would have been, if the communications || Mr. Hooper, I went last evening, in com now published had been received before these arrangements were made. MISSION IN CEYLON. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF DR. SCUDDER. pany with Mooyart, and Mr. Knight, to the great heathen temple at Nellore, and witnessed some of the abominations of paganism. The idols had been carried from place to place before the temple, during the former part of the evening; but as it was late before we reached the place, we saw nothing of the procession. But we saw enough to sicken the heart;-enough to make us retire and weep, on account of the desolations which sin has made. Be July 5, 1820. To-day I commenced the pleasing work of recommending the Savior to the perishing heathen of Pandi-hind the idols were a number of poor deteripo. Have been visited by the head man of the parish, and some others. 10. Yesterday morning preached at Panditeripo, for the first time. There were present 30 men, beside a number of children. After service, I went to Tillipally, and united with the brethren in the observance of the Lord's supper. In the afternoon, preached by the wayside to numbers, who were flocking to one of their celebrated temples. This is the time of the year in which the great adversary of souls endeavors, in a peculiar manner, to strengthen his kingdom; but we trust the day is not far distant, when this people will bow their knees to Jesus, and own him Lord of all. In the course of the last month, I was enabled to engage, as an interpreter, a young man of one of the first heathen families in the district. He came to study English with Mr. Poor, three years ago, with the express intention of becoming hereafter an interpreter to government. He was then of a proud spirit, and was a bigotted heath en. Within the last year, his attention has been particularly directed to divine things. He seemed very anxious to become my interpreter, urging, that if he went away from us, he was fearful he should forget what he had already learned concerning the great plan of salvation through a crucified Redeemer. 12. This morning was visited by several Catholics. My interpreter read to them the account of the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord. When they left me, they expressed a strong desire to hear more of the Savior. 14. This morning very early, went to Jaffnapatam, to visit W. H. Hooper, Esq. collector of the district. He was very ill for a few hours, but is now better. Heathen worship at Nellore. 18. In consequence of having been detained at Jaffnapatam, by the illness of * Porters, or carriers. luded creatures prostrate on the ground, who had, a short time before, been rolling after the cars, as they moved from place to place. But one of the most disgusting sights presented to our view, was a number of dancing girls, performing some of the ceremonies of their religion. An opinion is prevalent among many in Christian countries, that the heathen are fit subjects for the kingdom of heaven, even though they never embrace the Gospel. But the word of God will allow us to indulge no such opinion. It declares to us, that whoremongers, idolaters, liars, thieves, and the workers of every abomination, have no part in the kingdom of heaven. The degradation of this people is so great, that no language we can use, will convey an adequate idea of it. From our own observation we are constantly learning, that they have all gone out of the way; that there is no one among them that doeth good, no not one. Establishment of the mission family at Panditeripo. Funeral of a Catholic. 26. I have just been witnessing a Cathlic funeral. The corpse was brought to this place, and interred upon the church ground. The ceremonies at the grave were very solemn. I could understand but little of their service, but observed that they often mentioned the name of the ever blessed Jesus. I took the opportunity, both before and after the interment, to recommend the Savior to their acceptance, and endeavored to point out to them that narrow way, which leads to eternal life through him. We have much reason to fear, that most of them know but little experimentally of that religion, which they profess. Arrival of Mr. Garrett. Aug. 9. Went in company with Mr. Poor to Point Pedro, to meet Mr. Garrett. We were much delighted to hear, that the cause of the Redeemer continued to flourish in our native land. 12. A This morning we had between sixty and seventy at morning prayers. number of them were sick. We think it a large congregation when we can assemble so many, independent of the boys in our schools. If we should sit down at our ease at home, and preach two or three times a week, we should see but few people. This renders it absolutely necessary for the missionary of the cross to go out into the highways and hedges, to visit from house to house, warning and exhorting the people