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The Missionary Society having sent out some Missionaries to Ceylon, a short Account of that Island may not be unacceptable to the Friends of the Institution.

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CEYLON, an island of the Indian Sea, is of an oval form, approaching to the size of Ireland; and is situated to the south-east of the peninsula of India, from which it is separated by a narrow sea of about sixty miles width. Little was known of this country before the twelfth century, when it was discovered by the Portugueze, who retained possession of the shores till about 1660, when they were expelled by the Dutch. It is now ceded to the British governmeat. The central part of the island has continued under the power of the native prince, whose residence is at Candi, about eighty miles from CoJumbo. This capital, however, is a place of little consequence, and but imperfectly, known to traveliers; being, like the internal parts of this island in general, separated from the European settlements by difficult passes, and alanost inaccessible forests.

The natives of Ceylon, called Singalese, are not so black as those of Malabar; and have few customs very different from other Hindoos, Their language is rather peculiar; but some of the natives understand both the Tamulic and that of Malabar. The chief town of the European possessions is Columbo; which is a handsome place, and well fortified. Here many languages are spoken, the natives of almost every part of Asia being found here; among others, the Persees, or worshippers of fire, who would sooner have their houses burnt, and themselves perish in the flames, than employ any means to extinguish it. From the district of Columbo, great quantities of cinnamon and pepper are annually transported to Furope. Arrack is also made here, and sent to Bengal, Madras, and Bombay; from whence, in return, the inhabitants receive rice and other articles.

The important and noble harbour of Trincomale, is situated on the opposite side of the island. The southeru part abounds with gems, and other rich productions. On the northern shore the pearl fishery is carried on to a great extent, and with much success.

The climate and seasons correspond with those of the adjacent continent; but the exposure on all sides to the sea, renders the air more cool and salubrious. The general aspect of the country resembles the southern parts of Hindostan: a high table-land in the center, being surrounded with low shores, six or eight leagues in breadth. High mountains; prodigious forests, full of aromatic trees; and many pleasant rivers, finely diversify the country; which, in the esteem of the Hindoos, is a second Paradise. The vales are amazingly fertile in rice and other useful vegetables,

The forests are the haunts of innumerable elephants, which are superior to those of most other countries, not indeed in size, bet in their greater hardiness and powers pf exertion, as well as in their docility and freedom from vice and passion, The Ceylonese display a great degree of ingenuity and courage in procuring these animals: for this purpose they inclose a large space of ground by posts, repes, and boughs of trees; and contrive jong and circuitous paths fenced in on both sides, into which the elephants are, by fear, induced to enter; and are at length' secured. When any of the animals so caught prove unruly and violent, they have recourse to the assistance of the tame elephants, who will jostle and be labour their wild brother with their trunks, till they have rendered him calm and compliant. In the year 1797, no fewer than 176 elephants, caught in this manner, were sent to the continent.

The ichneumon is a very curious and valuable animal, about the size of a weasel. It possesses an inveterate hatred to every species of serpents; aud will instantly dart upon one of any size, which it seizes by the threat and des stroys; but such is its sagacity, that it will not veure upon the assault uniess in an open place, where it has an opportunity to run, immediately after the attempt, to a certain herb, which is in stinctively haowa to be an antidote against the poison of the bite, should it happen to receive one. proved by experiment,

This has been

The religion of Ceylon is the ancient worship of Boodh; images of whom,

* Extracted from Percival's Account, Pinkerton's Geography, and Crutwell's Gazetteer.

with short and crispel hair, abound in the island. This pretended deity is supposed to have been some deified philosopher, who flourished about 50 years before the Christian era. The natives belong to four different casts, which, according to the Indian custom, never intermarry or mingle with each other: the son pursues the profession of his father, from generation to generation. There is also another set of wretched men, strictly outcasts, composed of those, or the descendants of those, who, by any crime or neglect of superstitious rites, have forfeited their cast. These wretched people are not allowed to work; but subsist by begging continually for sustenance, and continue a dead weight on society: they are degraded to the lowest state of vileness and infamy; nor can they, by any good conduct, retrieve their condition. It would certainly be an object worth the attention of the British government to attempt converting this lost body of men to some useful purpose; and it is plain, that the dispelling their superstitious notions, by the introduction of the Christian system, would be the most Tectual method of their improvement. Happy will it be for them, if the Missionaries, destined to this island, should be the instruments of so great and goed a work! The arts practised by some, and the ceremonies performed by others, afford much entertainment to the curious; but excite much pain in the Christian traveller. Devotees, in consequence of some superstitious vow, sustain the most painful operations with an obstinate resolution almost incredible.

