1 ནཱ་ Some said they had: others had not. One man said that He was the Second Person in the Trinity, but knew nothing further. He would not allow that Christ was able to save him. I endeavoured to shew them who Christ was, and recommended them to seek to know Him. While I remained, they lighted up the Temple with lamps; and, when I left, they went inside, and a voice proclaimed among them, that I had told them their religion was wrong, and would not save them; but that what I said was false, for it would. [Mr. Knight was absent, for some time, at Calpentyn and Colombo. On his return, he applied himself chiefly to the study of Tamul, that he might be. come qualified to address the people without the intervention of an Interpreter. A few more extracts of his Journal follow.] July 16.-Mr. Ward and family arrived from Calpentyn. Their visit proves refreshing; and will, I trust, by the Divine blessing, be service. able to the health of both soul and body. Aug. 2.-Met our Missionary friends at Batticotta, for the purpose of uniting in prayer for the increase of Christ's Kingdom, and for the Divine blessing on our different stations. We had a most pleasant and refreshing season. This meeting we propose to hold monthly. We converse together on our plans and prospects, and endeavour to stir up one another to more activity and zeal in our great work. Aug. 20.-Went out, this evening, with the Interpreter, to a village, called Kykoolar, distant about threequarters of a mile, for the purpose of seeing the people, and learning their disposition with regard to the establishment of a School among them, one of the principal men of the village having solicited it. Found a very numerous population, and all living near together. They are by trade weavers, and all, I believe, of the same Caste; which seems a favourable circumstance, and affords the greater reason to hope that some good may be done among them. Our conductor took us round to the people's houses, and told them my object. Some seemed jealous of my design, and inquired whether their Children would be allowed to read in their own books; fearing lest I should compel them to learn only the Christian Religion, and reject their own: for though their system is so bad, they are careful to teach their Children such books as inculcate its principles even at an early age, and are very fearful of innovations. I told them that I intended to make a selection of some of their best books for the School (for they have some which contain good morals), and should also require them to read my printed Books. With this reply they seemed satisfied, and promised to send their Children. An old man of the village, who is much celebrated for his knowledge of Tamul and his skill in teaching, was recommended to me as Schoolmaster. I proposed to engage him, and wished him to begin the School on the commencement of next month.' This village being at so convenient a distance from my house, affords a prospect of future good; as, when I have a little more knowledge of the language, I hope to visit it frequently, for the purpose of making known to the people the good tidings of salvation by Jesus Christ. Aug. 28, Saturday.-In the evening, we united together in prayer, in concert with our friends in England, for a blessing on Missionary Efforts. Sept. 1.-To-day the School is commenced at Kykoolar village: the Master's salary is to depend on the number of Boys: if under thirty, five Dollars per month, and an additional Dollar for every ten above thirty. Sept. 8.-Visited the School at Kykoolar, and found about twenty-five Boys. The Master was attentive to his duty, and seemingly inclined to do the best that he could. Sept. 13, 1819.-Visited the School again, and found the Boys diligently employed in learning the Commandments. Number as before. Sept. 17.-Had much conversation with the Kykoolar Schoolmaster, respecting their superstitions. The day of New Moon they call Blind Day. Learning attended to on this day, would not prosper; therefore the Children remain at home. They must fast and bathe themselves, and attend to certain ceremonies for the relief of their deceased relations, who are supposed to be in a state of misery; and to prevent their own transmigration into an inferior animal, in a state of future existence. Sept. 30. Mr. David leaves Jaffna for Colombo, for a time; and entrusts me with the care of his Schools, &c. during his absence. The Master of Kykoolar School called on me. I learned from him something more of the superstitions of the Heathens. They seem to have no idea of the holiness or justice of God; and, therefore, can have no correct notions of the nature of sin. Killing some kinds of snakes and other creatures, touching a dead body, or blowing out a lamp by waving the hand, are, in their estimation, grievous offences; and repeating what the Brahmin has whispered in the ear, is altogether unpardonable: while fornication, adultery, lying, perjury, theft, dishonesty in dealing, &c. are considered as venial offences. I endeavour to point out what is good in the books which this man uses in the School; and to proceed in such a way as not directly to oppose their system. May God grant me wisdom, that I may know how to act aright! It seems the Parents begin to be alarmed at the Children's learning Christian Lessons. APPENDIX XI. EXTRACTS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS OF MR. THWAITES, RESPECTING THE ANTIGUA SCHOOLS. (See Page 216.) March 28, 1819. Sunday.