mission-press; the translation of the Scriptures; the printing and distribution of different parts of the New Testament; and the preaching of the Gospel to many thou too much inclined to presume, that the means for carrying it on will be furnished as a matter of course, may here be admonished, that benevolent exertions cannot safely be suspended; that he, who be-sands, who would otherwise never have gins to contribute for the promulgation of the Gospel, must expect to persevere; and that an inconstant and precarious supply of present wants necessarily puts in jeopardy the benefit to be derived from past labors. Jewish schoolmasters are found to be pref. erable to Hindoos. Beside other advantages, Jewish children are more willing to attend, when the schools are taught by Jews. In regard to the domestic education of Hindoo youths, the following statement is made in the Report. To accomplish an object so important, as the regular and thorough education of Hindoo youths of both sexes, the missionaries have always been desirous of obtaining boys and girls to live in their families. The difficulties which they experience, in regard to this subject, have been stated in preceding Reports. The prospect has become somewhat more favorable. All the missionaries now have children in their families, enjoying the benefits of Christian instruction and pious example. Mrs. Hall has a boarding school of 10 or 12 pupils, whose parents or guardians support them, and thus aid in supporting the mission. Mrs. Graves has four children in her family, two of them born of Catholic parents, and all committed entirely to her management. Mrs. Nichols has taken four children in the same manner; one a poor Mahratta girl; the others, children of Hindoo women by Europeans. An infant foundling, whom Mr. and Mrs. Graves had adopted, and who had been baptized by the name of CAROLINE SMELT, died a few months afterwards of the epidemic. The account of the Bombay mission closes in the following manner. In closing their account of this mission the Committee would remark, that though the prejudices of the natives are stubborn and inveterate, and though we do not discover that inquiry concerning the nature of religion, and that concern for the soul, which are desired; yet there are many things, which demand our unfeigned thanks. We should not fail gratefully to acknowledge the preservation of the mission amid all its changes and bereavements; the favor, which it has obtained, with intelligent men in India; the schools, which have been commenced and supported under its superintendence; the establishment of a heard it, to some of whom it may yet become the power of God and the wisdom of God. The history of missions proves, that we should not be discouraged by unfavorable appearances, even though continued for many years; that the slow progress of divine truth, at its first introduction among a heathen people, is no certain indication, that it will not advance with astonishing rapidity; and that our plain duty is to persevere, knowing that, in due season, we shall reap if we faint not. The Committee would affectionately ask, have not we, have not the friends of missions in this country, been unhappily wanting in faith, with respect to the success of this mission? Have we not too slightly regarded the spiritual miseries of these pagans? or unconsciously yielded to a sort of religious fatalism, aud considered their condition, however deplorable, as fixed and not to be changed by human effort? Have we prayed for them, and for their religious teachers, with all that earnestness and importunity, which their case demands, and which love to the souls of men would prompt? If our consciences give not a satisfactory answer to these inquiries, what remains but to gird ourselves anew for the spiritual conflict; to feel a deep solicitude for these perishing millions; and to plead with faith for the influences of the Holy Spirit to accompany the labors of our distant brethren. Let it not be said of our ministers and churches, that, though they could fit out and support a mission, they could not hold up the hands of their representatives, the servants of God among the heathen, by effectual and prevailing prayer; that though they obeyed the command of Christ, by going into these distant regions and proclaiming, by their messengers, the glad tidings of salvation, they have not believed and pleaded the promise of Christ, that He will be with his disciples, employed on these errands of mercy, to the end of the world. