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ten commandments, and the catechism. Several others read in the school book, and repeated more or less of the ten commandments. Eight of the boys are Jews.

Choub School.

This school was suspended for a considerable time, and resumed about four months since. I found 38 boys present: the number on the list is much greater. Twenty of the boys repeated the ten commandments, and more or less of the catechism. They were deficient in reading; but as the school has been open but a short time, and the teacher, a capable man, engages to bring forward the boys in reading, it bids fair to be a flourishing school.

Allabag School.

This school, situated in the capital of an independent Mahratta Prince, is taught by a Jew, and 12 of the scholars are from Jewish families. The number which I found present, was 34. More belong to the school, but, as at the other schools, so here, the complaint of the teachers, was, that the weddings, which are most numerous in this month, detained many of the boys from the schools. There were 10 readers present; 15 repeated the ten commandments, and 10 repeated the catechism,

The general appearance of these schools, though so distant from us, and so seldom inspected, was very satisfactory; and I think more creditable to the teachers, than that of an equal number of schools in Bombay. This difference may be attributed partly to the teachers, and partly to local circumstances.

Comparative excellence of Jewish School

masters.

Out of these four teachers, you observe that three are Jews; and my own observations lead me to think, that, other things being equal, a decided preference is due to the Jews as teachers, rather than any other class of natives. Though the Jews naturally hate us as Christians; yet the veneration, which we have for the patriarchs and prophets, the pious kings and fathers in ancient Israel, names so dear to all the children of Abraham, and our familiar, acquaintance with their Scriptures, of which themselves are so ignorant, and with the whole history of their nation, from its birth to the present day,-compels them irresistibly to feel and acknowledge us to be a nearer kin to them, than any other people on earth; and also inspires them with an involuntary respect for us What the books introduced into the schools contain of the Old Testament, is exceedingly

interesting to them, as it relates so much to the history of their own nation; and therefore they are much more inclined to read our books, than the Hindoos are; and this promotes reading in the schools taught by the Jews.

Again, the Jews are in a great 'measure exempt from the numerous prejudices, that a Hindoo, true to his own religion, must have against our books; which every where directly contradict, and stamp with sin and infamy, almost every thing that the Hindoo holds sacred. And again, the Hebrew Scriptures require the Jew to execrate every appearance of idolatry, and forbid him to show it the least counténance; and far more do they forbid him to teach it in schools, as Hindoos are expected to do, and will do, unless the greatest vigilance is used to prevent it.

Such I think, are some of the considerations which entitle the Jews to a prefer ence as school teachers, and tend to give the schools under their care, a superiority. -We have now six Jews in our employ.

Influence of Local circumstances on the Schools.

Our schools on the coast have an advantage over those in Bombay, from local circumstances. In this very populous place, the great prevalence of dissipation and amusements in almost every form, has a most pernicious effect upon the minds of the children, and renders their attendance at school extremely irregular. This evil we have constant occasion to observe and lament.

But, on the coast, our schools are in comparative retirement, and in a great measure exempt from the evil so pernicious to the schools here, and consequently, the children in those remote schools are less interrupted in their studies, and make greater progress.

Schools at Nagotnea, Pane, and Panwell.

From Allabag I travelled 24 miles, nearly east, to a town called Nagotnea, containing 7 or 800 inhabitants. Here I established a school. I next proceeded through a number of villages, and after travelling 12 miles north-west, I came to the large town called Pane, which contains, I suppose, jua ing from what the people told me, about 17 or 18,000 inhabitants. Here 1 established another school, in which is employed a young and promising Jew. This town is almost entirely surrounded by mountains, which afford a safe retreat for robbers, who often commit robbery and murder in the town, or on solitary persons whom they may find in the field, or by the way. I have been repeatedly cautioned

against travelling in this region.-Twenty- granted me facilities for travelling and four miles north of Pane, is Panwell, where || preaching the Gospel in his territory. May we have lately established a school. the Lord reward him with his grace and

Extent of the Schools on the Coast.

We have now seven schools, in a line extending about sixty miles, on the sea coast, east and south of Bombay. About 40 miles to the north of Panwell, (following the coast,) is Bassan, where we have long had a fine school. This makes the whole range of our schools on the coast, about one hundred miles. The intermediate towns are numerous, and most of them entirely destitute of schools. Many brahmins and others have begged to be employed in various towns. But we are afraid of going beyond our means.

There is a tract of sea coast to the south of Rawadunda, which is an independent native principality. We have been repeatedly solicited to establish schools in that region; but our funds seem not, at present, to be adequate to such an extension of our field of labor. It is devoutly to be hoped, that ere long these vacant places, now so numerous and so needy, will be supplied, not only with teachers of schools, but also with preachers of the Gospel.

