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subscription. He replied, that he was ready to subscribe, but could not possibly consent to do it in the space of twenty days. The Archbishop, thinking it probable that the kings of Mangate and Cochin threw some impediments in the way of the Archdeacon's subscription, managed matters in such a way as to procure Letters from both, commanding his immediate subscription. Still the Archdeacon durst not trust himself at Cranganor, whither the Archbishop had gone, in order to prepare his decrees for the approach ing Synod; but requested that he might be permitted to tender his subscription at Vaipicotta. To this Menezes signified his consent, and repaired thither for that purpose. When they met in the Church, the Archdeacon threw himself at the feet of Menezes, rehearsing the words of the Prodigal, (Luke xv. 21.) Father, I have sinned, &c. The Archbishop raised him up; and, embracing him with much apparent tenderness, told him all past errors were now forgotten and absorbed in the joy which he felt for the souls that would be added to the Church by his example. He then pressed him for his subscription, which the Archdeacon requested might be received in private, for reasons which were accepted by Menezes. They accordingly repaired to the Archbishop's lodgings, and the subscription was signed in due form.

The next morning the Archdeacon assembled the Casanars, and informed them what he had done, and of his intention of calling a Synod, to which they all agreed.

It was then debated where the Synod should be held. Some proposed Angamale, as being the ancient seat of the Bishop of the Diocess. To this Menezes objected, for several reasons: first, because the Christians of that Church were more attached to their ancient religion than any other in the Diocess: secondly, because it was not situated in the territories of the king of Cochin, the friend of Menezes: and, thirdly, because it was too far distant from the Portuguese garrison at Cochin. It was, therefore, determined that it should be held at Diamper;

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and that it should be assembled on the 20th of June following, A. D. 1599.

The Archbishop and Archdeacon accordingly issued their Letters to this effect, ordering a suitable number of such priests as were under their respective jurisdictions to attend. In the mean time, the Archbishop did every thing in his power to obtain the majority of the votes in the Synod; and, for this purpose, he ordered not fewer than fifty priests on the Trinity Sunday preceding, which, added to those already ordained at Diamper and Carturtè, made up, at least, two thirds of the Synod, which in Casanars did not exceed 153. He then retired to Cranganor, where, with the assistance of Francisco Roz, the Jesuit, he composed the Decrees of the Synod, which he had afterwards little more to do than to read over, in order to pass them into laws.

The Casanars and Deputies having met at Diamper on the day appointed, Menezes nominated eight of the most respectable Casanars, with the Archdeacon and four Laymen, as a Committee, to whom he submitted the Decrees which he had composed, for their consideration and approval. It does not appear that any objection was made by the Committee to these De crees; the Synod, therefore, proceeded to business without any interruption. After the celebration of High Mass, attended by the choir of Cochin, and a sermon from Francisco Roz, in which he attempted to prove the supremacy of the Pope, the Synod commenced its sessions. The precautions taken by Menezes for ensuring the majority of votes, had the desired effect; for, an effort being made soon after the first session, by some discontented Casanars, to interrupt the proceedings, the strength of his party manifesting itself, immediately restored order, and effectually prevented a similar occurrence.

The Archbishop having thus concluded every thing to his entire satisfaction, began to make preparations for his Second Visitation to the Churches of Malabar; in which he hoped, by his own presence, to make the union complete, and to enforce

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such customs as might otherwise be neglected.

The first scene of his visit was Cotette, in the kingdom of Tecancute, where he found a young Casanar, who had studied at Vaipicotta, and who had married a short time before the meeting of the Synod of Diamper. This Ecclesiastic, still continuing his attachment to the ancient ritual, refused to part with his wife; and was accordingly excommunicated by Menezes, and in a short time after died, probably of a broken heart.

From Cotette the Archbishop proceeded to Coramabur, a place situated in the kingdom of Porca, where he also excommunicated a priest who refused to be separated from his wife.

From Coramabur he went to Diamper, (not the place of the Synod) thence to Paru, afterwards to Molandurtè, in which places he established the Roman sacraments and customs. After this he visited Paru and Angamale.

