posing form of vigilant guardianship of the property of the public, and raises its indignant voice against the extortion of Missionary and other societies. Anon it betrays its real character by significant sneers at the romantic folly of Christian efforts; by ill suppressed exultation at every instance of apparent failure of success; and by unwearied attempts to bring into suspicion the motives of every prominent advocate of the missions. We have noted all its phases, and generally found it bearing the same aspect of hostility to the cause of the Redeemer. We have not found that the opponents of foreign missions have attested the sincerity of their professions, by active efforts for the promotion of piety at home. We have often remarked, that the loudest among these declaimers have been those who gave little evidence that they felt any attachment to the holy doctrines and sanctifying influences of the Gospel. A sordid love of money, and a jealous dislike of efforts which reproached their own indifference, added to an entire disregard or misconception of the true principles of the Gospel, we have almost invariably found to be the real causes of the clamour against missions, and other benevolent efforts.

We have remarked, that the opposition has recently acquired more activity. In addition to the other methods adopted to prejudice the public mind, we have observed, with regret, that several influential editors have lent their aid to give circulation to misstatements and inuendoes adverse to the interests of missions, and to the characters of their promoters. While professing to maintain an impartial neutrality respecting religious opinions, they have not thought it inconsistent with their duty to indulge in remarks, distressing to the feelings of nearly all their readers, who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. This increased hostility, however, may be regarded as marking a crisis in the great contest between the spirit of missions, and the principles and feelings of its enemies. Strong in the strength of the Omnipotent, and advancing at the command and under the guidance of the Captain of Salvation, the friends of missions are daily extending their march, and planting in "Satan's seat," the standard of the cross. It is perfectly in accordance with the usual course of things, that, at such a period, the enemies of the cause should rally all their forces, and make one last desperate effort to oppose the triumphs of the Gospel. All opposition will be vain. The stone which was cut out of the mountain without hands, shall fill the whole earth. Columbian Star.

Entelligence.

LABRADOR.-MORAVIAN MISSION.

A PLEASING letter from Brother Kohlmeister, dated Nain, August 25th, 1821, is acknowledged. The three Esquimaux congregations were growing in grace and knowledge, and also in numbers; a special work of the spirit appeared among the young people. From the shipping-season in 1820, to the 9th of August, 1821, there had been baptized at all the three stations, 23 adults, and 21 children; 20 per

sons admitted to the Lord's table; and the total of all the members amounted to 516; to which may be added, 68 new applicants. At Okak a new church and dwelling house had been erected, and the Brethren were occupied in finishing the interior. Brother John Lundbergh, at Nain, and Brother John Peter Christian Stock, at Hopedale, were admitted to the holy order of Deacons. When the jubilee was celebrated on the 9th of August, Commodore Martin, who was sent out by the Governor of Newfoundland, to explore the Labrador coast, and particularly to visit the missionary stations of the Brethren, had just arrived at Nain, in a ship of war, and cheerfully took part in the solemnities of the day. At all the three stations, he evinced the most friendly disposition towards the Missionaries, and observed, that the converted Esquimaux were not Christians in name only, but in reality. U. B. M. Intelligencer.

ST. KITTS.-MORAVIAN MISSION.

August, 1821.-Since the consecration of the church at Bethesda, the number of hearers had greatly increased. The last time the Missionaries conversed individually with their people, 874 persons attended. The blacks from 20 different plantations resort to this place; four adults had been baptized, during the above period; 14 were received as members of the congregation, and the same number admitted to the Holy Communion.

September 13.-Later accounts from the Brethren Procop and Johansen, at Basseterre, mention the hurricane, which visited St. Kitts, in the early part of that month. Had it continued longer than four hours, few houses could have resisted its violence. It was more severe than that of 1819, but of shorter duration. Both dwellings and inhabitants at our settlements were spared; only spouts and enclosures were carried away, at Basseterre and Bethesda. Our Missionaries were unfeignedly thankful for this preservation. On the 3d of September, three adults were baptized at the former place, 15 received as members of the congregation, and the same number added to the candidates for baptism. On the 9th, they celebrated a solemn memorial day, with 203 married members of the congregation.

ib.

