Relating principally to the FOREIGN MISSIONS carried on under the direction of the METHODIST CONFERENCE. MISSION IN CEYLON. WE purpose to devote this month's Number, almost entirely, to extracts from a pamphlet lately forwarded to us from Ceylon, entitled "Quarterly Letters," &c. It is intended chiefly for private circulation in that island; and serves as a convenient medium of communication between the Missionaries and their native Assistants, by which they become speedily acquainted with each other's labours, trials, and encouragements, and mutually make known their general views, as to the state and prospects of the work in which they are engaged. Our extracts will show that they are prosecuting their evangelical toils, not indeed without many obstacles, which sometimes severely exercise their faith and patience, but still with hope and with assiduity, and with a degree of success, in some important particulars, which confirms the belief that "in due season they shall reap, if they faint not." COLOMBO.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. R. Spence Hardy, dated Colpetty, July 26th, 1837. THE state of the work of God upon this station, during the past quarter, has presented few features of interest out of the usual routine of our regular engagements, though we are not without some pleasing tokens that the Lord is on our side, and is prospering the work of our hands. The 18th regiment, which I announced in my last as having recently arrived from England, though it is an Irish regiment, and consists of a great proportion of Roman Catholics, has brought us a large increase to our congregations, and a respectable accession to the members of our society. It was a pleasing circumstance, that when I renewed the tickets of the class, I found that all were yet steadfast whose names had been written on the class-paper in Ireland, though they had been exposed, in the mean time, to the spiritual privations of a long voyage, and to many temptations. The 90th regiment, which has been in the island a little more than a year, contains several individuals who are aroused to a sense of their danger as sinners, and there are a few who are ornaments to their Christian profession, men of judgment and stability. We have ever found the advantage of being able to reckon among the military, persons of this description, as, amidst the various changes to which the church of God in any particular regiment is subject, they are as rocks that out-brave the storm, and form the rallying-point for new exertions and new triumphs. From the cheapness of arrack in the garrison, the temptations to which the soldiers are now exposed are increasingly powerful; and as the greater part of those who have withdrawn from us have been overcome by this grand snare of the enemy, I have thought it my duty to lend all my influence to the cause of temperance, as one collateral means by which we already find that much good has been effected. At our love-feast, held on the 9th inst., about forty persons were present. The Lord was among us of a truth. Several individuals related that they had come to this distant island with heathen hearts, but that they had here found the pearl of great price, and were now happy in that Saviour about whom they were previously ignorant, though living under the full blaze of his glory as manifested in more favoured lands. The return of Mr. Anthoniez from Galle will, I trust, throw additional energy into the Portuguese department of our work. In his absence, he has had to suffer excruciating pain from an operation that he underwent; but we are thankful that the cure bids fair to be permanent, and to afford him the prospect of spend ing a few more years in the active service of his divine Master. The wife of one of our members was called into eternity on the 4th inst. She had long been a subject of much affliction, and was visited in her last illness by Mr. Parys, whose attentions appear to have been rendered a blessing to her soul. "Now, my Saviour gives me to feel that he has forgiven my sins," were the last words that she spoke. The Singhalese work is, as usual upon this station, a source of great depression to our spirits. Now and then we can rejoice over a few aged people, who appear to be sin. cere amidst much comparative ignorance, and to die with a saving faith in Christ; but the mass of the native population are unconcerned about their souls, or resort to forbidden practices with the vain hope of thus acquiring salvation. I regard the fewness of our hearers as, in one sense, an act of homage to the truth. The people once attended our services with the expectation that they were procuring the favour of heaven merely by this means, though at the same time they were living in Heathenism and sin; but as our addresses become more pointed, as we acquire the idioms of the language, the minds of our hearers have gradually been undeceived upon this important point, and though our actual numbers are less, we have greater decision in the few, and therefore greater hope that permanent good will be effected. The gaol of Colombo is one place upon our plan, and it is regularly visited upon the Sabbath. Though the greater part of the prisoners evince a perfect indifference to the preaching of the word of God, there are a few who listen with attention, and apparently profit by what they hear. They have been known to warn their fellow-culprits that to a more awful tribunal than that of an earthly Judge they will one day have to render an account; and some have returned to their families with a firm determination to forsake their evil practices, and become useful and upright members of the community. The most promising native congrega. tion, at present, is that of Modera, where we have a large school, well attended, and a number of members in society. It has yet been established too short a period to enable us to judge what maybe its eventual effect upon the people. We can now rejoice over them with great satisfaction; but we have seen so many prospects of a similar description blasted by the withering influence of an aroused Heathenism, that we are yet constrained to "rejoice with trembling." We hope, by a little alteration in the arrangement of our services, to render our plans as efficient as is possible with our limited strength; but we look to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit as the only effectual power that can convert the souls of men. KANDY.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. John Poulier, dated Nagaha-Wideye, July 5th, 1837. THIS my second quarterly letter from this station, I regret, must contain for the most part intelligence of a mournful nature. An account of the havoc done by the last inundation, not only in Kandy, but throughout the whole of this island, must have come to your notice: this, and the long-continuing plagues of small-pox and other pestilential diseases in this country, have been bars to the work of God, particularly as it regards our school-department. One of the two schools connected with this station, that of Peradinea, was washed away from the very foundation, as it stood on the bank of the Peradinea river; since which time the poor people, of whom I fully hoped a few would be turned to the Lord our God, have not had an opportunity of hearing the word of life, to this day, for want of a suitable place. However, I am given to understand, that ene is going to be constructed again, in a more eligible situation, by Messrs. Watson and Solomonsz, both of whom have the interest of this people at heart. At the English school, it was with much difficulty we could get half a dozen boys to attend daily, the parents not being willing to send them in such sickly times. I have not been able to divide the class as I expected to do; for only four persons have been added to it during the last quarter. The prayer-meetings are well attended; and I have lately had access to another village called Kattukelle, a little more than a mile's distance from my house. At the house of an Aratchy of the Agent's office, a prayer-meeting is to be continued once in the month, at his own request. My congregations, both of the Singhalese and Portuguese, have for some time been reduced; but now they are gradually increasing week after week, as the sickness is subsiding. Amidst these distressing circumstances, the tokens which we have daily received of the divine approbation, during the past quarter, are many and undeniable. They are of a truth most cheering to our hearts; but still we desire, I mean our little circle of the members of this society, to "rejoice with trembling," knowing where alone our strength lies; and for such tokens of continued acceptance and blessing we ascribe thanksgiving and glory to the adorable name of our blessed and heavenly Master, in our assemblings together from time to time. NEGOMBO.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Wm. Bridgnell, dated Negombo, July 3d, 1837. SINCE I last wrote, my esteemed brother Pereira has visited the Rillegalle side of this very extended Circuit. The people received him gladly, heard the word with attention, and, we hope, with profit. He carefully inquired into the state of the schools. Many things were far from being satisfactory. But the state of these schools, as well as the state of all the other schools carefully and regularly examined by myself, since I last wrote, will be fully explained in my general School Report, at the end of the year. I will here only observe, that, in ad dition to the weekly meeting of the masters, we endeavour to make the general monthly meeting of all the masters a time of more than ordinarily rigid investigation, and special instruction. "Men are but children of a larger growth:" and we sadly prove the truth of this say ing in the meetings of our Mission schoolmasters. But we spare no pains on them. Our meetings have sometimes lasted full four hours. Thank God! I have had uninterrupted health since I came to Negombo. But Mr. Pereira has been a sufferer during the past quarter. One night he thought he was almost gone. The moment I knew of his danger, (a Sunday morning,) I hastened to his bedside, and was delighted to witness the calm composure, the perfect resignation, with which he spoke of death. One distinguished member of our society, Donna Wilmina, remarkable for more than common piety, energy, and holy zeal, has joined the deathless ranks of "the noble army" of saints who have fought "the good fight of faith," and "entered into rest." As soon as Mr. Wijesingha heard of her illness, he hastened to see her, and found her "full of joy," and expecting quickly to "depart and be with Christ." In answer to an inquiry respecting the state of her soul, she said, "I feel the love of Jesus more than ever, and the sanctifying influence of his Spirit is working within me." When asked if she had any fear of death, she replied, "No; the sting of death is