It is our privilege to record that the Lord is bearing testimony to the word of His grace in connection with the labours of this Mission, and that souls are being gathered into the Church of Christ from amongst the mass of idolaters by whom we are surrounded.

Last Lord's day, October 1st, it was our happiness to administer the ordinance of baptism to two very interesting men, who have lately been brought out of darkness into marvellous light. They reside at Cavery-Putna, a large town near Kistnagherry, about sixty miles from this place. Both are respectable men, of good Caste, belonging to the Shiva Sect. One, Chinnappa-Chetty, is about fiftyseven years of age; and the other, Busappa, about thirty. Ten or eleven years ago their town was visited by a Missionary, from whom Busappa received some tracts and a copy of the Gospel of Luke. The books were not valued at the time, nor do they appear to have had any direct influence in producing the happy result which has now taken place the conversion of the soul to God; but they served, at least, to direct attention to the important subject of Christianity, which was then entirely new to the individual who received them. About three years since, he mentions that a Gooroo (Hindoo Priest) came from Oossoor to reside at Cavery-Putna, bringing with him a great number of Christian books, and evincing a considerable acquaintance with their contents. These books and this knowledge the Gooroo had obtained through Mr. Rice, who had, previous to that time, frequently visited Oossoor, and held long and very interesting discussions with many of the people. From conversation with this Gooroo, Busappa was led to inquire further into the nature of Christianity.

About nine months ago, a Catechist of our Mission, stationed at Oossoor, visited Cavery

Putna, and met with the man whose conversion we are now recording. The instructions of the Catechist opened his mind still further to the glory of the Gospel. Subsequently, about six months ago, he came to Bangalore, and, by conversation with the Missionaries and Native Christians, his knowledge of divine truth, and his interest in that truth, were still further increased. Since then he has diligently studied the Scriptures; has been in the habit of praying to Christ in secret; and, finally, was brought to the resolution to leave off his idolatrous marks and the wearing of the linga, and come to Bangalore for further instruction and baptism.

The mind of Busappa having been opened to perceive the divinity of the Gospel, he instructed many of his friends and neighbours in its doctrines; and he states, that several are disposed to embrace Christianity, hesitating, only through fear of persecution, from taking the final step and abandoning Hindooism altogether. One, however, Chinnappa-Chetty, already mentioned, determined to act with decision, and accordingly accompanied his friend to Bangalore, that they might together publicly come out from the world, and cast in their lot amongst the disciples of Christ. This old man describes himself as having been seeking after truth for years. In this pursuit he had, like his friend Busappa, tried some of the philosophical systems popular amongst the people, but failed to find satisfaction in any. Now, he states, with warm feelings, that he is at rest-that he has found peace, having done with the world and its follies, and cherishing only one wish-to have his mind intensely fixed on the things of God, and to prepare for heaven.

They both state that their interest in Christianity has been greatly excited by reading, in one of their Shasters, a prophecy of some an

cient sage, That darkness would prevail over the land, and that the Brahmins would have the dominion until a certain time, corresponding nearly with the present period, and that then light would shine upon the people, and the reign of truth and righteousness commence. They firmly believe that this prediction is being fulfilled in the rise and progress of the Christian Religion amongst them.

On a visit to Oossoor, about a month ago, we met with the new converts, who were then on their way to Bangalore, with a view to receive baptism, having already voluntarily broken their Caste by eating with the Catechist. They accompanied us hither, and have since been under daily instruction, besides attending our regular religious services.

Their knowledge and faith increasing, and their sincerity being evident, we thought it right to delay no longer, but to receive them into the Church of Christ by the initiatory rite of baptism, which was administered, as already stated, on Sabbath-morning last, in the Pettah Chapel, in the presence of a large congregation of Native Christians and of heathen; three of our Missionary brethren, Messrs. Hardy and Cranswick, of the Wesleyan Society, and Mr. Sugden, of our own Society, also favour ing us with their attendance. After a sermon on Acts viii. 36-39, and a public declaration on the part of the converts of their sin and depravity-their inability to save themselves -their faith in Christ as the Redeemer-and their renunciation of Hindooism, and entire dedication of their hearts to the service of God in Christ, that act was performed which cut them off at once from their family and friends, and from all that they hold dear on earth.

