Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

on which man could rely. He went away to his temple-a long journeyin full confidence, that, though he had to pass through many jungles, no beast would rush out to destroy him, because of the magic of his much-prized wand! Influence of Caste among Nominal Chris

tians.

Mr. Ward gives the following instance of the ridiculous influence of Caste; which pernicious institution prevails, however, but little in Ceylon in comparison of its power on the Continent.

One Sunday morning, many persons came to have the banns of their marriages published. By virtue of a late regulation of Government, the Olea, or Low-caste Women, are authorized to wear jackets; a privilege, which the System of Caste has hitherto denied them. Two or three of these poor women, availing themselves of the privilege thus allowed them, appeared in our Congregation on this occasion; each of them decently clothed, in a white cloth jacket. We had heard that this measure of the Government had produced considerable emotion among the higher Castes, and that petitions had been presented to the Collector against it: not knowing, however, that any of the Low-caste Women intended to be present at our Service, I was unprepared for what occurred in consequence.

When I entered the School Room to commence Divine Service, I perceived the whole of our School Girls, together with our Female Servants and some other Women, in the utmost confusion: they were all standing up, and seemed resolved not to take their seats. Several of the elder School Girls went out others were about to follow them. I knew not then the cause of all this commotion. I interfered, however; and obliged those who remained to take their seats, and proceeded through the Service. Afterward, finding that it was a few poor women, who sat almost unperceived at the opposite end of the room, who had given them so much offence, I expostulated with them on the impropriety of their conduct-explained to them the natüre and tendency of our religion-told them that it consisted in love to God, and always produced in us love and good-will to all our fellow-creaturesand reasoned with them upon the child Nov. 1823,

ishness of taking offence at another, be cause he wore the same kind of clothing as ourselves.

In the afternoon, I went and preached at the house of our Second Schoolmaster, where a considerable number of persons -men, women, and children-were assembled. Here, again, the subject of the Low-caste Women was brought forward: one woman, more bold and forward than the others, was disposed to say a great deal about it. I saw, however, that it would be in vain to reason with her; so I left and came home.

The women in this country are either so bold and forward that we are disgusted with them, or so excessively shy as to exclude the possibility of our speaking

to them.

Visit to the Government Schools in the
Mutura District.

Some account of these Schools, now placed, with those in the Galle District, under the superintendence of Messrs. Mayor and Ward, is given at p. 60 of the last Survey. Mr. Ward's report of one of his visits to the Matura Schools will shew, both what a sphere of labour is hereby opened to the Missionaries, and how greatly their exertions are needed. :

Aug. 6, 1832--I left Galle yesterday, on a visit to some of the Schools in the Matura District; and arrived at Belligame at midnight. After breakfasting, I proceeded to the School Room, which was prepared and ornamented after the custom of the country. Here I preached to a large concourse of people: 60 or 70 children were present, 12 of whom read the New Testament in Cingalese very well: I presented the best reader with a New Testament, and the second best with a copy of the Book of Psalms. Fifty boys repeated their Catechism correctly. I was very agreeably surprised in exa mining this School; and could not but · lift up my heart in prayer to God, that these poor boys may be rescued from the superstitious and idolatrous customs of their forefathers.

From Belligame School I proceeded to that of Denipitia, about three miles distant. As I was entering the village, I was met by the tomtom beaters, dancers, &c. who seemed anxious to pay me those honours which they usually shew to the "Great people”—a term which they are accustomed to give to

4 S

English Gentlemen. I preached here to a much larger number of people than at Belligame; but there were fewer children, and those by no means so far advanced in their learning. I married 23 couple of baptized natives. Several applications were made for baptism: some told me that it was formerly the custom, when a Padre came to their village, not only to preach and examine the Scholars, but to baptize their children also: I told them my reasons for refusing to comply with their wishes.

One man said that he always conducted himself according to the Christian Religion. I asked him to tell me some of the principal doctrines of the Christian Religion: he said that he followed the Commandments and the Belief, which he had learned in his youth. I asked him to repeat any one of the Commandments: he said, he could not. I asked him to tell me what he believed: he said, he could not say his Belief now. "Then," I said, "how can you say that you follow the Commandments and the Belief, when you confess that you are perfectly ignorant of both of them ?" Being obliged to remain in this village until the next morning, a room was prepared for me in the house of the Headman, where I dined and slept. In the evening, I called together my host and the people who were about the house, and read to them the Ninth Chapter of St. John, and prayed. I presented my host with a New Testament, in Cingalese, for his son.

