Intelligence, &c.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE Directors of the above Society have issued a Circular Letter, dated June 30, 1820, containing intelligence of the most pleasing and interesting natúre from their Missionaries in the South Sea Islands.

At Tahiti (formerly spelt Otaheite,) the king Pomare has lately erected a large and very long building at Papaoa, in the district of Pare, and devoted it to the meetings of the Missionary Society, which was formed among the Tahitians last year. This building is denominated The Royal Mission Chapel, the dimensions of which are as follows:-it is 712 feet long by 54 wide. The ridge-pole, or middle, is supported by 36 massy pillars of the bread-fruit-tree. The outside posts all around the house are 280. It has 133 windows of sliding shutters, and 29 doors; the ends are of a semi-circular form. There are three square pulpits, about 260 feet apart from each other, and the extreme ones about 100 feet from the ends of the house. It is filled with forms, except an area before each pulpit, and laid with dry grass. The rafters are covered with a fine kind of fringed matting, which is bound on with cords of various colours in a very neat manner; and the ends of the matting are left hanging down, like the flags in St. Paul's cathedral. The whole building is sur rounded with a very strong fence of wood,, and the space between it and the building is filled with gravel.

all our attempts to spread his glory, and promote his honour."

The next day, Thursday, a most interesting scene took place, when thousands of persons who had hitherto lived as uncivilized barbarians, without law, order, or decency, assembled to hear a code of laws founded upon the Bible, proclaimed by the king. "About noon," say the Missionaries, "we all assembled in the centre of the Royal Mission Chapel. The king requested brother Crook to open the business of the day. He ascended the pulpit, and Pomare followed. After singing, reading the scriptures, and prayer, the king stood up, and looked upon the thousands of his subjects on his right and his left. Addressing him self to Tati, the pious Chief of the Southern part of the island, he said, Tati, what is your desire? what can I do for you?' Tati, who sat nearly opposite the pulpit, arose and said, Those are what we want-the papers you hold in your hand-the laws; give them to us, that we may have them in our hands, that we may regard them, and do what is right.' The king then addressed himself to Utami, the good chief of Teorepaa, and in an affectionate manner said, Utami, and what is your desire?" He replied, 'One thing only is desired by us all, that which Tati has expressed

the laws, which you hold in your hand. The king then addressed Arahu, the chief of Aimao, and Veve, the chief of Taiarabu, nearly in the same manner, and they replied as the others had This Chapel was opened on Tuesday, done. Pomare then proceeded to read May 11, 1819. The king and queen, and comment upon the laws respecting and the principal people attended; three murder, theft, trespass, stolen property, of the Missionaries preached at the same lost property, sabbath-breaking, rebeltime. "The scene," say they, " was lion, marriage, adultery, the judges, courtstriking beyond description; no confu- houses, &c. in eighteen articles. After sion ensued from three speakers preach-reading and explaining the several artiing all at once in the same house, they being at such a great distance from each other. We suppose the number of hearers to have been between five and six thousand. Every thing exceeded our most sanguine expectations."

On Wednesday, the 12th, the Anniversary of the Missionary Society was held.

On this occasion three other sermous were preached, and the Missionaries say, "We retired in the evening, praising God, and entreating him to bless

cles, he asked the chiefs if they ap proved of them? They replied aloud,

We agree to them-we heartily agree to them,' The king then addressed the people, and desired them, if they ap proved of the laws, to signify the same by lifting up their right hands. This was unanimously done, with a remark able rushing noise, owing to the thousands of arms being lifted at once. When Pomare came to the article on rebellion, stirring up war, &c. he seemed inclined

to pass over it, but after a while proceed. |
ed. At the conclusion of that article,
Tati was not contented with signifying
his approbation in the usual way only,
but standing up, he called in a spirited
manner to all his people, to lift up their
hands again, even both hands, he setting
the example, which was universally fol-
lowed. Thus all the articles were passed
and approved. Brother Henry concluded
the meeting with a short address, prayer,
and blessing. This interesting scene
may be better conceived than described:
to see a king giving laws to his people,
with a regard to the authority of the
word of God, and a people receiving the
same with such universal satisfaction,
was a subject very affecting to us all.”

On Friday, the business of the Missionary Society was attended to. Pomare was thanked " for his princely conduct, as President of this Society, and for his royal contribution; and that he be requested to take his seat as President."* &c. &c. "Five thousand copies of an address to the Society, written by brother Henry, and neatly printed by brother Bourne, were given to the various Governors of the Society, and were received with the greatest eagerness imaginable."

