Brahmins and Nairs. Already the afterward sent His Excellency the great mass of the inhabitants, so far as Dewan repeating her request; and, on I have had an opportunity of forming a my introduction once more urged it. judgment, begin to think for themselves; I was much pleased with these marks and feel at liberty to listen to any one, of the favour and condescension of Her who may address them on subjects con- Highness. On presenting to her the nected with their present or future wel- thanks of the Syrian Christians, and fare. I have always been received with also of our own countrymen, for her li attention, and I may say respect; and berality and protection toward so aneven some Natives, of high caste and cient a race of people, she replied, that family, have not only not shunned, but she should be happy in doing any thing even courted opportunities of inter- which might promote their welfare; course. I hope, by and bye, to be able and, at the same time, as it appeared to afford some interesting accounts of several interviews of this kind. When I reached Trivanderam, the Resident was on a tour among the hills, promoting the happiness of the Natives. He had, however, given directions for our reception at the Residency, which secured to us every possible comfort. From all the English Families, we received the greatest kindness; and, in particular, I cannot help mentioning Dr. Provon, the Residency Surgeon, who shewed us very great attention, Government; whose kindness she feels, which I shall long remember with much pleasure.

to me, for the Colonel did not inform me, refused any thanks herself, saying they were due only to the Resident. She expressed a wish to see Mrs. Fenn; who was accordingly introduced, and was received with peculiar kindness, Her Highness meeting her at the door of the Presence Chamber, and conducting her to a seat near the throne.

The Rannee is a very interesting woman, of remarkably pleasant manners, and cordially attached to the British

in restoring her family to power. There are two young Rajahs; the elder of After the Resident arrived, he made whom is the heir apparent, and is a fine arrangements for introducing me to lad, about seven years old: the younger Her Highness the Rannee. The first is more frank and open, about five years time I had the happiness of seeing her, old. You may easily imagine, that I was at a Public Levee; appointed by looked at them with much interest; Her Highness for receiving the Dis- and not without many wishes, that they patches from His Excellency the Gover- might receive an education, qualifying nor General, announcing the successes and leading them to govern their people, of the British Arms in the Mahratta in a manner conducive to the glory of Country. On being introduced to her, God and the happiness of their subjects. and expressing my wishes for the blessing of God upon Her Highness and the Royal Family, she replied, with great ease and fluency, that she was pleased to see me on a day of so much satisfaction to her, as that which informed her of the success of the British Government in India.

We arrived at Cotym about the middle of October; and found every thing succeeding beyond our most sanguine expectations.

Mr. Bailey has secured, to a degree beyond what could have been reasona bly expected, the confidence and esteem of the Syrian Clergy and People. This When the Resident mentioned my has been no easy matter. Their jealousy departure for Cotym, and my wish to of interference, and, above all, the libe favoured with another interview, she centious manners of the Clergy, have immediately granted it; and added that concurred to render his situation one of she wished it should be attended with peculiar delicacy and difficulty. It is the same ceremonies, and marked with not to be expected, neither can it be the same presents from herself, as was wished, that all should be pleased. the case on the introduction of the late Many will raise every obstacle in their Dr. Buchanan. The Resident then power, to the adoption of measures told her of the orders issued by the calculated to restrain their corrupt Company, prohibiting the reception of manners: Such obstacles have been any presents. She still pressed it, and raised; and, in a considerable degree,

still exist: and it is only by a series of well-directed exertions, that we can hope to overcome them.

Mr. Bailey has taken full advantage of that remarkably interesting feature of their character-their veneration for the Word of God, and the readiness with which they bow to its authority.

