ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. 



35 



This year was remarkable for the projection of the- 

 Singhalese Seminary, for the benefit of Colombo, Galle and 

 Matura. The Government submitted the consideration of it 

 to the Colombo consistory; each member gave in writing his 

 opinion as to the most practicable plan, after which a meeting 

 was held and their proceedings were forwarded to the East 

 India Company. But a delay of two or three years occurred 

 before the plan was brought to maturity. In consideration of 

 increased labours and extended plans of usefulness, suggestions 

 were also submitted to Government for augmenting the number 

 of Ministers. The Eev. Mr. Eoman was asked in the meeting 

 whether he intended remaining in India, he answered that his 

 time of life did not permit him to study the native languages, 

 he saw some likelihood of acquiring the Portuguese, but he 

 would prefer a station where he would not be called on to take 

 charge of native schools and congregations. Here was no such 

 station in Ceylon, and it was recommended to Government that 

 he should exchange with Mr. Clement at Negapatam, who was 

 a young man and inclined to remain a long time in India, and 

 likely to prove a valuable instrument in the work of native 

 Christianity. The arrangement was sanctioned. The consis- 

 tory further requested Mr. Spegt, whose term of service was 

 expired, to continue longer in the Colony in the present emer- 

 gency, on account of his local experience. He thanked his 

 brethren for their estimation of his services, but regretted that 

 circumstances placed it out of his power to give a decided 

 answer. 



There was a concern for the welfare of native Christianity; 

 the number of Ministers able to take charge of the rural 

 Churches and schools was small; the stations required to be 

 frequently inspected; they used to be visited every five weeks, 

 it should never be less than once a quarter, in order that the 



