which so many carnal enjoyments are pro mised to the faithful, as well as allowance given to polygamy — a particular license being taken by the prophet himself for the gratification of his own passions.-On these points, however, they refused to answer me, as they said the very agitation of the question implied reflections on their prophet which they were not permitted to listen to or indulge. On the subject of the pardon of sin, they had no hopes beyond the undefined mercies of God, and completely rejected the idea of a substitute or sacrifice ;-thus the doctrines of Christ's divinity and the atonement stand or fall together, and here, as in the west, the denial of one involves a rejection of the other. We may hope, however, that the time is not far distant, when even these blinded and bigotted Mahometans will be led to acknowledge the truth as it is in Jesus. Further particulars as to the Labours of the Mission. The distribution of Malay tracts having so remarkably increased, and being capable of still wider extension, I have been induced to set the lithographic press again in motion, and have printed about 30 pages of a Malay tract, containing five hundred. During the last year we have continued to distribute the remainder of the old Chinese tracts, which were still on hand, but we hope soon to recommence printing in that language, either some new compositions or revisions of former publications. The schools here have continued as usual -two Chinese and one Malay. Mr. Young has been engaged in the superintendence of the former, while the latter, being taught on the mission premises, is more immediately under our eye. They contain together about forty scholars. The translation of the Scriptures into low Malay, which I was engaged in revising and correcting, is now brought to a close. It has required so many alterations that I have been obliged to recompose nearly the whole of it; my labour, however, is abundantly recompensed by the consideration of the service it may be to the native Christians on the Island of Java. The printing of it at the government-press goes on but slowly, having only advanced as far as the epistle to the Romans. My Hok-këèn dictionary, forwarded to Canton last summer, has been put to press, and proofs having arrived here, testifying to me of the neatness and accuracy with which it is likely to be executed under the superintendence of Mr. John Robert Morrison, son of Dr. Morrison, I have been induced to prepare a second part-viz., English and Chinese, to be printed with the former. This was much wanted to render the work comand if not now attempted, while the plete; Select Committee are so kindly bringing it through the press, gratis, may be attempted at a future period under fewer advantages. Anxious as I am, therefore, to leave dictionary work, and to return to the composition of religious tracts, I cannot let this opportunity slip of giving a complete view of the Hok-keen dialect. The second part, now in hand, will be nearly as bulky as the first, and will, I trust, be accomplished by next midsummer. We have reason again to praise God for the circumstances of health and comfort which we have enjoyed during the past year. My dear partner, and our four children, together with our valuable coadjutor, Mr. Young, have all been preserved from sickness and danger for a considerable period. May we beg an interest in your prayers, that these blessings may be continued to us, and that to temporal mercies may be added the richer blessings of grace, to enable us to live usefully and die happily! With affectionate regards to all the Directors, in which I am most heartily joined by all our household, I remain, In a letter dated 10th ult., I inclosed the Inverkeithing Reader's Report, translated from the Tamul. I have now the pleasure to send you a similar brief account of the labours of twelve other readers,* written by themselves, and conveyed, as near as possible, in their own language. The English might have been improved; but that would consume time, and destroy the simplicity of the original statement. I have selected, and continue to employ, men of moderate abilities, rather than some in the mission who are more intelligent, but not possessing so good a report of them who are without. Most of them are married men. Some of them enjoyed greater privileges in their youth than others, namely, the Inverkeithing Reader, Robert Pinkerton, and John Lockyer. The two former have made the best use of their advantages, and are invaluable helpers in our work. They came to us young, and have been employed in different parts of India, and have always retained an unimpeachable character. They are the earliest and some of the best fruits of our labours among the rising generation in South Travancore. The Inver keithing Reader lives near the mission-house, and prosecutes his labours under my immediate inspection. All the readers are super *The report of the reader, Edw. Parsons, will be sent ere long. intended in their labours, and continue to receive constant instruction and advice, as circumstances require. Short discourses, and plans of sermons, enlarged and translated from the " Daily Bread," are now printing, as tracts, for the readers and assistant readers of this station. The state of their congregations is compared with their reports, and the people are always examined in the catechisms and scriptures when we visit them, which is principally on the Sabbath. The people of this district are either cultivators in the mountains, or possess paddy-fields of their own in the vicinity of their villages, or are weavers, who are engaged very early in the morning, and throughout the whole of the day; others carrying articles of merchandize from one market to the other; the remainder are palmyra climbers, but are not numerous in this mission-these, in the season, are occupied early and late. The Sabbath is therefore the principal, and in many places the only time, when a congregation can be collected.