the temple stood; it was thrown into a tank, that it might not be deprived of its daily ablution which it received while in the temple. Rising of the Sun of Righteousness. My relations were invited about seventy years ago by the worshippers of the same goddess at Carravilly (since destroyed) to join them; but they refused to serve gods set up at the cost of others, and continued to worship the evil spirits in houses and under the shade of trees till the year 1818, when the Saviour of mankind was first made known in this part of Travancore. Yovan, John Oldfield's reader, was a man of some influence amongst the Shanars in our village, and having heard of the preaching of the Christian Religion, went to Nagercoil to enquire about it, and was the first to introduce it into Mun. dycadoo, and several other places in the Western District. But the whole of our people would not at first listen to his advice, and by the instigation of the rich Shoodras, who reaped much profit by idolatry, petitions were addressed to the Rajah of Travancore to prevent the further progress of Christianity. After great opposition, and the utmost exertions of the heathen in authority and other opposers of the Gospel, a Proclamation was issued to the effect that all Castes might embrace any religion they choose, though it has since been decreed that those who profess Christianity must forfeit any property descending to them from heathen relations. Efforts of Maternal Piety. I was three years of age when my mother and my uncle, with three others in the same village, renounced heathenism and openly professed Christianity. Until a chapel was erected at our own village, we went to Payengully (Catherine Chapel), situated about four miles north of us. While learning the Scripture Catechisms and other religious lessons at Kotanavilly, I lost one of my intelligent teachers by cholera; also my highly-valued mother. As she was a pious woman, she avoided what is common amongst nativesquarrels and disputes with her neighbours. I remember she took great pains to bring up her children well, and sent me regularly to school, however reluctant I was sometimes to go. She kept the Sabbath-day holy, and knew more of the Catechism than any of her own sex at that time, and was always well reported of by the readers. She was one of the three women who were beaten by the Sircar Officers on a Sunday for not taking down the upper cloth from their necks while going to service. They were imprisoned for six months. Previous to her death, she took my father and myself to the christian burial ground, and shewed us a place for her grave, fearing that she might otherwise be buried as a heathen. My father was a very different character, with regard to religion: he knew little of Christianity, partly on account of his frequent absence from the village. He was also given to the drinking of arrack, a custom now, I am glad to say, by no means so common as formerly, even amongst the heathen. Before his death a favourable change was observed in him. He desired his son-in-law, the reader of the place where he died, to prevent any of his heathen relations from performing heathen ceremonies on his account. Early Religious Impressions. After my father's death, my heathen name was changed from Colandavailu (Sevan's javelin), to Davasagayam (help of God). It was observed at the school-examination that I recollected my reading and other lessons better than some who had been attending to their studies during my absence on account of illness, and I received a book named "Spiritual Instruction," (the first book printed at the Nagercoil Press), which contained the first principles of Religion, and a few prayers from the Psalms. I valued this book very much, learned it by heart, and offered up a prayer from it in the family every morning and evening. On one occasion, when one of my younger brothers was attacked with cholera, and I was alone with him in the house, I thought not of medicine, but knelt down and prayed with him till my parents returned. I was often left at home to take care of the house, after the death of my mother, and consequently lost much time; but afterwards, by the advice of the readers, my father was induced to allow me to go to school half of the day. Commencement of Christian Labours. After learning some time, I was sent to teach the Catechism to a few of the Christians at their houses, and was afterwards appointed to assist the reader of Kansharacodoo. The congregation at the place was then very large, amounting to more than 300 persons, of whom about 175 attended on the Sabbath. Many of the people who survive, have since joined new