the past year there were 20 baptisms, and 12 deaths. In the last eighteen years, six or eight houses have been added to the population. Mr. Baker has a School here. Church property, 12,000 Chuckrums. As I am told, Che pade Church was built more than 300 years since. There are belonging to it about 200 families. Baptisms in the last year 40; deaths unknown. The people are generally poor. One Catanar and two Deacons now in the College. Church property, about 6000 Chuckrums. Mr. Baker has a School of 30 Boys; the Teacher a Soodra.

Saturday. Cottayam I visited the School at a place four miles from Chepade, and found it in excellent order. There are 37 Boys, 6 or 7 of whom are Syrians, and the rest Heathens, mostly of great respectability: 13 or 14 had learned the Catechism, and answered well: 7 or 8 read Gospels. I talked to one or two about learning English, and their countenances seemed to brighten up at the thought. I left this School sincerely pleased, and full of hope.

Third Visit to the Churches.
Molokoollam.

Aug. 7, 1830. Molokoollam ChurchDisease breaking out in the College, I was obliged to dismiss the Boys, for twenty days or so, to their respective houses. Having therefore comparatively little to engage me at Cottayam, I thought I could not spend this interval better than in looking at those Churches which time did not allow me before to visit; and in retracing my footsteps, and the accuracy of former observations, in other Churches which I did visit. I reached this place at sun-set.

Aug. 9. Malpan's Church—Ere I left Molokoollam this morning I was able to get the following information about the Church. The Syrians and Romanists have always had the joint use of it. It was built 235 years ago: and connected with it are 78 houses, or 500 individuals. In the last year, 19 deaths, 28 baptisms, and 9 marriages. In the last ten years, 5 or 6 houses have been added to the above; so that though the people are poor, and from the slender resources of the country not likely to better their estate, yet the population is on the in

venty-eight; and George, forty-six years old; both single. One Deacon; and two Boys intended for the same office, now studying in the College. In all India I do not know that one could have a more melancholy exhibition of Christianity, falsely so called, than in this place. It is truly a valley of dry bones! May the Spirit of the Lord quickly breathe upon it! Church property about 4000 Chuckrums.

On my way here I stopped at Porotta Church: but the three Catanars had gone to a Chatum, or, in plain language, gone to make Prayers for the soul of a man who had been dead three days. When, O God! wilt thou annihilate such cruel delusion! But this is the principal source of revenue to the Priest; and it must ever act as a most fertile means of demoralization, till another way is found of remunerating this class of men. On all sides, the country at this season is beautiful: every place seems to bespeak the bountiful Providence of God: but "only man is vile.'

Wadagherry.

August 11 Wadagherry ChurchMalpan has accompanied me hither. Finding him in possession of many slaves, ere I quitted his house this day I inquired of him how he could reconcile it to his conscience to keep his immortal fellow-creatures in this degrading state? He made use of the argument so often re-echoed in the House of Commons by the advocates of this inhuman traffic, viz. That the condition of such men is better under a kind master than if free. I spoke to his conscience, by asking if it were with a view to their comforts he retained them in such a state. I concluded by pointing out the awful responsibility that rested upon him to improve their minds, with the intention of ultimately giving them that which the natural rights of man so obviously claimed. He agreed with me in all I said.

Aug. 12. Arakoora Roman-Catholic Church-Wadagherry Church was built, by subscription, about 500 years ago; and, since the Portuguese invasion, has been jointly occupied by Syrians and Romanists. Syrian Families 150, or 700 souls: of this number about 120 may be taught, but there is no School. In the past year, baptisms, 50; deaths, 30; marriages, 12. Increase of families, in the last twenty years, 20.

Everywhere there seems to be an inverse proportion, in point of increase of

population, between the Syrians and Heathen. From the awfully immoral habits of the Nairs, a decrease of population follows, as a necessary consequence.

To this Church are attached 2 Catanars: Zechariah, forty-seven; and John, forty years of age; both married, and with children. The two parties, Romanists and Syrians, are constantly clashing. I was amused at an argument that suddenly arose between Ikey, Catanar, and one of the Padres, upon the seniority of their respective Churches in this country. As this man is reputed by his party, the Romanists, to be profoundly learned, and as there were many on both sides present, I was unwilling to stop them; but the other Padre, finding the argument a little too stiff for his coadjutor, and fearing that he might experience a complete defeat at the hands of Ikey, cut the matter short, by observing, that they had come there to see Sahib, and not to dispute. Even this brief rencontre, I am told, will have a salutary effect upon the minds of the Romanists; who have spread a report that their mental Goliath had proposed questions to Konata Malpan, the champion of the Syrians, which he was unable to

answer.

Arakoora.

