BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH-THE REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. Biographical Sketch. THE REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. MISSIONARY TO THE SOUTH SEAS. PART IV.-THE MARTYR. "NOT slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Of these words the life of Williams was a continued illustration. He was ever active-never idle-always finding something to do, and never slow to do it. During his visit to England, he was as busy as he had ever been during the busiest period of his labours in the missionary field. The story he had to tell was a wondrous one, and so many, in all quarters, wished to hear it, that for three years the greater part of his time was spent in attending and addressing missionary meetings. Scarce a town in England or Scotland but had its meeting; and thus, through his instrumentality, the interest in the South Sea mission was raised to a pitch of intensity greater, if possible, than was felt even when, after a "long night of toil," the first intelligence of the triumphs of the Gospel there was received. There are many of our readers who must remember these meetings, and with whom the impression of Williams' story, as it fell, full of simplicity and power, from his own lips, must still remain-not now to be effaced. He had other work, however, besides attending these. For, not to speak of the time and care required in superintending the printing of the Rarotongan Testament, he also occupied himself in preparing translations of numerous religious books and tracts; and his own well-known and singularly interesting work, entitled "Missionary Enterprises in the South Sea Islands," was composed during all the bustle of this engrossing period. Fascinating as every one who reads that work feels it to be, it was written during mere intervals of hardly procured leisure. It was received at the time with unprecedented favour, and many were the testimonials of approbation and delight which its author received from countrymen high in station and distinguished for talent. Nor has its popularity decreased. It is a book that will live as long as there are books in existence. There was still one thing, which, as Mr Williams had determined he would not return to the Pacific without, viz., a missionary ship, he now, under the sanction of the Society, set himself to procure; and with that view issued an appeal to the Christian public. The appeal was speedily and cordially responded to, so that in a short time nearly £4000 were raised, with which a vessel named the "Camden" was purchased, and thoroughly repaired. In that sum was included £500 from the Corporation of London. Williams presented to that body a petition and address; in which, after urging the immense advantage which accrued from mission 41 ary enterprise to the interests of commerce, and thereby to the welfare of a city which was a mart of commerce for the world, he asked their pecuniary aid. And so powerful was the impression which his address produced, that the munificent sum mentioned above was at once unanimously given. He soon afterwards took his departure; but before doing so, he received many pleasing proofs of the Christian love with which he was regarded. him from many warm hearts and generous hands; Letters, poetry, and presents were poured in upon and scarcely was the "Camden" repaired, when she was stored with presents of provisions and luxuries, such as rarely fall to the lot of those "who go down to the sea in ships." The kind people appeared to be determined that, whatever privations the mission families might endure after reaching the scenes of their labour, they should lack no good thing by the way. And many of these gifts came, not from the more affluent friends of the expedition, who, like Sir Culling Smith, had liberally stocked the pens and coops on the deck with some of the best sheep and tradesmen, and individuals in the humbler walks of poultry which his estate could furnish, but from life, who were forward in contributing to the same design. The conduct of the pilot who came to solicit the privilege of gratuitously conducting the "Camden" out of port (the regular charge for which was from living by supplying ships with filtered water, and £20 to £25), and of a pious man who obtained his who, after carrying off twenty tons to the "Camden," refused all remuneration, saying, "I know what this ship is going for, and I too will have the pleasure of giving a cup of cold water," greatly interested and affected Mr Williams. A few days before his departure, a valedictory service was held in the Tabernacle, London; at which, after addresses from various ministers, he bade the Society and Christian friends present an affectionate farewell. I am fully aware (said he) of the feelings of which my brethren and myself are conscious at the present moment. We know how to appreciate the endearments of civilized society; we know how to appreciate the entwinings of affectionate relatives; and we know that we are tearing away all the sympathies which bind heart to heart. We have gazed upon it all; we have taken it into consideration. I have looked at the violent storms to which we may be exposed-at the ferocity of the savages among whem placed the object in view in the opposite scale; and we are going; and having viewed it all, I have just fixing the eye of the mind intently upon the greatness and sublimity of that, I trust I can say, in the face of all difficulties and dangers: "None of these things move me; neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God." He sailed in the "Camden" on the 11th of April-thousands having assembled to witness his departure-and after a prosperous voyage, having touched at Cape Town and Sydney, arrived at Tutuila, one of the Samoas, on