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dressed a group of Devotees and Pundits: they were, however, on their guard, and seemed suspicious of us. After dinner, argued with a Molwee; and Christian and others read to crowds, and gave away a few books. In the afternoon, we walked through the Fair: it was truly painful to see men, otherwise learned, such cringing slaves to these Devotees. We seem to have here a striking specimen of Roman Catholics deifying their Priests, obstinately closing their eyes to the light. Surely the sins of the people are much aggravated by rejecting the blessed Gospel!

Nov. 8, 1829: Sunday-This morning went among the Deyotees, who assemble in great numbers at these Fairs: one man, in order to prejudice the people against us, asked, "Why do you kill animals?" “Having imbibed erroneous notions of the soul, you are prejudiced: the soul of a man and the spirit of a beast are not alike; nor one and the same pervading spirit, as the Vedant &c. say; nor is it God, but it is created by Him immortal, whilst the spirit of the beasts dies with them." What, then, is sin ?" "Not eating and drinking, but breaking the commands of God," &c. &c. Many accepted books, During the day, a great man, a Mussulman, sent for the New Testament, and what portions of the Old Testament we had.

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Nov. 10-This morning, gave away, in our walks, a great many books; and many came to our boat for them. Several Cuveerites, similar to those whom we met at Ghazeepore, who came to argue, seemed quite disarmed, and accepted books. The multitude increased so much, that by the evening we had but a few books remaining.

Nov. 11-Collected all the Books that we could scrape together, and walked out this morning; and in the course of two hours disposed of all. Met a Cuveerite whom I had before seen at Gorruckpore: this poor creature flattered and idolized: we had no book to give him; and consequently, at 10 A.M., quitted the Fair, and returned towards Buxar, where we ar rived in safety.

Nov. 14-This afternoon, reached Ghazeepore, and walked to the Bazaar.

Nov. 15-At an early hour, we walked through the main streets of the town; where Readers addressed the people, and gave away a few Tracts. In the afternoon, reached the Cantonments; and all walked into the Bazaar, where Christian

and Thakoor read alternately to great crowds: it was truly a novel sight; such a thing seems never to have been heard of here: gave away a few Tracts, very sparingly.

Nov. 17-This day we left the boat, walked a good distance, and were benighted: straggled about for some time, without effect: none of the villagers would approach to aid us. This is what people must expect from the Natives in the time of extremity, without their own resources. It was truly gratifying to see our little boat come up in search of us, rowed by two Christians. The boatmen themselves would not move after hours.

Nov. 18-At 9 A, M. reached the populous village of Sydpore. All landed, and first walked up to a large Temple: hearing of our approach, the cunning Devotees within closed the door, though we had frequently visited the place before. Thence walked into the main street of the Bazaar; and Christian and Thakoor read at two different places, to immense crowds. No opposers appeared; but, contrariwise, a Devotee, who carried about on his body the marks of his idolatry, seemed overcome he said, that he had been seeking after the Truth for the last ten years, and had found nothing but stocks and stones; and now wished to know what he should do.

He was advised to follow us. Nov. 20-This morning left Mr. Eteson's, and came on to Chunar; which I reached safely, at 1 P. M. Thus have goodness and mercy followed, and brought us back in safety. The change taken place in the people seems very great: formerly it was with great difficulty we could persuade them to accept of our books; whereas, now, we are generally welcomed, and our books sought after with importunity; so that we give away more books now than we could in four years before. Hence we, may, reasonably conclude, that at least a preparatory work is in progress, which will, in God's good time, produce a plentiful harvest of souls to the Redeemer.

Dec. 1 This morning, sent David Thakoor and Shunkur to visit several populous villages on our side of the river, to return at the end of the week: they took a good bundle of Tracts with them. In the afternoon, accompanied by Tryloke, I went to an assemblage of Devotees, with whom we had much discussion: they mostly approved of all that we said.

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and had much argumentation with them, though they were previously cautioned against having any thing to say to us. They however found, from experience, that we were not such persons as they were led to understand. A Tract was read, but none were accepted.

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Dec. 3,1829-Tryloke accompanied me to the Bazaar, where we had a long and affectionate conversation, on the salvation of the soul, with a Devotee at a shop: a great crowd gathered, and attentively heard the man himself seemed quite disarmed-in fact, quite won over. He heard a Tract, which Tryloke read, with his eyes closed and apparent feeling. When first spoken to, he said, "Why not let people alone?" "Alas! How can I do so, when I see them perishing? If I were void of love in my heart, I might let people alone in the way to destruction, but not otherwise." I spoke, also, of the love of God and Christ, &c.

