be disappointed, but safe." His Letter follows

While I am permitted by the Rev. W. Adley, I take the opportunity of writing to you, that I may shew you the way I have been born from parents very strictly observing Heathenism; and, after having passed many years in their heathenish and devilish practices, I was sent to be taught in the Boarding School at Nellore; where I manifested great desire to learn English, but cared not for my soul: but the continued instruction and warnings of the Missionaries, together with their many prayers to God, did bring me to take thought and to pray for the salvation of my soul. Yes, the effect of it on my mind was greater than I can describe, when I felt the necessity of making an open profession of the religion of my blessed Saviour: the fear of my parents and friends was greatest in my mind: however, upon great consideration, I determined, through the help of Jesus Christ, not to fear them that can kill the body only, but to fear Him who can kill both body and soul, and send them to hell. I then became a Candidate for Baptism, and was baptized and received into the Church; and God has been so pleased to change the hearts of my parents, that their opposition to me has been greatly removed. I pray, Reverend Sir, for you, that God may bless you in your difficult work in preaching the Gospel to the Heathen; and ask you to pray for me and my countrymen.

13. The Youth admitted to the Communion, having previously received Baptism from the Roman Catholics. He is of a pleasant disposition-of talents calculated for usefulness-and much alive to the concerns of his own soul, and the souls of those around. He has, in these last few days, been much pressed and tempted by his friends, who are Roman Catholics, to accompany them to the Christmas Festival; but has withstood every temptation, and has reasoned with

his persuaders on the vanity and sin of those ceremonies, equal to if not exceeding the idolatries of the Heathen. This Young Man thus writes to a friend whose Christian Name he bears

Invoking the blessing of Almighty God, the Father of all creatures, and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, on you and on me, and on all my FellowChristians, who love the Saviour and are ruled by the sceptre of grace, and wishing the good and happiness of all my fellowcreatures; as I am permitted, I take the opportunity to write this humble Letter for your kind perusal. It has been my sincere desire, for some time, to shew you my gratitude for all the benefits derived from you for our improvement, and for the real concern which you exercise for our eternal salvation through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am now happy to say, that, from the time I was put in the Boarding School under the

Rev. Mr. Adley, to this time, he has been indefatigably exerting himself to teach me, in common with others, the great truths of the Cliristian Religion, by way of warning, often both in private and public; and so God has blessed his labours for my conversion, as also that of others. I now enjoy such happiness, as neither the world, nor my parents, nor my friends, can give; and I expect to go to heaven, through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ. Before I came to Mr. Adley, I, being brought up in the Roman-Catholic Religion, worshipped Images, and put my confidence in Saints, and was in darkness and ignorance: particularly when the cholera came, the disease that took from life my father, mother, sister, together with her husband, and also many people in my country, it was my earnest prayer to the Virgin Mary and to Saints, to take care of me, lest I be also snatched away by death. But this I now know was all sin, and I mourn over it ; and look to the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone can help and save.

Mr. Adley remarks

I have thus given you a hasty ac count of the Members of our little Church. When first formed in February of this year, we were six in number-four Natives, Mrs. Adley and myself: now, through the mercy and fa vour of our God, we amount to fifteen; the Native Members being increased from four to thirteen-of all of whom I have good hope, that they will partake of the Marriage Feast with our Lord above.

The work of grace still proceeds. Mr. Adley writes at the end of December

A few weeks since, another of the servants was strongly impressed by a Sermon on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: his mind was excited and

alarmed by the remarks made on the sin and punishment of Lot's Wife. He thought much of his father and mother' who were dead; and for whom, in order that their souls might be released from punishment and obtain a good transmigration, he and an elder brother had been fasting and performing the accustomed Heathen Ceremonies: his parents were now constantly presented to his mind; and, for himself, continuing in his present course, he saw no way of escape. He has since very diligently attended the means of grace. I have had frequent conversation with him, as have also some of our American Friends when staying with me. He appears increasingly alive to the concerns of his

soul.

In the latter part of February Mr. Adley adds

Though we have not been favoured with any addition to our numbers on the commencement of another year; yet I am grateful and happy in being able to say, that there is no appearance of declension on the part of the Communicants, and that others afford encouraging hopes of sincerity. Thus far, therefore, the Lord hath not only led us on in peace, but hath granted to us showers of blessings; and we look in faith and hope for the continuance and increase of those showers till the whole earth shall be watered and become the Garden of the Lord.

