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i*li00iouavy ^ftftdjf^. No. I.
For the Use of the Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionary Society.
DESCRIPTION OF AN ANCIENT SCULPTURE
IN
THE CAVERN PAGODA OP ELEPHANTA,
Near Bomhay, in the East Indies.
SEEVA.
BRAMJIA.
VEESHNOO.
This cave, and the small island in which it is situated, are supposed to derive their name from the figure of an Elephant, niadeof black stone, large as the life, near the landing-place. The cave is about three quarters of a mile from the beach : the path leading to it lies through a valley, the hills on either side beautifully clothed, and ex- cept when interrupted by the plaintive note of a dove, a solemn stillness pre-
April, 1818.
I vails, fitting the mind of the traveller for the contemplation of the approach- ing scene.
The cave is formed in a rocky hill ; its massy roof is supported by rows of columns^ regularly disposed, but of an order different from any in use among us. Colossal figures in relief are ob- served upon the walls; these, as well as the columns, are cut of the solid rock, and by artists, it would appear.
Missionary Sketches, No. l. — Jj)ril, 1818.
possessed of considerable ability, un- questionably of astonishing perseve- . ranee.
The wall at the upper end of the cave is crowned with sculpture; the attention is first arrested by a grand figure, representing a being with three heads. The middle face is represented full, and expresses dignified composure; the head and neck splendidly covered with ornaments.
The face on the left is in profile, and the head-dress rich ; in one of the hands is a flower, and in the other a fruit, resembling a pomegranate ; a ring, or bracelet, like that now worn by the Hindoos, is observed on one of the wrists ; the expression of the coun- tenance by no means unpleasant.
Different is the head on the right ; the face is in profile ; the forehead pro- jects, the eyes stare, snakes supply the place of hair, and the figure of a human skull is conspicuous on the covering of the head; one hand grasps a monstrous Cobra de Capella (the hooded snake) ; the other a smaller. The whole is cal- culated to strike terror into the spec- tator. The height of this bust is about cigJitecu feet, and the breadth of the middle face about four.
On each side of the niche in which this bust ajjpears, is a gigantic figure, leaning on a dwarf. A niche of con^- derable dimensions, and crowned with figures, is formed on each side of the above.
On either hand of these groups is a small dark room, sacred, probably, in ancient times, to all but the unpolluted Brahman ; but bats, spiders, scorpions, and snakes, are now in possession of it.
In several parts of the cave are other rooms, some about thirty feet square, with nvuiierous figures, among which is Of\e resembling the human body, with the head of an elephant, supposed to be Ganesa.
The part of the cave in which these figures appear, and which is generally called The Great Cave, is in length about 135 feet, and its breadth nearly the same.
The bust, of which a figure is here given, is generally believed to be a personification of the three grand at- tributes of that Being for v.-hom the ancient Hindoos entertained the most profound veneration. The iniddle head represents Bramua, or the creative at- tribute ; that on the left Veeshnoo, or the preserving ; and the head on the right, Seeva, or destructive, changing, or regenerating attribute.*
* It is remarkable that there should hare beeu a place in Israel called Ball-
BRA>rHA.
Bramha is elsewhere frequently re- presented as a man with four faces, of a gold colour, dressed in white gar- ments, riding on a goose. In one hand he holds a staff, in the other an alms- dish. He is called the grandfather of gods and men ; but he is not much re- garded in the modern superstition.
He is said first to have produced the waters ; then the earth ; next, from his own mind, he produced a number of sages, and four females. From these sages were produced the gods and the giants.
The Brahraans, in their morning and evening worship, repeat an incanta- tion, containing a description of the image of Bramha ; at noon they per- form an act of worship, by presenting to him sometimes a single flower. In the month Maghu, at the full moon, an earthen image of this God is worship- ped, with tfiat of Seeva on his right hand, and that of Veeshnoo on his left. On the next day all the three gods are thrown into the river.
Bramha, though honoured with the venerable name of grandfather of gods and men, seems to be as wicked as any of them. He was guilty of drunken- ness and incest ; and having quarrel- led with Veeshnoo about supremacy, lost one of his heads (for he had origi- nally/ye. ^ He was also charged with stealing several calves from the herd which Krishnu was feeding. Some- times he assumed the form of a reli- gious mendicant, and wandered about the earth.
The heaven of Braiuha is described to be 800 miles long, 400 broad, and 40 high ; but Narudu, when attempting to describe it, declared himself incom- petent to the task, and that he could not accomplish it in 200 years.
Some of the Hindoo writers consi- der Bramha only as an emanation from the Supreme Being, who existed from all eternity; and when it pleased him to create the world, he said, " Bise up, O Bramha." Immediately a spirit, of the colour of flame, issued from the Deity, having four heads and four hands. Bramha, gazing round, and seeing nothing but the immense image out of which he had proceeded, travel- led for a thousand years in the anxious endeavour to comprehend its dimen- sions. But after all this toil, he found
shalisha, signifj'ing, as some think, The Lord of Triplicity, and from whence a man brought a present to Elisha, the prophet of Jehovah. 3 Kings, iv. i'2.
Missionary Sketches,
his conceptions on the subject as dark as before. liOst in amazement, Bram- ha gave over tlie journey. He fell prostrate, and praised what he saw with his four mouths. The Almighty then, with a voice like ten thousand thunders, was pleased to, say, " Thou hast done well, O Bramha', for thou canst not comprehend me."
Sir William Jones, in his discourse on the Chronology of the Hindoos, quotes a passage which displays their conceptions on this point. " A thou- sand ages are a day ofBramha ; a thou- sand such days are an hour of Veesh- noo ; six hundred thousand such hours make a period of Rudra ; and a million of lludras* are but a second to the Supreme Being.
Veeshnoo.
Veeshnoo is represented as a black man, with four arms, sitting on Gurooru — a creature half bird half man, and holding in his hand the sacred shell, the chukru, the lotus, and a club. He wears yellow garments. The Hindoo shastres give accounts of ten incarnations of Veeshnoo, nine of which are already past. He has a vast number of different names, descriptive of his powers and actions. He is said to have two wives- -the goddess of learning, and the goddess of prospe- r'liy, which have caused him much trouble ; for all the Hindoos acknow- ledge that it is a great misfortune for a man to have two wives, especially if both live in one house.
The heaven of Veeshnoo is described as entirely of gold, eighty thousand miles in circumference ; all its pillars, buildings, and ornaments, are composed of jewels.
He is called the Preserver^ but the actions ascribed to him under this cha- racter are referred to some other forms or names, of which one is the Shal- graniK, a stone.
He is sometimes called the Household god, and many choose him for their guardian deity ; these persons mark their faces with two lines, drawn the whole length of the nose, and carried forward in two straight lines across the forehead ; it is generally made with clay of the Ganges, or with powder
sandal wood.
Seeva. va (sometimes spelt Shivu), the Desti\}/ert or Regenerator^ has the se- cond piace among the Hindoo deities, though^ generally, in allusion to their offices, Unese three gods are classed thus— Bramha, Veeshnoo, Seeva.
* Two qaadrillions, 593 thousaud mil- lions of luuar jears.
No, I.--- April, 1818.
He is represented as a white, or silver-coloured man, with five faces and four aims : he has an additional eye, hence called Trilochunu, the three- eyed — (as Jupiter was called Trioculus.) His foreheau is adorned with a half moon. He rides on a bull, which ani- mal is one of the forms of Veeshnoo, as a personification of Religion ; his four feet signifying lleligious Austerities, Purity, Compassion, and Truth. In one hand he holds an axe, as the de- stroyer of the wicked. Like Bacchus, (whom he resembles) he wears a ti<jer. skin garment, and his worship is often attended with excesses like that of the god of wine. One of the images of Seeva is theL/'/?^«,a smooth black stone, almost in the form of a sugar-loaf. The I^ingu-worship is too in(lecent to be described ; but the temples employed for it are far more numerous than those which are dedicated to any other idol, and the daily worshippers, who make the image with the clay of the Ganges every morning, beyond comparison far greater than trie worshippers of all the other gods put together.
Those who receive the name of Seeva from their spiritual guides, wear a mark on their foreheads, composed of three curved lines, like a half moon, to which is added a round dot on the nose.
In the month ChoUrn, an abominable festival in honour of this god is cele- brated, when nian}"^ Hindoos, assuming the name of Sunyasees, inflict on them- selves the greatest cruelties. Some cast themselves down from a stage twenty feet from the ground; others pierce' their tongues through with sharp instruments ; others perform the ceremony called Churuku, in which hooks being passed through the flesh of a man's back, he is suspended by a rope to posts, fifteen or twenty feet high, and swung round for half an hour or more.
Such, Christian Reader, such are the gods of the heathen — vanity ! — lies !-- abomination ! ! " They that worship them are like unto them." Their wor- ship is a horrid mixture of impurity and cruelty. Shall we not labour, then, with all our might, to convey to these mis- guided people, and to diffuse among them the light of the glorious gospel ? Has not Christ our Saviour command- ed us so to do ? and has not his blessing on the efforts already made afforded us sufficient encouragement to proceed ? And may we not nope, that wherever the gospel shall be sent, many will be enlightened and converted : will "cast their idols to the moles and the bats," and will bcliev^e in him who alone hath the words of eternal life.
No. I. Missionary Intdligence lately received.
EAST INDIES.
Madhas, Oct. 1, 1817. — By returns of the English and Native Schools, iuolnding Ihe Sunday Schools, it appears that the Missionaries here have about 400 children under instruction. They have of late employed a native reader, who is well disposed to Chris- tianity ; and was one of good Mr. Gericke's people. Mr. and Mrs. Mead had embarked for Travancore, where, observes Mr. M. twenty Missionaries might be well employed.
Bellary, Sept. 1817. — Ihe Native Schools are increased to Sfuew, containing about 300 children. The Scriptures and Catechisms are taught in all of them. A Native Teacher, of the Lingum caste, who is very favourably inclined to Christianity, visits them monthly. Mr. Reeve observes, that two Missions might be advantageously formed at Bengalore and Nuncligroog. People, he says, flock from all parts of the country to ob- tain books and hear about " litis new way."
SuRAT, Sept. 1817. — Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson had arrived safe at Bombay, after a favourable passage. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner and Mr. and Mrs. Fyvie, were well.
EXTRA G.ANGES.
Malacca, July, 1817. — Mr. Milne has nearly finished the translation of the book of Joshua into the Chinese. He has published the first number of a little work, called The Indo-Chinese Gleaner, containing Missionary Intelligence, &c. Two tracts have lately been printed in the Malay. No. 1, the Ten Commandments; No. 2. Dr. VVatts's First Catechism. Many opportunities had occurred of forwarding tracts to China, Co- chin China, and Siam. 36,000 Chinese pamphlets and tracts, besides the Scriptures, had been printed and circulated in China and Malacca. Mr. M. calculates, that through the present channels only, 10,000, or more, may be circulated annually. A new range of buildings has been erected on the Missionary premises, 90 feet iu length, in which is printing the Chinese New Testament.
AFRICA.
Caffraria, Oct. 1817. — The number of people at the station near the Kat Revier had not increased, but their attachment to the word of God seemed greater. They per- severed in coming to hear, and iu prayers. Mr. Williams was expecting to be shortly joined by Mr. Brownlee from Theopolis.
Cape Town, Dec 1817. — Mr. Thorn had lately returned from another extensive tour into the interior; an account of which he will send to England. His zealous efforts to obtain the privilege of imparting Christian instruction to the slaves are unubated.
WEST INDIES.
Demfrara, Nov. 1817. — Mr. Elliot, Missionary at George Town, had lately visited the Indians on the western coast of the Essequebo. Many of the ncgioes expressed a desire to be instructed in the Christian religion; but the Indians said they would rather remain as they are. A Mi.ssionary is much wanted there.
Mr. Smith, at Le Resouvenir, states, that on Christmas day he baptized 30 negroes, and on the day following 40, of which number 62 were adults. They can all repeat Dr. Watts's 1st Catechism, and some of them part of the 2d. The chapel, which will hold 600, overflows, and numbers are not able to hear. It is about to be enlarged. Mr. S- earnestly requests a Missionary may be sent to Mahaica, a place about 20 miles to the windward of Le Resouvenir.
SIBERIA.
iRKOUtSK. — Messrs. Stallybrass and Rahmu left St. Pelersburgh for Irkout.sk, a dis- tance from thence of about 3,000 miles, on the 3d Jan. 1818, N. S. and arrived at Mos- cow on tlie 15th. They had an interview with Prince Galitzin, and on the 17th with the Emperor himself, who condescended to converse with them familiarly on the great object of their mission, assuring them tltat they should not only have his protection, and every assistance he could render them, but also his prayers for the success of their under- taking. Tliey left Moscow on the 19th, and on the 31st arrived at Kasan, about tv/o- thirds of the way to Tobolsk.
OTAHEITE. The Idol Gods from this Station had not anivcd when this paper went to press. Should they
come safe to hand, it is intended to present our Readers with coi'rect Sketches of them.
Ea-ch person xvho subscribes to the Missionary Society One Penny per week, or more, is entitled to on« of these Quarterly Sketches, and each person who collects from his friends or neighbours, to the amount of One Shilling per week, or upwards, /i>r the Society, is entitled to receive the Quarterly Chronicle of the Society's Transactions. Application to be made to the Secretaries of the Auxiliary liJissinnary Society, or Association of their district or yieighbourkoud, uho are required to transmit their orders, uith the yiam^ of the conveyance * by xuhich they are to be funcarded, to liev. Mr. Arundel, Home Secretary, Missionary Kooms, No. 8, Old Jewry, London.
* To s4ve expense, it is recommended that they should be forwarded by means of the Boolisellers' monthly parcels; in which case, it is lequested that tlie names of the Town and Country Booksellers be comnuinicated.
T/iese Papers may be had of Francis Westley, Stationers^ Court, Ludgate Hill; and J. Nisbet, Castle Street, Oxford Street . Price Id. each, or 5s. per 100.
J. Dennett, Printer, Leather Lane, LondoB.
['2d Edition, Aug. 18C0.
Mif>MonsiX}} ^tiettf)e^f No. ii.
For the Use of the Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionary Society.
•Mantis, the Soothsayer ;
Or, the HOT^rENTOTS' GOD.
A Conversation between a Missiona?y and a Hoitefitot ; with an Account
of the Insect.
The Mantis, in Zoology, is a ge- nus of insects belonging to' the order of Hemiptera ; of this genus there is a great variety of species, called bv dif- ferent names, of which the Mantis Fausta, and the Orafor Mantis, or Mantis Frccaria, are chieHy noticed. Their
July, 1818.
general characters are these :— the head IS unsteady, being but slightly attached to the thorax, which is very long. The mouth is armed with jaws, and has its feelers filiform. The wings are four, membranaceous and convolute; the under ones plaited or folded. The
Missionary Sketches, No. U.—Jufy, 1818.
tore legs are compressed, armed on the under side with teeth like a saw, and terminated by a single claw. The hind legs are smooth, and formed, in some of the species, rather for moving slowly than for leaping. This is thought to be one of the most singular genera in the whole class of insects, and the ima- gination can hardly conceive ^ shapes more strange than those exhibited by some particular species.
These insects are found in several of the warmer parts of Europe, in Africa, and in South America; and have obtained much notice (especially the Mantis sicdfoUa) by their general resemblance to the leaves of trees, so as to be mistaken, at a little distance, for them. Some travellers have even declared, that they saw the leaves of trees becoming living creatures. Many of the Indians in South America be- lieve that they grow like the leaves on the trees, and that when they have ar- rived at maturity, they loosen them- selves, and crawl or fly away ; and we have heard of an English sailor, who, observing the motion of one of these on the ground, called his companion to come and see the walking leaf.
But the most extraordinary circum- stance relative to this insect, is the gene- ral veneration in which it is held among uncivilized and ignorant people, so that it has obtained the name Matitis, a Greek woi"d signifying a Prophet^ or Soothsayer, for it was imagined that this insect, when resting on its hinder legs, and stretching out its two fore feet, di- vined, and pointed out to enquirers the way they should take when at a loss;* or, when joining together its fore feet, and holding them up, it was
* ** It is so divine a creature (says the translator of Mouifet) that if a child has lost its way, and enquires of the Mantis, it will point out the right path with its paw," But Dr. Smith, however, informs us, in his tour on the Continent, that he re- ceived an account of this IMantis, that seemed to savour little of divinity. A gen- tleman caught a male and a female, and put them together in a glass vessel. The fe- male, which in this, as in most other kinds of insects, is the largest, after a while de- voured first the head and upper parts of her companion, and afterwards all the rest of his body. Several experiments proved they would devour each other, through sa- vage wantonness. And it appears that the posture we have noticed, and to which su- perstition has ascribed so much, is no other than tliat which it assumes for the purpose of seizing upon its prey, for which, after fixing its eyes upon it, it will patieutly wait, even for some hours.
engaged in prayer ; hence the common people in Languedoc (a province of France), where it is very common, call it Le Pric Dieii — as if it prayed to God ; and in allusion to this notion, Linneus gives it the name of Mantis oratorio., tlie praying Mantis. Dr. Van- derkemp, in his account of Caifraria, inserted in Missionary Transactions, (vol. i. p. 464.) describing this insect, says, "the CafFres call it Oumtoamzou- lou, that is, The Child of Heaven. This animal (the Mantis) appears to have been held in some reverence, as its name seems to import. The Hotten- tots consider it almost as a Deity, and offer their prayers to it, begging that it may not destroy them, &c." Mr. Kicherer, when in England, fi-equently mentioned this custom ; and in a Nar- rative which he drew up when in Lon- don with the three Hottentots he brought fi'om Africa, (1783) he says, " They have no idea whatever of the Supreme Being, consequent!}'' they practise no kind of worship : they have, however, a superstitious reverence for a little insect, known by the name of The Creeping Leaf a sight of which, they conceive, indicates something for- tunate, and to kill it, they suppose, will bring a curse upon the perpe- trator." ( Missionary Transactions, vol. ii. p. 6.)
We may add, that if one of these alights upon a traveller, he is consider- ed as a kind of saint, having been fa- voured by a celestial visitant; even the si^ht of one is deemed a token oi" good fortune.
The veneration in which it is held by the poor ignorant natives of the South of Africa will strikingly appear in the
The Chinese, aware of the quarrelsome temper of these insects, preserve them in bamboo cages, for the purpose of fighting them; and they are said to attack each other with such ferocity, that they seldom quit their hold without bringing away a limb of their antagonist. Mr. Barrow re- ports, that in the summer, scarcely a boy is to be seen without his cage of them.
These insects, when alive, are generally of a fine green colour, but many of them become brown after they are dead, and the specimens brought to Europe are frequent- ly of a yellowish brown; and hence, per- haps, one of the names given to this tribe. Mantis siccifolia, Linn. — La Feuille secbe. Cuvier. The specimens sent to the Lon- don Missionary Society by one of their IMissionarlcs in Africa, now in their Mu- seum, and from one of which this print is copied, (of the size of the insect,) retain their green appearance. -(See Encyclopedia Britan. and Bingley's Animal Biography.)
Missionary Sketches t No.U^—JuIj/, 1818.
following conversation, held between Mr. Evan Evans, a Missionary belong-^ ing to Bethelsdorp, and the driver of his waggon, which fully confirms the estimation in which this insect is held, and from which it has obtained the name of the Jlottaitots' God.
CONVERSATION
WITH A CONVERTED HOTTKNTOT,
On hit former State of Ignorance,
AND HIS WORSHIP OF THE MANTIS.
( Extracted from the Journal of Mr. Evan Evans, July 15, 1817.)
♦♦ July 15. — Experienced much plea- sure this morning in conversing with the driver of our waggon, concerning the state of ignorance in which his na- tion was involved, before the JMission- aries came among them. He showed me a small insect, which the farmers call The Hottentots* God, and which, in fact, they used to worship. This man said to me, " Oh, Sir ! it is impossible for me to say how thankful I am to the good men over the great waters, because they have sent you, their ser- vant, to teach poor Hottentots. But it is God, the Almighty God, who put this in the hearts of the good men in England ; he said to them, ' The poor Hottentots in Africa know nothing of me, the true God; they worship a poor insect, that even they themselves can tread to death with their naked feet; yes, here he is ! here he is ! This was our god before God's servants came among us. Yes, the farmers told us, before you came, that we were nothing but baboons or monkeys ; and if they saw us listening when they were read- ing the book (the Bible), they would immediately cry out, ' What do you want, you baboons? begone, you have no business to look into our houses.'*
" I asked him, ' Did you ever wor- ship this insect then ?' He answered, ♦ O, yes, a thousand times; always before I came to Bethelsdorp ; when- ever I saw this little creature, I would fall down on my knees before him, and pray.' ' What did you pray to him for ?' ' I asked him to give me a good master, and plenty of thick milk and flesh.' • Did you })ray for nothing else? • No, Sir, I did not then know that 1 wanted any thing else.' 'Did
* This, however, is bj no means the character of the boors (or African far- mers) ; many of them are pioos and bene- volent, and encourage the instruction of their Hottentot servaots.
not you know then that you had an immortal soul ?' ♦ Oh, no ; the far- mers used always to say that Hotten- tots had no souls, and that they were made by the devil, and not by the God of the Christians. They would never allow us to go to church ; I was never in a church till I came to Bethelsdorp, nor never heard one word out of tne book (the Bible). Before I came there, I was as ignorant as these oxen, and knew nothing. Whenever I used to see this animal [holding the insect still in his hand] I used sometimes to fall down immediately before it ; but if it was in the waggon-road, or in a foot- path, I used to take it up as gently as I could, to place it behind a bush, for fear a waggon should crush it, or some rnen or beasts should tread it to death. If a Hottentot, by some accident, killed or injured this creature, he was sure to be unlucky all his life-time, and could never shoot an elephant or a buffalo afterwards.'
