prayer is strictly observed among them, and they pay great respect to their teacher; and although the king and the principal part of the people are still idolaters, yet they are all upon friendly terms with Davida, frequently visiting him, and bringing him presents of food. All idolatrous distinctions have been abandoned by those who have embraced Christianity in the island, and there is reason to hope that the Gospel will be embraced by every individual in it. Infanticide being here unknown, the children are numerous. There is little sickness among the people, and the diseases are few. They display great ingenuity in the fabrication of their cloth, canoes, stone axes, and ear-ornaments. Their heads are profusely covered with figured cloth, red beads, and sinnet of beautiful workmanship. Their language approaches nearer to that of New Zealand than Tahitian. The teachers have been industrious in Cultivating yams, pumpkins, and melons, all of which were before unknown here; fowls, also, and hogs have been introduced, and are upon the increase. We left with the teachers some sweet potatoes for seed, which will prove a valuable addition to their stock of eatables. Rarotonga, October 5.-Arrived at Rarotonga. We went on shore, and were welcomed by the teachers (Papeiaha and Tiberio), and a considerable number of the people. It being the evening of the week-day lecture, I addressed a congregation of about one thousand five hun dred persons, from Psalm cxviii. 1.; 0 give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good;, because his mercy endureth for ever. The greatest attention was paid to what was spoken. I spent the evening with the king and teachers, who consulted me upon the general affairs of the islands, and informed me what had taken place during the past six months. Since the vessel was here last, the most determined hostility had been manifested by the remaining idolaters, against those who had embraced the Gospel, and had eventually led to a conflict, which terminated, without loss of life on either side, in victory on that of the Christians. The vanquished have since entreated their names to be enrolled as worshippers of Jehovah, and the cumbrous deities, fourteen in number (being about 20 feet long, and 6 feet in diameter), are now lying prostrate, like Dagon of old. The chapel, 240 feet by 42, is an excelPent native building, well plastered. The king's house, 36 feet by 24, is plastered, and tastefully fitted up in the interior, with painted cloth and ornamental shells. It contains eight rooms, with boarded floors. Adjoining, is another plastered house, 138 feet by 20, in which the king eats, and where his servants and dependants reside. Makea is a fine handsome man, much resembling, in his features, the late King Pomaré. He has eight sons and four daughters. The house in which the two teachers reside, is another good building, 90 feet by 30, most of it floored with boards, and containing various apartments, furnished with bedsteads, sofas, arm-chairs and tables, all of native manufacture. There are several hundred houses in the settlement, of which one hundred and eighty are plastered. The king and principal chiefs can read well in the Tahitian Spelling-book, and hundreds, yea, I may say, thousands of men, women and children are making rapid progress in learning. Dr. Watts's Catechism of Scripture Names they have learned perfectly, as well as the Tahitian Catechism. Family and private prayer is generally observed. Plurality of wives is entirely abolished. The people show great respect to their teachers. Three kings (or principal chiefs) formerly governed the island, (viz. Makea, Tinomana, and Pa,) between whom frequent and bloodly wars formerly raged; but now, by universal consent, the whole power is vested in Makea; and thus contention for power, that apple of discord, has been wisely cast away by the islanders. Cannibalism and infanticide* also have ceased. The population of this island may be safely estimated at from six to seven thousand. The people are much given to cultivation, and men, women and children are continually employed on their plantations. In the evening, those who had been baptized made a feast, to which we were invited; and while we were partaking of the luxuries of the island, several of the natives got up and made some sensible speeches. One observed, that our Lord foretold Peter's denial; let us also (added he) beware lest we deny him in our hearts. Another made some judicious remarks on John iii. 6; That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit. And I must confess, I was surprised to hear such addresses from those who so short a time ago were ignorant idolaters. After this meeting was concluded, we retired to the chapel, where I was employed in re-writing down the names of the candidates, previous to baptism on the morrow. * Infanticide was confined to female children. There were formerly arreois among the people of this island, but they never murdered their children. October 7.-About noon, the people as sembled at the chapel, to the number of about two thousand. I addressed them from Matt. xxviii: 20, Teaching them to observe all things, &c. &c.; after which I baptized one hundred and ninety-four adults, and one hundred and two children. The greatest order prevailed during the whole service. In the afternoon I had a meeting with the young people and children. About seven hundred attended. They correctly answered every question in Dr. Watts's Catechism. I afterwards addressed them, and concluded with prayer. On this island, the Lancasterian system of instruction could be fully acted upon, as the young people and children cannot leave home, such is the extent of the population, without danger of starvation.