This is an additional call on us to labour while it is called to-day; here is a call to the Christian church, not indeed for gold and silver, but living agents to fill our thinned ranks; here is a call on every Christian to adore the procedure of that gracious and holy Being who hath given his only begotten Son for the salvation of man, while contemplating Eastern Asia, lying in wickedness and practising every abomination; few, very few, to tell them that there is a lie in their right hand, and to call them to repentance; and those few, in the inscrutable wisdom of God, made fewer almost every month. Stevens died in December, 1836, Wolfe in April, 1837! The inquiry cannot but occur, Who will be the next? Though it cannot be answered, yet the thought will occur, and so it ought; for a warning should be taken. Will it be Bridgman? Then Canton will be vacant. Will it be Beighton? Then not a station only will be vacant, but the Malay Mission in the Straits? Will it be the writer of these lines? Yea, it may be; yea, it is possible that ere these lines are read, the fingers that guide the pen may be stiff in death! Ask the talented and pious youth of Britain, if there is not one among them that will step into the breach made by the death of Wolfe. One, did I say? Are there not many, very many, in whose bosoms, when they hear that Wolfe is fallen, an ardent, an unquenchable desire will glow, to occupy his place and take up his weapons? FEMALE MALAY SCHOOL AT PINANG. MRS. BEIGHTON, the wife of our devoted brother, the Rev. T. Beighton, at Pinang, makes the following application on behalf of the school which has long been the object of her patient and assiduous labours. In a letter, dated 23rd of May last, Mrs. Beighton writes:— I am happy to state that we have rather a flourishing Malay Female School. The girls are 22 in number. We are assisted by a few ladies who take an interest in female education, and have formed a Committee to visit the school. At present our funds are very small, as two native Christian teachers are daily expected, to labour among the Cling people, who have hitherto been entirely without Christian instruction; and these teachers must be supported from the funds of our new Association.* We shall feel obliged by any small donation; and remnants or pieces of strong washing chintzes, needles, thimbles, thread, for the girls' school would be very acceptable and useful. [Articles of the foregoing description would be gratefully received at the Mission House, Blomfield-street, and forwarded thence to Pinang by the earliest suitable conveyance.] SURAT. In the late destructive fire at Surat, the providential mercy of the Lord was signally vouchsafed to his people in that city; none of whom have suffered in their temporal circumstances by the fearful and widely extended calamity now referred to. The Mission premises, of which a representation was given in our last number, have been untouched by the flames, although the conflagration raged on every side, threatening the whole city with total destruction. The event has made a deep impression on the minds of the native inhabitants, and to some of them, it is hoped, will be sanctified under the influence of Divine grace. In a letter, bearing date May 13th, Mr. A. Fyvie thus refers to the subject: My object in addressing you at present is to make you acquainted with the late visitation of Divine Providence to this large and wicked city. We have had to sing of mercy and judgment; and while you and the other Directors will mourn over the misery into which many of our fellowcreatures have been suddenly plunged, you will see much cause for gratitude to God for 1836. preserving the Mission families, and all the Mission property in peace and safety. About six o'clock, P.M., on Monday, the 24th of April, a fire broke out about half a mile to the E. S. E. of the Mission House. All the means of assistance which Government could afford were soon in operation, but the devouring element mocked every attempt to restrain and destroy its influence. The Prince of Wales' Island Christian Association, a local Society formed at Pinang, in November, It spread with such amazing rapidity through the most substantially built houses, to the north, south east, and west, that in a few hours no hope remained of extinguishing it by human instrumentality. About nine o'clock, the wind blowing strongly from the north, turned the chief current of fire towards the south. In this direction it travelled on for a long way through one of the most populous, rich, and busy parts of the city. The fire in this sweep extended about two and a half furlongs in breadth, and in its progress brought houses, temples, and trees to one and the same fate, utter destruction. On the morning of the 25th the north wind ceased, and was succeeded by a calm which lasted for four hours. During this period the fire extended in length a full mile and a half; and the smoke and flames ascended up towards the heavens in such an awful manner as to make the hardest hearts tremble. What Abraham beheld when he rose early in the morning and looked towards Sodom and Gomorrah, after his ineffectual intercession for those devoted cities, was not, perhaps, unlike