of them is on the point of visiting the Chief of the Zoulas. Brother Roland, not finding sufficient work at Motito, has thought it to be his duty to quit that station, and lay the foundation of a new Mission between Caledon and Morijah, which he calls Beersheba. There are already assembled there a number of people. The country belongs to Moschesch, who is well disposed towards Missionaries. The work of Pelissier, at Caledon, prospers, so that he requires help. He has three natives who are candidates for baptism, one of whom, who is remarkable for his knowledge of the Gospel, is the presumptive heir of the King of the country. Bisseux, of Wagenmakers-Valley has baptized four Hottentot slaves, and he hopes soon to baptize more. The Rev. Mark Wilks spoke again of the wants of France, not of money, but of workmen. He made a powerful appeal, especially to the Vaudois Ministers. France, in her spiritual poverty, has founded five Missionary stations in Africa: cannot, then, the Canton de Vaud, which is so rich, spare, of its abundance, a few Ministers to France?

The

M. Hoffmann, Evangelist of Châlons, answered to this appeal. The work which has begun in France has the greatest need of support. The servants of Christ now in the work are insufficient. work is threatened with ruin if assistance be not speedily sent. M. Hoffmann mentioned some of the blessings with which God has recently favoured the ministry of his word in France. M. Hirschfeld, a converted Jew, had laboured as an Evangelist in Ireland, where he had preached daily to about a thousand persons. He exhorted his brethren to cultivate more and more the spirit of the citizens of the New Jerusalem.

M. Moureton, a Deacon of the Evangelical Church at Lyons, recommended that large town, and the Christians who dwell there, to the attention of the Evan

gelical Society of Geneva, and to the affectionate concern of Christians in general.

No

This enumeration of the labours and enterprises of the Society, in various places, undertaken for the glory of God, is matter of rejoicing to the faithful. doubt there is mixed with it much of human weakness and unfaithfulness. This was acknowledged by most of the speakers. Nearly all of them complained of their lukewarmness, and requested the prayers of the church for themselves and their Committees. This enumeration was made, not to the praise of men, but to the glory of God, who condescends to employ such feeble instruments to extend his kingdom upon earth. Christianity truly evangelical is alone active and expansive; it alone is living, because it alone is from God. Heresy, when it relates to the fundamental points of our faith, renders the soul indifferent to the salvation of others. Hence, it labours not, it evangelizes not; it has no workmen in the field of Missions; it leaves its votaries in sleep and in death!

It now only remains that we speak of the reception and fraternal hospitality which all the friends of the Evangelical Society experienced among the brethren at Geneva. We do not presume to thank them, because they have done it for the Lord, and because they regard it as a privilege and a duty to receive into their houses friends and strangers. Two days in succession one of the members of the Evangelical Committee received all the brethren, being in number more than eighty persons; who were happy to see themselves surrounding the same table, united in the same faith, previously to that day in which they will all, we hope, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, sit together at the same table in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the Prophets, and righte ous men of old.

ENGLISH WESLEYAN CHAPEL, No. 6, Rue d'Anjou, Faubourg St. Honoré.

Divine service is held at the above place of worship (transferred from the Rue de Bouloi) every Sunday morning at twelve,-evening at seven; and Wednesday evening at seven.

conversions.

Since Mrs. Carver landed at Madras, she commenced a girls' school, under her own eye. The results of this school are appearing. Much conversation has taken place among the Heathen near us about some of these children. An improvement in their behaviour was presently visible. They were clothed, appeared at prayer neat and clean, began to learn to read, joined in singing, and delighted to repeat parts of hymns which they had sung. At prayer, instead of the giddy way in which they once behaved, now they became serious. On the Sabbath-day they were orderly during divine service, and several of them were evidently under a sense of reverence for God's name and worship.

This state of things continued some time, when one girl, aged fifteen, of a heathen family, begged to be instructed in order to her receiving baptism; for she had resolved to leave the pollutions

of Heathenism, and become a follower of Jesus. She was, after due probation, baptized last Sunday in Royapetta chapel, before a large congregation, "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost," and received into Christ's visible fold. During the service, she wept much; we rejoiced over her as a kind of first fruits of many that, we trust, may follow her example. Mrs. Carver has, of course, felt encouraged by this token of God's goodness. I may conclude by observing, that never, in my whole Missionary life, had I more real comfort in the work, nor more hope of fruit to our labour. We are, I confess, bound in trammels in many matters, where money is wanted, in order to enable us to enter more effectually among the Heathen; and at times it appears very mysterious to us, that, while the fields seem white to the harvest, more assistance cannot be allowed us. May you all be convinced of God's designs of mercy to the millions of India, and may you send us speedy and effectual help!

