The Superior treated them very civilly, but the curate was as violent as ever. Among other things he said he had often conversed with Protestants for 30 years, but had never been able to make any impression on them, or do them any good, and he considered their case hopeless.

An aged Catholic priest called on us. He conversed like a zealous Catholic, but still very calmly and civilly. His arguments were such as Catholics generally use. Every Catholic can say, *Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram ædificabo ecclesiam meam.

At six o'clock Mr. Fisk preached in the Consul's hall, in Greek, to about 120 or 130 persons. It was encouraging to see so many, who were in general very attentive.

Visit to a Catholic School.

17. In the afternoon we visited the school of Mr. Uccelli. About 40 pupils were present, most of them Catholics, a few Greeks, English and Jews. Several of them were reading in the Testaments which we had sold to the teacher. Mr. Uccelli told us that the Priests had made complaint against his using these books in the school to the French Consul, under whose patronage the school was established. The Consul in consequence sent for Mr. U., and advised him not to use such of the books as were printed in London, but to use such as were printed in Naples, France, Malta, &c. Finding him desirous of still more books, we gave him fifteen Italian Testaments printed at Paris, and a quantity of Italian tracts from our press at Malta, and of French from Paris.

We learned to-day that the Superior of the convent has requested Mr. Thorburn, who acts as consul in Mr. Lee's absence, to prevent us from preaching in Italian.

18. In the morning went to the Greek convent, and heard a sermon which was preached by a layman, a thing which often happens in the Greek church. At the door we distributed 140 tracts.

The Abbate Lazzari has been requested by the Superior of the convent, to preach against us, but he refused. He is an intelligent young man, of a good family, and highly esteemed. He heard the Italian sermon last Sabbath, has purchased some of our books, and converses very candidly with us, and speaks decidedly against the conduct of the priests on the present occasion. The Superior told Mr. Thorburn that our conversation with the Curate had thrown him into a fever.

* Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church.

Excitement produced at Alexandria.

19. Dr. Marpurgo, the Jewish physician, told us that there is much talk about us in town. The Catholic priests are violent against us, and are not willing we should either preach or distribute the Scriptures, but the people are generally in our favor. Yesterday the Superior came to a house near the one in which we live, to speak to a Catholic lady against us and against our books. There were in the same house some Greek and Jewish women, who all took our part. A dispute ensued, which Dr. Marpurgo heard. The Jewish women told the Superior that we were all three learned men, and good men; and it was only a pity we were Christians, for if we were Jews they could call us saints.

During ten days, which Messrs. Fisk and King spent in Alexandria, they distributed 1000 tracts, gave away 70 copies of the Bible, or parts of it, and sold 100 copies for about 34 dollars. These were distributed among all classes of people.

Visit to Rosetta.

In the afternoon of January 20, they left Alexandria in a boat for Rosetta and Cairo.

At Rosetta, on the 22d, they visited the Greek and Coptic convents, and the Jewish Synagogue. At the Greek convent there was only one priest, and they were told that there were only ten or twelve Greeks in Rosetta. Nearly that number called on them for Tes taments and tracts. To the Copts they sold some books. There were two priests, one of whom shewed them an Arabic Bible, which he had bought of Mrs. Belzoni, the wife of

the celebrated traveller. Mr. Wolff discussed the subject of Christianity in the Synagogue with the Jews.

The Dragoman estimated the population of Rosetta at 12,000;-40 or 50 families of

Copts, 40 of Jews, a few Catholics, and the rest Mussulmans. The place is in a declining

state.

On the morning of the 24th they sailed from Rosetta for Cairo.

An eclipse of the moon.

26. In the evening there was an eclipse of the moon. It began a little before six, when the moon was about an hour high. The moon's disk was completely obscured for an hour and thirty-seven minutes. The Arabs both in our boat and on shore were

dreadfully alarmed. The Rais (captain of the boat) repeated his prayers, and as the darkness increased we heard cries of a multitude on shore. We were approaching a village, and as we passed it the moon became totally eclipsed. The whole village was then in consternation and uproar. We could hear nothing but the screams and prayers of men, women and children. "O God and the Prophet!" "O God and the Prophet!""Most merciful God!""Most beneficent God!"-"O Lord! O Lord!" "War! war! war!"-"O God, have mercy upon us!"-"Lord spare us!"—"O Mohammed!"-Such were the cries that incessantly filled the air. We asked the Arab boatmen what they thought of it. They supposed it denoted a revolution and was in consequence of the Pasha's oppressing the Arabs, and taking so much money from them.

Conversation with a High-Priest.

At Cairo, on the 31st of January, the missionaries had a long conversation with Rabbi Mercado, the high-priest of the Talmudist Jews.