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF MR. NICHOLS, KEPT AT TANNAH, NEAR BOMBAY. State of the village of Chand-nee. Nov. 4, 1820. Had an interesting call from two men belonging to Chand-nee. The object of their visit was to obtain religious books. One of them is a lapsed Catholic; the other is in doubt what to do, as he has suffered much on account of his adherence to Christianity. All his father's house, except himself, have embraced the Hindoo system. So artful were the leaders in the revolt from the Romish church, that while feeling and passion were high, they procured assent to a written engagement, from all who renounced the Catholic religion, that they would reciprocate no offices of kindness, charity, or neighborhood, with those who remained stedfast; that they would not speak to them, or lend them fire, or give them employment in their boats. I had a long conversation with these men. They received some books, and went away promising to examine the subject of returning to the Christian religion. || made at this time, was a denial that the Hindoos worship any thing but the Supreme God. The man above referred to said, that the Brahmins were directing the people one way and we another. He knew not what to do; but believed that he should finish the well, and then die, and go to God's house. Schools recommenced. Dec. 18. This day recommenced a free school in this town, under the care of a Brahmin, and one in Chand-nee, under the care of a Jew, a modest young man, who has been tried in our service at Bombay. I rejoice in the present prospects of these schools, though I know not what their sucNov. 22. Brother Hall has just left cess may be. The school in Chand-nee is us to return to Bombay. He has been with principally designed for the lapsed Cathous two days. He and myself have spent lics. There is suspicion among many in much time in the village of Chand-nee, and || regard to the object of the school. The have conversed with very many of the most common objection is, that no such lapsed Catholics. They, as a body, appear custom has ever existed heretofore, in that very obstinate and suspicious. They bold- || place, as learning to read. If cooly boys ly justify their conduct, in breaking from (that is, the children of laboring men.) the Catholic community. They are, how- learn to catch fish, it is thought sufficient. ever, very unsettled; and many of them are The Patel, (the executive head of the vilafraid that they have done wrong; and are lage,) is in favor of the school; but Sunjew, beginning to find, that the Hindoo yoke is an influential and artful man is against it. as heavy, as that of the Padre, (Romish priest,) of which they so much complain. Interview with a rich native. Dec. 9. Had an unusually interesting season in Chand-nee. Stopping at a place, where a rich old man was building a well for the accommodation of the whole village, a considerable number of people were assembled. I entered into conversation with the builder of the well, and commended his work of charity; but, at the same time reminded him, that it was impossible for him, or me, or any other person, to obtain heaven, and the favor of God, by any act of charity, however great. I explained a little. He seemed surprised, but not angry. Our conversation turned on Hindooism and Christianity. By a simple and a very plain logic, I proved the folly and the stupidity of idolatry. I demanded of any one present the evidence, that any of the Hindoo gods were any thing more than clay and stone. If they were, doubtless they could give evidence of it by speaking, or walking, or hearing. It is acknowledged by all, said I, that the Supreme God is holy. If he is holy in one place, he must be so in another. If he is incapable of sin in heaven, he must be so when incarnate. But all the Hindoo gods, according to the Shasters, are abominably sinful. Therefore they, and the Supreme God, are not the same. Every one seemed confounded; though none, I fear, were convinced. The only defence, Jan. 5, 1821. Find that the school among the lapsed Catholics meets with considerable opposition. An impression prevails, that it is to be an engine to bring the people back to Christianity. Alas for them! They are afraid of every thing that is good, and eager to embrace every soul-destroying error. Conversations with the people. Jan. 31. Spent a considerable part of the day in Chand-nee. Conversed a long time on the subject of the Gospel way of salvation, and the wickedness of idolatry, with a company of people, who were making preparations for a wedding. They beard me somewhat attentively, and told me frankly, that none of their people would ever embrace this religion; that they had become Mahrattas, rooted and grounded in idolatry. One said, that perhaps the boys, taught in the school, might embrace Christianity. In conversing with these light minded people, it is important to be very serious, and to use great plainness of speech. Feb. 25. In my visit to Chand-nee today, was very kindly received by those, who have applied for medicine. Would to God I could see this people as anxious about their spiritual state, as they are to be delivered from bodily sickness. Went into the jail