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Saratoga Springs, N. Y. A collection, by Rev. H. Bardwell,

54.09

Miss D. Abell,

75

Savannah, Geo. A gentleman, for Miss. papers, by Miss L. Battelle,

Saybrook, Ct. A lady who aimed at collecting 1000, and has already remitted 1364,72. Donation from a fem. friend at New Haven, Ct.

5.00

5.00

From Mrs. E. N. Bruen, Brookline, N. Y. collected at Richmond, Va.,

2.00

Scarborough, Me. Fem. Cent So. by Miss M. F. Tilton, Tr.

Sharon, Vt. Mrs. M. Bascomb, by Mr. Samuel Moseley,

Shoreham, Vt. A collection 25, Cent So. 19,82, by Rev. H. Bardwell,

Stephentown, N. Y. A collection, by Mr: C. Eddy,

Stonington, Ct. A collection by Mr. C. Eddy, 11,50, monthly concert, 14,

Sullivan, Me. From Miss Turner, 1, A charity box, by do.

11 16

Porter Rood, by do.

Miss Hecox, by do.

Chester & Sandown, N. H. From Fem. to ed. hea. chil. by N. Jones,

Clinton, N. Y. Mon. con. by Dea. Butler, Cummington, Ms. A lady, av. of straw work, Danville, Pa. Av. of a miss. card, colld. by young ladies, for Caroline Smelt, at Brainerd, by Rev. N. Patterson,

Dorchester, Ms. Brethren of the Union Lodge, for the Cher. Miss. by Dea. E. Withington, Goshen, Ms. Francis Lyman, av. of a sheep, thro' the Hamp. Chris. Dep. Hadley, Ms. Widow Hannah Dickinson, for Osage Miss. thro' do.

Hopkins Miss. So. to ed. Edward Hopkins, by S. W. Leonard,

Halifax, Vt. Aux. Miss. So. part of one year's payt. by S. Miner,

Mr. Asa Smith, av. of corn,

Hardwick, Ms. Rev. Thomas Holt, by Mr. Cutler,

34 50

20 00

175

25

4 50

7. 00

6. 00

1.00

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Sussex, Co. Del. Collected by Miss M. Smith, Union Village, N. Y. A collection by Rev. H. Bardwell,

8 00

25 70

Utica, N. Y. A friend, by Dea. A. Thomas, a thank offering,

Henniker, N. H. Dea. George Conner, by Dea. J. C. Proctor,

Haverhill, Ms. Dorcas So. for hea. chil. at Elliot, by Miss L. T. Souther, Tr.

7. 00

1 50

10 00

Avails of a char. box, kept in Mies Worcester's school,

Hudson, O. A. Kilborn, by Wm. Hanford to ed. George Hooker, at Ceylon,

6 00

4.00

Mon. con. in the first Presb. Soc.

7 00

Kennebunk port, Me. Mon. con. since March, by Rev. J. P. Fessenden,

37 00

Collected in the Rev. Mr. Aikin's cong, by

Dea. A. Thomas,

61 38

Coll. in Sab. sch. for hea. chil., by do.

Walpole, Ms. A. S. Adams, avails of m. f. by Rev. E. Burgess,

23 66

Kittery, Me. Fem. Cent So. for For. Miss. 10,
Mon. con. 2, by Rev. S. Merrill,
Leyden, N. Y. A stranger, by Mrs. Dewey, thro
Hamp. Ch. Dep.

12.00

44

200

Westford, Ms. Fem. Char. So. for Ark. Miss. by Mrs. B. Parker. Tr.

Walpole, N. H. Fem. Cent So. by Mrs. Mary Bellows, Tr.

