CHAPTER X.
a.d. 1834.
Without consulting the map, the reader will hardly have an idea of the extent of country traversed by Mr. Groves in this interesting journey. Let us first trace his course from Bombay all along the western coast to Quilon; thence, inland to Tinnevelly; then, up the country to Coimbatore, and straight across it, by way of Trichinopoly, to Point Calamere on the south eastern coast. We shall then follow him across the strait to the coral islands which skirt the northern shores of Ceylon, and see him, at the close of his interesting visit to Jaffna, return to the continent, and pursue his journey northwards as far as Madras. Fatigue was nothing to him in the service of the Master whom he loved; and the reader cannot but admire the grace given to him to exercise that self-denial which he was continually, on the highest motives, pressing on his fellow servants, and not without success.
“1834, Jan. 4th.—Since finishing my last month’s journal to you, I have descended the hills, and am now again at Coimbatore, from whence I hope to proceed to Trichinopoly. I told dear M. that we had hoped that it was arranged that one, if not two, simple but devoted servants of Christ should preach the Gospel among that simple but interesting race of people, who have inhabited these mountains from time immemorial, cer-