the 23d of November. On going on shore, he found that the majority of the people professed Christianity, and had several delightful meetings with them. We are told that at one meeting, After several natives had made their "little speeches," a very old chief arose, and said that many years ago a chief in a neighbouring village delivered this prophecy: "That the worship of the spirits would cease throughout Samoa-that a great white chief would come from beyond the distant horizon, who would overthrow their religion, and that all this would happen very shortly after his death." "That old man," he added, "died just before the lotu was brought to our land;" and then turning from the assembly, fixing his eyes intently upon Mr Williams, and pointing to him as he sat in their midst, he said, in a most impressive tone, "See! the prophecy is fulfilled. This is the great white chief who was to come from beyond the distant horizon; this is he who has overturned the worship of the spirits!" He then proceeded to show how completely the prediction had been verified, and concluded with an earnest exhortation to all to embrace the Word of God. After visiting several of the neighbouring islands, Williams wrote home as follows: The numbers who have renounced heathenism are very great. It is supposed that the whole group contains a population of sixty or seventy thousand, and of these about fifty thousand are under instruction. The desire for missionaries is intense and universal. Chiefs from all quarters came, some one hundred, others two hundred miles, and pleaded with us in the most urgent manner; and, if we had had twenty instead of three, all would have been readily disposed of. Your heart would have ached, had you seen the downcast dejected looks of those who were unsuccessful. Since my arrival, I have attended the opening of three or four places of worship, each of which will contain from twelve to eighteen hundred persons. In January he visited Rarotonga, where he was received by missionaries, king, and people, with every manifestation of joy and love; and the Bibles he brought were, if possible, more welcome than himself. In a letter to a friend, he says, The eagerness with which they received the Testaments would have cheered your heart, could you have been an eye-witness of the scene. The countenance of a successful applicant glistened with delight, while he held up his treasure to public view; others hugged the book; many kissed it; some sprang away like a dart, and did not stop till they entered their own dwellings, and exhibited their treasure to their wives and children; while others jumped and capered about like persons half frantic with joy. Many came with tears in their eyes, begging and beseeching that they might have one; and if it was said "You cannot read," the reply was, "But my son or my daughter can, and I can hear and understand them." These touching references, and the tears of the natives, acted so powerfully upon his tender spirit, that for a considerable time the place was a Bochim; pastor and people wept together, and nothing but sighs and sobs were to be heard throughout the assembly. Their sorrows tended to deepen those of their departing friend, and it was with pain that Mrs Williams remarked the depression under which he laboured. This to him was an unwonted state of mind. Formerly, when separating from his family on similar embassies of mercy, no sadness sat upon his countenance, and no feelings prevailed in his heart but those of hope and animation. But now the scene was changed. As if "coming events had already cast their shadow before them," and he felt its oppressive gloom creeping over him, he went forth dejected and weeping. Never before had his family seen him thus, and they "wondered and held their peace." He was accompanied in the voyage by Mr Harris, a gentleman who intended devoting himself to the missionary work, and by Captain Morgan. The first island which he visited after leaving the Samoas was Tanna. There he was very kindly received by the natives, and at their request, left teachers to instruct them in the truths of Christianity. On the evening of that day he made the last entry in his diary, as follows. The words are remarkable. "This is a memorable day—a day which will be transmitted to posterity; and the record of the events which have this day transpired, will exist after those who have taken an active part in them have retired into the shades of oblivion, and the results of this day will be" This pas sage has excited no little attention; and although it is very clear that it referred to the success with which his visit to Tanna had been crowned-he perhaps auguring well from that for the success of his future labours--some have thought that "he wrote, though unconsciously, under a supernatural impression." For his end was now near at hand, and he was soon to seal with his blood the testimony which he had so long and so nobly borne in behalf of his Master. guish the creeks and bays in the land, they put the vessel about, to lie-to during the night. The tragic narrative of the subsequent morning will be best detailed in the words of an eye-witness-Captain Morgan. Leaving Tanna, Williams steered for the After a week's stay, he sailed for Tahiti, Island of Erromanga, the natives of which were where-as subsequently at Raiatea, Eimeo, reputed to be in a grossly savage state; and the Borabora, &c.