In Angamale he was received with great pomp. Here he separated many Casanars from their wives, and burnt a great number of Syriac books. A circumstance happened here, which considerably embarrassed the Archbishop. The Portuguese having killed and eaten a bullock, an animal considered as sacred by the Brahmins, the fact was discovered, and reported to the kings of Mangate and Angamale; who determined on the immediate destruction of the Portuguese, and would have probably carried this determination into execution, had not Menezes made one of them his friend by presents, who refused to give credit to the report, unless he should be informed by the Archbishop himself. Menezes, of course, took the safest measure, and totally denied the fact; and, as none of the accusers were willing to submit to the ordeal of boiling oil, the matter fell to the ground. From Angamale Menezes went to the Church of Agaparambin; thence to Mangate; and, afterward, to Vaipicotta, the principal station of the Jesuites.

From Vaipicotta he proceeded to Cranganor, where there was a fortress

belonging to the Portuguese. Hers Menezes determined to obtain the authority of the Pope and of the king of Portugal, to remove the See of Angamale to Cranganor, in order to fix the residence of the Bishop within the territories of the Portuguese. This he supposed would effectually bring the Christians of St. Thomas under the authority of the Pope and the king of Portugal; which he sueceeded in effecting, and which afterward proved the occasion of ruin to the interests of both.

From Cranganor the Archbishop proceeded to Muttan, in the kingdom of Muturte; thence to Pallipporan, in the territories of the queen of Pimenta. Here he gained a wealthy Christian to his party, who had hitherto been adverse. This conversion, it should deem, was brought about by a miracle, which is not worth relating.

The Archbishop then passed to Calucate in the kingdom of Porca; and thence to Porca, the capitol of the kingdom. The Church of this place had been built by a Pagan king, from the supposition that the cross painted. on the banners of the Christians had been the means of procuring him a victory. This Church was afterward given to the Jesuits. From this place the Archbishop proceeded to Calecoulan, where, after making a peace with the king of the country for the Portuguese, he obtained an instrument, permitting the people to embrace Christianity.

The Archbishop, after this, visited Coulan, where he met with some merchants who belonged to a Church situated about 25 leagues distant, in the kingdom of Travancore. The inhabitants of that place, it appeared, retained nothing more of Christianity than the name; but, as the rainy season, and the unfriendly disposition of the king of that country to the Portuguese, presented some difficulties to Menezes, he satisfied himself in sending with the merchants a Casanar, who is said to have succeeded in converting them to the faith.

From Coulan Menezes proceeded to the Church of Tivellycare, in the

territories of the queen of Changa nate. Here he found the people untractable and ferocious. At length, however, by the assistance of the Casanars, he prevailed on the priests to take the Ecclesiastical habit, and the people to submit to the Sacrament of Confirmation, and to Auricular Confession.

After establishing an intelligent Casanar here, as Rector of the Diocess, the Archbishop visited a small Church at Gundara, where he found the Christians extremely docile. He here bestowed the title of "Brother-in-arms with the King of Portugal," on the king of Gundara.

After this Menezes visited the Churches of Calarè and Caramanatè; at the latter of which he was in considerable danger from the Nairs, who are said to have bent their bows on him, in consequence of his having spoken disrespectfully of their idols.

From Caramanate he passed to Calè Coulan; thence to Catiapalay, in the territories of the king of Batimena; and thence to the Church of Corico Langare, in the kingdom of Paneply. In the latter place the Archbishop found a great number of Syriac books, which he committed to the flames.

After this he visited Batimena, Mavelicare, and Naranam, where nothing worthy of remark appears to have occurred.

(To be continued.)

An Excursion into Wales.

(From the Christian Guardian.)

