which divides the town, and he kept me nearly an hour in my wet state, taking it all as a matter of course ;-not an idea of obligation. Perhaps more should not be expected from such a man. On the 22d of October I sailed to Wai-ni-eli, taking with me two of my sons, the younger of whom continues to be very delicate. Having secured a little house for myself and crew, I stayed there until Saturday. As the people were very busy in their gardens, and many employed in planting their "mase,' Morus Papyrifera, (of this useful article they are planting an unusual quantity.) I could only visit a family or two until evening, when I had no lack of company. Several attended our evening service, and I held long conversations with them. The second day was very wet, and so the third; so that I could not conduct any open-air services, but employed myself in visiting the people, for the purpose of holding religious discourse, and conversing with those who out of respect or curiosity chose to visit me. The only native of this island, Taveune, commonly called Somosomo, who has become a Christian, lives here. He pursues a steady course; but his distance from us is an evil. The Chief of Wai-ni-eli, and four other persons, are, to my knowledge, favourably disposed towards Christianity. A short time ago, a Manilla man made an indirect attack upon our youthful Christian, before a considerable number of the people. But the young man, On the 11th of November Mr. Hunt and I were visiting the people of the upper town; and, whilst in the house of an old and nearly blind Chief, a man came in to report the death of the chief of the King's turtle-fishers. I was surprised at this intelligence, as, only a few days before, he had begged a lotion for his eyes, when he appeared as usual. However, we hastened to his house, and found him lying in Feejeean state. died of tympany, after one night's illness. His body was scarcely cold, before his deluded relatives had strangled his chief wife. She was lying close by her deceased husband; and her murderers were kissing her, and making the various noises required by their custom on such occasions. He Some of the women seemed glad that they were beforehand with us, But, as the King is from home, and the women have the affair entirely in their hands, we could not have saved her had we found her alive. The condition of the poor men is bad; but who can describe the state of the women? Poor Mata Nule had often heard the voice of warning, but loved Heathenism. FEEJEE ISLANDS.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. James Calvert, dated Lakemba, December 17th, 1846. Lyth I was Circuit. I am There ON the 17th of October Mr. sailed to Vewa by way of Ono. then again left alone in this My health continues to improve. cheerful in the blessed work. are many things to encourage me, none to depress me. Weta Sau, the second Chief in rank, continues steady, and talks of building a chapel in Tumbu, the King's town, for which he purposes using some good posts, which he had procured from the outer islands for his own intended house. Another Chief embraced Christianity last Sunday; and several have attached themselves to us in the principal town. The King, too, is very kind. The Tonguese Chief, who joined the Papists, has built a house, which is said to be for the purpose of drinking native grog there, when their Eiki Bikopo, "Lord Bishop," comes from Wallis's Island, and whenever their vessel shall bring a supply of kava, of which they make use for deceiving and laying hold of these people. The Chief and Priests applied to the King to thatch it. He promised to do so; but afterwards sent word that all his towns were affected with a religion of "heresy," and were not disposed to thatch the house; and that he had great gain from the English Missionary who lived with him, and was very kind to him; so that he did not like to compel his people to the work, lest I should be grieved. A Popish vessel has been in lately, but was hardly a seven-days' wonder. She brought a few crosses and Marys, &c., which caused some dissatisfaction among the disaffected Tonguese, who left us to join them. The inquiry was as to who was greatest among them, which caused some bitter feeling and angry words among them. I hear that they say, we shall soon flee away; and that should there be any difficulty, they shall adopt the infallible remedy of burying a Mary on our Mission-premises, which will speedily cause our removal ! A few Sundays ago the Priest gave his people to understand that working, fishing, and otherwise desecrating the Sabbath, were not allowable. This is a new and unpalatable restriction upon those who left us mainly because they hated all restraint. One person has joined them since Mr. Lyth left. Nov. 2d.-Benjamin Ratusaru, the Tonguese Teacher from Samoa, returned from Vanua Vatu, to which place I sent him to visit our people, and take a Teacher and his wife to join the young man who is there. He reports favourably of our work there. He married eight couples. He is much delighted with Mr. Hunt's Lectures on Theology, a copy of which I gave him. The reading of these short sermons appears to be a new era in his religious knowledge. He here by sees religion in a much clearer light, and is abundantly confirmed. He says that now he is well satisfied with his drifting to Feejee, having found here a pearl of great value. He is very usefully employed among us: he exhorts the King and Chiefs and people, and his walk and conversation are consistent. He has written to Tha-ko-Bau, with whom he formerly resided, and after whom he is named. He has great love for the work in Feejee, and promises to come here, should Samoa be given up. He would be an exceedingly useful man. He has got the root of the matter in him. He is of very good understanding. His spirit and temper are excellent, and his manner taking. 