fuls, while extensive plains, already white to the harvest, are left to perish. Almost immediately after I had made up the total amount for the last half-year, and found it, as stated above, 2000 souls, several large villages applied for instruction; and I think it not improbable that the current half-year may be productive of results similar to the last. If such should be the case, not only Catechists, but additional Missionaries, will be required; for it is utterly impossible that one individual can efficiently superintend 6000 souls, living in eighty different villages. While we so much feel the need of additional Labourers, it is gratifying to find that among this large number of people there are very many promising young men, who might be trained for Catechists. I have been struck by the fact, that in every new village there are a few persons who, from their superior powers of mind, seem to have been designed by Providence for teachers of others and is not this exactly what we might expect instruments provided to hand for the emergency?

It is of course required, as a mark of sincerity, that every vestige of idolatry should be annihilated among those who come under instruction. Cloths, caps, and other things which they wear on special days, or rather nights, when devil-worship is performed, having hideous figures of demons painted on them, wooden idols,

painted clubs, &c., are thrown together, and reduced to ashes; after which they all assemble within the temple, to hear the glad tidings of eternal life. Upon such an occasion, those appropriate words of the Apostle have frequently formed the subject of my first discourse-The times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. Church-Building Society.

At the close of the last year, stimulated by the good example of the Catechists of the second district, my Catechists took measures for establishing a Church-Building Society. For this purpose, they summoned the head man of each congregation to attend the Public Meeting at Meignanapooram on the 1st of January. I occupied the Chair; and the Catechists and head men moved a series of Resolutions in due form, which seemed to please them amazingly. To give the Society efficiency, it was resolved that every person connected with the congregations, men, women, and children, should contribute annually the

mises, entirely removed from the influence of heathenism, 30 girls and 20 boys are educated and boarded by means of separate funds.

Connected with Allepie are two Out-stations, Arthingal and Thalawadi, each containing a flourishing school. At Arthingal, Mr. Hawksworth located an additional Scripture Reader for a short time; and reports, that in both places a firm footing appears to be gained, although it is at present the day of small things.

Death of a Native-Christian Female. Mr. Hawksworth writes, in a Letter dated Sept. 23, 1841

During the past half-year one of my flock has been removed-I cannot entertain a doubt-to the more immediate presence of her Saviour. Her conduct was characterized by great affection to her husband, universal benevolence, the strictest consistency, and zeal for her Saviour, coupled with a modest and retiring spirit. Her husband assures me that she rarely, if ever, went from home, except to Church: yet she was known and visited by numbers of females of every class, Heathen as well as Christian, and invariably seized the opportunities of speaking about the Saviour, and pointing out the way to heaven.

COCHIN.

Since the lamented death of the Rev. Samuel Ridsdale, who for nearly thirteen years had faithfully laboured at Cochin, the Station has continued under the charge of the Rev. H. Harley. For various reasons, it has been considered advisable to remove the chief location of the Mission in this province from Cochin to Trichoor, which is situated about fifty miles to the north-east of Cochin.

Mr. Harley thus describes the Importance of Trichoor as a Missionary Station.

The district of Trichoor comprises a population of 52,427. It is a great stronghold of idolatry, and contains 648

Hindoo Temples. The town of Trichoor itself contains many pagodas, which has contributed to give an air of sanctity to the place in the eyes of the Natives. The Temple of Wadakanaden is the principal. It is situated on an eminence, surrounded by a high wall, concealing from public view a number of smaller temples that crowd the area of the inclosure. The turrets marking its entrances-said to have been built by four different princes of Travancore, Cochin, Calicut, and Palghaut-are the most remarkable parts of this mass of buildings. The temple is surrounded by a grove of teaktrees, while the richer foliage of the banyan helps to conceal much of it from public view. Nor is it this alone which contributes to make Trichoor a stronghold of idolatry: it is still more remarkable for its Sanscrit College, in which Brahmins from different countries are initiated in the mysteries of their religion, through the medium of the Sanscrit Language. The instruction given here is entirely oral, as it is not allowable to commit these mysteries to writing. Besides the Heathen population, there is a large RomanCatholic population in the Trichoor district, in which there are fifteen RomanCatholic Churches.

Another point of view in which the town of Trichoor may be considered as an eligible spot for a Missionary Station, is, its contiguity to several large towns, inhabited by Roman Catholics, Syrians, and Heathens, and all comprised in the Cochin Kingdom. About fourteen miles to the N.W. is Kunnamkoollam, which swarms with a Syrian population, and, indeed, is the largest Christian town in Cochin. The Metran, a Syrian Bishop, lives only two miles distant from it; and it is consequently considered as the head-quarters of the Syrians in these parts. About thirty-six miles to the N.E. of Trichoor, is Chittoor, the capital of a district of the same name, which abounds with a very large Heathen population, chiefly of the higher caste of Natives. The district of Chittoor is composed of ten villages, and the population amounts to 20,439. To the south of Trichoor, about fifteen miles distant, stands the famed pagoda of Irianakudi: the town contains a large Heathen population. A few miles S.E. of this is Shalagoody, which is another large town, comprised also in the Mookunda pooram district, which is composed

