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One of those agents of Satan, with whom I had much conversation on the subject, lately begged a New Testament from me; which I gave him, on his solemnly promising that he would take care of it, and read it with attention and PRAYER. A day or two before I went on board, he came from his village, about fifteen miles from Colombo; and brought a petition, signed by about 50 of the chief men of the village, requesting a Christian School, with the names of about 50 Children as a commencement. He offered himself as the Master; and engaged, if we would help and stand by him, that he would not only teach the School on Christian Principles, but would drive the Worship of the Devil both from his own and the neighbouring villages.

Polynesia.

Sandwich Islands.

AMERICAN BOARD OF MISSIONS.

State and Progress of the Mission. FROM the Thirteenth Report of the Board,we extract a General View of the Mission, omitting such parts as were anticipated in our last Survey. The intelligence from this Mission, received during the period embraced by this Report, furnishes a continued his tory of the labours and trials of the Mis sionaries, of their hopes and encourage ments, from Nov. 20, 1820, to the close of the year 1821. It cannot be expected, that every part of this history should be equally interesting with the account of the first landing, or the early proposals to the chiefs and people. The most arduous efforts of Labourers in a new field must relate to things in a great measure devoid of attractions. This is not said by way of apology for any comparative want of interest in the accounts from this and other Missions; for the Committee are confident, that the expectations of the judicious public have been more than answered in this respect: but it is well to be reminded, that the most useful services of Ministers at home, as well as of Missionaries abroad, are always unobtrusive in their character, and often unobserved.

The communication of Divine Truth must be comparatively slow at first. The languages of Pagan Nations are commonly unsettled, difficult to be acquired, and barren on moral and religious subjects. But there is no language

so difficult, that it cannot be learned by the patient and zealous Missionary; and none so deficient, but that the simple truths of the Gospel can be ultimately expressed in it. This is, indeed, a striking trait of the Bible; that, when honestly translated by men of competent abilities, it conveys the same grand and saving doctrines to persons of all classes and characters, however diverse their external condition or their state of intellectual improvement.

At the two principal Stations in the Sandwich Islands (Woahoo and Atooi) attempts were made at the first, and have been continued without interrup tion, to communicate Divine Truth by means of interpreters, chiefly in the way of conversation. These attempts have succeeded to some extent. Knowledge has been gained by a few adult individuals, and by more children, with respect to the spirituality of God, His universal providence, the holiness of His Law, and the blessings of His Gospel.

Preparations have been made for preaching in the language at no distant day, learning. and for printing books of elementary

The Schools are continued with becoming perseverance; and will, doubtless, prove the precursors of a general system of instruction. The number of regular pupils has varied from 50 to 80. Quarterly examinations are held; and the improvement, from one quarter to another, is very perceptible. On these occasions, a considerable number of foreigners, masters of vessels and others, are usually present, and testify their surprise at the progress of the children. In the course of the period abovementioned, the Missionaries have made various tours, in different parts of the islands. The Natives have uniformly received them with kindness; and hear, without opposition, such truths as can be explained to them. It is to be expected, however, that, when the restraints of religion and the awful danger of a state of sin shall be pressed upon the conscience, the same dislike of the truth will be manifested, as is exhibited in other countries.

The King professes to admit that Jehovah is the true God; and he declares himself willing to have his people instructed: his transient efforts, in the business of learning to read and write, have not as yet been crowned with much success: the habit of intemperance, into

which he has fallen, threatens to prevent the salutary influence, which his station would enable him to exert. Several of the Chiefs, however, who exercise very considerable authority, are kind to the Missionaries, and susceptible of good impressions.

The more the condition of the people is ascertained, the more evident their wretchedness becomes. The authority of the King and Chiefs has been, from time immemorial, altogether arbitrary the common people can be dispossessed of their land, and other property, at a moment's warning. This custom discourages industry; and leaves the mass of the inhabitants in extreme poverty, though dwelling in one of the finest climates upon earth. The sacrifices required by the odious and abhorred super. stitions, derived from remote antiquity, till lately pressed the people into a very low state of subjugation to the priests: they are now liberated from this class of burdens; but will have nothing to expand their minds and elevate their pursuits, till they can understand the doctrines and feel the motives presented by the Gospel.

