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EXTRACTS FROM

Ceylon.

for believing that they intended to impose upon the people by a pretended miracle.

THE JOURNAL OF MR. My remarks, I perceived, gave some of

POOR, AT BATTICOTTA.

[Continued from p. 143.]

Admissions into the Mission Church

Pretended Miracle.

July 21, 1831. Quarterly communion held at this station. Harriet B. Meigs and Mary Anne Poor, (the two eldest children in the mission,) ten members of the seminary, and fifteen other natives were received into the church, on a public profession of their faith in Christ. The sermon preached on the occasion was founded on the passage, "Vow and pay unto the Lord thy God. It was a season of spiritual refreshing from on high, and we were urged by new motives to devote ourselves anew to the service of our Master in the work of the mission.

27. Commenced a course of evening preaching at South Araby.

Aug. 5. Went to the principal temple at Nellore, to see a man who, it is reported, has cut off his tongue from a belief that it will be miraculously healed, and that in consequence of his doing this penance he shall be relieved from the asthma, with which he has been long afflicted. I found the man lying under a tree near the temple, covered with a white cloth, and surrounded by a large concourse of people. Under an earthen pot kept filled with water, perforated in the bottom, and placed upon stones near the man's head, lay a piece of a tongue about an inch in length. This was so swollen by the running water, that it was not easy to determine whether it was a part of a human tongue, or not, nor was I permitted to examine it. I requested that I might look into the man's mouth and satisfy myself whether his tongue had been cut or not. To this his friends wholly objected, saying it would tend to counteract the object for which the penance was done. I then told them my motives for inquiring into the case, and that I saw some reasons

VOL. XXVIII.

fence, and occasioned a murmur of disapprobation. This is the season of the annual festival at the temple, and great multitudes are assembled.

13. From the reports given at our church meeting this evening, it appears that there is a great excitement and much boasting among the heathen, in consequence of the miracle wrought, as they fully believe, on the man mentioned above, who cut off a part of his tongue. As this affair took place at the time when great multitudes were assembled, not only from the Jaffna district, but from more distant parts of the island and from the adjacent continent, this reputed miracle will, for many years, be confidently appealed to in support of the prevailing system of idolatry. Different accounts are given of the supposed miracle. Some affirm that the tongue is grown to its natural size. Others, that though his tongue continues maimed, he has the power of On these speech and is cured of disease subjects the great mass of the people have no fear of being misled, and those who have discernment enough to distinguish truth from falsehood, are yet quite willing that others should be deceived. Consequently the circumstances of the case will probably never be known, but by those in the immediate vicinity of the temple, who have every motive for concealment and misrepresentation.

Sept. 12. It is now well ascertained that the man mentioned under date of August 5th, and who is a native of Nellore, did cut off a piece of his tongue, but whether that which was exhibited to the view of the people was the piece which he cut off, is doubtful. It is my intention to visit the man that I may if possible satisfy my own mind on this point. The man speaks in a lisping manner, and is still afflicted with asthma, to the shame and mortification of those who had confident expectations of a favorable result. It would be tedious to

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narrate the various pretexts by which they || people together. We find it a good time to endeavor to account for the failure, and destroy it by distributing tracts. thus to wrap up the matter. Though a tract should now be published on the subject, it would be read by comparatively few persons, and do but little probably to counteract the false impression that has been made upon the minds of the people. Those who are inclined to exert themselves in the propagation of error, may take great encouragement from this case.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF DOCT.
SCUDDER, AT PANDITERIPO.

[Continued from p. 209.]

At one of these temples there has been no drawing of the car for several years, and the occasion of having it drawn this year was a dream of an old woman. It was as follows: One night a person, having an elephant's trunk like Pulliar's, appeared to her, and angrily asked her if it were proper to leave off the ceremonies which ought to be performed there. He, moreover, told her, that if there were not a reformation, terrible would be the consequences. The next morning she went to Changany, and made known her vision. Of course, the

haste to render to Pulliar his dues.

his car is drawn it is followed by another containing them. With the aid of several native assistants, we distributed about 1,500 tracts. I received a bruise on my cheek and collar-bone from some stones or hard clods of earth which were enclosed in a tract and thrown at me. We frequently find at such places a few evil disposed people.

Labors among Roman Catholics and Hea-people believed all she said, and made thens-Obituary Notice of Harriet Meigs. Aug. 6. Went with Mr. Spaulding to July 11, 1831. On Tuesday last, I sent Condasuammy's temple, in Tillipally, to two persons to the east of Jaffna to distri- distribute tracts. Immense multitudes were bute tracts among Roman Catholics who present. Condasuammy is one of the sons were about to return from a visit to Tay-of Siva. He married two wives. When vaytte's church, situated in the jungle. This church has been erected within the last three years. The cause was as follows. A man of low caste declared, that this saint had appeared to him in a vision, and told him that, as he was suffering much in the sun, he wished him to build him a house in a place which he then pointed out. Early in the morning he went to the place and found the image of Tayvaytte there. mediately he built a shed over him. After these circumstances were made known, it of course became a place of great repute, and splendid miracles, it is said, have been performed there. A Roman priest attended to collect the offerings on the occasion, which amounted to more than 2,000 rix dollars. Quite a number of heathens attended to make their offerings also, in hopes of obtaining favors, which probably they suppose Pulliar is unwilling to give them.

