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Donation of Mr. Hooper.

borers into the widely extended harvest, which is wasting because it is fully ripe, and the reapers are very few.

Oct. 11. This evening preached in Ta

13. Received from W. H. Hooper, Esq. a donation of 100 Rix dollars for the benefit of our schools. If we were more lib-mul, in the Wesleyan chapel at Jaffnaeral in giving to the necessities of others, we should, doubtless, often receive a hundred fold. I am resolved to put this scriptural principle more to the test.

Aside from the pecuniary assistance afforded by Mr. Hooper, we value it highly as a testimony, borne to the propriety and utility of our proceedings in the mission, by the Collector, (the first civil officer in the district,) who has had occasion particularly to notice our conduct, from the day of our arrival in Jaffna.

20. Attended the dedication of a place of worship at Oodooville. We were again refreshed, by hearing much gratifying intelligence from America, contained in letters received by several of the brethren on the preceding day. Dedication days we bave found to be very auspicious seasons. We have celebrated three of them, and at each, have been favored with letters from America.

23. Sabbath. Fewer persons have attended church of late, than formerly. The people appear to stand aloof from us. Have preached much of late on the character and offices of the Holy Spirit, and of the necessity and desirableness of his special influence. For until the Spirit be poured out from on high, the heathen will continue to "despise, and wonder and perish."

27. Met the schoolmasters this evening, and gave directions for re-commencing the schools that have been suspended.

30 While preaching at the rest house this afternoon, an aged head-man in the village, asked me how he could obtain the pardon of his sins, saying that he formerly committed many. I pointed out to him the method which God has prescribed in his word. Soon after, he proposed the question again. I answered as before; but he was not pleased with my answer. He seemed to expect that I would direct him to do some difficult thing.

Visit of Messrs. Lambrick and Ward.

We have been favored with a visit from the Rev. Mr. Lambrick from the Church Missionary Society, stationed at Kandy. He and the Rev. Mr. Ward from Baddagamme, are on a visit to Nellore, to transact business in connexion with Mr. Knight, relative to their several stations. We feel much strengthened in our work by opportunities of personal acquaintance with such fellow laborers. We earnestly desire and pray that the Church Missionary Society may be able to send forth many such la

patam.

24. In my preaching at the rest house this afternoon, I stated the substance of the accounts we have lately received respecting the missions in the Sandwich and Society Islands, and also read some prophecies which foretel such events. The attention of the people was unusually excited by the subject. Many persons in the parish, who have frequently heard the Gospel, are inclined to believe that it will finally prevail. The boys and girls at the station, who, as we hope, have received the Savior, are much animated by hearing the progress of Christianity in other countries. We also notice, with great pleasure, their anxiety to make known the truths of the Gospel to their friends and countrymen. Every true convert becomes a helper in the mission, a preacher of righteousness.

Anniversary reflections.

15. This is the fifth anniversary of my residence at Tillipally. The past has been to me one of the most eventful years of my life. I have been more afflicted, and more comforted, than ever before. My mind has been more awake to the great objects of the mission, and I have seen more evidence that the word has not been preached in vain. Four persons, the first fruits from among the heathen, have been gathered into our church; four or five others give pleasing evidence of a saving change of character; and a larger number are awakened to the importance of seeking, through Christ, the salvation of their souls. I have never been so deeply impressed with the importance of prayer and supplication, as means to be used for the conversion of the heathen, and have never found such delight in attending to this duty. I have also felt the importance of guarding against weariness and fainting in the work; of not depending on present success for excouragement and support; but of overlooking the opposition and numerous obstacles I meet with, and of enjoying, by way of anticipation, the triumphs of the cross, even in these parishes where I labor. The command of our Savior to preach the Gospel, and the promise of ultimate success, appear to be a rock, on which the missionary, so long as he continues faithful, may securely rest; from which he may look down without dismay on the combined opposition of earth and hell; from which he may look around, and behold the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ; and from which

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Oct. 1, 1821. I began to-day to visit a school at a village called Punnarly.

2.

About eight o'clock in the evening, Porter, Jordan, Onesimus, and myself, went to Mr. Poor's room to be conversed with, as we are professedly Christians. He read and explained to us the first chapter in the first epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians.

3. Though I did not feel much about the word of God, yet I talked to twelve per

5. I read a letter, which Mr. Poor wrote to the people, to nineteen persons. Mr. Poor wrote this letter because he could not personally talk with the people at their houses.

