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communion of the church about forty new | assistants, who aid them in the care of members; and in a time of unparalleled the congregation; particularly of the dissipation, he knew not of one case, in that camp, of intemperance among the church members. In Papeete all has been drunkenness and confusion: most of the church members have left it, and retired to the camps in the mountains. This being the best harbour of the island, is the head-quarters of the French. It was formerly a flourishing mission station, under another name, taken from one of the directors of the society. But, under French misrule, all these names intended to immortalize the founders of the society must be discarded. It had been better if they had never been adopted. At this station, however, a missionary is still active. He opened a school in the end of June last, which is filled. The chapel has been re-roofed and made comfortable; and he is about to form a new church-carefully excluding the cold lifeless members of the former church, and endeavouring to raise the standard of purity, for which improvement in the character of the church, he reckons the present time very favourable. None have yet joined the papists; and only one priest remains, two or three having left a few months ago for Wallis's Island.

scattered members of their flock, whom they themselves can but seldom visit. To five of these assistants they bear testimony that they are both diligent and useful; and two of them have gifts as well as grace. "It is, however, no easy matter," they state, “to train assistants of this nation, who may become thoroughly qualified for the discharge of their office, without losing any portion of their humility and simplicity." They had had the joy to baptize three persons from the heathen-a rare occurrence. Their schools have continued to give them pleasure: three days in the week they have given instruction to thirty-two single women and girls; and on the other three days they have taught thirty-six young girls. From the southmost station they write that their attention was most earnestly directed to the improvement of the spiritual state of their congregation. In Greenland there are numerous hindrances with which they have to struggle. Their people are removed from them for half the year, in quest of provisions for the winter. For a couple of months or longer, they have to associate with the Greenlanders of the Danish factory, The United Brethren have recently re- amongst whom dancing and nocturnal ceived the annual reports of their mission revelry are universally practised; and in Greenland; which bring, upon the many of their young people are thus led whole, encouraging intelligence from that into temptation. What is worst of all, field of evangelical labour. The plentiful their old superstitious practices oft resupply of food which their Greenlanders gain the ascendancy during this disperwere enabled this past season to provide, sion-a class of sins the most dangerous, gave them opportunity of remaining more yet which are the last they are willing to at home than usual, so that the mission-confess. The evils of this dispersion are aries had abundant intercourse with in some degree mitigated by the assistthem ; and their attendance on the ance of faithful national helpers, who means of grace was, on the whole, regular and frequent. At the northernmost station one-half of the congregation remained with the missionaries throughout the winter; and the other half were at such distances as enabled them to pay frequent, and often long visits. From another station they write, "the operations of the spirit of God on the hearts of our Greenland flock were evident; and the majority of its members gave us pleasure by their walk and conversation. The attendance on the meetings and the schools was more numerous and frequent. We cannot, however, help regretting that so many children are deprived of the means of instruction, owing to the parents living dispersed along the coast."

From another station they remark, that they have at present eight national

accompany them, and at least check the irregularities of conduct which they observe among them. Three boats of heathen from the east coast again visited the settlement this summer, for trading purposes; and when the missionaries took the opportunity of preaching Christ to them, and inviting them to turn to him, they promised to come and settle among them, and assured them that others of their countrymen had the same intention. Perhaps their hour may soon come.

Death of Missionaries.-The Episcopal bishop of Jerusalem, after a journey through the wilderness towards Cairo, and when within a short distance of the latter city, died instantaneously, on the 22d of November last, by the rupture of a blood-vessel, close to the heart. He was a converted Jew; but he has occu

pied an unfruitful field of labour since Missionary Society. They have five he went to Jerusalem. The Rev. Wil- Tongea native teachers. Rotumah longs liam Knibb, the excellent Baptist mis- for white missionaries-all prepared for sionary of Jamaica, died on the 15th of them. We cheered them on, and led the same month, after an illness of four them to hope that soon they may get days. He felt that the sickness was unto white missionaries. They lately fought. death. Almost his last words to brother It only lasted one day, but the loss of Philippo were "Some on boards, and life was great-seventy men fell. Left some on broken pieces of the ship, and Rotumah on Wednesday the 9th-on so it came to pass that they all escaped Tuesday the 15th, made Futuna of the safe to land." In his delirium, he preached New Hebrides-made the island in the and prayed with an eloquence which he morning-were off and on all daynever had surpassed. A few moments could not get our teachers. Had the before he expired, he took the hand of boat lowered and in several times. First his wife, and said "Mary, 'tis all right." time the boat went in, they said our The deaths of two female missionaries, teachers were well-that they were far of the Chinese Mission of the London off in their plantations at work. Missionary Society, have just been an- second time the boat went-all seemed nounced : the one, Mrs Fairbrother, who shy. We feared something was wrong. died at Shanghae, in September last, Then Mr Murray and I went off in the having lived to reach her destination, boat-found all on shore armed and but died before entering upon her work; concealed behind the rocks and stones. the other, Mrs Hobson, who died on the I shouted for our teachers, but could get 22d of December, within sight of Eng- | nothing but vague and contradictory land, having reached thus far in a voyage statements. We had our worst fears from China, for the restoration of her for our poor teachers. Determined to health. Besides these, there is reported this past month the death of Mrs Fox, of the Church of England Mission, in Madras; of Mrs Redford, of the same society, in the West Indies; and of Mrs Banfield, of the Wesleyan Mission, in Trinidad.