About 36 miles of my rout were through a region entirely new to me. I had many and encouraging opportunities for declaring the truth as it is in Jesus. Little occurred but what is common to such tours.

Interview with a Brahminical Prince.

At Allabag I waited on the Regent, who received me very courteously, and we spent an hour in discussing religious topics in the audience of a large number of his court. This was Saturday evening. The hour for another interview on the Sabbath was appointed, and, on account of its being the Sabbath, it was stipulated that the conversation and topics for discussion should be limited to religious subjects. This contemplated interview, however, did not take place, owing to the Regent's being taken ill.

I had some very favorable opportunities for publishing the Gospel at Allabag, at the principal temples, and in various parts of the town.

It was a time when weddings were very numerous; and as the bridegroom must, if possible, proceed on horseback to the house of the bride, all the horses of the town were engaged, and I could not procure one to proceed on my journey. When I intimated this to the Regent, he most readily furnished me with a horse and ostler from the government stables, which carried me forward to Nagotnea. This is the second time that this Brahminical ruler has

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Labors and reflections at Karlah.

About half way from Allabag to Nagot nea is a town called Karlah. In this small. town a market is held on every Monday. I stopped for several hours. The number of people collected, not only from the neighboring villages, but also from large towns, 15 or 20 miles distant, was very great. It is the first market of this kind that I ever attended in this country, though there are a number of such market towns, or rather small villages, on Salsette. The occasion afforded me an opportunity of addressing large numbers of people, and of distributing some books.

Though such public occasions afford opportunities for addressing great numbers in a short time, the circumstances under which they assemble are unfavorable, and the most encouraging seasons I have ever experienced, have been those spent in a little circle of obscure villagers, in some sequestered spot. Many such seasons I have enjoyed, and I have found them exhilarating to my spirits, like cold water to a thirsty traveller, and the shadow of a great rock in a weary land;-metaphors, which strike with gigantic force, the mind of the panting traveller, as he passes over the burning plains of India, under the beating rays of a vertical sun. Large planes, entirely destitute of shades are not, however, common, I believe, in this country. in some instances, I have travelled for miles without the least shade; and certainly the vertical rays of a mid-day sun, conjoined with the rays reflected from the scorched earth, produce a heat almost insupportable.

Curiosities.

But

Near Nagotnea I met with what was to me a great curiosity in this country. It was a stone bridge of eight or ten arches, built 280 years ago, as I was informed, by the Portuguese. It is narrow, but in a good condition, except a part of the side railing. What most excited my attention, was a kind of pavement of lime and gravel, which formed the upper surface of the bridge. In some spots this was broken up, but in general it remains, after being 280 years exposed to all seasons and all usage, so entirely undecayed, that it seems as hard and unyielding, as the solid rock.

It is confessed that the Portuguese possessed a very surprising skill in masonry. Their fortifications and other public works clearly show it. Some years ago, when

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an old Portuguese fort, down the coast was taken, it was attempted to rase it. It was built of fine hewn stone. Government, as I have been informed, freely offered the people of the town the stones, if they would disengage them from the walls, and carry them off. They set about it, but found the cement so perfect, and the consequent labor of disengaging the stones, so great, that they abandoned the attempt, and chose rather to go and procure from the quarries their stone for building.

Since I have stepped aside to speak of curiosities, I will just mention another, which, for aught I know, has already been repeated a thousand times. Some time

since, our assistant translator, in proof that the Concan country once formed a part of the ocean's bed, stated, that sea shells are to be found adhering to, and combined with the rocks, on the lofty mountains, bounding the eastern side of the Concan. -And beyond the great mountains, as well as on this side, timbers, domestic utensils, demolished houses, wells, temples, and gods, are found by digging 5, 10, or 15 cubits below the surface: particularly in the neighborhood of Kalapoore. I have since heard the same testimony confirmed by other natives.

Singular Fact.

Feb. 28. It seems to be generally supposed, that humane and benevolent institutions are indebted, for their origin, almost entirely to the influence of Christianity; and I am by no means disposed to question the correctness of this general sentiment. As an exception, however, to the general proposition, the following fact deserves to be recorded.

Some time since I was requested by a brahmin to translate a paper, which contained an old guarantee, from a Mahratta Rajah, of the revenue of a certain district to a native doctor, on condition of his administering medicine, &c. gratuitously to the poor, within certain limits. The doctor, to whom the grant was originally made, was dead, and it became a subject of litigation, who, as his lawful successor, was the regular guarantee. In consequence of this I was requested to translate into English, the original document.

Miscellaneous Notices.