The population of Woahoo is estimated at 20,000 by Mr. Loomis, who made the tour of the island: he supposed there were 4000 houses; and that the houses contained five persons each, on an average: the population was former supposed to be much greater; and there is no doubt that it has been diminished by war, pestilence, and vices introduced by, foreigners. Mowee and Atooi are about the size of Woahoo: there are several smaller islands, and Owhyhee is much larger: so that the whole number of immortal beings, inha. biting this group, must be very considerable.

It is to be mentioned with devout gratitude, that many foreigners, who touch at the islands, or reside there, have shown repeated acts of kindness and generosity to the Missionaries; and the attestation given by so many individuals, in different ways, cannot but produce a considerable effect. One of the most remarkable cases, in which a public spirit in behalf of the Mission appeared, was the voluntary subscription of Masters of Vessels and others for the erection of a Place of Worship-the first that was ever built for such a purpose, on these long-neglected shores. TheGovernor of Kamtschatka aldressed

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a Letter of Congratulation to the Missionaries, declaring the great satisfaction which it gave him to hear that the Gospel was brought to the Sandwich Islands; and his readiness to maintain a friendly correspondence, with a view to promote the interests of Christianity.

From the North-West Coast of our own continent a voice was heard, entreating that Teachers might be sent to these desolate regions. A Chief of more intelligence than ordinary was very inportunate on this subject, and very anxious that his own children should enjoy the benefits of instruction. Judg. ing from such information as can be obtained, the Committee have good reason to think, that a Mission might be immediately established on this coast, with good prospects of safety and success. That it is the duty of the American Public to make the experiment, there can be no doubt; and nothing is wanting in order to make it within a short time, but pecuniary resources.

The continued smiles of Providence upon the Mission at the Sandwich Islands are observable, and should call forth devout acknowledgments and thankful praises. By what has already been experienced, the friends of the Redeemer in this country should be willing to make greater exertions than any which have yet been witnessed. When these islands are supplied with Teachers, there are other islands, and parts of vast continents, which will con tinue to press their imperious claims, till they are heard and regarded.

From Instructions delivered by the Board, in November of last year, to Missionaries who embarked on the 19th of that month for the Islands, we extract some further statements relative to the Mission.

Of the condition of the Natives and the means of benefitting them, it is said

These people you will find in the greatest possible want of instruction. Though they burned their idols and discarded their odious and abhorred superstitions, before the first Missionaries reached their shores-an event altogether unprecedented in the history of man-yet, their minds are still in utter darkness as to religion: their hearts are under the influence of depraved passion, and their lives are deformed by gross vices. Fain

ful indeed it is, to behold any portion of our race in such a debasing subjection to the God of this World: but we are not to shrink from a knowledge of the true state of things, when that knowledge is essential to the best performance of our dutv.

Though your Brethren, already in the field, have communicated some general notions of God, of Providence, and of the Gospel, to a few individuals around them; yet the mass of the inhabitants you must expect to see still remaining without God and without hope. Some preparations may have been made toward. conveying instruction, both by means of interpreters and in their own language; but the progress' of Divine Truth among Pagans, speaking a strange tongue and not even having any language adapted to moral subjects, must be slow at first. You must, therefore, consider, that, so far as the arduousness of the work is regarded, you and your Brethren are yet to commence the business of general instruction. Before any great results can be expected, the rudiments of moral truth must be conveyed to the minds of multitudesThe conscience is to be informed and enlightened the heart is to be assailed by the simple, yet commanding motives of the Gospel-man's native sinfulness and wretchedness are to be fairly exhibited the pardon of sin is to be proclaimed; the love of Christ displayed; the atonement, with all its blessings, described— and the destinies of eternity to be presented to the mind. Your reliance on the pure doctrines of Revelation must be firm and undeviating. No other doctrines, no other moral process but the preaching of these doctrines, will ever prove a remedy for the diseases of the

soul.

Nothing will so speedily convince the Natives of the excellence of your Mission, as a laborious attention to its appropriate duties. Untutored people are almost universally idle in their habits, prodigal of time, and prone to dissipation of almost every kind. A life of industry, therefore, spontaneously exerted, and persevered in from motives of public utility, is to them a singular phenomenon; and one, which makes a striking impression on their minds. Be urgent, then, in preaching the Gospel, in teaching the young, and in every branch of useful labour which your various faculties and acquirements may enable you to accomplish. You will feel that no time is to be lost. Even now,

almost while I am speaking, intelligence is received, that your services are im. periously demanded-that your arrival will be hailed as the signal for new establishments that the Schools are increasing-that, on the first Monday of last January, the printing of an Elementary School-Book was commenced, in a language never before reduced to writing—and that the number of readers will be multiplied, faster than the translations and printing can be executed.

