removing them from the house and pernicious example of their parents. The language which children hear, the idolatrous practices in which they engage, and the disgusting scenes which they are called to witness, must have a great tendency to poison the very springs of life. But when children are removed from the contaminating influence of idolatrous practices, when they breathe not its pestilence by living under their father's roof, when their intellectual powers are aroused by spiritual and eternal truths, and rightly directed, we have reason to believe that their minds will be imbued with the principles of our holy religion, that they will obtain an energy of character, and, growing up under the blessing of God, will go forth to exemplify in their lives the power of divine truth, and preach it with great success to their wretched countrymen. Such were some of the reasonings and conclusions which led to the adoption of a more limited, and it is believed, a more effective plan of education at Bangalore.

A school was opened in one of the outhouses belonging to Mr. Laidler, in March 1821, and under the care of Samuel Flavel, who was first engaged in the mission as schoolmaster. The school at first promised well, but in a short period the number of boys belonging to the school was considerably above one hundred, whilst scarcely thirty were ever present at one time. The plan, therefore, of entirely supporting the children was adopted as the most likely way of securing the benefits of a Christian education, both to

the boys, and also to the mission.

One student who

exchanged worlds, rejoicing in his Saviour, and five other students, now engaged in the mission as promising characters, have grown up in this school. A school for girls was also commenced on the same plan as that of the boys.

The connexion of Samuel Flavel with the mission has both been important and highly beneficial to many Hindoos; it seems, therefore, necessary to offer some remarks respecting the manner in which he was at first known to Mr. Laidler.

There were a few persons at Seringapatam desirous that one of the missionaries who had arrived at Bangalore should come and take up his abode among them. For this purpose, Samuel was sent with the invitation in November 1820. His countenance, which is expressive and intelligent, and the pious strain of his conversation, made a favourable impression on the mind of Mr. Laidler, and he, having occasion to write to Mr. Miller, who lived at Seringapatam, made inquiries respecting the character of Samuel, and added, that if his opinion was favourable, he might engage Samuel to come to Bangalore as schoolmaster. In the letter which Mr. M. sent in reply, he stated; " Samuel, the native you mention, has been sick at Mysore ever since he returned from Bangalore, but is now, I am happy to say, getting better. With regard to his character as a pious man, so far as he has been under my observation, I have found him patient in the most distressing circumstances, at all times ready to give or take ad

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vice. In a word, by appearance he seems to have his affections entirely set on things above."

From the time that Samuel arrived at Bangalore, he commenced the study of a course of theological lectures, which were designed to embrace an enlarged system of divine truth, that the student might receive extensive and accurate views of the doctrines and precepts contained in the word of God. Theological treatises will necessarily be very rare for a considerable time in any of the languages spoken in India. When the servant left Bangalore, Samuel occupied his place in addressing the small congregation of natives which had weekly assembled for some time. His labours soon excited a spirit of inquiry after the truth, among the heathens and papists. Considerable numbers attended, and began to inquire with that earnestness of feeling which induced us to hope their minds were under serious impressions. In Jan. 7, 1822, two natives were baptized. The word preached by Samuel was soon made the wisdom of God, and the power of God to some who attended his ministry. It was thought scriptural and necessary, that those hindoos who had given evidence of true conversion, should have the privileges of a gospel church; therefore in March 1822, Samuel was set apart to the work of the ministry by ordination. The members of the church gradually increased.

The church, after all her care and watchfulness over her children, frequently has to complain that the children of a stranger and alien are found lodging within

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her walls. Disappointments however will not afford any reason that the office-bearers in the church should relax in their efforts to maintain the purity of her children. The Lord Jesus lays down a rule by which his people may often distinguish the true from the false. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Many who were considered followers of Christ during his personal ministry, became offended, went back, and walked no more with him. Every succeeding age the church has presented to the world characters, of a similar description, which have been the occasion of much offence and stumbling to ungodly men, and a severe trial of the faith and patience of the true Christian.

Trials are well calculated to discover the genuine nature of that faith which purifies the heart, works by love, and overcomes the world, and commend those who possess it to the confidence of established and experienced Christians.

The Mission at Bangalore has been called to enter the field of conflict, and pass through trials which have elicited gracious principles, triumphing in some, and discovered in others that want of right feeling which supports the mind in the hour of conflict: therefore, they were "as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney."

Some interesting details might here be given, but

our limits will only permit us to state some of the more prominent facts. One Hindoo, when he first heard the gospel preached, exhibited such strong feelings of disapprobation, that he angrily addressed the Missionary, in company with Samuel, and told him to leave the village, for the people would not hear nor attend to what was said. Shortly after he returned, and made several inquiries, and soon afterwards commenced to attend the chapel regularly on the Lord's day, though he lived about ten miles from the cantonment. He, in the course of a few weeks, was received into the church by baptism. He suffered very much for some time from his relations and neighbours, who were heathens; but he continued steadfast, and boldly gave his reasons why he had left the religion of his fathers, and made a profession of Christianity. Another Hindoo, when beginning to attend to the things which were spoken, ceased to wear his mark. His wife threatened to leave him, and go to her father's house if he forsook his religion, and became a Christian. He reasoned with her, but to no purpose, for she soon put her threat into execution, and remained with her parents for nearly four months. She was at last reconciled to her husband after his baptism, and continues to live with him. A third Hindoo was very much opposed by his relations, when they knew his wish to become a Christian. His wife's parents told him him they would take their daughter from him, if he would not wear his mark, and leave the Christians; in a short time his wife was taken from him.