ABOUT fifteen years ago I had occasion to undertake a journey of nearly forty miles, in the same direction with the course of the Wye, a river which rises in the principality of Wales, and passes through a most romantic and fertile country, until it empties itself into the Severn. The season of the year rendered every thing around me interesting in the highest degree, for it was just before the beginning of harvest, when "the pastures were clothed with flocks; the vallies were also covered with corn;" the woods were clad with foliage, where "the fowls of the heaven

had their habitation, and sung among the branches." The orchards presented innumerable trees laden with fruit; and the hop-yards displayed a pleasing variety of productions for the use of man. How beneficent, thought I, is the great Parent of the universe! "The earth is full of his riches!"-"O that men would, therefore, praise the Lord for his goodness!"

The Wye sometimes became my companion, and flowed close at my side, frequently murmuring among the rugged and enormous stones which nature had pitched in the bed of the stream, or gliding smoothly, without interruption or noise, in its sandy channel. What an emblem of human life! Like this romantic river, we pass on towards the vast, the boundless ocean of eternity! We are at one time struggling with difficulties, loud in our complaints, and striving to disentangle ourselves from those persons and things that impede our progress; and shortly afterwards we go on for a time, like the silent current, with ease, in the enjoyment of prosperity.

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But my fellow-traveller would often take its leave of me, and playfully wind among the fields and meadows at a considerable distance from the road. Such are worldly friends: when their interests or pleasures unite with ours, they walk with us; but if caprice or avarice tempt them, they leave us to ourselves. Let us, therefore, learn not to "trust in man," who, "in his best estate, is altogether vanity;" but let us put our whole trust and confidence in the mercy" of Him who hath promised, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee "

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In pursuing my route, the lofty mountains of Cambria, at an awful distance, raising their heads to the clouds, afforded me subjects for sublimity of thought, and for exercising all the powers of imagination. Great things, seen even afar off, are import ant." Could we but see by faith "the things that are eternal," how profitable, as well as noble, would be our reflections! The scenes around us, though charming and delightful, would

lose their power to engross our affections; and our minds would soar in holy contemplation to the everlasting hills which never can be moved." The various windings of the valley opened continually new objects of meditation and pleasure. In some places, rugged rocks to an amazing height seemed to menace me with instant death; and a little further, the narrowness of the glen was succeeded by a broad and diversified expanse of

"Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains, And liquid lapse of murmuring streams; by these, Creatures that liv'd, and mov'd, and walk'd, or flew, Birds on the branches warbling; all things smil'd; With fragrance and with joy my heart o'erflow'd." What a picture is this of Providence and of grace! We are often led to conclude, from the appearance of the objects around us, that " there is but a step between us and death;" but as we proceed, a way of escape" is found. Dangers are succeeded by deliverances, and fears give way to joy.

The

With such reflections as these suggested, I humbly trust, by the Spirit of God, who enabled me to read and study the book of nature, which was open before me on my journey, as well as the sacred volume of grace in the hours of retirement, I arrived early in the day at the place of my destination, where business was to detain me for a few days. After refreshing myself, and providing for the rest of my faithful beast, I took a walk in the evening through the village. It was situated on the banks of a small rivulet which emptied itself, just below, into the Wye. houses were plain, rural, and clean. The inhabitants were industrious, and apparently content. Order and decency pervaded the place; while all appearance of profaneness, which I had frequently witnessed with pain, on my journey, during the day, seem ed to be studiously avoided. In several houses I heard the sound of singing; but the tunes were not those of carnal songs, but what accompany "Psalms and Hymns." I more than once saw groups of various ages returning from their labours in the fields, whose "mouths were filled

with the praises of God!" The romantic scenery, and fruitful fields, gardens, and orchards, which every way surrounded me, together with the simple and virtuous manners of the people, excited sensations of pleasure within me, which are easier conceived by those who "approve the things that are excellent," than can be described by my feeble pen.

Thus pleased with, and interested in, all that came under my observation; my walk led me up a lane, on each side of which a row of venerable oaks intermingled their branches over my head, forming a shade which was calculated for inspiring me with a train of reflections truly solemn, and highly profitable. So inviting a retreat could not be forsaken, although, by entering it, I was turning my back upon a village which already had engaged my affections to it and to its inhabitants. In a few minutes I found my walk terminate at the gates of the Church-yard Ah! thought I, how many will experience an end like this to all their pleasing reveries! Delighted with their good things on earth, they soon shall awake from their dreams of worldly felicity at their near approach to "the house appointed for all living."

