supply of elementary books, I bade them farewell. Every thing has remained perfectly quiet since our last visit; neither war nor rumour of war has been seen or heard, although formerly it was their greatest delight, and the bodies of their slain enemies formed the horrible repast at the conclusion of every engagement

MAUTII, OR MAUTE.

October 15.-At nine o'clock A.M. we saw the island of Maute, and came up with it about twelve. It being the Sabbath-day, no canoes came off to us, and as the missionary settlement was four miles inland, no native saw us. We landed, and with considerable difficulty reached the settlement Soon after our arrival, the people collected for evening service, when I preached from John iii. 14-As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, &c. &c. The inhabitants, who do not exceed two hundred, appeared to us to be going on well. The same attention to the preaching of the Gospel was manifested here, as at the islands we had just left. The external appearance of the people was neat and decent; the women were well attired, and but few of the people without hats or bonnets. They behave with kindness to their teachers, and pay attention to their instructions. They have erected a neat chapel, 60 feet by 36; the pulpit is remarkably neat. The singing is good. In the evening a great number of the people assembled, when I heard them repeat two catechisms. They are diligent in learning, and several can read. Here also family and private prayer is attended to. The teachers have built themselves a good plastered house, and made for themselves various articles of useful household furniture. The general appearance of the settlement, and the behaviour of the people, are pleasing.

October 16.-In the morning the people assembled in the chapel, when I preached to them from Matt. iii. 6-And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. After which I baptized forty-two adults and thirty-nine children.

In August last, H. M. frigate, the Blonde, commanded by Captain Lord Byron, touched here, on her passage from the Sandwich Islands. His Lordship and the officers went on shore, inspected the teachers' houses, the chapel, and various other parts of the settlement. The teachers showed his Lordship the documents I gave them when they left Taha, certifying where they came from, and that they were under the patronage of the London Missionary Society.

The Tahitian teachers stationed on this island are named Haapi and Faraire,

His Lordship and the other gentlemen were pleased to testify their approbation at the progress of civilization, &c. that has been made here. The teachers afterwards were shown every thing that was to be seen on board the Blonde, at which they expressed great astonishment, never having seen a man of war before. On their return on shore, his Lordship made the teachers and their wives a present of many useful articles.

MITIARO.

October 17.-Arrived at this island early in the morning. It is barren and unfruitful, and the inhabitants, although they do not exceed one hundred, find it difficult to subsist. They are attentive to instruction, dili gent in their learning, and kind to + teachers. They have erected a neTeach tered chapel, and several have offered selves as candidates for baptism. Abor plaining the nature and obligations of ordinance, I baptized twenty-two adults ana twenty-four children.

ATUI.

October 18.-Arrived at this island towards evening. One of the kings, or principal chiefs, and two of the Tahitian teachers, came off after we had first sent on shore. The chapel here is a good building, and the teacher, Nakara, is building for himself a house, 72 feet by 30. The kings, with a few of the people, attend to instruction, and behave kindly to the teachers; but the principal part of the people pay no regard to either. Indeed, they ignorantly blame the teachers, as being the cause of their wanting food, which, in point of fact, has arisen from an unusually dry season, and a scarcity of fish.

I collected the people together, to the number of one hundred and fifty, and preached to them from Luke ii. 14-Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill towards men. About one hundred and ten had been formerly baptized, and there are now no more candidates for baptism.

The captain of an English whaler has left the following written testimony to the peaceable behaviour of those among the people here who have embraced Christianity :

"I visited this island for the purpose of obtaining some refreshments, and although, in some measure, prepared to expect civility, their excessive kindness exceeded my utmost expectations. They appear a mild, inoffensive people, and have no warlike instruments among them. We remained here on Sunday, and never, in any country, witnessed such attention paid to the Sabbath."-This paper is dated January, 1825.

