putting up sticks, and spreading our blankets over them, and laying others on the ground, I would make tea. This I would do by filling a small in vessel at the creek, boiling the water, and putting in the tea. This with some cold meat, or cake, that our friends at the settlements furnished us with, made a fine supper. We would unite in singing a hymn, and in prayers, and then lay our feet to the fire; and, although the wolves were howling around us, we slept sweetly. I cannot say, that at first I was not afraid; but, after getting a little used to it, I did not feel disturbed. One night it rained from 12 o'clock till day light. We got some wet, but did not take any cold. We passed a few Indian huts; but they were not more comfortable than our tent. We did not undress for six nights. My horse stumbled and threw me twice; but did not hurt me in the least: and although I walked several miles in a day, I never had better health.” VISIT TO THE SOCIETY ISLANDS. OUR readers are aware of the astonishing and delightful change, which has taken place in those islands of the Southern Pacific, where Christian missions have been supported for the last twenty years. This change, more marvellous than almost any other, which has occurred since the day of Pentecost, is now an admitted fact, known and read of all men. Letters from the missionaries have described it fully, and with particularity; and their description has been most amply confirmed, by the numerous captains and crews, who have touched at the islands. We have supposed it would gratify our readers to peruse the following account of a visit to Tahiti, (or, as it is commonly written, Otaheite,) given by Mr. Charles Bowers, of this town, in a letter to his parents. The letter recently came to hand; and we were kindly permitted to take a copy. As the eye passes over these paragraphs, will not the heart of the Christian earnestly desire, that the Sandwich Islands may experience a similar transformation. How joyful would it be, to behold the whole population of Owhyhee employed in erecting churches, in founding schools, in reading the Scriptures published in their own island, and in their native language;-to witness their strict observance of the Christian Sabbath, and admit the cheering evidence, that the great business of their lives is a preparation for heaven. "DEAR MOTHER, "I do not think of any thing to write you at present, which will be more pleasing, than a short account of my very pleasant visit to Tahiti. "On the 31st of Oct. 1818, we left the Marquesas. and in six day's came to anchor in Matavai bay, in the Island of Tahiti; running a distance of 850 miles, and laying to three nights of the time. "Just before coming to, one of the missionaries, whose name is Wilson, came on board in a canoe. He was one of the first who came out from England in the Duff; is a man of respectable appearance, about the age of 45 or 50. I went below with him; during our conversation he informed us, that about two months before, he had the misfortune to lose his wife, leaving four young children to his care. He is the only missionary on this part of the Island. After dinner he took leave, saying, that he had to catechise the children at 3 o'clock, and invited the Captain and myself to come on shore, and pay him a visit. By this time, the ship was surrounded with canoes, and the decks were full of these friendly people, and their merchandize, consisting of apples, oranges, bread-fruit cocoa, &c. and we began a brisk trade for these articles. "The afternoon being very pleasant, the Captain and myself went on shore according to promise, and in our walk to Mr. Wilson's, accompanied by a troop of natives, we had a view of this delightful island, which is now under a state of excellent cultivation. We did not find it necessary here, as on former occasions, to carry a brace of pistols in our pockets to defend our lives. Instead of implements of war, the natives carried books in their hands; and in the houses we could see them industriously employed about their domestic concerns. "Before we came in sight of Mr. Wilson's church, we heard them singing a hymn in their own language. When arrived at the door of the church, where Mr. W. had been catechising the children, we found the good man engaged in prayer, and the room full of natives and their children, on their knees, giving the most devout attention. To me it was a strange and an affecting sight. "Immediately after the prayer, we went with Mr. Wilson to his house, where we found every thing convenient and comfortable. We saw three fine little children. After tea, he took a walk with us, and we visited some of the native families, and found them as different as possible from any other natives we have seen before or since, during our voyage. They are perfectly civilized, their land is well stocked with hogs,-fowls, &c. and their gardens filled with fruit and vegetables. After waiting on us down to the beach, Mr. Wilson took leave of us. Being highly pleased with our visit, we returned on board the ship, where we arrived at dark. "The next day I was on shore again, and visited Mr. Wilson. The object now was, to get information from the missionaries respecting the probability of our procuring a cargo.