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that sincerely; but, how dreadful are their petitions! The most respectable cha racters among them will use words, with the utmost fervor of soul, of nearly the same import in the English Tongue, as the most hardened sinner in a Christian Land would shudder at, in the time of severe illness or at his dying hour.

. One of our Scholars, for instance, was taken very ill. I heard the prayers of his Father over him, and saw his motions. The poor blind Parent, instead of importuning the Supreme Being, as one would have imagined, for the recovery of his Son, was uttering the most dreadful curses and imprecations against Him. When I asked him his reason for the use of such language, he replied, it was a good thing at New Zealand: he did it to frighten the "Atua" away, who would, otherwise very probably have destroyed his Son. The Boy had been out in the rain a whole day, and had caught a severe cold; but the Natives will not allow that heat or cold can hurt a man. They ascribe every pain they feel to the " Atua," who, they say, is preying upon them. They consider the Supreme Being as an invisible Anthropophagus, or Man-eater; and regard him with a mixture of fear and hatred-betraying impatience and anger whenever they are visited by sickness.

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Pride and ignorance, eruelty and licentiousness, are some of the principal ingredients in a New Zealander's Religion.

He does not, so far as I can learn, bow down to a stock or a stone; but he magnifies himself into a god. The Chiefs and Elders of the people are called " Atuas,' even while they are living. Our aged friend Terra says, that the God of Thunder is in his forehead. Shunghee and Okeda tell me, that they are possessed with Gods of the Sea. When the clouds are beautifully chequered, the "Atua": above, it is supposed, is planting sweet potatoes. At the season when these are planted in the ground, the planters dress themselves in their best raiment; and say, that, as "Atuas” on earth, they are imitating the "Atua" in heaven. The lands are, from that time, considered sacred, until the sweet-potatoe crops are taken up. No person presumes to go upon them, except such as are consecrated for the purpose of weeding and inspecting them.

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On the means of success among such a people, the Committee ob

serve

It is, indeed, only from the blessing of God on a long and patient course of la

bour, that the success of a Missión, among a people like the New Zealanders, can be expected. Mr. Kendall very justly remarks

"We must aim at a gradual improvement of their condition; or, in other words, we must encourage them to IPROVE THEMSELVES. Many things, in their dress and customs, must be patiently overlooked now," which, if it shall please God to prosper our efforts, we shall find it our duty to attempt hereafter to correct and improve.

"When the Word of God shall be made known to them, that will form the foundation for all that is excellent to be built upon; and, while things, which are of real importance in their proper place, are not lost sight of, we must direct our chief attention to such things as may most di-' rectly assist us in the attainment of this greatest of all objects-the preparing for the people of New Zealand this Sure Guide from a World of Sorrow to a World of Glory."

It is by the gradual diffusion among” them of the knowledge of the ruin and recovery of mankind, and the communication to them of the Arts of primary importance to social happiness, that the New Zealanders are to be weaned from their' warlike habits and their superstitions.

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In the midst, however, of these habits, their fidelity and affection continue to manifest themselves. Of this the following instance is given:

In the beginning of 1817, a Naval Expedition, under the command of Shunghee, * sailed from the Bay of Islands. It consisted of 30 canoes and about 800 men. Its object was, to obtain a peace with Shunghee's enemies at the North Cape. The Chief took an affectionate leave of the Settlers; and told them, that, if be fell, they must be kind to his children;⚫ and if he survived, he would take care of their families when they should die. The expedition returned, however, in about fortnight, his people having quarrelled with those of Whangorooa, into which place they had put for refreshments: and being afraid, he said, that the Whangorooa people would attack the Settlers in his absence, he for the present abandoned the expedition.

In proof that a salutary change is gradually taking place among this people, Mr. William Hall writes

likely to bring down the retributive justice of Heaven for the neglect of a plain and solemn obligation.

This prejudice is, indeed, silently wearing away; and the number of Planters is gradually increasing, who-some from the highest motives, and others from a convic tion of its salutary influence on the mind and conduct-are favourable to the instruction of their Slaves. A conviction is gaining ground, most advantageous to the interests of all parties, of the inefficacy of human restraints and punishments to pro

We can now rejoice, that, through the Grace of God, the Great Enemy has lost his ground very much, among the poor dark-minded Heathen around us. Some of them are living with us, who formerly used to break down our fences, and abuse us, and steal and carry away every article that they could get hold of. But now we can see a wonderful alteration in them: they are become quite familiar and sociable: they live among us, and work with us; and we can almost say of some of them, that he that stole steals no more., Mr. Kendall adds his testimony-duce that uniform obedience which is seen in well-instructed and religions Slaves. You will rejoice with me at the opening prospects of usefulness among this noble race. The Society will be the means, I trust, under the blessing of God, of raising the people of New Zealand from that low and degraded condition in which they lie through their ignorance of Him, and of bringing many to eternal happiness.

