fine weather, airy and pleasant sittingrooms. The whole is surrounded by a verandah formed by the projection of

the roof.

Affecting View of Heathen Festivals.

About half-a-mile from the Society's Station at Nellore, a Feast is annually held in honour of the god Candeswamy. The Missionaries avail themselves of this occasion to call the attention of the deluded multitudes to the things which belong to their peace: from Mr. Adley's communications we extract some notices and reflections relative to the Feast held in the autumn of last year.

On the third evening, previous to the conclusion of the ceremonies, my horsekeeper, one of the servants who is a Communicant, and another servant with Six Youths who are all Candidates for Baptism, came, requesting me to allow them to go among the people, and speak to them, and distribute some Tracts: I have, for some time past, regularly sent out the Youths, two and two, on Sunday Afternoons, to visit the people, from house to house, through the village: I now gave them permission to go for an hour or two, with a charge to return before dark. In the evening, while passing through the crowd, I was highly gratified to see our Servants and Youths scattered about, as rays of light in this more than Egyptian Darkness: afterward, they assembled together; and, forming a circle, sat down and conversed with one and another on the Christian Religion, while great numbers around them listened with attention: they then prayed together, surrounded by multitudes of the Heathen, witnessing and attending to their proceedings without any molestation, and even close to the Temple of their great deity, Candeswamy-"Master, or King, of the Gods," as another of his names implies. Shall not the voice of prayer, presented under such circumstances, be heard? Shall NINE agree together on earth, as touching the spiritual and eternal good of thousands, and their prayers not be heard and answered by our Father which is in heaven? No! Their supplications, I trust, will be heard; and, like the prayer of our Blessed Lord offered for His persecutors and murderers, be an

swered in mercies on the heads of many who are now vain and contemptuous idolaters.

The next morning, being the concluding morning of the ceremonies, their most-idolized car, which is annually drawn once round the Temple as a grand conclusion to all the preceding vanities, was exhibited for this purpose. Many thousands were assembled, and about five or six hundred were rolling after the vehicle. On this occasion, a few drops of water are given by a Brahmin, from the car, to those who are so fortunate as to be able to get sufficiently near to obtain it: this is said to descend from the great Candeswamy himself; and is, of course, a sovereign antidote to many evils.

However painful such scenes are to us, we must frequently be present at them, in order to watch for souls; and, as it were from the very gates of hell to endeavour to pluck some miserable captives like brands from the everlasting burnings. If, indeed, to see a few of our fellow-beings in imminent peril as to their bodies, clinging to a wreck, exposed to the pitiless storm without hope of being saved, or with that wreck enveloped in flames sinking into the mighty deep, would harrow up the tenderest feelings of our hearts-what must be the feeling of that heart, which, sensibly alive to the imminent peril in which the souls of the wicked are placed, is surrounded by many thousands of human beings, all hastening to that place where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched; and who have no other hope of salvation than a cocoa-nut, or some other trifle, offered to their God; or a sight of the gaudy and tattered shreds that adorn his car; or an extraordinary work of merit, such as rolling in the dirt in the track of the carriage which contains the gilded representation of their idol!

Could I place this Temple, with all its symbols of cruelty and wickedness, before an Assembly congregated to hold a Bible or Missionary Meeting in Londoncould I shew them the filthy deities of the Heathen, and their mountebankcars, held in the highest adoration by thousands of miserable and deluded devotees with uplifted hands and prostrate bodies-or could they see immense multitudes, with their bodies disfigured, by being daubed over with a composition of cow-dung and the ashes of sandal and

other wood, prepared and given to them by the Brahmins, as coming immediately from the gods, and with the pretence that the smearing of this on the body is a certain security for good here and a passport to a happy transmigration hereafter I am persuaded, that the spirit of one and all would be stirred up within them a thousand fold, on beholding myriads thus wholly given to idolatry.

Our friends at home may imagine a wretched pilgrim (of which there are hundreds on occasions like this) destitute of the Lively Oracles of God-worne out with fastings, and toil, and age; having travelled many times to Ramisseram, or Benares, or some famed spot on the banks of the Ganges-still burthened in his conscience-still a stranger to that peace which passeth all understanding, and ignorant of the only true way of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. But they may also carry their imagination a little further: by some means a Scriptural Tract, or a copy of a Holy Gospel or of the Sacred Scrip

tures, reaches him: at first, unconscious of the precious treasure which he possesses, he turns over its life-giving pages; and, by an impulse unseen, he is directed to such a passage as this-The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin―his mind becomes enlightened-the finger of God is acknowledged; and he lives, to tell the wonders which Jehovah hath done for his soul. Such instances there are, though rare may our Heavenly Father multiply and greatly increase them! Baptism of Four Native Youths at Nellore.

