conversion; and it naturally puzzles them still more, when they see themselves illtreated by European Christians themselves. On such occasions, some, who have not the root of the Gospel much in their hearts, begin to murmur, as the Israelites in the Wilderness, and grow indifferent in their attendance on the Means of Grace. Death also has here and there made breaches in their number. Besides this, some Shanars are in the habit of removing for half-a-year to Travancore, for their livelihood; and then returning again at the beginning of the year, to cultivate and reap the produce of the Palmyras. Considering all our present circumstances, we do not wonder at all at this deficiency, and marvel only that it is not larger. Indeed, such backslidings have always been: the only difference now is, that during the last six months the increase has not been larger than the diminution, owing to our peculiar circumstances from without. The love of ease and money, the natural attachment to early habits and superstitions, and the countenance of the great and powerful, are mighty instruments, in the hand of the Arch-Enemy, to deceive many here, as well as everywhere else.

Still, the power of Christ and His Gospel is apparent, and spreading. While in a Congregation some are overcome by the enemy, the rest remain stedfast and endure many afflictions; declaring, that they will lose every thing, and even life itself, rather than return again to Heathenism;-and Divine Providence helps them. In many Villages, the number of Christians, or rather Catechumens, has, during the last six months, increased. Fourteen new Villages, in various directions, have been added to the List, where a larger or smaller number of families have renounced Heathenism: so that, notwithstanding the defect noticed above, the knowledge of the Gospel has been spreading considerably for the last six months; and more Temples to the Living God have been reared.

Since July 1829, during the last eightteen months, the number of baptized has increased by 377 souls; of which the newly baptized are Men Women Child. 29 ... 51

89

want of Ordained Ministers. Only a very few of the Baptized have been induced to backslide, from the causes before mentioned. I trust the Good Shepherd, who gave His life for them, will seek them, and lead them back to the fold. The rest hold steadily on their way, and are more and more edified.

The Congregations are a mixture of various Castes and characters, rich and poor, masters and servants, learned and unlearned. They are good and bad together, as our Saviour said the Kingdom of God on earth would be. The human heart is desperately wicked, and an exceedingly intricate labyrinth. The Divine Spirit has indeed, humanly speaking, much to do, to bring it into order, and restore it to its original simplicity and purity. His Ministers fully experience the difficulty. Our wisdom is, to look to the hand of our Heavenly Master : Psalm cxxiii. 2.

During the year, all have not been equally diligent in attendance on the Means of Grace, particularly on the Daily Instructions. The Principles of the Christian Religion, with Scriptural passages, are, however, well known to most. I have often had opportunity, by the way, of observing with pleasure their advancement in the knowledge of Divine things. A recent instance, which occurred here on New-Year's-Day Evening, in the Church, I cannot but notice. We had just finished Prayer for Missions, and I was leaving the Table, when a man in the crowd called out, Sir, the Congregation have sent me to ask for, and take along with me, a Catechist. Hitherto we have been drinking thistle-milk; now we are greatly desirous to drink honeymilk." The next day I had a conversation with him; and, on hearing his account about himself, I was rejoiced to see in this simple man the strength and the reward of faith in Christ Jesus.

"

The great end of knowledge and faith is the practice of truth and righteousness; and therein, also, the Congregations continue to make advances. Wherever Christianity is established, there quarrelling, vile and abusive language, lying, cheating, &c. are greatly checked: instances of these things are still among them; but those who practise them are marked, and not considered as Christians. The improvement of the Congregations, on the whole, is noticed and acknowledged by the surrounding Heathen themselves. We have but few Congregations of the 3 S