" It is impossible to describe the thankfuli/ess which this poor man ma- nifested, because the Lord had remem- bered his wretched and despised na- tion, and had sent his servants to teach them the knowledge of the true God, and the way of salvation through Jesus Christ, instead of woi-shipping this poor creature, which, as he observed, he could squeeze to death between his lingers, and which could not deliver it- self out of his hands. How true are the Apsstle's words ! ' For 3'e see your calling. Brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called ; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise ; and God has chosen the weak things of the Avorld to confound the things which are mighty ; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen ; yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are ; that no flesh should glory in his presence.' Who more foolish, who more weak, who more base, and who more despised, than poor Hottentots were ? yet I have no doubt that they would be able to confound many wise philosophers, princes, and warriors, if they were set to converse with them, respecting the things of God. Although they are poor, and as ' the offscouring of all things,' yea, though they ' are not,' as it were, yet I doubt not there are hundreds of them rich in grace and taith, heirs of everlasting glory, who shall be for ever rich, even when the riches of this world shall be consumed. I never saw the beauty of this passage so much, as since 1 came to South Africa."
No. II. Missionary Intelligence lately received.
SOUTH SEAS.
EiMEO. — By advices from Eiineo, which come down so late as the 22d of September, 1817, we learn, that Mr. and Mrs. Ellis arrived safe in that island on the 13th February, and ]Mr. and Mrs. Orsmond on the 27th April of that year. Messrs. Davis, Crook, and Ellis, were settled at Afareaitu, where the printing-press was fixed for a time. They had met with much kindness from the chiefs and people, who had assisted them in preparing their dwellings, and erecting a printing house, &e. They had printed about 2600 spel- ling-books--the kingPoniare worked off" the first three sheets. They were just finishing an edition of 2300 of the Taheitean catechism with additional lessons, of which latter they had printed 1100 extra copies. A new and improved translation of the Gospel of Luke was abont to be printed ; more than two-thirds of that of Matthew was translated, and the Acts commenced. The eagerness to receive instruction was increasing. The con- gregations are large, and consisted of from 3 to 700 natives, according to circumstances. Some of the Brethren were about to settle in Otaheile, and some in the Leeward Islands. Messrs. Orsmond and Ellis were labouring diligently to acquire the language. Mr. Crook was extremely useful to the natives, as well as to the Missionaries, in his medical capa- city. Pomare talked of visiting England.
N. B. Mr. and Mrs. Thrclkeld expected to sail fram Port Ja-chsonfor the Islands, in the Active, about the ^bth of August last.
EAST INDIES.
Calcutta. — Advices, dated January last, mention the establishment, on the 19th of December, of a Bengal Auiiliary Missionary Society. A sermon was preached by Mr. Towuley on Christmas evening; the collection amounted sicca rupees 231. 4, donations 1495 ditlo ; — the whole of their fund was about £2b2. sterling. The Missionaries were not labouring in vain. Their prospects were very encouraging, and they call loudly for more help. We are happy to state that Messrs. Hanipson and Trawin, from the Serai- nary at Gosport, are preparing to depart from England to assist in this mission.
CijiNsuRAH. — By letters from Mr. May we have the pleasing information, that his native schools are increased to 36, and the number of children to nearly 3000. He is very anxious for more as.sistance. The Missionaries were all well.
Madras. — By letters, dated the 16th of January, 1818, we learn, that the mission at this station continued to prosper. One after another is brought " out of darkness into mar' vellous light." The congregations were increasingly interesting. The Tamul congregation consisted of from 30 to 60. The schools flourished. The children under instruction were increased to 500. Some of the boys in the Sunday School were able to repeat the whole Gospel of IMatthew. A Bible Association had been formed in conjunction with the Church Missionary Brethren and Mr. Lynch, the Wesleyan Mishionary A Tamul (or Native) Bible Association had also been furmed, of wjiich Mr. Rhenius, the Church Mi.s- sionary, is President. The Missionary Auxiliary Society continued to flourish, for which .£140. had been received during the preceding year, besides £lbO. towards the support of the chapel and the two English Schools. Mr. Pritchett, from Vizagapatam, was ex- pected at Madras, to superintend the printing of the Scriptures in the Gcntoo.
SuRAT. — Letters have been received from the Brethren at this s,tation, under date of 6th November, 1817. Mr, and Mrs. Donaldson had arrived there safe from Bombay. Messrs. Skinner and Fyvie were diligently employed in the work of translation, and speaking of the Gospel to the people. The sisters were also making progress in the lan- guage. The five books of Moses were translated into the Guzerattee, and correcting for the press. They were preparing a Grammar and Dictionary of that language, and tians- laling Dr. VVatls'L; first Catechism and several Tracts. They had the pro.spect of receiving important asslstauce in the mission from a young man who understands printing, and pos- sesses many valuable missionary qualifications.
SIBEPvlA.
Irkoutsk. — By a letter, dated oOth March, 1818, we are happy to learn that Messrs. Stallybra.ss and Rahmn, and their wives, had arrived safe at that place, after travelling about 4000 miles, not only iu good but iinproved health. They had met with much at- tention, kindness, and hospitality by the way.
Each person who subscribes to ths Missionary Society One Penny per week or more is entitled io one of <A«^c Quarterly Sketches, anrf each person who collects from his friends or neighbours to the amount qfOae Shilling per week, or upwatd8,/ijr the Society, is entitled to receive the Quarterly Chronicle of the So- ciety's Transactions. Apjdicaiion to be made to the Secretaries of the Auxiliary Missionary Society, or Association of their district or neighbourhood, who are requested to transmit their orders, with tl*e name of ths conveyance* by which they are to be forwarded, to Rev. John Arundel, Himie Secretary, Missionary Rooms, No. 8, Old Jewry, London.
• To save expense, it is recommended that they should be forwarded by means of the Booksellers' monthly parcels; in which case, it is requested that the names of the Town and Country Booksellers be commnnirated.
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D«nnell, Frintei , Ltalbcr Lane, Loudon.
['^d Edition, Aug. 1820.
Mi^^ionavv! Slfeelc()f0, No. III.
For the Use of the Vv^eekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionary Society.
THE FAMILY IDOLS OF POMARE,
V/hich he relinquished, and sent to the Missionaries at Eimeo, either to he burnt f or sent to the Society.
No. 1. Teriiapotuura is said to be the son of the great godOao,* the national protector of Otaheite^ liaiatea, HuahciuCj
* Oro. See an accouut of this idol, in the Evaugelical Magazine for August last. It is a mere Jog of wood, now degraded to a mean office iu Pomare's kitchen, bat was formerly the occasioa of bloody wars".
October 1818.
"ra?ia, Borahora, and Mania. He is said to have a brother named Tetoi- jMata, who is also a son of Oao.
No. 2. The JNIissionaries could not learn the name of this idol.
No. S. Temeharo, the principal god of Po- mare's family. He is said to be also one of the chief deities of the island of
Missionary Sketches, No. III. — October, 1818.
Otaheite. He is said to have a brother called TiA, who is likewise a god. Temeharo is also reported to be the principal deity and protector of the small island Matca.
Nos. 4, 5, 6. These are called Oromatuas, which represent the spirits of some deceased relations. To these prayers are made in much the same way as unto the Tils, only with this difference, that the Tiis are prayed to for malevolent purposes only, but the Oromatuas sometimes for the recovery of sick persons, &c.
No. 7. TiiPA, a god of Otaheite, who is deemed very powerful, and said to pre- side over the winds.
No. 8.
A family Tii— a very small wooden image.
No. 9.
Tahivi anunaehau, the handle of the sacred fan with which the priest drove away the flies, while about his prayers and sacrifices. The fan is lost, the handle only remains These sacred relics are very old and dirty ; but they were reckoned no less sacred on that account.
No. 10. This is an ugly wooden image, and called a Tii. There are several Tiis, of which the eight following are reckoned the principal viz. Tcpin, Tcmau, Tu- vaipo, TuvakiOf Tnpuai, ^oaopeapca, Atheeoe, Nauara; which of them this image represents we don't know. The Tiis are said to be powerful beings dwelling in the Po, or night, and to them the conjurors or sorcerers direct their prayers when they want to injure a person.
The public will no doubt feel much disappointed on the view of these des- picable idols, and especially of this re- presentation of them, as they certainly form a very insignificant picture. The idols themselves, except the Tiis, Nos. 8 and 10, bear no resemblance whatever to the human form, and differ from any thing we remember to have seen or read of, which has \teen used by ido- laters for the purpose of worship. In general the idols of the heathen, how- ever rude, have been designed to bear a resemblance to something "in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth ;" but these convey no idea whatever of an ani- mated being, and we are totally at a loss to account for their form. They are, however, as the Rev. Mr. IMars-
den observes, in a letter to the Di- rectors, dated Oct. 31, 1816, " The
GLORIOUS SPOILS OF IDOLATRY tbey
are now (continues Mr. M.) lying pros- trate on the table before me, and were we not certain of the fact, we could not believ^e that any human beings could place their salvation in these wretched images, and offer up human sacrifices to avert their anger."
It will be proper here to add an ex- tract fi-om a letter written by King Pomare to the Missionaries, when he sent these idols to them. *
" Friends,
" May you be saved by Jehovah, and Jesus Christ our Saviour. This is my speech to you, my friends. I wish you to send those idols to Britane for the Missionary Society, that they may know the likeness of the gods that Ta- hiti worshipped. Those were my own idols, belonging to our family from the time of Taaromnanahune-\ even to Va'i- rautoa : ^ and when he died he left them with me. And now, having been made acquainted with the true God, with Je- hovah, He is my God, and when this body of mine shall be dissolved in death, may the Three-One save me ! And this is my shelter, my close hiding- place, even from the anger of Jehovah. When he looks upon me, I will hide me at the feet of Jesus Christ the Sa- viour, that I may escape. / feel plea- sure and satisfaction in my mind; I re- joice. I praise Jehovah, that he hath made known his word unto me. I should have gone to destruction if Jehovah had not interposed. Many have died, and are gone to destruction, kings and common people; they died without knowing any thing of the true God ; and now, when it came to the small remainder of the people, Jehovah hath been pleased to make known his word, and we are made acquainted with his good word, made acquainted with the deception of the false gods, with all that
• Our readers, wLo are already in pos- session of this letter, eitlier in No. 34. of tbe Missionary Transactions, or in tlie Evangelic^ Magazine, will excuse the repetition of it here, as many persons will probably receive this paper who have not read those publications.
t Taaroamanahune lived some ages ago, and was one of the ancestors of Pomare 's family.
X Vairaatoa, one of the names of old Pomare, the king's father, and though a friend to the Missionaries, yet was he a most zealous advocate for the gods and the old religion.
Missionari/ Sketches, No. III. —October, 1818.
is evil and false. The true God Jeho- vah, it was he tliat made us acquainted •with these things.— It was you that taught us; but the words, the know- ledge, was from Jehovah.
" That principal idol, that has the red feathers of the Otuu, is Temeharo, that is his name, look you, you may know it by the red feathers ; that was Vairaatoa's own god, and those feathers were from the ship of Ijieutenant Watts; it was Vairaatoa that set them himself about the idol. If you think proper, you may burn them all in the fire ; or, if you like, send them to your country, for the insj)ection of the peo- ple of Europe, that they may satisfy their curiosity, and know Tahiti's foolish gods !"
We cannot, perhaps, make a better improvement of the facts which have been stated, and of this exposure of human folly and v.-eakness, than by in- serting an extract from the Rev, JNlr. Wardlaw's Sermon, preached before the Missionaiy Society at their last Anni- versary.
The subject of this admirable dis- course is, " The Contemplation of Hea- then Idolatry an Excitement to Mis- sionary Zeal :" the text, Actsxvii. 16, '* Now, while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry." The preacher shows, that " the contemplation of heathen idola- tries should excite indignant grief for the dishonour done to God — amazement at the weakness and folly of human nature — abhorrence of human impiety, and compassion for human wretched- ness :" it is chiefly the second of these which we have room to notice ; and surely a view of these Otaheitean gods will fill every spectator with " amaze- ment at iJie weakness and folly of human nature.^*
St. Paul, whilst at Athens, " could not contemplate the prostrate honours of the infinite God with an unmoved and tranquil heart. He could not be- hold this world, which ought to have been one great temple to the exclusive worship of Jehovah, ♦» whose he was, and whom he served," crowded with rival deities, the offspring of the de- praved fancy of apostate creatures, with which the very thought of bringing him, even for an instant, into compa- rison, makes the heart tiirill and shud- der with detestation.
♦♦ They changed the truth of God into A LIE." Every view that can be taken of the worship of idols is a Ik'
against the Supreme Majesty. Their number is a lie against his unity ; their corporeal nature is a lie against his pure invisible spirituality; their con- fined and h)cal residence,' a lie against his omnipresence and immensity ;°their limited and subdivided departments of oi)eration, a lie against his universal proprietorship and dominion ; their follies and weaknesses, a lie against his infinite wisdom ; their defects and vices and crimes, a lie against his un- sullied purity and perfection."
" Search the annals of our world, in every age and in every country ; I question if you will find a more a'ffect- ing and humbling exemplification of human imbecility, than that which is afforded by the history of idolatry. It is such, indeed, as we hardly know how to believe. To be set down amidst the likenesses of *' corruptible men, and of birds and four-footed beasts, and creeping things," which form the im- mense museum of heathen mythology, one might be tempted to fancy, that some satirical defamer of our nature had been exhausting an inventive ima- gination, to slander and to vilify it. And it matters but little in this view, whether the images themselves be the objects of direct worship, or whether they be only the representations of such objects ; for what sort of deities must they be, that are conceived to be " like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device ?" and especially, what sort of deities must they be, of which images so ridicu- lously fantastic, so monstrously un- couth, so frightfully distorted, as many of the heathen idols are, are consider- ed by their worshippers as the appro- priate and worthy representatives ? Surely a single look at such objects of worship, should be equivalent to vo- lumes of argumentation in reply to the advocates for the sufficiency of human reason in the things of God. Those who have themselves served such " va- nities," and have been brought to tlie knowledge of the true God, are the first to own their former folly. It was to impress on the minds of British Christians tlie humbling lesson of hu- man weakness and infatuation, that Fomai-e sent to this country the deities of his house and of his kingdom; " io show than," in his own sin)j)le j)hrase, *' what foolish gods Tahiti formerly -uw, shipped.'' And who, that looks at such images, or that turns over a pantheon of heathen mythology, does not " blush, and hang his' head, to think himself a man!"
Ko. III. Missionary fntelligence lately received.
INDIA.
SunAT. — Letters liave been received, which communicate the melancljoly inforraa- tlon of the decease of Mr. Donaldson, of this station, at Boniliav, on the 21st of March last, after an iMness of about two months. He appeared to iiave no specific disease, but gradually sunk nnder the influence of the climate, and died in peace, relying with confi- dence on the Saviour. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson were kindly accommodated at the house of Mr, Horner, the VVcsleyan Missionary, at Bombay. At Surat he had been visited with the greatest kindness and attention by Dr. Mardeu, the garrison surgeon there; and at Bombay by the Doctors Ta} lor and Ogilvie. A letter from Mr. Skiuuer, dated 18th April, 1818, states the progre.«s of the translation of the New Testament into the Guze- rattee, which was expected to be soon ready for the pres.s.
ULTRA GANGES. Malacca. — Letters from Mr. Milne, dated 19th Feb. la.st, state his return, with his family, to that station from Canton, after a pleasant passage of 13 days, himself and Mrs. M. being in an improved state of health. Mr. Thotnsen and Mr. and Mrs. Slater Jjad arrived on the 29th Deo. preceding. Mrs. S. had been ill, but was recovering. During I\lr. Milne's absence, the concerns of this Mission had been well conducted by Mr. Med- liurst, whose progress in the languages was such as to justify favourable results. Messrs. Bclghton, Fleming, Ince, and Milton, who sailed for this station iu March last, arrived oft' the Cape of Good Hope, in good health, on the 30th of Jane.
AFRICA.
NewLattakoo. — Letters under the date of the 31st Dec. 1817, and 8th of March last, state the failure of the harvest, and that King Mateebe had in his distress been relieved by the Missionaries; that they were in the full confidence of the King and his chiefs ; that many of the Bootchuaiias daily attended the preaching of the Gospel, and that Munanecls, Tyso, Kallase wife of Mateebe's eldest brother, and several others, attend the experience meetings on the Wednesday evenings. Some of the children have learned to spell in the Bootchuana language. The Gospel is ahso preached at Malap* etzee, and there is an open field among the other Corannas. A door is also 0])en to the people of Lcyei.sy, a neighbouring chief, and invitations have been received from Moosso's City. With the Boscheinen there was peace all around, and at two places among tliein native teachers were employed. These had been visited by the Boschemeu captains, &c. of the Kosie tribe (murderers of the Bergooers) who solicited a Missionary.
Griqua Town. — Letters from Messrs. .Anderson and Helm, dated 7th March last, state the attendance on the Sabbath to be good, and that the hearers increased, bnt that they wished to see more of the life of leligion amongst them. Some of the people of the settlement have lately begun to build themselves dwellings. Preparations have also been made for the erection of a water-mill. The quantity of land cultivated is reported to be greater every year.
WEST INDIES.
Le Resouvenir. — A letter from Mr. Smith, dated 4tli of June last, mentions that every thing, as to the state of religion among the negroes, goes on well, and that they conduct themselves with great propriety, giving no just ground to their masters to find fault with them. Mr. Smith had baptized in all 170 persons, of whom 120 were adults, the remaining 50, children of various ages, who were dedicated to the Lord with their parents.
London, 2Ut Sejit. 1818.
Each person who snbscrihen to the Missionary Society One Penny per week, or more, is entitled to one of these Quarterly Sketches, and each perso7i'who collects from hisfrieyids or neighbours, to the amount of One Shilling per week, or upwards, /tr the Society, is entitled to receive the Qu.trterly Chronicle of the Society's Transactions. Application to be made to the Secretaries of the Auxiliary Missionary Society, er Association of their district or neighbourhood, uho are requested to transmit their orders, 7vith the name of the conveyance * bii which they are to be forwarded, to Hev. Mr. Arundel, Home Secretary, Missionary Rooms, No. 8, Uld Jewry, London.
• To save expense, it is recommended that they should be forwarded by means of the Booksellers' monthly parcels; in which case, it is lequested that the names of the Town and Country Booksellers be communicaied.
These Papers may be had of Francis Westley, Statioiiers' Court, Ludgate Hill ; and J. Nisbet, Castle Street, Oxford Street. Price Id. each, or 5s. per 100.
J . Dennett, Printer, Leather Lane, London.
I'za i^^aition, Aug. 1820«
Mi^f>ionavj} S^iftetcftro, No. TV.
For the Use of the Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionary Society.
Representations of a Bootchuaiia, a Boschemcuiy a Caffre Captaiuy and a young Caffre Woman.
No. 3. A Caffre Captain. No. 4. A young Cafre Woman.
EXPLANATIONS.
No. 1. ^ Brioua or Booichuana.—W\i skin is coloured with red ochre. The Karons (or mantle) consists of sheep, Ivnx, or wiUl goat skins. On his left shoulder he carries a stick, on which his bag is snspended. In his riyht hand he usually holds an assagai (or spear). His ornaments consist of
*^"no!2. "^ABosc'hetnan.-KvoymA his head are arrows. His neck is ornanicnted with beads of glass and of berries, to which are attached the shell of the land tortoise, in which is poison, together with the bone of a sheep, which is a kind of llute, or whistle. , . j • p .,„
No. 3. A Cafre Captain.— In front is a jackal's tail, from which is suspended a piece of copper, with the figures of stars on it. Around the head are tails of hares. The feathers are those of the os- trich and the Numidian crane. His Karos^ is of Icopardskin. On his breast is a phite ot copp|'r,on which are traced the sun, moon, and star?. In his left hand is a shichl of hide and a bundle ot assagais. In his right hand he usually holds a single assagai. ^ . „„M„r
No. 4. A young Cafre ri'..w«u.— She carries a calabash, wilU water or milk, on her bead , una«' her arm is the mat oil which she sleeps.
January, 1819.
Missionary Sketches, Ao. W.~ January , 18 19.
AFRICA.
This vast Continent, which forms the third great division of the globe, extends from north to south about 4300 miles. It has been supposed to contain between 20 and 30 millions of inhabit- ants, but as the greater part of it is yet unknown, it is evident that this estimate, vague as it is, must be re- garded as merely conjectural. On the borders, indeed, of a considerable part of the sea coast, of which Africa has an extent of 10,000 miles, innumerable swarms of blacks are found ; but from the accounts of modern travellers it appears probable, that the central parts are thinly inhabited. Of the Eastern coast comparatively little is known. Of the Western coast the knowledge has been chiefly obtained by means of that barbarous traffic in slaves, which has been a disgrace to almost every nation in Europe, and the attempts of benevo- lent Englishmen to check its prevalence by Christianizing and civilizing the na- tives. The Northern and North-Eastern parts of this Continent, bordering on the Mediterranean and lied Seas, are distinguished in the Sacred Records, as well as on the pages of profane history, both ancient and modern, and of the countries lying in these regions, much is known to Europe. Of the more Sou- thern parts, by means of the Colony of
the Cape of Good Hope, now in posses- sion of England, and the numerous Christian Missions established both within and without that Colony, we pos- sess much more knowledge than of most other j)arts of the African continent.
Of the Missions in South Africa, those of Gnadenthal and Grcenckloof^ in the neighbourhood of Cape ToAvn, were established by the Moravians; to which the Brethren have lately added a third, situated northward of Bethelsdorp. — Those of the Missionary Society have been chiefly among the Hottentots^ Ciiffrcs^ Bo-!chemeu, Griqnas, Namaqitasy Corcmnas, and Bootchuanas, of which Missions accounts have successively appeared in the Reports, Transactions, and other Publications of the Society. As the religious public have taken a lively interest in the attempts niado to difi^'use the blessings of Chi'istianity and civilization among those untu- tored tribes, it is presumed that a cor- rect representation of the artcrior of the natives of some of those nations will not be unacceptable to our Rea- ders. From a number of drawings made on the spot by a European Artist, and sent to the Directors, we have se- lected the four Portraits which appear in the present Number of our MiS' sionary Sketches.