* The readers daily go from house to house, and teach the catechisms, principally, to the women and children, while engaged in spinning cotton. The men can only attend on these occasions, when they have time to spare from their gardens, and happen to be at home. Many cultivate the beatle leaf of a vine that requires constant watering and attention. Some of the women are employed in boiling the juice of the palmyra into coarse sugar, called jaggary; this is an operation that must be attended to before the liquid ferments, or it becomes toddy and is spoiled. In the moonlight evenings we are able to collect a tolerable congregation at some of the villages; and those seasons are embraced, and are frequently very interesting. We are generally fatigued before our hearers, who have been accustomed to spend the hours of the night in the celebration of sacrifices and services to the prince of darkness. The more distant places, especially since the revival to the westward, have recently had a great share of our personal labours. The people in the Neyattangherry district are eagerly inquiring for instruction. Three characters, of considerable influence there, have set the example of abandoning idolatry. One is a respectable and wealthy Nadan at Kallymatory, a worshipper of Sattan, whose stone image now lies before me in one corner of the printing-office. The second character I allude to was a player on the devil's bow, by which he got his livelihood. The bow is unstrung, and lies near Sattan in the corner, with other idolatrous appendages, viz. the devil's walking-sticks, clubs, and shield. A third influential character, who *Frequent visits are made besides to the villages mentioned in the report; but principally with a reference to the schools, which afford opportunities of addressing the heathen, distributing tracts, &c. has just abandoned idolatry, is a native doc tor, who is called Munthera Vathee, as he is a celebrated soothsayer and astrologer. I have told him, I hope to have his " curious books" and instruments, which he has promised to part with when I visit his neighbourhood again. He is also a rich man, and, having made great inquiry into the Hindoo and Roman Catholic systems, subsequently appears to have read the scriptures, and is now anxi ous to know the way of God more perfectly. I hope soon to send a description of the image and devil's bow, &c., of which rough sketches are inclosed. Believe me, Yours, respectfully and faithfully, C. MEAD. P.S. I was happy to hear of Mr. and Mrs. Harris's safe arrival at Quilon on the 28th ult. C. M. The Report of the Readers adverted to in Mr. Mead's letter will be in our next.-ED. SOUTH AFRICA. CAFFRARIA. Extracts of the Journal of Rev. F. G. Kayser, Missionary at Buffalo River, from 2nd March to 28th June, 1830. March 2nd, Tuesday.-Captain Molo, the brother of our native assistant, Jan Tzatzoe, who is a well-disposed young man, having, some time ago, removed with his Kraal nearer to the station, has since been regular in his attendance on divine service, and also on instruction in the Sabbath and day schools. He is taught both to read and write. March 8th, Monday.-With the assist. ance of our Finko I began to-day to whitewash our house. While thus occupied my eyes became affected, and from the pain occasioned by the inflammation, I had for several nights no rest. Nearly a fortnight I was obliged to sit in a dark room, and during this trial I sometimes said to myself, What a mercy it is that it has not become dark in my heart! I remembered then what the Lord says in Matthew vi. 22, 23. March 19th, Thursday.-To-day we had the pleasure of welcoming Dr. Philip at our station, accompanied by Messrs. Fairbairn, Read, and two French missionaries. To me it was a matter of regret, that I was not permitted, on account of my sore eyes, to enjoy the company of these friends, more than some few days before they left us, when I became able to go out a little. Dr. Philip and his fellow-travellers left us on the 29th of March. It was not till about the middle of April that I got well, and was able to write and read without perceiving any weakness. April 29th, Wednesday.-To-day, as I was engaged with Jan Tzatzoe in studying the Caffer language, Captain Soko came in and asked for tobacco, although he had left a whole bag with tobacco in our house, to our care. We, therefore, told him it was unnecessary to give him any. This led to a long conversation, during which he referred to the example of Dr. Vander Kemp, who, he said, never refused the captains any thing, and did even eat with them at the same table, and invited them to eat with him; whereas, at this station, the captains must sit down with the common Caffers, and if they get something to eat it is given them apart. I apologized to him for what he might consider neglect on our part, as not having been intentional, but an inadvertency. [Mrs. Kayser and myself made it a point hereafter to give the captains a more marked attention, in conformity to Romans xiii. 7, in order that a want of courtesy in us might not be an occasion for preventing them from a more diligent attendance on the word of God.] May 6th, Thursday.