Low Caste; among whom, as Heathen, drunkenness is very common, to the great annoyance of the rest. In one place where they have become Christians, they are now so much freed from this abominable vice, that the Heathen enjoy more quiet, and express themselves much pleased with the change effected by Christianity. The Liquor-sellers, likewise, have been greatly reduced in that quarter. The love of money is one of the greatest plagues in their hearts: but the love of the heavenly and eternal riches is, in many, not a mere sound; it more and more expels the love of money they build themselves Places of Worship; and some not without considerable expense, considering their circumstances. This shews that they value Christian Instruction, and that they are in earnest in the profession of Christianity. Another native vice is, trust and confidence in man, particularly in the rich and powerful: it is the natural consequence of Heathenism, and a want of knowledge of the Almighty Redeemer. But our people learn more and more to turn away from the arm of flesh, and confide in the Living God. It is a hard lesson for the natural man; but Divine Providence has often, in the most trying circumstances, shewn them that their God is the Living God, who heareth prayer, and who does not make them ashamed that trust in Him. They have likewise improved in dealing justly. This is appreciated even by the Heathen. For instance, the Brahmins of P-, several years ago, gave some land for the formation of a Christian Village; which is now in a pleasing state, consisting of a Church with 41 houses. The same Brahmins, pleased with this Village, gave, a few months ago, another piece of land, for the formation of a second Christian Village in their neighbourhood: and now they have requested us to accept of at least a part of the Heathen Village of Pitself, for the same purpose; with the express declaration, that all their Cultivators should be Christians, because the Christians are more faithful and prompt in paying their dues to the land-owner than the Heathen are. This is certainly very gratifying, and comfortable to our hearts.

The Duties and Conduct of the Catechists.

At the end of June 1829, there were 53 Catechists and Assistant Catechists: now, at the end of Dec. 1830, there are 68 -an increase, therefore, in the last eightteen months, of 15. There were, for a few

months, 4 Assistant Catechists more, in new Stations where it was hoped the small beginning would be successful; but the people soon discovering other views, the Teachers were recalled.

Five Catechists were dismissed during the year, partly for continual negligence in the great work, partly for ill-behaviour. One who was dismissed for ill-behaviour soon shewed signs of true repentance; and freely acknowledged his error before his Congregation, with suitable exhortations to them to beware of the spirit of lies. He was a good and able man, but did not, in very peculiar circumstances, watch against that spirit. We would not, however, immediately receive him again into office, in order to make a deeper impression on the other Catechists and the Congregations. He acknowledged the justice of it; and it had the best effect on his Congregation, and on the Heathen around them: in fact, it was blessed to the increase of that Congregation, so as to require two Catechists for it instead of one. He is now put again on the List of Preparandi; and I hope soon to see him once more usefully employed in his Master's Cause, whom to serve seems to be his heart's desire. During nearly a year from the time of his suspension, his behaviour has not been unworthy of the Christian name. Another Assistant Catechist, who was dismissed two or three years ago, partly on his own choice, was received again in the course of the year, and is now usefully employed.

With these few exceptions, the conduct of the Catechists has been, on the whole, satisfactory. This satisfaction, however, is not equal with respect to all: the difference arises from their different abilities, attainments, tempers, and other circumstances. Innate corruption, too, works in them: they have various temptations and trials, and, on our part, require much care, watchfulness, discrimination, instruction, and patience. Making all proper allowance, and not measuring them by ourselves, we can rejoice over them; and have cause to thank God for so many Assistants in the blessed work. Their teachableness, self-denial, honesty, and desire of improvement, and their various degrees of zeal and success in the Cause, are pleasing.

They continue to assemble here in Palamcottah every month, for conference, for further instruction, and for delivering their Report. During the last

eighteen months they have committed to memory, whilst at their Stations, the two Epistles of St. Peter, the two Epistles to Timothy, and the one to Titus; and they are now learning the Epistle to the Romans. When here, the Chapter which they have learnt is briefly explained to them; or at least the most difficult passages, which they themselves state. Their difficulties in the work, and their differences with Members of their respective Congregations, are discussed, and advised upon. Some of them, previously appointed, deliver a Discourse in the evenings, in our presence; which is the next day criticised by all, and calls for various instructions how to treat a passage and to set it clearly and impressively before the people. If they are found negligent in their attendance or lessons, they are fined an anna or two, to stir them up: or if any one is found otherwise remiss at his Station, he is sent back to the Preparandi Class, for a month or two. At the conclusion of their stay, we have regularly the Lord's Supper with them and the other Communicants. All these exercises are of great use to them; as they themselves express, with thankfulness. Lately, when one had not properly amplified the parts of his Discourse, another, on the following day, gave this judgment upon it :-"It 66 as if he had shewn us a was," said he, turban, and then spoken of his undercloth.'

