SAMOAS.-FORMATION OF A NATIVE CHURCH AT MANUA. (From Rev. W. A. Murray, Tutuila, Nov. 28, 1842.) SINCE I last wrote, we have had a visit from Matthew Hunkin of Manua. He came, accompanied by five persons, natives of that island, whom he considered Christians. So far as I had opportunity of judging, I felt disposed, with our deacons, to concur in his opinion: accordingly they were consecrated to God by baptism, admitted to church-fellowship, and returned with Matthew to Manua, to form there the nucleus of a christian church. There is a considerable number of the natives at Manua, whom Matthew believes to be converted to God; but the vessel, in which he came to Tutuila, could not bring more than five. Their visit, and the accompanying circumstances, formed a very interesting event. Atiu, the principal man of the little party, had been a distinguished leader in the perpetration of those deeds of darkness for which Manua was formerly distinguished. It is the universal testimony of all the islanders, including the Manuans themselves, that they greatly exceeded the natives of the larger islands in barbarity and ferocity. Cannibalism hardly ever existed on the larger islands, and in times of peace, the practice of lying in wait to murder each other, was not of frequent occurrence. All parts of the islands, moreover, held, at times, friendly intercourse; but it was the reverse of all this at Manua. The hostile parties were at no time thoroughly reconciled; and, small though the group is, the inhabitants never met in one body, not even those of Tau, the largest island, till they came together last May to hold a Missionary meeting, and collect arrow-root to aid the funds of the Society! At that meeting there were numbers of aged people who had been born, brought up, and grown old, within a few miles of each other, and yet had never met, nor had ever seen each others' islands or places of abode, a very extraordinary thing in savage life. Many more were there who never met before but as enemies, thirsting for each other's blood. Their speeches on the occasion are said to have been deeply affecting. Since our arrival in the islands they have been at war-I know not whether more than once. Of one engagement I have had an account. They were assisted on one side by five foreigners -four Europeans or Americans, and one Tahitian. Four of these were killed, and two of them, (the Tahitian and one of the whites,) were eaten: the other two were killed at such a distance from the homes of the victorious party, that they could not conveniently convey the bodies thither, so they were not devoured like those of their companions. The fifth fled into the bush, and there perished. On this occasion several Samoans were also devoured by their unnatural countrymen. We have in our church a man who fought in this war, and who himself killed one of the foreigners. The natives, in eating these foreigners, were chiefly instigated by feelings of revenge; they had rendered themselves so obnoxious to them by their tyranny and cruelty. It is not more than five or six years since these things transpired, and it is little more than one year since the islands have been under the care of an European teacher; so that the change that has been effected is surprising and encouraging in a high degree. INDIA. STATE OF THE HEATHEN IN THE PROVINCE OF MYSORE. (From Rev. C. Campbell, Mysore, January 23, 1843.) DURING the present month, in company with my Missionary Assistant, I have made a very interesting tour to the west and north-west of Mysore. In Narsipoor, we had large and attentive congregations, and a good deal of calm discussion with the Brahmins. The demand for Scriptures and tracts was great. We proceeded thence to Shravanu Belligola, which is one of the most famous Jain places in the country. It is full of their temples, and there is a chief Gooroo, or spiritual guide, to whom the Jains pay almost divine honours. As he is a good-tempered and intelligent man, I was permitted to see him, and hold a long conversation with him; many of the principal men of the place, and some others of a lower grade, being present on the occasion. In order to elicit more information, I told them several things regarding their sect, as stated by Ward in his work on the Hindoos. This soon gave rise to a conversation about the Gospel, and both the Gooroo and all present paid great attention to a full statement of the truth. The topics on which they were addressed, were, the existence and perfections of God, the creation, the fall of man, salvation through Christ, the precepts of the Bible, the state of the righteous and the wicked after death, the resurrection and final judgment. The remarks made on the two latter topics, seemed especially to interest them, and to give an air of solemnity to the assembly. The interest was kept up by occasional questions put, and objections stated, by the Gooroo and others. The conversation lasted nearly two hours, and all seemed very well pleased with what they heard, until the truth was applied to their consciences, and they were called upon to renounce their idols and embrace the Saviour. It was probably the first time that the Gooroo had been seriously addressed as a sinner, and entreated to repent. He evidently began to feel uncomfortable, yet he was respectful to the last. We left with them some suitable tracts and portions of Scripture. At Mailcottah, which is a stronghold of Hindooism, we had also much interesting