the preceding week, the exhortation used in delivering the cup. The Service was a solemn and delightful one. Sixteen Natives were present; about half of them females, and some of these of the most respectable class of Natives. What gave the Service an additional interest to myself, was, that this was the first opportunity I had enjoyed of receiving the Holy Sacrament since I left England. The whole of the Service, with the exception of my Sermon, which was interpreted, was in Singhalese. My text was 1 Cor. xi. 28.

July 13, 1835-I went, in company with - Mr. Browning, to the Kategalle School; where, although the evening was very wet, we had a crowded congregation of Natives. Many females were present. Mr. Browning read a few prayers from the Liturgy; and I expounded, through an Interpreter, the Parable of the Barren Fig-tree. The people were remarkably attentive. I think I never felt so deeply the privilege of speaking to poor sinners on the love of God, in sending to us the Gospel of Salvation. Such a congregation alone was almost worth coming from England to behold.

July 15 - Heard, this morning, of a man whose child had been sick for some time. He has just consulted an Astrologer, who tells him that a friend of his, who died lately, has become a devil, and is now tormenting his child; and that this devil can only be appeased by offerings. It is not long since, that a man made an offering to appease his own mother; who, he had been informed, had, after her death, become a devil, and was now distressing him.

Nov. 29: Lord's Day- I went this morning, with one of the Catechists, to open a Singhalese Service among the workmen of a coffee-plantation, at a place called Gonorua, about four miles distant from Kandy. The circumstances which led to our establishing this Service were the following. We have for some time past had a school at a village named Gatambe, about three miles from Kandy; and on the Sunday Morning we have been accustomed to perform Divine Service in the school-room; but of late, many of the adults, who used to attend our Services, have removed from this part of the country; and we have, in consequence, thought it advisable to open a Service in some village at a little distance, where we might be able to hold the Service on

alternate Sundays. The coffee-plantation at Gonorua, which is about a mile distant, on the other side of the river, and where there are, at present, nearly 100 persons regularly employed, and altogether without instruction, appeared to be a suitable place for establishing a Service. Two of our Catechists visited the place the week before last, and obtained the consent of the Superintendant; and also a promise from several of the persons employed on the estate, that they would attend. This morning, therefore, I went to open this Service. At Gatambe, which is very near the ferry, I was joined by the boys, sixteen in number, who attend that school; and, together with their Master, and two of the Gatambe Congregation, I crossed the ferry; thus taking a considerable part of my congregation with me. After crossing the ferry, we had to walk very nearly a mile before we arrived at that part of the plantation where the buildings are erected. When we had reached the place, we sent to collect the people, to come and listen to us. About forty persons assembled, together with the Superintendant; who expressed his willingness to second our views. He gave us the use of an open shed; where I spoke to the people, through the interpretation of the Catechist. I told them the object of my visit; and obtained from them a promise to assemble on alternate Sundays, at seven o'clock in the morning. I then requested the Catechist to read John iii.; upon which, I made a few remarks respecting the method of Salvation revealed in the Sacred Scriptures, and then concluded with prayer. Before leaving, I distributed among them a number of Tracts, in the Singhalese and Tamul Languages; and requested those who were able to read, to collect as many around them as were willing to listen, and to read to them the Tracts which we had now given them. I then returned home, to enter upon my duties in Kandy. At eleven o'clock, I assisted the Chaplain in the administration of the Holy Sacrament. In the evening, I preached to the English Congregation assembled on the Mission Premises, from Mal. iii. 1.

Dec. 13: Lord's Day-Went this morning to the coffee-plantation at Gonorua, mentioned on the 29th ult. Upward of thirty persons assembled; who, with the people I took with me from Gatambe, formed an interesting congregation. The

Catechist, who accompanied me as my interpreter, having read to them a part of Matt. vi., I spoke to them, for about twenty minutes, on the importance and necessity of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. They listened with considerable attention; and afterward received a few Tracts, which they promised to read to their companions.

Dec. 23, 1835-Went this morning to visit the school at Ampityia. I reached it a little after seven o'clock, when I found about thirty children assembled, together with several of their parents, who had come to witness the examination. This school has been opened but a few months, but the progress of the children is already very satisfactory. The place in which the school is conducted was built last year by the Natives, unsolicited, and at their own expense. Shortly after I had reached the school, almost all the Natives of the village, both male and female, assembled. I examined the children, through the interpretation of the Catechist, who usually accompanies me on these occasions. The parents appeared to be much pleased with the answers which the children gave to the questions which I proposed to them; and I felt much gratified, both with the conduct of the children, and the interest which the parents are beginning to take in their welfare. At the close of the examination, which lasted about three-quarters of an hour, the Catechist having read a few verses of Luke viii. containing the Parable of the Sower, I explained it very briefly; applying it first to the children, and then to their parents: they listened with much apparent interest. I then concluded with prayer. There were present between thirty and forty adults, and about thirty children.

