Tinnevelly ventured to come in and sit down on chairs; and listened for about half-anhour they had come to wish me a happy Christmas. I preached on Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift! We were glad in His sanctuary, and got fresh encouragement to trust in Him.

Dec.31,1826: Sunday-This Forenoon Service concluded this year publicly. I preached on Psalın xxii. 22-26. We took a review of the past-the various afflictions which we and the Church have had to pass through, and from which the Lord delivered us- the many mercies with which we have been favoured both for body and soul-the obligations under which we lie in consequenceand, our imperfect services and our sins, which demand humility before God. Many Heathens were present. The Lord's Name be praised for all that He has done! R.

Trials and Difficulties of the Mission. May 13, 1826—We have been greatly tried with the ill-conduct of several Members of the Congregations: these were days of grief to us. The Enemy labours hard to spoil the good work. The tongue is a little member; but see what a fire it can kindle! Our Lord supports us, and baffles all his wicked devices.

June 22- The Native Christians, when Heathens, used to pay annually a tax in support of the Heathen Temple and Idolatrous Worship at Coilsegarapatam. As they have renounced Idolatry and embraced Christianity, they ought in justice to be exempted from that tax; and yet it is continually demanded from them by the Native Officers. The Christians lately applied for relief; but found that it could be obtained only from the Board of Revenue. The Collector advised them, therefore, to apply to the Board; kindly endorsing their Petition, as containing a reasonable request. We have sent the Petition to the Board; and sincerely hope that the Christians will not be forced to support Idolatry. In the mean while, a Letter from the Dewan in Travancore to a Gentleman here has been communicated to me, in which he states, that the Native Christians in Travancore are not constrained to pay any thing whatever to the Heathen Temple; and he thinks it reasonable that they should not. We trust that our Christian Government will not be behind the Heathen Government of Travancore.

July 29- At the Missionary Prayer-Meeting this evening, the Catechists gave a short account of their Stations. There are many things by which we might be discouraged; but there is much, also, to encourage us. Some persons have left the assemblies for instruction; but others have come in, and filled up their places. In several Congregations, there are many troubles, and of various kinds; in others, there is peace, and the people seem to build themselves up in the faith. Aisodian has not yet come in from Poolly oorkooritchy: where the people have been much afflicted by the Heathen, and he himself has been ill-treated. The backsliders have turned to be the worst enemies In Aroolloor also, Paranniyappen, an old enemy,

has again commenced his wicked practices against the Christians.

a

Oct. 2. Yesterday, Sunday, was day of pain and sorrow. Parannlyappen and his associates have at last wreaked their vengeance on Pedroo the Headman of our village Aroolloor; by maltreating him, yesterday morning, in such a manner as to lead to his almost immediate death. The corpse was brought to Palamcottal last night. I gave notice without delay to the Magistrate, Mr. Kindersley, who has taken the necessary measures to apprehend the murderers. This morning, Dr. Caswell dissected the body; when he found that a wound on his head caused his death. Circumstances were these-On Saturday forenoon some people belonging to Paranniyappen came to P'edroo, and demanded money on account of some land; but, as they had no right to demand this money, Pedroo refused to pay: the peo ple became angry, and left him with the threat" To-morrow we shall bring you word!" Very early on Sunday Morning, one of the people in Aroolloor went to do something to the palmyra-trees on coming down from a tree, he found the same persons standing below and demanding toddy from him; at the same time snatching the pot from him: he resisting the violence, they beat him; on which he made a noise, when Pedroo, hearing it in the village, came out running to the spot to see what was amiss: no sooner did they perceive him, than they cried out, "That's the fellow! That's the fellow!" and, having made a sign, a number of persons rushed forward, among whom was Paranniyappen himself: seeing Pedroo, he exclaimed, "That's the fellow who has brought Christianity hither! strike him! strike him!" on which one of his men struck him over his legs, while he was in the act of turning round to escape he fell-another man struck him with a large knife on the head, and laid him senseless on the ground; when Paranniyapper himself trampled upon his body. In the mean time other people had come from the village, men and women; several of whom were likewise beaten and badly wounded. Pedroo spoke no more. His relatives placed him on a couch, to bring him to Palamcottah; but he died on the road. All the people are in great consternation. May the Lord enable them to bear this affliction as it becometh Christians! May this sad event prove in the end a blessing to them all! The corpse was buried this afternoon; after which the people assembled in the Church, when I addressed them on 1 Pet. iv. 12-19.

