28. Brother A. V. Williams was taken ill last evening. While attending family worship, he experienced a difficulty of respiration, and was obliged to close abruptly. Some medicine was given him, and he retired to bed. In the night his wife was awaked by his groans of distress. His brother and Dr. Pride were called in, and after bathing, and administering some gentle sudorifics, he obtained a partial relief. He is still quite indisposed, so that he has not left his room to-day.

29. Brother W. was so ill last night as to require constant watching. He has become so helpless as to be unable to turn himself in bed, and to require two men to move him. His disease is considered to be the acute rheumatism, attended with a burning fever. We are sensible that all our dependence must be on God; but it is a satisfaction to have a physician in our family to prescribe such remedies as a kind Providence has furnished for the relief of suffering man. 30. Brother and sister Kanouse left us this morning, to return to their friends in New Jersey. It was painful to part with this brother and sister, particularly under our present circumstances. They have been faithful laborers, and have greatly forwarded the work of this establishment. They came with the expectation of returning at the close of one year. We had indulged the hope, that, considering the circumstances of the mission, and our great need of help, they would have continued until winter. But their friends were unwilling that they should continue longer.

We do believe, that if the children of God could witness the perishing condition of these heathen, they would be willing to give up their children for so glorious a work, as the bringing of them out of darkness into the light of the Gospel. Sept. 3. Brother W. is more comfortable this morning. Towards noon had two ague fits, followed by fever and profuse sweat. We fondly hoped his disease would change to a regular intermittent; but our hopes were soon dissipated by the return of increased pain and burning fever.

5. The symptoms of our brother have become truly alarming. The pains, which had been alternately in his breast, back, and limbs, have become fixed in his bowels and stomach. We have relinquished all hopes of recovery. Distressing hiccoughs, and deep hollow groans, admonish us of his approaching dissolution.

About ten in the evening the family were called together to take their final leave of our beloved brother, who was supposed to be dying. But the time of his release had not arrived. His distress is extreme, and it would almost melt a heart of stone, to hear his doleful moans. But his soul rests sweetly on Jesus, and he appears perfectly resigned to the will of his heavenly Father.

6. Life is still prolonged, but we are not permitted to indulge any hope of recovery. The most powerful medicines have ceased to have any effect. At ten in the evening we were again called together, to witness the dying agonies of our dear friend and brother. The struggle was severe. About a quarter past eleven he was sweetly released from the sorrows and sufferings of this mortal life. "Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord."

7. About four P. M. we followed the remains of our departed fellow laborer to the silent tomb.

How mysterious are the ways of Providence. At a time when we seem most to need assistance, one of our small number is removed by death. Few have been the days which we have spent together; but they have been pleasant. We have been united in the best and most exalted labors, which bound our hearts together by the tenderest ties.

Brother Aries V. Williams had cheerfully devoted himself to the cause of Christ among the heathen. Having set his face to the work, he cheerfully endured the burdens and hardships which fell to his lot. While on a dying bed he was asked, if he regretted that he had come to this distant land, to labor for the cause of Christ. "O no," he replied with emphasis, "I only regret that I have done no more for him." Through his whole sickness he was calm and resigned.

Being asked about the state of his soul, he replied, "I cannot say I have so lively exercises as I once had; but I know Jesus is allsufficient, in him I trust, and I feel that I can lean my head upon his breast, and breathe my life out sweetly there." This last sentiment was often repeated, during the last days of his sickness.

He often showed an ardent desire to speak to us, but distress and weakness of body prevented. To his deeply afflicted wife, and to his brothers and sisters in the mission, he said, "Let your light shine;-live above the world; be fervent in spirit." To Mrs. P. the Choctaw woman, who we hope has savingly embraced the Gospel, he said, as she entered the room, "Can I not call you a dear sister in Christ? Jesus is my friend, I hope he will be yours."

It may be truly said of him, that he was waiting the coming of his Lord. At times he would say, “O my dear Savior, what wait I for? Why dost thou so long delay thy coming?" Thus with a lively hope he resigned himself to the arms of his Savior, and we trust, has gone to receive the reward of those who continue faithful unto the end. His memory will long be precious to us, and long shall we bewail the loss we have sustained. May the Lord of the harvest raise up others, of a similar spirit, to come and occupy the place vacant by his death.

