Ohemori, or bamboos of oil *198) Bund, dr pigs 95 Taamu pia, or batts of or Pow root. b979997 ad bow pod Er lie to gritsam tɛunas ng 16dì fa wedî di bbd RATATEK.COsti

Extract of an Account of the state of the in the Island of Raiatea,

Mission in and of the General Meeting of the Missionary Society there, September 軍尊 13195 676 51917

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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 EiDOW meo, one o 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.

Since the formation of the mission on Raiatea, we have had to mingle tears of regret with our rejoicings; and it is with sorrow that we view the prerailing influence of sin over multitudes of the natives. We sincerely deplore the ill effects produced by the wicked conduct of so ne, who from time to time visit these islands., In this, as in every offer part of the world where christianity has obtained an cutrance, the number of those who profess, is far greater than that of those who really feel the power of vital religion. While, therefore, we admire the astonishing effects of divine power in constraining

the natives to abolish their cruel and

sanguinary rites, we cannot but weep oyer those who are not only unacquainted with repentance unto life, but who evince a total unconcern about the

salvation of their souls.

After great labour, we have obtained comfortable dwellings. Several also of the natives have built neat dwellinghouses, and plastered them inside and opt. We hope soon to make them utJerly ashamed of their former practice of sleeping together as a flock of sheep; and we are earnestly desirous of introducing among them those habits which will contribute to their temporal felicity, and prepare them for domestic life.

A little time since, the body of kings and chiefs assembled, of their own accord, to advise as to the best means to

*One joint of a large bamboo cane will bold two or three quarts of the oil. This oil is very pleasant for lamps, having neither smoke nor smell. 20du

Vol. 2-No. X.

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be adopted for the suppression of those vices to which the people were most addicted. Husbands who had recently discarded their wives, and wives -who had discarded their husbands, were assembled before the tribunal of

the chiefs, and caused again to unite. They now live in peace together; and promptitude on the part of those who we dive to testify the good effects of govern. The happiest results have followed. The people call loudly for books, and to obtain them they spare no pains. Many have made.considerable progress in learning can repeat the multiplication table off band, work the most difficult long division sums, and sums in reduction, without a mistake. Thus they not only evince to

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wards their teachers the most affectionate attachment, but encourage them to press forward in their work; them to greater diligence, and invite nor are they backward in the cultivation of the useful arts; for, consider

ing the means they possess, they stand on equal, if not superior ground, with any of their neighbours. If the Tahitians are kindly treated, they may be led as children; if coercively, they will be entirely unmanageable, and will forsake the person's house who should so treat them. The greater part of the natives are regular in their attendance chapel is frequently crowded an hour on the preaching of the gospel, and the before the time of public worship.

We are soon to have a new place built, which the natives say shall be plastered within and without, and fluored. Our prospects of usefulness are pleasing; and though our difficulties are many, we believe we shall reap if we faint not. God has not only enabled us to tell of Jesus in the Paheitean language, but he has conducted us into a field 'ready for harvest,' and which calls for the most vigorous exertions. Pray for us, that we may hold fast the profession of our faith steadfast unto the end'-that our 'garments may be unspotted from the world,' and that we may go down to the grave with a conscience void of offence both towards God and towards man.'

The islands adjacent present an extensive field for usefulness, and occupy part of our time and labours." On Taha we opened a new chapel a short time ago, and in the largest and most populous district, called Pateo, there

is a large neat made place of worship nearly finished. We need more time, more strength, and more zeal, for the natives all around are calling for our assistance.

Preaching tours have been made round Borabora, and the attention of the people is by far greater than we could have expected, when we consider that a teacher has never lived among them.

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.

Formation of an Auxiliary Society. We were anxious that they should take the lead, lest they should ultimately say that the gospel is a tax on their benevolence. The chapel was made doubly large, the day appointed for the meeting, and some who from disease had not seen the light of the rising sun for years, came forth. The place of worship was soon crowded to excess; and one of the natives exclaimed, "This is a day of rising from the dead. See, here are the sick, the lame, and the blind, all coming out today." Every person appeared in the best clothes he could obtain; decency and good order pervaded the whole; but the people soon exclaimed, 'Take out the sides of the house, that we may see our teachers, and hear their voice,' Their request was immediately complied with; and as soon as 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, showing the great superiority of this meeting, compared with those they were accustomed to hold in the reign of the evil spirits. Then, only the kings, the warriors, and the chiefs assembled together. The poor people were afraid, and used to run to the mountains and hide themselves, for fear of being killed for sacrifices, but now here are kings and chiefs and warriors assembled; poor men, women, and children, all collect ed into one place, all sitting together. Now you do not fear that you will be killed and carried before the Morai.

