which probably have reached you,* and have embraced the Gospel. Soon, a Canoe came off from the shore to invite us to land; this was very difficult, and attended with no small danger. A heavy surf was breaking upon a reef, which extends across that part of the bay where the landing-place is. Through this reef is a narrow, crooked opening, scarcely wide enough to allow a boat to pass; but directed by a kind Providence, we reached the shore in safety, and landed upon an artificial stone quay, which the people have lately built, and carried forwards into the sea. The king, a pleasant youth, the two native missionaries, and all the people, were waiting to welcome our arrival upon their island, and expressed their joy by frequent volleys of musquetry, if this expression may be applied to the discharge of two or three guns, which are all they have. We were kindly invited to the houses of the missionaries, (Native) where we received every possible attention both from them and from the natives, who soon supplied us with baked pigs, fowls, and yams, in profusion. Besides the two comfortable bouses of the missionaries, we were surprised to find a large place of worship, (80 feet by 36), wattled, plastered, well floored, and seated; built within a twelvemonth at the expense of great labour by these industrious people, under the direction of the two native missionaries, who performed a great part of the work with their own hands. We remained here nearly two days, during which time, Mr. Ellis preached several times to the people, when nearly every individual on the island attended, and such an attendance on divine worship is usual every Lord's Day, and at the weekly services. We were astonished to see the decent appearance which the people made. Many of the chiefs were dressed in European clothing, and all were attired in the most decent and becoming manner. In the house of God, no congregation could have behaved with more propriety; all was solemnity. We had one meeting with them as the Representatives of the Missionary Society, and in your names gave them the right-hand of fellowship, which afforded them great pleasure. All the people, men, women, and children, attend school, and are in a train of instruction, *The idols alluded to by the Deputation have been received, and will be placed in the Society's Museum. and treat their two teachers with great respect and kindness. Not a vestige of idolatry was to be seen; not a god was to be found in the island. So great a change, effected in so short a time, is almost beyond credibility, but we witnessed it with our own eyes. What hath God wrought! Oh, what a miracle of mercy! We have reason to hope that our visit to this island, and Mr. Ellis's preaching and advice, were the means of much good; and we are truly thankful for those adverse winds which would not allow us to reach Huahine till we had seen this island, which we shall never forget. Within a few miles of Rurutu is another small island called Rimatura, to which the missionaries of the Leeward Islands have lately paid a visit in the Tuscan, Captain Štavers; and where they also left two natives from Borabora, to instruct the people, who received them with joy. This island, also, has embraced the Gospel. Indeed, it appears that such is the state of all the islands in this quarter of the Southern Ocean, that it is only necessary to send the Gospel to the people, to insure the downfal of idolatry, and their conversion to Christianity. These fields are all white to the harvest, and God is raising up many native labourers to go and put in the sickle of the word, and reap them. Arrival of the Deputation at Huahine, and discovery of the imminent danger to which they had been exposed during the Voyage. Towards the evening of the second day, we took an affectionate leave of the pleasant inhabitants of this delightful island, regretting that we shall probably see their faces no more. The wind was now favourable; we passed close to the island of Tapuamanu, but did not land; and next day reached the island of Huahine, to the no small joy of our friends there, who had entertained many painful apprehensions for our safety. We all landed in health and safety, sensible, we hope, in some degree, of our obligations to that all-gracious God, under whose care we had been so mercifully carried out and returned. The vessel, in which we had performed this voyage of between 6 and 7,000 miles, was only 84 tons burden, and by no means in the best condition. The kind attentions of Captain Kent during the voyage we shall ever remember with gratitude. He spared no * Sir Charles Saunders's Island. pains to compensate for the inconvéniences of so small a vessel by his own assiduous and polite attentions. But it was not till two or three days after we landed, that we were made fully acquainted with our obligations to a kind and superintending Providence over us during the voyage. We then found that the rudder of our little bark had broken two of the pintels on which it turned. Had the third also broken, we must have been in the most distressing condition imaginable. How long we had been in this perilous state we know not. Had we known it, our distress would have been great indeed, without the power at sea of remedying the evil; but God mercifully kept us ignorant of our situation, till we had passed the danger and reached the desired haven. Consultation of the Deputation and the Mis sionaries on various important Subjects. We left Huahine and reached Raiatea on the 20th of last month. We had made previous arrangements for obtaining a General Meeting of the Brethren of the Leeward Islands when we arrived here; and had the pleasure to spend several days in consultation with Messrs. Threlkeld and Williams of this station, Barff and Ellis of Huahine, Orsmond of Borabora, and Bourne of Taha. The first thing which occupied our attention was the removal of Mr. Ellis and his family from Huahine to the Sandwich Islands. We stated to the brethren the whole of the circumstances of the case, and after the most deliberate view that we all were enabled to take of them, there was but one opinion, that it is Mr. Ellis's duty to attend to the call, which appears to be singularly of Providence, and to go thither. We next considered the question, Whether he should go alone, or whether some one of the brethren should accompany him?