Aug. 7, 1822-After breakfast, I went to the School Room, and married two couple more; when, having again exhorted the people to seek the things which belong to their peace, I proceeded to Mirisse, a village a few miles further toward Matura.

The School Room was full of people, and many stood outside. I preached upon the Fall of Man. Several appeared anxious to hear and understand. Very few of the children were able to read at all, and those very incorrectly; and they were all deficient in their Catechism. The Schoolmasters complained that the people would not send their children to the School: I told those who were present, that if they were unwilling to send their children, we should recommend to Government to remove the School to some other village: they promised to send them more regularly than they had done.

I married two souple, and had seve ral applications for baptism. One man, in particular, seemed to claim the privilege of baptism for his children, because, he said, he could say the Prayers and Commandments. He brought one boy with him, who, he said, attended school daily. I inquired from the boy, if he could repeat the Ten Commandments-No. I asked if he could readNo: he could not tell his letters. His father, however, repeated the Fourth Commandment, which I was very glad to hear: he said that he always kept it. I refused baptism to his children.

From this village I proceeded to Matura, where I arrived about three o'clock.

I met large crowds of people return. ing from Kattragame, where they had been to make offerings to the stone idol, commonly called the God of Kattragame: many of the persons whom I met on the road were old and infirm, and some lame and blind; yet they had travelled, some of them, from 100 to 200 miles on foot, in order to pay homage to this false deity! When I saw them, wearied and faint with their journey, sitting under the shade of the trees by the way-side, I longed to be able, without reserve, to make known to them, in their own language, the wonderful works of our God; and to point them to the only Saviour, who was bruised for their iniquities and wounded for their transgressions, and by whose stripes alone they can be healed.

On my arrival at the Cutchery, C. E. Layard, Esq., Provincial Judge of Galle and Matura, being now here, came and invited me to dine with him, which I did, and afterwards accompanied him and his Lady to visit the Maha, or Chief Modeliar.

August 8 This morning, I proceeded to visit the School at Matura. The School Room was filled with people. After preaching, I examined the Scholars: a few read tolerably well in Genesis, but they could not any of them repeat the Catechism. In this School, I performed the ceremony of marriage for 38 couple.

Hence I proceeded to Kotticagadda, about a mile on the further side of Matura. Very few children were present, and those were in the lowest state of ignorance. I preached to a great number of people, who, on this occasion, had assembled together, I married 11 couple.

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

Prevalence and Effects of the Cholera Morbus, in the District of Jaffna. The Cholera Morbus, after having subsided for some time, renewed its ravages in the District of Jaffna. The effect of this visitation on the minds of the people is thus described by the Rev. Joseph Knight, stationed at Nellore, in this District:

One of our Schoolmasters was directed by the people of his village to tell me, that the Cholera had been more fatal in the two houses nearest the School than in any other part, and that this was occasioned by the building being higher than the other buildings!

I went out, one Sunday, in the midst of the Cholera, in the afternoon, with some Tracts, accompanied by the School Visitor. We went to a house, and were received with civility. We sat down in the court, and requested them to hear a Tract read, to which the man of the house assented. It was an Address on the prevailing Epidemic, printed by the Madras Corresponding Committee. As soon as he found what the subject was, he became enraged, and charged the Missionaries with being the cause of the Epidemic-that it had not come till their arrival; but that now some people had joined them, and confusion was occasioned in the religion of the country, by which the Gods were displeased. It was a good while before I could find op portunity to speak a word; but when I had obtained his attention, I told him that the sins of the people were the cause of their sufferings-that the Missionaries had come by God's command to tell them of their sins-and that, as they still persisted in them, the disease might be considered as a warning from Him. The same sentiment was also contained in the Tract: but he raged exceedingly. It was also stated in the

Tract, that none of their Idol Gods could save them; but this he positively denied; and asserted, that, in going to the cloth-market, he was seized with the disorder, but running immediately to Pulliar's temple (another name for Ganesa, whose figure is painted in one of the Missionary Papers) he prostrated himself, and sought for help, and was, in consequence, restored to health. We told him that he deceived himself, for, if he was healed, it was by the power and mercy of God alone, and to Him the praise should be ascribed: but he' persisted in his errors. They heard the Tract read; and then I plainly and affectionately warned the man of his danger, and told him my motives in coming to him, as well as my authority for saying what I did; and urged him seriously to seek for mercy and pardon from God: but it was with difficulty that I could get him to hear me; and when I left him, he shouted after me, abusing the Missionaries, as far as I could hear him.