SOUTH SEAS.

Letter from the Rev. George Turner, Missionary.-On board the John Williams, Dillon's Bay, Iramanga, Tuesday evening, 29th April 1845.

A

run across to the Island of Aneiteam immediately-did so, and in the morning were there. Got offour teachers at once, and, alas, heard the mournful tale that the Futuna teachers were all killed about the time we left Tanna, upwards of two years ago. An epidemic was raging at the time-they blamed the teachers as causing it, and it ended in the massacre them, and their daughter-four persons of the two teachers, the wife of one of in all. "Father, forgive them, for they knew not what they did." The teachers were good men, and, doubtless, they are MY DEAR FATHER,-Before this reaches now in glory. They died as they lived, you, you will doubtless have heard from men of peace-and like Stephen, did Samoa of the voyage among these islands not raise a hand to injure any one. which Mr Murray and I are now carrying Cannot ascertain whether the Futuna out. We cast anchor here this morning, people repent of what they have done, and propose leaving early to-morrow and shall not at this time think of landmorning. There is a little vessel here in ing teachers there. At Aneiteam-all quest of sandal-wood, and finding that cheering-left other two teachers. Found she is likely to go soon to New South there a party of white men. They have Wales, I embrace the opportunity of purchased a small island off the mainletting you have a few lines to let you land-have fortified it. There they have know that thus far all is well with us. a jetty, flag-staff, houses, &c. Say they The Lord hath done great things for us, mean it for a store to supply whalers. whereof we are glad. We left our friends Collect sandal-wood from the adjacent at Upolu, Samoa, on the 1st April, and islands. We have stationed two teachers cleared that group on the 3d. Tuesday on the main-land, close by this settlethe 7th, cast anchor at Rotumah. Acment. They were received with joy by cording to instructions and arrangements the chief there. The sooner we have a made in England between the Wesleyan white missionary or two there the better. and the London Missionary Societies, Had a gale of wind here, but was all we have removed our teachers from snug at anchor. Were detained till the Rotumah, and given up all interest and | 22d; then got out, and that evening influence we had there to the Wesleyan were at anchor once more at Port Reso

presents, showed them all over the ship - showed them the portrait of Mr Williams, and made them understand that it was him they killed. Tried to explain our intention to leave teachers, and then begged them to go and fetch their chiefs-sent them on shore in the boat. Mr Murray and I have been twice in with the boat. Gave presents to natives on the beach; all very shy there, especially the last time we were in, just a little before sun-down. We cannot see it our duty now to land teachers. We have succeeded, however, in showing them much kindness. They will now know the vessel that gives presents, &c. &c. and does not take sandal-wood; and when we return, we may be able to get some Tanna or other man who knows a little of the dialect. We tried hard to get a Tanna man to come with us the other day, but he would not. They are afraid of Iramanga. Many sandal-wood vessels have been here lately, and at other parts of the island. We have had sad accounts of fighting, massacring, and other mischief, on other parts of this island; and perhaps this is as hopeful a point as any for gaining admission. We leave in the morning for Sandwich Island. Have just got the name of a place there where there are some Samoans and Tongans, who were drifted there many years ago. The vessel along

