The printing of Matthew's Gospel for the Bible Society has not yet been completed. A delay has been occasioned by the copy not being ready.

We have also printed 400 copies of our Savior's sermon on the mount. These are for distribution as tracts, and were only so many copies struck off for ourselves, in addition to 500 copies of the same, which we were employed to print as a school book, for the school society here. The additional labor and expense were therefore very trifling.

Since we last wrote, we have removed to another situation, which is equally near the principal population of natives. It affords good accommodations for the printing and book-binding business, and tolerable accommodations for three families, which could not be had at the house we before occupied. The situation is also accounted more healthy, We have likewise accommodations for one of the native schools. For all these accommodations we pay 100 rupees a month, which is thought very reasonable.

Our last communications contained an account of the arrival of the brethren Nichols and Graves, their decision in favor of their settlement at this place, and also brother Graves's choice of Mahim, and brother Nichols's choice of Tanna, as their respective stations. Brother Graves has been about four months at his station, engaged almost exclusively in acquiring the language. Four of the schools are under his immediate inspection, and are occasionally visited by one or other of the brethren from Bombay. Brother Nichols, thinking that he might acquire the language faster by remaining a few months at this station, has not yet proceeded to Tanna; but probably will, by the close of the monsoon, or before. No schools can be established in that region, nor any considerable distribution of tracts be made, till a missionary is stationed there.

At our last quarterly meeting, the five brethren being present, we made several arrangements, which it may be interesting to you to know. The meeting, as usual, being opened by prayer, we began with the inquiry, "in what relation shall we all stand to each other?" We deliberated and voted,

1. That we all be united as one church, and as an association of ministers of Christ.

2. That we all consider ourselves as constituting but one mission; and that all matters in which the mission is concerned be managed agreeably to the direction of the Board on this subject, at their annual meeting in Sept. 1815.

4. That the Sabbath nearest the first day of the month, in each quarter, be the day for our communion.

5. That each brother receive his pecuniary supplies either monthly, or quarterly, as he may find most convenient.

The latest communications from our brethren at Ceylon, were of an afflictive nature. The brethren Richards and Warren had embarked from Columbo for the Cape of Good Hope. They sailed with the prospect that brother Richards would be benefited, if not entirely restored to health, by the voyage; though with but little prospect that brother Warren would survive the voyage.

In our last, we mentioned the death of Mr. Donaldson, a missionary from the London Society, and stationed at Surat. The mortality among missionaries in this country, however, for the last six or seven years, appears not to have been so great, as it was in several preceding years. Still, we would consider the sickness and mortality among missionaries at other stations, and the repeated illness, more or less severe, of different members of this mission, as a continual admonition to us, to do with our might whatever our hands find to do, while God in his distinguishing mercy is granting us life and health, and to stand constantly prepared to render an account of our stewardship, whenever, in his providence, he shall see fit to call us away from our mortal labors. O that we may receive grace to obey the admonition, and to be found faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

While we bewail the sickness and death of missi naries, here and there, among the heathen, we rejoice that others are sent, not only to fill their places, but to augment their number. Sometime since we were informed, that Mr. Adams, a Baptist missionary, was on his way from Calcutta to Surat, the place of his destination. We have also very recently learhed, that six missionaries from the London Society are on their way to the East; two of them being destined for Madagascar, and the other four for Malacca. Four missionaries from the Church Missionary Society are also expected shortly to arrive at Columbo.

Whenever the arrival of a few fellow-missionaries strengthens our feeble ranks, it gladdens our hearts; but at the same time it leads us to a mournful contemplation of the many more, who are demanded by the cry of the still neglected and perishing millions, and whose demand is urged too, by every consideration of their present degradation and wretchedness, and of their future and eternal ruin, unless many, many more missionaries are speedily sent to them with the Word of life. O how long must we sigh over the neglected fields, which are already white to the harvest? How long shall we be constrained to take up the lamentation, "The harvest is great, but the laborers are few." Who, that has the heart of a Christian, can forbear earnestly, and daily, to pray the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth more laborers into his harvest? at the same time, attesting the sincerity of his prayers, by the constancy and energy of his exertions to increase the number of laborers.