March 11. I think I may say, that today I have found Christ to be to my soul, "as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Three persons, (Europeans) came to unite in our morning worship, which is held at half past ten, every Sabbath. After the service, one of the men applied for

leave to partake of the sacrament with us at our next communion. He is a Lutheran, from Hanover. He has attended our meetings for years, and is correct, as far as we know, in all his deportment. He has borrowed many religious books of us, and thinks that he loves our Lord Jesus Christ. About 30 persons attended my afternoon lecture, and I felt uncommon freedom in addressing them.

After the Mahratta lecture, I visited the prisoners in the jail. I addressed 10 or 12 Europeans, most of whom were in solitary confinement, and between 20 and 30 natives, mostly Hindoos, several of the brahmins, some Parsees, and some Mussulmauns. A number of them asked for and received books, and I gave one Portuguese Testament to a Portuguese employed in the jail.

It is now a long time since we have printed any portion of the Scriptures. We are hoping soon to be authorized to commence an edition of the New Testament, for the American Bible Society. I also earnestly hope, that some of the American Tract Societies will meet the expense of printing tracts.

After being relieved of these two expenses, the avails of our press in other ways, would probably, for the present, cover the whole expense of the printing establishment. We have in expectation, the printing of a large dictionary, Mahratta and English, and English and Mahratta, the proposals for which accompany this. The profits of this job, if we execute it, will be considerable. The press is now employed in printing tracts for the Christian Knowledge Society. We have printed two, and have five more to print.

For several days past I have been employed in endeavoring to introduce the Lancasterian mode of instruction into the school, in a part of my house. The greatest obstacle to its introduction, is the The irregular attendance of the boys. Bombay School-Book Society are now laying out a good deal of work, which, if executed, will produce happy effects.

To-day our beloved brother Homer, called and kindly handed me a number of pamphlets, lately received from England, among which was the number of the Evangelical Magazine, containing some notices of Dr. Spring's Memoirs of Samuel J. Mills. What I read, brought a thousand fond recollections to my mind, connected with my former intimacy with that beloved servant of God. I hope some copies are on the way for us.

Our Wesleyan brethren have five or six schools, and Mr. Kenney has commenced four in Bombay.

There is a little boy in the school in my house, who has committed to memory the

ten commandments, the whole of the catechism, the whole of the Astronomical and Geographical tract, and is now studying grammar. No one in our schools has gone so far as he has. A number, however, have committed to memory the ten commandments, the catechism, and a part of the tract.

It seems proper that one or two of the statements in the preceding journal, should be brought more distinctly to the view of our readers.

1. The first respects the extent of territory, over which the schools are scattered. Not only have they been instituted in several parts of the island of Bombay, but Mr. Hall informs us, that they have been extended along 100 miles of coast, on the adjacent continent. The schools are thinly dispersed, it is true, and embrace only a small portion of the children who are in perishing need of instruction; but such is their nature, and so happily are they situated, that their influence must be very considerable, and must continually increase. Several years may indeed elapse, before we shall hear much of their good effects; but the hundreds of children in them receive so much Christian instruction, that they are not likely to be bigotted pagans; and when, a few years hence, they are dispersed over perhaps half of the Mahratta empire, as schoolmasters, &c. the influence, which they exert, cannot well be of a character the most friendly to heathen institutions. In many cases, we may hope, God will follow the in structions they have received, with the converting influences of his Spirit; and Christians should remember, that this is a very suitable subject for fervent and daily prayer.

2. The other thing, to which we would direct the attention of our readers, is what is said by Mr. Hall respecting the superior excellence of the Jews, as teachers of heathen schools. Such being the fact, it is interesting to reflect, that, in almost all parts of the eastern world, Jews are to be found. The Jewish school at Bombay must be considered exceedingly valuable. Most of the boys belonging to it, may be considered as the future instructors of numerous heathen youth; and some of them, it may rationally be expected, will become distinguished as evangelists and teachers of a higher order.

The mission at Bombay, is certainly a very important establishment. Putting out of view the schools, and the influence of the numer

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My letter, favored by Capt. Scudder, has probably informed you of our arrival here on the 22d of February. When I wrote you by that opportunity, I had scarcely been able to look about me and make such inquiries, as would afford any valuable information in reference to the temporary establishment of the press in this island. I have now ascertained, that the press can go into operation here as soon as the Greek types from Paris shall arrive. Mr. Wilson, a Society, thinks it extremely desirable that missionary from the London Missionary no time should be lost before the printing of Greek tracts is commenced He has several tracts in manuscript, ready for the press, as soon as it can be set up. He has translated, with the assistance of a Greek, Dr. Bogue's Essays, Dr. Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion, and is now translating the Pilgrim's Progress into the Romaic. This would furnish business enough for the press during one year, at least. In reference to printing tracts here in French or Italian, Mr. Wilson thinks it doubtful whether permission could be obtained from the civil authority. There could be no possible objection, however, to printing the Greek tracts and translations, which I have mentioned. They cannot be printed in England; and if they are not printed here, they will not be published for two or three years. The government has a press at Corfu, but it is difficult to get any printing done there; and when it is done, it is executed in a very inferior style. All these considerations induce me to believe that it will be expedient to commence printing here as soon as possible. All delay is to be avoided in this important enterprise. It is no matter where the press is employed, provided the publications, which issue from it, are adapted to promote the interests of

