42 



CEYLON BRANCH 



17 of the Synod of South-Holland, held at Goudain 1620, who 

 approved of and commended it as an edifying Christian work 

 for the salvation of many blind heathens. Since then it has 

 been adopted by the English in America; and the Fatherland 

 Churches have for years spoken in a tone of high approbation 

 that in these regions also a Seminary be established for native 

 youths, to prepare proponents and ministers for the extension 

 of the true reformed Christian religion; we neither suppose 

 nor expect (no other difficulties presenting themselves in this 

 respect) that the Fatherland Churches will now raise any ob- 

 jection or opposition.'' 



In 1696 the consistory of Galle consulted them of Colombo 

 about the reception of slaves as communicants, and whether 

 previous information should be given to Government. The re- 

 ply was that although caution was necessary, yet when it had 

 been ascertained that no objection existed as to the amount of 

 religious knowledge and as to moral conduct, they should 

 be admitted ; that it had been the constant practice to recognize 

 as Church members the slaves who came over from Batavia 

 with certificates ; and that as this was a matter purely Eccle- 

 siastical there was no necessity of a reference to Government. 

 The origin of these inquiries was not so much the novelty of 

 the case, but an unpleasant dispute in the Church of Galle 

 between certain of the congregation and the members of the 

 consistory themselves, about the admission of a slave girl who 

 came with her mistress from Matura. One of the clergymen 

 refused to admit her, though she was furnished with a good 

 testimony from the Matura Church, on the ground of ill-con- 

 duct which he refused to specify or substantiate. The con- 

 tention was protracted, led to unwarrantable proceedings in 

 the meeting, and terminated in the removal by Government of 

 the ministers to other stations. 