Dec. 4- During the day, as usual, revising and translating. In the afternoon, went with two to the Bazaar, where one read a Tract, and gave away a few. One man attempted to argue, but soon yielded: but a poor Mahomedan came up, and seemed mad against the Converts, and therefore he said every thing to wound the feelings. This poor creature has been frequently spoken to, and as feelingly and earnestly as we could he he also heard the Tract against Mahomedanism, but the poor soul seems to harden himself against every thing. Oh that the Lord would be merciful unto him! Dec. 5-Tryloke came, and 'said that a Subahdar, who had heard us in the Bazaar the other day, was admiring what he heard. To-day, Thakoor and his Fellow-labourer returned from their village excursion. The first day they put up at a respectable village, six miles distant: here they were much respected people said that they were highly favoured by the visit paid them, heard the Word with gladness, and many accepted Tracts. One man brought out a Tract which he had received from me some years ago: this has never been printed. He allowed the Readers to read it, but would not permit them to take a copy of it, lest they should not return it. We frequently meet with instances of the kind, in our Missionary Excursions, of persons being impressed with instructions contained in Christian Books, which have led them to prize and value those books, and to produce them on such occasions: I

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have several instances now in my recollection, which have come under my own eye; so that we have positive proofs that our books are not distributed in vain.~ Many Boys, who could read, received Tracts; but some were made to return them; their parents saying, "Who knows the real object of Christians in distributing their books: they may hereafter come upon us; and all upon whom their books are found may be compelled to become Christians." Here (at Puleta) they remained two days; and, on Thursday, went to a very extensive village, 12 miles further, where they did not experience so much kindness; the people were, however, civil, and thankfully accepted books. A shopkeeper prepared them food, as they do for other Hindoos, though he knew they were Christians. On the following day, they went on to Swardgham's village, which was 4 miles distant here they found the people worse than at the two former places, and more hardened, obstinate, and cunning. Swardgham has very extensive relations, who, of course, consider themselves, as Tryloke's relations also do, disgraced by his embracing Christianity. On Saturday, they returned to Chunar, on the whole very thankful for the reception which they met with. This forenoon, Tryloke had an opportunity of making the Gospel known at Sulanpore; and in the afternoon accompanied me to a Pundit's from Benares, who expressed his wish to have an interview; but, as we approached, he seemed influenced by others, and did not appear. On walking through the Bazaar, Tryloke met several respectable men who were desirous of hearing something of Christianity he seems to have satisfied their inquiries.

Dec. 7-This morning, despatched Tryloke in a boat, with books, to several large villages down the river, and to be present at the Annual Bathing about to take place in Benares. He spent all the afternoon at Mirzapore, 4 miles above Benares, in arguing with the chief Devotee, and a very intelligent man of the place. He felt constrained to yield to Tryloke, and, with many others, accepted books.

Three hours the next morning he spent with them; and then went on to Ramnagur, two miles lower down. Here, on reading to the people, he was invited by the Thanadar, who was extremely civil and friendly, after he had heard every thing that Tryloke had to say, against Hindooism and Maho

medanism, and for Christianity. He also read the Tract against Mahomedanism. The man seemed quite won over to him; and begged he would call on his return, and whenever he passed that way. In the evening, he dropped down to Benares; and early next morning, with his books, attended the Fair, and took up his post in the most conspicuous part; where he spent the greater part of the day, in reading, speaking, and distribut ing books.

Dec. 15, 1829-Repeated attacks of fever compelled me to go to Benares; from which I derived benefit. Tryloke soon joined me; and daily visited different parts of the city, to read and distribute books. One day, an old Cuveerite met a person coming towards me. On being informed of it, he said, that he would also come, and refute me, as he had previously done one or two Missionaries. On approaching, they met with Tryloke, reading the Gospels: in high conceit, he asked what he was reading, and seemed to despise book-learning. On being spoken to, he would not allow Tryloke to put in a word. He was questioned as to what he thought of the soul. He asked, "What is the figure of the soul?”

"Do you admit of a soul; or do you not?" Answer this question, and then we shall reply to any that you may propose. He would be informed of the image of the soul, before he would admit the existence of it. He was told, that if he said Yea or Nay to the question, any question he proposed should be answered: but, alas! he was too cunning to give any direct reply, so as to come to a profitable conclusion. This is how these deceivers bewilder simple souls, and draw them away from the point in hand: hence they usually puzzle all who argue with them, as they draw away their adversary, by adding question to question ad infinitum: but being kept to the point, and not being followed through all their mazes, they easily yield the contest, or abruptly break off the discussion, as this poor creature did; who seemed ashamed, and walked off without any ceremony. They are too haughty to bow, or lift up their hands, in a salam to any one; in fact, their atheistical system will not admit of it: they seem really to have convinced themselves that there is no Supreme Being beside themselves. Returned to Chunar on the 24th.

