Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY NOTICES, &c.

SEPTEMBER, 1838.

MISSIONS IN THE SOUTH SEAS.

THE fact, communicated in the following Letter, of an attempt recently made by some Romish Ecclesiastics, (sent out, we believe, by a Roman Catholic Missionary Institution in France,) to establish themselves in the Friendly Islands, will be deeply interesting to those who have looked with just satisfaction and thankfulness on the rapid progress and success of our own important Missions in those populous groups. We have no room for comment at present, except for the obvious remark, that the fact here recorded, as well as several similar occurrences which have taken place in the Sandwich and Taheitan Islands, and more lately even in New-Zealand itself, loudly admonishes the Protestant Missionary Societies of this country to make an ample and adequate provision for the due instruction, and pastoral oversight and care, of the infant Churches formed through their instrumentality, by a large and immediate increase of the number of their Missionaries.

our Lord." The King then advised the Bishop to wait until we, the Missionaries, returned.

FRIENDLY ISLANDS; VAVOU:-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. John Thomas, dated Neiufu, Vavou, Haafuluhao, October 28th, 1837. On arriving at this place from Lifuka Haabai, on the 26th instant, where we had been to hold our Annual District Meeting, we were told that more Missionaries had arrived; and as we had been expecting Mr. Lyth, we at first greatly rejoiced; but upon making more particular inquiries, we learned that a Roman Catholic Bishop and three Missionaries, with several others, were really the persons who visited the Island, sent by the Pope of Rome.

A short time after we landed, we were informed that his Lordship had an interview with King George, before we returned; and that he wished the King to allow two or three Missionaries to be left at this island. The King inquired for what purpose he wished to leave them, saying, "I and my people have all turned to God." His Lordship then informed the King, that their religion was the old and the true religion; but what we had taught them

was a

new religion, and lately sprung up. The King said he did not know what he meant by saying so, and observed: "We know but of one God, to whom we have all turned; and to his Son Jesus Christ

VOL. IX. SEPTEMBER, 1838.

Yesterday morning his Lordship paid us a visit, with five others, three of whom are said to be Priests. The object of his visit was, to know the minds of us, the Missionaries, whether or not two or three of their party should remain at Vavou. We begged to observe that we did not wish to interfere, vi wing it as a matter between the King and his Lordship. His Lordship then informed us, that he considered it was as we pleased whether or not they should remain. But I begged to observe to his Lordship, that King George governed at Haafulubao, and not the Missionaries; and as we did not know the object they had in view, and King George had not sought advice from us on the subject, we considered that it was a matter for the King to decide upon. His Lordship wished us to tell him openly, without any disguise, what our minds were on the subject; namely, Did we wish them to remain or not? We then requested to know their object in wishing to remain here, stating that if their object was to teach

M

their religion, it was our decided opinion, that it would not be good for them to remain, as no possible good, but much evil would result by this people being divided; great, very great confusion would be the consequence; but that if they wished merely to remain on the island, without interfering with religion, we begged to observe that it was a matter for the King to decide. His Lordship assured us that it was farthest from his intention to interfere with us in instructing the people of this group; that he by no means wished us to consider them in that light, but that his only wish was to be allowed to leave two or three of his people to learn the language, and that King George or we should send them away whenever we thought proper, if an opportunity offered. After much conversation on both sides, (which was carried on through the medium of a Frenchman, who has been living at the Friendly Islands since 1827, and who communed with me in the Tonga language and spoke to them in French,) we accompanied his Lordship and his party to the King, in order to know his mind on the subject. The Bishop requested the interpreter to inform the King that he wished to know his mind whether or not he was willing for him to leave two or three of the Priests at this group for a short time, say two or three months. The King asked him why he wished to leave them; and why, if they were to go away in two three months, he could not as well take them away in the ship in which he had brought them? The King said it was not his mind they should remain at his islands. The Bishop proposed to the King that he should consult with the Missionaries and then give his opinion; but the subject did not need any study or consultation on the part of King George: be told the Frenchman who interpreted, to tell the Bishop, "No," it was his mind they should not remain. After one more equally unsuccessful attempt, the conversation, ended. The Bishop then bowed to the King who was sitting on the mat, shook hands with him and Queen Charlotte, who was sitting by, and, after shaking hands with us, took his leave, to our no small joy and delight. Where they will next go we know not; but I hope a kind Providence will keep them far enough from all the islands that are

or

opening to us. I, in the course of our conversation, informed his Lordship of our having possession, in a Missionary sense of Fejee, Navigators' Islands, Kebels', and Boscawen Islands, and of Neeooafoou; and that we had recommended Rotumah to our Society, and had people in our Societies from that group training up to go home in a short time to begin a Mission there. I added that we had sent Teachers to Wallis's Island, but they had been driven back again; and that I thought they ought at least to go to break up new ground, and not enter into the labours of others.

After getting on board their vessel again, his Lordship sent the interpreter to purchase a few copies of the books we had printed. I furnished him with about four copies of all we had printed in the Tonga language, and a few copies of what we have printed in the Fejee and Navigators' Islands' language, which books were kindly received. The Bishop stated that they had met with nothing but opposition; and, the natives had rejected them at every place where they have called. O, bless the Lord for this! Who can bid them God speed, and be free from the blood of souls? No, never, never may the "mother of harlots" or her children gain any footing in the Friendly Islands, or any of the islands of these seas! And yet so very, very anxious are some of the natives for Missionaries, especially the Navigators' Islands, that were this party to go there, I do fear, very much fear, that some of the Chiefs who have neither Missionaries nor native Teachers to instruct them would receive them. O may God prevent it! May Christ the Good Shepherd prevent it! And, O may the Methodists, and all the friends of our common Christianity, come forward and send us more Missionaries! Satan has not been asleep. May we all learn wisdom, and may God help us to do our work; namely, to (6 go into all the world," &c. We beseech you. you that have it in your power either to help or hinder the work of the Lord, we beg you do, O do send us more Missionaries; and enable us to feed the sheep of Christ's pasture! We cannot endure their being left to perish, or given up to fall a prey to the emissaries of Papal Rome.

TONGA.-There have been few instances in the history of modern Missions more encouraging than that of the Mission to the Friendly Islands. The entire population of the Haabai Group of

Islands, and of the Vavou Group also, has embraced Christianity. There is reason to believe that the greater portion of the adult inhabitants are truly converted, and are living in the enjoyment of great spiritual peace, and, by the labours of the Missionaries and the multiplication of books, are increasing in the knowledge of God, and of the "word of his grace, which is able to build them up, and to give them a place among them which are sanctified." It must now be the care of the Society to supply them with suitable pastors, and to nourish and strengthen these infant churches until, by the blessing of God, they may have reached that maturity which will render the supervision of European Missionaries less necessary for them. Our readers will be glad to hear that it is resolved to send two additional Missionaries to these islands immediately.

The only portion of these groups of islands which remains under heathen influence is the Hihifo District of the island of Tonga. It will excite less surprise that this should be the case, when it is remembered that Tonga was the centre of the superstitions of the Friendly Islands. It was Tonga-taboo, or Tonga the holy. Here then the remaining heathens have concentrated their force. But it will be seen by the following communication from Mr. Rabone, who has recently taken up his residence on that side of the island, that considerable progress is made by Christianity among the remaining heathens. May the day be hastened when their souldestroying superstitions shall be supplanted by the Gospel of our salvation; when "the idols shall be utterly abolished; "and when it may be said of the entire population, "All know the Lord, from the least unto the greatest!

TONGA.-Extract from the Journal of the Rev. Stephen Rabone, dated Hihifo, Friendly Islands, October 3d, 1837.

JUNE 27th, 1837.-Yesterday morning I left Nukualofa in Ulakai's canoe, with part of our goods. We arrived here about noon : our people were ready to carry up our goods. About two o'clock this morning I set off back to Nukualofa, with the canoe, in order to bring up Mrs. Rabone and more of our things. We got here about four o'clock, P. M., wearied and faint in body, and somewhat perplexed in mind. We are occupying a Station that has been abandoned more than eight years, in the midst of a heathen population, who will steal, lie, swear, and do or say anything and everything to gain their purposes. We feel that we shall need all grace; but, blessed be God, we know all fulness dwells in him. And deeply sunken and depraved as are this people, yet the fact that "for these my Lord was crucified," inspires my mind with hope concerning them. It is to these lost sheep we are sent; and I do pray God we may be made a great blessing to them.

The converted natives, two hundred or so in number, live in a separate fortress, about a mile from us and the Heathen; but as Ata was will

This is

ing to receive us, and as there is a house
here, besides the hope of being useful to
the Heathen, it has been thought best for
us to live here for the present.
the house brought by Messrs. Thomas
and Hutchinson, from Sydney, near
eleven years past, and was occupied by
them about three years. Since that time,
it has been exposed to the sun, rain, and
wind; yet it is still good, and can be
made very tenantable with a little labour
and expense.
We are encouraged when
we recollect that here commenced that
work which has caused the hearts of
thousands of God's saints to dance for
joy; and although this place was aban-
doned, yet it was to commence and ex-
tend that unexampled work in the Haabai
and Vavou groups. O Lord, do thou
arise, and maintain thy cause!
people here have endured persecutions for
the last eight years; they have been
driven to different parts of the island;
but now they are many, and, in the name
of their God, have set up their banners,
and bid defiance to the hosts of hell and
earth.

Our

28th. Still very busy, and all confu

sion in getting up our goods from the beach. This afternoon we paid Ata a visit. He and his chief wife were very much pleased to see us: our child greatly interested them. This is not the Ata who ruled when Mr. Thomas was here; he has been dead some five or six years. It may be proper to say, that Ata is a name of office. Whoever governs the west end of Tonga, is called Ata. The present Ata is mild in his disposition; not an open persecutor of religion, but, in every sense of the word, and in practice, a down-right heathen; and such he intends to live and die, if we may believe what he says.

He does not object to say that religion is a good thing; indeed, he knows it, for he reaps the benefit of it in the kindness and ready obedience of those of his subjects who enjoy it. In this "espect, the praise of these Christians has Long been heard; for though treated as brute beasts, they have "overcome evil with good," and have manifested, in the most trying circumstances, the graces of patience, resignation, and fortitude.

29th.-Ata came to see us to-day, but did not stay long. He does not much affect the Chief, being modest and quiet. But O how opposed is he to God and to his religion! He professes that he will live and die a Heathen.

30th. Our Quarterly Fast-day. I believe it has been generally observed by our people. Some of them came to inquire if they must work. The Heathen around us have many fast-days, but they are involuntary, having nothing to eat. This is one of the consequences of heathenism; and yet they will not acknow. ledge it.

Sunday, July 2d.-This morning I went to the Foui, and conducted the native service. Setaliki (Shadrach) my teacher, preached in the afternoon. This evening I held a short English service in our house, as there are two Englishmen living at this place; and thus ends another Sabbath, the first we have spent in Hihifo. Generally, on the Sabbath, we are reminded of joys departed," perhaps, "never to return;" the joys we have felt when they said to us, "Come, and let us go up to the house of the Lord." But we are in the Lord's work, and that is enough; we esteem it our greatest honour to be employed for God, and pray we may be useful.

8th.-Employed the whole week in arranging and getting matters straight, besides attending to the many sick, answering questions, &c. Many of their questions are very puzzling and amusing. One of the Heathen, hearing our time

piece strike the hour of the day, very seriously said to some others sitting by, Koe oua abe, "It is a god, perhaps.' The awful ignorance and stupidity of a Heathen is frightful to see and hear.

for the day when these dark souls shall be made light in the Lord! God be praised, light is among them, and many of them know that the things they worship are no gods.

Sunday, 9th.-I conducted the native worship this morning, and felt my soul somewhat refreshed, and hope soon to be able to take all the services. I am making some improvement in the language, as indeed it cannot be otherwise, as I have only Mrs. Rabone to speak to in English. I held our English service this evening, and found it good thus to wait upon God.

15th. Another week has fled into eternity, with all its cares and sorrows. Owing to our fences and gates being in an unfinished state, the Heathen have been exceedingly troublesome, coming in herds and sitting in the house. To tell them to go would, in all probability, offend them; so we learn to endure their ignorance, thanking God we were born in a Christian land. When we contrast the conduct of the Christians with that of the Heathen, we see cause for admiring the wonders of divine grace. "Thy Spirit

hath the difference made."

Sunday, 16th.-I conducted the native service this morning, and found the Lord nigh to help. Our people, generally, are in a good state. No doubt the continual persecutions they have endured have contributed to keep them near to God. Our English service was profitable to our souls. The Englishmen living here, unless they are watchful, soon become far worse than the Heathen by whom they are surrounded. One has been among these Islands sixteen or seventeen years, another about half that time. They may have friends who care for them, but it is not likely they will ever see them again.

Sunday, 23rd.-At the native service this morning many of the people shouted aloud for joy. We were thankful for such a gracious shower. O may it be followed by much greater things. "With God all things are possible."

24th. This morning I went to the Foui, where I married five couples, and baptized three children; most of these embraced Christianity during the late war. May they be steadfast unto the end!

August 1st.-This afternoon we held our Local Preachers' Meeting, and gave them their work for the coming week. Many of their hearts bounded with gratitude to God for having brought us among

« AnteriorContinuar »