Tansbaur, and one in that of Tirapalarutey. In the first are ten Christian and some Gentile chil dren; in the other, seven children instructed gratis. The country church is this year augmented with 148 souls; viz. 69 children baptized, 70 adults, and nine Roman Catholics. The ministers often meet those dispersed over the country, by which means they have frequent opportunities of bringing the Heathen over to the knowledge of Christ. The Missionaries in the town, and the native labourers in the country, had this year about 1100 communicants. Mr. Wezelius, the Dutch Minister at Columbo, is very industrious in edifying the Singalean and Malabarian people upon the Island of Ceylon: some Malabarian Christians came to them from Columbo, and desired the Holy Bible, and some other spiritual books, with which they supplied them, upon assurances that the books they formerly had handed about, and read by some good Christians, who meet together in order to edify one another.

were

"In the account for the year 1744, it appears from the Journal of Mr. Fabricius, that he had converted and baptized several Heathen by his conferences with them; and that besides preaching himself to the Heathens within the limits of the Company's district, he had four times this year sent a catechist and schoolmaster with good success into the country, to seek for some dispersed Christians, and to confer with the Heathen.

"The Malabarian Congregation at Madras had been increased this year 37; viz. 34 natives and three Roman Catholics; the congregation consisted of 59 persons, whereof 21 were communicants; that the number of children now entirely maintained in the Malabarian and Portuguese Schools were 24.

"The Missionaries at Tranquebar state, They had gone as far as the 24th chapter of Proverbs in an

impression of the Portuguese Bible, and had sent as a present to the Society three copies of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, and three of a new Grammar in the Tamulic characters; and find it will be necessary to print the Bible in that language, they having great application made to them for it: and that their town church was the last year increased by an addition of 116 adult persons;-viz. to the Por tuguese Congregation 6; Malabarian Congregation, 105; ditto of Roman Catholics, 5;-over and above 97 children, 15 whereof belonged to Portuguese parents, and 82 to Malabrian, all members of their congregation; that to the country church were added 335 souls, viz.-of adult Heathen, 236; Roman Catholic converts, 6; Children baptized, 93. The total number admitted from the beginning of their Mission amounts to 6,800 persons, of which were then living 4,480. Pastor Aaron, and Diego, together with a catechist, employ five or six weeks at a time in instructing those that come for baptism, before they are baptized, in the principles of the Christian Religion. The two little schools at Transchaur and Tirapalaturey are in a good state and of particular service to the Mission, as places wherein to preach and perform other divine offices in the country. Two native ministers had travelled for two, three, four, nay sometimes for six, weeks together at different times, to instruct the dispersed Christians, and to administer the holy Sacrament among them; Pastor Aaron, in his travels towards the South, instructed and baptized seven Pagans near the Maraver tract under many troubles and abuses both from the Roman Catholics and the Heathens. Pastor Diego, in his travels to the same place afterwards, met with a heathen master, who gave him an extraordinary character of a Christian servant whom he had taken for his herdsman, and wished he had more

Christian servants. They conceived Great hopes from the travels of these two ministers amongst the villages. "The Roman Catholics still continue their inveterate hatred of them: and an application having been made to them by 100 persons in the country for two Arabic Testaments, they had complied with their requests, and at the same time made a present of several other books; and they had the satisfaction to hear from one of the Christian converts, that they had done a great deal of good, and they hope to hear the same of some Arabic Testaments, which Mr. Gueisler had found means to disperse by way of Mocha; that in the Portuguese School were 22 boys and 17 girls, besides five boys and nine girls, who come out of the country; that the Malabarian School consists of 110 boys and 84 girls, who are all maintained by benefactions from Europe; that their church in the town being too small for their congregation, they had after many difficulties laid the foundation for a new one just without the

town."

In this year we have again to record the zealous and important_assistance afforded by the pious Professor Franck, who engaged two new Missionaries, Messrs. Klein and Breithaupt, and forwarded them at hisown expense to Madras, remitting at the same time 300l. and in the following year 2001. more, towards the support of the Missions at Madras and Cuddalore.

In the account for the year 1745 it is stated," that the Christians are so increased in the neighbouring vil lages, as to have, with the consent of the heathen magistrates, a Christian warden or head man appointed over them according to the custom of the country; and that Mr. Gueisler, on visiting the Malabarian Christians at Palacatti, found there a congregation of about 150, including some Portuguese.

"The Tranquebar Missionaries state, that they continued preaching

and instructing in the fields and private cottages, and that in their schools they now taught 220 children: that these Malabarian Congregations in the town church had been increased 69; viz. 63 Pagans, of whom 10 were children, and 6 Roman Catholic converts: that the Malabarian country congregation had an increase of 143; viz. 121 adults, and 21 children from the Heathen, with 21 Roman Catholic converts; and that this year they had christened 80 new-born children.

