edge of the gospel, no Bibles and no religious books. Such is precisely the case with the Indians. They have no other sources of instruction but the missionary. Great good has been done among the Creeks, but no doubt a hundred fold more would have been done, if they had been supplied with a faithful missionary, to visit and instruct them from house to house daily, as well as to preach to them on the Sabbath, and on other occasions. One great error in Indian missions has been the effort to go over too much ground at once: i. e. the number of missionaries has been so small, that in order to extend their labors to the whole tribe, none have been instructed with that mi nuteness and to that extent which is necessary to the formation of the Christian character in all its symmetry and perfection. After all, we ought to feel most devoutly thankful for what God has done and is doing among the Creeks, and to be greatly encouraged to persevere in labor and prayer for them. Meetings among the Osages. From the Creeks we went to the Osages. We visited and held meetings in all their villages except two. We also held meetings at Union. At Hopefield we had a promiscuous congregation of males and females, old and young. At the other villages we had separate meetings. One congregation was composed exclusively of men, another of women and girls, and a third of boys. In general there was much more willingness to attend meeting, and much better attention to preaching than last year. There is a considerably extensive conviction on the minds of the Osages that their old superstitions and religious ceremonies are useless, foolish and wicked. This conviction, added to the interested attentions given by many to preaching, satisfied us that, if they could be steadily assailed by divine truth, there is as much encourage. ment to labor for them as for any other people. The different reception given to us this year from that of last year, the access granted us to different classes, and the greater interest manifested in the truths of the gospel, are all the effects of divine truth. It is true we found no one convicted fully of sin, no one anxiously inquiring after the way of salvation, but we did find several that expressed a conviction that their system of idolatry and superstition was sinful, that it provoked God, and was the cause of their poverty and misery, that they never would be happy and prosperous till they embraced the true religion. This was very clearly expressed by some of the most intelligent and influential men among them. I will give you a few instances. Wau-soh-shy, the principal chief of one of the villages, is an instance. He was absent at the time of our arrival at his village, but we put up at his lodge. About an hour after our arrival, he came home. As soon as he got his supper, he told us that he was very glad to see ns, and that he wished to have a great deal of talk with us about our religion. He immediately began, and in a most interesting manner. He held up six quills in his hand. One of these he placed alone. The other five he held up together. "These five," said he, "are the Osage gods, the sun, the moon, the earth, thunder or the air, and the bird. Now you say these are no gods, but all of them the creatures of your God. I believe it. The Osages have worshipped these gods a long time, and they have never made us happy, they have never done us good. We have always been poor and miserable. I believe it is foolish and wicked to worship these things. I now cast away these gods." And he flung away his five quills. He then held up the one quill and said, "This is one God. This is your God. Now tell me who he is." The perfections of God, as manifested in creation and providence, and as revealed in his word, were stated with particular minuteness, especially those attributes developed in the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ. "All this," said he, "I understand, and it is all interesting. I believe it, but who is your God?" Another brother went over the same ground in another view, if possible, to make it more plain and more interesting. He also dwelt fully on the unity of God and the great sin of idolatry. He explained the meaning of the various names of God. When he closed, the same question, with greater earnestness was all the reply of the chief, "Who is he?" "Has any one seen him?" He was answered, "No man hath seen God. He is a Spirit, invisible to moital eyes. His existence and his perfections are manifested by their effects, and more clearly revealed in his word. That it was unreasonable to require a sight of him before we would believe. That we all believed many things that were not ob vious to our senses, that their effects fully satisfied us of their existence, and that they possessed the qualities indicated by the ef fects, which we beheld." To all this, his answer was as before, Who is he? Has any one seen him? To this it was answered, "Yes. He became flesh and dwelt among us." A history was then given of God manifest in the flesh." "Now," said he, "I am satisfied. God has been seen. When any one asks me if the true God has ever been seen, I will tell him, yes: He lived in the world, in the form of a man, more than thirty years." His mind was now satisfied on the subject, which had given him the greatest perplexity. He was much interested in the preaching, and we felt some hope that he was beginning to experience the teachings of that Spirit of truth who is sent to guide into all truth. And here I would remark that it appears to me that the greatest obstacle in the way of the conversion of the Osages, is what I would