27_th_.—­This evening we have had a long conversation with Pathanes, our teacher in the language, and a deacon in the Greek Church.  He is much attached to the rites of his own Church, but acknowledges the necessity of regeneration.  They have a fatal error in the ceremony of baptism, positively asserting that when the child (or individual) has received this, he is really born again, and a fit heir of salvation.  Such is the efficacy which they attach to this ceremony, that their creed sets forth, in the most unqualified manner, that whoever receives not the form cannot enter the kingdom.  We could not forbear lifting up our testimony against the injurious effects of such a creed.

28_th_.—­We have had a ride to-day with I. Lowndes and family across the island, sixteen miles, to the sea on the other side.  Our road led us through a perfect wood of olive-trees, thickly planted and loaded with fruit.  The hills are often variegated with the cypress, &c., and near to the sea are beautifully romantic.  We dined at the fortress of Paleocastazza, on the top of a high hill, on provisions we took with us,—­the air good, and the prospect delightful.  This place was formerly a convent; the church still remains in use, and we visited two of the old Greek priests.  One of them is ninety-five years old; he was lying on a dirty hard couch in a miserable apartment; the other performs the liturgy.  I. L. gave him the book of Genesis, which he could read but very indifferently.  He was besides extremely cross, full of complaints of the soldiers who were stationed there.  What a proof that to those who are in the gall of bitterness there is no peace, even in such a remote place.

2 mo. 1.—­Another long and pleasant visit from Count Sardina.  He is mild and condescending, but close in argument His mind appears gradually to become impressed with the truths of the gospel; and I trust the notions he has received from sceptical writers are giving way to a hope of salvation through Christ Jesus our Lord.  Fearful of doing anything to make the members of his own Church his enemies, he comes to us by night,—­not for fear of the Jews, but for fear of the Greeks.

9_th_.—­How often our hearts are ready to sink within us in the midst of this dark and superstitious people.  We have now been here nearly three months, and have not had one opportunity of publicly preaching the gospel.  The power of prejudice in favor of their own superstitious rites, and the overwhelming influence of moral evil, seem entirely to close our way in this line.  We have had much conversation with our friend, Isaac Lowndes, who has resided on this island thirteen years, on the subject of publicly preaching the gospel to the people; and he says that such is their attachment to the ceremonies of their own church that they cannot be prevailed upon to attend the ministry of any other denomination.  I. Lowndes is a character with whom we feel much Christian unity, and his family is like a little lamp shining in the midst of gross darkness.