306 
CEYLON. 
Thus loose manners are prevalent through the influence of the 
Europeans. 
A great part of the island of Ceylon having been long under the 
control of the Portuguese and Dutch, a considerable number of the 
inhabitants have, at least externally, conformed to the religion of 
their masters. The Portuguese, with the usual intolerant zeal of 
the Roman Catholics, destroyed the temples of Boodh throughout 
their dominions ; and, substituting a mode of worship well calcu- 
lated by its splendor and parade to captivate the imagination, made 
proselytes of a great proportion of the people. The Dutch went 
aBout the business more coolly, and held forth the temptation of 
requiring the profession of the Protestant faith as a qualification for 
all public offices. They also wisely established schools throughout 
the country, in which the youth were educated in Christian prin- 
ciples. Their clergy, though only ten in number, were active, and 
their labours were assisted by the Missionaries from Tranquebar. 
Thus Christianity spread widely, especially among the Vellalas or 
noble class; and the Protestant natives have been estimated at 
above 240,000 ; whilst the Catholics are supposed to be still more 
numerous. Many of these, indeed, are only nominal Christians, 
who retain a great reverence for the rites of Paganism and the 
doctrines of Boodh. When at a distance from the inspection of 
Government, they consult the priests with confidence, both as con- 
jurors and physicians. Mr. North mentioned to me a curious anecr 
dote relative to the remaining attachment to the ancient religion. 
In one of his progresses through this island, he had occasion to 
examine a man upon oath, and asked him of what religion he was. 
He replied, a Christian. Of what sect? A Dutch Christian. You 
