not done much in it; but they promise to go on well. Sarkunnen examined them, much to our satisfaction.

7. In European Arithmetic, likewise taught by Sarkunnen, they are but commencing. The time failing, we examined them but briefly. Vesoovasam and Solomon then recited a piece in Tamul, on the "Mischief of Gambling."

8. Lastly, all the boys were examined in Theology, in which small and great gave us much satisfaction. Indeed, the knowledge of Divine Truth, as revealed in the Sacred Scriptures, is the chief branch of learning which we endeavour to give them. What is all other learning, without this? It is this only which can enlighten their understandings, and regulate their hearts to the highest of beneficial purposes.

-Missionary Prayer-Meetings. Jan.19,1833-I have been engaged during the week with filling up the plans, &c., of our Mission Lands, to be transmitted to Government. In the afternoon, the falsely-accused people of Nazareth (Tanjore Mission) returned from prison, having been acquitted by the judge. Thus has Satan again been baffled. Still his servants have had the malicious pleasure of vexing them for two or three months. In the evening, we had the Missionary Prayer-meeting, when we gave thanks to the Lord for this deliverance. We had the pleasure to report that 70 families at Podoor, in the South, had renounced Idolatry, and destroyed all the idols in the Temple. One of the heads of the idols was sent with the letter which gave the information. Thus may all idols soon fall, not only from the Temples, but also from the hearts of the people!

Jan. 26-Missionary Prayer-meeting. There were eight or nine men present from Podoor. I had a long conversation with them this afternoon. Their fathers were, many years ago, received into the Christian Church by Satyanaden, Country Priest of Tanjore. Not long after, the whole village relapsed into Idolatry, and they have been idolaters ever since. They say that I came to their village two or three years ago. The late troubles all along the coast brought them at last to the resolution of renouncing Idolatry, and becoming Christians. May it be a work of the Lord for the salvation of many, if not of all!

Feb. 2--The Catechists assembled, and we had a Missionary Prayer-meeting. Including those of the village before men

tioned, there have been, during the last month, at least 100 families added to the Church. Thus the Lord is answering our prayers. But our apprehensions are also increasing the latter rain has failed. The present rice fields are, indeed, in a good condition; but the dry grain, on which most of the common people live, is spoiled. Sarkunnen handed to me to-day an Almanack for 1833, of his own making.

The

-A small Flock in a Heathen Village. March 11-In the afternoon I left, and went eastward to Tirupulankudy, a Pariar village, where we have a congregation; indeed, it yielded the first Christian Church after my arrival in Tinnevelly. Still, how wretched is the place! greatest part of the Heathen will not yet serve God. Their streets are dirty; many of their houses are surrounded with grounds full of the dry bones of slaughtered animals. I felt little encouragement to stay the night. However, we may not indulge ourselves. I went to our little church, and waited for the assembling of our people. There were twelve families. I was amply compensated for staying in the place, by their simple and sincere faith, and desire to understand the Word. There is also an improvement of manners among them. A man has just joined the Church. He was very fearful; but said that the worship of devils had brought him very low, and that he is sorrowful about his sins. Inquiring what benefits they had hitherto received from being Christians, they said, first, that they hoped to go to heaven; then, that they had received much knowledge by it, which before they had not; and lastly, that they were influenced by it to abstain from sin. They are a hardlabouring and afflicted people, particularly in the time of dearth. I encouraged them to bear with the evils of this life, in hopes of a glorious day hereafter. This place is now surrounded by beautiful rice-fields, with small villages in the midst of them. In one of these villages there were, some time ago, many Shanars, who had commenced learning the Gospel; but the enemy forced them back, by threatening to deprive them of their Palmyra-trees, which are the source of their livelihood.

-Baptism of Twelve Seminarists and Others.

April 14: Sunday-At the Tamul Service, I had the pleasure of baptizing twelve youths, most of them from the Seminary. They have all attended the Church several years, and experienced, I

trust, the power of the Gospel unto salvation. One of them is Sakayen, brother of the late Catechist, Prakasen, of Arullore, who died in the Lord several years ago. After this event, Sakayen left the Seminary on account of sickness, and went among his Heathen relations, where he began to forget the Gospel of God: but, as he relates, there was frequently a monitor in his heart: sometimes, also, he met with the Catechist Jacob, who exhorted him to repent and return. All this he resisted, till he could do so no longer; and about two years ago, he came back to Palamcottah. I did not receive him again into the Seminary: but he kept near us, doing any work for pay that was given him. During this time he showed that he was another man, so that I could now baptize him with pleasure; and I trust he, like his departed brother, will become useful to the Mission Cause. Another youth is Tangamuttoo, the son of Preparandus Simon, who died here six or seven years ago, delivering up his son to me. The lad is clever, but was for some time trickish and mischievous. During the last two years, his character generally has altered for the better, the consequence of his sincere regard to the Word of God and to prayer. Abraham, brother of the Catechist Gnanauyir, is, likewise, a pious and promising young man; and the same may be said of all the rest. Thanks be to the Lord for this gathering in!

