must be stopped; and the Natives will remain in darkness. But we confidently trust it will not come to this, and that our humble but earnest and urgent call and solicitation will reach the hearts of all the Ladies and Gentlemen of India. They have learnt, from the Gospel, to be benevolent: let their love and gratitude to Christ constrain them. He expects this sacrifice from them. Let them look to the simple, but immensely important, object which we have in view-and for which alone we have come out to this Country-and which alone is worth living for in this dreary land: let them reflect upon the success, which, by Divine Grace, has already followed the Preaching of the Gospel in these parts: let them view the prospect of complete success, because we have the command and promises of God Himself on our side: let them be mindful of the necessity there is of steadily going on, not only to ensure that complete success, but also not to lose the ground which we have already gained: -then it will be impossible for them to

withhold their aid. Were each Lady or Gentleman to devote but Two Rupees Monthly for this Mission, we should be without apprehension, for a long while to come; and be able to answer every call for instruction in the Word of Life.

Who is sufficient for these things? exclaimed the Great Apostle, when contemplating the awfully glorious work of the Ministry. Our sufficiency is of God. He must enable us to fulfil the same, and render His Word effectual in the hearts of sinners. We entreat, therefore, that, in addition to pecuniary aid, fervent Prayer to the Giver of all good gifts, also, be offered up, by all who love the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He will grant us the needful wisdom, health, and strength, to go on stedfastly, immoveably, and always abounding in the work of the Lord; and to the people, the hearing ear and the understanding heart, to become duly converted to God in Christ, and heirs of everlasting life! May we all work while it is day : the night cometh, when no man can work.

A FULL account of the Society's Proceedings in Ceylon was given at pp. 172-179 of our present Volume. From more recent communications, we select various details in connection with three of the Stations -Cotta, Kandy, and Baddagame.

COTTA.

Of the SCHOOLS, Mr. Selkirk writesThe attendance at our Schools in general has improved little since my former Letter. Some of the Masters deserve great praise; for they take much pains, and have their Schools filled with Children whose improvement is satisfactory. It is almost impossible to make some others among them attend to their duty. The numbers are few; the lessons few also, and not well said; and the average attendance low. Hence it is, that some of them, receive, monthly, nearly three times as much salary as others. One School, that has been established about six years, has been discontinued from the end of last month; not, however, from any fault in the Master, for he is one of our best Teachers, but entirely from the fault of the Children's Parents. He is now building another School, in a village adjoining; which will be opened next month, with between 40 and 50 Children.

We intend at the beginning of next month, also, to introduce Arithmetic into the Schools. We have never taught it yet, except at the English School. For a few weeks, we have had the Masters at Cotta twice a-week, to initiate them into the method which we think will be most likely to give the Children a knowledge of the First Principles of Arithmetic. This will be all that we shall attempt in this way at present; and it will only be taught to those Boys who are so forward in their learning as to be able to read the New Testament with ease and readiness.

The English School, has, I think, improved a little during the last two months, since we excluded several of those whose attendance had been most irregular. The number of names, though reduced to below 20, has now reached 27, with an average attendance of 15 for the last month.

An Edition of the Coinmon-Prayer Book in Cingalese some time ago. passed through the PRESS, and a se cond has been undertaken: in reference to this, Mr. Selkirk states:We are re proceeding with printing the Prayer Book: many alterations have been made in different parts of it; and it will be much more complete than the" former Edition, as it contains the Epistles

and Gospels in full, and the Psalms and Articles, which were not in the former. About 40 pages are already printed, which go as far as the Collect for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany.

Circular Address to the Natives near Cotta.

The Missionaries have been accustomed to send out an Annual Address to the Inhabitants of the Villages in the neighbourhood of Cotta. The Fourth Address was drawn up by Mr. Selkirk, a copy of which we subjoin, to the Inhabitants of Cotta, Nawala, Pagoda, Pannikkamulla, Gangoda, Mirihani, Bewila, Dommeladinya, Nugagoda, Papilyane, and Yakbadda.

Dear Friends

This is written and sent to you by one who much desires and prays and labours for the salvation of your souls; and whose chief object in writing it is, to prove to you that you are sinners, and therefore stand in need of a Saviour; and to shew you, that no one is able to save you but Jesus Christ.

