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church membership, till after a suitable season of trial and instruction.

We look upon many of these first fruits as our future helpers in our labours of love. Others appear well, but are so disposed to trust to their own righteousness, that we have never encouraged them to think that they are truly interested in a Saviour.

Before I was laid aside, in August last, by sickness, I had received the names of sixty-three persons, of both sexes, who had visited me to inquire what they should do to obtain salvation; and since that time many more have been added to the number. The removal of Honorii to Hiro, (Byron's Bay,) was severely felt by all those who were disposed to serious inquiry. He had been with them daily, visiting from house to house, and in conducting their social meetings for prayer, so that the continuance of his presence was thought by them indispensable. But the return of Mr. Ruggles to Tauai, rendered his assistance to Mr. Goodrich an important object, in order to keep possession of that interesting station, until further aid shall arrive from America.

Our schools, scattered up and down the coast, form so many radiating points of Christian knowledge. The books put into their hands are all of a religious character, and whatever a native learns, he communicates to his friends who cannot read. I have often been surprised to hear those, who came from a distance, and had never heard preaching, or obtained a knowledge of the alphabet, repeat whole hymns by heart. It is now ten weeks yesterday, since, in compliance with several previous invitations, I visited some of the neighbouring villages to preach and inquire into the state of the schools. I was accompanied by five or six young native men, hopefully pious, who acted as a choir of singers. I sent them forward by two and two, to call at the several houses, which we were to pass, and invite the people to assemble, while I walked slowly in the rear to prepare my discourses. The day was clear, and the noontide sun shone fully upon my path, while not a noise was to be heard, save the dashing of the surf upon the rocks of lava that bound the shore. Those who have felt the direct rays of a tropical sun can best judge of its debilitating influence. But the interesting scenes before me sustained me through the day, during which I preached six times to more than 2,500 people. It was the most pleasing day that I have spent on missionary ground, because it appeared the most useful one. But it was the last, on which the righteous providence of God permitted me to speak in his name for ten

weeks. I returned home late in the evening exhausted with fatigue and hunger, but inwardly rejoicing in the glorious prospects now opening among our schools. Whenever a school-house is erected, a place is provided for the worship of the true God, and the voice of prayer is heard morning and evening to ascend up to the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. I had intended the excursion above mentioned as the beginning of a series of visits to different parts of the island, but the Lord was pleased to order otherwise, at least for a season.

Illness of Mr. Bishop.-Two days after this, I was taken ill of a fever, which continued ten days, when I became conva lescent. But when I had nearly recovered, I was, in consequence of over exertion, seized with a relapse, which continued longer than my former sickness, and brought me to the lowest extremity. But the Lord heard my petition, and raised me from my low condition, to preach once more the tidings of salvation. Yesterday, for the first time, I ascended the pulpit, and spoke from these words of the Psalmist; "I love the Lord because he hath heard the voice of my supplications." I am now restored to nearly my former health, and am enabled to sing of his mercies, and of his chastisements. My beloved companion has been afflicted for the last four months, with a severe bowel complaint, which has entirely prostrated her strength. I trust that she is now somewhat better. During my late illness, she was mostly confined to her room, and wholly unable to render me that assistance, which my case demanded. I was not left, however, without a helpMr. and Mrs. Thurston laid aside all other avocations to attend upon us, and proved themselves truly worthy the appellation of brother and sister. Night and day Mr. Thurston watched by my couch, both as nurse and physician, till he was exhausted, and Mr. Ely came to his relief.

er.

I remain, Dear Sir, yours in the Gospel. A. BISHOP. Missionary Herald.]

Contrast of the Present with the Past: EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM MR. ELY.

Dear Sir,-When we first landed here; the people as a body were unbelievers, determined to remain in ignorance, rejected the proposals made for their instruction, and despised the word of life. They were profligate in their lives, and bent on every evil work. We have seen the mother beat her son-in-law for his efforts to screen her daughter, the wife of his bosom, from being corrupted by a

foreigner. We have witnessed the whole village, with few exceptions, intoxicated from day to day-heard their horrid yells; and, in the domestic circle, seen the effects of their rage. I have heard the daughter of eight years, pleading for the life of her mother at the hand of her intoxicated father, and anon wailing over her father, who had fallen by a stone wielded by the wife of his bosom.

But now they are changed; externally they are universally changed. They have abandoned their evil practices. No female is known to visit a ship, for the infamous practice of prostitution. No one is intoxicated. There are no family broils. All may be said to be believers in Christianity, so far as the question of its divine origin is concerned. Family worship is generally prevalent, and kind attentions every where prevail.

The natives are engaged in learning to read, and calls for books are much too numerous for our means of supply. Often we are solicited to hasten the translation of the Scriptures, that they may have them to read in their own language: and the principal topic of conversation among the natives, concerns the word of God. The inhabitants of neighbouring villages flock by hundreds to our church, at our seasons of worship.