The Tahitian teachers here have had much to contend with, and they need the prayers of Christians on their behalf. After we

had given them a few words of encouragement, and exhorted them to exercise patience under their trials, they took a linger. ing farewell of us, appearing very unwilling that we should leave them so soon.

ISLANDS OF RAIVAVAI.*

RURUTU.

The Haweis now stood for the islands of Raivavai, and made Rurutu on October 27. When we came to the mouth of the entrance to one of the missionary settlements, we were surprised to see the wreck of a vessel, sioich proved to be the Falcon, Captain have an American whaler, which had left as have homeward bound, about two months these

see

When we had landed, we found the

and part of the crew living on captain had proceeded to South hort time before we arrived. now how the natives behaved occasion, and I was glad when one of the Tahitian teachers put into my hand a paper which the captain had given to him, previous to his departure, of which the following is a copy :

On

"The natives gave us all the assistance in their power, from the time the ship struck to the present moment. The first day, while landing the things from the ship, they were put into the hands of the natives, and carried up to the native Mission-house, a distance of half a mile, and not a single article of clothing was taken from any man belonging to the ship, though they had it in their power to have plundered us of every thing that was landed-which fully proves the honesty of the natives of this island. Since I have lived on shore myself, officers and people have received the kindest treatment from the natives that can be imagined, for which I shall ever be thankful. Myself

and officers have lived in the house with Buna, who, together with his wife, have paid every attention to make us comfortable (they both being fine people), for which I return my unfeigned thanks, being the only compensation I can make them at present.

(Signed) "BENJ. C. CHASE."

The teachers welcomed us on shore; and although the three settlements lie at some distance from each other, it was not long bofore the natives were all collected at the place where we landed, to welcome us to

Situated between 22° and 25° S. Lat. and 147 and 151° W. Long., and between 350 and 400 miles South of Tahiti. † Or Puna, a Tahitian teacher.

their shores. In the evening they assembled, and I addressed them from Matt. v. 13 and 14-Ye are the salt of the earth, &c. &c.

October 28.-At day-break, went over the mountains to the settlements where the Tahitian teacher, Mahamene, resides. Held a meeting with the church and people, and partook of a social meal with them. After giving them an address, I returned about the middle of the day to the other settlement, where the members of the church at that place, and people generally, bad prepared a feast, of which we partook. I after- wards addressed them.

The present appearance of the settlements in this island, and the behaviour of the people, fully justify whatever may formerly have been said in their commendation. The houses are well built; cultivation is carried on to a great extent, especially in yams; the people continue diligent in learning; the church consists of thirty members; and all the people, who do not exceed two hundred, have been baptized. After conferring with the teachers, and bidding them farewell, we returned on board, and steered for

RIMATARA,

October 29.-Sabbath-day. Went on shore about 10 o'clock. The people testified great joy at my visit. I was concerned to hear from the Tahitian teacher, Farava, that his wife and child had been dead some time, and that his fellow-labourer, Oo, had died about twelve months ago. It was more than two years since any Missionary had visited this island; and the teacher said, he thought he had been forsaken. He expressed much pleasure at seeing me. After partaking of some refreshment, I went to hear the people repeat their catechisms. The men were arranged on one side, and the women on the other. They repeated the Tahitian catechism, Dr. Watts's, and one that had been prepared by Mr. Orsmond for the use of the people at Borabora. I particularly noticed some grey-headed old men, who appeared to repeat their catechism with all their hearts, and to be as devoted to their learning as they had been formerly to their idolatry. In the afternoon I preached to them from Luke i. 68 and 69—Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, &c. &c. In the evening had a long conversation with the teachers on the affairs of the mission.

October 31.-The people assembled at the chapel, which is a neat plastered_building, with raised floors, like that at Borabora. I preached from Matt. iii. 3-For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, &c. &c. After which I baptized the king and his intended wife, together

with twenty-five adults and children. After the service, I married the young king, whose name is Temaeva. I afterwards met the children, to the number of ninety, to whom, after hearing them repeat their catechism, I spoke a few words of advice.

