Weymouth, Ms. (S. parish.) Monthly concert, collected from July to December; by the Rev. William Tyler, Williamstown, Ver. Fem. Auxil. Soc. by Sally Carter, Treas. remitted by for the Cherokees, Winchester, (Winsted parish.) Con. Fem. Charitable Soc. by Nancy Hinsdale, Treas. for the For. Miss. School, by the Accountant, Windham, N. Y. Fem. Benev. Soe. for the educ. of hea. chil. remitted by the Rev. Dr. Worcester, $13 00 12 59-25 59 Fem. Cent Soo. for Missions in America, $15 for missions abroad, 15.-30 00 157 89 Amount of donations in December, $1,983 51. Windsor, N. H. Fem. Cent Soc. by the Rev. I. Robinson, Windsor, Ms. Charity box kept in the monthly conc. for the Cherokee miss. JOURNAL OF THE MISSION AT BATTICOTTA. (Continued from vol. xv, p. 230.) Nov. 5, 1818. Sent a copy of my journal to Dr. Worcester by way of Calcutta. 6th. Christian David, with his wife and two youngest daughters, came to Batticotta this morning. Mr. D. preached to the usual number of hearers, which is a little more than 200 when he preaches. I am not able to collect so many to hear me. The scholars from two or three of my schools are included in the above mentioned number. Mrs. David will spend a few days here, to visit and converse with some of the neighboring women, and induce them, if possible, to come here on the Sabbath, and also to send their daughters to be educated. Mr. D. will leave his two children abovementioned with us for the present. He wishes them to receive an English education. They eat at our table, will be considered as a part of our family, and not as belonging to the charity school. An elder daughter, who lived with us for some time, has now gone to reside with brother and sister Poor at Tillipally. They are all amiable children, and it is of great importance that they should receive a good education, as Mr. D. hopes that they may eventually be employed to teach schools of their own sex among the heathen. They dress in the English mode. Their father does the same; but their mother still continues her native dress. The dress of the higher class of natives is very convenient for this climate. It is also modest and very neat, and has the great advantage of being comparatively cheap. It greatly increases the expense of a native, to dress after the English fashion. Sabbath, Nov. 8. The sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered at Batticotta. A few native women attended the meeting. Brother Poor was present. Sabbath, 15. In the morning I preached as usual at our house to a good number of people. No preaching in the afternoon, on account of the heavy rain. 16. A few weeks since, two boys came to us in a manner worthy of notice. The parents of the first belong to Pondicherry, on the Coromandel coast. They came to Jaffna to trade. While here, their son was enticed away by a man who was going to Trincomale to trade. There he was left. He however got back to Jaffna; but during his absence his parents had returned to Pondicherry in search of him. The boy had no one in Jaffna to take care of him. He wandered about some time from place to place, in search of food, and of a place to reside. At last a person, who was acquainted with my plan of taking boys to support, saw him, and brought him to me. Under these circumstances, I could not refuse to take him, although his parents are not here to make an agreement with me. His appearance is now good; though when he first came here he appeared half starved, and was almost naked. He is about thirteen or fourteen years of age-very pleasant and amiable-attentive to his business-and makes good progress in study. He also speaks the Tamul language very correctly. I should, before this time, have written to his father, to inform him of his son's residence with us; but the boy does not know the name of his father, as be was called by the name of his trade, and not by his proper name. I hope soon, however, to be able to write to him. The other boy is about twelve years of age, and much like the first in his manners. His parents are dead, and he has no other near relations to take care of him. He has for some time past lived with a Pandareem, (a kind of privileged beggar) who, he says, was very unkind to him. When he left the Pandareem, who lives about four miles from this place, he wandered about several days, seeking some one who would set him to work, and give him his rice. Some person to whom he made known his situation, told him that I was in the habit of taking poor boys, and giving them food, clothes and learning. He came to me, and begged very hard to be taken. I consented to let him stay till I could learn further particulars concerning him. He has since conducted himself well, and appears to be a fine boy. He was able to read and write Tamul when he came, and he now applies to his studies with great diligence. I cannot but 1 hope, that both these boys have been sent to me by a kind Providence for the good of their own souls, and the souls of others. 17. Sent a duplicate of my journal to Dr. Worcester by way of Bombay. 