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wrong, and that they could not expect the blessing of God who did so. By his own acknowledgment he was a sinner, and knew no way of obtaining pardon. I endeavoured to shew that we were all sinners; and as such were exposed to the displeasure of God and the curse of His Law, as much as the criminal who violated the law of his country was guilty by that law. I preached Christ, as the only way of pardon and salvation; and all listened attentively.

I begin to see, more and more, the importance of visiting this people at their houses; and of manifesting a degree of kindness to them, in order to remove their prejudices, and to convince them that we are concerned for their real good.

Nov. 17, 1819.—This evening called On my neighbours, and had much conversation with them on the concerns of their souls. All promise to attend our Service on Sabbath Mornings.

Nov. 19. Went out with Br. Ward, and spoke to the people at their houses and in the streets. Some listen with attention, and assent to what is said; while others cavil and seem to be jealous of our designs.

Nov. 20.-Went out again to visit my neighbours, to talk to them on the concerns of religion, and to invite them to hear the Word of God tomorrow morning.

Nov. 30.-To-day there is a celebrated Festival among the Heathens. The Children are all absent from the Schools. The temples are splendidly adorned; and, at night, large fires are made.

Dec. 1.-The Festival is still continued. To-night may be properly called the "Heathens' Watch-night." Lights will be burning, and some persons will remain up to watch in every house. They hope, by this means, to have prosperity on their concerns. May we learn by them more assiduously to watch for souls! Christmas Day. I preached my first Tamul Discourse, from John

iii. 16.

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Dec. 28.-I spoke to a few people at Tirunelvely School. Infreturning, I saw people taking rice, cocoa-nuts, &c. to a little temple by the road side. I went in, and talked to those who were there, of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. The temple is consecrated to Vieru, whom they call Swamy (God), or, as one of them said, a Servant of God; but who is in reality a Malignant Spirit or Devil. Offerings are brought, twice a week, viz. Tuesday and Friday, to appease this Demon. When the Epidemic prevailed last year, a large temporary building was erected near it, for offering sheep, fowls, &c.-When I spoke to this people on the folly of their conduct, and inquired whether a Demon could save them, they answered, that, by their offering of sacrifices, he had preserved them and removed the Epidemic. I exhorted them to ascribe their preservation and deliverance to the mercy of the Great God. The Brahmin, who was to present their offerings, was not yet come. I was afterward told that this Idol was very much dreaded; and that people would not pass near it by night, for that an evil spirit dwelt in it strong enough to break a man's neck. In such superstitious dread are they of their Infernal Master, whom notwithstanding, they serve with so much fidelity!,

Jan. 18, 1820.-The Small Pox is said to be prevalent in the neighbourhood; yet the Parents will not allow their Children to be vaccinated, because the Brahmins have told them that the season is improper; and that the Goddess Amma sent the Small Pox, and they ought to submit to it, whereas, by using Vaccination, they oppose her, defeat her purpose, and expose themselves to her displeasure: and, as they are afraid of a return of the Epidemic, through the agency of this goddess, they readily yield to the Brahmins' suggestions; and threaten the Masters to keep their Children at home, if they suffer the Vaccinator to come into the School. The Children

also, on hearing that the Vaccinator is in the village, all leave the School and run home.

I inquired of a man why his piece of ground was divided, as it appeared to me, so strangely. He replied that it was for the good of himself and family-for that, by making certain divisions in their lands, building their houses in such a place and in such a direction, and putting the gate or entrance in the proper place-they should be fortunate, or should have the favour of their gods. These things are contained in a book, kept in the possession of the Brahmins; and it appears, that, when any buildings, alterations, &c. are to be attended to, the Brahmin,or some other learn ed man,must be consulted. If the house be built in some situations, or if it be too high, all the good fortune will be taken away from their neighbour, and come to them, and vice versa: therefore their old customs (now in use) require that none shall build to injure his neighbour in this respect. In such vain superstitions consist the greater part of the observances which they call THEIR RELIGION. How hath Satan blinded their minds to believe a lie!

Jan. 22, 1821.-In the evening, went out to talk to the people, and to invite them to come to Service to-morrow morning. Some made excuses, but most expressed their willingness to

come.

Jan. 23, Sunday. Had an encouraging number of people at Morning Service, whom I addressed on the na ture and importance of Prayer, from Matt. vi. 5-8. The Congregation at the Fort was not so encouraging, being very few. In the evening, had a larger company than usual, to whom I spoke from Matt. vi. 19-21. Felt my mind quite revived with the Services of the day; assured, that though it may be long before the desired fruit may appear, yet the labour cannot altogether be in vain. The Lord will, in due time, give the in

crease.

Feb. 11.-This evening a great Heathen Fast commences. Till the 13th nothing is eaten. The people remain up all night; and, that they may not fall asleep through hunger and fatigue, they have different amusements; the principal of which is, to tie a large swing on the branch of some widespreading tree, on which a company of both sexes and of different ages seat themselves, and swing for hours together, singing or bawling all the time. Some also attend the temples, to offer prayers and sacrifices. Their system teaches them, that, by such observances, they will obtain a better condition in the next world. The ceremony concludes with washing themselves; after which, they may eat, and sleep, and sin as they like: for little notice is taken of sins, even the most heinous, except such as violate the customs of their forefathers.