lution, Tanna. And here I cannot tell | from any thing we knew. We gave them you a thousandth part of what we saw to cheer us, and form a striking contrast to the time when even we were driven with heavy hearts from the island. Our house is still standing, and good-not a plant stolen from the garden-all just as we left them-and the people, even our greatest enemies the priestcraft, with open arms to receive us. Soon after we cast anchor we went on shore. Next day had a great meeting in our houseall parties anxious for teachers, and im plore our return. Have left three teachers where we were, two among a people who were our enemies, and two at the head-quarters of the priestcraft people, that seat of Satan called Kasiwumeul. When the teachers went to their stations, all received joyfully-pigs killed for them, houses immediately put up, &c. &c. Soon after we were expelled, two years ago, a great many died of dysentry. All supposed it was the judgment of heaven. So many died in the land of the priestcraft that they could not bury them. They say many who stole from us are dead-some who attempted to take fruit from our garden after we left, are dead. These things are striking facts to us as well as to them. The Lord seems to be at work, and it appears as if he was putting the fear and the dread of us into the hearts of the people. Our old friend Kirannan, who promised to count the days, and assemble the people for wor-side of us has come from that placeship every Sabbath, actually did so. found all quiet, a fine people, and these Twelve months ago a Nina teacher vi- Samoans and Tongans imploring for nasited them-found them with an exact tive teachers. Then we purpose going to knowledge of the Sabbath, and regularly Mowe and Lafa of Loyalty group, the holding public worship. And now, when Isle of Pines. It is said that a Roman I got the old man on board, I asked him Catholic bishop and some priests are at when Sabbath was, and he told me cor- New Caledonia, and we also hear that rectly. There has been a powerful re- some of them have been killed. We are action in our favour. We had a strong all well. My dearest Mary has been conviction that it would be so. The very well of late; her all but well. Lord hath done great things here-praise Little Martha, too, quite well. Our tenhim together with us. Left Tanna early derest love to all at home. Pray for us, yesterday morning. Have two Tanna and may every eternal blessing be your chiefs with us and their wives. We take and our portion through Jesus our Lord them to Samoa, and bring them back to and Redeemer. Yours, with all filial show their countrymen what the gospel affection. has done for Samoa. Yesterday landed two teachers at Nina. Came to anchor here this morning. We are at anchor close to the place where our Williams fell. Four natives swam off soon after we cast anchor. We showed them kindness-gave them food and presents, and took them on shore in the boat. Could not get hold of a chief. After dinner nine others swam off. Could not communicate with them. Dialect very different

(Signed)

GEORGE TURNER.

CANTON DE VAUD.

THE Ministers and Elders of the United Secession Presbytery of Edinburgh, in connexion with the United Secession Church of Scotland, to the Ministers and Elders who have separated themselves from the National Church in the Canton de Vaud: Grace, mercy,

and peace, from God our Father, and and therefore entirely distinct from the Jesus Christ our Lord.

kingdoms of this world-that the civil magistrate, as such, has no right to interfere with the church in any formmay not dictate what men may believe or not believe-may not presume to superintend, or interfere with, her constitution, her discipline, or the administration of her ordinances. We also hold, that if the church be free of the state, the state should be free of the church; that it should not be burdened with the support of her ordinances, but that, in accordance with the law of Christ, they should be maintained by the free-will offerings of Christ's own people. We hold, in one word, that any alliance between the church and the state is forbidden by the authority of the Lord of the church, and that such alliance is in every instance productive of incalculable mischief-that it divides, enfeebles, enslaves, and secularizes the church, while it injures, weakens, and impedes the action of the state in its legitimate province. These results, we are persuaded, can be easily traced in the history of every established church; and are felt at the present time in all the ecclesiastical establishments in the kingdoms of Europe. These principles we hold to be the principles of the Bible. It is not surprising, then, dear brethren, that we contemplate their extension with gratitude and joy. Their universal diffusion, we believe, will be the era of the emancipation of the world from spiritual thraldom; and we congratulate you that you have had the grace given you to assert and practically maintain them in the face of the strong arm of power, and of the difficulties and dangers to which in consequence you may be exposed,

DEAR BRETHREN, Although the greater number of us who now address you are, so far as regards personal acquaintance, strangers to you, and you to us, though you are separated from us by country and by language,-we yet feel joined with you by the bonds of our common christianity: and our interest in your welfare, and our affection towards you, are still farther increased, by the noble stand which you have been enabled to make in behalf of the independence of the christian church of the control of the civil power. So far as we are ac'quainted with the particulars of the disruption which has taken place in your ecclesiastical establishment, we are disposed to congratulate you on the position which you now occupy; while, at the same time, we fully appreciate the difficulties of your present situation, and with emotions of profound interest address to you this token of our affection. You are now practically occupying the position which the church to which we belong has held in this country for upwards of a century. Although no formal authoritative declaration has been made by our church courts upon the point, we are, in principle, dissenters. Our church originated, above a hundred years ago, in the expulsion, by a corrupt majority of the General Assembly, from the Established Church of Scotland of four of her most worthy and venerated ministers, not for error in doctrine-not for immorality of conduct-not for unfaithfulness in the discharge of their ministerial functions, but for their fidelity in asserting the prerogatives of the Lord Jesus, as the sole Head of his church,— We are not acquainted with all the in vindicating his truth against prevailing causes which have led to the late moveerror,—and in maintaining the right of ment in the canton. But this we have -the christian people to a voice in the learned, that upwards of one hundred call and appointment of their ministers. and fifty ministers of Christ Jesus, rather From this small beginning we have than submit to the encroachments of the increased to a great multitude, there civil power upon the liberties of Christ's being connected with the United Se-church, have abandoned the National cession Church upwards of four hundred establishment, with all the temporal adcongregations, having in their com- vantages connected with it, and have munion nearly 130,000 members, and thrown themselves and their families on administering the ordinances of the the providence of that God who has said gospel to about 300,000 of the popu- to all his own children, "I will never lation. leave thee nor forsake thee." We congratulate you, brethren, on the testimony which you have thus been honoured to give in behalf of Christ's truth, and the spiritual independence of his church.

