entertained by these people of the requirements of God; and such their best notions of future rewards and punishments! In vain did I speak to this man, of the sinfulness of our nature, the impossibility of justifica tion by our own works, and our absolute need of a Saviour. He seemed deaf to every thing that I had to say, and wished to have all the conversation himself. I therefore turned from him, and began to instruct the people; to which both he and all the others listened with very great attention. May 16, 1820.--Went to Tirunelvely, hoping to have a Congregation; but the people and most of the children were absent, attending a temple to hear the last day's reading of a book called "Conterpranum." This is a Heathen Story, which takes two or three months in the reading; to hear which numbers of people attend the temples for several hours every day, at this season of the year, for that length of time. We passed by one of the temples, and found great numbers assembled. The Brahmin was engaged in offering sacrifice, while another person was employed in reading and explaining the Book to the people the Brahmin is common ly too ignorant for this. Intervals between the reading were filled up by harsh music. June 3.-Called on many of my neighbours, to invite them to come and unite with us in our attempts to keep holy the Sabbath Day. Most promised to come. One man, after listening to what I said for some time, seemingly with much attention, suddenly turned round, and, in a tone of displeasure, said, if I would pay him two fanams for coming to hear the Word of God, he would come; but he must seek support for his body. He would listen to me no longer. "What shall I eat?" or "What shall I get for my mouth?" is the constant inquiry among this people, from morning till night, and especially when solicited to hear God's Word: and, though many promise fairly to come, they have not the least intention of doing so; the breaking of a promise being, in their estimation, no evil at all. How little can the Missionary do among such a people, witbout the special aid of the Spirit of God! and how soon will be be discouraged, if he trust not to a power superior to his own! July 16, Sunday.-When I entered on my Sermon, one of the Boys began to make a noise by writing on an olla, as I thought, in play: I therefore prevented him, and had his iron pen taken from him. I had scarcely begun again, when, having procured another pen, he began the rustling noise with the olla a second time: I now thought this Lad was manifesting great disobedience, and setting a very bad example; and was about publicly to reprove him, when I was informed that his object was to take notes of my Sermon, that he might be able to answer me when interrogated on the subject in the evening. I was now most agreeably disappointed, and gave him full permission to proceed; when immediately the rustling of three ollas, in different hands, commenced. I hope this may be the means of collecting some of the seeds, which are scattered among them! and, by the influence of the Holy Spirit, be rendered a blessing to the minds of these dear Youths. July 23, Sunday.-I expected greater numbers of Adults than attended; especially from the Dyers' Village, as the Dyers are most attentive to my invitations: but I afterward learned, that they are reproached by other castes, the Goldsmiths, Braziers, &c. for their attendance at my house on the Sabbath Day, which they cannot bear: when, therefore, they were called upon by the Interpreter in the morning, they refused to come. Aug. 4.-Grand Ceremonies are now performing at the neighbouring temple this evening, three idols, representing Conderswamy and his two wives, were placed on figures, larger than life, representing the Cow (with a human head and breast), the Horse, and the Ram. These figures were gaudily painted, elevated on poles above the people, and carried on men's shoulders round the temple. Dancing-girls richly decorated with silver and gold, drummers and pipers, and rows of torches or flambeaus, passed before the images: immediately before the idols were four or five figures of the trident, with a flaming light in each prong. Raised above each image was also a white canopy or umbrella. On each side of the road, forming a lane for the procession, were many canopies, flags, peacock's feathers, and various decorations; all together presenting a very splendid appearance, and, to the ignorant and superstitious Native, very imposing. Before the procession began to move, sacrifice was offered to the idols: this consisted of some of the fruits of the country. After the sacrifice, a cocoa-nut was dashed and broken against a stone: the water which it contained was spilled, and those around eagerly seized the pieces of the broken shell. A cloth was suspended to hide the ceremony of sacrificing from the view of the multitude, and only one instrument (a kind of trumpet) was sounded; but, immediately as the cloth was removed, when the splendour of the beasts, ornaments, &c. appeared, a dinning clangour arose, and the hands of the whole multitude were instantly clasped and elevated above their heads to pay homage to the idols. The idols themselves could not be seen. hind the images, about fifteen persons rolled in the dust all the way they went; probably either as an atonement for sin, or in compliance with some vow made when sick or in distress. At the close of the procession, before the idols were taken in, sacrifice was again offered. The Dancing-girls and Musicians paraded in order, in a single row, describ Be ing a large circle round the images; while the stunning sound of drums, cymbals, and harsh instruments of various kinds, was heard on all sides. Such is the scene which continues, with some variety, for twenty-two evenings; and which, from time to time, attracts thousands of spectators, who all believe that what is done is verily pleasing to God! Sept. 17, 1820, Sunday.