The land of this island is capable of supporting a great number of inhabitants, but it has been hitherto the custom for the women to labour on it, while the men do nothing. This has been a great obstacle to marriage, since the women knew, that if they married, they should have to work hard. The teacher had repeatedly attempted to alter this system of things, without success; but the people had promised, that should a Missionary visit them, they would pay regard to his advice on the subject. On hearing this, I called a meeting of all the people upon the island, and, addressing the king and chiefs, represented to them the nature of the obligations they had laid themselves under in embracing Christianity, and informed them, that the females in other islands, who had embraced the Gospel, did not till the ground, and prepare the food, but made cloth, bonnets, hats, &c. I exhorted them to have compassion on their wives, and not make them work like slaves, while they themselves did nothing at all. then called upon each chief by name, to give his opinion, and state his thoughts upon the subject. They all spoke in answer; and I was happy to find there was not a single dissentient voice, and it was therefore agreed, that from that day forward, the men should plant, dig, and prepare the food, and the women make cloth, mats, bonnets, &c. The women who were present manifested their joy upon the occasion; but I cautioned them against idleness, and to take care that they themselves have, in future, good clothes and bonnets, and their husbands good hats.

The number of inhabitants on this island is about three hundred. They appear to be a quiet, inoffensive, agreeable race of people. Farava has his heart in his work, and the people pay him great regard. We left him a good supply of elementary and other books.

The people accompanied us to the beach, where we bade them farewell, and returned on board. After a tedious passage of eleven days, we returned to Raiatea, where I found my wife and family in good health.

Visits of this nature to the islands where Tahitian teachers have been stationed, are calculated to do much good. It is necessary to have frequent personal communications with the teachers, both in reference to advice, and the encouraging of them in their work. The natives of the several islands, thus seeing that their teachers are countenanced and supported by the Missionaries, will pay the more respect to them; for a

native is at all times too much disposed to undervalue that which is merely native. From this journal it will appear, that God is carrying on his own work in the Harvey. Islands; and may the day not be far distant when the same good news shall be brought from the Navigators', New Hebrides, and every other cluster of islands in this widelyextended ocean.

EAST INDIES.

COMBOOCONUM.

Extracts from the Journals of Native Teach ers, employed in the vicinity of Comboo

conum.

(Concluded from page 362.)

From the Journal of William Clapham's Reader.

I SAT down to read near some persons who had been ploughing their fields. They listened with attention. Asking them what they understood by my reading, they replied, "we learn, it is in vain to worship idols, but we must know and serve Jesus Christ." I spoke of the necessity of repentance, and said, this was the time of salvation, and that, perhaps, they had never before thought of these things, but now they should begin to think. I said, God also had been long speaking to them provi dentially, by sending the cholera, and withholding the usual rain. They said, Well, then, we will give up our idols." I told them, they must pray for strength to be able to do so, and serve God acceptably.

66

When reading at Attoor, I observed several Roman Catholics, and found they were scarcely able to tell who Jesus Christ was. His sacred name seemed new to them. They prayed, they said, to the Holy Mary to intercede for them with God. I showed that Jesus is our only Mediator. Afterwards, one of the Catholics called me to go with him to his house, where I read to several, and exhorted them.

I spoke to a wood-man from the country, about the way of obtaining pardon for sin: he listened attentively, and said, "I once kept a concubine, who afterwards killed herself, but, before she died, went to the idol, and threw ashes in the air, and imprecated curses upon my head (a heathen custom, inspiring dread)-can such a curse be avoided?" I explained fully the nature of pardon, through the merits of Christ, upon our repentance, &c. The man appeared to be really afraid, that as he had been partly

the cause of the ruin of this woman, that such a great sin could not be forgiven.

Going to our English school in the town, I observed a man worshipping an idol; when he had done, I conversed with him on the subject of idolatry: he acknowledged idols were nothing, but said "if we do not worship them, the people of our caste will abuse and punish us." I observed that man could do but little for us in distress and sickness, and if we die suddenly (as many do at this season), our neglect of God will have dreadful consequences. He made the usual reply "what you say is true, we should act according thereto, but who has strength for that?"