the awful scene. About one o'clock the wind veered round, and of itself almost blew flames, so that the thermometer stood for several hours at 100, in the Mission-house. This change of wind turned the strength of the fire towards the east, and so intense was the heat from the sun, wind, and fire, that not even a native could approach near the place of contact. The native magistrate and his people were paralysed-the wind increased -balls of fire were carried over the inner wall and moat-the massy gate in that quarter, with its doors, bolts, and bars, was burned down, and the flames, quick as thought, spread in all directions in the suburbs, and travelled towards the east, through the most populous and rich locality, beyond the inner walls, destroying houses, temples, mosques, and every thing which came in its way, and finally burned itself out near to the nabob's palace, at the eastern gate of the city, on the 26th. By this disastrous occurrence almost the whole city and suburbs have been laid in ruins, and many years must elapse before they can be restored to their former state. The official returns are 9,373 houses entirely destroyed; lives lost by the fire and the falling of walls, roofs, &c., as yet not exactly known; loss of moveable property not estimated, but the loss sustained by the destruction of houses amounts, at a very low valuation, to 468,650. The fire broke out and raged for some hours in houses belonging to rich Parsees, chiefly ship and land-owners. The sweep which it took from nine till three next morning, destroyed the fruit, vegetable, and grain bazaars, the native exchange, together with the houses, offices, and shops of the chief bankers, grain-dealers, cotton and wood merchants, and monied people of all descriptions, chiefly Hindus, and also some richly endowed idol temples. The sweep which it took from seven to one, P.M., on the 25th, was confined chiefly to the houses of mechanics, and to a few very rich temples. The sweep to the eastward passed through places inhabited principally by Hindus and Mohammedans of the Bhora caste; the latter of whom are a very enterprising people in all kinds of trade, on whom the mass of the inhabitants were much dependent. During this fearful scene all was confusion and misery over the whole place. Ordinary business was suspended for a week, and as yet has recovered only a very little. Many of the people cannot obtain houses either to purchase or rent; and, as the rainy season will set in soon, building on any large scale cannot be commenced till October next, when the rains cease. The Brahmins are very busy making collections and offer. ing burnt-sacrifices in front of the houses which have been saved; and they talk of making a large propitiatory offering to bring back the gods whose temples and shrines have been reduced to ashes. Many of the people, however, acknowledge this disastrous event as a judgment from God on account of their wickedness; and hardened and blinded as they generally are, I never had such large and attentive congregations as I have had since the fire abated, nor such liberty in declaring the words of eternal life. May the Lord in mercy pour out his Spirit in rich abundance! It is matter of thankfulness that none of the baptised natives have in the least suffered in their temporal affairs; but several of those whom we consider hopeful inquirers have lost their all. It is also a source of gratitude that the country is full of grain, and that such abundance has already been brought in as to make the price lower than before the fire broke out. The Government has behaved most generously to the sufferers, and many public subscriptions are going on in various parts, on their behalf, under the Bombay Presidency. AUXILIARIES. NOTICE TO AUXILIARY SOCIETIES IN LONDON. The Officers and Committees of the Ladies' Auxiliary Societies in London and its vicinity are respectfully requested to meet at the Mission House, Blomfield-street, Finsbury, on Thursday, 29th instant, at twelve o'clock in the morning, to pay their subscriptions and the amount of their respective collections, &c. The Rev. Joseph John Freeman, of Walthamstow, late from Madagascar, is engaged to take the chair, and deliver an address on the occasion. The Officers and Committees of the other Auxiliary Missionary Societies in London and its vicinity, are respectfully requested to pay in their amounts at the Mission House, on or before Saturday, the 31st of March, the day appointed for closing the accounts. The lists of contributions should be forwarded to the Mission House on or before that day, in order that they may be inserted in the Society's Annual Report for 1838. To AUXILIARY SOCIETIES IN THE COUNTRY. The Officers of the Auxiliary Societies throughout the country are respectfully requested to transmit their contributions so as to be received at the Mission House on or before Saturday, the 31st day of March, together with correct lists of subscribers of ten shillings and upwards, alphabetically arranged, for insertion in the Annual Report; also, distinct statements of the sums collected from Congregations, from Branch Associa tions, and by Deputations sent from London. They are also requested to mention the number