The Arakoora Roman-Catholic Church was built at the charge of one individual, about 700 years ago: belonging to it are four Padres, three of whom are well stricken in years. I really did not conceive that four Roman-Catholic Padres could be capable of giving a Heretic Priest so cordial a reception as these men gave me they instantly vacated their room for me, and had a good supper of rice prepared for all my party. To all my questions about the extent, increase, and moral condition of the people of their charge they were very candid in their replies, and with me lamented the apathy of Parents to the moral and religious improvement of their Children. I quoted many passages from Scripture, to shew the necessity and excellency of bringing up Children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, in all of which they freely acquiesced. They tell me that connected with the Church are 700 houses, or 2000 individuals; that 100 houses have been added in the last 25 years; that there may be 300 Boys capable of being taught; that only 100 are actually learning, and most of these from Heathen Masters in Sircar Schools.

Mooahtoowary.

August 13, 1830. Mooahtoowary—The principal Padre insisted upon accompanying me thus far. He has lately built a small Church here at his own charge, and also the Bungalow in which he requested that I would take breakfast, while that in which I now write was made ready for me. Kothamangalum.

Kothamongalum Church I stopped this morning, for breakfast, at a small Syrian Church; and found a Catanar from Coluncherry Church about to celebrate Mass for the soul of some deceased person. Like the Wadagherry Church, the Romanists own it jointly with the Syrians; and both parties, the Catanars informed me, had agreed to meet to-morrow, for the purpose of considering what premium the Romanists are to receive for relinquishing their share of the Church. It is equally true, and to be lamented, that the great day, amongst all classes of Christians in this country, for settling all points of dispute &c., is the Sabbath. If a marriage is to be planned, the contracting parties meet on the Sabbath. If a dowry is to be deposited, they meet, receive it, and feast together on the Sabbath.

August 15: Sunday-Ikey said Mass at 8 o'clock this morning. There were not more than six or eight persons "to view," as the Malayalim phrase expresses it. During the hour that intervened between the first and second Mass, Ikey had many persons to hear his explanation of the 3d Chapter of St. John's Gospel: part of the time the Catanar George was present: I do not know how he felt generally speaking, they feel annoyed that the people should see this exhibition of their own inferiority. This, I conceive, is the main difficulty the rising Catanars will have opposed to them in making known to their uninstructed flocks those views of Gospel Truth which it may please God the Holy Ghost to give them. The people heard with some attention; and afterwards confessed to Ikey that they would be happy to have such instruction every Lord's Day, and seemed to lament that they were so sadly neglected in the things of God. The few that could read, came to me, to beg a copy of the Gospel. As I stood this day in the Gallery, and beheld the Priest engaged in repeating the Mass, and the people bowing before they knew not what, I had feelings of a most painful nature: I longed for that day when the

Syro-Indian Church might worship the Father of their spirits in spirit and in truth.

Porotta Church Ere I left Kothamongalum, I got the following information about the Churches. That which they call the Large Church, though in reality the smaller of the two, was built by four wealthy families, about 600 years since: but several years after, disputes having arisen, 18 families quitted this Church, and built that which they denominate the Little Church-Cheriah Pally. With the large Church are connected 80 families; 15 of which are wealthy. No School. In the last year, the number of baptisms, 20; deaths, 15; marriages, 5. One Catanar, single; and one Boy, studying at Cottayam for the Ministry. Church property, 60,000 Chuckrums. Belonging to the other Church are 60 houses, out of which number there may be 15 Boys capable of being taught: but no School! In the last year there have been 24 baptisms, 15 deaths, and 4 marriages: on the whole, the population does not increase; and for this they assign poverty as the reason, rather than local diseases. There are 74 Roman-Catholic Families in the parish, who live upon no friendly footing with the Syrians. In one Church are two Catanars: Matthew, seventy-nine; and George, thirty-three years old; and in the other, George, thirty-six all these are single. The Church property is 60,000 Chuckrums. Here, or within the Madbaha, as they call it in Syriac, of the Church, is the grave of Mar Barzilius, Catholic, who reached this country, from Antioch, in the 74th year of his age, now 144 years since. Next month will be the annual Chatum or Commemoration of his death; when, I am informed, not less than 15,000 people of all classes, Syrian, Roman-Catholic, Nair, and Chogon, will assemble. It is a well-known fact, that many of the lower classes of Heathen make offerings to the Syrian Church, under the impression that they may receive some good from the Swamy of the Christians.

Racad.