21 06

Madison, N. Y. Mr. Thos. Simmons, by Dea.. A Thomas, 5,37, Mr. E. Simmons, 1,88, Mr. D. Peebles, 3,

8 25

22 64

Av. of gold ornaments of Mrs. G. Stebbins, by Dea. A. Thomas,

5 91

Whitesborough, N. Y. Coll. in Rev. Mr. Frost's society, by Rev. C. S. Stewart, Williamstown, Ms. Coll. in society nd College, by Rev. H. Bardwell,

22 70

Matta, N. Y. Coll. by Mr. C. Eddy,

Marblehead, Ms. Mon. con. by Rev. S. Dana, Monson, Ms. Coll. on four commun. Sab, by

10 75

8.00

58 34

Dea. A. Haskell,

43 54

Avails of the sale of "Barley Wood," by do. A friend,

Fam. Char. box, of T. and J. Whitman, by do. 10 00 Wilmington, Del. Indiv. on seeing an hea. idol,

5,72, 5 copies of the Conv. of the Wd. 1,25,
Indus. So. avails of a purse, 1,25, by Miss L.
Battelle,

Capt. Joel Tucker,

1 00

Mon. con. by Rev. A, Ely,

6 85

New Haven, N. Y. Mon. con. by Dea, A. Thomas,

4 55

8 22

8 25

Northampton, Ms. Fem. for Cornw. sch. thro Hamp. Ch. Dep.

10 39

2.00

Windham, N. H. Mon. con. by the Rev. Mr. Harris,

16 68

Northumberland, Pa. Av. of a Miss. card, coll. by Josephine C. Young, for Kelso M. Boyd, by Rev. N. Patterson,

20 50

Wrentham, Ms. First Read. So. by Miss O. Hawes,

30 00

Orford, N. H. Mon. con. in W. So. by Rev. S. Dana,

9 14

A friend, place unknown,

5 00

Amount of donations, from August 13th, to 31st, inclusive, 82,535,38.

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Child of A. Lawrence 38, do. of Simmons 24cts,

1 50

62-60 12

Portsmouth, N. H. School kept by S. Kimball, to ed. hea. chil.

Rowley, Ms. Coll. in the 2nd par. by Rev. I. Braman,

Royalston, Ms. Miss. So. to ed. hea. youths, in
Řev. A. Thurston's fam. Sand. Isl. by Wm.
K. Talbert, Tr.

Salem, Ms. Mon. con. at S. chh. for
Isl. miss. by Mr. Kimball,

Sangerfield, N. Y. Mon. con. by Dea. A.
Thomas,

Sab. Sch. reward to three chil. in one
fam. by do.

Do. by their parents,

2 48

23 60

Sand.

-5 75 14 80

25 00

25 25

3 0028 50

Mr. Wm. Parker, and M. Field, Saybrook, Ct. A lady, who aimed at collecting

81000, and has already remitted 1,371,72, Coll. by Miss C. C. M. Kissick, Harrisburg, Pa. from Mr. P. Haldeman 3; Rev. Mr. DeWitt, Messrs. Richardson, Whitehill, Rhoads, J. Hills, and Kelton, Mrs. Snyder, Miss Condict, í each; Rev. Mr. Grier, Messrs. George, Copp, Carson, Musgrave. Heister, Harris, Brady, S. Hills, a friend to missions, Mrs. Potts, Miss Duncan, Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Benard, 50 cts. each; others, in sums less than a dollar, 2,50, A charity box at Saybrook, Ct.

South Hadley, Ms. Young men's Relig. So. by
Mr. T. Clark,

Springfield, Vt. Mon. con. by Rev. R. Smiley,
Fem. Char. So. by Miss E. Smiley, Tr.
Char. box of Miss E. S.

Stillwater, N. Y. Coll. by Mr. Chauncey
Eddy,

Utica, N. Y. Mon. con. first Presb. So. by Dea.

A. Thomas,

Saving by a little girl, by do.

do. by two little girls, 25 cts. each by do. Earnings of Wm. Wells, in Sab. sch. to ed. hea. chil. by do.

