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Proceedings of other Societies.

FOREIGN.

ENGLISH WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

of God, and wished that he might have grace to hold fast what he had received.

Sigliki (a Fingu) had been burnt by the Caffres, and was considered dead for a time; he had been brought out of the fire, and from amongst wolves, and saved in the wars with the Fitcanies, and now he begins to see that there is a path

Notice of Converts in Caffraria, South Africa. which leads to God, and that God had saved

[From the Missionary Notices of the Society.]

THE following account of a love-feast on this station will prove to you, much better than a letter, that the labors of your missionaries in this land of darkness have not been in "vain in the Lord."

Jantiji Nookoa (the interpreter) said that he first felt the power of God in the colony, and was constrained by the influence of the Spirit to come to Caffreland to talk with the missionaries; in doing which, he had received much light, and he hoped to hold on to the end.

Yosif Wesley first heard the word of God in the colony, but did not begin to seek the Lord until he came to Wesleyville; and here he had obtained mercy and was now happy in the enjoyment of God's favor; and he hoped that he should never cast away his confidence.

David Busak left his garden, and all its contents, as soon as he heard that a missionary had come to Wesleyville, with the word of God; and now he thanked God, and the great people in England, for sending the missionaries; and he thanked the missionaries for coming. He could not express his gratitude for what he had heard and felt; and he wished that his voice could reach to all mankind, and tell of the great mercy of God to him a sinner.

William Kama (a chief) first contended against the word of God, but afterwards the word overcame him; and now he had not language to describe his feelings, he was so very happy in the love of God.

him through all his dangers and trials; and although he fails every day, yet his desire is to serve God. "Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" (Zech. iii, 2.)

Leah Nonyama had been guilty of all sorts of wickedness, and was fond of smearing herself with red clay, (for ornament,) but God's word had turned her about, and the things which she once loved now she hates with all her heart; and God had pardoned her sins, although they were

many.

Elizabeth Nomantu first laughed when she saw the people coming together to hear the word of God, and she smeared herself with red clay some time after her husband turned to God, although he often reproved her; but she paid no attention to what he said, until she felt the power of God, which constrained her to leave off fighting against her husband, and against God's people.

Alice Nonthlonya was first sent for to come to the class, but did not know what to say; she, however, trembled much; and afterwards God showed her that she was a great sinner; and now her strongest desire was to serve God.

Sarah Nokyelo first heard the word of God at Bethelsdorp, but did not receive it into her heart; but now she had obtained mercy, and felt that if she could fly, she would go home to God.

Catharine Nowala thanked God, and the missionaries, and all the people who had helped to send them the gospel; for by that means she had received light and life in her old days.

Margaret Nonibi stood first at a distance from George Morley was first awakened by hearing the word, but was afterwards overcome by it; of the day of judgment at the saw-pit, and went and she could not express how much she felt immediately to the bush to pray, feeling for the every day for those of her relations who had first time that he was a sinner. He prayed often died without hearing God's word. She was before he made known his feelings to any per-happy, and hoped that she should continue so son; and although he had fallen several times, yet his only proper desire was to serve God; and he never was so happy as at this moment. He also adverted in an affecting speech to his late recovery from his fall.

Titus Dubulo had been stripped of his cattle by a commando, and afterwards came to the station to seek beads; and when he was in the path to Graham's Town, with brother W. Shaw's wagon, his heart was much affected by hearing the word of God: and while praying for pardon in the bush, all at once his heart was filled with peace and joy; so that he could neither eat nor drink that day. His time was spent in praising God; and he was now sometimes ready to wish that God would take him to heaven, lest he should after all fall from his steadfastness.

Peter Spokter had lived in sin until he was an old man; and now in his old days new light had shined upon him, and he wanted words to express his joy.

Mephibosheth Bata was very happy while hearing his brethren and sisters speak of the love

unto the end.

Maria Nomali first heard the word of God in the colony, but did not turn to God; but upon hearing Mr. W. Shaw, she was constrained to break off her sins, and now she did not know how to express her thankfulness to God, for the great care which he had taken of her; for she had once fallen from the top of a rock, but was not killed; and she had also been bitten by a snake when she was expected to die in consequence; but God had wonderfully preserved her life, and she was also happy in his love.

Lydia Midi first heard the gospel in the colony, but without effect; afterwards she had been guilty of all sorts of wickedness in Caffreland, and when she was supposed to be dying of sickness, she began to think about her soul; and now she was happy in the enjoyment of peace.

Ghlebekazi (a catechumen) was a thing forsaken by every body, and driven from all the Caffre kraals; and had been nearly burnt to death, for some supposed crime. She afterwards came to the station, but was afraid to go

into the chapel, because she heard some persons weeping, and wondered what was going to be done with them; but now she weeps over her bad heart, and sees that it is the hand of the Lord that hath saved her from the Fitcanies, and that hath brought her to this place; and she hoped that God would pardon all her sins.

The above observations were delivered in the Caffre language: there were also others who spoke in English, Dutch and Hottentot, all of whom seemed to be of "one heart, and of one soul."

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

||rious other parts of the world, must be appreciated, rather than by the number of heathens who actually turn from their idols, and openly profess themselves disciples of Christ. A system of welladapted means and instruments is brought into operation, which, with the divine blessing, is calculated to awaken a use:ul curiosity-to shed a portion of light into the mind-to solten antipathes-to dissolve prejudice-to produce contidence in the missionary-to open between him and the heathen a more friendly and beneficial intercourse-to secure, on the part of the beathen, a more serious attention to his addresses, and a more candid perusal of the books which he may put into their hands. All this as bear

Summary View of the Mission in the Islanding in its results on the great object in view

of Java.

The Directors give the following view of this mission, the seat of which is at Batavia, the capital of the island, and on its northern shore.

The mission at Batavia was commenced in

cannot but be regarded as a highly important preparatory process; while we are warranted to cherish the most unshaken confidence and ex

peetation, that, in due time, if we faint not, we shall reap the spiritual fruits to which we look forward, and reap them abundantly.

The means which have been brought into active operation, in connection with the mission at 1814; the immediate object being the dissemina-Batavia, are, the preaching of the gospel to the tion of the knowledge of Christianity among the Malays, Chinese, and English-the distribution Malays and Chinese-more particularly the Chiof the scriptures, magazines, tracts-the instinese settlers in Java, whose number was at that tution of schools-discussions with the bettertime, calculated to be about 100,000. The Chi-informed among the heathen-conversations with, nese New Testament, translated by Dr. (then and occasionally addresses to, the people in the Mr.) Morrison, furnished the means of forthwith bazaars, in their shops, in the streets, and by the making the proposed attempt among the Chinese,way-side; the patients in the hospitals, and the while the excellent character of governor Raffles, convicts in the jails; in a dispensary, connected and the liberal spirit of his government, were a with the mission, where medicine for the body pledge that he would afford protection to the and instruction for the mind are both gratuitously missionaries, and, to the utmost of his power, imparted; and, lastly, English and American seamen on board vessels in the harbor. promote their benevolent efforts. We scarcely need to add, that this expectation was afterward fully realised.

The restoration, however, of Batavia to the Dutch, by the treaty of 1815, allowed Gov. Raffles but a comparatively brief opportunity of manifesting, on the spot, his favorable disposition toward the mission; but while the missionaries, on the return of the Dutch authorities, had to lament his departure, their regret was alleviated by the promise of his successor, Baron Van der Capellen, of countenance and aid to the mission, which he subsequently fulfilled. It may not be improper to add, that Sir Stamford Raffles, after his appointment as governor of Bencoolen, which subsequently took place, had many opportunities of shewing favor to the missionaries, and promoting their object; which he did with the enlightened zeal of one who felt, that, independently of the sublime hopes which it inspires and the eternal benefits which it confers, Christianity was, as to its political and civil results, the best boon that he could impart to mankind.

Great reluctance has generally been manifested by the people, by the Chinese particularly, to assemble, as a congregation, in a place of worship. The missionary has, therefore, endeavored to make up for the want of opportunities to preach to large and stated assemblies, by frequently addressing small and casual auditories; while experience and observation have led to the conclusion, that the disinclination of the Chinese to attend Christian worship, arises less from a bigoted attachment to their own superstitions, than from an indifference to all religion whatever.

Beside a very extensive dispersion of the scriptures, in Chinese and Malayan, between 100,000 and 200.000 books and tracts, in various languages, the larger number printed at the mission press at Batavia, have been dispersed abroad in various regions, embracing China, the Malayan Peninsula, and many of the islands of the Indian Archipelago. The books circulated among the heathen at Batavia are ascertained to be frequently read, and to form topics of conversation and discussion among themselves when the missionaries are not present; and there is ground to hope that the moral leaven has begun to work among the heathen population there: the Malays,

At an early period of the mission, many pleasing evidences were afforded of its beneficial influence. The preaching of the gospel by the missionaries was made useful to many of the Dutch residents: an auxiliary missionary society was formed at Batavia; while the Chinese New-in particular, now manifest an eagerness to obTestament, and Milne's Chinese magazine and tracts in that language, were circulated, with much benefit to the Chinese, some of whom were induced to tear down from the walls of their houses the symbols of their idolatry.

tain books and tracts. Those only who are aware of the great repugnance of this people to hold intercourse with Europeans-their deadly prejudices, as Mohammedans, against Christians-and the determined mind with which they turn a deaf The mission has been subsequently prosecuted ear to religious instruction, rejecting a tract as with various measures of success, particularly as they would avoid infection-can appreciate fully to the preparation and practical application of the extent and importance of this change. The means. Indeed, it is in this latter point of view change itself is attributable, in part, to the relaxed in which, for some considerable time, the effec-pre udices and more liberal views of the natives tiveness of missions, in these regions, and in va- themselves; but the missionary who announces

the change, "would fain hope that it has been brought about by the powerful interference of the Almighty Savior in their behalf, working by his Providence and Spirit."

at that interesting out-station. At noon we had a fine view of the island. It chiefly consists of high land, clothed with the most luxuriant verdure, to the very tops of the highest peaks which now began to be distinctly visible through the gray haze by which distant objects at sea are usually obscured. There appeared no exception to the general glow of green. Soon after Mr. Pitman's station rose up to our view as from the bosom of the deep, and the brown thatch of the

The Chinese schools, in which the number of scholars has fluctuated between 50 and 100, have exhibited evidence of improvement in the attainment of Christian knowledge, and of its effect in impressing their minds with the folly of idolatry. After many abortive efforts, a Malay school has been, at length, established, under the superin-houses which studded the horizon, as they began tendence of the mission.

Latterly the desire among the people to obtain Christian instruction has much increased. The distribution of tracts among the Malays is represented as unprecedented; and the attendance, both of Malay and Chinese, on public worship, has been more encouraging than at any antecedent period since the commencement of the mission. The Malay congregation, in particular, has greatly increased: so that, including the children in the schools, and the people resident in two or three more or less distant and populous villages, the number of natives now regularly brought under Christian instruction amounts to about 500; exclusive of those who are occasionally addressed in the bazaars, in the shops, and by the way-side; among both Chinese and Malay, a few instances have occurred of decided conversion to God.

The missionaries at Batavia have not confined their labors to that city and its vicinity, but have repeatedly visited distant parts, embracing other large towns in the island of Java; sometimes extending their tours to places more remote, including the western coast of the Malayan peninsula, Borneo, and Bali-preaching the gospel and distributing the scriptures, and in many places never before visited by a missionary.

Such are some of the particulars connected with the history of the Society's mission in Java, which call for the gratitude of the society; and encourage its directors to prosecute its undertakings there, in the firm hope, that, notwithstanding the formidable character of the difficulties which stand in the way of missionary operations in this part of the world, the gospel will, at length, extend its triumphs and dispense its blessings, not only in Java, but in all the islands and regions

round about.

to appear, formed a beautiful contrast with the general verdure; a most pleasing sight to us, associated with many recollections, and, on various accounts, peculiar sensations. About four o'clock we lowered a boat and pulled ashore to Mr. Buzacott's station. A vast concourse of people had assembled on the beach, and some had put off in their canoes to see us. As we approached the shore we perceived Mr. Buzacott in the front of the crowd ready to receive and welcome us. We passed through the crowd whose peculiar note of admiration amused me much. He conducted us along a road lined on each side with bananas, till we arrived at his neat and commodious house, just finished, at the door of which we met Mrs. B., who also greeted us with a hearty welcome. We had never before met.

27. Sabbath. In the morning went with Mr. Buzacott to see the children's school assembled previously to their going to worship--a great concourse-perhaps upwards of 500. They walked in good order to chapel, whither we accompanied them. On our arrival the sight was almost overpowering, but it was also pleasing: an immense place filled and overflowing with interesting hearers. I addressed them in the forenoon in Tahitian from John iii. 8. After service they brought me the texts in their own language and asked such questions as convinced me they understood a great portion of what I had said.

28. According to the custom of the country, the chiefs brought us a present of food, which we gave to the crew of the vessel. After this Mr. Buzacott accompanied me to Gnatagnia, Mr. Pitman's station, where we arrived a little before dark; but Mr. Buzacott returned home the same night. We found Mr. and Mrs. Pitman in tolerably good health, and their station in a forward and promising state. I sincerely rejoiced to see them so comfortably situated in so good a house, though it was not quite finished. They were ex

Progress of the Society's Missions in the ceedingly glad to see us, especially as their so

South Seas.

THE following account is from the journal of the Rev. George Platt, kept during a voyage of inspection to the Hervey islands, &c. in the neighborhood of the Society islands, in the years 1829 and 1830.

Rarotogna.

Dec. 18, 1829. Went on board the vessel with the captain, and immediately weighed anchor, and put to sea. It had been very rainy and squally; the rain, however, ceased, but the wind becoming light, our progress was slow. After alternately contending with squalls, calms, &c. till December 26, in the morning of that day Rarotogna appeared in the horizon, 30 or 40 miles distant. Pleasing anticipations arose, not only in the minds of our fellow passengers, who belong to the islands, but also in our own, as to what we might see of the progress of the gospel

ciety with whom they could converse with ease, has been so very limited. They have had abundance of society, who spoke a language which, for a time, they did not well understand. They can, however, converse with the natives with tolerable ease and accuracy. As our arrival was immediately known throughout the station, the house was soon filled with people. All the avenues and passages were completely blocked

up

with those who wished to gaze at the stranger. As soon as the general surprise was over, and each had made his remarks, or expressed his wonder, or asked his question on general topics, they began to ask questions relative to the scriptures, or on subjects they had heard discoursed upon from the pulpit: they would scarcely allow us time for a little social conversation among ourselves. The principal chief appears to be of an amiable disposition. It was pleasing to find the people so settled, and the brethren and their wives so comfortable and content among them; though they have not been without their trials, or the people their troubles. Mr. Pitman's schoo.

has been twice burned down by incendiaries, I and as often built up again by the people, and the large chapel once burned down and rebuilt. These have been great labors, for they are large places. Mr. Buzacott's school has been once burned down, and the chapel was fired, but the flames were discovered in time to prevent its destruction: the incendiary was taken and punished. These events much troubled and discouraged the people, who were then busily engaged in building their own places. There was also very nearly an open rupture between the districts, on account of some lands retained in consequence of former wars; but the chief who retained them came forward and honorably gave them up, when all strife immediately ceased, and now they seem quite at peace.

was

29. In the morning went with Mr. Pitman to visit his school. It would be a task to count the children every morning, much more to teach them all one by one. He is endeavoring to qualify a number of them for engaging in the instruction of the others. They had few books till our arrival; but supplied the place as well as they could with flat stones (not slate,) which they had got from the mountains, or in the courses of the brooks; on which they wrote with the spine of a shell-fish. The children seemed much pleased when I noticed their performances, and equally so to see their proficiency. As we passed along, they stretched out their little hands, with their flat stones for me to inspect. Some contained a short letter addressed to myself, and others a list of proper names, and others words of three or four syllables; others again exhibited words of two syllables down to two letters. There was a number of bigger boys, in fact young men, who had only lately attended the school, and who were of course much inferior to the smaller boys. The adult school was equally encouraging. Preached in the afternoon to a vast concourse of people who were apparently interested; and to me the occasion was exceed ingly pleasing, contemplating them as I did, just emerging from heathenism-slightly acquainted with the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, as revealed in the scriptures, and anxious to know more of those blessed truths which are able to make us wise unto salvation. They have had no portion of the scriptures in their own language in their hands till now. We brought them the Gospel of John and the Epistle to the Galatians, with a few hymns transcribed by Mr. Williams, and printed by Mr. Barff. It was affecting to see the marked attention which they manifested. The place was more crowded, if possible, than the other, though on a week day evening. After service returned to Mr. Buzacott's. It became dark before we arrived, but the road was good. I would attempt to describe the beautiful scenery on either hand, were it not probable that it has been described already by some of the brethren.

