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name of the sick person. He offers also boiled rice, and a curry made of seven different vegetables, sauce, fish, and meat, and fried seeds; after which he repeats other charms, offers incense, and sings and dances as before. Having danced for a long time, he takes twelve small lighted torches; and fastening them to a small piece of a plantain-tree, about a span long, places it on one end of a long stick, the other end of which is stuck in the ground. These twelve lights are intended for twelve gods; and while they are burning, the priest takes three betel leaves, warms them by the lighted torches, and throws them up, at three different times if they fall on their glossy side, it is considered a good omen; if on the other side, a bad one. At each different time when the priest makes the offering, he goes with it to the sick person, and receives a piece of money, declaring that the sickness will entirely leave with it. After having done these and many like follies, the priest puts on a black jacket, and takes a torch in each of his hands; and, having painted his face, begins to dance in a very violent manner. A mat is then spread on the ground; and the priest having in his mouth a torch, both ends of which are lighted, lies down on the mat, and puts himself into different postures. Then lying down on his back on the mat, he takes powdered incense, or rosin, and throws it on the lighted torch in his mouth; and according to the direction which the smoke takes in ascending, he decides from what quarter the devil came who is afflicting the sick person.

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this, the priest takes a handful of rosinpowder, and, having repeated several charms, puts it on live coals, and allows the smoke to come to his face: then, after a few minutes, he begins to stagger and to run about the house, as if mad; and when he comes out again, two persons, who were waiting for him, seize him and hold him fast, and say, pray the gods to declare, through this man, what is the cause of this person's sickness, and by what means it may be cured." When thus asked, the priest says, that such and such devils have occasioned the sickness; and that it may be cured by making such and such offerings and ceremonies. Then the poor deluded creatures will turn their thoughts toward the performance of another ceremony, equally absurd, if not more so, than this. None but those who live among this peo

ple can have any idea how deeply rooted is their attachment to these ceremonies. When our late Modeliar, who from his youth had been much with Europeans, was a man of information, and lad a good knowledge of Christianity-and made, as we had hoped, a sincere profession of it-could, in the last few months of his life, have these ceremonies performed for him, and expect benefit from them, we cannot wonder that the low and ignorant should be held in bondage by them.

A mournful circumstance is related by Mr. Faught, in reference to one of the scholars at this Station. He writes on Nov. 9, 1836

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On the 14th of June last, as one of my Gorapinnella school-boys was turning home after Divine Service at our Church, he went to bathe at the Ferry, about an English mile from Baddagame, accompanied by a relation of his, a young man twenty-five years of age. They, in a wanton frolic, began to throw water at each other, and, in doing so, got beyond their depth; when, awful to relate, both, being unable to swim, were drowned. What an awful warning to Sabbathbreakers! The Schoolmaster came up to the Ferry just as they were sinking, and attempted, but in vain, to rescue them. On hearing of this awful event, I immediately repaired to the Ferry, and had, through the aid of the Modeliar, or Headman, procured divers to search for the bodies; but, as the angle of the river where they sunk was very deep, and the stream rapid, they did not succeed in bringing them up. As soon as the parents of the school-boy heard of their child's being drowned, they came, and ran into the water in search of him; but as they were in imminent danger, also, of being drowned, they were forcibly taken out by the persons present. The poor parents at one time rolled themselves in the sand; and at another time stood up and dashed themselves against the ground, calling on their son to come to them, to tell them where he was. The poor mother, venting her grief in wild transports, bit her arms and hands, and squeezed her throat to such a degree, that, before her hands could be loosened, she had nearly strangled herself: her cries and lamentations were of the most affecting and piercing nature. I endeavoured to assuage

the parents' sorrow, and in some degree ucceeded.

Nellore.

The Rev. Messrs. Knight and Adley are at this Station. From a letter, by Mr. Adley, dated Nov. 21, 1835, we select the following account of the State of the Mission and the Seminary.

In regard to our great work, the Cause of Missions, a steady though slow advance is evidently being made: the means of general instruction and knowledge are yearly multiplying around us. Schools, both Government and Mission, for instruction in the English Language, and the branches of a general education, abound throughout the Island, and especially in the Northern Province; and very great is the desire of the Native Youth to secure to themselves the benefits thus offered to them. Light and truth are in this manner making their way over gross darkness and superstitious error; and there can be no doubt, these steps being persevered in, of our beholding ultimately, and we believe ere long, that truth is great, and must prevail. We are therefore led the more earnestly

to supplicate, O send out Thy light and Thy truth! Let them lead the world, and guide all the dwellers therein to Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles!

