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that clothing would be given to the needy, there were present a thousand people. I addressed them for three hours, and hope that, with the temporal good which they carried away, they carried with them also some precious seed of the word of eternal life.

We travelled without arms or sepoys | few days ago, when it was understood [native soldiers], and met with neither insult or harm. We owed our security, humanly speaking, no doubt, to the humble style of our travelling. An English-|| man, with a large retinue and the appearance of money or plate, would not be safe without a guard. Hence the advantage of being without "two coats" or a "scrip." A missionary who is experienced in travelling in India, and has a good knowledge of the Hindoostanee language, might now, I think, travel and preach the gospel from Bombay to Calcutta. At Nagpore he would meet a good evangelical chaplain from the Bengal establishment, who would facilitate his journey to the next European station; and so he would continue his tour, after resting at these several stations a few days each, till he arrived the other side of India. This over-land journey has been made by Europeans, but not yet by missionaries.

I am about now to return to Ahmed

nuggur. I am happy in the prospect of returning, as I feel more personally interested in the mission at that place. I trust my usefulness has by no means been diminished by my short residence here; and as my place has been so well supplied by Mr. Allen, it has no doubt been, on the whole, increased. You will see by the map that Mahabulishwur is nearly in the centre of the Mahrattas. There is a holy place within three miles, which is visited by people from all parts of the country at this season of the year, to whon books may be given and the gospel preached; and in addition to this, there are people from all parts of the country as servants, coolies, palankeen-bearers, shop-keepers, etc., on account of the invalid station. None of these remain in the rainy season, and few are to be found here in the cool

seasons.

I have also had the superintendence of a school which is supported by the benevolence of capt. Molesworth. This benevolent officer, to whom the missionary, as well as the Hindoo, is greatly indebted for the Mahratta and English Dictionary, and will soon be for the English and Mahratta one, is the almoner of charity to the above-mentioned poor; or rather, I may say, is the almoner of what God has given him; for he has distributed quite as much from his own purse as has been obtained by subscriptions from others.

Some interesting details respecting a company of Chinese convicts were inserted from Mr. Read in the last number. He remarks further in regard to them—

more

But what I may mention as directly encouraging, is the attention which six Chinese convicts are giving to the subject of Christianity. If I mistake not I mentioned to you last year that there were placed here (for safe keeping and for the benefit of their labor on the roads,) about twenty Chinese convicts. These have been transported from their native country for crime, most of them for murder. They have partially learned the common Hindoostanee of the country, appear rather intelligent, and very sober and industrious. On inquiry last year I found some readers among them, and one book or tract which they said Dr. Morrison gave them at Canton. I sent immediately to Bombay where I procured a few Chinese tracts and por

Beggars at Mahabulishwur—-Chinese tions of the Scriptures.

Convicts.

They say they have read the books which I gave them last year, and being Visitors remain here during the hot convinced of the truth of Christianity seasons, from three to four months. they are determined to embrace it. During this period Mahabulishwur is a Supposing them to be sincere, (and I see good place for a missionary. I have no reason to doubt it), it is a most interfound more to do, and have met with esting circumstance. Some of these men will doubtless be restored to their more encouragement this year, than I did last. The number of beggars which native land; and should they carry back have been fed here, and whom I have with them the blessed boon of the religconstantly addressed twice a week, has ion of Jesus, God only knows what may varied at different times from fifty to be the result. In eternity it may appear a thousand. They are now, in conse- that a single tract, given by Dr. Morriquence of many having gone to their son to a man who was, or who soon beown villages, reduced to about fifty. All came, a capital criminal, after being

read, as the only book which a company of convicts had, for three or four years, had prepared the way for others, which in their turn prepared the way for the operations of the Holy Spirit and the conversion of their souls.

Ceylon.

COMMUNICATION FROM MR. POOR, DATED
AT BATTICOTTA, DEC. 31ST, 1833.

logical class, are employed by the mission as schoolmasters at different stations. Codman is employed as a teacher of an English school composed of children of opulent natives at Combaconum, on the neighboring continent. J. DeWitt Henry, a member of the church, who has been long affected with ill health, left the Seminary and is now living with his heathen parents near Jaffna. Most of those who left the Seminary from the lower classes, were dismissed in consequence of ill health, or as being unworthy of a gratuitous support.

On the 8th of February last a class of twenty-two lads were taken into the Seminary to pursue a course of study in the Tamul language only.