with brother Graves. He addressed a large number of the prisoners to great advantage. One mau, a good reader, who re ceived a book, engaged to read it to the prisoners when at leisure. April 16. The epidemic cholera has re-appeared in the devoted village of Chand-nee. All is consternation and madness there. Some are inquiring after medicines; and some are carrying the sick before the village god, and there beating them with rattans, in the hope that the demon, that is, the disease, will thus be driven away. Idolatrous practices of the people. April 23. Went this afternoon to Chand-nee with the schoolmaster. On our way heard the horrid din of drums, at a small temple. The people assembled were of the Bandaree cast. A sick person was laid near the idol. I reasoned with the people on this folly, madness and sin. Passing on to the village, we found an immense multitude collected at the temple; and, in the midst of them, a company of both sexes dancing before the idol, with horribly wild and furious gestures. My heart was pained within me. I conversed much, and was heard with some attention, notwithstanding the effort that was made to draw the people from me. Nothing can exceed the terror and anxiety of the people; and yet, to witness their conduct one would think, that all was festivity and mirth. In the midst of this levity and sport, death is making most cruel ravages. April 24. Went again to the village. The same frantic and disgusting scenes were acted over at the temple. Conversed again with a great number of people, exhorting them to consider, and turn to the Lord. Was called to see a man who is very sick-mentioned what I supposed would be good for him; but found a general distrust of all remedies, except running after the gods. A few more extracts will be made from the same journal, indicating some of the deplorable superstitions, which prevail in this dark region of the heathen world. Concourse at the tomb of a Brahmin. Nov. 30, 1820. At Neermul, six miles from Basseen, is the tomb of a goosawee Brahmin, who was reputed to be an incarnation of the god Sheeva. His tomb is become one of the most celebrated places to which pilgrimages are made in this part of India. Thirty thousand people are said to be on the spot, making their ablutions, and performing ceremonies, this day. From Bombay and all parts of the Concan, vast numbers have assembled. Dec. 23. Returning from Bombay, I stopped a few minutes, at the north end of the town, to witness the horrid and disgusting ceremony of swinging. Two women were the victims of this superstition, fulfilling vows which they had made to a cruel god. In performing the ceremony, two strong iron hooks were thrust through the thick muscles of the sufferer's back. She was then drawn 20 or 30 feet into the air; and the cart, on which the machinery was placed, was then drawn, by the frantic multitude, around a circle of about 100 feet diameter. After ten or twelve circumambulations, the poor wretch was let down, and the whole crowd rushed forward to touch even the garment of one, who had performed such an extraordinary act of merit. She affected to be entirely insensible to pain; and nothing could exceed the noisy exultations of the multitude. Expenses incurred at weddings. Dec. 25. A most splendid Hindoo wedding is now celebrating. The expense of it is enormous. The bridegroom is from Bombay; and has come with an immense retinue. The folly of the people appears most strikingly, in the manner of conducting this ceremony. The tyranny of custom is so great, that a man's reputation and standing in society, are made to depend on the appearance he can make at his wedding. So lost are the people to all sense of what constitutes real excellence, that they, who would be ashamed to beg for any other purpose, will do it for this; and many sell themselves and all their services for life to get money for that occasion. Feb. 7, 1821. Had a sharp contest this afternoon with the villagers of Chand-nee. It continued till near 8 o'clock. This is a season of marriages. I witnessed the procession of five bride-grooms to the god, who lage. My heart has been greatly affected. is supposed to be the guardian of the vilThe fact is, that while this people were called Christians, they never had been told, and never dreamed, of a religion that affects the heart, and is holy and purifying. Purchasing salvation with expensive masses, is all that they ever knew of Christianity. April 29. The Brahmins of Jannale are daily engaged in making sacrifices, in order to avert the epidemic, and the different casts of Hindoos are feasting together with the strongest assurances, that, if they do this, all will be well. The Brahmins supplicate for all the Hindoos, for cows and horses, leaving all others to find protection. where they can. The disease is extending in all directions, and we learn that