-and we as unanimously concurred in the opinion, that no one should go with him. We then deliberated on the propriety of attempting immediately a Mission to the Marquesas. This interesting subject engaged much of our attention. We were all anxious to commence a Mission there immediately, if possible; but as it is desirable that when an attempt is made there, two brethren should go together, and as two could not be spared at present from the stations, it was resolved on to send four pious natives, one from each of the Leeward Churches (on the return of Mr. Ellis to the Sandwich Islands) to commence the work, and to send two brethren,* so soon as they can be obtained. We next took the opinion of the brethren on the propriety and necessity of establishing a School for the education of the children of the missionaries. We perceive that great difficulties lie in the way of accomplishing this object; but its importance to the Mission, as well as to the missionaries themselves, appears to us so great, that we are resolved, if possible, to carry it into effect; and we are not without hopes of success, though we also have our fears. A Seminary for the education of young natives for the work of the ministry was now considered. We perceive many obstacles lie in the way of this most important object also, and whether we shall be able to effect it, ever, our consultation on the subject appears to us very problematical; howwill be of service; and each of the brethren engaged to look round his congregation, and should he find any young men of promising piety and talents, to take them under his immediate tuition, with a view to their going ultimately to such an Institution as we contemplate. Our view in consulting the brethren of the Leeward Islands upon these questions now, was, that we might ascertain their opinions, and be better prepared to converse thereon with those of the Windward Islands, whom we hope to see again in three or four months, when some of these points will, perhaps, be finally decided. [The Deputation then proceed to state the want of more missionaries to fill up the places of Messrs. Ellis and Williams; (should the latter, whose health is in a very precarious state, be finally obliged to remove from the islands,) to assist in the establishment of a Mission in the Marquesas: and, perhaps, also of another in the Friendly Islands, to which latter, three Native Teachers have already been sent out by Mr. Orsmond.] Translation of the Scriptures, &c. &c. We are happy (observe the Deputa tion) to be able to inform the Directors, that a considerable proportion of both the Old and New Testaments is in an advanced state of translation by the different missionaries, but the difficulties of completing them are so great, that we fear it will yet be a long time before they will be all in the hands of the * Missionaries from Europe. people. The Acts of the Apostles is however in the press at Tahiti. Be assured we shall continue to use our utmost influence to facilitate this most important object. Ample materials are in the hands of the missionaries for publishing a Dictionary of the Lanuage, but there are great difficulties in this work also. The language is far more copious than has been supposed. From 14 to 16,000 words have been already collected, and the missionaries are almost daily meeting with new ones. Several attempts have been made at compiling a Grammar, but no one has, as yet, been able to satisfy himself in this difficult task. Proposed Visits of the Deputation to the other Islands, &c. Having been detained so much longer by our voyage to the Sandwich Islands than we expected, our stay here must be protracted somewhat beyond the period originally proposed. It is probable that we shall not be able to leave these Islands finally till towards the Autumn of 1823. After spending four or five weeks in this station, (i. e. Raiatea), we propose visiting Borabora, and then Taha. Afterwards, we intend returning to Tahiti and Eimeo, and shall spend about the time before mentioned at each of those stations. With the state of things at Huahine, we have been most highly gratified. We are much pleased with what we have seen at Raiatea, and hope to be able to make such a Report of this station also, as will afford the Directors and the religious public a high gratification, and great encouragement to persevere in the work of the Lord. Success of the Gospel in the South Sea Islands. We often wish it were possible that both the friends and the foes of Missionary exertions could but see what we have seen, both in these islands, where the Gospel has had so glorious a triumph, and in those which we have lately visited, and where "Satan's seat" yet is the foes of missions would retire ashamed and confounded at their inhumanity, while the friends of missions would thank God, and take courage," while they gave scope to more abundant liberality, and redoubled their zeal in this most glorious of all benevolent undertakings. How far the Gospel has extended its victories among the islands of