eternal woe!"-they carelessly reply, "What shall we do?-we must follow our forefathers." Religion and Custom seem to them to stand on a level. However, we must not mind these difficulties; but preach the Gospel to them, till it shall please God to open their eyes. Christ is the foundation on which we build our hopes; and on His almighty power, which is able to change the hearts of men, we depend.

-A Relative of the Rajah of Tanjore sent word that he should be happy to see me at his house. On visiting him, I asked whether he had read the Christian Books which I had sent him some time before at his own request: he expressed much pleasure in having read them; and said, "They are very good books for our instruction." He introduced me to some of his friends, and I improved the opportunity to tell them something of the Blessed Jesus. They seemed to hear feelingly, and to assent to the truth; but there is no such resolution as this-1 will arise, and go to

my Father! It is incredible how indif. ferent they are, in general, to any thing that concerns their souls. When they hear the Divine Word, they appear sometimes deeply impressed; but, in a few days, it is all lost! They frequently will say, " When we hear you, we seriously think of following the truth; but when you are gone, and we return to our own people, we are astonished that we should ever think of leaving our forefathers' customs."

-An elderly man, of the age of 60, came to me several times, whom I endeavoured to instruct from the Word of God, to which he listened; and sometimes he left me, apparently dejected: one day, however, he came to me with a joyful countenance, accompanied by a young Heathen, saying, "Sir, may I ask you a question? The Word of the True God is given to you, Christians; and you will be judged according to it: but it not having been given to our Nation, we shall not come under its sentence; and though we do sin, the True God will not punish us, because we do not know His will." Perceiving the cause of his joy, and the way in which he was deceiving himself, I replied

My friend, you_err. Beware! thus you deceive yourself: for consider-the True God is not a Deity of a particular Nation, as you fancy your False Gods to be; but, having created all things, He has given His laws to

all men on earth, you not excepted; and did not that True God, in tender mercy to you, send the glad message of Salvation, while you are drawing very near to the close of your life? and have you not heard this Word several times, and admitted it to be the Word of the True God? How, then, could you fancy, for a moment, that you were not under the sentence of that Divine Word which He who created you has made known to you as His Divine Will? And suppose you had not heard the Divine Word, has there never been passed a sentence within you when you were committing sin? Can you do away with a witness that accompanies you wherever you are, and will accompany you to the Judgment Seat of the True God?

science, he appeared to see his delusion; When I spoke about his own conand, with a sorrowful look, made his salaam, and begged leave to go home. I told him that I was not engaged just then, but had time, and wished to speak to him; but he would not be persuaded to stay. May it be given to him from above to believe!

-I went to the Cavery, where preparations are making for the approaching Heathen Feast of washing in its

tue of taking away sin. Many people waters, to which are attributed the vircome from distant countries and towns at this season, and some will stay here for several weeks. I conversed with various Heathens; who appeared to hear with pleasure, yet shewed very little inclination to receive the message: they thought that, if their forefathers had embraced these doctrines, they themselves should be very happy in maintaining them. They are, in general, apt to consider Religion (as it is indeed with them) as a mere custom of the country-a fashion peculiar to each nadeplorably indifferent: in the most trifling tion. As respects their souls, they are

as well as the most serious concerns, the Hindoos enjoy the present moment, without reflecting on future consequences: if

any one begins to reflect on his sinful state, he has, immediately, recourse to gration of the soul; and entertains hopes the preposterous notion of the transmiof mending, in a second or third existence in this world, what is now wrong rious and to begin to love truth and in him. Some, who appear to be sestep forward to embrace it, are soon at a stand, when they come to consider that caste must be broken through-at least in a considerable degree, for a Heathen of caste will not eat with any Christian; and, though he invite a Christian, he will

-

-While I was addressing the children of one of our Schools, many Heathens were present; one of whom asked "But, Sir, why do you take so much trouble with our children, to instruct them from your Christian Books? What can be the motive for this ?" "Nothing else," I told him, "than to do you and your children good; for you must be aware that your teachers and your books leave you destitute of the first rudiments of knowledge, as it regards salvation." "But if that be so," he replied, "the Gentlemen," meaning the Society, "have no profit from it: why have they so much expense?" I put him in mind that he did not understand the nature of LoveLove to his fellow-creatures; that they (the Tamul People) were wont to take the term Charity only as a figure, by which they might the better cloke their evil designs, and the more surely deceive their fellow-creatures: but, as it regarded a true Christian, he found pleasure in doing good to his fellowcreatures, though it be even at some expense and without being himself profited by it. This seemed to strike him; and he thought if the proceeding was so candid as I had stated, it would be worth while to send the children. "But do you not intend, Sir, to make our children Christians ?" "If we intended it,"

I replied, we cannot a real Christian is he, whose sinful nature has been changed into a good and heavenly nature, who loves his God and his Brother; and to produce such a change, is not the work of man, but of the Creator: but we wish and we pray that not only your children, but even yourselves, may become such men as love the True God and their Brethren, and do good instead of evil."

