PINANG.

Extracts of a Letter from Rev. Samuel Dyer, dated Pinang, 20th of April, 1832, addressed to the Directors.

MY DEAR AND HONOURED FRIENDS,

Nothing could have been more agreeable to my mind, than your truly kind, affectionate, and Christian letter, dated 23rd September, 1831. It tended very much to strengthen the confidence which we have always reposed in you; and it excited with fresh stimulus the feeling of affection and regard which I trust we shall never cease to cherish towards you.

*

I cannot abstain from urging again the vast importance of having at least two labourers in one department at the same station; and I send two additional arguments the one is, that friends who love the Saviour in sincerity, and look on, not unfrequently exclaim, "The society ought to have two missionaries at least in one language at one station;" and I consider these as impartial judges. The other, that we hear solitary labourers exclaim, "O that I had a fellowlabourer!" Most sincerely can I sympathise with such, having been nearly five years a solitary labourer. I think it would put new energy into every little plan; it would stimulate every exertion, and animate to fresh vigour and renewed ardour, to be associated with a kind, affectionate, and heavenlyminded fellow-labourer in the Lord's work. Not that, for a moment, I would intimate the slightest idea of distance between us and Brother Beighton's family, for the utmost cordiality exists between us; but, so far as co-operation in native work is concerned, we can assist each other but very little.

Concerning our work, I must say but

little; not that I have nothing of a pleasing nature to communicate, but that

* At Pinang, Mr. Beighton acts alone as Missionary to the Malays, and Mr. Dyer, alone, as Missionary to the Chinese.-ED.

the longer I live in India, the more I see the need of caution. Deeply do I feel my own insufficiency for so arduous a work, and often sigh over my inability to do what most intensely I desire. Oh, that I could lean more simply upon the Divine arm, and believe the promise, "My grace is sufficient for thee!" However, I must say, I feel encouraged to see people, though but a little number, come to ask about the religion of the Saviour, and to hear that our books are sometimes read by one heathen to a surrounding group. Most earnestly do I desire to see a far brighter day for these dark and guilty lands; and may I but publish the name which hereafter shall be worshipped, and reverenced, and adored, I will esteem this a blessed privilege. But, peradventure, I may yet be permitted to see sinners snatched from the destruction: oh, what an unspeakable joy would it be ! Then, with good old Simeon, I would sing, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation."

Our schools continue-two girls' and one boys' school; we could have many more boys' schools, but for want of funds, as I have lately been obliged to decline one or two applications. Mrs. Dyer, and Miss Wallace, at Malacca, regularly correspond, and their correspondence, 1 believe, has animated and encouraged both, and they co-operate pleasantly, so far as a distance of 300 miles will allow. I believe both would delight to be associated together.

During the last year, I have done much toward a more complete fount of Chinese metal types. The calculations are very tedious, but, I am happy to say, far advanced. I am obliged to be cautious, I shall be the responsible individual for the due proportion of each character. If any think that I procrastinate, I can only answer, that every day enriches the calculations; and, could they see the authographæ, they would at least allow that much time has

Boothroyd Moorhouse's Report, 1831. There are twenty-six families belonging to the Cannanoor congregation, consisting of seventy-five persons; of these about forty are constant attendants for worship on Sabbath. The attention of some while exhortation is given, and the diligence of others in their attainment of the catechisms, continues to be pleasing.

On the other days of the week I have been reading to and exhorting the Christians and heathens, teaching and examining catechisms and Scripture passages. Since the commencement of my labours as a reader, I am happy to say, it has pleased the Lord to turn thirteen heathen from their vanities, to seek the living God; these reside near the chapel, and are constant attendants on the means of instruction. They have cast away their idols, with the trinkets, apparel, shields, &c., used in the idolatrous ceremonies. I frequently visit these people, and tell them that the demons they have been worshipping have ruined their souls, but that by the mercy of God they may yet be saved. They give attention to instruction with much appearance of joy and satisfaction. The number of children in the school is about fifteen.

