faith in Christ; with a few children. We deem it needful to proceed with great caution; and never to apply this seal, where there has not been, for a considerable time, evidence of a radical change of heart by the Spirit of God. When such evidence appears in an individual, and he desires Baptism, he is examined, and his wish to unite with the Church is publicly made known; and, for two or three months, he is further instructed in the nature of the ordinances and the design of Church Government, and is then baptized. He puts his name to the Confession of Faith and Covenant; and takes his seat at the Lord's Table, to shew forth his death, and his confidence in its efficacy for the salvation of the soul. Though many thousands look to us for instruction, and a goodly number appear to have passed from death unto life, yet how vast the multitude still in nature's gall! How inadequate our strength to the work before us! Brethren, pray for us, and for those who hear us! Resistance to the Efforts of Popery. Should the enemy, in disguise, take advantage of our slowness to administer the Ordinances of the Gospel, or of the natural propensities of this ignorant people, and substitute, as we fear he has already done in some instances among them, a METALLIC CROSS for the pure doctrines of the Gospel; MATERIAL BEADS instead of the ornament of good works; vain confidence in CREATURES, instead of faith in the ONE MEDIATOR; silver and gold for penitence and praise; forms, images, and relics, instead of that holiness without which no man can see the Lord-should he dare to do all this, and thus obstruct and retard the work of improvement, and beguile unstable souls-nevertheless we know that the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. These are all safe. Should the enemy presume to touch them, the Lord will rebuke him. He has already lifted up a standard against him. Kauikeaouli, Raahumanu, and other Chiefs, have warned their people to beware of the delusion; and have urged them to obey the Oracles of God, and to listen to the Teachers by whom the Gospel has been put into their hands. Safe as the Lord's Cause is, it is impossible but that offences must come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! The arrival in 1827, of the Ro Decrease of the Population. In a journal of a tour round the Island of Oahu, he makes the following remarks in reference to a scene a few miles east of Honoruru:— Our path led us along the borders of extensive plots of marshy ground, having raised banks on one side or more; and which were once filled with water, and furnished abundantly with esculent fish, but are now overgrown with tall rushes waving in the wind. The land all round, for several miles, has the appearance of having been once under cultivation : I entered into conversation with the Natives respecting its present neglected state: they ascribed it to the decrease of population. There have been two seasons of destructive sickness, both within the period of thirty years; by which, according to the Natives, more than onehalf of the population of the island was swept away. The united testimony of all, of whom I have ever made any inquiry respecting the sickness, has been, that Greater was the number of the dead than of the living." Making due allowance for the hyperbolical manner in which the Natives sometimes express themselves, it may, I think, be safely asserted, that, since the discovery of these Islands by Captain Cook, there has been a decrease of population, by desolating wars, the ravages of disease, and other causes, equal, at least, to one-half the number of the inhabitants which might have been fairly estimated at the time when that celebrated navigator visited these Islands. On this subject the Board ob serve The view here given of the apparent Decrease of population at this groupe of islands and the evidence that former generations of the Natives were less vicious, more civilized, more industrious, and more happy, than the generation which the Missionaries found thereagree with what has been written on the same subject by others. There is evidence in every part of the Heathen World which has been explored, that the people were becoming more wicked, more superstitious, more ignorant of the arts of civilized life, more debased in their affections, and more miserable; and so they will probably continue to do, until the Gospel arrests this progress in degeneracy. Captain Cook estimated the population of the Sandwich Islands at 400,000; while, at present, it does not exceed 150,000. Pestilence, wars, infanticide (extending to two-thirds of all the children born), and prevailing depravity, are the causes assigned for this de crease. Erection of a Large Church at Honoruru. As an evidence of some progress among the people, we are happy to mention the erection of a very large School-House, 128 feet in length by 37 in breadth, for the accommodation of our higher schools, or classes, on the monitorial plan; and also a very large Church, 196 feet in length by 63 in breadth. The Church is very firmly built, in an improved native style; the rafters being locked together at the top, agreeable to our suggestion, and braced with bolted knees at the foot, like a ship's beam. The