16. Brother Jewell returned with 54 cows and calves, and two steers, collected of those subscribed for the benefit of this school. The others we shall get next spring. A black woman came with brother Jewell, who was sent by the Agent to assist us for a while.

At a meeting for business-resolved, that we hire another laborer,-that. brother Williams superintend the neat stock,-that brother Jewell, in addition to his present business, take charge and assist in the work on the buildingsand that our hired help be released from work three hours before sun set on Saturdays.

(To be continued.)

TOUR TO CHOULE.

[In our last volume p. 466, was mentioned Mr. Hall's visit to several towns and villages on the continent, at a short distance from Bombay. The following article more specifically describes his success in examining the state of those places, and the settlement of schools in them.]

WE have long considered it as extremely desirable, that we should have access to the continent, for the purpose of distributing more widely the books we print, of preaching more extensively the Gospel of Christ, and of establishing at a distance those native schools, in which might be taught the doctrines of salvation, as well as the rudiments of human learning. How far we might be enabled to extend our operations in these various ways, we have ever considered as somewhat doubtful.

Feeling it our duty to employ every means in our power, to advance our one great object of promoting Christian knowledge in this region, I proposed to the brethren to visit several places on the Continent, should they think it advisable, and should no impediment lie in our way. They all approved of it, and agreed in thinking it expedient for me first to wait on the Governor, and converse with him concerning the object of the proposed tour. I accordingly waited on his Excellency, and was received by him with his usual condescension and kindness. His Excellency repeated his expressions of confidence in us, and of his entire satisfaction in regard to the manner in which we were pursuing our object, and was perfectly ready to grant us any indulgence in extending our operations beyond the limits of Bombay. He said he felt no objection to my going any where. A few days after, I obtained the customary passport for going to Choule, Cullian, and Basseen, intending to proceed to these several places, as soon as I might find it convenient.

October 28, 1818. About 10 o'clock I embarked from Bombay in a patemar, for Choule. The boat belonged to that place, and was manned with about ten Mussulmauns, and had on board about the same number of passengers, who also were Mussulmauns. I was accompanied by the Jew, Samuel Yasoph, who has been the teacher of our Jewish school in Bombay, ever since its establishment. Having had experience of his ability as a school teacher, and he being a native of Choule, it was thought best that he should go with me; and that he should be employed in teaching a school there, should it finally be thought expedient to begin schools in that region.

No sooner had I gone on board, than the crew and my fellow passengers were inquisitive to know who I was, what was my profession, and what my object. And, as their custom is, these inquiries were directed not to me, but to the native, the Jew, who was with me. Being informed that I was a padre, (the common word in and about this country, for priest,) and that my object was to teach a certain religion, to distribute books, and to establish charity schools,—we very naturally fell into conversation on these subjects.

I conversed a little; but perceiving the approach of that severe sea sickness, which I always experience when I go on the water, I proposed to my Jewish companion, who was not thus affected, to read one of the tracts to the people. He readily complied, and begun to read the first tract of the Scripture history. A part of the people sat around him to hear.

As he read, I occasionally made remarks, and they made various observations, showing that they had some little knowledge of Moses, and his account of the creation; of Adam and Eve, of Cain and Abel, of Noah and the flood; of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, and other characters and events recorded in the Scriptures. They readily assented to what they had heard, and seemed highly grateful,until we came to the reflection on the fall of man and his redemption through a Savior's blood, and then,like all the votaries of the Arabian impostor, they started at the name "Son of God," and, as taught by their arch deceiver, they were ready to turn away with contempt. But I desired them to listen to the explanation, which, they did, until both reader and hearers, in addition to a partial sea-sickness, were almost overcome by the excessive heat of a vertical sun, shedding his scorching rays upon our open boat. The exercise was therefore discontinued, and each one made himself as comfortable as he could.

In about five hours from the time of sailing, we landed at what is by Europeans called Choule; but what the natives uniformly call Rawadunda, about three miles to the east of which is the town properly called Choule, and which is not in the English territory, but in the dominions of Angrea, King of Calaba.