At the village called Tachenvilly there lived an aged man, who, like others, formerly forsook the worship of evil spirits, and embraced the true way. In the time of the persecutions he relapsed into heathenism. The idols he once cast away, and their ceremonies and vanities, were again his delight. He talked to his friends and relations, in order to turn them likewise; saying that it is disgraceful to walk according to Christianity, for it teaches what is contrary to the customs and pleasures of this world. When

I was employed in the school I once saw him, in company with several heathen, quite drunk, and speaking wicked and indecent words, desiring his friends not to call him by his Christian name, but by his heathen name (Mayakondan). He even persuaded his youngest son, Abraham, to forsake the true way, to join him in singing profane songs→→ for he was one who used to play and sing before the devils-and, therefore, advised him to procure new instruments for playing on, saying, "If we do not do so, we shall gain no fame or honour amongst our hea then friends." While he and his youngest son were thus pursuing the paths to hell, the father fell ill, and, a few days before his death, his eldest son, Vadamanikum, hearing that his father was in danger, went and conversed with him thus :-"Father, it appears you will not have many days to live; you have forsaken the Lord Jesus Christ; you have not believed on that precious Saviour, and, by so doing, you have brought on yourself the curse of God; and will you persist to advise my brother also to continue in the destructive way?" On hearing this, his father became angry, and desired him to look to himself to walk according to the new religion he professes, and to be gone from his presence. Another day his eldest son went by his death-bed, and advised his father to repent, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, that his soul might, even at that late hour, be saved from hell; adding, that peradventure God may look upon him in pity, and receive him into eternal rest. To this his father cried out, "Away from me! I need no other saviour but Mayandan Pooden (the name of a great demon), and other evil spirits ;" and ordered him from his presence, uttering abusive language. When the end of this poor wicked man was approaching, he sent for his youngest son, Abraham, and directed him to have his remains interred in a sitting posture, and to build his grave with mortar, &c., and to perform the ceremonies as customary amongst their Shanar caste. But it is singular that, at the same time, he advised him to join his eldest brother, with his family, in worshipping the true God, and, after giving this direction, immediately expired. The youngest son, Abraham, remained for some time a heathen, till his son, a child of five years of age, was removed by death. On this occasion he again turned to the saving way, and is constant in attending to and reading the word of God; and when he was lately dangerously ill of the small-pox, he was not wavering in his faith, and is now employed as schoolmaster. The small-pox has been lately very fatal in this village, carrying to eternity many of the Christians and heathen. The former, while breathing their last, evinced proofs of their faith and zeal towards the Christian religion, and ardently

desired their families and friends to continue steadfast in the word of God, and in attending his worship.

PILLYPANNEM.

Peter J. Hosch's Report, 1831.

I have addressed those that assemble in the Nadan's house on the Lord's-day mornings (from thirteen to fifteen), and those who assemble at noon-time in the school-shed (from twenty-five to thirty). I usually read a chapter from the Old and New Testament, and imparted instruction from the same, commencing and concluding the service with prayer. During the week-days I visit the Christians regularly, and catechise them on the principles of Christianity, and also instruct them in select passages of Scriptures. I preach to them nothing but Christ crucified, and show them the nature and perfection of Christ, who suffered and died for sinners-his meritorious work of redemption, and the inestimable blessings he has thereby procured. I have often reminded them of his coming, in the last day, to render unto every man according to his works. I visit, also, the sick, and read to them portions of Scriptures adapted to their different cases. The conduct of the people in general, I am happy to say, gives me encouragement. Though they have been eye-witnesses to the conduct of some, during the time of persecution, who relapsed, yet they persevered in bearing afflictions with patience, and in hearing the word of God, and in prayer; they still continue to remain steadfast, and worship no other but the only one and true God. When they reflect on the times past, while they were idolaters, they are quite ashamed of themselves, and feel convinced, when comparing their present state with their former, that the religion of Jesus is the only one that confers peace, joy, and happiness to the soul-that it alone shows the one true, mighty, and glorious God. Howbeit, much cannot be said regarding some of them, for a few evince that they are only hearers of the word, and not doers of it; for they are wanting in that genuine love which Paul treats of in his Epistle to the Corinthians. Notwithstanding these things, I still go on in my work among them, and look up to the God of all grace for support, who, I hope, will, in his own good time, bring to perfection the word now sown amongst them.