In the midst of the scenes of delusion and wickedness which have just been described, a Christian Church is rising up from among the Heathen. On Sunday, the 3d of September of last year, Mr. Adley admitted to Baptism and the Lord's Supper Four of the Native Youths

under his care: his account of this

Service will be read with much pleasure.

On Sunday last, Major Antill, the Commandant, and his Lady, breakfasted with us, in order to be present and unite with us in the Divine Services of the morning. Having read prayers in Tamul, I preached from Luke xiv. 22; and afterward baptized four of the School Youths, and admitted one into the Church who had received baptism pre

viously from a Roman-Catholic PriestThe Commandant and his Lady then joined us in commemorating the dying love of our Redeemer; making the number at the Lord's Table fifteen-the Major, his Lady, Mrs. Adley, myself, and Eleven Natives; one of the Communicants being absent on account of illness.

I baptized the Boys in the names of Edward Bickersteth, William Marsh, Josiah Pratt, and John Raban; and afterward described to them the characters of the persons whose names they bore, with a solemn exhortation that they would follow them as they followed Christ; that they might soon be prepared to be united with them, and with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, around the throne of God in heaven.

It is a singular fact, but not I think an unhappy or ungracious omen, that, from the commencement of the administration of the Lord's Supper at Nellore, there has been an increase to the number of Communicants on each returning season of commemorating our Lord's death.

Oh that we could hope that it would be always so!-no interruption to an increase of living Members of the Church Militant at Nellore, till all shall be prepared to join the Church Triumphant above!

I considered it proper, previous to baptizing these Youths, to converse with their parents or friends; and requested as many as were so disposed, to come to Nellore for that purpose. Some of them came; among whom was the mother of the eldest Youth, his father being dead. I stated to her the desire of her son to be baptized; and the change which had taken place, not only in his views and feelings, but, as I trusted, in his heart also, and which had produced this desire. I was surprised to find, that she had herself been baptized in the time of the Dutch, and was married agreeably to the Dutch Ritual; yet still had continued to live in Heathenism. I very solemnly warned her of her great sin and danger: she promised to attend to the instructions of her son-to pray to God, in Christ's name, for His Spiritand to come to Church and hear the Gospel. Here was, however, almost a solitary instance of consent; for the friends of nearly all the Youths are very bitterly opposed to any change in their religion.

I consider the present month as a

month and season long to be remembered. Two years since, on the 10th of this month, we landed at Trincomalee; and, without any previous consideration (for it did not occur to my mind till after the event), I have had the singular happiness, on the same day, two years after, of baptizing four Heathens; and of receiving one into the Church, who, though baptized, had no concern for his soul previous to his coming to Nellore; besides my horse-keeper, who, since his receiving a Christian Name, has in all things walked worthy of his high vocation. On Sunday, the 26th of the month on which we landed, I first proclaimed to the Heathen, at Point Pedro on my way from Trincomalee to Jaffna, the Way of Salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ and I acknowledge, with unfeigned gratitude to our Heavenly Father, that, excepting while at Colombo and journeying thither and back, I have not once been deprived of the privilege, besides generally once or twice in the week, of preaching on the Sabbath Day to the Heathen the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Characters and Letters of Native Communicants at Nellore.

Mr. Adley, in closing his communications for last year, describes 13 individuals who had been admitted to Baptism and the Lord's Supper; one having been added to the Twelve Communicants noticed

under the preceding head. They are here denoted by numbers, rather than by names; as we are frequently advised by the Labourers abroad, that the mentioning of the names of promising Natives should be as much as possible avoided, particularly in the early stages of their progress as Christians, for the benefit of the individuals themselves. Of the Letters subjoined to the characters of the Four Youths Mr. Adley states

I gave permission to the Youths who have been admitted into the Church to write, if they desired it, to the persons by whose names they have been called in baptism. Each of them soon brought to me his Letter, written in Tamul: they have been literally translated, and I annex copies for your perusal. I feel it necessary to apologise for the fre

quent mention of my name in them; but I considered it better to send them exactly as they were written, in order that you may judge the more correctly of the real state of the writers.

1. Interpreter and English Writer-I have every reason to be satisfied of his integrity and conscientiousness. He is naturally mild and amiable; and, to this, may be attributed a deficiency at times in energy and zeal. I have long had no cause to doubt his being truly converted to God. He has been employed in the Mission nearly from its commencement. Aware that documents from Natives are valuable to you, I enclose a Note sent by him to me while I was at Colombo, attending the Annual Meeting: during part of my absence, the Supreme Court being held at Jaffna, he was subpoenaed to attend as a juror: he writes

I feel very much concerned to say, that, in consequence of my being necessitated to attend the Supreme Court, I have very little to intimate to you of the circumstances of the Station during the short period of your absence. However, it would, I hope, be no less than gratifying to your heart when I say, that the boys continue to walk worthy of their Christian Profession; and they always feel a delight, either for speaking to the people on the important truths of Scripture, or for distributing Tracts; and more so in our Weekly Meetings, they have their free mind and self-desire to speak, and tell out the great wonders which our Saviour has done to them; which leads me to believe that they are exerting their ability for the furtherance of the Word of Life in this part of the world. When contrasting the present

state of the Missionary Field at Nellore with that of the few months or few years past, I cannot but say that God is evidently blessing your labours, and they are prospering. Yes, it is not more to be wished than reasonably to be expected, that, in the course of a few months or few years, not only the scholars but that the people throughout Jaffna, males and females, shall cast away their idols, and come to the illuminating truths of Christianity, and cleave to the only Saviour.

