cellent Companion to the Altar. The vein of piety breathing through the little manual, the decorum and solemnity with which the whole service was conducted, and my own peculiar circumstances, all tended to impress my heart in the most salutary manner. Though far from scenes and society which had formerly interested and profited me, I found it good for me to draw near to God.

The next morning our official letter to the Committee, having been read and approved, was forwarded to the Governor, to be franked for the overland despatch. His Excellency sent us word, that if we wished to write to our families in England, he would also frank one for each of us, and an extra one for each of the married Missionaries. Mr. Ault and myself gladly availed ourselves of the opportunity of writing two letters, and the rest of our party each prepared his single letter. We were restricted to a very small sheet of paper, about the size of a duodecimo page; and our letters, when folded up, did not exceed four inches in length, and about two and a half in breadth. We felt it almost impossible to express within so small a compass all the important tidings which we wished to communicate. Our first letters, therefore, contained but a hasty and very limited account of our situation, and of the trials and mercies with which we had been visited. Some of our friends in England were dissatisfied with the brevity of our first epistles; but the cause is thus explained.

About this time we heard that it would be possible to obtain a passage to Ceylon in the Earl Spencer, a vessel going to China, but which would lie-to off Point de Galle, and land passengers. We immediately engaged with Captain Mitchell, through the agency of Mr. Money; but Mr. M. kindly remarked,

that as, from the advanced state of the season, it might be attended with considerable difficulty to get a landing when the vessel arrived off Ceylon, he thought it would be improper for my wife, in her situation, to proceed with the rest of the party. I consulted Captain Birch, who was of the same opinion; and who recommended me to obtain the advice of a medical man, and then apply to the Governor in Council, for permission to remain at Bombay until after the monsoon months. Having stated these things to my companions, with their consent I made application, and obtained the necessary per

mission.

The Mission family, with the exception of Mrs. H. and myself, sailed out of Bombay harbour on the 20th of June, and landed at Point de Galle after a voyage of nine days.

H

CHAP. VIII.

Voyage of Messrs. Ault, &c. to Ceylon-Kind reception from the Government authorities-The Government house at Galle prepared for their reception-Condescension of Lord and Lady Molesworth— His Lordship's estimate of their character-The Rev. G. BissetLiberal proposal of His Excellency, the Governor, to endow schools -First Ceylon Conference-Deliberations-Wesleyan plan of stationing the preachers-Their resignation of themselves to God, and satisfaction with their respective stations-Celebration of the Lord's Supper previous to their separation-Arrival of Messrs. Lynch and Squance at Columbo-Hospitable reception by the Honourable and Reverend Archdeacon Twisleton, &c.-Introduced to His Excel'lency, the Governor-Invited to dine-Important assistance rendered by the Right Honourable Sir A. Johnstone, Chief Justice of CeylonMr. Armour; his history and character-Preach in the Baptist Mission chapel-A Native convert-Proceed to Jaffnapatam— J. N. Mooyart, Esq.--Christian David, a pupil of Swartz-School opened-Preach in the Dutch church-Mr. Erskine proceeds to Matura-Encouraging reception-The Rev. T. G. Erhardt-Matura school opened-Service in the Dutch church-Importance of Matura, as a Missionary station-Mr. Ault sails from Galle to Batticaloe-Dangerous voyage-Reception-Acts as Chaplain-His labours among the Europeans and Natives-Mr. Clough commences his Mission at Galle-Lord Molesworth's important patronage and advice-Mr. C.'s labours among the Europeans, and efforts to benefit the Natives-Visited by Don Abraham Dias Abeysinha Ameresekera, who generously offers a residence and school-house-The Galle school opened-Native enquirers-Mr. Clough's unwearied and successful application to the study of the Singhalese language.

THE passage of our brethren who had embarked in the Earl Spencer, though speedy, was hazardous; as the vessel was carried before the wind, which blew in one continued gale, until they arrived within sight of the Island of Ceylon. The Captain was frequently apprehensive he should not be able to put them on shore; in which case they would have been compelled to proceed with the vessel to Pulo Penang, or even to

China. But on their arrival off Point de Galle, nearly the southernmost point of Ceylon, a remarkably clear day caused the signal made by the Captain to be seen on shore; and W. C. Gibson, Esq. then master-attendant of that port, immediately sent off boats for them and their chests. Messrs. Lynch, Squance, and Clough landed in a short time; but Messrs. Ault and Erskine remained, to bring away the baggage in the larger boats. They were received on the wharf by Mr. Gibson; when a series of kind services to our Mission commenced on the part of that gentleman, and his excellent lady, which have been continued without interruption.

Mr. Gibson introduced the Missionaries shortly after their arrival to the Right Honourable Lord Molesworth, Commandant of the Galle garrison; a pious nobleman, who had received intelligence of the appointment of a Christian Mission to the Island of Ceylon with no common pleasure. As they were proceeding to his lordship's residence, Mr. G. informed them, that he had a few days before received a letter from Mr. Money, of Bombay, informing him of the probable time of their arrival, and the signal which the Captain would make on coming in sight of land; in consequence of which he had been looking out for the ship. This was another proof of the lively interest Mr. Money took in our affairs, and excited their thankfulness to God. But what must have been their surprise and gratitude, when they learned that Sir Evan Nepean also had written favourably concerning them, to His Excellency, General Brownrigg, the Governor of Ceylon; who had in consequence immediately written to Lord Molesworth, directing that the Government-house in the Fort of Galle should be prepared for their reception. So signally were they favoured with the good opinion of those under whose jurisdiction they were to commence their labours.

Lord and Lady Molesworth received them with great affability, and accompanied them to the Governmenthouse, which had been made ready for them; they then invited them to return and refresh themselves; which they did. But their fears began to be excited by the non-appearance of Messrs. Ault and Erskine, who were expected to land immediately after them; but of whom no tidings had been heard even at eight o'clock in the evening. Lord Molesworth, however, assured them there was no reason to be apprehensive for their safety; as, at that boisterous season of the year, it often happened that boats, in endeavouring to reach the land from vessels in the Galle roads, were driven (the wind and tide being both against them) several miles to the eastward. The night was to them, notwithstanding, an anxious one, and was not passed without much concern, and many fervent prayers for the safety of their companions.

Early in the morning his lordship, apprehending that the boat had been driven to the eastward, sent off two palankeens and some servants to a place called Belligamme, situated about sixteen miles from Galle, in the hope of meeting with our friends; and about five o'clock in the afternoon they arrived in safety.

It appeared, that after Mr. Lynch and his party had left the ship, Captain Mitchell detained the luggageboat while he wrote a few letters for the shore; the ship in the mean time was driving on to sea; so that by the time they parted, the boatmen found it impossible to make Galle harbour, and in consequence directed their course to Belligamme, which was the next port.

Their situation on leaving the ship was far from pleasant. On the wide ocean-in an open boat-at the command of men with whose manners and language they were wholly unacquainted-while the darkness of the night prevented them from observing their