Wareham, Ms. Mon. con. by Rev. H. Hemmenway,

Warren, O. Fem. Char. So. for For. Miss. by I. W. Curtis,

Westfield, N. J. Mr. Saml. Downer, to aid Dr. Scudder,

21 00 1 00 10 00 5 00 9 81 1 00

15 31

4 14

75

50

38

7 12

6 00

10 00

7 00

2nd ann. payt. to ed. Alex. G. Fraser, in Dr. Scudder's family, by Rev. A. G. Fraser, 13 00 Do. Ms. Charles Smith, av. of m. f. Wilmington, Ms. Mon. con. by Rev. F. Raynolds, for Pal. Miss. 6,79, A friend for Sand. Isl. Miss. 2,50, for sch. at Bombay, 2,50. Wilton, N. H. Reading and Dorcas So. by Mr. J. Haskell, for Sand. Isl. Miss.

11 79

8 44

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PROGRESS OF CHRISTIANITY AT THE SOCIETY ISLANDS.

THE following letter of Capt. Henry is taken from the Quarterly Chronicle, of the London Missionary Society.

"Brig Governor Macquarie, Feb. 3, 1821. "ON my way hither I had occasion to call at the island of Raivaivai, or High Island, to procure provisions; and the circumstances which then came under my immediate knowl. edge and observation, are of a nature so truly gratifying, and in which the great object of the Christian world is so closely interested, that I conceive a detail of them will afford you a similar gratification.

"It was Sunday when I made the land, and I went on shore early in the morning. The natives were all assembled to go to church. My presence detained them nearly an hour beyond the usual time of service. How affecting and delightful was the scene which presented itself! Each individual on entering the church kneeled down and uttered a prayer; when Para, the person whom King Pomare left there for the purpose of instruct. ing the natives, performed the service of the day. There were 848 assembled at the church for the worship of the Universal God; 700 were within, and the rest were outside, unable to gain an entrance.

"The very quiet, devout, and orderly manner in which they conducted themselves, not only in church but during the Sabbath, awakened my highest admiration.

"The whole of their gods are mutilated, removed from their Morais, and some were converted into stools at the entrance of the church, which is very neatly built; the ground is nearly covered with grass, and provided

with a sufficient number of forms. Its length is 117 feet, and breadth 27.

"There are about 25, who have not yet adopted the religion of the Savior, but who have renounced idolatry. They say, 'We bave no books, nor proper missionaries to instruct us; and we will wait till one comes, before we become Christians.' The rest appear very anxions that they should have a guides like the happy islanders of this place.

"This surprising and happy change has taken place within the short space of only four months! It happened upon a great feast day, when all the natives and chiefs were assembled.

"Tahuhu, the chief of the island, together with Para, (the teacher) most earnestly solicited that they might have a Missionary ⚫ sent to instruct them. I promised my utmost efforts to effect their wishes; and I doubt not, gentlemen, your wishes and your feelings will accord with mine in their common and desirable object-the enlightening of these people in the knowledge of our Savior, and the road to happiness and eternal life.

"I am, &c. SAMUEL P. HENRY."

A letter from Capt. H. published in the London Courier, and dated May 31, 1821, furnishes the following additional particulars:

"This island is situated in latitude 23° 42′ S. and 148° S W. and, what makes the great change from idolatry to Christianity the more wonderful, was never visited by any missionary. It was however visited by king Pomare, in the Arab, an American ship, about eigh teen months back. They were then in their idolatrous and rude state. King Pomare used all his power to persuade them to remove their idolatry. They promised, on his leaving the island, they would agree with his wishes; which induced king Pomare, to leave Para, one of his own chiefs, before mentioned, as a teacher. To king Pomare, therefore, under God, is to be attributed the conversion to Christianity of the natives of that isle. The king of the island, together with Para, most earnestly solicited that they might have a teacher sent to instruct them; or, to use their own phrase, 'a light to guide them.'

"The island is about twenty-five miles in circumference, having a good harbor, and well provided with provisions; the produce is much the same as at Otaheite; the inhabitants about 1600.

"The religion at the Society Islands is now general. I know not one single soul among the Islanders, but what attends more or less to religious instruction; no manner of vice passes unnoticed; the laws are particularly strict. Industry is stirring much among them. King Pomare has a great desire for trading. I have now on board a cargo of 75 tons of pork; and 100 more ready on my return to the island of Otaheite alone. He has all the other islands at his command. I think he has in all, about 12,000 hogs; and likewise about 150 tons of cocoa nut oil, with a quantity of arrow-root, &c. SAMUEL P. HENRY."