Jan. 1, 1836-Preached this morning, by interpretation, to the children of the different schools connected with this Station, who had assembled for this purpose on the Mission Premises. Almost all the children of our schools were present, together with a considerable number of their parents. It was the largest Native Congregation I have seen since I came to the Island. About 200 persons were present. The subject upon which I preached was, the duty and privilege of serving God while we are young. Many of the persons present appeared to listen with considerable attention.

Jan. 8-Finding that I could not meet

I

the people at the coffee-plantation until twelve o'clock, I started at seven o'clock to one of the villages, in the hope of meeting a few people to whom I might declare the glad tidings of Salvation. Having col lected about fourteen in the front of a bazaar, I stood under a plantain-tree by the road side, and addressed them on the necessity of seeking the salvation of their souls, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To several of them I gave Tracts, which they promised to read to their friends. After leaving this place, I met some Tamulians. One of them being able to read, I gave him two Tracts; which he immediately began to read aloud. I wished to know whether he was willing to keep them, and to read them; but I could not make him understand me. I therefore left him, standing in the middle of the road, reading his Tracts aloud. was afraid, from his manner, that, as soon as I had left him, he would destroy them. I next visited a sick man, who appeared to be very near his end. He is a professed Christian, but appears to be very ignorant of real Christianity. He told me that he had not a bad heart now; that he had given it up long ago, and had been a Christian from his youth. I exhorted him to trust in the merits of Christ alone for salvation; and having prayed with him, I returned to my lodging. At twelve o'clock I went to meet the people at the coffee-plantation. About seventy persons assembled, to whom I explained John iii. They listened with apparent attention, and requested me to visit them again. All who were able to read, received Tracts, which they promised to read to their friends.

Feb. 23, & 24 - I have spent these two days in visiting the people at Gampola. I took a Singhalese Catechist with me, to act as my interpreter. I rode out on Tuesday morning at an early hour; and toward evening, went out to visit the people. In the first village which I visited, I could not get a single hearer; and, after waiting some time, was obliged to remove to another place. I then went to some workmen, by the side of a river. At first, three or four only came to listen: afterward, the number increased to about twelve. Having spoken to them for a short time, and distributed Tracts to all who could read, I went with my interpreter to a village about a mile distant, called Keraponi. In this village I had a very interesting con

gregation, whom I addressed, under the shade of some trees.

Mr. Oakley observes, in a Letter of May 13, 1836

Our Congregations, both in the town and in the country, continue to give us some degree of encouragement. The number of hearers has rather increased of late. The number of children who attend our schools is also rather on the increase. I wish I could say that we witnessed a work of grace in the midst of our people. To labour, however, in faith and prayer, is the part assigned to

us.

Success belongs to God. Our work and labour, if it be indeed the work of faith and the labour of love, will not be in vain. Our Communicants continue stedfast. With our Catechists and Schoolmasters we have reason to be, on the whole, very well satisfied. These are causes of thankfulness and encouragement but, amidst all our encouragements and blessings-and they are many-how painful the reflection, that multitudes around us still live in a state of indifference to the care of their souls, refusing to listen to the calls of the Gospel, and determining to follow their own absurd and degrading superstitions! These things, at times, weigh heavily on our spirits. Our Divine Master, howHe encouever, is very gracious to us. rages us to go forward, in His strength; assuring us that He will be with us, even to the end.

Visits to two Men condemned for Murder.

One of the most painful offices to which a Minister of the Gospel can be called, is the attendance on malefactors lying under the extreme sentence of the law. Difficult as their

post of duty is at such a season, it must be rendered, to a Missionary, incomparably more arduous, by the difference, not only of the language of the malefactors, but of their previously-professed religion; a religion, alas! of idolatry and ignorance. The following account, by Mr. Browning, mournfully illustrates these views::

Aug. 14, 1835-I went to the jail, to visit two unhappy men who are under sentence of death for murder. They listened attentively to what I said to them, and expressed a great desire to obtain RECORD, March 1837.]

the favour of God, and to go to heaven: but I did not witness in them that penitential sorrow for sin, which I should rejoice to see. They are both Singhalese; one a low countryman, the other a Kandian. They have hitherto been Buddhists; but they now seem convinced that they cannot be saved by faith in that religion. I have requested the Catechists and Reader to visit them every day, during the short period they have to live. May the Lord bless our efforts to enlighten their minds !

Aug. 17-Went again to the jail, to see the two poor malefactors. They seemed glad to be visited, and received with meekness and attention the words addressed to them. Still, I did not see in them that deep sorrow for sin, which I could wish to behold. They say, they heartily call upon God for mercy. I earnestly entreated them to pray for the pardon of their past sins, for faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and for purity of heart. May God, of His infinite mercy, enable them to do so!

