least large for this country-was altogether unexpected. I could not but regard this circumstance as an opening of divine Providence, by which the Gospel was to be introduced amongst this people. Upon being asked whether they requested us to repeat our visit, this being the first time they had heard what we had to say to them, we were earnestly and unitedly implored to direct their feet to the ways of truth, for that they were now found in the paths of error. We availed ourselves of this opportunity of commencing the regular preaching of the word of God. Once a fortnight they have a sermon, which excites increasing interest. This method of conveying the truth to their minds seems to be better calculated to enlighten their judgments, and secure their affections, than unconnected and loose exhortations. Up to the present time the congregations continue to be large and pleasing. A pretty large bungalow chapel is in course of erection, in which divine service will be conducted regularly and statedly; and thus we confidently hope that this part of the enemy's territories will soon be united to those already conquered by Christianity.

February 11th, 1834.-In company with a pious youth, to whom I have of late paid a little attention, for the purpose of instructing him in the principles of religion, in hopes of his becoming useful in some department of our Mission, I went to Dandagam, to hold a prayer-meeting; between twenty and thirty persons were present. I was forcibly struck with the fervency and length of the young man's prayer: for correctness of sentiment and force of expression, as well as for fervour of feeling, it would have done credit to a Christian of years and experience. But how cold and frigid !-we might have been at the North Pole! Men and women of different ages were present, and heard the youth, only sixteen years of age, pour out his soul to God in fervent and lively prayer, particularly for the conversion of those present. But, alas! they were not in the least awakened to a sense of their obligations to that Being who made them, and apparently not in the least surprised at what they saw and heard. O what hardness of heart! what insensibility! what need have we of the all-powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, even to awaken the slightest degree of concern as to the important subject of Christianity! But I am just reminded, with thankfulness, that that almighty Spirit has lately softened one of the hardest hearts and subdued

one of the most stubborn wills to be found in this neighbourhood. I allude to the singular conversion of a sinner of seventy years of age. Previous to the introduction of our Mission into the village where he resides, he was distinguished for his wickedness, the depravity and vileness of his conduct. Our chapel being situated near his house, he was induced occasionally to attend divine service. His attendance for the last few years has been more regular; notwithstanding which his mind long continued as dark and dreary as the tomb to which he was fast hastening. One day, however, in a long conversation I had with him, Í soon discovered that he had been brought under deep and serious impressions concerning his eternal interests. He disclosed to me his inmost feelings, while the tear of penitence stood fixed in his eyes, but stood not long. He had been unhappy on account of the greatness of his sins for several months; but no one had taken him by the hand to lead him in the right way. He soon united himself with us in church fellowship; since which I have frequently met him at his class, and as frequently seen him in tears while his faltering lips spoke of the goodness of his God and Saviour. This is a theme upon which he delights to dwell. In his experience he generally takes but a passing view of the number and magnitude of his past sins, while he looks with a fixed and steady eye upon the infinite kindness of his Redeemer, who has brought him out of darkness into light.

I cannot conclude better than by laying before you the following brief statement of the means which are in active and regular operation in this Circuit; which will, I trust, serve to show you that our hopes of the permanent establishment of Christianity in this part of the island are not without foundation. In this station, I mean in the immediate vicinity of Negombo, not including those on the Kornegalle station, there are fourteen schools, to the interests of which our attention is directed; they are efficiently superintended. In thirteen of these places, where our schools are established, divine worship is conducted every Sunday, and a prayer-meeting is held in each of these places every week in the houses of the people. Twelve classes are met weekly, principally by the Superintendent and the Assistant, as no private member sustains the office of Leader in this Circuit. We also frequently direct our steps to places where regular service is not as yet commenced.

SINCE my arrival, in the beginning of the year, the divine blessing has rested on every department of our work. Our Singhalese, Portuguese, and English congregations, have been on the increase; so that we have had once more to procure new or additional seats. Upwards of thirty members have been added to the society, principally from the Dutch, Portuguese, and natives. This is encouraging. Our work is very abundant, and more than equal to our strength.