Feb. 12.-Went out to invite some of my neighbours to hear God's Word, but they could not come. Their customs must be attended to. They must go to their temples, attend to their ceremonies, bathe themselves, &c. I had a long conversation with some who acknowledged that they depended on these things to obtain the favour of God. I endeavoured to reason with them on the folly of their conduct, and to point out the impos sibility of success in this way. They argued as long as they could in support of their practices, urging the authority of their books, the customs of their fathers &c.; and then listened to me, while I told them of the inefficacy of human efforts in the matter of justification before God,and of the way of salvation provided for sinners in the Gospel.

March 1.-The painful intelligence arrived of Br. Ward's removal to Galle. What I shall be able to do in consequence with the concerns of my Mission, I cannot tell, My dependence must be placed on God.

March 9.-At the meeting of the Schoolmasters this evening, I proposed

!

to prepare, as soon as I shall be able,
some new initiatory Lessons for the
Schools. They have no book, after
leaving the alphabet, but such as
neither Children nor Masters under-
stand. The mode of instruction is,
indeed, wretched; and presents diffi-
culties to the infant mind, sufficient
to discourage one of mature age.
Neither the style nor language of
their books are known to any, but
those who are esteemed learned, and
who have given much time to reading
and study. The books seem to have
been composed at a time when the
language was far more refined than it
now is: and they are used now, from
regard to antiquity, and that the
Children may learn what is esteemed
GOOD TAMUL. I was surprised at the
compliance of the Masters, who
readily agreed to adopt any books
for Initiatory Lessons, that I should
give them. I feel disposed to take
this as a token for good, that their
prejudice is so far wearing away. The
way of usefulness gradually opens
before me; and, were it not for the
power of Satan and the natural en-
mity of the heart, I might hope in
time to see all their prejudice and
superstition removed. This, how-
ever, is the work of God; and, while
I persevere in the use of the means, I
hope to look, with confidence, to the
accomplishment of my best wishes.
The work of God must go on.

March 11, 1821.--Went out this even-
ing to the Coppersmiths' and Dyers'
Villages, to urge the people to mind
the concerns of their souls, and to in-
vite them to attend at my house to-
morrow to hear the Word of God.
The people did not manifest that op-
position and dislike, which they some-
times do. I feel encouragement in
this work.

March 12, Sunday.—Had a greater number of hearers than I have had for some time.

For some weeks past, I have had the Schools together, for a considerable time, on Sunday Mornings, before the beginning of the Service; and,

having ranged them in rows before the house, required them to repeat their Scripture Lessons, Catechisms, &c. by classes. This exercise, in which some of the Masters seem to feel considerable interest, affords me great delight; and gives me pleasing anticipations with regard to future days. May God bless these humble beginnings!

In the evening, I read a Tamul Sermon at Kykooler Village. It gives me pleasure to see the same faces on these occasions; as I cannot but hope, that, however ignorant they may be, of the things of God, while they thus attend, some impression must be made. But, my only trust is the promise of Jehovah !

This is immutable; and when the Word is sealed home to the heart by the unction of the Holy Spirit, ignorance, prejudice, and superstition will soon give way, and the Word of the Lord will run and be glorified.

March 16.-In the evening the Masters of the Schools attended as usual, to give me their weekly report. This is very encouraging, though very far from what may be wished. The Children, by committing Scripture to memory, are, I hope, by the Divine blessing, laying up a store for their future benefit. While the seeds are thus sown, may the genial showers descend from on high, to make them vegetate and grow! This evening I concluded, for the first time, with exhortation and prayer: this was found impracticable when the Masters were first called together; as they were exceedingly afraid, lest they should be compelled to become Christians: but their fears and prejudices wear away; and I hope to make this Meeting important, in time, for communicating religious instruction to these persons, and, through them, to promote the best interests of the Children whom they instruct.

March 17.-This evening, I was mercifully preserved from death, being twice thrown by my horse and much bruised. The Lord is my keeper!

March19, 1820, Sunday-.It is pleasing to see crowds of Children, in a Heathen Land, meeting together on the Lord's Day, with much order and regularity, to hear the Word of God; and delightful it is, to hear them repeat their Scripture Lessons before the commencement of Service. I had a larger audience this morning than usual: the number of Children 133; and of Adults, including masters and servants, nearly 30. May God make His word effectual to their conversion! In the evening, I had a pleasing company at Kykooler School. When I came, I found mats spread on the ground, in the open air. We usually meet in the School Bungalow: but this is not commodious, and to-day it was too small for the number of people. The School Boys were all seated in order, and several people were waiting for me. Could I believe them to be anxious to receive the Bread of Life, how pleasing to visit and preach to them! But, it is much to be feared, that, though perishing for want, none felt their need: no soul is yet seen hungering and thirsting after righteousnesss-none is yet heard inquiring, What must I do to be saved? yet I would hope, that, by continuing to hear, their minds will gradually be opened to discover the importance of Divine things; and when God shall shew them their misery and danger, they will gladly fly to Christ for help. I preached the same Discourse here as in the morning at home-subject, the Pharisee and Publican: this seems peculiarly suitable for them; for, though destitute of every principle, and many perhaps of every feeling, of morality, yet they are exceedingly self-rightcous; for, supposing, amidst all their abominations, that they are free from sin and have never done any thing to displease God, they conceive that future happiness, by a migration into a superior state of existence, must necessarily await them on leaving the body; and it often proves very offensive, to tell them they are sinners:

they suppose themselves charged with some very heinous crime.