Though the disease, in this revival of it, has not been so violent as it was two years ago, it has not, perhaps, been much less fatal. Many hundreds have been suddenly swept into eternity. My attention, for some time, was daily engaged with the sick and dying, so that it occupied nearly all my time. The old scenes of superstitious ceremonies have been acted over again, to appease the angry deities: but all to no purpose; for, frequently, some of the chief actors were first seized: yet, to such a degree does Heathenism darken the understanding, and pervert the judg ment, that they cannot discover their folly. Would that I could mention even one instance of good resulting from this severe dispensation! but the people seem more madly bent on their idols than before; and more determined, in many cases, to oppose the truths of the Gospel. Their notions of religion referring only to the present life, they think, because some Christians die of the disease as well as Heathens, that there is no more safety or efficacy in the Christian Religion than in their own, and thus furnish themselves with a plausible pretext for rejecting it with disdain.

Readiness of the People to receive Tracts.

The disposition of most of the people to receive Tracts is encou

raging. Mr. Knight gives the following narrative of an excursion, in company of a friend, to Chavacherry, about 12 miles from Jaffna.

AtNavacolley, hearing that some people were assembled to perform ceremonies at a small temple near at hand, we went to them, and met with a better reception than we expected. When we arrived, the Brahmin was distributing consecrated ashes to smear on the face; but he afterwards went inside, and we saw no more of him. We obtained leave to enter the porch of the temple, and had a Tract read, which pointed out the folly of worshipping and trusting in idols, and made known a Saviour to them. One of them, who seemed a principal person, grew uneasy before it was finished: they listened, however, to the whole. Some explanatory remarks were also given; after which, according to their custom, they bid us go.

We distributed a few Tracts in this village. As the sun began to decline, we left for Chavacherry, where we were kindly received and hospitably entertained by Mr. Vanderlinden, a Dutchman, and magistrate of the place. There is, close by Mr. Vanderlinden's house, a large, bazar, where we had opportunities of speaking and distributing Tracts to large companies of people. Some disputed, and received no Tracts; among whom were the Moormen.

Early the next morning, we found great numbers in the bazar. Tracts were read and explained to three separate companies; most of whom listened well, and afterward received Tracts. We went out several times, in the course of the day; and always found a fresh supply of hearers. The desire manifested to receive Tracts, especially those which were printed, was very great; though, at first, the people seemed to be somewhat afraid of them. Some folded them up carefully in their clothes, to take them home. Others went and sat in the shade, to read them alone; and others were seen reading them to companies who could not read. On one occasion, after a quantity had been distributed, a shower came on; and the sight of several companies, who had gone to the sheds for shelter from the rains, reading Extracts from the Scriptures, and other Tracts, was very interesting. Some said that they had taken home the Tracts which they had received yester

day, and had carefully read them, and wanted a fresh supply. The plan adopted was to get a company together to listen to the reading of a Tract, and to the comments which might be made on it; and then to give one to each person who could read it. Several, who could not read themselves, begged for Tracts for their children or relatives who could. I distributed, at this place, about 160 printed Tracts, which had been received. from Madras.

We feel encouraged by our excursion, and pray that the Divine Blessing may rest on what we have done.

Visit to some of the Islands off Jaffna.

Mr. Knight, and Dr. Scudder of the American Mission, had agreed to visit some of the Islands lying off the coast of the District. Mr. Knight's account of this visit will give some insight into the state of the people, and will shew with what' diligence and patience the seed of the Word must be sown among them.

May 27, 1822.-We met on the beach, about two miles beyond Batticotta. The channel, which we passed, was, I think, more than two miles wide; but the water was so shallow as to be fordables

Arriving at the Island (Carradive) we proceeded some way into the first Village, to the house of a Native, who is in office under Government. We spread our mats, and took up our lodging under a tree in his court; the house being too small to afford us accommodation. Several people came to see us, in the course of the day; to whom we spoke, and distributed Tracts. After getting refreshment, as the sun began to decline, we went round the village, taking diffe rent directions-calling on the people, distributing Tracts, and making known to them the Way of Salvation. I met with several interesting circumstances.

