The congregations in most places (in the Nagercoil Mission) are on the increase, though nearly two hundred of our people have been cut off by the late visitation of the cholera morbus. In the midst of these ravages, I hope the kingdom of Christ has been steadily advancing, and that the awful event has been sanctified to a few. At two heathen villages in the Western Branch of the Mission, small congregations have been lately raised. Some of the people, in one of these villages, formerly made a profession, but soon relapsed into idolatry. In the other village, the Gospel is, for the first time, making its entrance. O that it may be accompanied with a power from on high to make it effectual! By committing passages of Scripture and the catechisms to memory, many of the people are making considerable improvement in Christian knowledge. Some of them, who have not enjoyed the advan tages of an education in their youth, attend the schools in their respective villages an hour or two in the day, to learn to read.

Natives Baptized.

"Since I last wrote to you, I have baptized a family at Tamara' Kollum, whose attendance on the means, for the last twelve months, has been very constant. John Palmer spoke, and still speaks, in such high terms of the man and his wife, that I cannot doubt of their real conversion to God. The woman, especially, gives me great pleasure at our catechetical meetings, by the knowledge she possesses of Divine things; and she is still adding to her stock every week, by committing passages of the Sacred Word to memory. Their only child, which is a girl, is sent to a village school. Last month I also baptized five adults, and four children, belonging to the congregation at Etavilly. These five are, I hope, proper persons for the ordinance. Indeed I would not publicly have recognised them as disciples of Christ, if I had not had good evidence to believe, that old things had passed away, and that all things had become new. In respect of knowledge and propriety of conduct, how striking the contrast between these and many who attend the same place of worship, and who enjoy the same outward advantages. If the people were not so besotted, surely the difference would produce some beneficial effect. In several others of the congregations, there are a few hopeful persons, whom I intend shortly to admit to that sacred ordinance.

Schools.

Many of the schools in the Western Districts are in a more flourishing state than they have been at any former period, though they suffered very severely by the late ravages of the epidemic. This is principally to be attributed to the vigorous superintendance of many of the Readers. The Bazaar School continues to be examined every week, so

likewise do six more out of our immediate neighbourhood; consequently, at times, nearly two hundred children are catechised on the important doctrines and precepts of Christianity. The schools, in many of the villages, continue to attend worship on the Sabbath in our chapel, which gives me an opportunity of catechising the children of three or four schools on most Sabbath days. As many of our schoolmasters are better qualified for their important office in the Eastern Branch than in the Western, the schools in the former district are better attended, and in a more flourishing state, than in the latter.

Native Readers.

The Readers, thirty-three in number, continue to give in a weekly report of their labours, and some of them, I am happy to say, are more abundant in them than formerly, The conduct of these gives me great satisfaction, as well as their attainments in Divine knowledge; to promote which, I can truly say, I feel a lively interest, knowing that the evangelization of the heathen is closely connected with it: as I hope, if spared, shortly to write again to you, I will then enter more fully into this subject.

Translation and Printing of Religious Tracts.

During the past year the press has been fully employed; 33,500 Tracts have been printed by the Tract Society, most of which are in circulation. In addition to these, several thousands have been published by the Mission and private individuals. The circulation of so many tracts has been the principal means of arousing the minds of the adults in the two villages in the Western Branch of the Mission above alluded to, to the advantages of education, which will not only have a beneficial influence on their own minds, but the blessing will extend to others, especially to their own children, to whom they will see the importance of giving an education, an object in too many instances treated with indifference, not only by the heathen, but by some who have long made a profession of the Gospel. In the midst of my other engagements, I have endeavoured to redeem time for Tamil composition; and besides the Tract on Naaman, the Leper, and on the Atonement(the latter of which has been adopted by the Tract Society, as mentioned in a former letter), I have completed one, On the Evil of Lying: another, On the Persecution of the Saints, the Causes of their Persecution, and the Patience with which they bore it: these also have been published by the Tract SocietyAn Address on Public Worship, and on the Importance of Christians exerting themselves to erect a suitable Place for that Purpose, has also been published. A Treatise on the First Principles of Christianity has been printed as a reading-book for our schools;

and a small selection of the most interesting of Æsop's Fables, for the same purpose. We are printing at present, A Treatise on the Fulfilment of the Prophecy relating to the Destruction of Jerusalem. A Tract On the Improvement of Time, and another, On the Important Doctrine of Justification, are ready for the press. I am now engaged on a treatise, in which I intend to expose the wickedness, idolatry, and superstition of the native Christians. This will probably excite no small prejudice; but the truth must be told in the spirit of meekness. Should the Lord spare me to complete this, I purpose to prepare a volume of Sermons for publication, which are greatly required.

