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ness and subsequent death of my little girl, together with the birth of another infant, have, however, both distressed and occupied me too much to attend to any thing material; yet I feel it a duty I owe to the Committee to give them every information in my power. I would at the same time offer them our thanks for the readiness which they have evinced to assist us, and assure them, that, amidst the millions of the human race who know not God and have never heard "the joyful sound," there cannot be found any who are more completely sunk and degraded than those amongst whom my lot is cast. I have visited Madras, and, on my way home, different parts of Ceylon also; but the circumstances of the Females here will scarcely admit of a comparison with those in the above-mentioned places; these, in misery and every description of wretchedness, far exceed any thing that I have witnessed elsewhere. Those in that part of India just referred to, are, and have long been, under the English Government, the ameliorating advantages of which they have experienced the benefit of; while these among whom I am are under the distressing and galling yoke of a Heathen Government. In the above situations, Europeans are comparatively numerous, which may, in a considerable degree, have had an influence on the Natives around them: but here this is not the case; consequently the circumstances of the Native, and particularly the Native Female, are so much the worse. I know of nothing more appalling to an English Female mind, than to witness the degradation of her sex in this place; and yet this I am compelled to witness every time I move out; indeed it is very frequently at my own door, and to describe it is impossible.

State of the Schools.

My number of Girls is at present 18: a short time since I had 20; but two have left, both of whom were Roman Catholics. I conclude their Priests influenced the parents to remove them; for though they call themselves Christians, they are the greatest hindrances we have. These 18 are cheerful and happy, and certainly enjoy the comforts which they possess ; which, when contrasted with those outside, are great. They are required to wash themselves every morning, and to change their clothes twice a-week. This is at first very irksome, and every means is taken to avoid it; as dirt and idleness are the peculiar elements of the Natives, and they

are not at all desirous of abandoning them, especially the women: and, were you to witness the scenes we do, you would be struck with surprise how many rational beings could exist in such a filthy state: it is, however, familiar to them; even those who are best amongst them, and are wealthy, are destitute of any notion of cleanliness: so that improvement in this respect we have to keep constantly in view.

When a Child is admitted into the School, the first thing that is required is to send her to the bathing-room, to be well washed; and her filthy rags, if she have any covering at all, are thrown away. She is then clothed, and takes her place amongst her new companions, in what may be considered a new mould to her: she appears another being, and is a perfect contrast to her former appearance. She commences her new course by picking cotton to be spun, which is done by the least children and new-comers. The Children in general learn spinning, plain needle-work, knitting, marking; and lacemaking is just introduced. The general progress of the Children, in their various branches of instruction, is pleasing, and satisfactory to me. I hope to add greatly to their numbers, ere long.

My principal hope regarding those I have with me, is, that they may be qualified, each of them, to conduct Schools in the different Villages around us, and thus be very extensive blessings. I have two about to be married shortly, each of them capable of conducting a Day School: and as their marriage is in every respect in consonance with our wishes, we intend placing them in two Villages near us, where their Husbands, who are both employed as Readers in the Mission, may be very useful amongst the people, and undertake each a Boys' School. I find them as capable of improvement as any European Child. They have for centuries been doomed to slavery, and really considered as only fit for the meanest drudgery, and that to attempt their improvement would be unavailing; but I have proved, that the reverse is the case; that they only want what their situation demands, what many Mothers in Israel and Daughters in Sion are inclined to impart to them, and what all ought to unite in-to rescue them from their present deplorable situation, to which they have been so long condemned by idolatry, superstition, and cruelty; and to raise them to their proper and natural, because rightful, station in

life, in which they may act as skilful, industrious, virtuous, and Christian Wives and Mothers, in society and in the Church of Christ. I trust that day is at hand in which there will be an universal striving together for their temporal and spiritual welfare.

In addition to the above, they have to read and write in Malayalim and Native Arithmetic: they learn the Church and Dr. Watts's Catechisms, and portions of Scripture and Hymns, all in Malayalim. Thus their minds are informed in those things which belong to their everlasting peace: and much rejoiced would you and other friends be, to see these little ones, who but the other day were in the depths of ignorance, and exposed to the influence of the vilest practices, now learning of Him, who has said, Suffer little children to come unto me &c., and occupying their time and minds in acquiring that knowledge which, by the influence of the Holy Spirit, shall make them wise unto salvation, and lisping His praises who gave the command, Go ye into every land and preach the Gospel to every creature. It is, and ever must be, our prayer, that He, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, will bless these various instructions, that these dear Children may be brought savingly to know Him. This is our principal object: and in one, I hope, I see it beaming. She gives us many indications that she tastes, feels, and handies of the Word of Life. She derives her happiness from the Scriptures and other sources of Divine Knowledge; and, as she is one of the two before alluded to, we anticipate her being usefully and actively employed, ere long, in leading others in the path of life.

