the very midst of Idolatry, rearing an altar to the Redeemer, and offering thereon the tribute of prayer and praise, morning and evening? Let those who may feel disposed to deny that any good impression is made upon the Natives of India, move from their couches; break through the circle of sycophants through whom they have hitherto received their information, and who, before they reply to their master's questions, endeavour to ascertain what kind of answer will please him; and then let them go among those Natives to whom Protestant Missionaries have directed their attention, and they will find many instances of the kind I have just quoted.

A few weeks ago, I received a Letter from this Combaconum Christian; which may, perhaps, be admitted in evidence of his own Christian spirit, and that of the two Natives of whom he writes.

"Reverend and Kind Sir,

"I am overjoyed by hearing, from different Gentlemen, that your health is tolerably well since you arrived in England; and I am happy to tell you, I and my Family, also our good Veesoovasanaden, the Native Priest at Tinnevelly, enjoy a very good health. Only his daughter, of five years old,

died he is however comforted, by the blessed assurance that his daughter became one in the number of Angels that serve the Lord in heaven. He is now blessed with a son, in the latter end of December. I find him a good Labourer in the Vineyard of our Lord. The Christians are much attached to him. The Missionaries at Tanjore intend to send for, and station him at this place,

"I rejoice that the number of Christians increases in this Heathenism Town. I hope you might have heard of the Rev. Mr. B.'s arrival, and establishment of a Mission here: our good friend John Dewasagayam Pillay, with him, is much busy in arranging the new Establishment, and often goes to Tranquebar, Negapatam, and to our neighbourhood, on his duty. He joins me, with my family, in presenting our most dutiful respects to you and worthy Mrs., praying frequently for your and Family's health and comfort, and speedy return to our country.

Recommending ourselves to your blessing and fatherly kindness,

"I remain, with great regard,

Rev. and kind Sir,

I think it will be allowed, by the candid Reader, that the language of this Letter, especially when considered in connection with the writer's exemplary character, and with his practice of assembling his Family, every morning and evening, for devotional exercises, is no common proof of the reality of his Christian Profession.

It will be remembered, that I have already spoken of the two Native Teachers about whom he writes. In proof of Vesoovasanaden's piety and ability, I have given an extract from a Religious Tract of his composition: and I will now, for the same purpose, insert part of a Letter I received from John Dewasagayam, the evening before I sailed from India.

"Reverend and Kind Father,

"It is a severe trial and deep distress to us, to hear that you have been lately so ill, and are obliged to leave India so soon for England. How hard and grievous this event may be to us, we trust, and we are sure, that the ways of the Lord, in this respect, are also full of mercy, and gracious to you, and to all those who regret on this occasion.”—Then, after praising the "dear Name" of the Lord, for what had been done in the Cause of Christ

in that part of India, he proceeds: "We are sure He will be now your and your respectable Family's great support and comfort. I still trust, that if it would be in the sight of the Lord necessary to continue your services for my poor nation, He will change your plan, and keep you for some years more here. But if He wants to bring you from your heavy labour to some rest even in this world, He will permit your removal from us. But even in the sea, or any part of the world, He will sweeten your life, and enrich your Family with Divine Blessings.

you

Praying sincerely to the Lord that and your Family may long enjoy health and comfort in this life, and commending myself, my poor Family, and my Scholars, to your paternal blessing and prayers,

My dear and Reverend Father, Your ever faithful and obedient servant, "JOHN DEWASAGAYAM."

"Tranquebar, 16th Jan. 1822."

I doubt not but the pious Reader will agree with me, that the man who can feel such compassion for his Heathen Countrymen, and such fervent desire for their salvation-such Christian love for those who are

engaged in promoting their conversion; such regard to the superintending providence of the Almighty; and such entire acquiescence in His will, when the labours of His servants are suspended; must be a Christian of no ordinary attainments in the school of Jesus Christ. I will only add, that I have seldom been more refreshed and edified by the Christian discourse of an European, than I was by the conversation of this Native Christian.

Here I might speak of a Catechist of high caste, who, by eating and drinking in my presence what was handed to him by a Pariah servant, gave incontestable proof of his having renounced caste, and all Pagan distinctions, for the sake of Christ. After this, he continued in my service several months; and I had every reason to be satisfied of his sincerity, and to be thankful to God for the success that attended his labours. I might dwell also with satisfaction upon the character of another Catechist, whom I employed about four years in a confidential situation. The humility, piety, zeal, and integrity of this man were as evident fruits of the Spirit as I ever remember to have witnessed. To these I might add several private Christians among the Tinnevelly Protestants, who, I had every

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