The chief excellence of the Christian Religion, and that which proves it to be a Revelation from Heaven, is, that it provides a Saviour suitable to the wants of all mankind. There are many different Religions in the world; there are many different Religions even in this Island; but in none of them, except in the Christian Religion, is there made known a Saviour for sinners. Were mankind not sinners, they would not require a Saviour, as they would then be able to save themselves; but as it is a truth, which no man in his senses can deny, that all men of every caste and of every colour are sinners, therefore a Saviour is required, who is able and willing to save them. I need only appeal to yourselves, and ask you whether you are not sinners, and you will every one answer "Yes, we are all sinners; we have lone what is wrong, and have omitted to do what is right. Your own consciences oblige you to confess this truth: and by saying that you ou are sinners, you, as it were, say that you have no ability to save your selves, and that unless you are saved by means of another you must give up all hope and expectation of salvation, If I refer you to the Sacred Scriptures, which are now in the houses of many of you, being brought there by your Children, who are taught to read them at the

Schools, you will find, in innumerable places, the same thing asserted, to the truth of which your own consciences and your daily experience witness; viz. that you are sinners. I will mention a few, that you may see that what I say is In really contained in God's Book.

1 Kings viii. 46, it is said, There is no man that sinneth not. In Prov. xx. 9, it is said, Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? In Eccles. vii. 20, it is said, There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth In Rom. iii. 9-18, it is shewn, that

not.

Jews and Gentiles are all under sin:

and in ver. 23, it is said, All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

In Rom. v. 12, it is said, As by one man

sin entered into the world, and death by sin, so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. In James iii. 3, it is said, In many things we offend all. In 1 John i. 8, it is said, If we say that we have no sin, the truth is not in us: and at ver. 19, The whole world lieth in wickedness. These passages out of the Word of God are sufficient to prove to you that you and all mankind are sinners.

If you want other proof of the same fact from experience, it is very easy to find it. Look at Little Children. You' see the beginnings of wickedness in them; which wickedness arises not from their imitating others, but is the natural produce of a wicked heart, and an evil nature, inherent in them all. Are they not fond of cheating you, of quarrelling one with another, of using bad words, of telling lies, and of disobeying the just and lawful commands of their parents ? Again, look at your neighbours, and see the sins which they commit: some are drunkards, others are profane swearers, others are covetous, others are liars, others are quarrelsome, hateful and hating one another; and ALL are daily breaking God's commands. Whence do these things spring, but from that sinful nature which is in them.

Besides, what are all the Arrack Taverns in the Villages around, but places set up and opened by wicked men, to sell poison to ruin both the bodies and souls of men; who are so far led away by their depraved lusts and passions, as to give themselves up to the dominion of the Devil, and to do his work? They are not places opened for the accommodation and comfort of travellers, but where idle people of the village collect, to gamble-to lose their

money, which ought to go to the support of their families and children, their fathers and mothers; to idle away their time; to entice others to do the same; to get drunk; to disturb the quiet and orderly people of the neighbourhood; and to encourage each other in the disobedience of all laws, both human and Divine. Is it not evident, from such conduct, that men are sinners ?

What, again, are all the Heathenish Buddhist Temples, that are erected in almost every Village around, but places opened to cheat poor sinners, led captive by the Devil at his will, of their precious time, their money, their goods, and-what is of much greater consequence of their immortal souls ? And what are all the Feasts that are, at different seasons of the year, celebrated there, with great pomp and ceremony, but instruments made use of by the same wicked spirit, to keep the eyes of his votaries fast closed against the admission of that Heavenly Truth which would shine into their hearts, were they to attend those places where the glorious Gospel of the Blessed God is proclaimed? And what are all the wicked and cruel sports that you indulge in, particularly cock-fighting, but so many proofs, to your heathen neighbours, and to all men, that the mild and gentle Religion of Jesus Christ, which you say you believe in, is not only disregarded by you, but that you have not even learned the first principles of it-kindness and compassion, and that you are still in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity? Does not this, also, shew you that men are sinners?