MADRAS AND SOUTH-INDIA MISSION.

THE Venerable Archdeacon of Madras, in the course of his recent Visitation, had an opportunity of personally inspecting all the Society's Stations in Southern India. His remarks on what he witnessed, in each of these fields of labour, are contained in a Letter addressed by him to the Madras Corresponding Committee on the 29th of April, which we have the gratification of laying before our Readers. The

Stations are noticed in the order in which they were visited by the Archdeacon.

CHINGLEPUT.:

Of the small Establishment at Chingleput, under the patronage of the Society, I cannot speak in very favourable terms: but I have no doubt that the removal of the School to the heart of the Native Town, as recommended in my Letter of January the 20th, will greatly tend to increase the number of Scholars, Much good might be expected, if a more

efficient Master could be found:ând if he were willing to employ his leisure time in reading and conversation with the Roman Catholics and Heathen, it might lead to further and more important results. I found 50 Boys in the School, 12 of whom read English very tolerably; but I fear none of them have any knowledge of the meaning. The great kindness of Mr. Paske, in supporting and superintending the School, offers such advantages, that it seems important to take measures for availing ourselves more completely of them, by the employment of a better Masteronomion wbs

MAYAVERAM

On my arrival at Mayaveram, I was grieved to find that our excellent Missionary, Mr. Bärenbruck, was absent; having been compelled, by a severe illness, and the breaking of a blood-vessel, to relinquish for a time all his public duties, and to reside in perfect quiet on the coast. I saw him afterwards, when I visited Negapatam; and the short intercourse I then enjoyed with him made

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me doubly sensible of the value of his services.

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In his absence, I found the Establishment at Mayaveram in excellent order, under the careful and judicious superintendence of John Dewasagayam and Cornelius. The usual Daily Services in the Chapel are continued; and are attended by many of the Christians; and always some Heathen, sometimes many as 40. The morning I spent there, I was struck with the decorum and order observed, by these inquirers, during our Prayers, and their great attention to what was said. I addressed them, according to my usual custom, through the Catechist; and dismissed them with the Blessing.

I examined the SEMINARY; consisting of 24 Boys on the Foundation support ed entirely by the Mission, and 5 Day Scholars. The two First Classes pleased me very much, by their answers to general questions on the Scriptures and the chief truths of Religion. The First Class answered in English; the Second only in Tamul. They read the Bible, Selections from Ecclesiastical History, English and Tamul Grammar, Geogra phy, with other lesser books, and Arithmetic. I was struck also with the excellence of their Singing. I examined the Schools in the immediate neighbourhood, which were collected for that purpose in the Mission House, in reading the New Testament, repetition of Catechisms, and oral instructions. They are all Heathen Children, but all learn our Christian Books without scruple; and their proficiency is fully equal to that of the Schools of any Mission. They are generally very young; and it is observable throughout India, that the talent of the Native Boys, after 12 years of age, bears no proportion to their quickness and do cility before that age. Perhaps the contagion of evil example, upon their moral character, begins at that time to exert its deadening influence upon the under standing. The good state of these Schools is mainly to be attributed to the superior qualities and excellent method of John, who is one of the best Native Assistants in our service. The present Establish ment is as follows one First School Inspector, one Second Inspector, one Assistant Inspector, and Five Readers, who go out to inspect the Schools, visit ing each once a quarter. we I

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The Christian CONGREGATION of Mayaveram consists of 50 souls, with 5 Ca

techumens. The Seminary is in the Mission Compound; and, in the neighbouring country, there is a circle of 30 Schools, divided into three several Districts, South-East, North-East, and West, containing altogether 1508 Children. The Committee are aware that the former Chapel being too small, the Bungalow built for the accommodation of a second Missionary has been altered for the purpose, by pulling down the partition-walls; and will thus now form a very neat and commodious Chapel, quite sufficient for the present numbers. L was struck, generally, with the correct Ecclesiastical character that pervades all Mr. Bärenbruck's arrangements. In the four years that have elapsed since I last visited the Mission, there is a manifest progress towards improvement: and though, still, the number of Converts is but small, yet the leaven diffused through the Country, to a distance of many miles, by the Christian Books and the instruction in the Schools, is silently producing its effect; and the daily MOST ATTENTIVE presence of the Heathens at the Services of the Chapel is most encouraging. The character of Mr. Bärenbruck, also, is highly appreciated by the Natives, Heathen as well as Christian; to whom his successful practice in Medicine has doubtless much endeared him; and who are compelled, after the experience of many years, to reverence the excellence of his life, though they hesi→ tate to embrace his doctrine.

