ing Education among the Mahomedan population:

Aug. 11, 1836-Visited the MussulI examan Boys' School, this afternoon. mined those who are reading the Testament. I for the most part examine them, as yet, respecting the literal meaning of what they read. Concerning its doctrinal and spiritual import, I shall endeavour to instruct them more at large when their verbal knowledge is more advanced. If this school be not broken up by the caprice or suspicion of the parents, it may contribute to lay a foundation for the promotion of Scriptural knowledge and piety among these ignorant followers of the False Prophet. The best expedients, however, that we can use for the spiritual benefit of either old or young, of one class or another, will be ineffectual, if the Divine Blessing be withheld. Concerning the Girls' School, Mrs. Farrar remarks

Sept. 10-About twenty of the girls are committing to memory that beautiful epitome of Christian Morals contained in chap. v. vi. vii. of St Matthew. May it be impressed upon their hearts as perfectly as it is upon their memories! and may their whole spirit and tempers be moulded according to its divine precepts! To-day, I asked a girl what she thought was meant by the expression, Your Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward you openly. She replied, that it was an allusion to the Day of Judgment. This, I think, was entirely her own apprehension of the passage; for I do not recollect that I myself attached this meaning to it. I asked, again, How we might lay up treasure in heaven. One said, By believing": another said, “By prayer”: another," By serving God."

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Oct. 1 The average attendance of girls during the last month has been between eighty and ninety. There are four Reading Classes: the Fifth will also speedily be able to begin reading the First Book. A girl who married from the school last year has lost her husband, and has returned to the school: she is between fifteen and sixteen years old, and will, I hope, soon be useful to me as a Monitor. In several instances, I have been able to persuade the mothers-in-law to allow the girls to go on with their education after their marriage; but one great objection is, that the husbands cannot read themselves, and therefore do not

We arrived safely at Nassuck on the 22d of June, at seven o'clock in the morning, and were kindly received by Mr. and When I entered Nassuck, Mrs. Farrar. and saw so many signs of idolatrous superstition, my mind was much cast down; and I prayed that the Lord would have mercy upon this people, and cause the Sun of Righteousness to shine upon their hearts, and over their country. The next day we went to see the Girls' School, under the immediate superintendence and instruction of Mrs. Farrar. The First Class read, fluently, part of chap. v. of St. Matthew, in Mahratta, and answered, with readiness and correctness, the questions which were put to them by Mrs. Farrar and by us. The Second Class read in a small book entitled "Lessons."

They answered, with satisfactory readiness, the questions respecting the Creation of the World, the Fall of Man, their salvation and sanctification through Christ and His Spirit. The Third Class was composed of very small children, some of whom read with tolerable fluency. When the children had gone home, Mrs. Farrar addressed a few poor and blind women in an interesting manner. The following day we visited the Boys' School, under the immediate instruction of Mr. Farrar. The Mahratta Class appeared first, and read with tolerable ease in books like Henry and his Bearer, &c. Then came the English School, in three classes. The First Class had read the first seven conversations about Natural Philosophy; and some of the boys answered very well the many questions which were put to them. We questioned them afterward on the English Grammar; and, considering the many disadvantages under which they labour, they showed general familiarity with the leading features of it. They

also read the Prayer-Book in English, and gave the meaning in Mahratta. They generally understand the purport of what they read in English. The Second English Class read the story," The Ayah and Lady," in English, and gave the meaning of it in Mahratta. I asked them to spell several English words, which they, in general, did correctly. The Third English Class did the same. On examining them a little in Arithmetic, some acquitted themselves very well. Thus we found the Schools in a flourishing state; although no serious impression appears hitherto to have been made upon any of the scholars, so as to induce him to renounce his caste, and avow himself a Christian. We must look to the Lord, who chooses His own good time.

Scriptural and Liturgical Translations.

It appears from the Proceedings of the Bombay Corresponding Committee, that 2000 copies of the first fifty-five Psalms, the translation of which by Mr. Farrar into Mahratta metre was completed in January 1836, have been lithographed, and partly distributed to the Schools in Nassuck; and that during the month of February in the present year, the printing and binding of the Church Liturgy, in Mahratta, was also completed.

Advantages of Sacred Music, in a Mission.