The Catechists are usually well esteemed by their respective Congregations, and by the Heathen around them. The degree of this esteem depends on their qualifications and zeal, and on the spiritual state of the Congregations. As the Congregations consist of various people, and are often severely tried by the enemies and by their own evil hearts, the Catechists have to exercise much care and prudence, lest they entangle themselves too much in worldly matters and give offence. By experience, they grow wiser. During the past year several of them have had very unbecoming treatment from the Tasildars (Native Collectors). By this, they learn to exercise the Christian graces of humility and for

The State of the Preparandi.

The Preparandi are Youths under preparation to act as Catechists and Assistant-Catechists in the Mission.

During the past year, 25 persons have been in this Class, preparing for usefulness in this Mission: 19 of them have been already stationed as Catechists, or Assistant-Catechists: 6 are still under instruction; but three of them are on the point of being sent out to work. Besides these, there were three others instructed and sent to different Stations; but soon dismissed, because they discovered that their minds were not suitable for the work. The above were all Converts from Heathenism, except 4, who were formerly Roman Catholics.

Whilst here for instruction, they have attended the Daily Evening Lectures, mostly on the Old Testament; and the regular Services on the Sabbath Days. They have been particularly instructed in the Principles of the Christian Religion; and have learned by heart several Epistles, or parts of them, on which they have heard an Exposition. They have been exercised in Reading, and taught to understand the Gospels and Acts; in which Mr. Coombes has been particularly useful to them.

Were it not for this Class, we should not be able to go on at all; and we have to be very thankful to God for inclining their hearts to work at the building of His Spiritual Temple, often with no small

self-denial. They are not all of equal abilities; nor does their six or eight months' stay here suffice to make them able Teachers: but they receive sufficient knowledge in the chief things of Religion to make them useful among the common people, if they be but truly converted men themselves, and sincere in making the best use of the light they have received. To this we mainly look; and we are happy to say that we have been disappointed in but few of them. As Catechists or Assistants, they go on in their studies with the rest, as before described.

The State of the Seminary.

During

It consists of 34 Scholars. the past year, they have been instructed in Tamul, English, and Latin; chiefly by Mr. Regel, who takes much pains to increase their knowledge and piety. His account of their Classes and Studies is as follows:

1st. In Tamul- The First Class consists of 10 Youths. They are exercised in Tamul Grammar, Select Pieces of Tamul Poetry, Geography, History, and Logic.

The Second Class consists of 12 Youths. They have studied Tamul Grammar, in which they are come nearly to the end of Etymology: they have also attended the Geographical and Historical Lessons in Tamul.

The Third Class Consists of 9 Youths. These Lads still frequent the Central School; and learn to read, write, and cipher, according to the native method, the Catechisms and other Elementary Lessons. Some of them are fit to be promoted to a higher Class.

2d. In English-The First Class consists of 9 Youths. They have studied English Grammar, in which they have come to the end of Etymology: they have nearly finished reading and translating Dr. Currie's Outlines of Ancient History. In Arithmetic they are working Subtraction of circulating Decimals;" with the exception of three lads, who are in the Second Class of Arithmetic.

The Second Class consists of 4 Youths. In English Grammar they learn Etymology; they read and translate the “Elementary Questions:" in Arithmetic they practise the Compound Rule of Three, excepting one, who belongs to the next Arithmetical Class.

The Third Class consists of 7 Youths.

They spell and read in the Spelling Book, and have commenced committing to memory Dr. Watts's Catechism. In Arithmetic they practise Compound Addition.

The Fourth Class consists of 3 Youths. They spell in English, and practise Simple Addition.

3d. In Latin-There is but one Class, consisting of 11 Youths. They have studied the Grammar, and are now in Syntax: they exercise in Reading, and construe Selecta è Profanis into English and Tamul.

The Hebrew Class has been reduced to 2 Students: they have had no instruction in it during the year, but study privately. The want of Dictionaries greatly retards their progress.

One of the elder Seminarists, Samuel, died in January last, about eighteen years old, having been eight years in the Seminary. He was an amiable, pious, assiduous lad, though not possessed of great talents. Much close study affected his health: he went into the country for restoration, but Consumption soon ended his promising life. He died with much composure of mind, and hope in the glory of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ; affectionately exhorting his relations to turn and cleave to the Saviour with all their heart. This is the second fruit of the Seminary removed, we trust, to the region of the Blessed.

