and Hopoo offered one of the prayers, Cox requested that he might have the same privilege every evening, and have some one, also, to attend morning prayers at his house. On the 31st, he went to his sister Kaahúmanu, and proposed to her to join with him in turning to the new way pointed out by the missionaries; to encourage schools, and allow their people all to be taught. She declined; but he avowed his intention to learn, and have his people instructed. His wife joined with him, and T: also several of his family. One of his favorites, Taumi, by the way, has, for two years, been receiving instruction, and made › very desirable progress; sometimes engages in prayer; and has considerable influence with this important chief. 2 Disposition of Riho-riho to learn. The next principal personage, who enlisted as a regular pupil in acquiring the art of reading and writing the language, was the king himself. On the 2d inst. he visited the mission family, in a very pleasant mood, and, at our solicitous suggestion, engaged to begin the work soon. He requested that 100 copies of the first sheet of the spelling-book might be ready to put into the hands of his people, and encouraged us to hope, that as soon as the sandal wood, which he owed, should be paid over to those who were waiting for it, all his people should be allowed to attend on our instructions. His wives and favorite friends have united with him. On Monday last, the day of the Monthly Concert, his house became literally a school-house, and Mr. Bingham, Mr. Ellis, James Kahuhu, and John Honoree, were diligently employed Ein teaching them to read and write. This continues with good success. The next day, Kahumanu was induced to lay aside her cards, receive a book, and cheerfully attempt to learn the alphabet of her language. Taumuarii also received a book, and, by their united request, about 30 of his people. Kraimoku (Krimakoo,) Naihe and his wife, Kanui, and Kauikeoule the young prince, and most of the smaller chiefs at this place, with their favorites, are learning to read and write. Besides the Lord has begun a great work here, and we pray that he "will perform it until the day of the Lord Jesus." A few, we are led to hope, are inquiring what they must do to be saved. May the Lord guide them into all truth. We are desired to send to our patrons, and the good people of America, the affectionate AROHA, (salutation,) of the king and queen, of Taumuarii and Kaahumanu, of Naihe and his wife, and others, who are now receiving the benefits tendered to them by the Board, through our feeble instrumentality. Our brethren at Atuai, who have lately visited this station, and enjoyed for a season the society of our missionary friends, who sojourn with us, have returned, and are proceeding cheerfully and successfully with their work. Taumuarii is expected to visit them, next week, with numerous attendants from this place. You, dear Sir, amid your multiplied cares, your assiduous labors, and your awful responsibilities, will rejoice with us; and the Board will give thanks to Go for these tokens of his divine favor. Bu let us rejoice with trembling, and continu implore his divine grace to purify this pe; ple, to cause the Sabbath to be publicly ace knowledged and sanctified in these isles, every abomination to be removed, and the institutions of a pure and holy worship to be established; and especially, that those appointed to minister in holy things, may be found faithful, even unto death.. Committing our way unto the Lord, and imploring a divine blessing on our patrons, we are happy, dear Sir, to subscribe ourselves your brethren and fellow-laborers. H. BINGHAM, A. THURSTON, J. Evarts, Esq. Cor. Sec. &c. LETTER FROM THE ENGLISH MISSION ARY DEPUTATION ΤΟ THE AMERICAN BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS. Oahu, one of the Sandwich Islands, Beloved Brethren in Christ: You have, we presume, been informed, that the London Missionary Society have deputed two of their number to inquire into the state of their mission in the islands of the South Seas. We, whose names are subscribed to this letter, have the honor to form that deputation. When we sailed from England in May, 1821, we had just received information, that the Sandwich Islands had engaged your.benevolent regards, and that you had sent missionaries to propagate the Gospel in that interesting portion of the heathen world. While this important information filled our hearts with joy, and excited in our minds the most fervent prayers that success might attend your labors of love, we were encouraged to indulge the most extensive hopes, by hearing that idolatry had already fallen in those islands, and that the Great Head of the Church had thus singularly prepared the way for his servants. Unexpected Visit to the Sandwich Islands. But though we felt the most lively interest in the success of your enterprise, we then entertained no hopes, not even the most remote, of visiting the Sandwich Islands; as such a visit made no part of the duties connected with our deputation. A mysterious and unerring Providence has, however, conferred on us a pleasure as great as it was unexpected, and placed us in circumstances that render it our duty to rike you a communication;--which we are happy to do from the house of your we sionaries, in the island of Oahu. intel' When we landed here, in the middle of so pril, we did not expect to remain more r than three weeks; but the same Provi dence, which so unexpectedly brought us here, has, as unexpectedly, detained us till now. The desigus of Providence in bringing us here, are, however, sufficiently unfolded to convince us of their wisdom and beneficence; while we have every reason to hope that our detention is for the glory of God. We have had the pleasure of seeing all the brethren, and all the sisters excepting Mrs. Ruggles; and feel truly thankful to God, that he has permitted us to form a friendship with his servants, in whom there is so much to admire, to esteem, and to