QUILON.

Mr. Ashton informs me that a few people, on the Sabbath afternoon, assemble for worship, and that he, assisted by Rowland Hill, whom I have sent to this station for a few months, conduct the service. Mr. A. also informs me, that most of the schools are better attended than they were when he arrived, and that Christian instruction is made more prominent.

Extracts of a Letter from Rev. Wm. Crow, late Missionary at Quilon, dated Port Louis, Mauritius, June 9, 1826.

I LITTLE expected, when I last wrote to you, that my next letter would be addressed to you from the Isle of France. We left Bombay for England in the Windsor Castle on the 29th of March, touched at Aleppie for pepper, &c., and then proceeded on our voyage. Every thing went on well till we got about 500 E. long. and 270 S. lat., when we experienced a strong north-westerly gale, which, together with the subsequent rolling, so injured the vessel, as to render her unfit for pursuing her voyage; in consequence of which, the Captain (Heathorn) determined on putting back to the Mauritius. We made Port Louis on the 31st of May, without having sustained any injury of persons or property; but by those who have since examined the vessel, it is considered that we were in imminent danger. There were five passengers besides myself, Mrs. Crow, and child. I understand there is every probability of the ship being condemned. Whether the vessel is repaired or condemned, we are likely to be detained here several months.

My little boy was for "several weeks a painful sufferer from a severe attack of fever, which threatened his life, and reduced him to a mere skeleton; but, through Divine goodness, he speedily recovered, after enjoying the benefit of the sea-air. I had occasion to go on shore for an hour or two at Aleppie, and though I exposed myself as

little as possible, it was the means of aggravating my complaint, and bringing on me an attack of fever, which confined me to my bed, and rendered it necessary for me to go through a short course of mercury. I am considerably better than I was in India, having derived great benefit from being nine weeks at sea. I am, however, far from being well, and probably have no rea son ever to expect good health again till I reach my native climate. Fortunately, this is the cool season at the Mauritius. Mrs. C. has been very poorly since we have been here; so much so, as to require medical assistance.

Death of Mr. Hall, American Missionary at Bombay.

You will be sorry to hear of the death of Mr. Hall, late American Missionary at Bombay, which happened during our stay at that place. He had been to Nassick (at that time the resort of numerous pilgrims) for the purpose of distributing religious books and proclaiming the message of salvation, and was, as supposed, returning home, when he was attacked with the cholera, which, after eight hours severe suffering, terminated his valuable life. He died at a village called Doulee Dhapoor. Mrs. Hall, together with her children, had some time before left Bombay for America, where she intended to leave the children for education, and then return to India. As it is possible she may have left America before intelligence can reach her, and may be returning by way of England, you will be doing a kindness by making all necessary inquiries respecting her, through the medium of the different Societies; and, in case you hear of her, by giving her intelligence of the mournful event, so as to prevent her return to India.

Mrs. Crow received a letter from Mrs. Mault just before we quitted India, in which: she mentioned, that John Carter, the newlybaptized convert at Quilon, was going on very well, willingly bearing the reproaches of his ungodly neighbours.

You and all the Directors will join with us in thanksgivings to God for the late interposition of his kind and watchful providence, and in mutual supplications for future blessings to descend upon us all as individuals, and upon the Society at large.

AFRICA.

Extract of a Letter from Rev. R. Miles, dated Cape Town, July 5, 1826.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE BETHELSDORP

AUXILIARY SOCIETY.

THE Anniversary of the Bethelsdorp Auxiliary Society was held on the 10th of May. The Rev. A. Smith, of "Uitenhagen,

preached an excellent and appropriate Sermon in the morning from Isa. xi. 1-9. At noon, the Public Meeting was held, when several of the native brethren delivered animated addresses, which gave great satisfaction. One, named David Schippers, said, "We must not give, as before men, to be seen of them, but as in the presence of the Lord, who searches the heart, and who will only accept of the offering which proceeds from proper principles. We must give our aid out of love to the Saviour, gratitude to Him for redemption, and with a desire to glorify his name." Another, named Wensel Heuno, said, "The Word of God has done much for my nation; we were formerly a people despised and disregarded by all, but now we enjoy free-. dom, and are formed into a church of God."

Mr. Barker preached a suitable Sermon in the evening from Luke x. 2. The collections amounted to upwards of 50 rix dollars, and the subscriptions for the past year to 250 rix-dollars.

Ordination of Mr. John Brownlee,

Missionary to the Caffres.

