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the people against Baptism. One of them is, that we take a human scull, put dirty water in it, and make the Candidates drink it. "Yes," said the Brahmin, "I also have heard it; but I have now seen it to be a lie." This is commonly reported: and a Heathen this morning, when he saw clean water put into the basin, expressed his surprise to David.

July 27,1829-A Heathen Boy came this afternoon from Pettey, asking for a Gospel of St. Matthew. He had got, somewhere in the street, a Catechism, of which he could tell me several parts by heart. I was much struck with the desire which he had to read these books; and when I hesitated (on purpose) to give him a Gospel, he craved exceedingly for it, saying, that he wished to become a good boy. I could not refuse him; and marvelled at the various ways in which the Holy Spirit works on the minds of men.

Aug. 3-This forenoon I marked the principal Christian Villages on a Map: it was a pleasing task. Though the villages are many, and all could not be inserted for want of space, yet they are still but few, when compared with the whole of the district. It shewed me how much darkness there is still around us. Let God arise; and let His enemies be scattered!

Some people of Vaanaramutti, of the Etiyapooram Zemindary, are here, and shew a remarkably intelligent mind; paying much attention to the Word of God, from which the Catechist, Nganadesi, addressed them this evening, on, He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. It suited them well; and, unless they are very great deceivers, they exhibit much grace, and very strong faith against all the persecution which is coming on them: they have now been prohibited to till their lands. The new people from Elanganadapooram, near Soleikudiyiruppoo, have applied for a Catechist; and several other places ask for assistance, to build Chapels.

Idols, which they will presently destroy; and their small Idol Temple they will convert into a Chapel.

Aug. 14-This evening I instructed some women who wish to be baptized. We assembled in a Moorman Bungalow recently purchased; which is very advantageously situated for our people when the Church is too far for them, particularly for the women. The purchase was made quite privately by our people; so that the Heathen knew nothing of it till this evening, otherwise they would have done every thing in their power to hinder it: about 20 men and 8 women assembled, with some female children. I was glad to find that the women had so far overcome their former shame, as that they can now be talked to, and that they appear desirous of instruction. I explained to them what state of mind was necessary for Baptism, and exhorted them to seek after it.

Aug. 23: Sunday-This day I had the pleasure of baptizing two Young Men of the Seminary, Nganavuejer and Aananden, and of receiving two Roman Catholics into the Christian Church: a number of Heathen were present; and I trust the Lord imparted His blessing. A man, Michael, who had been a Roman-Catholic Catechist, arrived from Aanirkudiyiruppoo, with a Letter from Catechist Savarimuttoo, requesting me to receive him as a Preparandus. He had five months ago been led to renounce Popery, having heard and read the Gospel; on which the Priest had ejected him, because he had gone into the cursed way." When his threatenings did not bring Michael back, he at last used milder means; and offered to receive him again into the office, if he would return. Michael replied, that as he had once gone into the cursed way," he would not return to him.

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Aug. 29-The Catechists have assembled; and this evening we had a Missionary Prayer-Meeting. Many Stations have had an increase during the month among others, seven Roman-Catholic Families from Peykoollam.

Aug. 30: Sunday- A large Congregation. A number of new people from Alvarneri came, during Divine Service: they flock like the doves to the windows. We had Isaiah xliv. Mr. Coombes returned this morning from his tour; and has, on the whole, been much gratified. Several new people, of several new villages in that quarter, have subscribed

Aug. 10-From Alvarneri, a village about 8 miles south-east from hence, came half-a-dozen men, with the Catechist of Aaneiyappapooram, requesting, in the name of 20 Families (Shanars), to be received into the Christian Church. This idea has been in their minds these four months, having been often spoken to by the Catechist. I was much pleased with them, and rejoice at the grace of God Vouchsafed to them. They have many their names to serve the Lord. When

Mr. Coombes is at home, he assists in in- is our help and our shield. Many of structing the Preparandi.