—he was received with like enthu-night coming on, and being unable to distinsiasm. Thereafter he returned to the Samoas, where for some months he remained, devising and maturing plans for carrying forward the good work, by the education of natives, &c. The many islands to the west, however, were still in darkness; and he now hastened to carry to them the good news which he had already been the first to declare to so many. But he did not commence the voyage--it was his last -without feelings of anxiety and fear. We are told that, before setting out, he preached from Acts xx. 36-38-principally dilating upon On reaching the head of the bay, we saw several natives standing at a distance; we made signs to them to come towards us, but they made signs for us to go away. We threw them some beads on shore, which they eagerly picked up, and came a little closer, and received from us some fish-hooks and beads, and a small looking-glass. On coming to a beautiful valley between the mountains, having a small run of water, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH-THE REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. we wished to ascertain if it was fresh, and we gave the chief a boat-bucket to fetch us some, and in about half-an-hour he returned running with the water, which, I think, gave Mr Williams and myself more confidence in the natives. They ran and brought us some cocoa-nuts, but still were extremely shy. Mr Williams drank of the water the native brought, and I held his hat to screen him from the 43 made their appearance, and dragged the body out of sight. Mr Harris was also cruelly murdered. Thus fell John Williams, through life the apostolic missionary, and now in death the devoted martyr! "Who can recall that name, and not be impressed with a sentiment of unearthly greatness? . ... How does the wave of Erromanga henceforth seem to redden with his blood, and to murmur with his name; and its corals to pile up their monument to the enterprise of his mission and the oblation of his death!"* The news of his death was first carried to Sydney, whither the "Camden" sailed, and where it excited the deepest distress. An application was immediately made to the governor for a ship-of-war, which might be despatched to Erromanga, to recover the remains, and convey the tidings of Williams' death to Samoa. The request was complied with; and on the 26th of February, the vessel, under the command of Captain Croker, reached the Island of Tanna. Here the first question asked by the natives was: "Where is Williams?" and when the sad truth was told, "they hung upon Mr Cunningham's hand, and wept like children. On the following morning, they reached the scene of the dreadful tragedy, and Captain Croker, his second lieutenant, Mr Cunningham, and others, put off for the shore; but as they ap proached it, they heard the reverberation of the war conch, and saw the savages flying in all directions. At length, however, communications were opened, and the wretched creatures confessed that they had devoured the bodies, of which nothing remained but some of the bones. These, including the skulls, were, after hours of delay, brought to the boat; and having satisfied himself that he now possessed all the mutilated relics of the murdered missionaries which could be obtained, Captain Croker hastened from these horrid shores." He seemed pleased with the natives, and attributed their shyness to the ill-treatment they must have received from foreigners visiting the island on some former occasion. Mr Cunningham asked him if he thought of going on shore. I think he said he should not have the slightest fear, and then remarked to me, "Captain, you know we like to take possession of the land, and if we can only leave good impressions on the minds of the natives, we can come again and leave teachers; we must be content to do a little; you know Babel was not built in a day." He did not intend to leave a teacher this time. Mr Harris asked him if he might go on shore, or if he had any objection; he said, "No, not any." Mr Harris then waded on shore. As soon as he landed the natives ran from him; but Mr Williams told him to sit down. He did so, and the natives came close to him and brought him some cocoa-nuts, and opened them for him to drink. Mr Williams remarked, he saw a number of native boys playing, and thought it a good sign, as implying that the natives had no bad intentions: I said, I thought so too, but I would rather see some women also; because when the natives re solve on mischief they send the women out of the way. There were no women on the beach. At last he got up, went forward in the boat, and landed. He presented his hand to the natives, which they were unwilling to take; he then called to me to hand some cloth out of the boat, and he sat down and divided it among them, endeavouring to win their ¡ confidence. All three walked up the beach-Mr Harris first; Mr Williams and Mr Cunningham followed. After they had walked about a hundred yards, they turned to the right, alongside of the bush, and I lost sight of them. Mr Harris was the farthest off. I then went on shore, supposing we had found favour in the eyes of the people. I stopped to see the boat anchored safely, and then walked up the beach towards the spot where the others had proceeded; but before I had gone a hundred yards, the boat's crew called out to me to run to the boat. I looked round, and saw Mr Williams and Mr CunThey sailed straight for Samoa. "The first ningham running; Mr Cunningham towards the boat, and Mr Williams straight for the sea, with one native canoe that reached us," said an eye-witness, close behind him. I got into the boat, and by this was guided by a middle-aged man, who, as time two natives were close behind me, though I did soon as we were within hail, called out to our not see them at the moment. By this time Mr Wil-native teachers, inquiring for Missi William ;' liams had got to the water, but, the beach being stony and steep, he fell backward, and the native struck him with a club, and often repeated the blow; a short time after, another native came up and struck him, and very soon another came up and pierced several arrows into