14th.-Juliusi Naulivose came in from Vuang-garu. He reports that our people there are much alive to God; that several have lately been converted; and that a blessed work of God is still being carried on. The Chief, who is brother to the King of Kambara, is very happy and zealous. Several desire to be married and baptized. They are about to leave the island, with their Teacher, in order to reside near the King of Kambara, agreeably to his request. 19th. A canoe arrived from Komo. The Teacher sends me word that, a fortnight ago, the grace of the Holy Spirit descended powerfully upon the people: several were deeply convinced of sin, and afterwards obtained peace with God through believing in Jesus. CONTINENTAL INDIA. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. John Pinkney, dated Melnattam, THROUGH the abundant goodness of Almighty God our heavenly Father, we have been brought nearly to the close of another year. It may not, therefore, be improper to give you some account of the means which we have employed, during the past year, in order to accomplish the great object of the Mission in which we are engaged. PREACHING THE GOSPEL. It has been our constant aim to make known, to all who have come within the sphere of our influence, the doctrine of the Cross. The death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the only ground of hope which is held forth to a perishing world. Hence, Christ crucified has been the principal theme of our ministry, and the subject which we have endeavoured to unfold. In Melnattam and the neighbouring villages we have held seven services every week. Sometimes we have been highly gratified, and greatly encouraged, by the attention which the people have given to our statements; but apathy and unconcern seem still to characterize the great mass of the people in India. In the prosecution of our labours we have met, as might have been expected, with many and powerful obstacles. Even in professedly Christian countries, we all know how difficult it is to remove deep-rooted prejudices; but how much more difficult to eradicate a false system of religion,-a religion which is interwoven around the very heart of the Hindoos, and which is carried into every circumstance of life! The customs and manners of this people are so blended with their religion, that, in their way, they are the most religious people in the world. The foundation upon which they build is a false one; but to abandon the religion of his forefathers is, according to the Shastras, the greatest crime of which a Hindoo can be guilty; and therefore he clings to it with a tenacity which it is not easy to describe. When we reflect on these things, we need not, I think, be surprised at the tardy progress of the Gospel in the East. The people are very willing to listen to our statements; but "to perform that which is good," alas, how indifferent! We are not, however, discouraged on account of these difficulties. No, we confide in the power of God, who will, in his own time, remove every obstacle, and cause the Gospel of our Redeemer to triumph over error and superstition. When caste, which is the great opponent of the Gospel in India, shall be removed, what mighty triumphs will be achieved! It is, I acknowledge, extremely difficult to draw a correct picture or representation of the real progress of Christianity in India. We ought not, I think, to measure the amount of good which is done in this country merely by the number of clear conversions which take place. To convert sinners from the error of their ways, is the great object of our ministry, and for the accomplishment of which we devote all our energies. It is checring to know that the influence of our ministry is felt, where the effects are still unseen. We cannot for a moment have any doubt as to the ultimate triumph of the Gospel, even in this grossly wicked and idolatrous country. The minds of the people are, we trust, emerging from the dense darkness in which they have been so long enveloped. A brighter day is approaching. Idolatry, which at present prevails throughout Hindoostan, must fall; and, perhaps, sooner than we anticipate. The light of truth shall pierce through every cloud of moral darkness; and the glory of the Lord shall arise upon this benighted land. "The word of the Lord shall have free course, shall run, and be glorified." Amen. SCHOOLS. However some may depreciate the establishment of schools, we look upon them as important auxiliaries. Hundreds of children are taught the doctrines of Christianity, which cannot fail of producing some effect upon their future lives. I sometimes meet with individuals who have formerly received instruction in our schools; and I am happy to state, that they are not insensible of the benefits which they have derived therefrom. Many of them despise idolatry; and were it not for caste, and other foolish customs which exist in India, they would, we have reason to believe, become disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. CATECHUMEN CLASS. We have established a catechumen class, which is attended by about twenty individuals. Our plan is to select a portion of the word of God, and to interrogate them upon it. This class will be of great advantage to those who attend it; and we hope that God, even our own God, will bless us. In conclusion, I beg to be remembered in your prayers. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Joseph Morris, dated Bangalore, I GLADLY take an opportunity of sending you some particulars relating to the state and prospects of our work here. Of the various operations of the Mission-press, you will doubtless hear fully from my Superintendent, Mr. Garrett. I will only remark, that its great importance and utility as an auxiliary, both in making known the Gospel among the adult population, and especially in our efforts to supply a Christian education to the young, renders its establishment and success a matter of rejoicing and gratitude. A demand for books has been created, which is likely to be of great help in our work. Through the circulation of the holy Scriptures, of tracts, and of other Christian books, much real good, although in general only of a preparatory character, has been effected. In the Pettah of Bangalore, we meet with many natives who are well acquainted with the New Testament, and the plan of salvation it unfolds; men, moreover, who see and acknowledge the folly and vanity of idolatry, and the vulgar superstitions of Hinduism, and readily admit the superiority of Christianity, when compared with their own religion. Our time for native preaching is chiefly in the morning, from six till eight. The services are held in the streets of the Pettah every day, except Friday and Saturday, when we meet in one of the school-rooms, and the time is partly occupied with school examinations. The congregations are usually very good, so much so in the schoolroom, as to make us feel very greatly the need of a chapel in the Pettah. Interruptions, while preaching to the most contentious among the Brahmins, are common. Their object generally is, by some petty cavil, to divert attention. They are now seldom found seriously defending those parts of their system which are embodied in the practices of the common people. The people themselves for the most part lend a willing and attentive ear. Many from time to time give the most decided proof that their confidence in Hinduism is gone; but they want the firmness and the grace to act up to their convictions, and face the opposition and ridicule which a profession of Christianity would bring upon them. The Gospel has enlightened the minds of many; it has opened their eyes, so that they clearly see the right way, and are left without excuse; but their hearts are hardened by the deceitfulness of sin; they are not yet willing to renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil, and turn from sin to holiness. Although we are not cheered by numerous instances of direct conversion to God, there is some ground for encouragement in the advance of the preparatory work. By the preaching of the Gospel, the distribution of the Scriptures, and the education of youth, we believe the way of the Lord is being prepared. Indeed, the opposition to the truth which has been excited; the fears which are entertained by many, especially by Brahmins, for the safety of Hinduism; the entire distrust of the system visible in many places; are things which indicate the presence and working of the Holy Spirit, and bespeak the nearness of the time when many shall embrace the Gospel as the power of God unto salvation. Our vernacular schools in the Pettah have been of late very regularly attended. They are all under the charge of Brahmins, and therefore need much of the Missionary's personal attention; and the boys are dependent entirely on ourselves for their instruction in the doctrines and truths of Christianity. I will now mention some of the pressing wants of the Mission. Its great want is more Missionaries. We have at present, in the Canarese branch, six men to four stations; for all of whom there is an abundance of work in Bangalore alone. Until this want can be supplied, and more labourers sent, it appears very desirable that we should concentrate those we have. The absence of concentrated and combined effort is undoubtedly one of the chief causes of the apparently little success of the Missionary enterprise in India. Instead of bringing a large force to bear on a single point, men are scattered over a large field, one, or at most two, being located at each station: whereas, if there were four or five, co-operation could be secured in the different branches of Missionary work, a deeper impression would be more likely to be made on the population of the place, and one or two brethren could often be spared, without causing the station to suffer, to carry the Gospel to the regions beyond. This policy is now being adopted in some parts of India, and with indications of success. SOUTH AFRICA. ON every account, but most of all from our interest in the cause of the evangelization and civilization of those tribes of immortal men in South Africa, on whom our excellent Missionaries, as well as those of other kindred Societies, have for many years expended so many tears, and prayers, and toils, we devoutly thank God that the Kaffir war has been at length terminated. Not the least happy result of this event will be, as we trust, the full resumption of our valuable Kaffir Missions. We call the thankful attention of our friends to a letter of the Rev. William Shaw on this subject, and to the subjoined extract from a most interesting Proclamation, issued by Her Majesty's High Commissioner, the gallant Sir Harry G. Smith, immediately after the conclusion of the peace, and dated December 23d, 1847. ALBANY DISTRICT, BRITISH KAFFRARIA.