State of some of the Native Christians.

The following extracts will shew the faithful manner in which Mr. Bärenbruck deals with the professed Christians of the Mission.

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One day I called a Christian to my room, and told him that it was my duty to apprise him that I thought him in danger of deceiving himself, in supposing himself to be a good Christian while attending the Church regularly and my Morning and Evening Prayers: I urged him to consider whether he had any real evidence of the power of God on his mind; whether he had been called from darkness to the light, from spiritual death to life. While I was speaking to him on the evidences of this great change, he was much affected, and burst out into tears. No," he said, "Sir: I am convinced that I am not yet in the right way; but do, Sir, give me your advice, for I am a lost sinner." I asked whether he would pray with me; for I could give him no other advice, but to come to Christ, the Saviour of sinners. I bowed my knees with him at the throne of grace; but the man was so overcome by his feelings, that I was obliged to stop, and recommend him to compose himself a little, and then go home. I did not see or hear of him for three days afterward, and therefore made some inquiries about him, and understood that he was indisposed and confined to his room the greater part of the day. About six days afterward, he came to my room; and on my inquiring how his mind was disposed, he replied, " Sir, I am afraid I am lost: the more I read the Word of God in order to find comfort in it, the more I become uneasy. have no rest all night; for when I get a little slumber, I am awaked by fearful dreams. One night I sprung up in my anxiety, and laid hold of the New Testament; but, to my greater affliction, met with the passage Coloss. iii. 5, 6.; for I then saw, what I never saw before, that

I

I am one of the children of disobedience." I directed him to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, and who hath said Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest. After some days, I saw him again: his mind seemed then to be more composed; and he could get comfort from the Divine Word, especially the passage, 1 Cor. i.30: "but," he added, I rejoice still with trembling." And so do I; yet trusting that the good Lord who has begun in him a great work will lead him to vic tory. I trembled at this instance; thinking, that had I spoken as directly to the consciences of others, they might have profited. But even when we do speak, all good must be from the influence of the Spirit of this I will allege an instance, which happened only a few days ago.

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A Christian, connected with the Mission, was desired to go on duty into the country; but declined, saying, that he was about to take medicine: I saw through the pretence, but would not oblige him to go. A few days afterward, he came to tell me that he was ordered to go into the country: not being under my controul, I could not object to it, but asked him, "Have you taken medicine?" He replied, "Yes, yesterday." I said, "My friend, that is not enough you ought to be thoroughly purged from all your dross and sinful nature; which can only be through the Holy Spirit."—" Why, Sir ?" cause you do not give diligence to make your calling and election sure: I am afraid, if you go on so, I shall not meet you at the right-hand of my Heavenly Master."-"I am extremely surprised, Sir: please to shew me any thing wrong in my conduct, and I will imme diately amend it." "Not any thing, but you are altogether wrong; because the foundation on which you build is wrong. Do you not remember when I visited you on your sick bed, how you cried for mercy? and how the conviction of your sins harassed your mind? You were then far from being sure of your salvation had you died then, you would have died in your sins. But, tell me, what have you done since?

Have you

given your heart to Christ? Certainly not! but when the immediate danger was over, your seriousness abated as you recovered. Is this a just return for the mercies prolonged to you? And how long do you think to go on in this way?

I shall have to answer for you at the throne of Christ; and therefore, in faithfulness and in love to you, I now discharge my duty." He gave me a sad look, and replied, “Certainly I have been amiss, Sir; for I have not done as I ought since I recovered: but I offer daily my prayers, as a sinner; and hope the Lord will have mercy on me." I urged him not to be contented with merely offering up his prayers; but to make his calling and election sure, by laying hold on His mercy now in the time of grace, that he might rejoice in the hour of death. After all, my conversation affected him but little. It is not of him that willeth or runneth, but of him that blesseth; and may He also bless this man!