In the course of the conversation he said that God's declaration that he will create new heavens and a new earth means, that, at the expiration of 6000 years from the creation, the Grand Sabbath of a thousand years will commence.

We referred him to Isaiah 9:1,2, where the people of Zebulun and Naphtali are said to have seen a great light. He said that when God created the world, the light which he produced on the first day was so bright, that it would have dazzled men's eyes; and shone not only on high mountains, as Sinai, but even in the low vallies of Naphtali and Zebulun. This light was so brilliant that God afterwards withdrew it, and created the sun and moon.

Such is the stupid nonsense which learned rabbies advance, in order to avoid the truth as it is in Jesus.-Rabbi Mercado had about him his library, amounting to about 400 volumes.

Feb. 1. We went early to two Jewish Synagogues, during their service. We afterwards went to the Synagogues of the Caraites, and then to the house of their chief Rabbi, with whom we had a short conversation. While at the Synagogue they inquired our names, and then gave us their benediction in Hebrew, which Mr. Wolff translated as follows. "The Lord bless with a blessing Jonas King, the son of King, and give him of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and permit him to enter Jerusalem." We are not certain as to the precise import of the last

clause, but suppose it used to denote happiness and success in general, and particularly salvation. This benediction they pronounced upon each of us.

We went to Bulac and visited Osman Nureddin Effendi, the Director or President of the Pasha's Institute. He showed us the library, and we then went to the printing establishment. When Mr. Fisk visited this establishment last year, he found them setting the types to reprint a tract which he had given away a few days before. It was an account of the Lancasterian system of education, prepared in Arabic by Professor McBride of Oxford. The Superintendent of the Press now told us that 100 copies were printed, which the Pasha had given to his friends.

3. In the evening we observed the Monthly, Concert for prayer and found it a refreshing season. On this occasion we were gratified with the company of Mr. Warton, a serious young gentleman who has been several years in Persia, and who is now returning to that country. He seems to take a lively interest in what concerns the Redeemer's kingdom. While in Persia he gave some Bibles to Mussulmans. He received very joyfully from us a box of Testaments and tracts in Arabic and Hebrew, to be distributed among Mussulmans and Jews in Persia and on his way thither.

MISSION IN CEYLON.

OODOOVILLE.

Extracts from the Journal of Rev. Miron Winslow.

Sabbath, May 5, 1822. Took an excursion this afternoon of four or five miles, spending most of the time, however, in Ennerville, about a mile distant. At one

of the temples there I found a small circle of women listening to the Canda Pooranam. I did not venture near them, lest I should give offence; but stood at a gate leading to the temple, conversing with such as were willing to hear me. While there, talking with a brahmin, whom I had called out as he was endeavoring to hide from me, a gooroo came up, and, without the least ceremony, or looking to the right or left, brushed haughtily by me. All paid their most profound respects, and seemed ready to throw themselves at his feet. He was attended, among others, by a son about eighteen years of age. As soon as possible I resumed my talk with the brahmin on the subject of their departing from their own system;-for idolatry is condemned by their high books, and the

Pooranas, (historical fables of the exploits, crimes and virtues of their gods,) are of later origin. When a line was quoted from one of their own poets, saying, "Gold is nothing, silver is nothing,-stone is nothing," I heard a voice from the opposite side of the hedge, saying, in a deriding tone, "Stone is nothing, is it?" Looking over the hedge, I saw the large gold earrings of the gooroo's son, as he was partly hid from me by a tree, and said to him, "Yes; stone is good to stone wells,-to build houses,-to make steps;-but stone is not God." The young gooroo was a little nettled at this, and said, "Stone is God; if you strike it against steel, fire comes out;-fire is God." To answer a fool according to his folly, I said, "But if you come near your god he hurts you;if you put your hand in the fire it will burn." "No; if I put my hand in the fire and think it will not burn, it will not."

"If, then you are in a house on fire, and think it will not burn you, it will not ""No."-At this the people laughed, and the father of the young gooroo called him away.

Notice of the Syrian Christians.

June 3. Prayer meeting at Oodooville. It was peculiarly solemn and interesting. Mr. Bailey, who has just returned from the Malabar Coast, gave us some account of the state of the Syrian churches, from which it appears that the missionaries there are doing something effectual towards improving the character of this ancient body of Christians. They are on good terms with the Metropolitan, who consults them on most important subjects; and the native preachers, in the college, near the residence of the missionaries, are much under their influence. Learning is beginning to be more valued.

