ance of the spiritual head of the people, for whose benefit I am laboring, thus early in my mission. Mar Shimon, whom the Nestorians of Oormiah acknowledged as their spiritual head during the papal predominancy over the see of El Koosh, and whom they still respect, has his residence at Kochanes, near the town of Julamerk, a point so remote in the Kurdish mountains, as to preclude all hope of my being able to make my way to him without more or less peril, in the present lawless state of the Kurds. And it is yet more hazardous to attempt a journey across the mountains, on the road to Mosul and El Koosh. The Lord, it seemed, had brought me to Oormiah, just in time to meet Mar Elias there and secure his confidence, before he might become prejudiced against me and my object through papal misrepresentations. In our conversation, the bishop objected to my calling him and his people Nestorians. I asked what we should call them, and he answered, “Chaldeans." I inquired if the Catholic Nestorians are not called Chaldeans. "They are," he said, but added, "Shall a few Catholic converts from among our people arrogate to themselves the name of our whole nation? And must we surrender up our name to them?" "Nestorius," he continued, "we respect, as one of our bishops," but we are under no particular obligation to be called by his name." Their objection to being called Nestorian probably arises from an apprehension that indignity may attach itself to the name— the Nestorians having been early and generally stigmatized by the other oriental sects as very flagrant heretics. to live in my house and board at my table. He replied that he should be much pleased to do that, but would consult my own convenience. I let the matter rest there until evening, and then inquired whether he would be ready to proceed with me the next morning, as we were not expecting to return that way, but should proceed around the east side of the lake, on our way home. He hesitated a little, and proposed to decide the point by lot. The book of Daniel was brought, the finger of my servant was placed at random on a figured card, the page of the book thus indicated was consulted, and the result gravely announced; which was, that "he must not be in haste, but patiently wait." It was easy to perceive that the result, in this instance, was accommodated entirely to the pleasure of the experimentor. Nor was it doubtful that a pecuniary offer for his services in teaching would be, to the bishop's own mind, a much more satisfactory test of the expediency of his going with me, than any mystical decision, his detestation of the love of money notwithstanding. So I left with him our Armenian servant, with instructions what sum to offer, which was no sooner proposed than accepted, and the bishop declared himself ready to proceed with us the next morning. Thus the previous negative result was at once forgotten, and had a second trial been made, there would doubtless have been discov ered an affirmative indication. In the absence of a church in this village, religious worship is performed in the house of the bishop. We were present at evening prayers. Their forms were simple; crossings were frequent; but we saw no images nor pictures. The whole service, however, was ob viously heartless and void of devotion. The bishop frequently through the day expressed a strong desire to learn English, and it occurred to me that he might be the man whom Providence designed should be my Syriac teacher; though I had no real expectation that he would be willing to leave his people. Being highly pleased, however, with his amiable disposition, and apparently ardent desire to learn, I at length made the inquiry directly, whether he would return with me to Tabrecz and become my Syriac teacher, where he might also himself learn Euglish? He answered very promptly, in the affirmative. He proposed also that a young brother, a deacon in clerical orders, should go with him, and act as his servant, who would also be glad to learn English. As to re-ready to start, before the rest of us. muneration for teaching me Syriac, he remarked, "I am not a secular man; if I have food and clothes, I shall be satisfied." I inquired whether he would like 20. We rose early, and found the bishop still resolved to accompany us. We could hardly believe it, however, the step on his part seemed so adventurous; besides, he appeared to be making no preparation. I directed my servant to suggest to him the desirableness of putting all the effects in readiness, which he would wish to take with him, for a year's residence at Tabreez. "I want nothing but my blankets and three books," he replied, "and they are soon ready." The result confirmed his reply: for, thus equipped, he was mounted and The priest, his father, objected to his younger son going with me now. "Let the oldest try first," he said, “and if he is prospered, the youngest may go after wards." The mother wept much and was unwilling that either son should go to Tabreez. There was a particular reason. When the Russians invaded Persia, in 1826, they sent a deputation from Tabreez, to Oormiah, to importune the Nestorians to emigrate, en masse, to Georgia. After considering the subject, the Nestorian clergy of that province, delegated Mar Yohanna to Tabreez, to communicate to the commander-in-chief of Georgia, a negative decision. The general was not satisfied without further trial; so he confined the bishop, and retained him sometime, hoping that the people might be induced to follow their spiritual leader. It was not unnatural, therefore, that the parents should feel a degree of solicitude, respecting the bishop, in prospect of his going, again to Tabreez. Their simple overflowing of parental grief, very forcibly reminded me of Jacob of old, when bereft of his children. I gave away a number of books to the priest and villagers. EXTRACTS [To be continued.] Ceylon. heathen, and those recently converted to Christianity, present some of the most. formidable obstacles to the right management of our infant native churches. A variety of cases of great difficulty, which have occurred in different churches, were related, and the views of the missionaries present were expressed and recorded for our further guidance, on several points of great practical importance. On a review of the proceedings of the meeting, my mind is impressed with the importance of having free and frequent intercourse with my brethren on all subjects of this nature, that there may be a uniformity of principle and practice in the native churches throughout the district. 