One

of them will vow to hold his arm elevated over his head for a certain number of years, without once letting it down. Another will keep his hand fast closed, till the nails of his fingers grow into the flesh, and appear through the hand. Many never suffer their hair to be combed, or their beards to be shaved. Some will never lie down; and others wear about their necks a heavy iron frame.

Capt. Percival, from whose account of the island this is partly extracted, witnessed the following scene: - - A very high post is firmly fixed in the ground, on the top of which another beam is placed, so as to turn round on a pivot; from the end of which, ropes and pullies are suspended to hoist up the devotee. He is then brought forward, with music and dancing; and led thrice round the post by the Brahmins and relations. A sheep is offered up in sacrifice, the blood of which is sprinkled on the multitude, who are

eager to catch a single drop. The de votee is then placed on the ground; and two large hooks are inserted into the flesh of his back, just under the shoulders: he is then hoisted up by the ropes on high, where he continues suspended; and in this position, is drawn round the upright post twice or thrice. During this painful ceremony, he repeats a certain number of prayers; and throws down among the gazing-crowd flowers, which he had taken up with him for the purpose; for these the deJuded people scramble; and happy is he who can catch one of them, for it is carefully preserved as a sacred relic, which will prevent disease, and ensure happiness for ever after.

Such is the place to which the Rev. Mr. Vos and others are now on their voyage; and where, we hope, the glorious gospel of Christ will be preached, directing the poor natives to that Saviour, whose blood alone cleanseth from all sin, and whose yoke, compared with that of sin, or of superstition, is perfectly casy and light.

Baptist Mission, East Indies. From the Missionaries to the Society,

[Continued from p. 521.]

1. The Church. We consist of thirty-six members: fourteen are Euro. peans, &c. and twenty-two natives. These have been all baptized on a credible profession of faith; and have lost cast, friends, and all for the gospel. Two of them were brahmans; viz. Kristno Prisaud and Blyrub. Three were of the writer cast; viz. Petambur Singho, Petunbar Mitre, and Rom Roteen. Two were Mussulmans; two had adopted the Portugueze dress and habits, though formerly Mussulmans; and the others were of the inferior casts of the Hindoos. We cannot say that our native brethren are superior to other Christians in love, zeal, knowledge, or prudence; they are sometimes cool, and sometimes precipitate; sometimes some of them give us pain, and often pleasure. Several of them are active in talking about Christ to others; and some have hopeful gifts. Some of them live at the distance of several days journey from us; and are like a few grains of salt scattered in the places where they live.

"2. Our Labours. A variety of circumstances contribute to supercede, and indeed to render impracticable, our fre quent itinerating. Our itineracy

is the less necessary, as several of our friends are pretty active, and know how

to reach the hearts of their countrymen much better than we do. Considerable numbers are also, from time to time, coming to hear the word, who require attendance at home; but the vast and growing importance of having as complete a translation of the Scriptures as possible published before our death, the demand for a second edition of the New Testament, - and other collateral circumstances, take up rearly our whole time. We (some of us at least) notwithstanding, make short excursions as often as we can, for the purpose of preaching the gospel.

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"3. Dispersion of Tracts. calculation, we find that forty New Tes taments have been given away monthly, since its first publication; and many thousands of small religious tracts have been dispersed through the greatest part of Bengal. To effect this, we make use of the labours of some of our native brethren. Kristno has been two or .three pretty long journies for this purpose, and has distributed many. We have dispersed many by means of European friends; some of whom have also been induced to set up schools for the native children, where the Bible is introduced. At the public seasons of idolatrous worship, many have come to ask about the gospel, and have taken tracts with them; and, on these occasions, they have been given to many who come from very distant parts. This is a seed which, in some instances, has sprung up; and, we trust, will do so in many more.