Mr. Oakley, at that time but little acquainted with the language, thus describes his interview with these unhappy men :

Aug. 29-I have been this evening to converse with two Natives in the Kandy Jail, who are under sentence of death for murder. I have felt very much distressed at the apathy which they manifested. They seem to be altogether unacquainted with the nature or consequences of death; to have no fear of dying; and appear They to be incapable of reflection. use Scriptural Language, because they hear those who visit them use it; but they appear to be quite void of feeling. In the midst of a solemn address to them, they would interrupt, to ask some trifling question: and this they do, not like persons hardened in sin, but like ideots. Their countenances showed, but too plainly, the absence of every thing their cell with the Catechist, who acted like deep compunction. When I entered as my interpreter, they welcomed us with a smile, and appeared quite pleased to see us. They listened, with apparent attention, to the remarks which I made upon the Parable of the Prodigal Son; but their countenances, together with their replies to a few questions which I put to them, quite distressed me.

L

Mr. Browning relates, finally, concerning them :—

Sept. 12-The two unhappy men, whom we have lately visited, were executed today. I had not an opportunity of seeing them after my return from my recent visit on Missionary duty to Cotta. Catechists have daily visited them, and

Our

entertain some hope that the poor creatures were truly penitent. The last time that I visited them, I had little reason to think that they understood the malignant nature of sin. Two of the Probationary Catechists attended them to the place of execution, exhorted them, and prayed with them.

Thirty-seventh Anniversary of the Society. THE Anniversary Sermon before the Society will be preached on Monday Evening, the 1st of May, at the Parish Church of St. Bride, Fleet Street, by the Rev. Thomas Dale, M. A., Vicar. Divine Service will begin at Half-past Six o'clock.

The Annual Meeting will be held at Exeter Hall, Strand, on Tuesday the 2d of May. The Chair to be taken by the Right Hon. the President, at Eleven o'Clock precisely.

PROCEEDINGS OF ASSOCIATIONS. Cornwall-Feb. 26: Sermons, by Rev. J. Garton; at Tolland, Coll. 17. 118. 61.; at East Looe, Coll. 6. 98. 21.-Feb. 27: Meeting at Looe, J. Butler, Esq. Chn., Coll. 31. 28. 61. Formation of Association; Rev. W. Farewell, and Capt. Walcott, Secs. - Feb. 28 Meeting at Looe, Formation of Ladies' Assoc. : Miss Jeeves, Sec.

Lancashire March 5; Sermons; by Rev. W. Harris; at St. Stephen's, Manchester, Coll. 22. 6.; at Flixton, Coll. 5.; by Rev. J. Piccope, at St. Paul's, Manchester, Coll. not known; by Rev. F. Wybrow; at Hay, Coll. 3. 9s. 7d.; at Ashton. Coll. 20.138 March 6: Meeting at Manchester, R. Gardiner, Esq. Chn., Coll. 13. 198. 91.-March 7: Meeting at Ashton, Rev. J. Handforth, Chn., Coll. 47. 6s. 31.-March 8: Meeting at Bolton, Rev. J. Slade, Chn., Coll. 8. 168. 31.-March 9: Meeting at Burnley, Rev. R. M. Master, Chn., Coll. not known.

Middlesex March 19: Sermons at St. John's, Bedford Row; Morn., by Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, Coll. 63. 15s. 2d.; Aftn., by Rev. S. G. Garrard, Coll. 21. 3. 5d.; Even., by Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, Coll. 23. 28. 61.

Yorkshire-Oct. 30: Sermon at Askam Bryan, by Rev. T. Shann, Coll. not known-Nov. 13: Sermon at Dunnington, by Rev. C. Ingle, Coll. not knownDec. 4: Sermon at Acomb, by Rev. E. H. Abney, Coll. 51.

Warwickshire - March 15: Meeting at Wolford, Rev. E. H. B. Estcourt, Vicar, Chn., Coll. 51. 3s.

SCOTLAND-March 12: Sermons: at Edinburgh; St. James's, by Rev. C. Hodgson and F. Wybrow, Colls. 36. 6s. 5d.; St. Pauls, by Rev. C. Hodgson, Coll. 12. 88. 6d. ; at Portobello, by Rev. F. Wybrow, Coll. 5.- March 13: Meeting at Portobello, Dr. K. Greville, Chn., Coll. 47. - March 14: Meeting at Edinburgh, W. Ramsay, Esq. Chn., Coll. 374. 6s. 11d.

boured during the last ten hours of her life afforded her but very little opportunity for conversation; but she left enough respecting her state, to satisfy us all that death had no terror to her; that she was willing to depart; and that to her the hour was one of "eternal gain."

We are also informed that in August last the Colony was visited by a severe frost, which proved very destructive to the crops; and that much distress among the Indians was apprehended in consequence. The Missionaries and their families were in tolerable health.