The state of the Seminary continues encouraging. A good and serious feeling is manifest throughout. The inquirers continue steady in their purpose; and are growing in knowledge, and, I would hope, in grace also. One, at his earnest desire, long expressed, was admitted to the Communion on the first Sabbath of the present month. He is the son of a late Headman who possessed considerable influence at Manaar. He is of mild and amiable disposition; and, when he returns to his people, will, I hope, be a light and an instrument of good among them. On passing the mind's eye over the situation of a few of the Youth who were some years with us, but are now scattered abroad, I cannot but consider the Missionary Stations as the focus or centre from which rays of light are emanating and spreading forth, that will, I trust, increase, and shine brighter and more burning, till they form a galaxy of glory and blessedness, embracing the whole world.

NORTH WEST-AMERICA MISSION.

THE Missionaries' Journals from this Mission, which did not arrive in due course in consequence of the interruption of communications between this Country and Hudson's Bay, as stated in our last Number (p. 88), have since reached us, through the United States. The present accounts are continued from page 92 of this Volume. Upper and Lower Church.

trials, arising both from inward and from external causes to which Mr. Jones refers in his Journal. He reports

The Journals from the Rev. Messrs. Jones and Cockran exhibit the respective Stations of the Mission in a less full and statistic manner than was done on a former occasion. (See Volume for 1836, pp. 15-19.) The general state of the whole Mission is, therefore, here presented, under had four lying dead of the croup at one the most important leading topics.

The following Extracts from the Journals of the two Missionaries, while occasionally touching on other points, will fully show their

Spiritual Labours, and Instances of Con

version to the Faith of Christ. Our Readers will not fail to enter with much sympathy into the various

May 20, 1835-I buried a child of six years of age, belonging to an Orkneyman, married to an Indian woman. This is the ninth child they have buried since their settlement at Red River. They

time in the house. The mother at that season was for some time disordered in her mind, but was mercifully restored; and now she knows where to flee for strength and consolation, under these bereaving strokes.

May 23-Within all-day, striving prepare for the exercises of to-morre How distressing the task, when subje and matter are not suggested from abov

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In the evening, a party of strangers arrived, from the Saskatchiwiu and Columbia; consisting of two chief factors, three chief-traders, and two clerks, with the requisite number of servants and attendants. They descended the Saskatchiwiu in boats, to Carlton House; and thence came across the plains on horseback, a ride of seventeen days.

The

May 24, 1935: Lord's Day churches were very full, and the Morning Service was attended by all the new comers; who afterward called at the Parsonage, and expressed great surprise, as well as gratification, at the appearance of the Church and Congregation.

June 7-Preached three times; and was, as is usual in this enervating weather, very tired at night. At the Indian Meeting, baptized three infants. On these occasions I always explain the rite administered; and make a paraphrase of the passages of Scripture introduced into the Service. This I find to be very beneficial, in keeping alive, in the minds of the audience, their duty to themselves and their offspring; as well as in reminding the rising generation of their vows and obligations to serve God according to their engagements at the baptismal font.

Aug. 23: Lord's Day-In the morning, I preached to a crowded church, from Malachi iv. 1, 2. I was exceedingly unwell, and I thought it quite impossible that I could get through; but the Lord was my helper. In the afternoon, I preached from Heb. vi. 14.

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the Indian Meeting, finished expounding the Lord's Prayer: this Service was the best attended during the day. Family Worship in the schools in the Hall of the Parsonage, with expositions of the Epistle and Gospel for the day, left me perfectly exhausted: indeed, during the hot season, it is more than enough for one person; but while God gives the strength, surely the work must be done. I was in very low spirits all the day, and had to live entirely on the remembrance of the years of the right hand of the Most High.

Nov. 22 The thermometer, at sunrise, was 15° below zero; which is a very unusual thing, so early in the season. The church was exceedingly cold; but the congregation large and attentive, which made amends. The Middle Church was warm and comfortable, and as full as it could hold. Rode in sleighs

on the green ice, which was like the smoothest glass; but the horses being shod accordingly, they found no difficulty in trotting along with amazing speed. At the Indian Service, I dilated on the reception of the Prodigal Son by the kind and forgiving father. When I came to the expression, I have sinned, I told them, after a pause, with solemnity, to ask themselves if they were in the habit of approaching God with, I have sinned, and under the influence of a similar feeling with that of the prodigal. The impression was greater than I ever witnessed before, and many could hardly refrain from giving vent to their feelings by outcries and tears.