call materialism. Many would ask the same questions as this chief, relative to the existence not only of the divine Being, but of the soul after the death of the body. They have no idea of an immaterial spirit. They walk by sense and not by faith. In Whitehair's town, the parable of the prodigal son was the subject of one of the sermons. After the meeting, a man of intelligence and influence, who had paid a most interested attention, observed, "I understand who is that wicked son, but who is the good Father?" meaning just the same as Wau-soh-shy did by his often repeated question, "Who is he?" Another interesting case is that of Beloe-zoh, second chief of Whitehair's town. His mind is evidently excited to inquire on the subject of the gospel, and he is, as I think, fully convinced of the truth of Christianity, though I fear he has little or no personal convictions of sin. A few days before our meeting in his village he gave the people a talk in full council. He told them that they had practised their old customs and superstitions a long time-that they had done them no good. They had always been wretched. They suffered a great deal from their enemies and from poverty and sickness. He believed that God was angry with them, and was punishing them for their idolatry. It would never be any better with them till they Melnattam, the village at which this remarkable work was effected, about forty miles south of the principal station, and derives considerable importance from its being an opening to other more important places. The mission has been in operation there but about twelve months, and during that time it has labored under many of those difficulties which are peculiar to every new station. Ignorance, superstition, and indifference, all united to oppose the gospel. On the morning of the 27th, we assembled in the chapel at half past nine o'clock, and opened the service by singing a hymn and reading a portion of the liturgy. I then baptised twenty heathens, partly adults and partly children; this was an affecting, a glorious sight. It was with the greatest difficulty that I could command my feelings, and perform the service without weeping aloud. The greatest pains have been bestowed on these candidates for Christian baptism, as they have been receiving regular relig- An extract from a letter of Mr. Bourne, of ious instruction from our excellent assistant, May 21, 1831, will illustrate the change in the Christian Aroolappen, for many months, and I sentiments and feelings of the people, and their have had frequent opportunities of asking them questions, and conversing with them on religious warm attachment to the institutions of the gossubjects. After admitting these persons into the pel. And in view of it, well may the disheartenvisible church of Christ, by this solemn ordi- ed Christian exclaim in the language of the last nance. I preached to the congregation assembled, which was very numerous, from Psalm report of the society, 'With our hand upon the xxvi. 8. During the service the whole of the altar of our God shall we sing amidst the rockRomanists whom we have received under ouring even of the very storm, 'Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, for the Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge.'" No circumstance during my visit afforded me more gratification than to observe the attention which was paid to the day of the Lord. The morning (very different from what it is generally in India) had all the delightful stillness which 1 have not unfrequently observed on a Sabbath morning in England; every implement of labor was laid aside; a general cessation from ordinary business was very perceptible; and at the appointed hour of worship all repaired in clean apparel to the little thatched school-room, which served us as a temple in which to celebrate the praises of the Most High. Twice during the day, in the morning and in the evening, spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise were presented to Jehovah; and to these poor outcasts, who are just emerging from "darkness into marvellous light," "the word of truth" which "is able to make them wise unto salvation" was proclaimed. In a former letter I expressed a desire to erect in this village a place for the worship of God. This, I am happy to say, is now in part accomplished. A large piece of ground has been purchased by a few native Christians, and presented for this purpose; doors and windows for the chapel have been given by a military officer in his majesty's service, and I have begged from gentlemen with whom I am acquainted 650 rupees towards the erection of the building. SOME account of the opposition and other difficulties which the missionaries to the savage inhabitants of these islands encountered while establishing this mission, was given in p. 33, of the 25th volume. The progress of the mission has been noticed from time to time since. It seems by the recent accounts from these missionaries that their labors have been followed by a blessing similar to what has followed missionary labors on other islands in those seas. In September, 1831, Mr. Woon, at Nukualofa, writes heaven. What hath God wrought! is frequently the language of our hearts. I feel thankful that ever I left my native country to visit these delightful shores; and trust I shall long live to spread the Savior's name among this people. But there is much land yet to be possessed: Ata still opposes, and many others; however, we trust they will be induced ere long to embrace the truth. I am happy to inform you, that the printing answers well, and has been of incalculable service to the inhabitants of this and the surrounding islands, and will be the means of spreading the truth in all directions. Since April last, have composed and printed a book of four pages, number 2,500; a Scripture lesson book of twelve pages, number 3,000; a hymn-book, Tonga hymns, sixty-four pages, number 1,500, and I have now in hand a book of thirty-four pages, Scripture lessons, number to be 2,000, which I expect to finish next month. This last work contains a history of the creation of the world; the fall; the flood, &c., and will be very interesting. Such is the eagerness of the people for instruction, that they have been often really troublesome. In studying the language, print ing books, &c., I am fully employed; but I feel strong and healthy. Vavou and Habai Islands. The origin and progress of the mission on these portions of the Friendly Islands, were noticed at p. 217 of the last volume. The following extracts are from the communications of Mr. Thomas, dated Lifuka, June, 1831. Our king and his people returned from Vavou, where they have been on a visit, and they bring us the pleasing and delightful tidings, that the king of Vavou and his people, to about a thou sand, have turned to the Lord our God. Glory be to God, who doeth whatsoever pleaseth him in heaven and in earth! It is now a little more than three years since the king of Vavou appeared very anxious for a missionary; but his goodness was as the morn ing cloud or early dew: he has been a cruel per secutor since that time, and mad upon his idols. We have had several opportunities of convers ing with him since we have been at Lufuka, and have been encouraged to hope our way would open; and the event has proved that our hope was not in vain. brace Christianity, to which he replied, making some objections. To these they sent an answer by a friendly chief. The weather not being favorable, our chief did not leave until May 27: he arrived safe at Vavou the same evening, and next day waited The missionaries at Lifuka wrote to Finan, I sincerely rejoice with my brethren in inform-king of the Vavou group, exhorting him to eming you, that the work of the Lord continues to prosper in this interesting field of missionary labor. Almost every week we have new converts; persons of all classes are leaving the enemy's camp and joining the ranks of Immanuel. I have been often delighted, and my soul has rejoiced, to witness the effects of Christianity on the minds of the inhabitants of Tongataboo. Young and old of every class, from the king to the poorest individual, are seeking the salvation of their souls. Picture to your minds on a Sabbath morning or afternoon, about six hundred persons from all parts, walking up a beautiful eminence, on which stands our Ebenezer, for the purpose of worshipping Jehovah our Lord, the maker and upholder of all things. And a great majority of these, we believe, worship him in spirit and in truth, and are seeking their way to проп the king. He read the letter, which in formed him of many things; but one in particu lar, namely, that our conference had appointed brother Cross for Vavou; that he need not wait, therefore, until one came from England; but that if he would renounce his lying gods, and receive the true God, a missionary was at hand, and though not able to come immediately, because brother N. Turner has had to remove, yet in about seven or eight months we hoped he woul? reach him. Our chief exhorted him to turn to God, and put away his lying spirits. The king at length yielded, and said, "Well, I will; and will spend the Lord's day with you in worshipping your God." He then gave orders to his servants to worship Jehovah, the true God; two of his wives also believed. A great chief had already professed his belief of the truth, and now his sister, viz., Halaevalu, (the person I mentioned as interceding for us when we were in trouble at our station at Hihito,) and numbers besides, bowing down to Jehovah our God, joined with our people in singing and prayer. When the Sabbath was over, Fiau gave orders to set fire to the devil's houses. His orders were promptly and cheerfully obeyed. Some were taken for themselves to live in; but others, to the number of eighteen, were burned to the ground, and their gods in them. They were three days in doing this work; the weather was damp, and the houses did not flame away very fast. Some of the people were very much alarmed at these things, and thought it very bold and wicked; but our people are without fear, and especially our chier: he is most hearty in the cause of Christ, and longs to see idolatry banished out of all these islands. We judge that a thousand people at least have joined the king in renouncing idolatry and embracing the truth of God. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. O bless the Lord, who is making his name glorious in the eyes of these islanders! The king of Vavou has sent, and begs we will come and teach him. He says, "If you cannot come yourselves, send some of your people." While our people were with them, they had no rest night or day. The Vavou people laid aside their ordinary work, and said, "Let us learn first to serve God while you are with us, and we can do our work afterwards." One of our people said. "I was four nights and did not sleep, but talking with the people, reading, praying, and singing." When they had done with one company, another would come, and thus they were kept employed. Such a thirst after God and his word and worship I never heard of. Our people returned all on fire. They were glad at what they had seen, and what the Lord is doing. One of our baptised men is