ST. CROIX.-MORAVIAN MISSION.

Brother Lehman, at Friedensthal, in a letter, dated July 25th, 1821, gives a favourable account of the mission there. A special work appeared among the baptized children, who flocked to the public meetings, and private conversations with the missionaries. Divine worship on the Lord's day was attended by the blacks in great numbers, among whom were many of the English Church, which was then without a pastor. A drought of long continuance gave rise to dangerous disorders, especially among European residents; and the want of water was severely felt. ib.

POLYNESIA.—RURUTU.

An account of the renunciation of idolatry, and of the reception of Christianity by the Natives of Rurutu, an island in the South Seas. 150. 51. E. Lon. 22. 29. S. Lat. called in the charts Oheteroa. Raiatea, Oct. 18, 1821.

THE whole of the circumstances relating to this event having been peculiarly interesting and encouraging to us, we are desirous that all who are anxious for the universal spread of divine truth, and feel interested in the success of Christian Missions, may be acquainted with it, that they may be partakers with us of our joy.

On the 8th March last, we saw a strange sail at sea, which made towards the reef, and appeared to be determined to hazard running on it instead of bearing up for the proper harbour, a practice resorted to by the natives when in extremity. Perceiving their imminent danger, the Chiefs manned our boats and went off to pilot the strangers safely into the harbour; when they arrived we found they were natives of the Island of Rurutu. They had come from Maupiti, touched on their voyage at Borabora, but could not get in for the contrary wind. They had been drifted about at sea for three weeks, and latterly, without food and water, excepting sea water, which they were obliged to drink. Contrary winds drove them from their own island; but the Lord, to whose merciful designs winds and waves are subservient, protected and guided them to these islands. Maupiti was the first island they could make.

They were exceedingly astonished at the difference of customs, men and women eating together; the Areoi Society, their dances, and every lascivious game completely put away. When they heard of the new system of religion, and saw the people worshipping the living and true God, they were convinced of its propriety and superiority, and immediately began to learn to read.

The Chief, with his wife and a few others, went ashore at BoraMr. Orsmond, the Missionary of that station, paid every attention to them during their short stay; gave them books, and began to teach them to read; but as the canoe and the greater part of the people were at Raiatea, they soon followed. They were about 25 in number, men and women. We set apart a certain time for their instruction, supplied them all with elementary books, and gave them in charge to our deacons, who were very much pleased with, and diligent in the discharge of their new office. Their language being somewhat different, the deacons could make themselves understood better than we could.

Auura, their chief, paid particular attention, as well as his wife; the greater part of the others were rather slothful. He appeared to appreciate the worth of knowl edge, and the value of the good tidings of salvation; his attention was great, and his questions upon general subjects were very judicious; but his attention to and questions upon our discourses, were such as surprised not only the Raiateans but ourselves also. We think he possesses a very acute judg

ment so far as he knows.

We do not wish, in thus speaking, to be understood that we believe him to be what would be called in England a converted person, though we have now indubitable evidence that he is a true convert from idolatry to Christianity. God had called him and the people out of darkness to the knowledge of his Son, Christ Jesus. May they soon really know Him, whom to know aright is eternal life. Auura was continually expressing his anxious desire to return to his own land, and to carry to his poor countrymen the knowledge he had obtained of the true God, and his Son Jesus Christ, expressing his fears in an affectionate manner, that when he got back he should find very few left, as the evil spirit was killing them so fast. The brig Hope, Captain Grimes, from London, touched at Raiatea on July the 3d: we mentioned to the Captain our wish to get these poor people back to their own island; he, with a readiness which does him the highest credit, offered immediately to touch at their island, and to take our boat in tow, that we might have an opportunity, should our boat return from this yet unknown land, to open a communication with the natives. We sent for Auura, the chief, and his wife, who were highly delighted with the prospect of returning; but he raised an objection to going to his land of darkness, unless he had some one with him to instruct him and his people. We were rather at a loss how to act; however, we immediately called on the deacons, informed them of the circumstance, and desired them to inquire who would volunteer their services to go as teachers to these poor people. They assembled in the church, when two came forward, we hope, with the spirit and language of the Prophet of old, "Here we are, send us." They were the very men we should have chosen had we thought it prudent to nominate; but knowing it was at the hazard of their lives, and that of their wives and little ones, we dared not to interfere, but left it to Him who disposes the hearts and thoughts of men according to his will. Mahamene, a deacon, having a wife, but no children, was one; Puna, a steady, and we hope a truly pious man, having a wife, with two children, was the other: they were both men we could ill spare, on account of their steadiness and our confidence in them; but such characters are the only proper persons for such a work, therefore every other consideration was obliged to give way. To select a crew to bring back our boat was the next consideration; as this took up the greatest part of the night, they had but a short time to get ready for the ship, which was to sail early the next morning.