Im

20. Last night held a meeting in a village about two miles from the station, and baptised the woman who takes care of our infant. I was desirous that the people there might witness this ordinance. A large number attended. With divine leave she will partake of the Lord's supper to

morrow.

24. To-day I forbid any one coming to my inquiry meeting excepting those who had made up their minds to unite with the church after three months. About twenty attended. Two or three of them perhaps ought to be considered candidates.

Within a few weeks, no less than five cars have been drawn at heathen temples near me. Tracts have been distributed at each of them at the time. This morning it was with some difficulty they succeeded in getting a sufficient number of persons to perform the ceremonies. The great adversary of souls tries much to build up his kingdom at such times by bringing many

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15. The ceremonies at three of the churches dedicated to the Virgin MaryKaits, Jaffna, and Panditeripo-finished to-day. Three members of the church went to Kaits, two to Jaffna, and three attended here. They distributed six or seven hundred tracts. The Catholic priest in Panditeripo has been punishing the people with great severity, and much opposition has been manifested to his measures.

24. Yesterday the remains of the amiable and universally beloved Harriet, daughter of Mr. Meigs, were committed to the dust. About ten months ago she began in earnest to seek the salvation of her soul, dedicated herself, as she trusted, to the Savior, has glorified him on earth, and is now, as we have every reason to believe, with him in heaven. From the time I was called, I did not leave her until she died.

26. Went to Batticotta and preached a funeral sermon occasioned by the death of our dear departed young friend, from John xvii. 19, "Father I will that they whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me." I went into the little room where she used to retire for prayer, and transcribed the following, which she had scratched on the wall. "This is my little bethel."

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bute tracts. There are but few temples, as far as I am informed, of this description in the district of Jaffna. Many, I suppose, feel an objection to worshipping him from the fact that he had not power to resist the curse of Paruvathe, Siva's wife. The history of this is as follows. Once Siva and Paruvathe were playing at cards, and Vishnu was appointed to determine who could play best. Paruvathe, it appears, won the game. When Siva perceived this, he beckoned to Vishnu to declare in his favor. He did so. Immediately Paruvathe cursed him, and he became changed into a snake.

Sept. 5. Held the monthly concert of prayer with the natives. The recent tract, pointing out the similarity between the ceremonies of the Romish and heathen religions, seems calculated to do much good. It has induced some to ask, Has our religion come from the Tamul religion, or the Tamul religion from ours?

9. To-day several Roman Catholic priests attended the church in the town of Jaffna to pray for the soul of one Lopez, a Roman Catholic priest, who died there about 200 years ago. His mouldered body has been eaten up by Catholics if we are to judge from the quantity of earth taken from the place where he was buried. It is eaten as a preventive to disease. A man once show ed me some of this reputedly sacred dust, and probably eat it to keep off the cholera, which was then raging. It however did him no good, for he was a corpse the next morning. Two of my native helpers went near the temple to distribute tracts.

14. Wrote about twenty-five short notes to the boys in the seminary, on their soul's

concerns.

Syria.

EXTRACTS FROM MR. WHITING'S COMMUNI

CATIONS.

Civil Oppressions and Disturbances. AFTER mentioning the dreadful prevalence of the cholera at Alexandria in Egypt, and the effect it had upon business at Beyroot, Mr. Whiting, under date of September 26 and 27, 1831, remarks upon evils of another kind, to

which the different parts of the Turkish empire

have long been subjected.

Men of business in Beyroot are at present more afraid of the pasha, and are suffering more from his oppressive and cruel exactions, than from fear of the cholera, or plague, or any thing else. His demands for money of late have been frequent and enormous. Most of the men of property in this place have either fled and concealed themselves in the mountains, or been thrown into prison, to compel them to give up their money. These things are exceedingly discouraging to all enterprise and industry among the people; and they present al

serious obstacle to our efforts to do good to their souls. The Spirit of the people is so broken by the rapacity and oppression of their rulers, that they seem to have no heart to attend to the things of another world, or to think of any thing but their troubles. One would suppose that trouble, and disappointment, and poverty here should rather dispose them to seek a rest and refuge in heaven, and to listen to the good news which the gospel brings to the In some instances perhaps this is the

poor.

case.