-Accompanied by Jan Tzatzoe, I visited our sick Finko, who is, however, gradually mending. We asked him how he felt during this time of affliction. He acknowledged, "I was very much afraid to die, and my sins came before me. My heart reproved me, that in days of health I had spent so much labour on the things that concern the body, but had taken so little care about learning the word of God." had a long conversation with this man, and at last he promised that he would come every morning to learn the catechism with our children, and to join in family worship. We May 8th, Saturday.-This morning I took a ride on horseback, in company with Jan Tzatzoe, to Heemroad Geeke's Kraals, with a view to converse with the chiefs of the various Kraals about my plan of visiting them every Saturday, for the purpose of leading them to the knowledge of God, and his holy word, by teaching them the catechism, and praying with them. All with whom we spoke were willing, and old Geeke said, "We are desirous to learn, although it may go slowly at first." I instantly made an experiment at each Kraal. In some cases the children of one Kraal accompanied us to the other, and they repeated the catechism very well. The following day I visited fifteen of Captain Soko's Kraals. May 14th, Friday. I again spoke with our Finko, through Jan Tzatzoe." He told us that while he was ill his wife had called in a doctor. When this man came, our Finko said, "I will have nothing to do with you. I shall see what the Lord will do for me in using medicines." May 15th, Saturday.-I again visited the Kraals where I had been last Saturday. Jan Tzatzoe accompanied me. The head man of the first Kraal we came to was not at home, and the people did not like to come to be instructed in the catechism I had brought with me. At the other Kraals I succeeded much better, and the children afforded me much pleasure. At one Kraal, however, a woman threatened to bring the children back if they should follow me to another Kraal. I told the children not to go back, and went to this ignorant woman's hut, intending to read to her a part of the catechism. But she ran away in an instant, and insisted upon it that her son should come back. Having visited sixteen Kraals, we returned, and arrived at home about sunset. June 6th, Sunday.-To-day I visited ele ven of Soko's Kraals. At one place it happened that the women would not come to be instructed, although they were again and again called by the men. A young Caffer, who has, for a considerable time, given us "Here reason to hope well of him, said, is fulfilled what Christ said; ye will not come. May this young man soon find Jesus Christ in his love and grace! June 11th, Friday. This morning, as Jan Tzatzoe was with me, his father, old Tzatzoe, came on a visit. I told him, by Jan, what was written of him, to his credit, in the Cape newspaper. We likewise told him what had been written about his unwil lingness to hear the word of God, and then gave him a gentle but faithful admonition, to pray to the Lord that he would take away such bad things out of his heart, &c. His son, Captain Soko, who was present, said, Yes; to this we must give more attention." We then entered upon a long con versation. [It seems that by the blessing of the good Shepherd this conversation has had a good effect on the old man, for he has since come often to church, both on the Sabbath and on week days.] June 14th, Monday. Had a long conversation to-day with our Finko respecting the corruption of the heart. June 15th, Tuesday.-Accompanied by Jan Tzatzoe, I went to the Kraal of his brother, Captain Molo, whose infant would not suck; which circumstance the other wives of the captain accounted for, by saying that his mother had bewitched the child, at the same time urging her exceedingly to break the spell. We showed the father the impossibility of witchcraft, and the imposture of the Caffer doctors (teachers, &c.), explaining to him Jeremiah xxvii. 9, 13, 15. led to the following dialogue with another Caffer (the same young man who is mentioned on the 6th of June). This C. Shall we, then, have nothing more to do with our doctors? J. No, nothing more, if you desire the truth, will obey God, and become Christians. C. But our doctors say often that they speak in the name of God? J. To be sure; they must do so in order to be believed by you. And we have just C. But why do all our doctors despise the word of God? J. Because, if you believe God's word, and walk accordingly, they will lose all they gain from you by their imposture. C. But how can men, for the sake of gain, despise the truth of that great word? J. There are men in all nations who do this, and often for the sake of lesser gain than that which your doctors obtain from their craft. The dialogue ended, and the inquirer seemed satisfied and convinced of the truth. June 26th, Saturday.-To-day I went again to Geeke's Kraals, at some of which the people were unwilling to hear the word, being angry on account of having been, some days ago, plundered of cattle by a Commando of the late King's people. So I was obliged to leave them. June 27th, Sunday.-To-day I visited twelve of Captain Soko's Kraals. At the ninth I found a great number of men and women, who were busy eating meat. When I called them, the men came round me, with the exception of one. To this man an old counsellor said, "Has not Captain Soko said that we shall come together and hear the word of God? Why will you not hear?" I then called him again, and he came and sat down, apparently ashamed. June 28th, Monday.-Conversing with our Finko, he expressed himself in a very comfortable manner, and gave evidence that the grace of Jesus had taught him to know something of his own heart. Some days afterwards I spoke, through Jan Tzatzoe, to a Caffer who resides at the station, and of whom the Finko informed us. This man is seeking the Lord, and upbraids himself, saying, "It is my guilt that I have not the Lord already." He told us that Matro's daughter (a Hottentot girl) is likewise an inquirer. At times, during the conversation we had with him, he was much affected, even to tears. I afterwards called the girl, and found that she was seriously concerned about her soul. FROM MISSIONARIES ON THEIR PASSAGE OUTWARDS. Ship, Duke of Northumberland, at Sea, MY DEAR BROTHER, It is with much pleasure that I attend to the request you gave me at Portsmouth, to address a few lines to you; not that I have any immediate prospect of forwarding this to you; but, as it is possible that we may meet a homeward-bound ship, I wish to have a few lines in readiness, to inform you of our progress, and also to do, what in the hurry and pain of parting, escaped my memory-that is, particularly to thank you for your great kind ness in accompanying us to Portsmouth, and especially, seeing us on board the vessel, which is now bearing us away to the far distant shores of India. We derived real pleasure from your society; and the kind and affectionate manner in which you commended us in prayer to God, on the morning of our departure, will long be remembered. We did not seem to have finally left England, till we saw you and my sister step into the boat which bore you away from us; but the pain which, under other circumstances, we should have felt at that trying moment, was checked by the mind being for the moment absorbed in concern for your safety. We thought your little boat a very fragile bark to carry so many as you had in her, and with trembling emotions we watched your progress until we saw you safe on board the Sloop. In reference to my own feelings on this occasion, perhaps I ought to say nothing; and yet, I can scarcely forbear the heart is relieved by communicating its sorrows; and I am sure that I have required this relief; for, although I have passsed through many trials, and experienced many sorrows, in my past career of missionary exertion, yet this second leaving England, and especially leaving my beloved children, seems to be paramount to all that has preceded. Here all seem to meet in one focus, and I have been compelled to say, with David, My soul is overwhelmed within me;" but God-the God who has led me all my life long-has supported me and my beloved partner; and being now separated from all that is dear to us on earth, it is our earnest desire to seek and to find our happiness in Christ alone, to keep our hearts fixed on the glory of the work in which we are engaged, and to look to him for all those mental and moral qualifications which are requisite to enable us to labour with acceptance and success. You will, I am sure, be pleased to hear that hitherto we have had a safe and pleasant passage, and are in the enjoyment of excellent health. Neither Mrs. M. nor myself have been in the least sick or ill, and have hitherto been enabled to pursue our studies with almost as much regularity as we even did on shore. This is a mercy, for which I desire to feel truly thankful, as all the females on board, except Mrs. M., have been sea-sick. We have, I fear, no truly pious people amongst our passengers; but all are gentlemanly in their manners, &c. &c. and treat us with great respect. I never saw a vessel so well arranged as this-every thing moves on with the greatest order; our good Captain is kindness itself, so that hitherto we have been very comfortable, and have every prospect of being so the rest of the voyage. Should you see Mr. Pirie, I will thank you to mention this to him; as we owe some of our accommodations in a great measure to his kindness. I preached twice on board last Sabbath-in the morning on deck, to all the passengers and crew, forming together a very good congregation; and in the evening in the cuddy, to the passengers and a part of the crew; and this, I believe, is to be the order every Sabbath. May the God of all grace help me to be faithful, and bless to the souls of some on board the message of his grace! We are well supplied with tracts; but in the hurry of packing, I have not left out a sufficient supply of such books as I think suitable to lend to the passengers. Please to remember us very kindly to Mrs. and Miss Arundel. I have many other friends, whose names I should like to specify; but this would be imposing too heavy a task on you. I can only say,that the churches I have visited, and the friendships I have formed, whilst travelling for the society during my residence in England, have rendered my beloved native country dearer to me than it ever was before; and if it will not be out of character, I should much like, through the medium of your Chronicle, to send to all, and to some in particular, my affectionate farewell, and Christian regards; and to solicit, through the same medium, a special interest in their intercessions at the footstool of mercy. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you. I am, my dear brother, To Rev. John Arundel. G. MUNDY. ARRIVAL OF MISSIONARIES OUTWARDS. August the 21st, the Rev. William Swan and Mrs. Swan arrived safely at St. Petersburgh in the ship Barossa. |