Here are your teachers in the midst et you; and what is your business? Ite to devise means that others may obtai and know the word of life. Because of that word you now live in peace; because of it you have burut you wooden gods, and worship the living God.

Brother Orsmond then referred to 1 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 mi sionaries may be sent, and that all the world may bear of the Saviour's love.

Brother Willams then arose, and proposed that we immediately form ourselves into a Missionary Society. and that King Tapa be the President of it. Brother Threlkeld seconded ins motion, and it was instantly approved by an 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 Mo rais 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 your teachers in the midst of us. God sent them. He is of great compassionThey left their own land to come here. Now our eyes are opened. Let us form our conduct by the word we learn. If we are wicked, God will per haps 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 bave. Remember that 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 sent, Puni a man of very consistent conduet, 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 * saik. 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 6 then give what we can.

Tuahine, one of the cleverest men we have, then stood up, and said, Friends, the kings, the chiefs, and all of you; we have heard much speech to-day1; do not be tired; I also have a little to say. Whence come 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. I have been thinking that the Missionary Society in Britain is like the great water, and that 34 such little societies as ours are like the little streams. Let there be many litor fle streams: let not ours be dry. Let missionaries 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. Our children are not now strangled, nor our brothers killed for sacrifices to the lying 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 t

Many propositions were subsequently made, and carried by numbers holding up the naked arm. The whole was conducted with a degree of interrest, simplicity and affection that fanned 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 allowed 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 Missionary 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 20 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 Jesus-if 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 rose, 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 Loodon. He contrasted the blessings they now enjoy, compared with their former wretched mode of living, and then referred to those countries where men and women are burned, where little children are given to feed beasts, and where old people are drowned; showing 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 witnessing so great a number assembled for so good a purpose, and after several appropriaté 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 you 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 be

comes all who regard the word of God. Show your willingness to do so, by holding up your right hand.' This was instantly done. ཞ ་ ཁྐྲ། ༞ ནཱ་ Brother Orsmond then proposed that the next Missionary meeting be holden in May, 1820, and that the kiugs 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 sonie have already begun 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.
J. WILLIAMS.

L. E. THRELKELD.

OTAHEITE AND EIMEO.

Mr. Darling, in a letter, dated Eimeo, Aug. 9, 1819-referring to the preceding account, dated May 18, says, 'Since that time a number of people have been baptized at each station in the windward division of the mission. We have baptized 22 adults and 17 children on this Island, and there are many more whom we intend to baptize soon. On examining those whom we have baptized, we were delighted and astonished at the answers which they gave to our questions. All expressed a deep sorrow for sin, and seemed to be sensible of it in their own hearts; they also professed to trust alone in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation; and to desire to live to the glory of God upon earth, that they might live forever with him in heaven. Those who have been baptized on this Island have been formed into a church, and have received the Lord's Supper. O how it delighted our hearts to see them sitting down with us, commemorating the dying love of our dear Redeemer. We cannot find language to express our feelings, especially when we reflect upon what these people were, and how long they refused the gospel which was preached unto them! To God be the glory! Not unto us, not unto us!

In another letter, dated Eimeo, Aug. 6th, Mr. Darling says, Since I was stationed here, I had occasion to go over to Tahiti to see the king, who was then at Taiarabu. On my jour ney, finding the people desirous of hearing the word of God, I preached at as many places as I possibly could; and where I was to sleep, I could not get to rest till long after the middle of the night, for the people filled the house where I lodged, in order to ask questions respecting that part of the scriptures which they have in their hands, and also respecting their duty as Christians. It was truly delightful to see and hear them, although it was very fatiguing to the body; but this a missionary must not regard, so that he may finish the work given him to do. There are few nights in which a number of people do not come to my house, asking questions of a religions nature, and who often stop till a late hour. This I conceive to be an important branch of our missionary work. As these people have, as yet, so small a portion of the scriptures in their hands, all their knowledge must be ob tained through us in this way.

OSAGE INDIAN MISSION.

From the American Missionry Register. SECOND MISSION FAMILY.

The Mission family lately sent out to the Arkansas, by the United Foreign Missionary Society, had not reached their destined station, when a new field for Missionary exertion was providentially opened to the Board of Managers. This field, we are happy to add, the managers, with a promptitude which cannot fail to secure to themselves the confidence of the christian community, resolved to occupy without delay. The circumstances in relation to this subject we have now the pleasure to present to the public.

Early in the present month, the follow ing interesting communication was made by Col. McKenney, superintendant of ladian trade, to the secretary for foreign correspondence:

Office of Indian trade.

GEORGETOWN, July 5, 1820. Dear Sir,

I have this moment had a most interes

ting interview with the chief, the counsel lor, and the principal warrior of the Osages, of the Missouri. The object of the deputation 18, to solicit the introduction of the school system among their people, and to pray for the means of civilization. 1