Lord's day, June 9. Had an interesting congregation of men and women, at our school bungalow at Malvetty. Mrs. Winslow went with me, and about 20 females came out, besides several men, and a large number of boys. As the bungalow could contain but a small part of those who assembled, we were favored in having the shade of a large tree near. Spreading our mats under that, and under a temporary shed, we had a very pleasant place to worship Him who "dwelleth not in temples made with hands." The heat of the day being past, with a fine sky over our heads, and a declining sun on one side, sinking from our view to light up the holy day for our friends, we returned, thinking of the evening of life, the close of our labors, and the final meeting with our friends and our Savior.

Burning of a school Bungalow.

23. Have heard to-day that a bungalow belonging to one of the out schools of this station was burnt yesterday by design. Suspicion rests upon a brahmin living near, who has some scholars, and probably wants

more.

Had two good congregations to-day, and the boys who went forth to read met with a considerable number who were willing to hear. Two of them, however, were very much troubled with some questions put to them. One was asked, "Is not God every where?"-"Yes.”—“Then is he not in hell?" And another, "Are not the children of God with him?”—“Yes.” "Then they must be in hell, if God is there."

Notices of Mr. Richards.

July 10. Have just returned from being two nights with brother Richards. It is good to be with him, though his mind is much affected with his weakness and pain of body, so as to be at times a little deranged. But his spirit still seems hanging on the precious promises, and turning, like the needle to its pole, to the great centre of all his hopes and desires. He repeated last night, with much emphasis,

By faith I see the land, The port of endless rest; My soul, thy sails expand, And fly to Jesus' breast.

29. During the last week I have been four nights with brother Richards, who, after a few days of apparent convalescence, is again gradually and sweetly sinking into the grave. His mind is now clear, his views not transporting, but very animating, and he seems on the wing for eternal glory. "I long to depart," is his frequent language,-"and pray that I may have patience. I think I am not deceived;-No, -He is the chief among ten thousand. I never had such views of the Savior as I have had for a few days past." When Mrs. Richards spoke of some circumstances as favorable in his case, and of the mercies which he enjoyed, he said, “It is one of my greatest trials that my body is so weak, and my mind so dull, that I forget my mercies;-but," he added with great emphasis, "in heaven I shall not forget, no, never. There I shall remember all. There I shall sing,—there I shall sing glory to God." In speaking of singing he said, "I have sometimes had as much joy in singing the praise of God here, as my body could bear;-Yes, as much as it could bear;-what will it be in heaven!"

He asked me some questions concerning my religious experience, and then spoke

of himself. "I have long had a degree of quietness, and been free from all distressing doubts, and lately I have tried to examine myself more thoroughly. I have a comfortable hope; on any other subject I should say, I am certain." In regard to his exercises when his mind was first excited to the consideration of eternal things, he spoke of his acquiescence in the divine will as giving the greatest comfort in the review. "For months," said he,-" thought myself a castaway; and used to go about singing,

Yonder is my godly neighbor,
Who was once despised by me;

Now he's clothed in dazzling splendor,
Waiting my sad fate to see.

Farewell neighbor, &c.

Examination of the Schools.

Aug. 21. Held a public examination of all the schools attached to this station. There were present 234 boys belonging to the native free schools, who recited in their various books, including a dictionary of their language, and in the catechisms and portions of scripture put into their hands by us, with a degree of promptness and accuracy which would not disgrace the schools of a Christian land.

of

24. This afternoon had a conversation with an old man, now probably 90 years age, and nearly blind, with whom I have frequently spoken, and whom I often see on the shady side of the road, in a pleasant morning, trembling on his staff, which with difficulty supports his withered arms and skeleton limbs. He remembers the days when the churches were filled once a year with nominal christians. He was bimself then baptized, and he says that ever since he has kept himself from idols. He does not now visit the temples, and professes to have faith in Christ, repentance for sin, and love to God. He is not able to attend our meetings on the Sabbath.

26. I have been intending to spend this week in visiting some islands, about 20 miles distant, in company with brother Scudder; but the illness of Mrs. Winslow prevents, and brother Spaulding is going. He has taken with him Maleappa and two of our boys, Hooker and Frazier, to assist in the distribution of tracts, &c. There

Conversation of a Brahmin with Francis Maleappa.

Sept. 2. While we were absent to-day, a brahmin, whom I attended when sick with the cholera, came to Maleappa, and had a long talk with him on the nature and evidences of Christianity, expressing his belief in it, and his conviction of the absurdity of idolatry. He even stated some proofs of the falsehood of the brahminical system, drawn from the contradictions found in it. "Thus," said he, "while we teach the people that after death the soul will enter into some other

body, and be happy or miserable according to its previous character, we also go yearly to the relatives of the deceased, and obtain from them a gift for the benefit of the dead; though we fully believe, and teach, that the state of this same soul is already fixed." Several things of this nature he said, and then added, "What shall I do? Were I away from my family and friends, I might be a Christian; but I cannot here; -I should starve. Yet this religion is best; I see it. What can I do?" Maleappa talked with him a long time affectionately and pointedly, and prayed with him. His state of mind appears encouraging. I have often conversed with him, and he has received more instruction than any other brahmin around us.