-Power of Divine Grace in a Young Native

April 29,1833-Engaged with the Catechists. The Catechist of Kalladeikuritchy, in the West, related a remarkable instance of Divine Grace. A young Soodra man of Ambasamuttisam (close by the former place) came to me three or four months ago, and requested to be received into the Preparandi Class, as he wished to become a Christian. As I usually receive none but baptized persons into this class, I did not admit him; but advised him to go back, join the Congregation at Kalladeikuritchy, and learn there: at the same time, I put some books into his hands. The Catechist now relates, that Nallakannu (the man's name) had been faithful in confessing Christ, under many difficulties. His father is dead: his mother was terrified when she heard that her son intended to become a Christian, and, with her relations, made strenuous efforts to bring him off from his purpose: she is actually outrageous; she cries and laments as if her son were dead to her; and she threatens the Catechist

to come with poison and swallow it in his presence. Once, when he was going to the chapel, his relations prevented him, and tried to make him besmear himself with ashes: but he would not do it himself, so they did it for him: to which he said," You may do this, but I shall immediately go to the river and wash it off." Another time his mother went to the native Kutchery, and persuaded the Peon to keep her son in ward, as he would not leave off going to the Christian Church; accordingly, he was actually kept a prisoner for the whole day, and his books were taken from him. But all to no purpose; he continued stedfast, and behaved meekly toward his persecutors. The Kutchery Accountants called him one Sunday to come and write accounts for them, as formerly; but he refused, saying, "I cannot go to work to-day: it is the Sabbath :" they then dismissed him from the business altogether. Formerly he made no scruple of writing false complaints, or of becoming a false witness, for money. Some persons came and offered him three Rupees to do so again; but he refused, saying, that now he could not do so wicked a thing any more. When his mother heard this, she broke out into great lamentation, and severely reproached him for casting away the means of livelihood. "Mother," said he," have I not by this Vedam become a better man? You know how I treated you formerly: I used to scold you, flog you, &c.; but now, you see, I do not do so, though you ill-treat me. Formerly I used to become a liar for one Rupee; now I refuse for three, because I cannot do such wickedness. Why then do you hate me so much on account of Christianity ?" Of course, under these circumstances, he got into straits for want of food. The Catechist once told him, that he might now come again to me, and tell all his sufferings. No!" said he, "that I cannot do; the Minister will still think that I seek my livelihood in becoming a Christian. Let my relations do what they please: if I cannot obtain any other means of living, I shall go and gather firewood and sell it. The Lord will help me!" And this he has actually begun to do. I told the Catechist to send him to me, upon returning to his Station. Such a man we must take care of, for the Mission Work.

-Courageous Faith in a Native Female.

May 8-To-day, a woman, forsaken by her Heathen husband, six or seven years ago, and who had served as a Des

devotee for some time, came to request Baptism she is from Kammapetty in the North. The Catechist informed me that the work of Divine Grace had been observable in her for several months. While she was worshipping the devil, she heard the Gospel; the blessedness of which fastened on her mind. She gladly and resolutely gave up Satan's service, and devoted herself to Christ. Her relations persecuted and forsook her: she then removed to Kammapetty, where she earned her bread by spinning cotton, and other such work; learned a great part of the Catechism; and showed, more and more, a courageous faith in the Redeemer. In my conversation with her, she gave me very correct answers as to her natural state, the way of salvation, and the effect it has had upon her heart and life; which I think she could not have known but by the teaching of the Holy Spirit. I told her to go back to Kammapetty, to pray to be more and more rooted and grounded in her faith, and to learn the last part of the Catechism: she may be baptized there, when one of us visits the place.

-Visit to the Congregations in the West. May 20,1833-Last night I set out to visit our new Congregations in the West, near the road to Courtallum. About midnight, the west wind began to blow so furiously, that we could hardly proceed. The sand, which was raised and driven against the palanquin, was as if hail was falling. With much difficulty, we reached Kuruvenkotei this morning, where the Catechist, Jacob, and his Assistant, Rayappen, reside. The good work, in this quarter, commenced three years ago. There are now more than 300 souls under instruction; a church is building; and the people contribute largely to it. During the day, I had the usual exercises with them. There are still among them too many to whom salvation is not yet a very serious business; but some are taking the matter to heart. There is a large School here; but to send the girls is a difficult thing. Evil habits are diminishing. But in the course of the last month, two of the men were tempted, by the provocation of Aarumugam Nadan and his son, to strike them. This, they acknowledged before the Congregation, was highly unbecoming in Christians, and they publicly asked their pardon. The Nadan and his son did the same on their part, but they are evidently not cordial. In fact, the Nadan, his son, and his brother, are far from the kingdom of