Three females, a few weeks since, came from a distant village to inquire into the new way. They said they had heard, and that they were convinced, that this word was from the Lord; and they begged, with tears, that some one might go over and teach them the way of life, that they, too, might be saved. Nor is this a solitary instance. Such calls have become very frequent.

When the inhabitants of Kaavaroa visit distant villages, where the news of this great salvation is noised abroad, the natives lead them to their houses, and inquire eagerly of them concerning it. And in my excursions, they voluntarily collect in large companies to receive the word at my mouth.

Specific Cases of Serious Inquiry.—Kapookulou, who lives here, was formerly the high priest of Tamehameha. A son of his died a short time since, a hopeful convert. His daughter, about 18 years of age, a very intelligent girl, is also, we hope, a true penitent. When her brother died, she expostulated with her parents, and earnestly entreated them to prepare for death. "Can you remain in hell?" she said, "My brother is dead. He we hope, has gone to heaven: you are in the broad road. We have lived together in this world. Shall I go and meet my brother in heaven, and leave you to go to hell? Shall we be separated in the fu

ture world?" With such words she exhorted them. They are now very interesting inquirers.

Last Sabbath I propounded Kapiolani for admission to the church. Kamakau, and his wife, and Alahai, a young chief who lives with Naihe, are expecting to unite in the course of three or four months. A number more give pleasing evidence of piety, though we think it not best to hasten their baptism. And a still greater number are silently inquiring the way of life.

Native Missionary Society.-A few days since, a number of the natives formed themselves into a society, to aid by contributions in the support of their missionary. They have already contributed to the amount of 50 dollars, in articles of clothing and provisions. This, considering their poverty, we think liberal. They say they love God, and they wish to aid their missionary, whom God has sent to them to preach the Gospel of Christ.

It should be far from us to boast of any thing that we have done, or to speak of the work as affected by our agency. We would give glory to God as the only efficient Agent in the conversion of sinners. Little did I expect, when I first removed here, that my eyes would in so short a time, be permitted to see so much that is favourable for Zion. Indeed, I had calculated to witness a long dreary night of toil, and care, and discouragement. But God has been better to us than our fears; and in his name we have abundant cause to rejoice. And could our Christian friends in America witness what we have witnessed, they, no doubt, would rejoice with us, and be encouraged to do more for the enlightening of the gentiles.

Requesting an interest in your prayers, and in the prayers of our patrons and friends, that we may be sustained to perform faithfully the work assigned us as missionaries, and that, by a Divine blessing, we may be instrumental in gathering the gentiles into the church of Christ, I subscribe myself yours in the Gospel.

Missionary Herald.]

CEYLON.

JAMES ELY.

Stated Weekly Exercises. Immediately after morning prayers, on the Sabbath, the members of the church, belonging to the school, and such others as are inclined to attend, hold a religious meeting, conducted by themselves. At half past nine o'clock, the members of the school attend publick worship. In the afternoon, eight or ten students, who are

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considered best qualified for the service, are employed, either in teaching Sabbath schools in the adjoining villages, or in distributing tracts and conversing with the people. We think it important, that all who cordially receive the Gospel, be made distinctly to understand, and cheerfully to obey, the injunction of our Lord, Freely ye have received, freely give." The other members of the school attend a meeting at three o'clock in the afternoon, and repeat, in answer to questions proposed, the substance of the sermon delivered in the morning. This exercise may, with propriety, be considered the "improvement" of the sermon. The subject is made more personal, and a deeper impression is often made on the occasion, than at the public preaching of the word. --In the evening, all assemble to recite a biblical lesson, prepared by them in the course of the day.

On Monday morning, as there are no recitations, the time is spent in settling the monitors' bills, and in attending to other things relating to the discipline and government of the school.

On Tuesday evening is held a religious meeting, attended by the two missionaries at the station, the students, and a few others, for the purpose of expounding Scripture. The portion selected for this purpose, for several months past, has been the Acts of the Apostles.

On Wednesday morning there are no recitations. About one half the members of the school, being associated for the purpose, hold, at that time, a meeting prayer and conversation on religious subjects.

for

On Friday, at noon, it being a weekly season for fasting and prayer, a religious meeting is held, from half past 12 to 2 o'clock. The object of setting apart this season for fasting and prayer is, to supplicate the special blessing of the Spirit of God upon the school-to enable all the members of it to become contributors to the Bible Associations established in this place and to communicate information relative to the progress of the Christian

cause.

On Saturday evening, a meeting is held with the members of the church at the station, and with the candidates for admission.

At the quarterly public meeting of the Bible Society, six or eight students in turn, prepare translations from English into Tamul, or write themselves addresses in Tamul, for the occasion.

These meetings have generally been interesting seasons.

General Remarks.