The Friend-in-Need Society, which has opened a new door of usefulness to us, has been formed for the relief of the poor, and to check mendicity; and is the only institution which is supported by all parties. On my arrival here I was requested to accept the office of Secretary; which, as it could not but increase my influence and means of doing good, I readily accepted. The District Judge is the President, and the Agent of Government (the Governor's brother) is the Treasurer, and the Committee is made up of an equal number of English gentlemen and burghers. The pensioners meet every Saturday, at one of our schools, about a mile from the Fort, to receive their weekly pittance; and there these miserable and destitute outcasts hear the Gospel, and are invited to receive its consolations. In the discharge of this duty we have not been without encouragement; for we see not only deep attention on the part of many, but evident feeling in some. Hence the poor have the Gospel preached unto them." The prisoners, in the jail, in general amount to eighty; and I have never seen more attention to divine truth, among a mixed multitude, than they manifest. We supply those who can read with religious tracts, which they receive with much gratitude.

She

husband and seven children, she was enabled to do so in such a way as greatly comforted and supported them. spoke much of the presence of her Saviour, and confidently rejoiced in the certainty of living with him for ever. When she saw her family weeping around, she asked them, "if they wished to keep her from going to Jesus." In this most happy state of mind she closed her eyes on earth, to open them in heaven.

A remarkable case of the conversion of a Roman Catholic I have to notice. A very respectable Singhalese woman, of advanced age, called at brother Poulier's to visit a friend, when our good brother, who is instant "in season and out of season," "entered into conversation with her on the subject of religion; and finding her possessed of a vigorous mind, anxious for inquiry, he entered freely upon the exposure of the unscriptural doctrines of the system in which she had been brought up. She heard with wonder and astonishment; she went to her village, pondering in her heart all the things she had heard, and returned the next month to pursue her inquiries. The result has been, that she has forsaken her errors in doctrine; and, we have reason to believe, given her heart to God. She regularly comes, once a month, upwards of fourteen miles, to appear in the house of God, and to worship in his sanctuary. Some time since, she handed to Mr. Poulier her string of beads, &c., given to her by the Priest, requiring them no longer.

There is much good doing in Ceylon; but the work is slow, though progressive. How very different from its character in other parts of the world, where a nation is born in a day!

It is truly painful to me that I am not equal to more labour. I use the utmost of my strength in taking appointments, and diligently superintend every department of the work. I have, however, an humble hope that the proposed change of climate will be the means, under the divine blessing, of restoring me to my usual vigour and strength. We are glad to hear of brother Hardy's intended return, as he will be in time to take my place. I request an interest in your prayers.

George, dated Jaffna, April 12th, 1834. In the chapel, the Portuguese congrega tion continues, as formerly, large; and the native or Tamul congregation is increasing a little.

We have adopted a system, for the special purpose of ascertaining how the people are disposed towards the Christian religion, in our immediate neighbourhood, and what is its comparative influence. For this purpose, we visit every dwelling; and inquire of its inhabitants, why they do not attend the chapel, what are their views of Christianity, their reasons for continuing heathen; and take notes of any thing remarkable. This procedure has not been unattended with success. Five families, consisting of twelve adults, have resolved to embrace the Christian religion, and have their children baptized. Last Sunday eight of these persons attended the chapel, and we think of admitting them into the class, on trial. This is a cause of gratulation, though we shall rejoice with trembling till we observe they are fully made recipients of Gospel principles, and its germinating influence becomes inwrought in their hearts.

During the Session of the Supreme Court, which was held in January last, more than twenty Brahmins came to the Mission-House, and begged an interview with the Pathereeyahr: their apparent design was to be informed in the doctrines of Christianity. Many of their questions, however, were irrelevant, and could not be solved from its statute-book. The interview lasted about two hours; and, in the end, I furnished them, agreeably to their own request, with parts of the Scriptures.

The influence of the Brahmins is greatly on the decline; and though their opposition to Christianity has not entirely subsided, yet it is scarcely felt. Many of them are so liberal as to receive our exhortations and books with respect, and we hardly ever preach at our out-places without having one or two Brahmins in our congrega. tion.