4 Public Opinion of the Natives about the Gospel. Where the gospel is

most known, there has been a very decided opposition; and very evident marks of a spirit of rancorous enmity shewn to it. This has been principally the spirit of some brahmans, and of some of the lower people who have been instigated by them. The effect thereof, at present, is, that this new way is much talked of; and very considerable enquiries are made among people in their own houses, What can this mean? and why is all this opposition to it? It is not possible to calculate the thousands of doubts re

specting their own ways and books, which have been produced within the last year. Many, who are by no means friendly to the gospel, conclude that it will evidently spread through the country; and predict the downfall of their own superstitions.

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5. Publication of the Word of God. The New Testament and the Pentateuch have been published a long time ago; and nearly the whole of the first edition of the New Testament is dis

posed of. The copy is now passing under a close revision, preparatory to a second edition, which will be very soon put to the press. The Book of Psalms and the Prophecies of Isaiah are also printed.

"Dear brethren, pray for us personally, that we may all endure to the end; and pray for us as a body, that the word of God may abound and be glorified in this dark country by our means! We feel our hearts united to yon, and trust that you are warmly remembered by us in our prayers. We are affectionately yours,

W. CAREY, J. MARSHAM,

W. WARD, J. CHAMBERLAIN,
FELIX CAREY."

By a subsequent account, dated
Oct. 31, 1803, it appears that the
Missionaries were proceeding with
the second edition of the New Tes
tament, considerably improved.
One of the converts, Gokool, had
been removed by death: his steady
refusal of all idolatrous assistance,
trust in the Saviour, his constant
together with his patience and re-
signation to the divine will, afford-
ed much pleasure to the brethren,
His burial, in the European man-
ner, excited much attention; and
attended it, seemed much struck
a vast concourse of natives, who
with the novelty of the scene, and
with the regard which Christians
manifest to each other, even in
death;

SO different from their

throwing their friends, half dead
and half living, into the river; or
burning their body, with perhaps
a solitary attendant.

house for preaching at Calcutta: a
The Missionaries have opened a
ion of souls.
place containing, it is said, a mil-

Here they preach
twice on the Lord's Day, and twice
in the week; but as yet, their au-
ditory is very smail.

Several of the native brethren strongly desire to make known the gospel to their perishing fellow. countrymen; and, considering the knowledge of the language, cusadvantages they possess in the bours, with their opportunity of toms, and prejudices of their neighaccess, where the Missionaries dare not set their foot, we may hope for a great blessing to attend their en. deavours.

A military gentleman, Major

Avay.

Colebrooke, has translated the gospels into Hindostanee and Persian; and made a present of them to the college at Calcutta: since which, the college council has voted the Before the Misprinting of them. sionaries knew of this, they had begun the same work; and had made considerable progress in it. Mr. Marshman had finished Matthew, and had done part of John; and Mr. Carey had done the Epis tles, &c. "But now," says Mr. Carey, "we will gladly do what others do not; and wish all speed to those who do any thing in this We have it in our power, if our means would do for it, in the space of about fifteen years, to have the word of God translated, and printed in all the languages of the east. Our situation is such as to furnish us with the best assistance from natives of the different countries we can have types of all the different characters cast here; and about 700 rupees per month, part of which, I hope, we shall be able to furnish, would complete the work. The languages are the Hin. dostanee, Mahratta, Oreca, Te. lingua, Bhotan, Burmah, Chinese, Cochin Chinese, and Malay. On this great work we have fixed our

eyes.

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Whether God will enable us to accomplish it, or any considerable part of it, is yet uncertain." The four last Missionaries, who sailed from Bristol, Jan. 3, 18c4, had a severe trial of their zeal and patience, by a voyage to New York singularly rough and tedious. They were fifteen weeks on their passage. However, through the divine goodness, they arrived safely and in good health at New York, April from whence they sailed for Calcutta, May 28.

22;

The Last Hours of Gen. Hamil-
ton, who died in consequence
of a Wound received in a
Duel with Col. Burr, in
America.

[Extracted from a Letter of Dr. J. M.
Mason, of New York.]
"ON the morning of Wednes.
day the 11th of July, 1804] short-

ly after the rumour of the General's
injury had created an alarm in the
city, a note from Dr. Post inform
ed me, that he was extremely ill
at Mr. W. Bayard's; and express.
ed a particular desire to see me as
soon as possible. I went immedi.
ately.