Sept. 2, 1829-This evening we had the Lord's Supper with our Native Brethren: the Catechists were dismissed to their Stations. Yesterday we had the TractSociety's Committee Meeting, when we resolved to have the Anniversary on the 30th of this month. We likewise resolved on printing, in the new year, a Course of Short Sermons on the principal subjects of Religion, chiefly for the use of the Catechists and the Congregations. They were very glad of the proposal; and engaged to pay half an anna for each Sermon as it comes out of the Press, besides their regular subscriptions. Various testimonies shew that much good is done by means of Tracts: it is undeniable that many have, by their instrumentality, been led to know the Truth, and to forsake Idolatry. Titus, among others, related, that when he was lately reading Tracts, and speaking about Christianity, a Maraver said, "It is true: these are all good things; and Christianity spreads: the Idols perish: it has such an effect upon the people, that now even a sheep can stand fearlessly before a wolf." It brought to my mind the words of Isaiah, The wolf shall lie down with the kid; though the man's words did not go quite so far. About seven families of Pudiyaputtoor, near Otapadaroom, north-east, have left Idolatry. This is one of the places which Mr. Coombes mentioned: the Headman was here, and gave me much pleasure by the state of his mind. This village is in the Etiyapooram Zemindary; and several others there have opened the door to the Gospel. What will the Zemindar say to all this? Whilst he is endeavouring to stop the irruption in the first place, Vaanaramutti, the fire breaks out in three or four other quarters.

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Sept. 10-Some of the people of Vaanaramutti have applied again to the Collector for help against the oppressions of the Etiyapooram Zemindar's people. Their difficulties are great: their crops have been cut down by the enemies: they are prohibited from plowing and sowing the village carpenters, smiths, &c. have orders not to do any work for them; the shopkeeper must not sell them any rice, &c.; and all other inhabitants have been prohibited from talking with them. They have been thus situated many days, without any prospect of relief from man. Their whole case we have especially committed to the Lord: He alone

those who came forward in the beginning have been frightened by such cruel treatment, and have gone back. Five or six families only stand fast, and seem remarkably courageous I have sent them some provision.

Sept. 12-Yesterday and to-day a number of Maravers from Melapaleyam and the surrounding villages came, and expressed a desire to become Christians. I examined them very particularly as to their motives and designs, and found reason to be satisfied with them. However, time will shew whether they are in earnest. If they resolve fully to be worshippers of Jehovah, our ground in Melapaleyam, formerly bought for a School, will serve excellently well for building a Chapel.

Sept. 14-A busy day. New people from three or four different villages were here, requesting permission to join the Christian Church.

Sept. 15-Again a day full of business, as well as yesterday; which prevented me from doing any thing in translating. The Maravers of Melapaleyam came again, to speak about their being instructed in Christianity. The Headman mentioned, that the owners of the village, having heard of their determination, have threatened them with deprivation of all their advantages, if they become Christians. This has evidently frightened them. I informed them, without reserve, that, in such a great affair as that of their salvation, they must not mind such losses, not even of their lives. These were hard doctrines to them. I gave them still more time to consider the cost well, before they begin building. Two Soodras from Parattipettah, about ten miles south-east, near Aaneiyappapooram, arrived just when I was speaking with the Maravers. I advised them also to defer subscribing their names, till they were firmly convinced. They replied, that they, and two more of their number, had examined Christianity already these six months; and that they are fully persuaded in their minds, and desired to believe in Christ, and serve the Living God.

Sept. 17-Old Ignatius, Catechist of Vaanaramatti, in the Etiyapooram Zemindary, came to-day, with some of the people, shewing me his back; having been flogged by the Zemindar's people, because he remonstrated with them against their cruelties towards the people (see

They will not. Shall, then, this work be left undone? Shall we Christians, also, who have received better knowledge, through our Lord Jesus Christ, be still, and do nothing? By no means. us then not be slack in this good work, but do it diligently, for the salvation of the people around us. May the Lord stir us all up to do so!"

Sept. 10). They have also lately sealed up their straw-heaps, so that their cattle are left to starve. Indeed, the people are now so hemmed in on all sides, that they must either wander about or starve; yet they stand fast, and say that they will rather die than return to their former Idols. It is remarkable, that their women also are stedfast, and learn the Catechism well. What can we do for them? In the evening we had a special Prayer Meeting on their account; and found consolation in the gracious designs of God by these afflictions, viz. to root out pride, envy, and love of the world.

