common particularly among the Brahmins; but I felt that there was some honesty about the man. I asked him how the other Brahmins of his village thought on the subject: to which he replied, that, after his return home last month, he had been in our Tinnevelly School, and spoken with the Brahmin who is Teacher there, whose conversation about Christianity seems to have pleased him: he had afterward told his neighbours of these things, and they also had expressed a desire to have a School. I gave him some books, with directions to get them read in the village, that the people may become well acquainted with what would be taught in the School, and then come again with a proper application from the village. He took the books, and went away rejoicing. Does not the Lord send down His light and His truth? Does He not hear Prayer?

At

David has returned from his tour. Peykoollam he has been enabled to settle the violent disputes between two parties of Brahmins in connection with our village Aasirvaadapooram, which consists of the land given by one of those parties. The head Brahmin of the other party is the same man who was guilty in the burning of our Chapel at Peykoollam: he seemed to hear the admonitions of David with much feeling, and agreed with the rest of his party to make us a present of an additional piece of land for our Native Christians. This they gave immediately in writing, by which our Aasirvaadapooram has been enlarged, the former piece of land being too small for all the settlers. At Tritchendoor the Enemy tries hard to keep the Gospel out of the place; but I trust it will be in vain. They are very much opposed to the Establishment of a Tamul School there, fearing that it will happen to Tritchendoor as it has to Tinnevellyfirst a School, and then Preaching, and then a Congregation and a Church. David was rather afraid to urge the subject, when he saw the state of mind of certain persons: he even feared to have a Prayer-Meeting there with a few Native Christians that had come thither on business; but the Lord encouraged him remarkably, by the words which he spoke to St. Paul, Fear not Paul, &c.

These Idol-Temples have amazing riches. In each Temple there are three hidden places, where they deposit the various gifts of jewels, rich silk, stuff,

&c. from time immemorial, and there they lie useless: indeed, many things perish by age. The oldest place or hole is already filled, and never opened. They say that this cannot be done, as the Devil has possession of it. Notwithstanding these riches, the Temples still receive, annually, fresh money from Government, for their Feasts &c. These riches, of course, serve the Brahmins, and are the source of many quarrels among them.

The Coilsegarajealnum (Idol-Tax) has, at length, been struck off by the Collector from the accounts, and the people are left to pay it or not: so the Native Christians will be free from it. Thanks be to God!

May 29, 1829-A Moorman came to day and asked for the Scriptures, and for such other books as will shew him the nature of Mahomedanism. He is from Pettah, where his son is a scholar in our School. He expressed himself much pleased with the good instruction which his boy receives there. I gave him some books, after I had had a long conversation with him about Mahomed: he seemed to be not far from the Kingdom of Heaven. He is a merchant, and appears to have been benefited by his boy.

May 30-The Catechists assembled: this evening was the Missionary PrayerMeeting, and we had the pleasure to hear of the progress of the Good Cause in the country.

June 3-We have had to settle two or three cases of discord between the Catechists and their Congregations, but none of a serious nature. Several Congregations have increased in number. This evening we had the Lord's Supper together; after which, the Catechists were dismissed to their respective Stations. The Tracts continue to be very useful auxiliaries.

June 6-The Edeiyenkoollam business has at last been settled, in favour of our people. I felt thankful to the Lord for having thus confounded the wicked in their machinations. The enemies of our people have certainly spared nothing that malice, craft, and money could effect, to pervert justice: but they have failed; and all their premature boastings have been cast to the ground. They are now, I hear, filled with shame and anger, and consulting whether they should not appeal to the Higher Court, and thus vex our people still more.

exhortations to the people, as opportunity offered. In the evening we had a large Congregation together for Prayer, at which I expounded to them some parts of the First and Second Chapter of the 1st Epistle of St. John: the Roman-Catholic deceits were particularly treated of. It was half-past eleven when we separated.

June 11-Early this morning we rode to Eilandapooram, about four miles north of this place. Our small Congregation here is still in great difficulties about a Place of Worship; the owner of the village, a Modelliar of Tinnevelly, refusing even a small piece of land for the purpose. This man lately bought a horse for himself, and, in order to pay it, he taxed the people with it: our people objected to it; but I advised them rather to pay him something, than to enrage him still further this I hear they have done. There was no other place where we could assemble, but a small choultry, where the Rope-dancers have taken up their abode lately. The place was filled with all sorts of people, including our people, Roman Catholics, Heathen, and Moormen. I was obliged to give a sharp address to those Jugglers: these wretched deceivers think that this is their hereditary business, and that they cannot otherwise obtain a livelihood. The Roman Catholics seemed to be impressed by what they heard.

