We called upon a man in public office, and were informed that the king is preparing to consecrate eight new and newly repaired temples. On the occasion he throws away a vast sum, in support of his royal estate. A fixed estimate is placed upon his person, his palace, some of his wives, his sons, his plate and other articles. Each distinct sum is written upon a scrap of paper and put within a lemon. Some of them are said to amount to a thousand dollars. His majesty ascends an elevated place and scatters these lemons among the assembled crowd. Every sum, to the amount written upon the paper, is promptly paid. Thus like the afflicted at the pool of Bethesda, the most needy are thrust aside, while the more strong and less miserable come before and divide the spoil.

reverence,) women were worshipping. Again our contempt of their gods was a subject of conversation, and again we pointed them to Him who has denounced such abominations and will punish every transgressor of his law. Some were silent and sullen, refusing to open the inner door. One, who had perhaps received a ray of true light, helped us in explaining our message. After almost compassing the block, which proved no inconsiderable walk, we found an open door and entered. The whole outer range, which we had thus surrounded, with another of almost equal extent, a few feet within, and a third, somewhat smaller, between the two, were completely filled with rows of gilded images of different sizes and in different attitudes. The number of idols was variously stated by the priests and others. Our own calcula

A Funeral Scene-A celebrated Pagoda with tion made the aggregate between six and

its Images.

seven hundred, though we probably did not see them all, and none of them would admit We passed a funeral array. The body that there was less than a thousand. The was placed in a coffin, shaded with a large largest image was about thirty feet high. white canopy. From the coffin a piece of Enclosed by these ranges of buildings we cloth was passed over the shoulder of a found another court, containing a number lad, who sat a short distance in front of it, of tasteful ornaments, something like pyraand who was dressed to represent an angel, mids, and with a splendid temple in the and fastened to the garment of a priest, sit- centre. Had "holiness to the Lord" been ting near the bow of the boat. By this inscribed here, this inner court, as guarded means, they say, the priest conducts the deas the "sanctum sanctorum," would have ceased to happiness. The body is taken in appeared delightful. While our eyes were this manner to a temple and consumed. employed in examining these objects of adBefore returning, we called at two of the miration and horror, our tongues were nearmost spacious and magnificent pagodas in ly as active with the priests and others, who the city. The superiority of the one con- followed us. The longest discussion took sists principally in the situation and ar- place in presence of the monstrous image rangement of its buildings-the other in spoken of, with two young men, who were their number and magnificent furniture. In more zealous for the honor of their gods, entering the outer court of the latter, the than any we had before met. One of them attention is first arrested by large images, insisted that he could speak, for, pointing more like horses than any other living ani- to a large tablet before him, he said, "It mals, occupying the place of wardens. All has all been dictated by him." The other, the gates are guarded by these and another retorting our exposure of such folly, scornclass of still stranger figures, intended to fully represented the cross with his fingers, represent the body of a man, with a face of believing that all foreigners were Catholic mixed features-a combination of bird, man idolaters, and plainly showing that their and beast-all distorted and giving the abominations had been made a stench even countenance a frightful expression. Within in a heathen's nose. We were assisted in the outer court are a large temple, an ora- correcting this mistake (alas! how common tory, (an open building where the priests among the heathen!) by an intelligent lookdeliver their discourses) two or three high ing man of middle age, who had evidently towers, and an extensive row of smaller received some correct and impressive open buildings, for what purpose I do not knowledge of Christianity-probably from know. Having passed through this court, the books; and who told them that our beyou enter a second gate, and find a more lief was not the same. In this interesting spacious area surrounded by walls, and man, who all along assented to our remarks, decorated with spires of still larger propor- and appeared sincere in his belief, we tions. In the centre, is, in external appear- thought we could discover another ray of ance, a stupendous block of buildings, hav-light piercing the shadow of death, and ing temples on four sides facing the area, calling upon us for gratitude and encouropposite each other and connected with agement. Thus we have had another oprows of smaller dimensions. We entered portunity of scattering the seed of eternal one of the large temples-desirous, if possi-life, and of learning that our labor is not in ble, to pass through, and examine the interior. A number of priests were stretched upon their beds sleeping-others were wasting their time in trifles. Before them and a large idol, (objects of nearly equal

vain in the Lord. We have attacked idolatry in its strong holds. In their most magnificent temples-surrounded by the proudest displays of their blind devotionin the very presence of their most venerated

gods, we have fearlessly exposed their folly and guilt, and preached to them Him, who has determined soon to sweep idolatry from earth, and who has provided salvation for the perishing of all kindreds and tongues on earth.