Here, in a small compass, are six or eight towns belonging to the English, and in these towns there may be 30,000 inhabitants, who, excepting about 200 Roman Catholics, and 50 families of Jews, and a few Mahommedans, are all Hindoos. This place has had a succession of masters, and has experienced great changes. Soon after the Portuguese came to this country, they here commenced a settlement. The fort which they built in front of the town of Rawadunda, was one and a half mile in circumference, with lofty walls and numerous towers. Not a single human being now inhabits this spacious fortification. It is all one uniform cocoanut grove, spreading a wide melancholy shade over the mouldering ruins of temples, monasteries, and other edifices, both public and private, -once the superb mansions of a Christian people; but now merely the abode of loathsome vermin. Within two miles of the same spot, the ruins of Mahommedan fortifications,temples, seraglios, and monuments in their burying grounds, show, that here, at some former period, another empire must have risen up, flourished, and then vanished away.

It is now about six months since this territory passed from the Mahratta sovereign into the hands of the English.

Immediately on my landing, I walked nearly a mile to the further side of the town, and there took up my quarters with a Jewish family. I was so exhausted with sea-sickness, heat and other fatigue, as to be quite unfit for any further exertions. After sitting awhile, however, I concluded to take a walk into the fort. On my way I called at the tent of an English officer, who was residing there a short time,for the purpose of taking a survey of the fort and district. He received me kindly; and, after taking a walk with him among the ruins of the fort, I returned and dined with him, and at about 9 o'clock again reached my lodgings. This closed the labors of the day.

29. In the morning I arose quite refreshed with the repose of the night, and encouraged with the hope of doing something towards diffusing a knowledge of the Savior among this numerous heather people, who I suppose were never before visited by a Protestant missionary.

Before breakfast I walked through the town to the sea shore. On my way, near the beach, I passed two Hindoo temples, which bore the marks of indigence and neglect. In front of one of these temples I stopped, and briefly addressed a

number of people, and called upon them to renounce their idols, to worship God their Maker, to repent of their sins, and to believe in Christ their Redeemer. Returned to breakfast. My arrival having been published the preceding evening, and some few books having been distributed, many people came early for books to my lodgings. I read and spoke to a large number, and gave them books at their own earnest request.

After breakfast, accompanied by two Jews I walked through Derwajabahore, Kaup, and Taronda, three towns lying on the sea board to the north of the fort. In these towns I stopped and distributed some books, and addressed such of the people as I found disengaged.

On our way back we turned eastward, entered the territory of the native prince, Angrea, and visited a large Hindoo temple about two miles east of the fort. The principal temple is a large, costly, but very ancient building, surrounded by a number of inferior ones. It stands in a solitary place, and around it are but a very few poor native huts. This temple is far superior to all the other temples in this region, Still, but very few persons are attached to it, and it is manifestly a place of but little resort. Near the temple I sat down under the shade of a tree. Eight or ten persons came and sat down with me. An aged Hindoo, with expressions of much kindness, brought me the milk and meat of a cocoanut with some sugar,and desired me to refresh myself. This I was very glad to do, for it was now about the middle of the day, and I had walked four or five miles in a very hot sun. I improved the opportunity by addressing the people on the subject of salvation. I gave them a few books, which I desired them to read repeatedly, and to consider seriously; assuring them that if they would follow the directions contained in those books, they would obtain the pardon of their sins, the favor of God, and the happiness of heaven. I then took leave of them, and returned to my quarters.

After resting two or three hours, I started at half past three o'clock in company with three Jews, intending to visit some temples about four miles to the east, in Angrea's territory. On my way, I passed by those mouldering monuments of Mahommedan faith and power, before mentioned. The first village I passed through is called Kolwer, and contains about 75 families, and a large Mussulmaun burying-ground. But here I neither met with any of the inhabitants, who are principally fishermen, nor distributed any books.

I then passed on to the town properly called Choule, which I was told contained 1,500 or 2,000 inhabitants. They seemed very friendly, and appeared to be familiarly acquainted with my Jewish companion, our schoolmaster. Through him I learned, that there was no school in the place, but that there was a man who would be glad to teach one, and that it would be pleasing to the people to have one. It was now late in the day. I made some short stops, spoke to a few of the people and gave them books.

I next turned to the north, towards the temples on the brow of a mountain, which I had hoped to visit. But after walking awhile longer, I found they were so distant, and so difficult of access, that I could not well reach them, and so relinquished the object.