his body. My heart was deeply wounded. As soon as I got into the boat I headed the boat towards Mr Williams, in hopes of rendering him some assistance, but the natives shot an arrow at us, which went under the arm of one of our seamen, through the lining of the boat into a timber, and there stuck fast. They also hove stones at the sametime. The boat's crew called out to me to lay the boat off; I did so, and we got clear of the arrows. I thought I might be able to get the body; for it lay on the beach a long time. At last I pulled alongside the brig, and made all sail, perceiving with the glass that the natives had left the body on the beach. I also ordered a gun to be fired, loaded with powder only, thinking to frighten the natives, so that I might get the body; the natives, however, and those who witnessed it will not forget the stunning and agonizing effect which the news of his death produced. The man seemed at once unhinged; he dropped his paddle, and stooped his head and wept. We, did not understand his words; but his gestures could not be misinterpreted. He accompanied us for some time, making various inquiries; but no smile lightened his expressive countenance, and ever and anon he burst out into fresh cries and tears." Mrs Williams resided at Samoa, and the paralyzing intelligence was conveyed to her at the dead hour of night; and terrible and protracted was her anguish. Nor was she alone in her grief. "Had the death-scene in Egypt been that night repeated in Samoa, lamenta Rev. Dr Hamilton of Leeds. tions more bitter and cries more piercing could scarcely have attended it, than those which this intelligence awakened. In a short time every sleeping native had been aroused, and through the morning twilight they were seen grouped together in solemn and sorrowful communication, while everywhere might be heard the sounds of distress." And as the vessel carried the sad news from island to island, similar scenes occurred the same depth of sorrow and emotion was everywhere irrepressibly exhibited. "Aue Williamu! Aue Tama!"-"Alas, Williams! alas, our father!"--was the universal ery. They felt they had lost a friend—a friend the best they had on earth-their spiritual father he who had been the first to declare to them that glorious Gospel, in whose salvation they rejoiced, and whose blissful reward they now hoped and waited for! And on none did the news come with more stunning effect than on his brother missionaries. He was greatly beloved by them all; his example and success had done much to strengthen and encourage them; while his extensive experience had enabled him to give them much valuable advice. He was, indeed, the head of the mission; and now that he was gone, there was none to fill his place. "The cedar had fallen." "By whom should Jacob now arise!" The intelligence of his death, when received in this country, spread a deep gloom over the religious public; and well do we remember how slow for a time many were to believe its truth. In London, several public services were held to mourn over and improve the event; while throughout the country, the pulpit, the platform, and the press, all united in testifying to his greatness and his worth.. His remains lie in Samoa. What a meeting will that be, when, on the resurrection morn, at the sound of the trump, he rises and again finds himself in the midst of those whom he had been the first to lead to Jesus! And how joyfully will he enter heaven at the head of the mighty throng! "Behold here am I, and the children whom thou hast given me !" THE SABBATH. THE world is full of toil;] It bids the traveller roam, O'erloaded and opprest-- The world is full of care; The haggard brow is wrought And check'd the heavenward thought; The Sabbath's chastening tone The world is full of grief; Sorrows o'er sorrows roll, A dangerous flood it rolls, Of reefs and wrecks below, There is a world, where none With fruitless labour sigh! Hath never forged her chains, MRS L. H. SIGOURNEY. POPISH RELICS. THE HOLY TUNIC OF TREVES AND THE ANTICHRIST is described in Scripture as coming with A catalogue of the multitudinous articles which the Church of Rome exhibits throughout her provinces, under the name of "relics," would be a singularly ludicrous, were it not a painfully humiliating, document-humiliating, whether we consider the fraudulent cupidity by which they must have been "got! up," or the miserable superstition which believes them genuine. Thus they profess to have in the Church of Lateran the ark which Moses made in the wilderness, together with his rod; and also the table at which our Lord instituted the sacrament of the supper! In St Peter's Church at Rome, they exhibit the cross of the repentant thief, the dice with which the soldiers cast lots for Christ's garment, and a millstone, on which, it is said, St Anthony sailed to Muscovy!! In other places they profess to have a finger and an arm of St Ann, the Virgin Mary's mother; a piece of POPISH RELICS-THE HOLY TUNIC OF TREVES, &c. the Virgin's veil; some of her husband's (Joseph's) breath, which an angel enclosed in a phial; a jawbone of Mary Magdalene; a piece of the rope with which Judas hanged himself; and many things even more absurd, which we would mention, but our doing so might excite a feeling of the ludicrous, which we should not wish our readers to associate in any case with our pages. And even this is not all; for, not satisfied with one, they have often several of each relic! Thus, although they possess at Lateran the eatire table at which our Saviour instituted the last supper, certain monks, both in Spain and Flanders, assert that they have pieces of it. Of the wood of the cross it has been calculated they have enough wherewith to erect a temple, while, according to a wellknown couplet, More locks of the Virgin's hair have been Than single hairs on hier head were seen. And so on with other duplicate relics, which, for the reason stated above, we forbear from mentioning. It is for things like these that they demand and receive the reverence and worship of the people. 