RENUNCIATION OF IDOLATRY IN THE ISLAND

OF OHETEROA, OR RURUTU.

THE following important intelligence reached London, May 29th. It was communicated by the missionaries, Threlkeld and Williams, in a letter bearing date, Raiatea, Oct. 18th. 1821. After stating that the chief of the island Rurutu, and twenty or thirty of his people, were providentially thrown upon Raiatea, and that they had begun to instruct them, the missionaries proceed:

*

AUURA, their chief, paid particular attention as well as his wife; the greater part of the others appeared slothful He appeared to appreciate the worth of knowledge, and the value of the good tidings of salvation; his attention was great, and his questions upon general subjects very judicious; but his attention to and questions upon our discourses were such as surprised not only the Raiateans but ourselves also. We think he possesses a very acute judgment so far as he knows. We do not wish in thus speaking, to be understood that we believe him to be what would be called in England a converted character, though we have now indubitable evidence that he is a true convert from idolatry to Christianity.-God hath called them out of darkness to the knowledge of his Son Jesus Christ. May they soon really know Ulim, whom to know aright is eternal life! Auura was continually expressing his anxious desire to return to his own land, and to carry to his poor countrymen the knowledge he had obtained of the true God, and his Son Jesus Christ, expressing his fears in an affectionate manner, that when he got back, he should find very few left, as the Evil Spirit was killing them so fast.

The brig Hope, Capt. Grimes, from London, touched at Raiatea on July the 3rd: we mentioned to the Captain our wish to get these poor people to their own island; he, with a readiness which does him the highest credit, offered immediately to touch at their island and take our boat in tow, that we might have an opportunity, should our boat return from this, to us, unknown land, to open a communication with the natives. We sent for Auurs, the chief, and his wife, who were highly delighted with the prospect of returning, but he raised an objection to going to bis land of darkness, unless he had some oue with him to instruct him and his people. We were rather at a loss how to act; however, we immediately called the deacons, informed them of the circumstance, and desired them to inquire who would volunteer their services to go as teachers to these poor people. They assembled the church, when two came forward, we hope with the spirit and language of the Prophet of old, "Here are we, send us," They were the very men we should have chosen, bad we thought it prudent to nominate; but we left it to Him who disposes the hearts and thoughts of men according to bis own will. Mahamene, a deacon, having

* Capt. Grimes writes the name Ahuru. Editor.

a wife, but no children, was one; Puna, a steady, and we hope a truly pious man, having a wife, with two children, was the other; they were both men we could ill spare, on account of their steadiness and our confidence in them; but such characters are the only proper persons for such a work: therefore every other consideration was oblig ed to give way. To select a crew to bring back our boat was the next consideration; as this took up the greatest part of the night, they had but a short time to get ready for the ship, which was to sail early the next morning.

The brig got under weigh the 5th of July, and after most affectionately committing Mahamene and Puna, with their wives and little ones, to the care of our Lord and God in the presence of the congregation, we gave to each a letter in English and Tahitau, recognizing them as under the patronage of the London Missionary Society, with our sanction, and recommending them to any captains of vessels that might touch at Rurutu.

The vessel laying to, outside the reef for us, prevented our having a regular service; but though short, it was both affecting and interesting. At length we conducted our new fellow laborers to the brig. The captain paid every attention; took our boat in tow and departed, leaving us anxiously waiting to hear in due season of their reception and success-nor were we disappointed.

Part of the night previous to their departure was spent in supplying them as well as we could with those articles which they would find both necessary and useful Every mem. ber of the church brought something as a testimonial of his affection-one brought a razor, another a knife, another a roll of cloth, another a few nails, some one little thing, and some another; we gave them all the elementary books we could spare, with a few of the Tahitan Gospels of Matthew. Thus we equipped them for this interesting little mis. sion as well as our circumstances would allow.

