the important subject, brought for ward at the India House, as noticed at p. 429 of our last Number. The Chairman, Mr. Astell, defended the Company, on that occasion, against the charge of encouraging Idolatry by the Pilgrim Tax; and stated that the system pursued in collecting the tribute had done much to discountenance Idolatry: he denied, also, that the Pilgrimages could be considered as profitable to the Company; the taxes in question being collected, not only for the purposes of the different temples, but for the relief of the families of the sufferers who visited them he declared that the Directors were unanimous in their desire that these scandalous Pilgrimages should come to an end; but that time must be given for the operation of right principles.

Whatever judgment may be formed with reference to the measures hitherto pursued, the following extracts will serve to quicken every humane and conscientious man in his determination to promote the earliest possible destruction of such a baneful system.

Pilgrim Tax.

The Missionaries write:

The labours of Mr. Mackintosh (of Allahabad) are perpetually placing before the mind the Miseries of a System, compared with which, when they are contemplated in all their extent, even those

of the Suttee are but small.

The conflux of the Jumna and Ganges is resorted to by multitudes at all seasons; but, from December to February, the concourse becomes enormous. When a Pilgrim arrives, before he dare pass the barrier, for a sufficient military force is in waiting, a tax must be paid; varying from one rupee up to twenty, i.e. from 28. up to 21., according to his coming on foot, or with a horse, a camel, or an elephantthe Hindoos in the East-India Company's 's army and the inhabitants of Allahabad and suburbs being the only persons exempted; and, for this exemption, each person must obtain a licence from the Collector. When a Pilgrim arrives, and has paid the tax, he first sits down on the banks of the river, and has his head shaved, so that each hair may fall into

the water; the Shasters promising him one million of years' residence in heaven, for EVERY HAIR thus deposited! He then bathes; and, that day or the next, performs the obsequies of his deceased ancestors. Persons attempting to evade the tax, by crossing over in boats, are liable to a fine of three times the prescribed sum; and any barber contravening this law is to pay a fine of fifty rupees (51.) for every Pilgrim shaved, and, if not able to pay it, is to be committed to jail for three months. At Allahabad, the Government Collector is stated to have ONE per cent. on the amount collected: at Gya, and at Juggernaut, it is much larger.

It is added, in a Note

Taking a series of years at Juggernaut, say from 1812 to 1825 inclusive, there was collected 169,3137. 17s. 6d. the cost was 126,3987., which included 22,2997. to

the Collector; leaving 42,915%. of balance,

or 33001. annually of profit by this horrid system: so that, for clearing this sum annu ally, the Collector, having on an average 1715%., received above 50 per cent. on the sum which he realized to his employers: thus also it appears, that above 65,000%. were received from the Heathen during these 13 years; while the whole had cost them, as already stated, 169,3137. 178. 6d. The gains received at some other places, however, have been far greater than these at Juggernaut: the net receipts at Allahabad have been 80001. or 10,000. in one year nay, at Gya, the clear receipts have been as high as 20,000%., and more, in a single year. But the deaththe disease the immorality-and the misery resulting from all this, it is beyond the power of any human being to calculate or even imagine! The most CELEBRATED places visited by Pilgrims amount to seventeen at least; and these, from time immemorial, have had a constant influx, from one generation to another.

We may subjoin, with advantage, a description, by Mr. Fernandez of Dinagepore, written in April of last year, of what passed before his eyes in the

Miseries of Heathen and Mahomedan
Pilgrimages.

We have not had a drop of rain here since October last; and the weather, consequently, has been excessively hot all this month, and is growing more and more so every day, as the sun approaches the zenith: owing to which

many of the poor Natives, especially such as had no assistance of our medicine, have fallen victims to the cholera morbus, both in the town and in the neighbourhood. The poor deluded Hindoo Pilgrims, who recently travelled from the eastern boundaries of Bengal to the Bhaugeruttee (Gunga) to perform, as usual, their ablutions, were the greatest sufferers. From the number of dead corpses that were seen lying on the roads from Tuctipoora and other villages close to the river, as far up as Gubboora and Attri, and even far beyond them towards Rungpoora, it is supposed that NOT ONE HALF OF THE THOUSANDS who left home in good health have returned alive. Many were attacked with the disorder while passing this town; but the greater part of them were relieved and escaped death by the medicine which I gave them: five of my people were employed, for two days from morning to evening, in administering medicine to them; and a cart too, to remove them from the rays of the sun, and from the river, to a shady place at Lalboug.