these oceans it is impossible to say, but we have reason to believe that it has reached many of the Islands in the Dangerous Archipelago, induced them to abandon their idols, and reconciled those who have been from remote periods, the most cruel and savage of all human beings. Among these Islands we hope to extend our inquiries before we finally leave the South Seas. Providential Mercies acknowledged. We have been in dangers oft, but we prefer recounting our mercies, and speaking of the goodness of that God whom we are anxious to serve, and whose glory we are solicitous to promote. Hitherto we have been singularly preserved amidst vast oceans, and the innumerable and dangerous reefs by which these Islands are every where surrounded. No real evil has befallen us. We are favoured with good health, and meet with the most affectionate treatment wherever we go, both from the missionaries and from the natives, kings, chiefs, and people. All concur in one wish to give us proof of their friendship and esteem. They thus testify their gratitude to God for sending them the Gospel of his Son, and to that Society whom we have the pleasure and honour to represent. In our multiplied mercies, we recognise the answers of your prayers and those of our beloved friends, who have the direction of the affairs of the Society, and those of the religious public in general, who, we doubt not, continue to take a lively interest in the success of our mission, and our personal success. Brethren, pray for us. We wish you to present our united Christian love to Mr. Hankey, with all the Officers and Directors of the Society. Accept the same yourself, and be assured that we remain, With great affection and esteem, DANIEL TYERMAN, INDIA. BANGALORE. Extract of a Letter from Mr. Laidler, dated October 10, 1822. IT pleases the Great Head of the Church to continue blessing our poor endeavours among the heathen. Almost every day some of them attend the bookshop, and read the scriptures and tracts. I have written a number of passages of Scripture, to prove that all men have sinned-to show what is the wages of sin, and what is the only hope of a sinner. Questions and very short observations are interspersed, and written in large characters, with the design of awakening the reader to think seriously. A second tract has been drawn up on the same plan, on the nature and necessity of regeneration; and a third on the great doctrine of a sinner's justification before God. They are neatly written on large sheets of strong paper. Samuel (the converted native) has shown considerable taste in the arrangement. When the first was finished it was pasted on a board, and suspended in the verandah of the book-shop. The first day a great many people read it; on the second day, considerable irritation of feeling was shown by catholics, mussulmans, and heathens; on the morning of the fourth day, a paper was posted up on the opposite side of the Bazar, which contained a great deal of abusive language; the writer called upon the head native man to interfere, for his gods were insulted by the Lutherans; it was added, that if he would only examine the paper, and examine what could be proved against that native preacher (Samuel), he would see it necessary to put an end, by his authority, to such mischievous things. Accordingly two peons, or constables, were sent to apprehend and bring in safety this dangerous paper to the headman's public office, when it underwent a strict examination, but no guilt could be proved. It was sent to prison, however, where about 40 persons had an opportunity of knowing its message. From prison it was again brought into court, before many learned natives, its innocence was proved, it was liberated, and sent back to its public station, where it has remained ever since. Some of the native officers come occasionally to read the scriptures and tracts. One of them read this paper with considerable attention, and compared the quotations given with the Scriptures that are kept in the shop. One has been four times. The last time eleven or twelve sepoys came with him, to them he read and explained the Scriptures, condemned the worship ofimages, and said that no man was able to find fault with the Christian Shasters. Mr. Laidler goes on to relate the serious impressions made on the minds of several persons, and the severe opposition they encountered from their relations, together with the endeavours of the catholics to prejudice the natives against the missionary, &c. under the name of Lutherans. Considerable success, however, has been given to the labours of Mr. Laidler and his native assistant. "There have been baptized (says Mr. L.) since December last, nineteen heathens, twelve catholics, and twelve children. The members in full communion, under the care of Samuel, are eleven in number. The administration of the Lord's Supper to them last month was a most interesting sight"-which he proceeds to describe at large. Mr. Laidler mentions a singular circumstance. "A learned Abbé has arrived from Mysore, to stop, if possible, the progress of. Lutheranism. In the Roman chapel, the other sabbath, he very gravely anathematized Luther, exhorted the people not to attend the ministry, nor even listen to what these Lutherans had to say. 