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Baptism of two Boodhu Priests.

The form of the Baptism about to be administered, being that of the Church of England, Dr. Clarke then introduced and commented on its most essential parts. Adverting to the following passage of St. John, (iii. 8.) "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit:" never, he observed, was a simile more appropriate, or more happily chosen. Many present knew by heartfelt experience, the spiritual import of this passage. In the prayers of these, he hoped for an interest, that the thing signified, might accompany the outward and visible sign, and that thus the solemn ordinance might be made a blessing, and a real baptism, to all, or to many

souls.

In favour of the Church Catechism, Dr. C. spoke in terms of high approbation; pronouncing it to be, on the whole, the best that was ever composed. On connecting the outward and visible sign with the inward and spiritual grace, his remarks were pointed and discriminative; clearly and satisfactorily stating, that "being by nature born in sin, and the children of wrath, we are hereby made the children of grace," cannot but be taken in immediate reference to that death unto sin, and new birth unto righteousness, in which genuine religion consists: that the parts of this article being composed at distinct times, the latter was explanatory of the former, which referred to water, that was only the outward and visible sign.

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observed, that it was usual for some Christian name to be given, as a memorial of Baptism; yet there was no necessity that the former names of the persons to be baptized, should be done away. He would therefore request the Sponsors to prefix some Christian names, connecting with them those by which they had formerly been distinguished.

Having proceeded thus far, Dr. Clarke descended from the readingdesk, and approached the Font, while the young men in deep devotion knelt before him, in the sight of a silent, an attentive, and an astonished congregation. A hymn was then sung; when, on repeating these words,

"See these sinful worms of earth,

Bless to them the cleansing flood;"

and laying his hands on their heads, they burst into tears; and the whole congregation was visibly affected. The hymn being concluded, Thomas Kaye and John Forshaw, Esqrs. and Mrs. Forshaw, appeared as Sponsors for the elder, to whom was given the name "Adam Sireh-goona Munhi Rathana,” which was audibly repeated by Dr. Clarke, who said, "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," pouring water on his head on mentioning the name of each Person in the Trinity. Then turning to the younger, for whom the Rev. Robert Newton, and William Comer, Esq. and Mrs. Comer, were Sponsors, the name " Alexander Dherma Rama" being given, the same process was repeated; both being signed with the cross in their foreheads, as a token of their renunciation of Pagan idolatry, and their adoption of the Christian name.—

During the whole of this solemn ordinance the young men appeared deeply affected, and a degree of seriousness rested on the auditors, which the lan

The Creed being read, with one trifling omission, the young men expressed their belief in the articles which it contained. Dr. Clarke'then said, that in compliance with what the form of Baptism required, Sponsors were introduced, who, as far as prac-guage of the writer cannot adequately ticable, voluntarily undertook the charge. The persons filling this station were chosen, because they had been particularly acquainted with the young men, and had occasionally assisted in their education; but he had in his eye many worthy friends, who, he was fully persuaded, would most readily take upon them the office which the Sponsors were about to sustain, if requested.

On occasions like these, Dr. Clarke

describe. Through the whole congregation the most profound silence prevailed; even the coughing of those who had severe colds was suppressed; while in several parts of the chapel, the cheek was moistened with the falling tear; and the feelings of the soul were expressed by those half extinguished sighs, which involuntarily escaped the bosom.

The number collected on this occasion was nearly 2000; and they con

sisted of almost every denomination. Churchmen, Dissenters, Quakers, and Catholics, lost sight of party distinctions, and all appeared equally interested. The same spirit seemed so to extend its sacred influence, as for a moment to extinguish all local feeling; and there were few, the writer believes. who did not regret, when, nearly one o'clock, the service concluded.

The writer of this article, who was present at the Baptism, conceiving that such an association of circumstances never before occurred, and that a similar event may not speedily if ever again appear, has been thus particular in describing the process, and in noticing the sensations which the whole excited. To those who were present, this minute detail may seem tedious, but to those who were absent, and who reside in distant

interesting. From the memories of those on whom the solemn transaction made a lively impression, some parts in process of time will begin to fade. These also will hereafter be glad to review, embodied in language, an event which once occasioned such singular emotions.

The young men rising from their knees, Dr. Clarke delivered to them a suitable admonitory Address, impress-parts, it can scarcely fail to prove truly ing on their minds the awful responsibility which was attached to the character they had now assumed, and directing them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of that high vocation with which they were called. Then turning to the congregation, he observed, that we should now no longer view these youths as strangers to the Accompanied by the prayers of thoucommonwealth of Israel, but as Chris-sands, these young men will shortly tian brethren, whom it was our duty to love with sincere affection. Dr. Clarke concluded this interesting service with a solemn address to God. His prayer was animated and impressive, adapted to the condition of all present, but more especially so to the situation of the young men who were thus adopted into the Christian Church. Then rising from their knees, he took each of the young men by the hand, and affec- | tionately acknowledged them as Christian brethren. The congregation then sang, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, &c." and silently and solemnly withdrew.

leave our country, and we cannot doubt that it will be with feelings of gratitude never to be elfaced. The success of their future exertions in the cause of Christ, when they reach Asia, we presume not to anticipate. Conscious of their own rectitude of intention, and of having fully discharged their important duty. Dr. Clarke and his Family will solemnly resign them to the Divine disposal, and cheerfully leave all distant issues and conscquences with God.

With the recollection of these young men, the name of Sir Alexander Johnston, and his benevolent character, will be always associated; and it cannot be doubted, that the Methodist Missionary Committee, by the part they have taken in this singular appeal to their piety and missionary spirit, have acquired an honour, which will be mentioned with respect, when the present generation shall be no more.