Mr. Marsden writes, with his accustomed animation

I believe that the time is now come, for these Nations to be called into the Outward Church, at least. The way is clear: and Divine Goodness will provide the means for their instruction. I admit that many difficulties will be met with on all untried ground; and that the wisest men will sometimes mistake, in their views of accomplishing their objects, with respect to a Nation which has had no intercourse with the Civilized World: yet these difficulties will be overcome, under the blessing of God, by constant perseverance; and I have no doubt but that this will be the case, in the present instance, with regard to New Zealand. Time will make this matter more easy. The work is now begun: the foundation is now laid: and I hope we shall soon see the structure

rise.

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It is not to be wondered at, under the circumstances of the White Population of the West Indies, that many are reluctant to admit the probability of benefit from the education of the Slaves. These persons will meet attempts of this nature with indifference; and, not unfrequently, with contempt and hostility; and that so deeply rooted, that even the sanction of high Authority to such measures will not soften the prejudice of some minds. This is as impolitic and unwise in reference to even present and temporal interests, as it is

Every well-conducted School, establishbeneficial change on the minds of those ed in any of the Islands, is operating a who witness its influence. When, in this way, the Planters come to recognize the positive advantages which will follow to their interests and comforts by the educa tion of their Slaves in Christian Principles, they will not leave the benevolence of others to be taxed for its support. Till then, the Christians of this country will cheerfully contribute to the establishment and maintenance of efficient Schools; not only for the actual benefit of the Scholars themselves, but to demonstrate to their Owners that he who neglects the religious education of his Slaves neglects his own interests as well as duty.

The Committee are enabled to testify, from past experience, that, by means of Schools in the West Indies, when properly conducted, a most beneficial change is taking place in the state of morals. There are, indeed, difficulties of a peculiar nature to contend with, in all Colonies where Slavery prevails; and which require the maintenance of a firm, and apparently severe discipline. Among other regulagood morals, it has been found requisite to tions, for example, for the promotion of refuse re-admission to the Schools to any female who may have suffered herself to

be seduced from the paths of virtue. This rule, as it may be easily conceived, bas been found necessary in a state of society, where the sin of unchastity has almost lost, among this class of persons, all character of guilt and shame. The superintendents are sometimes under the painful necessity of making examples of the elder females: and this, under peculiarly distressing cir cumstances; for their very parents have not always courage to resist, with sufficient firmness, the surrender of their daughters.

Much good has, however, been effected. The standard of moral feeling has beent raised. A barrier has been opposed to the overwhelming torrent, and means of

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escape from it provided. The marriages of Young People one with another, have 'been promoted; it having been happily decided by Authority, that the notion, long prevalent, that Slaves were incapable of contracting marriage, and more especially without the consent of their Owners, has no foundation whatever in law, Young Women have been, accordingly, happily married to sober and well-disposed Young Men of Colour; and the number of such 'marriages is continually increasing.

Antigua.

In addition to the particulars, given at p. 484 of our last Volume, respecting the Schools at Antigua, the manner in which the Country Schools originated is stated, and extracts from the communications of Mr. and Mrs. Thwaites are printed in the Appendix.

Of those worthy Labourers the Committee observe

Mr. and Mrs. Thwaites are now wholly devoted to the work of visiting and superintending the Schools; and have prosecuted that work with a degree of zeal and diligence, which has proved injurious to their health. That they might devote their entire time to this labour, the Society has granted such a salary as may suffice for their support, without having recourse, as before, to any other means. Their prudence and affection, in dealing with the Young People, render them much beloved.

The state of the Island is thus described:

A consideration of the state of Antigua, with respect to the provision made for the religious instruction of the Negroes, will shew the importance of these School Establishments.

There are Eight Places of Worship in the Established Church, three of which are Chapels of Ease. Divine Service is performed at only Five of them every Sunday. One Missionary Establishment belonging to the Society for the Conversion of Negro Slaves, four to the United Brethren, and three to the Wesleyan Methodists, form together Eight Places of Worship for 30,000 Negroes, as the Negroes rarely attend the Churches. The Parishes are extensive, and the White Population thinly scattered.