On August 9th, after a little better than a month's absence, we had the pleasure of seeing the boat return laden with prisoners, the gods of the heathen, taken in this bloodless war, won by the blood of Him who is the Prince of Peace. They were six days at sea in the open boat. On reading their letters, we felt, perhaps, something of that holy joy that the angelic hosts will experience when they shall shout, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our God and of his Christ." The letters were from Auura, the chief of Rurutu, Mahamene and Puna. Although Auura was only with us so short a time, he made such progress that he had completely learned the spelling-book, part of the catechism, and could read in the Gospel of Matthew before he left; he could write and spell correctly. The following is a translation of the letter from Mahamene and Puna, the two native teachers, to Messrs. Williams and Threlkeld, dated Rurutu,Friday, July 13, 1821.

"May you two have peace through God in your residence at Raiatea. We think God has heard your prayers, because we received no ill treatment on board the ship, and because VOL. XVIII.

we are both now alive at Rurutu. Behold! they have given to us this land, not because we asked it, but because of their own hatred to the evil spirit Pray earnestly to God that we may have a permanent residence at Rurutu, whilst we are teaching them their letters, and to know the uame of the Son of God, and showing them the evil of their ways. On the 8th July the meeting of the chiefs and king was held, when Auura spake thus to the chiefs and king: Friends, this is my desire, and therefore am I come to this land, that you may know the name of the Son of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit, in enlightening our hearts, and the mercy of God towards us. This is my desire, let the evil spirit be this instant cast into the fire, (meaning the idols of the evil spirit.) is it agreeable to you kings and chiefs; shall we burn the evil spirit even now shall we overthrow his kingdom? Do not any more let us worship him; never more let us implore him; let him have no more reign in our hearts. Eet him have nothing in this land that has no teachers. Let the government of these little lands become Jehovah's, and his alone, then my heart will rejoice through you. Behold, you thought I had been eaten up in the depths of the sea by the evil spirit; but behold, I am not destroyed by him: He is the great foundation of all deceit I did not know that God would guide me to that land, (Raiatea) where the teachers are; there the word of God flourishes and grows, and behold, God has guided me back again. Will it be agreeable to you that we should all assemble together, at one place, and all eat together."

The king and chiefs answered thus, "It is perfectly agreeable to us, we will receive and hold fast the word of life. We are pleased because of your saying, Burn the evil spirit in the fire. Let every thing made by our hands (as a god) be charred in the fire. Behold you say, O' Auura, that we have spirits or souls, we never knew that man possessed a spirit-no; never, never'

Auura then answered thus; I have one more word to say to you. These two men (the teachers) are chosen by the church at Raiatea. God caused the thought to grow in the hearts of the missionaries, and behold they have sent them to teach us to read: be cause of their great love to us these two are sent. The missionaries think very much of them; for the missionaries are very compassionate towards us. The people of Raiatea thought, in their regard to these two men, that they would be killed in our land, and that the boat would be seized by us. The Raiateans think our land is a barbarous land: therefore do not ill use these men, but behave with the greatest kindness to them, and then it will be well.' The king and chiefs answered, 'It is perfectly agreeable to us.'

Now, lo! up started two men inspired by the evil spirit. One of the evil spirits said, It's agreeable, It's agreeable: we will hold the good word.' (Speaking ironically) The other man who was also inspired by the evil spirit, thus spake, 'I have seen the foundation of the firmament, up in the sky. Taaroa, (the great idol) brought me forth.' Auura then answered the evil spirit thus: "Do you 42

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leap up then, that we may see you flying up into the sky Do so now, immediately. Truly thou art even the very foundation of deceit. The people of Rurutu have been completely destroyed through you, and through you alone, and now you shall not deceive us again: we will not be deceived again through you. We know the true God Begone. If the Son of God stood in our presence you would be ashamed' When Auura had done speaking, he sat down. Mahamene then stood up and said, 'You have agreed and your desire is to Jesus, that he may save your spirits. Ye are the lands for which the missionaries at Raiatea, Tahiti, Moorea, Huaheine, Borabora, and England have prayed. The churches wherever there are missionaries, have com. passion upon the lands that have no teachers; therefore they subscribe property, that the word of God may be sent to the lands that are without teachers. The missionaries of Raiatea have sent us two to teach you letters and the name of the true God. May you be saved through Jesus Christ.'