These communications are the more interesting, because it is to the point on which they chiefly bear the raising of Native Converts as Christian Teachers-that the labours of Missionaries and the prayers of the Church must be assiduously directed, in order to the extensive and permanent establishment of the Kingdom of our Lord. When to this end He in any measure blesses the labours of His servants and answers their prayers, a great step is made in advance toward wresting some portion of that land from the Enemy, very much of which yet remaineth to be possessed by Him whose the right is.

Endian Archipelago.

Practical Superstition of Mahomedanism.

Mr. N. M. Ward has lately sent home from Sumatra a curious document, which throws some light on the nature of Practical Mahomedanism, as it exists in those countries. This document consists of a translation of various inscriptions on a roll of charms, worne as a protection by a native ruffian who lately attempted to murder the Fiscal or Dutch Magistrate at Padang. In introducing the account of this outrage, Mr. Ward observes

The Unity of God is the rallying point of the Mahomedans-their strong-hold, and the weapon with which they combat all their

enemies: yet we find their system, and that of Heathen Idolatry, in practice substantially the same. The Idolatrous Polytheist makes an image of some imaginary supernatural power, performs his devotions before it, propitiates it with offerings, and looks to it for deliverance from his troubles and calamities: the Mahomedan Unitarian entertains the utmost abhorrence of all images, and will not approach one without discovering his detestation by a visible sign; yet he makes a representation of a mark on the body of his Prophet, inscribes it with the sacred name Mahomed, and invests it with the power of accomplishing all his desires, of pardoning all his sins, and of finally conducting him to heaven without account. It will be seen from the present communication that these are not harmless play-things-mere notions, too absurd to be seriously credited by those who make the Unity of God the basis of their creed on the contrary, they have a perpetual influence over the conduct; and become the source of numerous actions, equally incompatible with the welfare of society and the personal happiness of their deluded votaries.

He then proceeds to relate the circumstance to which we have already referred:

On the 23d of December last, a Malay, called Malim Dubalong, was accused before the Fiscal of having robbed his guest, a native of the Madras Coast, to the amount of clear himself, and was directed to find bail or 1000 rupees. The party accused could not to be sent to prison: he was, however, suffered to return home, chiefly to seek a person formed the Fiscal, that the man had packed to bail him. In the evening, the plaintiff inup his moveables and was about to abscond: the Fiscal sent for him, and told him that he being applied to, refused; and no alternative must give bail: be named a man, who, on

remained but to send him to prison. On his way down stairs, he suddenly attacked the plaintiff with a kris, or dagger-stabbed him as he thought, mortally-and ran up stairs and attacked the Fiscal: after a severe struggle, in which they rolled down stairs, locked in each other's grasp, the man was killed by the Fiscal's servants, and the Fiscal himself escaped with six or eight superficial wounds. The assassin, Malim Dubalong, was a merchant of Padang, well known to the Europeans he had received the title of Malim, for his strict attention to his devotional exercises. It appeared, on inquiry, that he had armed himself purposely for the occasion: he had covered his naked kris with a handkerchief, and had secreted his kurambi (a semicircular knife, a most dangerous instrument, used chiefly by assassins and murderers) under his head-dress: he had been to cantations, and had tied his roll of charms the river to wash and pray and recite his inupon his arm. Thus prepared and equipped, he had appeared before the Fiscal; and, no doubt, fully expected the deliverance promised by his Formulary.

This Formulary consists of eighteen

different articles or paragraphs, of which the following may be taken as specimens: Whoever looks at this impression of the Panaw of the Prophet's superiority on SUNDAY, verily God will preserve him from the fire of hell, and make him honourable in the sight of all his creatures: God Almighty will also release him from all the calamities of

the world and of a future state; but he must read this: "There is no Lord but God, whose is the visible truth, who has no resemblance, and who hears and sees all thingsLord, whoever thou art."

-Whoever looks at this impression of the Panaw of the Prophet's superiority on MONDAY, verily God will preserve him from the effects of all weapons, even if numerous as drops of rain, and will preserve him from the fire of hell; but he must read, "There is no Lord but God who is glorious and omniscient -O thou who art glorious and great."