On Lord's-day the 16th, the congregations again assembled in the Chapel Royal, [not the Chapel-Royal of St. James's, bat of Papaoa!] to attend the baptism of the king. Nothing is said of Pomare on this occasion, as to his publicly renouncing idolatry, or professing his repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This omission, however, is in some measure supplied by the Missionaries having previously stated, that Pomare had "expressed an earnest desire for baptism, engaging to devote himself to the Lord, and to put away every sin, and every appearance of evil;" that " he had conferences with some of the brethren upon the subject, and had expressed a deep sense of his sinfulness and unworthiness, a firm dependence upon the blood of Christ for pardon, and an earnest desire to join himself to the Lord in baptism." They add, "As it appeared to be the voice of the nation, and particularly of the most pious chiefs, and as his conduct has been so constant in teaching and promoting religion, we resolved to baptize him."

It will be observed, that these pious

The style of this motion very much resembles that of a certain orator, mentioned Acts xxiv. 1, 4. We hope the Missionaries will not become the Batterers of their Royal convert !

Missionaries considered a credible profession of repentance and faith an essential prerequisite for baptism; and that this could not be dispensed with, though the candidate was a king. In the presence of the king, and between four and five thousand hearers, three of the Missionaries at the same time preached, on Matt. xxviii. 18-20; Sermons being ended, we all closed around the king, ha being seated, on the occasion, in the centre, near the middle pulpit. BrotherBourne began with giving out a hymn, which was sung by the congregation. Brother Bicknell engaged in prayer, which being ended, the king stood up. Brother Bicknell stood upon the steps of the pulpit, and taking the water from the basin held by brother Henry, poured it on his head, baptizing him in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.+ Pomare was observed to lift his eyes to heaven, and move his lips with an indistiuct sound. The sight was very moving, especially to our elder brethren, who had been watching over him for so many years. Brother Bicknell addressed the king with firmness, yet not without a degree of tremour, entreating him to walk worthy of his high profession in the conspicuous station he holds before the eyes of men, angels, and God himself. Brother Henry addressed the people, exhorting then to follow the example of their king, and to give themselves up to the Lord. Another hymn was sung, and brother Wilson concluded the whole with prayer. Pomare shook hands affectionately with all the Missionaries, they be ing stationed, by his own desire, at his right and left hand. After the ceremony the king retired to his camp.

The brethren, after taking a repast, assembled for divine worship among themselves; brother Platt conducted the service, and preached from Jobu xiv. 15.* If ye love me, keep my commandments. Toward evening we held our last service with the natives in the Mission Chapel.

+ It is not stated how large a quantity of water was thus poured upon the head of Pomare. It should scem that our Pædobaptist brethren, the Missionaries, do not consider sprinkling a proper mode of baptism for heathen converts! In the accounts of the Rev. Mr. Campbell's baptizing in Africa, it is always stated that the candidates went into the.

water, and were baptized: we suppose by pouring water upon their heads. As immersion was first superseded by pouring, and pouring by sprinkling; the rite will perhaps take a similar course back again, till it reach its original mode!

"Many propositions were subsequently made, and carried by a numerous hold ing up of the naked arm. The whole was conducted with a degree of interesting simplicity and affection that fanned the spark of zeal, and excited the tear of holy gratitude. The friends of religion in London never witnessed such a

scene.

"Before we finally closed the meeting, opportunity was allowed for any one who wished to make his observations.

"Hoto, one of the great warriors, urged the people to constancy and consistency, that those across the great sea may not laugh at us.

"Waver, one of whom we have a very good opinion, whose heart we hope is changed, said, We are now become a Missionary Society, and we are to give our property that the word of God may be carried to all lands; but let us ask, Is it in our hearts? Has it taken root there? If not, how can we compassionate others? We must give our property with love of heart to those who are sit ting in the shades of death.

D.

Paumona, whose conduct agrees with his profession, said, It would be well if all the world knew the word of God as well as we know it-if all could read it as we read it; if all could hear it every sabbath as we hear it; if all would bow the knee to Jesus-if all knew him as the only sacrifice for sin-then there would be no war. We are to give our property, that other lands may know the true God and his word, that they may have teachers. It is not to be given to the false gods as we used to do. Let us be diligent, and spend our strength in this good work.'

"Another observed, Friends, there have been many from amongst us who have been pierced with balls; let us have no more of it; let our guns be rotten with rust, and if we are to be pierced, let it be with the word of God.' -brother Williams then arose, and after some recapitulatory remarks, explained more particularly the design of the Society, and gave many reasons why they ought to collect their property. He urged it as a duty they owed to God, and to the Missionary Society in London. He contrasted the blessings they now enjoy, compared with their former wretched, mode of living, and then referred to those countries where men and women are burned, where little children are given to feed beasts, and where old people are drowned; showing at the same time their need of the word of the true God. He concluded with incitements to perseverance and industry.

"Brother Threlkeld expressed the joy of his heart in witnessing so great a number assembled for so good a purpose; and after several appropriate remarks, he cautioned the people more particularly against the idle tales of worthless sea'Perhaps,' said he, they will men. tell you that we want your property for ourselves; but you know better. We have never yet requested your property. For all we have received of you, we have given our own property. We have not come here to deceive you, Is there Are there any any one here who has been injured by us? Let him speak out. here present who have lived at variance before? Gratify your teachers, by burying your grievances, and live in peace. Love each other, as it becomes all who regard the word of God. Show your willingness to do so, by bolding up your right hand.' This was instantly done.

"Brother Orsmond then proposed that the next Missionary Meeting be holden in May, 1820, and that the kings and chiefs be requested to complete our intended new large place of worship by that time. To this they promptly agreed, and the meeting concluded. A lively interest was excited in the minds of all, it was the topic of conversation for weeks after; and some have already begun to collect. their cocoa-nuts for the annual contribution.

Our spirits are revived, our zeal invigorated, and our determi nation to spend and be spent in the cause of the Redeemer strengthened. With prayers and ardent wishes for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, we remain, &c. (Signed) J. M. ORSMOND,

L. E. THRELKELD.
J. WILLIAMS.

"Since the baptism of the king, about thirty-five persons have been baptized in Eimeo only, beside a number in Tahiti, &c."

We have seen some of the above ac counts published from another quarter in a small Tract; To this is appended an original letter of Pomare, which displays seriousness and good sense.

love and respect religious worship, "Let them go to church in the morning, and let their afternoon be devoted to that innocent play which is most congenial to their

ment, as it is a measure pregnant with danger to the Protestant Dissenters; and should it unhappily be passed into a law, will be productive of more misery, and more immorality, than any Act of Par-age!! With respect to the children of liament has done since the period of the famous Schism-Bill, (to which it is closely assimilated,) passed in the last year of Queen Anne.

Mr. Brougham's object is, that a schoolhouse shall be erected in every parish, the expenses of which, according to his own estimate, will amount to five or six hundred thousand pounds! By no means this a trifling object for parishes when so much poverty and distress prevail in the country! But in addition to this, will be the permanent charge of supporting the school-masters, &c. &c.

These, however, are but inferior considerations. It is the great feature of the Bill of which we most seriously complain, that which throws an overwhelming weight of power and patronage into the hands of the established clergy thus increasing their ability to perplex and harass the Protestant Dissenters; and which, if it be not prevented, will be a source of incalculable distress to many of our congregations in England, and especially in Wales!

Dissenters going to their own churches and chapels it is nothing more than just and proper. Of course no conscientious Dissenter will allow his children to go to a Protestant church, any more than a Protestant will suffer his children to attend the service of the church of Rome!!"

Those who know how very easy it will be for the regulation of an Act of Parlia ment to be violated, by those whose inclinations will lead them to do so; espe cially when the parish clerk is the school-master, and the parish parson the sole judge in any matter of abuse, will calculate upon the manner in which Protestant Dissenters are likely to be treated if they should happen to have cause for complaint!

It is a hard case for Dissenters to be represented, if they should act conscientionsly, as having an equal abhorrence to the Church of England, as Protestants have to the church of Rome; and if they should not act conscientiously, and permit them to go to Church and learn the Catechism, that they will then be considered as not Dissenters, but "Nothingarians," or "Anything arians."

From the report of Mr. Brougham's Speech, published in the "Times" of June 29, 1820, we learn that Mr. B. requested the House to observe how he had united and knitted the system We feel persuaded that a Bill which with the Protestant establishment. The breathes the immoral spirit of the "Bill senior parish officers were to read the of Sports;" and of the exclusive spirit certificates, [of the candidates for the of "An Act to prevent the growth of office of school-master-which are to be Schism;" will rouse the feelings of Progranted by the Parson of the Parish-testant Dissenters to oppose it by every and to certify that the candidate is a churchman,] and to declare by letter to the resident Parson, on whom the choice of the meeting had fallen. He doubtless here would have the church with him, but he feared that the sectaries would be against him. Their argument was, "You are making this a new system of tithe. You are placing a second parson in each parish, whom we must pay, though we cannot conscientiously attend to his instructions. He bowed to this position."

As to the mode of religious instruction in these schools, Mr. B. proposes, that the Bible shall be used, and no other book without the consent of the Parson; that the children shall be taken by the master to the Parish Church, except the children of those Dissenters who shall refuse; that the church-catechism shall be taught to the children in the evening, with the before-named exception; and in order for the children to

means in their power. This we know is the resolution of the "Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the three Denomi nations in and about the Cities of Lon don and Westminster," and also other bodies of Dissenters. We understand that it will not be attempted to pass this Bill during the present Session of Parliament, and we hope therefore, suffi cient time will be found for every congregation of Protestant Dissenters in England and Wales, to prepare and present petitions to both Houses of Parliament, and if necessary to the King: praying that a Bill so unjust in its principle, and so vexatious in its enactments, may not become the law of the land.

We conclude by exhorting our Rea ders to make constant supplications to the God of all Grace, that he will interpose by his providence, and prevent a measure which in our opinion will be very injurious to the interests of reli gion and morality.