FOR two or three years past, I have required five or six of the older boys in the boarding school, to keep a journal, that they might acquire the habit of noticing passing events, and the manner in which they spend their time. As I was hearing their journals, a few weeks ago, it occurred to my mind that it would gratify you to have a copy of Niles's journal translated into English. I accordingly send you his journal for the month of October, translated and copied by Dwight. If Niles had had any idea that this part of his journalsons about Christ. would ever be known abroad, he would doubtless have written, in some respects, in a different manner, and made it much more interesting. But I chose that you should see him in his every day dress, and not, (as he sometimes dresses,) with a painted cloth. From this specimen of his journal, you will form some idea of the assistance which he renders to the mission, and be able to judge whether the money you have given for his support, has been profitably expended, or not. In his journal he has said nothing of the state of the school which he has visited. That account was kept separate. His journal for November is much more interesting than this which I send. Perhaps he thought I would substitute that for this; but for the reason above mentioned, I have not done it.

Since I began this letter, Niles has been to my room. I told him I was writing to you, and asked him if he had any thing to say to you, "Tell him," he says in English, "I give him thanks, and pray for him. God pity him;" referring to your weak state. He has been giving me an account of the manner in which he and John* spent the forenoon. They went to one of the bungalows, at which Nicholas or I usually preach. They heard fifty or sixty boys, who belong to two of our schools, repeat the catechism; read two chapters in Matthew, one respecting the birth, and the other, the death of Christ,

John Lawrence.

6. Having opportunity of talking with two men about their souls, I gave them a copy of the letter to read. I then went to the village of Punnarly, and found there in one place about seventeen or eighteen persons, with whom I talked about the salvation of their souls. But one of them blasphemed Jesus, who humbled himself to be a man, although he is the King of kings, and Lord of lords. I went in the afternoon with Mr. Poor to a cock-fighting place, where a great number of people were collected, and read to them the fifth letter which he wrote to the people; but fearing that they would hurt me, I went and stood by Mr. Poor.

8. After I read Mr. Poor's letter to some persons, and gave a few copies to others, I talked with them concerning their souls.

10. I had opportunity to talk with twenty-four persons concerning the salvation of their souls.

11. I conversed with twelve persons, and gave a copy of the letter for them to read. 12. I spoke with so few persons as three, not exerting myself much.

13. I had opportunity of speaking about Christ to a number of people amounting to thirty-three. One of them speaking against Mr. Poor, said that he ought never to speak to them, being a widower,

but the rest of us might go and speak with them. In another place, when I was talking with some men, one of them said that he would persuade many of the people to embrace our religion, if we would give them any thing for their support. When I was talking to another company of men, one of them said, I was employed in that business with a view of supporting myself, and that should I carry any books to them, they would take them from me and throw them into a well.

14. I was happy in God to hear the news, that many of the inhabitants of some islands who were formerly idolaters, being convinced of their folly, have received Christ as their Savior.*

15. When I was at the monthly meeting of the native assistants of the mission at Panditeripo, having heard in their address, that, as our life is very short, we should all be much concerned for our fellow-creatures, I was affected with the thought of the importance of my attending to the concern of my soul as I ought, and of the necessity of performing my duty to God, and to my fellow-creatures in regard to their souls.

[On the five succeeding days he conversed with 13, 20, 18, 10 and 14 individuals. On the 22d, he "talked to 25 persons about their souls." There is no abatement of his zeal and industry.]

24. When I was going to some place, having met a man in the way, I asked him what would become of his soul when he dies, and several other questions. He then said, that the vegetables cannot grow without their sowing seeds. I asked him why it was not in his own power to call rain upon them. He replied, that they give their gods rice, plantains, cocoanuts, &c. and they make it rain.

Finding another company of persons, I told them the importance of their loving Christ. One of them asked me in what way they should love Christ. I answered that they could not love him by their offerings of fowls, sheep, plantains, and rice; but by repenting of their sins, and giving themselves up to him. They got displeased, and went away mocking me.

25. When I was going to a certain place, some persons in the way desired me to say to them something concerning their souls, and I 'talked with them. I went to another place, and read some of the letters to seven persons, one of whom asked me, if there was any one on the earth that went and saw heaven. I replied

and told him, that our Lord Jesus Christ,

Niles probably refers to the great moral changes in the Society Islands. See p. 346. Editor.

when he was in this world, revealed all these things. They said they believed that Jesus Christ was one of their gods, and that they went to see him in their temples.