to flee from the wrath to come. To labor in this manner is often a trying duty; owing, in part, to the awful stupidity of the people, to the relaxed state of our bodies from the heat of the climate, and doubtless much more to that deadness and dulness in divine things, under which we have to groan from day to day. But we believe, if we do not thus labor, we are unfit for our high and holy calling. We believe, that we are in the places of more faithful men; and, what is beyond conception dreadful, the blood of this people will be found in the skirts of our garments, at that day when we must render an account of our stewardship. I prescribe for the sick at an early hour every morning, and have prayers and conversation with them before I administer to their wants. I find it an excellent time to compare their situation with what it will be in eternity, if they do not accept of the only sacrifice for sin. I hope that proper support will be given to our hospital, and medicines largely furnished, that I not be prevented from recommending the Savior to many who come from a distance, and who would otherwise, perhaps, never may hear his precious name. Many females come for medical advice, and thus are obliged, at least once, to attend the house of prayer.* Visit of Mr. Mooyart. 14. J. N. Mooyart, Esq. the true friend of all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, spent the Sabbath with us yesterday. He appeared to be deeply sensible that a wide door is opened, by the use of medicine, to spread the Gospel among the people. I mention this circumstance with the hope, that hereafter missionaries will devote a portion of their time, if circumstances admit, to the study of medicine, but particularly of surgery. The performance of surgical operations make a strong impression upon the minds of the natives; as very little operative surgery is known among them. 23. Prescribed medicine to more than fifty persons this morning. 27. This morning had a congregation of more than 100 persons. Between ten and twenty women were present. Commencement of the Boarding School at Panditeripo. 30. Removed to this place nine of the heathen children, to whom I had given names while at Tillipally; the rest were unwilling to come. I shall immediately take others, to make up the number which are to be supported under my care, through the kindness of American friends. Superstitious Fears of the Natives. Sept. 2. One of the rooms of the house being nearly finished, we removed into it this afternoon. This morning some of the people in the hospital were very much terrified in consequence of having heard a noise in the night. This noise was occasioned by my endeavoring to drive away a rat, which was eating the ollas of the roof. They supposed that the devil was really here. I mention this as one of the instances of the superstition of this people. They are much afraid of the devil; and, as they believe that he resides in the banyan tree, they erect temples under these trees, in which they worship him. There are two temples of this description near me. Preaching at different Villages. Sabbath, 3. Preached at the school bungalow and the hospital in the morning, and at the villages of Vardealadipoo and Surlepurum in the afternoon. The man, at whose house I had appointed the last meeting, died yesterday. I had but one opportunity to recommend the Savior to his acceptance. It is a solemn consideration, that many, who are in this parish, must die before I can possibly proclaim to them the only name by which they can be saved. Religious Services among the Boys. This morning after service, when I had retired to my study, I heard the voice of one of the heathen children, (Daniel G. Gautier,) at prayer. I went near their bungalow, and truly my soul was delighted when I learned, that at this time of the day they were assembled for divine worship. If those, who support these children, could have witnessed this scene, they would have lifted up their voices to praise God, that he ever put it into their hearts to support them. Various missionary Labors. 5. This morning I adopted a plan, which I hope may be attended with the divine blessing. I design to call aside one person daily, to converse and pray with him. The man with whom I conversed and prayed this morning, was apparently affected. He appeared to feel the force of truth. In the afternoon, proclaimed the name of Jesus in the highways. The people were attentive. One man, who followed me from place to place, repeatedly asked me how he could know, that Jesus Christ would forgive his sins? He wished me to show him some sign to prove it. I told him, that if he would believe in Christ, and forsake his sins, he could then know that his sins would be pardoned. Sabbath, 10. This being the busy season with the natives, I went into the fields this afternoon to preach. Met with several Catholics at work. I took occasion to warn them of the consequences of breaking the Sabbath. One of them said, that he know it was wrong; but he would go to bis priest, confess his sins, and be forgiven. He continued his work. We have much reason to fear, that the Catholics in this island will be among the last, who are brought into the kingdom of God. Conversation with the Son of a Brahmin. 