We can relate to you no work of saving grace among the people with whom we labor; nor do we know that any special success has recently attended the means of Christian instruction at other missionary stations in India. We have lately heard of two more Boodhist priests at Columbo, who have openly renounced idolatry, and embraced Christianity; and also of some small success in other places.

Though the Gospel is at present attended with so little success in this country, yet it is animating to consider, that the number of missionaries is, from time to time, increasing;-that there are thousands in this heathen land, who repeatedly hear the Gospel message from the lips of Christ's ministers;-that there are schools, in which some thousands of heathen children are instructed, more or less fully, in the doctrines of Christianity; and that there are thousands besides, who read and learn more or less of the Word of life, by means of the printed Scriptures, and religious tracts. These various means of Christian instruction are progressive, and are daily making a more extensive and deeper impression on the minds of the people; so that we are encouraged in the hope, that by and by there will be an abundant harvest. For this would we submissively wait; and for this would we desire faithfully to labor, according to the means with which we are furnished, and the grace of God bestowed upon us. And here would we acknowledge, with gratitude and praise to the ever blessed Fountain of all grace, that no small part of our encouragement arises from a consideration of the many prayers, which are daily presented to God on our behalf, by our dear Christian friends and brethren in our native land; and which, we hope and trust, will not only be continued, but increased.

And now, Dear Sir, would we offer to yourself, and through you to all our beloved patrons, our Christian salutations-subscribing ourselves with love and esteem, your brethren,

G. HALL, S. NEWELL, H. BARDWELL, J. NICHOLS, A. GRAVES.

MISSION IN CEYLON.

Journal of the Rev. Benjamin C. Meigs at Batticotta.

(Continued from p. 270 of vol. xiv.)

Feb. 26, 1818. I went to Tillipally to-day on business, and before I returned visited the two parishes of Oodooville and Manepy, the former of which I have not before seen. It is a good parish, and the church buildings are in a better state of preservation than many of the others. Although we want to see a missionary established in each of the eight parishes of which we have partial possession, yet it becomes a question of considerable importance which we shall repair first, in case we have more brethren come to our assistance.

March 16. Brother Richards arrived here from Columbo. I am much rejoiced to see him; especially to see him in so much better health than I expected. His voyage from Columbo to Jaffna has been long, but very beneficial to his health. Before he left Columbo he had a fever for several hours every day, and a troublesome cough; but these both left him almost as soon as he set sail. He is now therefore in much better health than when he left Columbo. In coming to Jaffna, he sailed through what is called "the outer passage," near the conti

nent, and also near the celebrated temple of Ramisseram. There he saw many of our Batticotta neighbors, who had gone on a pilgrimage to that place, at the annual celebration of the festival at that temple.

19. Brother Poor came to Batticotta to consult with us on the subject of our brethren taking a voyage to the Cape. We are in much doubt as to the path of duty. We need further light upon the subject. We shall therefore send brother Richards back to Columbo as soon as possible with discretionary powers. If after his arrival, all things appear favorable for the voyage, they have our permission to go.

April 16. Yesterday attended a meeting at Tillipally for the dedication of their church. The Rev. Mr. Squance, and Rev. Christian David were present, and took part in the exercises. It was, on many accounts, an interesting day. In the afternoon, after the exercises of the day were finished, we had the satisfaction of receiving 25 letters from America. Our souls were greatly refreshed by perusing them.

The Hon. and Rev. T,J. Twistleton has been appointed Archdeacon of Columbo, and the Rev. G. Bisset senior Chaplain to Government, and Superintendant of schools. Their appointments are to commence from the 1st of April. Ceylon is placed under the care and authority of the Bishop of Calcutta, who is expected here in a few months, for the purpose of ordaining a number of native preachers, dedicating the churches, and confirming the children.

As the principal circumstances respecting our brethren's going to the Cape have already been sent to the Corresponding Secretary, I shall omit the detail of them in this place.

Monday, April 27. Yesterday for the first time for many weeks I held public worship among the natives of Batticotta. In consequence of brother Poor's interpreter having returned from Columbo, he sent me a young man who had acted as interpreter to him during the absence of the other. My interpreter has not yet returned. I held public worship in the morning as usual in the mission house, and in the afternoon in another part of Batticotta. There were present 50 children, and 25 men.

