it public. I have waited for his answer; but as he may perhaps require time, I thought it my duty not to delay any longer answering yours. Concerning this country, the income will be considerable: but you may be sure that if the banks and water-courses are properly repaired, and the season proves favorable, the revenue of the next year will be much augmented. "The probable account of the revenue will be sent away to-day or to-morrow. The Rajah's refusal to deliver any accounts of the last year, made this business tedious and troublesome. However, all difficulty is now over. "In respect to the characters of those people who have been for or against Mr. Ram, one observation will, I think, be sufficient to state that matter. It is enough to know the characters of Shevarow and Subarow; all the rest were, and still are, their dependents, who must and will be for their leading man. "Shevarow's character is not favorable to his cause. It is known to a great part of the inhabitants, that he too often deviated from truth, so that few could depend upon his word. "In my last letter, I entreated the honorable "Subarow is more on his guard; he is naturally board not to give the country to rapacious renters, a timid man, and wishes to have a good character. who mind nothing but their own interest. Tanjore However, he is sometimes deviating from truth; is capable of very great improvements; and though but when he is found out, (as I have found him I will not anticipate any future account, I may safe-out,) he endeavors to put things right by doing that ly say, that if it be managed properly next year, which he formerly ought to have done, and by unyou will find a wonderful increase in the revenue, doing what had been wrong. at least in respect of paddy. "As the poor people lost, for some years, almost all the benefit which they had a right to expect from their labor, they became very dispirited. "There is still some oppression exercised by the puttekdars; however, they are now obliged to moderate their rapaciousness, being aware the oppressed people know whither to go and apply for justice. "One thing is here needful, viz. a court of justice; many complaints have been made with regard to people who have lost their fields and villages by the power which was granted by the Rajah to some of his favorites. "Besides this, a lawful interest should be fixed by the government, and the offenders punished; for it is incredible what the poor people have suffered by paying exorbitant interest. In short, a proper management may turn this country into a garden, and make superiors and inferiors happy. "Hearing of your arrival, I rejoiced; expecting from your well-known character every thing that tends to make the people happy; I therefore wish that Providence may make you, honorable sir, a favored instrument to reform many abuses under which the country has groaned. Wishing you all true happiness, Tanjore, 5th of Nov. 1790." The government of Fort St. George, on receiving the preceding valuable letters, resolved, "That a copy of the former, and an extract from the latter, should be transmitted to the board of assumed revenue, and that the sentiments of Mr. Swartz, as to the management of the revenue, and the administration of justice in the Tanjore country, should be recommended to their attentive consideration." "It was also resolved, That the thanks of the Board be given to Mr. Swartz, for the useful information contained in his letters; and that he be told that the Board would always pay the most attentive consideration to every communication with which he might think proper to favor them, respecting the country." In the course of the year 1790, several complaints were made against the servants of the Company employed at Tanjore, which led to an investigation of their conduct, in which Mr. Swartz performed a distinguished part. He was employed by the government to ascertain facts of importance in the course of the investigations, and required to report on the credibility of material witnesses. His opinion of two of these witnesses is thus briefly but acutely expressed. "I think that little can be depended upon in the characters of those people whose principles are not fixed. "I am, &c. "C. F. SWARTZ, desired Mr. Fallofield to return "the thanks of the The government, with reference to this service, board to the Rev. Mr. Swartz, for the assistance and information he has given upon the different points requested of him." At the close of the year, in another letter to the government, through the resident and collector, he thus reiterated his sentiments on the necessity of some provision being made for the administration of justice in Tanjore. "When the honorable Company took upon themselves the management of this country, in September, the inhabitants entertained the hope that a more regular system of justice would be introduced. "The settling of country affairs, and the preparation of accounts, &c. being, in great measure, finished, I think this will be a favorable moment to address the honorable board, for their permission that a court of justice may be established at Tanjore, and cutchery courts in the districts; and I have no doubt but they will afford you the power to bless the country with such an institution. "The laws by which all suits ought to be determined, must of course be the established laws of the country, or its ancient customs which have obtained the sanction of a law. To introduce European laws would be productive of the greatest confusion and inconvenience, and cause a general uneasiness throughout the country. "The success of such a plan will, under any regulation, depend