14. I have this morning been convers ing with a Brahmin and his son. The son appeared to be a man of intelligence. I asked him bow he expected to have his sins forgiven. He answered, "by praying to their gods." However, I soon convinced him, that his sins could not be forgiven in this way. He then said, that he must go to hell, and be punished according to his deserts, adding, that as washermen beat the clothes upon large stones till the dirt comes out, so it will he with the soul. After suffering, according to its deserts, it will then go to heaven. After our conversation was ended, I performed a painful surgical operation upon him, and endeavored to point out to him how awful would be the nisery of those, who rejected the Lord Jesus Christ, and at last perished. These people, like all others, who have never been humbled at the foot of the cross, depend upon their own doings for salvation. Generally they tell us, that charity, good works, offering sacrifice at their temples, washing in some sacred tank, (pool of water,) and praying to God, will ensure then an entrance into heaven. We can confound the simple ones among them very easily, by asking them if the performance of these acts would be considered by the government, as an equivalent for the crime of breaking one of its laws, They unhesitatingly tell us, "no." If we tell them that God is more strict than a human government,and must punish the wicked, and again ask them how they can obtain salvation, they tell us, that they do not know. We then point out to them the necessity for an atonement for sin. This Many deny, altogether, that they have sinned. They imagine, that if a man has never committed murder, or some other great crime, he has not sinned. makes it necessary for us constantly to open to their view the law of God in its length and breadth, teaching them, that it extends as well to the thoughts as to the actions. Many have the hardihood, notwithstanding, to declare, that they have never sinned, in thought, word or deed. Manner of Preaching. The catechetical form of preaching is very necessary among the heathen. They are in general so stupid, that unless we keep their attention awake by asking them questions, they will know little or nothing of what we say. Frequently, after explaining the plan of salvation to them, if we ask them who Jesus Christ is, they cannot tell. 17. Had a large congregation this 1 morning. present. Between 150 and 200 were Preached in the afternoon at Vardealadipoo, and, afterwards, at one of the native houses in a neighboring village, to about 70 persons. After service we were treated with rice-cakes, oranges, and cocoanut water. In consequence of having so large a congregation, I appointed meeting there again on the ensuing Sabbath. 20th. The odigar (the second officer in the parish) of a neighboring village, died this morning very suddenly. I went in the afternoon to the house of his son, and preached to a large number of people, who were collected to attend him to the house appointed for all the living. He was a Catholic, and had attended my preaching. 23. Went to Matherkel, a large village about a mile from the church. I have just been building a bungalow at that place, and expect to commence a school there on Monday next. Preached to about 130 people. 24. Preached on the parable of the sower, to nearly 200 persons, of whom 40 were women. Administered medicine to 50 persons. 28. In consequence of a previous applidation to W. H. Hooper, Esq. a bazar (market) was this day commenced at this place. It will give me an opportunity at some future time to preach to many people. 30. This morning I was visited by the father of my interpreter, one of the most respectable and eminent men, in point of learning, in the country. I had a long conversation with him on the subject of religion. He endeavored to lay the blame of his sin on God, as it was by his power, that man performed every action. I endeavored to convince him that he could not exculpate himself thus, and apparently at last succeeded. During this month, I have established schools at Surlepurum, Matherkel, Makeapperty, and at this place. / [On occasion of being obliged to decline taking children who applied for admission to the school, no provision having been made for their support, Dr. Scudder enters in his journal an expostulation, of which the following is the substance: "It is a most mournful consideration that so little is done for the cause of missions. The heathen are going down to the grave ignorant of the Gospel, by millions every