The Morning School in the Native Language commences at six o'clock; and all the Children are learning until nine, when they take their breakfast. At halfpast-nine they assemble in the verandah,

with other persons belonging to our family, for Prayer; after which the Boys go into the English School, and the Girls remain with me until three o'clock (having halfan-hour allowed, at twelve, for dinner), when they again all assemble in the Malayalim School, which is over at five o'clock. At half-past-six a bell calls them again for the Evening, when they learn their Catechisms &c. until eight o'clock, and after Evening Prayer retire to rest. Their Catechisms &c., I should have said, they have to repeat during their Sunday-School hours. Thus you will find their time is fully occupied.

We are, with the consent of the Madras Committee, about to erect separate buildings for each sex; in which there will be a good airy School-room, a Sleeping-room, an Eating-room, a small one for the Attendant adjacent to the Sleeping-room, and annexed is to be one as a Ward for any that may be sick, which in these climates is often the case. There are to be Play-grounds; well divided from each other, in the front of each range, that no intercourse whatever can subsist. Thus each will have every means for improvement, in mind, cleanliness, health, &c.: and then I hope we shall have a far greater number, and proceed with regularity and comfort, which cannot be at present. I feel myself quite happy and at home amongst them; and hope, if spared, to see more than 50 around me. We are, as you are aware, situated on the coast; and I take my Girls to the seaside once a-week, a recreation they are much pleased with. I have two motives for doing this: the one is, to benefit their health; the other, that the inhabitants may see, as they pass through the Bazaar, the comfortable circumstances in which they are for they are a great contrast to all those through whom they pass-and be induced to send their children also.

HOME PROCEEDINGS.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY.

THE Annual Sermon was preached before the Society, at St. Bride's Church, on Monday Evening the 3d of May, by the very Rev. the Dean of Salisbury, from St. Matt. ix. 36, 37, 38.

The Annual Meeting was held at 11 o'clock on Tuesday the 4th of May, in Freemasons' Hall; the President, Admiral Lord Gambier, G.C.B. in the Chair. The usual Prayer was offered up by the Senior Clerical Secretary, at the commencement of the Meeting.

Movers and Seconders. Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry; and the Venerable Archdeacon Hodson-Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Winchester; and the Rev. James Milnor, D.D., Rector of St. George's Parish, New York Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Chester; and Thomas Fowell Buxton, Esq. M. P. Rev. John Hartley, Missionary from the Mediterranean; and Sir George Grey, Bart. - Rev. William Smyly, Rector of Aghanloe; and the Hon. and Rev. Gerard Thomas Noel.

Resolutions.

-That the Report, of which an abstract has been read, be received, and printed under the direction of the Committee; and that this Meeting desires to express its grateful sense of the many indications of the Divine Favour which have been vouchsafed to the Society during the past year.

-That the thanks of this Meeting be given to the very Reverend the Dean of Salisbury, for his Sermon before the Society last evening; to the Noble President of the Society; to the other VicePatrons and Vice-Presidents; and to all those Friends who, during the past year, have exerted themselves in its behalf: and that the following Gentlemen are appointed the Committee for the ensuing year, with power to fill up vacancies:

Messrs

John Ballance.
John Bridges.

Charles Brodrick.

James Sheffield Brooks.
Robert John Bunyon.
John Hales Calcraft.
William Dugmore.
Hon. Thomas Erskine.
William Martin Forster.
William Grane.

Sir George Grey, Bart.
William Harding.

Messrs-
Hugh Hill.

Charles Holehouse.
G. L. Hollingsworth.
Colonel Latter.
Lieut. Col. Phipps.
Henry Pownall.
Edw. V. Sidebottom.
James M. Standen.
James Stephen, jun.
James M. Strachan.
Edw. N. Thornton.
John Whiting, M.D.

-That the opportunities which from year to year present themselves for the extension of Missionary Labours, where Missions have been already established and in other parts, should be regarded as special calls on the Church of Christ, to rise with increased self-denial, zeal, and liberality, to the sacred duty of proclaiming the good news of Salvation throughout the world.

-That while the difficulties connected with the operations of the Society in various parts of the world, and, especially, the diminution of its Labourers in North India, should lead the Members of the Society to a sense of dependence on Al

mighty God, they have abundant subjects of praise in the preservation of the Labourers in Western Africa during a season of prevailing sickness, in the increase of Native Teachers in the NorthIndia Mission, and in the continued blessing which has accompanied the Preaching of the Gospel in the District of Tinnevelly.

-That, deeply convinced that God is the Source as well as the End of all Scriptural Efforts for the establishment of His Kingdom in the world, this Meeting would affectionately urge on the friends of the Society the duty of earnest and habitual prayer, that He would strongly impress on His Church the sense of her solemn responsibilities; that He would bestow on her more faith, and love, and devotedness; and that He would employ her more extensively for the manifestation of His Glory in the salvation of perishing Sinners.