The state of mind which they evinced on the occasion was most pleasing, and strikingly in accordance with the character of the two men. The elder of them, who is of an ardent disposition, manifested excited feeling, responding, by lively and significant gestures, to many parts of the sermon. The younger, who is of a more grave temperament, behaved with marked solemnity, and appeared to turn nearly all he heard into prayer.

Their firm faith and deep feeling have greatly delighted us. Reading and hearing the word

of God, and prayer, have constantly occupied them ever since they came to us. They often retired for private devotion, and have been overheard early in the morning, and even late at night, pouring out their hearts before God with tears. They are both men of good standing amongst their own people, and the younger of the two possesses property to the amount of 4,000 or 5,000 rupees,* all of which he expects to lose; but this does not appear to cost him a thought, nor indeed has he ever mentioned the subject to us-we have only learned it through the Catechist with whom they resided while at the station. The only anxiety of the younger convert seems to be to prevail upon his wife and two children to join him in embracing Christianity. The older man is a widower, whose children are grown up and married.

They have both returned to their homes, accompanied by two of our Native Teachers. They expect persecution, but are prepared, in the strength of God, to endure it. Indeed, their calm determination and courage have greatly surprised and delighted us. We hope to visit them in a few days, and trust we shall find that no disturbance has been created, and that a door of usefulness is opened.

Our hearts are full of joy at the pleasing indications we have that God is working with

us.

This movement, at a place distant from Bangalore, and never much visited by Missionaries, is evidently the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. To Him be all the glory! We have lately met with other natives who are in an inquiring state of mind, and have great hope respecting some of them. It is beyond doubt that many are convinced of the truth of Christianity, and are worship. ping the true God in secret. We feel much encouraged, by a knowledge of this fact, to persevere with redoubled diligence in the prosecution of our great work, trusting that we shall soon see many more no longer "halting between two opinions," but coming out from the world, and declaring themselves on the Lord's side. "Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

I believe I have never written respecting a Sunyasi, or wandering ascetic, (Soobramuniam, now John), whom I baptized in April last, and whom I have this week, with much joy, enrolled among the members of our little Native Church. I wished not to write on the subject till I had fully tried him, and could express myself with confidence. So far as human judgment can decide, I think I may do so now. He is a very interesting and intelligent man. His whole life, till the time when he embraced the Gospel, had been spent in wandering about to supposed sacred places, and in self-mortification. Three several times he has been to Benares on pilgrimage, and brought the water of the Ganges, and poured it on to the head of the idol at Rameswaramthus plodding thousands of miles on his weary journeys.

During the course of his wanderings he had many opportunities of gaining an acquaintance with different systems of religion, and of these he availed himself, though still cleaving to his heathenism and relying on his selfmortification, and other practices, for salvation. Referring to his state at this time, he says, "Thus was I wandering about-now stedfast-now wavering; and, plunged in heathen darkness, my soul was without comfort and without salvation. I was like a seaman tossed about in the midst of the ocean, perplexed and not knowing in what direction to steer."

At this time he met with some Christian Tracts, and, soon after, had the benefit of intercourse with our dear brother Drew, at Madras. Still, however, his heart was unchanged-sin reigned. He left Madras, and came to Bangalore. Some months after this, he met with one of our Students in the Seminary, and also formed an acquaintance with one of our Schoolmasters. They taught him again of Jesus, and he was led to see his need, and the adaptation of the Gospel to his wants. He came to me, and, having satisfied myself as to his sincerity, I baptized him; and, after several months of consistent conduct and increasing Christian knowledge, the native brethren joyfully and unanimously received him into fellowship.

I have great hopes that he will be very useful among his countrymen, and I should feel

joy.