work. The whole place was in a state of commotion during the two days we remained. The first morning, which was the sabbath, an attempt was made to preach in one of the principal streets; but the Brahmins, fearing the consequence, soon contrived to draw off most of the people, and began to mock and make a noise not far from where we stood. During our stay, however, we encountered several who are considered champions of their cause, but all of whom were evidently defeated. The most interesting conversation which I had, was with a Brahmin of some eminence, in the midst of a crowd of others. He made little attempt to defend idolatry, but asked many questions regarding our religion, which gave me an opportunity of stating many things concerning the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus, his resurrection and glory, the nature and design of the sabbath, and similar topics. In all our intercourse with the people, however, we could see no proof of there being any among the heathen who act up to the light which they have. Alas! whereever we go, there is nothing observable but gross spiritual darkness, and either total indifference, or hostility to the truth. Men shut out the light as long as they can, because they do not desire the knowledge of God. But we have reason to hope the Word of life will, ere long, prove a powerful instrument of conviction, which may end in the conversion of many. GENERAL PROGRESS OF THE BANGALORE MISSION. A heathen mind yielding to the truth. I should like to have seen in him a greater conviction of the evil of sin. There was, however, such an appearance of honesty and deep seriousness manifested by him, that I could not doubt his sincerity. He was only passing through Bangalore on his way home. I had, therefore, no further opportunity of talking with him. All I could do was, to furnish him with suitable books, exhort him to constant study of the Scriptures and prayer, and advise him to seize every opportunity of conversing with Christian Missionaries, in order that he might become more perfectly instructed in the way of the Lord. Partial reception of the Gospel. Another person, who appears favourably disposed towards Christianity, has been to see me several times. He states, that for twelve years he regularly visited the temple of Venkataramana, and made poojee (or worship) every evening; but that he had left off this, and all idol-worship, for the last two years. He is now in the habit of praying to the one living and true God, through Jesus Christ, using for that purpose some prayers which he found in one of our tracts. This is good so far. A proper sense of the wickedness of his past course, deep contrition on account of it, and a humble faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are, however, apparently wanting. I spoke to him fully on this subject, set before him the spiritual nature of true religion, and advised him not to rest in the mere avoidance of one particular act of sin, -such as idolatry; or in a formal attention to one particular branch of christian duty-such as prayer; but wholly to abandon the path of error, and devote himself unreservedly to the service of God through Christ. "A forest," he replied, "cannot be cut down at once-you must take the trees one by one;" intimating that this was the course to be pursued, in regard to the erroneous sentiments and evil practices to which he had been accustomed as a heathen. Spiritual blessings precluded by indecision. There is another man who has visited us frequently, has read many of our tracts, and seems to have had his mind partially enlightened. He is a worshipper of Shiva, and was in the habit of wearing the linga, which is, with that sect, an object of adoration. The last time I saw him he told me that he had left off this, believing it to be improper, but complained that he had not found that peace and joy which he had been led to expect, although in this and in other respects he had endeavoured to conform to the requirements of Christianity. I, of course, told him that he could not enjoy that blessedness which the Gospel is designed to impart unless he cordially embraced it, and yielded himself up entirely to its influence. He admitted the propriety of this, but alluded to the reproach and suffering which the open abandonment of the religion of his forefathers would bring upon him, and inquired how he was to live when cast out by his relatives and friends. I read to him some portions of the New Testament referring to this subject, and advised him to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," and trust in the Lord to provide for and preserve him. He acquiesced in what I said, but his countenance indicated that the feelings of his heart were, "It is an hard saying, who can bear it?" Power of caste on the minds of the people. I believe there are many of the heathen in the same state of mind with this man. But for the prejudices of caste, I have no doubt we should soon see a great number publicly renounce Hindooism, and embrace Christianity. At present, however, they seem bound, as with a fetter, from which there is no escape. Some evidently stifle their convictions, and wilfully shut their eyes against the light of truth. Others say that they worship the true God, and seek His favour through Jesus Christ in their hearts; and only conform externally to the prevailing customs in order to save their credit. One instance there is of a respectable Brahmin in Bangalore, who publicly abstains from idolatrous worship-will not comply with heathenish customs-hesitates not to declare to his own people that he abhors their practices-diligently reads the Scriptures-and teaches Christianity to his own family and friends; and yet, although he has been going on thus for the last three years, encouraging us to hope that he is sincerely seeking the Lord, he refuses to be baptized, nor will he even attend the public means of grace with us. Caste is the only thing that seems to hinder him. He visits us frequently, seems exceedingly interested in what he hears and reads, and is quite willing to obey the commandments of Christ in every thing except in those acts which might bring a reproach upon his character, or separate him entirely from his connexions and friends. Deeply rooted prejudices and the fear of man have involved him in a snare. CANARESE FEMALE SCHOOLS AT BANGALORE. Success beyond expectation. we now number ten girls, (some of whom are exceedingly interesting,) entirely removed from heathen association and example, and sharing the blessing of christian instruction. These children are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, in Čanarese: they are also instructed in English, plain needle-work, marking, knitting, and spinning. Extent of encouragement. Of course, from the short time they have been with us, we cannot say much respecting their progress, but it is such as to encourage pleasing anticipations. Several of them begin to read with considerable fluency, and particular care is taken to teach them to understand, and reverence the sacred volume. They regularly attend public worship twice on the sabbath; and the greater part of the remainder of the day is spent in acquiring religious instruction. I need scarcely say, that these children are objects of much anxiety, and, as respects their eternal interests, of deep solicitude. Surely, He who has said, that his word "shall not return unto Him void," will water the precious seed of divine truth, which is thus sown in their hearts from time to time, with the influences of his Holy Spirit, and cause it to spring up and produce an abundant harvest to his glory. Earnest of spiritual fruit. One little girl, who has been but a short time with us, and who was brought up in the grossest idolatry and superstition, has appeared much interested in what she has heard since she entered the school, and has frequently been overheard talking to the other children of the folly of worshipping idols, and the propriety of serving the one living and true God. May the Divine Spirit seal instruction upon her young heart, and make her the subject of His sanctifying grace. The children appear very fond of singing, and their voices may daily be heard singing "Oh, that will be joyful!" to a Canarese hymn, which Mr. Rice has prepared for that tune. Opportunities for the benevolent. It would afford us much pleasure if a few christian friends, who feel interested in female education, would undertake to support these children-31. per annum we calculate would be sufficient for each child. Any party thus subscribing would have the happiness, at least, of reflecting that they had been instrumental in rescuing an immortal being from heathen influence, and placing her under christian instruction. They would also have an object for special supplication at the throne of grace, that the instructions imparted to the child might be watered by divine influence, and result in her decided conversion to God. Extension of effort. Within the last few months, we have also formed another day-school in a populous part of the Pettah, so that we have now three Canarese female day-schools, containing altogether, between sixty and seventy girls. Every Thursday afternoon they all assemble at my house for examination; and I am sure christian friends, whose sympa thies are awakened, and whose compassion weeps over the ignorant and degraded condition of the daughters of India, would feel their hearts thrill with holy joy, could they witness this company of heathen children assembled together to receive instruction from the word of life. Their appearance, while it would deeply affect, would also greatly interest an English eye. Most, if not all of them, bear the mark of idolatry, in one form or another, upon their foreheads, while the persons of many are profusely decorated with ornaments, and, on special occasions, even burdened with their weight. These consist of ear-rings, (for the reception of which some have their ears pierced in six or eight places,) nose-jewels, ornaments for the hair, necklaces, and chains, (of which on one Brahmin girl I have counted ten,) bracelets of gold, silver, and tinsel, a broad silver belt for the waist, and silver bangles of some pounds weight on the ancles. Encouragements to hope and perseverance. Many of them read the gospel with considerable fluency, and, by their ready and correct answers to questions proposed to them from the sacred volume, prove that they have a tolerable acquaintance with the leading truths of Christianity. I often look with deep emotion at the interesting group collected in classes before me, and almost involuntarily breathe the heartfelt prayer, that the instructions they receive may be attended by the divine blessing; and that these children, as they grow up, may have their minds impressed with the solemn importance of the truths they are taught, and be enabled to exercise a beneficial influence on the heathen