27. When I was speaking with some persons about the character of Jesus, one of them said, that before I was a boarding scholar, under the care of the missionaries, I was a heathen, and believed that their god Caderayandavee had made them. They then asked me if their god Caderayandavee was not their creator. I denied, and said he was not the being that made us; and that I would never speak any thing against their prétended god Caderayandavee, if I believed on him. They all, as though it was a strange thing, put their hands on their faces, and exclaimed three times in succession, "alas!" and mocked

at me.

28. I found about twenty-eight persons, and spoke to them concerning the character of Christ, and what they must do to be saved. One of them said, that, by only feeding a cow, they could be saved.

WE have given the above journal, (which was written by a boy only 13 years old,) as furnishing a specimen of what has been accomplished in the education of the youths, supported in the charity boarding school in Ceylon by individuals and societies in this country. Niles seems to have become a faithful, active, and useful assistant. Having enjoyed good instruction as to the doctrines and duties of the Christian religion himself, no doubt he daily imparts much of divine truth to those with whom he converses. Nor is it according to the ordinary course of divine providence, that the truths of the Gospel, imparted so often, and to so many, should be wholly lost.

The friends of missions should render devout thanksgivings to God, and take courage, with respect to the mission in Ceylon, when they see how he is raising up and qualifying young, intelligent, enterprising natives for preachers of the Gospel to their countrymen. The fact of his providing such laborers, at so early a period, (only four years from the opening of the school,) and in such numbers, (there are at least eleven males, and several females, hopefully pious,) seems to indicate that he has designs of mercy towards the whole people. The mission has indeed been signally blessed, and the missionaries are pursuing their work, with increasing zeal and

animation.

We cannot close our remarks, without directing the attention of our readers to the

It

translation of Niles's journal by Dwight. should be remembered, that this boy, on entering the school, commenced the study of English, as a foreign language. What attentions he must have received from his instruct ers, and with what assiduity and success he must have applied himself, those can best judge, who have attempted the acquisition of a language as unlike to the English, as the English is to the oriental languages. Dwight was 15 or 16 years of age, when he made this translation: and we have no hesitation in say. ing, that but very few youths of his age, in this country, can write so correctly in a foreign language; and that comparatively few can write so much English as this journal contains, with so few errors.

MANEPY.

Extracts from the Journal of Mr. Spaulding.

You have already been informed, by our joint letters, that we have erected a few temporary buildings at Manepy. This station was first occupied by Mr. Woodward; but before he had made all the necessary repairs, his health failed, and it became advisable for him to leave. In August, it was concluded that I should remove from Oodooville to this place; accordingly I came with my family on the twenty-fifth.

tinue this foolish custom? "Because our fathers did so; but since the missionaries have come into this country, the custom has but little force-very little." Though the heathen are insensible, to a great degree, of any change, this is undoubtedly a fact. While they think they stand unmoved, and often declare they will never forsake their religion; the silent influences of moral and religious truths have a most powerful and pleasing effect.

Heathen superstition.

Sept. 2. This is the day, in which the natives will not look upon the moon, because of the curse of Canevady. This god they call the eldest son of Paramasevan and Pawady. He is uniformly represented with a man's body, and an elephant's head, and always rides on a rat. The circumstances of his cursing the moon, are related in various ways in their books; but all agree, that what raised his anger at this time, was the moon's laughing at him. His moral character is such as we should suppose it would be, from the shape of his head, and from the unbounded license he gives his followers to indulge in every species of lewdness.

3. I was pleased to see how promptly and effectually those, who have been constant hearers at the school-bungalow, opposed a man, who made the very common objection. "We know nothing about heaven nor hell, because we have never seen them, nor have we seen any who have been there." The argument was immediately applied to the Tamul notions of a future state of existence, and it was shown, with a great deal of energy and earnestness, that the argument was as much against transmigration, eternal sleep, or annihilation, as against the Christian doctrine of a future state. It is gratifying to see some from their own number enlist, in a free and earnest manner, to sanction and vindicate the truth.

August 25, 1821. Have been busy in removing our goods from Oodooville to Manepy. The house here is small, and made of mud. In front are the ruins of the old brick house; and on the left, stand the broken, uncovered walls of the old church. Between these buildings, you see, at a short distance, a large tank, or artificial pond, surrounded by an extensive paddy, or rice field, which is skirted by palmyra and cocoanut trees. At the right hand, and back of the buildings, the houses and gardens of the villagers are near. There is, also, on these church lands, a [The following extract shows pretty cleartemple erected for the worship of Caneva-ly, that men every where feel much alike,

dy.* The attending priest at this temple, is of the beggar cast, called Pandarum, and has risen, by his learning and cunning, into more notice than most of his cast.