My principal duties are, preaching, catechising, class-leading, and conversing. With reference to preaching and exhorting, I have indeed often been assisted from above in publishing the truths of the Gospel to my fellow-sinners; and, if I may believe the acknowledgments of a few serious persons, my sermons, not unfrequently, have been blessed by God to the awakening and edifying of some, while others have been offended at their plainness and faithfulness.

Catechisms which they are daily reading. A good number of the boys have made a pleasing progress in the knowledge of the Gospel of our Saviour, and several of them have manifested a desire to be further taught. Two or three of the latter have occasionally visited me for the purpose of conversing on divine things, when, in compliance with their wishes, I have recommended, upon my knees, their cases to God who is in heaven. Their friends, perceiving their serious deportment, took measures to prevent their coming near me. One of the boys, who was more serious and steady than the rest, was persecuted by his relations. But these troubles had only tended to strengthen his resolution to become a disciple of Christ. Though he has not joined with our society, yet it rejoices me to know that he has joined the people of

The schools under my inspection are going on much as usual. Besides their weekly examination, a great portion of my attention and time has been devoted to the catechisation of the children. I have, by this means, endeavoured to instruct them in the history of the Bible, and instil into their minds the blessed truths contained in the Scriptures and

God of another Mission establishment, which is several miles distant from Madras, whither he fled when persecuted at home.

For

Conversations with the Heathen and others have been always held, both at home and abroad; and our gracious Saviour has often cheered us with his presence while we were engaged in this prominent part of our combat with the great adversary of mankind. It is true, we have often found reason to complain, "Who hath believed our report?"- and it is equally true too, that, on many occasions, the results of our conversations were triumphs to our blessed cause. some time past, one heathen young man, of a very respectable family, has been an inquirer after truth; and recently he has discovered more than usual attention and anxiety with regard to the "things unseen and eternal." Such was the intense interest he appeared to take in the Gospel of Jesus, that, however peculiarly circumstanced, he waited upon me at late hours at night, for several days in succession, to hear about the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the history of his redeeming acts, I mean, his birth, life, sufferings, death, &c. The Heathen are now more favourably disposed towards us than before; and it is no exaggeration to assert that many of them are convinced of the absurdity and vanity of Hindooism, and of the truth and excellency of Christianity.

An observer of "the signs of the

times cannot, I think, help noticing that, in reference to the work of God in India, the light of Christianity is spreading over this benighted peninsula, not only by Missionary agency, but also by the exertions of the Hindoos themselves. Schools are both publicly and privately organized by the natives; and, with the elements of the English language, their children imbibe those of Christianity also. An invisible, all-powerful hand is thus preparing the way; and, ere long, divine knowledge will prove the bane of Heathenism, and the destruction of idolatry. A spirit of inquiry is awakened among some of their Pundits; not, however, as it regards the way of salvation, but whether their craft is not in danger. A writer in the public prints calls upon the principal Hindoos to arouse themselves from their fatal indifference, and to oppose the propagation of Christianity before it shall have overspread the whole of India. And, O that opposition were given !—for it is in such times, especially, that the religion of the Gospel works best. As for me, I am ashamed I am not so self-denying, devoted, and zealous as I should be. O that I could often urge to myself the searching inquiries, What have I done? what am I doing? and what must I do? I pray earnestly that the Head of the church would pour out abundantly the influences of his Holy Spirit on me, and all the messengers of peace!

19th,

I AM at present here, supplying for Mr. Clough, who is on his way to the District-Meeting at Jaffna. I hope soon to return to my own station at Matura. -Matura has frequently laboured under disadvantageous circumstances, having been on several occasions united to the Galle station, although it is absolutely impossible for any man, however active, to superintend them both effectively; from Amblangodde, the extreme of the Galle station, to Naurannu, the opposite extreme of the Matura station, being a distance of fifty-four miles. At these times Matura has been the residence of an Assistant- Missionary, who has been removed for this purpose from Belligam, the westerly extreme of the station. During the latter part of 1832, and the whole of 1833, these were its circumstances :Brother Toyne, at Galle, held a general superintendency over it, occasionally visiting it; and Mr. Pereira was moved from

1835.