But with the great majority in this country, we fear the effect is directly the reverse. So far as we can learn, the terrible judgment with which God is visiting these regions of the earth, have not brought a single sinner to repentance! O how de|| sirable that that almighty Spirit, whose influence is awakening such multitudes in our favored country, should put forth his energies in these lands.

The sufferings and supposed death of Asaad Shidiak, though they may have produced a salutary conviction on some minds of the truth for which he suffered, seem on the whole to have done much to suppress the spirit of inquiry that was beginning to show itself in the mountains. And can this be wondered at? Who, with such a fearful beacon before him, will dare to think for himself, or to express his opinion upon religion, unless he be thoroughly convinced of the truth, and deeply impressed with the infinite importance of the subject? It is almost needless to say that few, very few, in this country are so impressed. I said his supposed death-for, notwithstanding all the private reports we have heard to the contrary, it seems to be generally believed that he is dead, and that he died in prison. And every body knows that the only crime he was accused of was, daring to read and reason upon the gospel, and to enforce its truths, as far as he was able, upon the attention and consciences of the people, endeavoring at the same time to obey it himself'

A more particular account of the political disturbances at Damascus, described in the following paragraphs, was given at p. 149 of the num ber for May, so far as they concerned the pasha of that city.

the pleasure of welcoming two of our friends Since my last was written, we have had from Damascus, (Messrs. Nicolayson and Farman,) concerning whom we have felt no little anxiety, after learning that they had ventured near that now disturbed and rebellious city. They went thither from Safet, without knowing the danger into which they were throwing themselves. On entering the city they found it in a state of insurrection and anarchy-the Pasha (who has but lately arrived from the capital) shut up in the castle in the centre of the town, with one or two thousand men, and besieged by the infuriated populace. Passing along the street, they were directly ascer

tained to be Englishmen, upon which a crowd gathered around them, insulted and threatened them, pulled off their turbans, and seemed intent upon taking their lives on the spot. Providentially a young Turk of distinction was near, and through his influence they were rescued from the mob, and taken first to his own house, and then to the house of his father, an Aga, and one of the leading men in the present insurrection. This man treated them kindly, and sent them with a guard to the Latin convent, where they remained one night; and the next day the same Aga sent a guard of twenty soldiers to conduct them to a village five hours from Damascus, on their way towards Beyroot. For all this apparent kindness and politeness, however, they were obliged to pay liberally. In fact had they not had considerable money, it is certainly probable they would have lost their lives.

Their visit to Damascus cost them near one hundred dollars. They were there only two days.

The state of things in Damascus is lamentable. There is no order, no government, no head, but every man is his own master. The populace are extremely exasperated against the new pasha, and against the grand seignor; and most of all, perhaps, against the expected English consul, Mr. Farrer. In fact it is the expected establishment of the consul in their city, and the determination of the sultan to introduce and sustain him there, cost what it will, and to enforce his "Nezzaam Jedeed," or new system in Damascus, as well as in other parts of his empire, that has been one principal cause of this rebellion. It now appears probable that the Damascenes will be forced to yield; for the Emir bechir is ordered to march with a powerful force against them, and he is to be joined, it is said, by the Kehya bey, with several thousand troops from the pasha of Acre. We wait, with much interest, for the result of this civil war; more especially because all these movements may have, and doubtless will have, an important bearing upon the enterprise in which we are engaged. We hope that increased liberty will be enjoyed by Europeans and Americans in the Turkish empire, and greater facilities and security afforded for the prosecution of evangelical labors in all these countries. Damascus will in all probability soon be an eligible and most important missionary station. May the Lord of the harvest prepare the proper laborers to go into that interesting

field.

English Missionaries.

Our friend and fellow laborer, Mr. Nicolayson, is now at Sidon. He has recently visited Jerusalem, and brought away what books and papers remained there, belonging to Messrs. Fisk and Parsons, and settled the account which the Greek bishops had against our missionaries.

Mr. Bartholomew, Wesleyan missionary at Alexandria, is now with us. He is very desirous to take with him, on his return, Tannoos El Hadded as a schoolmaster. We have reluctantly consented to part with him, although he is the best teacher we can employ in our school in Beyroot. Since he took charge of it, the number of scholars has increased and is increasing. But as Mr. B. has a much larger school than we have, and cannot procure in Egypt a teacher in whom he can place any confidence, and is willing to pay Tannoos twice as much as we can afford to give him, (a help which in his poverty he greatly needs,) we have thought we ought to consent to the proposal. We hope Tannoos will be useful there.

Mr. Nicolayson, and his colleague, Mr. Farman, speak encouragingly of the opportunities they find in the region of Safet, to converse and distribute the scriptures among the people; not so much, however, among the Jews, as among the Christians. The latter they found, in general, very ready to hear and converse with them, and some appeared serious.