The Bootchuanas. {See Fig. No. 1.)
The country of the Bootchuanas, (or Boshuanas) which is very extensive, is situated on the north side of the Great Orange River, about lOOO miles northward from Cape Town. It com- prises various nations or tribes, who speak the same language. Of these tribes we are best acquainted with the Matchappees (or MatchapinsJ, whose chief city, Lattakoo (or LeetakooJ, is situated about lat. 26° S. and 27° E. long. >yhen Mr. Campbell visited that place in 1813, it appeared to him to contain about 1500 houses, which, upon the moderate computation of five per- sons to each family, gives a population of 7500. It was reported to Mr. C, that there were also belonging to Lat- takoo, " more than lOOO places called out-posts, where there were people and cattle."
The city itself is divided into about 50 districts, over each of which is a head man (or alderman). In every district there is a place of public resort, Avhere the men employ their time in dressing skins, making axes, adzes, knives, &c. The women build the houses, di^ in the fields, sow, and reap ; whilst the men milk the cows and make clothes, as well as hunt and engage in war. The na- tives sit on the ground, eat with their
fingers, and sleep on skins. They ne- vertheless pay a regard to cleanlines§, which is apparent both from the state of their houses, and of the streets and squares of their city. Their public shows, which sometimes continue for several weeks, are distinguished chiefly by the dances of the younger females, and their loud vociferations. The coun- tenances of these people indicate good sense. They smear their bodies with a paint composed of grease and red ochre; their faces are coloured red, and their hair covered with a blue powder. They wear karosses (or cloaks) of skin, whicli are well formed. Like the Catfres, they refuse to eat fish.
Mr. Cam])bell and his companions arrived at liattakoo on the 24th June, 1813, and were favourably received by the king JNIateebe. At first he was averse to the proposal of giving his people instrviction, conceiving it would divert them from their necessary la- bours, but his objections being an- swered, he said to Mr.C. *' Send Instruc- tors, and I will he a Father to thevi." In consequence of this invitation, two at- tempts were made to establish aMission there in February and August, 1816, both of Avhich failed, through the oppo- sition of the Chiefs. In the following winter a third attempt was made, which was attended with success, though some of the Chiefs stili manifested their aver-
Missionary Sketches^ No, IV. — January ^ 181 9.
sion. At the date, however, of the last despatches (March 1818) the xMission- aries were in the full confidence of the Chiefs, as well as of the king. Many of the Bootchuanas attended the preach- ing of the Gospel daily, an<l several had professed to have received it, among whom were some of tlie king's own fa- mily. The king and many of nis people, on the suggestion of the Missionaries, had removed to tlie Kxoom.a.n{ov Kuruh- 7«.ff7<^river,aconsiderable distance south- ward ofliattakoo, where they had built a town, which is called New Lattakoo.
JBOSCHEMKN, or EuSHMEN.
iSec Fig. No. 2.) The Boschemen (or Bosjcsjuans ) are a race ol' wild wandering Hottentots, who reside in a very extensive country, on the nort'«i of the Colony of the Cape, and are thus called, because they chiefly dwell amidst the large bushes and flow- ering shrubs with wnich their country abounds, and from whence they shoot their poisoned arrows both at man and beast. I hey are among the most squa- lid and wretched of the human race, and much despised by the neighbouring tribes. Still, they are comparatively a lively and ingenious people. They live partly on the animals which they kill, and on a kind of flour, obtained from dried locusts, but chiefly on a bulbous root, not unlike the crocus, the taste of which, when roasted, resembles that of the chesnut. They know no- thing of God, of their own souls, or of a future state. Yet even of these poor despised and degraded people, more than a few have been converted to the Christian faith. At Zak lliver, Mr. Kicherer laboui'ed among them with considerable success ; and subsequently, Mr.Sass, at Orlam's Kraal, Mr.Smit, at Thornberg, and JMr. Corner and J. Goeyman, at Hephzibah. Mr. Sass has baptized 60 persons, and at Hephzibah a general concern about religion has been excited.
Caffres.— (iSte Figs. 3. and 4.) Caffraria is situated on the north- east of the Colony of the Cape, from which it is separated by the Great Fish lliver, and extends to the shores of the Indian Ocean. It abounds with moun- tains, wood, and water, and is far more populous than the countries of the Boschemen or Namaquas. The people are much superior in their persons to the Hottentots ; they are generally tall, erect, and robust. Mr. Campbell says, he saw few men less than six feet high. The men wear snly a cloak made of skins, which they use but occasionally ; and despise the Euro- peans, who, they think, wear so many clothes because' they are feeble and sickly. The womcuwear a skin-cloak,
which they tie round them with a leathern girdle. The men, but more frequently the women, adorn their bo- dies by rows of small scars, artificiallv raised in the skin. The riches of u Cafire consist in his cattle, of which he is extravagantly fond, and never suffers them to be used as beasts of burden ; but obliges the women, when they tra- vel, to carry their loads. The women also build the huts, and make inclo- sures for the cattle, till the ground, and cut wood, while the men generally spend their days in idleness, in war, or in hunting. The women are also em. ployed in making garments, and in manufacturing baskets, some of which are so closely worked, that they serve for milk-pails.
The CaffVes, like their neighbours, are extremely ignorant. They believe there is a God, but say the}' know no- thing of him, for they have never seen him. They know not that they have souls, nor have they any idea of a future state, consequently have no worship.
To these poor peoi)le, however, God has been pleased to send his gospel. VVhen Dr. Vanderkemp first visited Africa as a Missionarj^, his chief desire was to settle among them ; but finding it at that time impracticable, he with- drew, and formed the settlement at Be- thelsdorp. Many years after, however, a new attempt was made; a Mis- sionary from Bethelsdorp paid a visit to T'Geika and other Chiefs in 1816, when a general desire was expressed that in- structors might be sent among them. Accordingly Mr. Joseph Williams, ac- companied by Jan Tzatzoo, the con- verted sou of a Caffre Chief, proceeded to Kut Rcvier-j to commence the mission. We regret to say, that the zealous la- bour of Mr.W. were terminated by his death, which took place about the i;4th of August last. It is probable, how- ever, that the mission will be con- tinued, and especially as the Cape Go- vernment appears to be disposed to en- courage a system that would tend so powerfully to civih'ze that savage peo- ple, and thus hinder depredations on the borders of the colony, and prevent future wars.
Our Readers are aware that the places here referred to are not the only stations in South Africa occupied by our Missionaries The Society employ Missionaries also at Stellcnhosch, Ca- ledotif Tulhaghy Hoogtc Kraal, Bethels- dorp^ Thcopol'is, Griquu Town, Bctlumi/, Peace Mounlain^ &c. In these various stations, many thousands of the na- tives hear the Gospel, statedly or oc- casionally ; several Christian churches of coHverted natives are formed ; many schools are constantly supported, and the blessings of civilization gra. dually extended.
No. IV.
Missionary Intelligence lately received,
SOUTH SEAS.
EiMEO.— Letters, dated December 1817, communicate the gratifying intelli- gence that the Missionaries, Messrs. BarfF, Bourne, Darling, Piatt,' Threlkeld, and Williams, had arrived safe at that island, in the Active, on the 18th of the preceding month. AH the Missionaries were well, except Mr. Davies, who was recovering from the Fcefe fever. Mrs. Orsmond, after child-birth, continued still in a very weak state. The circumstances of the Mission were much the same as at the date of the former despatches. The newly arrived Missionaries having brought with them a supply of paper, presented by the British and Foreign Bible Society, for printing the Scriptures in the Taheitean language, it was immediate- ly resolved to extend the revised edition of the Gospel by Lnke, then printing, to 3000 copies. The Gospel by Matt/icw, in course of translation by Mr. Davies, was nearly finished. The brig built by the Missionaries was launched on the lOth of December, and called by Pomare the Haweis. It was calculated, that in about three months from that time she would be ready for sea, when it was in- tended that a part of the Missionaries should be conveyed to certain other stations, chiefly in the Leeward Islands, from whence she was to proceed, with a cargo of pork and cocoa-nut oil to Port Jackson. A Captain and mariners, to assist in completing the rigging and in navigating the vessel, had arrived at Eimeo by the Active. When the despatches left tne island, Pomare was rejoicing in the news just then received, that his Queen, who was in the island of Tetaroa, had been safely delivered of a son and heir on the 21st of the preceding month.
Mr. Gyles arrived safe at Port Jackson on the 14tli of January last, and ex- peeled to sail for Eimeo in the Active, which had returned from that island, about the 20th of May.
INDIA.
VizAGAPATAM — By a letter from Mr. Pritchett, dated Madras, SOlh March 1&18, we are informed, that he had arrived with his family in that city, on the 2od of the same month, f(n* the purpose of superintending the printing of hisTe- linga version of the New Testament, which had been adopted by the (Calcutta Auxiliary Bible Society, and of which they had resolved to print 2000 copies at Madras. Under the date of April 16, Mr. P. adds, " The first sheets I deli- vered to the printer (Mr. Urquhart) yesterday."
MAUIIITIUS.
Pout Louis. — A letter from Mr. Le Brun, dated 1st September, 1818, states, that Messrs. Bevan and Jones had arrived safe at Madagascar, where, however, it was uncertain that they would be able to continue, in consequence of the poli- tical relations which had existed between the King of Ova and the Governor of the Mauritius having ceased. JMrs. Bevan and Mrs. Jones remained at the Mau- ritius until the expediency of attempting the Mission had been fully ascertained. Mr. Le Brun's church continued to receive accessions, and his prospects were very promising. On the 6th of August he was united in marriage to a daughter of Mr. Mabille, of Port Louis.
SIBERIA.
Irkoutsk.— By a letter from Dr. Paterson, dated St. Petersburgh, 21st Nov. 1818, we are informed, that copies of Dr. Morrison's Chinese New Testament had reached Irkoutsk by way of Ochotsk. These, with other Chinese books, had been delivered by Mr. Milne, at Malacca, to Capt. Gordon, of the Brothers, who touched there on his way to Ochotsk in 1817. Thus a new channel is opened for the introduction of the Scriptures into the vast Empire of China, by its northern fVontier. Messrs. Stallybrass and Bahmn had gone a journey of observation and inquiry to the country of the Burjats, beyond the lake Baikal.
London, ISth Dcccmhci; 1818.
Each person rvho subscribes to the Missionary Society One Penny per week or more is entitled to one of these Quarterly Sketches, and each person mho collects from his friends or neighbours to the amou/u of One Shilling per week, or upwards, /or the Society, is entitled to receive the Quarterly Ciironicle ot tbe So- Giety's Transactions. Application to be made to the Secretaries of tlie Aicxiltary Missionary Society, or Association of their district or neighbourhood, who are requested to transmit their orders, a-tth the name of the conveyance* by which they are lo be forwarded, to Rev. Jo/m Arundel, Home Secretary, Missionary Rooms, Au. 8, Old Jewry, London.
* To save expense, it is recommended that they should be forwarded by means of the Booksellers ' monthly parcels; in which case, it is requested that„the names of the Town and Country Bc.okseliers be communicated.
These Facers may he had of F. Westlcy, Stationers' Court, Ludgale Hill; and J. Nishety Castle Street, Oxford Street. Price id. each, or 55. per 100.
Dennett, Printer, Leather Lane, London.
IWiesioitavy^feetclOies, No. vi.
For ihe use of the Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionary Society.
Miasionury Skeidms, A'o. VI. — ,/w/y, I8I9.
worship, the Bure Atua were furiously assaulted Ky tlie idolaters, who expect- ed by thismanoeuvre easily to accom- plish their destruction. Providentially, before they left Eimeo, the iNIission- aries had warned ther;i of the proba- bility of this stratagem, and they had accordingly assembfed under arms. A warm and obstinate engagement follow- ed, and many fell on both sides. At length the chief of Papai-a, a principal man on the side of the idolaters, was slain. This event threw them into the utmost confusion, and Pomare soon obtained a complete victory. He im- mediately gave orders that the van- f^uished party should not be pursued, that their wives and children should be kindly treated, that no plunder should take place; and, contrary to former cus- tom, that the bodies of" those who had fallen should be decently interred. — These proceedings produced the hap- piest etTect on the minds of the idola- ters, who imanimously declared, that they had been deceived by their gods, that they would trust them no longer, that they would cast them away entire- ly, and embrace the new religion, so distinguished by its benevolence, mild- ness, and clemency. After this Po- mare, wlio was by universal consent restoi'ed to his government, proceeded to appoint chiefs in the several districts of tlic islands, some of whom had ibr a long time made a public profession of Christianity.
In consequence of these events, as .'i])pears from subsequent accounts, ido- latry had been entirely abolished, and Christianity professedly embraced by ttie inhabitants of Otaheite, Eimeo, and seven other islands.* The murder of infants, with many other cruel prac- tices, had ceased. A i-eformation of manners had been effected; honest v was
• Exclusive of whrtt has been elfcclpd amo. 'j ihe inhabitaiiis ot the Paiunotn Islands. Vide t^uaiterlv Chronicle, pp.ayfi and 2ol, and Aiimsal Keport for ISIO.
become almost universal ; their indecerit amusements were' laid aside; and the sexes ate together, contrary to former custom. The Sabbath-day is universally observed. About vineiy placeii of wor- ship have been erected in the islands of Otaheite and Eimeo alone. Largo con- gregations assemble. Family wors?.n]) and private prayer are general. A con- siderable munber of the converts ap])ear to possess real pietT. A written lan- guage has been given to the natives. About .5000 have been taught to read. A printing-press has been set lip. The Gospel by LuJ<e, of which 3(>0() copies have been j)rinted at Eimeo, has been extensively circulated ; i'60() copir^s of the Taheitcan Spelling-book, and L'oOO dittn of the Taheitean Catechism, had also been printed at the mission press. The chiefs and ])e()ple of the Society Islands were calling out for Mission- aries, and were anxious to be instructed in the l;nowledge of Christinrdty ; and we are happy to add, that by the safe arrival of the eight brethren who were sent out by the Society in tlie year 1816, as well as of Mr. Crook from Port Jackson, the want of CJnistian teachers in those islands would in part be supplied.*
On a perusal of this review, may praise arise from the heart of every reader, for what Cod has Avrouglit ! and new resohitions to promote with greater zeal than ever the cause ot "ChrhUan Al'iss'ams throughout the liea- then world.
* From acconnt? very recently tereivt-d, it api»ear» that M' . Wilson h:id removed w\x\\ his t'aiiiiiy to the old missionary sfat'on in Matavai ; an" iVlcssrs. Threllccid and. WiliiaMis, byth»; ves«et built by the Mlbsiinarics, (which is called the HAVVEiS,) had riiHoved t*. tSaintea, where ihev expected to be shortly followed by Messrs. Uay- vvai-d and Nott. The whole number of Mission- aries in the islands (inclnding Mr. Gyles, who went ont as a CHllivator as well as M'issionary, in the year isl*; amounts to stvente&ti.
Earn person vlt« svhicrihes to the 1^'issionary Hocifftu One Fenny per week or wore ix entitled to one of iheie Quarterly SUetrhee, and each jierson TvliO collect.'; from kis Irieiids or yiei^hhovr.H to the amount i^f Out Shilling per week, or upwai ds./c.r the Society, i.t entitled to reciive the Qnarterly Chronicle of the So- ciety's I'ransactiong. Jijjpiiiatiini tu be wade to the Hecreturies of the Auxiliary Missionary Society, or Aiiociation of their district or veiuhhovrhood, n<ko are requested to transmit their orders, with tJi4 name of tht conveyance • by which they are t^ be. forwarded, to Mr. G. Hod,ion, Assistant Secretary, MitsioJiary Jtioums, No. 8, Old Jewry, London.
• To ^ave expense, it is recommended that they should be forwarded hy mean* of the Booksellers /ii^rtithly parrels; iu which case, it is requested that ibe names of the Town and Conutry Booksellers b« coinHjiinicate<l.
77,f-se Pavers nuiy be hud of Fra7}cis Westlet/f Statimers' Caurt, Ludgate HUl, and J. Aii'/tr, Cuitle Slrtet, (hfo^d Street. Price id. each, (jr .^s. per 100.
'rmier Leather Lane, Li>ill>or7i,
Mi^Mon^xp ^Uttf^t^f No. VII.
For th Use of the Weekly and Montlily Cmtributors to the Missionary Society.
HINDOO IDOLS,
Copied flora Models, sent by the Rev. H. To-wnki/y from the Bengal Auxiliary
Society.
Siiivfi.
GUXGA-
HifvOOMANl
DESCRIPTION OF THE IDOLS.
VlSHyOO.
This is the image ofa black man, with four arms. Vishnoo has 1000 names. The Hindoo shastriis (or sacred books) give accounts of ten appearances, or in- carnations, of Vishnoo, in the character of the Preserver, nine of which are said to be past ; in one of these he as- sumed the form of a tortoise, and took the newly-created earth on his back, to render it stable ; and the Hindoos believe that to this hour the earth is supported on the back of this tortoise. Stone images of Vishnoo are made for sale, and worshipped in the houses of those who have chosen him for their guardian deity ; they are called Voish- nuous ; they wear a distinctive mark — two lines, rather oval, drawn the whole length of the nose, and carried forward in two straight lines across the forehead. During lour months of the year, all the forms of this god are laid to sleep.
Gune'shu (or Ganesa.) This god is represented in the form of a fat short man, with an elephant's head. He is the son of Doorga, and when Shunee and the rest of the gods went to see the child, Shunee (Saturn]), knowing that if he looked upon it, it would be reduced to ashes, refused to look at it, which the mother resented as an insult. For some time he disre- garded her reproofs, but at length, being in-itaied, he looked upon Giin6- sha, and his head was instantly con- sumed. The goddess, seeing her child headless, was overwhelmed with grief, and would have destroyed Shunee; but Brumha prevented her, telling Shunee to bring the head of the first animal he should find, which happened to be an elephant ; he cut off his head, and fixed it on Gtineshti's shoulders.
Doorga was but fittle soothed, when she saw her son with an elephant's head ; but Brumha, to pacify her, said, tliat amongst the worship of all the gods, that of Gtinesha should ever have ttie preference. He is not only ho- noured in all religious ceremonies, but in almost every civil concern. When a person is leaving his house to go a journey, he says, O thou work-per- fecting GttneshO, grant me success in my journey : at the head of every let- ter a salutation is made to Gtineshti ; when a person begins to read a book, he^ salutes Gtlneshtt, and shop-keepers paint his name or image over their shojjs, expecting from his favour pro- tection and success.
Krishnu. Krishntl is one of the terrestrial gods, and said to be one of the ten in-
carnations of Vishnoo: his image is that of a black man, with a flute in his hand. Wonderful stories are recorded of his achievements : when a sucking infant he destroyed a giant; at eight years of age he took up a mountain, and held it as an 'umbrella over some villagers and their cattle, during a dreadful storm ; he destroyed a terrible serpent, or hydra; he cre- ated a number of cattle, and also ot boys and girls. The images of this lascivious and blood-stained hero are worshipped by a great proportion ot the Hindoo population, with an enthu- siasm which transforms them into th& very likeness of himself. Several fes- tivals are held in honour of Krishntl^ some of which are in the night, accom- panied with most abominable practices.
Seeta, Is one of the terrestrial goddesses ; she is represented as a yellow woman, co- vered with jewels ; she was the daugh- ter of king Junuku. She was carried away by the giant Ravunu, which oc- casioned a long war ; Ravunu was at length killed, which occasioned such joy, that the gods, Ilamu,the monkeys, and the bears, all began to dance. She became the wife of Ramii, together with whom she is worshipped.
Jugunnathu,
(Usually rvritten Juggernaut.) Tliis is a deified hero, complimented with the title of " Lord of the World,'" as his name signifies ; he is a form of Vishnoo. The image of this god has no legs, and only stumps of arms; the head and eyes are very large. Krishna, it seems, had accidentally been killed by a hunter, who left his body to rot under a tree ; his bones, however, were collected, and kept in a box, till a pious king was directed by Vishnoo to form the image of Jugtinnathu, and put into its belly these bones. Vish-wii- liurmu, the architect of the gods, un» dertook to make the image; but de- clared, that if disturbed while he was about it, he would leave it unfinished. The king who employed him, being impatient to see the image, went to the spot, when the artist desisted from the work, and left the god without hands or feet. The king was much dis- couraged, but on praying to Brumha, he promised to make the image famous in its present shape. Brumha himself gave eyes and a soul to it He has many temples ; one of the most famous is in Orissa.
The annual Car Festival is the most popular ; the car is m form of a taper- ing toAver, between 50 and 60 feet in height : it has sixteen wheels.
Missionary Sketches, No, VII. — October, I8I9.
two horses, and a coachman, all of wood. The crowd draw the carriage bv means of a hawser ; he is supposed to pay an annual visit to his brother ; and while the car remains empty near hLs brother's temple, immense crowds flock to gaze at the indecent pictures, which are painted on it. At the end of 8 days he is drawn back again to Lis own temple.
Unnumbered multitudes of pilgrims, from all parts of India, attend this fes- tival, among whom a great mortality frequently prevails ; and hundreds, perhaps thousands of persons, diseased Or distressed, have cast themselves un- der the wheels of this ponderous car, and have been crushed to death.
Kahiu.
