probably not much known in England to what a degree caste exists in Ceylon: there are many of them, and persons of the high castes, would rather lose their lives than have the rights of their castes invaded by persons of a lower caste. Some time ago, at a village near Colombo, some of the washer-caste obtained an order from the collector, to wear some articles of dress or ornament not belong ing to their caste; but they paid dear for it. A great number of persons of the higher castes assembled, attacked the procession, and beat some of them in the most unmerciful manner, An action was brought against some of the ringleaders, and they had to pay 400 rix dollars: but that they regarded but very little, and said they would act just the same again if occasion required. I understand that if a rich Modeliar, of what is deemed a low caste, were to invite a poor man of a higher to dine with him, he would bring an action against him for the insult. And among the nominal christians in this island, this regard to caste reigns in its full strength.

SEBOLGA.

OUR readers will perceive, by the following extract from a letter of Mr. Burton's, dated March 30, last, that we have ground to apprehend he may be obliged to quit this interesting station among the Bataks.

ABOUT the close of last year I wrote to yourself, Dr. Ryland, and Mr. Ivimey, very fully of our situation and prospects. At that time, things seemed, upon the whole, very encouraging. The word was heard with more than usual attention, and my principal sedentary engagement, the translation of John, was nearly brought to a close. I then suggested, however, that we had many fears, lest the impending political changes should spread a cloud over our future prospects. These changes have not yet been effected, but troubles have arisen from a quarter we little expected, which seem now to threaten our total expulsion from this interesting and important field of labour. Those Mahomedan fanatics, who, for many years, have been, desolating the Malayan countries in the interior of Padang, on pretence of reforming the Malays in religious matters, and who, for

the last two years, have been threatening the Company's station at Nattal, obliging the Company to support a large military establishment there, have at length commenced upon the conversion of the Bataks to the faith of the Prophet. Having subdued and stripped the rich Malay country of Raw, they imposed, as a farther penalty upon the inhabitants of that province, the conquest and conversion of the Batak District of Mendàling. Having accom. plished this, and levied a heavy fine upon the Bataks, payable in gold dust, the Raws told the people of Mendàling to remunerate themselves, during the following season, from the Ongkolo District. This province was accordingly invaded in January last by the Bataks of Mendàling, headed by a few of the Padri chiefs, and as their previous exploits had spread universal terror, they met with scarcely any opposition. We knew nothing of this last movement till their head-quarters were reported to us as fixed on the banks of the Batang Tara river, (which bounds the Ongkolo District,) not more than two days journey from Sebolga. The Batak chiefs in our neighbourhood told us, that it was their intention to fly to the adjacent islands, as soon as the invaders should cross Batang Tara river, and all the people, for a time, seemed to labour under the most serious apprehensions of approaching ruin. The storm, however, only threatened: for the present it has the body of the invaders have returned been mercifully averted. We hear that from Ongkolo to Mendaling, and here all is again quiet. This, we fear, however, will not last long. There can be no doubt but that the Ongkolo people have come under similar engagements on embracing the faith, as to future conquest, to those their invaders had previously entered into; for this is their invariable policy. Against which of the Batak Provinces their arms may next be directed, is yet uncertain; but we have good reason to fear, that the timid inhabitants of the beautiful District of Toba Silindong, will soon fall a prey to these lawless depredators. When this happens, our Sebolga station will be no longer tenable; for the inhabitants of that District are now fully apprised of our intentions and endeavour to propagate a religion to which they must individually swear enmity, on embracing Mahomedanism. Our expulsion, therefore, will be an act of considerable merit, and recommend them to the favour of their new masters.

We have, therefore, many fears as to what may await us; but we endeavour, by prayer and faith, to cast all our care

upon Him, who careth for us, and loadeth us daily with his benefits. May he incline our hearts to stay his pleasure, to go at his bidding, and wherever we are, to live devoted to his glory! Unbelief is ready to exclaim, "all these things are against us;" but "shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" We hoped that the happy period had at length arrived, when the "fountain of life" should be opened to the poor Bataks, and that many would soon experience its renovating influence. But his thoughts are not as our thoughts. Our confidence in the final accomplishment of the word of his promise, however, remains unshaken. Though his ways are mysterious, his intentions are merciful; and in his own good way and time, he will gather from among the Bataks, too, a people to be formed for his praise.

JAMAICA.

THE last mail from this island brought letters from our Missionary brethren, Coultart, Burchell, and Phillips; containing, as usual, intelligence of a mingled description, awakening, alternately, the emotions of congratulation and sympathy.

In reference to the church under his care at Kingston, Mr. Coultart remarks, that "a great work appears to be going on still." He anticipates another addition of members shortly, and states his conviction, that "the knowledge of God's word is increasing, and (what is still more pleasing) the genuine use of that knowledge, and its best influences, are becoming obvious." But while, in this important colony, the fields are evidently white unto the harvest," it pleases God, in his mysterious and holy providence, to lessen the number of those "few" labourers who had entered upon it. Mr. Coultart informs us of the death of no less than four of our Moravian friends on one estate on the southern side of the island; two of whom, Mr. and Mrs. Hague, had landed at Kingston only about a fortnight before! Mr. Hague had preached for Mr. Coultart, and appeared, by his piety and zeal, to be admirably adapted for the work assigned him. We are sorry to add, that the health of Mrs. Coultart has again sensibly declined, and that Mr. C. fears he shall be under the

painful necessity of returning with her to England.—Mr. Burchell is greatly encouraged by the interest that has been awakened at Montego Bay by his labours, and the still increasing number of his congregation. So large a concourse assembled on the Sabbath previous to the date of his letter (August 28,) that the premises were seriously endangered by the pressure, and the people were obliged to consult their safety by a precipitate flight. After mentioning this circumstance, Mr. B. subjoins: "I do most sincerely wish our Christian friends in England could but witness our interesting and crowded meetings; it would produce much greater effect than any thing I can say, and I feel confident of three things. 1. They would be so rejoiced, that they would call upon their souls, and all around them, to bless God for the success with which he has crowned their efforts; and would resolve to devote themselves with renewed zeal to the great cause. 2. They would be immediately convinced, from the appearance of the people, of their absolute inability to provide themselves with a suitable house for worship; and, 3. They would instantly resolve a house should be provided, sufficiently large to accommodate the anxious crowd-would contribute their utmost among their friends to raise the requisite themselves, and exert their influence sum." Anxious to encourage the Mission here to the utmost of their power, the Committee have apprized Mr. B. of their willingness to deviate from their ordinary course, by appropriating a considerable sum, the amount of which has been specified, to the purpose he so powerfully urges; but, as that sum falls far short of what will be necessary, it is feared the object cannot be attained, unless some generous individuals shall be disposed to add to their customary benefactions to the Society, a specific donation towards it. Communications on this subject will be thankfully received at the Mission House, No. 6, Fen-court, Fenchurch-street.

At Anotta Bay, Mr. Phillips has been restored to such a degree of health, as to be enabled to resume his labours, though all the symptoms attending his illness have not yet been removed. He notices, with gratitude, that the church had been mercifully kept together during the suspension of his labours among them; and that, amidst all the disadvantages of his affliction, its members, during the past year of its existence, had risen from forty to one hundred, and that he expected shortly to baptize fifty more.

Cartwrights Lithog BAPTIST MISSIONARY PREMISES AT SERAMPORE, BENGAL.