of Reports and Abstracts, respectively, that will be required for subscribers; and how many of the latter, at seven shillings per hundred, will be wanted for circulation, to be stitched up with their own Local Society's Lists of Subscribers and Officers. The abstracts are printed in an octavo form for that purpose, and the Directors recommend to the Auxiliaries the purchase and circulation of them on the principle of economy. The Directors have great pleasure in announcing to the Members of the Society, that the following Ministers have been engaged to preach at the next Anniversary in May :The Rev. JOHN HARRIS, of Epsom. The Rev. WILLIAM CAMPBELL, Missionary from India. Further arrangements in a future Number. SOCIETY ISLANDS. ACCOUNTS forwarded in May last, by the devoted brethren in the Society Islands, communicate the animating assurance that many tokens of the Divine favour are accompanying their faithful and anxious exertions. At the period above mentioned, Mr. Barff, stationed at Huahine, visited three of the principal islands in this group; and was not less gratified to witness, than he was happy to unite in aiding, the decisive progress of improvement among the natives, in reference both to their social condition and their spiritual interests. A few particulars from the journal of his proceedings are appended, including a brief notice of his own Station, chiefly in connexion with the Annual Missionary Meeting held there. It will be observed, with grateful interest, that the general diffusion of the Gospel, which so many of the people have found in their own experience to be as a "pearl of great price," is now regarded by them as an object of prayerful and ardent desire, and, in proportion to their means, of liberal and consistent effort. Mr. Barff writes: May 10.-Held our May meeting. At noon had a large congregation. Naru read and prayed, and I preached from Isaiah liv. 3. Matatore concluded with prayer. The subscriptions amounted to one hundred and nine dollars, in money, two hundred and eighteen bamboos of oil, and thirteen measures of arrow-root. The meeting was one of unusual interest. May 12-Catechised the children, of whom nearly four hundred and twenty were present. One hundred and sixty-nine repeated chapters, and had their writing examined. They afterwards walked in procession, all neatly clad. Parents and children, to the number of about twelve hundred, dined together near the Queen's house. Many spoke in an edifying manner, and the meeting was altogether one of unusual animation. May 14, (Sabbath.)-In the forenoon had a very large congregation; preached from Isaiah viii. 18, and afterwards baptised fifteen children. In the afternoon preached in English from Ps. lxxii. 19, to a good congregation. Catechised the children. Preached in the evening from Ezek. xxxiii. 5. May the Lord bless the labours of the day. Having subsequently proceeded to Raiatea, Mr. Barff continues : May 17.-Attended the early prayermeeting, and was happy to see a good congregation. At noon assembled in the house of God. The concourse was so great, that numbers could not find room in the place of worship, notwithstanding its large dimensions. All the people were neatly dressed. Paumoana read and prayed, after which I preached from Ps. lxxii. 19, to a most attentive audience. One of the deacons conIcluded with prayer. In the afternoon we met again in the chapel, when the report was read, and after prayer Tamatoa was chosen president. Nearly 50 natives spoke on the occasion, in an energetic and impressive manner. The subscriptions at Raiatea were five hundred and eighty bamboos of oil; and at Tahaa, four hundred and sixty-four. May 18.-Attended, at the request of the Chiefs, a public meeting, when five new laws to complete the code were read and confirmed. A considerable measure of judgment and prudence was manifested in the construction and discussion of the various laws. May 19, 20.-Met the church members each day. The second meeting was preparatory to communion. The number present comprehended the churches of Raiatea and Tahaa, and many visitors also joined us ; forming altogether an unusually large assembly of native Christians. May 21, (Sabbath.)-Preached in the forenoon from Zech. xiii. 7, to an exceedingly numerous congregation, and administered the sacrament. I trust the season was profitable to us all. In the afternoon spoke from John xiii. 8, and baptised a number of children. Mr. Barff next proceeded to Borabora, and was encouraged by the state of the people, and thus concludes the details of his proceedings at this period May 24.-Preached in the forenoon to a large congregation from Ps. lxxxvii. 3, and administered the sacrament. The season, I trust, was truly profitable. Preached in English, to Captain Luce, of the Splendid, his officers and crew, from Isaiah xi. 18. Attended the Sabbath school, and catechised the children. Preached in the evening from Isaiah xxviii. 