Constantinople.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF MR. GOODELL.

[Continued from p. 217.]

Buyuk-Dere, Oct. 9, 1831. Paniotes, whom I have employed as a teacher in the Lancasterian school at Yeni Keni, called in the course of the day; and with him I read the scriptures and spoke of "the things pertaining to the kingdom of God." He appears much more like a spiritually-minded man, than any other person I have met with here; and religious conversation with him is always pleasant, because always serious. May much good result from our intercourse! May I be the means of saving benefit to him, and through him to many others! And, if I do all with godly sincerity, I "shall rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored

in vain."

Turkish Improvement.

Oct. 10. A weekly government gazette in the Turkish language is now published in the capital, and a similar one in French is to be commenced immediately, the services of Mr. Blagne, late editor of the "Courier de Smirne," being engaged for the purpose. A few weeks since a treatise on the history, nature, symptoms, progress, treatment, &c. of the cholera morbus, was printed in Turkish, by order of the sultan, and a copy sent to the principal man of every district within the city, and of every village without. These things are interestIling, more as an index of the revolution that

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Oct. 11. Went to the Greek church in this village, and carried some books for a small Greek school connected with it. The

priests, monks, and some of the neighbors gathered round, and asked me many questions about the New World, the distance and direction from Constantinople, the extent, language, religion, &c. Ascertaining that we, for the most part, professed the Christian religion, the priests were anxious to know whether we were followers of Luther, of Calvin, of the pope, of the English church, or what. They were informed,

that in the United States there was a toler

ation of all religions, and the most perfect liberty of conscience, and that therefore the Christian religion was professed under almost every form. Their inquiry then was, to what sect I belonged. I told them, that I called “no man master on earth;" that I followed no one but the Bible; that I inquired not what Luther, or Calvin, or any other uninspired man believed, what the dogmas of this or that church were, or what any council had decreed, but simply what those who "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" had taught; and that I had never in my whole life taken pains to compare my faith with that of any one, in order to ascertain whose it resembled most, but that I compared it only with the doctrines of Christ and his apostles. "But what,' said they, "do you believe about the virgin?" "Every thing," I replied, "which God has seen fit to tell us about her."

When, in answer to their inquiries, I informed them of the government and extent of the United States, of the present population, and what the population will be two hundred years hence, should it continue to increase till that time in the same ratio, as it has increased for the last fifty, they literally opened the mouth and gaped upon me with astonishment.

12. After visiting the Greek school in this village yesterday, I took a boat and went to Yeni Keni to see about establishing a Lancasterian school there for girls; a proposition having been made to me on the subject several days since by Iplihtchy Constantine, through his son, Mr. Ionides. I found at home only the females of the family, who received me with much ap

VOL. XXVIII.

parent cordiality. C. I., though commencing the world with nothing, has the reputation of being now immensely rich-holds in his hands the church property of the three parishes of the village-gives his children, at least his boys, a good education-and lives in princely style.

As L. had left me early in the morning to return to Galata, I was surprised to see him entering my chamber again in the evening. He informed me, that the Greeks here had detained him all day in the village, pressing him to have a Lancasterian school opened among them-begging a thousand pardons for their previous indif ference, and the disappointment they had formerly occasioned me in not fulfilling their promise to do something themselvesand pleading as an excuse, the smallness of most of them. Seventeen of the principal their population, and the great poverty of inhabitants had now signed a paper, obligating themselves to provide a room, and give a thousand piastres a year for the obJect. The school will cost besides, and in addition also to the seats and other furniture, a little more than 200 piastres a month; and in a note to Doct. D. K., informing him of our prospects here, I suggested, whether Mr. E., or some other gentleman on board favor to contribute a part or the whole of the United States, would not consider it a the sum necessary for its annual support.

As we have now no properly qualified teacher, whom we can well spare to take charge of the school in this place, I sent word to P. and requested him to leave self here. Yeni Keni without delay, and establish him

Intercourse with Americans.

Oct. 14. Doct. D. K. came up, and brought word that arrangements had been made for me to preach on board the United States next Sabbath. He was also, he said, authorised to say to me, that Mr. E. would give a hundred dollars a year towards the support of our schools in this quarter.

16. Went down according to previous arrangement, and preached on board the frigate United States. A few Greeks and Turks coming on board, were told of the service, and chose to remain. Some of the latter were the attendants of the grand seignor, and remained through only about half the service. The subject of the sermon was, the centurion, his kindness to his sick servant, his benevolence and usefulness in a foreign country, &c. Mr. E. returned with me to Buyuk-Dere, and talked much about the best way of doing good in these countries, and of his readiness to afford assistance, even to defray a great part of the expense of building me a house, chapel, and school-room, were such an establishment considered desirable. He was himself much in favor of something of the kind, but I was apprehensive of being brought in

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