destruction for the time. She afterwards broke it open, and robbed it; and on being questioned as to what her reasons were for preserving the box from destruction, she replied, "I saved it for myself, not for Mr. Brown;" a genuine specimen of New-Zealand sympathy! Immediately books, shirts, and various articles of wearing apparel, were strewed about in all directions. The American, seeing that it would be in vain to remonstrate with them, hastened to bring us the heavy tidings. Taiepa, son of Pohipohi, the second chief of Matamata, offered to go with us; his heart being, to use his own expression, extremely dark, on account of the work of his tribe. This young chief is one of great hope and promise, he having begun to inquire the way of salvation. He, though the son of the second chief, and consequently of great influence, refused to join his father in the late expedition to Rotorua, though earnestly requested to do so; and, as far as we can learn, he was influenced by no other motive than a sense of the evil of the thing in the sight of God. The account we are giving of the conduct of the natives of this place generally, is dark and discouraging; but such an instance as the one mentioned is truly encouraging, and leads us to hope that that kingdom, which is compared to a grain of mustard-seed, is beginning to spring up in this benighted land, notwithstanding all the devices of Satan and wicked men. ESCAPE OF TWENTY NATIVES FROM Oct. 19, 1836.-About seven o'clock this morning, three of the lads who left yesterday entered our house in a breathless condition, conveying the distressing intelligence, that their little company had been attacked on the road by a murdering party from Rotorua, from whom they had made their escape. As the lads could give no information respecting their companions, we were left in a most anxious state as to their safety. In about two hours after, Ngakuku arrived, accompanied by two other natives, bearing the mangled corpse of his only little girl, who had been murdered by the fight. They had taken away her heart and the top of her head as an offering to the Evil Spirit. In the afternoon the remainder of the party arrived. The merciful preservation of twenty, out of twenty-one natives, appears almost miraculous, and calls aloud for our praise and gratitude. It appears that the fight had been lurking about the plain between this place and Maungatautari; and that, attracted by the fire of our natives, they directed their steps to the encampment, and arrived there shortly before day-break. The barking of a dog awaked some of the lads, who, hearing the sound of footsteps, endeavoured hastily to rouse their companions, and then rushed out of the hut to conceal themselves, some in the fern, and others in the woods. Four girls, however, and two boys, were still in the hut when the fight came up; but, favoured by the darkness, they all escaped except Ngakuku's daughter, who was seized and murdered. His only little boy he saved, by fleeing with him on his back, and hiding themselves in the high fern. AFFECTING CONDUCT OF A CHRISTIAN NATIVE. While talking to poor Ngakuku this afternoon, and endeavouring to administer consolation to him, he remarked, "The only reason why my heart is dark is, that I do not know whether my child has gone to heaven, or to the Reinga. She has heard the Gospel with her ears, and read it to Mother Brown; but I do not know whether she received it into her heart." After the evening prayers at the chapel, Ngakuku arose, and addressed the natives from John xiv. 1. Oct. 20.-I buried poor Tarore at the Pa. Those who so narrowly escaped a like death followed the corpse to the grave; around which were arranged various groups, from the different native residences. After singing a hymn, and addressing the assembled party, Ngakuku asked me if he might also say a few words; and on my assenting, he said, with deep solemnity of feeling, "There lies my child; she has been murdered as a payment for your bad conduct; but do not you rise to seek a payment for her, God will do that. Let this be the finishing of the war with Rotorua. Now let peace be made. My heart is not dark for Tarore, but for you. You urged teachers to come to you. They came; and now you are driving them away. You are crying for my girl; I am crying for you, for myself, for all of us. Perhaps this murder is a sign of God's anger towards us for our sins. Turn to him. Believe, or you will all perish." Can I doubt who it is that has given calmness, resignation, and peace to the poor native, at a time when we could expect little else than the wild tumult of unsubdued grief? Let those who treat the operations of the Holy Spirit upon the heart as an idle fable, account on natural principles for the scene which I have this day been privileged to witness. It was not insensibility on the part of Ngakuku, for his feelings are natu rally keen; it was not indifference towards his family, for he was fondly attached to his child. No! it was the manifestation of his power, who, amidst the loudest howlings of the wildest storm, distinctly whispers to his children, "It is I, be not afraid; peace, be still." THE 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. MISSION CHAPEL AT MAIAOITI, OR SIR CHARLES SANDERS' THE beautiful and interesting island of which we now offer a brief notice, lies about 50 miles from Huahine, and nearly the same distance from Eimeo. It is surrounded by coral reefs, which render it completely inaccessible, excepting on the western side, where there is an opening by which a boat may enter. The island is apparently of volcanic origin, composed of a black rock of basaltic texture, and is about 10 miles in circumference. It abounds in all the fruits common to these climes. The inhabitants are a fine race of people, well formed, and of remarkably light complexion as compared with most of the South Sea islanders. Their settlement is at the southern extremity of the island, in a secluded and delightful spot, surrounded by bread-fruit, cocoa-nut, and other trees. VOL. XVI. 2 K The banana and sweet potato also grow in great abundance. On one of the rising grounds the people some years ago built a neat cottage, and furnished it with articles of their own manufacture, for the accommodation of the Missionaries by whom they are visited. In the centre of their little village they also erected a large place of worship, which is well floored, plastered, and furnished with seats. Contiguous to this building is the school-house. We are informed in a communication from our devoted brother, the Rev. Chas. Barff, who visits the island as often as his other engagements allow, that the inhabitants first made a profession of Christianity in 1815, in consequence of having heard that the people of Huahine had destroyed their idols and avowed themselves worshippers of Jehovah. But, continues Mr. Barff, little was known about the moral condition of the inhabitants, until Dec. 1818, when the Rev. J. Davies was, through stress of weather, obliged to take shelter there, while on a voyage to Tahiti. During a stay of nine weeks at Maiaoiti, Mr. Davies made unwearied exertions to communicate to the natives the knowledge of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ; and on his departure affectionately exhorted them to constancy in the ways of God, and appointed two of the best informed among them to act as teachers to the rest. In 1819, nearly the whole of these people, with their then chief Turoarii,* removed to Huahine with the view of placing themselves in a more favourable situation to receive the benefits of religious instruction. With a few exceptions they were regular in their attendance on Divine worship and the schools, and a number of them became candidates for the ordinance of baptism; but in the following year a combination of circumstances induced them to return to their own island. Valuable impressions had, however, been made on their minds during their residence at Huahine, and their subsequent deportment proved that they had not heard the Gospel in vain. When Mr. Barff visited them in 1822, he found that they were living together in great harmony, and diligently endeavouring to improve in knowledge. Those who had been received as candidates for baptism while at Huahine, continued to act consistently with their profession of Christ, and frequently met together to exhort each other to love and good works. On this occasion, Mr. Barff appointed two native teachers, Utu and Airima, from the church at Huahine, permanently to labour amongst them; and had the further satisfaction of baptising 54 persons, with their infant children, 30 in number. These and the other inhabitants, nearly all of whom expressed a desire to be baptised, were, on the departure of Mr. Barff, placed under the instruction of the native teachers. In 1823, a church of 31 members was formed at this station; and on the first Sabbath in the October of that year, our brother, Mr. Barff, enjoyed the hallowed satisfaction of administering to them the ordinance of the Lord's supper. Since that period the progress of the people as a Christian community has shown that God has watched over them, and made his love to abound towards them. When Mr. Barff visited the island in 1825, he was gratified to receive into church-fellowship 34 additional members, thus increasing the number to 65. Another native teacher, Auna, who formerly laboured in the Sandwich Islands, was then stationed there by Mr. Barff, and with his wife, a remarkably intelligent and pious woman, entered diligently on the work of instruction. From various unavoidable circumstances a long interval elapsed before Mr. Barff could resume his visits to this encouraging station. His next opportunity of personal observation was in 1833, when he found that the progress of improvement had been steady and uniform. The judicious and unremitted labours of Auna and his associates in Missionary work, had been largely favoured with the Divine blessing; order, harmony, and industry prevailed. A new chapel, the • The name of the present chief is Mahine. subject of the accompanying sketch, had been erected under the direction of Auna, and was such as to reflect great credit on all who had engaged in the work. The opening of this place of worship was a circumstance of peculiar interest. Many of the Missionaries and native brethren from the surrounding islands repaired to the spot, and uniting with the resident natives, engaged in the solemn services which marked the dedication of the building to the service and worship of the Most High. The chapel was thronged on the occasion by those who a few years before worshipped the works of their own hands, ignorant of Him who alone is worthy to be praised. At the close of the services, nearly 150 joined in showing forth the death of our Lord, and it was hoped that many were truly edified and blessed by what they saw and heard in connexion with the important proceedings of that day. A short time previous to the event now recorded, the wife of Auna was removed by death. Her end was peace, and when a few hours before she expired, her husband inquired how she felt in the prospect of death, her reply was, "Te oaoa mei au ia Jesu to'a Ora," I am rejoicing in Jesus my Saviour. The station has since been pleasingly progressive, both in reference to the cause of civilisation and religion. The outward appearance of the settlement has been greatly improved by the erection of additional houses built after the European manner, a larger portion of ground has been brought under cultivation, and almost every house has attached to it a neat and well cultivated garden. An Auxiliary Missionary Society was commenced in 1828, which has been attended with many beneficial results. The latest communications from Mr. Barff report the progress of the station to April, 1836, at which time the church had increased to 90 members, and there were 10 candidates for communion. The native evangelist, Auna, died in 1835, deeply regretted by the people to whom, under the Divine blessing, his labours had proved so eminently useful. his death a zealous and efficient servant of the Lord, and a happy assurance is cherished that he has joined the communion of the blest in heaven. Another native teacher, Tamore, has been appointed in his room, and is pursuing his labours in a promising manner. At the period above mentioned, Mr. Barff found the people living in perfect harmony; and, considering their means of improvement, decidedly elevated in the scale of social existence. There were 76 child ren in the day-school, and all the adults were under instruction. had learned to read the Scriptures. He continued