On the 16th, Mr. Brownlee was ordained at Bethelsdorp. Mr. Foster introduced the service with reading and prayer, and asked the usual questions; to which Mr. B. gave very suitable answers, Mr. Barker gave the charge from 2 Tim. iv. 5; and Mr. Helm addressed the people from Exodus xvii. 8-13. It was a very solemn opportunity, and the people of the Institution were highly gratified, as many had never witnessed the like before.

Anniversary of the Theopolis Auxiliary
Society.

The Anniversary of the Theopolis Auxiliary Missionary Society was held on the 7th of June, Mr. Barker observes, "We had a very pleasant day, and the services were well attended. Mr. R. Edwards commenced the morning service by reading and prayer; and Mr. Ayliff, Wesleyan Missionary, preached a good Sermon from Mark xvi. 15; and Mr. Barker concluded the service. In the afternoon was held the Public Meeting. Mr. Ayliff was called to the chair. The Report stated the receipts of the year to amount to 347 rix-dollars, 2 sk. Our native brethren, who seconded the Resolutions, acquitted themselves with great propriety; they displayed good sense with all possible simplicity; acknowledged with much feeling the blessings which they had received through the Missionary Society, and their obligations to extend its efforts. I think I may say, that all present were gratified. Mr. Foster preached in English an excellent Sermon in the evening.

Extract of a Letter from Rev. W. Foster,

dated Bethelsdorp, May 22, 1826, In our journey (to Bethelsdorp) we

passed Gnadenthal, Pacaltsdorp, and Han-key, and were gratified in observing the suc cess already produced by Missionary efforts, and the means in operation for, I trust, still greater results. The appearance of Bethelsdorp and Theopolis is a practical refutation of the calumnies circulated against them, particularly against the former; and their different Institutions challenge the applause of the candid, and even of enemies. In the schools the British system may be seen in a state of perfection equal to almost any thing that can be witnessed in England, and the numbers under instruction and their proficiency, are truly admirable. The number of schools here at present is six, including two day-schools and two Sunday-schools for the children, a large adult school on the Sabbath, and an evening school in the week, besides the seminary which I have commenced with the natives, in which they are proceeding in the more important branches of knowledge. The various Societies of a benevolent and religious nature call into exercise principles which, from the pulpit. and other quarters, are enforced on them, and, as is invariably the case elsewhere, tend to strengthen and bring them to maturity. I am happy in observing, in the deportment of every individual, the utmost quietness and sobriety; there is nothing like a tumultuous or noisy assembling for the purposes of sinful mirth or mischief; so that those who are not the most active members of the com

munity, are not in a contrary manner injurious. The public spirit of the people is remarkable, compared with their limited means; the public buildings in the place, which have resulted from it, being worth many thousand dollars, while others are designed, and some in actual progress.

INTELLIGENCE FROM MISSIONARIES, &c. ON THEIR VOYAGES.

A letter has been received by the HomeSecretary from the Rev. Dr. Morrison, under date H. C. ship Orwell, July 2, 1826, 380 S. 200 E., from which it appears that they had just weathered a gale of wind, blowing hard from the N. W. against the Cape current, which runs to the westward, and which had not only raised a tremendous sea, but had endangered both the ship and the lives of the crew; but by the good providence of GOD none had lost their lives. There were nearly twenty sick on board, but Dr. M. and his family were all well..

DOMESTIC MISS. INTELLIGENCE.

.

MISSION COLLEGE.

THE Society's Mission College at Hoxton has been opened for the reception of twenty students; and the public service, in connexion with the opening, was on Tuesday: morning, Oct. 10th, at Hoxton Chapel. The Rev. G. Burder, sen. Secretary of the Society, introduced the service, by reading appropriate portions of Scripture, and prayer; the Rev. John Griffin, of Portsea, then delivered a very interesting discourse, retrospective of the Society's operations, from Isa. xxviii. 29

This also cometh forth from the Lord of Hosts, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. Mr. Griffin commenced by stating the usefulness of reviewing the past, and judiciously anticipating the future. He observed that the evident proofs that the hand of God had been with the Society, would justify the text being applied to it, either with regard to its origin, its principles, its character, or its success. bringing the past under the observation of: the meeting, the preacher directed their attention to the formation of the Society-its progress--its character-its influence and

In

Mauritius .......

24-26 December, 1825.

19 December, 1825.

4 May, 1824.

4 Aug. 6 Nov. and 16-19 Dec. 1825. 13-20 December, 1825.

16 December, 1825.

26 December, 1825. 11 April, 1826.

the evidences that the Divine presence and blessing had been with it. Under the first of these heads he noticed the originating causes of its formation, as arising out of the influences of the Spirit-some of the events which distinguished the season of its establishment-the difficulties which tended to ob struct its formation-the favourable circumstances which overcame those difficulties. and closed this branch of the subject, by showing the principal features of the constitution of the Society.