-In hearing the Boys repeat their Scripture Lessons, I was encouraged to find how much light they had attained, and how readily they comprehended the things which were spoken to them. I have for some time past been much discouraged; but I was now cheered and revived, and felt determined to give myself anew to the great work, assured that I shall, in due time, see greater things than these. Nov. 4.This is a particular festival among the Heathen. They say that some deity supports the world on his head, and that he sleeps all the year round except to-day; but to-day he wakes, and looks about him: every Heathen must, therefore, attend to fasting and ablutions. Abundance of fruit is also taken, as offerings, to the temples. The festivals therefore prove profitable times for the Brahmins. Jan. 28, 1821, Sunday.-Two of the Schools were very late in attendance; and I found the reason to be, the unwillingness of the Parents to send their Children to hear me. This fear, suspicion, and jealousy, is seen in almost every thing that I have to do with them. If money is the object set before them, they are ready enough to dispense with custom to obtain it; but if the interests of the soul be brought in view, a thousand obstacles are instantly presented. How plainly may the natural enmity of the heart against God, and the power and malice of Satan, be discovered in the conduct of this people! and how important is it, that the Missionary who labours among them, should have his mind fortified, by the influence of divine grace, and by faith in the promises of God! : March 8, 1821.—One of the Schoolmasters, at the Weekly Meeting, mentioned the permission referred to in the New Testament (which he is reading at home) for a man to put away his wife; and inquired whether, in case the man was unable to keep his wife, and she followed evil practices for the sake of getting food to satisfy hunger, he would be justified in rejecting her as I considered this question proposed merely from curiosity, I deemed it proper to avoid giving a direct answer. The very inquiry, however, shews the scenes of iniquity with which they are familiar. Another, on being asked how he expected to be saved, said he had never committed any sin, nor had any Covetous or evil thoughts in his heart. He acknowledged, however, that he prayed to God for pardon. I pointed out the inconsistency of praying for pardon if he never sinned. He spoke, in explanation, of the probability, that, while he was walking, he might, without knowing it, step on an ant or some other insect, and kill it, by which he might sin; and therefore it was necessary to ask for pardon. Such are the low ideas which they have of Sin, after all the instruction that they have received! March 25, Sunday. Had more than the usual number at Kykooler, in consequence of my going round the village, with the Master, to call them from their looms and other employments. A man who has frequently disputed with me was again present; and as, in the course of my Address, I attempted to point out the sin of idol-worship, he boldly took up the question, and appealed to the customs and opinions of their fathers for their authority; and contended that hereby they derived much benefit, inferior deities interceding for them with God. He adhered so stedfastly to this ground, that I could do but little with him: I therefore endeavoured to make some improvement of the dispute; and told him my object in coming among them, and of the goodness of God in sending me to preach the way of salvation; and then left him. Hath a nation changed its Gods? Oh for more faith in the power and promise of Jehovah ! May 7.-Met the friends at the Batticotta Station, to unite in prayer for a blessing on our work; and, while there, heard the afflictive yet joyful intelligence, that the spirit of our dear Sister and Friend, Mrs. Poor, had taken its flight to the realms of the blessed. Our Meeting was, therefore, interrupted; and, after uniting in prayer with one another, we proceeded to Tillipally, to attend the funeral of our deceased Friend, which took place the same evening. May 31.-At the meeting of the Masters, I found the numbers in my Schools increased to 311, and prospects still opening for the establishment of new Schools. A man came, soliciting to be employed to raise a School in a new village, with a prospect of collecting 30 or 35 Boys. Oh, that I could devote myself wholly to the work of instruction ! Prospects of usefulness open around me continually; but I am incompetent to the work which I have already. I have, therefore, much need to pray, that the Lord would send me help, that this people may be more fully instructed in the things which relate to their salvation. June 10, Sunday.-The number of Children present at my Morning Service, was 255; beside the Masters and others—the largest number that I have ever had. I was obliged to put one School into a back room; and, even then, we were very much crowded: some remained outside the door. Could I speak to them freely, and be certain that they understood and received the Word, how pleasant would be my office! Did they see and feel the wretchedness and danger of their condition, how gratifying would be the task of directing them to the Saviour of sinners! May the Lord speak with power to their hearts, and then they will both hear and understand. June 20, 1821.-Visited the Tirunelvely School, and spent the morning in examining and instructing the Children: was much satisfied with their progress in reading, and with the expertness of some of them in an. swering questions on what they read. The progress of Children in learning to read at sight, and especially printed books, is very encouraging; for, though Learning is highly esteemed and much attended to throughout the country, READING never forms one of the exercises in Native Schools. This may have arisen chiefly from their having no printed books: their learning consists in committing to memory, daily, a long unintelligible verse, transcribed by the Master as it is needed. After a Boy has gone through a certain course of books, which is always the labour of several years, if the Parents are able, a superior Teacher is employed to explain the books which he has learned; but, as scarcely one in five hundred ever arrives so far, their learning is of little service to them. Indeed, before this explanation can be entered on, one large Dictionary or more, of the high language, is to be learned; which, as it is