A deified monarch, the hero of a famous Hindoo epic poem called the Ramayunu (translated into English by the Serampore INlissionaries). He is adored as the seventh Hindoo incar- nation. The most extravagant things are told of him in the poem, lii one of his battles he destroyed four- teen thousand giants. He had an ar- my of monkeys, of which Hunaomanu was a general. Ramfl, with their assistance, tore up mountains, and by throwing them into the sea, formed a bridge. Rama cut off the ten heads of his enemy Rarumi, a hundred times, but they were always miraculously re- stored, lie was however slain at last.
On the birth-day of this god, the Hindoo merchants begin their new- year's accounts. iVIany Hindoos write his name on the breast and forehead of a dying person, in consequence of which they believe, instead of being dragged to judgment, he ascends immediately to heaven. The mark on the forehead of his followers resembles a trident.
Shivu,
The Destroyer, He is repre- sented in a variety of forms, one of which is a bloated image, resem- bling that of Bacchus. He is daily worshipped, chiefly under the form of SMvu Litigii, an indecent image, which is to be found in innumerable temples; the worshippers of this scandalous image are beyond comparison far more numerous than the worshippers of all the other gods put together.
It is at the annual festival of this deity that certain devotees pierce their bore their sides, swing by
hooks fastened in their backs, and per- form many other horrid ceremonies of self torture*
GtJNGAi
Or, the Ganges. The Hindoos not only reverence their rivers, but ac- tually worship them. The most ex- travagant things are related respect- ing the purifving water of this river; it is carried in vessels to immense dia- tances— every thing they touch be- comes pure ; crowds of Hindoos per- form their worship on the banks of the Ganges, and the sick are laid there, expecting recovery from the sight of this goddess, and it is reckoned a great calamity not to die in view of Gunga.
Some persons even drown themselves in the Ganges, not doubting but they shall immediately ascend to heaven.
HtJxooMANtf, iJie Monkey; Has also a place among the gods, as a form of ShivQ ; temples to his honour are seen, and in some places his image is worshipped daily; he is even chosen by many as their guardian deity.
Hunoomantiis represented as having done wonders in the battles of RamO, particularly his leaping across the sea loOO miles) when employed as a spy, and forming a bridge across another sea by throwing mountains into it. He had the misfortune, however, at one time, to be taken and carried before Ravunu, the king, who ordered his tail to be set on fire ; when, leaping from house to house, he burnt the city oi liUnka, where the king resided : not being able to extinguish the lire on his tail, he was directed by Seeta to spit upon it, and he, raising his tail to his face for that purpose, set his face on fire. He then complained, that when he arrived at home with such a black face, all the other monkeys would laugh at him. Seeta, to comfort him, assured him that all the other monkeys should have black faces also, which on his return home he found to be the case.
The following is a form of prayer ta this monkey-god :
' O ! Hunoomanu ! when I go east- wa^'d, do thou preserve me ! O I son of Puvunu ! when I proceed south- ward, do thou keep me ! O ! beloved son of Keshuree ! when I go westward, do thou preserve me! O! Kamungu! keep me from danger when I go north- ward!' &;c.
tongues, bore tneir sides, swing
Theit Dacriptions are taken chiefly from tli£ Ret, Mr. Ward's History, Sfc. of the Hindpos.
These are specimens. Christian Reader, of the gods of the heathen in India, worshipped by more than a hundred millions of deluded people. These are the creatures of a corrupt imagination, and the workmanship of men's hands— "they have mouths, but they speak nort; eyes have they, but they see not ; they have ears, but they hear not; they have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but Ihey walk not ; neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them s w u every one that trusteth in them. O Israel, trust thou in the Lord." Psajm cxv. 5—10.
No. VII.
Missionary IntelUgence lately received.
ULTRA GANGES.
China In a letter dated 18th March last. Dr. Morrison states, that he had
completed translations into Chinese of the twelve minor Prophets, which he was about to send to Malacca, to be printed at the mission press at that station. He observes, that the " writings or the Prophets seem strikingly adapted to the state of the idolatrous and sceptical Chinese.'* Dr. M. had also written a small book, called " A Voyage round the World," designed to enlarge the minds of the Chinese poor with respect to mankind generally, and to introduce the essential truths ot Christianity. A map of the world is annexed.
Amboyn-a.— Mr. Kam, in a letter dated 24th March, 1818, observes, that he had received into the Mission House four young natives, to be instructed in Divi- nity, who are called Moriets, or Disciples.
Malacca.— By letters from Messrs. iNlilne and Medhurst, of the date of llth January, and loth February last, we learn, that the foundation-stone of an Anglo-Chinese College at Malacca, for the cultivation of English and Chinese literature, in connection with the Society's Missionary Establishment there, was laid on the llth of November last. The printing of the Chinese translations of the Books of Deuteronomy and the Psalms, also an Exposition of the Lord's Prayer by Mr. Milne, in Chinese, had been completed. On the 3d of January, Mr, Ikiedhurst embarked for Penang, for the purpose of commencing a Chinese and Malay Mission in that island. Having received the warm countenance of the Go- vernor and Council, he had proceeded to establish two Chinese Schools, in which there were about forty scholars. The Chinese had gratuitously aiForded the temple of Ta-juh-'kiing;, as a school-room, and the Government had promised to al- low 20 dollars mmitJdy for the Chinese schools, and 10 ditto ditto for a proposed Malay school. Mr. Medhurst had distributed about 3000 tracts among the Chinese re- sident in the town, some of whom read them with attention, and aljout 600 at a place about 12 miles oiF.
INDIA.
Bellart By a letter from Mr. Jos. Taylor, dated 20th Feb. 1819, we learn,
that the translation of the whole of the sacred Scriptures into the Canada (or Kur- nata) language had been completed. The Gospels and Acts of the Apostles were ready for the press ; the remainder of the Ne-w Testament, and the whole of the Old, waited for revision. Religion continues to prosper at this station. The attencU aiice at the chapel, Mr. T. says, is truly delightful. Little more than a year ago it was enlarged, and a further enlargement had recently been made. In less than 48 hours, 100 Pagodas (about o£'40.) was subscribed for this purpose. Among the superior classes, some have lately begun to attend. The subscriptions to the Bellary Bible Society, in the course of 13 months, amounted to Pag. 455. or about of 180. The Tract Society was also in a flourishing state. A small build- ing had been purchased in the Bazar road of the Pettah, just where two ways meet, for conversation with the natives.
Ceylon.— By a letter from Mr. Knill, dated Columbo, 2d March last, i^-e are informed that, in consequence of a relapse in the state of his health, he had been advised to return to England, but we are happy to add, that the benefit which lie had derived from a short residence in Ceylon, encouraged him to hope that he should be enabled to resume his labours in Travancore, without the neces- sity of first returning to his native country.
AFRICA. By letters received from Messrs. Campbell and Philip, dated 16th April and 17th May, we learn, that Mr. Moffat, Missionary in Great Namaqualand, had arrived at Cape Town, and had brought with him Africaner, the destroyer of the Society's Settlement at Warm Bath, and once the terror of the colony, as well as of all the neighbouring tribes ; a converted Damara, named April Job, and also a converted Bootchuana, from a kraal beyond Lattakoo. Answers given by Afri- caner to various questions put to him by Mr. Moffat, before a few friends at Cape Town, and a public meeting at the Paarl, show him to be well acquainted with the doctrines and duties of Christianity, and also with christian experi- ence. The presence of Africaner at the Cape, and the great change effected in him by means of religion, appear to have made a very favourable impression on the Colonial Government, in reference to thie importance of missionary labours as connected with civilization.
London, nth Sejpt. 1S19.
Dennett, Printer, Leather Lane, London.
[2d Edition, Aug. 1820.
Mi^Monarv Sb'^eicije^, No. viii.
For the Use of the Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missiojiaiy Society.
03
u
o o
o
s cd
a,
THE CHAPEL AND FREE SCHOOLS
BELONGING TO
THE MISSION AT MADRAS.
The Mission at Madras was com- menced in the year 1805, bv the lie v. Mr. Loveless, who was sent out by the Society, together with Dr. Taylor, now of Bombay. They were joint- ly designated as Missionaries to Surat, but circumstances afterwards
ceeding to the place of their original
arose which prevented them from pro-
the destination.
Divine worship was performed in private dwelling-houses at Madras from the time of Mr. Loveless's arrival there until the year 1810, when the Mission Chapel, of which a Sketch is annexed, was erected at Black Town, in that city. The expense (about three thou- sand pounds sterling J was generously defrayed by a number of benevolent individuals,' resident in the neigh- bourhood, who took a lively interest in the success of the mission. The chapel is built of brick and cimnam, * and stands in the midst of a garden, with a neat vestry behind it — When such a chapel is opened in England, it is usual for several neighbouring mi- nisters to meet on the occasion, to con- duct the sacred services of the day, and for a crowded congregation to unite in pouring out their fervent suj)- plications to the Ahiiighty, that " his presence may fill the house" which is about to be designated to his worship. But at the opening of the Chapel at Madras a very different scene present- ed itself. Mr. Loveless stood alone, without any assistance ; and he still re- tains a vivid impression of the peculiar feelings with which he passed through the various service^ of that solemn, and, to him, singularly affecting day. His first sermon on the occasion was from the following appropriate and interest- ing text ; <' My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people," Isaiah Ivi. 7; and it maybe here remarked, that on numerous subsequent occasions have faithful ministers of Christ, be- longing to the various evangelical de- nominations of the Christian Church, proclaimed the Gospel from its pulpit, and worshippers from the four quarters of the globe, and of many different na-
* Chunam answers the purpose of mor- tar and plaster. It is formed of s!i«flls, which are found in abundance on the shores of Madras, burnt like lime. Its appear- ance, when viewed at a little distance, re- nemjjles beautiful white marhlcr
tions, raised the voice of praise, and bent the knee of adoration together, within its walls.
Soon after the chapel was completed, Mr. Loveless administered the Lord's Supper to a few pious persons, who were formed into a Christian Church. Since that time a goodly number have been added, some of whom have been removed by death, and left behind them a pleasing and satisfactory " testi- mony," which warrants the belief that they are now worshippers in that upper Temple, of which " the Lamb is the light" and the glory. Many pious in- dividuals, both male and female, still remain, to the great joy, comfort, and encouragement of the Missionaries, while many very promising yovmg per- sons, of each sex, may be expected soon to join themselves to the Lord, and to sit "down at his table.
" The last time (says Mr. Knill, who laboured some time at this station, and who has recently arrived in England) I administered the Lord's Supper at the Chapel at Black Town, was to me a most interesting and affecting season. I beheld husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters. Missionaries and the seals of their mi- nistry, all sitting round the table of their common Lord. I saw before me a great number of spectators melted into tears, while they heard of the redeeming grace and dying love of the Saviour. I witnessed for the last time many of those whom I love in the truth, and whose faces I cannot expect again to see until we meet around the throne of God and the Lamb. How solemn the thought ! How mysterious the providence that separates me from a people whom I have in my heart ! May the blessing of the Lord be their eternal portion."
After the opening of the Chapel, Mr. Loveless continued to preach year after year to a serious and attentive congregation which assembled in it. In the year 1814 he projected a
AIissiONARY Free School,
the plan of which was no sooner laid before the public, 'than the execution thereof commenced. The money was subscribed, the land purchased, the
fjarden belonging to the Chapel en- arged, and the proposed school built on the north side of the Chapel. Into this school some hundreds ot the poor.
Missionary/ Sketches, A'o. VIII. — January , 1820.
but intelligent, youth of Madras and its vicinity, have been received, and about l8()'boy3are now on the books, some of whom are able to repeat from memorv the entire Gospel by Matthew. The schoolmaster, who is a pious and active man, feels a deep interest, in the welfare of the children, and takes great delight in leading their tender minds to the knowledge of Him who took up the young children into his arms and blessed them. About twenty of the most intelligent boys meet every Sa- turday at his house, to receive religious instruction ; and their proficiency is re- markably encouraging, of which we present the following instance as a spe- cimen : — At the time the spasmodic chokra was awfully raging at Madras, a boy, a Roman Catholic, belonging to the school, went up to one of the Mis- sionaries, and said, ♦♦ Sir, I have got a cure for the cholera.''* Have you ; what is it ? returned the Missionary. " The ninety-first Psalm," answered the boy, and then began and repeated the whole Psalm correctly.
The School is supported by monthly subscriptions from benevolent Gentle- men 01 the Presidency, who occasion- ally pay a visit to the school, and ex- press themselves highly gratified by observing the proofs of intelligence which the boys exliibit, as well as their proficiency in learning.
In this school-room the Sabbath school is held.
Female Free School.
This School was erected in the year 1817, on the south side of the Mission Chapel, on a spot of ground which had been purchased some years before. * Several kind and benevolent friends came forward on this occasion, not only to build the school, but to sup- port it afterwards. Among the rest was a highly respectable gentleman of Madras, by profession a Roman Catholic, who contributed to the building the sum
* The whole plot on wJiich the Mission Chapels and Free Suliools stand, comprises nine Grounds. In Madras measurement, 60 feet by AO, or 2400 square feet, make one Ground; 24 Grounds, or 57,600 square feet, make one Cauney. A Cnwnty is equal to 1,3223 English acres nearlv, t or 120 Qaicnics are eqnal to 160 acres. — Dimen- sions of the Chapel, outside measurement, about 65 feet by 45.—rBojs' School, 66 feet by 23 -Girls' School, 34 feet by 30.
I The exact measurement is 1 acre i rood 11 poles and n and a quajter square yards.
of 210 Pagodas, or about i;80 sterling. The JNlission Chapel had already ex- tended one wing, under which the boys had taken shelter, and now the day was arrived, when a sister wing was stretched out as a covert for unin- structed and destitute females.
Mrs. Loveless superintends the Fe- male Free School. For a short time she was assisted by Mrs. Mead, since deceased, and now^ by Mrs. Traveller, who has entered with much zeal into this useful and pleasing occupation. The Superintendents are often gratified by the visits of pious and benevolent ladies of the Presidency, who take great delight in promoting the success of this interesting seminary. By means of the kind liberality of these ladies, many of the girls have been provided witn decent clothing, and now attend divine worship at the Chapel on the Sabbath- day. At present there are about fifty in the school.
Besides the Free Schools, there are three other English Schools, and ten Schools for the children of the natives, in which the Tamul language is taught. The whole number of children instruct- ed under the superintendence of the Missionaries at JNIadras, amounts to up- wards of 600.
The children in the Free Schools are descendants of Europeans (English, French, Dutch, Portuguese, &:c.) at least on the father's side, and are taught the English language — but in all the Tamul, or native, schools the children are, in the most literal sense, heathens.
New Chapel at Vepery,
near Madras.
On Saturday, the 12th of last June, JMr. Knill, whilst he tarried at Ma- dras on his way to England, had the satisfaction of 'laying the foundation stone of a new Chapel at Vepery, to be called Persewankmn Cbapel, on the plan, and of the same dimensions as thai in Black Town, of which we have just given a description. The money for defraying the expense of building it will be raised in the same way, viz. by sub- scriptions ; and from the characteristic generosity of the Gentlemen of the Presidency, and from what has already been experienced, no doubt is enter- tained that the sum required will be realized. Several Iwxwdiredi pagodas hdiA been subscribed prior to Mr. Knill's departure from Madras for England.
No. VIII. Missionary Intelligence lately received.
INDIA.
Viz AGAPAT AM.— By a letter from Mr. Pritchett, dated Madras, 14th March last, we learn, that the printing of an edition, consisting of iiJOOO copies, of his Teloo- goo translation of the Nov Testament at the expense of the Calcutta Bible Society, and under the superintendence of Mr. P., was just completed. Having accom- plished his object at Madras, he was about to return immediately to Vizagapatam, where he intended to prosecute his Teloogoo translation of the Old Testament, o£ which he had already finished about one half in an unrevised state. The Mission at Vizagapatam is in an improving state, and we trust the circulation of the Te- loogoo New Testament will open a new door of usefulness in that place as well as in the extensive neighbouring countries where the Teloogoo language is spoken.
South TRAVANCORE.~In our last number we stated, that the benefit Mr. Knill had derived to his health from a short residence in Ceylon, had encouraged him to hope that he should be able to resume his labours in Travancore. We are concerned to state, that the improvement which he experienced proved of very short continuance. In concurrence, therefore, with the advice of his friends and medical advisers, he resolved to return to England, with the hope, if his life were spared, of being employed by the Society as their Missionary in some climate better adapted to his constitution. He accordingly embarkecl at Columbo, in the Richmond, Capt. Horn, in April last, and arrived on the 9th of JNIay at Madras, where he found the Brethren and Sisters well, and the Mis- sion in a prosperous state; from thence, about the 15th of June, he sailed in the same vessel for England, and arrived safe in London on the Ist of De- cember. We have the pleasure to add, that his health has been much improved by his voyage. From the accounts brought home by Mr. Knill, it appears that the state and prospects of the Mission in Travancore continue to afford great encouragement. Of this Station of the Society he has drawn up an interesting memoir, part of which will probably be communicated to the public in the next Number of the Quarterly Chronicle.
SOUTH SEAS.
Mr. James Hayward, Missionary from Eimeo, is arrived in London. He left the Missionaries in the Islands all well at the commencement of the present year (1819). He arrived at Port Jackson in February, and sailed from thence in April for the Cape of Good Hope, where he arrived the beginning of July. On the dth of September he embarked for England in the Juno, Capt. Bishop, and arrived safe at Portsmouth on the 27th of November. His object in coming to this country is to consult with the Dliectors on the measures which it may be neces- sary to adopt for the future conduct of the Mission. His journey was undertaken by the recommendation of the Rev. Mr. Marsden, and with the full approbation of his Brethren in the islands. It is the intention of Mr. Hayward to return to Ota- heite when the purposes for which he has visited this country are accomplished.
London, IQth Dec. 1819.
Each person who subscribes to the Missionary Society One Penny per week, or more, is entitled to <me of these Quarterly Sketches, and each person who collects from his friends or neiglihours, to the amount of One Shilling per week, or iipwar(ls,/c;r the Society, is aititlcd to receive the Quarterly Chronicle of the Society's Transactions. Application to be made to the Secretaries of the Auxiliary Missionary Society, or Association of their district or neighbourhood, who are requested to transmit their orders, ivith the name of the conveyance • by which they are to be forwarded, to Rev. Mr. Arjtndel, Home Secretary, Missionary Rooms, No. 8, Old Jewry, London.
* To save expense, it is recommended that they should be forwarded by means of the Booksellers' monthly parcels; in which caoe, it is requested that the names of the Town and Country Booksellers be communicated.
These Papers may he had of Francis Westley, Stationers'' Court, Ludgate Hill; and J. Nisbet, Castle Street, Oxford Street. Price Id, each, or 3s. per 100.
J. Dennett, Printer, Leather Lane, London.
Mmionavv! ^tstUf^t^, No. ix
For the Use of the Weehly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionary Society.
m§
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,llf
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BRIEF SKETCH OF THE CHINESE MISSION.
Early in the year 1307, the London Missionary Society sent out to China the Rev. Robert Morrison, who had been for some time before a student in the Aca- demy at Hoxton, and in the Seminary at Gosport. For several months previously to his embarkation, he assiduously applied himself to the study of the Chinese lan- guage, assisted by Yung Saam Tak, a re- spectable native ofChina, then on a visit to this country. During this period he tran- scribed the Harmony of the Four Gospels, &c. in Chinese, preserved in the British Museum, and improved himself in several useful sciences. He embarked at Graves- end for New York, in the Remittance, Cap- tain Law, on the 31st of January, and from thence for Canton, in the Trident, on the 12th of May following, where he arrived on the 4th of Sept. in'the same year. Du- ring the voyage he diligently prosecuted the study of the language, and on his ar- rival in China was assisted therein by a Chinese Roman Catholic. In the prose- cution of his studies he derived consider- able advantage from the Chinese copy of the Gospels he had taken out with him, and which, from the indications of ac- quaintance with the language it exhibits, he considered as executed by a native of China. He also received much assistance from an exposition of the Decalogue in Chinese, with which he was furnished by liis teacher.
The great object of the Society in sending Mr. Morrison to China, was to prepare a translation of the Holy Scriptures for the use of the vast population of that extensive empire,* or, in the language of a distin- guished nobleman, " to open this precious mine, with all its religious and moral treasures, to the largest associated popula- tion in the world."
Mr. Morrison was greatly 'encouraged by the friendly attentions which he re- ceived from the gentlemen belonging to the Hon. East India Company's Factory at Canton, as well as from other European and also American gentlemen, to whom he was introduced. He also received many kind attentions from his friend Saam Tak, who had returned to China. Deeply im- pressed with these and other providential circumstances, which appeared to promise an auspicious result to the mission, he thus wrote to the Directors : — " I am in this distant land overcome with the most grateful emotions. I am grateful to you, dear brethren, on behalf of the heathen ; but my gratitude also rises to your Lord and my Lord. It was the spirit of Jesus which moved on the face of the church,
* The population of China -was formerly much over-rated, being ustially stated in round numbers at 300 millions. Aocordlns to a census made towards the close of the last century, the amount did not ex- ceed 146 millions.
on the hearts of his ])eople, and ex- cited the present concern for perishing millions. Hitherto the Lord has helped, ' he has done great things.' We speak not of the wide range of his benefits, which exceed the ken of angels ; but of his gra- cious countenance afforded to the mission to China. liet us, however, ' rejoice with trembling.' Your Missionary sits here to-day on the confines of the empire, learn- ing the language of the heathen ; to-mor- row he may be removed to another coun- try. Still he would proceed, believing that it is the cause of Him, who can and dually will overturn from its base every the most mountainous difficulty that may^ oppose the progress of the glorious gospel."
In the year 1808-9, Mr. Morrison was occasionally interrupted in his studies by certain political disputes, which issued in his removal, for a time, together with all the Europeans and Americans, from Can- ton to Macao.* At this place he was in- troduced into a respectable and pious Irish family of the name of Morton, and was shortly ,afterwards united in marriage to Miss Morton.f
At the close of the year 1808, Mr. Mor- rison wrote the Directors that he had pre- pared for the press a (Grammar of the Chi- nese Language ; that a Chinese Diction- ary, which he had commenced, was daily filling up, and that he had revised for printing a part of his translation of the New Testament. The great proficiency he had made in the language, in con- junction with his exemplary conduct, ob- tained for him, about this time, the office of Chinese translator to the East India Company's Establishment at Canton.