in great measure on the choice of upright, disinterested judges. If such persons should fortunately be met with, who are at the same time qualified for their office, the welfare of the country would be laid on a firm foundation. "One person I am acquainted with, of uncorrupted morals and disinterested principles. He is a Christian, and has been employed as a judge at Tranquebar these twenty-five years. It is true he is in the service of the Danish government; but the governor of Tranquebar would willingly permit him to assist, at least for some time, in the establishment and necessary regulating of a court. For this man's integrity, I will be responsible. He was once sent to Tanjore by the Danish government, and at that time many people chose him for an arbitrator in their tedious suits, and willingly submitted to his decision. His being a Christian would be no objection to his being employed, as there are even Brahmins willing to acknowledge him a capable and good man. "Sonie points relative to reform in the court at Tanjore, I committed to writing, by the desire of Sir Archibald Campbell. The country being at present under the Company, by whom the salaries of those employed in the court will, I suppose, be paid, the above plan will require considerable alterations. "To conclude. It has been a long time my passionate wish to see justice impartially administered in this country. Happy would it make me to see that wish accomplished, and the present period appears favorable for its introduction. I am well convinced the honorable board will give their concurrence and support to so very necessary and useful an undertaking." A copy of the above letter was sent by the government of Fort St. George to the board of assumed revenue, at Tanjore. tion was considerably increasing. In that quarter he thought more success would be experienced, as the people there had less connection with Europeans. On the other hand, Mr. Gericke at Madras much needed assistance, which, however, he hoped would be afforded by the Society soon sending out another missionary. Should God call him away," he observes, "Mr. Gericke would then reside at Tanjore, and Mr. Kohlhoff go to Palamcotta, or they might alternately be at each place. These speculations, however, he humbly submitted to the determination of divine Providence. They had then," he said, "no comfortable prospect before them; being apprehensive that the poor country would experience another devastation; though it had scarcely begun to lift up its head from the ravages occasioned by the last war." vine worship. Whether the war they were dreading would prevent his proceeding with the work, a short time would show." In this letter Swartz communicates his intention of establishing a provincial school at Cumbagonam, one of the principal places in Tanjore. A very The confidence reposed in the venerable mis- good spot had been granted to him by the Rajah, sionary was unbounded; an additional instance of and he had begun to lay the foundation of the buildwhich was shortly afterwards afforded, in conse-ing which he intended to be used as a place of diquence of the continued objections of Ameer Sing to the allowances fixed by the government for the family of the late Rajah. It was at length resolved, that "if his excellency persist in his refusal to receive those allowances, they should be advanced by the collectors to the Rev. Mr. Swartz, and by him be distributed to the parties concerned."-A more honorable proof of the high estimation in which this excellent man was held by the English government, can scarcely be imagined; and it is almost needless to add how justly it was deserved. CHAPTER XVII. A. D. 1790 TO A. D. 1792. The intention thus announced, as to an additional school, was soon afterwards fulfilled, as appears by the following extracts from a letter to Mr. Pasche, dated July 21, 1790, in which, among other useful and interesting matter, he first mentions the design of ordaining his pious and excellent catechist Sattianaden. "God has graciously strengthened me hitherto, so that I have been enabled to do my work both among Christians and heathens. Meanwhile I feel the approaches of age, being near the completion of my sixty-fourth year; but as long as I live, and have any strength left, I shall gladly take my share in the work. "In order to relieve the missionaries, I intend to Letters to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, and to several friends-Progress of Mr. Janicke-School at Cumbagonam -Renewal of the war with Tippoo-Ordination of Sattianaden-His ordain one of the native catechists of the name of Sermon on that occasion-He is sanctioned by the Society-His Sattianaden, whose upright, disinterested, serious grateful acknowledgments-Letters to Mr. and Mrs. Duffin-Visit walk and conversation, flowing from sincere atfrom the Rev, Mr. Camerer-His Character of Mr. Swartz-Ex-tachment to Christ, has attracted the notice of Mr. the tracts from his Journal for 1791-Letters to friends-Eulogy of Joenicke, and really, as to my own feelings, I canSwartz and Gericke, by Dr. Glasse in addressing the Rev. Mr. not but esteem this native teacher higher than myself. He has a particular talent in conversing with Pazold, a new Missionary of the Society. at our H IN acknowledging the arrival of the annual stores his countrymen. One of the principal labors of a sent out by the Society for promoting Christian missionary ought to be to train up young natives for Knowledge, Mr. Swartz, in a letter dated the 10th future catechists. Whenever I meet with a provibarus 6707 of January, 1790, gratefully observes, that he and mising youth, I spare