Mahamene then sat down. Puna, (the other teacher) then rose and said, 'Dear friends, this is my thought towards youaffection grows in my heart now towards you, in your living in darkness and in the shade of death. Behold, you are eating the food of death-the poisonous fish, and drinking bitter water. Behold, we are here before you to make known to you the true God, that you may know him. This I say to you, O king and chiefs, prepare one place where you may all eat together, you and your wives and children, and your king, at one eating place, and there the evil spirit who has just now inspired that man shall be completely ashamed: he has no refuge; but cast away every disgraceful thing from among you, for that is the reason he remains among you. You worship him, and he is accustomed to deceive you; but now be fervent in prayer to God that you may escape. Should you not listen to that word, you will die, and you will bear the wrath of God, and you will be led by the evil spirit you have now cast away into the fire of hell; but if you regard the word and the name of the Son of God, you will by that means be saved. May you be saved through Jesus Christ.'

MAHAMENE. PUNA.

The eating together (observe the missionaries) was on the day after the meeting and was to be the test of the truth of the word of God If they died according to the predic tions of the priests, namely, that any woman eating either hog or turtle would surely be eaten by the evil spirit; or any one eating on a sacred place would surely die, and be eaten also: then they would not destroy their gods; but if no one sustained any injury, they would then utterly destroy all their idols. They met accordingly; and after satisfying their appetites, without sustaining any injury, they arose, boldly seized the gods, and then proceeded to demolish totally the Morais, which was all completely effected that day.

It is worthy of remark, that when the boat first reached the shore, Mahamene and Puna with their party, knelt down on the spot to return thanks to God for their preservation,

not knowing that the spot was sacred to Oro, one of their idols. The Rurutans said immedi ately, 'This people will die.' The party also ate inadvertently on a sacred spot; and when the Rurutnas saw that, they said, 'No doubt they will die for this trespass on the sacred ground; and looking earnestly, expected some one to have swollen, or falles down dead suddenly, but after they had looked a considerable time, and saw no harm come to them, they changed their minds, and said, 'Surely their's is the truth; but perhaps the god will come in the night and kill them: we will wait and see. One man actually went in the night to the wife of the chief (Auura) who also ate a part of a hog, or turtle, on the sacred spot, and said, 'Are you still alive!' When the morning arrived, and the Rurutans found no harm had happened to any of them, they became exceedingly disgusted at their having been deceived so long by the evil spirit.

TAHITI.

Letters from the brethren, at Matavai in Tahiti, by the Duchess of York, dated Dec. 26 and 31, 1821, have been lately received, from which the following information is extracted.

THE letters written by the Deputation at Tahiti to the Directors were forwarded by an American vessel, by way of Canton, which accounts for their not having yet come to hand.

It appears that the Deputation, after their arrival at Tahiti, finding that king Pomare was on a visit to Eimeo, went over to that island to pay their respects to him, accompa nied by Mr. Nott, who translated the letters of the Directors to him, and acted as interpreter m the conference held with him on the subject of their mission, and on the settlement of Messrs. Blossom and Armitage as artificers. The king received them with kindness, and acceded to their wishes; but, refering to the failure of establishing the sugar manufacture, seemed to doubt of the success of the intended efforts.

The Deputation wishing to visit the Leeward islands (Raiatea, Huaheine, &c.) embraced an opportunity which presented itself of sailing thither in the American vessel just mentioned. They embarked on the 29th of November.

The king, who was then dangerously ill, and whose life was not expected, died on the 7th of December, and was interred on the 11th, at the great chapel, as mentioned in our last.

With regard to that prince the brethren say, "What he was, as to his religion and Christian character, we leave with Him who judgeth righteously, and would remember with gratitude to God, the countenance, protection and favor the mission long enjoyed under his government."

The brethren express their apprehensions of commotions in the public affairs, from the contention of parties.

They state that the natives discover an in. creasing attachment to European dress, and that cloths and calicoes are in great demand,

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