MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE. CEYLON. THE last arrivals have brought us various letters from the brethren in the island, with the Minutes of their Conference, held January 14, 1819, at Point de Galle. The contents of these communications are such as to call for lively thanksgivings to God, who continues his blessing upon the rising Mission in that benighted country; and is there, as well as in India, opening doors for new exertions and usefulness. The number in society, in Ceylon and Madras, is now 249, making an increase upon the last return, of 149 members. The number of children now taught in the schools, is 4484. The Conference was marked by the unity of affection which prevailed among the brethren, who departed to their respective stations more fully determined to consecrate themselves to the glorious work and service of their Saviour. Five additional assistant missionararies were taken on their list-Cornelius de Sylva, a converted Cingalese, who had been employed for a considerable time as catechist and school-master; and John Anthoniez, a young man of Portuguese descent, who had also been similarly employed. We deeply regret, however, to state the necessity of the return of Mr. Harvard, (now daily expected in England,) whose health has fallen a sacrifice to his pious and indefatigable exertions; and the painful circumstance of the death of Mrs. Fox, as mentioned in a subjoined letter. Mr. Fox had also been seriously ill, but was recovered by the mercy of God, “lest the brethren should have sorrow upon sorrow." The brethren have had calls to establish Missionaries at Molativa, on the eastern coast of the province of Jaffna; Poonereene, in the province of Jaffna, to the south of the town of Jaffna; and to Ramisseram, the celebrated resort of pilgrims from India. To these stations they would pay attention as soon as the Missionaries, now on their passage, arrived. They had also received invitations from some important stations on the Continent of India; which, however, must depend on our exertions at home for supply. The whole of the excellent plans of the brethren appear to be in regular and efficient operation; and promise, with the continued blessing of God, important successes. We are happy to notice in these Minutes, that an opening had presented itself in the Candian province of Saffagan, for the establishment of schools; and that the first attempt to establish Christianity in that part of the dominions of the late king of Candy, was about to be made. Extract of a letter from MR. Fox to the COMMITTEE, dated Point de Galle, Jan. 7, 1819. I HAVE several times begun to write to your; but by a succession of afflictive occurrences, which I could only surmount by sustaining them, I have hitherto been unable to finish. It has pleased the allwise Disposer of events to strew my path with afflictive circumstances;-he saw it best-I submit and adore. On the third of December last, it pleased him to visit me with the most severe stroke of fatherlychastisement I can ever suffer,-by removing to everlasting rest my beloved wife. This was an almost insupportable stroke; it was hard to say, with a broken heart, thy will be done. Her disorder was a con sumption, and her decline gradual;-but the end sudden to me. I had only just VOL. XLII. AUGust, 1819. recovered from a severe illness, in which I was given up by an eminent physician. The Lord brought me from the grave; and, Ohow inscrutable are his ways! he removed my dear wife thither. How glad ly, had heaven permitted, would I have ransomed her life with mine, but it could not be. 'Twas her's to enter heaven, 'tis mine to mourn below. I have lost, till death shall join us again, a most pow erful stay, a most valuable counsellor, comfcrter, and friend, I have lost all, but the favour of God, and a honoured place in his vineyard. I do not murmur, but I grieve. Though in the blessed abodes she rests, I mourn her absence. When I look back a few months, and com*4C* pare it with the present, then surrounded ledge of the true God and Saviour of mankind. I feel myself, more than ever, the property of God, of his church. To him I again offer myself and my little ones, may I faithfully endure to the end; and then, dying in the harness, join my partner in the skies. In the latter end of February, or the beginning of March, I intend to go up into the Kand yan territories, about 90 miles. I have a school on the banks of Caltura river, about 12 miles from the Kandyan limits, and from that point [ shall probably make an attempt on the ground on which the Kandyan idols stand, Ignorance: and trust that even the wil derness shall become a fruitful field. It is represented as not very healthy ;-that will have no influence; I shall use all prudence; but no bodily fears will influ ence me. The report of our present num. ber of children under instruction exceeds 4000, and our Cingalese congregations, which we have raised with great labour, are very pleasing. The following letters are of earliar date, but they are necessary to fill up the series of intelligence from the different stations in Ceylon. From Mr. M KENNY, dated Point de Galle, June 30, 1818. Every day's experience has the immediate tendency to deepen in my mind, the conviction, that our work is the most important and glorious in the world. Most important, because of its object, the present happiness and eternal blessedness of the human race and most glorious, because of its end, the glory of the ETERNAL God! Surely, then, no other subject is so capable of supplying the mind with strong and powerful motives to zeal and activity. It