tive language gives him great facility in communicating religious truths. One of the boys attached to the boarding school at Pandeteripo, made a profession of his faith in Christ on the 10th of this month. His name is P. M. Whelpley. He is 16 years of age. His father was formerly a Catholic. In consequence of his committing his children to the care of Protestants, he has been excluded from the Catholic communion. He appeared entirely willing that his son should join us. This boy received his first religious impressions at Tillipally, two years ago; and gives pleasing evidence of piety.* It is with devout thankfulness that we state, that from the time of sister Poor's death, the Lord seems to have been operating by his Spirit, upon the minds of a number at Tillipally, particularly among the boys and girls in the boarding-school. We entertain the hope that two of the girls have passed from death to life. Native Students in Theology. The three young men, Francis Malleappa, Gabriel Tissera, and Nicholas Permander, of whom a particular description has been given in former letters, have for some time past been directing their attention to theological studies. We rejoice to say, that they adorn the profession they have made, and bid fair to be extensively useful in preaching Christ to their perishing countrymen. We expect to license them to preach the Gospel in a short time. We have reason to be particularly thankful that five out of the six who have, within less than four months, been added to our church, are very promising youth. We trust the Lord designs them eventually to be preachers of righteousness. We have previously stated, that before the arrival of Mr. Garrett, we had contemplated the establishment of a new mission on the neighboring continent, if the Board would give us permission. The dealings of God with us thus far, give us encouragement to hope, that, in a few years, we shall have a number of native preachers. We therefore, still keep our attention directed to the continent, and should be glad to know the views of the Committee respecting our extending ourselves to that place. Our church now consists of twenty-four members. Thirteen of the brethren and sisters; George Kock, Amy Tompkins, a woman of color who accompanied Dr. Scudder, from America, Francis Malleappa, Gabriel Tissera, Nicholas Permander, Philip Matthew, Valen, Ebenezer Porter, Jordan Lodge, Nathaniel Niles, and P. M, Whelpley. Twenty-one of this number sat down together at the communion table at Tillipally, on the 4th of this month. Ordination of Dr. Scudder. In compliance with the directions of the Prudential Committee, brother Scudder. has been admitted to the ministry, by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. Having been examined on experimental religion, and theology, he was ordained in the Wesleyan chapel at Jaffnapatam, on the evening of the 15th of May. The introductory prayer was made by the Rev. Mr. Chater, Baptist missionary; the sermon by brother Meigs; the consecrating prayer by brother Spaulding; the charge by brother Winslow; the right hand of fellowship by brother Roberts, Wesleyan missionary; and the concluding prayer by brother Poor. Brother Woodward, though very feeble, was able to read the last hymn. Brother Richards was absent, on account of ill health. It was peculiarly interesting to see missionaries of different denominations, lay aside all party distinctions, and unite as brethren. Concluding Remarks. We are much distressed to hear of the pecuniary embarrassments of the Board, and regret exceedingly to be obliged to draw so often, and so largely upon their funds. To do what we can to lighten the expense, we have resolved to attempt living on a reduced system, by deducting twenty rix dollars monthly, from the allowance of each family. We hope that the sovereign Lord of missions will continue to incline the hearts of his children to contribute to the support of that cause, in which thousands of immortal souls, equally precious with theirs, are eternally concerned. We do earnestly hope, that they will not allow these establishments to droop and die. We feel confident, that the more they do for the sake of Him who loved them, and gave himself for them, the greater will be their crown of rejoicing in that great day, when they must meet these heathen, whom they have a strict charge to evangelize. We trust when they reflect, how much the Lord has already blessed their exertions to spread the light of the Gospel in this benighted land; that he has, since the commencement of this mission, added ten persons to our church, nine of whom are young men of promising piety and talents, and who we hope, will hereafter be preachers of the everlasting Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; and when they remember how much the knowledge of divine truth is disseminating through the medium of our schools, and the preaching of the Gospel; that they will feel encouraged to make every exertion, to assist us in the important work, to which we have been called. and instructing the poor degraded femalesand testifying repentance toward God,and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Could you, my dear Sir, look at our mission, and see all the encouragement, which God has given us, you would then know with how much emphasis we can each say,-'for thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work."" We learn that Mrs. Woodward's health had been for some months feeble; but, at the latest date, was somewhat improved. Mr. and Mrs. Scudder had been called to bury another child,-the third, whose remains they have deposited in a land of strangers. The health of Mr. Richards, was less favorable than formerly; though there is no intimation, that he is threatened with speedy dissolution. The rest of their number were in the enjoyment of usual health. EXTRACTS FROM MR. FOOR'S JOURNAL Nov. 1, 1820. Several applications have