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. William Shaw, dated Graham's-Town, December 28th, 1847. I HAVE only just now returned from Kaffraria, where I was present at the submission of the Kaffir Chiefs at King William's-Town, near our Mount-Coke station. Sir Harry Smith proclaimed peace on the 23d instant, amidst two thousand Kaffirs, and a portion of the British army, all the principal Chiefs of Kaffraria, west of the Kei river, being present. I saw and conversed with the various Chiefs, all of whom are now anxiously desirous of peace, and they expressed to me their earnest desire for the re-establishment of the Missions. You will receive herewith a copy of the "Graham's-Town Journal," with the "Gazette," containing the Governor's proclamations, &c.; the tone and terms of which you will rejoice to recognise as in good keeping with the moderation and the Christianity of Great Britain. You will see that Sir Harry Smith officially invites the return of the Missionaries to their stations. I have had several private interviews with him, most satisfactory. We cannot be sufficiently thankful to God for his appointment to this Government. The Kaffir Chiefs have entire confidence in him; and, although a great soldier, he is a sincere lover of peace. I go to Kaffirland again, to be present, on the 7th of January, at the final arrangement of the native locations, Mission-stations, &c., in British Kaffraria. My work is severe and harassing, so many long journeys following in succession; but this is a grand crisis of our affairs, and my personal labour and fatigue must not be weighed too carefully when so much of future importance and consequence is to be effected. How I wish the expected new Missionaries were arrived! We shall now have such openings as we never had before in Kaffirland. Pray for us; and excuse the great hurry in which I write this, as the post is just closing, and I wish you to receive early information. "GOVERNMENT NOTICE. "Whereas the proclamation of the 23d of December, 1847, defines the future condition and rule of the Kaffirs in 'British Kaffraria,' and the Kaffir Chiefs having submitted thereto, all Missionaries are invited to return to their Missions; and, that no misunderstanding or misconception may arise, Her Majesty's High Commissioner gives notice that the land of their Mission stations shall be held from Her Majesty, and not from any Kaffir Chief whatever. Every facility will be given, and every aid afforded, to the Missionaries, conducive to the great objects in view,conversion to Christianity and civilization; and these laudable gentlemen may rely upon the utmost support and protection the High Commissioner may have it in his power to afford.” CAPE-TOWN DISTRICT.-Extract of a Letter from the Rev. B. Ridsdale, dated Wynberg, December 10th, 1847. So long a period has elapsed since the date of my last communication, that I feel an apology is necessary in the very commencement of this. That apology I must found on the numerous and unusual circumstances that have occurred to myself during the past five months; namely, the bustle consequent on preparing to leave my interior station, the tediousness of a long journey of six or seven hundred miles in an ox-waggon, the demands made in Cape-Town, &c., on a Missionary newly arrived from the interior, and the numerous calls on his attention occasioned by his entrance on a new sphere of action. With these remarks I proceed to lay before you a few extracts from my journal. July 14th, 1847.-The daily morning service for reading and exposition of the Scriptures, with prayer, continues to excite the intensest interest of the people. We are now reading the First Book of Samuel; and the history this morning was that of the combat between David and Goliath. The people wonder at the Bible, and are astonished at the endless variety of scenes that rise successively to their view; and at the lessons of rich and appropriate instruction which they continually supply. 21st. I met my class this evening as usual, and began to realize that the time of my departure from this people and station are now at hand. The allusions made to it by the natives were of a very moving nature; and awakened sorrowful emotions, to think that my ministrations in this part are about to close, perhaps for ever. We have had abounding joy and consolation in our labours here: and nothing but the absolute necessity of a change of climate could reconcile us to the idea of leaving. To remain, however, would almost inevitably destroy my constitution permanently; for the heats of Great Namacqualand are truly dreadful, especially after the constitution has once begun to feel their debilitating influence; whereas a timely removal to a cooler temperature will, I doubt not, restore lost energy, and prepare me for future labours, if necessary, in the interior again. August 1st. This has been a solemn Sabbath; probably the last I shall ever spend in this part of Great Namacqualand. I strove to realize the idea, and gazed with peculiar feelings on the |