In my last I informed you of the accession that had just been made to the American Mission at Jaffna of four Missionaries and their wives, and a Physician, who is also married. A few weeks ago their numbers were increased by the arrival of the Rev. Mr. Eckard, to act in conjunction with Mr. Poor in the superintendence of the Battecotte Seminary, and Mr. Minor, printer, and their wives; so that our sister Mission is now quite strong, and we indulge the hope that the Committee will immediately render us more efficient help. We ought at least to have one English Missionary at each of the stations in this District, that is, Jaffna, Point-Pedro, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa; the latter being the most eligible in

Our

the island for Missionary work. American brethren are desirous of extending their borders, and would be glad to occupy the stations, if you do not think of supplying them. I hope the Committee will come to some immediate decision on this point, as there are thousands of souls who have no Gospel Minister, and those which have been gathered into the fold are likely to be scattered without the superintendence of the Shepherd. It would be much better to give up some of our stations to our American brethren, if you do not think of sending us immediate help.

In a former letter I gave the Committee an account of the Monthly Concert held by the Missionaries of this District. Since then, we have revived the Tamul Meeting, or what is now designated, "The Jaffna Missionary Union." These meetings are not only perpetual sources of spiritual consolation, but form also efficient auxiliaries to usefulness, and are the strongest bond of Christian charity among the members of the different Missions.

We have recently formed in Jaffna an Association for the Promotion of Temperance, which is likely to prove, under the divine blessing, influential in counteracting the incalculable evil of intemperance. More than a hundred members have already subscribed their names.

The following melancholy account may not be thought by you altogether unnecessary to be transmitted, as it illustrates in some respects the genius of Heathenism, and the degraded state of its adherents. On December 14th, Aroonasalam Cathereethamby, and his wife Valleammay; the former aged forty-five, and the latter, thirty-two; persons of high caste, and possessed of property to the amount of four thousand rix-dollars, committed suicide. Aroonasalam had been afflicted for five or six months with a consumption, which the Tamul doctors had pronounced incurable. The infatuated man immediately announced his determination publicly to shorten the duration of his sufferings by suicide, though his friends were left to conjecture the mode which he would adopt, as he did not say, whether he would die by hemp, steel, or lead. His wife resolved to act in this tragical affair the part of a faithful Hindoo consort, to die with her husband! They were both strictly devoted to their religion, and on the evening previous to the accomplishment of their purpose were seen at their devotional duties; after which they dressed themselves in their best garments, the woman adorning herself with her bridal jewels, sacred beads, and other

vestments worn on holy days. After propitiating the gods, they committed the horrible deed, and were found dead in the well the next morning, from whence they were taken. Our Tattan schoolmaster was one who descended into the

well to bring up their bodies. They have left a family of two or three children. The woman's fidelity has been greatly applauded by her superstitious neighbours.

My mind has been deeply affected with what I witnessed yesterday; and I cannot refrain from informing you of the cause of that feeling. In the absence of the brethren White and Whiteley, the one being at Waikato, and the other at Wangape, on errands of mercy to the natives, I had to perform the services on this station, when the native chapel was again crowded to excess, and great numbers had to sit outside for want of room, all apparently panting for the word of life; and such was the eager desire manifested to receive instruction in the evening, that they almost trampled upon each other in making their way to the house of God! Some of the worshippers on this occasion had come forty miles to attend the worship, and appeared highly interested in the services. A few years ago only a few obscure individuals attended the means of grace; but now hundreds flock together to hear words by which they may be saved, and every one seems anxious about salvation. Their singing, prayers, attention to their classes, and other ordinances of religion, leave no doubt on our minds as to their sincerity; and for consistency and decorum in the house of God, they are a pattern to many who have enjoyed greater advantages. Praise the Lord, a great and glorious work is going on among this people!

But we

cannot meet their spiritual wants: hundreds are forsaking their foolish customs and practices, and seeking the salvation of their souls. On the above-mentioned occasion a great Chief from Mangamuka, a place about fifteen miles off, assembled with his countrymen, for the first time, to profess his attachment to Christianity; and almost every Sabbath strangers make their appearance who have been invited by their neighbours and friends to forsake their heathenish pursuits, and attend the worship of God. It would gladdent he eyes and cheer the hearts of British