been made to me of late to establish schools. But the want of funds, and of suitable assistants to superintend schools, prevents me from increasing the number. At present, I have eleven schools under my care. By a letter dated Nov. 24th, and signed by all the missionaries, (enelosed in which was one to the American Bible Society, earnestly requesting aid in purchasing the Tamul Scriptures, it appears that Mr. Woodward, in consequence of a severe indisposition of some months continuance, was advised, by his brethren, to try the effects of a voyage. Accordingly he sailed, on the 12th of September, for Madras, where he was kindly receiv ed into the house of the Rev. Mr. Traveller, missionary of the London Society. On the 28th, he embarked in the ship Woodford, Capt. Chapman, for Calcutta. Mr. Woodward notices a pleasing series of providences, which attended him from Madras. The captain generously declined taking any thing for his passage. The Rev. William Ward, lately in this country, and then on his way to Serampore, was his fellow-passenger. He had, also, the company of Dr. Hare, a distinguished medical gentleman of Calcutta, to whose skill and attentions, under God, he attributes the preservation of his life. After a careful examination of his whole case, Dr. Hare pronounced his disorder not to be the liver complaint, as had been all along supposed by the different physicians consulted; and prescribed accordingly, and with a good measure of success. On his arrival at Calcutta, he was received into the family of Mr. Jones, who recently married the widow of the late Rev. Mr. Wheelock, Baptist missionary from this country, where he was cordially entertained; -and on the 24th of December was about to sail for Madras, with Capt. Moore of Philadelphia, who had offered him a free passage. The following is the closing part of Mr. Woodward's last letter from Calcutta, written in December.-"When my thoughts recur to Ceylon, I long to be there to witness the salvation of God, with which I believe the people are visited. My heart has been greatly rejoiced to learn, by a letter from Mrs. Woodward, that two girls in our school at Tillipally, who for some time have given evidence of piety, are actively engaged in the blessed work-going from house to house with the good news in their hands-reading to of the Board, mentions having addressed a 5. Sabbath. In compliance with an invitation from H. G. Speldwinde, Esq. sitting magistrate at Mallagum, I preached, for the first time, in the bungalow, in which his court is held. For several months previous to this, we held a morning service on the Sabbath, at our school bungalow in that place. Mr. Speldwinde's disposition to encourage the natives to attend our preaching, will, doubtless, be highly favorable to our object. 12. Sabbath. Attended morning prayers in the church. At ten o'clock, A. M. preached from the text, "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." In the afternoon, preached in a new school bungalow lately built for the accommodation of the school in this neighborhood; my subject was, the rich man and Lazarus. Am impressed with the importance of devising the best method of bringing Christ before the people. In the evening, gave religious instructions to the servants and the children in the board ing-school. It is their practice at this time to recite lessons, which they learn on the Sabbath. [Mr. Poor, in his account of Tillipally, published in the Appendix to the last Report series of letters to the inhabitants of Tillipally; and that the effect of them was good. The letter, of which notice is given in the following paragraph, belonged to the series.] 17. Addressed a second letter to the inhabitants of Tillipally, in which I explained the manner in which we are furnished with money to defray the various expenses of the mission; and the motives, which influence Christians to send missionaries to this place. Letters of this description are copied and read by the boys in the schools; and many are circulated among the people. 22. Received a pleasing letter from Supyen. Have some hope that he will yet be established in the faith. He informs me, that his father has consented to his living at one of our stations; not, however, at Tillipally. He will, probably, go to Batticotta. D. 2. Have more earnest desires than usual, that the Spirit of God may be poured out upon the people. Am induced to inquire with interest,-"Lord, what hindereth?" 4. Attended the monthly prayer meeting at Pandeteripo. The subject of the address given, and of the conversation of the brethren, was, the promise of the Savior, "Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." All the missionaries in the district were present, and appeared to have some sweet experience of the truth of the promise under consideration. The mutual interest and affection, which the missionaries have, for a long time, manifested for each other, must be considered as a token for good. Influence of Sir Richard Ottley. March 11, 1821. Sir Richard Ottley, puisné justice of the island, visited the station. Held a service in the church. Brother Squance, a Wesleyan missionary, preached in Tamul. After the sermon, Sir Richard made a few remarks, for the purpose of exciting the people to avail themselves of the opportunities afforded them for obtaining instruction. He afterwards heard the first class of the boys in our boarding-school questioned in grammar and geography, (in English,) and heard the girls read in Tamul. As an encouragement to the girls to continue their studies, he kindly made them a present of money, to be given them at the time of their leaving the school. Sir Richard Ottley is a man deeply interested in every thing, which relates to the progress of pure Christianity on the island, and, indeed, throughout the world. In view of his warm attachment to the cause of Christ, his elevated rank in society, and 26. Met the several missionaries in the district of Oodooville, to aid in forming a society for the purpose of mutually assisting each other in acquiring a knowledge of the Tamul language, and of atthis. Have been engaged for several days tending to other objects connected with past, in the monthly examination of my schools. April 2. Prevented by Mrs. Poor's ill health from attending the monthly concert for prayer. Held a season of prayer with five natives, whom I think soon to receive as members of our church. They are, Ebenezer Porter, Jordan Lodge, and Nathaniel Niles, three boys belonging to our boarding-school,-Valu, a schoolmaster, and Valen, our gardener. 