28. The weather has been very hot for some days past. The thermometer at 89 and 90.

May 4. Yesterday attended the communion at Tillipally and preached twice. 7. My interpreter arrived from Columbo.

9. Sister Richards arrived from Columbo on Thursday evening, and came to Batticotta this morning.

About a week since, I sent a schoolmaster to the neighboring village of Changane, to open a school in the room which I have prepared in the Church buildings. He has made the attempt to collect schools, but finds that parents are unwilling that their children should attend school in that place, as the ground around the church is used as a burying ground by the natives. This causes another unexpected delay in opening the school in that place. I shall now be obliged to erect a suitable building in some other place, which will take at least one month, and probably two. The new school in another part of Batticotta is increasing fast, and the boys are making good progress in their studies. We meet with much difficulty in getting the boys to come steadily to our schools. The parents are much disposed to keep them at home to work, a part of the time.

June 2. Yesterday Mrs. M. and myself went to attend the monthly concert of prayer at the Methodist's place of worship. A considerable number of people attend on these occasions, and the meetings are quite interesting. The exercises are in English and Tamul, and sometimes in Portuguese also.

3. Sent a public letter to Dr. Worcester, by way of Calcutta.

7. The number of our boys is fast increasing on the Sabbath. To-day 106 were present, besides 35 other persons.

15. Received a large packet of letters to-day from America, by the way of Bombay.

22. Last evening went about three fourths of a mile to witness some of the ceremonies at the anniversary solemnities of a heathen temple. It is the same as that mentioned in a former journal, as having been burned, and ordered by the goddess Patricaller to be rebuilt of stones and bricks instead of wood, and to be covered with tiles instead of ollas. It is not yet completed.

VOL. XV.

29

There was a large collection of people who covered the rice fields around to a considerable extent. Soon after I arrived they began to light their fires in all directions. They bring their wood with them for the purpose of boiling their rice, which is one of their ceremonies on this occasion. After it is boiled, some of the servants of the bramhun go round, and dip out a certain quantity from the vessel of each one, which is for himself, and those who serve at the temple. The temple is well lighted and adorned with various paintings in the native style, to attract the attention of the spectators. I did not attempt to enter it, as that would probably have given offence; but as it was open in front, I had a full view of all that was to be seen. The head-man of the temple came out, and conversed with me a few minutes very politely, and then returned to his work. The idol is concealed in the inner part of the temple, and not exposed to the view of the people. The women appeared to be much more devout worshippers than the men. They would enter the temple and prostrate themselves several times towards the place where the idol was concealed, making several motions with their hands, and muttering a few sentences; not, however, so as to be heard tinctly. The bramhun then presented them with a little scented water, which they carefully put on their bodies. I did not see any of the men prostrate themselves in their worship. At this festival the people offer kids and lambs and fowls for sacrifices, usually to fulfil some vow, which they have made in sickness. The practice of making vows to some idol in their sickness, is very common; and in case they recover, they are usually very strict in performing them. About a hundred of the abovementioned animals were brought in the evening, and kept shut up in a fold until morning, when their throats were cut, and their blood shed as an offering to the goddess. Their bodies are then sold for a small price to the people of low cast, who will eat them.

I had no good opportunity to preach to any considerable number of people thus collected; though I conversed with those near me on the vanity of idol worship, and the need of other blood than that of kids and lambs to atone for sin. I was told, that this is the only temple in Batticotta, at which they offer such sacrifices, and that the offerings at this are only once a year. Their goddess, they say, is an avenging goddess, and they shed this blood to render her propitious. I believe they have no expectation of atoning for sin in this way.

27. Sent a duplicate of our last public letter to Dr. Worcester, by way of Bombay.

Sabbath, 29. A pleasant Sabbath. One hundred and thirty boys were present, besides a goodly number of men.

