ago, that we had nearly 4,000 in the schools; though they appeared to be glad that there were so many, yet they could not help regretting that these were very few in comparison of the many thousands who were destitute of the means of education. You may rest assured that this is the most direct way to christianize this important and valuable island, which not only from its situation, but on many other accounts, will ever be a grand key to continental India. Of these schools the grand patron and benevolent supporter, Sir Alexander Johnston, is now in England: ask him concerning their necessity and importance;-No man can feel for Ceylon more than he does; and no man has laboured more to promote the highest interests of that people. His zeal in this respect, is unbounded; let us light our tapers at his lamp.

Before I conclude, I will mention another circumstance relative to our Priests, which though apparently simple in itself, has led to some important results. It is well known that in the Budhoo and indeed Brahminical system of philosophy, the earth is a vastly extended plain, ever at rest, and immoveable: founded on an equal extent of waters, and these upon air, which is itself either infinite, or founded on nothing! over this prejudice, which has more serious consequences than you can well imagine, our poor priests could neither leap nor climb. A simple circumstance the other day, has quite dissolved the fabrick, and nearly annihilated this Cingalese world. My son educates some young gentlemen:-previously to the va cation, I gave them some lectures, and among the rest, one on Magnetism. While describing the nature, properties, and action of the magnetic fluid, and illustrat ing the doctrines laid down by experiments, the priests were greatly delighted: a new world seemed literally to be opened to their view. They understand some little of our doctrine of gravitation, by which we endeavour to explain so many phænomena. The flying of the steel filings to the magnet, and there adhering in an erect posture, surprised and confounded them. The course of the magnetic fluid, together with the attractive and repulsive influence of the poles of the same magnet, did not less surprise them; but when I set the spinner in very quick motion, and presented to it the end of a magnetized steel bar, by which it was instantly attracted, because suspended, and turned round its own axis with great velocity, they were fixed with wonder. To see such a substance revolving with such velocity, lite

rally unsupported, and hanging upon nothing, Dherma Rama exclaimed, "I now believe what I never could before believe or comprehend: I see, I see that the earth is round; that it continues to turn round, and that it stands upon nothing!" I had at that time said nothing on the subject: but his good sense, from the principles before him, led him to form the analogy, and make the deduction. This was to them both, another proof of the being and government of an all-wise and all-powerful God.

I have proceeded to a great length with this letter; and can only be justified by the importance of the subject. Praying for the prosperity of Zion, and the salvation of the whole lost world,

I am, your's truly,

ADAM CLARKE.

The following Acrostics on the names of these Priests, are intended to speak the present language of their hearts. Drawn by the lure of God's unbounded love,

Heaven's joys I seek; the kingdom from above.

Erroneous paths henceforth I'll cease to tread:

Religion's hopes to find in Christ their head;

My superstitious vanities abjure,
And seek the God of gods, my ills to cure.
Refin'd delusions can no longer please,
And Budhoo's priest falls down at JE-
SU's knees.-

Mantras and Tantras* vanish! splendid
lies!

And Ceylon's mists give place to purer skies.

their time in preparing and making offer ings in this mountain, the principal high place in this district, to which a superior reverence is paid.

The large plain which extended beyond the farthest ken of the keenest eye, appeared filled with the blessings of Him that filleth the earth with his treasures, and thousands of inhabitants to enjoy the rich provisions of the bountiful God of nature. How pitiable must the condition of that wretched mortal be, who can take the bounties of Providence, and offer them to an idol! And more pitiable still is the state of that man who is called a Christian, and yet advocates their remaining in this midnight darkness.

It is true, that a sight of" the desolations of many generations" is almost sufficient to discourage the firmest faith, but "the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save," and he hath declared, to the confusion of every opposer, "The gates of Zion shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day or night; that men may bring the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought," Isa. Ix. 11. These precious promises often cheer the heart of him that hath gone out against the heathen Goliath with a sling and with a stone; and frequently have proved to me water administered in a thirsty land. God, the ever faithful God, will yet say unto the church, "Lift up thine eyes round about and see," "thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side." Yea, the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee." O God, I beseech thee! shew me this glory, at least in part.

as

As we descended from the rock, they pointed out marks, said to have been made upon the solid rock by the wheels of the car of their god; and also a footstep of Mahomet, who once visited (as they say) this place, but not liking the situation, took up his abode where a neighbouring mosque now stands.

May 6th. I visited the mission schools, which have suffered considerably since the death of Mr. Pohle; several of the boys, of European extraction, have made progress in English and arithmetic. Public notice having been given for divine service in English, to be held on the evening of my departure, I cheerfully complied with the request to speak a few words in the name of my blessed Master. Previous to the time of waiting upon the Lord in his house, Mrs. Pehle accompanied me to visit the people in their little cottages under the rock.