congregations raised in the Western District. I was thus, from my earliest days, preserved by a merciful God, that I might in some degree honour and glorify him, and labour in his service. Afterwards, eleven of the young Assistantreaders, including myself, were selected to learn English in the Seminary under Mr. Roberts. I began to take a great delight in learning; otherwise I might have been tempted to leave the Seminary, as I had little assistance from my relations, while all the rest of the lads were frequently visited by theirs. But I was sustained by a gracious Providence, and continued my studies to the end of 1834, when I was placed under the instruction of the late Rev. C. Miller. Growth in Self-Knowledge and Christian Experience. Having acquired some knowledge of Greek, I was appointed a monitor in the Seminary in 1835, and from that time I began to preach in the villages on Sundays. tried to improve myself, as well as to instruct others. I felt that man was a sinner, depraved and polluted, full of pride, and disposed to walk in sinful ways from his youth. I felt that I was no better than others, and that I could only be preserved from ruin by divine grace and power. I was roused more and more to seek after my own salvation, and to persuade others to escape from the wrath of God that awaits every impenitent sinner. In times of temptation my anxieties were great to obtain relief, till I was fully convinced that there was no other Saviour to look to but Jesus Christ, who is fully and plainly pointed out in the Bible. I prayed for the grace of his spirit, and for increase of faith; and the Lord enabled me to look only to him in every time of need. I never failed to derive comfort and aid when I was in this frame of mind. Sometimes God seemed to hide his face from me, and this I attributed to a want of more sincerity and fervency in prayer. I was, however, always comforted with the hope that God would not utterly forsake me whilst I placed my trust in him. I saw that I could not expect perfection all at once; and that my growth in grace would be gradual, but that it would in the end be triumphant, and redound to God's glory. Reflecting that I was a creature endowed with understanding and reason, I saw that I was bound to glorify my Creator, and seek to enjoy his favour. I bless my Heavenly Father that this has not been in vain. Though I often felt myself not to be so active in his service as I could wish, still I was stirred up to seek him earnestly by reading and studying the Scriptures and constant prayer, looking for forgiveness and acceptance only through the merits of Jesus. Public Baptism-Admission to Church Fellowship-Sacrifices for Christ. Moreover, I felt that the sanctification of my nature by the Holy Spirit was very ur gently required, for I saw that without holiness no man can see nor enjoy the infinitely holy God. In 1836, I hope I sincerely gave up my heart to God, publicly declaring that I perceived and was convinced of my need of a Saviour. After a thorough examination, I was baptized in that year, with two other young men, at Dartmouth Chapel, and the same year was married: my wife has been for several years teacher in the Neyoor village, as Mary Ellis. After joining the church I entirely devoted myself to my school-duties and studies, and teaching the truths of the Bible, chiefly amongst my own relations in the villages. God has graciously rendered my labours the means of turning some from idolatry to the knowledge of himself. Two persons in particular, to whom I made known Christ, were induced to give themselves up to the Saviour. My conscience tells me that I have been often wanting in fidelity to Christ. In times of great temptation, I have prayed to God, and have been frequently preserved from evils that had nearly found entrance into my soul. On one occasion, when a friend offered to assist in obtaining for me a lucrative situation, I told him "I must not think of a secular employment for the sake of money. Besides, the Bible commands us to be content with such things as we have.'" (Heb. xiii. 5.) I also said, "that I should lose all my knowledge of the Bible if I followed his advice, and eventually, perhaps, lose my soul." He was much displeased with me, but said no more. Thus I have had continual struggles with the world and my own friends from my youth. But the Lord, in mercy, has kept me steady and unshaken. I am at present thirty-one years of age. I fully wish to spend the remainder of my days in the service of God. May the Lord God be with me and all my fellow-believers, grant us his Spirit, and strengthen us that we may continue faithful till