About the same time, I wrote to a Christian connected with the Mission, to urge him to look to the foundation of his hopes of salvation - whether it was Christ. He returned an answer in English; in which language having made but little progress, he found it difficult to express his ideas; yet as much as is intelligible, I will now extract:

I thank you, Sir, on account of your instruction, having been touched and shaken by it in my heart, which is not yet fully given up to Christ; but my soul is so hungry and thirsty for our Redeemer's blood, and wish to keep mine eyes only upon Him. The flesh is so heavy, and frequently disturbs me, by drawing me back, and putting down my spirits. Indeed I feel very evidently Christ's mighty hand supporting and by the flesh and the world, nor by the Devil. holding me up; which cannot be cut asunder Though I walk quick and quick [a Tamul phrase, meaning, though I press forward with all my strength], that the world might be behind me, that bad world pursues me

continually; but I have great hopes in our

Lord He is powerful and mighty to carry me so far that I shall not see it [the world] again, because He is the Captain of our salvation, the Breaker of the power of Satan; He is so merciful to the lame, which are bound by sickness, and unable and lost sinners. In Him I much please to live and

serve.

Visit of the late Bishop Heber.

Some extracts from the communications of Mr. Bärenbruck and John Devasagayam will shew what a lively impression was made on their minds by the visit of Bishop Heber to these parts. Mr. Bären

bruck, who had come from Tranquebar to Mayaveram, to meet his Lordship, writes

March 21, 1826-The Bishop visited the Society's premises; and viewed the Compound, the Mission House, the School, and the Inspector's Houseexpressing much satisfaction with the situation and the plan. His Lordship having intimated a desire that I should accompany him to Tanjore, I joined the party. His tent, which we reached in the evening, had been pitched ten miles from Mayaveram.

March 24: Good Friday-The party moved at three o'clock in the morning,

and arrived at Combaconum at seven. After Divine Service, I examined one of the Society's Schools, in the presence of the Bishop and other Gentlemen, at the Judge's house. It afforded us great pleasure to observe how much interest his Lordship took in every part of Missionary Labour, and in every thing that regarded the Kingdom of God and its extension. While I put questions to the children and catechized them, the Bishop desired Mr. Mead, the London Society's Missionary at Combaconum, to translate every question and answer into English. He expressed much pleasure at the children's progress, desiring Mr. Robinson, his Chaplain, to encourage the boys of the First and Second Classes, who had distinguished themselves, by a handsome present.

After dinner, the Country Priest of the Tanjore Mission, who was then at Combaconum, requested me to introduce him to the Bishop; who was much pleased with the appearance of the Old Man, and desired me to tell him, in Tamul, that all true Believers are Members of the Great Head of the Church, and as such had to exert themselves for the common good of the Great Cause. After having made some inquiries respecting his successes and trials in his Ministry, his family, &c., the Bishop expected him to go; but, not doing so, the Bishop asked, whether some present would be acceptable to him. On my replying, that a book from his Lordship's hand would surely have a great value in his esteem; but that it is usual with the Tamul Christians to depart, if they meet with a Minister whom they do not like, without receiving his blessing, he rose immediately, saying, "Oh, I shall bless them all-the good people!" It was astonishing to witness how much the Bishop gained the affections of the Native Christians: they loved and revered him.

March 26: Easter Sunday- For a long time there had not been so many Missionaries present together at Divine Service in the Church at Tanjore as there were to-day. Including Mr. Doran, who came with the Bishop, there were six Missionaries present: four of them took part in the English Service. The Bishop preached, and administered the Lord's Supper; Mr. Doran having read Prayers, Messrs. Kohlhoff and Sperschneider the Lessons, I the Epistle, and the Bishop's Chaplain the Gospel. In the evening, Dr. Caemmerer, of Tranquebar, preached in Tamul, after I had read Prayers. This was a day of distinguished blessings!

John Devasagayam adds, with warm affection

We went as far as Tanjore, and spent the Holy Days; in which his Lordship's presence, blessing, and services so raised our hearts, that we found ourselves in a high state of joy; and said often to one another, that we never in our lives spent so glorious an Easter. On the Sunday following, when I took leave of his Lordship, he expressed great kindness to me; and, with his affectionate blessing, put a Prayer Book into my hand with his name written for his memory; and, on the Saturday following, we heard that his Lordship proceeded to Trichinopoly, and there, alas! on Monday Morning, his blessed spirit left this world of woe, for the glorious and eternal rest of the Saints. The news of this our severe loss fled like lightning, from one place to another; and was a dreadful shock to us. We cannot but lament the loss most deeply, as long as we live; and even our friends who did not enjoy those happy days with us in Tanjore lamented very bitterly our Venerable Father the Bishop's death. When I once told his Lordship, that many Christians in Tranquebar and in other places longed to see him, he immediately answered, with his accustomed condescension and tenderness, them that I wish to see them in heaven!" May this wish and prayer of this Saint be fulfilled, in all those who lament his death; when our sorrows will be turned into eternal joys, and when we in his endearing society shall ever bless the Lord who redeemed us, and to whom we are and shall be indebted for all our comforts and happiness here and in heaven!