Missionaries might be advantageously placed on the Estates of such Proprietors as duly estimate the value of religious in

struction for their Slaves, and which are not within a convenient distance of Public The Committee have been Worship. invited, by a Clergyman of the Island, to establish a Missionary on his Estate; and would gladly send Labourers to this and other Stations, were not the calls more numerous than they can comply with.

In the mean while, the Committee will render every practicable assistance to that efficient system of Education, which is receiving a blessing from on High; and which is now beginning to extend its influence to the Adutl Population — Mr. Thwaites having established a School for grown-up persons, which is open to all who lead moral lives, but admits none other. Mr. Harrison, Manager of an Estate near English-Harbour, who has been lately in this country, encourages the Committee in their design of extend

ing Schools, the field of usefulness being very large, and Teachers on the spot ready to engage if the expense be borne by the Society.

Barbadoes.

The chief circumstances stated in the Report respecting this Island were printed in the "Survey," p.46.

The health of Lieutenant Lugger, the active friend of the Society in Barbadoes, has obliged him to return to this country.

Honduras.

The Committee have felt anxious to promote the designs of His Majesty's Superintendent and the Chaplain of this Settlement, referred to in the last Report. They were happy, therefore, to recom mend, from their own knowledge, a highly suitable person for the office of Second Chaplain. The Rev. Joseph Ditcher, having been admitted to Holy Orders by the Lord Bishop of London, reached Honduras about the middle of December. On his arrival, he received the appoint ments of Chaplain to His Majesty's Superintendent, Head Master of the Free Schools, and Lecturer of St. John's Church. Mr. Ditcher met with the most cordial reception. Colonel Arthur wrote to the Secretary, in 'reference to Mr. Ditcher's spirit and character, "Your endeavour to provide for the religious instruc tion of this Settlement has been successful beyond my most sanguine expectations."

In furtherance of the same design, the Committee have sent a Schoolmaster and Schoolmistress, Mr. Robert Moore and

1819.]

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

his wife, to occupy situations vacant in the Settlement. They sailed in the beginning of last month; having been, for some time, preparing to go out, in those çapaA Printer cities, under the Society.

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also, Mr. Henry Moore, who had been, for a considerable period, fitting himself to go abroad in the service of the Society, has been invited, by the Superintendent, through Mr. Ditcher, who was acquainted with him, to settle at Honduras, with a view to assist in the diffusion of information, and will proceed thither by the first opportunity.

The Committee are more and more confirmed in the opinion expressed in the last Report, that Honduras, under its present favourable circumstances, is likely to become a promising Station for the extension of Christianity. They feel, therefore, the less reluctance in diverting Labourers from the more immediate service of the Society in other quarters, as they trust, that, by these means, the way will be prepared for an efficient Mission among the Natives of those countries to which access may be obtained by means of the Settlement at Honduras; and par-ticularly as they are well assured that His Majesty's Superintendent and both the Chaplains have much at heart the diffusion of the blessings of Christianity.

On this subject they have requested the communications of the Chaplains; and they are happy to report, that, in any future proceedings in behalf of the surrounding Natives, the Society has the prospect of being assisted by friends on the spot who feel a common interest with "its Members in the diffusion of Christianity.

On the 12th of January an Association was formed at Belize, in aid of the Society, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur is President, and the Rev. Joseph Ditcher Secretary. The sum of 1001. has been remitted, as the first offering of this Association; which your Committee receive with peculiar pleasure, ́as an evidence that the Society has friends in' that Settlement who will heartily cooperate in the promotion of its objects among the neighbouring Heathen.

An opportunity for useful exertions is offered, in this Settlement, among many -Natives of Africa. On the disbanding of the Black Troops, several hundred men of the Fifth West-India Regiment were sent to Honduras, and were settled in a village about a mile from Belize. The Chaplains considered them as a part of their charge; and Mr. Ditcher, after conversation with one of them, expressing

Nov. 1819.

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469

his sorrow at his ignorance, the poor fellow "replied," says Mr. Ditcher, “in tone which would have moved the most unfeeling heart, Massa! me very igno rant, but nobody teachee me!'"` Mr. Ditcher visits them, at day-break, every Tuesday and Friday Morning, in order to expound to them the Scriptures before they go to their work; and they are most grateful for his services.

Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Ditcher have established several of these Expositions among the poor; and "the numbers who attend," says Mr. Ditcher, "are really surprising.'

There is one class of persons connected with the Settlement, for whom the Committee would gladly provide religious in struction, should it be in their power. Gangs of Negroes, consisting of from twenty to sixty men each, go up the rivers to cut mahogany. These men have no opportunity of receiving religious instruction, except for a few days at Christmas every year, when they come down to Belize to receive their wages. A Missionary, to travel from gang to gang, while at their labour, would perform a work of true charity.