From the statement here given, it will be seen, that most of the students are

pursuing two courses of study;-the one in Tamul, and the other in English, which have but little connexion with each other, and that the occasional exercises of the school are numerous. Consequently their progress in any particular branch, will be proportionably slow, and their studies must be contiuued during a long period, . if they would complete that course of education, which we now contemplate, and deem highly important.

When it is remembered, that several youths of the best promise now in school, were raised from a state of indigence, and commenced not only the English, but even the Tamul alphabet in our Charity Boarding Schools, their present attainments must be considered highly creditable to themselves, and encouraging to all immediately concerned in their edu cation.

Moral and Religious State of the School,

On a review of God's dealings towards the school the past year, we perceive nu. merous reasons for special thanksgiving and praise. In addition to a constant succession of common mercies, we have repeatedly been favoured with special blessings of the highest order. By the effusion of the Holy Spirit at two different periods, in the course of the year, almost every individual has been roused to a solemn consideration of those subjects, which relate to his present state, and fu ture destinies. Many, as we are taught from the word of God to expect, though much alarmed on the first discovery of their being in an impenitent state, straightway forgat what manner of persons they

were.

Others, though for a time in earnest to secure their salvation, have rendered it evident, that their impressions were superficial. How many of those, who appear to be thriving plants, will wither and die, or be choked by the thorns and briers that surround them, it is impossible now to say. Judging, however, from present appearances, we may and do rejoice in the belief, that some of them are like seed sown on good ground, that will bring forth fruit, some an hundred fold, some sixty, and some thirty fold.

Even those, who are now the most thoughtless, received a degree of light and knowledge, during the season of general excitement; which now renders

them much more susceptible of good impressions, when the truths of the Gospel are brought before them, than formerly, As the fallow ground has been broken up, it is comparatively easy to cast in the good seed.

Whether, therefore, we contemplate the condition of those, who, we hope, have been recently converted, or of those

who have but begun to seek the blessings of the Gospel, or of those who are at present the most inattentive to their spiritual concerns, it is impossible duly to estimate the magnitude of the blessing bestowed upon the school, by those special visitations of Divine grace, with which we have been favoured. The school assumes a new aspect. A powerful impulse has been given, highly conducive both to the literary and religious improvement of all its members.

Those who were formerly members of the church, have been greatly strengthened and encouraged by new accessions to their numbers. Those who have recently made a profession of their faith in Christ, are now watching for the souls of their school fellows, labouring by prayers and exhortation to bring all within their reach to the knowledge of the truth.

Those who are almost persuaded to be Christians, but dread the consequences of openly avowing their convictions of truth and duty, are constantly exhorted, both by the precept and example of those whom they love and respect, to make an unreserved surrender of themselves to the Lord.

And those who are apparently farthest from the kingdom of grace, are constantly, and in various ways, reminded, that now is the accepted time, and the day of salvation. We have often prayed, and invited our friends and patrons to unite with us in praying, that God would bless this infant seminary, that it may be made a blessing. We have laboured for the conversion of those instructed in it, that they may become instrumental in converting others. Our hearts are affected by the evidence before us, that the Lord has listened to the voice of our united supplications, and crowned our feeble efforts with a larger measure of success, than we had dared confidently to expect. By these precious tokens of Divine favour, we have already received a hundred fold reward, and are greatly encouraged to persevere in our labours.

The members of the Central School, in September of the last year, were 34 in all. Beside these, there were ten others, who had not English names.-At page 303 of the Missionary Herald for last month, it was mentioned, that 18 were received into the school early in the present year, making the number in the school at that time 53; of whom twenty-two were members of the church. It would seem, that there had, meanwhile, been some dismissions, of which no notice has been received. The institution was never more flourishing, than at the latest dates. It was be ginning to attract the attention of learned natives, and was growing in popularity. VOL. IV. Ch. Adv.

The school at Tillipally has been made, as has already been stated in this work, a preparatory school, in which the incipient stages of education have a special regard to the course of study pursued in the Central School at Batticotta.

CHILDREN IN THE CHARITY BOARDING

SCHOOLS.

A late letter from Mr. Winslow to the Treasurer of the Board, contains remarks on the subject of giving names to children in Ceylon, to which those who are or design to be, benefactors of such children, are invited to direct their attention.

Your letter, containing a list of children to be supported, has, I am informed, reached Jaffna. The directions concern. ing the naming of children, and of schools, will be attended to. It is our custom to keep lists of the children to be supported, taking the names from your communications, and from the Herald. This list we correct, and add to, from time to time, as we find that payments are discontinued, or new ones made.

In naming the children, our general practice has been, to take the names in order, giving preference to such as have been longest supported. We have not been able, consistently with other duties, and with what we conceived to be the best interests of the mission, to take, at one time, as many children, as there are names on the list to be appropriated; but we design to give every benefactor his turn, and are now enlarging the number of children, so as more than to make up for what fell off, or were dismissed, when we formed the preparatory school at Tillipally.