July 4. Made an agreement for one young man to be supported at the expense of the mission, and to take his meals here as soon as our cook-house is finished. 15. Have lately made attempts to take three boys into our family to be supported at the expense of the mission. The boys are among the best in the school, but their misfortune is that their parents are not very poor. If they were, they would probably be disposed to accept of our charity. On account of their pride, they are unwilling to have them eat here and stay during the night. One man said, partly by way of excuse, and partly from affection no doubt, "this is my only son, and if he sleeps here how can I sleep at home?" Another man said, "I am anxious to have my son come and live with you, but my wife is unwilling. My neighbors also are opposed to it, and I am afraid of my neighbors." This is undoubtedly the principal reason of his unwillingness, and indeed of all three. For he immediately added, "If you will persuade four of my neighbors to sign an agreement to give up their sons, I also will do the same." I held a long and free conversation with this man, and endeavored to ascertain the real objections of the people against letting me have their sons to be educa;ed in my family. He frankly said, "the people greatly fear, that if their children live in your family, they will become Christians, and then they will despise our gods, and feel themselves wiser than their parents." This fear seems to be the foundation of all their difficulties. The man further said, "It is a new thing with us, and we have no such custom." Another pretence which he offered was this, "If our children live here, they will sometimes be sick; then you will give them your medicine, and that will kill them." These people appear to value learning very little, further than it may enable them to acquire property, and to overreach their neighbors. If any let me have their children, it will principally be because I will give them

good food and clothing, and not from any strong desire that the children should obtain an education, for they have little idea of its value. In the course of conversation with the man above-mentioned, he informed me, that in the time of the Dutch his grandfather was a Christian preacher. I asked him why he had for saken the religion of his grandfather and gone into heathenism? He replied, "because I was not educated a Christian. If I had been thus taught while a child, I should now have been a Christian instead of a heathen."

A very pretty boy, who has no father, came to attend school and be supported. Until the cook-house is finished, which will be in a few days, the boys whom I support will eat at the house of the mudiliar, who lives near me, and is very friendly to our designs. Indeed he renders me much assistance in procur ing boys.

17. Received a letter from Mr. Evarts dated Oct. 4, 1817.

20. Opened a new school in another village of Batticotta.

24. Received another letter from Mr. Evarts, dated Nov. 10, 1817, directed to the brethren.

August 8. Took another boy to support upon probation.

11. Began to pray in Tamul.

26. After much delay, and many difficulties, have this day commenced boarding heathen boys in the cook house, which I have erected for them; I commenced with five boys. This is an important day in the history of this mission -the commencement I hope of much good to these poor heathen boys. will, however, greatly increase our cares. We expect to meet many trials in pursuing this object.

It

One boy, for whom I had made an agreement with his father, refused to eat with the rest. On inquiring the reason, I learned that his relations, some of whom are of a high cast, and rich, threatened to beat him, in case he came to live with me. His father is a poor man, and advanced in years, and is very desirous that his son should live with me. But his relations are violently opposed to it. This is one among many other facts, which prove how strongly the bramhuns and other heathens are opposed to this measure. Before the cook house was erected on heathen ground, very many of them said that their only objection was that they were unwilling their children should eat on the church premises. I now have an opportunity of proving the insincerity of their professions. It does, however, remove one principal objection in the minds of many.

One of my neighbors who is a strong heathen, whose boy attends the day school, says frequently in a triumphant tone, "When you can persuade four boys of good cast from Batticotta, to come and live with you, I will then give you my boy," meaning to assert strongly, the great improbability, if not impossibility, of my getting them. I have two, however, from Batticotta already, besides the one abovementioned, whose relatives by threats prevented him from coming. The triumph of this man, I trust, will be short.

Two of the boys who have hitherto worked for me on account of their poverty, have often requested to be taken, I put them off, telling them that my cook house would soon be finished, and then I should attend to them. By their industry out of working hours, they have already made considerable progress in their studies. As I have now commenced supporting boys, I proposed the subject to them. I was not much disappointed, however, when they told me, that their parents and relations were opposed to it, and therefore they could not come, I have many requests from people near Jaffnapatam, to take their children and support them. These people, though heathens, from their intercourse with the Dutch and English, know something of the value of an education, and wish to have their sons prepared for situations under government. I do not think it proper, however, to take them, except in particular instances; as I hope ere long to obtain as many as we have funds to support from Batticotta, and the villages just around us. It is far more probable, that these boys will be serviceable to the mission, after they have received an education, than that boys will whom I might take from Jaffnapatam.

The Rev. Mr. Knight, from the Church Missionary Society, came here to spend a few days with me, in order to pursue the study of Tamul.

28th. Attended the meeting of the Committee of the Bible Society in Jaff. napatam.

Sept. 2. Opened a new school in another part of Batticotta.