THE first part of this communication is inserted in this work principally for the satisfaction of those patrons of the Mission Seminary at Batticotta, who have severally contributed to the support of individual students, who now are, or have been, enjoying the advantages of it. The classes in the Seminary, at the date of this letter, were taught by Rev. D. Poor, Doct. N. Ward, and ten native assist-guage, we have not a fair prospect of

ants. The first class embraced 25 pupils, the second 28, the third 25, the fourth 30, and the fifth 22. Besides which there were two medi- || cal students.

Pupils who left the Seminary 1833.

Owing to the increasing demand from different quarters, for the services of natives acquainted with the English lan

furnishing even our own mission with an adequate supply of helpers of this description. Very few of those whom we educate in both languages can resist the temptation held out for leaving the service of the mission as soon as they have a prospect of receiving greater wages than it is proper for us to give them, Ashbury, Hall, Hallock, Henry, Ladd, after expending a large sum for their Richards, Hassletine, Tappan, Thomp-support and education. Though by this son, Codman, DeWitt, and Henshaw. Of these, eight were members of the theological class, and four of them had been employed as teachers. Adams from the first class; Styles, Taylor, and White from the second; Kollock and White from the third; Cross, Stafford, Morrison, Davidson, Moorogason, and Williams 2d, from the fourth class.

means we may effectually serve the community, we do not furnish the mission with the requisite number of native assistants. As our means for imparting instruction on science and Christianity through the medium of the Tamul language are already considerably increased, and may be greatly extended by the aid of the press, we propose to instruct in the Tamul only, a considerable proportion of those who may in future be admitted to the Seminary, without, however, reducing the number hitherto taught in both languages.

The names of the fifth class who are not to be instructed in English are the following:

At the close of the year 1832, a class of thirty young men were under instruction in theology at this station, of whom fourteen were connected with the boarding establishment in the Seminary. Of these fourteen, eight have left the Seminary in the course of the year; of whom three, Hallock, Ladd, and Tappan are employed in mission service at Tillipally and Manepy. Henry and Hassletine have gone on a visit to Palamcotta to spend a few months in missionary labors in that extensive field, mainly with reference to their own benefit. Ashbury is employed in teaching a school in English composition, under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Crisp. Hall is employed by the Rev. J. George, Wesleyan missionary. Richards was dismissed at his own request, and is employed in binding books at Jaffnapatam. At the commencement of the year the Henshaw, Thompson, Adams, and Tay- theological class consisted, as before was lor, who were not members of the theo-mentioned, of thirty members, but was,

m

Stephen Church,
Samuel Cram,
Guer Davidson,
Gilbert Crawford,
Joseph Emerson,
Joseph Goff,
Samuel Judson,
J. B. Lawton,
Benjamin Leavens,
G, R. Livingstone,
Hleary Lord,

Luke Lyons,

Thomas McAuley,
Jedediah Morse,
Asahel Nettleton,
John Norris,
Nathan Parker,
Elias Riggs,
Benjamin Tappan,
J. W. Tucker,
John White,
Curtis Woodbury,
Chester Wright.

Theological and Medical Instruction.

with the people, long residence in the country, diligence and perseverance amid difficulties and discouragements, and a conviction that these objects are to be pursued, even though others which are more attractive, and possibly more important, invite attention.

It is most desirable that Dr. Ward should have nothing more to do, at least for the space of one year, in his professional business, than is absolutely necessary for the preservation of his own health, that he may make a successful commencement in the study of the native language. But however desirable it may be that his light should for a time be put under a bushel, that it might afterward burn with a brighter flame, it is obviously impossible. The sick and afflicted are already coming from distant places, and present claims too powerful to be resisted. These premature engagements are most undesirable when viewed in the light of one of our best attested mission maxims, viz. "If a missionary does not get a good hold of the language the first year after entering the mission field, his prospects of ultimate success are greatly obscured."

from various causes, gradually reduced, || the native language, free intercourse till it became quite small. Some members of the class who were attached to the other stations could not attend so regularly as a due regard to their own improvement required. Several, even at this station, were so much occupied in other concerns that they could not do justice to themselves, nor to their teachers, in this important department, and were induced to withdraw from the class. Some others were needed for mission service in other fields of labor, and were consequently removed from the Seminary, and a few, not being willing to spend their time in theological studies without receiving some immediate compensation, were permitted to leave the class, and to seek employment elsewhere. The experience we have had in this first attempt to teach a class theology as a distinct branch, cannot fail of being servicable to us in future. One important practical result of the experiment is, that we are now shaping the whole course of study in the Seminary with reference to the all important branch of Christian theology. We design to give such prominence to this subject, that the students, at the close of their scientific course, shall be well grounded in the knowledge of the Bible, and be competent to teach the principles of Christianity to their countrymen. If then they have moral qualifications for becoming catechists and native preachers, they may, after a short course of appropriate training, and that too principally of a practical nature, be prepared to enter upon the important duties of their office, and also be entitled, even while engaged in their course of preparation, to some pecuniary compensation, which their duty to their poor relations urges them to seek.