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tion of it, but this is to be considered rather as a compliment, than the expression of his real sentiments. At parting, he invited Mr. Wilson and myself to come on Friday and witness the ceremonies of his church. There is only one Greek church in Malta, and one church for Greek Catholics. There are within this city several Greek refugees from Smyrna. I think it more than questionable, whether I could enjoy in Smyrna itself better advantages for studying the Italian and Greek.

With much respect and esteem, I am, dear Sir, yours, DANIEL TEMPLE.

MISSION IN CEYLON.

EXTRACTS FROM MESSRS. WINSLOW AND
SPAULDING'S JOURNAL, KEPT AT
OODOOVILLE.

the Greeks. This end will be secured, if the contemplated plan can be carried into effect. I have taken rooms in the house of Mr. Wilson, and board at his table. He speaks both Italian and Romanic with great fluency. This consideration induced me very cheerfully to accept his kind offer to afford me lodgings and board at a reasonable price. Daily conversation in the languages, to which I am devoting my attention, affords the greatest facilities in acquiring them. All the people here, except the most ignorant, can speak the Italian, and I am assured that this language will furnish a medium of communication with almost all the inhabitants around the Mediterranean. This day I had an interesting conversation with the priest of the Greek church in Malta. He instituted many inquiries respecting America, and I in my turn made many inquiries respecting the Greeks. I inquired whether he preaches to his people. He said this is not common. I then asked him what Paul means, when he says, "Preach the word, be instant in season and out of season?" He blushed, and betrayed a good deal of uneasiness, and gave an evasive answer. He informed me that about a hundred Greeks belong to his church, and that they have not the Scriptures among them. I asked them how they can ever become acquainted with the Gospel, if they have no Gospel to read, and no priest to preach it to them? Here, too, the answer was evasive. He wished to know whether the Americans favor the cause of the Greeks, and whether they have sent them any aid. I replied, that Christians in my country wish prosperity to the oppressed Greeks, but that any interference in the present contest would be making war upon one of the contending parties, which could not be done without abandoning that neutrality, which it is our duty to maintain, in reference to this bloody conflict in Turkey. He informed me that in his church baptism is administered to infants by immersing them three times, which represents the three days, during which Christ lay in the grave. He thinks all persons regenerated who have been baptized, and pray and confess their sins to the priest. I had this conversation by the aid of Mr. Wilson, who was our interpreter. This priest is about thirty-five, I should think, has a sprightly air, a pleasant countenance, and agreeable manners, and these, I fear, are his best recom10. A great noise of tom-toms led Mr. mendations, for I could not discover any Winslow, towards evening, to the place evidence that he is acquainted with ex- whence the sound came. It was a hut perimental religion. He has a wife and six of the better order, not far from our house, children. He called to return to Mr. Wilin which, it is thought by the natives, that son a manuscript tract on regeneration. a female deity, called Ummun resides. This tract was compiled in Italian by Dr. She is worshipped by the sacrifice of aniNaudi, and translated into Romaic by Mr. mals, which is not the case with most Wilson. The priest signified his approba-heathen gods here. A considerable num

June 25, 1820. Mr. Winslow preached to about 200 hearers. To collect the people, he went out the evening before to invite them, and in his walk came to a place where a feast was held. A temporary shed was erected, covered with green leaves, and lined at the top with calico. In front of this a large mat was spread, on which were several pillows for the company to recline on. There were collected, perhaps, 30 of the principal men of the place, and a number of women, much ornamented with jewels. It seems that feasts of this kind are provided by any one, who wishes to get a little money. He procures things necessary for the entertainment, and then invites those who are able to make him a present. The custom brings to mind the command of our Savior to his disciples, "When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind; for they cannot recompense thee.”

July 9. Any Christian friend would have been highly gratified with the attention of the ignorant heathen in our house to-day, sitting down on mats around our unfinished room. Among them was a headman of the neighborhood, who seems to have some indefinite view of Christianity. He objected to coming to hear us on the Sabbath, because he must sit in the same room with his slaves; but we removed his objection by giving him a better mat.

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