at Madras. Up to this time, it will be remembered, the concerns of the Society for Missions to Africa and the East, had been conducted in Bengal by a Committee appointed originally from England; so that although the friends of religion had by this arrangement possessed the means of substantially contributing to the support of Missions, yet they had not been formally embodied in a Society. The jealousy and opposition of Government to Missionary operations having now, however, somewhat abated, it was thought important to take advantage of the first favourable opportunity that presented itself, to place the Church Missionary Society on a more definite footing. The arrival in India of an episcopally ordained Missionary, who could render essential aid to an object that appeared so desirable, decided the corresponding Committee to take measures for the formation of an Association so soon as ever Mr. Corrie should return to the Presidency. This he was enabled to do during the month of July, and accordingly on the 31st of that month, the best means for forming such an Association were taken into consideration. On the 11th of August another meeting of the corresponding Committee and their friends was held, at which rules for the conducting of a Church Missionary Association were provisionally agreed upon; and with a view to a public meeting towards the end of the month, copies of the proceedings of the Committee were in the meantime printed and circulated for the information of the subscribers to Church Missions in Bengal. On the 28th of August a public meeting was held, and the Calcutta Church Missionary Association was formed, Mr. Corrie being chosen the first President. In the Report of the proceedings on the latter occasion, it is stated that

“The Rev. D. Corrie, in accepting the office of President of the Association, addressed the meeting in a speech which breathed an ardent spirit of piety, of affection, and of zeal for the sacred cause of Missions. It would be impossible to convey any adequate idea of it by a cursory mention in this place of the persuasive topics then so feelingly urged. Suffice it, therefore, to say, that, as Mr. Corrie himself was deeply affected, so he made a deep impression upon the whole audience.”

The formation of this Association was not, however, effected without some little opposition, but as that appears to have arisen from a misunderstanding of the motives and relative positions of the parties concerned, and was speedily allayed, it is therefore here mentioned merely in deference to the truth of history.

“Calcutta, Sep. 11, 1823.

“We are all, through mercy, quite well. We cannot be so much alone as my state of body requires, but we are more alone than when you were here, and our souls and bodies benefit by it; though I cannot but regret the partial exclusion it occasions from some of the excellent of the earth.

“Of public affairs I can say nothing, except that a Committee for public Instruction is formed. This was planned under Mr. Adam’s reign. A picture of him was voted after Lord Amherst’s arrival, by a great meeting at the Town-hall. Mr. A. is gone to Bombay in very bad health.

“Our great man, the Bishop, will soon, we hope, be here. He will come opportunely for our Missionary affairs, and his coming will prove, we trust, a blessing to many. They say he means to make the senior Chaplain Archdeacon; whether that means Mr. Shepherd, or myself, I know not, and am not anxious about it. I should lose in point of emolument, but the ease would suit me in my present state of health. I trust I can bless God for an increasing indifference as to outward things and distinctions.

“Mr. Jetter, about a fortnight since, baptized a young Brahmin; and inquirers increase at Mirzapore. The place is becoming known. It is now, also, assuming a pleasing appearance.”

According to expectation, Bishop Heber reached India at the beginning of Oct. 1823. So soon as ever it was known that the Bishop had reached Saugur, Mr. Corrie, as senior chaplain, Mr. Abbott as registrar of the diocese, and Principal Mill of Bishop’s College, went down the river in the government yacht, to conduct his lordship to Calcutta. On Saturday, Oct. 18th, the Bishop was installed in the Cathedral, and on the following Monday was pleased to appoint Mr. Corrie to the Archdeaconry of Calcutta. With reference to that circumstance Bishop Heber wrote to Mr. Williams Wynn.[114]

“I have bestowed the Archdeaconry, much to my satisfaction, on the senior resident chaplain, Mr. Corrie, who is extremely popular in the place, and one of the most amiable and gentlemanly men in manners and temper, I ever met with.”