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PALAMCOTTAH.

On the 18th of February, I arrived at Palamcottah, the centre of the Society's Missions in Tinnevelly-the field of greatest promise, and already, in many places, white unto the harvest. My time permitted me to visit but few of the Vil lage Congregations in the District; but I had ample opportunity of seeing the central movements of these wonderful changes which are rapidly taking place in this province, and of forming some judgment of their prospects. I was received with great cordiality by the Rev. Messrs. Rhenius, Schmid, and Winckler; the two former, residing on the Mission Premises, and the latter, having come in from Dohnavoor to meet me.

On the 19th, after joining with the Brethren in the Morning Prayers, I visited the Mission Church, a spacious and cheerful building, but too wide for the length; being 27 feet without pillars.

The arrangement is objectionable; the Vestry being at the east end; and the door opening in the middle, where she Altar should be placed. The Communion Table standing in the body of the Church, before the Clerk's Desk, destroys entirely the Ecclesiastical appearance; which, though a point of order, and therefore of inferior moment when essentials are concerned, is by no means to be neglected. There is a small Gallery at the west end, and a very tolerable Finger Organ. This Chapel was built in 1826; when the humbler one of mud walls, which was insufficient for the Congregation, was abandoned to the Writers &c. I had the gratification of meeting 44 of the Catechists, and many of the Schoolmasters, who had assembled from the country. Considerable numbers, also, of the Christians from the different villages came with them; so that the Church was quite crowded. I have seldom seen a more striking and interesting scene, or one more full of delightful

which were conducted in the following order:

1. An English Hymn and Prayer. 2. Tamul Reading, the lowest Class. 3. English Reading, Grammar, and Translating.-Nallatambi recites, in English, a short description of the Excellency of the Christian Religion.

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4. Latin Reading, Grammar, and Translating.-Luke recites, in Latin, a short passage from Seneca. Logic and Rhetoric, in Tamul Hebrew Reading, Grammar, and Translating.-Sarkunnen, Joseph, and Savarimutten, recite a Dialogue on Genuine Virtue-Dionysius, Pythias, and Damon. 7. Geography and History, in Tamul. -John Rozaris, recites a small Poem about David and Absalom.

8. European Arithmetic. 9. Tamul Grammar.-Nganamuttu and Nganayudam hold a Conversation in Tamul, on the Suttees.

and awful associations, than this assem- 10. Theology.-Abraham concludes with

bly of these Assistant Officers of the Infant Church presented. They had come to the Mother Church, as to the centre of light and knowledge; and were about to return, with fresh vigour, to their respective spheres of humble labours: and who' could tell how much of life or death might depend on the spirit of their instructions and the tenor of their lives! I addressed the Catechists, at some length, on the great duties committed to them; and on their conduct to their Ministers, to themselves, and their people. Mr. Rhenius was kind enough to interpret for me. The Senior Catechist, David, answered me, in the name of the rest, with great feeling and propriety; and all presented me with their offerings of the fruits of the land. I then spoke to the people, with especial reference both to the great privileges they enjoyed in the knowledge of God's Word, and to their persecutions from their Heathen Neigh bours; exhorting them to endure, with patience and cheerfulness, the Cross of our Common Master; and to remember, that if they endured tribulation for His sake, it was in their passage to a Kingdom of Glory. They, too, crowded round me as I left the Church, each one with a fruit to offer me, and with many prayers, expressed by the most aged among them, for God's blessing on my journey.

At 10 o'clock, the Students in the Seminary were assembled for examination;

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an Address, in Tamul, to his Fellow Scholars, on Love.

This occupied us till 2 o'clock. I was disappointed with the Latin and Hebrew; but, still, it is highly creditable in Native Boys, and with the limited means of instruction they have, to have made any proficiency in either language. About 12 of the Boys read and construed a Fable of Æsop in Latin; and three of them read and translated the First Psalm in Hebrew. They have gone through some Chapters of Genesis, and of the First of Samuel. Their knowledge of Arithmetic, Geography, and Ancient History is good; and their answers in Theology, in which I questioned them very closely, were excellent. They are well grounded in the doctrines of the Gospel, and clear and distinct in their views. The Missionaries tell me that some of the Pupils have suffered in their health, from too close application, and the entire change from a life of labour and exposure to one of study and seclusion. One Boy died a short time ago; and they much fear the Eldest Boy, a very superior lad, Surkunnen, is declining from the same cause. The Examination, on the whole, certainly exhibited the most satisfactory proof of the excellence of their system.

In the evening of the same day I visited the Native Congregation in the town of Tinnevelly, about 3 miles dis

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