them. For many years past they have gone alternately to Nukualofa (twelve miles) every week to know their work, and frequently went again in the same week to do their work; repeatedly in the way they have endured the insults of the Heathen; but those most wont to persecute them were swept away in the late war. Sunday, 6th.-This morning, in the native service, I am told that one or two Heathen, for the first time in their lives, bowed their knees before the God of heaven and earth. 8th. This evening I met the Local Preachers belonging to this part of the Island, and gave them their work for the coming week. They are hearty in the good cause, and desire nothing more than the prosperity of Zion. Most of them have relations yet Heathen, whom they deeply commiserate. 12th. I employed this week in reading and writing. With the help of my Teacher I have been able to perform more this week than any one week since I have been in the Friendly Islands. I long to be able to speak freely without the help of writing. Lord, prepare us for thy day. 14th. I went to the Foui this morning, and married three couples; two of these have been living together while Heathens, and have recently embraced Christianity. The third being a respectable Chief, and marrying a person whose friends yet remain Heathens, many were met together to witness the ceremony. Expecting this, I took with me a sermon, and, before marrying, preached to them. I will answer for it that, in reference to most present, strange things were brought to their O may the time soon come when such shall find a place in every heart! We heard yesterday at the Foui, that an old Chief, at a small island called Atata, had embraced Christianity, for which we were thankful to God. This evening we have heard, to our sorrow, that the Chief here has given orders to have the old man brought away from the island, and that certain individuals are gone to remove him. Our people are not pleased, especially as the old man does not belong to the heathen party, and appear determined to interfere in the business. The terms upon which peace was made are here broken, namely, that no one should be persecuted for his religion. What they intend doing I know not, but pray they may be preserved from evil. ears. 15th. This afternoon arrived the King and Ulakai from Nukualofa. They have heard, by some means, of this affair, and are come with the design of prevent ing it. Our people are quite wearied with the persecutions and insults of the Heathen. But the King and Ulakai think they had better endure a little longer. The present Ata is not expected to live long; and the next Ata, if he should live, is Shadrach, the principal Chief among our people in this part of the island. I joined with the King and Ulakai in recommending them still to endure, especially as the Heathen have confessed that they are doing wrong, and promise to do better. 16th.-William Ulakai came here last night. I rose, and found he had just returned from the Foui: he had been to offer terms of peace. This morning there was a large assembly of Heathen to meet the King and Ulakai. After some conversation, it was agreed that three or four of the persecutors should accompany Ulakai to the Christians, and make peace; they went, and found the Christians quite willing, upon condition of being left alone, and others not prevented from embracing religion. The Heathen acknowledged they had done wrong, but told the Christians, they knew that they (the Hea. then) were all foolish, and must therefore forgive them. 17th. This morning at the Cava ring the King again exhorted all parties to live in peace. He said, "Previous to the late war I told Lavaka and his people, that if they did continue to persecute the Christians they certainly would be punished; soon after this the war broke out, and now," said he," their bones are dry on the earth. I tell you the same, so look to it." This the Heathen consider as a prediction, and are afraid. 18th. I heard, this morning, that orders were given for all the people to meet again. We feared, but hoped for the best. We know the Heathen are afraid of the Christians, and could scarcely believe they had any murderous designs. We were soon relieved from all our fears by being told that all was a mere repetition of what Ulakai and the King had requested; namely, that they would forget the late affair, and live in peace in future. 19th. The past week has been, in many respects the most trying and afflictive we ever experienced. Frequently has death appeared close at hand, but here we are, the living, to praise God! May our lives show forth his praise. 22nd-This evening I met the Local Preachers, and gave them their work for the next week. We have heard that something of an unpleasant character is going on at the Bea. A few weeks past Moiaki, the Chief there, embraced Chris tianity, and the Devil with his emissaries are sure to oppose. 