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TO THE JUVENILE FRIENDS OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY

DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS,

SOCIETY.

We have watched with great delight your growing zeal in the service of Missions. We are grateful to find that you are not weary in the good work, but still wish to help us to send the Gospel to the heathen-the people who know not the true God and his Son Jesus Christ. Your zeal has been shewn in joining Juvenile Associations, and in becoming Collectors. Some of you have had Collecting Cards, and others Missionary Boxes. Others have joined "Working Parties," and others have been waiting to know what they also could do. By these various means great help has been afforded to the Society,-hundreds of poor heathen children have been taught, and the hearts of the Missionaries have been refreshed and strengthened. We are exceedingly glad to have such things to review, they belong to the past, and they encourage our hope for the future. You have "put your hand to the plough, and you will not look back."

But we wish at this moment to ask you to shew your love and zeal by making

A NEW YEAR'S GIFT TO THE SOCIETY.

You have not done anything of this kind for a long time past. Indeed, since the noble collection for the "John Williams," four years ago, you have not tried to make any large and general Collection altogether. But the time has now come when we hope you will attempt it, and will be encouraged in it, as we sincerely think, by your Parents, Teachers, and Ministers. At Christmas, and on the New Year, most young people have some presents made them, by their parents, their grand-parents, or other kind relations and friends. And these presents are frequently money, from a penny to a shilling; from a shilling to a pound. Now could not a little of this be well spared to help those who "sit in darkness, and have no light,❞—no School, no Minister, no Bible, no Saviour?

You can give your money either towards paying the expenses of the "John Williams," or to support Schools and promote Education, or towards sending the Gospel to China, or to the general fund of the Society, which is used to send Missionaries to Africa, India, China, the West Indies, and the South Sea Islands.

Then, after giving a little money yourselves, try and collect from your kind friends for the same objects, and put down on the Card how much they give and what for, and then without delay pay all in to your Minister or the Secretary of the Missionary Association. We wish the amounts to be paid in, if possible, by the end of January, 1848.

You would, perhaps, like to know especially about the Education of Children in heathen lands. Well, in Africa, we have many Infant, Day, and Sunday Schools, and in these many thousands of the young have been rescued from heathenism, and enlightened with the knowledge of salvation. In the West Indies there are large schools on all the Society's stations, and not a few of the pupils have been truly converted to the Saviour. In Northern India there are

2,000 pupils attending the different schools, and their progress is encouraging. Some of the most cheering cases of conversion at Calcutta have been found in the instances of lads educated in the Christian Institution of that great City.

In Southern India, education is in a very encouraging state. At Madras, Mrs. Porter has an excellent native Female Boarding School, and several of the pupils have been baptized, and joined the Church. There are also Female Day Schools; and there are Seminaries which give a superior education in English; and at Bangalore and Nagercoil there are native young men being trained to be Evangelists and Pastors. Almost every station in Peninsular India has a Boarding School for Orphan Children attached to it. The blessing of God has largely rested on these Schools. In Travancore great attention has been paid to Education, and the fruits are abundant. There are not less than 10,000 children in these different Schools just mentioned, and from them the Churches receive many converts. "While the scholars remain under our charge," observes one of the Missionaries in Calcutta, "the Bible is their constant study-its all-important truths are impressed again and again upon them. They learn too, that all subjects of study may be accompanied by its spirit; so that God is seen not only in the Natural world, but in History-the great world of men; ruling society, and by its vast machinery accomplishing His plans."

At Hong-Kong there are two Boarding Schools in active operation, one for boys and the other for girls. Then in the South Sea Islands, at Rarotonga, and the other islands of the Hervey Group, all the young people are under instruction in Sabbath and Day Schools. In Samoa the Schools are flourishing, and contain between 5 and 6000 Scholars. These Samoan children contributed a noble gift last year of 29 Canoes (worth £500), and sent them by the "John Williams" for the use of the Native Teachers, chiefly in the New Hebrides!

Now surely, dear young friends, this is a work you will delight to help. And it seems so appropriate to you. You are young-and they are young. You have immense advantages-and they are fearfully destitute. You are near the fountain -they can but just sip the stream, and millions not even that. We want to send forth the waters of life abundantly, and now we ask you to help us promptly and cheerfully in this great work.

