1834.] Memoir of the Survey of Travancore, 78 



men Missionaries : an advantage that promises the most important 

 results. Indeed this appears the only manner in which their dis- 

 interested exertions could be useful. Travancore and Cochin present 

 a fair field for their pastoral labours, but it is the business of edu- 

 cation, not conversion, inculcating a more exalted devotion that 

 shall unite morality with Christianity, must be the best mode of 

 promoting its interests, extending their ministration by communica- 

 ting instruction (the arts of superior industry would be at present 

 the most desirable lesson) cannot fail materially to advance those of 

 the community. The formation of some parochial school, is one 

 step towards the attainment of so desirable an end, but to render 

 them of any efficacy, it is necessary that the same philanthrophy 

 to vi'hich they owe their establishment, charge itself with guarding 

 over and urging their progress. 



There is a seminary at Verraupooly that educates the clergy of 

 the Eomo Syrian and latin churches, several schools are also scat- 

 tered through the country, PuUypoorum, PuUingcoon, &c. &c, the 

 establishment is under the superintendence of the vicar of the 

 former place ; but the instruction of this portion of the christian 

 population was more particularly entrusted to missionaries of the 

 Carihalite order, from de propaganda fide at Rome. That congre- 

 gation however would appear indifferent as to the interest of this 

 distant flock : a coldness of zeal with which it is not often charge- 

 able. The clergy under the bishop of Cochin, have still less chance 

 of improvement, there can scarcely be said to be any regular semi- 

 nary for their education, which is in a great measure trusted to the 

 parish priests, each of whom have one or two disciples, but no 

 good can be hoped from such a tuition. The influence of the pas- 

 tor, being often in proportion, to the ignorance of his flock, that of 

 the Kuttanars is infinitely greater than their merits could deserve. 

 To their spiritual, they join a limited temporal authority, arbitrating 

 in temporal disputes, transgressions against the church are punished 

 by reproof, or excommunication, but the road to reconciliation is not 

 closed, this bar being removed on repentance. The practice of their 

 pastors, however holds out a bad model for example. It must be 

 confessed however, they have but few clerical honours to stimulate their 

 exertions, to their ignorance they add a listless indolence, and a re- 

 laxed and pliant morality, difficult to reconcile with their precepts. 

 They do not marry ,the Syrians however are not enjoined celebacy, al- 

 though they have observed it since the union of the churches, Menzes 

 having denounced so uncanonical a custom on which (however encou- 

 raged to it) they have begun to infringe. The prohibition is pro- 



