CHAPTER V.

Worshiping Books.-Has the Sun a Soul?—Thank-offering of a Heathen.-Roman Catholics.-A Bud blighted, etc.

SECOND JOURNAL FROM PANDITERIPO.

THE plan of operations by the missionaries of Ceylon was both simple and effective. A station was selected -central, if possible-and, while cultivating that, they extended their preaching tours to the neighboring towns and districts. These settlements, densely populated, afforded accessible fields for preaching the Gospel, and for the distribution of books and tracts. Generally the missionaries were accompanied by their pupils—at least by such as were reliable-and sometimes by an interpreter.

At Panditeripo there were schools for girls and boys, mostly under the care of Mrs. Scudder while the doctor was engaged in hospital service or on preaching tours. This brought a heavy burden on Mrs. S., which—considering her increasing domestic affairs-could never have been borne but for the presence and assistance of the faithful colored Amy. It was a favoring providence that gave this woman to the Scudder family, especially as the natives, in that capacity, were both lazy and unreliable. She, in fact, became, through mental culture and growing piety, a companion to Mrs. S., while still she never presumed to consider herself in any other light than as a Christian servant.

When the doctor moved off, surrounded by his dusky

pupils, on these preaching tours, with the expectation of being absent for a week or more, the whole care of the mission at home came upon Mrs. Scudder, and bravely did she meet the responsibility. This may be seen by the few extracts which will be given from her journal. In her were combined the most amiable feminine traits and the heroism of the martyr. Her judgment was quick to discern, and her hand prompt to execute whatever of duty lay before her. Cheerfully did she bid her husband "God speed" as he started on his outside mission, and when he returned she met him with the affectionate welcome; and then they sat down together, and mutually related the experience of God's goodness.

Dr. Scudder's twofold work as physician to the body and soul, while it gave him the greater influence, imposed upon him unusual labors. He carried along with him medicines and surgical instruments, that he might be ready to meet every case of bodily distress, believing that in this way God opened avenues to the soul. Many an illustration of this occurred; and some who had been healed, like the grateful leper of Scripture," returned to give glory to God."

It is not our intention to tax the reader's patience with long journals or varied correspondence. We shall select only, here and there, from these abundant materials, what may be necessary to afford a just impression of these faithful missionaries. The second journal of Dr. and Mrs. Scudder from Panditeripo, a few extracts from which we give, will show more clearly the nature of their work than any outside observer could furnish.

WORSHIPING BOOKS.-HAS THE SUN A SOUL?

“Friday, January 5th. This afternoon, while laboring among the people, a man told me that I worshiped books. I never heard of this before. This opinion has probably obtained in consequence of seeing books used in courts of justice or by us in our preaching. My interpreter has informed me that a number of ignorant people believe it. Some of this people do worship their books.

"27th. This morning I was asked about the sun's having a soul. It was said it must have a soul because it moved. I asked them if a feather had life because it was moved about by the wind. 'No.' I then told them that the world and sun were moved by the agency of God just as the wind moves a feather. This simple manner of reasoning has the desired effect.

The

"This afternoon visited from house to house. same man who told me on Friday afternoon that I worshiped books again met me. During our conversation he asked me to show him what color and shape God was. Before I attempted to answer him, I asked him the color and shape of the wind. A number of persons afterward followed me."

THANK OFFERING OF A HEATHEN.

Friday, February 2d. This afternoon, while among the people, I went to a heathen temple, and had some conversation with a man who was recovering from a very severe illness. He attributed his relief to his gods. He said that, when very ill, he, with his wife, came there and cried to their gods, and his disease was removed. He had promised that, if he recovered, he would make an offer

ing at the temple. While I was there the offerings arrived. I conversed freely with him, but found him exceedingly obstinate. He had no doubt but that his gods had relieved him, and this was an additional argument with him to trust in them (very natural, and what a rebuke to many in Christian lands!)."

ROMAN CATHOLICS.

"March 1st. Have labored almost entirely among the Catholics during the last month, and have had much reason to persevere. Have been preparing a tract especially for them. In it I have endeavored to point out the ingratitude of their continuing in sin after what the Son of God had done and suffered to save them. My boys have been sent out to read it to the people. It was well received. Some of the Catholics sent me their 'salam.'”

A BUD BLIGHTED.

"March 14th. This morning Mrs. Scudder was made the happy mother of a living child. We have much reason for thankfulness, as we have been called to part with two children since we left our native land. Had a visit from Sir Richard Ottley.

"19th. Last evening we committed the beloved child which had so lately been given us to the dust. It was taken ill on Monday night, and died the following evening. Mr. Woodward baptized it on Saturday afternoon. We named it Brainerd, after the celebrated missionary to the Indians, in hope that, if God spared its life, we might hereafter hold up to his view the example of that excellent man. Thus, in less than eighteen months, we have been called to part with three children; enough, it

would be supposed, to teach us that this is not our place of rest. May our loss be made up by spiritual children from among this heathen people!"

PREACHING TOUR.

"Point Pedro, January 9th. On Tuesday evening last, in company with Mr. Koch, three of my boys (Griffin, Willis, and Gautier), my interpreter and his cook, together with four coolies, I set out for this place. We reached Copay, four or five miles distant from Odooville, about nine or ten o'clock, and, being fatigued, we stopped several hours to rest in an uninhabited house of that place. In the afternoon we divided into three companies, and went out among the people to sow the seed of the Word. We distributed forty tracts and nine books (Scripture extracts) among them. In the evening went to Potoer, about five miles farther. We arrived about. eight o'clock. While walking by moonlight, it was a sweet reflection that I was engaged in a work which had the approbation of my God. Oh, how thankful should I feel to the great Head of the Church for allowing me to labor among these heathen! Truly I envy not those who dwell in palaces-I envy not those who are settled in parishes at home. It shall be my joy to spend and to be spent among the heathen.

"On Wednesday morning we continued our visits from house to house; distributed forty-two tracts and twenty books. I performed the operation for cataract upon an old man above seventy years of age, and succeeded in restoring his sight to him.”