Belligam to Matura, where he did his best to keep up the work. These circumstances must not, however, lead to the conclusion that Matura is a district of little importance: quite the contrary; for the villages are numerous, the population considerable, and it is, without exception, the place where Budhism most flourishes. No part, either in the maritime districts, or in the interior of the island, according to the best accounts I have been able to obtain, can compare with it in this respect it is, in fact, the stronghold of Budhism; the principal wealth of the district is devoted to it; and its priesthood, more than seven hundred in number, are active; while its members are regarded as ranking with the most learned of their profession. In all parts of the island a little relaxation of exertion on the part of the Missionaries or their As. sistants leads to the most disastrous results, as the most promising prospects

soon disappear; for, to secure any thing like prosperity, the labourers in every part must be all at it, and always at it. Intermitted labour, however, is peculiarly in jurious on the Matura station, where our enemies are numerous, skilful, and active. The temples generally in this part have only a very small quantity of land attached to them, so that the Priests have, in a great measure, to depend upon the contributions of the people: this renders them diligent, and almost every village of importance has its Priest. In addition to Budhism, demon-worship prevails extensively, as also the worship of the Braminical gods: those connected with the former are called "yakaduro," or exorcists, who profess, by offerings and incantations, to expel demons from the sick; the latter are called "cappoas," and are Priests of the gods: to these may be added the "bilikarayo," whose profession is to avert the malignant influence of the stars. It is not necessary to point out how these various systems differ from each other: it is sufficient that their influence is combined against Christianity; "the devil thus," as Bishop Latimer expresses it, being always at his plough." It is true, very many are baptized persons, in conformity with the regulations of the old Dutch Government; but, as they stated a short time since, (when the conflicting claims of Budhism and Christianity were warmly discussed, in consequence of our schoolmaster having made a public renunciation of Budhism, and all other kinds of Heathenism,) "Our ancestors baptized in obedience to the orders of Government, and in this respect we have followed their example; but they were Budhists, and so are we." So that, with the exception of those raised up by the Mission, there is only the small burgher population of Matura who profess the religion of Christ, and to oppose the hosts of the enemy's teachers. There are at present one Missionary, two AssistantMissionaries, and two Catechists.

them capable of reading the word of life; and, during the past year, I have been able to furnish several of those who left the school with copies of the New Testament, which they received with great thankfulness, and solemnly promised to read therein daily; and I hope they fulfil their promise. But I regard our schools as peculiarly valuable as so many testimonies for Christ in this land of darkness, and as the means of spreading among both old and young a knowledge of the only true God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. For all the children upon entering the school are taught by dictation the Lord's Prayer; after which they commit to memory the digest of Christianity contained in the Apostles' Creed; then the Ten Commandments, and afterwards the Catechism. dition to this, in their first reading-book, compiled by brother Hardy, all the lessons, with the exception of the reading lessons in two syllables, are extracted from the Scriptures, principally from the Book of Proverbs, concluding with the Parables of our Lord. When they have gone through this book, so as to read it fluently, they are admitted into the Testament-class; and when able to read well in the Testament, they are formed into a Bible-class, and are taught arithmetic. It is impossible that seven hundred children (the number in the Matura schools) should be thus constantly instructed, without many rays of divine light penetrating the thick dark

ness.

In ad

The circumstances detailed in the School Report will explain the reasons why it was deemed necessary that our schoolmasters should, in the most public manner, declare their adhesion to Christianity, and their entire renunciation of Budhism and every species of Heathenism.