24th. Yesterday morning I walked to Nukualofa with my Teacher; we arrived about eleven o'clock, A. M., and returned to-day, well tired and fatigued. The distance is about twelve miles. When the tide flows, we walk some miles in water, and the rest on sand and stones. The king and Ulakai were gone to the Bea. It appears that certain old Heathen Chiefs offended with Moiaki for embracing Christianity are wishful to drive him from the Bea, but it being his proper abode, he stoutly refuses. The Devil must surely know that his reign in Tonga is almost at an end. Sunday, 27th.-This morning at the Foui, one Matabule, named Mouga Aelagi, for the first time in his life, bowed his knees before the God of heaven and earth. Thus gradually the ranks of the enemy are put to confusion. I hear also that one or two others bowed the knee at the same time. We are expecting great things on the return of Aho Mee from Vavou. Aho Mee is a very respectable Chief, who has been well-disposed for some time; six weeks ago he left for Vavou, and we expect he will embrace Christianity during his visit; if so, there are many people yet Heathen who will follow his example. Nothing do I desire in comparison with the salvation of the Heathen in Tonga. A short English service closes the duties and delights of this Christian Sabbath. 30th. I heard this morning that two canoes arrived at Nukualofa from Haabai; but I could not learn what I was most anxious to know, namely, whether Aho Mee, had embraced Christianity. While at our family worship Baula came with a glad heart to tell us that the week after they arrived at Vavou, Aho Mee embraced Christianity. My heart leaped for joy, nor can our people attend to their work, such is their gladness of heart. This is such a blow as Satan's kingdom has not had for years past in Tonga. The Heathen are struck dumb. 31st. This morning the canoe belonging to this place came down from Nukualofa. We rejoiced to meet our people again in health and peace, and more especially as we had the desire of our hearts in reference to Aho Mee. Immediately on their arrival they went to the Chief (as is their fashion in Tonga) to drink Cava. Aho Mee told the Chief that he had become a Christian; that if it was his mind to chastise him, there he was; it would be very good. Friday, September 1st.-This after We re oon Aho Mee paid us a visit. joiced over him as over great spoil from the camp of sin and Satan. He paid us one or two visits while yet Heathen, but now we feel as differently towards him as he does towards us. He is very bold in the good cause, and promises fair to hold on his way to the end. O that very many may follow his example! Many are prevented by Ata, who appears determined to live and die a Heathen. Sunday, 3rd.-This has been one of the most interesting and profitable days I have enjoyed in the Friendly Islands. This morning we had a very good season at the Foui. My heart rejoiced to behold (for the first time) Aho Mee, in the house of God, attempting to join in the praises of our redeeming Lord. Our chapel was full, and many sat outside. This afternoon we preached (for the first time) in the house of Aho Mee, when, to many, as to myself, it was a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The Heathen are dismayed. They know full well that their abominations are doomed to destruction, but are not willing to give them up; "Bel shall bow down, and Nebo stoop. 5th. This morning Aho Mee called upon us again. After conversing a little, be said he would attend to his book; he was yet reading the alphabet. It is matter of affecting interest to me, that a Chief, forty or forty-five years of age, should spend all his spare time in reading over the letters of the alphabet. But a few weeks past, he would not perhaps have looked at a book, but now it is his principal work to learn to read. 7th. I went out this afternoon, and bled two men in the large fortress. I then walked on to Aho Mee, whom we found in his house, earnestly reading his alphabet; many were about him, but he appeared quite unmindful of them. Sunday, 10th.-This morning at the Foui, several renounced Heathenism, and acknowledged the Lord to be God, by bowing their knees before him and in his house. Among these were two Matabules (or minor Chiefs) named Mataele Talikai, and Tofoa. My heart rejoiced this morning in looking round and seeing them in the house of God for the first time in their lives, and bowing their knees to our all-conquering Lord. We hear that one who had intended to lotu, i. e., worship, was prevented by an old persecuting Chief; but, God be praised, his power is fast passing away. Jesus reigns, and shall for ever reign. 12th. This afternoon I went to the Foui to meet and catechise the candidates for baptism. There are nearly thirty men and women; they have been under instruction, and there appears no objection to these also being baptized. So Sunday, 17th.-The Matabule that the old persecuting Chief prevented from embracing religion last Sabbath, came this morning, and for the first time, bowed his knee to our all-conquering Lord. again "the triumphing of the wicked is short." Every Sabbath, for some time past, the Lord has given us some tokens of his favour and blessing, for which we do most heartily thank his blessed name. 19th. This morning Mr. and Mrs. Tucker came down from Nukualofa. This afternoon Mr. Tucker and I went out to see Aho Mee, the Chief who has lately embraced religion. He is not well, but we found him reading. He is very anxious indeed to learn, so that sitting or lying he generally has his book at hand. We then 20th. About two o'clock P. M., Mr. Tucker and I went to the Foui. Mr. Tucker preached, after which I catechized the candidates for baptism. proceeded to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and in the presence of a great concourse of people; it was a most interesting occasion; and several Heathen Chiefs witnessed all the ceremony. We hope it may prove a cause of real good to them and many others. We baptized forty-one men, women, and children; and married two couples. 22nd.-To-day arrived two canoes from Vavou and Haabai, bringing us letters from our brethren and sisters, and also letters from New Zealand and Navigators' islands. How do our souls rejoice for all the great things that God has done, and is yet doing. O that Tonga knew the day of her gracious visitation, and would follow such an example! Tonga was first visited with the Gospel; from hence it has spread to various groups in the Southern Pacific; thousands have heard and believed, and through believing, they now rejoice; but in Tonga thousands yet harden their hearts, and will not know the things that belong to their peace. Sunday, 24th.-A blessed Sabbath. This morning a woman with her children came to our chapel and bowed the knee to our God and King. She is the wife of a young Chief who embraced religion on Wednesday last. He is called the son of Aho Mee, and being a respectable Chief, and a young man, the Heathen have been hoping to retain him as the support of their tottering, falling cause, but they have lost him, and they grieve. O for that day when every prop shall fall, and the abominable system of Heathenism cease to be! VAN DIEMEN'S LAND.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. William Simpson, dated Launceston, October 31st, 1837. IT is with pleasure I sit down to inform you of our safe arrival and kind reception in this town. We embarked at Port Arthur, on board the Government brig, Isabella, on Saturday, the 21st inst., and dropped down as far as Safety Cove, where we lay until Sunday morning. Having eleven persons, adults and children, in the space allotted to the master and his two mates, we were exceedingly close and uncomfortable; but as a considerable amount would be saved to the Committee by our taking this mode of conveyance, we were willing to endure a little inconvenience. We weighed anchor and left Safety Cove about six o'clock on Sunday morning, expecting to have a fine wind; but on getting outside the heads, it became contrary, and blew terrifically all that day. The next morning, finding no alteration in the wind, the Captain said he must endeavour to return to Safety Cove, where we again dropped anchor, about ten or eleven o'clock, A. M. Here we lay, in a state of anxiety, exhausting our little stock of provisions, and exposed to all the inconveniences of This The little society at Port Arthur, I believe, is doing well. Though there are but very few united in church fellowship, yet those few are consistent in their deportment, and are apparently thirsting after full salvation. On this settlement, more good is effected than is evident. Many are brought under serious impressions who do not join our society, and who, in consequence of reformation of conduct, are removed to other parts of the colony, where doubtless they are rendered a blessing. Numbers made application to me for advice and assistance under the deepest distress, on account of sin; and I have no doubt but it will be seen, in the day of God, that our success is much greater than we calculate upon from the number in society. One fact I would mention, as it speaks highly for the discipline of the place, as well as for the effect of religious instruction. The fact I allude to is, that, during a residence of eighteen months on the settlement, I did not hear more than three or four profane oaths from the men; a fact which must astonish, when we consider that here are from eight hundred to a thousand of the most degraded of our fellow-men. Moreover, in our schools, several have been taught to read who, when they arrived on the settlement, could not tell a letter in the alphabet; and many others, who could read a little, have greatly improved, and have also been taught to write. The Commandant is of opinion, that, though the number of men is increasing, yet crime among them is diminishing; and there are not near the number of corporal punishments there were formerly. To God be all the glory! MISSIONS IN WESTERN AFRICA. SIERRA-LEONE.-It affords us much satisfaction, to announce the prosperous state of the Mission in this colony. In this as in other parts of Western Africa, the persevering faith of the church has been severely tried by the early removal of many valuable labourers to their eternal reward. They have, however, in general witnessed a degree of success which has cheered them even in the prospect of death; having lived to a valuable purpose, they have finished their course with joy. It is with great thankfulness we report the health of the Missionaries at present in Sierra-Leone. It will be seen that additional agency is required for the oversight of the increasing society, and to enter on the openings for further usefulness. It is hoped that the vacancies will soon be supplied, and that where the harvest is so great, there will not be wanting labourers to enter into it. May the Lord of the harvest send forth labourers into his harvest.' Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Thomas Dove, dated Freetown, June 30th, 1838. I AM happy to inform you, that our health, upon the whole, continues very good. We feel ourselves strong to labour, and we are truly happy in our work. During the past month, we have been attending to the Quarterly Visitation of the Classes, and we hope to make a finish in about a fortnight hence, and I am persuaded that we shall find a considerable increase to the Society. After examining the Class Books, I find that we have now nearly two thousand who regularly meet in Class. Of late we have been under the necessity of dividing and even sub-dividing some of the Classes, and appointing several additional Leaders. We have now fifty-four Leaders among us, most of whom I have the pleasure of meeting every Saturday afternoon. I am happy in being able to state that they are men of sterling piety, and they Regent, Kent, Charlotte, and Bathurst. cha bers of our Society) are necessarily plunged into deep distress in consequence of this sad catastrophe. We are just in the midst of the rains; our people are praying that our lives" may be spared for the Gospel's sake;" and we trust the season will pass away without much sickness. I am happy to inform you that our new Chapel at Portuguese Town, was opened for divine service, on Sunday the 17th instant. It was greatly crowded with attentive hearers, at all the services, and the collections were better than we expected. Our Chapels at Wellington and Hastings will, I hope, be finished very soon after the rainy season. We wish to direct all our energies to the cause of God; we are willing to labour and suffer in this part of our Lord's vineyard, not counting even our lives dear to us, so that we may accomplish our assigned work, and finish our course with joy. My dear wife and Mr. Badger join me in most affectionate regards to yourselves and the Committee. MISSIONS IN THE WEST INDIES. THE attention of the Christian public is now directed with intense interest to the West Indies. It is justly felt, that the immediate welfare of the Negroes will be much affected by the spirit and conduct of themselves and their masters, on entering a state of entire freedom on the 1st of August last. We are assured by letters from nearly all the islands, that the religious negroes were looking forward to the occasion as one on which God should be especially acknowledged; that they were anticipating with devout thankfulness the enjoyment of increasing means and opportunities of moral and mental improvement to themselves and their offspring; and that there are cheering prospects, that the anxieties and liberality of the Christian public shall be repayed by a great extension in the islands of the blessings of civilization and Christianity. We hope to take an early opportunity of furnishing the particulars whic. we are promised from our various stations in the West Indies. Meantime we present our readers with three letters which they will read with pleasure. The first is from JAMAICA: where, notwithstanding much painful opposition, there is great prosperity. The second is from NEVIS, and happily proves the willing ability of the wealthier portion of the community, and of the Negroes, to afford their aid towards the support of the ministry among themselves; and their zeal for the extension of the blessings of the Gospel to other lands more destitute even than their own. The last is also from NEVIS, being the Report of one of the Schoolmasters recently sent to the West Indies to take charge of the schools established there by Government aid. |