In noticing its progress, he remarked on the propriety and importance of one of its first resolutions, which recommended a monthly prayer-meeting, for the outpouring of the spirit, the appointment of an annual meeting, and the establishment of a Seminary for the instruction of its Missionaries. He then traced the progress of the Society's operations, in evangelizing the inhabitants of the South Seas, and eminently promoting their civilization; and glanced at the success in Africa, and India, and other stations in the Eastern world.

In giving the character of the Society, he considered it as truly scriptural, referring to the Bible, and the Bible alone, as a standard, without note or comment. He observed

that it was also characterized by maintaining the unity of the spirit in worship, with out contending for the unity of the form, and exercising forbearance towards such as differ on this subject. He noticed the antiquity of its principles as being those of primitive Christianity, and of the Reformation: it had propagated no new discoveries, exhibited no new system, creed, or doctrine. The harmony of its principles was also briefly noticed. The instructions of the Tutor and the Directors to their various students, and the ministry of the students, showed that the doctrines of the Gospel were harmoniously presented, and not in such a way as to make one doctrine, or one class of doctrines, eclipse another. This division of the sermon was closed by showing that the Society was characterized by disinterestedness of its designs and conduct, as no national, commercial, or sectarian interest was intended to be promoted by it.

In the next division he noticed its influence, which was considered as having been enlightened, literary, liberalizing, benevolent, actively originating, and religious. The marks of the Divine presence and blessing were placed under review, in what respected the Missionaries, the Directors, the members of the Society, the propitious circumstances which had attended its progress, and the number of real conversions to God among the heathen, which had been effected. The discourse was closed by a description of the useful objects to be attained by this retrospect. The Rev. Matthew Wilks concluded with prayer.

In the evening of the same day, divine worship was commenced with prayer, offered by the Rev. W. F. Platt; and afterwards the Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, preached to a large audience a very appropriate discourse on the prospective openings of the Society, founded on John iii. 30, the first clause- He must increase. After some introductory remarks, tending to show that the kingdom of Christ had increased, was increasing, and would, accord ing to the prediction, still increase, the preacher observed, that the task assigned to him was, to exhibit the prospects and probable future success of the Missionary "Society: in the prosecution of which design, he laid down the four following propo sitions:

I. The ultimate conversion of the world to Christ is matter of indubitable certainty.

II. This great moral revolution will be effectuated by the blessing of God on the ordinary methods of communicating Divine truth.

III. Among these means, Missionary Societies, or the associated energies of whole denominations of Christians, bear a distinguished place.

IV. Judging from the past achievements

1

and present prospects of the London Missionary Society, we may conclude that no small share of the honours of this event will be assigned to that important Institution.

The preacher here distinctly stated, that it was his opinion that the glory of converting the world to Christ, would be divided between all the evangelical denominations of professing Christians, but that his present object was specifically the probable operations and success of the London Missionary Society.

Here he considered the prospects of this Institution as connected with and arising from,

1. Its present stations abroad, in South Africa, Madagascar, the Islands in the Pacific Ocean, India, Malacca, China.

2. Its great work at home, in having been so extensively successful in procuring a recognition from the Christian world, of its duty to spread the Gospel in the earth.

3. The present aspect and tendency of human affairs.

4. Its relation to other similar institutions, both Missionary and Bible Societies.

The preacher then announced that had not a melancholy dispensation of Providence compelled him to conclude, it was his intention to point out the means by which the prospects of the Society are to be realized.

1. By the continued choice of a body of able, pious, and devoted Directors.

2. By a system of rigid economy in the expenditure of the funds.

3. By an appropriate education of the Missionaries. Here the preacher paid a suitable tribute to the present resident Tutor and Principal of the Mission Col. lege, whose appointment he stated to be matter of general satisfaction to the friends of the Society.

4. By a concentration rather than an expansion of our efforts.

5. By a system of means for rendering our missions self-supporting and self-propagating.

The duties of Ministers were then briefly stated and enforced. The obligations of the friends of Missions in general were enume.. rated, as consisting in faith-an increase of personal religion at home-the impulse of principle rather than of temporary excitement -more abounding liberality-and more fervent prayer.

The discourse was concluded by a compendious description of the ultimate state of the world as resulting from the present exertions for its conversion to Christ.

The Rev. Dr. Waugh concluded the highly interesting exercises of the day, with devout prayer to the Great Source of Light and of Influence. Suitable psalms were read by the Rev. Dr. Paterson, of St. Petersburgh, and the Rev. J. J. Freeman, of Kidderminster.

Great numbers were prevented attending the morning sermon by the unfavourable weather; and the evening preacher was