We found him very busily occupied with the Translation of the Scriptures. The whole is completed, with the exception of one or two Chapters in the Second Book of Chronicles, which are wanting in all the Syriac Manuscripts. The translation has been made, by dif ferent Catanars, from the Syriac; and is, in general, very defective. This is owing to two causes: the incorrectness, in many instances, of the Syriac Translation itself, particularly in the Epistles; and the carelessness of the Catanars who were employed. The revision assumes, in consequence, the appearance of a new translation; and will necessarily occupy much time. The first three Gospels are ready for the press; part of the remaining Gospel, and the First Epistle to Timothy. I have shewn the revised translation to four different castes of Brahmins, to two very clever Nairs, and to others of inferior character; and all unite in loud commendation of it. They say it is easy to be understood by all, even the poorest and lowest in the country; and the language, at the same time, so pure and correct and simple, that it will please the most learned, and those of the highest caste. I told them that I supposed, that any person, at all versed in the Malayalim, would at once perceive, that it was not an original work, but a translation: they all say, "No! it bears every mark of an original composition, and no one could discover it to be a translation." The only objection which I have heard against it, and which was raised by a very learned Brahmin, is, that perhaps, in some few instances, it is rather too high for the very poorest Natives that slight alterations, here and there, might be made for the better, there can be no doubt; but every additional inquiry which I make convinces me, that it is, with that exception, just what a translation ought to be. Of course I allude to what has been revised. One person to whom I applied

for his opinion, is a Nambier from the Cochin ountry, belonging to the first family in the country: two of the Brahimins, also, are from the same country: the others are from Travancore, and south of Cotym: and yet all agree in opinion concerning the translation.

Mr. Bailey has also translated the Morning and Evening Services of our Church, the Litany, the Communion Service as far as the Nicene Creed, and several of the Collects, Epistles, and Gospels.

Every evening, he has Service in his own house; and, every Sabbath, in the College Chapel. The Syrians, Catanars as well as Laity, are very much pleased with it. The Malpan says that it accords very much with theirs.

Mr. Bailey has also translated the Church Catechism; and his translation accords very much with Mr. Spring's. We shewed it to a Nambier, who begged permission to transcribe it, and also to translate it into Sanscrit.

The Metropolitan was not at the College when we arrived. I was received by the Malpan, Catanars, and Students, with every token of respect; and spent a fortnight, very pleasantly indeed, at Cotym. The number of Students while I was there, was 21 or 22. I attended to them, generally, for three hours in the morning, instructing them in English; and had every reason to be satisfied with their attention and proficiency. Two or three of the Students are very good Syriac Scholars, and begin to read English.

After we had been a fortnight at Cotym, the Resident wrote to me, ininviting me to accompany him on a tour through Travancore and Cochin; and we are now arrived at Mavillicarre, about twelve leagues to the Southward of Cotyn., which latter place we hope to reach in eight or ten days. I have visited many Churches; and, with a solitary exception have been received with the greatest possible joy, treated with every mark of respect, and listened to with great attention. I have generally preached, through an interpreter; and sometimes have been much af fected, with the deep interest which the statement of the love of God in Christ Jesus has excited, In most of the

and gardens, and by exhibiting the scene of comfort and happiness in their houses. When I have spoken with them on their excessive negligence in their gardens, &c. they reply, "Heretofore, when we cultivated our grounds, our neighbours accused us to the Sircar, in order to obtain possession of them." You will not, therefore, be surprized, in hearing that no manly exercises are practised among them; and, though they suffer great losses by the incursions of wild beasts, it is with difficulty that one or two in a district can be found, accustomed to the use either of the spear or gun.

Churches, Schools have been established envy, by the cultivation of their fields since my visit; and the people have been roused to industry. I find the people more numerous than I expected, and do not doubt of their exceeding 50,000. To a spectator, their Service resembles very much the Roman Catholic Worship. The whole of it is in Syriac; and is chaunted by the Priests, accompanied by frequent prostrations and crossings on the forehead and breast. Many of the prayers are translated into Malayalim, and taught to the people: these they repeat to themselves, during Public Worship; and prostrate and cross themselves, after the manner of the Catanars. I believe that in all the Churches which I have visited, the Malayalim Gospels are now read. In some, it had been the custom to read them before.

The celibacy of the Priests is, with them, rather a custom than a dogma: they admit, not only that it is not required by Scripture, but its evil tendency and consequences. It is only forty years since four of their principal Priests were married. Most of them are willing to marry; and object, more I think for want of maintenance, than inclination.

