of any other
except the reformed religion in the territories of the Company.

For a long time the Lutherans have solicited for permission to have a
church in Batavia, but have constantly been refused, though certainly
a just and reasonable demand, especially in a place where Mahomedans
and Pagans are freely tolerated in the exercise of their religion,
and where the Chinese are even permitted to worship the devil.
This ecclesiastical consistory has also dependent upon it all the
schoolmasters, consolators of the sick, and catechists. Of these last
there are many in the service of the Company in their ships; their
duty being to say prayers every day, and to instruct such as embrace
the Christian religion; and as they are mostly natives, and speak
several languages, they are the better able to give instructions, and
to teach the confession of faith to so many different nations. Such
as are converted are baptized and receive the communion; and, for the
better preservation of uniformity in doctrine, an annual visitation of
all the new converts is made by the ministers. In consequence of
these regulations, the reformed religion has made amazing progress,
especially among the blacks, of whom our author says he has seen 150
at a time present themselves to receive baptism. This however is not
rashly granted, as all who receive it must be well instructed, and be
able to make their confession of faith. The Chinese are well known
to be so obstinately addicted to their great Confucius, as not to be
easily induced to embrace any other religion; yet some even of them
from time to time have abjured their idolatry, and embraced the
protestant faith. Yet our author seems to doubt their sincerity,
alleging that the Chinese are seldom sincere in any thing; and he
tells us, that a Chinese, on renouncing idolatry; said he was about to
embrace the religion of the Company.

The country around Batavia is extremely beautiful, and it may be said
that nature and art seem to strive which shall have the greatest share
in adorning it. The air is sweet and mild, the land extremely fertile,
and the face of the country finely diversified with hills and vallies,
all laid out in regular plantations, beautiful canals, and whatever
can contribute to render the country pleasant and agreeable. The
island of Java is about 300 leagues in circumference, divided into
several kingdoms and principalities, all dependent upon the emperor
who resides at _Kattasura_,