The brig got under weigh the 5th of July, and after most affectionately committing Mahamene and Puna, with their wives and little ones, to the care of our Lord and God, in the presence of the congregation, we gave to each a letter in English and Tahitan, recognizing them as under the patronage of the London Missionary Society, with our sanction, and recommending them to any captains of vessels that might touch at Rurutu.

The vessel laying to, outside the reef for us, prevented our having a regular service; but though short, it was both affecting and interesting. VOL. IX.

35

At length we conducted our new fellow-labourers to the brig. The Captain paid every attention; took our boat in tow and departed, leaving us anxiously waiting to hear in due season of their reception and success-nor were we disappointed.

Part of the night previous to their departure, was spent in supplying them, as well as we could, with those articles which they would find both necessary and useful. Every member of the church brought something as a testimonial of his affection-one brought a razor, another a knife, another a roll of cloth, another a few nails; some one little thing and some another; we gave them all the elementary books we could spare, with a few of the Tahitan Gospels of Matthew. Thus we equipped them for this interesting little mission as well as our circumstances would allow.

On August 9th, after a little better than a month's absence, we had the pleasure of seeing the boat return laden with prisoners, the gods of the heathen, taken in this bloodless war, won by the blood of Him who is the Prince of Peace. They were six days at sea in the open boat. On reading their letters, we felt perhaps something of that holy joy that the angelic hosts will experience when they shall shout, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our God and of his Christ." The letters were from Auura, the chief of Rurutu, Mahamene and Puna. Although Auura was only with us for a short time, he made such progress that he had completely learned the Spelling-book, part of the Catechism, and could read in the Gospel of Matthew before he left; he could write and spell correctly. The following is a translation of the letter from Mahamene and Puna, the two native teachers, to Messrs. Williams and Threlkeld, dated Rurutu, Friday, July 13, 1821.

"May you two have peace through God in your residence at Raiatea. We think God has heard your prayers, because we received no ill treatment on board the ship, and because we are both now alive at Rurutu, Behold! they have given to us this land, not because we asked it, but because of their own hatred to the evil spirit. Pray earnestly to God that we may have a permanent residence at Rurutu, whilst we are teaching them their letters, and to know the name of the Son of God, and showing them the evil of their ways. On the 8th July the meeting of the chiefs and king was held, when Auura spake thus to the chiefs and king: Friends, this is my desire, and therefore am I come to this land, that you may know the name of the Son of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit, in enlightening our hearts, and the mercy of God towards

us.

This is my desire, let the evil spirit be this instant cast into the fire. (Meaning the idols of the evil spirit.) Is it agreeable to your kings and chiefs; shall we burn the evil spirit even now; shall we overthrow his kingdom? Do not any more let us worship him; never more let us implore him; let him have no more reign in our hearts. Let him have nothing in this land that has no teachers. Let the government of these little lands become Jehovah's, and his alone, then my heart will rejoice through you. Behold! you thought I had been eaten up in the depths of the sea by the evil spirit; but behold, I am not destroyed by him; he is the great foundation of all deceit. I did not know that God would guide me to that land (Raiatea) where the teachers are