In the following remarks an interesting subject is referred to, with considerable point. Mr. Warth, writing Sept. 30, 1836, observes

Though the Mahrattas are not very much favoured with pleasant voices and musical ears, yet they have a great fondness for music; and singing may, therefore, be made instrumental in bringing them into a more frequent contact with the Mission. We have sometimes had occasion to hear native songs; but had little cause to admire them. Such, however, is the effect of habit, that they think the same of ours as we of theirs; and while they greatly delight in the monotonous din of their rude instruments, and in the trembling, forced, nasal sounds proceeding out of a violently-distorted mouth, they, after having heard something like European music, coldly reply, "We do not understand it." But for the powerful tone of a violin, it would be nearly RECORD, Oct. 1837.]

impossible to manage such a chorus of jarring voices. The poor Negro Children who are under the care of Mr. Farrar remarkably excel.

He adds, January 10, 1837

I have continued to instruct Mr. Farrar's English Scholars in singing, and they are now able to sing a few Hymns in parts. The anthem, "The Sanctus," Mrs. Farrar had the kindness to translate into Mahratta, and the boys have now got it up. Did they but sing from the bottom of their hearts the praises of Him who redeemed them by His blood, it would sound twice as well. I intended to direct my attention more to native tunes; but have been prevented by the indisposition of our native singing-master. Considering the effects which congregational singing produced in times of old,

particularly at the time of the Reformation, it is perhaps not undesirable that some attention should be paid to it. I remember an instance in which the singing of a single Hymn decided upon the reformation of a whole country, and several others in which it decided the fate of whole cities; in consequence of which, Cardinal Cajetan remarked, that by the introduction of congregational singing Luther accelerated the progress of the Reformation more than by all his sermons and publications.

We close the present account of this Mission with several passages, selected from various parts of the communications of the Missionaries, illustrating the constantly-recurring and most painful subject of the prevalence of

Idolatrous Superstitions, Rites and
Customs.

Mr. Farrar writes

Sept. 7, 1836-Had in the bazaar, this evening, an attentive circle of hearers. The continual sounding of the bell in front of the neighbouring idol of Hunooman grated discordantly in my ears: thousands and tens of thousands nightly walk round and round this beastly and unsightly block, and join their hands in adoration of it. Grating to the ears, and grievous to the eyes, are these sounds and sights expressive of idolatry; but still more deeply wounding to the soul is the thought of the strong bands by which these immortal beings are bound down in an almost irredeemable state of slavery.

2 K

Mr. Dixon refers in the following passage to the worship paid to that reptile, concerning which the Scriptures have taught us to entertain abhorrence :

Aug. 17, 1836-Attempted to get hearers this evening at an idol temple; but did not succeed. A large company was sitting in the temple, playing chess, or some such thing. This is one of their most considerable holidays, called Nagupunchumee; that is, the fifth day of the moon, sacred to the serpent. This day they devote to the worship of that reptile: and, going out into the fields, they visit snakes at their holes, and present to them offerings of milk, &c.

Mrs. Farrar relates, in the following passages, various circumstances concerning the same subject:

August 1-A girl, who has attended the school for several years, and who is now employed as a paid Monitor, was accused of worshipping some small silver idols, which were said to be in her possession. When I taxed her with this breach of God's commandment, and remonstrated with her before all her companions, she wept very much. I hope her heart was somewhat softened; and as soon as I had an opportunity, I went with her to her house, and begged she would show me these idols. She then assured me

that she had parted with them upward of four months ago. Her mother also declared that there was no such thing as an idol in their house, and invited me to search it. I have no means of ascertaining whether this is true or not; but I spoke to both mother and daughter on the folly of idolatry, and the danger we incur by breaking God's commandments. old woman said that Christ's was the only name they called upon.

The

Aug. 31-Last night I heard some girls playing in a neighbouring house till a very late hour. They appeared to be repeating, in a kind of chaunt, a long string of words, as children do in England when they play at forfeits, "This is the house that Jack built," &c. I casually mentioned the circumstance to the Pundit, who told me that this was a religious ceremony, called Omngulgowree, performed in honour of Parvati, the wife of Siva; and, that it was performed every Tuesday in the month Shravun (answering to August and part of September) by

girls, for five years after their marriage. It was intended as a vigil; but the Hindoos have a convenient way of turning what was intended for an austerity into a merry-making. The girls assemble at one another's houses, gambol till they are tired, and then go to bed. This is their vigil! How sad it is, that Satan has contrived to mix up idolatry even with the innocent amusements of children! Little girls in England often meet to enjoy themselves at one another's houses, and Christianity does not forbid their doing so; but we shall be obliged to forbid the poor Hindoo Children from joining in this pastime, because it is constituted an act of religious homage to them that are no gods.

