xxxiv. 



prevent thern from taking a more active or prominent position in its 

 affaire! 



The arrival of strangers, or the return to Colombo of old mem- 

 bers, elicits a spirit of inquiry ; a renewed interest in the Society m 

 kindled, and once more its proceedings are conducted with vigour 

 papers of value are contributed ; the journal is issued ; and a fresh 

 period of prosperity is entered upon. 



That such an interest exists at the present moment is manifest 

 by the number of gentlemen who have signified their wish to become 

 members of the Society, and whose names will be submitted for ballot 

 at the present Meeting. It may fairly be presumed that some amongst 

 the number will be found both able and willing to contribute papers 

 for publication in the Journal; and by this means sustain the reputa- 

 tion which the Society has won amongst the leading literati both in 

 England and the continent of Europe. Now, more than ever before, 

 Oriental scholars in the western world are investigating the languages, 

 the literature, the religions, and the antiquities of India in general, and 

 Ceylon- in particular. Professor Max Miiller, Dr. Host, and Mr. B. 

 C. Childers, one of our members resident in England, are engaged in 

 translating ancient Pali works into English, while other eminent 

 Orientalists are similarly occupied elsewhere; and the result is, 

 that not only the learned few, but the unlearned many, are taking a 

 most keen interest in all that concerns the religion and philosophy of 

 Gautama Buddha — the prevalent native faith of the Sinhalese, with 

 the exception of those who inhabit the northern parts of the Island. 



The forthcoming Number of the Society's Journal will be found 

 to contain valuable contributions bearing on these subjects. An ela- 

 borate and exhaustive essay by James De Alwis, deals with the ques- 

 tion of the Origin of the Sinhalese language; on Buddhism the 'So- 

 ciety will lind the last matured deliverances of their late lamented 

 President, the Rev. D. J. Gogerly, with an Introduction by the Rev. 

 J. Scott, and copious illustrations from the original Pali by the Rev. 

 David de Silva: — there is, besides, a contribution by the Rev. S. Coles, 

 which it is believed will throw a new and most unexpected light upon 