March 17.-The Kykooler Master inquired of me the meaning of "the Communion of the Holy Ghost," in the Blessing; which he could not comprehend. I am pleased with these inquiries, as they shew that these persons do not hear altogether in vain, and afford me favourable opportunities of explaining truths and doctrines which otherwise I might neglect or overlook. The same Master also asked me to lend him one of the books from which I read on the Sabbath (meaning the New Testament) for his perusal; which request I gladly complied with; humbly praying that God may make it a blessing to his soul.

March 24.-An Old Brahmin called, and stopped with me some time. He is more intelligent and candid than most of his countrymen. He told me that a School (which he began some time ago, as it would seem, from a feeling of jealousy and opposition toward me) had much declined: some of the Boys attend my School, where they are taught gratuitously. He also told me that the other Brahmins, belonging to his temple, are studying the Scriptures, to search for errors, &c., that they may be able to answer any question which I may propose to them, and to confute me. Oh, that the Blessed Author of the Scriptures may open their understanding, and reveal the sacred truths thereof to their hearts!

March 26, Sunday.-I have adopted the plan of having a Public Examination of the Schools, after Morning Service, on the First Sunday in every month; but, as I expected to be engaged next Sunday, I heard the lessons to-day. Four Boys came forward from the different Schools, and repeated the Sermon on the Mount exceedingly well. I afterward called on the different Schools to say whether they deserved their reward. The voice was unanimous in their favour; and each one had an Iron Pen given

him, a sa reward for his diligence and a stimulus to increased exertion.

It is very encouraging to witness so much in a Heathen Land, where prejudice and superstition so greatly abound; and I would humbly hope and pray, that, while the Word of God is heard and read, it may not be in vain. But, if THIS be delightful, how much more delightful would it be to see these poor Idolators humble and contrite-suing for mercy before the cross of Christ! I would persevere, in faith and prayer; assured that God will shew me greater things than these.

April 1, 1820.-Had much talk with the people, at their houses and by the way-side but nearly all listened attentively, and gave their assent to what I said; so that nothing interesting occurred. Some, who formerly have been disposed to cavil and dispute, now heard me patiently. To what is this to be attributed? Not to their being convinced of the truth of what I say to them, for then they would attend my preaching, and I should have more hope of doing them good; but they are still enslaved to all the prejudices and superstitions of Heathenism, and wholly averse to the truths of the Gospel. Perhaps, they find themselves unable to answer me, and therefore choose to be silent; or they may be actuated by a desire to have my favour, and think that by opposing me they shall offend me. April 13. Three of my neighbours came, and begged me to give each one of them a Pice (a small piece of money). They had finished the Sports and Ceremonies of their New Year; and wished to receive a sum of money from "some great man," before they began their work, that they might have a prosperous year. They had formerly gone to Gentle'men in Jaffna, to ask for this favour; but, as I was come to live among them, to be their Priest (or Teacher), they trusted that I should shew them so much kindness. I endeavoured to point out the folly of such vain

confidences and superstitions; and told them, that, as they acknowledged me as their Teacher, I hoped they would listen to my instructions. I thought it improper to sanction their superstitions by my example; but told them, that if they would send their Children, I would give THEM a piece of money. I also exhorted them to put their trust in God, and, before they began their labour to seek a blessing from Him, and then they would not be disappointed. This they said that they had already done; but yet they wished much to have me comply with their custom. As I still refused, they left, much disappointed. They consider such a refusal, as ominous of a disastrous year. Their little Boys came afterward, and to them I gave each a Fanam; four times the sum requested by the Fathers. But this, it appears, will be no compensation for the disappointment; for, as the money was not given into their hands, they suppose that they shall reap no benefit from it.

April 16, Sunday. This morning, I had the largest Congregation, that I have yet seen. There were present 148 Scholars and about 40 Adults. The people were collected chiefly by the efforts of the Interpreter. I gave them my Eighth Tamul Sermon.

In the evening, I had again a good number at the Kykooler Village. One old man, from another village, before I began, seemed much disposed to talk and cavil. He said my present superior state of existence was in consequence of the charity or good deeds of the person or being, which was formerly animated by the spirit which I now possess. If a person's good deeds exceeded his sins, his spirit would again enter into the world in a superior state of existence; but if the sins were greater, his future state would be inferior: if the good and bad deeds were equal, the spirit would go to God; otherwise not. Such are the vague ideas

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