AUXILIARIES. NOTICE TO AUXILIARY SOCIETIES IN LONDON. The Officers and Committees of the Ladies' Auxiliary Societies in London and its vicinity are respectfully requested to meet at the Mission House, Blomfield-street, Finsbury, on Thursday, 29th instant, at twelve o'clock in the morning, to pay their subscriptions and the amount of their respective collections, &c. The Rev. Joseph John Freeman, of Walthamstow, late from Madagascar, is engaged to take the chair, and deliver an address on the occasion. The Officers and Committees of the other Auxiliary Missionary Societies in London and its vicinity, are respectfully requested to pay in their amounts at the Mission House, on or before Saturday, the 31st of March, the day appointed for closing the accounts. The lists of contributions should be forwarded to the Mission House on or before that day, in order that they may be inserted in the Society's Annual Report for 1838. To AUXILIARY SOCIETIES IN THE COUNTRY. The Officers of the Auxiliary Societies throughout the country are respectfully re quested to transmit their contributions so as to be received at the Mission House on or before Saturday, the 31st day of March, together with correct lists of subscribers of ten shillings and upwards, alphabetically arranged, for insertion in the Annual Report; also, distinct statements of the sums collected from Congregations, from Branch Associations, and by Deputations sent from London. They are also requested to mention the number of Reports and Abstracts, respectively, that will be required for subscribers; and how many of the latter, at seven shillings per hundred, will be wanted for circulation, to be stitched up with their own Local Society's Lists of Subscribers and Officers. The abstracts are printed in an octavo form for that purpose, and the Directors recommend to the Auxiliaries the purchase and circulation of them on the principle of economy. The Directors have great pleasure in announcing to the Members of the Society, that the following Ministers have been engaged to preach at the next Anniversary in May :The Rev. JOHN HARRIS, of Epsom. The Rev. WILLIAM CAMPBELL, Missionary from India. APPEAL ON BEHALF OF THE HOTTENTOTS. THE ratification of treaties of peace with the Caffres, and the honourable restoration of their country by the British Government, have been followed by highly commendable efforts, chiefly on the part of the Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, for the benefit of the Hottentots, the lingering remnant of a people who have at the present time the strongest possible claims on our benevolent regard; and the object of the present application is, to invite the generous co-operation of the friends of the African race in carrying forward the measures already commenced for their preservation, improvement, and happiness. The proclamation of the 50th Ordinance, in the year 1828, by guaranteeing to the Hottentots their civil liberties, laid the foundation for their improvement; but it restored no part of their country, made no provision for relieving their extreme poverty, and left them with scarcely any other means even of temporal benefit than the Missionary Institutions afforded. Multitudes were still outcasts and homeless in the country, once the hereditary land of their fathers; and were wandering from place to place in search of employment and subsistence. In 1829, the present Lieutenant-Governor adopted the enlightened and hu mane measure of allotting a portion of land to Hottentot families, who were invited to engage in its cultivation with the prospect of reaping the fruits of their industry and skill. A tract of country, lying between the declared boundary of the Colony and the Caffre country, and part of what was then called neutral ground, was selected for this purpose, and the locations on the banks of the Kat River established. A considerable number of Hottentot families from the Missionary Institutions and other places removed to the new settlement; and shortly afterwards the Rev. James Read, at their own earnest request, settled among them as their minister. While the people were diligent in clearing and tilling the ground, and erecting their houses, Mr. Read devoted himself to their religious instruction and the education of their children, receiving the most efficient aid in the latter department from his eldest son and daughter, and other members of his family. Through the Divine blessing the Station prospered exceedingly; and the community was distinguished for sobriety, order, industry, comfort, intelligence, and piety. In the late Caffre war the people suffered severely from the repeated attacks on their settlement, and from the length of time the men were engaged in the field; but since the restoration of peace they have been rapidly advancing towards their former state of prosperity. The highly gratifying results of the first settlement have encouraged the extension of the plan for the benefit of others who are still scattered over different parts of the Colony, in a state of the greatest poverty and destitution. Tracts of country on the banks of the Great Fish River, the eastern boundary of the Colony, have been appropriated to their use, and a number of settlements have been commenced, which when complete will form a line of free Hottentot villages, extending upwards of one hundred miles from the Kat River to the sea. The families who have already removed to the new locations manifest an excellent spirit, and appear anxious to provide, by their own frugality and labour, the means of subsistence for themselves and families, and to preserve their race from extinction; but they are in a state of extreme destitution, and the sufferings of all classes in the Colony from the late war, preclude the hope (however welldisposed their friends may be) of their receiving assistance in any adequate amount on the spot. In an appeal on behalf of the Hottentots at the new settlements from the Rev. Dr. Philip, the Rev. J. Read, and the Caffre Chief, which was published in the Missionary Magazine for January of the present year, they remark, that “a number of the first settlers on the Kat River had something of their own to begin with, and those who had any thing of their own assisted their poorer neighbours. On the contrary, those that are permitted to locate themselves on the banks of the Fish River, belong to that class of Hottentots who have had the least protection, and who stand in need of every thing. They are without herds and flocks, without clothing, or the commonest agricultural tools. "In a letter to a friend, the Lieutenant-Governor remarks :— My plan cannot succeed without Missionaries and Schoolmasters, and means to put the people in possession of a few sheep, goats, seed-corn, and agricultural instruments; and for these he looks to the friends of religion and humanity in England, and we hope he will not look in vain. This appeal to the sympathies of the friends in England will be the more readily responded to, when it is known that the Lieut.Governor has generously advanced Three Thousand Dollars out of his own private resources, to purchase for the Hottentot settlers a small quantity of stock; but as the people are flocking to the new locations, all that the most generous individual can furnish out of private means will go but a little way towards supplying their necessities. Clothing is an article the new settlers stand much in need of: agricultural tools are particularly wanted, or money wherewith to purchase them. Regular accounts will be given of the application of the monies contributed for this object." To this statement Mr. Read adds, that "although good, strong English ploughs would be exceedingly useful, yet, in the first instance, the following are essentially necessary; viz., spades, pickaxes, axes, (felling and hewing,) hatchets, saws, (pit, cross-cut, and hand saws,) gimlets, chisels, adzes, drawing-knives, wood-rasps, hinges, for doors and window-shutters, nails of different sorts, and hammers." To these may be added, strong and serviceable cotton or woollen cloths; strong cotton shirts, or other kinds of ready-made plain and useful apparel. Articles of the above description, or money with which to purchase them, would afford a degree of encouragement to the people, and give an impetus to their efforts that would be serviceable in the highest degree at the present time, would go far to determine the character of the settlements, and confer on the Hottentots the most substantial and lasting benefits. The Directors of the Society are so deeply impressed with the necessities of the Hottentots, and the importance of the settlements to their Missions in Caffreland, as well as to those in the Colony, that they have appointed a European Missionary to the Station, and have sent a schoolmaster to commence education among them. For the expense of these measures the funds of the Society are available, but not for the objects of the present appeal, which is therefore distinctly recommended to the generous regard of those who have the means of promoting the temporal and social, as well as the spiritual welfare of the natives of Africa. We are, on behalf of the Directors, } Secretaries. Donations of money, or articles for the use of the Hottentots, sent to the Mission House, Blomfield-street, Finsbury, will be gratefully received, and forwarded to South Africa by the earliest conveyance. SOCIETY ISLANDS. ACCOUNTS forwarded in May last, by the devoted brethren in the Society Islands, communicate the animating assurance that many tokens of the Divine favour are accompanying their faithful and anxious exertions. At the period above mentioned, Mr. Barff, stationed at Huahine, visited three of the principal islands in this group; and was not less gratified to witness, than he was happy to unite in aiding, the decisive progress of improvement among the natives, in reference both to their social condition and their spiritual interests. A few particulars from the journal of his proceedings are appended, including a brief notice of his own Station, chiefly in connexion with the Annual Missionary Meeting held there. It will be observed, with grateful interest, that the general diffusion of the Gospel, which so many of the people have found in their own experience to be as a "pearl of great price," is now regarded by them as an object of prayerful and ardent desire, and, in proportion to their means, of liberal and consistent effort. Mr. Barff writes : May 10.-Held our May meeting. At noon had a large congregation. Naru read and prayed, and I preached from Isaiah liv. 3. Matatore concluded with prayer. The subscriptions amounted to one hundred and nine dollars, in money, two hundred and eighteen bamboos of oil, and thirteen measures of arrow-root. The meeting was one of unusual interest. May 12-Catechised the children, of whom nearly four hundred and twenty were present. One hundred and sixty-nine repeated chapters, and had their writing examined. They afterwards walked in procession, all neatly clad. Parents and children, to the number of about twelve hundred, dined together near the Queen's house. Many spoke in an edifying manner, and the meeting was altogether one of unusual animation. May 14, (Sabbath.)-In the forenoon had a very large congregation; preached from Isaiah viii. 18, and afterwards baptised fifteen children. In the afternoon preached in English from Ps. lxxii. 19, to a good congregation. Catechised the children. Preached in the evening from Ezek. xxxiii. 5. May the Lord bless the labours of the day. Having subsequently proceeded to Raiatea, Mr. Barff continues : May 17.-Attended the early prayermeeting, and was happy to see a good congregation. At noon assembled in the house of God. The concourse was so great, that numbers could not find room in the place of worship, notwithstanding its large dimensions. All the people were neatly dressed. Paumoana read and prayed, after which I preached from Ps. lxxii. 19, to a most attentive audience. One of the deacons concluded with prayer. In the afternoon we met again in the chapel, when the report was read, and after prayer Tamatoa was chosen president. Nearly 50 natives spoke on the occasion, in an energetic and impressive manner. The subscriptions at Raiatea were five hundred and eighty bamboos of oil; and at Tahaa, four hundred and sixty-four. May 18.-Attended, at the request of the Chiefs, a public meeting, when five new laws to complete the code were read and confirmed. A considerable measure of judgment and prudence was manifested in the construction and discussion of the various laws. May 19, 20.-Met the church members each day. The second meeting was preparatory to communion. The number present comprehended the churches of Raiatea and Tahaa, and many visitors also joined us ; forming altogether an unusually large assembly of native Christians. May 21, (Sabbath.)-Preached in the forenoon from Zech. xiii. 7, to an exceedingly numerous congregation, and administered the sacrament. I trust the season was profitable to us all. In the afternoon spoke from John xiii. 8, and baptised a number of children. Mr. Barff next proceeded to Borabora, and was encouraged by the state of the people, and thus concludes the details of his proceedings at this period : May 24.-Preached in the forenoon to a large congregation from Ps. lxxxvii. 3, and administered the sacrament. The season, I trust, was truly profitable. Preached in English, to Captain Luce, of the Splendid, his officers and crew, from Isaiah xi. 18. Attended the Sabbath school, and catechised the children. Preached in the evening from Isaiah xxviii. 12, 13. May the Lord give his blessing. Amen. MISSION LIBRARY IN THE NAVIGATORS ISLANDS. THE brethren in the Navigators Islands, having commenced, at Manono, the formation of a Library for the general use of the Mission, advert with renewed expressions of gratitude to the contributions of books with which they had been presented by friends in this country; and the Rev. T. Heath, to whom the charge of the Library has been committed, mentions, in a recent communication, that further contributions of a similar kind are much needed, and would be thankfully received. The brethren particularly specify "works on biblical criticism and hermeneutics; or illustrative of the language and manners of Polynesia and Australia," as among those which would be the most acceptable. Mr. Heath also ob serves, "It is well known that Germany is rich in works of biblical literature and theology. What valuable helps might the friends to Missions in that country afford to us, and to others, if they would kindly present to Missionary Libraries some of their treasures. There are also American and English editions of a few of the most useful books by German writers on biblical criticism. Such philological works as Andelung's Mithridates, and Vater's Index Linguarum, would be invaluable." [The Directors would be happy to forward to the Navigators Islands, from the Mission House, Blomfield-street, any books which may be kindly presented in reply to the foregoing application.] ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The thanks of the Directors are respectfully presented to the following: viz., to Mr. G. Buck, Sudbury, for a parcel of lamps for the West Indies; to Rev. W. L. Prattman, and family, for a case of useful articles for the South Sea Islands; to Sir J. B. Williams, LL.D., for a parcel of books; to Mr. Thomson, Hackney-road, for some carpenters' tools; to "A Friend to the Cause of the Redeemer," for half a dozen hand saws, for the Hottentots; to an Old Friend, for a parcel of books for Tahiti; to Anonymous, for a box of brads, and a parcel of magazines; to a few Friends at Unionstreet Chapel (Rev. John Arundel's) for a box of useful articles, for the Navigators Mission; to friends at Bedford, and Newport Pagnel, for a box of useful articles, for Mr. Porter's School, Vizaga. patam, value 207.; to the Misses Gordon, Elgin, for a box of various articles for Kat River; to Mrs. Paynter, and Miss Olding, for a parcel of clothing, for the "Society Islands;" to some Ladies, at Kilmarnock, for a parcel of fancy work, for the South Sea Mission; to friends at Hackney, per Miss Allen, for a box of fancy articles, for Mrs. Drew, Madras, value 25.; to a friend, per. Rev. W. Crowe, Kingston, for a parcel of books, for Rev. J. Williams; to Mr. Stibbs, for two boxes, and a parcel of books, for the Rev. J. Williams; to Mr. John Foxell, Penzance; to Mr. W. F. Lloyd; to Rev. J. Woodwark; to Mr. J. Roworth; to F. W. Cobb, Esq.; to Mrs. Cordell; and to Mrs. T. F.; for Volumes and Numbers of the Evangelical and other Magazines, &c. &c. LETTERS RECEIVED FROM MISSIONARIES, &c. SOUTH SEAS, 1837.-Raiatea, Rev. G. Platt, ULTRA GANGES, 1837.-Malacca, Rev. J. EAST INDIES, 1837.-Chinsurah, Rev. G. RUSSIAN EMPIRE, 1837.-Khodon, Rev. E. Stallybrass, Nov. 1. MEDITERRANEAN, 1837.-Corfu, Rev. I. Lowndes, Dec. 22. SOUTH AFRICA, 1837.-Cape Town, Mrs. Philip, Nov. 16, and Nov. 25. WEST INDIES, 1837.-Berbice, Rev. S. Haywood, Nov. 21, Dec. 4, and Dec. 9. Rev. G. Forward, Nov. 8, Nov. 21, and Nov. 23. Jamaica, Rev. J. Wooldridge, Dec. 27. Rey. W. Slatyer, Dec. 20. Mr. J. Howell, Dec. 6. MISSIONARY CONTRIBUTIONS, From the 1st to the 31st of January, 1838, inclusive. |