20. The annual meeting of the Native Evangelical Society has been held to-day at this station. A report was read by the secretary, and seven addresses given on the occasion; several of them by native assistants from the Church and Wesleyan missions. This society was formed one year ago, and is composed of native Christians in connection with the American stations. During the past year they have supported Alexander Lovell at Valverty, who has acted FROM THE JOURNAL OF MR. in the double capacity of an English POOR, AT BATTICOTTA. school-master and catechist. Some pleasing evidences were given in the report, that he has not labored in vain. The Evangelical Society was formed by the native Christians at the suggestions of the missionaries. The principal benefit contemplated is, that the society may be come a rallying point for missionary exertions among the native converts, and furnish occasions by its stated meet June 3, 1833, Monthly prayer-meeting held at Nellore. The subject of the addresses in the afternoon was founded on the inquiry, "Why are the labors of protestant missionaries in India attended with no more apparent success?"-The subject opened a wide field for remark, on the difficulties to be encountered in the missionary work, the criteria for esti-ings, for bringing before them their duty, mating the degree of success that has been realized; and the urgent necessity for entire devotedness, on the part of missionaries, to their appropriate business of preaching Christ and him crucified to the heathen. After the address was given, each missionary, as usual, remarked in turn on different branches of this extensive subject, feeling that it was good and profitable to be present on such an occasion. 13. Attended the monthly union meeting of the missionaries of different denominations in the district. The principal subject of discussion was that of marriage. The inter-marriages of Protestants, Catholics, and heathens, the unscriptural principles and practices prevailing among nominal Christians of all classes, and the low estimation in which the marriage covenant is held by the both of supporting Christianity among themselves, and of making it known to the surrounding heathen. It is painful to observe that they are slow to learn and to practise these lessons of benevolence; but it is encouraging to see that at least a temporary impression is made on their minds, when the claims of Christianity are presented and urged upon them by their own countrymen. The contrast between the amount of expense requisite for the support of heathenism and of Christianity is very great; and when clearly pointed out, as it frequently is by native speakers on public occasions, a very favorable impression is produced. Many, however, who have sufficient light and knowledge to withhold their contributions from the support of idolatry do nothing for the support of the gospel. Even native Christians seem to think more of gaining some worldly advantage || EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF MR. by embracing the gospel, than of expending their substance in the service of him who has "bought them with a price." It affords but miserable consolation to reflect that there are similar and far greater failures among multitudes who wear the Christian name in more highly favored lands. Aug. 19. Francis Ashbury and John Codman, who have of late been employed as teachers in the Seminary, are about to leave Jaffna, agreeable to our recommendation for Combaconum. The former to be employed by the Rev. Mr. Crisp, missionary of the London Missionary Society, and the latter to serve as an English school-master in teaching the children of the higher classes of natives in that place. The school is to be supported in part by the pupils who attend, and in part by subscriptions of Europeans who are interested in promoting the cause of education among the natives. Have given these young men my parting counsel and advice, and commended them to God by prayer. Sept. 1. Quarterly communion of the church at this station. Preached from the text, "I will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." At the close of the discourse I adverted to the circumstance, that I could not confidently expect evermore in this world to unite with my eldest daughter, one of the communicants, in celebrating the sufferings and death of our Lord at his table. As she and her youngest sister are expecting soon to leave this country for America, I took occasion to mention some of the motives which constrain us to send our children far from us at this interesting and critical period of life. Some interest was manifested in the subject, even by the heathen present, who seemed for the moment to think that missionaries are living among them but to promote the welfare of their souls. Previously to the administration of the ordinance, the following persons, members of the Seminary, were publicly admitted to the church by baptism: Aaron Porter, Ebenezer Walker, John Woodhull, Ward C. Dean, Joshua B. Osgood, and Elnathan Seely. SPAULDING, DURING A TOUR ON THE CONTINENT. Ramnad-Shekel-Tankamapooram. Jan. 9, 1834. Left home to-day, actook a doney for the coast, hoping in a companied by three native helpers, and short tour to dispose of ten thousand tracts, three hundred and fifty Gospels, seventy-five Scripture Histories, twentyfive copies of the third volume of the Old Testament, including the Psalms, and twenty-five copies of the Epistles, besides some tracts and books in English. 