I visit the neighbouring villages, Eravepoodoor, Elandayambalam, Saicodoo, &c., where I read to and discourse with the Roman Catholics, Mahomedans, and heathen of all castes and denominations, and distribute tracts. On one occasion I addressed some Roman Catholics, and told them, that though they call themselves Christians, yet they believe and walk contrary to

the truth as it is in Jesus, and give heed to the rules of the Pope's Vedam, made up of lies, after the thoughts of vain man, and 'so make God's commandments of none effect. I ask them, "By whom, then, do ye expect to be saved?-by the Pope, or by the Lord Jesus? What good will you derive in adhering to commandments invented by the Pope?" To this they reply, "We also go by the commandments of God." Then said I, "If so, you will never give heed to the lies of the Popish faith, for a man cannot serve two masters; and you know well that you do not walk according to the commandments of God; for, in the first instance, you act contrary to the second commandment, which enforces the first, saying, 'Thou shalt have none other gods but me.' This proves that you do not keep to God's commandments, but to the devices of men. Though it is evident that you are fallen creatures, still you deny it, exalting yourselves, making out that you are upright, and profess that you are Christians, and that you really keep the commandments of God, and that popery is the only way of salvation. You know well how the angels were cast into the bottomless pit for withstanding and rebelling against the commands of the Most High; beware, then, if you do not soon repent, and turn to the Lord, to keep his commandments, and if you forsake so great a salvation, the same will be your doom likewise."

I go often among the heathen. Some of them, at first sight of me, shut their door against me; others receive me, and hear me gladly; while a few of the latter observe that it was their intention to embrace Christianity, but, in consequence of the Nairs illusing Christians, they durst not publicly make this profession. To these remarks I reply, that if they are so much afraid of man that perisheth, how much more should they fear the mighty and terrible Jehovah. I occasionally labour amongst the heathen at Mattoor and Teruvundecary, from three to five miles from Pillepanum. Most of the people in those parts give good heed to the word read.

NEYATTANGHERRY.

James Rathbone's Report, 1831.

For two months I laboured at Kullyvilly, about which time it pleased the Lord to add three families to the Christian faith. At the beginning of March I was sent to Neyattengherry; here I have read to and instructed three Christian families, and numberless heathens. I have, likewise, visited occasionally the several new congregations lately formed in this district, in which places preaching the gospel was my chief business. The word of God seems to be attended with divine power at a village called Tamaravilly;

it pleased the Lord to add five families more to the congregation during my short stay there. I chiefly devote my time in going among the heathen that live in various villages that lie on the western side of the river Neyar, where my sphere of labour is now settled. The people are of various castes and religions. I have had many conversations with the Soodras (the higher class of heathen people here). To these I read the gospel and tracts, and exhorted them from the same. I have preached to the few families at Valeatory, near Trivanderum, chiefly on the Sabbath. The heathen and Roman Catholics formerly lent an inattentive ear to my preaching, and my very appearance struck them with disgust; but their treatment is now much altered; they listen to me with great attention. The Christians at Terupooram are too much concerned for the things of this world, and, consequently, are not very attentive to instruction, and seldom devote much time for that purpose. At this place about four to nine have attended worship on Sabbaths; and at Valleatory, from ten to twenty. At two different villages,

The

two Roman Catholic families have renounced the popish faith, and have joined us. priests are exasperated at them, and likewise at me, and advise their followers not to hearken to me, and compel them to give an oath that they will not embrace "the religion of the Father" (as Christianity is called). Thus they use all their exertions to prevent the people from coming to the light.

The

On a former occasion I read the history of Naaman to several heathen, when several Nairs beat me for preaching the new religion, and threatened to take me to prison, but on the way they let me go. The very same men hear me now with pleasure, and do not interrupt me in my labours. people in authority hear me read, and acknowledge the Scriptures to be very good. I seek an opportunity to explain the truths of the gospel to ***** who is very rigorous towards the poor; but hitherto, I am sorry, I have not met with an opportunity. I am happy to say that several of the local officers, as well as the Soodras in general, express a desire of hearing more about Christianity.

2

Thus I have been using my poor endeavours, and humbly hope that God will, in his own good time, bring all who have heard the gospel to worship him alone in spirit and in truth.

DAVYODO0.