'Now, said he, dubashes (butlers), nate-boys (those who run on errands and wait at table), grass-cutters, and horse-keepers begin to preach. They may talk very sweetly, and say much about the Bible, but they are ignorant and know nothing about it." This I mention only from report. no One who was a catholic, but who is now under the care of Samuel, was ordered to go and speak to the Abbé, but he answered, "I have nothing now to do with him, for I am longer a worshipper of wood." It often happens that when the catholics in this place dispute with the heathen, and charge them with gross idolatry, the latter sharply retort, "Our stone is as strong and as good as your wood." Two young men have been under a course of instruction for some months past. I hope and believe that both of them are pious; another will probably soon join them. Eight boys are entirely under our care, two of whom give pleasing evidence of a change of heart. Our school has a great struggle for life. Evil reports are often circulated, which alarm the parents. Female Education. THE native prejudices against female education are strong. Six girls have been taken away since January last. Nineteen children are now wholly under our care, and two females to wash, prepare their food, &c. Female education must be kept in view. Whatever the trials, disappointments, and sacrifices may be, they must not paralyze our efforts, nor cause a moment's hesitation. The awfully degraded and ignorant state of the female population in India, will, as long as it exists, remain an intolerably oppressive weight on the very springs of moral principles, and will continue to convey a deadly poison through every vein in organized society. The Israel of God have done much in highly-favoured Britain, but a great deal more is necessary, and a great deal more is expected-yes, expected. Prayer, earnest prayer for millions who know not how to pray for themselves, who know not the way of access to the Father of spirits. The subject has often been ably dwelt upon, but line upon line and precept upon precept are necessary. God, in his providence, is teaching us by the sudden removal of pious christians. How often does the church hear from their lips the solemn warnings! When the last sands of their hour are about to run out, in language of deep humility they address by-standers and say, Brethren, whatsoever your hand findeth to do, do it with all your might. Our neglected opportunities now fill our souls with shame and remorse, and have made this pillow, which to some has been a pillow of down, to us a pillow of thorns. Ministers regret, and often leave this testimony to their brethren and their flocks-We have been unprofitable servants! O the value of an immortal soul! Guilt of the deepest dye is the blood which will be required at the hands of unfaithful watchmen. Live more with death and eternity in view than we have done. Missionaries are removed. The imprisoned soul is often set at liberty by a single shock; but the suddenness of the change speaks a language more forcible than words can express. Darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the people. Their eyes have seen, their ears have heard what pen and ink cannot describe. They have blushed for the temple in ruins, they have started back, petrified with horror at the hisses of the viperous brood, swarming, yet secure, in every recess. We hear a voice from the tombs addressing us, Pray for apostate, degraded man. Daily take the perishing millions in the arms of your faith; present them before the throne of grace; plead for them as you would plead for your own souls. Enter their huts; see them stretched on their mats, their hour, their last hour hastening to a close; an unaccountable fear entering their breast, struggling in the agonies of death, and yet the immortal spirit rising above bodily pain-shrinking back: a stranger entering, the dying man grasp ing his feet, tears flowing, and the fountain dried up only by the spirit's departure. This has been witnessed even in a heathen land. O think of the claims of millions, and consider that the time, yea, the set time, to favour Zion is come. No man can plead in earnest when on his knees, and yet withhold what duty calls him to give up; and no man has performed his obvious and im perious duty, even though he give liberally to the support of the gospel, if he do not daily intercede for all who are destitute of the truth; if he do not pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth many more labourers into his harvest. Excuse this digression. [To be concluded in our next.] RUSSIA. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. Knill, St. Petersburg, 12th March 1823, to the : Secretary. (Concluded from page 351 in the Missionary Chronicle for August.) March 6th, Thursday. A person of respectable appearance called, desiring to speak with me, when the following conversation took place. "Pray, Sir, excuse me, as I am an entire stranger to you. I was very anxious to see you, for I am in great distress." And what do you wish me to do for you? "O Sir, I wish you to pray for me. I am very much depressed. My sins are too heavy for me. They are a load which I cannot support." He then burst into tears, and continued weeping for some time; then clasped my hand, saying, "Do excuse me, Sir." I replied, it gives me great pleasure to hear you say that your sins give you pain; and that you feel them as a load which you cannot support, because I know a person who is able and willing to take off such burdens-yea, to take them off com pletely. The Almighty and compas sionate Jesus says, "Come unto me ALL ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Be assured, Sir, that it is an unspeakable mercy to be brought to feel your sinful state. All men are sinners, but all men do not feel it. I am a stranger to your history, but it is not probable that your sins are more or greater than the sins of thou sands of people who are going on quite unconcerned, although the next moment may land them in perdition. Let me advise you to apply without delay to the Saviour of sinners. "But do you think I may hope for mercy, when my |