10. Early this morning we came in sight of the continent, and about twelve o'clock landed at Tayvapatam. As soon as I could get bearers I left for Ramnad, where I arrived about half past five this afternoon. 11. Have been out this morning and find more of a town than I expected. There is one rajah who lives in an old building once something like a palace. Old houses are numerous, which in their day were large and well built, but are now going into decay. Indeed the walls of the fort, as well as every thing within and without, bear the marks of age and neglect. The situation of the town is low and surrounded with low fields which at present are without cultivation and covered with muddy water. I am told there is no good water within seven miles. Cholera and fevers are common, but now neither prevail. I visited the church, where is a catechist from Tanjore, who has been here about ten years. Of the few lads in his school, all but two, and one of them his own son, were marked with ashes. 13. During my stay at Ramnad I gave away many tracts and some parts of the Bible, and conversed with a few among whom was one Tamul man and one Roman Catholic, who were learned and very candid. About seven o'clock I left Ramnad and am now in Shekel, fifteen or twenty miles on my way towards Palamcottah. The country through which I have trayelled is low, perfectly flat, and almost without inhabitants. On the west, or right-hand side of the road, wide and high embankments are thrown up, which form tanks, one, two, three, or five miles long, and half as wide. These are drained off for irrigating the fields. The soil seems to be rich, is black, hard, and crusty. It is called cotton-soil; and on this part of the coast, as the sun rises and the earth becomes hot, there is a disagreeable smell not unlike that in a like an infernal being than my fancy had dry tank, or a salt river. ever before painted. Backus, Catheraman, and Tamban came here on Saturday, and have been among the villagers, who amount to about two hundred families. Some fear and run away. Some take tracts and then come and return them. Some say their eyes will perish if they read them. Every thing is dear. We get rice with difficulty. Beetle-leaf and areeka-nut are sold for their weight in copper money. I have talked with the brahmin who has the care of the rest-house, and with a few others who are willing to hear and inclined to be candid. They say they never heard such things, and that no one ever brought them such books before. 14. We left Shekel and came to this place, Sayalkoordy, a distance of twenty miles. I am now writing under a great tamarind tree, with many natives around me. The country through which I have travelled this morning is much of it a low dry desert, in which little is to be seen as far as the eye can reach, but the thick thorn-tree, of two or more kinds. There are four or five hundred people in this place. Water is good, and the people are glad to receive tracts and to hear the truth. They say that they have heard these things once before, about ten or fifteen years ago; and only that once. I have been to the village school where twenty or thirty boys learn. Many people came, and after I had spoken with those in the school, I went to a kind of rest-house, where twenty or thirty men came together, to whom I preached the gospel, reading a few passages of the epistles. They heard with some attention but soon opposed, and charged the Deity with all the sins in the world. This afternoon we came to Tankamapooram. We passed one end of a great tank, where there was a mason work of stone with seven sluices to let out the water. Near it was a temple, where there are a host of gods made by the potter and brought as offerings to the goddess of the temple. One called Pacheyamman, or Karlee, had eaten and was eating five children! She stood with the head of one in her mouth! her hands raised up, her head thrown back, bosom bare, eyes prominent, ready to start out of her head; with her teeth or tusks projecting, and her breast, arms, and face all bloody! She looked more *See Quarterly Paper No. 15 for a representation of this goddess. VOL. XXXI. Seevalapathy-Nagercoil-Preaching in Villages. 15. About noon arrived at Seevalapathy. Some say that there are ten thousand people here, but I should think there are not more than half that number. There is a Roman Catholic church, and a large Tamul temple to Padoomarl, or Vishnoo; the outer temple of which is about one hundred feet long and thirtytwo wide, standing on fifty pillars in four rows about eight feet apart, on which are placed large stone beams. On the top of these are laid slabs of hewn stone, and all covered with brick and masonwork. Each of these stones are about eight feet in length and exceedingly large and heavy. Back of these is the temple, into which I was not allowed to go, or even to look. There are other temples near. We spent the middle of the day under the tamarind trees on the banks of the far-famed Tamperavanny, of the waters of which it is said, if a man drinks his sins will be annihilated, and even the