Sept. 30, 1829-The Anniversary of our Native Tract Society.-The Church was filled. Animating Speeches were made by our Native Brethren, Michael, David, Mootteyen, Asirvadam, and also by the Country-Priest Adeikalam. The income during the year was 1298 Rupees, including the amount of the Nagercoil Branch: 35,000 Tracts have been printed-in all, since the commencement, 146,900 copies. Mootteyen stood up, and said, that last year he had been prevented stating a particular mode of providing means for the Society, which he would therefore do now; namely, In the course of the year his wife had taken daily a small portion from the quantity of rice allotted for every day's meals, and put it by: this had produced, in the course of the year, 1 Rupee, which he now paid in; and exhorted the people to do likewise. He was asked, whether they had felt any diminution of their food; to which he said, "No; none at all." This is certainly worthy of imitation, and may safely be followed in Europe. I would especially recommend this plan to be adopted by all the Members of the Church Missionary Society for this Mission, calling it "The Tinnevelly Provision;" which might quarterly or half-yearly be converted into money, and transmitted to us. A small portion of tea, sugar, coffee, wheat, &c. thus daily laid by, from what otherwise would be consumed, will afford us material assistance. Let it be considered a kind of tithe, and laid up from a feeling of gratitude to God for the blessings which He bestows. Asirvadam addressed the Meeting thus:-"My dear Brethren, there is one thing which I greatly desire to tell you it is this: If we do not do this good work, who else will do it? Will the Mahomedans?-the Roman Catholics? the Heathens ?-or other unbelievers?

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We have received 10 new persons into the Preparandi Class, who, after some labour bestowed on them, promised to become useful Labourers: we have now, in all, 15: this is the largest number we ever had together. May the Lord prosper this important branch of our labours!

Dec. 19-This evening we had a Missionary Prayer-Meeting; when the Preparandi reported various pleasing things of their excursions during the day. One of them, Sooviseshamuttoo, walking to-day in a street of Tinnevelly, observed a Soodra, surrounded by a number of people, reading and explaining a printed book: going near, he found that it was one of our Catechisms, and that the man commented on it with a good deal of understanding. Sooviseshamuttoo appeared, at first, as if he was unacquainted with the subject, and made several inquiries about Christ and Ramasamy. The Heathen Reader shewed him that Rama's Incarnation was not at all to be compared with Christ's; telling him of the profligacy of Rama, but that all which was said of Christ was very good. After some conversation, the man perceived that he was a Christian: he then asked for more books, and expressed himself much pleased with this Vedam. The same Preparandus, on his way to the Fort, was singing a Hymn to the praise of God, when two men, following him, seemed to listen with attention. At length they passed him; but one of them returned, and asked him to sing it again. Sooviseshamuttoo having done so, he gave him a trifling reward, and requested him to come to his house and give it him in writing: in the house, he again rewarded him, and spoke very pleasingly about Christianity, and gladly received Tracts: the other Preparandi had met with encouragement.

I received a Letter from a Brahmin of Alvar Tinnevelly, saying, that the Maravers are a very bad people, not worthy to be instructed in the Christian Vedam. "The people," says he, “are desirous of learning the Vedam of Jesus Christ, who is the image of virtue, and

of walking in this good way: but this Maraver Caste is thievish, and will not leave off these wicked things." He complains, also, that some of his Slaves, very wicked people, have become Christians, and requests us not to receive them. The Brahmin fears that all the people of his village will become Christians, and therefore endeavours to prevent it by false accusations. I have answered him accordingly; and advised him not to think any people Christians who rob, steal, or lie, whatever they may say. I shewed him, also, that just such "wicked people" need the Christian Vedam, in order to make them better.

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Oct. 1, 1829-Business with the Catechists, and people from the country. Another outrage has just been committed on the Catechist Arokiyam, and others of the Congregation of Sekkadvali, by Heathens and Moormen. The Catechist has been beaten, and nearly strangled: other persons, also, have been maltreated, and a part of the Chapel pulled down. Two other places in the Etiyapooram Zemindary are beginning to experience the same ill-treatment as Vaanaramutti. A variety of other such things, and troubles among the Congregations themselves, put our faith to a severe trial. My mind was much oppressed to-day: the people are so timid, that the least thing frightens them. We can only commit all to the Lord.

Oct. 3-The Catechist of Kanabadinadenoor, old Rayappen, has been beaten by the enemies, and a part of the Chapel has been pulled down: the Congregation here is in great distress. The enemies strive hard to get the Vedam away from thence. We are endeavouring to get a piece of land in the neighbourhood there, for the settling of the Christians. Seven Rettiyars, from a village near Nannikoollam, have been here, requesting to be received into the Christian Church. I had a very pleasing conversation with them.