In a letter from Dum Dum, Nov. 3, 1823, announcing his appointment to the Archdeaconry, Mr. Corrie also informs Mr. Sherer:—

“We are miserably off for Chaplains, and you will see from the date that I am at Dum Dum doing duty there until we get a reinforcement. I am, however, but weak, being on the recovery from a fever which was brought on by going out in the heat, to marry a couple about the middle of October. I had become quite unfit for the Presidency duties. The sight of the Cathedral used to make me ill, from the weak state into which I had fallen; and I trembled like a leaf in the breeze when I ascended the steps of either desk or pulpit. At the same time I could not leave the country, not being entitled to the pension, for a year to come. I am now relieved from those distressing occasions, and my mind is eased of a burden. I feel that, humanly speaking, I may yet be strong here, and do a little in the Missionary cause.”

Nor were these Mr. Corrie’s anticipations with respect to his health premature; for being now released from the duties of the Cathedral, he gradually recovered his strength, and attained to such a healthiness of appearance, that persons who had not seen him for some time, could scarcely imagine that he had been so seriously ill.

But besides the beneficial change which had thus been effected in Archdeacon Corrie’s personal condition, it was no small satisfaction to him to find, that in carrying on the affairs of the Church Missionary Society, he could now have the advantage of the support and direction of his Diocesan. For the difficulties in the way of co-operating with that society, which appeared insuperable to the late Bishop Middleton, having been either surmounted or removed, it became the pleasant duty of the Archdeacon, to propose that the Bishop of Calcutta should be respectfully requested to accept the office of President of the Auxiliary Church Missionary Society, which was formed in that city, on the 1st of December 1823. Nor, after the active part which he had taken in the proceedings of the Society, could it be otherwise than gratifying to the Archdeacon, to hear Bishop Heber, on that occasion, publicly express his lordship’s conviction, that the Church Missionary Society, in conjunction with others of a similar nature, had been the means of accomplishing extensive good.

For the two months following the occasion here referred to, Archdeacon Corrie was chiefly resident at Dum Dum. To his brother he writes from

“Calcutta, March 11, 1824.

“Our hot season has commenced. During the cold season we have been residing chiefly at Dum Dum, the Artillery station, seven miles from the fort, where, since my preferment, I have done the Chaplain’s duty. Mr. Crauford, now Chaplain of the Old Church, having friends in the Artillery regiment, with whom he spends some days every week, has agreed to take the duties of Dum Dum for the present, leaving to me the charge of the old church. In this Mr. Wilson, a Church Missionary, assists me; so that I have had, as yet, no relief, except from the occasional duties of this large place. And indeed, this was all I desired, as, when not exposed to the sun and consequent fatigue, I am as well as I am likely, with my nervous frame, to be anywhere. We must now consider ourselves fixed here for seven years, should life be prolonged. What may be necessary for our children in that period, we know not. Hitherto they have enjoyed good health; and if it please God to continue it to them, we do not mean to separate them from us. But we experience in fact, I trust, as well as in theory, our dependence on a higher power, and are disposed to do what may be His holy will, as we discover it.

“Of our public affairs you hear through public channels. Of private and family affairs I do not like to say much on paper. The bishop has proved toward myself most disinterested and kind. Had he been less impartial and less feeling than he is, I should not now have been here. Repeated attacks of fever had so weakened me, that I could not go through my duties; and here no unemployed clergyman is at hand to help a friend in need. I was therefore, preparing for a voyage to the Cape, which by draining our resources would both have kept us low in circumstances, and would have sent me back to what had proved a distressing situation. We cannot therefore, but feel the hand of Providence in the very considerate kindness of the Bishop. He has met with much annoyance, I fear, in consequence, from quarters where submission to Episcopal authority used to be the order of the day; but which, like all order not founded on Scripture principles, is only submitted to when on their own side. I do not say that Episcopacy is not founded on Scripture, but that, all obedience to it does not rest on the same foundation. I can truly say, I never took a step in our Church Missionary proceedings which had not the sanction of episcopal principles.