The congregation being dismissed, the Lord's supper was administered to a considerable number who remained, among whom, for the first time, these Cingalese appeared. These and their Sponsors first approached the table of the Lord, and all were deeply and visibly affected. The soft contagion ran through all present, and drew tears The exertions thus far made by the from many eyes that had not been ac- Methodist Missionaries, seem to havecustomed to weep. On this occasion been favoured with the smile and apthe young men felt an uncommon mea- probation of heaven. Independently of sure of the Divine power. They wept the benefits resulting from their preachprofusely, and rejoiced with exceeding ing, they have established schools, in joy. On Monday, the 13th, they ex- which from 5000 to 7000 children of pressed themselves very happy, all the natives are daily taught. The fear of death being taken away. Much instruction which these receive, is not of their time was spent in retirement merely in the use of letters, but in a in their own rooms, where, at the foot-knowledge of the true God, in the stool of divine grace, they prostrated themselves, weeping tears of joy, and devoutly praising God.

doctrines of the Scriptures, and in those moral principles which lead to practical virtue.

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Reply to a Query.—Commercial Retrospect.

Reply to" Christ's not praying for the
world," inserted Vol. I. col. 764.
In answer to a question founded on
the preceding expression, S. T. of Salt-
ash, has furnished the following ob-

servation :

"A Lover of Truth" seems to have forgotten Ecclesiastes iii. 1.; for surely the circumstance of our Lord's praying at that particular time for his disciples alone, is no proof that we must not also pray for all men." Another correspondent observes, in

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reference to the same subject, "It is really astonishing that any man professing himself to be A Lover of Truth,' should conceive the question to involve any difficulty. Admitting the fact in its utmost latitude, that Christ on that occasion prayed not for the world, no rule of logic or common sense can transform this insulated negation, into a universal proposition. In addition to this, the passage which is quoted from 1 Tim. ii. 1-6. is sufficiently clear to remove every doubt.”

COMMERCIAL REPORT, MARCH 21st, 1820.

THE bustle consequent upon a general election often proves a material hinderance to commercial men in their pursuits. Something of this kind has been influential upon our commerce during the last month: nevertheless, very considerable shipments are preparing, and a great number of vessels are fitting out, for the British American Colonies, Newfoundland, and the shores of the Baltic. The number of vessels cleared outwards has greatly increased, and doubtless the demands for British manufactures have had a beneficial influence in many of our neighbouring districts. The Greenland trade too, once a prominent branch of this port, but latterly almost extinct, has considerably revived; and three vessels have sailed for that quarter of the globe, fitted out this year by one Partnership alone.

The transactions in the various lines of merchandise, during the above period, have neither been few nor unimportant; and we hope they presage a general revival in our commerce.

Sugars have improved a trifle since our last: the demand has likewise been lively. Many public sales of East India Sugars have taken place, at which the purchases have been made freely. The qualities consisted in low to good whites, which brought from 80s. to 85s. per cwt. Coffee is now much wanted for the home trade, and has become very scarce; in fact, the stocks of all sorts are so much diminished, that purchases of Demerara have been made for arrival at 135s. per cwt. The scarcity of this berry seems to be universal, and all the Continental markets are represented not to be proportionably better supplied than our own.

Cottons. The arrivals from America have been latterly very abundant, and importers appear to be very willing sellers. The trade has been more than usually reserved; the demand has therefore been very languid, and prices have receded. For Upland Cottons of the new crop, it is difficult to obtain more than 11 d. per lb.

Dyewoods. The revival lately noticed in these articles has entirely ceased, and they have relapsed into their former torpor. Pot and Pearl Ashes are in very limited demand.

Naval Stores.-Tar and Turpentine maintain their value, without displaying any briskness. Pine Timber has not recovered its extreme depression, and very advantageous purchases may still be made.

Irish Provisions.--With the exception of Butters, which are lower, all other kinds of Irish Provisions have had a sudden start, and the annexed quotations mark their advance.

Oils.-Fish, as well as other Oils, have been in extensive inquiry: 135 tuns of Cod Oil have been sold at £29 and £30 per tun. In Palm Oil much important business has been done: 1600 tuns having changed hands during the last few days, and an advance of £4 per tun has been established. The holders of Tallow are demanding higher prices, and 67s. per cwt. has already been paid for Yellow-Candle Tallow. This constitutes an advance of 8s. per cwt. since our last. The public sales of East India Produce are now becoming very frequent, and are not less remarkable for the variety, than for the value, of the goods exposed for sale. Some days since there was a public sale of 199 chests of East Indigo, which were all sold, and a degree of briskness was observable in the sale, which was extremely well attended. The prices ruled as under: -Inferior and gritty Coppers, 4s. 10d. to 5s. 4d. per lb.; good Coppers Violets, 6s. 4d. to 6s. 10d. do. ; fine and strong Violets, 7s. to 7s. 6d. do.-Ia Bond the duty is 5d. per lb.

The prices paid at this sale are fully 6d. to 9d. per lb. bigher than were given at the preceding sales. There are numerous sales of East India Goods advertised, consisting of Drugs, Dyeing Stuff's, Saltpetre, &c. the currency of which we purpose giving in our next Report. The prices of Grain are rather higher than those noted in our former Report; and although we cannot record many instances of important sales, yet the full attendance of the trade on several late marketdays, evince some tokens of an approaching advance, which we think not improbable.

The Neat amount of Duty on Paper paid into the Exchequer for the year 1819, up to Jan. 5th, 1820. For former years, see col. 75, Vol. I.

England, £411,216.-Scotland, £48,300.-Total of England and Scotland, £462,516. Drawback on Exports from England, £20,069. 8s. 7d.

PRINTED BY H. FISHER, LIVERPOOL, PRINTER IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY: