gave the introductory discourse, and asked the usual questions; Mr. Redford, of Windsor, offered the ordination-prayer; Dr. Harris, of Hoxton College, gave the charge; Mr. Cook, of Maidenhead, addressed the people; and Mr. Torlin, of Harlington, concluded. May 29. The new Independent Chapel at Chesterfield was opened. In the forenoon, Mr. Boden, of Sheffield, prayed; Mr. Bennett, of Rotherham, preached from Exod. xxxiii. 14, 15; and Mr. David Jones, Baptist minister of Chesterfield, concluded. In the evening, Mr. T. Gawthorne prayed; Mr. Bradley, of Manchester, preached from Eph. iii. 10; and Mr. Clarke, of Dronfield, concluded. £48 were collected on the occasion. June 3. The Rev. H. Bottle, from Bradford Academy, was ordained pastor of the Baptist church, Keysoe, Beds.; Mr. Middleditch, of Biggleswade, delivered an introductory discourse, &c.; Dr. Steadman, of Bradford, gave the charge from Phil. ii. 20; Mr. Manning, of Spaldwick, addressed the church from 1 Cor: xvi, 10. The devotional services were conducted by Messrs. Hogg, of Kimbolton; West, of Harrold; Simpson, of Bythorne; and Hinde, of Sharnbrook. June 10. The Rev. Samuel Weston, from the late Rev. Dr. Lewis's Academy, was ordained to the pastoral office at White's-hill, near Bristol. The morning service was introduced by Mr. Thomas Spilsbury; Mr. William Guy presented the intercessory prayer; Mr. Jenkin Lewis delivered the introductory discourse, asked the questions, and received the confession of faith. The ordination-prayer was offered by the Rev. E. Jones; the charge was given by Mr. Lowell, of Bristol; and Mr. D. Thomas concluded by prayer. In the evening, Mr. Aitchinson commenced by reading the Scriptures and prayer; Mr. Thorp preached to the people; and the whole was concluded by Mr. R. Clapson. June 17. The Rev. C. T. Sevier, late of Ridgewell, was publicly recognised as pastor of the Independent church worshipping in Salem Chapel, Wellingborough. The services were commenced by Mr. Jacomb, who read and prayed. Mr. Scott delivered the introductory discourse, and received an account of the proceedings of the church. Mr. S. Hillyard prayed for a blessing on the Union. Mr. T. P. Bull delivered an appropriate discourse to minister and people, from 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2; and Mr. J. Renals concluded. Mr. Hillyard preached in the evening from Num. x. 23; and Mr. Chater on the preceding evening. On Wednesday, the 11th June last, a new Chapel was opened at Seaford, in the county of Sussex. Mr. Evans, of Mile-End, and Mr. Jones, of Islington, preached on this interesting occasion. The other part of the services were conducted by Mr. Kerby, of Lewes ; Stew-: art, of Wolverhampton; Betts, of Alfriston; J. Drury, of Shoreham; and M. Drury, of Newhaven, a Home Missionary. A great concourse of people attended, and many found it a delightful and refreshing season. Seaford being a watering-place, and having now neat chapel, it is hoped that some of our Christian friends will be induced to pay it a visit, and thus give encourage-: ment to the cause of the Redeemer. The salubrity of the air, and the picturesque scenery on the Southdown hills inits vicinity, cannot fail to make it a desirable retreat for those whose health is impaired, or who wish to enjoy the country a June 17, was held the first Anniversary of the opening of Forest Green Chapel, near Nailsworth. The Rev. Rowland Hill preached in the morning from 1 Pet. i. 8; Mr. Smith, of Trinity Chapel, Leather-lane, London, in the afternoon, from Esther viii. 6; and Mr. Davies, of Portland Chapel, Bath, in the evening, from John xxi. 16. The above chapel was built in 1821, within a few yards of the spot where the old Forest Green chapel had stood for upwards of two centuries; and three generations engaged in digging the foundations of the new edifice, the dimensions of which are 40 by 34 feet. The whole amount of the debt incurred in the building was 8007.; about half of which has already been subscribed and col-¡ lected in the neighbourhood; but the remainder, Mr. D. Thomas, formerly at Carmarthen College, who appears to be labouring with great success, will be under the necessity of seeking aid from the benevolent. Trelech, May 11, 1823. "In the beginning of the last year, I endeavoured to impress the minds of our members with the necessity of praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: the importance of doing so was felt, and in the course of a few months this feeling became general; several prayer meetings were formed, and several members of some years standing in the church were much affected in such meetings, and evidently began to pray with greater energy and fervour, whilst others soon became equally affected. The dwelling-houses in which these meetings were established, soon became too small to contain the numbers that assembled on such occasions. Barns during the summer months were converted into houses of prayer; and, when convenient, in the evening we assembled at the chapel, which was crowded. Many of the young people who had attended our Sabbath-schools, began to manifest a strong desire to make a full profession of attachment to the Lord Jesus Christ. In the praying societies, at times, thirteen or fourteen would succeed each other in addressing the Throne of Grace with truly Christian simplicity. You might hear some pleading for the