taken away by Jesus my Saviour." She appeared "full of faith" and hope. When Mrs. Wijesingha visited her, the dying follower of Jesus said, "My good friend, I am very happy to see you: I am preparing for my journey; I am going to Jesus, to my dear Saviour." When prayed with, her hearty "Amen" showed how sincerely and fervently she herself presented every petition "to the throne of grace." On another visit she said, "My dear Minister and friend, I was anxiously waiting for you: I have been under a dark cloud: my relations have been troubling me with persuasions to tie charms, to cut limes, and to perform other such superstitious ceremonies; but I would rather die ten thousand times than submit to their wishes, sin against God, against the Holy Spirit, and ruin my soul." The stupid Doctor, finding his skill fail, asserted (a very common practice) that the disease was the infliction of a demon, and therefore incurable till the demon was appeased. In consequence of this sage opinion, the ignorant parents seriously proposed to their dying daughter to have the usual ceremonies connected with the worship of devils performed for her recovery; but she rejected the proposal with disdain; and she warned all within hearing of the folly and danger of such evil practices. While the servants of our heavenly King" engaged successively in prayer to him, in behalf of his suffering saint, she exclaimed, in an ecstasy of joy, "I have found, I have found, I have found Jesus! I love him, and shall soon be with him. It is better to be there than in this sinful world!" On another occasion she said, "I have had much sweet communion with my Saviour." She was continually either exhorting all who heard to seek salvation by Jesus Christ, or praying for the church and her relations and friends, or commending her soul to God. had no doubt, no fear. Missionary Notices. Her state, when visited again by Mr. Wijesingha and his wife, was truly triumphant. She said, "I am glad to see you once more in this world. I shall now soon be gone, to join with the angels and the redeemed in the praises of God and the Lamb." She was asked if she She smiled and said, "Not the least, my dear friend. I am a daughter of the Lord Almighty; God is my Father; my soul is happy beyond measure; I shall soon be in Abraham's bosom." When her father, mother, and sisters began to weep, she said, "O do not weep for me; but cry for your sins; cry for mercy." When united prayer was made for her, that she might be sanctified wholly, and thus be completely prepared for her awful change, she so heartily responded, "Amen, amen," that many were exceedingly affected. Who can doubt that God's work was truly completed in her? for she did indeed "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." This is one "fully ripe" and divinely blessed fruit of the Ceylon Mission. Blessed be God! she died in the full triumph of faith. There is nothing on earth more glorious, excepting an immediate flight to heaven like that of Enoch and Elijah. Hundreds of eyes poured tears upon her grave. She was a young woman of deep piety, of unblamable conduct, and of amiable manners; and she was beloved by all of every class. A monument to her memory is about to be erected by her Christian friends. same She was sent by her parents, at the early age of six years, to the Seedua Mission school; where she continued to learn, until she was appointed, six years ago, as the mistress of the school; in which office she continued until June last year, when she was married. Subsequently to this she continued, as before, regular in her attention to the duties of religion, and was never absent from public worship, or from her class, until prevented by her last illness. She frequently spoke at our love-feasts. She and several others of our members steadily refused offers of marriage from wealthy young men of the Roman Catholic religion, and accepted Protestants in preference, though both parties were very poor. The moral and religious character of the young woman who has lately departed from us to be "ever with the Lord," was truly exemplary. I may safely and truly say, "she was a burning and shining light" among the inhabitants of Seedua. She was particularly remarkable for her very careful observance of the Sabbath, and uniformly displayed a truly Christian "simplicity and godly sincerity." says, Mrs. Wijesingha, her Class-Leader, "Her Christian experience was very clear and sound. professed to have an undisturbed sense She uniformly the merits of the blood of the cross.' of the pardoning love of God, through Her amiable Leader's esteem and afand devoted young woman, was very fection for this truly upright, humble, great; and on witnessing her death, she exclaimed, with emotion, "Let me die the death of this righteous person; let example, her fervent prayer, her persemy last end be like hers." Her good vering kindness, had a most favourable influence upon the heart of her husband and he soon joined our society, and has acted in a manner consistently with Our late friend was indeed "a preacher his profession as a follower of Christ. of righteousness" to her worldly and wicked neighbours. Not only were her husband and sister awakened by her warning voice to a sense of their danger, the wrath to come," but many were and effectually persuaded to "flee from brought by her persuasion to the house of God to hear the Gospel of life and peace; Having adorned the doctrine of our adorthe words whereby