1834.] Memoir of the Survey of Travancore, 



76 



rities in tliose countries, or whether from their justice or indifference 

 does not appear to have been exposed to persecution. This Hberal 

 spirit seems to have been communicated to the christians (not al- 

 ways so much disposed to allow as require toleration) as in some 

 instances we find the same church, belonging to different sects. It 

 will be quite unnecessary to enumerate the articles constituting the 

 creed, of those who here profess Christianity, that of the Syrians 

 coincides in the most material points with the tenets of the church 

 of England ; the other classes adhere to all the romish absurdities ; 

 but the ancient faith and practice of all is corrupted and disfigured 

 by endless superstitions, of which they have borrowed largely from 

 their pagan neighbours ; external objects are necessary to kindle 

 tbeir devotion, the whole Pantheon of Saints and Martyrs (and they 

 share too much of their homage) pictured in grim disorder over the 

 walls of their churches stimulates their fancy or enlivens their zeal, 

 and pleases (the Syrians are less indiscriminate in their devotion) a 

 taste gratified with every sort of mummery. Their church festivals 

 are regarded from temporal as well as religious motives and attract the 

 devotion of numbers ; many churches and shrines have a local privi- 

 lege, and a pilgrimage to them is considered of great efficacy, amongst 

 them may be particularly remarked that of St. Thomas at Mulliapur, 

 its festival occurs at Witsuntide, when innumerable votaries crowd 

 to present their adorations and offerings. The christians are scru° 

 pulous in observing the outward forms of worship, are constant in 

 their attendance at church, where they display a piety, at least an 

 attendance and decorum, that might teach a lesson to the more 

 enlightened. The women too partake equally in this feeling, and 

 display a similar concern in spiritual matters. Yet though inter- 

 esting, religion sits lightly on them, as with the Hindoos, it is in 

 some measure interwoven with the business of life, yet like them 

 also it would appear to have but little influence on their morality, 

 which cannot be rated at a very high standard. The religious es- 

 tablishments are still in Apostolic poverty, at least the state of de° 

 lapidation * in which many of the churches are observed, would be- 

 speak the insufficiency of the funds (sometimes diminished by the 

 peculation of the elders) for the support of public worship. The 

 revenue fluctuates with the condition of the flock, arising from vo- 

 luntary contributions, fees on marriages, christenings, interments, 

 Szc. and Paudarum or per centage (seven and a half) on all dow« 



* The religious buildings of the Syrians are observed almost always to be 

 in a worse condition than those of the other sects, a circumstance difficult to 

 say whether arising from a greater poverty or less active zeal. 



