§2 CEYL01? BRANCH— ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY, 



order that these when grown up may marry her legitimate 

 children. They have purposely left children unbaptized, as we 

 understand, with the view of being able to betroth them to 

 heathens, which has been verified by the commission. There 

 are also a great many who have given their names with wit- 

 nesses as baptized ; of these a few have proved their baptism, 

 the rest having alleged falsehoods. Since this investigation whereby 

 the thombos have been rectified, none are enrolled as baptized 

 who merely bring forward their witnesses to attest it, while we 

 take care that they who are baptized are also duly registered. 

 The commissioners were two whole months in the country, taking 

 evidence daily from one school station to another ; so that their 

 report was a very copious document," 



The obstacles to the success of Christianity according to this 

 Galle report, were. 1st. The evil example of native chiefs, who, 

 were incorrigible buddhists. To gratify their prejudice to cast 

 and their pride of birth, they wanted a separate place of wor- 

 ship to themselves ; their wives consequently never came to 

 Church, nor their children to school. Notwithstanding the ex- 

 isting orders they allowed the places of worship to fall into 

 decay, whilst they could, build for themselves spacious dwell- 

 ings, like palaces. 2d. The public prevalence of idolatry, and 

 the secret adherence to it, under the cloak of Christianity. 

 In 1730 and 31 Marinus and Weynman were in danger of 

 losing their lives while on duty in the country. From their 

 birth to their death the Singhalese are said to be buddhists in 

 heart. When a child is born they consult astrologers. Is it 

 sick, they tie charms to its neck, hands and feet. Does it eat 

 jfice for the first time, a heathen name is given it, letting go 

 the name given at baptism. Would they undertake any work, 

 they must needs first ascertain the lucky day, the propitious 

 hour. Are they sick, or in adversity, devil ceremonies are 

 performed $ do they marry it must be in a good hour, accom- 

 panied with all manner of superstitions, do they die, their graven 