Again-What are all the offerings which the people of this Country make at the Temples; the ablutions which they practise; the pilgrimages which they undertake; the tortures which they inflict on themselves; the money which they spend; and the pains which they take in fulfilling vows; but so many strong proofs that THEY CONSIDER THEMSELVES SINNERS, and are in ignorance of the way in which their sins may be pardoned? Let me entreat you all, who read these words, to reflect upon them; and then to say, whether you do not consider those to be sinners, who practise such things. And let me entreat you further, instead of saying that the sins here enumerated belong to others and not to yourselves, particularly to look into your own hearts, where you will find the root of all the sins which have now been mentioned. After having

t

As these things, now mentioned to shew you that you are sinners, also prove to you your need of a Saviour, I will therefore now go on to tell you, in a few words, that there is a Saviour, Jesus Christ, provided by Almighty God for the salvation of mankind-that this Saviour came into the world for this very purpose-and that He is able to save every one of you, and every one else who believes in, and loves, and obeys Him, from the eternal punishment of Hell, which is the penalty due to their sins.

At

Jesus Christ came into this world at the time which had been long before appointed by Almighty God, and when all mankind were expecting Him. that time, when men knew, by long experience, that, with all their learning and after all the knowledge which they possessed concerning worldly things, they could not discover any method for delivering men's souls, Jesus Christ appeared in the world for the purpose: and, in order to prove to men that He was sent from God to teach them the True Religion, He had the power of working miracles; that is, of healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, giving hearing to the deaf and sight to the blind, and even raising the dead to life. And that He did perform all these miracles, is evident; as it is recorded, not only in our Christian Books, but in the Books of many Ancient Writers, many of whom were enemies to Christianity, and therefore would not have inserted such things had they not been so assured of the truth of them as not to be able to deny them. In the Christian Books alone then, are we to look for the true way in which the souls of men are to be saved; and that true way, of which I am now going to speak to you, is by a firm and stedfast faith in Christ Jesus, and a life of devoted obedience to His commands. bis

I have shewn you, that you are sinhers, and, as such, deserving of punish

ment, Though this be true, yet Almighty God, who is abundantly gracious and merciful, does not wish to punish you, but rather that you would turn from your wickedness, and live. And, in order to cause you to turn from your wickedness, He has had so much compassion on you, that He has sent His Son into the world to take human nature on Him, and in that nature to fulfil the holy and righteous Law of God; and, moreover, to offer Himself up to a shameful and painful death upon the Cross, there to make a full, perfect, and sufficient atonement and satisfaction, not for your sins only, but for the sins of the whole world. Those, therefore, that believe on Him will receive benefit from Him; that is, their sins will be blotted out, and they shall not perish, but have eternal life. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners-to ransom them from destruction and eternal death: He has laid down His own life, and given up Himself to death. And when He had suffered death upon the Cross, and had been buried, He rose the third day from the dead; by which act He shewed, that sin was atoned for, and that the Kingdom of Heaven was now opened to all Believers. He afterwards ascended up into heaven, in the sight of His Disciples and Apostles; and there He now sits and reigns, and administers the affairs of the world, and particularly of His Church and People. He is exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to sinners. He is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by Him, as He ever liveth to make intercession for them. He is the Mediator between God and man through Him the prayers of His people ascend to God; and through Him the blessings which God gives to

to you, and that nothing may be wanting to your salvation, He has given you His own most Holy Word, in which is made known all His will, and all your duty. This, if you procure it and read, will be a light to enlighten your path, and to comfort your hearts in this dark and wicked world. In it you are fully shewn the Way of Life: and God has promised, that He will give His Holy Spirit, to enlighten the minds of those who ask Him, and to cause them not only to understand aright the doctrines that are therein contained, but to make them obey its directions, to avoid the things that are there taught to be wrong, and to practise the things which they are there told to be right and well-pleasing to God and beneficial to man. Now, can any man require more from God than this? He has not even spared His own Son, but given Him up for us all: and, by His death, every Believer obtains those two things which are absolutely necessary for every one to possess before he can be admitted into heaven, that is, pardon of sin, and holiness. These two things, great and valuable and beneficial as they are, are the gift, the free gift of God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Without pardon of sin you cannot be holy and without holiness you cannot see God, or go to heaven. Through the merits of Jesus Christ sin is pardoned; and by the influence of God's Holy Spirit the heart is made holy and no man can enjoy peace of mind here, or can die with comfort and hope, who does not possess these two things. They cannot be obtained from any but God. They are not given by God to any one else than to the sinner, who, despairing of salvation from himself or his own works, casts himself entirely on the mercy of

from the sight of our bodily eyes, yet He is present with us in Spirit; and will be so always, even unto the end of the world. All things are given into His hand. He has all power in heaven and earth. He is King of kings and Lord of Lords. He is Head over all things to His Church. And thus, having a Name that is above every name, and having power greater than that of any creature, He will reign, till all His enemies are put under His feet, and till His Religion is spread, and His Name is known and loved and adored, from one end of the earth to the other.