I have translated one of your Sermons, lately preached from Matt. iii. 12. and read it to the people: during the whole time of the Service, the people were attentive. I am now translating another Sermon, preached from 1 Cor. vi 20. for next Sunday. On Sunday Morning, one of the boys, lately baptized by you after the name of John Raban, was taken sick; and the symptoms of it were such as to excite fears that it might be the cholera : Mrs. Adley gave him some medicine; and,

through the great mercy of God, he received immediate recovery. Notwithstanding this, when we look round the place here, we are lamenting indeed that you are removed from us (though for a short time) at the very season

when one after another, and sometimes three or four together, are uniting to the Church of Christ; and, in the mean time, the enemies of Christ are likewise pressing forward to destroy His people. However, we rest assured that He, who sleeps not but guards all His people against all and every kind of dangers, will not only keep us safe, but will be with you, and hasten you to your little flock at Nellore, which is left like sheep without a shepherd.

2. Reader and Catechist-He possesses considerable talent as a speaker; and is calculated to be a useful man. He is subject to seasons of coldness: and, during these, there is sometimes an apparent want of conscientiousness in the discharge of his duties; but, when aroused, he is full of earnestness and zeal. He has, for some months past, been alive and active in the duties of his post. Though liable to change, he is, I doubt not, through Divine Grace, a subject of that kingdom which shall know no change.

3. Overseer of the Boys and Visitor of Day Schools-Is a valuable Young Man; and, from the time nearly of my first being at Nellore, has manifested perhaps more of the "Christian indeed," than any other whom I have met with on Heathen ground. He requires to be kept in his proper place, and is naturally of a hasty temperament; but, in attention to his duties, consistency of walk, and steady and earnest concern for the welfare of the boys' souls, as also of the souls of others, he has no equal at the Station. He has considerable talent as a speaker, and a correct and good knowledge of Scripture; and is a faithful and useful Visitor of the Out-Schools. In seconding my efforts for the spiritual instruction of the Boys, I look upon him as the man of my right-hand.

4. Printer-He is our chief stay in the Printing House; and is extremely mild and diffident—of very good attain ments in common Tamul learning-and of sterling piety.

5. A Young Man, from Christian David's Congregation; but a Communicant at Nellore-possessing abilities of considerable promise.

6. A man of determination and energy of character-by nature, certainly, of a disposition resembling the lion; but subdued by grace, and transformed into the mildness of the lamb. From the time of his baptism, and indeed for some months before, his habitual appearance of devotion and cheerfulness have borne

Dec. 1827.

a greater resemblance to a lively and devoted Christian in humble life in

England, than any other whom I have seen in this country. As it respects his character, I know of nothing which can be laid to his charge: he may be known and read of all men, as an Epistle of Christ. He writes after me, when preaching, on his ollah; and is able to read tolerably well. I usually supply him, weekly, with a number of Tracts; of which I am satisfied that he aims to make the best use.

7. The Father of the preceding; who, though his Son was a rigid Heathen up to the time of his coming to Nellore, was himself a member of Christian David's Congregation. He has long been a regular attendant on Divine Worship at Nellore. He expressed his desire of becoming a Communicant: after examination, and, from the statements of his Son, having reason to hope well of his He is of a mild and peaceable disposition, piety, he was admitted to the Communion. and a very attentive hearer of the Word.

8. Br. Knight's chief servant-baptized by our American Brethren-natu rally disposed to attend more to the business of others than his own; but, I trust, a member of the Church of the First-born, and one who at length will be removed to that place where the affairs of others will be entirely lost in the love and service of Jehovah.

