"September 26th. The Reddy, from Rateepoor, came to Muddenpilly to inquire about the Christian religion. I read and explained to him parts of the Holy Scriptures, especially the Gospel by John, and the Psalms. He said to me, Sir, what a new and good religion is this! I never heard of such a Saviour as Jesus. I have read my own books for a long time, but I cannot find any way for sinners to be saved in them." Also, he told me that he would read the Gospel, and pray to Jesus to make his way clear, and take him as his child. He stopped with us two days, and when he was going, promised he would come again for instruction.' "6 REPORT OF NATIVE TEACHER, JOSEPH "J. A. Webb has been assiduously engaged during the past year in preaching the gospel in the town of Cuddapah and its adjacent villages. His time has also been partly occnpied in instructing candidates for baptism, and in conducting Divine service in the Mission chapel during my absence. He has also been occupied in itinerating to the villages north-west and east of Cuddapah. During these tours he has visited several large towns. From his reports I subjoin a few of the most interesting extracts: "On the 27th of May I went to Thurgutupullee, and preached the gospel to a number of persons, who heard the word with great attention. The same night there was a large feast in honour of Vishnoo. When they brought out the idol on a large car, I went near and preached to the people, and said, "Why are you all looking at that idol? If you speak to it, will it speak to you? and if you set fire to it, will it not be burned?" I then declared the glory, power, and goodness of he great God, and of the salvation which he had wrought out by Jesus Christ for poor sinners. The people replied, “What you say, sir, is very good: our idols are vain, and can do us no good. You must come, sir, from time to time, and declare to us these good words." When asked by the catechist why they came to the feast, if they did not believe in the idol, they said, "We only come to look at the sight, and laugh; but we have no faith in the idol. We believe in one God; we have read your books, and like the wisdom they contain." At Zeypuralu I went and preached the word; one man came and embraced me with great affection, and said, "Are you a disciple of our Lord Jesus?" To this I replied, "Yes." He then took me to his house, and lodged me for two days, and heard the Word of God with great attention. He told me that he had heard about this true religion some time ago at Cuddapah, and that ever since that time he had left off the worship of idols, and was in the habit of praying to God. He also begged me to stay and instruct his children; or, if I went away, to send some one in my stead to instruct them in this good way.' REPORT OF NATIVE TEACHER, 'SAMUEL.' "This teacher has been diligently engaged in preaching the gospel in Cuddapah and its neighbourhood for eight months of the year. During four months he has been employed at Muddenpilly and its neighbourhood, in distributing tracts and conversing with the people, great numbers of whom came to our bungalow for instruction. I am happy to be able to report favourably of the correctness of his conduct, and of the advance he has made in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. "From his report I make the following interesting extracts: January 11th. I journeyed from Chenoor to Mitho Kooroo, a village about eight miles from Cuddapah. I read here "Strictures on Hindooism," and preached the Word of God. As I was going to Chintu Koontah, a man, called Nursiah, followed me. I preached to him of the vanity of the world, of the state of sinners, and the need of salvation through Jesus Christ. The man heard me with great attention, and desired me to tell him the name of the Saviour, that he might pray to him for salvation. I taught him how to pray in that name. also told me that for a long time he had been worshipping idols and false gods; but that from this time he will not do so, but pray to Jesus to cleanse his heart and make it holy. So I went on my way, praying that Jesus would save his soul, He "12th. I went to Door, a large village forty miles north of Cuddapah, and preached the gospel of Jesus. One man there (Unkannah) heard me well, and received me kindly into his house. He said, "Sir, so long a time have I been keeping my mind on idols, but I have got no profit by them, but only trouble and fear. I also believed that the sun, moon, and stars were gods, but now I know that they are not gods, but bodies that give light to the earth.' He and some others desired me to remain and teach them the Christian religion. So I remained two days with them, instructing them in the way of life. "14th. I went to Produtoor, preaching at two villages in the way. I saw at Produtoor and Ramasicrand two or three natives, who came to Cuddapah some time since, and heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. I