Here, while dinner was preparing, I obtained the following information; That the Church was founded 144 years ago, by Mar Evanius, the Associate, as before observed, of the venerable Barzilius, Catholic. The mortal remains of this man lie entombed in the Molundooraty Church, two miles to the N.E. of Candanade. In this parish are 60 families; but

no School, though at least 30 Boys might be taught. Fifteen of the above families have been added in the last 40 years, so that the population is on the increase. In the last year, the number of baptisms have been 19, deaths 7, and marriages 8. There are no Roman Catholics. Two Catanars, both named George, and unmarried; one forty-five, and the other thirty-eight years old. Three Boys intended for the Priestly Office; two of whom have been in the College for some time. Here the people are so poor, that the Catanars have actually not more than 60 Chuckrums, i. e. 60 pence, per mensem! Of course they, like others, are obliged to become Traders or Cultivators. Church property, 4000 Chuckrums.

August 18, 1830. Cottayam—After a tedious journey, I reached home last night about eleven o'clock. That the boatmen might eat their rice, I stopped at a large and seemingly flourishing settlement of the class called Chegans. Finding the people from all quarters, and of all ages, crowding about me, I asked the cause of it; and was answered, that I was the first Sahib they had ever seen. This class of men, in a religious point of view, are complete outcasts: occasionally, however, some of them, standing at a considerable distance without the wall of the Pagoda, are permitted to make offerings to the Swamy. Though not one of them dare plant his unhallowed feet within the walls of this sanctuary, yet the rice and other eatables they bring are gladly received,and greedily eaten, by the deluded and deluding Brahmins.

Fourth Visit to the Churches.

Tivellicherry.

August 22,1830. Quilon-Leaving Cottayam yesterday morning, I reached this place this evening. At eleven o'clock this morning I stopped to see Tivellicherry Church, or rather its ruins.

August 23. Kadambonade Church Starting at day-break this morning, from Quilon, I reached Calada Church at 10 A.M., when I obtained the following information from the Senior Catanar about the Tivellicherry Church. About 80 or 90 years ago, that part of the country being under the authority of rival petty Rajahs, in the heat of their contests for the mastery the Church was burnt. It is now about to be rebuilt; and a Deacon now pursuing his studies in the College is its intended Catanar: in the

mean time, it will be served by one or other of the Catanars from Calada. Connected with it are about 70 families: and unlike to the other wealthy Syrians I have come in contact with, this family pay a Teacher a monthly salary for the instruction of 30 Boys. I am delighted to see this: it is a public spirit, which, if general, would soon change the face of the country.

Calada.

Calada Church may have been built about 300 years since: connected with it are 80 families: about 10 months ago the Rev. H. Baker formed a School here, and placed over it a Syrian Master. I found 14 small Boys engaged in repeating their morning exercise. The Teacher told me that he had from 30 to 40 on the list; but that only the above number could now attend, owing to their being obliged to assist their parents in the discharge of their daily duties. In this country, where families are so large, poor children are forced to labour at a very early period. In the College I have ever found this a painful drawback: Boys have often come, and still do so, and said that the father being old and infirm, the mother a poor widow, or such like, they could now no longer spare their labour; and, that if they did not receive some little assistance, they could not continue to pursue their studies. In the past year there were 15 baptisms, 6 deaths, and 4 marriages. There are two Catanars, both named Matthew; one fifty-six years old, and single; the other, twenty-two, is married. perty is 20,000 Chuckrums. Kadambonade.

Church pro

Aug. 24, 1830. Cananghote ChurchStarting from Kadambonade Church at 7 A. M., and continuing my journey northward, I reached this place, 6 miles distant, at 10 o'clock. Ere I left Kadambonade

Church, I obtained the following information. It was built about 800 years since 180 families are joined to it; out of which there may be 50 or 60 Boys capable of being taught in a School. There may be about 30 of these Boys learning at their own expense in Heathen Schools. The Rev. H. Baker had a School here, but discontinued it at the coming of Mar Athanasius. In last year, 43 baptisms, 20 deaths, 12 marriages. Cananghote.

Aug. 25. Kyangalum Church - The Cananghote Church was built about 50 years ago, by two wealthy individuals, as a Chapel of Ease to that of Kadam

bonade. It may have cost 60,000 Chuckrums, and can accommodate from 200 to 300 persons: connected with it are 165 houses, or about 700 souls: there may be 75 Boys capable of being taught; and of these only 10 learning at their own charge. No School. In last year, 40 baptisms, 25 deaths, and 12 marriages.