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Fund..

604 4 5

Total........... £.48,724 10 1

The Collection at the Church, including the usual Benefaction of 50%., was 1717. 7s. 10d., and that at the Meeting 155l. 15s. 6d.; making together 3371. 3s. 4d.

On the state of the Society's Funds a few remarks are necessary :

The amount received within the year ending March 31, 1830, on account of the General Fund, falls below that of the Year ending March 31, 1829, on the same account, by 61337. 15s. 1d. The bulk of this deficiency is, however, to be accounted for by the arrangements for closing the Association Accounts on the 31st of December in each year, instead of the 31st of March; which arrangement did not come fully into operation till the year 1828 - 29.

The result was, that a considerable portion of the remittances which on the old plan would not have been received till after March 31, 1829, and would consequently have been carried to the account of the Year 1829-30, was made in the months of January, February, and March 1829, and was therefore included in the Receipts of the Year 1828-29. In other words, a portion of what on the old plan would have been the Receipts of 1829-30 was anticipated by the new plan, and thus brought

into the Receipts of 1828-29. The Receipts of that year, therefore, in fact, included a portion of the income of the subsequent year. What proportion of Association Receipts were thus anticipated, it is difficult to determine; but in forming the estimate of the Receipts of the Year 1829-30, it was assumed to be about 32007.; and, as the Receipts through Associations for the Year 182930, which had been taken at 42,000, amounted to 41,6391. 7s. 8d., it is probable the estimate was substantially correct.

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In the Receipts of the Year 1828-29, there was also a much larger amount than usual of Benefactions and Legacies;" which being deducted from the average amount, would leave the net income of that year about 47,6607., a sum not materially differing from that of the year 1829-30. It hence appears, that there is much cause for thankfulness to God for the amount contributed to the Society's Funds during the last year, especially when the general distress felt throughout the country during that period is considered.

The difficulty of the Society's situation does not, therefore, lie so much in a diminution of income, as in the more rapid increase of the ratio of its expenditure than of that of its income. In this view of the case, indeed, the position of the Society is one of much difficulty. A restraint has already been laid on the expenditure of the Missions; notwithstanding which, it still exceeds the receipts; and the Committee have been under the necessity of further trenching on the Society's funded property, so that on the 31st of March last, it would not, if realized, have produced 80007. With an expenditure of 48,000l. per annum, extensive and serious liabilities on account of Disabled Missionaries, their Widows and Children - and constantly subject to unforeseen demands, and a fluctuating expenditure-the Committee will be compelled to resort to the painful alternative of still further narrowing the Society's operations abroad, if means cannot be found, by which, through the blessing of God, the permanent income of the Society may be augmented, and continue to rise in proportion to the necessarily growing expenditure of prosperous Missions.

The Committee have directed that an "Address" to the friends of the Society should be prepared, for the purpose of

bringing its financial situation distinctly under their notice.

PROCEEDINGS OF ASSOCIATIONS. Carshalton-April 18, Sunday: Sermons at Carshalton Church, by the Rev. Thomas King: Coll. in the Morning, 111. 188. 10d.; and in the Evening, 57. 128. 6d. -April 30: Annual Meeting; the Rev. Forster in the Chair; Coll. 181. 28. 1d. Meeting of the Labouring Classes in the Evening; Coll. 21. 13s. 3d. Colchester and East-Essex-April 22: Meeting at Hitchin: Rev. W. W. Pym in the Chair: Coll. 51. -April 25, Sunday: Sermons at St. Peter's, Colchester; in the Morning, by the Rev. F. Leicester, Coll. 201. 5s. Id.; in the Afternoon, by the Rev. S. Carr, Vicar, Coll. 87. Os. 9d.; and in the Evening, by the Rev. Robert Mayor, Coll. 121. 58. 3d. also, by the Rev. F. Leicester, at Thorp in the Afternoon, Coll. 81. 18. 7d.; and at Kirby in the Evening, Coll. 51. 28. 3d.-April 26: Meeting of the Colchester Ladies' Association; Rev. S. Carr, Chairman: Coll. 31. Os. 5d.-April 27: Annual Meeting of the Colchester and East-Essex Association; Rev. R. R. Rede in the Chair: Coll. 171. 138. Sermon at St. Peter's, by the Rev. R. Mayor, in aid of India-Female Education: Coll. 97. 118. 10d., exclusive of a Donation by H. Cock, Esq. of 201. - April 28: Annual Meeting; Rev. W. Burgess, Chairman: Coll. 37. 4s. 9d.

