sion of the Gospel of St. Luke is entirely expended, and there is a great call for more copies. The Gospel of St. Matthew, we hope, will be put to press immediately; and the Gospel of St. John and the Acts will be printed at Tahiti. We have printed here a few hundreds of the Tahitian Hymn Book, and upwards of 4000 copies of the Tahitian Spelling Book. An account of the first annual meeting of the Auxiliary Missionary Society, has also been printed in the language of the natives, a copy of which we transmit, with a translation."

RAIATEA.

Formation of an Auxiliary Society.

"We feel happy that our sphere of usefulness is at length extended, and that instead of one mission we have now four-one on Tahiti, one on Eimeo, one on Huaheine, and one on Raiatea. The friends of Zion will rejoice in her prosperity, and hail, as preparatory to the latter day glory, every display of Jehovah's power in her behalf.

"Our people seem determined not to be behind their neighbours; and after repeated solicitations from them, we have agreed to further their wishes in forming a missionary society, which was done on the 5th Sept. 1819.

The brethren were wisely "anxious that the natives should take the lead, lest they should ultimately say that the gospel was a tax on their benevolence."

"The place of worship was soon crowded to excess," and when "all were comfortably seated, brother Williams gave out a suitable hymn, and engaged in prayer. It was delightful to hear two thousand natives singing the praises of the Lamb of God, and to see the expressions of joy that sat on the countenance of each.-Brother Orsmond then opened the meeting with an appropriate address, and referred to the practices of other countries, to their zeal and love to poor people who know not the true God, and urged upon the people of Raiatea to follow their good example, that other missionaries may be sent, and that all the world may hear of the Saviour's love.

"Brother Williams then arose, and proposed that we imme diately form ourselves into a missionary society, and that King Tapa be the President of it.-Brother Threlkeld seconded his motion, and it was instantly approved by a unanimous show of hands.

"Tapa then addressed the people with great propriety and warmth of feeling, saying, 'Remember what you used to do for the lying gods. You used to give all your time, strength, and property, and lives too. Look at the morais you used to build for them. Then you had no property, it was all the gods. Your canoes, your pigs, your mats, your cloth, your food, all belonged to the gods. But now, all your property is your own; here are VOL. VII. 3 B

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your teachers in the midst of us. compassion. They left their own land to come here. Now our God sent them. He is of great eyes are opened. Let us form our conduct by the word we learn. If we are wicked, God will perhaps take our teachers away from us. Let us compassionate other lands. Let us give our property willingly, with the whole heart. We cannot give money, but we will give what we have. Remember there were many drowned who helped to build the ark; do you take care lest you die in your own sins, after sending the gospel to others; lest you become at last fuel for the fire, as the scaffolding that we use about our houses does. If we are not true believers, God will not regard us. We shall go to the fire of hell.'

"After Tapa had taken his seat, Puna, a man of very consistent conduct, invited the attention of the meeting, by saying, 'Friends, I have a little question; in your thoughts what is it that makes the heavy ships sail? I think it is the wind. If there were no wind, the ships would remain in one place; while there is wind we know ships can sail. Now I think that the money of the great missionary society is like the wind. If there had been none, no ship would have come here with missionaries. If there is no property, how can missionaries be sent to other countries, how can the ships sail? Let us then give what we

can.'

"Tuahine, one of the cleverest men we have, then stood up, and said,- Friends, the kings, chiefs, and all of you; we have heard much speech to-day; do not be tired; I also have a little to say. Whence comes the great waters? is it not from the small streams that flow into them? If there were no little streams there would be no great bodies of water. sionary Society in Britain is like the great water, and that such I have been thinking that the Mislittle societies as ours are like the little streams. many little streams: let not ours be dry. Let missionaries be Let there be sent to every land. We are far better off now than we used to be. We do not now sleep with our cartridges under our heads, our guns by our sides, and our hearts in fear. not now strangled, nor our brothers killed for sacrifices to the lyOur children are ing spirit; it is because of the good work of God. He sent his word, and missionaries to teach us, and we hope there are some who have already believed.'

"Many propositions were subsequently made, and carried, by numbers holding up the naked arm. with a degree of interesting simplicity and affection that fanned The whole was conducted the spark of zeal, and excited the tear of holy gratitude. The friends of religion in London never witnessed such a scene.

"Before we finally closed the meeting, opportunity was allow ed for any one who wished to make his observations.

"Hoto, one of the great warriors, urged the people to constancy and consistency, that those across the great sea may not laugh at us.

"Waver, one of whom we have a very good opinion, whose heart we hope is changed, said, 'We are now become a missionáry society, and we are to give our property that the word of God may be carried to all lands; but let us ask, Is it in our hearts? Has it taken root there? If not, how can we compassionate others? We must give our property with love of heart to those who are sitting in the shades of death.'

"Paumona, whose conduct agrees with his profession, said, ‘It would be well if all the world knew the word of God as well as we know it if all could read it as we read it; if all could hear it every sabbath as we hear it; if all would bow the knee to Jesusif all knew him as the only sacrifice for sin-then there would be no war. We are to give our property that other lands may know the true God and his word, that they may have teachers. It is not to be given to the false gods as we used to do. Let us be diligent, and spend our strength in this good work.'