In the general account of the Society for 1747, the Society expresses its wishes," that it may please a gracious Providence which has hitherto wonderfully prospered this, and all its undertakings, to raise up such a truly Christian spirit, as will undoubtedly supply all their wants;-such a spirit (they add) as shews itself in Mr. Professor Franck of Halle in Saxony, whose remita tances towards carrying on this pious and glorious design, have been large and constant."

In the account of the Missions for the same year, the Missionaries at Madras inform the Society," that the translation of the Church-ofEngland Catechism is finished, and will be used for the future."

From the Mission at Tranquebar, the death of Mr. Obuch and Pastor Aaron is thus announced, "The former died Aug. 23, 1745. He was a most faithful and affectionate brother to them, conscientious in the discharge of his duty, and persevering in it even so as not to regard his life. The latter died but a little before him on June the 14th, with so amiable a character for his holy conversation, good temper, and exemplary labour, that the Heathen who knew him could not but lament his death; for he was a native brought up in the school of Cuddalore, from whence he removed to Tranquebar, where he became a schoolmaster, then a catechist, and at last an itinerant pastor and teacher through all the Christian Congrega

tions in that country; in which office be was as diligent as possible for eleven years, and had within that time converted many hundred souls. Nay, his end seems to have been hastened by his journeyings and fatigues."

They return an account of 181 souls added this year to the Malabarian Church," particularly recommending the schools as the most likely means to propagate Christianity; adding, that the heathen natives are many of them so civil, and fond of having their children taught, as even to contribute towards building these schools. It is with plea sure (they subjoin) that they inform the Society, that the unchristian and inhuman practice of slave-selling has, by God's good Providence, ceased this year at Tranquebar; and they find the Mahometans the most obstinate people of any they meet with in their conferences and preaching, so that they have not made one convert among them from the beginning of the Mission."

The Missionaries record in the year 1746, the destruction of their missionhouse and storeroom at Madras, by the French, and their dispersion, notwithstanding the promises of the French Governor to the contrary; upon which they retired to Paliacotta, a Dutch settlement, where the Governor gave them a very hospitable and kind reception.

. Mr. Kiernander of Cuddalore also mentions the great kindness of the late governor of Fort St. David, Mr. Hind, who had discharged his trust to universal satisfaction, and whose death was looked upon as a public loss.

The Missionaries at Tranquebar state," that to their several congregations there had been added in the year preceding 204 souls, and that their success had been greater in the last year than for some years past; for to the Malabarian town church there are added 116 souls. They continue printing the holy Scriptures in the Portuguese and Malabarian languages.'

In the year 1749 the Society subjoins the following note to the letter of Mr. Fabricius: "N. B. Be it also added here, that the zeal and charity of Mr. Fabricius in his work of the Lord is such, that for some time he has abated nearly one-third of his own salary, and brought it to the public account; living himself after the Malabarian manner upon the coarsest diet, and drinking nothing but water."

The Mission at Cuddalore states, "that their congregation amounted to 341 souls, having had within the year an increase of 167. They state again the great importance of the schools as the chief means for the introduction of Christianity among the Heathen." It is added, "that the council, chaplain, and people of Fort St. David's had shewed them extraordinary kindness: and the _gcvernor of it, Charles Floyer, Esq. has in all emergencies approved him self their friend; nay, has assured the Society, by a letter dated July 23, 1748, that he will take their Protestant Mission there under his protection, and assist them all in his power."

The account of Missions published in the year 1750, gives a report from the Madras Mission," that such a provision had been made through the good offices of Admiral Boscawen, that the British Mission at Madras will be particularly encouraged by the Governor and Council, who had agreed and resolved to put the Missionaries there into possession of the new-built country church near that town, together with the houses and gardens belonging to it. This church, they add, was built by the Roman Catholic Portuguese since Madras was taken by the French, in 1746, and is a fine building."

Thus at a time when the AngloIndian Government had enemies both within and without, and was contend. ing for her very existence, so far from entertaining any apprehension of the consequences of introducing Christianity into India, her rulers extended their constant and particular

protection to the Missionaries so employed; and future extracts will shew their full persuasion, that in so doing, they were establishing the British interests there on a wider and more permanent foundation.

We have now to introduce our readers to the first appointment of Mr. Swartz, who afterwards proved o eminently serviceable to the Mision, and whose very name has been repeatedly found sufficient to silence alarms and satisfy scruples. simple piety and humble dependence bpon God, which suggested the following exertions, were a happy earnest of the fruits which followed.