This seems to have been a previously-concerted plan of Paranniyappen and his people; for they had taken care to remove most of those who might have stood in their way. By a false complaint which the Roman Catholics in Peykoolam have made against several persons in Aroolloor, and, among them, Prakasen the Catechist, who is one of the brothers of the deceased, and in which complaint some of Paranniyappen's people are false witnesses, those persons were at this time absent from home, having been cited before the Tasildar in Nangancherry. Yet

the Lord reigneth! He will bring the counsel of the wicked to nought!

In the afternoon, Prakasen, and the other falsely-accused people, arrived from Nangancherry; being sent up to the Magistrate as prisoners, for further examination. I trust he will find out the conspiracy. Prakasen is much cast down; but he does not despair. Nyanamoottoo, another brother of the deceased, behaves very well under this heavy affliction; particularly as his Wife and one of his other Brothers have been wounded. Peons have been despatched to apprehend Paranniyappen and the other murderers. R.

As all circumstances seem to prove that there existed no personal hatred between the parties with whom the affray began, nor that any particular act of Pedroo's gave occasion to it, but that it was a premeditated plot of the enemies from hatred of Christianity, and as the Wife and Relatives of Pedroo behave as it becometh Christians, I hail this event, painful as it is, as a manifest token, that Christianity has taken firm root in the minds of those of our villagers who have enjoyed religious instruction for a sufficient space of time; and that it will spread the more, the more Satan rages. May we and our people be found more and more watchful unto prayer, and more and more devoted to the Lord; so as not to endeavour to go round about the Cross, but gladly to take it upon ourselves-facing, courageously, all ridicule or danger, in the strength of the Lord!

S.

Oct. 3, 1826-To-day, Prakasen and his fellow-sufferers were examined by the Magistrate, and acquitted. Thus has the enemy been again baffled in his wicked designs! Praised be the Lord!

Oct. 7-Yesterday, three of the criminals were brought in: Paranniyappen, also, has been apprehended. To-day the Magistrate examined the case, and found cause to send them up to the Criminal Court in Madura: they will go off to-morrow. We send Prakasen to accompany such of our people as are prosecutors and witnesses, in order to direct and encourage them. Paranniyappen en deavours to shew that he was not present at the affair, but was making poojah at the time. Poor man! may he repent of his sins before it be too late! He is a rich man in the world, and therefore his apprehension makes much stir among the Natives: they have great hopes, that, by means of his money, he will escape punishment.

Oct. 9--Masillamany returned from Aroolloor, whither I had sent him, to comfort the afflicted people there : he found them greatly perplexed; but they are now enabled to exercise themselves in faith in their Redeemer. He found also several other persons wounded, of whom we did not know before. What a horrid land is this! Who would wish to stay here, were it not for the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! We are cast down, but not destroyed.

Oct. 21-During the week, I have received three Letters from Prakasen, at Madura. The case of the murder has not been tried. Paranniyappen's people have made various attempts to bribe Prakasen and the others; of

Oct. 26- A great Idolatrous Feast, the annual marriage-ceremony of an Idol in Palamcottah, is now celebrating. The goddess was represented as fleeing away on the marriage night from the Idol, her bridegroom; and taking refuge in one of the houses of Vengoo, the richest and most zealous promoter of Idolatry here: toward morning, she was fetched, by persuasion or force, to the bridegroom's idol temple in the Fort; and passed our house with music, and the loud acclamations of the infatuated multitude. S.

Nov. 13- The case of the murder has been tried in the Zillah Court; when the prisoners were fully committed to take their final trial before the Circuit Judge, in January. To-day, Prakasen returned from Madura, and gave very interesting particulars of the trial. Paranniyappen's friends have done all that they could to bribe our people. Blessed be the Lord for having preserved them from polluting themselves! It is to be ascribed to their steadfast testimony, that the various endeavours of the Court Officers to pervert the evidence did not succeed.

Dec. 26-With the few people who had come from the villages, I had a separate meeting this morning. Most of them were from Soosey's Congregation; who reports sad things, such as strifes and animosities among them. I endeavoured to lead them to a sense of the evil of these things; when one of them, Atinoottoo, addressed me thus:-"Sir, I must confess that all of us came at first into the Christian Church, not from any proper motive, but with a view to gain some worldly advantages: but, by the instructions which we have received, we have, by the grace of God, become gradually convinced of the excellency of Christianity; so that we now desire to abide with it. We are, at present, indeed, troubled by our own quarrels; and I myself am not free from being guilty therein: the Catechist reproves us, and tries to bring matters into order; but he, being one like us (meaning, a black man), his reproofs are not seriously considered. You must, therefore, get us all together, and bring our affairs into order." I was much pleased with the openness and plainness of these remarks; which encourage me to hope that things will be amicably settled, and Satan will get no advantage over them. R.

North-American States.