Some of the houses were so low that I

could hardly creep into the door-way; but was amply repaid for my trouble by conversing with the people.

During the service in the evening a solemn reverence prevailed among the hearers. I was greatly affected at the recollection, that in the pulpit which I then unworthily occupied, the zealous Swartz, and the venerable Pohle, had frequently delivered the precious truths of God. Liberty of speech was given unto me, and the people heard with attention.

Taking an affectionate farewell of the widow and family of the late Missionary, we travelled all night, and (at nine, A. M.) next morning got back to Tanjore. The Rev. Mr. Kohlhoff put letters into my hand from Ceylon, conveying intelligence of the afflictions of brother Osborne, which led me immediately to prepare to hasten back again.

Instead of visiting Negapatam, as I intended, it appeared to me better to make a short run down to the coast, and embark just opposite Jaffnapatam. Colonel Blackburne, the President, kindly gave orders to secure me a boat, and on the evening of the 8th of May, laden with many presents from Mr. and Mrs. Kolhhoff and my other new friends, I took my departure from the midst of those whose bosom God had filled with the law of kindness. Next morning at three o'clock we came to a large village, where the Rajah has a very pleasant rest-house, furnished with servants and every thing comfortable for travellers; the garden also is in high state of order, and well laid out. Here I breakfasted and diued.

During my stay I learned that this was the place where the Rajah had erected and established schools in various languages. In course I embraced the opportunity of visiting them. The buildings where they are taught are low and narrow, as usual. Tables, forms, and chairs are not thought necessary among eastern people. I first visited the Malabar school, which had in it about twenty boys, but was told that more attended generally. I heard them read, examined the writing, and noticed that they had both heathen and Christian books. The second was the Gentoo school, fourteen boys present; the rest gone to meals, to wash, &c. &c. heathen books only. Two school books at my request were given me. Third, the Mahratta school; few boys; -books heathen; they use boards and sand to write, one boy was dictating out of Esop's Fables, and the boys copied from his lips with amazing rapidity. They then went through their mode of arithmetic, and appeared not a little gratified to be re

quested to do this by a stranger. The fourth was Arabic; six or seven boys; the teacher a respectable old man with a long beard, rendered venerable by time, the boys were requested to read the Koran, (being Mahometans) which, after due observance of bowing many times, and touching the forehead very quickly, they proceeded to do, attended with a motion of the body representing a continuation of bows; and without this reverent motion no one presumed to read so sacred a book as the Koran. The fifth and last was English, in which were very few children. One read to me out of the Testament.

In my way back I visited the Rajah's house, where he and his family dwell when on a visit to this part of his dominions: a few of his soldiers are stationed in it. Different rooms are occupied by persons in his employment; rice and fruits are deposited in others-large nets for taking wild beasts when he goes to hunt, and many Brahmins spending a life of idleness about it.

At five P. M. we pursued our way to the coast, travelling in the dark, and therefore could know nothing of the country, further than its being flat and sandy. A

thunder storm, with rain, drove us into a small house about midnight; we had lost our way in the dark, when a glimmering light drew our attention, and we found a number of natives had taken shelter before us, and obstinately refused us admittance: the voice of an European inclined them to open the door, and I took up my lodgings with a promiscuous multitude of fellow mortals, whose minds, and views, and language, were perhaps as various as their number included individuals. Nothing material befell us till we reached the beach, where I had to wait two days for a boat. My servant and I dwelt in a house close to the sea, with a little wine and biscuit, which was the only thing we could depend on, because it was in our possession. It is sometimes very difficult to get any thing from the natives; and if a person has no authority, he may perish like a dog among them, for their hearts have no pity.

Next day I got a boat, and crossed the channel in 15 hours; and met brother Erskine in landing, embarking for Trincomale, which place brother and sister Osborne had been obliged to leave.

Being by the indulgent Providence of heaven conducted to the station to which the brethren have appointed me on this Island,-with a pleasure, which I am at a loss to express, I sit down to state to you my individual circumstances and experience, taking it for granted that my brethren will each of them do the same, for being now widely separated, of course our similarity of circumstances will no longer exist. Upon my arrival at Ceylon after a long and tedious, though safe and pleasant voyage, my first feelings were those of deep gratitude to God for preservation and support through many dangers, and a renewed determination to devote all my powers to his glory.