God. They have all along behaved wickedly; and I verily believe that now, if they could, they would upset Christianity in this place, though they were the first to introduce it. The old Nadan, particularly, is like a venomous serpent among the people; and is guilty of shocking lies, prevarications, abusive language, &c. He has often been admonished once he was excluded, but was received again upon begging pardon. His brother has been excluded from the very beginning. I fear we must exclude the old man again: however, he behaved pretty well to-day. Toward evening I rode over to Nallore; where a Christian Village is likely to rise, and where a well is now digging. Went also to Aaladipatti, and preached to the Heathen there, near their temple. In the evening, the Congregation of Kuruvenkotei came together again. On inquiring into their state, so many evil things were brought forward by the Catechist and the people, against the old Nadan Aarumugam, that I felt it my bounden duty to exclude him from the Church, until he repents. It is a happy thing that none of the people side with the Nadan; and that he can form no party in opposition to Christianity, except among his brothers and sons! The furious wind which commenced last midnight continued all day, so that speaking was very difficult. The dust and sand it raises are very troublesome : in taking our meals we must be quick, unless we would swallow a large portion of that ingredient.

May 21-Early this morning I proceeded to Paramkundapooram, a few miles north of the former place. Here is the Catechist Savarimutto. The whole village is Christian. For a long time, they were hindered by the Ootamalei Zemindar from converting their temple into a place of Christian Worship, as well as from building a Chapel. I was therefore agreeably surprised to find that they had lately been enabled to effect the former: in fact, the old Heathen Temple, cleared of all its idols, became my abode; the breakable idols have been broken; and the stone idols have been cast into the well. I was glad to get into the temple, to be somewhat sheltered from the wind and dust; and the people made it as comfortable as they could. In the forenoon, the place was filled with anxious hearers : several people from other villages were present. I conversed with them about their motives in becoming Christians; and about the nature of Christianity, and

its blessings. The temporal blessings it affords seem to be much in their minds, and the spiritual and eternal benefits are evidently dear to many; but in the enjoyment of them they must, of course, still continue to grow. They seem to be much delighted with the Gospel, as with a great treasure. While I was absent in the evening, the young Preparandi informed me that some persons requested one of them to come to their house, that he might read the Gospel, and pray with them; when about ten families came together to hear. This being over, another group requested him to come to their house and do likewise, which he did accordingly. The women, in particular, were very

earnest.

Catechist Vedayanagam, of Marudaputtoor, met me here, and reported that five families, in another village, have lately come for instruction, induced solely by the exertions of one of their boys, who frequents our School. He cannot yet read well; but what he learns by heart, he relates at home, and acts like a preacher among them. Remarkable are the ways of God! The people are of low caste. Extracts from the Journals of the Rev. P. P. Schaffter.

-Number and State of the "Preparandi.” April 8, 1833-I resumed my lessons to the "Preparandi," which had been interrupted, as usual, while the Catechists and Schoolmasters were here. We have now no less than fourteen men in this

class: ten are preparing for the work of Catechists, and four for that of Schoolmasters. I resumed also my lessons in singing with the girls. They now sing nine English tunes, and one German, very well.

-Visit to Village Congregations.

April 19-We arrived early this morning at Nunneekoollam. We have here about twenty-three Christian Families, who five years ago came under Religious Instruction. They, as well as the people of Walungavvelly, were, a few months ago, visited by thieves, who robbed some of them of the whole of their property; but they do not bear this trial with the same Christian resignation that the others did. They are dejected, and seem to find but little comfort in Religion. We had Service with them twice; and tried to lead them to the Source of all consolation, and offered them the balm which alone can heal their wounds. Would they only accept of it! but, poor people! they cannot divest themselves of the thought, which they brought over from RECORD, April, 1834.]

Heathenism, that the Christian Religion ought to shelter them from all temporal trials. The human heart is a very carnal thing.

April 21: Sunday-This morning we examined the School, which we found in a pretty good state. However, it has not yet altogether recovered from the shock it received in the late troubles. The Catechist related to me a pleasing instance of the blessed effects of the Word of God upon the minds of some of our School Children. Two boys of this School went one evening into the fields, and climbed up a tree. One of them plucked some fruit, and was going to eat it; when the other prevented him, saying: "Do you not know that you are stealing? Have you not learned the Eighth Commandment?" "Yes," said the guilty boy; "but this cannot be called stealing, because I did not think of the Eighth Commandment when I took the fruit; and though I do not eat it now, what is gained by it?" The better-minded boy answered: "This is no good excuse; for you ought always to keep the Word of God in mind: and now I remind you that you have sinned, so you cannot eat the fruit." At this moment, the Catechist, who was concealed behind a bush, and had overheard the conversation, came forward, and gave some wholesome instructions to the little transgressor.