Visit to some of the Congregations. June 10, 1829-Last night I left Palamcottah, on a tour to the North and West. We arrived this morning at Pannekoollam, where Moottoosamy instructs the formerly Roman-Catholic Congregation. As we have not yet any Places of Worship in these parts, Mr. Stokes was so kind as to send his tent thither; which was not only comfortable, but useful to me, as it served for a Church during my stay there. With a few exceptions, the whole village consists of Roman-Catholic Soodrasabout forty families, 28 of whom have joined our Church. In the morning, I had Prayer with them; when I exhorted them from Create in me a clean heart, O God! &c. Mr. Coombes, who accompanies me, was, during the day, busy with our School there. . They afterward came together in the tent; when I was glad to find several fine boys who had made good progress in Religious Knowledge. To those who read best, I gave, as a reward, each, a copy of Andrew Dunn, in Tamul; which has lately been printed by the Madras Tract Society, and which arrived just in time for the journey. The Boys chose a book in preference to money. The Miraskaren of the village, a Heathen Soodra, is almost a Christian. I had conversations, during the day, with various people from other villages among others, Catechist Jacob came from Eilandapooram, who related, that, in several places hereabout, the Word of God is well listened to by many Heathens; so that there is strong hope of a rich harvest in these parts, after more seed shall have been sown. At some distance, at a place eastward, the Eeloovers, who are distillers, weavers, and physicians, have, for some time past, been in the habit of coming together, to administer medicines to sick people, as a charity, in obedience to their Shastersto obtain heaven thereby; on which occasions they read their native stories. Once, one of our Eilandapooram People listened to them; and then told them, that if they would read the books which the Catechist in his village has, they would profit more. The Headman then immediately wrote to Jacob, requesting him to send some books, which he accordingly did. To-day, Jacob received another note from the same people, telling him that they were very well pleased with those books, and requesting more, which he has sent to them. Toward the evening, we went about the streets giving

Our Congregation here consists of 7 Families, of the Ritti or Gentoo Caste; or rather, only of 7 men, as most of the wives are still very backward to learn the Way of Salvation; however they often hear it, as Jacob is obliged to instruct them in their houses: some of those men, at least, belong to the excellent of the earth. After Prayer, we returned to Pannikoolam. Here I had again conversations with various persons. The Eilandapooram men also came with Jacob, and asked for Baptism; likewise an aged Maraver from a neighbouring village, who was converted some time ago, and is very diligent in reading the books which I gave him once in Palamcottah, both to himself and to others. I was much pleased with him: Christ is all in all to him; so He is also to several of the Eilandapooram People. Ramasamy Ritti, in particular, seems to be strong in faith in all their troubles and doings, he refers always to Christ, and waits for His help. Having examined them, and satisfied myself as to the state

of their minds, I resolved on baptizing those who gave me that satisfaction, together with a few Children of the Pannekoollam People. A large Congregation assembled in the evening, including Heathen, though it was late. The Heathen Miraskaren also was present: 4 Adults and 3 Children were received into the Church by Baptism: it was nearly midnight when we finished: the Lord was with us a good feeling, it seems, was spread among all. The Miraskaren expressed himself much pleased, and said that he would always attend Prayer. Whilst I was preparing to leave the place, after midnight, a cultivator of the land, a Maraver, from Vanarapetty, a village near Coilpetty, about 20 miles further north, on the road to Madura, came, and said that he and his people also wished to become Christians. has been here these four days on a visit to his relations; and what he has seen and heard, yesterday and to-day, seems to have determined him. I told Jacob and Moottoosamy to pay a visit to the place, and then set out.

He

June 12, 1829-We arrived early at Ookramkotei. Here is a Congregation of the Tanjore Mission: they were formerly Pallers and Roman Catholics; but they have now a good deal of knowledge of the Word of God, and abide stedfast in it, notwithstanding many troubles. Their little Chapel was soon filled on my arrival, when I spoke to them on Isaiah xli. 10: their answers, on the whole, pleased me; only they did not yet seem to understand the peculiar privilege of the Gospel, viz. that Christ can save to the uttermost all that come to God by Him; that He is a daily Saviour: for they meant, that He would indeed forgive their sins many times, but not until the end; and as they daily fail short of holiness, they thought that, after all, they should perish. I endeavoured to give them a clearer understanding on the subject. In the afternoon, 3 Roman Catholics came, and asked leave to join the Congregation, as they could no longer abide in the Roman Church. One of them is the aged father of Michael, our Catechist, who will greatly rejoice at this news a Heathen Soodra also made a similar request: two other Heathens asked for books.