we enter the heavenly state, where all sin and temptation will for ever cease! INDEPENDENCE OF THE SOCIETY ISLANDS. THE friends of Missions will rejoice to learn, that the decision of the French and English Governments, guaranteeing the permanent independence of the Leeward Group, was officially announced to the Native Chiefs and their people, in the month of May last. The manner in which this important intelligence was communicated and received, and the happy effects it has already begun to produce on the religious interests of the Natives, are stated in the annexed letter, addressed to the Directors by the Rev. John Rodgerson, of Borabora, under date May 17th: I AM happy to inform you, that the people of Borabora are at length assured of the Independence of this Island, and of all the Leeward Group. Her Britannic Majesty's Ship, Grampus, Captain H. B. Martin, arrived here on the 4th of this month, and she is still at anchor in the harbour. On Saturday, the 15th instant, the French Steamer, Gassendi, brought back the native adherents of the French from Tahiti. They were allowed to land in peace, and are now repairing to their respective localities in the Settlement to rebuild their houses. The Steamer brought official documents from Admiral Sir G. Seymour, conveying the final decision of the French and English Governments. Our Chief Tapoa, who accompanied Pomare to Tahiti, is still there, but is expected to return shortly to his own land. I send annexed the copy of a letter written by the Chiefs to Captain Martin, on receiving the above documents, and his reply. "Borabora, May 12th, 1847. “To Captain Martin, of H. B. M. Ship, Grampus. "Peace be to you from the True God! "This is what we have to say to you. It has frequently been reported here that our lands will become independent, and not be included in the Protectorate. With these reports we are much pleased, rejoicing in the thought that we shall not be under the Protectorate. "We now think that if our independence is obtained, we shall be left to ourselves. And this is what we wish,—that Britain should protect us, our country, our people, and our religion, that we may not in future be troubled. We are afraid of any other powerful kingdom; and on that account we desire you to come and protect us for ever." This letter was signed by the Regent on behalf of Tapoa, and by all the principal Chiefs. The following is the reply of Captain Martin: "To Teriimaevarua, and the Chiefs Tevivi, Huriai, Raitabu, Tehuiarii, Reo, Butoi; "Peace be to you! "H. B. M. Ship, Grampus, "Borabora, May 14th, 1847. Haapoua, Tianoa, Taceaetua, Pa, Mare, "I have received your letter of the 12th of May, and this is what I have to say to you in reply. "It gives me great satisfaction to relieve the anxiety with which you have so long and so patiently waited for the decision of the Governments of England and France respecting the Independence of Borabora and the neighbouring Islands. "I am now able to communicate to you that your complete Independence will be acknowledged. "In order that you may live in peace, you must not concern yourselves with the affairs of Tahiti; nor must you permit yourselves nor your people to excite the Tahitians to rebel against the Protectorate. Thus you will, I trust, continue on friendly terms with the French as with other nations. England will not forsake you. She will watch with interest your improvement and progressive advance towards civilization; and the English Admiral will send his ships to visit you as often as their other duties will permit. "In conclusion, I advise you to cultivate your lands, to educate your children, and to strive by honesty, industry, and sobriety, and by a steady adherence to the religious truths which the Missionaries have taught you, to improve the moral and social condition of yourselves and your people. "I am your sincere friend, 66 · H. B. MARTIN." This letter, as might be expected, gave much pleasure and satisfaction to the people, and has, I hope, filled them with joy and gratitude. Those who went over to the French are again the subjects of Tapoa, and will, we trust, in future live in peace, and in the observance of the laws of the country. They all attended chapel yesterday, with their children, about 100 in number, and, perhaps, a ninth or tenth of the whole population. After being landed, the French Authorities gave up all claim to the Island. Some of the natives from Tahiti state that the Romish Priest there told them not to subscribe towards the funds of the Society, adding, that "the English were rich, and had no need of subscriptions from persons so poor." We held our May Meeting