s, and, in short,
consider this as the work which the Lord has given you to do.

"6th. Do not, however, consider yourself as a mere superintendent of
schools; consider yourself as the spiritual instructor of the people,
and devote yourself to their good. God has committed the spiritual
interests of this island--20,000 men or more--to you; a vast charge,
but He can enable you to be faithful to it. Revise the catechism,
tracts, and school-books used among them, and labour to introduce among
them sound doctrine and genuine piety. Pray with them as soon as you
can, and labour after a gift to preach to them. I expect you will have
much to do with them respecting baptism. They all think infant
sprinkling right, and will apply to you to baptise their children; you
must say little till you know something of the language, and then prove
to them from Scripture what is the right mode of baptism and who are
the proper persons to be baptised. Form them into Gospel churches when
you meet with a few who truly fear God; and as soon as you see any fit
to preach to others, call them to the ministry and settle them with the
churches. You must baptise and administer the Lord's Supper according
to your own discretion when there is a proper occasion for it. Avoid
indolence and love of ease, and never attempt to act the part of the
great and gay in this world.

"7th. Labour incessantly to become a perfect master of the Malay
language. In order to this, associate with the natives, walk out with
them, ask the name of everything you see, and note it down; visit their
houses, especially when any of them are sick. Every night arrange the
words you get in alphabetical order. Try to talk as soon as you get a
few words, and be as much as possible one of them. A course of kind
and attentive conduct will gain their esteem and confidence and give
you an opportunity of doing much good.

"8th. You will soon learn from Mr. Martin the situation and disposition
of the Alfoors or aboriginal inhabitants, and will see what can be done
for them. Do not unnecessarily expose your life, but incessantly
contrive some way of giving them the word of life.

"9th. I come now to things of inferior importance, but which I hope you
will not neglect. I wish you to learn correctly the number, size, and
geography of the islands; the number and description of inhabitants;
their customs and manners, and everything of note relative to them; and
regularly communica