Finding that our brethren intended to hold a Conference in June, (although it was necessarily deferred a little longer), and that it would therefore be some little time before we could be stationed, I immediately applied myself to the study of the low Portuguese language, so generally understood all round the Island; and, it being particularly easy of acquirement, I was enabled, in about five or six weeks, to read a sermon in it in public, and soon after to translate one myself with the assistance of the junior Mr. Armour, to whom I am much indebted for teaching me the pronunciation, &c, I made my first

effort in extempore preaching in this language this evening, and succeeded beyond my own expectation, with the Divine blessing. While at Galle I was living with our dear brother Erskine, who shewed me every kind attention. At the time of Conference I proceeded to Colombo, where I was much encouraged by witnessing the various exertions which were making for the salvation of the heathen, by translations, printing, schools, &c. &c. and as soon as

possibly could, after the close of the Conference, I gladly repaired to my station, anxiously wishing to be again fully engaged in the work of the Lord. It is one of the most pleasing recollections that occurs to me, to know that we live particularly in your spiritual affections and care, and that our spiritual progress lies very near the hearts of our dear fathers and brethren, though we are so far from them. It is therefore with peculiar delight and satisfaction I inform you that, ever since I left my native land to the present moment, I have been highly favoured of the Lord in my spiritual experience, and increasingly blest with his smiles. Although conscious of innumerable failings, and a great incapacity for the proper discharge of the duties of my arduous and important work; yet-He has mercifully borne with me under all my unfaithful

ness, and supported me under every discouragement!

While passing over the mighty ocean, before we arrived at the Cape I was conscious of a deepening of the work of grace in my soul-the traces of which will, I trust, never be worn out,-the effects of which I rejoice to feel at the present moment. My every opportunity of preaching the word, has been a season of refreshing, at least to my own soul, and under all the disadvantages of a strange language, interpreters, &c. I still feel it to be my meat and drink to "preach among the heathens the unsearchable riches of Christ;" and I trust it will be more so when I shall be enabled in their own tongue to declare to these people the wonderful works of God. I feel a full determination not to rest, by the grace of God, without the attainment of His perfect love, which I know and feel to be my gracious and exalted privilege. May Almighty God complete in me the glorious work which he has so mercifully begun, and so graciously carried on till now! With regard to the station to which I am appointed, I feel I have every reason to say with gratitude, "What shall I render unto the Lord?" On my first appointment to it, and before I had seen the place, I felt grateful to God for giving me the desire of my heart, first in sending me to a station where no Missionary had been before, and so, opening a wider field of labour and usefulness before me;-and secondly, because it is a station more immediately among the natives, which I had from the first particularly wished. I am every way satisfied with it, feeling as I do, a happy persuasion that it is also the appointment of God; and though my experience is but very recent, yet, I trust I shall here be made useful. I have already seen so much of the directing hand of God, and felt so much of the guiding influences of his Holy Spirit in the various circumstances of my mission, recent as it is, that it leaves me no room to doubt but I am at once the subject of His gracious and providential government, and that he looks with merciful approbation upon my present situation and engagements; and this, I scarcely need inform my dear fathers and brethren, constitutes the very essence of that peaceful and solid satisfaction which I daily feel in the blessed service of my Redeemer. Perhaps a slight descriptive sketch of my station may not be unacceptable here. Negombo is the largest village in the island, and in its situation comprehends almost every thing that is pleasant, healthful aud agreeable. It is exceedingly populous, and carries on

a considerable trade with Colombo, (from which it is distant only 22 miles), in fish, coffee, salt, pepper, &c. It has a small fort, and a regular pettah, or outside town, a very large bazaar, or market, and a bridge which crosses a navigable river, communicating with one of the finest lakes in the island, if not in the world. Rice, tobacco, and cotton grow here in profusion. These things afford much employment to the inhabitants, and remove generally, that appearance of indolence and apathy so prevalent in this island, to which the warmth of the climate contributes, and the productiveness of the soil so much encourages. The streets of this place are all paved by nature, (i. e.) with grass, having a footpath in the middle of them, which the naked feet of the natives do not much wear away. A range of green fences, enclosing the cocoa-nut, and plantain gardens between the houses, form the streets; and, in general, overarching and almost meeting at the top, they afford a refreshing shade of perpetual green; besides which the place is continually cooled by the breezes from the sea and the lake, which terminates the streets at either end. The rain falls in torrents here, at the change of the monsoon, and at those times storms of thunder and lightning are very frequent, and inconceivably loud and terrific. The house in which I live was intended by the gentleman who built it, for a bungaloe, or country residence. It is large, and with a few trifling alterations, affords very good temporary accommodation for our preaching, till the old church, of which we have a lease from the government, can be repaired. The moral and religious state of the place, is of course not very prosperous. There are, however, a number of Roman Catholic Christians, who have a large church and two ministers, but only a few of the more respectable inhabitants pay any real regard to their profession; the lower orders of the people, (of which there are multitudes of this persuasion,) are totally uninfluenced in general, by any of the moral restraints of their religion, much less of its spiritual. The respectable Roman Catholics invariably attend our preaching, and appear to be both pleased and profited; but a great part of the population round make no profession, and are mere heathens. The sins of sabbath-breaking and drunkenness, particularly abound, and in general there is no scruple made of cheating, but what arises from the fear of detection or punishment. Other vices are, to those who can behold them, no doubt equally prevalent, from the dreadfully fruitful source of corrupt