Importance of the Example of Mission

aries.

Nov. 4. Prayer-meeting at Oodooville. Subject, Force of Example. This led to an inquiry into the practical effect of our conduct, habits, principles &c. upon those around us. Our situation in this respect, as we are brought into contact with the avarice, the prejudice, the superstitions of this people at almost every turn, is peculiarly difficult. Many things which are necessary for us, such as in food and drink, are obnoxious in the extreme to them. Our customs and habits, too, are diverse from theirs, and not to be measured by their standards of right and wrong. And yet, with these and a thousand other difficulties in the way of recommending ourselves, and the religion which we preach, it is almost the only method of producing an effect upon the minds of these idolaters.

They think but little, reason less; have no knowledge of history to help their understanding the evidences of Christianity, and no correct notions concerning the weight to be allowed to human testimony; and consequently are as ready and, from the love of the marvellous so prevalent among all partially civilized nations, perhaps more ready to give credit to the wonderful and ridiculous, than to what is true. They are certainly more ready to believe every absurd legend in their own books, than to give credit to the simple history of the New Testament. It is Christianity as exemplified in the life and character, that produces the greatest impression. To be living epistles of Christ, known and read of all men, should be the great object of the missionary.

Dec. 11. Had a long conversation with the brahmin whose case I have before mentioned. He seems convinced of the truth, and I hope is seriously impressed; but it is almost impossible to judge of his feelings. He freely confessed the danger and folly of idolatry, and almost as readily gave up the more refined system of deism, to which many of the more learned pretend to hold. When pressed solemnly on the danger of delay, and of halting between two opinions, he was affected, but still irresolute. I prayed with him; and I desire to feel that it is only by the power of prayer, that any thing can be effected in his case.

22. In the afternoon I met a Roman Catholic, who said, "I know nothing about Christ. If I sin, I must go to the priest and confess, and he will whip me on the hand with a stick, or on the back with a chain, and my sins will go away. Then I must pray to the images."

Applications for medical aid.

24. As it is now near the close of the rains, which have been uncommonly severe and cold, many of this poor people are sick with fevers, rheumatisms &c. and we have daily applications for medicine. Many also fall from the well-sweeps, which they climb and tread in drawing water, and from trees. We have had for several days five or six cases daily of those who have come with bruises or sprains, or with some sickness arising from the season. It is favorable that we can do any thing for the body, as it gives us some facilities for benefiting the soul.

Jan. 12, 1823. Preached at our bungalow, and at Erneville. Was much gratified at the latter place to hear several men repeat some parts of the catechisms taught in the school there; which they have learnt by hearing their children recite and

study them at home. Thus knowledge is increased by indirect, as well as by direct

means.

Candidates for communion.

31. At our church meeting to day two women, of whom we hope well, came forward, and expressed a desire to be admitted to the privileges of the church. One is the wife of Solomon. From the time of her husband's admission to the church, and particularly since the death of a little child of theirs, a few months ago, she has been very serious, and now expresses a hope in Christ. The other is a sister-inlaw of Antache, and has for several months heard the gospel preached, apparently not in vain. On being asked if her friends would not reject her, should she become a Christian, she said very firmly, “And what if they should; that is nothing to me, if God is my friend." We cannot but hope that God has prepared the hearts of both these respectable females to receive the truth as it is in Jesus. To him only be the praise.

Rice harvest.

Feb. 23. As the people are now too busy with their harvest to attend meetings in any considerable number, we had no appointments for preaching this afternoon, but went out among the people. In the quarter to which I went I found almost all the people occupied in gathering their harvest. Conversed with different collections of the reapers. Few were inclined to hear. Some said "God is in the rice, and we worship that." Others, "God is in us, and we worship our appetite." The Maniagar of the parish, seeing me at a distance, requested me to come into his field, which I did, and conversed with him some time. He said, "Your religion will prevail."

In looking at the people who were treading out the grain by driving around their cattle on it, I was reminded of the scripture command, "Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn;" for part of the oxen were muzzled, and part were not.

Their threshing floors here are very simple, as they merely choose some level place, and spread over it large ola mats, on which the bundles of grain are spread, and the cattle are driven round. The straw is afterwards taken off, and the grain winnowed on the spot.

Saw an example of another universal custom. While I was near one of the piles of grain, several carpenters and blacksmiths came to receive a share. All the mechanics and dependants have this priv