Chelmsford and West-Essex - April 30: Meeting for the Formation of a Branch Association at Rochford: the Rev. G. Bryan in the Chair.-May 2, Sunday: Sermons at Rochford; in the Morning, by the Rev. C. H. B. Bazely, Rector of South Church; and in the Afternoon, by the Rev. Robert Mayor: Total Collections, 151. 10s. 6d.

The Lay Agent of the Society visited, in the beginning of this month, several Associations in Somersetshire: after which, he proceeded into Monmouthshire, where, by the kind assistance of Major Mackworth, who had prepared the way for him, he assisted at the formation of New Associations in Newport, Caerleon, Usk, and Cardiff.

Somersetshire- May 2, Sunday: Sermons in Wellington Parish Church; in the Morning, by the Rev. R. Jarratt, Vicar, Coll. 71. 188. 1d.; and in the Evening, by the Rev. John East, Coll. 47. 168. 9d.: also at West Buckland, by the Rev. R. Jarratt, Coll.

21. 11s. 3d.; at St. James's, Taunton, by the Rev. John East, Coll. 121. 1s. 6d. ; and at Bishop's Hull, by the Same, Coll. 51. Os. 6d. May 3: Annual Meeting of the Wellington Association; Rev. Robert Jarratt in the Chair: Coll. 91. 88. 8d.-May 4: Annual Meeting of the Taunton Association; Webb Stone, Esq., Chairman: Coll. 221. 58. 5d. May 5: Annual Meeting of the Bridgewater Association; H. Ashford, Esq. in the Chair: Coll. 67. 188. 6d.

Monmouthshire-May 6: Meeting at Newport, for the Formation of an Association; Rev. Thomas Boddington, Curate, in the Chair; Coll. 81. 28. 9d.: Pres. Thomas Protheroe, Esq.; Vice-Pres. Rev. A. Isaacson; Treas. William Williams, Esq.; Sec. Rev. T. Boddington. - May 7: Formation of an Associa tion at Caerleon; Rev. William Thomas in the Chair; Coll. 127. 58. 9d.; Sec. and Treas. Rev. W. Thomas.-May 8: Meeting 'at Usk, for the Formation of an Association; Rev. James A. Gabb in the Chair; Coll. 81. 168. 6d.: Pres. William Adams Williams, Esq.; Vice Pres. Rev. T. A. Williams, Rector; Treas. Ilted Nichols, Esq.; Sec. Rev. J. A. Gabb.-May 9, Sunday: Sermons, by the Rev. T. R. Garnsey, at Newport, Coll. 8. 10s. 6d. ; and at Llanhenock, Coll. 21. 158. 9d.; and by the Rev. William Conybeare, at Caerleon, Coll. 47. 18. ld. ; and at Usk, Coll. 57. 118. 10d.-May 10: Annual Meeting of the Pontypool Association; William A. Williams, Esq. in the Chair Coll. 61. 10s. 3d. Sermon at Llantarnam, by the Rev. T. R. Garnsey: Coll. 31. 18.-May 12: Annual Meeting of the St. Arvan's Association; Rev. W. Jones, Chairman: Coll. 167. Sermon in the Parish Church, by the Rev. Joseph Ditcher.-May 13: Formation of the Cardiff Association; Rev. Daniel Jones in the Chair; Coll. 67. 178. 10d. Pres. Marquis of Bute; Vice-Pres. Lord James Stewart; Treas. Josiah Guest, Esq.; Secs. Rev. Richard Pritchard and Rev. James Evans.

Cambridge.-May 9: Sermons at Trinity Church, by the Rev. Thomas Bartlett: Coll. 351. 168. 7d.May 11: Annual Meeting of the Cambridge Association; the Master of Corpus Christi College in the Chair; Coll. 231. 88. 4d. Meeting at Stapleford; Rev. Professor Farish in the Chair: Coll. 131. 5s.

Bedford.-May 13. Annual Meeting of the Bedford Association: Coll. 31. 158. 9d. The Rev. Thomas Bartlett, and the Rev. James Hough, attended on behalf of the Parent Society.

RECENT INTELLIGENCE.

West-Africa Mission-The Rev. John Gerber writes, on the 25th of February, that Mrs. Gerber had been ill with the Country Fever, but was, at the date of his Letter, recovering. Mr. Gerber adds, "In my sphere of labour I can but seldom rejoice. Many come, it is true, inquiring what they must do to be saved; but in others, of whom I had hope that they were in some degree rooted in Christ, I find myself disappointed. Examining my own heart, I am not astonished at such things; for if it were not for the mercy of God, I myself should long ago have fallen off."

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Sir Thomas Munro" anchored in Table Bay on the preceding evening, and was expected to stay there 48 hours. Mr. and Mrs. Sandys had been favoured with excellent health; and he had conducted Divine Service every Sunday they had been on board, except the first. Capt. Gillies behaved to them with much kindness.

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