You take with you, as an interesting part of your family, Three Natives of islands in the Pacific; who, having received the benefit of Christian Instruction at the Foreign-Mission School, and having, as we trust, experienced the power of Divine Truth on their hearts, are now about returning to the land of their fathers. These Youths are committed to you as a precious deposit. They will be exposed to many dangers and temptations; and the utmost vigilance, both in you and in them, may be the means, which God will use in preserving them. When further instructed, they may be of important service in various departments of your work. Cherish them most kindly and tenderly, not only as pupils, but as Christian Bre thren; and may the Great Shepherd recognise them as lambs of His flock, and bring them to His fold!

Treaty between Tamaahmaah and

Tamoree.

This Treaty was noticed at p. 71 of the Survey. The Board thus speak on the subject:

In the month of July 1821, the King adopted a measure, which is of some importance in the history of the islands. He suddenly, and against the advice of the Chiefs, went down to Atooi in an open boat, and sought an interview with Tamoree; an experiment, which was looked upon by some with considerable anxiety. The experiment succeeded perfectly-Tamoree formally and explicitly acknowledging Reho-rcho as his sovereign, and resigning all his possessions into the hands of the King; who, in his turn, restored all, and only insisted that the island should be held under himself, as it had been held under his Father.

Mr. Bingham gives the following particulars.

Tamoree proposed, in a very formal

manner, to surrender himself, his island, and all that he had, to Reho-reho; and, with some agitation, addressed him to this effect

King Reho-reho, hear. When your Fa ther was alive, I acknowledged him as my superior. Since his death, I have considered you as his rightful successor; and, according to his appointment, as King. Now I have plenty of muskets and powder, and plenty of men at command: these, with the vessels I have bought, the fort, and guns, and the island, all are yours. Do with them as you please. Send me where you please. Place what Chief you please as Governor here. Nike,the Karakekooah Chief, addressed the Council in a few words; and referring to the Treaty made between the two Kings, confirmed the fact, that Tamoree had held this island under Tamaahmaah. A solemn silence pervaded the house for some time, while all waited, with deep solicitude, to hear the reply of the Young King, on which so much appeared to be suspended. Then, with a mild and manly aspect, he addressed Tamoree as fol

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I did not come to take away your island. I do not wish to place any one over it. Keep your island, and take care of it just as you have done, and do what you please with your vessels.

To this succeeded a shout of cheerful and hearty approbation from all parties; and Tamoree retired from the Council with a peaceful smile. Thus, without noise or bloodshed, the Treaty, made with the late King, is recognised and ratified with his Son and successor Treaty, which allowed Tamoree the peaceful possession of the Leeward Islands, as Tributary King. In this transaction, it is difficult to say which of the two has shown the most sagacity or magnanimity.

Remains of Superstition.

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The Missionaries thus speak of the notion prevalent among the Natives, of the power of their Priests "to pray people to death:"

The belief, that the priests had power to pray a person to death, has been deeply rooted and universal among this people, and cannot be easily eradicated. But we hope that the time is near, in which this magic mode of execution will be no longer dreaded; nor prayer be regarded as a bloody engine of government, of malice, or of priestcraft, for the destruction of those, who fall under the condemnation of justice or caprice. That

many have died, through the influence of a belief in the infallible efficacy of the prayers of a Heathen Priest, we cannot doubt. The undetected thief, learning that a priest had begun to pray him to death, and hearing the people speaking with so much certainty of its fatal consequences, restores the lost property; or, if that is not in his power, in the full expectation of death, refuses to eat, pineş away and dies. Even the great Tamaahmaah feared to have a priest get possession of his "spit-box," lest the priest should take advantage of the saliva to give efficacy to his prayers: at least, he professed such fear, and acted accordingly. The fact, that they have now a law against praying people to death, proves the strength of their superstition, even after their idols are abolished.

The following description is given of the "Hoodalı-hoodah," a public dance which continues eight or ter days.

