Twisleton and his lady, with Mr. Clough, my valuable colleague, appearing as sponsors for the child; who was named John Twisleton, to perpetuate the recollection of their kindness. We passed the remainder of the interesting day at their residence: and I cannot but remember with gratitude, that at the birth of the child, Mrs. Harvard was attended by the Hon. Mrs. Twisleton with all the affectionate solicitude of a tender mother.

During a fever, by which I was attacked soon after, and under the debilitating influence of which I remained a considerable period, the attentions of my friends were unceasing. Among the many enquirers after me, two Roman Catholic Missionaries will not easily be forgotten. With the kindest solicitude they visited me; and, seated by my bed-side, sympathized with me in my affliction, and earnestly prayed for my recovery. While I continued at Colombo, we regularly interchanged friendly visits.*

My reduced frame requiring a cessation from labour, and a change of air, Mr. Squance undertook the superintendance of the press; and Mr. Erskine having urged me to visit Galle, I determined to comply with his friendly invitation. Mr. Clough's health also demanded a relaxation from active duties; and we agreed to travel together. Accompanied by Mrs. H. and family, we proceeded on our journey. Gratitude to God and to my respected brethren, for the indulgence of a temporary absence from the arduous duties of my station, filled my heart while we were on the road. We arrived at Galle in safety; and were received by Mr. Erskine with his characteristic warmth of feeling.

Unmixed pleasure is not the portion of man in this world. A week after our arrival at Galle, death entered our family, and removed from our embraces our lovely

* Appendix.

infant, John Twisleton. We buried him in the Dutch church," in sure and certain hope of his resurrection to eternal life;" and "sorrowed not as those without hope." Rajagooroo, the Ava Priest, on hearing of our bereavement, addressed a letter of condolence to me, in which he who so lately denied even the being of God, sought to encourage me with considerations deduced from the doctrine of Divine Providence. This fresh proof of his sincerity induced me to propose a visit to his temple, which is situated at Dadalla, in the vicinity of Galle. He was, however, on a journey at that time; but apprising him by letter of my desire, he gave directions to the priest next in rank to himself to receive us with respectful attention; and, with his full concurrence, I preached by an interpreter at the door of the temple, in front of the great image, to a large congregation of priests and people, from 1 Cor. viii. 4, We know that an IDOL is nothing in the world; and that there is none other God but ONE!

During this interval from more severe labour, I applied myself tothe attainment of a more perfect knowledge of the country Portuguese dialect; and delivered my first sermon in that language. At the express desire of the Hon. and Rev. Principal of Schools, Mr. Clough and myself visited the government schools in the Galle and Matura districts. While on these journies we preached to large and attentive audiences, and baptized - and married considerable numbers. On our return to Colombo, the Ava Priest publicly renounced idolatry; and was baptized into the faith of Christ, by the name of GEORGE NADORIS DE SILVA; and I had the pleasure to unite with the Rev. G. Bisset as one of the sponsors, at his baptism in the Fort church.

CHAP. XII.

Attendance of native females on Christian worship-Opening of the Malabar church-Missionary estate at Colombo-Printing of the Singhalese Scriptures-Arrival of Wesleyan and Church Missionaries Village labours-Milagria and Galkeece-Favourable circumstances-The late Bishop of Calcutta-Pagan enquirers-An aged Naiaka-Kandyan headman—Adikar—Kandyan priest baptized-Affecting case of a converted priest-Preaching in the garrison—Arrival of Baptist and American Missionaries—Mr. Warren-Missionary union-Conference-Singular visitor-Shrewd remark of an idiot-Assistant Missionary-Madras Mission-Missionary estate at Galle-Preaching to Budhuist priests-Baptism of one-Matura station-Missionary estate at Colpetty-Native school -Opening of Colombo Mission-House-Services-Mr. Clough's translation of the Liturgy-Contributions-Death of Mr. TolfreyType Foundry-Unsuccessful attempt to commence a Kandyan

Mission-Providential interposition.

THE beneficial influence of the Gospel on the domestic concerns of human life, is generally admitted. We longed to witness its salutary operations among the native females who professed Christianity in Ceylon; to whose knowledge of its doctrines and experience of its blessings a barrier existed, in the prejudice which prevailed against their attendance at places of Christian worship, except at the administration of baptism, and the celebration of marriage. Mr. Armour had succeeded among a small colony of washermen, which he had taken under his instruction, in shaking this prejudice; and Mr. Clough and myself were induced to employ every prudent effort to effect an entire abolition

of this injurious prejudice. For this purpose we conversed with our male hearers; urged them to bring their wives and daughters to the house of God; strengthening our appeals by scriptural precepts and examples; to which, as bearing the Christian name, they were supposed to submit in every thing pertaining to Christian worship. Mrs. Harvard generally accompanied me to the country places, that her presence at public worship might also operate as an encourgement to the native females to adopt a similar conduct. The presence of an European female on these occasions produced a considerable sensation, especially among the native women; who, stimulated by curiosity, were at first seen, during the service, cautiously approaching, and secreting themselves among the trees, that they might, unperceived, gain a look at the novel visitor. Whether convinced by our arguments, or overcome by the importunities of their wives, it is of no moment to ascertain; but at subsequent visits we had the pleasure to find several present at the preaching; who appeared much gratified by the notice taken of them by the female missionary. The numbers gradually increased; and the attendance of the women at public worship ceased to be considered a strange thing.

The change thus effected in the views and conduct of the natives in this important particular, was fully appreciated in its probable effects on the general interests of religion throughout the island; and the Rev. Doctor Twisleton in his sermon, preached at the opening of the Malabar church in July, 1815, adverted to the circumstance, with a warmth of pleasurable feeling, which evinced the interest he took in the improvement of the native character; while the liberality of his heart led him to refer, in terms of strong commendation, to those by whose instrumentality the change had been effected.

The workmen employed in the erection of our new place of worship, and other buildings, being paid by the day, were sufficiently alive to their own interest; and evidenced, by their tardy operations, a disposition to prolong the work as much as possible. We therefore removed into the dwelling-house, though unfurnished, that our presence might excite them to greater diligence. The house is situated on the east side of the chapel; on the west are rooms for the day-school, the bookbinders' office, &c.; and on the north are two ranges of commodious buildings, fitted up for the Mission printing-office. We now availed ourselves of an offer made us some time previously by His Excellency the Governor, to employ any of the materials of the Government printing-office not required for the public use; and obtained a press which was lying in an unserviceable state; which, when repaired, we found of considerable use.

The Colombo Bible Society, having received Singhalese types, and two presses, was engaged in the laudable work of supplying the Ceylonese with a new version of the Scriptures in their own language. The mental derangement of the head-printer had subjected the work to considerable delay; while the Society's funds were burdened with a regular expenditure for wages and other charges. An application was made to us by the Committee to complete the work; and the terms on which we expressed our willingness to undertake it meeting with their unanimous approval, the materials were removed to the Wesleyan Mission Printing-office, which we felt to be greatly honoured by so early becoming an instrument to promote the glorious objects of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The Annual Reports of the Colombo Society contain the most gratifying allusions to the improved style of execution, and to the reduction in the expense.