C E V L O N BRANCH — BOYaL aSIaTR SOClKfT. 



119 



abridgment of Burmans synopsis Theolozisr. ami retains a. 

 so much of the controversial part as would be useful against 

 Heathens. Mahomedans and Papists. The compendium 

 was submitted to the clergy for revision, who crave their 

 opinion in writing,, after which it was adopted for the use 

 of the theological class. To this compendium were added 

 a short history of the Old Testament, and a help to analyz- 

 ing and the composition of sermons, as best suited Natives. 

 The subjects of examination this year were : the existence 

 of God. the divine attribute?, the immortality of the soul, 

 man's moral obligation and dependence on God. virtue and 

 vice in general and their consequences, the first covenant, 

 the fall and its consequences, the sinner'? restoration, ks 

 revelation and man's obligation to seek it, the character- 

 istics of divine revelation. 



The Rector intimated to the grief of all interested, that 

 his failing health would not permit him to continue long ; 

 the Governor and all present hoping such would not be the 

 result, requested him to continue a little longer. It was 

 customary on the grand examination day, as a mark of re- 

 spect to the clergy, for the members of the Political Council 

 to convey them in their carriages to the Seminary. In 

 1723 this piece of etiquette was omitted, President Mol and 

 others drivino: by the house where the commissioned clergy 

 were assembled. The examination was thereby frustrated, 

 for the offended party did not go. The Governor called 

 them to account for their absence, they in return demanded 

 another examination, to which His Excellency ultimately 

 yielded. At the examination of 1724 all the youths, from 

 the highest to the lowest, gave much satisfaction : and as a 

 further proof that they not only understood the subjects on 

 which they had been prepared, but also knew their practi- 

 cal bearings and could apply them, they replied well to 

 miscellaneous questions from the by standers. The o r ogress 

 during the last two years was very marked. The Rector 

 regretted that his health did not allow him to do that jus- 

 tice to his charge which he wished. Four of the most ad- 

 vanced Cinghaless youths gave every hope of becoming 

 able propounders of the word of life to their country -men. 

 This was subsequently demonstrated by their proof. Ser- 

 mons on 1 John 1, 7. Mathew 5, 8. Psalm 34, 10. Hebrews 

 12, 14. The introduction was suitable, the illustration of 

 truth- contained in the text as also the refutation of errors, 

 lucid and comprehensive, the application appropriate, and 