they may be saved. able Redeemer nearly twelve years, her short but happy, humble yet honourable death practically, powerfully, pathetically, course on earth was ended. Her life and declared, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." In her death, the loss of the church of God at Seedua is very great. We have lost a most useful member, a most bright example, a most shining ornament of the church of Christ. prayers were very affecting; she seemed to have "power with God." Her last prayer is still fresh in the minds of all who heard it. But her prayers are now converted into praise. Her the village of Miriswattee, on the Korne At times the effect of our preaching that were going on in his "inner man." After the sermon, he came to Mr. Pereira, and said to him with many tears, "Sir, had you continued much longer, my breast would have burst. My soul was melted within me, as iron in a furnace. I have left my father's house, I am in a far country, I am a prodigal son. Will my father receive me, if I arise and go to my father, and say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son?" He proceeded to relate at length some circumstances of his life. It was at once seen that he had understood and applied the parable literally. Mr. Pereira preaches three or four times on a Sunday, besides meeting two classes. I have also two Sunday classes to meet; but having read prayers and preached twice on that day, besides meeting the classes, I feel that I am not so strong as formerly, and that my duty is, on that day, to do no more. The congregations, though small, are very attentive, and show a desire to know more about good things. Several members of our society, who had gone back into the world, have returned again, and continue to meet in class. Our congregations are somewhat increased since last year, excepting at Andiamblama. The number of persons attending at our different services, as well as the number of those services, on the Seedua side of the Circuit, is the same as in the time of my esteemed predecessor. The only exception to this general remark is the congregation at Seedua, which is considerably less than formerly. However, I am happy to state that our last love-feast at Seedua was, beyond all precedent, good; it was such a meeting as was never had before at Seedua. The presence of God was in the midst; those who related their religious experience, spoke with power; hearts were pierced, and many wept, and felt unutterable things. You have, I think, been told before of our great want of suitable Class-Leaders. Those whose devotion to God is real, undoubted, and even deep, are often very far from being qualified to be the guides, feeders, and guardians of wandering, wavering, weak, unwary sheep of the flock of Christ. This is an onerous part of our duty and care. We have to watch over, while we watch for, souls; we have to care for the "few sheep in the wilderness," while we go forth, with only "a shepherd's bag, a scrip, a sling, a stone," to fight with the giant enemy who dares to defy the armies of the living God." But we attempt these arduous things in faith we attempt them, trusting that soon "all the earth shall know that there is a God in Israel." Two respectable burghers, not many weeks ago, requested to be present while one of our native classes was met. On hearing the Christian experience of each member, and the suitable advices given to each, they shed many tears, and thanked God for the wonderful things which he had done among the once entirely heathen inhabitants of this land. The Singhalese prayer-meetings are continued, and some have felt in these means of grace the power of God unto salvation. Pastoral visits have been a pleasing, yet sometimes a painful, part of our duty. We have to reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine." 66 There are great hinderances to our success in Negombo. Popery is dominant here. But notwithstanding the very strict order of the Priest to prevent the faithful from hearing the words of the heretic, I have seen Catholics in the num ber of my hearers on a Sunday evening in our chapel. Mrs. Bridgnell still continues her Sunday-school, and she has lately commenced also a day-school. The attendance is yet small; but it will not be less than the attendance at the school of the comparatively unqualified and paid mistress. The change will save the Mission several pounds a year, and at the same time be a very considerable advantage to the children. Thousands in this country, who bow their knees to saints without number, never truly, prayerfully, bow their "knees unte the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." "St. Ann cured my eye, my leg, my fever," is a correct, but imperfect, specimen of the language which we hear from this infatuated, Priest-ridden people. They seem able to believe anything; but it is certain they do not believ ingly "remember the words of the Lord Jesus," how he said, "God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth." However, "the true light now shineth " in this territory of atheism, superstition, and idolatry, and it is gradually being diffused over the whole land. Some, who still "love darkness rather than light," are yet ashamed of having their "works of darkness" made known to the "children of light," and therefore imitate that headstrong people who "did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord their God." A family at Mucklangama was visited by the Mis |