In 1811, Mr. Morrison suffered a se- vere trial in the long-protracted illness of Mrs. Morrison, whose life was for some time despaired of.
During this year the Directors were high- ly gratified by receiving copies of a beau- tiful edition '©f the Acts of the Apostles, in Chinese, printed by Mr. i\lorrison, at Canton. On their presenting a copy thereof to the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Committee generously voted ^£500. for translating and printing the Scriptures in Chinese. By the same op- portunity the Directors received from iNIr. M. English translations of " Speci- mens of Chinese Literature," taken from the maxims of Confucius and history of Fuh, the two most celebrated of the literati
* Macao, a Portuguese settlement, is situated at the southern extremity of an island, separated only by rivers from the southern continent of China, not ftjr from Canton. The possession of the small peninsula, on which tlie town of Macao now stands, was given to the Portuguese in 1586, by the Chinese Emperor, as a reward for their having expelled some pirates from an adjacent island.
t 20th February, 1808.
Missionary Sketches, iV
of China, which, though merely elemeii- tary, they ordered to be printed for gene- ral'perusal. This work was pubhshed under the title of Horcc Sinicce.
In the year 1812, an edict was issued under the authority of the Emperor, against Christianity,' of which the follow- ing is a copy.
Chinese Edict against Christianity.
* • The Criminal Tribunal, by order of the Em- peror, conformably to a representation made bi{ H.A N, the Imperial Secretary, (in tvhich he desired that the Promidgation of the Chris- tian Religion might be obviatedy) decrees as follows :
" TLe Enropeans worship God, because, in tlieir own country, tln;y are use<i to do 6o; it is quite un- necessary to inquire into the motive : but then, why do they distnrb the common people of the interior? appointing unauthorized priests, and other function- aries, who spread tjiis through all the provinces, in obvious inlraclion of the law ; and the common people, deceived by tliem, they succeed each other from generation to generation, unwilling to depart from their delusion. T/iis may approach very near to being a rehellicni. Reflecting "that the said religion neither holds spirits in veneration, nor ancestors in reverence, — clearly, this is to walk contrary to sound doctrine; and the common people, who follow and familiarize themfielves with such delusions, on what resjiect do they differ from a rebel mob ? if there is not decreed some punishment, how shall the evil be eradicated? and how shall the human heart be recti- fied i From this time forward, such European as shall privately print books, and establish preachers, in order to pervert the multitude ;— and the Tartars and Chinese, who, deputed by Europeans, shall propa- gate their religion, bestowing names, and disquieting numbers, shall have this to look to :— The chief or principal one shall be executed; whoever shall spread their religion, not making much disturbance, nor to many men, and without giving names, shall be im- prisoned, waiting the tinie of execution ;— and those who shall content themselves with following such religion, without wishing to reform themselves, they shall be exiled to Ile-!aii-keang, &c. As for Tartars, they shall be deprived of their pay. With respect to Europeans at present in Pekin, if they are mathema- ticians, without having other office or occupation, this suffices to their being kept in their employments ; but those who do not understand mathematics, what motive is there for acquiescing in their idleness, whilst they are exciting irregularities? Let the Man- darins, in charge of the Europeans, inquire and act. Excepting the mathematicians who are to be retained in their employment, the other Europeans shall be sent to the Viceroy of Canton, to w.ut there, that, whe«i there come ships from their respective coun- tries, they may be sent back. The Europeans, in actual service at th.- capital, are forbidden to inter- meddle with the Tartars and Chinese, in order to strike at the rout of the absurdities which have been propagated. In Pekin, where there are no more Europeans than those employed in mathematics, they will not be able clandestint iy to spread false religion. The Viceroys, and other Magistrates of the other Pro- vinces, shall be careful and diligent. If they find Europeans within their territories, they shall seize them, and act according to justice, in order, by such means, to exterminate root and trunk. You shall con- form to this decision of the Criminal Tribunal."
This Edict was directed against the Ro- man Catholic iNlissionariesin China. Those in Pekin were silenced, and some of them imprisoned, until an opportunity occurred of sending them to Europe. 'Mr. Mor- rison, undismayed, proceeded on his la- bours, thouoh with his usual caution and prudence. He prepared for circulation, in the Chinese language, a catechism and a tract, ♦ On the Way of Salvation.' Of the
b. IX.-^Ajml, 1820.
former 5,000 copies were printed, of tht latter 10,000 ditto. He also exerted him- self amongst the European residents at Canton, on behalf of the Calcutta Auxili- ary Bible Society, to the Treasurer Ox which he remitted the sum ot 285 dollars.
Mr. Morrison having completed the revision of his Chinese Grammar, it was transmitted to his Excellency Lord Minto, then Governor General ot Ben- gal. An edition of the Grammar wa.s subsequently printed at the Seramporc press, at the expense of the Government. In the year 1812-13, a single prmted copy of Mr. M.'s Chinese translation at the Gospel by Luke having been received by the Directors, they presented the same to the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, who had previously voted a second donation of ^500.
Mr. Morrison having frequently inti- mated his wish to have a coadjutor in the mission, the Directors, in the year 1812, sent out, with this view, the Kev. Wm. Milne. He arrived at Macao in July, 1813, and was joyfully received by Mr. Morrison, but at the instigation of the Roman Catholic Clergy, the Pontuguese Government ordered him to quit the island in 10 days. He now repaired to Canton, and applied himself assiduously to the study of Chinese, leaving Mrs. Mihie at Macao with Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, European females not being permitted to reside at Canton. Mr. Morrison after- wards removed for several months to the latter place, during which time Mr. Milne enjoyed his valuable assistance in the atudy of the language.
The island of Java having in August
1811 fallen under the dominion of Great Britain, Mr. Morrison suggested to the Directors the expediency of establishing a Mission there, which was accordingly un- dertaken by tliem in 1814, in which year the Rev. Mr. Supper, since deceased, ar- rived, and was settled, as their Missionary, at Batavia.
In the year 1813-14, the Chinese trans- lation of the New Testament having been completed, and 2000 copies printed, J\lr. Morrison informed theDirectors that ithad found its way into distant parts of the em- pire. Mr. M., however, was not himself permitted to go into the interior, nor to preach publicly at Canton, his direct la- bours being confined to the expounding of the Scrijjtures and exhortation among his own domestics and a few other persons.
Mr. Morrison's Chinese Dictionary being highly approved by the Gen- tlemen ot the East India Company's Factory, they recommended it in June
1812 to the patronage of the Court of Di- rectors at home, wlio in consequence sent out to China, not only a press and types, but a person to conduct the printing of the work, which is executed at the sole
Missionary Sketches, No. IX. — April, 1820.
expense of the Company, who also gene- rouslv present to Mr. Morrison 500 copies of each number, as printed, to dispose of according to his own pleasure.
During the year 1814, Mr. Milne per- formed a voyage to the islands of the Malay Archipelago, where he had nu- merous opportunities of promoting the circulation of the Chinese New Tes- tament, and especially in the island of Java, where, through the kindness of his Excellency Governor Raffles, he travelled about 1400 miles, distributing the New Testament among all classes of people. During this year, the B. and F. Bible Society voted a third donation of ^1000 in aid of the Chinese Scriptures, which was followed, in 1815, by another of the same amount.
It appearing to Mr. Morrison that the object of the Chinese Mission would be greatly promoted by a missionary esta- blishment at Penang or Malacca, Mr. Milne, in the year 18i5, removed for this purpose from Canton to the latter place, where he immediately commenced a mis- sion, which has since risen to considerable importance. This year Mr. Morrison bap- tized Tsae Ako, a Chinese convert, who died hi Oct. 1818, Mr. M. found no rea- son to alter his opinion as to the sincerity of his profession. During this year Mrs. Morris^jeft China for England, for the benefit oi Iber health, accompanied by her two children.*
In the year 1816 Mr. Morrison re- ceived from America ^400., collected by Messrs. Bethune and Ilalston, towards the Chinese translation of the Scriptures, and in the same year it was determined to print, under the superintendence of Mr. Milne at Malacca, two editions of the Chinese New Testament, one of 1500 co- pies in 8vo. and 8000 ditto in 12mo. which nave since been completed and put into circulation.-]- In the month of July in this year, Mr. Morrison, who then acted as Translator and Secretary for the Chinese department to the Sele'ct Committee of the East India Company's Establishment at Canton, was attached as Interpreter to the British Embassy to Pekin, under his Excellency Lord Amherst, which engag- ment occupied about six months of his
• Mrs. Morrison is at present in London, and pur- pose?, her health beins restored, to embark, uith her cbildren, fcrt- China, duriris: the present month.
t The copies of the Chinese Scriptures are circu- lated among the Chinamen settled irt Malacca, Pe- nang, and in the various islands of the Malay Archi- pelago, and the empire of China itself, by means of the Chinese who visit these places on commercial enterprises.
time, during which, if his iuiporlunt la- bours were suspended, his knowledge of the literature, customs, &c. of China was increased. Mr. Morrison drew up a very circumstantial and interesting Narrative of this Expedition, which has since been printed in England.
In the year 1817, ]\Ir. Milne made a voy- age to Canton for the benefit of his health. Mr. Morrison had proceeded, as fur as his other engagements Avould permit, in the translation of the Old Testament into Chinese, and in order to expedite its com- pletion, an arrangement was made with Mr. Milne, in consequence of which each of them agreed to complete certain por- tions thereof which then remained to be translated. It is probable that by the pre- sent time the translation of the Old Testa- ment is finished. During this year. tw«s additional grants, of .^liuO each, were made by B. and E. Bible Society, towards print- ing and circulating the Scriptures in Chinese.
To the books written and published by Mr. Morrison, since his residence in China, already mentioned, it is proper to add^
1. A Collection of Dialogues, &:c. iv
Chinese and Engluh.
2. A View of China, for Philological
Purposes, hi JEfiffUsh.
3. The Morning and Evening Prayers of
the Church of England, in Chinese.
4. The Psalter, divided as in the Com-
mon Prayer Book, for every day in the month, in Chinese.
5. Hetrospect of the first Ten Years of
the Chinese Mission.
On the 24th of Dec. 1817, the title of Doctor in Divinity was vmanimously and gratuitously granted by the Scnatus Acadc- micus of the University of Glasgow, as a token of their approbation of his philolo- gical labours.
In closing the present brief and rapid sketch of this Mi&sion,Ave cannot refrain from again directing the attention of our readers to the immense population which crowds the vast empire of China, whose " land \% full of idols; M'ho worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made ;" or from urging them to fer- vent supplication for the Divine blessing on the means now employed for eman- cipating this great people, as well as of other heathens also, from the thraldom ot Satan, and their introduction into the kingdom and liberty of the Son of God ; and also to make corresponding exertions in promoting the cause of Christian IMissions, as one of the chief means for accomplish- ing the object of their petitions.
DenneU. Printer. Leather Lane. London.
For the Use of the Weekly and Monthli/ Contributors to tlu: Missionary Societ}/.
KALEE, THE BLACK GODDESS OF INDIA.
KALEE, THE BLACK GODDESS OF INDIA.
This goddess may be considered as one of the numerous forms of DoonGA, who is worshipped as the great female power, and who is said to bear a re- semblance to the Juno and Minerva of the Greeks. She is represented, as in the above Sketch, as a very black wo- man, (lier name, Kalee, signifying Hack, or i7ik^) with four arms ; having iu one hand a scymitar, and in another the head of a giant, which she holds by the hair ; another hand is supposed to be employed in bestowing a blessing, and with the fourth she is forbidding fear. She \\- ears a necklace of human skulls, and her tongue hangs down to her chin ; the hands of several giants are hung round her as a girdle. She stands with one foot on the breast of her husband Shivu, and rests the other on his thigh.*
The ancient books of the Hindoos give the following account of the origin of this image, and of the worship paid to it. It seems that there were once certain giants, who, by performing great and meritorious austerities for many thousands of years, acquired a superiority over the gods ; began to make war with them, and in several battles became victorious. The gods, being reduced to a deplorable state of wretchedness, solicited the aid of Bramha and VisUnoo, who referred them to Sh\vu (the husband of Doorga or Kalee.) This goddess encountered two of the principal giants, slew them, and drank their blood. A numerous army of giants then assembled, whose for- midable appearance alarmed the gods. One of the giants advanced, encoun- tered Doorga, or Kalee; but though she filled him with wounds, from every drop of blood which fell to the ground arose a thousand giants, equal iu strength to himself. She, however, as- sisted by Chundce^ another goddess, en- gaged the giant, and destroyed the whole of his strangely-formed offspring; after which Kalee sat down to feed on the carnage she had made. The gods and goddesses then chaunted the praises of the celestial heroine, and she in return bestowed a blessing on each. After
* Shivu (or Seeva), the Destroyer, or Regenerator, is one of tbe principal Bellies, resembling Bacchus. He is daily wor- shipped under the form of an indecent image: the multitude of persons who wor- ship this scandalous figure are far more namcrous than the worshippers of all the other gods put together. Festivals, at- tended with the most abomiuable and cruel practices^ are held in honour of him. See Miss wnary Sketches, No. I. aud No. VII.
this great victory the sun (Sooryu) shone res})lendentlj forth ; the w'ind (Vayoo) biev<^ salubriously: the air be- came pure ; the gods ascended their thrones; the hydras attended to the duties of their religion without fear ; the sages performed their devotions without interruption; and the people at large were restored to happiness.
Kalee was so transported v.'ilh joy at the victory which she had obtained, that she danced till the earth shook to its centre ; and Shivu, at the interces- sion of the gods, who were greatly alarmed, was'compelled to go to the spot to persuade her to desist. He saw no other way, however, of pre- vailing, than by throwing himself among the dead bodies of the slain, and when the goddess perceived that she was dancing on the body of her husband, she desisted, and vras so shocked, that, to express her surprise, she put out her tongue to a great length,* and remained motionless.
In former times, human victims v/ere offered in sacrifice to Kalee, and direc- tions are on record as to the manner ot presenting them, which v/as horribly cruel ; and with such sacrifices, espe- cially of three men, the goddess would be pleased 100,000 years. Persons used to draw blood fi'om themselves, or cut off pieces of their own flesh, and present them. These practices are now discon- tinued, but numerous and expensive of- ferings are still made. Festivals, at the full moon in the month of Kartiku, or at the decline of the moon in Maghu, are held, and some rich men worship her on the last night of the moon. Mr. Ward, in his Hindoo Mythology, vol. i. p. 154, mentions his being present at one of Kalee's festivals at Calcutta ; he witv nessed the sacrifice of goats, buffaloes, and rams, the heads of which being dex- terously severed at one blow, were carried in an elevated posture by an at- tendant (dancing as he went), the blood running down him on all sides. " Never (says he) did I see men so eagerly enter into the shedding of blood ; the place literally swam with blood. The bleat- ing of the animals, the numbers slain, and the ferocity of the people employed actually made we unwell; and I re- turned about midnight, filled with hor- ror and indignation."
History mentions a period, when an- nually the worship of this goddess was celebrated, in one night, in 10,000 houses of a single ziUah, and when the
* When the Hindoo women are shocked or ashamed al any thing, it is their custom to pat out their tongues
Missionary Sketches, No. X. — July, 1820.
number of victims could not have been less than 10,000. A certain llajah im- molated 1000 buffaloes, and the same number of sheep. Another llajah ex- ])ended 100,000 rupees on the worship of this goddess : among the offerings was a gold necklace, valued at 10,000 ru})ees. To defray such enormous ex- penses, some Hindoo Rajahs have ex- pended almost the whole of their estates.
At Kalee-gh.atu, near Calcutta, is a celebrated temple of this goddess, with Jier image in black stone. Here some- times 1000 brahmins are employed. On special occasions no fewer than 4000 people assemble here. On the market days multitudes })resent offerings. A Hindoo will go up to the temple, and, with joined iiands, will say to the idol, " O, mother ! lam going to market for such and such a ])urpose ; if thou grant me success, [ will, on the next market day, present offerings to thee to the
amount of ." Others make a vow,
while the offering is presented to the image, in such words as these — " O, goddess ! mother Kalee, if thou wilt deliver me out of such or such a trou- ble, or bestow such or such a blessing,
1 will present to thee ."(Here the
petitioner repeats the names of all the offerings or bloody sacrifices intend- ed.) Silver hands and golden tongues are among the presents made by the rich. Merchants and tradesmen pre- sent offerings twice or thrice a-year, to obtain success in their concerns ; Se- jx)ys from all parts of India resort to this temijle, when they can obtain leave of absence ; mothers praying for the recovery of their children, promise to bring the recovered child in their arms when they come to fulfil their vows ; servants' in search of employ- ment promise to give the goddess a month's wages, if she will raise them to such a situation; in a word, the oc- casions of drawing people to fliis fa- mous temple, are as endless as the su- perstitious hopes and fears, the ciimes aiid wants of the worshippers.
Thieves frequently pay their devo- tions to Kalee. A gang often persons, perhaps, agree to plunder a house; they meet together in a dark night, under a tree, where an image of Sid- deshwuree is placed, and bring li- quors, fish, &c. A Brahmin goes through the ceremonies ; a bloody sa- crifice is offered ; and the instrument worshipped which is to cut through the wall of the house. The following in- cantation is then read:—" O Sind- hukatee ! (the name of the instrument) formed by the goddess Vishaee ! Kalee commanded thee to cut a passage into the house — to cut through stones, bones, bricks, wood, the earth, and
mountains, &c. Haree-jhee and Cha- munda have given this blessing, and Kamak^ya (Kalee) has given the com- mand."* After reading this, the thieves sit down to eat and drink of the offer- ings, and when nearly intoxicated, gird their garments about them, rub their bodies with oil, daub their eyes with lamp-black, I'epeat an incantation to enable them to see in the dark, and then proceed to the spot, cut through the wall, plunder the house, and some- times murder the inhabitants.
The serious Christian cannot peruse this account of the worship paid to the black goddess without painful emo- tions. How is God dishonoured ! How are rational creatures deluded and de- graded by these foolish and abominable rites ! How desirable is it that Chris- tian Missionaries should visit them, and point out a more excellent way— con- vince them of their guilt and danger as sinners, and direct them to the only true sacrifice for sin—" the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world." In the populous regions of India, containing more than one hun- dred millions of souls, there are not one hundred preachers of the gospel — not one Missionary to a mrllion of heathens. Come then, ye who love the liord Jesus Christ, come " to the help of the Lord against the mighty." Unite your prayers and your efforts, with tiiose of the thousands of your fellow-Christians who long to " pull down the strong holds of Satan" in India, and to build on their ruins tem- ples for our God and Saviour.
* Mr. Ward observes, (vol. i. p. x.) tliat be has had luauy opportunities of wit- nessing the pernicious effects of the belief (comnion among the Hindoos) that it is God in man who is the author of every volition, and that e\\\ and good actions are both to be referred to him. A Hindoo, perverted b^- these ideas, does not per- ceive the evil of ascribing every villainous action to God ; though, when the dreadPnl and unavoidable result of this doctrine has been pointed out, many revolt from the conclusion. Under tho influence of this doctrine, that the hnniau soul Is God, the crimes of a malefactor lose their turpitude, and he is bewailed as a person who has acted under unfortunate influence, or as one born with evil destiny. It is also easy to perceive, that where such a belief prevails, all efforts to fly from evil, and to attain moral perfection, are oat of the question :— " God does every thing ;" my evil destiny follows me every where, as a shadow the body" — is the method by which the Hindoo ao- oounts for all his evil propejultieii and nn- just actions."
No. X. Missionary Tntelligence, lately received,
ULTKA GANGES.
Malacca. — By a letter recently received from Mr. Medhurst, under date of the 23d November last, we learn, that he had been ordained to the work of the ministry, and that he not only preaches to the Chinese in the town, but aLso once every month at a village about six miles oft, where the people listen very attentively to his discourses. He had lately composed and printed, in Chi- nese, a Geographical Catechism, accompanied with maps, principally intentled for the use of the schools.
Java.— By a letter received from Mr. John SJater, dated the 15th of Decem- ber last, w^e are very much concerned to hear, that on the 'jd of October his house was burnt down. This calamity was the more afflictive, as Mrs. Slater had only been confined about a fortnight, and was m a very weak state. They had, however, in their distress, received much kind assistance from friends, especially from Mr. M'Quoid and his family, who received them into his house. Mr. Slater had since removed to a small house, where he had j-enewed his studies, but had to lament the loss of his Chinese books, as well as a number of Chinese New Testaments and tracts, which, together with a part of his furniture, were consumed in the flames. The house is supposed to have been purposely set on tire by the servant, to avoid the detection of a theft which he had coumutted. The affair had been taken up by the Government, and the man was in custody, with a view to trial.
Since the arrival of Mr. Slater at Batavia the beginning of June, 1819, he had been chiefly employed in distributing books among the Chinese, in conver- sing with them from house to house, and occasionally addressing a number col- lected around him, from the subject of a tract.
Bellary — By a letter from Mr. Hands, dated 19th January last, at Madras, (where he has been for several months superintending the printing of his Canada translation of the New Testament), we are happy to hear that the place of Mr. Taylor, who was about to remove from this station [Bellary] to Complee, a town situated in the midst of a very populous neighbourhood, about 40 miles off, was likely to be filled by Mr. Howell, formerly a member of Mr. liOveless's church, and since of that at Bellary, who, for two or three years past, has been partly employed in missionary labours, and is able to speak fluently all the lan- guages common to this part of India.
Mr. Hands states, that the printing of the Canada translation of the Nevv Testament had advanced as far as the last chapter of St. John's Gospel.