We have provided Cards, and you can have them by applying to your Ministers or Teachers.

We remain, your affectionate Friends,

On Behalf of THE DIRECTORS of the London MISSIONARY SOCIETY,

CULLING EARDLEY EARDLEY, Treasurer.
ARTHUR TIDMAN,

JOSEPH JOHN FREEMAN,

Blomfield Street, Finsbury, December, 1847.

} Secretaries.

**Contributions to be remitted to Rev. J. J. FREEMAN, Home Secretary, Blomfield

Street, Finsbury, London.

MISSIONARY LABOURS IN THE PROVINCE OF COIMBATOOR.

In the month of March last, our brother, Mr. Addis, visited several villages and districts in the vicinity of his station, to preach the Gospel and distribute Tracts and portions of Scripture. The subjoined statements from his journal embrace the leading events of his journey, while conveying a very distinct and vivid impression of the moral condition of the people, and the obstacles and encouragements experienced by the Missionary of the Cross in labouring for their salvation.

Desire of the Natives for Instruction.

March 13th.-The inhabitants of Pullachy entreated me to establish a School among them upon Christian principles, but I have no funds for the purpose. A similar request was also made by the head-man of another large and populous place who came to see me, and it pains my mind much to be obliged to refuse such earnest applicants, and lose such promising openings for the introduction of the knowledge of Christianity. Some of the difficulties of embracing and making an open profession of Christianity may be gathered from the fact, that a monegar, or head-man, of one of these villages told me, that, however desirous he might be of leaving idolatry, heathen customs, &c., and of openly professing himself a Christian, should he do so, he would be deprived of his office and lands, or, in other words, be reduced to beggary.

Some time ago there were two of the inhabitants of this place determined upon going on pilgrimage to the principal holy places in different parts of the country, and eventually

proceed as far as Benares: they came and stated their purposes to me. I pointed out to them the folly of their intentions, and the efficacy of the precious blood of Christ to cleanse from all sin, in all places, when applied by faith. Whether the instructions I gave them were of any avail or not I cannot say; but it appears, that, after setting out, and proceeding about a hundred miles on foot, they returned, and have not met with that praise which they expected from their fellowcountrymen for their self-devotion and courage.

Power of Self-righteousness.

March 15th.-Set out before sunrise, reached Puthoor, and rested there awhile. This is another place of considerable importance, where the Gospel has been made known, and our books, scriptures, &c., read for many years past, but without any perceptible effects. Many understand Christianity, and are outwardly friendly, but seem as far as ever from embracing it. I stopped during the heat of the day in a Settram, lately built by a very aged man in authority, and who hopes thereby to secure happiness for himself after. death. The place is sadly disfigured by re

presentations of their principal deities, &c. in basso relievo; and some of a more offensive nature.

Arrived in the evening at Vadamallycotta, a large town in which there are twelve heathen schools. Soon after my arrival the people came to see me, although it was late : they have known me well for many years, and are very friendly; and their thirst for knowledge is quite surprising. They are very favourably disposed towards Christianity, and even, some time ago, freely offered to give a piece of ground for the house, yard, &c., of a native teacher, if I would place one among them; but, through want of funds, I could not avail myself of the opening thus presented, and such cases require to be promptly met, or they may be entirely lost.

Obduracy of the People.

March 17th.-Rose early, and prepared to go forward on my journey, when it began to rain and I was obliged to delay. Applicants for books came nearly as soon as I was up this morning, and earnestly begged to be supplied. A stranger, seeing such a desire evinced for knowledge, would be led to the conclusion that these people are not far from the kingdom of God, and that the fields are white for the harvest; but many years' intimate knowledge of this people have taught me the contrary. These people have been in this same state for at least ten or a dozen years. They once brought me a present of a fat sheep to shew their esteem and regard, and are always, apparently, glad to see me, but their hearts are as hard as ever; and their superstitions, and the bonds of caste, as strong as at any previous time. These are mysterious things, and appear almost impossible after the amount of knowledge they have obtained of Christianity. At the moment of writing this I hear many close by me reading our books aloud, and many listening; but alas! without the influence of the Divine Spirit what can be effected? Although it continued to rain more or less during the day and I could not venture out, yet the people continued to come to me, and some remained till after it was dark, but amongst them all I could not discern a single individual impressed with the importance of his soul.