with whom they associate. The seed may not immediately spring up, but it is the incorruptible seed of the word of God, and cannot be lost. Urgent need of assistance. Thus I have attempted to give some account of the progress of our Canarese female schools. It is at present the day of small things; but we have reason, abundant reason, for gratitude to God, for the measure of success which has attended our feeble efforts. At present our exertions are greatly restricted for want of the necessary means. We could easily establish many more schools had we funds at our disposal to enable us to do so; but our resources are now quite exhausted, and unless timely aid should arrive, we shall be under the painful necessity of curtailing the number of those already commenced, which would be a great discouragement to us. Aware that donations are frequently made to your Society for the promotion of Female Education in the East, allow me to request that a portion of these contribu tions may be appropriated to the support of these schools. NATIVE FEMALE EDUCATION AT VIZAGAPATAM. Providential care of the orphan-school. THE very kind reception which was given to a letter I addressed to you in November, 1841, on the subject of our native orphanschool, encourages me to hope I may be excused in again bringing it before you. I am the more induced to do so, since I have reason to believe that God has condescended to use this mode of communication as a means for stirring up the hearts of his people to an increased interest in the welfare of the poor neglected and degraded females of India. As one proof of this, I may mention a circumstance which was to us a most heart-cheering indication of our heavenly Father's care, and the sympathy of our fellow-Christians. Last sabbath, Mr. Porter and myself had been talking about the school, as to its present condition and future prospect of support; and, from the state of our funds, our spirits were somewhat depressed, and our faith tried. At that very time the post came in, bringing a letter from a gentleman residing at Hong-Kong, of whose name we had never even heard, stating that he had read in the Evangelical Magazine, received from England, an account of the school at Vizagapatam; regretting that it had not met with the support it required; and begging we would accept 300 rupees (307.) as a donation "From a friend." Another instance of the Lord's gracious care I cannot forbear mentioning. During the absence of Mr. Porter, I was one day in great distress for money, when I received a letter from a pious soldier at Hyderabad, a member of our church, inclosing 100 rupees. Necessity for continued and liberal support. On seeing the names of many of our friends in the Missionary Chronicle, I could not but feel thankful for their kind assistance, and thank God and take courage; and I must beg you will allow me, through this medium, to return them our warmest thanks: at the same time they will permit me to urge upon them the importance of continuing their kind support. The cause itself does not diminish in its importance, and the means of support are not more certain than they were. Abject state of the women of India. Could you, my dear friends in Britain, know the lamentable ignorance existing among the females of this country, and the idea that generally prevails of the impossi bility of their learning, you would see how important it is they should be convinced of the contrary, by seeing that it is possible. One day a poor woman came to me, with a very bad leg, and asked, "If Mam could make well?" It was so bad that I feared it never would get better. She was certainly the most stupid and repulsive looking woman I ever saw, and I thought it next to impossible that a beam of intelligence should ever light her debased countenance. However, her leg got well, and with more joy in her face than I had thought her capable of showing, she came to tell me of it. I asked her, if she had died, where she thought her soul would have gone? She laughed, and said, "Soul? what? I a woman, what I know?" I told her that that, which made her capable of being glad or sorry, was the thinking part of her, and would never die. She still laughed and said, "I a woman, what I know?" I asked her what she thought would become of her? She said, That she supposed when her body was burned, all would fly with the ashes together in the wind. I tried to persuade her to go and hear Mr. Porter, when he preached in her village; but the only reply I could get was, "What can I know? I only a woman." Happy results of christian instruction. This is no uncommon case: the women here have a most degraded idea of themselves; and, as to the soul, the generality of them believe it to be like wind. How striking a contrast is this poor woman to one of our little girls who died some time ago, and, when she was departing, exclaimed, "I am going to Jesus; my body will die, but my spirit is going to Jesus, where I shall be always happy." It is no small comfort to me to hear little children in the school repeat, and, I believe, understand, the well-known words of Dr. Watts's Catechism, "I am a creature of God, for he made me both body and soul; and I know I have a soul, for I feel something within me that can think and know, can wish and desire, can rejoice and be sorry, which my body cannot do." Now a poor child is made wiser by reading and learning this short sentence than she would be by reading all the shasters of the Hindoos. |