neither pains nor expense to his brethren had reason to adore the mercy of God qualify him for the work. and to say, "Hitherto the Lord has guarded, guided, and protected us." Mr. Kohlhoff had assisted him faithfully in the church, and in the schools, and Mr. Joenicke had made amazing progress in learning the English and Tamul languages. The catechists and schoolmasters at Tanjore and Palamcotta, amounted to ten. Their salaries, the charge of supporting the schools, the repairs of old houses and the building of new ones, and the extraordinary allowances to the catechists when sent to distant places, were such, he states, that were it not for his salary from the East India Company, it would be impossible to defray all the necessary expenses. But God," he adds, "has always helped. To him be glory for ever." "I have built a school house at Cumbagonam, which has been attended with considerable expense. Such schools are the very best means of communicating the knowledge of the word of God, not to the young people only, but to the inhabitants of the country at large. They may serve as a place of residence for catechists of the higher castes, who may proclaim, both in town and country, the glad tidings of the gospel. and I "I had thoughts of opening the Cumbagonam school; but the war between Tippoo* and the English prevents it. General Meadows was here in May, and departed to assume the command; hear with pleasure that he maintains the severest discipline, and has so strictly forbidden all plunder, In a second letter of the same date, after again ad- that the inhabitants of Caroor and Coimbetore have verting to the promising advancement of Mr. Jon-returned without apprehension, and pursue their icke in the Tamul language, Mr. Swartz adds, that business in the presence of the army. May God the sermons composed by this diligent student were preserve and strengthen the General! corrected by himself; but that in a short time he "It would stand in no need of such assistance. -would then," he said "be necessary to determine upon the station for his missionary labors, whether at Madras or at Palamcotta, where the congrega- vancore. 100x ed to 900 "Several Malabar youths afford the pleasing hope, that in due time they will become useful as* Occasioned by his attack on the frontier of Tra Tanjore, Dec. 3, 1790. sistants in our congregations, as well as in our | to one of the same excellent friends at the close of schools. If God shall favor us with skilful native this year. The elevated piety which it breathes teachers, his work will prosper in this country.- cannot but be edifying. We still live in hope. The difficulties are, indeed, neither few nor small; but to sink under them would be sinful. God has removed many an obsta-" DEAR MADAM, cle during my forty years' sojourn in this land; and he who has hitherto been with us, will be so in future. He commanded Joshua to be strong and of good courage;' and the same charge is applicable to us. The eyes of many of the heathen are opened; but the cross which is connected with the profession of Christianity is to most a stumblingblock. "With respect to the proposition to establish a village entirely inhabited by Christians, I have always entertained the apprehension, and likewise expressed it, that in the event of any commotion, such a village would be immediately burned down. On the other hand, when there are some Christian families residing in a village, the whole district may become acquainted with the counsel of God for their salvation." In the same month he wrote as follows to his kind and valued friends at Madras. The close of his letter contains a striking expression of the deep humility of this eminent servant of God. "It is now a good while since I sent you a line. Nay, I have been so lazy as to neglect to thank Mr. Duffin for the excellent book he sent me. I have perused those Chinese Fragments' carefully, and am sorry that all is but too true. May these melancholy truths lead many to repentance! Accept my sincere thanks for your double present of books and snuff-the latter superior to any I have seen these last years. "We are all tolerably well. The country people complain of want of rain; besides, they come into the fort by hundreds and thousands on account of Tippoo's horse. About Trichinopoly the villages are burnt, and many of the people wounded. How much have these poor inhabitants suffered! It is said that General Meadows is at Caroor. If this be true, the enemy at Samiaburam will not long remain in his present condition. "The poor people had hardly begun to breathe after the last destructive war. Now they are again in constant terror. But still they will not acknow. ledge the hand that strikes them. "How happy are they who, from their infancy, have been brought up in the knowledge of truth; for I find that those who have been educated in idolatry and error, shake off their error and superstition with great difficulty. Ignorance and wickedness hinder them. But a wicked Christian knows at least the way to happiness; and therefore has but one hinderance to overcome-namely, his evil course. But unspeakably happier are those who have been awakened by the Spirit of God, to turn to him who is the source of happiness; who look upon sin as poison, and all worldly things as dross, (which is unable to make them happy,) in order to win Christ, and to be found in him. "If we win Christ and his atonement, we surely possess the greatest gain-pardon of sins, peace of mind, and hope of everlasting life. The conveniences which worldly things afford us, are not to be compared to these divine blessings. In "Mrs. Strange has such confidence