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Mr. Doran thus speaks of this visit

At Mayaveram, we unexpectedly fell in with our Missionary Bärenbruck: supposing him to be at Tranquebar, I was in no small degree pleased to meet with him our beloved Bishop met him with all that affection which marked his conduct. Mr. Bärenbruck had with him his principal Catechist, John Devasagayam, who is a very pleasing man. The whole party visited Mr. Bärenbruck's newly-formed abode, and were much pleased, especially at the extensive prospect of good which seems to present itself to him. May the Spirit of God make him an abundant blessing!

PALAMCOTTAH.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. MESSRS. Rhenius and Schmid continue to furnish full reports of their proceedings in this very interesting Mission. In the Number for October of last year, and in the following Survey, we entered much at large into their measures and prospects; and have now before us their Journals from the middle of 1825 to the close of 1826, except for the First Quarter of 1826 which have not been received. These Journals supply copious details of their proceedings. In the extracts which here follow, digested under distinct heads, we have incorporated the Journals of the two Missionaries; the respective initials R and S, at the end of any extract, denoting that the paragraph itself,

and any which may precede it until the other initial occurs, are taken, respectively, from the Journals of Mr. Rhenius and Mr. Schmid.

Erection and Opening of a New Church at Palamcoltah.

June 24, 1825-The building of a New Church is nearly finished; so that we have fixed on next Monday, God willing, for the opening of it. Several new Contributions have very seasonably come in; besides the Grant of 800 rupees from the Committee. We are glad and encouraged, and would be thankful for all.

June 25: Sunday-To-day we took leave of our Old Chapel, the School-Room; in which the Word has been preached nearly six years. I preached this morning on Gen. xxxii. 9, 10. In a certain sense, we could nearly literally apply this passage to ourselves; and we gave hearty thanks to the Lord for the increase which He has granted unto us.

It was a blessed morning. A number of our people have already come together from the Villages to attend the solemnity of to-morrow.

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June 26-To-day we had the joy of dedicating the New Church to the service of Jehovah-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. At ten o'clock, the English Service began, to which we had the pleasure to see nearly the whole Settlement assemble: the Rev. Dr. Hutchison, the Chaplain, was kind as to give the Introductory Address; in which he took a view of the Scripture encouragements to promote the Cause of the Gospel: after a Hymn, I read the Second Chapter of the First Epistle of Peter; and having briefly stated that it was both an honour and a happiness to have been instruments, in the providence of God, to rear this Temple to His name in this Heathen Land, I offered up the Dedicatory Prayer: after another Hymn, I addressed the Tamul Congregation in a few words; and then Br. Schmid offered up a Prayer in English: a Hymn of Praise concluded the whole. In the Evening, we had Native Christians-a pleasing sight! after a Hymn, I delivered the Introductory Address: after the second Hymn, Br. Schmid offered up the Dedicatory Prayer; and, after the third Hymn, the Country Priest, Nyanaprakasen, of the Tanjore Mission, gave an Address on Jer. vii. I-7: a Hymn of Praise and let this House be a lamp, from whence concluded the whole. Now, O Lord, hear! this dark region may be enlightened, until there be no darkness any more! Amen.

Tamul Service: the Church was filled with

The Church has been built by contributions from all classes of people-European Christians, Native Christians, Heathens, and Moor

men. The Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Hutchison factors on this occasion: not only have they ought particularly to be mentioned as benecontributed 130 rupees, but they have presented the Church with the Communion Plate, and a handsome silk cover for the Pulpit and the Reading-Desk. The velvet for the Cushions was presented by another

Lady. Nearly all the Settlement have taken

a warm interest in this building; which is not a little pleasing, and demands our warmest thanks. May the Lord reward them doubly into their own bosoms! Including the walls, the building is 64 feet long by 30 broad: a verandah runs all round, 10 feet broad in front; the rest 9 of part of the verandah, on the west side, a room is made, to serve as a vestry. The walls are 18 feet high-roof tiled-the whole height 27 feet, excepting the little spires. On the east side, in the front, above the wall, is a black stone, with the following inscription in Tamul"Know and praise the True God! 1826." This inscription is conspicuous, and can be read at a considerable distance.

R.

Growth and Influence of Christianity. July 8-David, who had accompanied the Seminary Girls, on their return for the vacation to their villages, returned to-day, and gave an interesting account of his journey. A Headman of several villages, hearing that all were becoming Christians, resolved to inquire what Christianity was, in order to be