45 places asserting that the garment is in their possession-and towards the close of last year, Arnold, the Romish bishop of the place, gave intimation that it would be publicly exhibited during seven weeks, for the veneration of the faithful! The announcement excited a great sensation over Germany, and we are told that hundreds of thousands of pilgrims hastened from all quarters to witness the exhibition-including many of the sick and diseased, who expected, by touching the holy relic, to be cured of all their troubles. The superstitious excitement of the populace on the occasion, strongly reminds one of the fanatical enthusiasm of the crusades. It is stated by a Protestant gentleman who visited the scene, that The steamer [in which he sailed to Treves] was soon converted into a floating chapel, and at frequent intervals during the whole of the day, the greater devotional exercises in prayers, singing hymns, and proportion of the passengers were engaged in their listening to the addresses of the priests, who, in turn, officiated and relieved each other. The subjects of these addresses had reference to the "Holy Tunic;" and the "Virgin Mother" seemed to be the chief object of adoration. During our progress we ever and anon passed boats of every size, from that of the humble fisherman to the largest craft which ply on the Moselle. These were returning from Treves, each with its full complement of pilgrims, as closely packed and regularly arranged as on the exterior of an English stagecoach in which every seat is occupied. All these boats, some of them with bands of music on board, were decorated (like our steamer) with colours, exhibiting, in every variety of form and gaudy hue, the holy coat. Before the Reformation, there were many such relics in Scotland. In the Glasgow Cathedral there were said to be, among other things, part of the wood of the cross, a piece of St Bartholomew's skin, and two bags filled with the bones of ancient saints. But in our day the British Romanists have no such things in their possession; at least if they have, we never hear of them. What will do in Italy or Spain would never do here. There is "light" in Britain, and they bring not such deeds of darkness to the light, "lest they be reproved." Indeed, when The beautiful and picturesque banks of the Papists in this country are spoken to privately on the Moselle also exhibited scenes of similar interest subject of these relics, their usual course is altogether and religious excitement. We overtook several to deny their existence. But such a course is exbands of pilgrims wending their weary way on foot, tremely foolish. Facts are overwhelmingly against with their gay colours, crosses, priests, and musical them. They might as well attempt to deny that they and adoration; the surrounding hills and valleys instruments, chanting their solemn hymns of praise are taught by their Church to believe in the doctrines responding to, and swelling with the pealing anthems of purgatory and the mass-doctrines which, by the of these peaceful, simple-hearted victims of superstiway, have a common origin with that of "relics," tion and delusion. These processions were composed viz., the avarice of the priesthood. It was the obof from one thousand to three thousand individuals servation of an old author, that "the fire of purga-provisions, &c., and probably also the aged and infirm. in each, with from six to ten waggons, containing tory was kindled, not for the purification of souls, but for the warming of the Pope's kitchen;" and the mass, it is well known, is chiefly powerful in relieving the souls of the departed when the equivalent, in the shape of money, is laid down by the surviving friends. The doctrine of relics forms but a branch of the same corrupt money-making system, and is commonly a very successful branch-the appeal being made to the people when, under the influence of excited superstition, they are never slow to give. An event has recently occurred on the Continent which has had the effect of calling the public attention forcibly to this subject, and promises to be followed there by consequences of no mean importance. We refer to the exhibition at Treves of the so-called Holy Tunic. The cathedral there, it would appear, lays claim to the possession of the garment without scam which our Saviour wore, and for which his executioners cast lots a claim which, as usual, is disputed, the ecclesiastics of eleven other Having arrived at Treves, we are told that The scene of excitement, bustle, and confusion which the whole town presented, was such as the imagination cannot picture, or language accurately describe. In the market-place, and more open streets and avenues leading to the cathedral, were erected ranges of booths, sheds, &c., as on the occasion of a periodical fair. These, like the regular shops, were well furnished with provisions, and a profusion of articles, such as handkerchiefs, &c., on which were figured the holy coat in every variety of form and representation. The entire areas, not occupied by these booths, &c., were crowded to excess by the assembled thousands of strangers and pilgrims, attracted thither from all parts of Germany, France, Belgium, and Holland. The pilgrim processions were regularly marshalled and arranged, under the civil and military. Each procession was composed direction of the priests and other authorities, both of many hundreds of individuals, all slowly progressing in the direction of the cathedral, into which none were admitted without tickets. We requested a |