asked them how they felt in their souls, in reference to this religion. They told me that ever since they heard of it, they had been praying in the name of Jesus, and had forsaken the worship of idols and their false Gooroos. I was very glad to hear of this, and taught them more of the religion of Jesus. "October 31st. Arrived at Door. About thirty persons assembled to hear the word. After I had spoken to them, Unkannah, whom I had seen before, received me kindly into his house, and wished me to stay with him, to instruct him and his friends. Accordingly, I stayed with him all that day, explained the Christian religion, and at night ten other persons joined us, to whom I preached the word of life. I read and explained the 15th and 16th chapters of Luke, and the 3rd of John. We then knelt down and prayed to God. They all knelt down with us and prayed, and appeared much interested in what was said to them. One man of the assembly, called Parvah, said, "Sir, I am very desirous to embrace the Christian religion, because I have searched many Hindoo books, but have not found such precious words as these." He said also, "Sir, since you visited us nine months ago, I have not had any comfort in my heart, on account of my heathen ways; and though I have often intended to come and see you, yet I have been hindered on account of my family; but now you are come, I am very glad." He and some others wished to embrace the Christian religion, and to have their children instructed in this good way. This inquirer followed me to Cuddapah, and stayed there for ten days, and received instruction in the Christian religion. Besides this man, there is another in the same village, who appears sincerely desirous to embrace the truth. They are very anxious to have a Christian school established amongst them." " BERBICE. ORDINATION OF MR. ALEXANDER JANSEN. THE subject of this notice, a Mulatto, was in early youth brought to know and love the Saviour, and on arriving at the age of sixteen was admitted a member of the church at New Amsterdam, then under the pastoral charge of the Rev. John Wray, the father of the Society's Mission in this colony. Pondering over some striking passages in the life of the apostolic Brainard, Mr. Jansen conceived an earnest desire to devote himself entirely to the work of Christian instruction. A way was at length opened to him, in the providence of God, for the gratification of this desire, and in 1836 he was appointed to the office of Catechist at Hanover Station, then under the superintendence of the Rev. Jas. Howe. Thence he removed to Rodborough Station, where he laboured for ten years, and afterwards to Brunswick, where he has continued till now in sole charge of the station. Since the retirement of the Rev. Samuel Haywood, late of Orange Chapel Station, from the colony, Mr. Jansen has received an unanimous invitation from the church and congregation to become their pastor; and the measure having met the cordial approval of the Missionary brethren, by whom Mr. Jansen is held in deserved esteem for his exemplary Christian character, and long and valuable services, he was solemnly set apart to the work of the ministry at Mission Chapel, New Amsterdam, on the 4th May ult. The following brief account of the interesting proceedings on the occasion is extracted from the Berbice Gazette of the 5th of the same month:— "An ordination was held in Mission Chapel, in this town, yesterday forenoon, when Mr. Alexander Jansen was admitted and received into the church as a minister of the gospel. To say that the attendance was numerous, would convey no idea of the congregation assembled. The reader will best understand their amount by the statement of the fact, that that large building was crowded, notwithstanding the heavy rain that fell all the morning up to the hour of service. "The sermon was preached by the Rev. G. Pettigrew, from the 2nd Corinthians, 4th chapter, 7th verse:-'But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,' in a most impressive, full, and eloquent manner. The dedicatory prayer was offered up by the Rev. D. Kenyon, after the questions had been put by the Rev. J. Bowrey. The charge was then solemnly and faithfully delivered by the Rev. J. Roome, and the service closed by the congre gation singing the Gloria Patri. Mr. Jansen is the first native of this county who has been called to the office of the Christian ministry; and if a life of uniform piety and Christian labours, the most unassuming manners, spotless character, and usefulness in the church, entitle any one to that high station, it is a general opinion that no one can be found more deserving of it. The deep interest exhibited by the congregation, consisting not only of members of his church, but also of persons of every denomination of Christians, denoted the esteem and respect in which he is held. Every serious mind seemed carried along with him in his