The scene of the play is a large yard, contiguous to the house of the Governor. The ground is covered with rushes. Those, who danced, were arranged in seven long rows: when one moved, all moved in the same way; and, though they ad. vance and retreat, turn round, incline to the right or left, and employ a great variety of motions of the arms, legs, and body, yet there is no interchange of sta tion, nor material change of relative situation among them. The musicians, or those who sing and violently beat with a small stick upon a longer one, thus measuring the time with great exactness and also by stamping their feet upon the ground, are arranged in two long rows behind the dancers, having their leader in front of them. Those who dance, often sing with the musicians; and, sometimes, one female voice alone carries on the song, while all the rest are silent. One of the musicians, being asked what number of men and women were engaged in enumeration, the dance, replied, in their method of "three forties and three tens of men, and three forties of women;" that is, 270 in the whole.

In relation to this dance, the Missionaries found that a superstitious practice still prevailed.

At the close of the day it was discovered, that, in an enclosure, near the gate of the yard, the Natives had set up a small image, dressed out with beads.

On being interrogated as to its nature, they said it was Akooah hoodah-hoodah," the "God of the dance."

What is the real design of setting up this lying vanity, it is difficult to tell. It seems the master of the Hoodahhoodah found it somewhat difficult to preserve perfect order in the play, without resorting to some such expedient as that of setting up an idol, or reviving at least a part of the taboo system. Some were unwilling to acknowledge the authority of such a deity, particu. larly as it was contrary to the views of the King. Reho-reho expressed his disapprobation of the manner in which this god had been acknowledged, and refused to allow him an image. The senseless and shapeless stick of wood, which had stood in the place of the "God of the Dance," was removed, his little court laid waste, and the visible offerings suspended. But the King, as we are infor med, told the Governor of the island, that, if the dancers pleased to acknowledge the Laka in sport, they might do it. We are informed by our pupils, some of whom are obliged to join in the dance, that all the dancers, except those, who belong to our School, acknowledge the Akooah hoodah-hoodah, in order to keep up their attention, and not lose, but acquire skill in dancing; that they eat to the Laka-they smoke to the Lakathey dance to the Laka-they call their ornaments the Laka's; saying, that, if they do this, the Laka will bye and by give them good knowledge and expertness to dance well, and those, who refuse to do this, will not become accomplished

in the art.

Some of the people refused to submit to the restraints of the taboo system, because they were convinced of its folly; and others, on account of the intolerable task which it imposed; but others still, feeling the evil of living without any god, chose, as a lesser evil, to have what is confessedly a false God. None but Jehovah knows their hearts; but so much as this appears probable, that, were not idolatry an intolerably heavy burden, we should have distressing reason to fear, that, in spite of the light of Revelation, which begins to shine here, and the efforts of Christians to establish the kingdom of Christ, a great portion of the people would return to their abominations.

On a subsequent occasion, a num

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Perhaps some may inquire how it is, that Idols were still detected,and brought forth to be burned, and that the people were waiting for the King to give a de cided countenance to the Missionaries, when idolatry had been abolished almost three years before, and the Missionaries had been established at the islands more than two years. The explanation is briefly this. Where the idols were so very numerous, and there were so many household gods, it is not to be supposed that all would be destroyed at once; though the burning was general, some idols would be clandestinely preserved, After the destruction of the idols and consecrated places, the people were as destitute of any just views of religion as before. They were, also, as much addicted to their vices. From want of knowledge of the language, Missionaries are never able at first to convey religious truth to the minds of Heathens. In the case before us, though the rulers of the naries to reside there, and have treated Sandwich Islands admitted the Missiothem with kindness, great pains have been taken by unprincipled foreigners to prejudice all classes of the Natives against evangelical exertions; and to excite suspicion of the motives, which brought the Missionaries thither. This evil was always anticipated. It must always be met, in similar cases; and met patiently and firmly. In the mean time, it was to be supposed, that the minds of the chiefs and people would remain in a state of indifference, till they knew more of religion; and in a state of suspense, as to what part they should ultimately take. The final issue, however, is not doubtful. Christ will be acknow ledged and obeyed in these islands; and in the whole world, which now lies in wickedness.

Barbarous Conduct toward Infants.

On occasion of receiving under their care a sick and friendless child, the Missionaries say—

In this land, there are many infants, that are left with as little care as was this child: nay, Mothers sometimes destroy their little ones, to save the trouble of taking care of them. Formerly,

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