Dr. Ward's connection with the Seminary must be regarded as an event highly auspicious to its best interests. The establishment of a well regulated hospital on, or near the mission premises, where students from the Seminary, and also some of our Christian catechists may be trained in the theory and practice of medicine and surgery, cannot fail to secure great advantages to the country, both in temporals and spirituals. The examination of native medical books, of the medicines used in the country, and of the practice of the most skilful native physicians, must open an extensive field for research, which cannot be cultivated without interest and profit. The obvious requisite qualifications for cultivating it are a good knowledge of

Additions to the Church-Prospects of the Mission.

In the course of the year six individuals, members of the Seminary here, have been admitted to the church. Of the one hundred and thirty students composing the five classes, forty-seven have made a public profession of their faith in Christ. These together with ten individuals connected with the Seminary as teachers make the whole number of church members fifty-seven.

Weekly and monthly prayer meetings, quarterly meetings of the Moral and Bible Societies, and a systematic course of distributing tracts and portions of the Scriptures and preaching in the bungalows, have been continued as usual.

By another year's experience and labors we have become more intimately acquainted with the native character, especially as it appears when in some degree modified by the influence of Christian principles. We meet with much from this quarter which puts our spirits to the test, by which we may the better know what manner of persons we are; and we do not always find these further discoveries of ourselves to be what we could desire. In this connection it may be observed for the encouragement of those who are looking for

ward to the toils of a missionary life with interest and anxiety, that they may never expect to meet with severer trials than those which will arise from a due attention to the injunctions, "In your patience possess ye your souls." "Keep thy heart with all diligence." "Let no man think more highly of himself than he ought to think." "Let each esteem others better than himself." The more these injunctions in their length and breadth are understood and practised, while in their native land, the fairer will be their prospect of commencing, pursuing, and finishing their course with joy in a heathen land.

the church at this place. While I deplore their loss, I am comforted with the reflection that they have gone where the temptations of this ensnaring world can never again reach them.

I have had trials in another respect, and trials too of a much more severe nature. I would that those who have caused them were safely landed on the shores of the heavenly Canaan. But alas! their prospects for eternity are filled with gloom. Martyn Tullar has been excommunicated, and William Hopton suspended, from the church. They have married heathen wives, and as they took this step deliberately, and with a consciousness that they were doing wrong, I cannot but fear that they are among those who have drawn back to perdition. While these are among the most distressing trials the spiritual watchman has to encounter, he will take encouragement from the assurance that the Lord knoweth those who are his, and that not one of them shall be lost. These two young men are the wreckless monuments of nominal Christianity, set by the Head of the Church as marks of warning to many unmarried youth in our churches. May they have grace given them to shun the shoals upon which those have been shipwrecked, and may they be convinced of what these two are, I fear, destined to experience throughout eter

We continue to find it extremely difficult to gain access to the mass of people, under circumstances favorable for delivering the messages of our Lord and Master. There is little desire manifested to attend the preaching of the word, either at the church or school bungalows. Even those around us who have some conviction of the truth of the gospel and of the folly of heathenism, appear to be, to a great extent, wholly indifferent to the momentous concerns of their immortal souls; and in regard to individual cases of apparent piety, we are more and more afraid to indulge favorable hopes, and are even in danger of exercising an uncharitable frame of spirit towards them. But when we consider how many have not only heard the gos-nity, that sin, though seemingly sweet pel, but have been for a time under regular instruction, we live and labor in hope that we shall yet witness some further sprinklings from on high, if not copious showers, and even floods upon this moral desert, "For thus saith the Lord of Hosts, Thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.' "It shall not return unto me void, but it|| I entertain some hope that she is now in shall accomplish that which I please." And we are well assured it is the good pleasure of the Lord that "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."

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in the commission, at last biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder.