posts are from eight to twelve inches in diameter, sixteen feet long; entering five feet into the earth, and surrounded with stones. The roof is, moreover, supported by 44 massy pillars, in three ranks from end to end; one rank under the ridge pole, and the other two under the middle of the raftThe house will admit about 4500 hearers. The labour, in procuring the timber and in erecting and finishing the building, cannot be materially less than is required to build an ordinary Church in America. The pulpit is raised about three feet upon a platform on the ground, 24 feet by 12: it is pannelled and finished in good style; accommodated with two flights of stairs and with light bannisters, and is furnished with cushions of crimson velvet and damask. It is placed at the side of the building, about midway from end to end, so that the voice of the speaker may reach both extremes. Solemn Dedication of the Church by the Young King. ers. This Church was opened on the 3d of July of last year. The Young King, now 16 years of age, and his Sister, who is younger than himself and a Member of the Church, assisted very devoutly on this occasion: the Princess has been chiefly Much preparation was made on the part of the King and Chiefs, to appear as a Christian and Civilized People; and it was impossible that any one should be a witness of the scene which that day presented, and not be filled with astonishment at the advance which civilization has made within the short space of nine years. Probably not fewer than 4000 persons were present, including most of the great Personages of the Nation. We were exceedingly gratified with the appearance of the King on this occasion, and also of his sister, the Princess Harieta Keopuolani. A sofa, covered with satin damask of a deep crimson colour, had been placed for them in front of the pulpit: the King, in his Windsor uniform, sat at one end; and his Sister at the other. Before the Religious Services commenced, the King rose from his seat-stepped to a platform in front of the pulpit-called the attention of the Congregation-and, addressing himself to the Chiefs, Teachers, and People generally, said, that this House, which he had built, he now publicly gave to God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, to be appropriated to His worship: and declared his wish, that his subjects should worship and serve God, obey His Laws, and learn His Word. The Religious Exercises were appropriate; and, when these were closed, the Princess rose from her seat, and, taking her stand upon the platform, called the attention of the Chiefs and people anew to what her Brother had said, and exhorted them to remember and obey. She said God was the King above, to whom they should give their hearts and render constant homage. At the closing exercise, the King stood up, and saying "E pule kakou" (Let us pray), addressed the Throne of Grace. In this Act of Worship, using the plural number, he gave the House anew to God acknowledged Him as his Sovereignyielded his Kingdom to Him-confessed his sinfulness-prayed for help, for teaching-supplicated His mercy as a sinner, a great sinner, needing mercy, pardon, and cleansing-prayed to be preserved from temptation, and delivered from evil. He prayed for the different classes of his Summary of the Fourteenth Year. Auxiliaries: increased from 645 to 713 --Receipts: 170,067 Dollars; of which 68,796 were for Sales of the Scriptures, 20,800 borrowed, 18,441 Legacies, and the rest chiefly Contributions - Books printed: 307,000; of which 229,500 were English Bibles, 74,750 English Testaments, 2000 Spanish Bibles, and 750 Gospels in Seneca-Books issued: 238,583; being an increase of 38,461 over the Thirteenth Year, and forming a Total Issue of 1,084,980: of the Issues of the Year, 195,210 copies were by sale, and 43,373 by gratuitous distribution. In reference to the Resolution for supplying the Destitute Families of the States in two Years, it is saidYour Board, though not without fears, have still strong hopes of seeing it carried into effect. The object is unquestionably attainable, in case the friends of the Bible throughout the Country can, without delay, be induced to do what they are able. TRACT SOCIETY. Summary of the Fifth Year. Auxiliaries: increased from 630 to 825; with 1783 acting through the medium of Branches or Auxiliaries-Receipts: 60,210 Dollars; of which, 11,755 were Contributions, and the rest for SalesExpenditure; 60,210 Dollars, being the amount of the Receipts-Tracts printed: 5,239,000; including 144,000 in German, 90,000 in French, 8000 in Spanish, and 6000 in Italian; and making a Grand Total of 20,341,000- Tracts is sued: the Pages of the Tracts issued, exclusive of those of 66,000 copies of the Tract Magazine and of 116,050 of the Christian Almanac, have amounted to 62,360,444; making a Grand Total of 185,957,222 Gratuitous Distribution: 8,250,075 pages; being 3,883,128 for the Army, Navy, Benevolent Institutions, Auxiliaries, Individuals, and Foreign Countries; 4,155,567 for portions of the States south-west of the Alleghany Mountains, and for the Valley of the Mississippi; and 211,880 in Foreign Languages-New Publications: 62; making a Total of 498, all of which, except six Broad Sheets, are