9. One of the Youths admitted on the Lord's Supper. He is free, open, and 3d of September to Baptism and the zealous; yet vigilant, and possesses good judgment-has considerable talent in speaking, and is very warm and affectionate in exhortation and prayer for his countrymen. He is of good caste and connections; many of his relations being Headmen. He has been much opposed: but has stemmed the torrent with great vigilance and Christian feeling; and is, I have no doubt, endowed with that Spirit, which would enable him literally to leave all and follow his Saviour. His Letter to the Friend whose name he bears here follows

I beg to express my gratitude to you, and to all by whom all the benefits which we enjoy come. Though I was born in a Heathen Family, not knowing God our Maker, worshipping wooden gods, venerating Brahmins, and attending foolish and vain ceremonies; still it was His most condescending grace to look upon me a sinful creature, and bring me to a place of light and truth; where the knowledge of Himself and the Holy Spirit 4 K

and the Saviour, who became a Substitute to die for such a vile sinner as I am, may be easily attained,

During my stay in the Boarding School at Nellore, I neglected part of my time, in ignorance and impenitence; but God, in His abundant mercy, brought me under a sense of my depravity and unworthiness; and shewed me, moreover, the worthiness of Jesus Christ, whose merits are sufficient to fetch me to heaven: and, blessed be God, who has taught me to seek all possible means to become His true disciple and a member of His Church! and I hope I am now led to enjoy such a happy state, as all true Christians are in. We have abundance of reasons to praise our great and merciful God, for sending His Ministers with the Gospel of His Son Jesus Christ, to this part of the Heathen World, to teach us the true way to heaven.

I would humbly acquaint you, Sir, that the Rev. Mr. Adley, who baptized me after your name, is daily communicating instruction of the Holy Scriptures; which I consider as delightful food for my soul, and without which I shall surely perish. Oh may God give him health and strength, so to continue his Ministry, that all may be fitted subjects for the sacred feast of the Lamb!

Mr. Knight, who was away from us for many months, has now returned to us, and was present at our Wednesday Meeting. Indeed I feel thankful to God, for having brought back our Spiritual Guide safe.

10. Another of the Youths. He is tall, not robust, of light complexion his acquirements good-excels as a Tamul Writer-and is, I hope, of genuine piety. He writes

As I am permitted by the Rev. Mr. Adley, I take the opportunity of writing to you; in order to inform you, that, from my youth up to a great period of time, I was brought up under the teaching of my Heathen Parents; and lived, practising all the vain and foolish ceremonies of their religion-such as, rubbing ashes upon my body and prostrating myself before their idol gods; and when they sent me to your Mission School, which was made at Nellore, it was their great care that I should outwardly make a favourable spirit to the religious instruction of the Missionaries, without letting go any of my Heathen_Principles. In this way, for a long time I very foolishly did. But it has pleased the Lord, who changes men's hearts, to turn their view, on the contrary, to my great good; and to make me sensible of my sins, and of the misery and danger which then awaited me. The Rev. Mr. Adley, who is labouring for our eternal good with the greatest seriousness, has been very particular in bringing me to a knowledge of the Scriptures, and making me a fit object to become one of the members of your great Church.

Moreover, Reverend Sir, acknowledge my gratitude to you and all others who are devoted to the good Cause of Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which come to my soul. May God, who has sent His Missionaries in good time, do greater miracles than have

been done for the advance of the Redeemer's kingdom! I am now, Reverend Sir, named after your name; and think it is my duty to pray for you, that Jesus Christ may bless you; and beg you will be pleased to do the same for me also.

11. The Third of the Baptized Youths. The least in stature, but not in intellect. He is equal to any in his Tamul Studies, and I think exceeds any of his standing in English-has sound judgment, a re. tentive memory, and quickness of apprehension. He repeats the Tamul Scriptures, chapter after chapter, with great

ease. He writes

Having been brought up a Heathen for many years, worshipping Devils and abstaining from God, I have, a few years past, through His great mercy, entered the Boarding School at Nellore; and, though many there have brought persuasions to me on the truth, and shewed many proofs of the real worth of the Christian's joy which no other religion can give, I have very much despised and disregarded these things: but the Lord, who hears prayer, heard my prayers; and has been pleased to give me grace and strength to believe and study His Holy Word. Now, it is my happiness, that Christ is my Saviour, and that He pleads for me. I am baptized and received into the Church of Jesus Christ, by the Rev. Mr. Adley; and he loves me, and gives me instruction from is my resolution to seek God more earnestly the Scriptures, and teaches me English. It than ever I did, and to please Him in all things. That I may be able to do this, I beg your prayers for me. Praying God to be with us all, and to give an uninterrupted enjoyment of His divine presence.

12. The Fourth of the Youthssteady and sedate-in appearance and manner much resembling my friend after whom he is named-of good attainments in Tamul-and of considerable experience as a Christian. Many efforts have been made to prevail upon him to leave his profession and the School, which attempts he has generally been enabled to turn with advantage against his opponents. Many of his remarks, in conversation and in our Meetings, I have found valuable as exhortations to others. I will give you one as an example-" There are many countries," he said, "and they have different coins: if we were travelling to a foreign country, we should endeavour to procure the coin of that country; and should be careful that the coin was good, that when we arrived there it might pass: so, as travellers to heaven, we should procure the coin of heaven; and be careful that our coin is genuine, and has the King's stamp; that when we appear there, we may not