now with them, at their very earnest request, and another we are about to send to be with them a few weeks, until we can do something more for them; either we shall obtain a native from Tonga, or send Peter, my teacher, until brother Cross can go. Vavou is a large island, and by all means should have two missionaries; and we have no doubt but very soon our way will be open at other islands. But O we want help; send us more missionaries; and O send them now! Friends of the heathen, see! see, they fly as doves to their windows! A king and his people waiting for God's law! Satan's cause trembles and falls; at the name of Jesus idolatry bows down; it is crumbled into dust! O come, come to the help of the Lord; to the help of the Lord against the mighty! A few extracts are here given from the journal of Mr. Thomas Sept. 5, 1830. Sabbath. We assembled for divine worship at the usual time: I was agreeably surprised to find that the chief had returned from the islands where he had been a few days, and that he was present at the worship; my subject was Acts xvii. "Paul at Athens," declaring to its inhabitants the true God, I took this op portunity of informing the people the true reason of our being with them. Some of them have thought we came because we like pork and yams, others have thought we came because their country was better than ours, others that we wish to make slaves of them, and sell them to vessels that call here. But I told them we came to proclaim to them the true God, to preach the gos; el. I told them we did not want their pigs, yams, or their country; we neither courted their smiles nor feared their frowns, but that we came because God had sent us to do his will. I then warned them faithfully to flee from the wrath to come, to turn in sincerity to God, and serve him with their whole heart. Oct. 2. Three days in a week we give and exchange books for the use of the people We have always more applicants than we can supply, but are able to give from ten to twenty each day; some of these are written by natives, some by Mrs. Thomas, and the others by myself; but if we could write fifty times as much we could readily dispose of them. Our books are chiefly the Tonga language; and these find their way portions of the sacred Scriptures translated into into all the islands, so that I suppose there is hardly one of the eighteen inhabited islands of this group that has not part of God's word upon it, or some school-book. O that we could give them large portions of the word of life! But we must not despise the day of small and feeble things. 30. About noon I went, in company with Faone, my teacher, to visit the premises lately occupied by the late chief Tuita. I saw several devil houses that are nearly all in ruins. I conversed with what is called the Feao, or devil's company-keeper. She is a poor old woman, age. Several other women were present. I very much disfigured, and bowing down with talked with them, exposed the badness of the devil's cause, and exhorted all present to turn to the Lord. I pointed them to the devil's houses, one of which was shattered all to pieces, another had fallen down on one side, and the other was left to decay and rot. I then viewed the place where a large sacred canoe had stood, and been for many years reverenced as a god, but which our king, Taupaahau, has removed since the death of Tuita, and taken all to pieces. The premises are still viewed as sacred, by some of these deluded people. A great quantity of wood lies upon the spot, which would answer well for fuel; but such is the prejudice of the people, that no one will touch a stick of it, though they are in want of fuel, lest the god who is supposed to own it should kill them. Leaving this place, I walked about half a mile, and arrived at a large and populous village, called Ahau: most of its inhabitants are living in sin. I had an interview with Matail, the principal man, who is a priest of the devil. Many persons gathered round while I was talking. I published the name of the Lord amongst them, and told them their duty. I warned them of the danger of serving the devil, and exhorted them to turn to the Lord. The old matabule, or governor, said he did not turn to Jehovah because some others did not; I exposed the folly of such an excuse, and then left him. He gave me a bunch of bananas, and seemed very glad of my visit. On my way home, I called at the house of a chief who is friendly to us. I had an opportunity of talking with a matabule, named Finau, and several others, upon the necessity of turning to the true God, I believe that God is at work here. Hea thenism sinks and dies; the servants of the devil have nothing to say in favor of his tottering cause; those of them who retain any love to it, are ashamed to acknowledge it. I feel completely exhausted each day in the work of the Lord, yet very much remains to be done. O that the Lord would send forth more laborers into his vineyard! Nov. 10. At the worship to-day, I read Matthew xix., the case of the rich young man. exhorted them to do quickly what they intended to do, and warned them against putting off their soul's salvation. I returned home after preaching; and after a few minutes, heard the chief call at the gate, wishing to be admitted. I wondered what was the matter, but was agreeably surprised to find that the chief and seven others had come up to meet in class. They proceeded to my study, where I met them, and was glad to find that the Lord had put it into their hearts to begin to serve him in sincerity. I learn from another quarter, that the chief was considerably affected by my talking to him yesterday in a private manner, and that he has begun to meet in class in consequence of it. At three o'clock I met another class, in which many of the baptised meet. I was much pleased to hear them relate their experience; they said they were very happy; that they believed Jesus Christ loved them; and that their hearts were full of love to him. There seems to be a greater moving now amongst the people; nineteen have joined us since Sunday. 