We are much concerned to hear, that the health of Mrs. Loveless had suf- fered greatly ; and also that of Mrs. Reeve, who was about to remove to Madras for a few months, in order to avoid the excessive heat which prevails at Bellary during those of March, April, and May.
In a letter of a prior date, lately come to hand, Mr. Hands thus observes, " The arrival of Mr. Nicholson and his companions is matter of general joy to us. Blessed be God, that while he is calling one and another of our dear fellow- labourers away to their rest, he is raising up others in the great work ; but ah ! we want more labourers. The fields are white unto the harvest., prospects of success are daily brightening, and the cry of thousands around us is, ' Come over and help ws.' The Lord pour out his spirit on the British churches more and more, and send a host of faithful Missionaries to our aid."
London, 16th June, 1820.
Each person who subscribes to the Missionary Society One Penny per week or more is etditled to ane ■'/ f/i«je Quarterly Sketches, and each person who collects from his friends or neighbours to the arnowu of t>B«; Sbilling per week, or upwards, /or the Society, is entitled to receive the Quarterly Chronicle ot the So- ciety's TraneactioDB. Application to be made to tiie Secretaries of the Auxiliary Ahsstonary Society, or Association of their district or neighbourhood, who are requested to traiutntt their orders, with the name ofytht conveyance* by which they are to be forwarded, to Rev. Mr. Arundel, Home Secretary, Missionary Rooms, No. 8, Old Jewry, London.
• To save expense, it ig recommended that they should be forwarded by means of the Boekselier?' monthly parcels ; in which case, it is requested that the names of the Town and Country BwokseHers be communicated.
These ?apers,may be had of' Francis Westletj, Statimiers' Coii.rt, Ludgate Hill, and J.Nishet, Castle Street, Oxford Street. Price Id. each, or bs. per 100.
J. Dennett, Printer, Leather Laue, London.
IHij50ionati) S^'ktUf^t^p No. Xf.
For the Use of the Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionary Society.
OF
ONE OF THE NATIVE SCHOOLS AT CHINSURAH,
In the East Indies,
No. 1. Sand board. 2. Mats, to sit on, S. DeskK.
4. Monitor's Mats.
o. Basins to wash Slates in.
NATIVE SCHOOLS AT CHINSURAH.*
The annexed Sketches of the exterior and interior of a Sohool-house at Chinsurah, are engraved from drawings made on the spot by Mr. Pearson, and are presented as a specimen of the Schools established at that place and in its vicinity, by the late Mr. Robert May, and now under the superintendance of the Society's Missionaries, Messrs. Pearson and Harle. In these Schools the children are taught reading, writing, and arithmetic. They are conducted on the Lancasterian plan, and not long ago amounted to about thirty, the number of children in- structed to nearly 3000, among whom were 700 sons of Brahmins. The number of schools has been since reduced to twenty-five, in which about 2400 children are instructed ; but the improvements which have been in- troduced, both as to their economy and management, and the superior progress of the children in learning, are regarded by the brethren as more than compensating for this reduction. As these Schools were established by the indefatigable and persevering exertions of Mr. May, and brought to a considerable degree of maturity under his superintendance, we shall fill up the remainder of the present Sketch with a brief narrative of the life of that excellent Missionary.
Brief Memoir of the Life of Mr. Robert May, Missionary at
Chinsurah.
Mr. Robert May was born at Wood- bridge, in the County of Suffolk, in the year 1788. He had the misfortune to lose his mother when be was only three or four years old, and his father, who was a mariner, being usually out at sea, he was exposed to unusual hardships and disadvantages. At length he was noticed by an aged relative, and taken to the Independent Meeting-house. Here he was admitted into a Sabbath- school, where he learned to read the Sacred Scriptures, and, what was of far greater importance, imbibed a love for them.
As soon as he was able, he endeavour- ed to support himself by labour. Hav- ing obtained possession of a Bible, it was his custom, when his work was finished, to retire into the fields, where he was often seen sitting under a hedge, reading that precious volume.
It was not long before he engaged in the serviceof a gentleman, to take care of his horse, &c. Having occasion one evening to wait till a rather late hour for his master's return home, he, as uspal, employed himself in reading his Bible ; at length, on hearing the horse at the door, he hastened to take charge thereof, and left his Bible on the kit- then table. The gentleman, on coming in, observed the Bible, and being dis- pleased at the manner in which the boy had beguiled the tedious hours of night, took it up and threw it into the fire,
where it was soon reduced to ashes, while tears of grief fell from those eyes which had been so lately employed with so much pleasure in perusing its contents. This circumstance, which it is hoped was the effect of a momentary feeling, became generally known, and from some verses which Robert May wrote on the occasion, it appears probable that the gentleman afterwards furnish- ed him with another Bible.
Having himself learned the value of that sacred book, he was desirous of being employed in communicating its precious contents to others. One Lord's day morning, as his minister (the Rev. Mr. Price) was going to the Meeting-house, he ventured to put into his hand a petition, requesting that he might be permitted to be a tea- cher in the Sabbath-school, an office in which he afterwards appeared to be both kappy and useful.
On the 11th of March, 1806, when he wjis 17 years of age, he was admitted a member of the church, and gave a sa- tisfactory account of his religious expe- rience, and particularly adverted to a sermon he had heard some years before from Numb, xxxii. 23. Be sure your sin will Jind you oiit, and which, he said, made a deep and lasting impression upon his mind.
Robert May now felt an earnest de. sire to be a Missionary to the heathen. He often told his minister that he
* Chinsurah (or Chinsura) is a Dutch settlement, in the province of Bengal, situated on the west side of the river Hooghly, about 22 miles north of Calcutta, in lat. 22° 52' N. long. 88^ 28' E. The first factory of the Dutch East India Company was erected here in 1656. On the commencement of hostilities with the Dutch, during tbe late war, it was captured by the British forces. When, therefore, Mr. May established and conducted the native schools at Chinsurah the settlement was in possession of the English, and they were for several years patronised and supported by the Hon. Commissioner Forbes. At the late general peace the Settlement was restored to the Dutch, and we are happy to add that the schools enjoy in like manner the patronage and support of that Government.
Missionary Sketches, No. XI. — October^ 1820.
thought teachers were not wanted at home, and that he should like to go abroad to teach poor black children to read the Bible and to learn hymns. He was in the habit of composing little pieces, both in i)rose and verse, on va- rious parts of Scripture, mu\ lor the improvement of providential occur- rences ; one in particular, which he wrote on the death of a neighbour, who expired suddenly while hanging out linen in her garden, was thought to do credit both to his heart and to his understanding. At length his pastor was induced to make known the views and wishes of liobert to the Directors of the Missionary Society, who, after proper inquiry and examination, agreed to admit him (viz. in May lyod) into the Seminar}'^ at Gosport, where he conti- nued between four and five years. Du- ring this period he preached occasion- ally, but when he was not engaged in his studies, the instruction of children, as it still continued his favourite ob- ject, so it occupied his chief attention.
The term of his studies having ex- pired, he was ordained on the 2d of January J 811, at the Kev. G. Burder's Meeting-house, Fetter-lane, London, and designated to the service of the heathen ni the East Indies.* Among Mr. May's manuscripts a paper has been found, which contains his answer to one of the questions put to him on this occasion, which we deem sufficient- ly interesting to insert in the present narrative. The question was, " What reason have you to conclude that you are a Christian ?" to which Mr. May's reply was as follows : —
•* 1 his question (iemands a serious answer, and Mhile 1 tremble at iis importance, I icjoice in the Lord, and dust that by his assistance I shall endeavour to give a reason of the hope that is in me, uith meekness and fear. I feel an humble confidence in the mercy of God, through his wtU-belovcd $on ; on his merits .ilone I build my hopes of eternal life, depending on his promises. I have given myself to him, to be his for ever: tiustiug to the fulness of his grace, who filleth all in all, 1 fco lopioclaim his Gofpel, to preach forgiveness of iniquity, through that blood which w:<s shed on Calvary for the remis- sion of sin. When I was very yoimg, I trust I felt the need of the Saviour, in whose name I now glory ; the need of that salvation in w hich I now rejoice ; the want of that grace wliich I intend to preach ; and 1 trust I then also leli the powrerful eflicacy of that blood which cleanseth frtni all sin. I ren.cmbtr that when I was about seven or eight yeais f)f age, I was deeply im- pre*6ed w ith my ioi-t slate as a finner, by rea<ling Janeway's " Token for Children." The address at the beginning of that book, and the examples in the first p^rt, made a deep impression on my mind. I felt myself to be in the same «ieplor- able state, and exposed to eternal wrath."
Afew months prior to his embarkation,
• The particular appointment of Mr. May was to Vizagapatain, where also it was in- teitded that his labours should be especiallj directed to the instruction of the rising ge- neration. Before, however, the arrival of Mr. Maj in India", Mr. Pritchett, originall)- designated on a mission to the Birman em- pire, had settled at Vi/agapatam. Hence the change of Mr. Maj's destination to Chin- KHrak.
he visited his friends at Woodbridge, and on this occasion preached in the mar- ket-house to several hundred children of various religious denominations, many of whom still continue to cherish his memory with warm affection. On Christ- mas-day (1810) he also preached a fiare- well sermon to the children at Gosport. — The following memorandum of Mr. May on the occasion, will show how eminently he was fitted to attract the affection of children, and thus to secure their attention whilst imparting to them the benefits of instruction. The me- morandum is as follows : " But few either of parents or children were not in tears; after the sermon they flocked around me to take their last fareAvell, while the tears ran down their cheeks. It was an affecting scene indeed. I mingled my tears and my advice toge- ther, as 1 parted with the dear children whom I had so long instructed."
Mr. May, together with Mrs. May and Mr. and Mrs. Spratt,* sailed from Gravesend on the 27th Jan. 1811, in the Active, Capt. Brethoff, bound for Philadelphia, fi'om whence they were to engage a passage to the East Indies. They arrived safie at Philadelphia on the 23d of the following March, and were received and treated with great kindness by the friends of the Society in that city, as well as in that of New York.
Circumstances occasioned Mr. May to be detained in America about twelve months. During that period, his exer- tions amongst the young were very ex- tensive, and remarkably successful. In the month of June he established a monthly lecture to Children at Phila- delphia, which was well attended, there being usually present from 500 to 700. He also engaged in preaching on various other occasions, and took upon him the charge of a new school, sup- ported by the Evangelical Society of that city. He took a journey to New York, during which he preached on several occasions to crowded congregations, of which children formed a considerable part. Diuing the last three days he continued in the last-mentioned city, he preached to upwards of lOOO chil- dren each day.
On JNlr. May's return to Philadel- phia, he opened (Sunday, 2()th October) a new school-room in New Fourth-street in that city, and on various occasions exerted himself in promoting the Sab- bath instruction of poor chiltlren.
* Mr. George Spratt was originally ap- pointed to "Vi/^agapatam, in conjunction with Mr. May, but being taken ill whilst at Phi- ladelphia, it was judged improper for hira to proceed to the East, he therefore re- tired to Quebec, at which place, and Elisa- beth Town, be has since continued to la- bour ; but be is Dot now dependant on tbi Society.
Missionary Sketches, No. Xl.-^Oetoher, 1 820.
The reader will be gratified by the fol- lowing extracts from letters received by M r. May from friends in Philadelphia, after his arrival in India, under the dates of 18th October 1816, and 24th Novem- ber 1817. They show the important purposes which were to be answered by his providential detention in America,
" Ever since the Sunday School commenced, the whole aspect of our city is changed. I really bad no idea, when you were here, that we were so indolent as we were. No wonder you were so anxious about the poor children ; they were in a deplorable state, but your prayers are an- swered, and I look back and think of you as the
forerunner of all this good." " Your two
letters from Chinsurah were received in due season, and often read in the school, and when omitted a short time, would be called for asjain by the children."— " The result of the whole has been, that upwards of 1800 children have been instructed upon your plan in this school, and nearly forty have made a public profession of religion, principallyin the Presbyterian churches; and the greater part received their first impres- sions under your particular instructions when here. They are a delightful company of yo-ung Christians, and seem to be growing in grace as well as in years. One of them, James VVeatherby, is now educatmg for the ministry, and may possibly go to India, as a Missionary. How wonderful are the ways of God ! Some of them are now teachers in the Sunday schools." — " Indeed, it may be said, that all the Sunday schools in this country had their rise from this school."—" Sunday schools are now established in great nambers in this country ; so that up- wards of 5000 children are instructed, who used to range the streets ; and they are rapidly spreading."
On the 16th of March, 1812, Mr. and Mrs. May sailed from Philadel- phia, in the Harmony, Capt. Brown, and arrived at Calcutta in the follow- ing August. Shortly after his arrival he removed to Chinsurah. Here he entered with great ardour and acti- vity on the work of establishing schools for native children, imparting also, meanwhile, religious instruction to the children of Europeans, and had the gratification of beholding his labours crowned with very encouraging sue-- cess. * But, alas ! the period was at hand, that was determined by an in- scrutable, yet all-wise and merciful Providence, to be the boundary of his mortal existence. By a singular coin- cidence, he entered Calcutta on the 11th August, in order to begin his race in India, and on the same day of the same month, in the year 1818, he entered Calcutta to close it. In the be- ginning of that month he was attacked at Chinsurah by a fever. The disorder gaining strength, he was induced to go to Calcutta, that he might obtain the best medical advice ; but, alas ! every attempt to relieve him was fruitless, and on the day after his arrival he breathed his last.
When approaching the close of life, his humility and self-abasement were
* Mr.May had very laudably exerted him- self in pronnoting the estaUlishment of the "Calcatta School Society" for the edacation of the native children of Bengal, which was iostitated only 19 days after his decease.
such as to induce him to think it al- most impossible that one so unworthy as himself could be saved. But after- wards he found joy and peace in be- lieving ; and ♦' It is Jesus Christ whom I want" — " I build upon the founda- tion, Christ" — " Jesus is precious to my soul," were amon^ the last sen. tences which he uttered
The following testimonies, which are given by individuals belonging to three different denominations, are very ho- nourable to the memory of Mr. May, and cannot fail to be peculiarly gratify- ing to his friends.
" 1 have heard (says the Rev. Dr. Boyce, a minister of the Church of Scotland, at Calcutta, in a letter to a friend) with deep regret of the death of Mr. May. Although I had not the pleasure of being much acquainted with him, I have always admired the integrity of his charac- ter, and have uniformly regarded him as a man to whom the native rising generation were al- ready laid under the greatest obligations, and who, if Providence had spared his life, would have contributed much to the diffusion of know- ledge and religion in this country," (i.e. Bengal)^
" Be assured (says the Rev. Mr. Waid of Seram- pore) we are all deeply concerned for the loss the rising generation have sustained in the re- moval of your and our dear brother May. Who should now say, " I am secure V Who shall say that he has a minute of Missionary time to spare ? Oh! that we may feel the rod, and hear the voice that speaks to us from the grav^ ©f our deceased brother."
A respected member of the Church of England writes as follows :
" He was of a truly catholic spirit. Well do f know how much he mourned over every thing that was unseemly, or likely to diminish love ia any denomination. I have often heard him ad- vert to such things, and suggest measures la remedy them. His good temper was remarkable. This was one cause why children loved him so much. He was open to advice, and received reproof in a Christian manner. He was very kind as a husband, trusty as a friend, and affec- tionate as a son."*
Mr. May published a small volume, entitled, " Lectures to the Young
ON INTERESTING SUBJECTS," ofwhich
four editions have been printed. In the Eclectic Review for March 1817, it is thus noticed : —
" For the office in which Mr. May here pre- sents himself, he appears to possess no ordinary talent; and we cannot, after the perusal of his work, hesitate to describe it as a real acquisition to the religious public." — " In these addresses, the teacher has adopted a familiarity of manner, and a simplicity of styk-, which are well adapted to the capacity of the young; and he has en- livened them by the introduction of several unexceptionable and interesting anecdotes."
Mr. May had commenced a Series of Lectures on Scripture History, for the instruction of young persons, the plan of which he did not live to complete. Those on the Book of Genesis, being a part of the Series^ have been printed at Calcutta, in two small volumes, with a preface by the Bev. Henry Townley. It is probable that this work will be reprinted and published in England.
* Mr. May suffered a severe alQiction in 1813, by the death of Mrs. May, who died on the 17th Sept. of that year. After a few years he married again. His second wife survives to lament his loss.
Dennett, Printer, Leather Lane, London.
iHt00iOttatl) ^Mttftt^f No. XIT.
For the Use of the Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionaiy Society.
REPRESENTATION OF DOORGA,
A PRINCIPAL GODDESS OF THE HINDOOS.
(Hindoo Title to the Idol.) DURGA', ASHTADASA BHUJU; or, Doorga', Eightcen-Armed.
The Goddess Doorg4 is represented in the drawing, from wliich tlic al)Ove Priut is taken, as a female, of yellow complexion, lier bead encircled with a fiery radiation, having ten pair of arms, with her right foot placed on a lion, (one of the forms of Vishnoo,) to signify that she gives success to her worshippers, and excites fear in their enemies. She rests her left foot on a giant, perhaps Doorgu, whom she subdued, (see the following account,) and whom, together with a buffalo, one of the forms in which he assaulted her, she holds by a line, extending from one of her right hands. She wears a necklace of skulls, and before liar is suspended a serpent. In her fore right hand she holds a scimitar, and in her left a discos. Her remaining hands are stretched out behind her head, and filled with different iristrnments of war,* flowers, and other sacrificial emblems. Behind the giant rises the head of a serpent, one of the emblems of Doorga. In his right hand the giant holds a scimitar, and in his left a discus, and suspended from his neck a serpent; in all these re- spects resembling the goddess.
• The ima^e of this goddese, and that of Minena, in one or two nitance*. exhibit a pretty strone lefein- bJance ; both are described as fond of arms , and it is remarkable mat Doorea derives her i.ame froni llie giani Doorgu, (see the followiDg Account,) whom she slew, as Pallas (Minerya) obtaiued heri from the giaal I aliai, whom she destroyed.
Account of THE HINDOO GODDESS DOORGA,
The Drawing from which the annexed figure is engraved was made at Chin- surah, and purchased, with many others, of a native. What is chiefly remark- able in these drawings is, that all the lines by which the figures are delineated are composed of the name of the idol, in the Bengalee character, many thou- sand times repeated. The ornaments (here omitted) which are very profuse, and not inelegant, are formed in the same manner.
Doorga', according to the vain fables of the Hindoos, was born in the house of Dokshu, one of the Progenitors of man- kind,and was first called Satt-ee, under which name she was married to Shivu, but re- nounced her life on hearing her father re- proach her husband. She re-appeared under the name of Parvutee (i. e. mountain born), and was again married to Shivu. Her name Doorga she obtained in the following man- ner ; — Doorgu, a giant, having performed religious austerities in honour of Brumha, obtained his blessing, and became a great oppressor. Ho conquered the three worlds, and sent all the gods from their heavens, to live in forests; and at his nod they came and worshipped. He abolished all other religious ceremonies ; the brahmins, through fear of him, forsook the reading of the Vedas (or sacred books) ; the rivers changed their courses; fire lost if s energy, and the terrified stars retired from sight. The gods, in their misfortunes, applied to Shivu,. who desired his wife Parvutee to go and destroy the oppressor. She wil- lingly accepted the commission, and sus- tained many desperate rencounters with Doorgu and his formidable army.* As they drew near, she assumed a thousand arms, called to her assistance diflTerent kinds of beings, and brought a number of ■weapons out of her body. Her adversa- ries discharged their arrows thick as the drops of rain in a storm ; but she efTccf u- ally resisted the attack, and at length seized Doorgu, and set her foot ou his breast; but he disengaged himself, and renewed the fight. She then caused 9,000,000 beings to issue from her body, who destroyed all the troops of the giant. He now attacked her singly, first by caus- ing a dreadful shower of hail to descend, then by throwing at the goddess a piece of a mountain; afterwards in the forms of an elephant, a bufTalo, and lastly, his original body as a gia-nt, with a thousand arms, and ■weapons in each. Parvutee, having assumed the same number, seized him by his thou- sand arms, and carried him into the air, from whence she threw him down with dreadful force. Perceiving, however, that this had no effect, she pierced him in his breast with an arrow, when the blood issued in streams from his mouth, and he expired. The gods were now filled with joy, and re-ascended their thrones, sur-
* Consisting, as it is pretended, of 100,000,000 cna- rtots, 120,000,000,000 elephants. 10.000,000 swift-footed tiarees, and iaiiumerable soldiers.
rounded with their former splendour; the brahmins resumed the study ot the Vedas; sacrifices were regularly perform- ed, and every thing assumed its pristine state; the heavens rang with the praises of Parvutee, and the gods, in return for so signal a deliverance, honoured her with the name of Ddorga'.
The festivals in honour of Doorga, which continue for many days, draw the whole Hindoo population into the temples, while those in honour of other gods, Krishnu excepted, are comparatively neg- lected. On these occasions a great va- riety of ceremonies are performed, the first of which is that of giving life and ey^ to the images, after which they become objects of worship ! The officiating Brah- min touches with the two fore fingers of his right hand the breast, the two cheeks, the eyes, and the forehead of the image, saying, as he touches the part, ' Let the soul of Doorga long continue in happiness in this image.' The image is afterwards worshipped with a pan of water before it. Various offerings of flowers, fruits, spices, vegetables, sweetmeats, boiled rice, cloth, earth, sandal-powder, water of the Ganges, &c. &c. are made-, some of them accompanied with incantations, and, lastly, bloody sacrifices, chiefly of buffa- loes, sheep, and goats. Mr. Ward, the Baptist Missionary, from whose work most of the particulars of this paper are de- rived,* was told by a respectable native, that he had seen 108 buffaloes sacrificed at the festival of Doorga by one Hindoo, fiora which it may justly be inferred, that the whole number slain in the country must be prodigiously great. Formerly some of the Hindoo kings slew a thousand animals on these occasions.! The males only are sacrificed. They are in general young, asd very tame, costing from 5 to 16 Rupees each. The heads of the animals are all cut off, and then presented to the goddess. A Hindoo considers it a great honour to cut off the head of an animal ofl^ered in sacrifice. The worshippers, at the end of the ceremonies, eat the flesh of the slaughtered animals, but none of the Hindoos eat the sacrificed buffaloes, ex- cept the shoemakers.