18. This day a letter from Dr. Worcester arrived, addressed to all the brethren, and dated Jan. 26, 1818. We received it by way of Columbo, at which place the boxes of books and the medicine have arrived in safety. But, as the season for vessels to come from Columbo to Jaffna is now past, it will be some months before we shall receive them. Some of the medicine we very much need for immediate use. We greatly rejoice in the good news from the western mission among the Indians. Oh that the Lord would speedily pour out his spirit upon the people among whom we labor. Although we live in a dry and thirsty land where no water is, we rejoice exceedingly to hear of the triumphs of grace in our native land. Surely we in heathen India shall ere long reap the fruit of those extensive revivals of religion in our country. 27. Made an agreement to receive two more boys into the boarding school. December, 1. This day experienced a violent storm. The rain and wind have been very heavy all day. But what is most remarkable, is the fall of the thermometer. Yesterday it stood at 76° the common height for the rainy season. This morning it had fallen to 70° and shortly after it fell to 69° and when exposed some time to the strong wind, it fell to 67° which is lower by several degrees than I have seen it in Ceylon. I am informed, that it has not fallen so low for many years before. In such storms the natives, for want of clothing and warm houses, suffer very considerably. During the hottest weather in April, I have not seen the thermometer higher than 90° in the shade. 2. Opened a school at Manepy, about four miles from Batticotta, in a house which I have hired for the purpose, until a school house, which I have engaged to be built on the church land, shall be finished. 3. A few days ago commenced teaching some of the largest boys in the school to write. I have now eight thus learning, who improve as fast as boys of the same age in America. 4. Have this day commenced teaching a few of my boys to sing. Some of them have apparently goed voices, and with suitable attention will, I trust, be able to unite with us in public worship. We begin to be much concerned, that we do not hear something more particular from our brethren Warren and Richards, especially, as we learn that a vessel has arrived at Columbo from the Cape, and has brought nonews respecting them, or the ship in which they sailed. We have some reason to fear that the ship has not been at the Cape. Whether she is lost, or gone to England without touching at the Cape, it is in vain to conjecture. Our only confidence is in the Lord, knowing that he will take care of them. Tuesday, Dec. 15. Have just heard of the death of one of my neighbors, the father of two fine boys, whom I have taken to support. Their mother died some years ago. Their father was here on Saturday in health, but is now silent in death. I cannot forbear to admire the goodness of God in taking care of these little orphans. It is but a few days since this man signed the agreement to give me his boys. His relations have always b en much opposed to it. Had the subject been delayed till now, they would not, in all probability, have given up the boys. God is indeed a father to the fatherless. Through the charity of Christians in America, these boys have now a home where all their wants will be supplied. This man died of the epidemic, which has so extensively prevailed in almost all parts of India, the year past. He was the first instance of it in Batticotta. I did not know of his sickness, til it was too late to afford any assistance. 16. This morning the manigar, (the head-man of Batticotta) one bramhun, and several other respectable men, called on me. After inquiring respecting the epidemic, I made many observations to them concerning the uncertainty of life, and the great importance of being prepared for death. This almost insensibly led to much conversation, relative to various points of the Christian and heathen religions. Some of the people were disposed to cavil; others to hear attentively. The bramhun was much inclined to cavilling. He manifested much pride, and much ignorance. It is difficult to say which predominated. After I had made some observations respecting heaven and hell, the bramhun asked very significantly, "how do you know these things? Did any person ever come from the other world to tell you?" Yes, I replied, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came from heaven into this world. He knew all things, and has told us all things, which it is necessary for us to know respecting them. He has told us the truth, and if you will candidly examine the Scriptures, you will see that they are a revelation from God. The bramhun did not profess to believe that men are sinners. After mentioning a number of the most obvious proofs of the wickedness of men, I turned to the door, near which we stood, and pointing to the lock, asked him if he would tell me why it was put upon the door? He replied, to keep out thieves. The fact, said I, that all men, who wish to live in security, put locks upon their doors, is proof enough of the wickedness of men. The bran hun did not appear disposed to talk any more, and soon withdrew. Before he retired, however, I urged upon him the importance of examining the Scriptures for himself. He said, he had no Bible. I replied that I would lend him one. He excused himself by saying, he would believe it was good, because I said so. The heathens, when pressed on the subject, will rarely defend their idol worship, but say it is only for show. They all, like many nominal Christians, expect to go to heaven by their good works. After the rest of the people had gone, I asked the manigar to stay and hear me further on the