The plan you will perceive is designed to bring into effect an inductive mode of Christian benevolence, to impart, and enable the natives to appropriate, the valuable benefits of improved education, which invariably follow in the train of true religion, and to appreciate and enjoy the fruits of laborious, able men's exertions, whose excellencies have been valued even in a land of much knowledge and science. It has not been a study. Thoughts have arisen more from the necessitous circumstances in which we have been placed, than from an abstract reasoning on plans of education. The necessary enlargement of our operations elicited principles that had existed in an incipient form in the seminary, which may be denominated the nucleus of what we now propose: and the attempt to submit to the Directors of the Society a brief, yet comprehensive view of our exertions, imperceptibly assumed a form, and the friendly support liberally contributed in this country induces us to lay it before the public.

The station was occupied in May 1820, by Missionaries from the London Missionary Society, with the consent of existing authorities both in England and India. A course of lectures on theology, to natives, was soon commenced and has been continued to the present time. Additions have been gradually making of subjects of study. The particular branches, besides theology, now begun, and in which some progress has been attained, are English and Sanscrit and the vernacular dialects of the country-Canarese, Teloogoo, Tamil and Hindostanee. Two tutors for Canarese and Teloogoo, three Moonshees for Sanscrit, Tamil and Hindostanee, and one English Schoolmaster are constantly employed in the seminary with whom the students pursue regular courses of instruction: other branches will speedily be commenced.

It is gratifying to us that we have it in our power to say there have been received from the Directors of the Society six sets of elementary works for the English, Greek, and Hebrew languages, with Lexicons for the two latter-and other works for the College

Library. This speaks much encouragement to us—and we may add, that they have provided, should it be deemed necessary, three hundred (300l.) pounds for building purposes, and two hundred (2007.) pounds, per annum for the support of the seminary. A subscription too, from Chester, has been received, of forty (401.) pounds, for the education of one student. But this we receive as a stimulus for greater exertion, and to strive as much as possible to render the Institution no burden upon the Society's funds. We therefore would gratefully acknowledge the five thousand (5000) rupees, received in this country, toward the College.

There are six teachers, thirteen students, and a native superintendent supported in the establishment. The native elementary schools are not completed in the number proposed, only twenty-two boys and one master being at present on the funds. There are others who receive instruction, that are not fed and clothed. One who was a student, and has completed his course, has been ordained to the office of an Evangelist, and is now, with a reader, employed on the Malabar Coast preaching the gospel.

Our original proposal was only to erect such buildings as were absolutely necessary for the immediate and pressing wants of the pupils then connected with the seminary. Pecuniary deficiencies were the alone cause which prevented these erections being commenced in October, 1825. This obstacle was removed in January, 1826. The advice of a friend, however, whose opinion we valued, was that we should strive to enlarge the plan. To accomplish this, endeavours were made to secure a more eligible situation: but local and unforeseen impediments came in the way, and rendered that object unattainable in the way which appeared most desirable: another course was adopted and property secured, the value of which amounted to more than the sum of subscriptions received. Till a wise Providence interposes to remove hindrances which now exist in the way of our progress towards the desired enlargement, we have appro

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priated buildings commodious in every respect, and at our disposal, to the purposes of the Institution. Our design is to avail ourselves of every opening, and we only wait for such, to proceed to the application of principles developed and we now advance practically, filling up the plan in every stage of our operations.

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The Institution seemed decidedly called for by the exigencies of the Peninsula. Native gentlemen to whom the plan has been submitted have acknowledged this, and decidedly approved of the arrangements which have been made as to the general departments of knowledge. Two of them have confirmed their testimony by their liberal contributions. One of them is well known to you, and we are convinced his opinion possesses considerable weight in your esteem. He has conveyed to us the sentiments of others to whom he has made known the plan, and assured us of the probability that it will obtain their support. We are thus encouraged to anticipate that local native aid will ultimately be secured to the object. But much will have to be done, and not a little is required of those who not only value true knowledge, but realize their responsibility to God for what they possess, and obligations to love their neighbour as themselves; nor will they, we are persuaded, withhold that which has been committed to them for the good of their brother when they see him stand in need.

...We would solicit your aid so far as you approve of the establishment, by using your influence to interest friends in its behalf. Those who may desire that young men, as students, should enjoy all the advantages of the College, would have the gratification of supporting one by a monthly subscription of eight rupees; or should any be disposed to support a boy at one of the schools, he may do it for six rupees per month. Donations for such objects would be specified, and the names of the donors forwarded to the Society. Were associations formed by benevolent individuals, in aid of any particular department, or of the general departments of the College, they would afford

means of mental improvement to many, who by the influence of their moral and intellectual character, by their preaching and holy lives, or by their writings, may prove eminently useful to their countrymen. These hints we suggest, and leave them for your consideration, with our united and sincere thanks for your liberal contributions to the Mysore Mission College, and with prayers for a return of better blessings, and that you and we may remember the words of Scripture-" Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest." We are, Dear Sir,

With affection and great sincerity yours,

Bangalore, Sept. 1, 1826.

STEPHEN LAIDLER,

JAMES W. MASSIE.

Besides what is contained in the prefatory Letter, one remark only is necessary to introduce to the British public the following paper. At the time it was drawn up, practical operations were carried on as far as means would permit. The students are still under a course of instruction, and are receiving support. The completion of the whole plan, subject to such modifications as may be deemed requisite, is yet dependent upon an adequate provision which remains to be secured, and upon arrangements which may result from the degree of countenance rendered in this country to the Institution. The establishment of the College therefore is still to be considered as a proposal. S. L. J. W. M.

October 1827.