April 2-Weather very fine, and the snow disappearing fast. Several Indian women dragged the Interpreter with Baptism to-morrow; but, on the whole, them, to seek admission to the Church by I thought it best to seek further evidence of their state. One of them had been under serious impressions before; but inspired, and pretended to have visions soon became tempted to believe herself and revelations she also thought herself a discerner of spirits! At this season she often painfully disturbed our solemnities at church, by vociferous screamings. Soon after this, she was led to utter gross absurdities, and often blasphemous ravings. Her husband, the

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White Bear" by name, now interfered, and put her into close confinement in a small outhouse adjoining his hut; and there left her, and smoked his pipe with all the gravity and unconcern imaginable. This soon cooled her heated imagination; and no wonder, when the thermometer was 10 or 15° below zero. begged for mercy, and resumed her daily avocations. I do not remember to have heard her speak from that day to this. I was as severe on her as Christian charity would allow; but still encouraged her to repent.

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The following Extracts from Mr. Cockran's Journal are diversified with many particulars, which show the spirit of inquiry in some, and the dealings of God with others, who are the objects of His Ministerial care. In not a few of these cases, Divine Grace appears to act with great power on the hearts and lives of the converts.

Aug. 31,1835-Set out early, to baptize an adult, who was dangerously ill. This woman came into the Settlement about eighteen months ago, with the intention of getting her children instructed, and embracing the Christian Religion. She found, however, many difficulties to contend with; and her husband being absent, they all fell upon herself, and considerably cooled her zeal. The thought of giving herself up to God left her mind; she longed for her native land, pined, and doubtless thought of returning. Death entered her domestic circle; and carried off a daughter, of whom she was dotingly fond.

This severed her affections from her native land, and from the earth: she viewed herself as an inhabitant of the tomb, and longed to be where her throbbing heart would cease to beat. The few rays of Gospel-light which shone into her benighted mind made her afraid to enter the unknown world, with nothing better than the passport of a heathen. She therefore desired to be baptized, and designated by that worthy Name at which every knee shall bow; that her soul might have an interest in His merits; and that her body might rest among the dust of the Christians. therefore baptized her, and committed her to the mercy of God, in hopes that she might be found among those whose sins have been pardoned through the blood of Christ.

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Sept. 2-Rode to the Indian Settlement, and assembled the Indians. got them to help to lay the foundation of the Grist Mill. The wood was too large for us to lift. There were twenty-four present: a smile was on every countenance, except one, who was afraid he should not live to see it finished. This young man had caught the influenza; which had so reduced him, that there was little hope of his recovery. There was a peculiar incident connected with this youth; which strongly marks the necessity of doing good, when there is an opportunity. On the 22d of May I was riding up the Settlement, and fell in with this lad he told me he was engaged as servant to a Gentleman who was wintering at Red River. His hat was decorated with ribands; his garters ornamented with beads; a fine red belt was round his loins; and he was strutting like the greatest of the great. I shook my head, and said, "Ah, Bill! could you not RECORD, May 1837.]

find a more useful way of applying your money, than purchasing these ribands and beads and belt, to mark you out as a fool to all sober men. If this be an error of judgment, I will point out a remedy. You have an uncle at the Indian Settlement, who is in want of a cow. Come! let you and me put our mites together, and purchase him one. There are plenty of cattle here: any of the settlers will sell us one"-we were walking in the midst of a herd. This motion was disagreeable: he quickened his pace, and left me. Time rolled on; the influenza came; Bill's ́s money was spent; he caught the epidemic; poverty and disease drove him to seek an asylum under the roof of the uncle, and to feed on the charity of one whose counsel he formerly despised. I often tell him, "Let the young men who despise the counsel of their friends, and shut their hearts against the wants of the aged, learn, from you, to be wise in time, and do good while they have an opportunity."