“We have now three Missionaries from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. The College has begun operations, and I feel no little satisfaction that the first student is a youth previously prepared by the Church Missionary Society. He is given up to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, partly because they have funds unappropriated, and the Church Missionary Society has not, and partly because I could not find among our friends the support I wished for in respect of this youth. Alas! how much of human infirmity cleaves to us all; for I do not pretend to be free from it, and others see more, perhaps than I should like to acknowledge. Our Bishop is the most free from party-views of any man I ever met with. In a ruler this is beautiful, and I have felt the benefit resulting from it. But a few years ago it seemed as if it was impossible to exercise such a spirit. Certainly Bishop Heber in those days, would not have been raised to the Bench; when unlimited submission was the only condition of cooperation. Some would have given up the Church Missionary Society, and have resolved all the Episcopal Societies into the Diocesan Committee. I withstood it, and held what is now acknowledged, that the Bishop is (such) in his office alone, and that whenever he sits in committee, he sits as a private member, and not as Bishop. Hence he can sit in any Society conducted on episcopal principles. The time indeed seems approaching when all societies will send out men of a similar spirit, and then our co-operation will be complete. The three men, of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, appear truly pious, though as yet they manifest not that love of prayer and religious exercises which maintain religion in its power.

“I long to hear more of you all, but we must be content, I believe, to endure this longing as a necessary concomitant of our voluntary banishment. I earnestly wish you would, as you have opportunity, direct the attention of young men of piety to this country. Of twenty-six Chaplains allowed for Bengal, only thirteen are present; the distress consequently is great, especially in Calcutta. No one of us can be ill, or omit a sermon, without casting additional labour on men already fully employed, whilst the Dissenters are in number strong; both exhibiting variety to draw people, and relieving each other from too much work.

“Our Government has declared war against the king of Burmah, and an expedition is ordered against that country. We have had skirmishing already on the borders, and have lost some officers. Happily there is no power in the interior to disturb us at present. Runjeet Sing, the king of Lahore, is moving on the banks of the Indus; and it is said an army of observation is forming on the Bombay side, to watch him. We are all well, and expecting a journey through the Upper Provinces in company with the Bishop and family, to commence in June.”

Before the time arrived for undertaking the journey here mentioned as in prospect, Archdeacon Corrie was called upon to officiate at the ordination of Christian David, a native of Malabar. This person had been a pupil of Schwartz, and had for many years been employed as a catechist in Ceylon, by the Society for promoting Christian knowledge. He had proved himself to be so faithful a labourer, in the Christian cause, that except for some legal scruple on the part of Bishop Middleton, he would have received ordination from that prelate in 1821. He now came to Calcutta, bringing with him the recommendation of Archdeacon Twistleton, and for a title, a colonial chaplaincy to which he had been appointed by Sir Edward Barnes, the Governor of Ceylon. The day fixed upon by Bishop Heber, for the ordination of Christian David, was Ascension-day (May 27, 1824,) and on the following Trinity Sunday, he was ordained priest. With reference to that most interesting event, Archdeacon Corrie wrote

“Calcutta, June 10, 1824.

“I had to examine him on such points as a missionary to the heathen, unacquainted with Western science should know. The Bishop was so pleased with my questions and Christian David’s answers, that he has sent a copy of them to the Archbishop of Canterbury.”

“All public religious affairs you will learn from the Missionary Register. A Ladies’ Society for promoting native female education; Lady Amherst, Patroness!![115] Who would have dreamt of this a few years ago?

“We set out next week with the Bishop, but a difficulty has arisen about my being absent at the same time [with him] I being ex officio Commissary. This will in all probability bring us back from Chunar. I have got over the hot season without a fever, and am now tolerably well, though constrained to keep in doors. I look forward to coming to England as a dream of which the reality is barely probable. O, may we be more in the contemplation of our heavenly home! I have no reason to be dissatisfied with the world, further than as sin renders it uneasy to me, sometimes me to it; and my children will perhaps be better off by my remaining here. For the rest, I have but little anxiety; and home is home, in a Christian, as well as in a worldly sense; nor shall we be at home until we get to heaven.”

