16 CEYLON BRANCH ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. 



own representation to the classes. The classes adjusted the 

 matter with the Representatives, who did not wish to restrict the 

 consistory in freely and directly corresponding with them and 

 the classes on their business, and sealing such letters in their 

 meeting, that there might be no clashing between the Political and 

 Ecclesiastical departments, it seems that the classes were very 

 solicitous lest any extraneous interference might impede the 

 functions of their clergy. They express themselves strongly in 

 their letter of 1674, and invite their Ceylon brethren to unite 

 with them, that "neither the local Governments, nor the high 

 u authorities get a footing in Eeclesiactical matters which would 

 " be prejudicial to the spiritual welfare of the Church. " From 

 ti js time forth the mode of getting up the annual statement was 

 plaeed on a firmer basis. 



In 1674 the children in the schools of the Colombo district 

 amounted to 1300. Ministers in the Colony in 167 9 were 10. 

 The Dutch congregation in Colombo, and Native Christians in 

 its districts were daily advancing both in knowledge and in num- 

 bers, especially school children, amounting together to 3787. It 

 was on the schools principally that they built their hopes for- 

 asmuch as the adults were generally speaking supposed strongly 

 imbued with the leaven of popery. The account given of the 

 Singhalese of Matura, in a letter of the Rev. A. Japin in 1680 

 represents matters as not very encouraging. The number of 

 Idolaters was on the increase, so that he began to hesitate and 

 seriously to consider how he was to act with respect to the 

 baptism of Native children, lest that which is holy be given 

 unto the dogs. There was more the name than the reality of 

 Christianity, the people would neither continue to attend preach- 

 ing, nor send their children to school, which Mr. Japin ascribes 

 to their ignorance of God and his attributes. Every thing he 

 says is pro forma and by constraint. With but three or four 

 exceptions the schoolmasters served for the sake of a livelihood 

 and not with any desire for the truths either to save their own 