Circulation of Christian Books a ground of hope.

March 18th.-Set out early, and arrived at a village, the property of a Zemindar, or native land proprietor. He had been dead several years, but left a widow and a son-the latter is now about 12 years of age, and his guardian brought him to me to receive instruction and books. He is a very intelligent boy, and, if it should please God to change his heart, he might do an immense amount of good among his numerous dependants. I gave him a supply of books, which he promised to read attentively. His mother also and other principal people of the place came and requested me to take refresh

ment.

About 11 o'clock I reached Ponaveram, a considerable place, and where I have been repeatedly before. Here I remained during the hottest hours of the day in the porch of a heathen temple, the Brahmins attached to which, together with some others, and the inhabitants of the place, came to me. The latter asked for and received books, but the former made no such request: they listened very attentively to what I said, and even acknowledged that the instructions were good; but I overheard some of the young Brahmins afterwards in another place ridiculing the instructions, and endeavouring to bring our books into contempt with the people who had received them. I did not see a single person take their part, but all kept their books and carried them home.

Wide diffusion of Christianity by Native Agents.

March, 19th.-Darapooram is a considerable town, which, together with other towns and villages of the Talook, contains a population of 50,000 souls. It has been occupied for several years as an out-station of this Mission, and several valuable native teachers have at different periods laboured here. It is at present occupied by Unmeyudeyan, an Evangelist, formerly an assistant native teacher, whom I sent to the Bangalore Theological Seminary. After his return he resumed his duties as a preacher of the Gospel, and now labours in this large and important sphere, being about 50 miles S. E. of Coimbatoor, the head or home-station of the Mission. The inhabitants receive his instructions very cordially, and behave most kindly towards him. The people of this place cannot plead ignorance of the doctrines and precepts of the Gospel, having had for "line upon line, precept upon many years precept;" but, although our scriptures and tracts are read with avidity by numbers, there appears very little real impression. There are many who appear to be tired of the unmeaning ceremonies and follies of idolatry,

but who rather side with the Mohammedans, of which sect there are many, as the place was formerly garrisoned by the troops of Tippoc Sultan in the days of his power.

Advances of the People.

I remained here over the Sabbath, and held my usual services. During my stay I had visitors of various sorts, some for conversation, others for books. Among the former was a self-styled Grany, or man of wisdom: he has many disciples or followers in this and other places, but a more dull and false reasoner it has seldom been my lot to meet. After a long and tiresome conversa. tion and debate, I positively could make nothing out of him; but such are those to whom this people commit themselves, and by whose false reasoning (if reasoning it may be termed) they are more and more led astray, "blind leaders of the blind." This man, like many others of his profession, had made himself somewhat acquainted with the Christian Scriptures, it would seem for the purpose alone of raising objections to the doctrines of Revelation. Such people do us much harm, and they are becoming more numerous as the knowledge of Christianity spreads.

Encroachments of Popery on Protestant
Missions.

Here are many Romanists also. A farmer of that sect came to see me, with a present of In conversation I learnt sugar, eggs, &c. from him that the seven Romish Priests and Bishop who have lately arrived to labour in this province are part of a great number lately arrived from France for the South of India. Some of them are to be stationed in the town of Coimbatoor, where they have lately purchased large substantial premises, formerly occupied by the European Magistrate, in the immediate neighbourhood of our Mission-house and Chapel, intending immediately to build a large place of worship, the foolish ceremonies of which I fear will make a great impression upon the inhabitants. Other priests are to be stationed, and will commence a monastery or convent, between our two out-stations of Palladam and Avenashy, so that we shall be encompassed by them on every side.

This, to me, is a subject of much sorrow and concern; but it seems to be a new piece of policy lately acted upon by them to select prosperous Protestant Mission-stations, and thus make inroads and act as aggressors. I feel my situation to be one of no small trial, being single handed against so many, and having lately lost by death some of my best native assistants. The dealings of the great Head of the Church appear mysterious, and it is indeed a time of humiliation, and I trust of prayer.