The formula you will see in the District-Minutes. In this, therefore, I rejoice, that it is now clearly understood throughout the Matura station that our schools are not only professedly Christian, but decidedly anti-Budhistical: they always were so in reality; but the people did not so regard them. All our schools are preaching-places; and in each place a small number, and in some a larger number, of the adult population attend to hear preaching. Neither is the word preached altogether without producing its legitimate results, as some few souls are gathered from among the Singhalese, and from the female part of the population too, who, we firmly believe, are seeking salvation through Christ alone. In the discussions resulting from the schoolmaster's declaration against Budhism

Notwithstanding, we go on ploughing and sowing in hope; and, knowing that He who is for us is greater than those who are against us, we rejoice in expectation of seeing the power of the enemy destroyed. In endeavouring to accomplish this, we regard our schools as having a very important influence. As institutions for learning, I confess they do not give me satisfaction; the improvement of the scholars by no means coming up to my wishes. The principal causes of this you will find in the School Report for 1834. Yet, as seminaries of learning, they are not useless, many every year leaving

an interesting, and to us an important, fact was ascertained. It is well known that Budhism is founded on the nonexistence of a Creator; and if this one point is gained, the system must fall by the arguments founded on his existence. This point is gained. The great majority, upon being pressed on the subject, which we made a principal point in our disputations, acknowledged that there must be a Creator. It is true, they have not yet so followed up the consequences of this concession as to renounce Budhism; but having gained this ground, it is our business to exhibit these consequences, and press them upon their consciences. This is our effort. It is true, that, without the influence of the Holy Spirit, no good can be effected; but we trust that influence will not be withheld, and thus we labour in hope. The Budhists wish us to occupy a kind of neutral ground, teaching the Christian system, but not attacking theirs. This we have declined, and in all places strive to act on the offensive.

In addition to the Singhalese preaching in the various schools, we have an English service every Sunday forenoon, held in the Dutch church at Matura, and a Portuguese congregation on the Sunday evening at the Mission-house. The English congregation is of necessity small, varying from twenty-five to thirty-five persons, besides the children attending the English school. The Portuguese congregation is larger, and, for so small a place, encouraging; varying from fortyfive or fifty to seventy or eighty.

Both

these congrégations hear the word with much attention, and several of them evidently with profit.

A Society has been lately formed here, called "The Ladies' Benevolent Society for the Relief of Indigent and Sick Females," connected with which is an Infirmary; which I hope will be a means of good both to the poor people, and to the ladies who are the Visiters. Of this Society I am the Secretary and Treasurer.

Compared with other places, the Eastern Missions appear unproductive. Our circumstances are different from theirs. We have a refined metaphysical system to oppose, upheld by men of considerable oriental learning, and of great acuteness; who also make great professions of sanctity. We have, however, gained a little ground: what we have gained we endeavour to hold fast, and by every possible means to make encroachments on the territory of the enemy. Did we not know that the work is the Lord's, we should despond; as it is, we are at times cast down; but, conscious that the Lord of Hosts is with us, we renew our strength, and go on with the assurance that even these strongly-fortified holds of Satan shall be pulled down, and genuine Christianity established among this people.

We have Singhalese preaching in eleven villages, viz., 1. Naurunna; 2. Dondra; 3. Matura; 4. Weheragampitta; 5. UyanWatte; 6. Kadawidia; 7. Noopey; 8. Pombaraney; 9. Mirissa; 10. Pellene; 11. Belligam. We might preach in other villages also, but our strength has not been equal to it.

Nov. 1st.-A few days ago, His Excellency the Governor sent for me, to ask some questions respecting our open-air services. A Magistrate, in a letter to the Governor, had referred him to an old Dutch law, made about thirty years ago, and wished Sir Benjamin D'Urban to let him know whether he should act upon it. Having satisfied His Excellency as to the necessity of occasionally preaching in the open air, he immediately said, "We must stop nothing which is in any way calculated to be useful." Thanks be to God for the change which has taken place since our first arrival on these shores!

30th. Simon's Town.-I preached in Dutch this morning, showing that the house of God is a house of prayer for all

people. In the evening I had the pleasure of tolling the passing-bell for slavery, declaring that, on the clock striking twelve, it would expire.

"The end is near,- it will not wait,
Bands, yokes, and scourges have their date;
Slavery itself shall pass away,
And be a tale of yesterday."

Dec. 1st.-I awoke about two o'clock this morning with the words, “Africa is free!" strongly impressed on my mind. May this circumstance tend to the spread of the Gospel amongst them, that they may be "free indeed!"

March 1st, 1835.-I arrived at the Company's Drift by one o'clock, an hour before the time appointed for the commencement of the service. Many people were