stereotyped. Of the nature of the Tracts most widely circulated during the Year, it is said There have been circulated during the year-of the Tract of 60 pages on Universalism, 24,900; of the Tract on Female Influence, and The Sanctuary, 74,000 copies each; of the Importance of Consideration, 99,000; of Kittredge's Address, and Quench not the Spirit, 123,000 each; of "Do you want a Friend," 144,000. Of the Premium Tract to American Youth on Temperance, 122,000 copies have been circulated within the last FOUR MONTHS: the whole number of the Society's Tracts on been circulated during the year is 329,824. the subject of Temperance which have BOARD OF MISSIONS. Summary of the Twentieth Year. New Auxiliaries, 5-New Associations, 132-Receipts: 106,928 Dollars—Expenditure: 92,533 Dollars - Publications: Missionary Herald, 13,500; Annual Report, 2500; Missionary Papers, 18,000; for the Missions of the Board, 200,000 copies, containing 7,000,000 pages. Summary View of the Society. Members: Elected, 65; of whom 26 are Laymen: Corresponding Members, 20: Honorary Members, 550-Auxilia ries and Associations: 74 Auxiliaries include 923 Associations of Gentlemen and 680 of Ladies-Missionary Stations, 44–— American Labourers: Ordained Missionaries, 46; Licensed Preachers, 5; Catechists, 3; Assistants, 47 Men and 124 Women Total, 225-Native Labourers: Assistants, 41; School Teachers in Bombay, Ceylon, and the Sandwich Islands, about 600-Native Members of the Church: in Western Asia, 4; in India, 102; at the Sandwich Islands, 108; North-American Indians, 556: Total, 779; being an increase of 247 in the year-Scholars : in India, 5545; at the Sandwich Islands, 45,000; among the North-American In 1830.] NORTH-AMERICAN STATES.-N. W. AMERICAN INDIANS. dians, 1034: Total, 51,579; of these there are about 910 who live in the Families of the Missionaries: the increase of the year has been 18,660-Printing Presses: Malta, 2; Bombay, 2; Ceylon, 1; Sandwich Islands, 2: Total, 7: these Presses have printed, or are in readiness for printing, in NINE different languages. EDUCATION SOCIETY. Summary of the Fourteenth Year. Receipts: 30,710 Dollars Expenditure: 34,797 Dollars-Young Men aided by the Society, 524; which was nearly equal to the number assisted in the first eleven years: these 524 Young Men have been connected with 9 Theological Seminaries, 19 Colleges, and 62 Academies. Summary View of the Society. Receipts, from the beginning, 216,888 Dollars; of which, 74,273 were appropriated to Scholarships and other permanent objects-Young Men aided by the Society: since March 1816, there have been 1027. Of these Young Men it is saidThey have been the Natives of nearly every State and Territory in the Union; and the Members of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty Institutions of Learning. About THREE HUNDRED have been licensed to preach the Gospel: some have devoted their lives to the destitute in our own Country: FOURTEEN have consecrated themselves to Foreign Missions; and not far from ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY have been settled as Pastors in twentyone States and Territories: SEVENTEEN have become permanent Instructors, as Professors or Principals in various Literary and Theological Institutions; and about FIFTY are known to be temporarily employed as Teachers, who will probably ere long enter the Ministry: THIRTY-FOUR Young Men have died, while pursuing a course of Education; and TWENTY-SIX others have been compelled to relinquish study for want of health: TWENTY-SIX have been dropped on account of not possessing the requisite qualifications; and as many more have entered upon pursuits or professions, foreign from the Ministry. SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION. Summary of the Sixth Year. Receipts: 70,010 Dollars; of which, 60,112 were in payment for BooksExpenditure: 67,406 Dollars-New Publications: 46; equal, in quantity, to 50 551 Volumes of 120 pages each-Agents : 22: of whom, 13 were employed in 15 States or Territories, and their terms of service amounted to 93 months; the other 9 rendering terms of service amounting to 48 months. Summary View of the Society. Schools connected with the Union: 6654 -Teachers: 61,372-Scholars: 411,009: with the addition of those not connected with the Society, the number is estimated at 520,000-Publications: 250, of which nearly 200 are bound volumes. N. UU. American Endians. Red-Riber Colony. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. FROM the Communications of the Rev. D. T. Jones and the Rev. W. Cochran we extract the following statements: Congregations. The Congregations are large in proportion to the extent of the population. The Colony being still in its infancy, refinement has not ushered in any place of public resort, consequently the Church is diences are generally attentive: some the only object of attraction. Our augiving heed, though others are ready to call out Behold what a weariness is it! Still we have much ground of encouragement, both from the fact of our having already begun to reap, and from the sure word of Jehovah, who has declared that His message to sinners shall not return to Him void. Schools. Of these Mr. Jones reports— In regard to the Schools, there have been no changes whatever since last year, the numbers continuing the same. tended by an average of 150 or 160 There are Three Sunday Schools, atHalf-Castes, and Europeans. During Children of all descriptions-Natives, the past winter, there were three Daysides the Society's School under Mr. Schools, on a small scale, in operation, beGarrioch. We do not find that value placed upon Education, by either the Children or their Parents, which it deserves. It ought to be mentioned, also, that the scattered state of the inhabitants, the poverty of some, together with the excessive rigour of winter, present very serious obstacles to the efficiency of any system of Education which may be proposed. 