MISSIONARY MAGAZINE AND CHRONICLE; RELATING CHIEFLY TO THE MISSIONS OF The London Missionary Society. SUBSCRIPTIONS and DONATIONS in aid of the Funds of this Society will be thankfully received by the Treasurer or Secretaries, at the Mission House, Blomfield-street, Finsbury, and by Messrs. Hankey, the Society's Bankers, 7, Fenchurch-street, London; in Edinburgh, by Mr. George Yule, Broughton Hall; in Glasgow, by Mr. Risk, 9, Cochranestreet; and in Dublin, by Messrs. J. D. La Touche and Co., or at 7, Lower Abbey-street. NEW SCHOOL-HOUSE AT RAROTONGA. THE view here presented is copied from a drawing transmitted from Rarotonga by the Rev. Charles Pitman. There are two principal stations in the island, Gnatangiia and Avarua, occupied by Mr. Pitman and Mr. Buzacott respectively. The sketch at the head of this article comprises an accurate representation of the Mission buildings at Gnatangiia, with part of the scenery by which they are surrounded. The building on the left is the former school-house, that in the centre the dwelling-house of the Missionary, and the other, which forms the most conspicuous object, is the new school-house, which was finished in August last, and of which a more detailed account is now to be given. Mr. Pitman thus writes respecting it : VOL. XVII. 2 K "This new building which, as well as the stone chapel at Titikaveka, has been erected without the slightest expense to the Society, stands in front of our little harbour, and measures 72 feet by 32 inside. The walls 16 feet high, and 2 feet thick, are built with a species of porcelain coral, so hard as to ring with a metallic sound when struck. The lime is formed of burnt coral mixed with river sand. There are 16 windows and 4 doors, each of them arched with hewn blocks of soft coral, and the whole building is plastered and stuccoed on the outside in imitation of cut stone. The roof is composed of thatch laid upon a framework of sawn timber, and the beams are formed of toa or iron-wood." After stating that the sketch was taken by a friend residing in the island, who had previously rendered acceptable service by first making a plan of the schoolhouse and afterwards superintending its erection, Mr. Pitman remarks :—“I də not expect this building will be sufficient to hold all our children, who, when assembled, considerably exceed one thousand in number; and all of them, I am happy to say, are making good progress in the common branches of education. May the Lord be graciously pleased to bless our endeavours to benefit the young and rising generation within the walls of this building, and may they prove a generation who shall love and fear God, and ultimately be instrumental in extending Messiah's kingdom!" The accounts lately received from the brethren, of the extent to which the favour and blessing of God continue to descend upon their labours among the natives of Rarotonga, are eminently calculated to animate and encourage the friends of Missions, in their prayers and efforts for the wider diffusion among the heathen of the message of redeeming mercy. Portions of the recent correspondence of Messrs. Pitman and Buzacott, confirmatory of the statement now made, are annexed : From the Rev. C. Pitman to the Foreign Secretary, Gaatangiia, Aug. 11, 1838. We are, my dear Sir, greatly encouraged in our work, and have abundant cause for thankfulness to the God of mercy for a continuation of his favours. He is graciously pleased to smile upon our feeble efforts, and from the success already vouchsafed, we have reason to hope that he has "much people in this place." "The fear of the Lord has fallen" upon many, "and the name of the Lord Jesus is magnified." If this be "the work of the Lord, it will stand; if of man, it will come to nought." The spirit of inquiry is become general, and applications for admission into the church by baptism, and to unite with us in Christiau fellowship, are numerous. I have had the pleasure to baptise 75 adults, and 100 children, during the past year, and to give the "right hand of fellowship" to 47, most of whom speak of their convictions of sin as having been produced under a preached Gospel. Amongst these are some who were noted for their obstinate adherence to their evil ways, and also some of my first scholars. The number now united in church fellowship is 127. An unusual number have died, but it is no small pleasure to inform you, that, of by far the greatest number, we have hopes as it respects their salvation. Of this we can not speak assuredly, but the evidence given of their views of sin,-of their humble reliance upon Christ-and on him alone, to the utter exclusion of any performance of their own-the removal of their fears-their fervent prayers-and the exhortations they gave to their surviving relatives-lead us to indulge a humble hope that they have been washed in "that fountain which cleanseth from all sin." Of an equally gratifying description is the intelligence transmitted by Mr. Pitman's beloved brother and fellow-labourer, Mr. Buzacott, who at a later date writes as follows: From Rev. A. Buzacott