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Oct. 18 Preached in the morning at the Rapids, to a large assembly; and in the evening at the Indian Settlement, where we had several new attendants. One old man, who has lately arrived, desired me to explain to him the meaning of sin; for, he said, he had been walking in the dark all his days, and now he wished to hearken to the Word of the Master of Life, and avoid the things that were offensive to Him. I directed his attention to the intemperate, licentious, indolent, and impious habits of savages, and proved them to be contrary to the Word of God. I exhibited repentance, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the only way of escaping the consequences of sin, and gaining access to the favour of God. The shades of night put a period to the conversation. After singing a hymn, and prayer, the assembly was dismissed.

Nov. 15-Preached at the Rapids in the morning, and at the Indian Settlement in the afternoon. Had several applications for baptism from adults. The number of professing Christians here is gradually increasing; and I am happy to be able to state, that all those who have been admitted into the Church, by Baptism, conform strictly to the Word of God. They are regular in their attendance on the Ordinances of God; many of them habitually pray; and they have

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all been kept, by the mercy of God, from dishonouring their profession by excessive drinking. The efforts which they have made to cast off this, their besetting sin, is to me the most striking proof of their sincerity.

Nov. 25, 1835-At the Indian Settlement, I baptized a girl about twelve years of age. She is an orphan, and has drifted in with some of her distant relations. The old man who has adopted her for his daughter, appears to be extremely desirous of becoming a Christian, and yet he hangs back. He seems as if he would wait at the door till all his connexions have entered, and then step in after them. The day is appointed for the baptism of his wife and children: the ill health of his adopted daughter leads us to initiate her into the Church to day. But he, Felix like, says, Go thy way for this time. Dec. 7-I was sent for early this morning, to visit a sick Indian.

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On my arrival, I found him low, and apparently drawing to the close of his pilgrimage. Indeed, he was fully aware of it; for he had sent expressly to receive some spiritual counsel, to prepare him for the last struggle. His mind had been much agitated at a previous period of his affliction; but was now perfectly calm. He said, he trusted that God, through the mercy of His Son, would freely pardon all his sins; therefore he felt no alarm at the near prospect of death. He said, I feel my mind one way: it is pushed off from the world, and it waits to enter into the presence of God." I prayed with him, and reminded him of the promises which God had made to be with us when we pass through the valley of the shadow of death. Faith enabled him to lay hold on the promises, to cast his care on God, and to leave all his earthly concerns in His hand. This man, about eightteen months ago,conformed to the Christian Religion. He had two wives; which for a long time operated as a barrier between him and Christianity. However, it pleased God to impress on the minds of his wives, that they were living contrary to the Word of God; and therefore it would be better for one of them to give up her claim, and separate herself from the family, rather than that all three should be deprived of the benefits of the Gospel. The women came to a mutual agreement on the subject. One of the women parted, claiming no other privilege than

that she should exercise her parental authority over her children. The impediments being removed, all three were received into the Christian Church by Baptism, with their children; and since then, this man has led a consistent life. He was formerly a great drunkard; but since embracing the Gospel, he has abstained from every excess of this kind. He has been one of the most ingenious carpenters that I have seen among the Red Men; he generally attempted to make every thing he saw. He has wrought with us most of the time we have been employed at the Grist Mill; and has often told us, when he was examining the work attentively, "I am studying this piece of work perfectly; for perhaps you may keep me so long waiting before you grind my wheat, that I may be tempted to build a mill of my own, that I may always have the first chance." He has now nearly done with

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and we with him; and yet how recently the blow of his hammer echoed in our ears. In the midst of life we are in death. I baptized two adults, and married them, on my return.

Dec. 13-Preached at the Rapids in the morning; and at the Indian Settlement in the afternoon. I received into the Church, by Baptism, a young man of a good moral character. He has been strongly dissuaded by his parents from embracing Christianity, and severely reproached for attending our Meetings. However, he has persevered through all their dissuasions and reproaches, and today openly avowed his confidence in the Word of God, and his readiness to conform to its precepts; in order that he might have a share in the blessing of immortality, and the glories of Heaven, promised to those who believe and obey. The young man's father pretends to great skill in medicine; and, by the aid of his familiar spirits, to be able to foretell future events, and do great things. We may be assured that it required no ordinary effort to get from under the influence of such a person. But greater is He who is for the Truth than he who is against it; therefore all the wiles of the Evil-one are insufficient to impede its progress, or to stifle the convictions which it works in the mind.

Jan. 8, 1836-In my usual visit to the School at Park's Creek, I called on a young woman who had been indisposed

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