appears to me that no principle is more necessary for a Missionary, than faith, for this alone can enable him to enter into the designs of infinite WISDOM, POWER and GOODNESS, in reference to the conversion of the heathe; and all this is necessary to his being enabled to rise superior to seeing impossibilities. When meet with heathen temples, as I travel through the country, sometimes I am almost put to a stand, and the working of unbelief would say, where is the strength sufficient to pull them down? and where is the influence required to remove from the minds of the deluded natives, the ideas of sanctity which they are accustomed to attach to the spot on which they stand? I confess if I knew no more, than that which directs the world in forming its decision on this subject, I should say with it, the task is impossible: but faith comes, and lends its mighty hand to my help; and by its aid my mind takes fast hold on this truth; it is the word of God. This is enough. I pass on, from the gloomy habitations of demons, to be cheered with a sight of our neat, clean, and commodious schools, for the instruction of youth. These I look upon, as one of the very important means, which God will bless to the accomplishment of his great purpose of bringing "all flesh to see his salvation." It is true, idolatry appears formidable, in this land of darkness; but you know it has had time to take root, and has met with little to impede its progress; but I am far from thinking, that it is very rapid in its advancement. On my circuit there are several temples unfinished, which have been in hand, two, four, six, and eight years! Now, when I contrast with this, the facility with which our blessed work goes on, I am comforted, and encou raged; that without the noise of pomp, or glare of show, our work will (1 trust) imperceptibly, sap the foundation of the towering walls of heathenism. The wickedness of man may build temples, and establish idolatry; but the power of man can destroy neither. However, let the light of Divine truth enter the minds of the people-let the rising generation be brought up in Christian principlesthen the former will moulder into decay, and the latter be forgotten. The last quarter has been still more + abundant in labour, and also in blessings; it has added six to my former number of schools, and four hundred and twentythree children. The schools are as follows: 1st, Amblamgodde, which contains 84 boys. 2d, Tilwatte, in this village there are two schools; Ist for boys of the fisher cast, and 2d for those of the Mahabadda; the two schools contain 132 boys. 4th, Wawelle, which contains 74; 5th, Dodandowe, 30; Boepe, 56; and Boesse, 50 boys. As I am about to prepare my school report, a more detailed account will appear there of these schools. I feel very grateful to be able to say that the work in general on this circuit is in a prosperous state. With few exceptions, the schools continue to improve. In my last quarterly letter, I mentioned the commencement of a meeting in our little chapel in the Fort, for the instruction of the school-masters; and it is with heartfelt satisfaction, that I have now to inform you, that this meeting, which was at first composed of but a few, has so increased as to fill the chapel. I thought it well to allow the school-masters to bring with them some of the most attentive and forward of their boys. By this means they are greatly encouraged, as they consider their liberty to attend with their masters, an honour and privilege. It also appeared to me that it would be well to make this meeting more public, and to give a general invitation to all the Cingalese people of the Fort; at the same time, keeping in view the original object of the meeting; knowing that in general, the instructions given to the masters would be suitable to all. As I could not expect the schoolmasters from Hickkode and Amblam godde, to attend weekly at Galle, I have commenced a similar meeting at Hickkodde, for the school-masters at that side; this is held every second Monday. These meetings are likely to be attended with happy effects. During the last session of the Supreme Court at this place, I attended a few hours, to hear an important trial, which however did not come on that day. While I was in court, many native witnesses were sworn: they had all Christian names, with the exception of one; but, to my astonishment, every man was sworn according to the Budhist religion! It would not, my brethren, be difficult to prove, that, with very few exceptions, the whole reported body of nominal Christians, among the Cingalese, are pure heathens; and not only Budhists, but also worshippers of devils! About two weeks ago, after preaching in our school at Amblamgodde, I heard the sound of several tom-toms, at but a little distance; and, on inquiring into the cause, I was informed that it was a devil-dance. I went to the spot, and found them in the heat of their performance. I called for the man of the house, asked his name, he replied, Johan, &c. then I said, you have been baptized? Yes. You call yourself a Christian? Yes. I told him of the sinfulness of his conduct, and thought to persuade him to give up the ceremony, but in vain; he said some of his family were sick, and that he had been at great expense! This is the constant practice of those who are called Christian, among the Cingalese inhabitants of Ceylon! and those who think otherwise are strangers to the real state of things. From Mr. CALLAWAY, dated Matura, June 30, 1818. ABOUT three months ago, brother Lalmau's health seemed very precarious; but through mercy it has evidently taken a