On the 30th of December last we held a Public Examination of the Seminary; when the Seminarists acquitted themselves, in the before-mentioned branches of study, as well as we could expect considering their circumstances. Particularly in Theology, they gave much satisfaction.

Our united endeavours to promote their spiritual interests, together with the discipline kept up by Mr. Regel, have rendered all the Boys, except the latest, on the whole, pleasing and moral characters. Vices, such as lying, &c., are very rare, and consequently there is scarcely any corporal punishment. But we cannot say that they are all truly converted characters. Eleven of them seem to have Divine things and the welfare of their souls at heart: they are, on the whole, exemplary Youths to whom we might add also three others, but they have still some small shades in their character.

During the last eighteen months, 6 of the elder Seminarists, not included in the above account, have been taken out

of the Seminary, and employed as Catechists or Assistant Catechists; some of them having previously joined the Preparandi Class. They are going on satisfactorily.

On the Seminarists' List there stand, in all, 81 Youths, who have been received into the Seminary since its commencement in 1821. Of these, 19 have been employed as Catechists, Assistants, or Schoolmasters: 1 has died; 3 have learnt trades, being unfit for further study: 34 are now in the Seminary, including those sent to Jaffna: and 24 have been dismissed.

The desire for Schools continues among the Heathen; who certainly appear more and more to value Christian Schools, by asking for the establishment of such in particular. It is pleasing, also, to see the Heathen Boys in our Schools delighting in Christian Books: they often come and ask for them with great earnestness.

The Schoolmasters require sharp looking after. Good Inspectors are highly necessary and we are glad to state, that a clever Native-still a Heathen, but long acquainted with our School Systemseems to be so much impressed with the excellency of Christianity, as to see the necessity of truth and righteousness to the improvement of the Natives, and to be influenced by it in giving a faithful report of the Schools; whereby he has drawn upon himself the ill-will of several Schoolmasters, who wish to conceal their faults. Once, he was so grieved about it, as to request rather to be placed in a School as Teacher with less salary, than to be Itinerating Inspector with more. A young Brahmin, also, seems to be a similar character. Another Brahmin, who was for some time a Teacher in our Tinnevelly School, is likewise well inclined, and often speaks boldly with the other Brahmins on religious subjects.

That these Christian Schools among the Heathen do much towards spreading the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures is a fact beyond all question.

Distribution of the Scriptures and Tracts.

We have been furnished, during the year, with many portions of the Holy Scriptures, in Tamul, from the Madras Auxiliary Bible Society; which have been very beneficial to our Congregations, and to the Heathen, who now and then inquire for them. But the Tracts engage their attention more; and the inquiries after them are many. Our Native-Tract Society here, in conjunction with that at Nagercoil, has printed, during the last year, 20,000 Tracts and Sermons; of which 10,000 is the share of Tinnevelly. The greatest part of these have been distributed, besides those which we have received from the Madras Church Mission Press, and from the Madras Tract Society. Some of these, from the Church Mission Depository, have been particularly useful, and sought for; likewise the Life of Sarah Howley. The Indian Pilgrim in Tamul, and the Harmony of the Gospels (Motchamarkam), are also very acceptable to the people, and serve to enlighten them.

General Views of the State of the Mission.

During the past year, the superintendence of this extensive Mission Establishment has suffered by a reduction of Clerical Labourers; the Rev. J. C.T. Winckler having been called to Pulicat; and we ourselves being obliged to leave our sphere of labour for several months; myself on account of family affairs, and the Rev. B. Schmid for the sake of his health. Mr. Schmid left for the Nilgherries, early in December.

This deficiency of superintendence may have contributed to the deficiency in the Congregations before mentioned; but the various trials which they have had to endure, both from inimical neighbours and from some of the Authorities, seem to have been chiefly instrumental in it. In one instance their enemies succeeded, with most crying injustice, in pulling down a whole Village of 20 houses; and the people were exposed, for many days, to the open air. In another direction, they had nearly succeeded in fixing upon some Christians the murder of a man; who, it was notorious, had been long ill, and died a natural death (see p. 101). In such cases, these wicked men injure the dead body, cutting it, and smearing the blood of a goat or a cock upon it. In a third direction, the Maravers, the scourges of this district, distressed and spoiled the Christians, and Heathen too, with impunity; and, for a time, no person