in my friend's medical ability, that she is resolved to employ him as her physician. She desired me to mention it to you, entreating you to do all you could, under the divine blessing, for her recovery. I told her that you would both do all in your power to comfort her "If we are found in Christ as branches in a vine, in her illness without my request, as I knew you we shall derive from him blessings of every kind, too well, and your inclination to assist the sick. and strength to grow in all Christian virtues. However, as she insisted upon my previous writ-him we are preserved, cheered, comforted at all ing, I was glad in having so fair an occasion of times, in sickness and health, in life and in death. breaking my silence. She is a very lively lady, O, may we be found in him even at the day of and that keeps up her spirits under her severe com- judgment! plaint. Another would, perhaps, not be able to stir from her couch. Both she and her husband have always been very friendly to us. I heartily wish that your reinedies may be effectual in removing her illness. I hope you are both tolerably well.Only let us take care of the welfare of our soul, and our body will partake at least something of the soul's happiness. "The 17th of July I finished my fortieth year of pilgrimage here in this country, as I arrived July 17, 1750. How many thousand benefits have I received from a merciful God! How grateful I ought to have been! But alas! I must say 'Forgive, forgive all my multiplied iniquities, for the sake of Jesus.' Indeed, my dear friends, our salvation consists in being pardoned. May we all be able to say, as Paul did,We have obtained mercy.' Amen, be it so! God bless you both in all respects. This is, and shall be, the sincere wish of "Your most obedient servant and friend, "May the peace of God reign in your heart at all "Your most obedient humble servant, The renewal of the war with Tippoo excited considerable alarm at Tanjore, and some apprehensions were entertained of an attack from the Mohammedan troops. This danger was, however, happily averted, by the English army under Lord Cornwallis entering Mysore; and the missionaries continued to discharge their peaceful duties without interruption. The successful progress of the army, and the prospect of the conquest of Mysore, led both Swartz and Janicke to anticipate a more extensive diffusion of the gospel in that country. "If Seringapatam should be taken," says the former, a mission might be established there. The Rannee (the imprisoned queen) knows me, has often mentioned me in her letters, and made many promises. May God compassionate the land, and send laborers into his harvest!" Early in the year 1791, Swartz informed the Society of the accomplishment of his intention respecting the ordination of Sattianaden. Previous to that time the missionaries at Tranquebar permitted one of their country priests occasionally to visit simple and tender strain of eloquence pervades the whole, which powerfully accredits the sincerity of its author, and sufficiently proved his qualifications for the office of a Christian teacher. Palamcotta; but as one of them died, and the other became an invalid, the English missionaries thought it expedient to confer their Lutheran ordination on one of their own native catechists, who had performed the functions of that subordinate office for The necessity so deeply felt, and so continually many years, and had given ample proof of ability urged, by the English missionaries, of additional and faithfulness. "His whole deportment," ob- fellow-laborers, and the importance of investing serves Mr. Swartz, "evinces clearly the integrity pious and well qualified natives with the ministeof his heart. His humble, disinterested, and be- rial character, led, even at this period, to the conlieving walk, has been made so evident to me and viction on the part of some of the friends of the misothers, that I may say with truth I have never met sion, of the expediency of some measure for securwith his equal among the natives of this country.-ing episcopal ordination; nor would any one have His love to Christ, and his desire to be useful to his more cordially rejoiced in such a provision for the countrymen, are quite apparent. His gifts in preach-spiritual wants of India than Swartz, who having ing afford universal satisfaction. His love to the poor is extraordinary; and it is often inconceivable to me how he can manage to subsist on his scanty stipend, (three star pagodas per month) and yet do so much good. His management of children is excellent; and he understands how to set a good example in his own house"-which Swartz illustrates by the piety of two of Sattianaden's daughters, one of whom had died in a most Christian and edifying manner. been himself episcopally ordained, would have hailed with delight the establishment of our apostolical church, which has since been so happily planted in India. For the present, he was contented to supply the increasing want of laborers, particularly in the South of the Peninsula, to the best of his ability, by the discipline of the Lutheran church; and in the instance in question nothing could be more judicious and successful than his choice of Sattianaden as a native teacher. That sincere and zealous convert, On the 26th of December, 1790, this estimable as soon as he had received ordination, returned to man received ordination at the hands of the mis- Palamcotta, where he had been before so usefully sionaries, according to the rites of the Lutheran and diligently employed. "God," observes Mr. church, in one of the congregations of the mission Kohlhoff, in mentioning this pleasing event, "has connected with the Society, on the coast of Coro- already blessed the labors of this worthy man, in mandel. "It was a sacred and most delightful day," awakening many to turn from their sins unto him; says his venerable instructer, "to us all. Should and no doubt is entertained of his proving a favored I not sing to my God? The name of the Lord be instrument in the hands of the Almighty for the enhumbly praised for all his undeserved mercy!