After the Examination, we proceeded to Karikovil: this is a large place on the sea-shore, containing about thirty Christian Families; most of whom have lately come under Christian Instruction, and have a great deal to suffer from their Heathen Neighbours. We have here a House of Prayer newly built; which, though altogether constructed of Palmyraleaves, is neat, and large enough to contain all the people at present under Christian Instruction. The Heathens opposed to their utmost the erection of this House of Prayer; and as, in the rebuilding of the Temple, the Jews were obliged to work with one hand and to wield the sword with the other, so, in the building of this House, our people were obliged to be continually on their guard, lest they should be surprised by the enemies_of the Lord, and their work be destroyed. Even now they are obliged to keep a constant watch round the church, that it be not burned down. So far the rage of Satan goes!

May 10-A Heathen of high caste, of a village near Tencasi, came to pay me a visit; and after some conversation,

L

he requested me to receive two of his boys into the Seminary. I was much surprised at this request; and, thinking that it might originate from some incorrect information he had received respecting the same, I said to him: "But do you know how the Seminary is conducted? Do you know that none but Christian Books are taught there, and no distinction of castes is observed?" He replied: "I know all this; but I know, also, that the children acquire knowledge there, and this is the best thing we can wish for: so, if you will receive my sons into the Seminary, I will think it a great favour."

May 14, 1833-Early this morning we arrived at Asirvadapooram; but found none of the Christians at home; all were engaged in pruning their Palmyra-treesa work which at this season of the year is very pressing; so we could not collect them for Morning Prayer. At three o'clock in the afternoon some of them returned home, and we had a meeting with them. While explaining a portion of the Word of God, I remarked a woman who appeared very dejected and sorrowful. After the Service, I asked her the cause of her grief. She told me, with a faultering voice, that a few days ago her husband had fallen down from the top of a tree, and had been taken up dead; and then she began to sob and to cry alcud. We were affected by this news; but felt much comfort, when the Catechist told us that the man who had so suddenly been called into eternity was a true disciple of Jesus. He loved to hear the Word of God; and adorned his Christian profession with consistent conduct. This information furnished me with a proper ground upon which to address some words of comfort to the poor woman; and it appears they were cordially received.

May 17-Went this evening to Kadatchapooram. It is the largest village in this Mission, with the exception of Kuruvenkotei and Podoor. We baptized here four grown-up persons, whom, by a strict examination, we found fit for the Ordinance; and with them several children. We found here many persons in whose hearts a good work of Grace is begun; and it is evident that the Gospel has greatly improved the condition and manners of these villagers: their streets, houses, and dresses, are clean. In speaking with their superiors, they do not manifest that slavish fear which the Heathens generally do, but speak freely and

respectfully to any one; and they live in peace among themselves.

-Promising State of Female Scholars.

June 15-I had the pleasure, while examining our Compound Girls' School, of seeing that most of the girls have lately considerably improved: a few of them give indications of real piety. They, from time to time, inquire of us the meaning of some passages of Scripture. Sometimes they show great anxiety respecting the salvation of their souls, and often join together in supplications to God for the forgiveness of their sins.

Anxiety of a Teacher respecting his own State. June 21-One of the Teachers of the Seminary came to me, evidently much dejected, and complained of the great deceitfulness of his heart. "It is written in the Gospel," he said, that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh; but even this is not the case with me. I speak with the boys about the Redemption of Jesus, and yet my heart does not feel its power; while I speak, it is as hard as stone." I advised him to go to Jesus with the whole burden of his misery, to lay it at His feet, and complain to Him.-He that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.

Extracts from Journals of Rev. J. J.

Müller.

-Charitable and Religious Intercourse with Natives.

Oct. 8, 1832-On Saturday night, a case of mortality occurred here. A boy, eight years old, died of the dropsy and starvation. On Sunday morning, before church commenced, I went to the poor parents, and found them in a lamentable condition. The father of the child is affected with dropsy also, and consequently unable to do any work. The care of the whole family, consisting of four children, lies upon the mother, who is unable to support them. I gave the Catechist some of our poor-money, that he may, from time to time, relieve them.

Oct. 10-We went yesterday evening to a Heathen Village, and were soon surrounded by the people. We told them that we were now come to read something to them, and asked them whether they were ready to hear. A woman having answered in the affirmative, I ordered the Catechist of Dohnavoor, whom we took with us, to read a Tract which I thought most suitable for them. They listened with attention; but I observed that, from time to time, some went into the next house for a moment: when one returned, another went. I did not know what was amiss, but was soon informed