* Mr. W. referred us to Mr. Crook, who resided on another part of the island, called the district of Papara, about eight miles distant, where we proposed to pay him a visit. The next day being their Sabbath, we concluded to go on Monday, which was our Sunday; they reckoning time eastward from Greenwich, and we reckoning westward. "The next day not a canoe was to be seen, and, as Mr. W. informed us would be the case, not a native came near us the whole day. About 12 o'clock the Captain and myself went on shore in the jolly boat, with four boys, round a bluff point, whence Capt. Wallis was fired at by the natives in 1776,† and where we saw the cocoa nut trees which Capt. Cook and Mr. Banks planted for experiment. We walked up the beach to a small village, and found the people just returning from their forenoon service, (preached by one of the native ministers,) with their satchels containing their psalm books and Testaments. We visited several houses, and were every where treated with the greatest politeness, they giving us the best of their fare, and saying, in excuse for placing it before us cold, that they always cooked on Saturday, so as to have all the time of Sunday to serve the Lord. I returned to the ship to dinner, more and more pleased with this people and their happy island. "In the afternoon I went on shore with two of our officers, and attended divine service at Mr. Wilson's chapel. The house was full, and as many people were on the outside as within,-all dressed in the best taffas, and paying the closest attention. Mr. Wilson, after praying and singing, preached a sermon in the Tahitean language, of which we understood very little. After service, we all supped with Mr. W. and the officers returned on board well pleased with their visit, and saying, I had not exaggerated any thing in my description. "The next morning I went on shore for Mr. Wilson and his two little boys, who were to accompany us, and took them on board. Shortly after the pinnace was manned, and we all set out. The weather being quite calm, we could not make sail, and therefore were obliged to pull at the oars all the way. We arrived about 12 o'clock at a fine landing place, near the house of Mr. Bourne, a young man who had been on the island about a year, and does the printing business in the native tongue. He, with his wife, came down to welcome us on shore, and took us to his house, where we found every thing remarkably clean and neat. While Mr. Wilson went over to Mr. Crook's house, Mr. Bourne took us out to see his printing press, garden, &c. Besides other vegetables, he had growing cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, &c. "Shortly after, Mr. Crook came in, to whom we were introduced. He is a remarkably active and pleasant man, apparently about 40 years of age. Had a long and interesting conversation with him, but he could give us no satisfactory information with respect to the probability of our obtaining a cargo any where. After Mr. Wilson's return, we all dined with Mrs. Bourne, who gave us an excellent dinner of fowls and pudding, and had every thing so much like home, that I was really happy. "After a hearty dinner, we all walked to Mr. Crook's house, about one fourth of a mile, on entering which any one might have seen my eyes glisten. Here was Mrs. Crook, a large and healthy looking woman, at the head of a long table, at which were twelve fine rosy cheeked children, all under fifteen, and all her own, except one, who was Mr. Wilson's. They all appeared so healthy and so happy, that it was truly a delightful spectacle. "After being introduced to Mrs. Crook, we took a long and very pleasant walk in the village, visiting the people in their houses, it being part of our object to Of sandal wood. We think this date must be incorrect, as Capt Wallis visited the islands in 1767. .3 obtain some bread-fruit. When the Captain mentioned this, Mr. C. spoke to one man in private; and on our return to his house after our walk, we found about 30 men laden with bread-fruit, bananas, and tarra, enough to load the boat, for which Mr. Crook said they would receive nothing. It being now about 3 in the afternoon, we took leave of Mrs. Crook and her family, and returned to Mrs. Bourne's, where we remained a short time. "Having the day before sent a man off with the Bible and a note to the king, as I mentioned in a former letter, I requested Mr. Bourne, if he received a note of