Reading in a public place many heard attentively. A Roman Catholic wished to stop the reading and hold a debate; he said "that was the way to make the people acquainted with the Gospel." I said we will also speak on the subject, when he put a number of intricate questions; such as, Who made Satan so wicked? Did not God know that man would sin, and why did he not prevent it? I replied that we were but dust and ashes before God, and like clay in the hands of the potter, and must be humble, and receive God's word, even if we cannot understand it all. Concerning Satan, I explained that God made him holy, and that he and man fell by their own free choice, and that God would not force any to be either good or bad; also, as a servant must do the will of his master, and a child that of his parents, without asking reasons; so it is the will of God, that we should obtain salvation through Christ upon believing. Let us, therefore, believe and obey, and not dispute: but if you wish to hear more on this, or any other subject, you may come to the missionary for information. Several Heathens present took part against the Catholic, when they heard that his questions were all answered.+

After reading one day in a place where we frequently resort, I was asked, "What profit do you get by thus reading, and who supports you?" I explained, that we looked chiefly for a reward in heaven, by showing men the way thither; and that we were supported by pious people in England, who pitied the heathen, and wished them to learn the way of eternal life.

Speaking to some country people engaged in the fields, I said, if I were to compare you to a beast, you would be justly offended. But you take a loathsome, frightful image,

• Perhaps he was more afraid of sudden vengeance and punishment than grieved for offending God.

This person afterwards came to me, and received the Gospel of Matthew, which I exhorted him to study with prayer and humility,

and say this is God. Will he not be displeased, and punish you for this? Besides, we know not his shape; and the beasts, birds, and fishes, to which you compare Him, are only the works of His hands. He, therefore, forbids us to make any image or likeness of Him. They said, " we are ignorant, and know no better."

A man brought a part of a broken idol, and begged some charity to repair it. I expostulated with him, and refused his application, at which he was surprised; but at last confessed, that he begged for his support as well as to repair the idol, as people would readily give alms for such a purpose.

From the Journal of William Cooper's Reader.

Reading in the way-side, several Brahmins passed, and stopped their ears, walking speedily away; but some others said, "This is a new doctrine-we must hear it," and sat down on the grass, and heard patiently. After reading, they said, "Well, rich people, we think, may be very religious, and walk in a good way." I said, that the riches of the world often prevent men from regarding these things, and the rich are often very poor as to heavenly treasure. Therefore, through grace obtained by prayer, we are made partakers of Christ's salvation. I gave a tract on conversion, exhorting them to read it often carefully.

Read to several young Brahmins, who listened attentively. One said, "I have often wished to walk in a holy way, but lusts and passions rise up and prevent.” I said, none are good by nature; we must seek a new nature: obtaining this, sin will appear abominable, and we shall strive against our spiritual foes; and, going on in the way marked out by the Holy Saviour, we shall obtain salvation.

Met some persons in the way of Karupoor, and asked them if they knew who God was, and what worship he requires of men? They said, "We know nothing about Him, neither desire to know Him. We worship Menachee Ammon at Madura." I said, she did not create you-neither does she preserve you, but this our merciful God in Christ does, though you know him not. I explained why the Redeemer came into the world, &c. to which they made no reply.

I saw a Roman Catholic praying at the tomb of his relations, and showed, from the Scriptures, the folly and sinfulness of praying for the dead, and praying to images and saints. He said, "Yesterday the robbers stole our priest's property; and he took the image of St. Anthony, and put it in the sun, and flogged it to make him restore the pro

Wife of Chokalingam, and a celebrated goddess of that place.

perty; ought we not therefore to worship saints?" I said, No, they are only God's servants, we must worship Him alone.