The difficulty referred to in the foregoing letter, as regarded the absence of both Bishop and Archdeacon from Calcutta at the same time, having been surmounted, Bishop Heber, accompanied by his Chaplain, Mr. Stowe, commenced his journey toward the upper provinces on the 15th of June, 1824. Archdeacon Corrie, with his wife and children, followed in a separate budgerow. After three days voyage on the river, they parted company; the Bishop and his chaplain proceeding to Dacca, whilst the Archdeacon and his family passed on by Berhampore, and Malda, to Bhaugulpore, where they were to wait for the Bishop. But in the meantime Mr. Stowe was taken dangerously ill at Dacca, and died there on the 17th of July.[116] Bishop Heber joined the Archdeacon’s party on the 10th of August, and proceeded to visit the several stations of Monghyr, Patna, Dinapore, Buxar, Benares, Chunar, &c., in succession.[117] When, near Allahabad, the Archdeacon wrote to his brother:—

“Sept. 12, 1824.

“We have seen much done here in the way of preparation; but then it is much only as compared with the former state of things. With reference to what remains to be done, nothing comparatively has been accomplished. The country near Allahabad, which the English possessed when I arrived in Bengal, extended in length about twelve hundred miles, by an average breadth of one hundred and fifty or two hundred. That constituted the Bengal Presidency. The Ganges may be considered a line running through the length of the tract, dividing it into two parts. Throughout this extent, there was only one place of Protestant worship [and that] in Calcutta; and not a building appropriated to worship out of Calcutta, belonging to the English. There are now in Calcutta four places of worship in the Established Church; besides the Mission College, and three Dissenting Chapels. There is a Church at Dacca, Benares, Chunar, Futtyghur, and Meerut. Churches are in the course of erection at Agra and Cawnpore. Whilst at the old stations of Dinapore and Berhampore, public worship is still performed in an empty barrack. There are at Monghyr and Benares, dissenting Chapels, and perhaps at some of the upper stations also. All this has not been accomplished without considerable individual exertion, as well as public support: and though individual piety is still lamentably scarce, yet much more of public attention to religious observances prevails than formerly; and also much more of individual piety. With respect to the natives, when I arrived in the country, a few converts were found at Serampore; and a few, I believe existed at Dinapore: nor were there any attempts [to convert the natives] entered upon beyond those places, except at Cutwa, where the late missionary, Chamberlain,[118] had settled. Now, we have a few native converts in Calcutta, at Burdwan, and at Cutwa and its branch in Beerbhoom; at Monghyr, Buxar, Benares, Chunar and Meerut. In each of these places, a few converts are found; and what will eventually work greatly for the good of the heathen, some of the Roman Catholic converts, and descendants of Europeans, who had become quite native in their habits and language, are attracted by the labours of the missionaries at those places; and in some of them, as at Chunar, where the native congregation is the largest on the side of India, [the Roman Catholics] constitute the chief part. Besides these, I might mention Meerut, and Futtyghur, where missionaries are labouring, and some converts have been gained. Thus where all was darkness, now, here and there, a glimmering of light begins to appear. But a reference to the situation of these places on a map, and of the small number to whom the means of grace have proved effectual at each place, will shew you how little has yet been accomplished. How much remains to be done, ere this people can possess even the means of knowing the way of life! We are now, as you know, attending the Bishop. His visit cannot fail to increase the disposition of the British to help on the work of missions. At Buxar, he sat down in the hut of the native catechist, and heard the Christians read; and questioned them in their catechisms; at Benares, he went in his robes to the Hindoostanee chapel, where Mr. Morris officiates, and pronounced the blessing; and the same at Chunar. He has acquired sufficient Hindoostanee to give the blessing in that language. Also at Benares, he administered Confirmation to fourteen native Christians, and afterwards the Lord’s Supper: and at Chunar to fifty-seven native Christians. He asked the questions and pronounced the prayer, in Confirmation, in Hindoostanee, and also the words addressed in giving the elements in the Lord’s Supper. In the latter ordinance, he was assisted at Benares by Mr. Morris; and at Chunar by myself. But, in general, I have not been able to do more than attend him in public; my state of weakness not allowing of visiting or dining from home. Some of the old alarmists still remain, who, by these proceedings, are silenced if not convinced; and scoffers are put to shame. The Bishop, also, visits all the missionary native schools, as he proceeds; and the Missionaries are greatly encouraged by the interest he takes in their proceedings.”