acknowledgement from the king, to enclose it in a letter to my father, with a translation, and, if he felt disposed, to give you a short account of the state of the island, which he promised to do with pleasure; but I think you may never receive it: as letters go so indirectly to America, it will be very likely to miscarry. About five, we took leave of Mr. and Mrs. Bourne, and Mr. Crook, and set out on our return. "Mr. Wilson had previously told us of a large house of worship, which was building on our way to the ship, on a spot where formerly stood their principal Morai, or place for human sacrifices. Thinking it would be worth while to see it, concluded to stop. After getting on shore, we proceeded to one of the king's houses, and partook of some cocoa nuts, and thence went to see this famous building, which the king was determined should exceed every house on this, or any other island in the neighborhood. Mr. W. told us, the king was endeavoring to imitate the building of Solomon's temple. "We found it situated in a very advantageous place for every purpose, on a fine level piece of ground, which had been cleared for the purpose, and surrounded with cocoa-nut and banana trees. It was extremely large, exceeding any house on any of the islands at which we have been, and much superior in workmanship. After remaining a short time, we again embarked and returned to the ship, from whence Mr. Wilson went on shore with his two little boys, who were highly pleased with our excursion. "The next day we finished our purchase of hogs, fowls, fruit, &c, and completed filling our casks with water. Had Mr. W., his two little boys, two chiefs, and the wife of a chief, to dine with us this day. Towards evening I went ashore, and with Mr. W., paid a visit to one of the chief ladies, who entertained us kindly. "The next morning early, we set sail with a light wind, and stood over for the island of Eimeo, which is the principal place of the missionaries' residence. About noon we arrived off the island, and the Captain and myself went on shore. We were met by the Captain of the missionary brig, which was built on the island. We visited a number of the missionary and other ladies here, by whom we were received with every mark of attention, and, after a very pleasant afternoon, returned on board, and departed from these happy islands. Most gladly would I have tarried longer among them, but our business was completed, and we bade them adieu." LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONG THE JEWS. [When the Ladies' Society of Boston and the vicinity for the promotion of Christianity among the Jews, made their last remittance to the London Society, they requested that Hebrew Testaments might be furnished to the missionaries, then about to sail for Palestine, under the direction of the A. B. C. F. M. The kind manner, in which this request was accepted, is apparent from the following resolve, and the letter which inclosed it.] "At a meeting of the General Committee, held 23d November, 1819. No. 10, Wardrobe place, Doctors' Commons. "Resolved, that the Rev. C. S. Hawtrey be requested to write to Mrs. H. Adams, thanking her for the liberal donations she has remitted, and informing her, that this Committee will most cheerfully commit to the care of the missionaries sent out by the American Society, a supply of Hebrew Testaments and Tracts: they will inclose some in the case they intend sending to Boston by the first conveyance, and will also send a large supply to the missionaries in the Mediterranean, if she will be pleased to forward their proper address. Extracted from the minutes of the Society." No. 10, Wardrobe Place, London, Nov. 27, 1819. "MRS. H. ADAMS,-My Dear Madam, "In conformity with the foregoing resolution of the Committee, I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your kind letter, and to thank you in their name for the donation which it contained. It has given us great pleasure to hear, that the state of the Jews has begun to excite the attention and call forth the exertions of your excellent Missionary Society; and we shall most readily forward such of our publications, as are likely to be useful to the ministers sent out to Palestine, as soon as we get from you a direction for the purpose. "We have been convinced for some time past, and the united testimony of our friends from all parts tends to confirm the conviction, that we should send forth pious Gentile Missionaries to the Jews, in preference to Jewish converts. Dr. Pinkerton, Mr. Way, and many other persons of experience on the subject, have strongly recommended this proceeding, and we shall adopt it as often as opportunity occurs. In the mean time, we would not exclude Jewish missionaries, where we have good ground for believing them sincere converts, but we would send them out two and two, after the