of 110 villages, and contains a population, according to the last census, of 45,349. The three above-named districts adjoin that of Trichoor; so that, according to the last census, the population of these districts amounts to 169,645: these are four out of the seven districts into which Cochin is divided. The other three districts, viz. Cochin, Kunneanoor, and Cranganoor, comprise a population of 118,531; making the total population of Cochin, according to the last census, 288,176. The centrical position which Trichoor occupies in the midst of these districts marks it out as a more suitable place for a Missionary Station in the kingdom of Cochin, than the town of Cochin; which, independent of other considerations, is too far situated in the south for the convenience of visiting the districts connected with the kingdom of Cochin. The foundation of the Trichoor Church is finished, and materials for raising the superstructure have been partially collected.

The following is an abridged Report of the Mission for the Half-year ending June 1841.

Congregations.

European Congregation.-I still officiate at the English Service, for the present. Within the last half-year the Sacrament has been five times administered to the Europeans and Natives.

Native Congregation. Three adult Heathens have lately received the solemn rite of Baptism, after having been duly examined in the principles of the Christian Religion. One of these is a Native of China, but has been absent from his country for nearly fourteen years. He has given evidences of sincerity in his profession.

Syrians.

Within the last half-year eleven Syrians have joined our faith. Eight of these are living at Parinyi, where I am happy to state that a spirit of religious inquiry has decidedly commenced among the people, who, in opposition to the Metran's injunctions, listen with lively interest to the preaching of God's Word.

Catechists.

A Catechist and an Assistant Reader are stationed at Trichoor: they give hopes of usefulness, and have been employed in reading and explaining the Word of God in the town of Trichoor and its immediate vicinity. Chandapillay, the Head

Native Catechist, still assists me at Cochin. I am happy to add that I have commenced expounding and preaching the Word of God in the Malayalim Language. The Catechists at the several Stations have been proceeding in their usual routine of duty, in a satisfactory manner.

Schools.

The Village Schools are generally going on prosperously; and by their medium the Word of God is more generally known.

In the Seminary there are twelve boarders, as previously reported: they are taught at the Cochin School, together with the other boys. At a late examination which I held, I found them improving in the knowledge of God's Word.

Labours and Martyrdom of a Syrian
Convert.

From Mr. Harley's Journal, Sept. 25, 1840, we select the following interesting notice of the labours and martyrdom of a Syrian, named Curiatha, illustrating at once the zeal of a Native Convert for the salvation of his brethren, and the perils to which such a zeal is sometimes exposed.

Some years ago, a Syrian of the name of Curiatha was reclaimed from a most sinful course of life, by the study of the Gospels, a copy of which he had received from the late Rev. S. Ridsdale. In studying this holy book, he became quite another man he abandoned his covetous, worldly, and self-seeking views, and began to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with a self-denial, zeal, and boldness, seldom to be witnessed in a Native character. He was naturally eccentric in his ways: and had his zeal been more directed by prudence, he might have rendered further service to the cause to which he had devoted himself. For a short time he was employed as a Catechist of the Society; but latterly he travelled throughout a great part of Southern India, preaching the Gospel among the Heathen. He was quite careless of any worldly emolument; and many times refused to receive pecuniary assistance, travelling penniless, and contented to live on casual alms. How much he suffered for the cause of Christ cannot be known, for Curiatha never revealed such matters. As in life, so also by his death, he upheld the honour of the

Gospel. He was preaching in the Kunnamkoollam Bazaar, when an opposer of the Truth, a Syrian, became so incensed, that he went home, and, procuring a knife, returned and stabbed Curiatha to the heart. Curiatha put up a prayer to God not to lay this sin to the charge of the murderer, and immediately fell down lifeless. Such was the end of Curiatha! He was faithful unto death; and we trust that, through the merits of the Saviour, he has received the crown of life.

West Endies.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

BARTICA GROVE.

In our last Number at pp. 307, 308, we gave the testimony of R. H.Schomburgh, Esq. to the Value of the Mission: we now subjoin the account received from Rev. J. H. Bernau in a Letter dated Dec. 1, 1841.

General View of the Mission.

On reviewing our labours during the present year, there seems, notwithstanding all the discouragements, to be abundant cause for thankfulness: and although we cannot speak of any great success, yet is the little that can be said sufficient to cheer our faith that brighter days are in reserve for this benighted people.

I am thankful to say that the preaching of the Word has been regularly carried on at the Grove. To give you a better insight into our Ministerial Labours, it may be well to state in what manner we spend our Day of Rest. At half-past six, the people are convened for Morning Prayers, when either the Collect for the day, or the Epistle, is explained to them. At nine we begin our school, which lasts until a quarter to eleven; and half-an-hour after we have full Service. From three to four P. M., catechizing; or, if many of the Arrowack Tribe be present, an Address is given by Frederic, one of the Converted Indians. I am thankful to be able to say that this is not the least blessed part of our labours. At half-past six we have Evening Service, when a text is expounded in a familiar manner.