it has commenced at Bombay. MISSION IN CEYLON. TILLIPALLY. Extracts from Mr. Poor's Journal. (Continued from page 315.) Aug. 3, 1821. The brethren, and sisters, and native members of our church, met at this place. After the public service, at which about 500 natives were present, George Koch, a young man from Jaffna, who is now connected with the station at Panditeripo, Ebenezer Porter, and Valen, were received as members of our church. The two latter were baptized. Valen, the gardener, a slave of the Covia cast, was baptized by the name of Onesimus. Previously to the public service, these three persons were examined by the members of our church, relative to their Christian knowledge and religious experience. After they were admitted to our communion, we united in celebrating the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. In the afternoon, we held a meeting for the purpose of free conversation on the subject of personal and experimental religion. This has been a most refreshing season to our souls. May the savor of it long remain. 5. Sabbath. Nicholas spent the day in the village of Elarle. Moothelhooty, a man of that place whom I have before mentioned, is much interested to hear about the Christian religion. When Nicholas went to his house, he was much pleased. He called some of his neighbors together, and requested Nicholas to go through the whole story of our religion. The boys at the station, who are hopefully pious, are much engaged in exhorting others. The friends of Onesimus are very angry with him for having joined the church. 6. Monday, The monthly prayer-meeting was held at this station. From the accounts given by the brethren respecting their stations, it appears, that there has been some advance during the month past in the good work. We made arrangements for visiting the several parishes around us, in which the Gospel is not statedly preached. 8. Received a letter from brother Nichols, of Bombay, containing the first notice of the death of my dear mother. To her, as the instrument, am I indebted for my first religious impressions and early knowledge of divine subjects. I find it easy now to set my affections on things above. "There my friends and kindred dwell." 9. Received a letter from Sir Richard Ottley, inclosing 100 Rix dollars,* the * About 25 or 28 Spanish dollars. Ed. amount of which is to be given as presents to native girls, who may be induced to attend the day-schools, and make good progress in learning. He kindly proposes to send 60 Rix dollars annually, or a greater sum, if the object requires it. One of the two schools, established exclusively for girls, has been discontinued. Neither the master nor the girls could endure the ridicule and reproach of the people. Eight girls attend the other school, and begin now to make some progress in learning. For a time, they did little more than come together, and make a pretence of learning. Six small girls attend school with the boys, in another village. They are making good progress in their studies. Useful qualifications of Nicholas. 10. Gabriel, from Batticotta, has spent several days at this station, and visited the people with Nicholas. I learn from him, more fully than I have done from Nicholas, the strong opposition which many of the people manifest to the truth, and the uncivil treatment which Nicholas frequently receives from them. Nicholas has several valuable qualifications, which render him a very useful assistant in the mission. He is unassuming and mild in his disposition; bold and persevering in frequently declaring the truths of the Gospel; and, I trust, has a sincere love to the Redeemer and the souls of men. Seriousness of an aged native. 12. Sabbath. Nicholas spent part of the day at Elarle. He went to Moothelhooty's house. He was pleased to see Nicholas, and immediately called his wife and children, and some other persons, to hear the word of God. He made many inquiries on important points, and manifested an earnest desire to know the way of salvation. In the course of conversation, he took the Testament and offered up a petition to God, that he might be directed to a portion, that would make known the method of obtaining pardon; he then opened the book, and requested Nicholas to read the passage to which he pointed. He also requested him to pray for him. 13. Sent Matthew's Gospel to Moothelhooty, by Jordan Lodge; but he, by mistake, carried it to another old man, who has often attended preaching at the Bungalow in that village. The man appeared pleased that I had sent a book to him; called in several of his neighbors; and requested Jordan to read several chapters. 