manner of our Lord; and perhaps the most effectual mission might be a Jew and a Gentile together. "I am happy to tell you, that we are going on, under God's blessing, well. We have finished our boys' school, and hope in the course of another year, the girls' school, which is begun, will also be ready for their reception. The plan of giving temporal relief to Jews has been altogether abandoned, from a long experience of its evil effects; and we confine our labors to the spiritual objects of our Society. We have two young converted Jews now studying with a view of going forth to their brethren, of whose piety we hope well, and of whose talents there is no question. One of them is very desirous of being sent to the East, and being master of eleven languages, and of most of the oriental ones, he is well adapted for the purpose. "I am happy to tell you, that your work has been much read and approved by the friends of the cause in England. Your excellent friend, Mrs. More, was well, when I last heard of her. She has lately lost her last surviving sister, which has been a considerable trial to her. "We shall forward a box of Hebrew Testaments and Tracts by the first conveyance, and shall be glad to hear you receive them safe. "Believe me, my dear Madam, with earnest prayers for your happiness, C. S. HAWTREY. Yours, very truly, DONATIONS TO THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS, in February, 1820. Acton, Ms. Fem. Mite Society, by the Rev. Warren Fay, American Indians: viz. Mrs. S. Tuttle, $5; Mr. Hunt $1; Miss Leighton, $2, Mrs. Hayward, $1; Mrs. Tuttle, $1; three children of Mr. family, 49 cents; Mrs. Hunt, $3; Mrs. S. Hayward, $1, $8.00 7 76 2.49 4.00 Charity box kept at — Hayward's, Esq. where the monthly concert is held, 2.90 Contribution after a tea party, 14 00-39 15 Acworth, N. H. Three individuals for the school fund, 1.00 Albany, Me. A friend of missions, for the support of missions an this con For. Miss. Soc. of males, by Mr. Jared Bemont, 12 88 For. Miss. Soc. of females, for a child to be named NEHEMIAH PORTER, out of respect to their pastor, by Jerusha Bartlett, Treas. Bath, Me. and vicinity. For. Miss. Soc. by Jonathan Hyde, Esq. Treas, 100 00 867 01 VOL. XVI. 17 Bedford, Ms. Contribution in the Rev. Mr. Stearns's society, for the Am. Indians, by Mr. C. Byington, Berlin, Ver. Monthly concert, by the Rev. C. Wright, Bethesda, Geo. (Jackson Co.) Fem. Mite Soc. for the mission at Brainerd, by the Rev. Dr. Brown, Beverly, Ms. Juv. Mite Soc. composed of chil. in Miss Chapman's school, Boston, United monthly concert of Old South and Park Street Churches, for the Palestine mission, A young lady in do. Indians, by Mr. C. Byington, Sabbath school for females in Mason Street, contributed by the children, Charity box of Mr. J. Gulliver, for ed. hea. Indian children, Bridport, Ver. Accompanying a box of clothing, by Emma Rice, Mr. Isaac Wilkins, 2.00 Carlisle, N. Y. Fem. Miss. Soc. by the Rev. J. N. Austin, Charleston, S. C. Juven. Hea. School Soc composed of children belonging to Sabbath school No. 1, for the support of the Changane school, by H. C. M. Leod, Superintendant, Charlestown, Ms. Contributed in the Rev. Mr. Fay's society, 15 67 1 25 Children of Dr. Kidder, 1 60-18 52 Chelsea, Ver. For. Miss. Society, by Ivory Douglas, Treas. Choctaw Nation. Capt. David Folsom, by the Rev. C. Wasburn, Concord, Ms. A contribution in the Rev. Dr. Ripley's society, for the Am. Dea. J. White, 82; Mrs. Jones, $3; a lady, Cornwall, Ver. Charitable Soc. for ed. hea. chil. remitted by Pres. Bates, 23 33 43.53 Dedham, Ms. (S. parish.) Mrs. Abigail Dean, by the Rev. W. Cogswell, 4 67 26 16 360 67 East Guilford, Con. Avails of the industry of several children under the superintendence of young ladies, for the school at Brainerd, by the Rev. John Elliot, East Sudbury, Ms. A contribution in the Rev. Mr. Wright's society, for Fairfax, Ver. Fem. Assoc. for ed. hea. chil. by H. Janes, Esq. Halifax, Ver. Fem. Char. Soc. by Meliscent S. Wood, Treas. by Col. Lincklaen, Rebecca Swain's school, Lucy R. Swain's school, Hawley, Ms. Fem. Char. Soc. by Polly Gront, Treas. Holden, Ms. Children at school, for the purchase of Tracts, to be distri. Hopkinton, Ms. A lady by the Rev. R. C. Hatch, for the Cherokee mission, Litchfield County, Con. For. Miss. Soc. by the Hon. Benjamin Tallmadge, Lincoln, Ms. From the Rev. Dr. Stearns's society, by Mr. C. Byington, for the American Indians, 24 76 500 00 7,720 14 Littleton, Ms. From the Rev. Mr. Foster's society, for the Am. Indians, by Mr. C. Byington, 13 23 Longmeadow, Ms. Young Men's western mission Soc. for Amer. Indians, by N. Cooley, Treasurer, 20 00 37 00 Fem. Benev. Soc. by Eunice Cooley, Treas. 62 00 Marshfield and Plainfield, Ver. Monthly concert, by the Rev. C. Wright, Minot, Me. Children belonging to a Sabbath schooi, by Irene Freeman, |