to the Foreign Se cretary, Avarua, Dec. 8, 1838. In this island you will rejoice to hear that the work of God continues to flourish greatly. Our churches increase rapidly, and our candidates are equally numerous. The affecting inquiry, "What shall I do to be saved?" is frequently presented to and the anxious solicitude and consistent. lives of many encourage us to hope that they are sincere. Great attention is mani fested in hearing, and great eagerness in attending the means of grace, both on Sab bath and on week days. I do not know when the religious excitement has been greater than it is at present. Many are daily coming to us professing to be under the deepest concern for their souls. Many from among the young, and even some children, appear to be deeply impressed with divine things. Many, also, from the ranks of the refractory party, which is now, I am happy to say, but small, have lately joined the classes of steady people, and attend diligently to instruction. Oh, help us to praise the Lord for his goodness, that he has made us the happy instruments of so much good; that he in his all-wise and inscrutable conduct has thus seen fit to "cause the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty." "Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight." Disease continues to thin our ranks. Upwards of 150 at Avarua, and nearly an equal number at Arorangi, have died this year; concerning the greater number of whom we are happy to say there was hope in their death, and several have died rejoicing. Marau and Teatai, two of our earliest members, were among the happy number; death to them had no sting, but appeared as a welcome friend to conduct them to the presence of Him whom their souls loved. Their lives were exemplary, their exertions to do good to their fellow-creatures great, and their labours of love were owned and blessed. Marau was about to be set apart as a deacon, and had indulged hopes of one day carrying the Gospel to some heathen land, but disease cut short his career. several months he bore his affliction with the most exemplary patience, and during the latter part of it he was very desirous to depart and be with Christ, though humbly submissive to the will of God, whose time he patiently waited till his happy spirit obtained its joyful release. For Teatai usefully employed his time in instructing a number of young men to read, until the painful disease which had consumed his hands and feet, deprived him also of his sight, the loss of which as it prevented him from reading was more severely felt. But notwithstanding these privations, he was by no means useless or laid aside; he continued to preside over his class of young men, and being blessed with a retentive memory, he could recollect nearly the whole of the sermons he heard, and at their meeting, after the services, he would examine them as to what they remembered and understood of the discourses. He was frequently called upon to read and pray in public, when he would stand up and repeat chapters sometimes out of the Old Testa ment, and sometimes out of the New, with the greatest accuracy, holding the book in the stumps of his arms, as he used to say he was ashamed to stand up and read without a book. His class of young men have most of them turned out well. Three of them are members of the church, two more are candidates, and most of them are usefully employed in the school as teachers; two of them have proposed themselves as teachers to the heathen, eight are undergoing a course of preparatory instruction, and one of them some years since died joyfully in the Lord. Teatai was so universally respected, that, though he was a poor man, the principal chiefs of the station frequently visited him, and during his long affliction would not allow him to suffer for the want of any little comfort, such as food or clothing. After he was confined altogether to his house, numbers who were in distress of mind used to visit him, and his advice to such was usually suitable and judicious. He bore his afflictions with exemplary patience, till at last worn out with disease, and in a full assurance of a blessed immortality through the merits of his blessed Redeemer, on whom he humbly depended, he departed this life to be for ever with the Lord. Several things I have since heard have fully confirmed us in our good opinion of him ; two of which I shall mention. Okotai, one of his class of young men, came to me to open his mind, and appeared under great concern for the salvation of his soul, saying that his mind was first im. pressed by what Teatai had said to him just before he died. Having called him to his bedside, he charged him in the most solemn manner to meet him in heaven; and adding, that though he had knowledge in one sense, yet that of saving knowledge he was afraid he was destitute, and unless he knew and felt himself a sinner, and humbly depended on Christ for salvation, he would never reach heaven. The young man is now a candidate for church fellowship, and I hope is truly converted to God. The other circumstance I shall mention, is, that when one day visiting the sick, I was conversing with a relation of Teatai's, and inquired of him if he felt any concern for the salvation of his soul, he said he did, and had done so since the time that Teatai sent for him and all his other relations, when he was dying, and exhorted them in the most faithful manner to prepare to follow him. O help us to praise the Lord for his goodness, and for these manifestations of his grace towards these poor people. SOUTH OF INDIA.