Ceylon.

EXTRACTS FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT OF

THE MISSION, FOR 1831.

|| definite and correct estimate of the value of an education. Many of the parents have been induced to attend church, at our several stations. Even those who have for various causes left the seminary prematurely, as Avery, Hedges, and others, have found profitable employment in teaching English. The people of Batticotta, on witnessing the operations of the seminary, have been moved to jealousy, and manifested considerable interest in the establishment of an English school in the village, that their children, even at this late day, may have opportunity of preparing to enter the seminary. The parents of these children also attend church."

THE annual report of this mission for 1831, which has been recently received, contains many facts which have been already published, and The seminary is evidently exerting an which it is unnecessary to repeat. As the semi-important and increasing influence, in favor nary at the Batticotta station occupies a place of high importance in the mission, it will be first noticed. No class has been admitted or dismissed the past year, though eight of the students, for

various reasons,

have left.

Number and Studies of the several Classes

in the Seminary at Batticotta.

First class, 17 students. Lennie's Grammar and Exercises-Blair's Lectures on Rhetoric-Porteus' Evidences of Christianity--Euclid through 4th book--Blair's Grammar of Natural Philosophy through optics--Translating, Declamation, and Composition-Tamul Classics.

Second class 18 students. Woodbridge's Geography-Lennie's Grammar--Euler's and Bonnycastle's Algebra-Mental Arithmetic, (reviewing)-Tamul and English Phrases-Euclid 1st book--Pronouncing Testament—Tamul Grammar of the High language, and Tamul Classics.

of Christianity, not only on the students, who in consequence of the enlargement of mind produced by their studies easily throw off the shackles of idolatry, and through the power of divine truth, frequently and affectionately urged upon them, are almost constrained to attend seriously to religion, but upon their parents and friends, who, by their means, are sometimes brought to hear the gospel preached, and through them, in various ways, especially by their conversation and by their distributing tracts when at home during the vacations, are made acquainted with the nature and evidences of

the Christian revelation.

Attention to personal religion, among the students, has been greater the last, than any preceding year. The special religious excitement, which so happily marked the close of 1830, continued through the early months of this year, and as fruits of it, and of former awakenings, twenty-eight of the members of the seminary have been added Third class 18, and fourth class 30 stu- to the church, since the year commenced. dents. Lennie's Grammar-Colburn and Of the whole number, eighty-three, in the Joyce's Arithmetics, through Logarithms-seminary, thirty-eight are members of the Phrases-Native Arithmetic-First Lessons church, and there are several candidates for in Astronomy-Writing in English and admission. In all the classes, but especialTamul-Construing the English New Tes-ly the first, the weight of character and intament and English Tracts.-All the classes have attended to the study of the Bible, in both Tamul and English, in connection with Chronology.

A particular account of the examination of the seminary in April, 1831, in the presence of Bishop Turner and other English gentlemen, may be seen p. 103 of current volume. The do

nation of twenty pounds sterling, made by one of the commissioners, for the encouragement of translations and original composition, has given a salutary impulse to students in these branches.

Salutary Influence of the Seminary.

The principal of the school remarks, "The year has been distinguished by application to study, and general good conduct on the part of the students; both they and their parents are evidently forming a more

fluence is decidedly Christian. Idolatry may possibly have its secret advocates, but it is avowed by none; and though, while the heart remains unchanged, there can be no security that any one, on leaving the school, will not turn back to heathenism, yet the folly, if not the sin of idol worship must be so apparent to all, as to have little

prospect of its ever being again heartily embraced by any. Some few, who were for a longer or shorter time in the institution, and in one or two cases even members of the church, now are seen marked with holy ashes, and bearing other badges of heathenism; but it is more in compliance with the wishes of their friends, or from a spirit of opposition to Christians, than from any reverence for the gods, to whose worship they thus profess to return. In most cases, even where there has appeared no saving change in those who have left the seminary, after having finished or nearly