The

The Society express a deter mination of relying upon that gracious Providence which has wonderfully prospered them in their several designs and undertakings, and, considering further the good prospect that is now opening to all the Protestant Missions in the East Indies, have determined, in concurrence with the College at Copenhagen, and with Professor Franck at Halle, to assist and support them to the utmost. With this view, there have been sent over this year all necessary supplies in money and other things, by the extraordinary kindness and care of the College and the Professor: three new Missionaries, the Rev. Messrs. Frederic Swartz, David Polzenhagen, and George-Henry Hutteto Tranquebar, that there may not be wanting fit persons upon the spot for the service of the several Missions; not only in the case of mortality, but of their greater business and enlargement: not but that the Society are well aware that they shall thus bring upon themselves an expense which their East-India fund will in no wise bear at present. However, frequent and happy experience has taught them the wisdom and duty of depending upon God's blessing, and the riches of their liberality, who have this Christian and benevolent design at heart, with abilities to carry it on; knowing also that such

man, are

persons will never be weary in well doing; and believing further that their zeal and charity will be excited and provoked to abound, by the good spirit that is now moving in the civil government of those places, to join hand in hand with them for the furtherance of the Gospel in its natural simplicity and purity, and as reformed from the abominations and corruptions of Popery."

An expectation is subjoined" that the Hon. Directors of the East-India Company will be dis posed of their own accord, and without any solicitations from the Society, to take these Missions under their more immediate protection and favour; and to shew extraordinary marks of regard and encouragement to that zeal and fidelity which the Missionaries have manifested, not only for the Protestant Religion, but likewise for the interest and service of the Company during the late war."

The Journal of the year 1751 "states an increase of 41 persons pros selytes from Paganism, and $5 converts from Popery at Madras. It mentions also, with a very sensible affliction, the death of the Rev. Mr. George Swynfen, the English Chaplain at Fort St. George,who died Nov. 17, 1760, after a long consumption. He had been their dear and intimate friend, was on all occasions disposed to do them good offices, and very often gave them both his company and assistance in their conferences with the Heathen."

In 1753, the Society announce, "that they had the honour of a most obliging letter from Thomas Saunders, Esq. Governor of Fort St. George, to assure them that he should always have the most proper regard for the welfare of thisMission, and contribute thereunto by any service within his power, and even to desire them to favour him at all times with their commands. Of which regard and readiness to serve them," they say, "he has since given the most convincing proofs, not only by what he has done in

the public administration of his government, and in personal civilities to their Missionaries, but likewise by the real Christian zeal he professes and manifests on every occasion to the good design of the Mission itself."

During some years nothing of great importance occurred. The Missionaries continued their attention to their schools: they advanced their printed impressions in the Tamulian language, and made many converts both from Popery and Paganism.

The Society's Report for the year 1757 states, with respect to the Mission at Madras, "from different letters and journals sent by the Rev. Messrs. Fabricius and Breithaupt, that they bad held conferences with the Heathen and Papists at sundry times, and in divers places, wherein, by God's blessing, they had met with such success, that many of the former had been brought so far to the acknowledgment of the truth as it is in the Gospel, as to declare publicly before their Bramins,―This is the right and clear truth, which every one is able to understand; this we must hear, and will hear:'-and accordingly they did hear it again and again, until they were both convinced and satisfied, that there is no other way made known from Heaven unto sinful men whereby they may be saved, unless by their repentance toward the one true God; by faith in his only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the embracing those means of grace which he has offered. Messrs. F. and B. express, however, their concern, that their friends are not equal to support such of their heathen proselytes, as for the sake of religion leave their native country, or are abandoned and persecuted by their own relations and neighbours. They gloried not in the number, but in the reality of their proselytes or converts, whether from Heathenism or Popery, wherein they find themselves obliged to use, both for conscience and prudence sake, the

utmost caution, lest their good should be evil spoken of, and for fear of admitting into their congre gations any such impostors, unbelievers, or immoral persons, as might offer themselves, not from a sincere love of Christian truth and goodness, but from worldly motives, for filthy. lucre, or out of personal resentment against their own parents and friends. However, they had, through the Divine blessing, in this year of trial and trouble, an increase of 46 souls to their congregation.'

"The Missionaries at Tranquebar state an increase of souls to the Tamulian Congregation in that town, of 107; 118 to that in the country; 26 to the Portuguese ;-251 in all.

"Mr. Meissel and Mr. Dame had been added to their missionary list: Mr. Meissel who is skilled in the art of printing, and Mr. Dame who is qualifying himself to be a preacher of the Gospel in the Tamulian language, of whom there was extraor dinary need; it having just then pleased God to open a new door for him among the Gentiles, even in places beyond the limits of the Danish Company's settlements.--Accordingly two of them had taken a journey to Negapatnam, at the request and under the protection of a German officer, who had served the King of Tanshour in his wars, and had a liberty from him to retain a clergyman for ministering to him in holy things; by which means it had been in their power not only to visit their own flock in the country, but to spread also at the same time the glad tidings of the Gospel wherever they came: and this they believe to have been attended with success; for, like as in the days of the Apostles and from the same bad motives, not many wise men after the flesh, not many rich, not many mighty or noble,' would receive truth from a love of it, yet not a few of the poor and good came to hear the Word with all readiness of mind, and were baptized, so that their congregations had within a year an increase of 285 souls.