Many of the Mussulman Devotees have also been carried off by the cholera at Parrooah, the shrine of Kootoob Peer, in February last; where they annually assemble together, from distant parts of the country, for the purpose of making their offerings to Kootoob, in behalf of their deceased parents and ancestors, on the Shubraut. The same dreadful mortality, more or less, has occurred at Parrooah for six or seven years past, on the Shubraut, though the festival falls in the coldest season of the year. Many were attacked and died at the shrine; and many after they had left it, and on their way home.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

Visit of a Native Teacher to Conjeveram. JOHN Nimmo, a Native Teacher, on a visit to Conjeveram, bears the following testimonies to the usefulness of Missionary Labours:

I reached the renowned and populous city of Conjeveram, distant about five Tamul leagues from Madras. The Teachers of the Church-Mission Schools here conducted me to a decent and well-situated Choultry, not far from the ancient Pagoda. Adjoining the Choultry is a Teloogoo School: the Master, with some of his elder Scholars, read, in my hearing, several parts of Teloogoo Tracts: he apOct. 1830.

peared to be a civil and well-informed person. While conversing with him, I was surrounded by about 30 Brahmins and a few Tamulians, to whom I read and spoke on the Tracts, History of Petambera Sing," and 'The Way to Heavenly Bliss:" they heard me with much silence and attention, and acknowledged that all the truths read and spoken were just and good. The subject of the latter Tract led me to speak somewhat largely on the vanity and folly of Idolatry-the insufficiency of any thing which man does, or can possibly do, to atone for sin, and merit eternal life-and the alone Way of Salvation through Jesus Christ. This last Doctrine I explained to them, by pointing out in what manner the justice and mercy of God were displayed in the glorious work of Redemption; and illustrated it by the remarkable history of King Zaleucus: by this means they appeared to admire it, and to enter into the true sense of it more fully.

The next morning, I took a survey of the city. There are here an immense number of Brahmin and Malabar Houses and Bazaars; and the adjacent Villages are numerous: these contain Idolaters, who have no hope, and are without God in the world. What a large and fine field is this for Missionary Labour! Oh, when shall the Sun of Righteousness arise and shine on this benighted part of the earth!

I called at two Teloogoo Schools, and asked the Masters and some of the Boys to read the Teloogoo Tracts: they did so with much fluency, to my satisfaction. Having explained to them the contents of the Tracts, I left, in both schools, a copy of all the Teloogoo Tracts which I had by me. While thus employed, I was surrounded by a great number of Brahmins and Tamulians, to whom I read and explained the Tract Justice and Mercy Displayed:" they heard me all

the while with attention.

As I proceeded, I met several who willingly received Tracts. In returning, I observed several respectable Brahmins and Tamulians seated on a verandah : I went up to them, and offered them Tracts they immediately, with much civility, asked me to take a seat by them: having done so, I began to read and explain to them the Tract "Justice and Mercy Displayed." This Tract I constantly read, because I think the subject is not only very important and appropriate 3 N

to the case of my hearers, but also one which they may easily and fully understand. While this Tract was read and explained, the people paid much attention. I supplied them all with Tamul and Teloogoo Tracts.

I next visited the Church-Mission School here; and heard the Children repeat a few questions and answers from the Catechism. At this time eight Brahmins coming into the School, I read a

Tract, and spoke to them on the only Way of Salvation through Jesus the Son of God. Afterward, Brahmins and Tamulians, from all quarters, came, one after another, and asked for Tracts; insomuch that I had scarcely one hour to myself. It has, indeed, been a matter of doubt and much anxiety in my own mind, whether or not the many thousands who have received Tracts and copies of the Gospels do, in truth, attentively read and understand them. But, thanks be to God! my doubts and fears have, in no common measure, been removed; and my hopes brightened and encouraged. Here I found many, especially Brahmins, who had received Tracts and parts of the New Testament, from the Rev. Messrs. Rhenius, Bärenbruck, Sawyer, (Missionaries of the Church Society,) and others, and had actually read them over and over; and some of them could repeat several portions of them from memory. Two individuals, in particular, asked me to explain to them several portions of Scripture, which they said they could not easily understand. I gave away here two copies of St. John's Gospel and of St. Matthew's Gospel, to persons who earnestly and repeatedly desired them: and who, I have not the least doubt, will make good use of them. It delighted my heart to see several Brahmin Youths, not only eagerly asking for the Tracts, but actually reading them, and coming to me for further explanation.

Favourable Notices of Native Readers in South Travancore.

The Directors, in reference to these Notices, remark

The following brief but interesting Notices relating to some of the Native Readers, who, supported by benevolent individuals, labour in connection with the Nagercoil Mission, have been communicated by the Rev. C. Mault, the Society's Missionary at that Station. While they contain honourable testimonies as to the character of the individuals to whom they refer, they will serve to magnify that

grace which has made those individuals to differ from the generality of their countrymen; and to encourage the liberalminded supporters of the Cause of Christ among the Heathen, through whose instrumentality these useful men have hitherto been maintained in their activity, to continue and even abound in well-doing.

Mr. Mault has omitted the names of the Readers, and has given those only of the respective Stations where they are employed.