-A Sunday School had been commenced at Pope's Head, in the north-western division of the Island, about twelve months since; but was, at this time, reduced to twelve Scholars. Supposing that the Parents might send their Children, if spoken to, Mrs. Thwaites and I went thither to-day for that purpose. On the way, we met many of the people going to market. We could not miss so seasonable an opportunity of speaking to them, and were glad to find that they attended to us with some degree of interest, and promised to send their Children the following Sunday. The Parents being assembled on our arrival, we each of us addressed them, endeavouring to shew the great good that might result from their Children being brought under religious instruction, and taught to read the Word of God; and mentioned some striking anecdotes of the Children under our care at the windward part of the Island. We were gratified by seeing a larger number of Children than had ever attended. ·April 4. Sunday.-Went to Pope's Head, and received seventy-five Scholars. April 9. Good Friday. We went to the United Brethren's Church, in our neighbourhood, where a large Congregation assembled. Most of the Proprietors had given their Negroes holiday. Oh that they would abolish the Sunday Market, and allow another day for the purpose! April 14.-William Anderson informs me, that the Children are much delighted with the life of Simeon Wilhelm, which he read to them; and particularly with the manner of his death, and his desire to return to Africa to preach the Gospel to his benighted Countrymen. April 19.-As we have it in contemplation to establish a Sunday School at Old Road, in the southern part of the Island, Mrs. Thwaites and I went thither to-day. We were happy to find the prospect of success beyond our expectations. Seven Young Coloured Women, of good character, offered themselves as Teachers; and the Moravian Missionaries kindly tendered the use of their Church, from nine o'clock to twelve, for the purpose. June 4.-I have been informed to-day, that a man, who has five Children in the School, makes one of them give out a Hymn every night, which the family sing; after which a Chapter in the Bible is read, and he or his wife concludes with prayer. I should rejoice to find this custom adopted in every family where the Children can read. A Female Slave, who has several Children in the School, told Mrs. Thwaites to-day, that, though poor, she did not think it hard to allow her children candle-light, for they, with their books, their hymns, and their prayers, were the means of teaching her. July 4. Sunday-By the permission of the United Brethren, a Sunday School was opened in their Church at Grace Bay (Old Road), this day, by Mr. Dawes. I also attended; and, though it was a rainy day, we received 182 Children and eight Adults, which exceeded our most sanguine expectations. The appearance at this place is very promising. July 11. Sunday-I went to Old Road, and received ninety-three new Scholars. One of the Young Fe males, mentioned before, as offering herself for a Teacher, assembles the Children on the Estate where she lives, for daily instruction in reading. The School being a new thing on this side of the Island, much spirit and emulation is excited among the poor Children, of whom not above six can say their letters. July 13.-The Moravian Missionaries having suggested that the Valley, a place in the western part of the Island, would be a good situation for a School, and having understood that Mr. Byam, a Coloured Gentleman, Proprietor of the Estate called Bolan's, would be favourable to such an undertaking, I proceeded to his dwelling. Mr. and Mrs. Byam received me very kindly. They are disposed to aid our designs; and will give a sinall spot of land for the erection of a School-Room, and allow their Son and one of their Servants to assist as Teachers. In the mean while, until a room should be built, Mr. Byam requested this Servant, a decent Black Man, who is his Slave, to allow us the use of his house. It will accommodate from sixty to eighty Children; and, before the door, is a large Tree, under which many more may be taught in fair weather. Aug. 1. Sunday.--Went to Old Road. More than thirty Children have been added, since I was there. The zest for the School still continues among these Children. I am informed by a person who was spending a few weeks in the vicinity of Old Road, that there is a striking improvement in the appearance of the Children since the establishment of the School. Formerly, they spent their Sundays in the water, and in playing about, chiefly without clothes: but now, an Old Woman goes round on Thursdays, calling on the Parents to get the Children's clothes ready; and, early on Sunday Mornings, she repeats her visit, and collects and takes the Children to School. Aug. 8. A few Adults wished to join the School at Bethesda. We have been much disappointed in this class of people: of six, who joined the Hope School, five have been dismissed, and three of these for adultery. Much cannot be expected from those, whose moral condition was so deplorable in childhood. Aug. 29, 1819. Sunday.—I went with Mr. Dawes to the Valley. Mr. Richter, Senior Missionary of the United Brethren, kindly accompanied us. He opened the meeting, with singing and prayer; and gave a very suitable exhortation to those present. Dawes afterward addressed them, and both old and young were very attentive. The names of 103 Scholars were taken down. Mr. Oct. 3. Sunday.—Went to the Valley. About 100 Children came. I was much pleased to observe their earnest desire to learn. Dec. 9.