to Most of them We are grateful to have it in our power to communicate the preceding details, in connexion with this promising native community. The friends of Missions will unite with us in rejoicing that the grace of our Lord has so richly abounded towards the people of whom it is composed; and that through the agency of the Society's devoted Missionaries, they have been called out of the darkness of idolatry and superstition, into his marvellous light. From the island to which we have now invited attention, it is hoped that many native Christian labourers* will go forth to assist in diffusing the Gospel among the teeming islands of the Pacific to which the voice of salvation has never yet sounded, that they may all be brought to call upon the name of the Lord, that joy and gladness may be found therein, thanksgiving and the voice of melody. A representation of the Chapel is given at the commencement of this account. THE CHARAK PUJAH, IN BENGAL. FROM the Rev. John Campbell, of the Calcutta Mission, the following account of this barbarous practice has been lately received. In making the present com • Two have already been sent to the Navigators Islands. munication, Mr. Campbell observes, "Hinduism is fast declining, though some of its revolting features are still seen around us. On the 12th of this month, (April, 1887,) the feast of the Charak Puja was celebrated, a short description of which may be acceptable." Mr. Campbell then proceeds : The Charak Puja is a Hindu festival in honour of the god Shib; it takes place in April. The abominations practised at this time are becoming unpopular among the more intelligent and educated Hindus. It is peculiarly the festival of the people, who gather to it in greater crowds than to any other, Multitudes of these deluded beings traverse all parts of the suburbs of the city, and make such a deafening noise by beating of drums and gongs, and other instruments, that it is vain to expect any rest during the feast, which is continued for several days. The man who tortures himself most is the most acceptable worshipper, and they seem to exhaust their ingenuity in discovering new methods of self-torment, in order to please the cruel and blood-thirsty Shib. Some throw themselves from a height of twenty feet upon iron spikes or knives, which are stuck in a bag full of straw. This is a dangerous feat, and sometimes proves fatal. The people have, however, learned how to take care of themselves; they now place their knives in an inclined position, and when one falls on the bag, the knives are pressed downwards into a horizontal direction so as to prevent any injury. Others suspend themselves by the feet, and others hang themselves over a large fire till they are almost suffocated. The principal scene of torture is at the temple of Kalee, about four miles south of Calcutta. Accompanied by the brethren, Lacroix and Bradbury, I set out to witness the scene of horror of which I had heard so much. We left the city before sunrise, and proceeded on foot, for the crowd was so great that it was impossible to go in any other way. We saw multitudes of people proceeding in all directions to the temple. And as we drew near it, so confused and horrible was the sound produced by the beating of drums, the clashing of cymbals, and the shouts of the multitude, as to impress one with the idea that he was approaching the confines of some abode of devils. We, however, succeeded in making our way into the inner court of the temple, for the crowd, as the officiating Brahmin told us, was not half so dense as in former years. Each party of worshippers was preceded by drums, and the victims who were to be tortured; and as they reached the court of the temple they commenced shouting and dancing in a most frantic and disgusting manner. In one corner you might see a blacksmith running a long piece of iron or a sword through some deluded being's tongue; in another some wretch fainting as they thrust ropes or canes through his sides; and in another some miserable creature writhing under the torture, as they forced bits of iron in the shape of serpents through his back. During all this time the drums continued beating incessantly, so that the complaints of the victims, if they made any, could not be heard. And what may appear strange, each of these victims was obliged to pay the man who pierced his tongue, or his side, as if he had rendered some great service. After this was done, each party surrounded its own sunashee, [devotee,] and dancing around him proceeded homeward as in triumph. We left this scene of barbarity deeply impressed with the conviction that it afforded a strong proof of the wickedness and falseness of Hinduism, and of the moral depravity and spiritual blindness of human nature. That beings, possessed of reason, could believe that idol to be the representation of the Deity, which was delighted with such torture, cruelty, and bloodshed, is what few would credit if the facts were not too strong for scepticism itself to doubt. The next day was the last day of the feast. I went to the villages to exhort the Christians not to mingle with the Heathen, and to dissuade some of the Hindus, if possible, from tormenting themselves. The swinging took place in the evening. I went to the scene of action. The Charak consists of a perpendicular pole placed in the ground so as to be im moveable, it is from twenty to thirty feet in height, with a horizontal beam on the top about sixteen feet long, and so fixed on a point as to whirl round with ease. A rope being attached to each end, the person who is to swing is brought into the midst of the crowd, and after a few incantations are repeated, two iron hooks are thrust through his back immediately under each shoulderblade. These hooks are united by a cord, which is immediately tied to the rope at tached to one of the arms of the horizontal beam, and five or six persons taking hold of the rope attached to the other arm, run round with it as fast as they can. The man is thus raised to some height from the ground, and swings at an immense velocity. Allowing a little for the distance, which the rope, by which he is suspended, is drawn from the perpendicular, by the velocity of the motion, he performs, at least, a circuit of thirty-three feet in each revolution. As soon as the swinger is let down, he is |