year, and yet many, who profess to love the Savior, and to obey the great command to do to others, as they would wish others to do to them, do not contribute a farthing of the substance, which God has given them, for the salvation of these perishing immortals. Is it thus, that the friends of the blessed Redeemer repay him for his VOL. XVIII. kindness to them? When so many heathen children might be plucked from idolatry, are professed Christians unwilling to afford a small annual stipend for so great an object? What excuse can Christians render, in the great day of account, that the Word of Life has not been sent to the millions, who are now dying without it? Alas! when they find it impossible to clear themselves from guilt in this matter, they will stand speechless before God. "Can it be, that the present state of things is to continue? Are Christians who have sworn allegiance to the Savior at his table, to live in violation of one of his positive commands? When a heathen is brought to the knowledge of divine truth, how must he be astonished when he learns, that Christians have neglected the heathen world so long. With wonder he asks the question: "Why has not the Gospel, in compliance with the divine command, been sent to every nation and people under heaven?" He asks in vain. No answer can be given." These paragraphs were written when the Treasury of the Board was suffering embarrassments from which it has since been relieved in a great measure; and when Dr. Scudder had not heard of the provision, which has been made for many children to be educated in the families of the Ceylon mission. Still, the thoughts, which are here suggested, deserve the solemn consideration of all professed Christians. The same embarrassments of the Treasury, even in regard to the support of missions now existing, will recur, unless prevented by the continual voluntary offerings of professed Christians. And as to the boundless field of missionary labor, which is yet unexplored, what shall be said? Although there is great cause of gratitude, that so many Christians have begun to exert themselves to send the Gospel to the heathen; and although there are some splendid instances of Christian self-denial and liberality, in different parts of our country, yet it would be going too far to say, that any portion of Christendom has already done its duty, or risen to its proper pitch of Christian exertion. Let any reflecting man see what a united Christian community could do, if all the professed friends of Christ were to feel engaged in the cause of missions, as though it were a cause personally dear to them, and for the success of which they would labor strenuously, as for the attainment of the most desirable object, which had ever been presented to their minds? Let him compare this result with the actual state of things; and let him strive, so far as his example or his influence may extend, to make up for the deficient zeal of others.] 7 tist cong. for edu. hea. chil. by the A lady, by Mr. D. Noyes, Kingsbury's family, to be named Ladies of the Park St. chh. to constitute the Rev. Mr. Dwight an honorary member of the Board, Members of St. Paul's church to constitute the Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold, the Rev. Dr. Jarvis, and the Rev. Asa Eaton, honorary members of the Board, 1 01 1.00 5 00 60 00 50 00 150 00 50 50 Mr. Nathaniel Willis, for a Cherokee boy called BOSTON RECORDER, 30 00 Dr. I. Thompson, by Mr. Willis, Agnes Sisson, for hea. chil. by do. Foreign Mission Soe of Boston and vicinity, the balance on hand, Dec. 31st. Subscription, collected by a little 138 21 girl, for LEVI PARSONS, in Ceylon, 12-00 United Mon. Con. for Pales. mission, 90 00 A little girl, received as presents for good behavior, for the Choc. chil A lady, for a female Indian child, in Mr. Kingsbury's family, 2 00 Boydton, Va. Collec. by Mr. Taylor, by D. J. Burr, Esq. 1.00 35 00 18 31 8 40 Bradford, Vt. Monthly concert, by the Rev Silas McKean, 16 51 7.00 7 32 2.00 15 00 Bristol, Me. Mr. William Chamber- 22 00 Brookfield, Ms. (West par.) a charity 12.00 12 00 Canaan, Ct. The church, by the Rev. P. Cowles, A child of Dea. Dunning, for heathen children in America, 50 12 14 27 5 00 Julia Ann Daboll, for hea. children, Carlisle, N. Y. Auxil. Miss. Soc. by Mrs. Mary Austin, Tr. Catskill, N. Y. Female Soc. for edu. 16.00 4 00 5 00 hea. chil. and youth, for CoRNELIUS ATWOOD, 13 50 5 60 From a lady, endeavoring to collect $1,000, viz. 7.00 Mrs. Thacher, 62 cents; Mr. Tappan, $10, 10 62 5 00 9 00 S 00 5.00 10 00 10 00 15.00 Mrs. Hawley, $2,50 Mrs. Hall, S. Boston, Mr. Bedlington, avails of books. by Mr. Bird, C. 50 cents, S 00 2.25 Sab. School for females in 1st Bap Miss L. Battele, avails of Jay's Remarks, 51 50 Do. for Palestine mission, 250-14 50 Beverly, Ms. Juv. Brainerd Soc. 1st semi-annual pay. for SAMUEL WORCESTER, at Brainerd, Mr. Hastings, $4, Mrs. Hastings, 5, |