Sept. 12-On Saturday there was a festival called the "Polee"; on which occasion the Hindoos worship their oxen and buffalos. The cattle have bells attached to their necks; their horns painted, and ornamented with long dangling ringlets made of shavings, which tumble about their faces, making them toss their heads wildly, in seeming unconsciousness that this new mode of annoyance is intended to do them honour. One of my palanquin-、 bearers said that this was a grand day for the bullocks; but a Brahmin told me a different story; he said that it was a day of hard blows to many of them; for it is a point of honour among the different Pateels, that one of their respective bul

locks should take the lead of the other cattle, upon their return in the evening from pasturage into the town or village. The following remarks are by Mr. Warth :

:

Sep. 30 It makes a very sad impression upon a new comer, to see, all around, not the least mark of a Sunday: every thing going on as usual. These poor people have no day of sacred rest, of joy, of prayer: no bells call them to the House of God: they are never reminded of their spiritual wants, and their duties toward their Creator; and it often, on a fine Sunday Morning, looks as if Nature lost her beauty at the profanation of this day. Though in theory I had not been altogether a stranger to the character of idolatry, yet I had no idea of the effect it has upon the mind to live among idolaters; and I must confess, that but for the purpose of teaching them a better way, the way of Truth, I should not venture to live among them. I can now understand why

so many Europeans, living without a vital principle in the midst of an idolatrous community, are so apt to turn downright infidels. To hear constantly pantheistical opinions boldly asserted, and the name of Christ rejected and blasphemed either to see all religious subjects treated with the greatest levity, or to witness daily how apt man is to believe a lie, and to found his hopes upon delusive dreams-has a great tendency to render a man indifferent to all Religion, and disposed to reject truth as well as error.

Oct. 12, 1836 For some days past there has been an almost deafening noise in the neighbouring Temple of Balajee; which often disturbs me in my studies, and prevents me from sleeping during the night.

Oct. 19-All people went to-day, gaily dressed, to a certain place out of town, where they killed a young buffalo, in propitiation of the goddess Kalee, and all bad spirits; of whom they appear to be very much afraid.

O that they did but know and appreciate the sacrifice of Him, who took part of flesh and blood, that, through death, He might destroy him who had the power of death, and deliver them, who, through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage!

Oct. 20-Going to one of our schools, I saw, by the way, some idols, actually made up, not of wood and stone only, but of cow-dung; and in the evening, Balajee, who of late had been very much troubled, and, it appears, defiled, was to be washed clean in the river; which was done with numerous ceremonies.

Dec. 10-Walking this evening along the river side, I met one of our Puntojees, who had just paid his worship to an idol. On my asking him whom he had worshipped, he said, "That stone." In defence of it, he could only say it was their custom.

A few additional particulars are selected from the Journal of Mr. Mengé :

July 22-The superstitious dread entertained by the Hindoos of the power of their muntras, charms, and compounds, tends to confirm their belief in their own false religion. I do not feel called on to go much out of my way to convict them of imbecile credulity on such subjects for credulity is hydra-headed, and assumes more shapes than Proteus; but I always demand of them some tangible

evidence of the correctness of their assertions; and this, up to the present time, no one has thought fit to give me : today, however, several individuals have undertaken to put an end to my scepticism. A Brahmin says that he will allow me to burn a piece of linen, and then from its ashes he will raise its pristine form. A Waidyu has engaged in one month to prepare a potent charm, by the transforming power of which the leaves of the Melia Azadirachta are to become scorpions; and a Koolumbee to kill a tree by the force of a muntra. I have promised, when these wonders are completed, to give a turban to the Brahmin, fifty rupees to the Koolumbee, and to eat the scorpions.

July 29-Spent the morning, as usual, in the study of Mahratta. Ram's temple, which is situated on the left side of the river, is the most frequented of all: and, in general, that side of the river is considered the holiest part of the town; so much so, that dying persons on this side of the river desire to be carried over, and to breathe their last there; and persons who desire to be pardoned for the sins of a whole week, think that to sleep one night in that holy part of the town will abundantly suffice.