14. Sent a copy of Luke's Gospel to Moothelhooty. Aug. 10. Received letters from America, containing the particulars of my dear mother's last sickness and death. Even | fight. Five or six hundred persons were this mournful intelligence furnishes me with a fresh occasion for offering thanksgiving and praise for the assurance, that "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." Nolice of Marial and Chelly. Had a conversation with Marial and Chelly. They complain much of inward conflicts. Though they have frequently requested baptism, they fear now they are not prepared for that holy ordinance. Both of them have written letters, on religious subjects, to the native girls at Batticotta. 23. Yesterday Moothelhooty sent by Jordan for a prayer-book, that he might be instructed in what manner he should pray. I sent him a book containing several prayers, with which he was pleased, and requested Jordan to copy them on the olla, that he might more readily read them. I learn that his attention to the Christian religion much excites the people to ridicule and reproach him. Spent the forenoon at Arlavertty in preaching and distributing tracts. I labor with a strong hope of seeing the glory of God manifested in the conversion of the heathen. 27. Spent the day in visiting several villages in the parish of Miletty. On my return, I received a letter from the Rev. W. H. Pearce, Calcutta, containing an epitome of the religious intelligence, published in the four first numbers of the Missionary Herald of the current year. It was indeed a refreshing cordial, after the fatigues of the day. It was as a cup of cold water, which has revived the hearts of all our mission, and for which our brother Pearce will not lose his reward. present. I took a chair with me, and sat down a short distance from the multitude. Many persons came around me, although exertions were made to keep them away. Had, on the whole, a favorable opportunity of preaching the word, and of distributing tracts. Interview with a native Woman. 12. In my visit among the people, this afternoon, I wandered into some by paths and lost my way. In my walk, I was led near a small ola hut, built for the purpose of sheltering those who guard the palmyra fruit. My attention was attracted by seing a woman near the hut in the attitude of prayer. She wept much, and occasion ally uttered some words, which I could not distinctly hear. After looking at her a few moments, I asked her, why she wept. On seeing me, she was a little alarmed and rose up. On my repeating the question, she said, she had been praying. "For what did you pray?" "I am hungry," said she, "and prayed for something to eat." To whom did you pray?" At first,' she said, to Paramasevan, a name which designates one of the three principal gods which the heathen worship; but appearing to recollect with whom she was talking, she said, she was praying to the great God, who made the trees and all things. Here she used the name which we apply to the true God, by which I perceived she had heard something of our religion. I then told her, that the object of my coming was, to inform the people in what manner they must. pray to that great God, and how they might obtain full supplies for soul and body. After conversing with her for some time, I told her if she would go to my house, I would give her some fanams.* But she said, I cannot leave the fruit. I went afterward to the place again. As I came near the back part of the hut, I overheard the woman talking with several others on the subject of my conversation. blamed her for not going with me to get the fanams I spoke with the persons pres They Sept. 2. Sabbath. In the forenoon, I preached at Mallagum; in the afternoon, I visited from house to house. At eight o'clock in the morning, Nicholas preached at Punnarly, at half past ten, in the church, and in the afternoon, at Elarle. The children at the station, and the servants, held a meeting in the school-room at four o'clock, at which a biographical account of a pious child was read by Dwight, who had pre-ent, and inquired further of the woman, viously translated it into Tamul. In the evening, Mrs. Richards heard the girls, and Mr. Richards the boys and servants, recite their Sabbath lessons. He also, as usual, gave a short address by interpretation, to the household present. The enumeration of these particulars, will give an idea of the manner in which our Sabbaths are usually spent. 3. Attended the monthly prayer meeting at Jaffna. In the evening, preached in the Wesleyan chapel. Sab. 9. Went to a place where the people had assembled to witness a cock VOL. XVIII. respecting her object in praying. But it did not appear that she had any definite notions on the subject. Her manner of praying, was a strong proof that she had a belief of a superintending power, and was quite different from any thing I have seen among the heathen. I gave her a Rix dollar, and told her that if she prayed to the great God, in the name of his Son, of whom I had been speaking, he would hear her prayer. She was much surprised and seemed not to know what to say. |