exhibition of divine mercy to their parents, to their brothers and sisters, to the members of those families at whose houses such meetings were held, &c. There are hitherto no extravagancies, no jumping, not SO much singing as we have witnessed in former revivals; but more praying, and some possessing uncommon gifts. Scarcely an evening passes without a meeting for prayer in some place or another. We have admitted into communion since last August, 230; besides several now before our societies, under examination; and the work seems to proceed in a still greater degree in the branches of our church. We are not the only people so favoured; there has been a great revival at Neuaddlwyd, under the Rev. T. Phillips; there is also at Glynarthen (a branch of the Church under the pastoral care of the_Rev. T. Griffiths) such a revival, that I am informed there were sixty candidates for church fellowship at one time; and at Henllan 27. May our Jesus ride triumphantly in the Gospel chariot! With Christian love, I remain yours most cordially, - July 7. The Annual Meeting of the Associated Congregational Ministers of Essex was held in the Rev. J. Hunt's Burls, of Maldon, delivered an appromeeting-house, Chelmsford; when Mr. and Bass conducted the devotional serpriate discourse, and Messrs. Frost vices. The Associated Ministers re-appointed a Committee to inquire into the propriety of all applications made in this county for assistance in the erection, repairing, or enlarging places of worship.. The Ministers signified their determination to recommend no case which has not received the sanction of the Committee. Applications to be made to the Committee through the Chelmsford. medium of its Secretary, Rev. J. Grey, July 8. The Annual Meeting of the Essex Auxiliary Missionary Society was held at Chelmsford. In the morning of that day a sermon was preached in the Rev. J. Hunt's chapel by the Rev. J. Fletcher, of Stepney. The collection at the doors amounted to 45%. On the close of the devotional services the meeting adjourned to the Shire Hall, the use of which had been liberally allowed to the Society by the magisof the Parent Institution, took the trates. W. A. Hankey, Esq. Treasurer Chair, and the various resolutions were proposed and supported in the most able and animating manner by the Rev. Puttison, and J. Vaizey, Esqs.; the Rev. G. Burder, the Rev. W. Hull, W. H. J. Fletcher, the Rev. W. Chaplin, the Rev. J. Julian, rector of Trimley, the Rev. J. Blackburn, the Rev. Mr. Freeman of the Wesleyan Society, and the Rev. J. Hunt. An additional collection of 167. was made at the doors of the -Hall. On the whole this was a most delightful season; and contributed to warm many hearts in the glorious cause of missions, NOTICES. ON Thursday, Aug. 7, we understand, Three Sermons will be preached at Mark's Gate Chapel, between Ilford and Romford, by Mr. East, of Birmingham; Mr. Fletcher, of Albion Chapel; and Mr. Davis, of Walworth; being the Anniversary of opening the above Chapel. See Advertisement on our Cover, p. 11. Union Street Meeting. Union Street Meeting, which is now shut up for repairs, is intended to be opened on Sabbath, 24th inst. when three sermons will be preached; that in the morning by the Rev. J. Arundel, minister of the place; that in the afternoon by the Rev. G. Burder; and that in the evening by the Rev. G. Collison, Hackney. FOREIGN. Human Depravity. IN the spring of 1822, at Canton, in China, two cases occurred of children murdering their parents. When seized by Government, both the unhappy criminals refused all sustenance, with the design of starving themselves to death. Being distant from the residence of the Governor, (where by law they should have been bound to a cross and cut to pieces, so suffering death in a slow and ignominious manner,) they would have died of inanition before they could have reached the place; in consequence of which the local magistrates bastinadoed them till they died. Recent accounts from Peking mention the case of a young woman who murdered her husband's father. But this father lived in an incestuous adultery with his son's wife; and to facilitate this illicit commerce he had murdered his son. The incestuous widow, to revenge her husband's death, killed her own paramour, her husband's father and murderer! A Tartar nobleman, who was born a Christian and had suffered persecution and exile a few years, has abjured his faith, and trampled a cross under his feet, to prove the sincerity of his recan tation. make no doubt of being able to draw for the remainder on equally advantageous terms. Your hearts will bleed on learning the disastrous effects of the ophthalmia, during the month following the 13th of August. That extremely painful and dangerous disease was so prevalent throughout the district to which the earthquake extended, that I can venture to affirm not more than three persons in ten escaped the infection! Of nine persons who composed my family, five were sufferers from that cruel disorder. Of the survivors of the Jews at Aleppo (not more than 2,400) 74 lost their sight! And although the number of Turks and Christians here who became blind im mediately after their providential escape from the earthquake cannot be exactly ascertained, I can safely state it to be more than 1500! The names of the most destitute of these will appear in my increase the number of the partakers