lucid and affecting answers to the questions put to him by Mr. Bowrey, and a hearty 'Amen' responded from every heart at the invocation of every blessing for him." POLYNESIA. OVERTHROW OF IDOLATRY AT MANAIKI. OUR Missionary brethren at Rarotonga had for a considerable time endeavoured to obtain access to a neighbouring group of heathen islands, but, owing to the savage character of the inhabitants, and other obstacles, the effort, until recently, proved unavailing. At length, however, in the good providence of God, a way has been opened for the introduction of the gospel at one of these islands-Manaiki-where, through the instrumentality of Rarotongan teachers, the entire population have been led to abandon idolatry, and to place themselves under Christian instruction. To these interesting events the following letter chiefly has reference; but it contains also incidental notices of the state and progress of the good work in the field of labour occupied by the writer. Under date Rarotonga, 11th Nov. ult., Mr. Pitman observes :— "By the John Williams you received the intelligence of the landing of two native teachers, messengers of peace, on Manaiki, one of a neighbouring group of Islands. It was no small source of joy to us, after so many years' fruitless attempts to convey to them the gospel of Christ. One of the above young men is from the church here; and it affords me much pleasure to convey to you the information, that last week I received from him three letters, dated August and October, 1849, and August, 1850, in which he states that the natives have renounced idolatry, and burnt their gods; that at present they are all under instruction, both adults and children, and have already made considerable progress. One of our catechisms has been committed to memory. A place of worship has been erected, and the gospel of Christ preached to them, and the Sabbath regarded. His last letter informs us, that he and all the people, owing to scarcity of provisions, had gone to the Island of Rakaanga, about forty-five miles distant, called also Francis or Alexander Island, in which voyage several were lost. "The chiefs of that island did not readily give up their gods, but at length yielded, through the representations of those chiefs who had embraced Christianity, and where also the standard of the cross is erected, and the way of salvation through Christ made known to these long-neglected and perishing people. All glory to God! the set time to favour them is come. May the Spirit's influence be abundantly poured out upon them! and soon, very soon, may you be gratified to hear that no small number have cordially embraced the gospel, from a pure principle of love to Christ, whose precious name and great salvation are now made known to them! "Thus, dear sir, you will perceive the further manifestations of God's love to us, in crowning our efforts with success, and the encouragement given to persevere in our 'work of faith and labour of love' in this extensive ocean. We shall not rest satisfied till we reach the groups of islands beyond, yet unvisited by Christian teachers, and do hope that no restrictions will be laid on us to prevent our sending to them also the bread and water of life.' Tongareva (Penrhyn's Island), with its thickly-populated islets; also Tuanaki, to the south of us, we are very anxious should be visited with the soulcheering rays of the Sun of righteousness. "Tairi, our native brother at Manaiki, entreats the earnest prayers of the churches on their behalf, that the Word of God may take deep root, and bring forth fruit. "I would just mention that the above islands are very low, and abounding in cocoanuts and pearl-shell, which will be a great inducement to the merchants of Tahiti, &c., to send their vessels for oil and shells, as soon as known. This will not tend to the spiritual good of the people, but we look up to the Head of the Church for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the labours of our brethren, and that he would cause his own Word to 'run and be glorified' from island to island, till all the groups in the wide Pacific be brought to a saving knowledge of Christ and him crucified. I fear also that the Catholics, whose eyes and ears are wide open, would gladly catch at such portions and prospects as these present. At our next meeting we shall talk over the subject, and make such arrangements as expedient, by the time the John Williams returns from England. "Through the goodness and mercy of our good Master, we are still permitted to labour for him, but not without meeting much opposition from our old enemy, who in various ways strives to draw off the affections of the people from Christ and heaven. Many among us, I fear, have a form of godliness only. We do not perceive that growth in grace and holiness we could desire, nor that love to Divine ordinances which so cheered our spirits in former days. Of some we stand