Oct. 27-When some of the Preparandi returned to-day from the river, an aged man, newly besmeared with ashes and ornamented with his Ruttiratcham, met them, and, seeing them without ashes, stood before them, and, spreading out his hands, exclaimed, "Why are you so? No ashes this New-Moon day! They asked him what benefit he had from smearing the ashes and keeping the New Moon? He replied, "Why, I can now go home and eat well." They said, “Well; we have eaten already. For

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what shall we do vain things? man, perceiving that they were Christians, said, "As your Christ is said to have become incarnate, so also our Ramasamy was. They then reasoned together about the merits of both, which was listened to by other persons. At last, the man cried out, "Oh! it is pollution to talk with these Christians. Come, let us hasten away!" and so they ran off, with full speed. One man, however, seemed to be pleased with the conversation, and said that he would come and inquire further.

Nov. 28- The Catechists assembled: the rains seem to have hindered some. In several places the Congregations have increased, notwithstanding all troubles. We had a cheering Missionary PrayerMeeting this evening. The troubles in the Etiyapooram Zemindary seem to have abated a little. Rayappen of Kanabadinadenoor related, that one of the Christians had his leg broken lately, by an accident: he behaved well under the affliction, and still encouraged the Heathen to turn to Christ: at the time of the accident, he exclaimed, “ Well; I am in the Lord Jesus's hands."

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Dec. 26 - Towards the evening, I talked with a few men and women from Shevel, near Kovindabady, who had come to spend the festival with us; but they could not give a proper answer to any question which I put to them on Religion, so that I was much grieved. In the evening, at the Prayer Meeting, I had a further conversation with them; when, at first, they shewed the same ignorance; but, on further conversation with them, my sorrow was changed into joy: they discovered sufficient knowledge and experience to make me believe that they really have faith. Thus I have often found it with these people: either fear or surprise operates on them at first, so that they appear different from what they are.

Dec. 29-We received glorious news in these days-the Suttees abolished by order of the Governor-General! - the Mahomedan Crescent rapidly declining! These are topics which roused our hearts to give special thanks to God.

Dec. 31 - We concluded the year in the Church, by proposing various questions to our hearts for self-examination. Many of the Catechists, and other people, assembled, and united with us. The words in 1 Samuel vii. 3, Prepare your hearts unto the Lord, were

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The Syrian Church has sustained a great loss, and the Missionaries have been deprived of a true friend. His memory will ever be dear to us. I have every reason to believe that he duly appreciated the advantages enjoyed by the Syrian Church from our residence at Cottayam.

Mr. Bailey afterwards remarks:His death will be deeply felt and sincerely regretted by the Syrian community at large, by whom he was universally esteemed.

It is but doing justice to the memory of this deservedly lamented individual to add, that the Members of our Mission have, from their first arrival in Travancore, enjoyed his full confidence; and mutual attachment and esteem have ever existed between him and the Missionaries.

Mar Dionysius is the new Metropolitan.

In reference to the MINISTRY OF THE WORD, Mr. Bailey writes:

Our Malayalim Congregation has considerably increased since the last Report; and would, I am persuaded, continue to do so, had we a larger Place of Worship.

Of the Scripture Readers he states

The Readers employed under me go out daily to read the Scriptures. They have frequently long disputes with the people on different portions of Scripture, and meet with many opponents. Recently, they have not met with that encouragement among the Soodras which they previously did: some, however, continue to hear them with attention, and I trust that their labours will not be in vain. The Roman Catholics generally refuse to listen to the reading of the Scriptures; nor are they inclined to receive them.

The numbers in the SCHOOLS and COLLEGE are not mentioned; but of these, generally, Mr. Baker writeshad we funds, we could increase the Our Schools are well attended; and, number considerably and with advantage. The reductions that we made several months ago in the different branches of our Mission have obliged us to lessen the sphere of our operations; and we regret that we have not been successful in a in the School Department. In the Collate application for increased allowances lege, however, there are more Students now than there have ever been heretofore, and Mr. Doran devotes his whole time and attention to them.

The following statement of the Works which have been carried through the PRESS was made by Mr. Bailey, in October :

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