Influence of the Missionaries.

29. A few of our neighbors have called to see us. I asked them why their wives did not come with them. They said, "It is not our custom." But will they never come? "Hereafter, when you have been here some time." But why do you con Gunputtee, or Pullayar.

and make similar objections, when the plain Gospel is preached to them.]

Oct. 1. Our number of hearers to-day has been very encouraging. Some men who have never attended before, and fifteen women of respectable cast, were present. All were very attentive and still. In the afternoon, about twenty of the principal men in the village attended at the school-bungalow. I had told them before, that I should preach on the character of God. This practice of telling my subject the week before I preach upon it, I and has

often many advantages; and they seemed to have thought enough of this to prepare a few objections. Among others, the following were stated. "It is said, God spake to Moses: how could he speak without a body?" Another said, "Did God cause sin to come into the world? If so, why? Why did he make sinners?" Another attempted to excuse his own sins by saying, "If I can do nothing without God, why am I to be blamed?" All were very much interested in these questions; and it was painful to see, that even the heathens are capable of making as many objections, and of making them as plausibly, as impenitent sinners in Christian countries.-They all concurred at last in saying, "What God teaches is good-is right-is excellent wisdom." O that I could persuade them to become reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. But this must be the work of the Holy Spirit. The heathen often say to me, "Preach about God, and moral duties, and heaven and hell; and we will hear. all good; it is sublime. But do not preach to us about your Jesus Christ; we wish to hear nothing about him, and will never believe in him."

PALESTINE MISSION.

LETTER FROM MR. FISK.

(Continued from p. 318.)

It is

A learned Jewish Physician. THE most interesting part of my labors in Alexandria, has been among the Jews. I have become particularly acquainted with three. One of them is Dr. M. who was brother Parsons's physician. He is a native of Germany, but has been many years in this place. He is resputed skilful in his profession, is one of the Pasha's physicians, and is a man of extensive learning and very respectable talents. He has a library of about 2,000 volumes, among which are the Scriptures in different languages, and several valuable theological books. He shewed me the writings of Eusebius, and spoke of them as highly valuable.

He has also the works of several of the Christian fathers.

His opinion of Mr. Wolf.

He knew Mr. Burkhardt, and speaks well of him; though he speaks of no person in so high terms as of Mr. Wolf, the converted Jew from Poland, who is now gone to Judea to preach Jesus to his countrymen. Dr. M. had frequent religious discussions with him, and says he is very learned, very judicious, and exceedingly amiable.

Opinions on various subjects.

We hoped to be able to enter into some interesting discussions with him, but did not intend to begin immediately. At almost his first visit, however, he told us that Mr. Wolf had spoken to him concerning us. We then entered into conversation concerning the Jews. He says there are about 400 in this place. Their language is Arabic; they read Hebrew, but understand very little of it; and are exceedingly ignorant, barbarous, and superstitious. I then said, "They are still waiting for the Messiah." He replied, "Yes; but they care very little about the Messiah that has come, or any one that will come. They might easily be hired to consent, that there should never be a Messiah." Speaking of the Talmud, which he studied a long time, while young, he said, "It is a perfect Babel, a confusion of language, a confusion of logic, theology, and every thing else. In a whole volume, you will scarcely find twelve sentences worth reading." I observed, "No pretended Messiah has now appeared for a long time." "And I hope,” said he, “none ever will appear. In Europe it would be impossible for one to succeed; he would soon be detected. In this country he would probably lose his head immediately. If any monarch should now undertake to assemble the Jews, they could not live together. The Jews of Germany, of England, of France, of Spain, and of Asia differ so much, that they would not tolerate each other. The way to make Jews Christians, is to give them the privileges of citizens, and let them intermarry with Christians. If Bonaparte had reigned 50 years, there would have been no Jews in France. All would have been blended with the other citizens." For himself, he says frankly, that he does not believe in any revelation, though he thinks it would be very inconsistent with the goodness of God to punish any of his creatures for ever, and therefore believes that all will ultimately be happy. He says a few, and only a few of the Jews know how to converse in the ancient Hebrew. There is more Rabbinical learning among the Jews of Poland, than any where else. The best mode of reading Hebrew, however, is that of the Italian and Spanish, in distinction from the German. He thinks the vowel points were invented after the Babylonish captivity, because the Jews had so far lost the knowledge of their language, that only a few learned scribes knew how to read it. One day I asked him, "What is your opinion of the Messiah?" "For myself," said he, "I do not think a Messiah ever did come, or ever will come; but I wish others to entertain their own opin

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