finished their course, there has continued || brahmin often mentioned in the notices of to be manifested an outward respect for the the station, who has lately forbidden Mr. institutions of Christianity, and an utter Meigs to pass along a path near his temple, disregard for the brahminic superstitions. as he has been accustomed to do for fifteen The facts disclosed in the study of years, lest the sacred place should be polgeography, astronomy, and the elements of luted by his horse's feet. But "why do the natural philosophy, are so entirely discorheathen rage?" dant with the doctrines of the Puranas, as, if believed, necessarily to overthrow their authority as divine records; and though such is the perverseness of the human mind, and especially when warped and biassed as here, by most inveterate prejudices, that it will sometimes obstinately cling to any system which is loved, however shattered and sinking, yet, in general, truth will ultimately prevail. One instance in proof of this, as given by the principal of the seminary, will close these few remarks.

Besides the twenty-eight members of the seminary, added to the church as mentioned above, there have been four others added at this station, including two children of the missionaries. There are several candidates. A little Christian neighborhood, consisting already of four families connected with the station, is forming near the mission premises, and promises, by its contrast to the state of heathen society around, to recommend Christianity. "On the whole," adds Mr. M., "though I see many deficiences in "Shortly before the eclipse of the moon, myself, and many obstacles arising from on the evening of the 26th of February, a the wickedness of those around me, when I printed tract was put in circulation, on the reflect that 'they that be with us are more nature and causes of eclipses; showing the than they that be with them,' I feel that I fallacy of the arguments urged by the brahhave no cause for despondency but abundant mins and others, in support of the Hindoo reason to thank God and take courage, asmythology, arising from their ability to cal-suredly believing that our labor will not be culate eclipses; pointing out also the errors noticed in the native calculations of eclipses, within the past three years, and awakening the attention of the people to an error of twenty-five minutes, in the commencement of the then ensuing eclipse. This tract had the desired effect, so far as our observation extended, upon all who noticed the eclipse."

The native free schools at this station, though some of them suffered a temporary suspension, for want of funds, are more prosperous and have given greater satisfaction, during the past, than any preceding year.

The congregations at this station have been larger and more attentive, than at any former period. Not only has the chapel been filled, but an adjoining room also. The latter has been particularly useful for the accommodation of the native women, who to the number of from 15 to 30, have of late attended. Seven of the schoolmasters have induced their wives, or if not married, their mothers, or sisters, to come out. "This is indeed," remarks Mr. Meigs, "a new era at Batticotta. Six months ago it was considered a thing quite impracticable. Many were disposed to say, should the Lord make windows in heaven could this thing be! Two of the women (wives of schoolmasters) have been induced to attend, principally through the influence of their sons in the schools."

There has been regular preaching on Fridays, often by missionaries from other stations, or the native preachers, as well as on the Sabbath; and evening meetings have been well attended, sometimes in two dif ferent villages at the same time. Some women attend these meetings, and usually from 20 to 30 men. No considerable opposition has manifested itself, except from a

in vain in the Lord. I think I never felt more earnest desires literally to obey the last command of our blessed Savior, 'go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature,' than I have during the last month. My encouragements to do so are also abundant. May the Lord, according to his gracious promise, ever be with me and enable me joyfully to take up the cross and follow my blessed Redeemer wherever he shall lead me."

Oodooville.-The female central school, at this station, gives continued and increasing satisfaction, as the education of females appears more and more important, and the success and influence of this establishment are more and more manifest. By means of it, in part no doubt, the prejudices of the natives against sending their daughters to the free schools in the villages are diminished; and in some cases female teachers have been prepared in it, for those schools. The principal object of the school, to raise up suitable companions for native Christian assistants, is also in a more fair way of attainment, by the greater facility of getting girls of good family to enter it, and greater readiness of our young men to seek them for partners, than perhaps at any former time. The universal custom here, of marrying, if possible, among relatives, and especially of marrying those of the same caste, and seeking, as an indispensable condition, a good dowry, has always operated as a hindrance to settling the girls suitably in life. As this gradually lessens, the prospects of the school brighten. The last year three of the girls were married to Christian young men, one of whom is appointed as a reader in a distant village, and with his wife, therefore, occupies a sort of native station, where they have opportunity to do much good.