love. Occasion of this Visit. After spending some months in the South Sea islands, and being, at the time, at Huahine, one of the Society Islands, a vessel, whose captain had in charge a schooner, which was a present from the king of England to the king of the Sandwich Islands, came unexpectedly into the harbor for refreshments. We had long been anxious to introduce the Gospel into the Marquesian Islands, first by means of some pious natives from Tahiti, as introductory to the sending of some missionaries. The captain informed us, that after delivering up his charge at the Sandwich Islands, it was his intention to return by way of the Marquesas, and should feel much pleasure in giving us, and any persons whom we chose to take with us, a free passage. To reach the Marquesas by way of the Sandwich Islands, was, indeed, by a circuitous route; but the desire which we had to visit your mission there, and the hope that the testimony which the Tahitians, who might accompany us, would bear to the beneficial influence of missionary exertions in the South Sea islands, might be of essential service to the Sandwich Islands, and having no expectation of being able to reach the Marquesas by any way more favorable,-we were induced to believe, that a wise Providence Before we proceed to the immediate ob- had furnished the means of accomplishing jects of this letter, allow us, dear breth- our wishes, and that it was our duty to emren, to congratulate you, on your haying brace the opportunity. Mr. Ellis, one of been directed, by the great Head of the our valuable missionaries stationed at HuaChurch, to so valuable and pious a body ofhine, agreed to accompany us; while the missionaries, as those are, whom you have sent to these islands. Their piety, their talents, their prudence, justify the confidence, which you repose in them, and should cherish in your hearts the hope, that their holy lives will put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, and tend powerfully to induce those, who take knowledge of them, to embrace that Gospel, which they are anxious to make known:while their affectionate hospitality, and their kind and persevering endeavors to promote our comfort, confer upon us a debt of gratitude, which we can never They are indeed burning and repay. shining lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse nation; and we are confident, that the time is not remote, when imany shall rejoice in their light. Tribute of Respect and Affection. church proceeded to select and set apart two of its most suitable members, with their wives, to the work of the Gospel in the Marquesian Islands. Mr. Ellis accompanied us to afford us his assistance in this important undertaking, and had no other view but to return again, in three or four months, to his field of labor in Huahine. On reaching Oahu, your missionaries affectionately invited us, with Mr. Ellis, to take up our abode at their house, while the two chiefs with their wives, were invited to reside, during their continuance, at the house of the king of Atuai, who was here at the time.-This was in consequence of the brother-in-law of one of our chiefs being in the service of the king of Atuai. Obvious Benefits of the Visit. Designation of Mr. Ellis. After taking the matter into serious con-. sideration, and seeking direction from Him, who alone can guide in the way of truth, we were induced to give our consent to Mr. Ellis's joining your mission; but still to remain in connexion with the London Missionary Society, and to be supported by it. The following considerations influenced our minds to come to this decision: Our arrival appeared to be most opportune. Many false and injurious reports had been propagated here by some foreigners, respecting the state of religion in the Society Islands, in order to prejudice the minds of the king, and chiefs, and people of these islands against the Gospel and the missionaries. Your missionaries had projected, a short time previous to our arrival, a voyage to the South Sea Islands, accompanied by some of the chiefs, to ascertain the real state of things there; but the foreigners, by their influence, had prevented the vessel from sailing. At the time of our arrival, the people were laboring under the influence of the prejudices, which the foreigners had produced among them. But our testimony to the wonderful work of God in the South Sea islands, together with that of the people who accompanied us, appears to have confounded the opposers, and confirmed the king and chiefs and people in the confidence, that the prejudices which had been excited, were false and unfounded. We had no idea that this important object was to be answered by our voy-ready, with regard to your missionaries; age. Truly God is wonderful in counsel, and mighty in executing. Invitation to the Tahitian Chief. One only of the chiefs who accompanied sas, with his wife, remained at the house of the king of Atuai. But the king, with Kaahumanu his wife, a woman of great influence in these islands, were so much pleased with the conduct of their visitors, that they gave them a strong invitation to continue with them, and not go to the Marquesas. Struck with this unexpected occurrence, and perceiving that great benefit might arise to the cause of religion in these islands, from the residence of persons so pious and excellent as these are, and knowing that we could obtain others for the Marquesas, at the Society Islands, we were induced to consent to their remaining. Soon after this, a meeting of several of the most important chiefs was convened by the king and queen of Atuai, to deliberate on the propriety of inviting Mr. Ellis, also, to join your missionaries, and take up his residence here, with his wife and family. An invitation to that effect was therefore given to him. This, also, was most unexpected. On further inquiry, we found that his remaining here met with the decided approbation of the king Rihoriho also, and all the principal chiefs, and what was still more, in our estimation, that of your missionaries. Your missionaries were laboring under great difficulties in acquiring the language of this people:-difficulties, which, we perceived, would not be surmounted for a considerable period. Mr. Ellis being intimately acquainted with the Tahitian language, which is radically the same with this, we were convinced that he would render essential service to your missionaries in this particular; and thus accelerate the period, when they will be able to declare to these islanders, in their own tongue, the wonderful works of God;-which is essential to their extensive usefulness.