"Another observed, Friends, there have been many from amongst us who have been pierced with balls; let us have no more of it; let our guns be rotten with rust, and if we are to be pierced, let it be with the word of God.'-Brother Williams then arose, and after some recapitulatory remarks, explained more particularly the design of the society, and gave many reasons why they ought to collect their property. He urged it as a duty they owed to God, and to the Missionary Society in London. He contrasted the blessings they now enjoy, compared with their former wretched mode of living, and then referred to those coun tries where men and women are burned, where little children are given to feed beasts, and where old people are drowned; show. ing at the same time their need of the word of the true God. He concluded by incitements to perseverance and industry.

"Brother Threlkeld expressed the joy of his heart in witness ing so great a number assembled for so good a purpose; and af ter several appropriate remarks, he cautioned the people more particularly against the idle tales of worthless seamen. 'Perhaps,' said he, they will tell you that we want your property for ourselves; but you know better. We have never yet requested your property. For all we have received of you, we have given our own property. We have not come here to deceive you. Is there any one here who has been injured by us? Let him speak out. Are there any here present who have lived at variance before? Gratify your teachers, by burying your grievances, and live in peace. Love each other, as it becomes all who regard the word of God. Show your willingness to do so, by holding up your right hand.' This was instantly done.

"Brother Orsmond then proposed that the next missionary meeting be holden in May, 1820, and that the kings and chiefs be requested to complete our intended new large place of worship by that time. To this they promptly agreed, and the meeting

concluded. A lively interest was excited in the minds of all, it was the topic of conversation for weeks after; and some have already began to collect their cocoa-nuts for the annual contribution. Our spirits are revived, our zeal invigorated, and our determination to spend and be spent in the cause of the Redeemer strengthened. With prayers and ardent wishes for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, we remain, &c.

"(Signed)

J. M. ORSMOND,
"L. E. THRElkeld,
"J. WILLIAMS.

"Since the baptism of the King, a considerable number of persons have been baptised, in Eimeo only, beside a number in Tahiti, &c."

UNITED STATES.

MISSION TO THE CHICKASAWS.

Extract of a letter from the Rev. W. H. Barr, President of the Missionary Society of the Synod of S. Carolina and Georgia, to one of the editors of the Evangelical Intelligencer, dated Abbeville, August 15, 1820.

The missionaries sent out by our society have returned. It is their opinion that the Creek Indians are not yet ripe for a missionary establishment amongst them. They attended a general council, and laboured in vain to gain their consent to the proposed measure of benevolence. Some of their chiefs were in favour of it, but the majority were in opposition. From the Creeks our missionaries proceeded to the Chickasaws. Here they were cordially received. Their chiefs acceded at once to the proposals made by our society and are willing to grant us all the privileges that we desire. In the most populous part of the nation, our missionaries selected an eligible site for a missionary station; it being healthy, fertile, well timbered, and not very far from navigation; and the Indians hope that our missionaries will soon return and occupy it. The Chickasaws number at present about 700 warriors; from which it is reasonable to suppose, their population must amount to 3 or 4000; they are, therefore, well worthy of the attention of our society. Missionary stations are already established both amongst the Choctaws and Cherokees; but nothing, as yet, has been done for the Chickasaws a nation who boast that they never shed the blood of an Anglo-American. Their eyes are now directed towards our society for assistance, and shall they look in vain? I have received a letter from Major James Colbert, in the name of the other head men of the nation, stating, "That they are much pleased with our young missionary, brothers, who have visited them that they earnestly wish them to make the contemplated establishment among them, and teach their children; and re

questing me to let them know if we will send them back in the course of the winter." Without waiting for the next meeting of the society in November next, I shall venture to answer this letter, by assuring them, that their case shall be attended to by our society, and that we will make arrangements, as soon as possible, for that purpose.

AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS.

Indian Mission.

All persons who contemplate making donations of clothing, bedding, &c. for the use of the Indian missions, are requested to forward them in the course of September and October, if possible, that they may be shipped together, and may reach the stations in season for use during the coming winter. Such articles may be left with S. T. Armstrong, No. 50 Cornhill, Boston; Henry Hudson, Esq. Hartford, Connecticut; John Sayre, corner of Wallstreet and Broadway, city of N. Y.; Brundige, Vose & Co. Baltimore; Rev. Francis Heron, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; William Slocomb, Marietta, Ohio; and Robert Ralston, Esq. Philadelphia. Boxes containing such articles, should be strong, but not needlessly heavy; the articles should be well packed; and there should be a plain legible direction, not easily to be erased, stating for what mission each box is intended; or that it is for Indian missions, if the donors do not choose to fix its destination. There should also be a designation of the place, from which each box is sent; and a paper containing a description of the box, and the object for which it is forwarded, should be left with the agent to whose care it is addressed.

CONNECTICUT.

Fifth Annual Report of the Committee of Appropriations of the Connecticut Education Society, for the year ending Sept. 8th, 1820. The whole sum appropriated to the beneficiaries of the society during the year, including the avails of the Lewis, and Noyes, and Talcot donations, is two thousand dollars. This has been distributed, in unequal portions, among thirty-one individuals, making an average of $64 52 to each. The appropriation to Samuel Whitney, was a few days subsequent to the last year's Report; soon after which, he took a dismission from the college, to join the mission to the Sandwich Islands.

Though the number of beneficiaries the past year, has been greater than in any preceding year; yet, from the exhausted state of the treasury, it has been necessary to reduce the appropriations. Notwithstanding the exertions which the young men have made, by teaching schools, and in various other ways, to procure the means of support for themselves, they are still left in debt. In some instances, it is to be feared, their efforts to carry