in the most respectable and hospitable manner by the Government, and by all ranks of the inhabitants, and they were not insensible of their obligations. Mr. Elliot was furnished by Dr. Phillip with a considerable number of books which would assist him in the study of the Arabic language, and enable him when he shall have acquired it, to make such translatious as may be thought eligible. He will have the advantage of the best introduction possible to the king of Joanna; and it may be hoped, that by the blessing of God upon wise and prudent measures, the knowledge of the Gospel, and of salvation by Jesus Christ, will be received by the inhabitants of that island, and of others in its vicinity and connexion. These islands are particularly pointed out as affording desirable stations for Missions by the American brethren in their lively pamphlet-" The Conversion of the world." [From the Missionary Chronicle, for January, 1822.] TAHEITE. Matavai, June 21, 1821. Mr. NOTT observes, that during Mr. Wilson's absence (at the Colony) he has been very fully employed in translating, preaching, and otherwise instructing the natives, so that he had scarcely time to take his food; but Mr. W. having returned, who would take part of the labour, Mr. N. would be more at liberty to attend to the work of translation, which the brethren consider as his special duty. "Since August, 1820," Mr. N. says, "I have baptized about 45 adults, and a considerable number of children, and have had 150 or more under instruction, as candidates for baptism, most of whom will be baptized in a few days. Translation. The Gospel of John has been printed and in the hands of the people some time; and the Acts of the Apostles has long been ready for the press. BURDER'S POINT. The following information is communicated under date of May 16, 1821. Baptism, and Schools. Since Messrs. Darling and Platt settled at this station, they have baptized upwards of 300 adults, and about 200 children. There are three schools; one for adults, in which there are about 380; one for children, containing 230; and one in another part of the district, for both adults and children, having 80 scholars. Civilization. As it respects the civil improvement of the people, we have great reason to take encouragement. Within the last three or four months we have been teaching and encouraging our people to make bonnets for themselves, out of a kind of grass that grows here, and which answers the purpose very well. And now, through the assistance of sisters Bourne and Darling, there is not a woman, we believe, in the congregation without a bonnet, and scarcely a man without a hat. Some of the natives have begun, and many have promised, to build themselves new houses, to be plastered within and without, and to floor them with boards. Almost every family has got a large garden, in which grow sugarcanes, bananas, sweet potatoes, Indian corn, pumpkins, water-melons, some French beans, &c. But these are all luxuries to the Tabeitan, as he can live very well on his bread-fruit and fish, and which want no cultivation. New Chapel. Another thing which calls for our gratitude is, the ready manner in which the people complied with our proposal to build a large place of worship. It is boarded all round, and floored with boards. There is a gallery at each end for the use of the children, which is filled every sabbath-day. All the seats have backs; and there is a large tablepew, pulpit and clerk's desk. The place has five doors, and 24 windows (not glazed) with sliding shutters. This is the first chapel that has been finished in the English style, and was done under the superintendence of Brother Darling. The following interesting particulars respecting several Islands, are borrowed from the Journal of the Captain of the Hope. CAPTAIN GRIMES anchored at Hapapa, or Matavai Bay, Taheite, on the 28th of April, 1821. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Hayward had accompanied him from Port Jackson. King Pomare soon came on board, and was saluted with 13 guns. Among other presents, he received two cows and calves from a generous individual; they were immediately landed, and were in a healthy state. The Captain states that a few days before the Annual May Meeting, preparations began to be made. Huts were building, and those out of order were undergoing a repair, to accommodate the numerous assemblage. Canoes were daily arriving, laden with provisions, the subscriptions of oil, &c. The Missionaries also began to assemble from the distant parts of the island. On the appointed day of meeting, the Chiefs were arrayed in their best dresses, the soldiers were under arms, and nothing omitted to exhibit the grandeur of the king. At ten (A. M.) the natives collected in the building appropriated to that purpose, to the number of 5000, men, women, and children included. The soldiers were ranged without, under The affairs of the island were now discussed with great energy. arms. The Missionaries also made some propositions respecting their supplies of provisions, which had been suspended, on account of a levy made by the king for the purchase of a ship, &c.; these were fully acceded to. After this, Divine Service was performed by Messrs. Nott, Crook, Darling, and Bourne. The natives were then urged to forward their intended subscriptions of oil, &c. (for the vessel) with all possible despatch. The natives then retired in a very orderly manner, and, in a few days, the village, from being thronged, was left with a very few inhabitants. On the 23d the whole of the oil collected here was on board; and messengers were sent to different parts to urge the natives to forward the oil in their possession. On the 24th the captain removed to Wilks's Harbour, as not only a safer place for the vessel, but more convenient to the natives for the delivery of the oil. On the 10th of June the ship moved to Eimeo (a distance of about 20 miles ;) Having collected above 20 tons here, the captain sailed on the 26th to Huaheine, where he wooded the ship and filled up the remainder of the casks with oil. The captain states that, in this island, the natives appeared to place great confidence in their teachers, Messrs. Ellis and Barff, and act agreeably to their advice. The natives, he observes, are advancing fast in civilization; their houses are neatly built, some of them two stories high, lathed and plastered, and divided into apartments, and they seemed to enjoy the comfort of their new habitations. Their roads are neatly made, and covered with sand or gravel. The convicts (persons punished for crimes in the island) are employed in building a quay, which is intended to be the site of some houses for the Chief. The chapel is a firm building, (comparatively speaking) and well fitted up, all the principal persons having pews, with pews for the Missionaries' families, and the rest of the chapel filled with benches, some of which are backed. On the Sabbath Capt. G. attended the native service, and was surprised to see the regularity and good order observed; the children were ushered in by their teachers in their different classes with as much uniformity as we see in the public schools in London. On Monday, 2d July, we left Huaheine, and run Over to Raiatea, taking with us Mr. and Mrs. Ellis. Early next morning landed, and took a view of the town, gardens, &c. which were in excellent order. We next visited the chapel, which is not so spacious as that of Huaheine, but the workmanship is superior. One end is fitted up as an audience chamber, a platform is raised for the Chiefs, and covered with a canopy of painted cloth, in a neat and tasteful manner. We here found Ahuru, a Chief of Rurutu; he had been here several months, during which he and some of his people have been taught to read and write, and now profess a regard to Christianity. He requested that a person might be sent to teach the natives of his island, which was complied with, and two of the most intelligent agreed to accompany him. Mr. Threlkeld also gave up his boat, which must have cost great pains and trouble in building, with a degree of pleasure which should obtain him the highest esteem. In a few hours every thing was ready, and on Wednesday the 4th, the captain sailed with the natives, and on the 8th arrived at Rurutu. Captain G. found the natives remark. ably civil, but few in number; the country bears evident marks of rapid depopulation; many houses which appear to have been recently inhabited, are now desolate, and in the unoccupied houses, numbers of dead bodies are suspended with cords, on boards used for that purpose, it being their custom to keep the bodies of their friends for some time after death. The natives report that a short time ago the population was about 2000, but is now reduced to little more than 200. The land appears to be fertile, producing every necessary in superfluous abundance. Hogs and fowls are plentiful, and their superiority over Taheite is in respect of their plentiful crops of excellent yams. The island, which is about 18 or 19 miles in circuit, bears from Raiatea, S. S. E. distance 318 miles. The captain speaks highly of the two teachers he left there, and has no doubt that Christianity will be embraced by the whole island. On the 9th of July, Captain Grimes left Rurutu, doubled Cape Horn on the 20th of August, and anchored in the Downs on the 5th of November. Thus the voyage was performed in four days less than four months. Extracts from the Journal of Mr. Crook. Mount Hope, Taheite, 1820. (Happy death of a converted native.) June 26. This afternoon we buried Fanaurai, a member of our communion. He bore his illness with great patience, and was generally in a happy frame of mind. He appeared to be quite delivered from the fear of death, and longed to be dissolved, that he might be with Christ. I had many pleasing conversations with him during his confinement, and particularly the evening before he died, when he assured me in stronger language than I can translate, that his one only desire was Jesus Christ, and that his only dependance was upon his death. 'His conduct has been humble and irreproachable during more than two years that we have intimately known him. His funeral was attended by all the baptized, and many others, as well as our family. July 23. Mr. Tessier died, after a short illness. His end was peace. The brethren Bicknell, Crook, and Bourne, witnessed his last moments, and attended his funeral on the 24th. Mr. Bicknell delivered a funeral dis course. Mr. Bicknell was taken ill almost immediately after; and in about a fortnight, on Monday, August 7, expired, aged 54 years. August 19. A Paumotu man, who is a candidate for baptism, came to my study door to-day, apparently much dejected, and wished to talk with me about the state of his soul. His conversion was very satisfactory. His child-like humility, his simple and correct account of the way of salva tion, and the apparent sincerity of his manner, struck me very forcibly. I took him by the hand, and recognised him as a fellow heir of the kingdom; and then returned to my closet overwhelmed with a sense of the love of God to these poor people, and his great condescension in employing such in struments as we are. "These are the joys he lets us know In fields and villages below." 