* In the evening, the people held their stated Friday evening meeting, in the chapel, which was lighted up with candle-nut oil. About three thousand were present. I commenced with prayer and an address, after which several passages of Scripture were correctly quoted and appropriately applied by the natives. The two deacons who accompanied me then addressed them in an encouraging manner. I could not help contrasting the behaviour of the people now, with what I witnessed on our former visit. We were then afraid to land, conceiving our lives would have been endangered; but now we felt as easy as though we had been among our own people. Then the natives came alongside the vessel without any clothing at all, but now the greatest propriety in dress was manifested among all classes. At our former visit, the Tahitian teachers were compelled to keep watch the whole night, to preserve their wives from the violence of Makea; but now he has given up all his own wives (formerly eight in number) except one. He is constant at school, is diligent in his attendance on the means of grace, and approves of every plan that is proposed for the spiritual and temporal benefit of his people. There is also, apparently, more modesty among the females of this island, than on any other in the South Seas with which I am acquainted. October 8.-In the morning the people again assembled at the chapel. I addressed them on the subject of the new birth, after which, I baptized one hundred and In the Society Islands, where, before the people embraced Christianity, the population had been so much reduced by wars, infanticide, &c. the children ramble from place to place, and from island to island, always sure of procuring the means of subsistence. twenty-nine adults, and seventy-one children, making altogether four hundred and ninety-six, who have been baptized during our present visit. One thousand were baptized formerly, so that the whole number of those who have now received the ordinance of baptism on this island, is one thousand four hundred and ninety-six. On this occasion, the number of natives present could not have been less than from three thousand five hundred, to four thousand. The Tahitian teachers, Papeiha and Tiberio, deserve great commendation for their activity and diligence in their work. They have taught the people to make bedsteads, sofas, chairs, &c. They have themselves acquired a great deal of the Rarotongian dialect, and, when reading the Scriptures, giving out the Tahitian Hymns, and in their prayers and addresses, they substitute numerous words of the Rarotongian dialect instead of the Tahitian, that the people may more clearly understand the Word of Life; so that I am now more convinced than ever of the necessity of a Version of the Scriptures, for the use of the natives of Harvey-Islands, and the sooner it is commenced the better. Much has been said in Europe, &c. concerning the success of the Gospel in the Society Islands, but it is not to be compared with its progress in Rarotonga. In the Society Islands, European Missionaries laboured for fifteen long years before the least fruit appeared. But two years ago, Rarotonga was hardly known to exist; was not marked in any of the charts, and on our last voyage we spent much time in endeavouring to ascertain whether or not there really was such an island; and all the guidance we were able to obtain, was from the king of Atui, who had never seen it himself. Two years ago the Rarotongians did not know there was such a pame as JESUS, or such good news as the Gospel. And now, I scruple not to say, that their attention to the means of grace, their regard to private and family prayer, their diligence and their general behaviour, equals, if not excels, whatever has been witnessed at Tahiti and the neighbouring islands. When we look at the means, it is the more astonishing. Two Tahitian teachers, not particularly distinguished among their own countrymen for intelligence, have been the instruments in working this wonderful change, and that before a single European Missionary had set his foot upon the island. I have been accustomed to see such changes as have taken place in the various islands of these seas, but I must confess, what I have seen in Rarotonga has, nevertheless, excited in me surprise. I could not help earnestly desiring the presence of my Brother Williams, that as he had shared some disappointments with me last voyage, so he might share with me the joy, which the change which has since taken place is calculated to produce. From the great number of its inhabitants, and the general aspect of affairs in the island, there appears reason to expect Rarotonga will become one of the most important among the missionary stations in these seas. We left a large supply of elementary books, and, after giving the teachers a word or two of encouragement, and taking leave of the king and people, we went on board, and stretched across for Aitutake. The missionary visited the other islands in the group; but we cannot give the details.-The appearances were much the same in all. The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church acknowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J. during the month of November last, viz. Of L. Desauque, six months' rent of the stable back of the house occupied In Bethlehem Goshen $20 00 $5.00 Of Rev. Wm. M. Engles, the balance in full of his subscription for the Professorship to be endowed by the Synod of Philadelphia 50 00 Total $126 42 Diew of Publick Affairs. The last month has afforded no news, either foreign or domestick, of much general interest. We shall however, as usual, briefly chronicle what we have noted. EUROPE. BRITAIN.