30. Intended to visit the other station to-day, where the missionaries have stationed Papeiha as native teacher, but my feet were so much blistered with last night's walk, that I have been obliged to keep within doors.

31. The captain getting ready for sea, and keeping us in attendance near at hand, I could not go to the third station.

Jan. 1, 1830. The weather so boisterous, we could have no communication with the vessel. Mr. and Mrs. Pitman came down to take leave of us and see us depart. They are all extremely loath to part with us so soon. I trust both the

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Jan. 5. In the evening made the Island of Mauti, (or Manki.) The next morning, as soon as it was daylight, we looked out for a landing but found none." At length, perceiving there was little surf at the southern end, we effected a landing on the reef and walked to the settlement. Though there was little surf, yet when the swell came up, it was such as to require four strong men to hold the boats, to prevent them from being dashed against the sharp coral-rocks and cut to pieces. One of the teachers who had met us, attempted to carry me to the beach. He mounted on a lump of coral to get firm footing; but the next wave would have plunged us both headlong into the current, had he not providentially balanced himself by a violent exertion, and had not another native been at hand to lend us assistance. We at length got safe to shore. We had a difficult and painful walk of about four miles to the settlement. It appeared as if the ocean, in frantic rage, had broken up and thrown together in the wildest order imaginable, vast reefs of coral in immense masses and in small fragments. Perhaps one foot would tread on a coral whose upper edge was sharp as a knife, or on a number of protuberances sharp as pointed spines of the sea egg; and the next step would plunge one up to the knee between two stones rough as graters, the chasm having been concealed by a few roots and dry leaves; now climbing a large mass thrown across as if to dispute the passage; then descending between two large blocks higher than one's head, and having under foot the same sharp coral. I was afraid lest my fellow traveller, Omai, one of our principal chiefs, should tire. I had much the advanage of him in having shoes. He at length got

the

some native ones made of the bark of the Fau,
and then got on pretty well. As we advanced
into the interior, the ground began to be covered
with soil, and, as we procceded, with a good red
clay. On approaching the village the soil wore
a very dark hue, and had every appearance of
great fertility. The villagers were soon apprized
of our arrival, though we came upon them the
back way, or out of the bush. Numbers flocked
to salute us. We were immediately conducted
to the house of one of the native teachers, where
a number of the chiefs had collected before us.
It was fitted up as elegantly as their ideas of
elegance could suggest. They entertained us in
the European style, so far as their means would
allow. It would have forced a smile from the
most grave to have seen how awkwardly the
very officious attendants acted their part, in ad-
ministering to our accommodation. The room,
during our evening repast and conversation, was
lighted up with candle-nuts, strung upon the mid-
dle fibre of the cocoa-nut leaf. and reclined, to
prevent litter or dirt, on a couch of the outsides
of the banana stalk, fresh and white, in the true
old style of Tahiti. They make no oil.

Preached in the evening to a great majority of the inhabitants of the island, who are professedly

Christian, and was much pleased with their ap-|| pearance and order. The singing was rather discordant, but they apparently sung with all their heart, and that made a few odd strains more tolerable. After service a number of persons came to make inquiries on the scriptures, and on what they heard from their instructors. After which I attempted to teach them a tune which they were very desirous to learn. This night I slept on shore.

claimed, O Tubu teie, no Aitutake mai (this is Tuba, from Hituke), and like one frantic, jumped on the side of the vessel, and ran and skipped from place to place, as if he would have flown into the canoe while at a distance. We could not account for his strange conduct till the canoe arrived, when we found it was the young chief of Aitutake, and the people who had drifted as mentioned above. They informed us of their escape, and that there had been war on the island during their residence on it, between the Haapii Parau (so those who learn are called) and the heathen; themselves having taken part with the former. One of the party had been wounded, as had also the teacher Davida. The heathen had commenced the war, and were beaten with the loss of twenty men killed; while the Haapi Parau had only lost three killed. They did not pursue the vanquished, as formerly, to destroy them, but took as many prisoners as they could, and carried them to the settlement, where they set them to learn their alphabet.

