ROYAL ASIATIC SOCIETY. 53 



In 1730 there were at Colombo, ministers 5, native pro- 

 ponents 2, krankbezoekers 3, one at Hangwelle, one at 

 Negombo and one at ( altura. Dutch congregation at Co- 

 lombo 405 members, in the Leper Hospital 15, at Calpentyn 

 15, at Negombo 21, Singhalese congregation at Cotta 316 

 members, at Negombo 130. Baptized persons in the Colombo 

 district 40,621. At Jaffna, ministers 3, native proponents 2. 

 Dutch congregation 190 members, at Manaar 33, Trincomalie 

 49, Batticaloa 36. Baptized natives in the Jaffna district 

 169,256, of whom 26 were Church members; at Galle, minis- 

 ters 2, Dutch congregation 109 members, Matura 26, natives 

 professing the Christian religion 78,691. The indifference of 

 the Singhalese in this district arose to open acts of opposi- 

 tion against education and religion, which was complained of 

 to the Governor, who promised to make inquires. The Galle 

 consistory consulted the Colombo consistory, how they were to 

 act in cases of baptism ; for since idolatry was becoming more 

 prevalent, how could they recognize persons who practised 

 idolatry. The opinion of the Colombo Consistory was, that 

 when it could be proved and ascertained that parents were 

 secretly attached to idolatry, they ought to be refused, that 

 otherwise it would be well to call the parents, examine and 

 question them on their motives for desiring baptism to their 

 children, and that if their answers manifested a decided at- 

 tachment to the Christian religion, they could not be refused, 

 otherwise the minister would be going beyond what he was 

 able to ascertain. 



That this suggestion was adopted appears from their own 

 statement. " The Rev. J. W. Marinus, in his annual visita- 

 tion of the Galle and Matura Churches, demanded of those 

 who came to be married, and to have their children baptized, 

 whether they were more inclined to heathenism than to 