[ocr errors]

At one house, we found an Old Man, who was much esteemed in the village for his learning, but who was become debilitated by age.. The lively intelligence which shone conspicuously through his furrowed countenance, with the attention which he paid to what was said, much endeared him to me. While talking with him, a company of women collected in the court; to them we turned, and gave advice, &c.

Another scene, which proved very interesting, was a large School of fine pro

mising boys. The master had a neigh bour with him: the interpreter and myself sat down on a mat with them: a Madras Tract, on the New Birth, was read to them, and explanatory remarks made: the two men listened well to what was said, expressing their assent when the subject pleased them. The boys begged hard to have a printed Tract each; and I left some with the Master, to give to those who should repeat their lessons best the next morning. Going on, we found a travelling Mendicant from the coast. Though gaudily adorned with beads, he refused to take any Tract, pretending not to know how to read. We spoke to him plainly and faithfully, but it appeared to make no impression on him: he soon grew tired, and said he must get away to beg for his rice, and would stay and hear these things another time. While talking with him, a company of ten or twelve persons collected, to whom we made known the Way of Salvation. Going on further, we found a company of four men, one of whom had a fine intelligent counte nance, seated on the sand: we stayed to speak to them, and to read a Tract: the questions which they asked, while they proved them to be men of reflection, shewed that they were rigid Heathens.

We returned to our lodging just before dark, and Dr. Scudder came in soon after. While the servants were provid. ing food, we united in praise and prayer to the God of our mercies: afterward, calling together the servants and attendants, we gave them some exhortations from the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus; and, having commended ourselves to God in prayer, we lay down to rest under the narrow verandah of the house, so as to be screened from the strong southerly wind.

May 28, 1822-Rising early this morning, we unitedly sought the Divine Blessing; and, after breakfast, went out again in different directions. I found several companies of people in a large field, and in a village through which I passed, to whom I spoke, directing them to Christ for salvation: very few of them were able to read. I met with Dr. Scudder, by appointment, near the ruins of an old Parish Church-a striking monument of what was done in former days, to propagate Christianity. We proceeded to the side of the Island opposite to that on which we landed; where, with some difficulty, we crossed

a fine river, and took possession of an old uninhabited house on the opposite bank. Here we spread our mats, and remained quiet till the heat of the day: was over; when, as before, we went out to seek for opportunies of doing good, each taking a different course.

One

We here found an extensive popula-› tion, chiefly Roman Catholics, who, with some exceptions, listened to our instructions, and received Tracts, especially such as were printed, with eagerness. We distributed portions of the Scriptures among them; as the Sermon on the Mount, the Discourses of the Saviour,. &c., printed at Colombo. man, who refused to take any Tract, was overheard to say, that the time of Antichrist was very near: some others, who appeared to be chief men, refused to accept of Tracts, and looked very shy upon us; probably from feelings of prejudice, which the Priests may have instilled into them: one man said that the Priests would be angry if they received our Tracts, but he afterward took one: we found one written Tract which we had given, torn up, and thrown down by the road-side. On the whole, however, the prospect here, with regard. to the distribution of the Scriptures, seems very encouraging; and we cannot but regret, that we have not copies of the Word of God; in greater plenty, to distribute among the people. How soon the door of usefulness may be closed, by. the influence of the Priests, we know not; but we trust that the eyes of the people will first be opened to discover the difference between truth and error, and then opposition will but tend to forward the cause of truth. This appears to be one of the most flourishing Roman-Catholic districts which I have

seen.

May 29-Hearing of a good opportunity of going to another Island, a few miles distant, which we supposed had not been visited by the Gospel for many years, we proceeded thither.

We found very few houses; and the inhabitants, for the most part, very ignorant. One Old Man, more intelligent than the rest, had learned a Christian Catechism and other Christian Lessons in his youth under the Dutch, some part of which he repeated: he said he was more than 100 years of age. We told all whom we saw of the Way of Salvation by Christ, and gave Tracts to all who could read.

« AnteriorContinuar »