Philippos Ramban, the celebrated disciple of Evanius, Bishop, from Antioch, the Translator of the Four Gospels printed through the instrumentality of the Rev. Dr. Buchanan, and the instructor of the present Senior Metran, died and is buried in the Church. There are three Feasts in the year; the principal of which is in commemoration of this Ramban. There are four Catanars; George, forty-seven

Matthew, thirty-six-Philip, thirtythree; and George, twenty-seven years of age; all married, save the senior. The last of these Catanars seems a modest and amiable young man, and knows more of Syriac than the generality: he pointed heir to his property. This is the is nephew to the Senior, and the apcustom with unmarried Catanars throughout the country: the nephew inherits both the profession and estate of the uncle. Four copies of St. Matthew's Gospel are the only books, in the vernacular tongue, of which the Church is possessed. Like Priests, like people-none meditating on the Word of God. The total absence of every thing like spirituality of mind, in these men, is painful beyond the power of language to express, or persons at a distance to conceive. As I entered the Church yesterday, I found a light burning at the head of a corpse lately buried: inquiring the cause of this, the Senior Catanar re

plied, that for forty days after death the soul kept passing to and from the body; and that, in order to direct its course, the light was necessary. The person whose

remains lie there was the mother of one of the wealthy families above alluded to. said every day for her soul, and will ever During the whole year, a Mass will be afterwards be repeated once a month! For these post-mortem benefits a sum is given, agreeably to the means of the deceased's family; and it would be highly disgraceful to a son, however poor, not to engage such services on behalf of his deceased parents. Church property, 12,000 Chuckrums.

Kyangolum.

Pothengave Church-Kyangolum Church was built about 1000 years since: 400

families, or 1300 persons, are now connected with it: of this number 100 Boys are learning, mostly from Heathen Masters, at their own expense. The Rev. H. Baker had a School here; but, as in other places, four years since it was broken up. Population increases: in the last year, baptisms, 75; deaths, 50; marriages, 30. The greatest Chatum, or Feast, is that which commemorates the death of Basilius Maprian, a Metran from Antioch. Two Catanars, one the Sircar; a Catanar of Mavelicherry; and George, forty years of age; married. Two Deacons and four Boys appointed to the same office, now about to be sent to the College. Church property, very little. Pothengave.

Maramana Church-Pothengave Church was built 30 years ago, by Dionysius the Great. The people belonged to Changa nore Church; but the distance between them being considerable, and the population increasing, it was found necessary to build this Church. It is a large and substantial building: may have cost about 6007. sterling. Belonging to it are 350 families. In the last year, baptisms, 100; deaths, 70; marriages, 40. Catanars, 2 -Alexander, fifty-and George, fortyone years; both married, and have children. There are 2 Deacons ; and 4 Boys appointed to the office. In the year are 2 Chatums; one for Mar Andrias from Antioch, another for Dionysius the Great. Eighty Boys learning at their own expense. Church property, 50,000 Chuckrums.

This day is the conclusion of a long Fast in honour of the Virgin. Upon my arrival this morning, I found two Catanars in the act of celebrating the Mass the Church was crowded to excess: on such occasions the attendance is far better than on the Lord's Day. How perverse is man!-any service but that which God enjoins.

Maramana, and Rannee.

Rannee Church-I passed a rock, which rises a considerable height above the river; and on which Dr. Buchanan is said to have mounted, in order to view the rich and picturesque country which lies beneath it. Every thing connected with this highly-gifted and useful individual calls forth, in my mind, the most grateful associations. In other Churches which I have visited, the Catanars talked of the very turn of his countenance, the sound of his voice, the manner of his expressions, with a distinct

ness of recollection as though it were only yesterday they had seen him.

In the Maramana Church is a Syrian man, who for the last four months has been insane. They spoke highly of his piety, good sense, and respectability, previously to his being afflicted with this malady. It is said, that he and a Nair man having quarrelled, the latter gave him poison, and threw him into this state. I find that the Nairs often practise this vile mode of avenging their adversaries under a plea of friendship, they invite the obnoxious individual to partake of their hospitality, and, with the food given, administer the pernicious drug. He is kept in the Church in the hope that the prayers offered up specially for him may be blessed to his restoration. His aged mother dwells in the Church with him and I was much delighted, as I looked down from the Gallery, and saw the tender affection with which she stretched herself by his side, intending to keep watch all night. I observed to Abraham, Malpan, What can equal the tender assiduities of a mother? He replied, "They are only exceeded by those of God!"

Sunday. Rannee-Immediately after the Service, I entered the Church; and had the pleasure to see most of the people sit down, and, with an apparently anxious and grateful mind, hear an explanation of the leading points of the 3d Chapter of St. John's Gospel. In this, Ikey had the principal share. I am happy at having an opportunity of letting the people see, with their own eyes, what even a Syrian Catanar can do, when properly instructed. Amongst some of the young Catanars there is, I believe, a general feeling of the propriety and necessity of preaching. The most wealthy Syrian of this district seems a very sensible, modest man: he sat during the exposition to-day, with great propriety, and made some pertinent observations. on what was said. Ikey took breakfast in his house; and I am delighted to find the feeling he displayed upon the good. that must result from having a wellinstructed Ministry. I learned a thing to-day, of which I had no idea before; viz. that the inhabitants of this and: three other Parishes, considering themselves the true descendants of the 71 Families which, in the fifth century, accompanied Thoma of Bagdad to this. country, will not intermarry with the other Syrians, The only sensible evidence,