Toward evening I paid a visit to the Soodra Village, and had an interesting conversation with the people on Religious Subjects: they were glad of the Tracts

I gave them: they said that one half of their idolatrous mind was changed, on which account, also, they had not gone to the great Feast in Tinnevelly, now going on there. May God change their hearts entirely! In the evening, the Congregation was assembled, to whom I preached on 2 Corinthians, V. 14, 15. The comforts derived from the death of our Saviour are not yet enjoyed by them. May the Holy Spirit apply them to their hearts, that they may go on their way rejoicing!

June 13-We arrived in the morning at Alankoollam. Here are no Christians; only Tracts have been distributed from time to time. During the day, Mr. Coombes went out among the people with Tracts, accompanied by one of our Native Brethren. A crowd heard him read a pretty long Tract on Idolatry; but they appeared evidently averse to the Truth, and afraid to take Tracts: only one man ventured on one. place is on the road to Courtallum.

This

In the afternoon we proceeded to Kanabadinadinoor, where is old Catechist Rayappen: this is about ten miles from Courtallum. The season is cool, and, at nights, often cold: but the wind is, as usual in these months, very high and disagreeable. The Congregation here increases slowly; and has to encounter much opposition from the Headmen, by which others are deterred from joining the Congregation. In the evening 10 men and 7 women, besides children and Heathen People, came together, to whom I delivered a short discourse about our love to God and our neighbours. Their hearts seem to be engaged in the matter; but they acknowledged that they are still far from practising that love. Before this, I had a conversation with a group of Heathen under Palmyras, who seemed to treat Religion lightly. In a conversation with a little Boy of the School, Rayappin's Son, I had much pleasure to perceive that he is thoughtful about himself, and that the father is diligent in early instilling Religious Truths into the minds of his children.

June 14-After Morning Prayer, the people assembled at noon for Divine Worship: many Heathen were present, who shewed much hardness of heart: some, however, admitted the Truth, and there is hope that the Congregation will increase. Toward evening, I went about in this and the neighbouring villages. and exhorted the Headmen and others to

repentance. In the evening, the Congregation was addressed to be faithful unto death; and comforted by the promise, Behold! I will bring it health and cure. The high winds here, together with the noise of the Palmyra-leaves over our head, make preaching and hearing rather difficult.

An aged Heathen man here, the fatherin-law of one of our people, has often been exhorted, by his daughter and the rest, to leave his Idols and to turn to the Living God; but he was stout in refusing, and even opposed the Christians. Latterly, he has been trying his Swamy, whether he is really a Swamy or not; setting various eatables before him; and charging him to eat; and to give him an answer by means of the lizard, to whose voice most Hindoos pay very superstitious regard. He fixed on eight days for the trial, during which time he often went to hear; but the Swamy did neither eat nor speak: so he has threatened to leave him, and become a Christian. The people here are poor, and must labour hard for their livelihood.

June 15, 1829-Early this morning we arrived at Kadeiyam, the place where our people have for many months been very much ill-treated by Pandiyan Taleiven: Michael Pilley is labouring here. In the morning, I had Prayer with them at their former Idol-Temple; before which they have erected a Pandal, where Michael keeps school also. The two principal Idols of clay are still standing in their place. As our people are few, and rather unsettled, they have refrained from destroying them, as the interested Heathen might raise a clamour against it: but even the Heathen do not worship them now. I advised them by all means to let them stand, until they are all agreed*. In the forenoon, some of our people assembled for examination: many Heathen were present: I found the people better than the report of the Catechist led me to expect. Two of them knew nothing of the Catechism; but most of them had made progress in it: one man, in particular, seems to have his whole heart engaged in the Truth of God. The Headman knew nearly nothing: but I must make some allowance for him and the rest, because of the troubles they have been in: the former was several months in prison, through the wickedness

*These Idols have since been destroyed.

of Pandiyan. Their wives do not attend to the instructions at all: they fear to be despised of the Heathen. All is but at the beginning here: it is a populous place, and we may hope to have a rich harvest. Toward evening, I rode about in the village, and made several addresses to large crowds of people. The Shanar inhabitants alone are about 1000 souls. I was just going to visit the Soodra part, when rain drove me back : one of the Preparandi, who is with me, told me that he had been among the Soodras; who had said, that if I but allowed them to smear holy ashes on their foreheads they would come to be instructed. In the evening, late, the Congregation came again together, and, after various conversations about their present state, I exhorted them from 1 Peter ii. 10. Five new persons had come forward to subscribe their names; but we deferred it till to-morrow. May the Lord be pleased to touch the hearts of all with His powerful grace, that they may be hold His Glory, and find salvation in Him!