-The latest advices which we have seen from London, were of the 18th of October, and from Liverpool of the 21st. On the 18th of that month, the period expired in which any lotteries in Britain could be made under sanction of law; and it was the hope of the friends of good morals, and the enemies of gambling, that no law would ever again authorize any lottery in that kingdom. It appears that the avails of the governmental lotteries, did not exceed £250,000 per annum.-This was surely selling public morals cheap. Our country is more given than we could wish it were, to the imitation of whatever is done in Britain. But an imitation now, would, in our opinion, be highly beneficial. We are well persuaded that all lotteries-no matter for what purpose made-are injurious to the virtue, industry and happiness, of those who deal in them; and the dealers in them are numerous and increasing. We wish that they were forever banished from our land. We think there is evidence that the wide spread distress in England, Scotland and Ireland, arising from the want of employment, and of commercial credit and activity, is gradually diminishing.-Trade and business in general, are certainly reviving.-The poor, however, still suffer greatly. The Duke of York has been seriously ill. He is represented as dropsical, and the prospect of his succession to the British crown, to be far from flattering. This will cause no regret to the friends of Catholick emancipation; as the Duke is literally the sworn enemy of that measure. The issues from the bank of England are reported to have been £30,000,000 sterling. It is said that a cabinet council was called to require the bank to withdraw from circulation a portion of its paper; but that the measure was opposed and defeated by Lord Liverpool, on the ground that "the country could not yet bear a repeútion of the contracting operation." The Roman Catholicks in Ireland, or their priests rather, are making vigorous exertions to impede the operation and influence of Bible Societies; and riotous proceedings are in some instances the result. FRANCE. We have not been able to note any information from France, within the last month, of more importance than that the British minister, Mr. Canning, was receiving the most marked expressions of respect in Paris, from the king, the court, and the foreign ministers :-and that the king's return from St. Cloud, his summer residence, to the palace of the Thuilleries, was a spectacle of royal parade and magnificence, that made a great impression on the Parisians.-Our minister, among others, is said to have given a dinner to Mr. Canning. We do not believe for ourselves, that Canning is staying at Paris for no higher objects than to eat French dinners and receive French compliments. What has been the main scope of his visit, we pretend not to say-possibly a commercial treaty-something, it may be, in favour of a more effectual suppression of the African slave trade-or the removal of the French armies from Spain-or some arrangement in behalf of the poor Greeks-But the secret will be out before long. SPAIN. We are not able to conjecture when the miseries of this unhappy kingdom are likely to be terminated, or materially diminished. We have lately become convinced that the source of the national calamities which afflict Spain, lie deeper than we had supposed. We are now thoroughly persuaded that the remedy is not in the power of the Prince and his ministers, even if they were disposed to apply itwhich we are satisfied they are not. The lamentable fact is, that the people and the prince are suited to each other. There is a portion of the people indeed, that would rejoice in a change favourable to freedom; but this is a small portion. The mass of the population do not wish it, and would not even bear it. They would revolt against any prince who should attempt to unbind their chains. They are infatuated with the love of tyranny, both civil and ecclesiastical; and how and when they are to be disenchanted, we know not. The last accounts state, that large corps of soldiers have deserted, and taken refuge in Portugal. The King is ill of the gout; and bands of robbers are infesting the environs of Madrid. The Constitutionalists are, if possible, worse persecuted than ever. PORTUGAL.-The new constitution of Portugal, although hated and opposed by a party, the friends of absolute power, seems likely to go into complete effect. The Princess Regent is popular; and the last accounts represent that she was receiving flattering addresses, and assurances of support, from various parts of the kingdom, expressive also of gratitude to Don Pedro for the gift of the new constitution. The elections of members of the legislature have been completed, and a full list of the house of Deputies and the house of Peers, has been published.-Primary schools have been opened; and a society for the promotion of national industry, has been organized. In the mean time an insurrection has broken out at Aigarve, and 5000 troops have marched from Lisbon to suppress it; and 300 English troops have been disembarked from ships of war in the port, for the protection of the palace, in the absence of the national guards. TURKEY. A fire broke out at Constantinople on the 31st of August, and raged for thirty hours without being checked. Several thousand houses were consumed-one account says 25,000-but this we think must be erroneous. It appears, however, that about a sixth part of the city was destroyed; and the destruction of property was immense, as the dwellings consumed were chiefly those of the wealthy.