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"I entered with solemn delight into the sacred ground where many a hil lock proclaimed to me, "Thou art mortal." The Church was a modern structure, built in the Gothic style; a style of architecture peculiarly adapted for the house of God, and calculated, above all others, for inspiring that pious awe which conduces so much for composing the mind în the exercise of devotion. It is true, indeed, that places and external circumstances are comparatively of little importance for the performance of holy worship; but it is also evident, from the experience of all ages, that there is a connexion between natural and spiritual things; it would be, therefore, absurd, if the practice of religious services should be attempted in places formed for worldly business. Who would repair for devotion to-the market-house? Who would build a Church in the form of a warehouse?

I think, then, from reason, as well as from universal custom, that there is a great propriety in adopting a plan for the erection of churches becoming the solemnity of the spiritual work of prayer, praise, and instruction. The Church of C, where I now was, is certainly a structure widely different from many modern ones: though it has been founded, as I afterwards learned, within these thirty years, it is in the style of our best old parish churches, neat, durable, commodious, and venerable.

The doors were open, as if to invite a stranger to enter. Having been educated according to the rites of our Establishment, and having, I humbly trust, imbibed the spirit of piety which breathes in her services, the invitation was irresistible. The inside was in every way suited for a place of worship. Every thing indicated that "God's sanctuary was reverenced." The very first appearance of the Church accounted for the manners of the inhabitants, which I had already so much admired. The following inscription on the front of the gallery was highly gratifying:

THIS

CHURCH WAS ERECTED A. D. 1790.
AS A CHAPEL OF EASE TO
THE PARISH CHURCH SIX MILES DISTANT,
BY THE

LIBERAL SUBSCRIPTIONS OF THE INHA-
BITANTS AND OTHERS.
THE EXPENSES AMOUNTED TO

60001.

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.

While examining the various parts of this interesting place, I often wished for a small ray of that light which shines in the Meditation of the amiable HERVEY in his walks among the tombs. I had consolation, however, in reflecting, that the same God who receives the tribute of the higher orders of his servants, will also graciously accept the service of the lowest. I rejoiced in the opportunity afforded me, to offer up my thanks to Him who had cast my lot in a land where churches are established for the good of its inhabitants. O what thanks ought I to give daily to Him

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who caused me to be born in Britain, and not in the dark heathen lands in India! to Him who has taught me to worship the true God in the Christian Church, when I might have been offoring bloody rites in a Pagan temple! "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name." O give him thanks for my "creation, preservation, and redemption; for the means of grace and the hope of glory!"

In returning towards the village, I met with a funeral procession, moving slowly up the hill towards the Church. As every one's countenance and behaviour seemed to indicate unfeigned sorrow and mourning, I returned with the multitude; and, although I was a perfect stranger in the place, I involuntarily found myself constrained to " weep with them that wept."

The service at the Church was read in a very animated and impres sive manner, by a minister whose heart seemed to feel the important truths which he pronounced; hence it is no wonder that his hearers felt them. While the 39th Psalm was alternately recited by the minister and all the people (for all the congregation here joined in the service,) in a slow, pathetic, and reverential tone, how insignificant did all the affairs of this world appear, in comparison of those sublime advantages which religion confers! In the excellent lesson, (1 Cor. xv.) which the Church. has selected for the occasion, the glorious Redeemer was presented to our view, in such a way as was calculated to raise in us the most fervent gratitude and love. The triumph of faith over death and the grave, as exhibited in that admirable chapter, appeared to excite in every breast a desire to live the life and die the death of the righteous.

We afterwards proceeded to the grave, where the rest of the service was conducted in a manner the most instructive that I ever attended. No sooner had the corpse been laid in the grave, and "the earth cast upon the body," as directed in the Rubric, than the following words were sung: I heard a voice from heaven, saying

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