Christians, could they witness the concern manifested by this people for the salvation of their souls; and the cheering sounds of praise and prayer which alternately follow each other in different places, have a solemn and imposing effect, and to a demonstration show, that a happy change has been effected in their minds. It will be remembered, that, at one time, England differed very little from what New-Zealand is now: Chiefs went to war with other Chiefs, and the people perished by thousands, as has been the case in this land. Thank the Lord, this is on the decline; and we hope that ere long, like the inhabitants of Great Britain, this people will become one, united in the bonds of love and friendship! And what will do this? The answer is obvious; The Gospel!—the "Gospel of the blessed God." This proclaims, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will towards men." "God has sent his Son into the world, to teach mankind that all the tribes of the earth are brethren, and that they ought not to hate and destroy, but to love and to do good one to another." And the people of NewZealand are learning this lesson. Hun. dreds listen to the word of God, which he has put into the hearts of his servants to proclaim; and though they laboured with comparatively little success for a long time, yet now a glorious change has taken place, and they are rewarded for all their toil. The brethren of the Church Missionary Society are all actively engaged in various directions, scattering the word of life, and the Lord has owned and blessed their labours: through the instrumentality of that and our own Society, we hope we shall ere long encompass the whole land.

May the Lord supply the means to enabley ou to send forth more labourers into his vineyard!

most universal and great affliction that has prevailed among all classes and colours. Before this can reach you, you may be informed that four labourers in the Church Mission have returned this year in ill health; that another (Mr. E. Gillespie) has died; while nearly all of them have suffered very severely. And can it be supposed that your servants have escaped? No; they too have had the afflicting hand of their heavenly Father laid on them, and pressing them sore.

Since June 8th I have had five regular African fevers, accompanied with severe ague, in the last of which there was but little hope of my surviving a day; but a favourable change taking place, I was well enough in four days to be removed into the sitting-room; but on the following day (to complete this succession of suffering) I was attacked with the cholera, which, in six hours, reduced me to the lowest ebb of life; and no hope was entertained of my recovery. But all things are possible to God. He bringeth low and-raiseth up again.

As soon as I could be removed, I was carried to Charlotte, in the mountains, eight miles from Freetown, where (by the kind permission of the acting Governor) I resided twenty-five days in the Government-house. On the 14th of October I returned to Freetown, much improved in health, and am now well. But why do I think of trifles, when I have other news of far greater importance to communicate,-the long and distressing affliction, and (at present) the hopeless state, of dear brother Clarke? I have already informed you that he was getting better after his first fever; but he has had a relapse, from which he is not likely to

recover.

They would send him to England, but they have no hope that he would live to get on board. His lungs are affected, or rather, nearly decayed. Every means has been tried, but all to no purpose. He was first carried into the mountains, where he resided a fortnight; and ten days after his return from thence, as he grew much worse, we hired a barge, and he was conveyed to the Bananas (islands), which are about thirty-five miles from Freetown; where he resided for about one month with the Rev. E. Jones, Teacher and Manager of that District. On the 20th of October, he returned without receiving benefit, and has since been getting worse. He is, however, very happy in God.

November 1st.-The Doctors have just called, and pronounce him far worse, and declare they have no hope of his restoration; and moreover say, that he is likely to expire suddenly, while he fancies himself better, as he is in the last stage of a decline. O fathers! what is to be done? Am I to expect farther assistance, or am I to struggle alone against all the difficulties of the station, and the increasing care of a growing society?

Surely you will feel and pray for me, and not withhold that advice and assistance so much needed by me in my present situation. I am persuaded you will never want men for this station. But we

fear that our present want will not be soon supplied.

As to the society, there are at present five hundred and seven members, and two hundred and forty-nine on trial; so that there are under our pastoral charge seven hundred and fifty-six persons, besides large and increasing congregations. By a late tornado, Ebenezer chapel was destroyed, which will require increased efforts on our part to rebuild it on a larger scale, and in a more substantial

manner.

We greatly need more help than this colony will supply. If the friends in England knew our state they would not withhold a trifle towards rebuilding these chapels, viz., New-Town West (finished, but in debt), West-End, Congo-Town (a stone building, now in ruins), and Ebenezer (lately destroyed.)

Our schools are on the increase, especially those of Freetown, PortugueseTown, Congo-Town, and Wilberforce; a Report of which I will send as soon as I can get it ready. A separate female school is much needed in Freetown, Wellington, and Wilberforce.

Nov. 6th. As the ship did not sail at the appointed time, I open this letter just to add what you might have expected, that it has pleased Almighty God to release our dear brother Clarke from the miseries of this sinful world. He died on Tuesday, Nov. 4th, and his remains were committed to the grave on the same day. The brethren, May, Peck, Munro, and Clarke, lie side by side. His funeral was attended by at least six hundred per