BOARD OF MISSIONS. IN reference to the reinforcement of Labourers destined to the Sandwich Islands, noticed at p. 503 of our last Number, the Board make the following remarks on the

Inadequacy of the Society's Funds.
It seems to be the unanimous opinion

of the friends of Missions, that their

Brethren at the Islands should be comforted and strengthened, by the coming of Fellow-Labourers to their assistance, and by having such supplies as shall tend to preserve their health and impart new vigour to all their operations: an opinion, almost equally unanimous, urges to the support and extension of every other Mission, and to the establishment of New Missions. Encouraged by this support, the Committee have gone forward, without much anxiety, in preparations for doing what appeared so obviously desirable and necessary: but, though there is a gradual rise in the spirit of self-denial, and though there are instances of rare munificence, it seems proper to say, that the Pecuniary Means placed at the disposal of the Committee are not adequate to the imperious demands made upon them.

All the Friends of this Cause will bear in mind, that great exertions are necessary to bring up the pecuniary contributions to such a standard, as Reason and Conscience will approve; and that a deep sense of personal responsibility in this matter needs to be extensively diffused. Unless this can be done, the labours of American Christians, in the great work of propagating the Gospel, must be painfully restricted -the Stations now in existence must languish for want of vigorous support· and many Heathen Tribes must remain unvisited by the Heralds of Mercy. Moreover, in the view of Him who. searches the heart, there will be a great deficiency in the performance of duty on the part of our Churches, and an accumulation of guilt; and the blessings, which we withhold from the Heathen, we may be in danger of losing in a measure ourselves: for Paul may plant, and Apollos may water, but God giveth the in

crease.

Munificent Assistance to the Funds.

This Appeal has not been in vain. We have a Letter before us, which will encourage and stimulate every devout Reader. It is addressed to a friend in London, under date of New York the 22d of October, by the Rev. Jonas King, who lately reached America from

Palestine (see pp. 334-336) by way of this country: he writes—

My time has been almost wholly occupied, since my arrival, in visiting my friends, in preaching and in conversation on Palestine and other countries of the East.

The Meeting of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, held in this city last week and the week before, was deeply interesting and solemn. It seemed as if the influences of the Holy Spirit were shed down on those present in a remarkable manner.

Last Monday Evening a few Gentlemen assembled, and the Members of the Board were invited to attend. Two or three, besides myself, were called upon to address the Meeting on the subject of Missions. A Subscription was afterward opened, and upward of TWENTY-FIVE

THOUSAND DOLLARS were subscribed on

the spot; and pledges given that TWENTY THOUSAND should be paid ANNUALLY, FOR FIVE SUCCESSIVE YEARS, in case ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS should be raised within twelve months from that time.

The object of this Subscription is, to EXTEND the efforts of the Board for evangelizing the Heathen,

One Gentleman came forward, and subscribed Five Thousand Dollars ayear for five years! Another rose, and agreed to support Messrs. Bird and Goodell and their Families, now at Bey. rout, in Syria! Several Gentlemen subscribed each a Thousand Dollars a-year for Five Years.

A New Era is, I think, begun; and that greater efforts are to be made for the Conversion of the World than have hitherto been made. England and America, the most highly-favoured nations on the earth, will enter, I trust, into this work with increasing zeal and humility, and look for success with increased earnestness to the Great Head of the Church.

We heartily concur in this sentiment. It is obvious, from the urgent Appeals of our Missionary Societies, that the Liberality of Christians does not keep pace with the Calls of Divine Providence.

UNITED KINGDOM.

Proposals have been issued for publishing a Newspaper of a superior order, to appear twice a-week, on Tuesdays and Fridays: it is to be called "THE RECORD;" and will be conducted on Moral and Religious Principles. No intelligent and right-hearted man can watch the course of the Periodical Press of this country, but he must be fearfully alive to the tremendous consequences, which must at no distant period arise, from the utter dereliction by a large portion of that Press, of all sound principle and just feeling. Whoever shall strengthen the barrier which is opposed to this flood of impiety will deserve well of his country. We have reason to know that the proposed attempt is undertaken by Gentlemen who have long had their spirits burdened by the evils occasioned by a licentious Press, and have resolved to risk the funds necessary to attempt some improvement. The talent which will be enlisted in the design is much greater, we are assured, than that usually to be found engaged in such undertakings. We believe that we can confidently recommend to our Readers the support of this design; and we do this earnestly, as a national object, and as intimately connected with the highest interests of the whole community.