27th. Met all the communicants in the chapel, and baptized some persons. Set apart eight deacons, with the concurrence of the people. Read and expounded Acts vi 1-8. 29th. Much pleased with the attention of the Paumoto people; eight men and five women were nominated as candidates for baptism. They informed me that a company of about 100 are soon to join them from Papara. for the sake of religious instruction. Sept. 2d. Every day of this week, one or two families have been with me in my study, with each individual of whom I had spiritual conversation, and found the exercises pleasing and profitable. 3d. Lord's Day. In the afternoon the children (about 150) were catechi sed by one of our deacons. It gave me much pleasure to hear him break the questions into lesser parts, to exercise the understandings of the young ones. 10th. Lord's Day. At the common chapel, the king and royal family being present, after prayer a suitable discourse; Mr. Crook baptized the Infant Prince, who was named Teariitaria, and the Queen his mother, who was named Taarea-vahine. Mr. Nott baptized Aimata, the king's daughter, and Pemare-vahine, the queen's sister, calling her Taareamaiturai. Mr. Nott then preached on Luke iii. 8. "Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance.' About 1000 persons were present. 24th. Mr. Crook having paid a visit to Papara, (the late Mr. Bicknell's station) administered the Lord's Supper to about 32 persons. The rest of the congregation, nearly 1000, being present, Mr. C. says, "I felt affected at the solemn scene, and perceived the tears stealing from the eyes of some of the communicants. 25th. Six deacons were proposed to be chosen. 28th. The queen, as well as her sis ter, have engaged themselves as teachers in the adult and children's schools, and have been very diligent. 29th. Got a correct list of the schools, and found they consisted of 139 men 83 women 97 boys 63 girls Total 382, besides those of Papara, 32. Took down the names of the children of those four united churches, 126 in number, and directed them to bring them for baptism on Sabbath day next. Oct. 1. At sunrise upwards of 1000 people were assembled in the place of worship. Tati (a converted chief) as the father of the family, commenced the service in a grand, yet truly humble manner. Mr. C. preached. Teharo (another converted native) concluded by prayer. Nov. 19. (At Papeurini.) Lord's Day. After the labours of the day, Mr. C. being fatigued, retired to rest. But about midnight he was awakened by hearing Tati and some of the people who were in the same house, conversing on the offices of Christ, the subject on which Mr. C. had been preaching. "They appeared (says Mr. C.) to take such a lively interest in the subject, that after listening to them for some time, I arose and joined them. This gave a fresh impulse to the conversation, and it assumed such a pleasing form, that I felt quite enraptured. Although the cocks were crowing, and none of the people had slept, they were unwilling to depart. Each seemed convinced that we should soon see the glory of God, and that our sole bu siness, during the little time we remain here, should be to honour him by doing his will, and benefiting our fellowcreatures. Anniversary of the Taheitan Auxiliary Missionary Society, May 1821. May 9. Wednesday. Accompanied Brother Darling to Papaoa, to attend the yearly meeting of the Missionary Society. Met the brethren Nott, Hayward. Wilson and Davies. Pomare received us very kindly. His soldiers were drawn up in order, about 150 in number, with muskets and fixed bayonets. A congregation of between five and six thousand assembled about the middle pulpit of the great chapel. Commenced the service with prayer, &c. Brother Nott preached from Luke xiv. 23. "Compel them to come in," &c. The captain, officers, and passengers of the brig attended, and expressed themselves highly gratified with the respectable and orderly behaviour of the people. In the evening, Brother Wilson commenced the service, and Brother Darling preached from Acts v. 38, 39. "And now I say unto you Refrain from these men," &c. Thursday, May 10. Assembled in the great chapel with all the judges, offi cers of the Missionary Society, &c. Brother Bourne commenced the service; Brother Nott exhorted the whole Society to diligence and zeal in the good work of the Lord, in which they had so laudably engaged, and of which they had experienced such blessed effects, and concluded by requesting the officers of the Society to proceed to business. TATI stood up, and exhorted the members of the Society to bring in their subscriptions immediately, that the oil might be put on board the brig, now ready to take it to England. OTOORE, on behalf of the king, replied that it should be done without fail. Some matters also were settled relating to the regular collection of the contributions, which had been somewhat delayed through the (king's) late mercantile affairs. AHURIRO stood up and requested