I then bent my course towards my lodgings, and taking a more inland road, I travelled most of the way in Angrea's dominions, passed by several forsaken temples, both Hindoo and Mahommedan, and one guard house of his Hindoo Majesty. Distributing a few books on the way, without much intercourse with the few people I saw on the road, I reached my lodgings about sunset, and was not a little fatigued with my walks of not less than 15 miles in the day. Soon after my return more people came for books, many of whom I was obliged to refuse, as my stock was now nearly expended. But I did not dismiss them, till I had given them a word of instruction and exhortation.

30. People came in the morning for books. I read one of the tracts to them, addressed them, and gave them a few books.

After breakfast I passed over in a ferry boat to the opposite side of the bay, and visited a small village called Boarlee. Here I found the meager remnant of that Roman Catholic population, which once must have been extremely numerous, opulent, and powerful, in this region. I first called on the only Catholic clergyman in the district, who very courteously received me. He was a native of Goa, and spoke the language of the Concan so imperfectly, that we

Could interchange but few ideas. His apartments, as is usual, were in a small building adjoining the church, and they bore every mark of extreme solitude and indigence. In mournful accents he told me, that, the whole number of Catholics, including two or three families in Rawadunda, did not exceed 200 souls. In reply to my inquiries, he said,that no exertions were now made to gain proselytes from among the natives. At my desire he accompanied me into the church, which is the only one in the region that has not fallen in the common desolation of Portuguese grandeur. And indeed, a part of the roof of this church has fallen in, and it is but meagerly furnished with that superstitious trumpery and that ridiculous finery, which I have been accustomed to see in other Catholic churches.

I gave to the priest the Acts of the apostles and two tracts, which he said he would cause to be read to him; for though he understood something of the language, he could speak it but very imperfectly, and could not read it at all.

On taking my leave of the priest, I walked a short distance to the Hindoo village. As I entered it, a principal man of the place invited me to his house, and desired me to take some refreshment. I thanked him for his kindness, but declined his proffered hospitality, as I wanted nothing but a draught of water. Here I conversed with a number of people, and gave iny host two tracts, which he accepted with apparent gratitude. I learned that there was no school in the place, but that 25 or 30 boys might easily be collected into a school.

At a small distance I saw a miserable looking temple, and a large collection of people, and heard abundance of music and noise. I advanced to the spot, and found a large number of the villagers, men, women, and children, assembled for religious worship, it being the great Hindoo festival called Dewally. The occasion was extraordinary, but the worship in which these people were engaged was such as I had never before seen. The object of their ceremonies was to bring the devil into a certain man, who would thereby become the guardian deity of the place,and defend its inhabitants from the ravages and assaults of disease. To such strange expedients these people seemed to impute their preservation for the ravages of the Cholera Morbus, which has been so destructive throughout the country generally, but which, they boastingly said, had not attacked a single living thing in their village.

The man who was thus to be deified, or rather demonified, was placed in the midst of the temple, covered with ashes and filth, reclining on the ground, with his head supported on the lap of another man, who was jingling a little bell over it, while several persons were striking up their barbarous music, and others employed in making burnt offerings to the misshapen idols. At a little distance from the temple I saw a kid, whose head was severed from the body. This was the only one I had noticed in the place, and it had been offered in sacrifice to the idol. I greatly wished to address this poor deluded multitude; but perceiving that I could not do it without violence to their religious ceremony, I made a few observations to some people, who were standing a little aside, and then proceeded to the old Portuguese fortifications,on a lofty height at a short distance. In these fortifications I found the ruins of one spacious Catholic church, some very old and very heavy pieces of ordnance, and some native soldiers. I remained with them more than an hour, conversed with them on a variety of subjects, and gave them Christian instruction. Not one of them could read, and I therefore left no books with them. On descending from the summit, I returned to the house where I had been so hospitably received. The assembly at the temple was entirely dispersed. My host again invited me to take some refreshment, and now feeling the want of it, I gratefully accepted his invitation, and regaled myself on some unleavened cake, a cocoa-nut, and some toddy.* A few people came round and I read part of one of the tracts, and spoke briefly to them. We then took a very friendly leave, and returned back. I should have observed, that I gave books to several other persons, among whom were two men, belonging and returning to Hopsee Seedee's territory, who is a petty sovereign residing about 30 miles distant from Choule.

31. Conversed with a number of people at my lodgings before breakfast. After breakfast I walked round the town, stopped in several places, preached to a considerable number of people, and distributed some books.

* A juice drawn from various kinds of palms, by cutting off the branch intended by nature to produce fruit, and receiving from the wounded branch the sap.