Malaperuvilly-The Reader stationed here is anxious to promote the spread of the Gospel; and, from his zeal and amiable disposition, he is well adapted for the purpose.

Anandanadenkoodyirruppoo-The Reader is an active and intelligent man, who knows how to make the most of a favourable circumstance for the furtherance of the Gospel he studies the Word of God; and is respected by many, in consequence of his superior knowledge.

Tamarakollam-By the exertions of the Reader, assisted by the most active of the Members, many have been added to this Congregation; and a considerable impression is made on the minds of the surrounding inhabitants.

Mucklingoodyirruppoo-The Reader is a conscientious and diligent young man, who is anxious to improve the condition of the people.

Covakellam-The Reader is active: and, as it regards the qualities of his mind and his general deportment, is a perfect contrast to the Romish Priests; which he has manifested during the late visitation of the cholera. While the Reader was visiting and administering medicine to the sick, and comfort to the dying, and otherwise assisting them, gratis, the Priest was refusing burial to the poor of his own communion without an exorbitant fee.

Kalvilly-The Reader is of an active disposition; and the Congregation, as well as the surrounding country, bears testimony to his diligence: many hamlets have been visited with the light of the Gospel by his instrumentality; and a few persons out of most of these places have been induced to attend on Christian Instruction.

Kudenkollam-The Reader is attentive to the duties of his office, and bears the trials which he is called to endure from the people with patience: he is a diligent student-for all our Readers are learners

as well as teachers-and well acquainted with the Scriptures.

Vadakankollum-The Reader has a large sphere; and I hope he is a young man devoted to his work.

Tiltavilly-The Reader is a sensible young man, and well qualified for the important sphere in which he is placed.

Mr. Mault adds the following testimony to the memory of the late Edward Balm, Reader at Nagercoil, who died on the 17th April 1829:

His abilities, piety, and zeal, rendered him an invaluable Assistant in the Mission his amiable disposition and benevolence insured to him the respect of all who knew him. The death of this interesting young man has made a deep impression on many. Oh that it may be

the means of life to their souls!

Feb. 9, 1829 Matapo, a Chief of Taiamai, killed a slave this morning: the reason which he gave for it was, that she had bewitched Tekoki, the Chief of Kauakaua, and caused his illness. After Matapo had killed her, that old wretch Taria roasted and eat her. I have noticed Taria as being the most barbarous man in the island: he has killed and eaten three persons since I have been in New Zealand,

Feb. 16-Paue, one of our great men at Waimate, died this morning, after a lingering and painful illness. He was a Native of very pleasing manners, but never gave the least signs of convention. His friends sent down to us for a blinket, to wrap up the body previous to interment. There is nothing in which they are more particular than in their respect for the dead.

Feb. 18-I went to the residence of Paue, who was said to be dead: I found him alive, but he died in a few hours after my arrival. No one was allowed to go near him, as the place was tapued: I, however, paid no regard to what they said, but rode up to his little shed, and

made him some tea, and endeavoured to improve the opportunity. A great number of Natives were present, waiting for his death: they were all attentive. I spent nearly four hours among them.

Feb. 26-Visited Waimate, and called at seven residences; but did not meet as great a number of Natives as I expected, because they were busy in clearing away the woods. However, I found enough at the various places to employ me for three hours. It is quite cheering to our minds to go out among the Natives, they generally are so ready to listen to all that we have to say. I feel myself more in my work when engaged in this way, than I do at any other employment; and now I have a horse, I can visit much more than before, and, at the same time, not neglect the other important part of our occupations-the translation of the Scriptures into the Native Language.

Feb. 27-Visited the Natives at Tako, a large Settlement on the coast, about 12 miles from Kiddeekiddee. The Chief, Wata, was gone to Wangaroa, to see Ururoa, who is ill: his wife was at home, and all her people. I had never been at this place before; nor has it been visited more than twice by Europeans. My reception was very gracious: the

old lady scolded her slaves at a furious

rate, because they were so long in cooking food for myself and Boys. I spoke to five parties, and declared to them the unsearchable riches of Christ. When I had crossed the river, on my return home, a party came up from the southward. Tetore, a Chief of Waimate, was going to the place which I had left: he was carrying a small piece of stick, as a memento of the late Paue, which was fastened to the top of a spear; and he, as the bearer, was tapued, and dared not eat till he had delivered it to the person for whom it was intended. I offered him a piece of gingerbread which I had in my pocket; but when he saw it, he fled from it as from a serpent.

March 10-About 100 Natives passed through Kiddeekiddee very hastily, on their way to the residence of the late Koikoi; where they are going to take away all the food, for some bad words which the old man said just before his death. We never say any thing to dissuade them from this, as it is quite right according to native custom; and an interference in their regulations, except where life is at stake, would be productive of no good.