now and then he dropped a few words expressive of his reliance} as a helpless guilty sinner, on the All-sufficient Saviour. He was, apparently, often in prayer, and repeated "Guide me, O thou great Jehovah," and "Jesus sought me when a stranger," &c. This is another afflictive dispensation; and, as we view things, a serious loss, not only to his bereaved partner and two orphan children, but also to the Mission, as he had attained such a knowledge of the language of these islanders as enabled him to convey instruction in a plain intelligible manner, which is a more difficult attainment for an European than many are aware of.

Thus our number is lessening, while the call for instruction on the part of the natives is daily increasing. Others of us are often unwell; and the heavy work at our vessel (for such it is in our circumstances, and with so few hands,) is still unfinished. We have lately thought that the circumstances of the natives, and of the islands, call loudly for the establishment of three or four Missionary stations, including as many large schools; but we are altogether insufficient, even were the concerns of the vessel and of other matters relative to our temporal affairs entirely off our hands; we therefore again entreat the Directors to take into consideration our circumstances and those of the Mission, and the request we make, which is also now the earnest request of hundreds of these poor islanders. A delay in this matter will be probably of pernicious consequence to the Mission A Mission, which the Lord hath been pleased to bless so abundantly, notwithstanding all former discouragements and disappointments.

In the beginning of May, we had the satisfaction of receiving by the Queen Charlotte, colonial vessel, a case of books and papers, together with various private letters and several public ones. We acknowledge with gratitude our obligations for the abundant and encouraging information which is contained in them.

From the last letter of the Directors, we understand there were medicines and other supplies sent for us, but nothing of the kind has reached us; nor have we heard of any thing being in the colony. However, our need of medicines and other articles is very great, there being so much sickness among ourselves, and among the people around us, who are continually applying to us for relief in their distresses.

We

We have also received from the colony near 400 copies of our New Testament history, and 900 catechisms, with 100 copies of a few hymns that were composed for the use of the natives. These books came very opportunely, and were most gladly received by our people, hundreds of whom now can make use of them. learnt also that the Old Testament part of the Scripture history was in the press at Sydney, but could not then be finished for want of paper. Brother Crook has been of great service in correcting the press, and getting these books done as well and as soon as the. state of things in the colony would allow; the Rev. Mr. Marsden

being absent on his voyage to New Zealand, on the affairs of the Missionary settlement at that place. We send again by this conveyance a small spelling book to be printed at Sydney; this we are in much need of, those spelling books which were printed in London being all expended, and the natives making many applications for more. For the expenses attending these little publications we must refer to Mr. Marsden, and hope there will be no difficulty about the payment of them, as it will be money well employed.

:

But to be a little more particular concerning the state of the Mission since the date of our last From January to the end of June, it appeared to prosper greatly our congregations were large, and the attendance on the means of instruction constant and encouraging. The school increased rapidly, and prospered; and those who renounced heathenism, and became the professed worshippers of the true God, were increasing daily in different parts of this island, and also at Taheite. The priest of Papetoai (the district where we reside) denounced heathenism; joined us, and publicly committed his god to the flames. Others followed his example both here and at Taheite; morais were destroyed, and the altars overthrown, and the wood of them used to dress common food, of which different classes and sexes partook at one common meal, in direct violation of ancient prohibitions and customs.

In the month of May, the queen, and her sister called Pomare Vahine, went over to Taheite. The latter, having lately come up from the Leeward Islands, had never seen Taheite, but intended now, in company with a number of her people, to make the tour of the island. In the mean time the king, who had resided for some time in our neighbourhood, thought, while this party was absent, of going himself on a slow journey around Eimeo, stopping awhile at different places, to see if he could persuade the chiefs and principal people to cast away their idols, &c. When he had proceeded in this manner as far as a small district called Maatea, he sent us the enclosed letter, to inform us of the state of religious affairs in that part of the island. During the month of June, we received also several letters from the party at Taheite, giving us an encouraging account of the state of things there. This party had not proceeded on their journey as they intended, but were still in the district of Pare where they had landed, and where the king's daughter, Aimata, resided with her nurse. We were informed that considerable parts of the district of Pare, and of the neighbouring one, Matavai (our old residence) had cast away their gods, and embraced the true religion. When the queen went over, the king had sent a book for his daughter. This was looked upon as a public testimony, that she was to be brought up in the new religion. This, together with the rapid increase of the "Bure Atua,' or pray ing people," for so are our people called, excited in the idolatrous chiefs a violent spirit of persecution. They thought these things

ought not to be endured any longer, but crushed altogether in time. The idolatrous chiefs of Pare, and the chief of Hapaiano, got some of the chiefs of Matavai to join them in a conspiracy against the Bure Atua, and it was proposed to cut them off entirely, root and branch. But thinking themselves unequal to the task, those of the new religion being already formidable, both in number and respectability, they acquainted the chiefs of Atahura and Papara with their views and intentions, and invited them to join them. These, though their ancient rivals and enemies, came most readily into the measure, and prepared to unite with them without delay; and on the night of July the 7th, these combined forces were to fall, without mercy, on those who had renounced heathenism, and exterminate them; but some of the parties being rather dilatory, and secret intelligence having been conveyed to the party whose ruin was determined upon, and they happening to be that evening, most of them, together by the sea side, they quickly got on board their canoes, and set sail for Eimeo, where they arrived, and were safely landed the following morning. The disappointed chiefs then quarrelled among themselves; and the Atahuruans, &c. fell upon the Porionu party, that is, upon the party who began the affair and had invited them. They fought; the Porionu were defeated, and a number of men killed, among whom was one of their principal chiefs, and a promoter of the war. The Atahuruans, and those of Papara, being joined by Taiarabu, burnt, plundered, and cleared away before them, the whole of the N. E. part of Taheite, from the borders of Atahura to the Isthmus. The question about religion seems now quite forgotten; and the different parties fought to revenge old quarrels that happened many years ago. Some time after, the Taiarabu people quarrelled with those of Papara and Atahuru; fought with them, but were defeated and driven to the mountains.

