War with King Pomare in Eimeo.

357

The principal instances of success specified in the report, as having occurred during the past year, were, the conversion of three Jews in our own country, who, with their children, had been baptized; also the conversion of a Jew of considerable learning, in Poland; and that of a wealthy Jew in Malta, the means of whose conversion had been the reading of one of the society's Hebrew tracts. This man has since exerted himself on behalf of the spiritual welfare of his brethren.

The bishop of Gloucester, Lord Gambier, the Rev. Messrs. Marsh, Simeon Cunningham, Patterson, Bickersteth, Woodd, and Way, Thos. Babington, Esq. M. P., W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P., Rob Grant, Jun. Esq., W. Cunningham, Esq., and the sultan Kattegery, severally addressed the meeting. Most of the speakers adverted to the difficulties under which the society had laboured, and particularly to the misconduct of some individuals, whom they had once regarded as genuine converts to the faith of the gospel. They considered notwithstanding, that such circumstances, however distressing, ought not to produce despondency, and that there was still reason to cherish the confident expectation of ultimate success.

140

WAR IN OTAHEITE.

Extract of a letter from the Rev. Mr. John Davies, one of the Missionaries at Eimeo, to the Rev. W. Cooper, New-South Wales, dated the 30th of March, 1816.

:

"In the beginning of November (1815) peace was, apparently, restored between the two contending parties; and Pomare returned to Taheite, to reinstate the fugitives in their different lands. He was accompanied not only by them, but by almost all the men who had renounced Heathenism. At first all things appeared to go on well but suddenly hostilities recommenced, and the Atahuruans attempted, by a desperate effort, to support their tottering cause, their prophet assuring them of success.-They came upon the king and his people on the Sabbath-day, November 12, at the time of morning prayer, expecting that being too engaged they would easily be thrown into confusion. This we had anticipated as a probable occurrence, and had therefore warned our people against it; in consequence of which they carried their arms with them wherever they went.-Notwithstanding, which, however, the sudden approach and immediate attack of the Atahuruans, and others, threw them into considerable confusion, and some gave way, but soon rallied again, as the Raiateans, and the people of Eimeo, had kept their ground. Several fell on both sides; but on the side of the Atahuruans, Upufara, a principal chief, was killed this event, as soon as it was known, turned the scale, and Pomare's party obtained a complete victory. But he treated the vanquished with great lenity and moderation, which had the happiest effect; for all exclaimed that the new religion must be good, because it produced such good effects;—they de clared also that their gods were cruel and false, had deceived them, and sought their ruin; and that, therefore, they were resolv

:

358

Intelligence from Mr. Morrison at Canton.

ed not to trust them any longer. On the evening of that day, when the confusion of the battle was over, the king and his people, with many of the idolaters, united in one large assembly, te worship the God of heaven and of earth, and to return him thanks for the events of the day.-After this, Pomare, by universal consent, was re-established in his government of the whole of Taheite and its dependencies, which he had lost by rebellion in 1808. Since this affair Pomare had continued at Taheite, making arrangements respecting the several districts, overthrowing all vestiges of idolatry, destroying the gods, morais, &c., the chiefs zealously assisting in their destruction; and they are now employed in erecting places of worship for the true God, in every district all around the island, the whole of which is now professedly Christian, and so is Eimeo; and in a great measure the leeward islands also, the chiefs of which entreat us by every opportunity to come over and help them."

BIBLE IN CHINESE.

From the Religious Remembrancer.

Extract of a letter from the Rev. Rob't. Morrison, to a gentleman in Philadelphia, dated,

My dear Sir,

CANTON, China, Feb'y. 10, 1817.

As you and the friends of the Bible in America have subscribed so liberally towards the translating it into Chinese, printing and circulating it, I beg to submit to you the state of our finances.

Public property possessed and received during 1816, $11,239 25 Disbursements at the Canton station,

9,322 50

Balance,

I am authorized to draw further on the B. & F.

Bible Society,

On the Tract Society of London,

$2,916 75

£267: 7:4 500

£767: 7:4

Mr. Milne, at Malacca, is poorly in health, but he is progressing in his missionary labours. The school is flourishing. The press is employed, and he endeavours to preach the gospel to the Heathen. He is a man of a right spirit. O that his life may be long continued!

The Chinese who prints his Magazine in Malacca has made a profession of faith, and has been baptized.

Speeches at the formation of the U. For. Miss. Soc'y. 359

In a preceding number, we gave an account of the public meeting convened in this city the 28th of July last, for the purpose of, forming the UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. We have

deferred the publication of the addresses delivered on that occasion, in order to present a summary of the anniversary meetings in May last of the great benevolent institutions in London, of which the accounts had reached this country very late this year, and our readers were anxious to see them.

We now insert extracts of the two speeches made at the meetings which organized the United Foreign Missionary Society.

Speech of the Rev. Dr. Griffin."

THE REV. DR. GRIFFIN, (of Newark, New-Jersey) rose to move a resolution approving of the constitution of the society, and expressing a determination to subscribe to its funds. I hold in. my hand, said Dr. G., a resolution which I am sure will meet with the cordial approbation of every person present. Mr. Chairman, I hail this day with peculiar pleasure. I am one of those who have long been looking forward with desire to two events-a general motion of the Presbyterian world on this side of the water, in the business of foreign inissions, and an extensive and mighty effort in favour of the destitute on our own continent. These two events are now incipiently accomplished. It has been a source of mortification that Presbyterians have not been sooner roused to an object which other denominations have been for several years pursuing with real effect. We must confess that we are behind many of our brethren in this matter: but in the strength of the Lord we will overtake them, and endeavour to outstrip the foremost in this glorious race. On our own continent there are from twenty to thirty millions who are groping in pagan darkness or popish superstition. These wretched beings, who are perishing at our own door, far away from the Christians of the old world, seem to be committed specially to us. In the division of a destitute world among different portions of the church, I think I hear a voice from heaven, saying, let European believers extend their hand to Asia and Africa, but these thirty millions I commit to American Christians.