of future statements, and will very much the charity. The people of Antiocha, and the neighbouring villages, were also afflicted with ophthalmia as well as those of Aleppo, but I did not hear of any person having lost his sight in consequence of it. I am happy to say that six weeks have now elapsed without an earthquake strong enough to be generally felt." R, M, During the short space of a few Receipts of Religious Charities for 1822, months, it came to the Emperor of China's own knowledge, that local magistrates, either to extort evidence for or against the truth, had tortured to death no less than seven witnesses, and some of these were women! R.M. Extract of a Letter from John Barker, Esq. British Consul; dated Aleppo, May 9. "I HAVE informed your Worships of my preliminary steps towards the execution of your commands respecting the distribution of the charity to my fellowsufferers by the Earthquake. Our difficulties increase at every step: but ably seconded as I am by my worthy colleagues, the French and Dutch Consuls, I hope to surmount all obstacles, and in due time to give your Worships and the public a satisfactory statement of all our proceedings. Meantime, I can assure you, the infinite details of this delicate business engross my whole attention. I have already realized 112,000 of the 118000 piastres put at my disposal, with a saving of agio seven per cent ; and I B. & F. Bible Society........ Society for Propagating the Gos-1 Baptist Missionary Society....... Home Missionary Society Knowledge among the Poor Society for Relief of Poor Pious s. d. 97,062 11 9 4,343 0 11 1,929 2 9 648 10 2 57,714 19 11 20,000 @ 0 32,265 4 9 31,266 11 11 30,252 6 7 14,400 0 0 2,691 8 8 1,200 0 0 FOR AUGUST 1823. SOUTH SEAS. LETTERS have been lately received from Messrs. Tyerman and Bennet, dated Raiatea, in November 1822. They arrived safe, on their return from the Sandwich Islands, at Huahine, after a voyage of six weeks. Mr. Ellis, who accompanied them, was expected to return with his family to the Sandwich Islands about the beginning of December. Further particulars will be given in our next Chronicle, SANDWICH ISLANDS. Letter of Mr. Ellis, to the Assistant Secretary, dated at Oahu, (or Woahoo), one of the Sandwich Islands, June 12, 1822.* Dear Sir,-My voyage from Huahine to these islands, in company with the Rev. D. Tyerman and G. Bennet, Esq. has been so replete with interest in a missionary point of view, that I feel unwilling any longer to delay giving you some short account of it. The late King of the Sandwich Islands, Temehameha, considering himself under the protection of the King of England, had always been very attentive to English vessels touching at any of his islands for refreshments, which kindness had been reported to our government, which sent him from Port Jackson a very neat schooner, as a present from the Prince Regent. Captain Kent, of His Majesty's colonial cutter, Mermaid, having the schooner under his charge, touched at Huahine for fresh provisions on his way to the Sandwich Islands; ho very kindly offered a passage to any of us who might wish to visit the islands; and, as he intended to touch at the Marquesas, it afforded a very favourable opportunity for introducing the gospel among those islands, which, from their proximity to the Society Islands, had a peculiar claim, on our attention. I was appointed to accompany the deputation, to endeavour to settle some native teachers among them, and to examine the ground with a view to its becoming a missionary station. On the 25th of February we left Huahine, having with us Auna and Matatore, with their wives, who were sent by the Missionary Society in Huahine to the Marquesas, to instruct the people there in the knowledge of the true God, and of Two or three facts noticed in the above letter, having been communicated in our last Number, would not have been here repeated had they not been interwoven with additional particulars deemed too interesting to be omitted. VOL. I. the way of salvation through Jesus Christ; also to teach them to read and write, &c. We had a very pleasant voyage; divine service was performed on board twice every Lord's Day, except on one or two occasions, once in English, and once in Tahitian, as we had nine Tahitians with us. On the 27th of March we came in sight of the north-east coast of Hawaii (Owhyhee.) We sailed along within four or five miles of the shore, almost enchanted with the beautiful appearance of this part of the island: The coast was very bold, generally rising 400 feet almost perpendicularly from the sea; in some places the rocks were bare, or only partially covered with moss, at others they were richly clothed with shrubs and trees. The line of coast was occasionally broken by deep bays or extensive valleys, while, at unequal distances from each other the most beautiful cascades of various forms and dimensions flowed down its steep front, and emptied themselves into the ocean below. We had a brisk gale in` passing the straight between Maui and Hawaii, after which it became calm, and we were obliged to lay to for. the night off Tovaihai. I accompanied our Captain on shore, near to which we were met by Kuakini, the governor of the island. After inquiring the country from whence we came, he expressed a wish to accompany us on board, we therefore returned with him to the vessel; he spoke English