-MISSION AT VIZAGAPATAM. THE subjoined extracts of a letter from Mr. Porter, dated in November last, form the conclusion of the pleasing intelligence respecting this Mission, the first part of which was published in the Missionary Magazine for May. We regret that the insertion of these extracts has been so long withheld, but the occurrence of two public meetings in succession, and the immediate claims upon our space thereby occasioned, rendered the delay unavoidable. In furnishing a retrospective view of his labours and proceedings since arriving at his station, in 1835, Mr. Porter thus proceeds : Formation of an Infant School. As In the first place I must mention the establishment of a native infant school. Subscriptions for the support of a school on this system had been entered into before our arrival at the station, and a considerable sum had been subscribed. As no one else could assume the management of it, we thought it our duty to take it up rather than let it fall to the ground. We succeeded after much trouble in obtaining a schoolmaster from Madras, who was instructed in the system at Calcutta. there was no suitable school-room to be obtained, we commenced the school in the lower part of our own house in the Fort. After six months we succeeded in purchasing a school-room, in which the school is now kept. The number of scholars at one time was upwards of 70, but in consequence of the removal of our native orphan children with us to the Mission gardens, the number decreased; yet I am happy to say that instead of one, we have now two schools established on this system. The native orphan children have very much improved under it, and I doubt not that it will prove a great blessing to them. Native English School. The next thing I must mention is the establishment of a native English school. Some time after our arrival here several native boys came to our house, entreating us to give them instruction in the English language. I attended to them two hours in the day; but as I found I could not spare the time, being much engaged in the study of the Teloogoo, I determined upon establishing a good school on the same principles as the Assembly's school at Madras, under the care of the Rev. J. Anderson. A meeting was therefore held in March 1836, at which the Collector, the Missionaries, and many of the respectable natives, were present, when it was resolved that a school be established under the superintendence of one of the Missionaries, for the instruction of the natives in the English language and literature; and that subscriptions and donations be entered into immediately, in order to build a good school-room, and to support a well-edu. cated schoolmaster. Soon afterwards a suitable person was obtained from Madras, and the school was opened in September 1836 under our own roof, until the new school-room should be completed. At the commencement only a few boys attended, but the number has considerably increased, and there are now up. wards of sixty native boys receiving the benefits of an English education. They are instructed in English history, scripture lessons, geography, grammar, arithmetic, and the elements of astronomy, and are examined twice every week. They appear much interested in the system of education pursued, and some of the boys have made considerable progress, particularly in geography and arithmetic. There are a few so desirous to improve that they have given up, of their own accord, attending the native feasts in order to derive the full advantages of this institution. I am happy to say that the boys make no objection to the reading of the Holy Scriptures, and at the request of some of the elder boys of the first class the school is now opened and concluded with prayer. The new school-room is finished, and was opened on the 3rd of August, 1837, when a public examination of the school was held. Major General Welsh and other European and nativegentlemen attended, and expressed themselves much satisfied with the progress the boys had made. This school is supported by local funds from the native European gentlemen, but chiefly by the Zemindars, and is entirely independent of the Society for support. The Rajah of Vizianagrum, now residing at Benares, granteda liberal donation of 350 rupees to the school, and a subscription of 35 rupees per month. This school has occupied a large share of my time and attention, and I doubt not that much good will result from it. In the attainment of the native language I have found the attention I have given to the school a great assistance to me in the acquisition of the Teloogoo, as