subject, and then conversed with him more than an hour longer. He appeared really desirous to be informed, and exhibited more candor than almost any native with whom I have ever spoken on the subject of relig ion. He frankly confessed, that in the heathen religion there is no Savior; and no way in which sin can be pardoned, without rendering an equivalent; that if a man sins, he must be punished equal to the desert of his sins. His ideas, however, of the demerit of sin, are very defective. He asked whether real Christians will not be punished for their sins after death, before they are made happy? On being answered in the negative, he asked how it was consistent with the justice of God to forgive sin? I told him, that the justice of God would not permit him to forgive sin without a satisfaction, and then proceeded to show him how justice and mercy have met together, in the atonement made by Christ-how all the ends of God's law are answered by this, as much as they would be by the eternal punishment of the sinner. I dwelt a long time upon this point, as of fundamental importance. He then made inquiries respecting the nature, extent, and desert, of sin. On these subjects I find the heathens are Jamentably ignorant. I gave him, as well as I was able, a scriptural view of the subject, showed him the strictness of God's law, and the nature of sins of omission as well as those of commission. Of this distinction he appeared wholly ignorant. I then shewed him how the bad motives of wicked men taint all their apparently good actions, particularly when they do good merely to be seen of men. He pleaded guilty on this subject, and confessed that he had often performed actions which he supposed very good, from no other motive than to be seen and praised by his fellow men, All these subjects appeared new to him, and he expressed himself highly pleased with the information he had obtained. How much sincerity there is in his professions, time will show. I urged him to attend to these things immediately, and to call often and converse with me about them. May God bless his word to the salvation of this soul. The missionary among the heathen must be deeply impressed with this great truth every day; that though Paul may plant, and Apollos water, yet it is God aloue who giveth the increase. 18. We are becoming more and more alarmed about our dear brethren. A most eight mouths have elapsed since they left Columbo for the Cape, and no letter from them, no news respecting them, and no certain information that the Regalia, in which they sailed, has ever reached the Cape. We think and talk much about them, and pray much for them, as well as for ourselves: that God would sanctify to us our afflictions, and bring back our brethren in health and safety. God is trying us in a peculiar manner; but we desire to bow submissively to the dispensations of his holy providence. Both at Batticotta and Tillipally we have set apart this day as a season of special fasting and prayer, on account of our peculiar afflictions at this time. Sabbath, 20. Preached in the morning to a larger congregation than usual at the mission house, and in the afternoon at one of my school houses, at which I have not before preached on the Sabbath. About 100 hearers attended. They were quite attentive, promising to come again on the next Sabbath, and to bring with them their neighbors and friends. I have learned, however, by sad experience, how much value to set on such promises. They are easily made, and more easily broken. But as this is a new place, it is probable they will come in considerable numbers a few Sabbaths, until their curiosity is satisfied, and they become fully acquainted with my object. 22. Christian David preached here again to the people. 25. 1 his morning we were all much rejoiced by receiving two letters from brother and sister Chater, giving us certain information of the arrival of the Regalia at the Cape. Knowing the are fact of her arrival has greatly relieved our minds from that painful solici. de which we felt in a state of uncertainty respecting the welfare of our brethren. We may now hope soon to receive letters from them, and perhaps hear of their arrival in Ceylon if they are alive, and able to return. Sabbath, 27. Went again this afternoon to the same place at which I preached last Sabbath. The people, according to their promise, assembled in greater numbers than before. The principal subject, which I endeavored to illustrate and enforce on their minds, was the greatness of the love of God, in giving his Son to die for sinners. Alluding to the epidemic, which has made its appearance, and is now raging with violence in some parts of the district, I asked the parents who were present, whether any of them would be willing to give one of their children to be killed, provided, by that means they might save a thousand people in Batticotta from death? They all answered. "No." Would you give one of your children to die in order to save all the inhabitants of Ceylon? "No," was the universal answer. Behold then, said I. the wonderful love of God. He gave his only begotten, his well beloved Son to die for his enemies. "God so loved the world," &c. They acknowledged that it was very great and wonderful love, and that it was their duty to love and serve God. Jan. 1, 1819. This being the first day of the year, I assembled all my schools together, to