tolerably well, informed us that the king of Rihoriho was at Woahoo, that the missionaries from America were also there, that he had only returned from thence the preceding night. He was very inquisitive about the object of our visit, and learning from Auna that we were missionaries, expressed his wish that some of us might remain with them. A very friendly intercourse soon commenced between the natives who came off with him and the Tahitians with us, and the evening passed agreeably away. He joined with us in our family devotions, and afterwards told Auna and his companions, that he 2[ much wished to be instructed in the religion of Jesus Christ, and to be made acquainted with Jehovah the true God, but had nobody to teach him except a Tahitian, who had told him much about these things. Next morning at day-break, the coast along Tovaihai bay presented to our view vast streams of lava, which about 18 years ago poured down the sides of the mountain from craters still visible; and the lofty Mouna Kea and Monna Huararai (two of the highest mountains in the island) burst upon our view with their snow-clad tops glittering with the beams of the rising sun. The impression it made upon our Tahitian friends was striking. We had often endeavoured to give them some idea of snow and ice, but could never succeed, as they could not think how it was possible that water could ever become hard; they were peculiarly gratified with the sight, and immediately proposed a visit to the summit of the nearest mountain, to procure some of the hard water to take to Huahine. The coast did not appear so thickly inhabited as that which we passed along yesterday, probably on account of the surface of the ground being nearly covered with lava. On the following day Kuakini, the governor, left us, and went on shore in his canoe, accompanied by Auna, to whom he appeared particularly attached. We passed slowly along the coast, and in the afternoon went on shore at a small village called Kauhou, near the spot where the late battle between the forces of Rihoriho, who had abandoned the gods, and his brother Keakuaokarani, (i. e. to the God of heaven) who wished to support them, was fought. On landing we were kindly invited to the house of the chief of the place, who entered very familiarly into conversation with us on the nature of our visit, probable length of our stay, &c. We afterwards walked out on the beach, procured several specimens of plants not found among the Society Islands; we were followed by about 100 fine looking children and many adults; we talked a little with them about Jesus Christ; but evening advancing, we were obliged to bid them farewell, and return to our vessel. The next day, which was the Sabbath, we came to an anchor in Karakakua bay, and endeavoured to improve the season as well as circumstances would admit. Early on the following morning we went on shore, and proceeded to the spot where our unfortunate countryman Captain Cook met his lamenta ble end. An aged chief undertook to be our guide, and conducted us to the spot where the celebrated navigator fell, which we contemplated with melancholy interest. We afterwards wandered through the villages, conversing with the people, whom we found every where willing to listen to us, and generally expressing a desire to learn to read and write, to be made acquainted with the true God, and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, generally lamenting also that they had no one to instruct them, and soliciting us to remain with them. I talked in Tahitian to them, employing also the few phrases of their language I had been able to pick up, assured them we sincerely compassionated them in their present ignorant state, and most ardently wished they might soon enjoy those blessings now so richly enjoyed by their brethren in the Georgian and Society Islands. During our stay we made several excursions into the interior of the island, and found the people kind and hospitable, considering their present wretched state, as a long drought had nearly cut off all their crops of potatoes, and reduced them almost to a state of famine. Whenever we conversed with them about Christianity, we always found them attentive, and apparently interested in what was said to them. Hawaii is a fine island, of very considerable magnitude, estimated by Vancouver at 4,000 square miles. The population is perhaps 100,000, and not a missionary among them to tell them of the love of God to lost sinners, as the American missionaries at Oahu have not been able to form a permanent station on this island, for the King appears unwilling that any of them should remove from the vicinity of his place of residence. I had several opportunities of conversing with the governor while we remained at Hawaii. He was remarkably pleased with our first visit, and kept us till a very late hour conversing on different subjects, being very minute and particular in his inquiries about the Society Islands. After Mr. Tyerman and myself had lain down to sleep on our mat, he came in and sat down by the side of us with his slate in his hand, to receive a copy, with which I readily furnished him. He afterwards continued his inquiries until I believe two o'clock in the morning, when he left us and retired to rest, frequently repeating, "He makemake au e uo," "Nui ke makemake a'u." (I desire to learn; great is my desire.) |