The same disease (cholera) which carried off my church-members has made sad havoc in my schools. Many children have gone to give an account for the manner in which they heard and learned Jesus. Of one of the little girls

heaven. I visited her a short time after the disease attacked her. She was so much reduced, that I had but little hope of her recovery. In my conversation with her she expressed an assurance of going to a better world. Her last vocal act, as her mother informed me, was prayer. She had just began to lisp the name Jesus. It was heard in heaven. A seat was prepared for her, where she might sound it in more exalted strains. The Savior touched her. She was in his bosom.

Church-Temperance.

WITHIN the last year, that part of our Savior's prayer, "Father I will that they Bibles and Tracts-Admissions to the also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory," has, I trust, been answered with regard to three of those who have been permitted to enrol their names ined.

In no year, probably, have so many portions of the Scriptures been distributThey have been given principally

A very interesting meeting of the Panditeripo Temperance Society was held in July last. It has above 550 members. A native temperance meeting was formed in the village of Peramputty last month. It has but few members. It is a village where drunkenness prevails to a very great extent.

to Roman Catholics. You will rejoice || rison. Six children have been bapto hear that evidence is afforded that the tised. distribution of the sacred volume is not in vain. One or two incidents it may be well to mention. A few months ago, a young man, a physician of considerable influence, came from one of the neighboring islands to see me, remained over the Sabbath, and not improbably for the first time, heard a sermon from a protestant minister of the gospel. He was very frank in acknowledging that there are errors in his church, and seemed desirous to break away from it; but he is evidently much afraid to take this step, on account of the opposition he knows he must meet with. When I first became acquainted with him, he violently opposed the truth, but the unadulterated word of God has been the means of hushing his opposition to silence. He lately wrote to one of my native helpers, stating that as many as ten entertained sentiments similar to his own.

A young man has attended church for several weeks, who formerly belonged to my Matherkil school. His attention has been called up to a consideration of his soul's concerns by reading the Scriptures. He has been considerably persecuted in consequence of the step he has taken. He appears well; but it remains to be seen whether he is a stony-ground hearer. I should much rejoice, had I 2,000 copies of the Scriptures to distribute among the Roman Catholics alone.

My inquiry meeting is attended by about ten persons. Four of them are very hopeful subjects; and if they continue to appear as well as at present, they will probably, in the course of the ensuing year, be received to the church. One of the inquirers is the father of Samuel, the member of the church whose attention was awakened to a consideration of the Christian religion by reading a tract he received at the Changany market. He has for a long time been convinced of the folly of heathenism, and left off its ceremonies; but could not at first see the need of a Savior. I hope he may be permitted to meet his little boy, who died of the cholera last year, and who is, as I have good reason to believe, with that Savior, to whom, with his dying lips, he said he was going. It may be that his whole family may yet reach the heavenly world, through the instrumentality of a single

tract.

LETTER FROM MR. HOISINGTON, DATED
AT MANEPY, JAN. 1834.

MR. Hoisington arrived in Jaffna in October
1833, and had been at Manepy but one quar-'
The printing-press had just been estab-
lished at that station.

ter.

In the little church, of which I have had the oversight from the commencement of my residence at Manepy, I have become greatly interested. It consists of twenty-five members, a majority of whom were of low caste fishermen, and are very poor in this world's goods, but I hope "rich towards God." Others were of better caste, with some property. There is no danger of mistaking, after having had intercourse with them, that they were all once heathen; yet the gospel has not failed to give its own distinctive impress even to these dark minds. The character of their piety is of course singular, as they possess little knowledge and comparatively little of that expansive spirit of benevolence which actuated the great apostle to the gentiles. Heathenism is but the grossest selfishness embodied-and where it reigns, it contracts the whole man. Yet in these native Christians we are struck in many cases with the simplicity and warmth of their piety, with the freedom and earnestness of their prayers. On the whole, I must say, that I am rather surprised that the church-members have risen so high, than that they have risen no higher, in the Christian scale. I think we see the beginning of a more elevated spirit. I have recently formed a benevolent association in the church, which includes nearly all its members. There is manifestly an increasing interest felt by the church generally. We are auxiliary to the native "Evangelical Society," which has now two missionaries, or native catechists, in the field.

I have met weekly, for some time, Four persons have been admitted to from ten to fifteen persons who stand in the church. Two by confession, the the character of inquirers, or candidates others by certificate. The names of the for the church. They all profess a deformer are Francis and William Mor-sire to join the church. Many of them

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