CONDITION AND CLAIMS OF THE MYSORE COUNTRY.

In concluding his appeal to the Society for a Missionary to join him at Mysore, Mr. C. Campbell pleads, as an additional argument, the powerful and increasing opposition he has to encounter from the strenuous efforts of the Brahminical and Romish Priests. The hostility and discouragements to which he is exposed from these united adversaries are thus described in his communication:

IN Tyaar, which has been several times visited since the Mysore Station was taken up, there are several people who seem to be in the interesting, and at the same time perilous state, which has been described. In that place there has been sown much precious seed, which, if the Lord were pleased to bless it, might, ere long, yield many of the fruits of righteousness, to the glory of his holy name. In Cuttey, which was visited by our Wesleyan brother Mr. Male, Mr. Coles, and myself, about a year and a half ago, I had on the present occasion much interesting, and, I trust, profitable discussion. The people there referred to the former visit, spoke of the books then received, and gave good evidence, by their questions and remarks upon them, that they understood what they had read. Some of them freely admitted that Hindooism was wholly indefensible, and urged no other plea for continuing to be idolaters than that it was the course of the world! Many of them have a considerable knowledge of what the Gospel is, and do not deny its excellency and its suitableness to the wants of man. But they do not seem to have that deep conviction of sin which would lead them to make the anxious enquiry, "What must we do to be saved?" Human reasoning may bring them thus far-the grace of God alone can take them farther.

In Yedatorah, after some quiet conversation with many people, who listened and conversed with calmness and respect, I had to endure the reproach of the Cross, and to witness a painful exhibition of human depravity. Some Brahmins, whose craft is endangered by our preaching, first poured forth from their lips as much blasphemy and abuse as they could; then getting hold of some of the tracts which had been distributed, they tore them up in contempt and threw them at me; and, when I was leaving the place, the boys were encouraged to hoot and make a noise. The remembrance that Christ and his Apostles were treated in a similar way is sufficient to keep us from being much cast down on account of such opposition; but on this occasion it was also encouraging to see that, on the part of many of the people, there was a strong feeling in my favour, and against the Brahmins. Satan's cause generally loses more than it gains by such efforts to oppose the truth. If the Lord will, I intend by and by to pay them another visit, without books or tracts, and then the marks of their con

tempt must be confined to my own person, if

they choose to offer them.

In Palhully and Ganjam, I was thankful for very favourable opportunities of exposing error and declaring truth to the deluded votaries of the man of sin, and more especially in the former place. Palhully is only about three miles from Seringapatam. There is a Roman Catholic Chapel there, which is said to have been erected in 1805. It is a goodsized place-I should think about 40 or 50 feet long by 20 or 25 broad, without seats: the people sit upon the ground. The only images I saw in the place were a representation of the Saviour on the Cross, and two images of the Virgin Mary, one of them with the infant Saviour in her arms. It is usual for these to be covered with a cloth; but as soon as the cloth is removed, the Catholics who happen to be present kiss and fold their hands, and address them in some language of respect. Peculiar veneration is shewn to the image of the Virgin. When I was there it happened providentially to be St. Peter and Paul's day, so that there was a congregation assembled soon after my arrival of about sixty or seventy people. There was no priest or catechist present, but a liturgy in Canarese was read by a man of the village, with the loud and apparently earnest responses of the people. Before their devotional exercises commenced I had some conversation with those present on the way of salvation through Christ alone, and the sin of worshipping images and calling on any other name than his. All listened very attentively to what was said, and appeared unable to offer much in defence of their own system. I told them that, as they worshipped idols, I could not join them in their prayers, but begged permission to remain as a spectator,- a request which was readily granted. After the service was over many remained behind, and our conversation was resumed. When I was leaving, I gave two or three portions of Scripture, and some copies of the tract entitled "Andrew Dunn,' in Canarese, to those who were able to read.

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On the following day, in Ganjam, on the island of Seringapatam, I had a long and rather more noisy discussion with some Roman Catholics. They argued with a good deal of vehemence, but none of them seemed inclined to be disrespectful except the native catechist. I rejoice in every such opportunity of speaking with these poor victims of Popish Super

* Missionary Magazine for December, p. 192.

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