-We received the mournful intelligence from Bethesda, that Mrs. Anderson was dead. Bethesda sustains a great loss in her. From childhood, she seemed to possess the fear of God; and became savingly acquainted with Divine Truth, soon after her being appointed Teacher in the concern at her death. There is no doubt that their loss is her gain. Dec. 26. Sunday-Had our Annual Meeting for Rewards at the Hope and Bethesda Schools. The Meeting at the Hope was opened by Mr. Dawes, with singing and prayer. He then addressed the Young People. The Rewards consisted chiefly of Small Books and Tracts; 109 Re wards and many Notes of Approbetion were bestowed. Among those who received the Notes were some Children, who, less than twelve months since, were temporarily ex cluded for disorderly conduct, and having been afterward re-admitted had given great satisfaction. The Meeting concluded, as it began, with singing and prayer. Mr. Dawes opened the School at Bethesda, in the afternoon, and conducted the Meeting in a similar man, ner. Notwithstanding the disadvan tages which this School labours under, from its vicinity to the Barracks at the Ridge and the English Harbour Market, it is gratifying to behold so many, in whom the ends of the Insti tution have been answered. Some of these have suffered in the cause of virtue, and resisted the most power ful temptations. The Extract of the Life of Simeon Wilhelm was in greater demand, at both Schools, than any other book. English-HarbourSunday-School. Her piety was early put to the test; for she met with opposition and persecution from some of her nearest relatives. She was, however, enabled, through the grace of God, to outride the storm; and became so firm and consistent a Christian, that, though young, the Sunday-School and Female Refuge Societies placed two Orphan Girls under her care. The trust reposed in her was not misplaced: the eldest of addressed the Teachers and Children, these Girls married soon after she About 100 received Rewards. This was out of her time, and the other is School promises to be of much benefit very promising. Jan. 2, 1820. Sunday -I accompanied Mr. Dawes to the Old Road School, where Rewards were distributed. Many Children attended. Mr. Hoch, resi dent Moravian Missionary,commenced with singing and prayer. Mr. Dawes to the neighbourhood. At Bethesda, Mrs. Anderson exJan. 9. Sunday.-Finding that some perienced some hardships, to which of the Children at Bethesda went to she had been unaccustomed; but she the English-Harbour Market before was, notwithstanding, faithful in the they came to School, I gave notice, discharge of her duty, and possessed that, in future, the School would begin the affections of the young people at ten o'clock instead of twelve, in under her care, who evinced much order to put a stop to this pernicions ustom. The Sunday Market is one f the greatest hindrances in the Vest Indies to the success of Reliious Institutions. Jan. 12.-Mrs. Thwaites and I went Falmouth, to give Rewards and Notes of Approbation to the Children. We feel thankful for the prosperity f this School; and that the Teachers re as zealous as at the beginning. It gives us great pleasure to oberve, in all the Schools, an increasing ove for books. Indeed, the Children ppear to prefer them, for Rewards, o any thing else of double the value, Most of them take such care of their books, that, though they have them ʼn daily use, they are very little soiled. Some who are reading the Life of Simeon Wilhelm seem to feel it. We observed the rising tear in the eyes of one, who expressed an earnest wish that he was like Simeon. We cannot but be anxiously desirous, as there is such a growing relish for good books, that we should have a greater supply. There are so few of these poor creatures whose connections can improve them in any way, that it is greatly to be wished, in addition to the advantages which they derive from the Schools, that they had such books to look into, in their leisure hours, as would tend to counteract the poisonous effects of the notions and examples to which they are exposed. The great liberality of our English Friends leads us to hope from them an increase of our store, when they know how necessary it is. “Susan Gray,” “Margaret Whyte," "Lucy Clare," "The Workhouse," Accounts of Pious Children, Happy Deaths, Simple Dialogues, Conversions of Africans, Simeon Wilhelm, &c. would be highly acceptable and useful. The work of God in Africa very much interests these poor things. APPENDIX XII. SOME ACCOUNT OF THE RED-RIVER SETTLEMENT, NEAR LAKE WINNIPEG, IN BRITISH NORTH AMERICA. (See Page 219.) This Account is taken from a Tract, drawn up with the view of inducing Settlers to establish themselves on the Red River; and is here introduced, because such a Settlement is likely to become an advanced post of great importance with reference to the enlighten ing and conversionof the Indian Tribes. The Territory named Ossinoboia is situated on the west and south of the great Lake Winnipeg. It is watered by considerable streams; and extends, from latitude 52° 30′, southwardly to the boundary of the United States, near the source of the Mississippi. The climate is remarkably salubrious. The general aspect of the country is level, varied only by hills of gentle acclivity, except where the steep banks of rivers intervene; and it lies on a basis of limestone, which is here, as in most other parts of the world, the concomitant of a fertile soil. To the eastward of Red River, |