-Several paJaces were burned, containing the hoarded treasures of years. We think we have scen it stated, that the losses sustained by this fire, will contribute not a little to embarrass the Grand Senior-very much embarrassed before-in providing for the payment of his armies and allies, employed to subjugate Greece. If so, some good may come out of the evil. We do believe that, from several causes, the Sultan Mahmoud is greatly at a plunge for money to pay his troops, and carry on his military operations. It appears also that the affair of the Janisaries is not yet settled. It is said that the populace even imputed the fire to the vengeance of Heaven, inflicted for the destruction of the Janisaries, and refused to do any thing to stop the flames: RUSSIA. The emperor Nicholas has published a manifesto, or formal declaration of war against Persia. He makes out a strong and plausible case-but this is a matter of course. We do believe, however, that in this instance the Persians were the aggressors; and there can be little doubt that ultimately they will pay dearly for their temerity and folly. They have already been defeated in one battle, with the loss, it is said, of a thousand men.-The matter in dispute is a portion of territory, which, after a former war, was ceded to Russia; and which, it appears, the Persians have endeavoured to reclaim by force, without even setting up a claim of right. This at least is the Russian statement-but audi alteram partem. We do not know what the Persians might say in reply. Yet it is clear they commenced hostilities without warning, and very unexpectedly. The prospect of war between the Russians and Turks seems to be, at an end. The last accounts represent the Turks as having yielded every claim that Russia deems important, and that peace between the two powers is likely to continue. GREECE. Within the last month we have read numerous articles in the publick papers relative to Greece; from all which we gather the following facts, which we think may be relied on. Greece is reduced to the greatest extremity, in consequence of the successes of her inveterate enemies, and from the want of money to pay her troops, and the want indeed of clothing, food, and every article necessary to maintain an army in the field. The hope of being able to make head against the Turks was, at the last accounts, suspended on the assistance to be received from abroad. Yet the Greeks had no disposition to submit to their invaders, but were rather determined to die fighting, or to retire-those that might be left-to the mountains and fastnesses with which their country abounds. Ibrahim Pacha was at Tripolitza inactive-waiting for reinforcements from Egypt. Athens had been besieged by three Turkish corps on different sides. Its relief was attempted, but after a desperate engagement, the Greeks were repulsed. The city of Athens was in possession of the Turks, but the Greeks still held the Acropolis, or citadel. The Turkish fleet was inactive before Mytelene.-The Greeks had attempted without success, and with the loss of two fire-ships, to burn it. Lord Cochrane was anxiously expected, but had not arrived. General Boyer and his corps of Frenchmen, who assisted in taking Missolonghi, had left the Turkish service, in consequence of some misunderstanding ⚫ with their Egyptian masters. It was said that the funds of the Viceroy of Egypt were so exhausted, that he could not send reinforcements to the Morea; and that without them, the war there could not be maintained.-The belief appears to gain ground in Europe, that the Christian powers are about to interpose in behalf of the Greeks. It is stated as a fact, that the British minister, Stratford Canning, had made a strong representation to the Porte, but was treated in a very cavalier manner. If this be true, we shall hope that the poor Greeks will ere long receive some efficient aid. ASIA. We have nothing new to state from Asia. AFRICA. The last London Quarterly Review, after giving some account of the progress of captain Clapperton and Mr. Dixon into the interior of this vast continent, says "We have now every reason to hope that the interior of Northern Africa beyond the Great Desert, will no longer remain a Terra Incognita.” The Ashantees, on the western coast, are still making military demonstrations of a formidable kind; and causing no small alarm both to the native princes, and to the British establishments. It is mournful to see by the last reports of the African Institution in Britain, that after all the efforts made to suppress the slave trade, there are probably as many slaves now carried from Africa annually, as at any former period. The French, Portuguese, and Brazilians, are chiefly engaged, at present, in this abominable and infamous traffick. Driven from one place, they only resort to another; and we see no way in which this diabolical business can be terminated, but by destroying the market for slaves in the West Indies and South America. While slavery is permitted, there will be slave traders-sellers and buyers-foreign and domestick. The cries of injured Africa will never cease, till there is no demand for slaves in any part of the world; or till the influence of Christianity shall prevent the wretched natives of that conti pent from making slaves of each other. |