Moral and Religious Influence of the School. ||

The religious state of the school has been very pleasing most of the year. All the larger girls were previously members of the church, and have continued to appear well; three, about the age of eleven or twelve, have been added to it, four others about the same age are candidates for admission, and five or six, who are younger, are quite serious. Indeed, there is great cause for thankfulness in the fact, that none of the girls, since this school was commenced, have continued in it any length of time without becoming hopefully pious, and no one has been known as yet to dishonor her profession. All who have larly left the school, are married to Christian husbands are training up their families in a Christian manner-and, though some of them by the indolence or misconduct of their husbands, sometimes suffer for want of this world's goods, they appear to suffer patiently, in hope of a better inheritance. The influence of Christian households, thus formed and thus conducted, will not eventually be small, among a people to whom domestic enjoyment is rarely known.

regu

Panditeripo.--Mr. Scudder remarks"Some months ago the heathen took one of our printed tracts, on the subject of the celibacy of the Catholic priests, put it into Tamul verse, and acted it as a play. As it mentioned several instances of the unfaithfulness of the clergy to their vows of celibacy, the bare circumstance of the heathen's bringing them before the people, in a play, excited the most irritating feelings. A complaint was addressed by the Catholics to the governor of the island against me, that I had procured the heathen to write and act the above mentioned play.

Manepy.-At this, as at most of the other stations, during the latter part of the year, it was found necessary to suspend some of the schools,

for want of funds. Mr. Woodward remarks

One of them introduced the matter by say ing "Sir, the lamp you lighted in our vilTo which I was obliglage has gone out.

ed to reply, "The oil has failed." After a short pause another asked, "Is it kind in you to compel a child to eat sugar-candy when he refused, and then after he had got a taste of its sweetness, to snatch it away?"

church at this station during the year was One of the individuals added to the a vedan, or native constable, in a neighboring village. His religious principles not allowing him to engage in acts of oppression or injustice, without which he could derive no emolument from the office, notwithstanding the entreaties and threats of his relatives, he resigned it. He is still employed as a schoolmaster, and has recently succeeded in prevailing on his wife

to attend church.

Tillipally.-The preparatory school, at this station, though not so large as in past years, in consequence of pecuniary embarrassments, is yet flourishing. The average number of pupils through the year has been 50. Near the begin

ning of the year, almost the whole school was awakened to attend seriously to the concerns of the soul. Four have been admitted to the church, and four or five more are now candidates for admission.

General Remarks.

In regard to the health of the mission, additional facilities by means of the press, and native helpers, for making known the gospel, the increase of most of the congregations, and especially, in the early part of the year, the influences of the Holy Spirit attending the exhibition of divine truth, there is much cause for devout thankfulness to the God of missions. The church has been enlarged by the addition of 64 members at all the stations. Of these were

Harriet B. Meigs and Mary Anne Poor,

the two oldest children of the mission. The former, an amiable, intelligent and One of the schools which I dismissed was lovely girl of nearly fifteen, was, in one in a village about one mile distant, where short month after her public profession of the people are very heathenish. For two faith in Christ, taken from her mournyears, I have been trying every possible ing, but comforted parents, and her weepexpedient to establish a school there, but so ing sisters, brothers and other friends, and violent was the opposition of the people, I from all dear to her here, to the arms, we could not succeed, until the village school- trust, of her dearer Savior. This was in master left home for a season, to pay some August. In December, M. Whelpley, a vow at a temple on the continent. As soon native member of the church, of much as I heard of his departure, I sent a man to promise, educated as a physician and Christhe village, in the capacity of a teacher, who tian catechist, and employed in connection succeeded in collecting most of the children with the seminary, as teacher and doctor, taught by the caste village master; but was also removed by death. His death is within two months after its commence- a great loss to the mission, but to him it is ment, I have been obliged to dismiss it. no doubt gain. He died in hope and The day after the school was dismissed, a sleeps in Jesus. No other death has ocdeputation from the village, consisting of curred among the members, except of an some respectable men, waited on me to elderly female, at Tillipally, who was bapknow why I had abandoned the school.tised and received to the church, when 36

VOL. XXVIII.