R ov od „noy were eval I And, as a further proof of God's love [RECORD, Dec. 1830.]

When a child has offended his father, he is not happy, till he has obtained forgiveness. Now, every one of you has offended God, your Holy Father not once, but innumerable times; and if you know the state of your own heart aright, and believe that Almighty God has power to punish those that break His commands, as long as you live without imploring and obtaining forgiveness from Him you are in a state of misery and danger, and can You enjoy no peace. Why? Because there is no peace to the wicked, saith the Word of God; and the wicked are like the troubled sea, whose waters cast up nure, and dirt. The remembrance of your sins will be like a great weight 2 N

fastened to you, and, unless repented of and forgiven, will bring you to destruction, both of body and soul, in Hell, I trust that you will receive in good part, and pay great attention to, the few admonitions that are contained in this Paper. It is because I desire your eternal good that they are written and given to you. If, from what has been said, the Christian Religion appears to you suitable to your circumstances as sinners, and if the Saviour of sinners that I have now told you about is worthy of your acceptance, determine to receive that Religion, and to believe in and love that Saviour, let thé consequences be what they may. Be not afraid, if you really repent of your sins, and are really persuaded that none but Jesus Christ can save you, to acknowledge that, whatever men may say or do to you. Your wicked neighbours or former evil companions might, perhaps, deride you; but what are the scoffs and derision of man, who is but a worm, compared with the favour and blessing of Almighty God, who has power not only to kill the body but to destroy both body and soul in hell? You are all hastening very fast towards the grave. One year passes on very quickly after another; and soon, perhaps sooner than many of you may think, you may be called by Almighty God, to leave this world, and to go into eternity. After death is the Judgment; when God will call every one of you before His Judgment-seat, and consign you, either to a place of endless happiness in Heaven, or to a place of endless misery in Hell. Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation: while your time is mercifully lengthened out to you, begin to consider the things that relate to the salvation of your souls, before they are for ever hid from your eyes. This life is short and uncertain; but though it is so, on the use you make of it depends your eternal state of misery or happiness. Be wise, then, in time; and put not off inquiring about Religion and the Way of Salvation, till you are lying on a sick-bed, or are going to die. Inquire about these things now, while you are in health; in order that, when you are in sickness or at the point of death, you may have nothing of this kind to distress your mind.

Dear friends, I wish you to consider these things carefully. Talk of them to your neighbours, your wives, your children, your relations, or to your friends. Make inquiries one of another about these

things, and try to understand them. They are very important for you to understand and to know: they are not vain things, or unprofitable to you. Your present happiness and your eternal blessedness depend on your right conceptions of the two things that have here been briefly brought before your eyes; namely, your condition as sinners, and the power of Jesus Christ to save you. Endeavour to recollect these two things. May Almighty God, of His great goodness, lead you to a complete knowledge of your own sinfulness, and of the power and willingness of Jesus Christ our Lord to save you!

Extracts from the Journal of the Rev.

:

J. Selkirk.

July 1, 1829-Went this evening, accompanied by Br. Lambrick, to the Buddhist Temple it had been a high day among them, and more ceremonies were to take place. Soon after we arrived, a multitude of people, who had marched in procession through the village, came up, preceded by banners, and men dressed like soldiers, with swords and caps and guns, and accompanied by tomtoms, dancers, &c. Having come to the Compound before the Temple, the dancing commenced, and lasted for some time; during which, every now and then, the soldiers fired their guns, and fireworks were exhibited. A sort of large Image, which was brought before the procession, was carried into the Banna Madua, and laid down very carefully. The Banna Madua is the place where the Priests read the Banna: it is very capacious, and was nearly filled with women and children; the males being all on the outside, witnessing the danc ing, &c. The reading of the Banna soon commenced; four Priests taking it in turns. It would continue till day-light of the following morning, without interruption, except the shouts of the people crying "Sadu! Sadu !"-" Glorious! Glorious!" We stayed very late among them, but had no opportunity of speaking to the Priests. Nearly 200 Tracts were distributed among the people, by some of our Schoolmasters. The Banna read by the Priests was in Pali; of course, quite unintelligible to all the people; and it was not interpreted, as it usually is. When it was time for the people to call out "Sadu," the Priests were obliged to remind them of it, and

',