3. Committed the school at Mallagum to the care of the brethren at Oodooville. 5. Favored with a visit of several days from brother Chater. We consider it a pleasing proof of the sincere friendship and affection, which exist between him and the members of our mission, that he has been induced to pass several weeks at our stations. We have evidence in his case, that the heaviest afflictions may become the most effectual means of preparing the Christian for usefulness, and of experiencing the highest pleasure he can obtain, before he enters upon his inheritance above. 10. Met the candidates for admission to the church; read and explained to them our views of faith and the covenant. Most of them have been strongly urged by their friends to relinquish their intention of being baptized. They appear to be unshaken in their resolution to make an open profession of their faith in Christ. I stated to them, from the word of God, the nature and degree of opposition, for which their minds should be prepared. The subject of receiving these persons into the church, is deeply interesting. Having some knowledge of the native character, and foreseeing some of the sad consequences that would ensue, should they apostatize from the faith, I rejoice with much trembling. 17. Again met the candidates for baptism. Conversed particularly with each of them respecting his views and feelings in making a profession of Christianity. Their conversation and general deportment are encouraging. Niles gave an account of his visit to his friends. [Mr. Poor proceeds to give some account of this visit; and also of the fears of Valen and Valu, and the impropriety in Porter's conduct, which led to a postponement of their reception into the church. As the substance || relatives of the two boys, who were to be of these passages is contained in the preceding joint letter, we omit them.] Mr. Poor admonishes three of the candidates. baptized, we thought it probable that some disturbance would be made this evening. But we were happily disappointed. All was quiet, and we held our service in the church at the usual hour. After the sermon, the articles of our church and the covenant, were read, and Nathaniel Niles and Jordan Lodge were baptized, and for. in full communion. A short address adapted to the occasion, was made to them, and to the congregation. The number of the natives present was about five hundred; chiefly children. We then attended to the ordinance of the Lord's supper, which was administered by brother Chater, a Baptist missionary. [Under date of the 23d, Mr. Poor writes:"As I have already given a particular account of Mrs. Poor's sickness and death, and of the attendant circumstances, it is unnecessary to repeat them here." Mrs. Poor died, as will be remembered, three days before the extract, which we next make from the journal, was written.] 20. This evening, in addressing Valu, Valen, and Porter, I endeavored to bring to their view the inconsistency and dan-mally received as members of our church gerous consequences of their conduct, and told them they had given proof, that they were not proper persons to be received into the church of Christ. They have several times requested, in the course of the last eighteen months, that they might have opportunity to obey the commands of Christ, by publicly professing their faith in him. Judging from their conduct, as well as from their conversation, I have indulged favorable hopes concerning them. But, as I ever had many fears on the subject of receiving persons to our communion, it has been my earnest desire and prayer, that God, in his providence, would make the path of duty very plain, before any were united to us. The consideration that this exhibition of character, which has now been made, may be in answer to my request, has tended greatly to quiet my mind under the disappointment. After conversing with the three persons here mentioned, I asked Jordan Lodge and Niles, whether they also wished to be excused. They replied in the negative, and appeared to be firmly resolved to obey the commands of Christ. This answer was unexpected, as they were younger than the others, and, I supposed, looked to them for encouragement. I told them, from the word of God, the nature of the opposition, and the consolation they might expect, if they were, in truth, the disciples of Christ. I did not, however, expect that either of them would remain steadfast to his purpose. May 12. Nicholas informs me, that the parents of the girls in the boarding school, in consequence of Mrs. Poor's removal, have expressed some anxiety respecting their children, and wish to take them home. The subject of supplying the vacancy at the station, requires immediate attention. It is a subject involved in some difficulty. May we have wisdom from above to direct us. If I could not assure the people that another missionary and his wife would im|| mediately come here, the children would soon return to their parents, and most of them, doubtless, to the service of demons. I am forcibly reminded of the evils that must result from the temporary abandonment of a station, and of the vast import21. In the afternoon, brother and sister ance of an ample and seasonable supply of Scudder came to spend the Sabbath with laborers, wherever the fallow ground has us. On the night following, some strange been broken up. Even a hasty survey of noises were heard around the house. About missionary stations must convince any one, midnight, there was a sudden and very that the want of due attention to this subloud cry of the boys in the bungalow. Weject, has occasioned most serious loss to went immediately to them, and were told that a tall man had presented himself at their window, whom they distinctly saw, as it was bright moonlight. They were doubtless the more alarmed, in consequence of two cloths having been stolen || from them, a few days before, while they were asleep. The boys kept watch in turn, and sung through the night. Baptism of Niles and Jordan Lodge. 