But, notwithstanding all their degradation, they are greatly superior, in point of moral principle and feeling, to their neighbours; and instances of dishonesty, a vice to which all other classes of the Natives are particularly addicted, are rare among them. This is so remarkably the case, that the Dewan, who is a Mahratta Brahmin, is anxious to have them in every station of trust; and requested me to procure upwards of 100, to fill various situations. Many have been in situations of trust for two years, and have acquired the confidence of the Government.

The Government has manifested great kindness and liberality towards the Christians; and, in so doing, I am persuaded has consulted its own advantage.

Since I commenced the present tour, two great benefits have been conferred upon the Syrians.

There are generally more than one Catanar to a Church; and, sometimes, as many as five or six. My first business, on arriving at our tents, has been to send for the Catanars and Elders of the Neighbouring Churches; who have generally attended me daily, during our stay in their neighbourhood. By this means, I have became personally ac- A very considerable tract of land has quainted with them; and have had been granted them: the accurate diopportunities of satisfying myself as to mensions I do not yet know; but I the number, information, and character believe the circumference is full seven of the people belonging to the different miles. This is granted as an endowChurches. I have seen, I believe, almost ment for their College. The greater every person of any note among them. part of it is, at present, covered with The people are of a very interesting jungle; but the soil is very rich, and appearance; and are by no means de- the situation peculiarly advantageous. ficient in capacity. They have not yet It is distant from Quilon only six miles, recovered from the sad effects of the and with that place there is communioppression under which they so long cation by water. There are two or laboured. These effects are visible, in three heights on the land, commanding the fear which they manifest of attract- very extensive prospects. On the West, ing notice and herein is to be found, I is a view of the Sea; and, on the East, believe, the cause of that great indo- an extensive and rich country, bounded lence discoverable among them. Not by the mountains. On two of these only are they anxious to avoid every heights, it is proposed to build two vilpublic situation; but even of exciting lages: on one of them, a Church and

School, with a Hospital. One hundred connection with the Word of God; and slaves have also been granted, for the it has occurred to us, that the best plan purpose of cultivating the land. I can- which can be desired, is that recomnot but indulge the hope, that, ere long, mended in the Address-the selection they will possess the noblest freedom. of half-a-dozen of their ablest and most All the inhabitants of the land are respected Catanars, who, in conjunction Chowgans; a class of people employed with the Metropolitan and Malpan, wholly in cultivation: of these there shall define their present Rites, Cereare about fifty families: I have con- monies, and Worship: with them, we versed with some of them; who tell shall canvass every part; and judge of me that they shall be glad of an oppor- it, so far as our ability extends, by the tunity of becoming acquainted with the rule of Scripture. We wish to alter as Christian Religion, and that they will little as possible; that the character thankfully attend the Church, and send and individuality of the Church may their Children to the School. be preserved.

Another favour, lately conferred by the Government on the Syrians, is the loan, without interest, of a sum of inoney to their traders. Almost the whole of the trade, particularly near the mountains, is in the hands of the Mussulmans; but I hope that the Syrians will now have a considerable share of it.

The duties required of us seem much more extensive and diversified than what usually belong to the Missionary; and are frequently of a nature inimical to the views and feelings which ought to form his character. At present we manage for them the temporal, as well as endeavour to direct the spiritual conAfter we had visited one or two cerns of their Church. We form, also, Churches, it occurred to me that a the medium of communication between general assembly, at Mavillecarre, of them and the Government; and all all the Catanars and Elders of the their privileges, as a people, are, in Churches, South of Cotym, would be a some measure, committed to our care. very desirable measure. It was accord- When their number is considered, and ingly held, on Thursday, the 3rd inst. the influence which they are gradually A more interesting sight cannot be acquiring by their introduction into difimagined. The Metropolitan took his ferent offices of trust and authority, all seat in front of the Assembly, which these points, of confessedly minor imwas held in the Church, with Mr. Bai- portance, seem to demand our attention. ley and myself on either side. The Catanars and Elders were seated on mats before us, and filled the Church. The number of Catanars exceeded forty; and I think there must have been seven or eight hundred persons present. Mr. Bailey read the Litany, in Malayalim. Afterwards, two of the Catanars read the First Epistle to Timothy; and the whole closed with an Address, delivered through an interpreter.