U

I hail this day with the greater pleasure, because I see in it the pledge of union and brotherly love. The happiness which good men have derived from the astonishing e efforts of the present day, to enlighten the ignorant, has been greatly increased by the union among different denominations which these efforts have carried in their train. Who has not bowed before the majesty of union which has appeared in the British and Foreign Bible Society? What heart did not swell with delight at a similar union lately commenced on this ground? One of the greatest ornaments of the European church, who has been conspicuous in his labours to bring

360 Speech of Rev. Dr. Griffin at the formation

different denominations to act together on this common ground of Christianity, has said, that until these bars are taken down the millennium can never come on earth. I bear testimony to the magnanimity of this sentiment with the greater pleasure, because it comes from one of a different sect, and a sect too which has been considered among the most exclusive. But long after bigotry shall have expired, the name of Robert Hall will be found honourably inscribed upon her tomb. If any unhappy circumstances have cast a temporary cloud over our harmony, this day is a sure pledge, I will hope, that in future we shall love and act together as brethren. Spurning the littleness of monopoly and rivalship, the different members of this institution will act together on liberal and manly principles, calculated to stifle all jealousies and to unite all hearts. And then, whatever success we may have among the Heathen, of this one thing, I am sure, we shall exalt our own characters, and increase our own happiness.

Hitherto, we have had no common receptacle in the Presbyterian world to receive the contributions of those who felt for 550 millions of Pagans and Mahometans. If the benevolence of our members grew impatient to do something for more than two thirds of the human family, perishing for lack of knowledge, they have been obliged to send their offerings abroad. Thus we became mere tax-gatherers for our brethren in the East.

Now many Juvenile and Mite Societies, which have been gathering their little sums to aid the operations of strangers, will cast their all into your treasury.-Many Missionary Societies, already formed, will immediately arrange themselves as auxiliaries under you; many others will yet be organized for the same purpose; and thus the energies of the whole Presbyterian world in America will be combined in a single arm.

It was the command of the ascending Saviour,“ go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." This was not addressed to the twelve apostles for their own exclusive use, but to them as general depositaries of the commands of heaven, and it was intended for their successors in every age, as appears from the promise subjoined, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." How can you elude this direct command? say that the Pagan nations may be as happy in this and the future world without the gospel, is to say that the gospel is no blessing to mankind, and then you do not believe that it came from God.

To

No objections can be raised against missions which will not lie equally against Christ and his apostles. The first missionaay band was sent forth by him; and they met the shock of nations, and triumphed over an embattled world. The attempt is no more presumptuous now, the prospect is no more discouraging, the difficulties are no greater, the power that is engaged to give success is the same, the promise is still in force, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

For many ages the christian world had been in a profound slumher in regard to this duty; but for the last twenty-five years they

of the United Foreign Missionary Society.

361

have been waking up. He who had promised his son the heathen for his inheritance, has sent his heavenly influence to rouse the christian churches.

The object which we have in view is not unattainable. In reference to the North American Indians, what equal amount of missionary labour, since the days of the apostles, ever produced so great a result as the preaching of the Elliots, the Mayhews, and the Brainards among this very race of men? If you ask why the effects have not been entailed upon successive generations, those generations have been burnt up by ardent spirits introduced by the whites; or if any remained, they were never brought to the habits of civilized life, but left wanderers of the wilderness like their forefathers. But lately a new system has been entered upon by a sister institution, under the patronage of the general government, which promises complete success.-Besides preaching the gospel to adults by an interpreter, schools are to be established for the instruction of the children in the language, arts, and religion of the English; thus calling them back from the chase to the pursuits of husbandry, and fastening upon them our religion, by giving them our language, learning, and laws.

In respect to Mexico and South America, the providence of God is plainly preparing the way for all the operations which heart could wish. The existence of the American Bible Society ought to be ranked among these preparations. We may now have stereotype editions of the Spanish and Portuguese Scriptures, and missionaries to carry them forth. These two noble institutions may thus act and re-act upon each other with great effect. The new order of things, also, which Providence is introducing into. those countries, cannot fail to have the most favourable influence on free inquiry and the diffusion of Christian knowledge. By the time your missionaries are ready to act, they may find a field, of almost unlimited extent, prepared to receive the seed, and inviting the hand of cultivation. Go on brethren, and God will prosper your cause. A great day is preparing for the benighted nations of the south. Ere long we shall see a heavenly light capping the tops of the Andes, and rivers of salvation flowing through the plains of La Plate. Millions, who are not strangers, but Americans, will be the happier for this day, and will eternally bless God for your existence.

SPEECH OF THE REV. DR. PROUDFIT, (OF SALEM, NEW-YORK.) Mr. Chairman,

I rise to second the motion proposed by that very respected and beloved brother who has now addressed you, and with him, most cordially unite in hailing the auspicious occasion of our meeting. It may justly be considered as forming a new era in the history of missions, and various considerations rush irresistibly upon my soul, and swell it with more than ordinary transports of joy. Fifteen months have not yet elapsed since we convened in this city to organize that grand national institution, "the American Bible