-Whoever looks at this impression of the Panaw of the Prophet's superiority on THURSDAY, God will release him from all the calamities of the Last Day, and from all the evils of time and eternity, and he will live for ever; but he must read, "There is no Lord but God, who made all things together with his servants. Who are his servants? Those who are placed in his stead over all. O Lord, whoever thou art."

-This impression is of the most eminent rank, and possessses numerous virtues. Whoever looks at this impression on SATURDAY, God will facilitate to him the passage of the bridge of trial, and he will be happy day and night for ever; but he must read, "There is no Lord but thou. Most holy art thou. Let me not be numbered with the oppressors !"

-This is a Panaw of the superiority of the Apostle of God: Peace be upon him! Whoever looks at this Panaw of his superiority morning and evening, verily he will be beloved by all men both high and low, and will be for ever happy, and his enemies will not be suffered to injure him, and God will finally take him to heaven without account. God is omniscient.

In conclusion, Mr. Ward remarks— Such charms and incantations are extremely common among the Natives. They enter into most of the prescriptions and medicines of their Doctors, and the Priests are in the habit of making them a lucrative article of sale: such as that from which the above is taken, are sold for eight to ten dollars: they are, however, of all prices, from one to twenty dollars. Like the Pope's Indulgences, they extend to every crime and every calamity to which human-nature is subject; and they finally transport their votaries to heaven, in that most agreeable manner, WITHOUT ACCOUNT! Australasia.

rassed the Missions in New Zealand were noticed at p. 302, and more fully detailed at pp. 337-342. A variety of communications up to a late date have arrived: reserving the particular account of each Station for the Survey, we shall here collect from the different communications such parts as will afford a view of the state and prospects of the Mission.

State of the Natives before the late Disturbances.

The Natives are in a distressing state, both in body and soul. I hope their state may be daily more sensibly felt by us all, that we may be more fervent in our supplications to the Great Head of the Church, that He may enlighten their eyes and quicken their souls.

Some months since we made a visit, in the Herald, to Tauranga, 200 miles to the southward; and procured a cargo of potatoes for the Schools, as deep as she could swim: the Natives solicited us much for Missionaries to reside with them; but we told them that none could live with them while there were constant wars: they behaved remarkably well we did not remain a week with them, and it was raining nearly the whole time. Three days before our arrival there, they had been attacked by a party from the Thames; when two of the assailants were killed, and others wounded. Turn which way you will, there is nothing but mourning, lamentation, and woe so effectually has the Wicked One turned every man's hand against his brother! The Natives at Tauranga are very numerous. We addressed a considerable body at one time, on eternal things, and on the evils of It was painful to see such numbers of people, and particularly children, without one person to declare to them the Gospel of Peace.

war.

-At the end of November, I again sailed in the Herald, accompanied by Mr. R. Davis, for Tauranga, in quest of provisions for the Schools and Working Natives. When close off Tauranga, about 16 large canoes, full of men, came off to us; but they behaved remarkably well, and did not attempt to come on board they conducted us in safety to the anchorage. The following day, Sunday, at noon, some of us visited the Natives at the Settlements: the remainder staid on board, owing to the number of canoes alongside. Those on shore appeared glad to see us; but it was manifest that they did not particularly want our message: they shewed considerable indifference, till toward the conclusion, when a few put some questions. During our stay among them, we had several opportunities of speaking to them on the state of their souls. Several solicited much for some of us to remain among them; stating that their enemies would not molest us, and perhaps they might not come near the place. We all felt highly delighted with our visit; but it was distressing to see the numbers of Natives without any one to give them instruction.

-A few weeks since, Messrs. R. Davis and Hamlin, with myself, went over land to Shukeangha, to visit those tribes, and to procure potatoes for our Schools, to be conveyed in the Herald; but the entrance being frightful for strangers, the vessel returned to the Bay of Islands without accomplishing her object. We had the satisfaction to speak to numbers on the state of their souls; but they generally replied, that they did not understand our religion, but should if the Missionaries were to reside among them. There are multitudes belonging to that river. They behaved with great kindness, and there was the greatest appearance of civilization there that I have yet seen their farms were well marked out, and well fenced-good houses-and people well clad. They spoke of the frequent mention of Missionaries which had been made to them, but none has yet gone to them. It is an extensive Missionary Field, and Labourers would be safe there.

It

-The Natives are very unsettled: war occupies all their thoughts, and the obtaining of muskets and powder all their efforts. is a rare thing to purchase a basket of potatoes from them. Much slaughter has taken place during the last year; and even through the winter, parties have gone out. While we were at Tauranga, we received the news that Pomare and Taui, two powerful Chiefs from the Bay of Islands, were killed, and their party cut to pieces, by the party on whom they had made the attack. This created considerable sensation among the tribes on this Bay; who are looking forward to the summer, to go in a body to revenge their deaths. I fear dreadful work will take place then. We have not failed to speak on these subjects to the Natives, and I hope not in vain : I think many will be held back: some appear impressed with the evil of their proceedings, and say that they will not go; while, on the other hand, as though Satan were fearful lest he should lose some of his children, others appear urging every one on as eagerly as possible. May these wicked devices be brought to nought! Several canoes have this day returned from slaughtering numbers in the neighbourhood of the Thames, nominally as a satisfaction for Pomare: his death will serve as an excuse for war for a considerable time to come.

-The tribes in the Bay have been in some consternation, for a few days past, on account of the expected death of Shunghee: he was taken suddenly ill about ten days since, and it is ascribed to witchcraft: his priest tells him that a particular people, lately from the Thames, have bewitched him. Should he die now, numbers will be killed; and it is also said that his enemies will prove the strongest party. It is important to observe, that, amidst these continued conflicts, we are enabled to possess that peace which we enjoy. These movements affect our proceedings but little: that is, immediately at home; though, of course, the Native Mind is inflamed. Muskets and powder are in as great demand as ever, and vast quantities continually arrive among them. I tell the Captains of the Whalers that they will certainly stand

charged with murder, among other charges, in the Great Day of Account: some of them say that they would gladly abstain from selling them; but were they to do this while others continue the practice, they should not obtain supplies. [Rev. H.Williams.

Thanks be to our Heavenly Father, we are all well; and enjoy an almost uninterrupted state of peace among the Heathen! Indeed, I often feel astonished, when I compare the present peaceful conduct of the Natives toward us with that most turbulent state which I witnessed during the first two or three years of my residence in New Zealand. The Missionaries were, at that time, in almost continual alarm : the worst language from the Natives seemed then too good for us: but now, they seldom come to our houses, unless they have business; and when we go among them, they are usually kind, affable, and obliging. Indeed a very visible change for the better has taken place in their general conduct; and though we cannot rejoice in many having been turned from darkness to light, we have some grounds of hope that our labours have not been altogether in this respect in vain. The language is now assiduously attended to: children are daily taught, many of whom can read, spell, and write their own language with ease and precision: the Natives are addressed, several times during the week, on the most important subjects. Not more than two years ago, it was found almost impracticable to call the attention of the Natives to spiritual things: now, thanks be to God! we can assemble from 20 to 40, most of whom pay attention and some hear with all their ears. Are not these beginnings of good times? [Mr. J. Shepherd.

We have spent the last seven months far more peaceably among the Natives, than any preceding seven months for the last three years. The great body of Natives manifest as strong a thirst for war as ever; and indeed nothing but the Grace of God will ever subdue that feeling for the advantages, in a New Zealander's estimation, which a war holds out, are too great to be overcome by any thing short of that influence. During the time of war, for example, every NewZealand Soldier lives on plunder; which not only spares his own food, but gratifies an unhappy craving of rapacity which the Natives possess: a New Zealander does not think for a moment on the advantages of remaining at home and cultivating his land: like children, they must have their good to-day; for they think nothing of losing a week or a fortnight to procure by plunder two or three baskets of potatoes; whereas, if as much time was spent in cultivating their land, it would produce ten times the quantity. Another advantage which war holds out to them is the procuring of Slaves: you will not be surprised when I tell you, that the New Zealander finds it cheaper, in his estimation, to procure fresh Slaves, than to take care of those which he already possesses; because the same unhappy estimate appears to be made even by our own countrymen: it is most afflicting, to see hundreds of Slaves, male and female,who probably in twenty years

will have dragged out their miserable existence without leaving any issue. I have been astonished to see 40 or 50 Slaves, male and female, living together without any progeny: this not only points out the moral state of the Heathen, but stamps with an awful curse every species of slavery.

-Shunghee is very unwell, and has been so for the last month. The Natives tell us, that if he dies, we are to be stripped or plundered; but we do not regard their reports. There is no doubt but, should he die, a very great change of a political nature will take place: it may seriously affect us; but I trust that we shall have grace given us to bear all, and I feel thankful that I am under no distressing apprehension. [Mr. G. Clarke.

On our first coming hither, it was with great difficulty that we were able to live among the Natives; who, at one time, hardly ever came to our Settlement without molesting us in some way or other, in climbing our fences, stealing our fowls, and pilfering every thing that they could lay their hands upon, as well as abusing us if we attempted to prevent them. But it is not so now: it is very seldom that they molest us, except when fighting-parties assemble together: then they are troublesome to us, but nothing so bad as they used to be. Viewing them thus, I cannot but see a considerable improvement in their outward conduct: they are become better acquainted with us, and we with them. There is a very great difference in the minds and dispositions of the Natives: some are much more friendly disposed towards us than others, and I think would, as far as they could, do every thing to please us; but we find some who are quite of a contrary disposition, who would do all the mischief that they could so that when we suffer, it is from such characters as these; who will not, themselves, listen to what we say, nor let others if they can prevent them.

-It is the general opinion of the Natives that Shunghee will die: many of them believe he is bewitched by some Natives toward the westward, in order to prevent him going to kill them. Should he die, the party which is believed to have bewitched him will suffer, if unable to stand against this tribe; and, no doubt, a very great change would take place. It is reported by the Natives, that if he die, we are to be plundered as a payment for his death. I have lately been to see him, and had some conversation with him on the subject: he said that this had been talked of by Natives living at a distance, but he did not think that they would attempt to do us any harm. He told us not to be afraid: "You will not be hurt," he said, "unless other Natives overcome this tribe, and they be all killed." I told him that we were not afraid, for that God would protect us if He pleased; but if He permitted them to destroy our bodies, then our souls would go to heaven, where we should be happy for ever. Shunghee again said, "If I die, my children will live with you, and the Natives will not molest you." He had two Priests with him; who waited on him, and performed all the usual Native Ceremonies: his food must all pass through

the hands of one of the Priests; and Shunghee believes, that, if he get well, it will be through the prayers of the Priests: he is very much rooted in all their superstition. I conversed a little with the Priests on the vanity and folly of their customs; and told them that it was the Great God alone who could help Shunghee, and that their prayers could not do him any good; but they are so hardened in their own superstition, that what was said did not appear to have any effect upon their minds. [Mr. James Kemp.

I have not yet been able to succeed in getting any of the Native Chiefs to cultivate land for wheat; Taiwanga, who lives with me, excepted. Some of those Chiefs who promised to sow wheat for themselves, after left Kiddeekiddee were supplied with seed by Mr. Kemp: this they sowed, but never reaped. In endeavouring to enforce the cultivation of wheat on these people, they argue in this way: "We cannot cultivate wheat, nor do we wish to cultivate it; because it is attended with so much labour, and has to go through so many processes before it can be eaten as bread. If we clear a piece of land and plant it with sweet-potatoes, we get a good crop of food which we like, and which we can eat immediately out of the ground." While the New Zealanders are in their present state, and living in native villages, I am fully convinced that they will not attend to cultivation. The plan which I would strongly recommend, and which I have put in practice and we are intending to pursue, is, to build houses and enclose lands, for all those Natives who wish to attach themselves to us, on the Mission Ground; and to do this at the expence of the Society, that, in case a man may not turn out well, we may have the power of ejecting him. Natives, thus attached to us and broken off from their old connections, will, like Taiwanga, have a desire to cultivate their little paddocks of wheat &c., exclusive of their garden. By adopting this, or a similar plan, we shall be enabled, I believe, by the Divine Blessing, to relieve both the temporal and spiritual wants of the Natives.

-I have not been able to succeed, according to my expectations, in cultivating land at Kauakaua. I cannot get the Natives to work; and great part of what is done has been done by my own exertion. I have now growing about five or six acres of wheat on very good land, which was two years ago heavily timbered: but the season has been wet; and the land being sour, it is looking but badly. At present there is but little probability of my being able to do any thing in cultivation to any extent; not only on account of my not being able to get hands to work, but also on account of the unwillingness of the Natives to part with their lands. When I first purchased land at Kauakaua, they promised me a large tract adjoining about three months ago, I applied to them to sell me about an acre of land, in order to form the Society's land into a square; but they refused in the most peremptory manner. then reminded them of their former promise of the larger tract of land; but the answer