We have all along firmly held the principle for which you are now contending-that the Lord Jesus is the sole Head and King of his church-that his -kingdom is spiritual in its constitution and laws, its ordinances and privileges,

You may be subjected to difficulties and trials on account of the step which

you have taken; but will not all that you | love the Lord Jesus; and we beg that may be called on to endure be more than you will receive from us the expression compensated by the influence which your which we now tender of our deep and christian heroism may exert upon the affectionate regards. As members of interests of genuine religion, and the Christ's mystical body, we would rememprosperity of the church, not only in your ber them that are in bonds, as bound own canton, but throughout Switzer- with them; and them that suffer adver land and the whole continent of Europe? sity, as being ourselves also in the body. Your example will cheer the hearts of all We would feel as baptized with you into the Protestants in France, and impart a one body. Your sorrow we would make stimulus to the movement which is now our sorrow. We would weep with you agitating Germany. It will pass over the in your day of trial, as well as rejoice Alps, and be felt in the very place where with you in your season of prosperity. Antichrist has his throne. But if, on We feel that the religion of Jesus is of the other hand, you had tamely sub- no country-that his disciples are of no mitted to the dictation of the civil power, land. We would not, therefore, confine the effects would have been most disas- our affections and our sympathies to trous. Erastianism would have rivetted those of our own denomination, or our her chains more securely around the own country. We feel that we are one church-the liberties of Christ's people with the people of God scattered over would have been still more endangered the world; and therefore one with you— their faith in the stability and influence hail you as brethren in the Lord, and of christian principle would have been offer you our christian sympathies amid staggered-while the infidel would have the difficulties under which you now labeen confirmed in his infidelity, and a bour, and the trials to which you are wicked world have rejoiced. But your exposed. But we feel united to Switzerstedfast adherence to the truth, and the land, and sympathise with her people on testimony which you have given to its another ground. We never can forget power, will not only prevent these melan- that your country afforded an asylum to choly consequences-it will excite the our own Knox and other ministers of attention of all-will lead the thought- Scotland, when driven from their native less to reflect-will strengthen the hands land by the strong arm of persecution. of genuine believers, and, by the blessing Nor can we be unmindful of what we of God, may bring many to the know- owe to your own Calvin and others; and, ledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, as well if necessary, we are prepared to recipro⚫ as to more scriptural views of the con- cate your kindness, by opening our arms stitution of his church. We cordially to receive you to our protection. hail you as another band of that great army which the Redeemer is every way gathering together to sustain the standard of religious liberty, and to diffuse among the nations that spiritual freedom which Christ Jesus has purchased for his church with his own blood.

In the meantime, brethren, we exhort you to be firm-to be faithful in the maintaining of the principles which you have avowed, and rather suffer the loss of all things than submit to a course of procedure, which we believe to be deeply disgraceful to the Government, and in The course which you have followed direct violation of the sacred name of may have been, in many respects, pain-liberty. You have many encourageful to flesh and blood. Many of you have left homes endeared to you by a thousand delightful associations, and been separated from flocks which you tenderly loved, and among whom you hoped to live, and labour, and die, and your ashes to repose among the ashes of your fathers. You may have to endure many temporal privations; even persecution may be your portion. You may not be - allowed to labour publicly in your Master's cause. You may be imprisoned, or even banished from fatherland. But you will be sustained, amid all you may be called to endure, by the testimony of a good conscience; and you will draw towards you also the sympathy of all who

ments to strengthen your faith and stimulate your courage. You are suffering for the testimony of Jesus, and the word of God; and he never calls any one to maintain his testimony, without saying to him, "Fear not; I am he that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." "The Lord of hosts is on your side;" and " He who is with you, is greater than all they that can be against you." He can turn the designs of your enemies into means of promoting both his cause and your comfort. He can, and will give you enlargement if it be for the good of his kingdom. But if he permit the enemy to

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