* Tlie father of the King Nudeeya (who was alive when Mr. Ward wrote this account; at one of these fes- tivals sacrificed sheep and goats for 16 days, donbling the number each day, the whole slaughtered amount- ing to 65,535 animals. In the city ol Calcutta alone, it is supposed, on a moderate calculation, that half a million is expended annnallv on this festival.
t See Ward's Hiudoo Mythology, voLi.
Missionart/ Sketches, No.
In tlie year 1806, Mr. Ward was pre- seut at the worship of Doorga, as per- formed at the house of Raja Raj-Krishna, at Calcutta. Tlie buildings where the festival was held were on four sides, leaving an area in the middle. The room in the east contained wine, English sweet- meats, &:e. for the entertainment of the English guests. In the opposite room was placed the image of Doorga, with vast heaps of all kinds of offerings before it. In the two side rooms were the na- tive guests, and in the area groups of Hin- doo women, dancing and singing, sur- rounded by Europeans, sitting on chairs and couclies. Mussulmen singers enter- tained the company at intervals with Ilin- doostanee songs, and various ludicrous per- formances. Before two o'clock the place was cleared of the dancers, and of all the Europeans, except IMr. Ward and his com- panions. Almost all the lights were now extinguished, ajtcept in front of the god- dess ; the doors of the area were then thrown open, and a vast crowd of natives rushed in, almost treading upon one ano- ther; among whom were singers, having on long caps, similar to that of the giant in the annexed print. When the crowd had sat down, they were so wedged together as to present the appearance of a solid pavement of heads ; a small space only being left immediately before the image for the mo- tions of the singers, who all stood up. Of these there were four sets, who entertained the guests with songs and dances of a very exceptionable description, occasionally bending their bodies, putting forth their Leads towards the image, and almast tear- ing their throats with their vociferations. " The whole scene (says Mr. Ward) pro- duced on my mind sensations of the great- est horror. The dress of \lte singers — their indecent gestures — the abominable nature of the songs — the horrid din of their miserable drum — the lateness of the liour — the darkness of the place — with the reflection that I was standing in an idol temple, and that this immense multitude of rational and immortal creatures, capable of such superior enjoyments, were, in the very act of worship, perpetrating a crime o^ high treason against the God of heaven, while they themselves believed they were performing an act of merit — excited ideas and feelings in my mind which time can never obliterate."
It is commonly reported amongst tlie natives, that human sacrifices are still of- fered in some places in Bengal when tlie goddess Doorga is worshipped, particularly at Ksheeru,nearBurdwan, ami at Bruudia- ncetula, near Nudeeya. Decapitated bo- dies are occasionally found near her image, at these and other places, as well as be- fore that of Kalee, (See Sketch No. X.) and other idols.* No one chooses to ac-
» Sot iii.iiiy years ago, at the village of Seianipore, near Kutwa, helore the temple of the goddess Tara, a Jiunian h dy was found witliout a head; and in the inside of the temple diflerent leoentlv-made offerings. AJl who saw It liuew that a victim had tjeen siaughler-
, XII. — January, 1821.
knowledge the act, yet the natives well know that these bodies have been offered in sacrifice.
Hut the destruction of human life in Hindoostan, by means of the slaughter of human victims, offered before the images of idols, bears a very small proportion to that which actually take;* place in other ways. By voluntary suicide in the river Ganges ; by the burning and drowning of lepers ; by the wheels of the idol Juggernaut ; by want and disease, on pilgrimages ; by infanticide, and the immolation of widows who offer themselves with the dead bodies of their husbands, &c., Mr. W^ard calculates, that not fewer than 10, .500 persons perish an- nually in Hindoostan,* and all this is either commanded or sanctioned by the shasters, (or religious books,) of the Hindoos.
Even from this brief sketch of the reli- gion (or more properly irreligionj of the Hindoos, the Reader will perceive, that it is a compound of falsehood and cru- elty. The history of the contest of Pac- vutee with the giant, related above, is a small specimen of the extravagances of the Hindoo mythology. The shasters, in- deed, make no hesitation in giving tongues to stones, and transforming trees into armed men. This may be allowed in a romance, and in fables, but the modern Hindoos are silly enough to believe, most gravely, that all this is the very truth. They say,' Why not? God can do every thing !' The fact is, that these horrid superstitions have their origin in the instigations of the father of lies, (he who was a liar from the beginning,) and the crafty inventions of wicked men, who were willing to do his cruel work. In- deed, all the religions of the earth, and of all ages, except that only which is coa- tained in the Bible, are evidently founded in lies, and have the same diabolical origin. But, in this view, '' truth (as well as ^race) came by Jesus Christ," whose Gospel is expressly designed to destroy the works of him who was a murderer, as well as a liar, from the beginning, and to establish in every heart, and throughout the world, the empire of kindness, benevolence, and love. Reader, it was in order to diffuse this Gospel among millions of deluded and perishing heathens, that the Missionary So- ciety was instituted, and its object in pub- lishing the present Sketch, and such like accounts, is to excite jour compassion and prayers in behalf of the heathen, and your zeal and activity in furnishing pecuniary aid for the purpose of sending to them the blessings of the Gospel.
ed in the night; and search was made after the mur- derers, but in vain. • Widows burnt alive on the funeral pile . . 5000 Pilgrims perishing on tlie roads and at sacied
places • 4000
Persons drowning tlieraselves in the Ganges,
or buried or burnt alive .... 50O Children immolated, includinst the rsjpootst 500 Sick persons, whose death is hasteued on the banks of the Ganges . . . . 50d
10,500
t Offspring of the Rajahs.
No. XII. Missionary Intelligence lately received.
SOUTH AFRICA.
Cape Town. — By a letter lately received from the Rev. Dr. Philip, the Society's Representative at the Cape, dated 3()th August last, we are informed, that Mr. Camp- bell had penetrated about 250 miles beyond New Latlakoo, in a north-east direction, as far as a place called Kurreechane, the chief town in the country of the Marootzees, con- taining about 16,000 inhabitants. The people at this place Mr. Campbell describes as far- ther advanced in civilization than any other tribes he had seen in Africa. They sraelt iron and copper from the ore, and make needles, bodkins, and other articles of a similar kisd. They also manufacture vessels of earthenware, in the form and ornamental painting of which they discover no little taste. They excel, likewise, in basket-making. They de- corate the walls of their houses with coloured representations of various animals, shields, &c. During Mr. Campbell's stay in the town, a Pictso, or General Assembly, was con- vened, at which about 300 of the priwcipal inhabitants attended, who, after the transaction of other business, determined to receive and protect Missionaries. In the neighbour- hood of Kurreechane Mr. C. observed several rivers, which he presumes are branches of the Manica, De Lagoa, and Machavanna, all of which empty themselves into De Lagoa Bay, on the east Coast of Africa. Before Mr. C. quitted Kurreechane, the King of the Marootzees presented him with two oxen and two large elephant's teeth.
In the course of his journey to Kurreechane, Mr. Campbell visited Old Lattakoo, which had been taken possession of by people of different tribes, appeared to contain about 8000 inhabitants, and was governed by a chief of the name of Mahoonior Peloo ; Meribohwhey, the chief town of the Tammaha tribe, sometimes called the Red CafFres, and represented as a savage, warlike people; and Mashew, containing from 12 to 15,000 inhabitants, in the neighbourhood of which much land was cultivated. At these several places also the chief men expressed their willingness to receive Missionaries. Mr. C.,«n bis return to New Lattakoo, visited Malapeetzee and Makoon's Kraal.
From the number of inhabitants seen by Mr. Campbell during the above journey, he isi disposed to think that the Bootchuana nation cannot consist of less than 200,000 per- sons. The existence of the Society's Missions at GriquaTown and New Lattakoo appears to be known to all their tribes, and such is the respect in which Missionaries are held amongst them, that they consider their residence with any particular tribe, as an effectual security against hostile attacks from any other tribe. This naturally accounts for the willingness expressed to receive Missionaries in the places visited by Mr. Campbell (for the first time) during his late tour.
A letter has subsequently been received from Dr. Philip, dated the Sd of Oclober last, by which we are happy to learn that Mr. Campbell had arrived in safety at Graaf Reynet on the 4th of September, on his return to Cape Town. He left Mr. and Mrs. Moffat at Griqua Town, in good health and spirits.
MADAGASCAR. Mauritius. — By a letter recently received frwn Mr. David Jones, late Missionary at Madagascar, dated Port Louis, 19th August last, we are informed, that he had obtained permission from His Excellency Governor Farquhar, to acconipany a Commissioner, who had been appointed by the latter to visit the Court of Radama, the principal chief of Madagascar, on apolitical mission. Mr. Jones, with the con.sent of Governor Farquhar, ■was to avail himself of this opportunity to request Radama to allow Missionaries to settle within his dominions, and, in case of his consent being obtained, to determine upon the most eligible places for Missionary Stations ; to open a regular communication between Ova, Radama's capital, and Tamatave, and to obtain his permission for some Malegache boys to return with the Deputation to the Mauritius, iu order to be there instructed, under the patronage of the Governor.
London, December 18, 1820.
"Each persm who subscribes to the Missionary Society One Penny per week, or more, is en- titled to one of the Quarterly Sketches, and each person who collects from his friends or neighbours to the amount of One Shilling per week, or Dpwards,/or the Society, is entitled to receive the Quarterly Chronicle of the Society's Transactions. Application to be made to the Secretaries of the Auxiliary Missionary Society, or Association of their district orneigh' bourhood, who are requested to transmit their orders, with the name of the conveyance* by which they are to be forwarded, t9 Rev. John Arundel, Home Secretary, Missionary Rooms, No. 8, Old Jetory, London.
* ^*1 **^® expense, it is recommended that they should be forwarded by means of the BookselJer*' monthly parcels ; in whicJi case, it is requeHted that tlie names of the Town and Country Booksellers be communicated.
The^e Papers may be had of F. Westky, Statimers' Court, Ludgate Hill; and J.Nislet, Castle Street, Oxford Street. Price id. each, or 5s. per 100.
J. Dennett, Printer, Leather Lane^ London.
Mi^^ion^Yv S^tttttit^, No. Xlll.
For the Use of the Weekh/ and Monthly Contributors to the London Missiojiary Society.
PORTRAIT OF
P O M A R E',
THE PRESENT KING OF OTAHEITE.
MEMOIR OF POMARE'.
When Captain WalHs, in the Dolphin, discovered Otaheite in 1767, Temarre, son of Oamnio, reigned. Oammo was the eldest brother of Whappai, the father of Otoo. Otoo was the father of the pre- sent Pomare. Hereditary monarchy seems to have been immemorially ac- knowledged at Otaheite, but to have conferred rather the highest dignity than any efficient authority. Three or four chiefs of the larger Peninsula, beside one who governed the smaller, appear usually to have exercised despotic power in the several districts. The late king Otoo (the Pomare of Captain Wilson) inherited only the northern part of the island ; but having been raised by his uncle's influence, and the assistance of the mutineers of the Bounty, to the so- vereignty, he gradually extended his do- minion, not only over the whole of Ota- heite, but likewise to several adjacent islands. Wars and various changes ap- pear to have preceded this revolution, and it was not without many severe con- flicts that Otoo maintained the supreme authority J suffering such defeats as sometimes compelled him to seek refuge
in the mountains, and almost annihilated his maritime power. Conscious of the advantages which he had gained from the English mutineers, he studiously cultivated the friendship of Europeans, but especially that of the English, who occasionally touched at Otaheite, and thus his authority, which at first had been but a precarious dominion, was at length firmly established.
Affairs having assumed a more fixed and settled state, Otoo surrendered the sovereignty to his son, (the present Po- mare,) himself assuming on this occa- sion the name of Pomare, and conferring on his son that of Otoo. Thus he became the first subject of his own child, and, as regent of the stale, continued to manage the affairs of government, and to sup- port his son's dignity with all his weight and influence. Eimeo acknowledged the young king's authority, and his do- minion was no where openly resisted, except that in Taiarabu discontent for some time prevailed.
On the day appointed for investing him with the Maro Oora, or red sash of royal- ty, (which ceremony may be regarded in
Missio7iary Sketches, l^o. XIII. — April, 1821.
the light of a coronation, ) this part af the regal insignia* was laid on the Morai. The Taata Orero^ or Public Orator, (supposed to be the High Priest Manne Manne,) opened the ceremony with a long speech, which set forth the right- ful authority of the young King to the royal dignity, and afterwards invested him with the regal cincture. Motuaro, chief of Eimeo, first paid homage to the young King, who was borne on a man's shoulders, and surrounded by all his chieftains. Motuaro had brought with him from Eimeo three human vic- tims, from each of which the priest scooped out an eye, and presented it to the sovereign on a plantain leaf, pluck- ed from a young tree in his hand, ac- companying the presentation with a long ceremonial discourse. The bodies were then removed, and interred in the moral. A similar ceren>ony was repeated^ in ro- tation, by the chiefs of the several dis- tricts of Otahe-ite, some bringing one, and some two human sacrifices, fixed on along pole, which were buried after the pre- sentation of the eye.f
The young King was at this time about 17 years of age, very large limbed, and promising to be of equal stature with his father, who was 6 feet 4 inches in height. In the opinion of some, he had a solid and thoughtful aspect, but in that of others, his countenance seemed to indicate a feeble and vacant mind. His Queen, Tetua, was the relict of Motuaro, and was about his own age, and rather the larger of the two. Her countenance was pleasing and open, but of a mascu- line cast, and widened by the usual me- thod of pressure, called touroome.
The above-mentioned events hap- pened previously to the arrival of the Missionaries, who left England in the ship DufF, in August, 1796; and at the time they landed (March, 1797) the power of Pomare and his son Otoo was so greatly confirmed , that none dared any longer to dispute their authority. Pomare gave the Missionaries a cor-
• The Maro Cora was made of network, and thrummed with red and yellow feathers
+ The reason assigned for this horrid oblation was, that the head beintj reputed sacred, and the eye the most precious part, they were to be pre- sented to the Kiiij^, as the head and eye of tlie people. During the presentation, the King was required to hold his month open, as if devonring it : by which means, it was imagined lie received anditional wisdom and discernment ! It was also supposed that his tutelar deity presided at this time, to accept (he sacrifice, and, by a com- • munication of the vital principle, to strengthen the soul of his royal pupil. Hogs innumerable were strangled on this occasion, and immense quantities of cloth presented. The royal maro, (or sash,) worn only on that day, was again de- posited in its piace in the Morai, and the canoes, (deemed sacred,) in which the human sacrifices had been conveyed, were hauled up to the same sacred repository. Tlie King and chiefs then departed to devour the hogs, turtle, fowls, lish, and vegetables, prepared tV.r them in the greatest profusion, and to drink their intoxicating yaifa. The feasting and heivas lasted two months, and more than one of the chiefs paid for their ex- cesses with their lives,
dial welcome, and afterwards treated them in a very friendly manner ; but the conduct of Otoo was, to say the least, sometimes very ambiguous, and, consi- dering the tyrannical disposition which he at that time displayed, and the barbarous state of the natives, they regarded it as a special mark of the kindness of Di- vine Providence that they were suflFered to dwell peaceably among them.
Notwithstanding, Otoo, as well as his Queen, occasionally visited the Mission- aries, and on one of these occasions ex- cited no little surprise, by asking one of them to teach him the Hebrew language, and by manifesting much anxiety to know whether the King of England was acquainted with it.
In the year 1802, the conduct of Otoo incidentally occasioned much alarm to the Brethren, and, indeed, exposed them to no little danger. Having seized a billet of wood, belonging to the people of Atahuru, which was worshipped as their supreme divinity, (as already no- ticed in SketchNo. VI.) they rose against his authority. Providentially, however, at this critical moment, the ships Norfolk and Venus touched at the island, andPo- mare, availing himself of the assistance of their men, gained some very important advantages over the insurgents ; so that the immediate danger was by this means averted, and in the beginning of the fol- lowing year tranquillity was completely restored.
On the 3d of September, 1803, Po- mare was removed by a sudden stroke of death,* (as already related in the afore-mentioned Sketch,) and the en- tire government devolved on the shoul- ders of Otoo, who also now assumed the name of his father, Pomare. After
* The father of the elder Pomare, whose death is noticed above, was an Otalieitean, but his mo- ther was a Raiatean. He was born in the district of Opare. The Missionaries, at the time of his decease, supposed him to have been between 30 and 60 years of age. In person, he was the most respectable man w lioni they had seen ; tall, stont, and well proportioned; grave in countenance, majestic in deportment, and atfablein behavioar. As to his morals, he was a poor ignorant hea- then, under the dominion of a reprobate mind; a most devoted idolater, regarding nothing as sinfu! but a neglect to pray and sacrifice to the gods. As a governor, some complained that he was oppressive, who, however, would probably have been not less so, had the same power been in their hands. He was a peaceable man, and it was generally agreed that a far greater degree of tranquillity had been enjoyed during his reign, than while eacii of the larger districts continued as independent states. He was also an active jnan. Erecting houses, building canoes, and cul- tivating the ground, were employments in which he appeared to take great delight. He always showed a fon<lnes8 for foreigners, especially for Englishmen. Policy, as it promoted the sta- bility of his government , was doubtless connected with 'his partiality; and he supposed that every Englishman was expert isi the use of arms. We have already observed that his behaviour towards the Missionaries was always friendly; but there was great reason to believe, that it was very con- siderably intiuenced by motives of self interest. His behaviour towards them, during the latter part of his life, they were disposed to think less fViendly; but this they ascribed to their hav- ing plainly declared to him, and his country, men, the object which had induced them to leave
Missionary Sketches, No. XIII. — Aprilj 1821.
clared to them his conviction of the truth of Christianity, and his determi- nation, in future, to worship Jehovah. He also expressed deep repentance on ac- count of his past wickedness, cast away
the death of his father, he was enabled to maintain his authority without oppo- sition, and he, as well as his mother Edeah, assured the Brethren liiat they should not be molested in the discharge of the duties of their mission.
From this time the King, whom we shall now call Pomare, seems to have conducted himself in a more friendly manner towards the Missionaries. He had for some considerable time resided in Eimeo ; but on his return to Otaheite he took up his residence near the mission- house at Matavai. In one or other of the apartments of the brethren he would fre- quently spend nearly the whole of the day, amusing himself with writing , in which he had then (1806) made considerable pro- gress. His behaviour was now very kind, and even generous, towards the brethren, but hitherto he showed no in- clination to embrace Christianity, or even to receive any religious instruction whatsoever; and when the subject was introduced, either in conversation or in writing, he artfully contrived to put it off. In the month of August, 1806, Po- mare lost his Queen, Tetua.
In the following year he wrote his first letter to the Directors, dated Ja- nuary, 1807, from which it appears that his prejudices against Christianity were in some measure abated ; at least, that a degree of conviction was produced on his mind. This letter, which was com- posed entirely by himself, began thus : *' I wish you every blessing, friends, in your residence in your country, with success in teaching this bad land, this foolish land, this laud which is ignorant of good, this land that knoweth not the true God, this regardless land. Friends, I wish you health and prospe- rity : may I also live, and may Jehovah save us."
In 1808, Pomare was involved m war with a party of his subjects, who at- tempted to deprive him of his authority, some particulars of which have already been given in Sketch No. VI. On this occasion the houses, gardens, &c. of the Missionaries were destroyed, and they, as well as Pomare, were compelled to flee from Otaheite to the neighbour- ing islands. In the following year, as there seemed no prospect of the King regaining his authority, all the Breth- ren, except Messrs. Hayv>^ard and Nott, repaired to New South Wales, whence, however, five of them returned in 1811, at the earnest request of Pomare, whose authority was then re-established. The King now discovered towards the Missionaries an increasing partiality, and appeared happy only when in their company. In July 1812, he dc-
their friends and nalive country. Nevertheless, he would sometimes httcnd their preaching, (which however he was rc[!orled to have ridi- culed,) and never debarred them from attempt- ing to plant the Gospel in Otaheite, or in any oUier within his jurisdiction
his idols,* endeavoured to persuade his relations to embrace the Christian reli- gion, and proposed to the Missionaries to build, without delay, a place of wor- ship for the true God.
In the year 1814, the number of the natives (including some of the chiefs) who had renounced idolatry, and pro- fessedly embraced Christianity, amount- ed to fifty, and from this time the num- ber rapidly increased, until, in the following year, it amounted to about 500. Some of the idolatrous chiefs of Otaheite, exasperated at the progress of the new religion* formed the horrid desiga of destroying the Christians, root and branch, but providentially the latter, re- ceiving timely information thereof, took refuge in Eimeo. In this island Pomare then (July 1815) resided, and having at length ascertained that there was no hostility on the part of the chiefs against him, he went over to Otaheite, taking the refugees under his protection. On the 19th November, however, while en- gaged in public worship, the Christians were furiously assaulted by th^ idola- ters, and an obstinate engagement en- sued, in which Pomare obtained a com- plete victory. The unexampled lenity and clemency with which the King treated the conquered, and their fami- lies, on this occasion, produced the most favourable eflfect on the minds of the idolaters, who unanimously resolved to embrace Christianity, and trust their gods no longer. The King was now, by universal consent, restored to the go- vernment, in which he has not since been, in the slightest degree, disturbed.