that the laws might be revised, improved, and printed afresh; that two principal judges might be appointed, who were named, (Tati and Utami ;) and that the laws might be put into their hands, that justice might be administered more impartially, &c. Two persons addressed the meeting, requesting that a Missionary might be sent to the little island Marua. Horo, a man deputed by the chiefs of Raiatea, in a bold and animated speech, demanded the young child Tearitaria, that he might be made king; but this was strenuously opposed by TATI, who would not hear of it by any means. After some other matters were settled, being desired by the king to conclude, we sung a hymn, and I endeavoured to stir up the zeal of the king, officers, Missionaries and people, from Eccles. ix. 10. "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do," &c., concluding with prayer. After we had spent a little time together in mutual converse, we departed to our respective homes, pleased with what we had seen and heard. Mr. C's Journal concludes on the 6th of June, 1821, just before Captain Grimes left the island. EIMEO. November, 1820. Extracts from the Quarterly Reports. With respect to our outward circumstances, we have been blessed with peace and tranquillity; we meet with no opposition in our work, but such as arises from the callous nature of the unrenewed heart, which nothing can penetrate without the invincible energies of the Spirit of God. We much need your continued prayers for the Spirit's influences to accompany our endeavours for the good of these people, and to rouse us in the midst of such an outward calm, lest we be lulled to repose in the arms of carnal security. We were prevented from holding our last quarterly meeting, by the absence of Brother Henry, at Taheite, attending on Brother Bicknell, in his last illness, and paying the last kind offices to those who have borne the heat and burden of the day-circumstances with which you are already but too painfully acquainted. Two of our valuable seniors, the Brothers Tessier and Bicknell, are called from the field of labour and of honour, in the short space of a fortnight, to enjoy their rest and reward. By this stroke a station is broken up, a large field left for cultivation, and an infant church left without a pastor. We have added, at different times, to our little church, since our last accounts, forty, and restored one to communion who had been suspended for false speaking. We have baptized, since that time, ninety-four adults, also their children. We have the translation of the Books of Joshua and Judges in hand, which will probably be some time before it be accomplished. May the Lord the Spirit give efficacy to our attempts for the welfare of the world, and the glory of God. So that the "light of the Moon shall be as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun shall be seven fold, as the light of seven days." Then Sin and Satan, with the seat of their throne, Idolatry, shall shrink into the shade before their glorious beams. the following six persons, viz. Patii,* Horoirau, Vara, Mare, Ahuriro, and Teururaau, who had been sometime previously nominated, and who are men possessing some intelligence and zeal, and who appear likely to prove useful in their office. The people are making improvements in fencing, planting, &c. &c. Anniversary of the Eimeo Auxiliary Missionary Society. On Wednesday and Thursday, May 9th and 10th, 1821, we held the Anniversary of the Eimeoan Branch of the Taheitian Auxiliary Missionary Society, in the chapel royal Varare. The services commenced on Wednesday morning at sunrise, by a prayer meeting. At ten o'clock the bell, (or rather, iron hoop, for that is our bell) rang for public worship, when most of the inhabitants of the island collected in the chapel. Brother Henry commenced the solemn and delightful service by singBrother P. ing, reading, and prayer. addressed the people, from Luke xiii. 29. "And they shall come," &c. and concluded. In the evening the congregation assembled again, when Brother H. preached from Isaiah lxii. 2. "And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory." Thursday, about eleven o'clock, the members of the Society assembled for business. Taau, our president on the last Anniversary, was called to the chair, and opened the meeting by a short encouraging address, and called upon Brother H. to engage in prayer. Prayer being ended, Brother H., after making some suitable remarks, moved, That the Secretary read the Report; which was seconded in a spirited manner by Maamaa, one of the governors. The Secretary (Patii) then read the Report, from which it appeared, that the subscriptions were less than last year, amounting to only 1155 bamboos of oil, 284 little baskets of cotton, 88 pigs, and 2 bales of arrowroot. this was more than, from existing circumstances, we had anticipated. After the Report, various resolutions were Yet The first mentioned, Patil, is the priest of this district (Papetoni) who publicly burned his gods on embracing christianity; he has been some time employed as catechist. Horoiruu and Ahurido offered their services last May to go as assistants to any Missionaries who might be stationed at any of the neighbouring islands. It is most probable that they will now be sent without a Missionary to Raivavai (High Island) to teach the inhabitants to read, and what else they are capable of. ↑ Formerly a prophet of Oro. |