When, or how, these things may end, the Lord only knows; but we cease not to pray, and do hope that these commotions will, in the end, be the means of furthering the good of the Mission. A great number of refugees are come over from Taheite, and still continue to arrive. The king has repeatedly sent messages of peace to the chiefs of the conquering party; and they have repeatedly answered, that there is peace between them and him; though they have not yet settled old affairs among themselves. But though the king and our people have no desire to meddle with the commotions at Taheite, except to promote peace, and do not intend to act, but as neutrals, or in self-defence, should it prove necessary; yet the affairs of Taheite have thrown things in this island into great confusion for some weeks past, and we have not been without our fears and alarms. The Lord, however, hath been pleased hitherto, to control and over-rule these affairs in a wonderful manner. They have taken a turn, entirely undesigned, and unexpected by the first projectors of the war; and our people, whose destruction was aim

ed at, have hitherto escaped; this is a matter for praise, and for thankfulness.

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Brother Crook has written to us, expressing his desire and intention of coming to join us; and this, in one point of view, should be heartily glad of, as we are so much in want of assistance, and he would be able immediately to manage a large native school; but on the other hand, the present commotions, and his large family, are considerations of such importance, that we do not well know what to say: however we wrote both to him and the Rev. Mr. Marsden on the subject, representing our want of assistance, and also the present state of the islands. We do not wish to discourage him, yet we apprehend the present commotions likely to have that effect. The consideration of his numerous family, is of great weight; for should he come and be soon removed by death, what is to become of them? And this leads to a subject nearly a-kin, which we would submit to the consideration of the Directors, viz.-In case of any of the Missionaries dying, and leaving his wife behind him, or wife and family, as is the case now of Mrs. Scott and her two children-we ask, how is the widow, or widow and family of such Missionary to be supported? What dependence has she on the Society for necessary support? either in case she remains in the Mission, or chooses to return to New South Wales, or to England?

We would again remind the Directors of the great desirableness of sending assistance to us speedily, whether Brother Crook should join us or not; and that it would be of very great service to this Mission to have a printing-press, and a person who knows how to manage it; and next to this a person having a good share of medical skill, if also of a true Missionary spirit; this would be to the Mission a most valuable acquisition.

Yesterday morning being our usual Missionary Prayer Meeting, at the close of which thirty-nine more natives requested their names to be written down, which was done: the number is now about 362, not including some who were put away for bad conduct, and others who died, some with very hopeful appearance of their dying in the Lord. The school has also increased to upwards of 660, but we cannot admit more for want of books.

With this we send a friendly and kind letter, which we have just received from his Excellency Governor Macquarrie, to whom we are under many obligations, and we submit it to the Directors, whether it would not be well for them to send him a friendly letter? He takes a warm interest in the prosperity of this Mission, is well acquainted with us and our proceedings, and on all occasions has shown a readiness to serve us-but not to add any thing more to this already long letter, we shall conclude, subscribing ourselves, honoured Fathers and Brethren, yours in the bonds of the Gospel,

HENRY BICKNELL,
JOHN DAVIES,

JAMES HAYARD,

WILLIAM HENRY,

HENRY NOTT,
CHARLES WILSON,
SAMUEL TESSIER.

To the Directors of the Missionary Society, London.

Translation of a letter from king Pomare, to the Missionaries, referred to in the above.

My dear friends,

Maatea, 3d of July, 1815.

MAY you be saved by Jesus Christ, the only Saviour by whom we can be saved. This is an account of our journey:- The ratiras (or chiefs) are inclined to hear and obey the word of God ; the word of God is now growing in Moorea (Eimeo,) Jehovah himself; He it is, that causeth the growth of his own word; for that reason it prospers; it grows exceedingly!

Many there are now, that lay hold on the word of God; there are thirty-four or thirty-six in Atimaha of this description. There are others of the common people that are left; they pay no attention to these things: but the ratiras, they all regard the word of God. As for Maatea, they all here-the ratiras and common people-all of them have embraced the word of God; ninety-six new ones are of this description.

Not many of Haumi have as yet regarded the word of God: but Hamuna has. Hamuna is a man of knowledge; he has been hitherto a priest of the Evil Spirit (i. e. an idol priest,) he has entirely cast away the customs of the Evil Spirit. I am highly pleased with these things; and particularly that the ratiras attend so well to the word of God. This was my business in this journey; it was to make known to them the word of God; and behold! they have listened unto it; they have regarded it. Had it been otherwise, I should have been much grieved.

We shall not go from this place yet a while; we were to go this day to Haumi; but the ratiras detained us, saying, stay a little, that you may know that we have in truth hearkened to the word of God. To this I said, agreed; we shall not go till another Sabbathday is over; then we shall proceed. They answered, that is well. The idols of these ratiras are committed to the fire, they are entirely destroyed.

To-morrow is our meeting for prayer; the commencement of the new month. Should these ratiras ask me to write down their names, how ought I to act? Shall I write them? Write your mind to me without delay, and give me instructions how to do. May you be blessed of God, POMARE, King.

1040

Extract of a letter from the Rev. Mr. Marsden, senior Chaplain of New South Wales.

PARAMATTA, Oct. 2, 1815. I received the goods mentioned in your letter for the Missionaries at Otaheite, which will forward the very first opportunity. I should have sent the ACTIVE to visit them in September, had I not received your packet, by which I learned that your Society were about to send some assistance to the Brethren, who are much in want of aid, I therefore sent the ACTIVE to New Zealand,