Passing by a heathen temple, I saw a great multitude in the Compound, shouting and making Poojah. I spoke to some, and asked if they were not acting like children in making such gestures, &c. before a mere image. They said, "AH men have some religion, and we have ours." Observing some of them had the mark of Seeva, and some that of Vishnu, on their foreheads, I I spoke a long time on the folly of the different sects among the Hindoos, and showed there was but one God, one heaven, and that all mankind were of one family, and should seek salvation in Jesus, the only Saviour; many heard with attention, and apparent acquiescence.

Speaking to a poor low caste man about redemption, he said, "You should not tell these great things to me, because my caste is low, tell them to the high and learned people." I showed him that the Gospel was intended for the poor as well as the rich, and that many of the former had believed in it, and found salvation. Those who are of high caste in God's sight, are the wise and the good. Then he listened with pleasure to what I said, and I spoke of the joys of heaven, which the penitent and believing would obtain. He seemed amazed at what he heard, as the tidings were certainly new to him.

Journal of the Inverkeithing's Reader.

I addressed some of my neighbours, who were assembled together, and showed them that the homage paid by them to images is a reproach to the holy name of God, &c. who is the Lord of all creatures. I exhorted them to believe the Gospel, and showed them, that the despisers of it would be condemned. When I read a tract, a young man present derided, and another seemed to listen with more attention, but he doubted the truth of future rewards and punishments. I observed that kings and governors never suffer their laws to be broken without punishing the offenders, much less will God pass over the evil and good actions of his creatures.

Discoursing with a bazaar man on the heinous sin of idolatry, showing that all men are sinners, and that the rites and ceremonies of the heathen could not take away sin, he seemed to listen with very little interest,

• Heathen ceremonies.

A common excuse of the lower castes, who have always been taught by the Brahmins that the Vedas are not intended for them, and that it is even criminal in them to become acquainted with their religious books.

and asked me a number of vain questions. I offered him a tract, which he declined to receive, saying, that he had no time to read. After leaving this place, I fell in with several people, who, to my surprise, listened with great attention. One asked, how sins were to be pardoned? I, of course, spoke of the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world; a woman likewise was very attentive. It was an interesting meeting to me, and I hope to them. I left them with an earnest exhortation to embrace the Gospel, which had been explained to them, observing, the time past was long enough for them to have remained in darkness.

As the Schoolmaster of Karupoor was reciting the poems of an ancient monk on the vanity of the world, and the misery of those who seek it in preference to the eternal God, I explained to him that we are by nature ignorant of our heavenly Father; and though we might hear or read good moral instruction, yet our corrupt nature is averse to follow it, and that the Holy Christ must renew our minds by his grace. I exhorted him and his family to embrace the Gospel. "Hereafter (he said) that must

be done."

So

Two or three persons were sitting together and hearing a heathen story read; when they had done, I asked them what instruction they obtained from what they had been hearing? They replied, that it was an account of a giant who was a great murderer, and when he could not contend successfully with a stronger giant, he fell at his feet, and implored pardon, which was granted. we must pardon those who beg for it, and fall at our feet. I asked if the book told any thing about the holy attributes of God, atonement for sin, &c.; they said, "if the book was attentively read, it would explain also these things." I acknowledged there were some good moral lessons found in some of their books, but they also contained many immoral things, such as the thefts and adulteries of Krishnu, Seeva, &c. Besides, the heathens were very guilty of making indecent pictures to assist men's corrupt minds to do evil. These things undid all that was good in their religion, and led men to eternal destruction. As we were discoursing, the number of persons gradually increased. One man replied in favour of idolatry with much noise and warmth. I proceeded to show them that idolatry was the root of all evil, and a great dishonour to the God of heaven, and mentioned the love of God, in giving up his Son to be the Saviour of sinners. They contended that the idols were representatives of God, as the Dewan (prime minister) represents the king. One man put his hand on his breast, saying, "God is here," meaning that the soul is God. Others said, "idolatry is supported because many obtain their living thereby,”