Summary of the Members of the University of OXFORD: the first number denotes the Members of Convocation belonging to each College, and the second number those on the Books of the College

Christchurch, 418-825. Brasenose, 292-404. Queen's, 142-328. Oriel, 145-283. Exeter, 94St. 251. Trinity, 97-233. Worcester, 85-225. John's, 129-924. Balliol, 82-223. University, 113-215. Wadham, 72-186. Jesus, 51-177. Magdalen, 117-168. Pembroke, 68-168. Magdalen Hall, 43-153. New College, 72-149. Lincoln, 58-136. Merton, 71-197. Corpus, 73-121. St. Edmund Hall, 45-103. All Souls, 65-90. St. Mary Hall, 33-89. St. Alban Hall, 12-44. New Inn Hall, 1-1. Total Members of Convocation, 2302. Total Members on the Books, 4923.

Summary of the University of CAMBRIDGE: the first number denoting the Members of the Senate belonging to each College, and the second those on the Boards of the College:

Trinity, 629-1411. St.John's, 469-1084. Queen's, 67-320. Caius, 79-233. Christ's, 64-225. Em manuel, 104-17. St. Peter's, 68-211. Corpus Christi, 42-173. Jesus. 72-168. Clare Hall, 65158. Catharine Hall, 36-153. Trinity Hall, 28141. Pembroke Hall, 41-115. King's, 64-111. Magdalen, 39-106. Sidney, 36-87. Downing, 14-60. Commerantes in Villa, 11-11. Total Members of the Senate. 1951 Total Members on the Boards. 4990.

Newfoundland Sch. Soc.-The whole line of the north-eastern coast of Newfoundland is deeply indented with numerous bays, in which isolated portions of the population of the Island (averaging 100,000) are settled: the communication between the inhabitants of these separate districts is almost exclusively by water, so that the Children are stationary; and unless instruction be carried to their doors, they must remain destitute of its blessings. The desire of obtaining instruction is strongly excited. Twelve Teachers, employed by the Society, have given instruction

to about 2000 children; but thousands more are asking this boon at its hands.

Church Miss. Soc.-The Rev. John Gerber (see p. 262) having returned from the Continent, with Mrs. Gerber to whom he was married during his visit to his friends, they embarked, at Gravesend, on the 10th of November, with the other Labourers mentioned at p. 503 and Mrs. Heighway. They were off the Land's End on the 14th, when adverse winds compelled Captain Deiper to put back: the St. Andrew cast anchor at Plymouth on the evening of the 16th, but finally sailed on the 18th - Mr. Peter Brenner reached London, from Bâsle, on the 21st of November: he is to assist in the Mediterranean Mission.

As

German Miss. Soc. The Rev. Messrs. Handt, Sessing, and Hegele (see p. 447) sailed for Sierra Leone, on their way to Liberia, on board the St. Andrew, with the Church Missionary Society's Labourers and Mrs. Kilham of the Society of Friends. the ship was preparing to leave Plymouth, a block fell from the rigging, and struck Mr. Hegele's head: he was taken on shore for medical assistance: none of his friends could leave the ship, as it was on the point of sailing; but a Gentleman (Mr. Prideaux) who had come on board to see Mrs. Kilham, took Mr. Hegele to his own house, and the Rev. John Hatchard, on being written to by Mr. Betts, immediately attended on Mr. Hegele with a skilful Surgeon: great hopes are entertained of his recovery, the symptoms being favourable-The Rev. George Adam Kissling arrived in London, from Bâsle, on the 14th of November; and, on the 16th, the Rev. Henry Jerome Wulff: they are both destined to Liberia, and will follow their Brethren, by the first opportunity.

WESTERN AFRICA.

The Governor of Sierra Leone and its Dependencies has soon followed his predecessor to the grave: the melancholy event was announced by the following Gazette Extraordinary

Government House, Aug. 14, 1827. This morning, at five minutes past nine o'clock, departed this life, after a short but severe illness, His Excellency, Major-General Sir Neil Campbell, C.B. Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief.

Immediately after this sad event, His Honour Lieutenant-Colonel Lumley, the Lieutenant-Goveruor, assembled the Members of His Majesty's Council, to communicate to them the afflicting intelligence, and to take such steps as are usual on occasions of the like melancholy nature.

His Honour, in communicating to the Public the severe loss which the Colony has sustained by this very melancholy event, feels that he cannot adequately express his opinion on the death of so distinguished and valuable an Officer; of whom it may be truly said, that he has sacrificed his life to his never-ceasing zeal and exertion.

The following is a statement of the disease of his late Excellency, together with its alarmingly rapid progress, signed by the Medical Gentlemen who attended him :

"After a febrile indisposition of several days, against which he endeavoured to contend, His Excellency Major-General Sir Neil Campbell reluctantly submitted to medical treatment on Monday the 5th instant: after which period he laboured under the usual symptoms of remittent fever. On the morning of the 9th a remission took place: when His Excellency, contrary to the repealed