“I must say a few words about myself. The season has not been favourable, as yet, for restoring my strength. We have had comparatively little rain; and the east wind failed by the 20th of August. Since then the west-wind has blown: and now in the afternoon blows hot. The river is fallen as much as is usual in November. Notwithstanding, I am greatly stronger than when in Calcutta, and have no positive disease: at least I think so. We now begin to feel the coolness at night—the forerunner of the cool season. Six weeks will bring it here. I then hope, with care, to recruit, and feel much the goodness of God in allowing me this hope.”

On the 27th of November 1824, Archdeacon Corrie addressed the following letter to Mr. Buckworth, from Cawnpore:—

“You will have heard, from my friends, of the debilitating effects this climate has at length began to have on my frame; but I am thankful to be able to say, that I am better this year than last. Knowing the cooler nature of this part of the country, at this season [of the year,] the Bishop kindly invited me to accompany him [on his visitation], and here we arrived early in October. The latitude is five degrees higher [North] than that of Calcutta; and, being within two hundred miles of the Snowy Mountains, is more than proportionably cooler. Your parish news is very interesting to me; and the increase of your places of worship must be a source of great gratification to you. If it should be given me to be your helper in one of these Churches, separate from occasional duties, some day, it would, I trust, be a comfort to both of us. But it becomes us more than ever not to boast, or lay plans respecting the morrow. We have now passed a fair proportion of the days usually assigned to man; and besides this, we have both personal experience of a dying nature. I feel for my own part, how sickness even may lose the effect of impressing the idea of death; and have hourly need to pray for more of that quickening Spirit, who alone makes us and keeps us alive to God and things divine and eternal. Our situation here is quite different from yours,—we have no parish annals to record. I arrived at this [station] on the day fourteen years after sainted Martyn had dedicated the Church. The house he occupied stands close by. The view of the place, and the remembrance of what had passed, greatly affected me. I arrived on the Sunday morning, after divine service had begun; (the Bishop having come on the day before) and, as the Chaplain is sick, I had to assist in administering the Sacrament; and well it was, on the whole, that none present could enter into my feelings, or I should have been overcome.

“You wish to hear tidings of our Bishop; and, from public sources, you will have heard of the favour he shews generally to the righteous cause. Of the natural amiability of the man, it is impossible to convey an adequate idea. Our children speak of him always as ‘the dear Bishop.’ I merely mention this to shew how lovely he appears in his general temper and habits. His conversation is very lively; and from his large acquaintance with books and men, very instructive, and tending to improve those he meets with; whilst he industriously seeks opportunities of public worship, Sunday and week day; and urges on all the importance of attending on the means of grace. Surely this land has cause of praise to God, that such an one has been placed at the head of affairs here!

“At this station, there are about two thousand five hundred Christians, and the chaplain being sick I remained here, to do the parochial duties. Having accompanied the Bishop to Lucknow, where we were entertained by the King of Oude, I returned hither. The Bishop presented the King with a Bible, and a Book of Common Prayer, in the native language; and the King was so taken with the Bishop, that he begged to have his picture; which was accordingly taken immediately, by an eminent English artist, whom the King keeps in constant pay. The Bishop went on his way to Meerut, Delhi, and Agra; at the latter place I hope to meet him, about Christmas; I am now therefore in a sphere I greatly like. On Sunday last I had two full services; and attended a meeting with the Dragoon regiment on Wednesday, and with the Foot regiment last night, and feel no ill effects; by which you will judge of the bodily strength which is mercifully renewed to me. I have one of the learned native converts with me; and he is collecting the few native Christians here, and we shall, I hope, be useful to them also.”

[109] Instituted in the year 1782.

[110] See above,—p.322.

[111] A printer and printing-press, sent out by the Church Missionary Society, had just arrived from England.

[112] Moonshee Mooneef Masseeh, who was baptised at Chunar in 1818.

[113] A place on the river Hooghley.

[114] Journal, &c., vol. 3. p. 230, 2nd edit.

[115] “The Ladies Society for Native female education in Calcutta, and its vicinity,” was formed on the 25th of March 1824.

[116] See Life of Bishop Heber, Vol. ii. pp. 217, &c.

[117] It has not been thought necessary to notice in detail, the many interesting occurrences which have already been related in Bishop Heber’s Journal and Correspondence.

[118] One of the Baptists.