-Our conjectures have been, in a measure, realized al while Mr. Ellis has so much overcome the points, in which these languages differ from each other, as to be able, in so short a time, to preach fluently and intelligibly in the Owhyhian tongue, which he has done for several weeks. Another reason is, the wide field of usefulness, which now presents itself in these islands, in connexion with the most pleasing aspect, which the state of the minds of the people affords. These islands are indeed apparently waiting for the Savior's law; these fields are white to the harvest, and the laborers are few. Justice and expediency seemed, therefore, to require, that we should consent to take a missionary from the South Sea islands, which are so well supplied, and give him to these, where so many thousands are waiting to be taught, but, alas! are perishing for lack of knowledge. Again; there appeared to us great suitableness in your missionaries being joined by one, who had resided almost six years in those islands, where so glorious a work has been accomplished within that period, and in which he had taken an important share. His experience; his acquaintance with the most useful plans of operation; his knowledge of the Tahitian character, to which that of the Sandwich islanders bears a close analogy;these considerations could not but have a great influence upon our decisions. Some foreigners, anxious to seize upon any thing that might tend to prejudice the natives against your missionaries, did not fail to suggest to them, that should they listen to their instructions, they would incur the displeasure of the English. By uniting an English missionary with yours, this objection will be removed;--and, indeed, already has our visit produced the best effect in this particular. With the same design, these foreigners have spared no pains to misrepresent the work of religion in the South Sea islands, and have propagated the most infamous falsehoods;—but a missionary, who has been so long resident there, and who is well acquainted with all the circumstances of that great work, being upon the spot here, will prevent all future attempts of a similar kind. But, however weighty these considerations, they would not have induced us to consent to Mr. Ellis's leaving the useful, important, and comfortable situation, which he occupies at Huahine, in union with Mr. Barff, and joining your missionaries here, had not the finger of God most clearly indicated to us the path of duty;-and this is made so remarkably plain, that not a shadow of a doubt can remain upon our minds, that it is the will of God. Character of Mr. Ellis and his Wife. We may also add for your satisfaction, that Mr. Ellis possesses excellent missionary talents, real piety, and much of the spirit of his office; an ardent zeal for the salvation of souls, an entire devotedness to his work, a good share of general knowledge, and a useful proficiency in an acquaintance with medicine; an ability to ingratiate himself with the natives, together with amiable and affectionate dispositions. His wife is like minded. She is, also, well acquainted with the Tahitian language, and has been very usefully employed in the situation which she fills. They are both most highly esteemed by their brethren and sisters in the Society Islands, with whom they are affectionately united. That which has rendered them so extensively useful, and which has procured them so large a share of esteem both among their brethren and the natives in the Society Islands, will, we doubt not, procure for them the same esteem and affection among our beloved friends, your worthy missionaries in the Sandwich Islands, and render them as useful there. Mr. Ellis accompanies us back to Huahine, but will return again to the Sandwich Islands as soon as possible;-but at the expense of the London Missionary Society. And while we entertain the confident hope, that this will meet your approbation, we doubt not that you will join us in fervent prayer, that this important step may be the means of strengthening the hands of your mission here, and promoting the glory of God in the salvation of multitudes of immortal souls in these long neglected, but interesting islands. Proposed return of Mr. Chamberlain. Mr. Chamberlain and his esteemed brethren and sisters, have done us the honor to consult us on the subject of his situation, in connexion with this mission. Being upon the spot, and having an opportunity of forming an opinion on the subject from an actual knowledge of the state of these islands, and the circumstances of the mission, we have felt it to be our duty, in compliance with their united request, to give our views as to the path of duty. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlain are truly estimable characters, and worthy of that good opinion, which you have formed of them, and of the highest esteem and love from the church and the world; and had their talents been required here, in the sphere in which you intended them to move, more suitable persons, we are persuaded, could not have been found. But here is no scope for agricultural talents beyond what the natives themselves possess. Of this we are fully convinced. This being the fact, Mr. Chamberlain can render no essential service to the mission, in the way in which he was intended to promote its welfare. This being obvious to us, and taking into the account the importance of an immediate attention to the formation of the character of his children, and their being brought up in an acquaintance with some business not to be learnt here, with a view to their future settlement in life; considering, also, the precarious state of Mr. Chamberlain's health, and the affecting situation in which Mrs. C. would be placed, were she to be left a widow in these islands with such a family;--we gave it as our decided opinion that it was Mr. Chamberlain's duty to return back again to his native country, by the first suitable conveyance. In this opinion we feel assured you would most fully concur, were you in these islands to witness the habits and manners of the inhabitants, which cannot but have the most injurious effect upon the principles and conduct of those, whose characters are to be formed under the influence of such scenes, as daily present themselves in this heathen land. Messrs. Tyerman and Bennet, after a reşpectful apology, here offer many valuable suggestions to the Committee, with reference to the interests of the mission, and the best ineasures for the conversion of the islanders of the Pacific. They then conclude, with the following account of the Present Religious State of the South Sea Islands. Having spent some time in the South Sea Islands, (and we intend to pass another 1 twelve months at least there,) it may not be unacceptable to you to receive our views of the state of religion in those highly favored regions. You have, no doubt, read the reports, which have been made respecting the state of that mission;-and be assured, that so far from those reports being exaggerated, much more might have been said. The work is indeed marvellous in our eyes, and excites in our hearts the most lively gratitude to that God, whose hand has been so signally displayed in it.-The inhabitants of those islands were sunk into the lowest possible state of moral degradation; but are now, we hesitate not to say, viewing them as a body, the most universally and consistently Christian, of any people upon the face of the earth.-The Sabbath is universally regarded. The individual is scarcely known, who does not attend public worship three times on the Lord's day, and several times in the week. The congregations are large, and as well-behaved, as any congregations we ever saw in England. Numerous churches are formed of pious persons; while multitudes more are waiting for admission. Full three fourths of the people can read, and many write and cypher. Industry is every where apparent, and civilization has already made considerable progress. Towns are rising up, composed of houses built according to the European style. Our furniture is imitated; and the people aim at the same modes of living and clothing. Crimes are very few. Peace and happiness are every where apparent. The marriage vow is held sacred. Infanticide is wholly discontinued. Religion is the great business of life; while secular affairs, though not neglected, are held as only secondary. All the food wanted for the Sabbath, is dressed on the Saturday:-not a fire is lighted, not a canoe is seen moving on the water, nor are any visits paid, on the Lord's day. Never did the Gospel obtain a more complete and glorious triumph over ignorance, and sensuality, and superstition, since the world began. Let this change afford you, beloved brethren, encouragement in all your labors of love, and in all your exertions to evangelize the heathen world. Your prospects in these islands are indeed most encouraging; and that you may soon have to rejoice in their regeneration, and their conversion to Christ, is, dear friends and fellow-laborers, the fervent prayer of yours, for Jesus' sake, DANIEL TYERMAN, den's, Paramatta, New South Wales, where we hope to be in about a year and a half from this time. REMARKS. MANY of our readers may wish to form some opinion concerning the present population of the South Sea Islands, in which so wonderful a change has been effected. No documents within our possession enable us to speak with much certainty on the subject. When captain Cook visited Tahiti, in the course of his second voyage, he estimated the population of that island alone at 200,000. This was in the year 1774. Doubtless this estimate was too high, as was the estimate which the same navigator formed of the population of the Sandwich Islands, four years afterwards. Still a man of so much judgment could not have been led to form such an opinion, unless the people had been very numerous. In one of the expeditions fitted out against Eimeo, when he was present, 200 large war-canoes were employed, and as many small ones to carry provisions and bring home the slain for interment. We learn from other sources, that each of the war-canoes usually contained from 20 to 30 men, and each of the small canoes four or five men. This expedition was fitted out by a part of the island, the whole not being under one government. From this time till the landing of the mis sionaries in 1797, there were many destructive wars, between the people of different parts of Tahiti, and between the people of Tahiti and those of Eimeo. There were also many private murders and assassinations. The great majority of infants were killed by their own mothers, as soon as they were born. After the missionaries had been some years on the island, they computed that Pomare, the father of the late king of that name, had offered 2,000 human sacrifices, during the 30 years of his reign. But the. greatest cause of depopulation was the universal licentiousness of morals; a licentiousness, the ruinous effects of which were greatly aggravated by the visits of Europeans. Depraved as the natives were, previously to being thus visited, there is no doubt that the intercourse with ships made them worse. The downward progress towards utter extermination was very rapid; and, so far as appears, the success of missionary exertions was the only thing that saved the people from 14 |