Till the inquiries proposed to be made in the Address are answered, I am not sufficiently acquainted with the ceremonies, &c. used in the Syrian Church, to be able to give a detailed account of them. It is the wish of Mr. Bailey and myself, that this Ancient Church should rise, by the blessing of God following its own exertions. We wish that her Members should be instrumental, in bringing before their own eyes, the various rites and ceremonies now prevalent among themselves, in

The College increases daily in importance. There, I trust, will be kindled the flame of piety; which shall diffuse light and heat, not only through Travancore, but the whole of the Southern Peninsula. The plan of Education must, of course, be very limited, at present. The Malayalim, Syriac, and English Languages, and a knowledge of the nature and evidences of Christianity, with some general information, is all that we can expect from the present Students. But a few months will enable me to speak more decidedly on this subject.

We are wishing very much for a period of humiliation; but must wait until there is the spirit of humiliation among the people. We purpose, hoping for the blessing of God on our endeavour, to attempt exciting this spirit, by preparing Sermons, to be preached in the different Churches.

Notwithstanding all that I have seen

to distress and dishearten me, I freely the Committee to bear this Church confess that my expectations of a revival ever on their hearts before God; and among the Syrians are high; and to secure for her the prayers of all should it take place, I think that I feel sufficiently the pulse of the great body of the inhabitants of Travancore to say, that the promulgation and extension of Christianity will be rapid and wide, to a degree that will astonish all who hear of it.

I cannot conclude, without calling on

Christians: and then, I doubt not, that He, who has taught us to pray without ceasing until Jerusalem is the joy and praise of the whole earth, will make it apparent, that the united petitions of the Church Militant and their fulfilment, are connected, at least, by proximity of time.

APPENDIX XX.

(See Page 181.)

Extracts of the Journal of the Rev. Thomas Dawson, at Cochin, and in its Vicinity.

are added other Proselytes, who live in the same part of the town with those that have been slaves. The Black Jews, however, who have been Slaves, are never allowed to intermarry even with the other Black Jews.

Oct. 27, 1817.-I went to Jews'Town; the White Jews, embraced Judaism, and met there Messrs. Moses Isarphaty, and were, with very few exceptions, set Ezekiel Rabbi, and Jehuda Misrahi, at liberty, after seven years' service; three of the most respectable Jews in conformably to Deut. xv. 12. To these these parts. I proposed to them the establishment of a School at Muttoncherry, for the instruction of Jewish Children; and, on inquiring whether they thought that the people would approve the measure, and send their Children, Isarphaty, with his eyes and When taking my leave, Mr. Moses hands lifted toward heaven, said, in an Isarphaty begged that I would extend elevated tone of voice, "The benefit my protection to the "POOR Jews;" which they would derive from having and assured me that they would always their Children taught, at a time when be ready to do all in their power, to acthey themselves are in a helpless state," complish my wishes, and to give me meaning that they were unable to give every information. them any instructions, "would be so Nov. 3.-Finding it impracticable great, that God Almighty only could to obtain adequate knowledge of the reward it." This was expressed with state of the Jews without travelling such warmth, that my Interpreter, who a little into the interior, I left Cochin, is well acquainted with the Jews, was with Mr. Moses Isarphaty; and arrived much affected. at Cranganore.

In the Synagogue of the White Jews Nov. 4.-We visited Chanotta IIere here, there are five manuscripts of the is a Synagogue, which was destroyPentateuch, each containing about 100 ed by Tippoo Sultan, together with sheets of parchment. In one of the the town, excepting a Mahomedan Synagogues of the Black Jews, are six Mosque. They have four copies of the rolls, and, in the other, five; all different Pentateuch, and the remainder of the copies of the Pentateuch Old Testament; but in very bad condition.

The Black Jews consist, in part, of uch Natives, as, having been slaves to

The number of Jews is as follows: