ed within view of us.

Almost as soon as a

person is dead, they wash the body and hurry it away. It is laid on a rude kind of frame with a piece of cloth carelessly thrown over it, sometimes leaving the face exposed. Some are burned, and some perhaps are buried. One class, the Parsees,

who worship the sun, have a piece of ground enclosed with a very high wall, and expose their dead to the sun on the top of the ground, where they are left to consume.

"We learn that Ramoo, the female teacher, died this morning and that in her last moments, she was calling on Jesus. Whether she did truly trust in him or not the Lord only knows. Her friends after the heathen custom, took her off the bed, and laid her on the floor to die, because they suppose that to die on a bed would so pollute it, that it would be useless.

"When a native dies, the friends often set up a grievous wailing for some time previous and afterwards. Such an event happened a few days since near Mr. Graves', and I heard it distinctly. Oh that they knew the source of substantial consolation. "11th. This is the season of native weddings. I have seen no less than six wedding parties to-day. In one instance, the bride and bridegroom, who might have been

twelve or fifteen years of age, rode on a horse, and the company, consisting of a dozen or more, walked before and behind with instruments of music, a drum and a rude kind of wind instrument in much use among them. In other instances, the bride and bridegroom walked near the middle of the company with an awning carried above them supported by posts. In all cases they have music, but they appear to excite as little notice almost as a single individual.

"12th. We had the pleasure of a call from Rev. Mr. Chater and his lady, of Columbo, Ceylon, of the English Baptist mission. Their voyage was undertaken for the benefit of their health, which had been much impaired. They find their object partially attained. Mr. Chater has been a kind friend to several American missionaries. Rev. Mr. Bardwell was some time in his family-Mr. Newell also.

"13th. The weekly prayer meeting was attended at our dwelling last evening.Mr. and Mrs. C. were present, and gave some account of the missions in their vicinity. They have a monthly missionary union in which the American brethren unite, although they do not often mect together. They send each other accounts of their state to be read in their meetings.

"At one of these meetings, Mr. C. related that within the sphere of his labors, six Roman Catholics of one family embraced and professed Christianity about a year since. Some other fruits, he mentioned of a cheering nature. Mrs. C. has four native female schools under her care. He mentioned one instance of conversion, that seemed worthy of note. He saw the man, a Jew of Cotta, some two or three years since, and entering into conversation said to him, 'You are not a Jew!' He seemed surprised and asserted, that he was a Jew, and the son of a Jew. Mr. C. in a very serious tone, 'you are not a Jew :-But I am a Jew.' He then turned to the passage, 'He is not a Jew who is one outwardly,' &c., in explanation of his assertion. The Jew appeared confounded. Mr. C. left him, and being at the place some time afterwards, he saw the Jew again. He came to him and related the conversation alluded to, saying, now I understand it. No, I was not a Jew then, but now I am a Jew. Now I think I have the 'circumcision of the heart.' He had been led to reflect, and had come to the conclusion, that Jesus is the Messiah, and embraced him as his Saviour.

"29th. Last evening Mr. Graves received a note from Mr. Stone, informing him of

his safe arrival in the harbor about sunset, with Mrs. Stone and Miss Farrar. Early this morning, Mr. A. went to the vessel to accompany them home. We are now, through the merciful providence of God, all safe at our desired haven, and all in circumstances of mercy.

"31st.-Arrived at the close of another year. How little can we know at the commencement of a year what events await us 'ere it closes. Very different have they proved with regard to me from what I could have anticipated. But so far as my situation and prospects have been effected, I can rejoice in them. Painful though it be to reflect, that for more than six months, I have not heard the least intelligence from relatives so much beloved, and from whom I have scarcely before been separated, and though I cannot look forward to any specific period, when I may hope for that precious favor; though I may never see their faces again in the flesh; yet I feel, that all this is well. A better meeting than earth affords, I trust, awaits us, when waning life has ceased its course; and in the mean time, wherever we are most useful, there we may rejoice to be. May we all do with our might what is allotted us, and not one of us fail of eternal life.

"Sabbath.-We have but one English exercise, which at this season is in the evening at 7 o'clock, so that our worship closes about the time your morning service begins. This is the regular communion season, the sacrament being administered only once in three months, the communicants sitting at table after the Presbyterian mode.

Jan. 11.-Relieved from some of my cares, I hope to devote more time to the language. I long to be able to assist in the schools. Mrs. Garrett is rather feeble, and unable to visit them much; Mrs. Graves consequently has a great weight of care and labor. I can read in the Mahratta Testament about as well perhaps as little Mary-Ann or Dwight can read the English, but I suppose not with quite so much understanding. I trust however, if health be granted me, before you receive this, I shall read with understanding and fluency.

"16th. The cholera has appeared in this city, and began to rage considerably. It spreads consternation among the natives, and at that I do not wonder. They resort to their heathen rites, hoping to appease the god or goddess of the disease; but alas! they know not that their deity exists only in imagination.

"There is a Mussulman burying place