12, 13. May the Lord give his blessing. Amen. APPEAL ON BEHALF OF THE HOTTENTOTS. THE ratification of treaties of peace with the Caffres, and the honourable restoration of their country by the British Government, have been followed by highly commendable efforts, chiefly on the part of the Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, for the benefit of the Hottentots, the lingering remnant of a people who have at the present time the strongest possible claims on our benevolent regard; and the object of the present application is, to invite the generous co-operation of the friends of the African race in carrying forward the measures already commenced for their preservation, improvement, and happiness. The proclamation of the 50th Ordinance, in the year 1828, by guaranteeing to the Hottentots their civil liberties, laid the foundation for their improvement; but it restored no part of their country, made no provision for relieving their extreme poverty, and left them with scarcely any other means even of temporal benefit than the Missionary Institutions afforded. Multitudes were still outcasts and homeless in the country, once the hereditary land of their fathers; and were wandering from place to place in search of employment and subsistence. In 1829, the present Lieutenant-Governor adopted the enlightened and humane measure of allotting a portion of land to Hottentot families, who were invited to engage in its cultivation with the prospect of reaping the fruits of their industry and skill. A tract of country, lying between the declared boundary of the Colony and the Caffre country, and part of what was then called neutral ground, was selected for this purpose, and the locations on the banks of the Kat River established. A considerable number of Hottentot families from the Missionary Institutions and other places removed to the new settlement; and shortly afterwards the Rev. James Read, at their own earnest request, settled among them as their minister. While the people were diligent in clearing and tilling the ground, and erecting their houses, Mr. Read devoted himself to their religious instruction and the education of their children, receiving the most efficient aid in the latter department from his eldest son and daughter, and other members of his family. Through the Divine blessing the Station prospered exceedingly; and the community was distinguished for sobriety, order, industry, comfort, intelligence, and piety. In the late Caffre war the people suffered severely from the repeated attacks on their settlement, and from the length of time the men were engaged in the field; but since the restoration of peace they have been rapidly advancing towards their former state of prosperity. The highly gratifying results of the first settlement have encouraged the extension of the plan for the benefit of others who are still scattered over different parts of the Colony, in a state of the greatest poverty and destitution. Tracts of country on the banks of the Great Fish River, the eastern boundary of the Colony, have been appropriated to their use, and a number of settlements have been commenced, which when complete will form a line of free Hottentot villages, extending upwards of one hundred miles from the Kat River to the sea. The families who have already removed to the new locations manifest an excellent spirit, and appear anxious to provide, by their own frugality and labour, the means of subsistence for themselves and families, and to preserve their race from extinction; but they are in a state of extreme destitution, and the sufferings of all classes in the Colony from the late war, preclude the hope (however welldisposed their friends may be) of their receiving assistance in any adequate amount on the spot. In an appeal on behalf of the Hottentots at the new settlements from the Rev. Dr. Philip, the Rev. J. Read, and the Caffre Chief, which was published in the Missionary Magazine for January of the present year, they remark, that “a number of the first settlers on the Kat River had something of their own to begin with, and those who had any thing of their own assisted their poorer neighbours. On the contrary, those that are permitted to locate themselves on the banks of the Fish River, belong to that class of Hottentots who have had the least protection, and who stand in need of every thing. They are without herds and flocks, without clothing, or the commonest agricultural tools. In a letter to a friend, the Lieutenant-Governor remarks:- My plan cannot succeed without Missionaries and Schoolmasters, and means to put the people in possession of a few sheep, goats, seed-corn, and agricultural instruments; and for these he looks to the friends of religion and humanity in England, and we hope he will not look in vain. This appeal to the sympathies of the friends in England will be the more readily responded to, when it is known that the Lieut.Governor has generously advanced Three Thousand Dollars out of his own private resources, to purchase for the Hottentot settlers a small quantity of stock; but as the people are flocking to the new locations, all that the most generous individual can furnish out of private means will go but a little way towards supplying their necessities. Clothing is an article the new settlers stand much in need of agricultural tools are particularly wanted, or money wherewith to purchase them. Regular accounts will be given of the application of the monies contributed for this object." |