the boys are made to translate the English into Teloogoo, in order to know whether they thoroughly understand what they read. Native Female Orphan School. Besides these schools, Mrs. P. established in December 1835, a native orphan school. As we found the prejudices of the natives in reference to female education very great, the only plan we could adopt for the spiritual benefit of the females was to establish a native female orphan school, in which the children might be entirely under our management. Our great aim was to get them altogether under the influence of Christian example and instruction. I am happy to say we have succeeded beyond our expectations. We have now upwards of 40 children, chiefly females, who are receiving the benefits of this Institution. We have found much encouragement in this department of labour, and doubt not but that many poor heathen children will by this means be brought to a saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. This school is chiefly under the care of my dear partner, and she has bestowed much pains on it. All these schools are entirely independent of the Society for support, and are chiefly carried on by local contributions and by the kind aid which our dear friends in England have at various times afforded to us, and for which we return them our warmest thanks. The schools supported by the Society are chiefly under the care of brother Gordon; a few are under my superintendence. I am sure you will be gratified to know that upwards of 3,000 rupees, local subscriptions, have been subscribed towards the various objects of the Mission during the past year. Major-General Welsh, now a resident at this place, is a very liberal contributor to the various schools connected with the Mission. Preaching. Besides the superintendence of these schools, I am generally engaged in preaching the Gospel to the natives, either in the town or the village, five or six times during the week. I often long for the bracing climate of England to be enabled to do more, but I desire to feel very thankful for that measure of health which the Lord has granted me. New Places of Worship opened. Since February last we have opened two small village chapels, in which Divine service is held once a week. One is situate at Mulkupoor, a village three miles south of the town; the other at Madrepollam, a village about four miles north. The chapel at the last-mentioned village is a very neat building, affording accommodation to about 300 persons. It was opened about three weeks since, on which occasion most of our orphan children attended, some members of the church, and a good number of natives. The place was well filled, and it was indeed delightful to hear the praises of Immanuel sung by those who were once heathens in a heathen village. The people heard the Word with great attention. Brother Gordon introduced the service, and I preached in Teloogoo from the 11th chapter of Matthew-"Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Many women were in attendance, a circumstance very rare in the towns, as the husbands will not allow their wives to go. The chapel is situated near a small idol temple where the inhabitants formerly held their feast. Many of the people appear convinced of the folly of idolatry, and are anxious to learn about the true way of salvation. I have just returned from Ankapilly, a large town twenty miles south of this station, where we have lately opened a school. A new school-room has been built, and last Sabbath it was opened for Divine service, held twice on the Sabbath, and once on Monday evening. The attendance of the natives was encouraging, especially on Monday evening, when the room was quite filled, and many stood outside to hear the Word. The inhabitants have expressed a wish for a Missionary to reside amongst them. With the help of my Moonshee I have translated" Henry and his Bearer," and the "Ayah and her Lady;" these little works are now published, and in circulation among the natives, and I am happy to say the people appear well pleased with them. Anticipated increase of Labourers. I am rejoiced to tell you that we have now two young men wh are likely to fill the place of assistant Missionaries-Mr. Johnson and Mr. Thompson; the former is a member of the church at Madras, under the care of our respected brother, the Rev. J. Smith; the latter is a member of the church in this place. Mr. T. is well acquainted with Teloogoo, and is now able to speak with fluency in the language on the great truths of salvation. They are both truly pious young men, and we trust that the Lord may render them valuable labourers in his vineyard. After they have received more theological instruction, we propose to locate them at one of our large out-stations, where the people are greatly in need of a stated Missionary. The schoolmaster at Ankapilly is supported by the natives, and we have supplied him with Christian books, which the children read and commit to memory. We hope soon to establish another school at a large village twelve miles distant, supported in the same man ner. |