Charles Glover's Report, 1831. The following are the names of the villages belonging to the Davyodoo congregation-viz., Paraparavilly, Mangunnuvilly,

Parapoo, Paloor, Madalakaudoo, Moccalampadoo, Kannenvilly, Pandaravilly, and Potacully. The number of Christian families residing in these nine villages is twenty-two. I have taught them catechisms, Scripture passages, &c., as well as reading to and instructing them from the word of God, and religious tracts. I have likewise had prayers daily with those who assembled in the evening. The number that attended on Sabbath morning was from twelve to fifteen; and those for service at noon has been about fifty. They were examined before service in their catechisms, and were taught the commandments. Some have made tolerable improvement in Christian knowledge, and a few feel an interest in what they learn; while others, though not so forward, yet are convinced of the folly of heathenism, give good attention to instruction, and keep from most of the hidden, as well as public, deeds of idolatry. By the knowledge they have derived from Christianity, they are not backward in showing the heathen the true way, and in advising them to turn from their vanities to the one living and true God. When they see any thing offensive in the conduct of their fellow Christians, they show them their errors, and advise them to amend. These instances create a hope that they are themselves trying their endeavours to walk agreeably to the gospel. A child in one of these families lately died of a fever, on which occasion several heathen came to the parents, saying, "You see you have lost your child by your having embraced the new religion; therefore, take warning, and now, at least, forsake it, and offer sacrifices to the demons." But the parents, in return, answered them, "The Lord gave, and he has now taken away. We must also prepare for death; the soul that dwelleth in us is the principal thing, and that soul is defiled by the sin of our first parents. If we believe on the Saviour, who came to remove sin, and to save men, we shall be freed and saved from sin." They dismissed these people, with exhorting them to forsake idolatry, and to come to Jesus for life everlasting.

I have not only instructed the Christians, but read to the heathen as I met them, and showed them the glorious attributes of God -man's transgression and sinful statespoke of the Saviour of sinners, the salvation he has purchased, and of the benefits derived by those who turn to him in sincerity; not forgetting, at the same time, to bring to their view the danger and folly of idolatry and sin. Some of them acknowledged what 1 said to be true; so that, by preaching the gospel, many have expressed their intention to renounce their idols and vanities, and turn to the way of life. Though they have not as yet done so, still their views are improving, and their approval of the way of salvation is increasing. Some heathen one

day observed, "We are sure that we shall derive much benefit, and have our sins cancelled, and at last enjoy heaven, if we wash ourselves in the Ganges, and make journeys to other sacred places." I said, By washing yourselves in the Ganges, or any where else, your bodies may become clean, but your souls can derive from it no good whatever," and advised them to seek salvation through Jesus Christ only.

PAYENGOODY.

Peter Roe's Report, 1831.

The number of Christian families belonging to Payengoody congregation is nineteen, consisting of fifty-eight individuals. These reside in seven different villages. The attendance on Sabbaths is from thirty-five to fifty-eight, of whom thirty persons are regular, and give good heed to instruction, and evince other proofs of sincerity. I have visited the Christians at their houses, and continue catechising, reading, and teaching passages from the Scriptures. Those of the congregation who reside in the village of Alamvilly are making good progress in the principles of Christianity. They feel that they are sinners, and that they are not to walk in sin as in time past, when they were ignorant of God and his will; they feel a contrition for their sins, and seek the grace of God in prayer. In time of sickness and death they are not afraid of evil spirits, as they used to be, but bear afflictions with patience. They are assured that this world can afford them no consolation, and that after this tabernacle is dissolved, they have an house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, where they hope to enjoy happiness. They believe and trust in none other but Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, and seek pardon on account of his merits. With

these thoughts they continue in prayer, both in their families and in public.

I have likewise laboured amongst the heathen, Roman Catholics, Mahomedans, and among those who formerly discontinued attending the chapel. I examine, also, three schools—namely, Payengoody, Cuddapagoody, and Carinshancodoo. During the past half year, five heathen families, consisting of about eleven persons, have renounced idolatry, and attend worship pretty regularly. In the course of my conversations, a Roman Catholic said that it was wrong in us not to believe in saints, and seek remission of sins from our ministers, as the Papists do. I told him that the saints, when on earth, were once sinners, and if sinners become saints, it must be in and through Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of sinners; that we might follow the pious examples of saints, but not seek salvation from them; therefore, we must not seek remission of sins from any human creatures, but from Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. You do not depend on the Rock of Ages, but trust in vain man, and seek salvation in your works and ceremonies. If you wish to know the only way to eternal life, you must read the gospel with attention, which will show you of the love and sufferings of the Saviour. You will then see your error, and be enabled, by God's help, to seek pardon through none but him, who is able to save, to the uttermost, them that come to him. He appeared to be convinced. (To be Continued.)

ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES OUTWARDS.

On Sunday, the 22nd of July, Mrs. Scott and her children arrived at Demerara in the ship “Albinia,” Captain Purvis, in perfect health.