These schools are now coming under such regulations, as will enable us to receive as many boys, as the prospect of continued support and future usefulness will probably make it expedient to take. We have not heretofore pushed the system so fast, perhaps, as our friends have wished, or have thought expedient; because we have seen and felt difficulties, which they could not; and have been constrained to go more slowly on this untried ground, than we had ourselves even anticipated.

The benefactors of these children will, it is hoped, have long patience, and continue their support; in which case there is no doubt a fair trial of the effects of their charity will be made.

As to disappointments arising to the benefactors, from their beneficiaries not turning out well, they may comfort them. selves in the thought, that the money given by them to the object, though it does not produce all the immediate fruit which they hoped, has assisted in keep. 4 C

ing the plan in operation, which has already brought forward many interesting and promising youth. Their agency has been equally important, in producing the beneficial results, with that of those, whose beneficiaries bid fair to the greatest degree of good. A large number of children must be taken and partially educated, to obtain a few deserving of long continued, patronage; and if among a handful of pebbles, one diamond be found, that will abundantly repay much labour and expense in the research. If any are remarkably anxious that those whom they support should prove to be the diamonds, I know of no better method than for them to make it a subject of unceasing fervent prayer. There is reason for thankfulness, that so many are likely to answer, in a good degree, the expectations of their benefactors. [Missionary Her.

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Bourne's journal of his voyage, containing very gratifying statements relative to the progress of the gospel, amongst the natives of the islands visited.

HARVEY ISLANDS.*
Island of Manaia (or Mangeea).
It will be recollected that Davida and

Tiere, (or Tepaira) were left at Manaia by the Deputation, on their way to New South Wales, in June, 1824. Tiere died about three weeks before my arrival. During the first two months of their residence on the island, a few embraced the Gospel, and that number has since increased to one hundred and twenty. These were easily distinguishable among the crowd that collected on our going on shore, by the neatness of their dress and their orderly behaviour. We proceeded to the teacher's house, which we found equal to any, and superior to most of the

From the Missionary Chronicle of the houses of the natives at the Society

Evangelical Magazine.

PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL AMONG THE NATIVES OF THE HARVEY

ISLANDS, &c.

Among the important objects which engaged the attention of Messrs. Tyerman and Bennet, the Society's Deputa tion to the South Seas, &c, prior to their leaving the islands and proceeding to the Colony of New South Wales, was the adoption of some plan for keeping up a regular intercourse between the Missionaries and the Tahitian teachers, who had been stationed in the surrounding islands. The plan, which appeared to themselves and the Missionaries to be most eligible, was, that a vessel should be every year engaged for this specific purpose. On the proposal being submitted to the Directors, they agreed to allow, on behalf of the Society, an annual sum for the object, on condition that one or more of the Missionaries should always proceed on this service. In pursuance of this arrangement, the brig Haweis was, in the autumn of last year, engaged by the Missionaries for a voyage to the islands in question. Messrs. Bourne and Williams having visited Harvey Islands in 1823, it was considered proper by their fellowmissionaries that one of them should take

the lead in the present undertaking.

The lot fell on Mr. Bourne, who accordingly embarked, on the 30th of September, on board the Haweis, accompanied by a deacon from each of the two churches of Raiatea and Taha, and proceeded to the Harvey Islands, and from thence to the islands of Raivavai, whence he returned to Raiatea. It is with great pleasure that we communicate to our readers the following extracts from Mr.

Islands. Not far from the teacher's house is the chapel, around which the dwellings of the Christian converts are scattered.

After the curiosity of the crowd had been a little satisfied, I requested them to adjourn to the house of worship, which was soon filled. Great numbers, who could not get inside, surrounded every part of the house, and listened with attention. Davida began with prayer; after which I addressed them on the love of God, in sending his Son to die for them. I then exhorted those who had embraced Christianity to remain steadfast, and those who still adhered to idolatry, to forsake it, and receive the light sent down from heaven. I returned with Davida and his little flock to his house, where we spent some time in conversation, and again ex-horted them to constancy. I addressed a word of affectionate advice to Davida, in reference to the work in which he was engaged, and promised that another labourer should be sent to him the first opportunity. After supplying him with elementary books, &c., and what few articles we could spare, for his own use, and for barter, I commended him to God, and bade him farewell. We then returned on board, and bore away for Rarotonga.

The number of inhabitants in Manaia,

is from one thousand to one thousand five hundred. The people who have embraced Christianity, are diligent in their learning. Some can read the Spelling-book, and a few are beginning to read the Scriptures. Family and private

Situated between 19° and 22° S. Lat. and 160° W. Long., and between 500 and 600 miles S. W. by W., of Tahiti.

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