a few days before their arrival. The sum received, including our own contribution, was 70 dollars, or £14. DEPARTURE OF THE MISSIONARY SHIP. A DELIGHTFUL and impressive service was held at the Tabernacle, Moorfields, on Tuesday Evening, the 5th ult., on occasion of the departure of the "JOHN WILLIAMS," on her second voyage to the Pacific. The spacious edifice was well filled, and a spirit of earnest and affectionate interest pervaded the assembly. On the platform were seated the Missionaries about to leave; MAMOE, the Samoan Chief; Captain MORGAN; the Ministers engaging in the service; and other friends. Suitable hymns were given out by the Rev. Mr. RICHARDSON. The introductory service of reading and prayer was conducted by the Rev. S. B. BERGNE, of Poultry Chapel. An address was delivered by the Rev. G. SMITH, of Poplar, explanatory of the object of the Meeting, and of the circumstances under which the "JOHN WILLIAMS" was now taking her departure. Mr. SMITH adverted to the appropriateness of such a service being held in such a place-a place consecrated to Missions by those devoted men of God, Whitfield, Hyatt, and Wilks, of former days-not to speak of their surviving successors now present, whose attachment to the cause of Missions was as well known. Mr. SMITH next referred to the Missionary party about to sail :-the Rev. C. BARFF, with the companion of his days, returning to his post, after thirty years' labour, and a brief absence to visit England; Rev. W. Mills and Mrs. Mills returning to Upolu; Mrs. Howe, proceeding to rejoin her husband at Tahiti; Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, and Mr. Ella, Missionary Printer, going to the Samoas; Mrs. Wright, widow of Rev. P. Wright, late of Griqua Town, and part of her family, proceeding to the Cape; besides Mr. Moffat, jun., to South Africa, and Mr. Orsmond, jun., to Tahiti, to whom, as sons of Missionaries, the Society granted passages. Suitable reference was made to some important items in the cargo, viz. 5000 copies of the Scriptures in Tahitian, and 4000 of the Pilgrim's Progress, with a large supply of elementary and other publications, presented respectively by the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Religious Tract Society, and the Sundayschool Union; an Iron Chapel, for seamen visiting Upolu; Printing types and binding materials; casks and tanks for bringing home contributions of native produce,&c. The Rev. C. BARFF then addressed the Meeting, and was followed by Mr. SCHMIDT, (late of the Berlin Missionary Society), who adverted to his labours in Australia among the Aborigines, and the growing spirit of Missions which he had seen in Germany during his recent visit there. MAMOE, the Samoan Native Teacher, was introduced to the Meeting, and spoke with much good sense and animation. He completely rivetted the attention of the Meeting, especially in his touching allusions to Captain MORGAN, who sat by him, as the loved and tried friend of the natives of the Pacific Isles. The Rev. J. B. STAIR acted as Interpreter. Dr. CAMPBELL delivered a concluding Address to the Missionary party in affectionate and animating terms, bidding them farewell in the name of the churches, and congratulating Captain MORGAN in having been honoured by Providence to engage in so noble an undertaking. The Rev. JOHN HUNT, of Brixton, commended our friends to the special care and blessing of God; and the service was closed, after singing "From all that dwell below the skies," &c. by the Rev. E. MANNERING pronouncing the benediction. Among other gratifying circumstances was the presentation by christian friends at Greenwich of a suitable COMMUNION SERVICE for the permanent use of the ship. The "JOHN WILLIAMS" has since proceeded on her voyage, having sailed from Gravesend on the 18th, and from the Downs on the 19th, of October. DEATH OF MRS. HILL, AT CALCUTTA. WITH feelings of deep and affectionate regret, and the tenderest sympathy with her bereaved husband and family, we announce the decease of Mrs. Micaiah Hill, at Calcutta, on the 6th of September, occasioned by a severe injury received from a fall about six weeks before. EMBARKATION, &c. OF MISSIONARIES. THE Rev. Charles Rattray embarked at Greenock, per Randolph, Capt. Campbell, October 14, on his return to Demerara.-Dr. and Mrs. Hobson, and Mr. Hirschberg, proceeding to Hong-Kong, arrived safely at Java, per Hugh Walker, Capt. Cameron, early in July last. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PRESENTS FROM FRIENDS IN ENGLAND. At the request of Mrs. Taylor, of Theopolis, South Africa, we insert the following extract of a letter, dated July 2: I SHALL feel exceedingly obliged by your acknowledging in the Chronicle our receipt of a valuable box of clothing, from kind friends in London, for our poor people at Theopolis. We sincerely thank them for their useful donations, coming at a time when they are so much needed, in consequence of the sad destructive effects of the Caffre war. This morning I assembled the children of the infant-school only, knowing I should not have sufficient clothing for the elder children; and I could not help wishing that some of my English friends had been present to witness the happiness expressed by my little group of Hottentots, Bechuanas, Fingoes, and Caffres. I was able to dress sixty-two children, and then found my stock exhausted, though there remained twelve little boys about seven years of age, for whom I had neither shirt nor pinafore. They cried so bitterly, that I went twice to my store to search for something suitable for them, but in vain, and could only pacify them by the promise that I would cut out some things and have them made in the sewing class, when they should each obtain a present. Thus our friends,,who contribute so generously for our schools, may rest assured that their christian efforts are not in vain. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The thanks of THE DIRECTORS are presented to the following, viz.: For the "John Williams." To friends at Greenwich, for a Communion Service. For the Queen of Huahine. To Ladies at Bedford, for a box of apparel. For Huahine. To the Ladies' Missionary Working Society, Bridlington, per Mr. Howie, for a box of apparel, &c.; to Mrs. Wilson, Burslem, for a bale of useful articles; to the Teachers and Children of Wicker Sabbath School, Sheffield, for a box of apparel. By Rev. J. Sibree, Coventry, to the Sunday Scholars at Vicar Lane Chapel, for 102 garments, and 26 cushions; to F. F., Peckham, for a parcel of prints; to the Young Ladies' Missionary Working Society, connected with Holywell Mount Chapel, for a box of clothing; to the Ladies connected with the Independent Chapel, Gainsborough, for a box of clothing, &c. For Rev. C. Barff. To various in England for packages of apparel, school materials, and other useful articles. For Rev. T. Bullen. To Mrs. Vallance, for a box of apparel, &c.; to Mr. E. A. K. Welsh, for a box of apparel, &c.; to Mrs. S. Upward, Newport Pagnel, for a box of articles of apparel, &c. For the Girls' Boarding School, Samoa. To Miss Walker and Ladies, Manchester; to Mrs. G. Barnes and Ladies, at Halshaw Moor; to Master G. C. Foster, per Mrs. Felkin, Springwater; to Miss Beatson and Ladies, Masborough; to Mrs. Hargreaves and Friends, at Bromley; to the Radford Factory Girls, per Miss Wilson, for packages of cottons, school materials, &c.; to Friends, at Strauraer, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, for boxes of useful articles. To For Native Teachers' Wives and Children. Friends at Rawmarsh, for six dozen frocks and pieces of print. For Native Teachers, Samoa. To J. J. Habershon, Esq., Rotherham, for a case of saws, &c.; to A. M. For Aperaamo, Samoa. To T. Scrutton, Esq.,, For Mamoe. To Friends at Brighton, Southampton, Leeds, &c., &c., for various valuable presents. For a Native Teacher in Samoa, to be called John Ely. To friends at Belgrave and East Parade Chapels, Leeds, for a case of apparel, &c. For Rev. W. Harbutt, Samoa. To a Friend, Dallington, for a parcel of remnants, &c.; to a Female Servant, per Rev. S. Raban, for a parcel of prints, &c. For Rev. C. Hardie. To the Aberdeen Female Missionary Society, for a box of apparel, &c., and to the Sabbath Evening Schools, for a package of useful articles, per Miss Russell; to Friends at South Molton, for a case of apparel, &c.; to Friends at Dartmouth, for two cases of apparel, &c. For Rev. G. Pratt. To the Friends and Sunday School Teachers connected with Rev. T. Adkins's Congregation, Southampton, for a case of apparel, &c.; to Mr. S. Lilley, Newport Pagnel, for a box of useful articles. For Rev. T. Heath. To Miss Hawkes, Coventry, for a parcel of calico. For Rev. J. P. Sunderland. To Mr. R. Mann, Stockport, for a box of useful articles; to Rev. W. B. Landells and friends, Sheffield, for a box of useful articles. For Rev. T. Powell. To Friends connected with Marlborough Chapel, for some articles of apparel. For Rev. A. W. Murray. To Mrs. Godfrey, Turvey, for a box of useful articles; to Mrs. Hughes, Bedford Row, for sundry parcels of apparel, &c. For Rev. A. Chisholm. To S. B. Lockhart, Esq., Liverpool, for a parcel of books; to Friends at Oswestry, for articles of apparel, &c.; to Mrs. Culbard Elgin, for a box of useful articles. |