552 RECENT MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.-MISCELLANIES. [DEC. other Boys, one of whom is Brother to Spogan: the other four are the Sons of four different Chieftains, the Heads of four large Tribes of Indians dwelling on the other side of the Rocky Mountains. The Boys appear shrewd, active, healthy, and promising, and manifest a considerable desire to learn. They have no knowledge of the Indian Dialects now spoken in Red River, neither do they understand one another: the general mode of communicating their ideas is by signs. At present, they are living with me. Recent Miscellaneous UNITED KINGDOM. Christian-Knowledge Soc. - The Society has appropriated the sum of One Thousand Pounds, to be expended in Tracts and Books for counteracting the strenuous efforts of Infidels in propagating their opinions. Something like an "Infidel Rent" is raised among the Enemies of Revelation, after the example of the Popish Rent in Ireland. Church Miss. Soc.-We regret to state that Mr. Jowett's Third Residence in the Mediterranean has been but of short duration. He found his health so much debilitated by many years' labour in that climate, that, after a residence at Malta of a little more than twelve months, he has been compelled to revisit his native country; and arrived in London on the 3d of December. Wesleyan Miss. Soc. - Mr. and Mrs. Mortier and Mr. Joseph Biggs lately sailed for St. Vincent's; and Mr. and Mrs. Corlett, Mr. John Walters, and Mr. James Rowden, for Jamaica. Mr. and Mrs. Mortier first sailed for the West Indies in November 1814; and are now returning to the scene of their former labours, after a visit to their native land for the recruiting of their health. Mr. Corlett laboured for several years in Newfoundland; and is now appointed, at his own request, to another quarter of the Missionary Field Mr. James Vowles, of Jamaica, has been removed from his work to his eternal rest on his death the Committee observe We regret to have had to make so many anouncements of this character of late: they must, however, be expected to increase as our Missions extend and the number of Labourers is multiplied. While we pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth more Labourers, let us not forget to Entelligence. intercede for the preservation and lengthening out of useful lives. Savings-Banks-As the state of the Savings-Bank System indicates the condition and habits of the Labouring Classes, it will be gratifying to our Readers to learn, from the Official Returns, that, up to the end of November 1829, no fewer than 489 of these Institutions had been formed in England, Wales, and Ireland; with deposits of the extraordinary amount of nearly Fifteen Millions sterling. At 468 of these establishments, from which Returns had been obtained, not fewer than 409,945 Accounts had been opened, out of which there were 203,691 Depositors under 201. Scotland not being included in these Returns, the whole United Kingdom has probably Half-a-million Depositors, of not less than Seventeen or Eighteen Millions of Pounds Sterling. In Ireland, the proportion of Banks and Deposits to those in England and Wales is about as 1 to 15; the Banks being 65, and the deposits amounting to 912,8687. MEDITERRANEAN. The Malta Government Gazette of the 3d of November contains a Decree of the late King of Naples, dated the 29th of August, enjoining all Captains of Vessels entering the ports of his dominions to declare whatever Books they might have on board, not excepting those intended for transit to some other place. These were all to be landed at the respective Custom Houses, in order that they might undergo examination. None would be restored, not even those declared for transit, unless approved by the Censors. Miscellanies. PLAN OF JERUSALEM AND ITS ENVIRONS. THE accompanying Engraving is copied from one given in the Rev. William Jowett's "Christian Researches in Syria and the Holy Land.” Our Readers will be much assisted by this Plan; both in the study of the Scriptures, and in perusing the communications of Missionaries relative to Jerusalem. A series of Extracts from Mr. Jowett's Work, illustrative of the localities of the Holy City, will be found at pp.457— 463 of our Volume for 1825. *** P. 8, col. 2, at Bethelsdorp, for Robinson, read Robson-p. 204, col. 2, in the second line of the last stanza, for In scanty knowledge, read Its scanty knowledge-p. 322, col. 2, for July 31, read July 30-p. 430, col. 2, for 477,743 Members of the American Episcopal Church, read 447,743. |