favourable turn; and for the last eight weeks he has been as strong and active as ever. He regularly conducted our meetings, &c. while I was away, and I am happy to learn they were well at tended. He also itinerated a good deal. Some of the letters he sent me, will, I think, be very interesting to our friends at home. Two Mission-schools have been opened, within three miles of this place, both of which are in a promising state, and some are preparing in other places. I am happy to say our schoolmasters preserve unblemished characters, and have the general confidence of the people. Their adherence to their work, and the consequent improvement of the children, has exceeded my expectation. I have been exerting myself in supplying the wants of the schools, and attempt ing to facilitate the progress of the children: and I confidently hope the coming quarter will in every respect far exceed any preceding one. The poverty of the people in general will not allow the children to spend more time at school than they can conveniently spare from labour, and it is highly desirable that this golden opportunity should put them in immediate possession of what is sure to be of continual service to them. As the generality of those under our care will probably remain in the humbler walks of life, I have required none to learn English: but such as have expressed an inclination, and displayed a capacity to learn, are instructed. It is our delight to fall into conversation with the natives, and give them spi ritual instruction in a free and familiar manner. Their attention and capacity is known by their replies. Last evening we were at a heathen village about a mile from hence. We talked for some time with an intelligent man, by profession a writer. Old and young quickly assembled, and stood around. The conversation was supported in an interesting manner, and several of the men made occasional remarks. I think of sending home an outline of what passed. The stillness of the evening-old and young attentively listening some standing some leaning against the trees-others sitting on the ground-an aged matron looking through the paling-and the rich variety of surroanding objects-led me to fancy that a painter could scarcely conceive a more interesting Missionary scene. We have an opening for a school in that neighbourhood; and were our labourers equal to the harvest, I believe this heathen wilderness would be changed to the garden of the Lord. There is a pious sergeant here of the 73d. He was brought to God at Galle, under our brethren, some time ago. He tells me, with gratitude to God, how wonderfully he has been preserved in the interior, from the invisible stroke which has removed many into eternity. He enjoyed Divine consolation and reliance on God, though far removed from Christian friends, and deprived of the public means of grace. Brother Lalman's acquaintance with medicine, and his long experience, has enabled him to rescue several of the poor people from an early grave. The absurd prescriptions of the heathen doctors, their enforcement of charms and ceremonies, are well known. Those who have been brought to see the futility of these things, have rejected them; and as regular me dical men seldom interest themselves in the complaints of the natives, partly in consequence of having much to do besides, and partly because it is reckoned no part of their professional duty, several individuals in the neighbourhood must have perished, if timely aid had not been afforded them. Among a dozen dangerous cases, a few I think deserve particular notice. We were going to see a school one morning, and found a poor beggar lying on a bridge, reduced to a skeleton, exposed to the piercing rays of the sun, and with half his left foot literally rotting off, and devouring by worms. His condition did' not seem to excite the least notice in the numerous passengers. He could scarcely speak. We had him brought to a room near our house; and by proper attention, and the Divine blessing, the poor man is considerably recovered. His general strength is so far restored, and his foot so much healed, as to allow him to walk a little. He has gladly listened to instruction, and bis heart is in a good degree affected by Divine things. The moment he sees us, his countenance beams with gratitude. A poor Cingalese female, about two months ago, was sadly afflicted with a dropsy in her chest. Her husband had caused a variety of charms and ceremonies to be performed by her, but all to no purpose; and as he fancied her case to be desperate, he sent her to the house of her mother. There her distress was doubled, by the extreme poverty of the family, who were destitute of the necessaries of life. Brother L. being sent for, he went directly, and took from the poor woman 24 bottles of water! Through mercy she is now well, and able to work, and attend to her business at the bazar, as usual. I have not seen her; but I understand her gratitude is extreme. From Mr. NEWSTEAD, dated Negombo, July 7, 1818. THOUGH I have nothing particularly new or interesting from this station to communicate this quarter, it is yet with real and undiminished pleasure that I address you; having already experienced the benefit of our quarterly correspondence in many respects. Through the past quarter the circumstances of the mission here have varied very little: the work of God on this station has much to counteract is progress; which will, in the natural course of things, prevent a very rapid spread to our cause for some time. It is, however, I humbly hope, taking root. Notwithstanding the apathy of heathenism, and the bigotry of