hold an examination, and also to preach to them. As some of the schools are at a considerable distance, many of the small boys did not come. One hundred and eighty attended. I found they had generally made good proficiency in their studies. Watts's minor catechisins, the Lord's prayer, creed, ten commandments, and Christ's sermon on the mount, were all repeated by many of the boys, and parts of them by all. I did not examine them in their other studies. In addition to the boys, about fifty men attended public worship, making in all (including our household) an audience of about 250, which is the largest I have ever had in Batticotta. After public worship, in order to try how strong were the prejudices of the boys and their parents, I invited them to take dinner with my boys. As this was the first time I had given an invitation, I did not expect that many would accept it. Only 19 boys out of the whole number were willing to eat; the rest all positively refused. Some of the school masters told me, that the parents had heard how the boys at Tillipally had eaten with their school on Christmas day, and had given the boys a strict charge before they left home in the morning,not to eat my house. Their prejudices are very strong on this subject. To those boys who would not take their dinner I distributed plantains. They have no objections to eating raw fruit, even though it is given them by Christians. Sabbath 3. Preached twice in Tamul, once at the mission house, and once at one of my school houses. Two women of rank amon, the natives attended the meeting at the mission house in the morning, for the first time on the Sabbath. I often have females to hear me when I preach at the school houses. Jan. 4. Attended a meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Columbo Bible Society in Jaffnapatam, and a prayer meeting in the Wesleyan Chapel in the evening. 6. Visited my school at Changane. As I had previously made an appointment to preach, a number of people assembled on the occasion, when I preached, and performed all the other exercises of public worship in Tamul, to an audience of 135 people. 7. Christian David preached at Changane in my school house to 160 people. I ought here to remark, that my audiences are commonly much smaller than those mentioned above. The people assemble in smaller or greater numbers, according to circumstances. (To be continued.) SOCIETY ISLANDS. Letter from the Rev. Samuel Marsden, of New Holland, dated June 8, 1819. REV. AND DEAR SIR,—I have just received various letters from the missionaries at the islands, though no public ones. They in general contain the most gratifying intelligence. You will learn with much real pleasure that Pomare is going on well, and has finished his immense building for the worship of the true God. Last month the natives were to hold a grand Pentecost. Nothing like this, as I have had occasion before to remark, has occurred since the days of the apostles: the work is all of God. The missionaries, humanly speaking, had no strength for such a work, although in the discharge of their duty, they have endured hardships and privations, which will never be known in Europe. Indeed, it is probable, men of more refined education and habits could not have borne them. Had any of the great generals of the earth seen Joshua surrounding the walls of Jericho, with his rams' horns, how contemptible would his conduct have appeared in their sight. Many, even sober thinking men, for years viewed the mission to the islands with sovereign contempt, and considered it as the offspring of intemperate zeal. The mouths of gainsayers must now be stopped, and infidels silenced. Facts, which are open to the examination of the bitterest enemies of the cause, cannot be contradicted. This work is evidently of God, and his foundation is sure. What less than infinite power could induce a nation to forsake its gods? The Otaheitans, king and people have forsaken their gods and cast them into the fire,because they were no gods. Their altars no longer stream with human gore; their infants are no longer murdered as soon as born; nor does the poor savage any longer remain without hope and without God. The blessings of Divine Revelation, even on this side of the grave, can never be duly appreciated. It is impossible for those, who have never seen a heathen near death, to imagine the terrible nature of his situation. He has no magnetic point by which he may steer his shattered bark through the dark and stormy seas, that roll between the present and the future world. A horrible darkness, a satanic dread, an anguish, such as guilt alone inspires, rack the tortured mind more and more as death approaches; while the frantic friends of the poor dying heathen, yell, howl, dance, shout, and distort their features into a thousand horrid forms, to frighten death from his trembling prey. Now, blessed be God. Jesus steps in between Satan and death, and the dying Otaheitan, saying, 'Fear not, I have the keys of death and hell.' Satan has lost so much of his dominion in the islands, that he will never regain his former holds. The Otaheitans are now furnished with the sword of the Spirit, (the word of God,) by which they will be able to defend themselves from the common enemy. They can now read for themselves the holy precepts, and precious promises of the Gospel, which will be hoth their guide and consolation |