-largement of his kingdom upon earth." May He begin anew to bless us and the congregation, and graciously grant that through this our brother many souls may be brought to Christ." On this interesting occasion, Sattianaden delivered a sermon in the Malabar or Tamul language, an English translation of which, by Mr. Kohlhoff, Swartz transmitted to this country. The Society justly deeming a production so extraordinary, worthy of being generally known, directed it to be published for the satisfaction of the members at large," in order to evince the capacity of the natives for the work of the ministry, and as an evidence that the efforts of their missionaries in India had not been in vain; but that the work of God was advancing, and the light of the gospel spreading through those regions of darkness and idolatry." With equal wisdom and kindness, the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge directed their secretary to address a letter to Sattianaden, assuring him of their sanction and support, and encouraging him to fidelity and diligence in the ministry which he had recently received, This was translated by Swartz, and afforded the native pastor inexpressible joy. In a letter to Mr. Janicke, with whom he was associated in the mission at Palamcotta, he thus expressed himself. "I shall always be thankful to the honorable Society for their benevolence, and the great demonstrations of it towards me. I shall never forget their having confirmed me in my office. Their having my happiness, and the happiness of my nation so much at heart, excites me to constant praises to God. I shall obey them in every respect, This sermon of Sattianaden is certainly a very re-be careful not to disappoint their hopes, and by dismarkable composition. That it was his genuine charging all the duties of my function, endeavor to production, is attested by Swartz himself, who was live to their satisfaction. Whoever knows the incapable of affirming any thing but the strictest truth, and the design for which it was revealed, and truth. It is founded on that striking and encourag- enjoys the blessings of our holy religion, he, and he ing declaration of the prophet Ezekiel, chap. only, is fit to recommend it to others. For he who xxxiii. 11, "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have does not lead a holy life, according to the gospel of no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the our Lord Jesus Christ, though he should speak as wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn an angel from heaven, yet his life not being corresye, from your evil ways, for why will ye die, O pondent with his doctrine, his preaching will often house of Israel ?" From this instructive and affect-be in vain: it will too be a testimony against him, ing passage, the pious Hindoo considered the gracious offers of divine mercy to all mankind; the inestimable blessings of divine forgiveness and grace which they comprise; and the method of obtaining them by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. In the discussion of these important points, he evinced much sound scriptural knowledge, together with great perspicuity and strength of thought; and notwithstanding the disadvantage of a translation, which, though scrupulously faithful, inadequately expressed the force and beauty of the original, a It is contained at length in the Abstract of the Society's Reports, pp 325-356, and, together with the prayers before and after the sermon, well deserve perusal. and tend to his own ruin, as we read in the 50th Psalm. That this may not be the case with me, I shall endeavor to be watchful; and it is my daily praver to God, that he may grant me the grace of his blessed Spirit to grow more and more in knowledge and godliness." After this satisfactory expression of his sound and scriptural piety, Sattianaden thus beautifully refers to his own conversion to the faith of the gospel. "When I contemplate the ways of God, by which he led me, I am full of admiration and praise. I was once a heathen, who did not know him; and he called me by his faithful servant Mr. Swartz.This my venerable father received and instructed me. His exertions by day and by night, tended to | God has shown us. By faith we lay hold on the bring me to repentance towards God, and faith to- promises of God. He has promised to uphold, wards our Lord Jesus Christ, to produce in me strengthen, comfort, and deliver us in all circum fruits meet for repentance, to induce me to lead a stances. These precious promises are our shield, godly and holy life, and to grow in knowledge and by which we quench all the fiery darts of the devil. in every grace and virtue. He did not destine me "Daily let us put upon our head the helmet of to worldly business, but appointed me to bring my salvation; that is, the hope of a blessed eternity. nation to the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, This hope will support us under all gloomy and whom he sent to redeem the world. In consequence, terrifying circumstances. Daily let us use the word he gave me the office of a catechist, and used his of God, not only as a seed, or milk, or food, but as utmost endeavors to bring