superstition, (the latter of which is evinced by a systematic opposition,) I do hope that Divine truth is making its way in some hearts; and a spirit of inquiry, which nothing can quench, is certainly awakened, and many are searching the Scriptures to see whether these things be so. The congregations here, whatever is the language, are exceedingly small: except indeed those which I can recollect in the Bazar; but I have the pleasing satisfaction of observing them always very attentive, as well as of knowing that their minds are gradually enlightening; for they almost all come frequently under private instruction, either at our little class, or at the sacrament. I have also been considerably blest, in some of my late school visits, in preaching to the poor hea then people who attend, and who truly have every thing to learn relative to their eternal salvation. But, not so much from any outward encouragement or circumstances, as from inward conviction, I have this quarter felt blessedly assured, that we shall certainly be prospered of the Lord, and eventually successful, yea, and speedily successful too, if we live for eternity, and labour on with a single eye, in faith and patience. For the work is the Lord's, and not ours; and his blessed word has engaged that every man shall be rewarded according to his own labour. 1 freely confess I have been much humbled, of late, before God, for the want of more of the faith of a Missionary, and for looking for too much, perhaps, from my own exertions; and that where the seed was scarcely sown. I have established, this quarter, a Cingalese service, between the morning and evening sermons, on the Sabbath; principally for the use of their schools; at which we read brother Clough's Cingalese translation of the liturgy, which is also read by the masters in all the native schools in the country; and I believe will be very useful in establishing order and decorum among a people who have little idea of the nature of Christian worship! After this service, the children are taught for two hours, by catechizing, reading the Scriptures, &c. in the Mission Bungaloe. Our little class, which now consists of nine members, generally meet with a Divine blessing. Several of the number have truly Christian experience; and I am not without hope from their prayers; for surely every praying soul is a real acquisition to the cause of God. May they be greatly increased all around the island, till their united prayers shall penetrate the interior, and instrumentally throw down all the altars of idolatry. I lament to state, that I have this quarter had the pain to witness the destruction of another of my schools, from a spirit decidedly hostile to the gospel, not at all uncommon here. This school had cost me more than usual care and anxiety; but the instruments of its overthrow, I forbear to mention, as it would answer no good end. I am much consoled under this loss, by a pleasing prospect of being able soon to establish two schools more, considerably into the interior, from the coast, and in places now entirely under heathen dominion. If I succeed in this, it will more than recompense me in every point of view. May the Lord prosper it, without whom, "Nothing is strong, nothing is holy !" My other schools are generally going on well; praise the Lord. Perhaps it may not be improper to mention here, a circunstance which has no doubt occurred to the brethren who are acquainted with this station, before ; I mean, that, at the first practicable opportunity, there should certainly be two brethren here; one entirely for the Malabar department: precisely for this reason, that there is as wide a field of usefulness in that language here as in the Cingalese. One brother certainly could learn both the languages, after a long time; but he could not properly attend to the work which would open before him. The work at the station does not call for it, but round the station it does, and loudly too. I have several schools entirely Malabar and English; two of the best in the circuit are of that description; many more might be established: but it would be impossible for me to attend to them all, if at all; indeed there might be a com plete Malabar circuit formed on the more northern side of the station, The young men under my care, I am happy to say, continue to maintain a consistent and upright conduct, in every respect suitable to the profession of religion they have been led to make. Their attention to the duties of the closet, to reading the Scriptures, meditation and prayer, is truly exemplary; and I do humbly hope that the Lord will train them up to be useful to our mission hereafter. They are not inactive now; it is customary with one of them to collect all the servants, &c. together on Sunday afternoons, to pray and converse with them on Divine subjects; and the other I can with confidence send, when I cannot go myself, to speak to the prisoners, or to visit the sick. I bless God that I never felt less disposed to be inactive in his blessed cause, or more determined to lay myself out in service so divine! But my daily prayer is for more of the spirit of my work, of which I am conscious I still stand in need. "Jesus confirm my heart's desire, To work, and speak, and think for thee; Still let me guard the holy fire, And still stir up thy gift in me!" From Messrs. SQUANCE and OSBORNE, dated Jaffna, June 30, 1818. "HAVING obtained help of God, we continue to this day;" our souls prosper and are in health: the work of God is re viving; and upon the whole we have reason to say that the past has been one of the happiest quarters we have spent, since |