Sept. 4-There has been a festival in honour of Ganesa. In every house they made a clay Ganesa, and worshipped the work of their hands. On several successive days they brought them down to the river to discharge them. Once or twice this was done with some show. The idol was carried in a palanquin. It is in the form of a short man, with a long belly and an elephant's head, riding upon a rat. Some Sepoys preceded, with matchlocks, which they fired several times. On arriving at the spot, they placed some food before the idol; and having worshipped him and desired him to come again next year, a man took him in his arms, and delivered him to the river. The Brahmins are very angry because we, by our living here, defile this holy place. They try every expedient to get us out; inventing stories to render us odious, and threatening the owner of the house with expulsion from caste. Yet they have not succeeded; and some days ago our principal opponent, on invitation, condescended to pay, with many other Brahmins, a visit to Mr. Farrar, where he was as quiet as a lamb. They say that either we must go, or Balajee, one of their favourite idols:

and to the removal of Balajee we certainly should have no objection.

At

Oct. 21, 1836-Great preparations were made, at an early hour, to feed many hundreds of Brahmins. Women were seen, here and there, baking various kinds of cake. The Brahmins were to dine near the holy river-side; the place just before our house was swept and cleansed; and sepoys placed at the two entrances of this place, to prevent Mussulmans and lowcaste Hindoos from drawing near. four o'clock there were, I suppose, 2000 Brahmins assembled. The sign for dinner was given by music, and all sat down. Their wives and children stood behind them. Large plantain-leaves served as plates: cakes, rice, milk, sweetmeats, &c. were handed round by a great many servants: it was an imposing sight. Besides the eating party, there were, at some distance, thousands of spectators and Brahmin worshippers. At five o'clock they had dined. A sign was given, and all rose and went home. It must be remembered, that

these Brahmins are poor, as indeed the greatest part of them are. The rich Brahmins feast in their houses.

I am in the habit of walking, just before going to bed, on the top of our house, from whence I enjoy a prospect over a large portion of the town; and I must confess, that, to see a large town altogether devoted to idolatry, and numerous pagodas, the temples of Satan;-to hear the songs of idolatry and the din of tom-toms, in the darkness of the night-symbolical of the spiritual condition of the place ;--this, together with a sense of the Saviour's love to all; His power to save; His victory over the Prince of Darkness; His promise that all shall yet honour Him; is very well calculated to solemnize the mind, to excite compassion for the misery of this people, and to dispose the heart to pray that the Sun of Righteousness may soon arise over this place, and dispel the darkness, and that the Kingdom of our glorified Redeemer may speedily be established where Satan now reigns.

AT the Monthly Meeting of the Committee, on the 9th instant, the following Memorial to the Court of Directors of the East-India Company was adopted, in reference to the Pilgrim Tax in India, and to the connexion, in other respects, of the Government with the idolatrous rites and superstitions of the Natives. The same Memorial, mutatis mutan

dis, was also addressed to the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Melbourne, as the head of Her Majesty's Government, and to Sir John Cam Hobhouse, Bart. M.P., as President of the India Board.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY FOR AFRICA AND THE EAST, TO THE HONOURABLE THE COURT OF DIRECTORS OF THE EASTINDIA COMPANY,

Humbly sheweth,

That under a strong sense of duty, as a Christian Body engaged in promoting the extension of Christianity, in con

nexion with the Established Church of England and Ireland, your Memorialists represented to your Honourable Court, in the year 1832, certain instances, in the system of government in India, whereby the prevailing superstitions and idolatrous establishments which debase that great country are substantially upheld and benefitted, to the disparagement of Christianity, and the obstruction of its progress among the Natives.

tion of a Parliamentary Paper, entitled That it appears, by the recent publica

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Religious Ceremonies (Madras)," that in February 1833 your Honourable Court forwarded a Despatch to the GovernorGeneral, in which the connexion of your Government with the superstitious worship and establishments of the Natives, in the case of the Pilgrim Tax, was reviewed in all its bearings; and that with a force of reasoning, and by an appeal to the soundest principles of legislation, which is in the highest degree creditable to the wisdom and talent of the Executive Body, and which has set at rest, for ever, all reasonable doubt as to its being alike the