in verse, and contains very few of the words in common use, like their other books, requires to be explained before it is understood: it is wholly learned first, and explained afterward. If the Masters are, at any time, asked to teach their Pupils the meaning of what they read or learn, they smile at the proposal as quite unreasonable. Where is the wonder, if, with this dull process, the mind should become stupified, and indisposed to inquiry? They are thus trained, from their first entrance on the path of learning, to take every thing on trust; and no opportunity is ever given for the mind to expand, or to soar above the track laid down for it. The same remark applies to almost every thing in which they engage; and it will be with the greatest difficulty, that they can be brought to think for themselves. Thus, in addition to their ideas of the infallibility of their system (whether of religion or science, for all rest on the same foundation) all their habits and customs tend to enslave the mind, and keep it in total ignorance. How animating, then," is it, to see these dear Youths reading Scripture Truths in familiar language, such as they can understand! and how delightful to hear them giving answers on what they read! Surely this promises well for future days; and thus, by little and little, it may be hoped, through the Divine blessing, their adamantine chains will be broken. June 24, Sunday. In the evening, at Kykooler, a man wished to dispute with me concerning the parentage, &c. of the Saviour; and as my knowledge of the language was insufficient to enable me to meet his subtle objections, I was much pleased to find the Schoolmaster and those who more regularly hear me, and even the Scholars, take up the subject in explaining for me; the People repeating what they had heard, and the Scholars what they had learned in their lessons. July 2.-Met my friends at Panditerrippo to pray for a blessing on our work. There appears ome pleasing signs of good at some of the Stations. When the Lord shall pour out His spirit, Oh, may not my Station be passed by! Aug. 6. It being the First Monday in the Month, I went to Tillipally and met my Missionary Brethren, We entered into an agreement for each one to visit some Parish during the month, where the Word of God is not preached. The one which I selected is called Navacoolly; a large and populous parish, adjoining Nellore, where I have long wished to do something. I fear, however, that, while I remain alone, I shall be able to do but little in this way. Aug. 9, 1821.-Deaths are becoming numerous from the Cholera. The Masters came this evening, as usual; but were anxious to get away early, lest, by being out at night, they should expose themselves to the disease. The Schools are already much diminished: those Children that come, are sent home very early (in the morning by nine or ten o'clock) lest,by being out too late, they should catch the disorder. To be in the streets at mid-day, or after sun-set, is deemed very dangerous: this is the effect of superstition. Aug. 12, Sunday. -My numbers today were sadly diminished. One Master, who usually brings thirty or forty Children, brought only three: other Schools were also much reduced. I faithfully warned my hear. ers of their danger, and of the wrath of God against sinners; and spoke to them in reference to the Epidemic, exhorting them to forsake their sins and idolatries, and to seek for salvation through Jesus Christ. In the evening, went as usual to Kykooler; and, before I began, went round to invite the people to hear my instructions. One man plainly told me that he would not: others promised to come, but disappointed me: the number was small: and the instant that I concluded, they rose and left; anxious, perhaps, to get home on account of the Epidemic. I returned home, sorrowful; but hum. bly looking to God for His blessing and support. Aug. 20.—I am told that the people near to the piece of ground which I have proposed to build a Schoolroom on, at Narduterru, having consulted the soothsayers, are very much disturbed, because I am going to build a house a little higher than theirs; as, by building so high a house in such a direction, they fear that all their good fortune will depart from them. Houses are usually built so low, that even a child must stoop to enter them; and such an one would not answer my purpose. Aug. 22.-The accounts respecting the Epidemic, and the effects it produces in keeping the Boys from School, are very distressing. I feel inclined to give up some of the Schools for a time; but as the Masters look to me for support, and appear to do what they can to keep the Boys, I know not what to do. Aug. 23.-Went this morning to Navacooly Parish (see the 8th inst.) Took with me two attendants; and a quantity of Tracts, both written and printed, for distribution. The distance appeared about six miles: we had to ford a considerable river in going. The country is fruitful, and many of the inhabitants seem respectable. In our first visits to the people, many of them were from home; but we saw most of them in the part which we visited, in the course of the day. I had many solicitations to establish Schools. One had formerly been established by the Wesleyan Missionaries, but it had for some time been given up. An intelligent Young Man with whom I have for some time been acquainted, and who has long wished to be employed by me, came forward to offer himself as Schoolmaster; and, with him, the people seemed universally satisfied: but I think it best to defer it; giving them, however, to expect that I should visit them again, and comply with their request. I found many who were able to read, and to whom I gave Tracts, I had also several opportunities of exhorting them, in my visits from house to house. At one village, we found many collected together at a funeral house. Here, after talking with them some time and distributing Tracts, I requested their attention while I read a Sermon to them: they consented; and, under the shade of a tree, I gave them some plain instructions: they were most of them a simple and ignorant people, and listened with much apparent earnestness to what I said, and promised to come together to |