fish, beasts, birds, and trees and creeping things which happen to touch its waters go to heaven. This river is supplied by rains from the mountains to the west. Three days ago it was dry. Yesterday passable only by boats. day about two cubits deep, but a quarter of a mile wide. Many who cross the river call out saying, "O goddess! Tamperavanny! O mother!" etc. I arrived at Palamcottah about sunset, but shall omit any remarks about this station till my return, from a trip to the south. To 22. Yesterday afternoon I left Palamcottah for Nagercoil, a distance of forty-five miles; and after running all night with palankeen, arrived at eight this morning. I have been delighted with large fragments of mountains on every side of me, and now from the somewhat elevated land of this station I feast my eyes in looking at mountains on the north and west, not running in a single chain, but scattered over the land like a flock. 24. Left about ten this morning, and passing through two villages, in one of which there is a very large heathen temple and other buildings, a large tank, and several cars, and where there is also a very extensive population, we came to a little village called Mylardy, in the midst of the mountains. We met a small congregation, the first in this part of India collected by Mr. Ringletaube, in 1807, 19 This afternoon we came to Koondal which is within a mile of Cape Comorin. Here also we have had a small congregation to whom we have spoken. my tour-warm with the promises of greater things-warm with the anticipation of soon seeing all the brethren and sisters in Jaffna-and warm with what I saw before me. All within arose spontaneously and at once to the praise of my God, and I said, "These O Lord are only parts of thy ways"-"Thyself how wondrous then!" I have had many conversations with the brethren Mault and Miller about missionaries and missionary work; and have been strongly impressed with the advantages to be derived from a general meeting of all the missionaries who labor within the compass of the Ta 25. This morning, after an early breakfast, we left Koondal and went about two miles westerly to another village, which is near the sea, just above the cape on the west side. Congregation much as yesterday, twenty women and twenty-five men, and thirty or forty children; was much pleased with their attention. Left there about ten o'clock and went to another village, where we met another native congregation. This evening we have had a large congrega-mul language. tion. The bungalow, fifty by thirty feet, was crowded full of men and women, the former seated in a group on one side, and the latter on the other, and all in native style on the floor without mats. 27. Yesterday I preached at Tamardy-koollam at seven, in another village at half past twelve, and at Sandadypoottoor in the evening; after which we came home, where we arrived about ten at night. and I have been much pleased with my visits to the native congregations. Brother Mault accompanied me made arrangements so that I preached or rather talked only once to a single congregation, of which I had two or three before me every day besides schools. These congregations averaged from thirty to a hundred men, and from twenty to sixty women, made up of those who give evidence of a change of heart and of those who have renounced heathenism and come for instruction, the former bearing only a small proportion to the latter. Almost all these are the santar caste, or those who cultivate the palmyra tree. The vellalees and higher castes are still heathen, and do not generally come to these congregations. Nagercoil is not less interesting in natural than in moral scenery. The abrupt, bald, and high mountains bound it on the west and north, and though three, seven, or ten miles distant, they appear as though you could speak to them and hear your own voice sent back from the bare and bald rocks. After my return on Sabbath evening, I took my chair out and sat down in front of the house to feast my eyes once more on scenes which reminded me of home. Save the noise of the heathen temple at the foot of the hill, all was silent. Clouds hovered round the tops of the mountains, and the light of a full moon bleached them to snow whiteness. I was weary, but my heart was warm with what I had seen in 28. Left Nagercoil yesterday afternoon and came as far as Donavoor on my way to Palamcottah. At Donavoor I found a young man, Mr. C. West, who is supported by Mr. Graves of Bagdad. I attended morning prayers with a few of the villagers in the little chapel. At noon he rung his little bell in Moravian style, and ten or twelve natives came in to sing a hymn and engage in prayer. At one o'clock I preached to his little congregation, and then spoke with the boys in the school. [To be continued.] Sandwich Islands. GENERAL LETTER FROM THE MISSION ARIES, DATED AT HONOLULU, JULY 15TH, 1834. LETTERS have been received from this mission to the end of August. Extracts from the general letter will be inserted here, leaving other communications to be introduced in a future number. After remarking on the loving kindness of the Lord in restoring some of their number from sickness to health, and the interpositions of his providence in favor of others in times of peculiar danger, and the quietness and general prosperity which had attended their labors, the missionaries proceed to notice the Health of the Mission-Decease of Mrs. Mr. Gulick, after the last general meeting, resided for four months at Waimea on Hawaii, with the hope of improving his health, but derived from it no perceptible benefit. The rest of the year he spent at Kauai and Oahu unable to prosecute his missionary work. He is now rather better, and there is a prospect |