It is my

custom, before I allow Frederic to speak on any subject, to ascertain whether his views are in accordance with the Word. Some time ago, I asked him what he was going to say. He replied, "I wish to speak

on the first chapter of John." I thought this rather too deep a subject for him; but on interrogating him as to the meaning of some of the more difficult verses, I was truly astonished at the correctness and feeling which he manifested. Having delivered his impressive Address, I asked one of the hearers," Well, what did Frederic tell you from the Word of God?" and was delighted to find that they had understood him better than might have been expected.

manner.

Throughout the week, in the morning, I expound the Old Testament in order; and in the evenings, the New, in the same Those who attend are thus taught to use the Word of God as a whole, which, from the beginning to the end, one part bearing upon the other, and in Christ is seen sparkling as the Pearl of great price.

Our Boys' School numbers, on the average, thirty-five children; some of whom belong to various tribes of Indians, and others are Coloured lads of Indian extraction. Their progress, on the whole, is encouraging: four-fifths of them read the Testament, and in writing and arithmetic they are not behind. It is pleasing to witness the eagerness of some to make progress. In the beginning of the year, we had twenty-three Boarders; five of whom, three Carribees and two Arrowacks, have been removed by their parents. Observation and experience combine to prove, that when children have parents living, or are more than ten years of age, little can be expected as regards their being trained for Teachers, on account either of the indolent habits which they have already, thus young, contracted, or because they are addicted to drinking. A Carribeese father came by night, and carried off his two boys to town; and for many days, neither myself nor any one else knew what had become of them; but after five weeks had passed, I heard from Mr. Christian, that he had met them in Demerara, reeling in the streets. From that time I have not seen them. One of the Macusie Boys, the most promising, and one who had made considerable progress, was found drowned at the water-side. Another was sent back to Mr. Youd, not being possessed of any talent for learning. Two others have been apprenticed; one to a carpenter, the other to a coach-maker, which crafts they chose themselves. Their number at present is fourteen; and of

these, five seem to bid fair as to the Society's ultimate object. All are orphans, with the exception of one.

The Girls' School was opened in July last, and numbers, on the average, twentyone. Of these, twelve, being orphans, are boarders; and on the whole, considering their degraded condition, and the short time they have been under training, their progress and behaviour are cheering. We regret to state that Mr. Christian's health has seriously failed: he has been obliged to visit some of the Islands, in order to its re-establishment; of which, by the blessing of God, confident hope may be entertained. In the mean time, the whole weight of the Mission duties has been pressing heavily upon Mr. Bernau, and he greatly needs additional assistance, lest his health should also give way. He thus describes the multifarious character of his engagements :

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Often, in less than half a day, I have been obliged to act as the Minister, Schoolmaster, Doctor, Overseer of the manual labours of the children, and Dentist; besides the many petty trials in superintending the building of our Girls' School. However, they are past; and will be less burdensome, I hope, in time to come, when the necessary buildings shall be completed, and, what is most important, when an efficient Assistant shall bear the yoke along with me.

WARRAPORTA.

When the British-Guiana Mission was last brought under the notice of our Readers, it was stated that the

Rev. T. Youd had been compelled, by the Brazilian Government, to relinquish the Station he had occupied at Urwa Rapids; and that he was endeavouring to form a New Station at Warraporta, which is situated on the River Essequibo, at the commencement of the second set of Rapids. There were not many Indians located at this spot when he arrived there; but this number soon increased, by the addition of some from Urwa Rapids, and a few from Cartabo, at

which place Mr. J. Doyce, who was associated with Mr. Youd as a Catechist, had formerly laboured.

General View.

In a Letter dated Aug. 31, 1841, Mr. Doyce gave the following account of the condition of the Infant Station at that time :

There are now, including children, not fewer than one hundred Indians on the

place, of whom fifteen are married couples; and, to the best of my knowledge, all live in an upright manner. Several Indians have visited us during our stay here; and have returned home with the intention of coming back again, they say, to reside. There are twenty-five Testament readers: some of them, considering that they have only been learning eight months, can read pretty well. There are two children, who did not know a single letter eight months ago, who can now read in the Testament as well as any of the rest.

The Lord's Day is spent thus: before daylight, I converse on religious subjects with the young men who sleep in the same house with me. As soon as the horn is blown for Prayers, Mr. Youd goes over to hold a meeting among the Ne-CaneCaru Indians, during which time I have Macusie Family Prayer; and before Mr. Youd returns I endeavour to have a meeting among the Carribees. I have very often known Charles to weep when speaking to them before day. He can repeat to me, on the Monday, the whole of what has been said by Mr. Youd and myself on the Lord's Day: he is a prayerful lad. As soon as breakfast is ended, the School commences; after that, Service is conducted, in Macusie, by Mr. Youd; in the afternoon, School, and

Creole-Dutch Service; and in the evening, I address the Macusies in their own language, and conclude with prayer and singing.

Our Day School seldom numbers more than fifteen, owing to great sickness during the last two months, which has, however, abated. Instruction is given in reading, writing, arithmetic, and translating Macusie into English, and English into Macusie.

The Sunday School, morning and evening, is well attended: I have sometimes seen ninety present. Both young and old read together in one class.