Having landed, Mr. Platt requested the people to meet in a general assembly, and they collected in great numbers.

7. Recollecting our yesterday's fatigue in the hot sun, we determined, if possible, to set off this morning before sunrise, to arrive at the beach while it was yet cool. The kind people would have detained us, while they baked a hog for us, and provided a little food, but we begged to be excused and to be allowed to proceed. They, however, baked the food and brought it after us. Our boat not being in sight, and the food being prepared, we breakfasted on the beach. The boat not arriving soon, we sheltered from the sun under a hedge, in a cleft undermined by the dashing waves, and practised our last evening's tune till the boat arrived. The vessel was as far away as we could see in the horizon. There was a heavy surf upon the reef, and I was anxious to see how the boat could land without dashing to pieces. Some of the people jumped out of her into the sea, when balancing on a I went and sat down on a stone, and as the proper wave, it threw them on their feet on the stranger excited as much attention as the meetreef. The people on shore went as far as they ing, the people all sat themselves round me on could to meet the boat; when the men left in her the ground as close as they could. A stool was waited for a proper wave, on which they balanced brought for the Hui Arii, and at a little distance her and rode in, when the people were ready to outside stood two or three circles of natives, to seize her to support the fall, yet she came down see and hear over the heads of the others. A with such force as to split a plank, though they profound silence was observed. I had heard of seized and carried her ashore. We got into the a remark made by some of them, that captain boat and they carried us out of the edge of the Cook had visited them, but had not informed breakers, and waited a suitable wave. Two of them of any other religion, and that therefore our men also jumped in, and when the wave they concluded their own to be right. I comcame, the people pushed us through, and our menced my address to them, by saying, that by two men pulled with all their might, till we clear- captain Cook's discoveries the people of Enged the coming wave and breakers, when the rest land had been informed concerning them and of our men swam off to us, bringing some pro- their system of worship, which had excited the visions with them. Thus some were seen float-compassion of the good people there, and induced ing off from the shore, and others swimming to it, sporting in the breakers like fishes. The sea broke fearfully and roared tremendously, but all got safely through, excepting the boat, which, with the stroke she had received, leaked so much as to keep two men fully employed in throwing out the water. With a poor crew, and the vessel about six miles off, I felt a little disheartened; yet we arrived in safety, and sent back the boat for the remainder of the provision, which the kindness of the people had provided. In the evening made sail; wind north-west, light breezes, calms, rains and squalls.

Manaia.

Jan. 11. Found ourselves near Manaia (Mangeea). As we drew near, the canoes began to come off to us, with their little property to sell. The first was a large one filled with natives of the island of Aitutake. They had drifted to Manaia, or rather overshot their port. Mr. Williams was, at the time, residing at Rarotogna. They left their own island with the wife of one of their teachers, to visit Mr. Williams, as he was so near; but missed their way and landed here, after having been seventeen days at sea. They have been residing here ever since, their countrymen not knowing whether they are dead or alive. As the canoe approached the vessel, an Aitutake man we had on board, suddenly ex

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them to send the gospel, first to Tahiti and the Society Islands, which had all received it, and found the blessings acconyanying it; that those islands had compassion on them, the natives of Manaia, and had sent teachers, that they also might learn and know the true God, and that when they knew the truth, they might receive it too. I exhorted the kings to live in peace, to forget former animosities, and bury in oblivion all their past differences; to attempt a cordial reconciliation, and to embrace and be guided by the truth of the gospel, when they would be happy. &c. I requested the teacher to interpret, as I had spoken in Tahitian, which he endeavored to do. when an intelligent locking man in the second circle of those who stood round, said, there was no need, they had understood what I said, and it was all very goed; that they were desirous it should be so, as I had said; but they were nothing; it all rested "with those two," pointing to the heathen kings: if they were agreed, all would be well. They had said, when a European teacher came, they would receive the gospel; now that I was among them, I should hear what they said. Mai then gave an account of the first introduction of the gospel among the Tahitians and the other islands, and concluded by urging them to peace. Several gave their opinions, all favorable. After a pause for the chiefs to consider, an appeal was made to the two old kings for their decision. I enforced a

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