Mr. Ditcher expresses his hopes of future benefit from the Schools, in the extension of Christian Knowledge.

"I have a presentiment in my mind," he writes, " that, by a proper attention to the instruction of the Boys, our School will supply, ere long, such persons as we may send as Lights into the dark regions of this benighted Continent; who will be the means, under the blessing of God, of diffusing, in every direction round about us, the knowledge of the Gospel."

SUMMARY VIEW OF THE MISSIONS.

To the SEVEN MISSIONS of the Society, mentioned in the last Report, there is a propect of adding an EIGHTH, for Bombay In these various and the West of India. Missions, there may now be reckoned upward of ONE HUNDRED CHRISTIAN TEACHERS, at above FORTY STATIONS; and, in the Schools connected with these Stations, there are under education, as has been before mentioned, upwards of sIX THOUSAND CHILDREN, beside MANY ADULT SCHOLARS. At these Stations, the Gospel is preached, and made known by conversation and publications, to many thousands of the Hea then; and the first-fruits of that abundant harvest, which awaits the faith of the Christian Church, are continually gathering in.

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MISSIONARIes and students,

The Committee have received, since the last Anniversary, offers of service under the Society from more than Sixty Persons. Of these offers, about one half have been accepted: most of these persons are under preparation for their future labours; and the rest have proceeded to their respective destinations. The whole number of persons, who have left this country, during the Nineteenth Year, to promote the objects of the Society, including Adults and Children, is Nineteen; and there remain, at present, Twenty-three under preparation. Various intimations of the urgent want of Christian Labourers have been given, in the preceding review of the Society's Missions. The calls for assistance are

heard, indeed, on all sides: but the Committee feel the duty of unrelaxed circumspection, on their own part, in the

reception of Missionaries; and of know. ledge of themselves and of mankind, on the part of those who offer themselves, The Committee have endeavoured to enter into the real motives and characters of the Candidates for this service; but, in some few cases, they have been disappointed in what appeared to be reasonable expectations.

Eight Students are now preparing, in the Missionary Institution at Bâsle, for future service in the Society's Missions. That Institution is rapidly diffusing a spirit of Missionary Žeal on the Continent; and gives good promise of supplying able and well-educated Missionaries.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Committee congratulate the Society on the appointment of the Rev. Samuel Lee to the Arabic Professorship in the University of Cambridge. This office will afford opportunities to the Professor, which he will gladly embrace, of promoting, under the most favourable circumstances, the cultivation of Oriental Learning among the Students at Cambridge, and of directing it to the highest end-the extension of Christianity in the East, and particularly among Mahomedans. Mr. Lee is proceeding, with unabated diligence, in the preparation of the

various editions of the Scripture in which he is engaged.

The attention of the Committee has been called to Sumatra and Madagascar. Some particulars respecting these Islands are given in the Report.

The Committee have maintained and extended their correspondence with different Religious Communities in the United States of America, of which some details are stated.

CONCLUSION.

In conclusion, the Committee would direct the attention of the Members to the very peculiar character of the Times in which we live.

The

We are labouring in a Pacified World! The sword is beaten into the plough-share, and the spear into the pruning-hook. elements of Discord seem to be enchained as in a Prison. The greatest Monarchs of the Earth are pledging themselves, in the presence of one another and before the world, to act and govern on the Laws of the Prince of Peace.

The spirit of Enterprize, nurtured in a protracted contest, is bursting forth in the discovery of new nations. The relations of Commerce, broken by war, are renewed; and are extending themselves on all sides. Every shore of the world is accessible to our Christian Efforts. The Civil and the Military Servants of the Crown throughout its Foreign Possessions, and of the East-India Company in its territories, are freely offering their labour and their influence to aid the bene

volent designs of Christians. Asia, in her northern regions, opens to Russian Charity; and, in her southern, to the beneficence and justice of this country.

The "Cyrus" of our day, the truly great Alexander, is placing himself at the head of Christian Enterprize, as a Nursing Father of the Church; and counts it his highest honour, to place his crown at the foot of that Throne, to which he offers unwearied prayers for a blessing on the labours of Christians in their attempts to convert the world.

Ancient Christian Churches are reviving from their slumbers. The glory of the Lord will be reflected by them on the surrounding Heathen. Their dignified representatives are coming over to us in person, to beg at our hands, as a boon, the means of causing their Churches to shine out with splendour before the world.

A spirit of discussion is rising among Mahomedans. The now blessed Henry Martyn has awakened in Persia dissatisfaction with their own Creed. Hindoo

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