19. To-day a number of little girls came to our gate with many baskets of fruit, called here, oliji, we use it to feed our pigs with; they wished to buy some cards, or alphabets, and upon inquiry, we found they had been gathering this fruit in order to obtain means of instruction for their aged parents, who were anxious to learn to read. We were glad to be able to gratify these dear children with a few books for their parents; they received them joyfully, and returned home like those who rejoice when they have found great spoil. Dec. 2. While we waited at Mago, I conversed with the chief and his people, on the worship of the true God, and the two eternal states. They seemed much astonished at what they heard. While I was talking, my friend Faoue sent for an old blind man to come to our party, that I might hear his account of the origin of Tonga, the Haabai, and Haamoa islands. The old man has a very venerable appearance, and was very pleasant. In a little less than two hours he finished; but, such a mass of inconsistency and absurdity I scarcely ever heard before. This old man was the oracle of these islands; but his work is done, for even the poor laboring men see the vanity and foolishness of his stories; and when he was questioned as to some things which we professed we could not reconcile with each other, he was so convinced of their absurdity that he joined with us in a hearty laugh. After the old man had done, I preached to him the true God, and gave him a better account of the origin of things than he had hitherto heard of, and exhorted him to turn unto God, that the eyes of his understanding may be opened, that he may know the truth and live. We then called all together, sung and prayed, commending ourselves to His care who neither slumbers nor sleeps. Having laid the sail of the canoe upon the floor, we lay down and slept a little, and were somewhat refreshed. I awoke several ing over some things I had said about the Lord, and often repeating the name of God. 26. Sabbath. At eight o'clock we met for divine worship; the house could not contain those that were present; many sat outside. I was glad to see so many grey-beaded men who are becoming wise at last; one of them is a respectable matabule; the chief and I visited him yesterday at his village, called Ahau, we talked to him on the necessity of turning to Jehovah. The old man believed what we said; be sent for his club, called hala, that is way or road, and gave it to me, thus testifying his assent to the truth of God, and that he cast away his spirit or the devil who had hitherto guided him; for the club he gave me was that by which he used to divine, it was the road or way for the spirit. The poor old white-headed man was at the chapel to-day, and publicly renounced his profession as priest for the devil, and bowed down to the Lord our God. Several others, likewise, have turned with him, and we hope to get the whole village, yea, and every village, and every island, to turn to God: the Lord hasten it in his time. In the afternoon the chief, Mataili, for that is the name of the spirit-man who joined us this morning, was present again, and so were many of his people; glory be to God for what we see it is more than a recompense for all we have suffered in coming down to them; here is a whole village turning from satan to God; we have got the priest and his friends, and the rest will follow; they cannot stand out, for we have taken away their gods, and what have they more! Jan. 5. At the school this morning one hundred and fifty were present, chiefly adults, and at the worship this afternoon our congregation was like what we have on a Sabbath day; wo chief women and their attendants and people, have turned to-day; the one is the wife of Tui haateiha, the other the wife of Lolohca: I be lieve that upwards of one hundred souls have joined us to-day, and for the first time bowed down to Jehovali our God. It is truly a pleasing sight to see the people with one consent turn to the Lord: here are young and old, rich and poor, master and servants, priests and people, all renouncing the service of the devil for that of Christ; may we not say with the prophet, "Who are these that fly as doves to the windows?" "This truly is the Lord's doing, and it is mar vellous in our eyes." Friends of missions, rejoice! your work is being rewarded; here are souls for your hire; they are given you by hundreds. O yes! at the name of Jesus, idolatry hows; sin and the devil fly; strong holds are broken down; and souls, immortal souls, are saved from going down into the pit. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY'S MISSION IN MADAGASCAR. THE following account of the remarkable progress of this mission, is taken from the Missionary Chronicle for May. Under the apprehension of this island becom ing the seat of intestine war, and the kingdom of Hovah, in particular, the scene of hostile ag gression, by a foreign and formidable enemy, we, in our paper for January, 1831, invited the members of the society to present their supplica tions to the Father of mercies, that the appre times, and heard the chief Vave and others talk-hended evils might be graciously averted; and |