June 16-This morning, rode over to Kaliyanipooram, where old Ignatius has the care of a small Congregation, whose members are scattered in different Hamlets: they lie in a large valley formed by mountains. In this season it is pleasant and romantic; but at other times it must be tremendously hot. I do not wonder that none of our Catechists from other quarters can endure here: even the inhabitants themselves are greatly troubled with sickness. The Congregation consists of several RomanCatholic Families, and a few Heathen. They have no Prayer-House yet. I stayed at the Headman's house, who is sick, and probably not far from his end: however, he could attend the Meeting. They had not much advanced in Divine Knowledge; there may, possibly, be more faith in them than appears to our view. I exhorted them on the way of Peace and Salvation, through faith in Christ Crucified; and made some arrangements about their assembling together on Sundays. On our return, I stopped for a time in the Soodra Street of Kadeiyam, where a Brahmin would nearly maintain that the Brahmins were the gods of the other people—an old tale, which is now seldom heard; but the bystanding Soodras heartily laughed at him. In the evening, the Congregation was

once more together; and, with them, 15 householders, who requested to join them, and to give their signatures. I expected some, but not so many; and, therefore, was the more gratified. I examined them minutely as to their motives, and found reason to believe that they are excited to it, if not altogether, yet in a great measure, by a desire to walk in the true road to Heaven. I think the discourse this noon, about the cure and health of the soul, has been blessed to them. Having once more explained to them the Gospel, and advised them by all means still to wait with their signatures if they are not yet fully res solved in the matter or have other motives than they ought to have, I took their signatures, and they made them cheerfully afterward we prayed, when they were recommended, together with the rest, to the gracious keeping of our Covenant-God. The most promising disposition seemed to prevail. There are now, therefore, 25 Families, among the 100 Shanar Families, professing Christianity in this place.

Immediately after this, I set out for Kalladeikooritchy. On the road, I stopped at Pallavasel, or Pottelpultur, where a Family belonging to our Congregation

was waiting for me, (though it was halfpast 10 o'clock, and the wind was high,) in order to hear still a few words of exhortation. The husband was this noon in Kadeiyam, but his wife could not come so far; and therefore they requested the interview. We sat down under a tree in the street, the moon shining pleasantly upon us, and spent half-an-hour in conversation and prayer, particularly for this large place, in which, as far as I know, only this one family serves God. The woman seemed greatly to feel the blessing of the Gospel, and to rejoice in it. She knew a portion of the Catechism, as did also her little girl. They were formerly Roman Catholics, and not in poor circumstances, though the husband is afflicted with sickness. I was much pleased with the interview, and went on my way rejoicing. The road was very rocky and troublesome. At last, coming to a river, we found it so much filled with fresh water from the mountains, that it was dangerous to pass: we waited, therefore, till daylight. Ambasamuttiram is on one side, and Kalladeikooritchy on the other side of this river: both are large towns. (To be continued.)

AT a Meeting of the Committee, held at the Society's House on the 1st instant, the Hon. and Rev. G. T. Noel in the Chair, the Instructions of the Committee

were delivered to the Rev. Joseph Marsh, on occasion of his departure to Madras. Mr. Marsh has been appointed to the charge of the Seminary, formerly under the care of the Rev. William Sawyer. The Committee trust that, under the blessing of God, this Establishment may be the means of preparing the moreadvanced and promising Native Students to become Missionaries to their Country

men.

A few words of counsel and encouragement were addressed to Mr. Marsh by Mr. Noel; and he was commended in prayer to the favour and protection of Almighty God, by the Rev. Daniel Wilson. Mr. Marsh proceeded to Portsmouth on the 20th instant, to embark on board the "Lord William Bentinck," Capt. Hutchinson.

PROCEEDINGS OF ASSOCIATIONS.

The Rev. James Haldane Stewart kindly accompanied the Society's representatives on the Northernmost Journey, and assisted at the Anniversary Meetings of the various Associations.

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Durham-March14: Sermon by Rev.B. Ward, at Barnard Castle: Coll. 51, 4s. 3d. -March 18: Meeting at Barnard Castle; Rev. J. Davidson, Chairman: Coll. 67. 12s. 5d. March 19: Meeting at Darlington; Rev. J. Carr, Chairman : Coll. 127. 11s. 8d.-March 21: Sermons by Rev. J. H. Stewart, at Durham; Morning, at St. Oswald's, Coll. 51. 3s. 7d.; Evening, at St. Nicolas', Coll. 57, 6s. 5d.: by the Rev. B. Ward in the Evening, at Sunderland Chapel; Coll. 67. 12s. 11d.: by Rev. N. Hollingsworth, Morning, at Monk-Wearmouth; Coll. 51. 6s. 2d. : by Rev. T. Woodrooffe, Morning, at