IS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND CONVERSION OF THE NATIVES.

enerally found advisable to begin with the of a school for children. This, indeed, is introduction that a missionary can have to bitants around him. But let him be on his gainst every temptation to conceal his real No missionary would be justified in spending and strength, and the sacred funds of his in the support of schools where Christianity nculcated. From the first, Christian books be put into the pupil's hands. This, I am may excite a suspicion that you mean to them to embrace your religion. I have myn threatened with the loss of scholars on the grounds, that their parents feared that it was I to transport them to the island of Ceylon, re impose upon them the Christian faith. tle explanation, and steady perseverance in l course of religious and secular instruction, y, I think I may say invariably, succeeded in g such apprehensions. It is always desirable en with them, and to declare that it is the your heart to see them all, both parents and , humble believers in Jesus Christ, and followers of His steps. At the same time, it be carefully explained to them what are the unds on which they would be received.

So

far from using any deceptive or violent measures to induce them to embrace Christianity, you may distinctly disclaim such an intention. And they should be candidly told, that they would not be allowed to join the church unless they gave satisfactory proof that their minds were convinced of the truth of Christianity, and their hearts under the influence of its Spirit. To make such Christians, you may tell them, is not in the power of man. There can be little doubt that such an avowal would satisfy them; and having made it, you may introduce what books you please into your schools without exciting their suspicion. Less ingenuous conduct, however, would keep them perpetually on the alarm, and occasion frequent interruption to yourself. Nothing should be left to be found out. In missionary schools, they would soon discover that the object was, not merely to teach their children to read and write, but to instruct them in the doctrines of Christianity: and then they would cease to have any confidence in your pretension to do them good.

Since this work was prepared for the press, I have read a passage in the Memoir of Bishop Middleton (see Le Bas's "Life," vol. i. pp. 390-392), which so strikingly confirms the suggestion here offered, that I am glad of such an authority to support an opinion which was at one time considered very questionable.

Writing to a friend in England, in 1817, on the prospects of Christianity in India, he adds, “I am aware that Christianity has vast difficulties to overcome. But I am also convinced that the prospect within these very few years is considerably improved.

ves, especially those of the higher class, who uch intercourse with the English, begin to weakness and deficiency of their own systems, ce a strong desire of knowledge; and I am pon, sometimes, to explain to Hindoos, at wn request, the evidences of Christianity. not, indeed, say much. But their minds ently at work; and they certainly display no ind betray no alarm with regard to the diffusion igion. The wealthy Hindoos have just set school, or college, without any aid or counfrom the government, who (very wisely, I ave wished the work to be done by themI inclose a copy of the regulations. The endant is a military officer, and the only an connected with the establishment. such assistance nothing could be done. As nars, or other school books, could be found, h the subject of religion did not enter, the ndant was obliged to adopt the books used h schools. But to avoid all appearance of to make converts, he tore out, or pasted ▸ passages which related to Christianity. observed by the managers, who are all of wealth and consequence; when one of te to the superintendant a note, of which I a copy, evincing the feelings of this class respecting us. On the same occasion, two anagers declared that they had read the d had found nothing in it which could do dren harm."

te which the Bishop here mentions is as

follows:-" "I have looked over the accompanying two books, and found nothing to be struck out; but felt very much for the passages pasted over, and consequently beg of you not to spoil any other books in a similar way; as the boys, whose parents are averse to allow them to read whatever alludes to the Christian religion, may leave out the same.

Though the establishment of schools will generally take the lead in a missionary's labours among the heathen, yet will it soon be followed by other plans for their improvement. On the paramount importance of preaching the Gospel to them I need not again insist, having already devoted a chapter to the consideration of that duty.

As soon as practicable, the missionary will find it expedient to select his most promising scholars to be educated as schoolmasters and catechists, that he may have a succession of teachers trained on his own plan, and thereby prepared to co-operate with him in all his undertakings. Thus will he be able in time to propagate his schools, and, if the Divine blessing ́be vouchsafed, his congregations, to the full amount of any funds at his disposal.

The preparation of suitable school-books, the translation of elementary works, and, when the people are prepared for them, of larger treatises on Christian doctrines and precepts, and even of the Holy Scriptures, will demand the missionary's attention. He will frequently find such works prepared for his use; but

hey are wanting, necessity will soon induce nter upon the task.

there are more than one missionary at a they will find a division of their labours munducive to their success. The advantages n arrangement must be too obvious to render ary to expatiate upon them. In making this of course they will be guided by their respects, talents, attainments, constitution, or any cumstances that may seem to point out to appropriate sphere of duty. At the same would not be advisable exclusively to attend several vocations. By an occasional interof duties, as well as a free communication

another on the business of their respective ents, their views of the mission will expand progress, they will keep alive their interest other's success, and be able to supply one = place in the event of sickness or absence

ne.

atural for an active mind and a zealous spirit to extend his sphere of action to the widest extent. But he should guard against the impatience, and, instead of flying over the be content to feel his way. The more you entrate your labours the better. To confine rtions within narrow limits will not present ing an appearance as the culture of an exurface. But, like a prudent husbandman, ld endeavour to measure your field by your - its cultivation. Otherwise, your vineyard, lanted in every corner, will be overgrown