22. Sabbath. Knowing that considerable feeling had been excited among the the missionary cause. 13. Preached in the church a sermon appropriate to the occasion of Mrs. Poor's removal. 14. Took my two children to Oodooville, and went myself to Jaffnapatam; in the evening, brother Chater preached a sermon, in the Wesleyan chapel, occasioned by Mrs. Poor's death.-Text, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." ceding day. She had been instructed by us about a year;-was the only child of her mother, who was a widow. Mr. Poor is much animated in his work.' 27. Sabbath. For three sabbaths past, have preached with unusual freedom, without much previous preparation. The minds of those connected with the family, as well as my own, appear to be much awake to divine subjects. Commenced the practice of holding an afternoon service in the school room, for the benefit of the children and others at the station. It is my intention to have read, on this occasion, narratives of the lives and deaths of pious children, such as are contained in Janeway's Token for Children. Porter and Dwight are able to translate such simple narratives. 28. Experience increasing pleasure from the prospect of spending my days in preaching Christ to this people. Have been much aided in my supplications for them, by the practice of spreading before the Lord those portions of Scripture, which contain the exceeding great and precious promises, which he has made concerning the heathen. My main business at the throne of grace appears to be, to beseech the Lord to do what he has said he will do, on condition of being inquired of by the house of Israel. Visits the government Schoolmaster. This afternoon visited the government schoolmaster, or rather, stamp seller, in this parish; he has been ill for some weeks past, and is apparently near the grave. This man has attended preaching more constantly, than any other in the parish, who has not been, in some way, employed in the service of the mission. He has an impression, that he ought to be a Christian, in order to hold his office, (as was the case under the Dutch government,) and he wishes me to think him such; but I know he lives in the practice of idolatrous ceremonies. I read to him the parable of the laborers; and turned his attention partionlarly to the man who was called at the eleventh hour. Mr. and Mrs. Richards remove to Tillipally. 29. It has, at length, been unanimously resolved by the brethren, that brother and sister Richards remove from Batticotta to this station. In all my avocations, will endeavor to cherish those views and impressions of this and a future state, which I had when I accompanied my beloved to the gates of the new Jerusalem. 30. Brother and sister Winslow, who || have spent a few days with me, returned to Oodooville. Have received every mark of kindness from the brethren and sisters in this season of affliction. June 1, Friday. Monthly season for fasting and prayer, with reference to the concert on the next Monday. Spent the day in reviewing that part of my life, which has past since I engaged in the work of the mission. Am impressed with the importance of calling to remembrance particular sins, in order properly to repent of them, In those books, which are to be opened in the great day of accounts, particulars are recorded. 2. Spent the evening in conversation with Nicholas, on the pleasures, which the Christian religion affords. 3. Sabbath. Preached in the church with much interest. Before the service, had some very strong desires, that God would bless his word, and begin a glorious work of grace upon the hearts of this people. In the afternoon, preached at the government schoolmaster's house; for several sabbaths past, have preached in that neighborhood. The hopes of the missionaries strengthened. 4. Attended the monthly prayer meeting at Oodooville. We all thought we might indulge the hope, that God would soon manifest himself to his people. We resolved to be more diligent and faithful in preaching and praying. 7. Think I never had stronger desires, that God would arise and vindicate the insulted honor of his Son, in the sight of this people. They appear to think it impossible, that any should be turned in heart to the Christian religion; though many may pretend that they are Christians. O Lord, why should the heathen say, "And where is your God?" What wilt thou do for thy great name? Will bring the question formally before God,-What are the most effectual means I can use, for bringing this people to the knowledge of Christ? Had an interesting conversation with an Ooodiah, a head man, who has usually attended preaching at the rest house. I find it easy and profitable to converse with individuals. Addressed the native girls on the concerns of their souls. 8. Have regarded this as a day of special thanksgiving to God,--to praise him for that rich variety of blessings bestowed upon me, in connexion with my departed companion, and for his gracious dealings with her during her missionary course, especially during her last sickness; not forgetting to praise him, also, for all he has done for this people, and for filling my mind with confident hopes and expec 1 |