Subsequently to this period, Pomare has shown himself, on all occasions, the friend of Christianity and of the Mission- aries, and has joined hand in hand with them in such measures as appeared like- ly to promote the destruction of idola- try, and the dissemination of the Chris- tian religion among the islanders. He has also taken a great interest in the business of the printing-office. On the 10th of June,
• Ihe log of wood which loriiied the body of the great god Oro, which hafl so often occa- sioned wars in Ot;theite, was set up in the King's kitchen to hang baskets of food upon; a most despicable use, according to the ideas of the Otaheiteans. His family idols, in IsiC, he deli- vered to the Missionaries, accompanied by a letter, in which he thus expresses himself: — " Friends, May you be saved by Jehovah, and Jesus Christ, our Saviour. This is my speech to you, my friends: I wish you to send those idols to Britain, for the Missionary Society, that they may know the likeness of the gods that Tahiti worshipped. "If you think preper, you may burn tnem all in the fire; or, if you like, send them to your country, for the inspection of the people of Europe, that they may satisfy their curiosity, and know Tahiti's foolish gods!" The Missionaries concluded to send them to Eng- land, and they are now deposited in the So- ciety's Museum.
Missionary/ Sketches, JSo. XUL-^April, 18^1.
iSl7, he came over to Eimeo, on occa- sion of the first composing for the press, and, under the direction of the Mission- aries, he himself composed the alphabet at the beginning of the Taheitean Spel- ling-book, which was the first process of the kind ever performed in his dominions.
In the following month he wrote let- ters to the Rev. Sam. Marsden, of New South Wales, and some of the Brethren, who left the islands in 1809, and had set- tled in the colony. In that to Mr. Mars- den he says, *' Health and prosperity to you, and also to your family, and the salvation of Jesus Christ, who is the true Saviour by whom we can be saved. The word of God has taken great root here at Taheite, and also ve- rily at Raiatea, and in the other islands ; the word of the true God is generally be- lieved; he himself caused his word to take root, and therefore it succeeds in these countries. From ancient times these countries were perpetually enve- loped in gross darkness, but at this pre- sent time they are illuminated ; by Je- hovah himself the light was communi- cated, consequently they are enlighten- ed, and are brought to know and receive the excellent word; the Lord himself graciously sent to us his word, therefore it is that we are now instructed. The idols of these countries are wholly abo- lished ; they are burned in the fire ; also are abolished the various customs connected with them ; they are totally cast away by the people; all this has been effected only by the word of God."
On the 6th of December, in the same year (1817), a vessel, of about 70 tons burden, which had been built by the Missionaries, was launched at Oponohu harbour, in Eimeo. On this occasion Pomare performed the usual ceremo- nies, and as he passed along, pronounced the words <' Jaorana Haweis" (i. e. *' Prosperity be to the Haweis.") It was the particular wish of Pomare that the vessel should be called after the lafe Dr. Haweis, as he had shown himself a distinguished friend of the Otaheiteans.*
On the 23d Feb. 1818, died Teina, Pomare's infant son. By this bereave- ment the Queen was greatly distressed, but the King did not appear to be much affected by it.
On the 13th May, 1818, a general meeting of the natives was held in Ei-
• See an interesting letttr from Pomare to the Doctor, inserted in the Evangelical Magazine for February 1820.
meo, when it was agreed to form a "Taheitean Auxiliary Missionary So- ciety," in aid of the Parent Society in England. On this occasion Pomare de- livered a sensible and interesting address, in which it was his object to excite his subjects to the display of greater libera- lity in the cause of the Gospel than they had ever formerly shown in favour of idolatry. The King was appointed Pre- sident of the Society. The first anni- versary of this Institution was held in what was called the Royal Mission Cha- pel, in the district of Pare, Otaheite, in May, 1819, on which occasion Pomare presided, and at least 5000 of the natives were present. The King and some of the pious Chiefs, as well as Mission- aries, addressed the meeting. Three of the Brethren preached at one time to three very large congregations, which were all collected within the Royal Cha- pel.* On the following Sabbath the King was baptized in the presence of a nume- rous assemblage of his subjects. Mr.Bick- nell administered the rite, and Mr. Heniy addressed the people on the occasion.
Pomare is about six feet in height, and proportionably stout, but stoops, and has rather a heaA'y appearance. He is about forty-five years of age. There is something morose in the ordi- nary aspect of his countenance, but this disappears the moment he enters into conversation. His voice is soft and agreeable; his address prepossessing; his manners easy and affable, and his disposi- tion kind, generous, and forgiving. He spends much of his time in making tours through the different parts of his domi- nions, accompanied by numerous atten- dants. When in his house, he sits on a mat, which is laid over grass, previously spread on the floor. He writes a great number of letters, keeps a journal, and is compiling a vocabulary of his own lan- guage. His posture, when writing, is to lie at full length on the ground. He is very inferior to his father in energy of character, and displays little of his dis- position to promote improvements, ei- ther in the erection of habitations, or in the cultivation of the ground.
Pomare has living one daughter (Ai- mata) by his second Queen, Tariitaria. To his present Queen, Taroa, who is the daughter of Tapa, King of Raiatea, and who is his third ^vife, he was married in the year 1814,
• The Royal Chapel is 712 feet long, by 54 wide. There are three pulpits, 2Ci) feet apart from each other, 29 rtoots, and 133 windo^Y3.
Each Subscriber of oize penny a-week, or upwards, is entitled every quarter to a new Sketch, and each Collector of one MUing per iccek, or upwards, to a Copy of the Quarterly Chronicle of the Society's Transactions. Applications to be made for the same to the Rev. J. Arundel, Home Secretary of the London Missionary Society, No. 8, Old Jewiy, London, through the Secretaries of any of the Auxiliary Societies or Associations in connexion with it.
J. Dcimett, Printer, Leather Lane, London.
Mi^^ionavv S^ttdie^, No. XIV.
For the Use ofihe Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the London iSlissiouary Societif.
SKETCH OF THE CHAPEL A^^D MISSION HOUSE At Le Resouvenir, Demerara.
This print is a representation of the Chapel and Minister's House at a plan- tation called Le Resouvenir, one of the Society's stations in the colony of De- merara.
The colony of Demerara is situated in Dutch Guiana, on the east coast of South America. It is bounded on the east by the colony of Berbice, and on the west by that of Essequebo. For about 20 miles inland, along the banks of the river Demerara, the country con- sists of extensive meadows. Planta- tions, chiefly of sugar, coflFee, and cotton, are regularly ranged on each side of the river. The culture of rice has also been introduced. The river, which is about two miles in breadth at its mouth, affords an excellent harbour for ships ; but a bar prevents the sail- ing of large ships up the river, which however is navigable for smaller vessels nearly 100 miles. The population of the imited colony of Demerara and Essequebo is estimated as follows :
Whites, about 3,000
' Free blacks, and coloured peo- ple, about 3,000
Slaves 72,000
Total 78,000
The mission to Demerara was under- taken by the Society in the year 1808, in consequence of an application from Mr. Post, a respectable Dutch planter, who possessed the estate called Le Re- souvenir, situated about eight miles from the principal town, then called Staarbrook, but now George Town. Mr. Post had previously taken much laud- able pains with his slaves, and kept a schoolmaster for their instruction. The Directors, considering this application as a special call of Providence, sent out Mr. John Wray, who had been educated at Gosport, who was received and en- tertained by Mr. Post with truly Chris- tian hospitality.
Mr. Wray immediately entered upon his work, and found the poor negroes very ready and willing to hear the word ; so that additional seats were, from week to week, provided for their accommoda- tion. The congregation increased so much that it was soon found necessary to build a chapel, which was opened Sept. 11, 1808. About 700 people assembled, and Mr. Wray preached from Luke xix. 9. '* This day is salvation come to this house." This chapel was erected chiefly at the expense of Mr. Post, who laid out for the place of worship, and the minister's house, more than a thousand pounds! — a noble example of liberality ! This good man, who did not live long to enjoy the pleasure of witnessing the increasing fruits of his labours, died on the 23d of April, 1809.
The attention of the blacks to reli- gious instruction, and the happy influ- ence of the gospel on their hearts and lives, were such as to encourage the Directors to send another Missionary, Mr. John Davies, who settled at George Town, and built a chapel there. He was afterwards joined by Mr. Elliot, who had previously laboured in the island of Tobago, and who has built a second chapel in George Town. * Both the congregations are large. The mem- bers of the churches diligently employ themselves in the instruction of others, by teaching them the catechism. The Scriptures are highly valued, and read by many. The Monthly Missionary Prayer Meetings are well attended. Auxiliary Missionary Societies have been established at all the chapels, and considerable sums cheerfully contri- buted by the slaves, from their scanty pittances, for the general cause of mis- sions. Much opposition has been made, in various ways, to the pious efforts of the Missionaries ; but the testimony of respectable proprietors of estates, that the religious negroes are the most valu- able and trust-worthy, is an argument which their opponents are not able to answer.
In the year 1813, Mr. Wray, having received an invitation from some gentle- men who had the management of the Crown estates in the neighbouring colo- ny of Berbice, removed from Demerara, with the consent of the Directors, to establish a mission there, and has since built a chapel at New Amsterdam.
Mr. Smith, another Missionary, suc- ceeded Mr. Wray at Le Resouvenir, where he still labours, with a very en- couraging portion of success. He bap- tized about 180 adults, in the course of two years.
Mr. Mercer, also, another Missionary, has laboured usefully for some time at several places in Demerara, but is not yet fixed in any settled station.
A few anecdotes, taken from the let- ters and journals of the above Mission- aries, will afford a pleasing illustration of the powerful effects which, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, have been pro- duced upon the minds of the poor, negro slaves.
In the close of the year 1808, Mr. Wray thus wrote to the Directors : — <' What a great and glorious change has taken place among the negroes since the Christmas 1807 ! Instead of following their vain amusements, numbers have turned to the Lord, and sing his praises. They now hate the things which they
• Mr. Elliot has also, recentiv, built another chapel on the west coast of the Demeiaia River.
Missionary Sketches, No. XIV. — July, 1821.
once loved, and delight in the things of Jesus, of which many of them never heard till lately. O thou blessed Gos- pel, what hast thou done ! Thy simple truths have subdued the most stubborn sinner, enlightened the darkest mind, changed the lion into a lamb, the swearer into a man of prayer, the child of wrath into an heir of heaven, and the sons and daughters of Satan into the children of God!
*' A negro was asked if he loved Jesus Christ, the Saviour; he replied, in a very affecting manner, *' Before you came, we did not know we had a Sa- viour to love."
<* Seldom a day comes but three or four slaves come to me to learn what they must do to be saved, and many are blessing God for bringing me here. ** Before you came," say they, *' we were poor ignorant creatures — knew not good from bad — no one teach us ; but now we are taught the way to happi- ness." Some who used to be drunk two or three times a-week are now become sober, and constantly attend the means of grace. Those whom the whip could not subdue for years, the Gospel has subdued in three months !" Some of them say, had their master (Mr. Post) given them the greatest gift in the world, it would not have pleased them so much, yea, that liberty itself would not have been equal to this blessing.
" More than 200 have learned Dr. Watts's First Catechism, and several some parts of the Assembly's, &c. ; and had I time and strength, I could teach as many more. Some spend their dinner hour in this delightful exercise, and tell me thai it is much better than eating. They possess great reverence for the word of God ; and it is wonder- ful how their minds are filled with a sense of his greatness, goodness, and holiness, of which a few months ago they knew nothing."
Good Behaviour of the Christian Negroes.
Their masters speak well of them, in general ; nor have I heard a single com- plaint, except in one instance — that was, that the man was too religious ; "for the fellow," said his master, *' is not satisfied with being religious himself, but stays up all night to preach to others. In every other respect he is a good servant ; so much so, that I would not sell him for 6000 guilders," (about ^460.) This is a pretty good proof that religion has not spoiled him.
Several gentlemen, who have noticed their appearance at chapel, have ex- pressed their pleasure in observing their very decent behaviour, and clean ap- pearance ; for tl>ey are generally dressed in white, of which they are very fond. These poor negroes arc far more deco-
rous in their conduct than many of out* own countrymen who attend public wor- ship in England.
The negroes finding that a new chapel must be erected, or the old one repaired, contrived, in nine months, to save, out of their little pittance, the sum of ^140.
There is a slave of the name of Gingo, who sets the tunes in the chapel. His master gives him task-work. When this is appointed, he says, ** Now, Gingo, when you have done this, you may go and pray." One day the master said, *' Gingo, I find that the best way to get any thing done in haste, is to tell the negroes that as soon as they have finished it, they may go and pray." Gingo judi- ciously replied, ♦* Me glad Massa know that pray do every ting." This poor creature died not long after ; and, which was very remarkable, his wife, a young woman, living on another plantation, died the same hour.
Mr. Elliot, who preaches in another part of Demerara, says, that several thousands of the negroes attend, at dif- ferent times, to hear the Gospel. He ap- pointed several catechists among them, by whose means some hundreds of the children hear the Scriptures read, and learn the catechism. You might travel several miles, and instead of hearing the song of the drunkard, as formerly, you might hear the voice of thanks- giving ; a great change has also taken place in their morals.
It would be gratifying and affecting to the friends of the Missipnary cause, could they but see the poor blacks sit- ting round the outside of the chapel under the cabbage trees ; but it is pain- ful to see thenT excluded for want of room, after coming, as many of them do, five or ten miles. They come from different plantations in companies ; and when they draw near the chapel, they stop and drink at a pool, which I un- derstand was made by Mr. Post, to ac- commodate the people.
Some time ago, two vessels from Do- minica arrived at Demerara with slaves, some of whom were Methodists, and had heard the Gospel at Dominica. A female slave, who had formerly lived there, went on board one of the ships to see them. As soon as they saw her, they exclaimed, "Here we are; we came from de word of God ; we been hearing de word of God in Dominica ; but we no know if we can can hear de word now. Poor we ! we no care where dem bring we, so we hear de word of of God !" On being told by their old friend that they would find a chapel and Missionaries there, their sorrow was instantly turned into joy, and they blessed the bearer of such happy lidings a thousand times ; and hailing those \xx the other ship, they cried out, " Keep good heart, dere be chapel here !"
MISSION TO MADAGASCAR.
Madagascar is a large island, in the Indian Sea, not far distant from the eastern coast of Africa, about 800 miles in length, and from 120 to 200 in breadth. The population is estimated at four millions. The language of the inhabitants has a great affinity to the Arabic. The French have repeatedly attempted to settle here, but without success. Radavia, who was formerly King of Ova, has obtained an ascendancy over most of the chiefs of the island, and now styles himself King of Madagascar. He appears much attached to the English, and has lately concluded a treaty with the British Government, by his Excellency Governor Farquhar, of the Mauritius, to put an end to the Slave Trade, which has been carried on there to a very great extent.
Two Missionaries, from this Society, were sent to Madagascar in the summer of 1818, viz. Mr. Bevan and Mr. Jones, with their wives. They were kindly re- ceived, and commenced a school at Tamatave, a sea-port town. The people generally were pleased at their settling among them, and gladly sent their children (aniong whom wei'e some of the families of the chiefs) for education. But it pleased God to visit the Missionaries with great affliction. Mrs. Jones and her infant, the infant of Mrs. Bevan, Mr. Bevan, and lastly Mrs. Bevan, were in a short time carried into eternity, while Mr. Jones, the only one who was visited with the Malegache fever, survived. He was obliged to remove to the Mauritius for the recovery of his health. It has pleased God mercifully to restore him ; and although his continuance there was greatly desired, chiefly on account of a flourish- ing school which was under his care, he could not be satisfied without endeavour- ing to renew the mission in Madagascar.
In Sketch, No. XII, we stated that Mr. Jones was about to proceed again to Mada- gascar, in company with a Commissioner, who had been appointed by his Excel- lency Governor Farquhar to visit the Court of King Radama on a political mission. This mission related to the conclusion of a treaty for the abolition of the Slave Trade, to which we have just alluded. On the 3d of October, 1820, after a voyage of a few days to Tamatave, and a long journey of about 300 miles into the interior of the island, Mr. Jones arrived, with Mr. Hastie, (the Commissioner alluded to,) at Tanananve^ the town where the King resides, by whom they were most graciously received.
Conferences were held, day after day, between the King, his chiefs and coun- sellors, and Mr. Hastie. The King was strongly inclined to abolish thp Slave Trade, but his principal people were averse to the measure, because it was by the sale of slaves that they procured the greater part of European articles. But the arguments employed by Mr. Hastie prevailed, and the King at length came to the determination immediately to abolish that wicked traffic. One of the conditions of the treaty, which the King insisted on as indispensable, was, that some of his people should go to England, and others lo the Mauritius, (ten to each,) to be instructed in useful arts and trades. " If your Government (said the King) will instruct my people, I am your's for ever."
A Proclamation was then issued, to put an immediate and total stop to the exportation of slaves. This occasioned a burst of joy from the people. The guns were fired, musical instruments were played, the people danced, the E»ritisli flag, together with that of Madagascar, were hoisted in the palace yard, and the multitude hailed. Liberty! liberty! as the gift of the British nation ! Never was such a joyful day in the island of Madagascar !
Mr. Jones ha^ang been treated with great kindness by the King, consented, at his earnest request, to continue at Tananarive, though it had been his intention to return for a time to the Mauritius. The King also encouraged Mr. Jones to write for more Missionaiies, and also for some mechanics, who might teach the most useful arts to his people. The King's brother-in-law. Prince Rataffl, has come to England, with nine youths, who are now placed by Government under the care of this Society, and are beginning to learn the English language ; after which, they will be placed under suitable masters, to learn the arts pro- posed. Their names are — Shermishe — Verkey — Romboa — Drinave — Jafincarafe — Volave — ^Thotoos — Rolam Balam— and Coutamauve.
The Prince intends to return in the month of July, and will be accompanied by another Missionary, the Rev. Mr. Jeffreys.
The Directors have engaged several pious young men, as Missionary artisans, for the island, who are expected to sail by another vessel in the month following.
Every pious reader will earnestly pray that the effectual blessing of God nwiy rest upon the Missionaries gone and going to Madagascar, and upon the youths who are come to England for Education.
The Directors have had the satisfaction to learn, that Mr. Griffiths, Missionary, sent out by the Society in October last, had, with Mrs. Griffiths, arrived safely at the Mauritius, on the 23d of January, and that he intended to proceed to join Mr. Jones, at Madagascar, in the month of April.
J. DeiineU, Prir.Ier, Leather Lane, Loudon
iHtli^^ionari) g^ttUt^e^, No. XV.
For the Use of the Weekly and Monthly Contributors to the Missionary
Society.
OF A
PART OF THE SKULL, WITH THE HORNS,
OF
A SPECIES OF RHINOCEROS,
(supposed to be the unicorn of scripture,)
Lately brought from Africa by the Rev. Mr. Camjpbell, and deposited in the MISSIONARY MUSEUM, OLD JEWRY, LONDON.
No. 1.
No. '3 i'< the outline of a part of the skull, witl) t!ie horns, of the oornmon Rfiinoocros of South AlVica, bVoujjht oyer by Mr. Caiiipbell, an-l deposited in tho Sooiel)'* iMuseuia. It is desigoed to show the shape, and not the retativc proportion.
Account of the Rev. Mr. Campbell's Journey from New Lattakoo to Kurree* chane^ as related by himself at the Annual Meeting of the Society, held at Queen Street Chapel, Lincoln's Inn Fields, May 10, 1821.
*' In about two months after leaving Cape Town 1 reached Ne\v Lattakoo.* 1 found Mateebe, the King of tlie place, alive and in good health ; and, in a conversa- tion with him, he said I had fulfilled my engagement in sending him Missionaries, and he had fulfilled his in giving them a kind reception. I Vv'ish 1 could iell of the glorious effects of the truth on his heart, and on the hearts of his subjects ; but of this I cannot yet speak. God works not always in haste ; ho tries the patience and faith of this Society there, as he did at Otaheite.
*' At a public meeting of the chief cap- tains of the nation, held at Lattakoo, they resolved to relinquish all olfcusive wars. Now here is a proof of the effect of the Gospel to surrounding tribes. ^Vhon I left Cape Town, I had no tlioughts of exploring new fields higher up in Africa ; but in tra- velling through the wiUU'raess, where there are not many objects to engage the at- tention, the mind will roam over various subjects. I knew the names of several countries beyond Lattakoo, a;id I conceived the idea of visiting them. On ai'riving at tliat city, I Avas astonished to find the king of one of those very countries on a visit to the king of Lattakoo. Such an occurrence is very rare. His name is Kossie, the king of Mashow. I got them to the room where I lodged. I was afraid that Mateebe would oppose my going further, as he is afraid of losing the traffic of the colony, in consequence of the Mission at Lattakoo. I stated to the two kings what 1 wished to do, and asked their advice. Kossie looked sig- nificantly at Mateci)C, as if he had said, *' Speak your mind first." The answer was a noble, and, I believe, a disinterested one ; he said, " 1 will never oppose the progress of the word of God." These were the very words. Kossie appeared to be pleased, but said he could give no opinion, unless he were in ;,he midst of his captains in the city of Mashow. Accordingly, we made preparations for our journey, but Kossie left Lattakoo a considerable time before us.
** The fiist nation we A-isitcd was that of the Tammahas or lied Cafircs. 1 had heard they were exceedingly barbarous, and given to plunder. On approaching their chief town, many of the inhal)itants were in the fields. Our travelling houses astonished them. They had never seen, nor perhaps heard of a wagon, nor of any thing drawn by animals. The chiefs and captains, and almost all the people, painted red, rushed out of the town and the fields, and appa- rcjitly full of wrath ; but yet tl.ey received us kindly, marched back at the head of our wagons, and directed us to halt in the middle of tiie town. Th<jy had two kinc-s, or go- • ■* Vi/.. Oa UiU.25lh Maich, li>2(>.
vernors. I had a meeting with them and the pi'incipal people, when I stated the object of my journey, and the willingness with which I believed you would send thera instructors. The younger king is about 40, the elder about (iO. The young king, whose name is