me to a more extensive a sword likewise; by which we may cut asunder knowledge. And likewise you, sir," writing to Mr. all knots which the enemy ties. Jænicke, 'exerted yourself to correct my errors and my failings, encouraged me to grow in godliness, and endeavored to make me more and more useful and happy. Should I be saved, which, trusting in the mercy of God, I hope to be, it will be a glory to you; and even though I should be lost, (which God forbid !) my damnation cannot diminish your glory. Now, to crown the pious exertions of my much esteemed teachers, the honorable Society has approved your proceedings, and confirmed me in the higher office committed to me; a benevolence which I shall never forget. May God grant me a truly humble mind! May he make me acceptable to himself, diligent in the performance of every duty, useful in my generation, and obedient to him and my superiors!" Mr. and Mrs. Duffin being now about to return to England, Swartz expressed his truly Christian and elevated affection for these valued friends in the following beautiful letter; the sentiments of which, though partly coincident with those in a former ter, will be read with almost equal interest. Tanjore, March 3, 1791. "Being armed with these divine weapons, let us rejoice; but let us never be proud; but pray daily to Him from whom comes all our help and comfort. "May God strengthen us all to live, to suffer, and to die like real Christians! My best wishes shall follow you both, wherever you are, till we see one another before the throne of God. I shall always be, "Your most obedient humble servant, "C. F. SWARTZ." In the month of September Mr. Swartz wrote as follows: Though I feel age and the infirmities connected with it, I have much cause humbly to praise God that he so graciously strengthens me to pursue my daily labors among both Christians and heathens, as well as to prepare some for baptism;-labors which so far from exhausting, are a cordial to me. I baptize no one whom I have not instructed daily for two and sometimes three months. There are let-two villages of Christians round our garden, one of Pariah, and the other of Soodra caste; and these can conveniently attend our daily worship. That which you for so many years desired, that we might have a village of Christians, God has brought about without our interference. May he grant that we may be a blessing to the heathen dwelling around us !" "DEAR MADAM: "Mr. Blackburne arrived here, and told me that "Your kindness to Mrs. K- and her daughter, rejoices us all. And as you are hospitable to her, not only in a worldly, but a truly Christian manner, I am sure that Mrs. K- will esteem it a double blessing to live with you. I hear that Mr. D- intends to leave this country. The public will suffer by his departure; but none can envy him the rest which he and you will then enjoy. "One day, that greatest and most solemn of all days, will bring us all together. How shall we then rejoice, when we find that our course and warfare are come to a blessed end! In the mean time, let us fight the good fight of faith, laying hold (in hope) on eternal life. "May we be daily girt with the girdle of truthof the whole truth, as it has been revealed to us by God, and particularly that cheering truth, that in Jesus Christ, and in a close union with him, consists eternal life. "Let us daily put on the breastplate of righteousness. For the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, his meritorious sufferings, his blood and death, whereby he has delivered us from the wrath of God, having taken upon him the sentence of death, which we had deserved-this his righteousness will cover our breast, so that no accusation can be brought against us. "Daily let our feet be shod with a readiness to confess the gospel of peace; for we have the greatest reason to glory in Christ. Daily let us take up the shield of faith, which Early in the following year, in writing to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, Mr. Swartz gratefully acknowledges that, though past the sixty-fifth year of his age, he had great reason to bless God for the preservation of his health, and for having been enabled to persevere in the discharge of his duty; that eighty-seven heathen converts had been baptized in the course of the preceding year, the greater part of whom were cultivators of fields, a few miles from the fort, and that houses were intended to be built for their convenient attendance upon divine service. He observes that Mr. Janicke, who was settled at Palamcotta, was much delighted with the good conduct of the several congregations, which had, since his residence there, received an addition of sixty-five members; and adds, that there are some really pious people in the fort also. He then mentions, that he had lately received a visit from Mr. Commerer, the new missionary at Tranquebar, who had remained with them three months, studying the Tamul language, and whom he believed to be an upright, sincere Christian, who would diligently do the work of an evangelist. He expresses his hope that an end would soon be put to the war, and that a more open field would thus present itself for the labors of missionaries. "Would to God," he continues, "that some laborers could be sent to work in it! I am sure that some gentlemen here would assist. vernment would not suffer by it, but rather experience the benefit of seeing the people instructed.This I could show by undeniable proofs, and government would confirm it." Go Of the visit thus mentioned from the new Tran quebar missionary, Mr. Commerer himself gives the following particulars; which will be found scarce |