The exchange of melan
choly salatation, on entering the
General's apartment, was succeed.
ed by a silence, which he broke by
saying, that he had been anxious to
see me, and have the Sacrament
administered to him, and that this
was still his wish. I replied, that
it gave me unutterable pain to re-
ceive from him any request to
which I could not accede: that, in
the present instance, a compliance
was incompatible with all my ob
ligations; as it is a principle in or
churches never to administer the
Lord's Supper privately to any
person, under any circumstances.
He urged me no further. I then
remarked to him, That, the Holy
Communion is an exhibition and a
pledge of the mercies which the
Son of God has purchased: that
the absence of the sign does not
exclude from the mercies signified,
which were accessible to him by
faith in their gracious Author.'
"I am aware," said he, "of that.
It was only as a sign that I wanted
it." A short pause ensued. I re-
sumed the discourse, by observing,
that I had nothing to address to
him in his affliction, but that same
gospel of the grace of God which
it is my office to preach to the most
obscure and illiterate; that, in the
sight of God, all men are on 3 le-
vel, as "all have sinned, and come
short of his glory," and that they
must apply to him for pardon and
life, as sinners, whose only refuge
is in his "grace, reigning by righte
ousness through our Lord Jesus
Christ." "I perceive it to be so,"
said he; "I am a sinner: I look to
his mercy!" I then adverted to
the infinite merit of the Redeemer,
as the propitiation for sin, the sole
ground of our acceptance with
God, the sole channel of his favour
to us; and cited the following pas.
sages of Scripture: -"There is
no other name given under Hea
ven-He is able to save to the ut

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termost-The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin." This last passage introduced the affair of the duel; on which I reminded the General, that he was not to be instructed as to its moral aspect, that the precious blood of Christ was as effectual and as necessary, to wash away the transgression which had involved him in suffering, as any other transgression; and that he must there, and there alone, seek peace for his conscience, and a hope that should not make him ashamed." He assented, with strong emotion, to these representations; and declared his abhorrence of the whole transaction. "It was always," added he, "against my principles. I used every expedient to avoid the interview; but I have found, for some time past, that my life must be exposed to that man. I went to the field determined not to take his life." He repeated his disavowal of all intention to hurt Mr. Burr; the anguish of his nind in recollecting what had pass. ed; and his humble hope of for. giveness from his God. I recurred to the topic of the divine compassions; the freedom of pardon in the Redeemer Jesus to perishing sinHers. That grace, my dear General, which brings salvation, is rich, rich!'"Yes," interrupted he, "it is rich grace!" And on that grace,' continued I, 'a sinner has the highest encouragement to repose his confidence; because it is tendered to him upon the surest foundation, the Scripture testify ing that "we have redemption through the blood of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace." Here the General, letting go my hand, which he had held from the moment I sat down at his bed-side, clasped his hands together, and looking up to wards Heaven, said, with emphasis, "I have a tender reliance on the mercy of the Almighty, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ." He replaced his hand in mine, and appearing somewhat spent, closed his eyes.

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"A little after, he fastened them on me, and I proceeded. The shople truths of the gospel, my

dear Sir, which require no abstruse investigation but faith in the veracity of God, who cannot lie, are best suited to your present condi. tion; and they are full of consolation.' "I feel them to be so," replied he. I then repeated these texts of Scripture: "It is a faith.ful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions - Though your sing be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red, like crimson, they shall be as wool.""This," said he, " is my support. Pray for me."- Shall I pray with you?' "Yes." I prayed with him, and heard him whisper as I went along; which I supposed to be his concurrence with the petitions. At the conclusion he said, "Amen. God grant it."

If

"Being about to part with him, I told him I had one request to make. He asked what it was?I answered, That whatever may be the issue of your affliction, your would give your testimony against the practice of duelling.'"I will," said he "I have done it. that," evidently anticipating the event, if that be the issue, you will find it in writing. If it please God that I recover, I shall do it in a manner that will effectually pub me out of its reach in future." I mentioned, once more, the importance of renouncing every other de pendence for the eternal world but the mercy of God in Christ Jesus; with a particular reference to the catastrophe of the morning. The General was affected, and said,"Let us not pursue the subject any further-it agitates me." He laid his hands upon his breast, with symp toms of uneasiness, which indicated an increased difficulty of speaking. I then took my leave. He pressed my hand affectionately, and desired to see me again at a proper interval. As I was retiring, he lifted up his hands, in the attitude of prayer, and said, feebly, “God be merciful to

"His voice sunk, so that I heard not the rest distinctly; but understood him to quote the words of the publican in the gospel, and

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