It is a source of great satisfaction to Mrs. Sugden and myself that we have the means of carrying on our Female Boarding-school with efficiency, and that we are justified in assuring our kind friends who take an interest in it, that they are doing a good work. There is no branch of our educational labours which we regard with more confidence and pleasure than the Boarding-school, and I know that our experience in this respect is not singular. We may reasonably expect that, through this medium, there will arise a race of intelligent and pious wives and mothers in our native Christian community, and it is almost impossible to over-estimate the good influence which they may exert. At present, with no few instances of female excellency in our Tamil Church, there is much lack of general intelligence and devotedness; so that many, even though naturally gifted, have not the means of doing much good, except by conversation and example. By the blessing of God, however, it will not be so with the race now rising up. It has already been our happiness to see girls, who have been trained among us, forming happy unions with those who are engaged in the work of making known the Gospel, and proving themselves in every sense suitable help-mects to their husbands.

I feel great encouragement, also, in the state of our Native Church at present. We have lately had some special meetings for prayer in our English Congregation, with the distinct object of imploring the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and a blessing on our work generally. These prayers have been heard, and we have been blessed. I think all the Christian people have been more or less refreshed and strengthened. Some who were under conviction of sin have been led to open their hearts; and, in one case, a whole family have come forward, and are now candidates

for Church-fellowship. The blessing, too, has extended to our Native Churches. I have no doubt that the Canarese Brethren will inform you of the interesting fact of the reception of two men of Caste, by public baptism; and it has been my own happiness to receive to the same rite four individuals, and to find that others are inquiring with apparent earnestness and sincerity. Of these four, two were Roman Catholics and two Heathen. There was much in their fervour and simplicity to cheer and gladden the heart, and to call forth devout thankfulness to God.

sages:

July 26th.-Reached Chittyoulsah at seven o'clock this evening. On the following day remained at the same place, and had several good opportunities of speaking to the people connected with the sugar and indigo factory. I met at this place a young man who was educated in the Native English School at Vizagapatam. I asked him, If he believed in Jesus Christ? he replied that he did; but, on my telling him that if he really believed in Him he would obey his commands and walk holily before him, he said he knew and believed Christianity to be true, but he also was of opinion that Hindooism was true, that the religion of Ramanajooboo was good, and he believed in it. I replied that he had made an unfortunate reference, for the religion of that god was a most abominable one, and that there were things practised in it which could not be mentioned to respectable people. To this he replied, "That may be true, but there is something good in it, and if I follow that, it is right, and I shall be sure to go Heaven." I spoke to him plainly, assuring him that he would find out his mistake at last. I warned him of his danger in the sight of God, and told him that unless he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ he must inevitably perish.

July 28th.-Vizianagram. Arrived in the neighbourhood of this town at seven o'clock in the morning after a pleasant journey of twelve miles. During the day a few people came from the town on business. I spoke

to them, and gave them a few tracts. I had also an opportunity of speaking to some of the native servants of Lieut. S-, with whom I was staying, and gave them tracts.

July 29th.-Early this morning I rode to the town, and had conversation with some Brahmins and others. One man, a Police Peon, appeared to hear the Word attentively

several received tracts, and one man, a respectable looking young Brahmin, took a single gospel. May the Lord bless the word spoken to them! In the evening I visited a few Christian families in the lines of the Cantonment.

July 31st.-Rode out again to the town, and had a small but attentive congregation : gave a few tracts-the people did not oppose the truth as on former occasions, but heard the Word gladly. At noon several people came to the house at which I was staying, and received a few books and the word of exhortation. At five o'clock saw the Rajah of Vizianagram by special appointment. His Highness, who is a fine handsome young man, received me most kindly: I conversed with him in English and Telugoo. I observed that he did not seem to know much of the Christian Religion, and therefore took the opportunity of declaring the whole truth to him. He heard patiently, and said he had an English Bible in his library, which I strongly advised him to read.

August 1st.-While speaking to-day to a