in doubt,' but in many we hope the root of the matter' is found. About two months ago, I had the pleasure of receiving twenty members into church-fellowship, here and from the out-station. May they receive grace to be faithful! "Death still thins our numbers, but not to the extent of former years. Our youth are still anxious to go to sea, and other lands, and all the persuasions of their best friends have no effect, although we continually hear of the death of many who have preceded them. "Our poor people did, as usual, their very best in their subscriptions to the Society. We lately sold their arrowroot for this year to 'Hort Brothers,' at Tahiti, for two hundred and ten dollars, belonging to Ngatangiia, to be paid into the hands of Mr. Howe, Tahiti, and forwarded to the Parent Society by him. It was truly gratifying to see parents bringing their little parcels with the children in their arms, saying, this is for, and this for -; write down their names in your book, it being their little 'all.' "We lately paid two visits to our outstation, and were much pleased to see the good work prospering there. Our good Brother Iro is doing his best for their spiritual benefit." SAMOA. MISSION SEMINARY. AMONG the most approved means for promoting the spread of the gospel throughout the heathen world, none have of late received greater attention, or been followed by more signal benefits, than the systematic training of Native Agents. In the various groups of Polynesia, as clsewhere, Institutions for this express purpose have, for some years past, been in active operation. The Samoan Mission Seminary, situated at Malua, on the Island of Upolu, under the joint superintendence of the Rev. Messrs. Hardie and Turner, has, under the Divine blessing, in an especial manner realized the advantages proposed by its establishment, and holds out the promise of still more extended usefulness in future years, The following communication, transmitted by Messrs. Hardie and Turner, under date September ult., illustrative of the state and progress of their work, will, we are persuaded, be perused with interest and satisfaction: "It will be gratifying to the Directors, and all who are interested in our Mission Seminary, to know that it has passed through another very trying year to our Mission, with a very encouraging degree of prosperity. The hostilities which, without any prospect of agreement between the contending parties, have now for more than three years been so serious a hindrance to our work on this island, still continue. But, amid all their attendant evils, nothing has happened during the year to put a stop to our labours in the Institution, or to draw any one connected with it into collision, in any way, with those engaged in the war. Had the war ceased, and the people returned to their lands, we might have been able to relieve those in the Seminary from much of the labour connected with house-building which we have been, and are now, obliged to devolve upon them, and also have made much greater progress in the erection of proper houses for their accommodation. But the chief cause of interruption to our work in the Institution, was the severe storm with which we were visited on the 5th of April, which destroyed some of the teachers' houses, broke and forced in part of the roof and walls of our new school-house, and made great havoc among the bread-fruit trees, and in the plantations; from the effects of which they have not yet recovered. The labour thus occasioned in the repairing and erection of houses, and in clearing off the ground, and in the plantations, obliged us, for a time, to give up our classes. It is cause of much thankfulness that our Institution did not suffer more serious injury. Our school-house has been repaired, and the teachers' houses are again in a comfortable condition. But the scarcity caused by the storm, and the subsequent devastation made by caterpillars, still oblige us to abridge the number of our classes, to allow the scholars more time for seeking food at a distance, and for fishing. We hope, however, in a month or two to have no more interruptions from this cause. For what we have been enabled to effect, notwithstanding all these adverse occurrences, we feel very thankful to God, as well as for the present encouraging state of our Seminary. 'During the year, two have been dismissed from, and one has left, the teachers' class, for improper conduct; three have been appointed to stations in Samoa, and one has died but seven have also been admitted to the teachers' class, which makes the number now in the class thirty-one. A few of these are preparing for labour on heathen islands to westward. "From the High School one has been excluded for improper conduct; one has returned to his family, having completed the period for instruction; and one has died. Fourteen have been admitted, eleven of whom are children of teachers now in the Institu |
