and the customs of the country expose the property of a deceased chief to general plunder; and it was well known, that not a few of the natives would be ready to avail themselves of such an opportunity to get possession of the society's property: but it will be seen, from the following extracts of the missionaries' communications, that God has been gracious to them:

"After a little conversation with the person who brought the news of Shunghee's death, we read the forty-sixth Psalm, and committed ourselves to the kind care of our heavenly Father; not doubting but this circumstance will be made to work for good. We are thankful for the peace of mind which we enjoy in the prospect of trouble.

"We have heard nothing further respecting Shunghee; nor do we see from what quarter danger is to be apprehended. There are many points respecting this man which call for thankfulness. Had he died at the time when he was wounded at Whangarooa, there is not a doubt in the mind of any here, but that the natives would have proceeded to very great lengths against the missionaries: that event, however, was delayed; and the man lived so long at Whangarooa, that his connexion with those who reside at Kiddeekiddee has been in a great measure diminished: and now that his death has taken place, the only party from whom mischief could be apprehended is absent on the western

coast.

"The conduct of the natives on the death of Shunghee has given us great encouragement. It is customary in this benighted land, for the friends or relations of a departed chief to kill a number of slaves as a satisfaction to his manes: the missionaries have frequently remonstrated with them on the folly and wickedness of this unmeaning and barbarous custom. It was fully expected, that when Shunghee died a great number of slaves would instantly be murdered: so remarkable, however, is the change in the conduct and superstition of the natives, that not an individual has been slain. The lives of ALL have been spared; and the earth was not permitted to gorge itself with the blood of human sacrifices. We cannot help hoping that the example thus laid down, for the first time, on the death of this great man, will be universally followed: but if it should not, even this one instance of visible good is sufficient to stimulate our friends in England, as well as ourselves to persevere in their work of faith and labor of love."

Very shortly after the death of Shunghee, an event took place which threatened general confusion. A chief of the Bay of Islands having been shot in a quarrel at the Shukeangha, a party set off from the Bay to investigate the affair: at the very time when they seemed on the point of an amicable arrangement, a misunderstanding arose, which led to a general battle, and the loss of a chief and of several other lives. The natives rose in all quarters, and the missionaries were under the dread of a bloody and desolating war: but it pleased God to dispose to peace the chiefs themselves who were most nearly interested. The principal of them came and stated to the missionaries, that they did not wish to fight with the other tribes, as they were one people and nearly related: they were aware that much evil would befal them if they did fight, and yet their laws required them to revenge the death of their chief: they could not make peace of themselves; but proposed that the missionaries should accompany them to

the scene of action, in order to close up this breach. Mr. W. Williams remarks

"Such a request as this proceeding from the natives is a new thing. It is quite contrary to native principles, when any chief of consequence has been killed, to make peace until a person of equal rank has been slain as a satisfaction: on this principle, many say that peace will not be made until a number have been killed. Still, however, though there is but a bare possibility of success, an opening is made which it is our duty to follow: and while we pray to our heavenly Father, as the God who has the hearts of kings in his rule and governance, we may look to him to dispose these natives to break through their native abominations in this instance. One thing is certain, that the great enemy will seek to prevent peace; and should the natives agree to it, a more apparent inroad will be made in his kingdom than we have yet seen."

In compliance with this invitation, the Rev. Henry Williams, with Messrs. Kemp, Clarke, and Richard Davis, accompanied the chiefs; and had the pleasure to effect, under the blessing of God, a complete reconciliation of the hostile parties. The negociations were opened on Saturday; and both parties being equally desirous of peace, agreed to effect it on the following day. To this the missionaries, fearful lest any thing should occur to thwart the accomplishment of the object which they so much desired, offered no objection; but on stating that it was the sacred day, the chiefs readily agreed to postpone the business till Monday, and arrangements were accordingly made for that purpose. The manner in which the Sunday was spent in the camp is thus stated:

"Tohitapu and some other chiefs caused the people to sit down all around, leaving us a place to stand in, in the middle. We began by singing a hymn, and prayer; and, after having addressed them, we concluded with prayer: they were very attentive, and behaved remarkably well: our congregation consisted of at least 500 people. After divine service was over, we walked through the camp, and spoke to the people in their huts. In the afternoon, we again went round the camp and conversed with the people. In this way we spent our Sabbath in the midst of an army of savages, without the least fear or apprehension. The Lord has certainly given us great influence among these people. We have not received the least insult; but, on the contrary, every attention has been paid to us. Surely these are new days indeed! Little did I think to have been so much respected in a savage army!"

MISSION OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN GREENLAND.

THE following paragraphs are inserted principally because they exhibit in a clear and interesting manner the light in which the Gospel is viewed by the natives of Greenland, and the feelings which it excites in their minds. If the Gospel were not the means of salvation to the heathen, it certainly is a great blessing wherever it is received: for by presenting to them new and interesting prospects and subjects of thought, and exciting new hopes, it greatly elevates their minds, and increases their enjoy ment, as all who embrace it testify,

The extracts are from the journal kept at Fredericksthal, and inserted in the United Brethren's Missionary Intelligencer.

Interest which the Natives feel in the Gospel.

Jan. 19. We celebrated the anniversary of the beginning of the mission in Greenland in 1733, now 92 years ago, with praise and thanksgiving to God, for the rich blessing he has been pleased to lay upon the labors of our brethren in this inhospitable climate, and among a people so rude and ignorant. One of the Greenland brethren said, in conversation, "Because my heart is sick, I know of no greater and more efficacious remedy, than the enjoyment of the body and blood of Christ, in the holy sacrament; I hunger and thirst for this heavenly food, and always experience that my poor soul is truly nourished thereby, by faith in him who died to save even me." Another said, "When I examine myself previous to the holy communion, I discover nothing in myself but sinfulness and misery. Then I think, if thou wert better, and not so very full of sin, thou wouldst be a more worthy guest at the Lord's table." We told him that our Saviour had prepared this repast for such as felt themselves quite undone without him. He exclaimed, "Ah, that is a comfortable word!"

28. The Greenland assistant, Shem, addressed the congregation to the following effect. "As often as we assemble together in the Lord's house, it is principally with a view to consider the sufferings and death of our Saviour, and what is thereby procured for us. This is the more needful, because we are apt to forget this highest act of his love towards us, or to treat it with indifference. His love admits of no comparison; and we daily find fresh cause of gratitude towards him. But lately, you were all living carelessly, and in the darkness of heathenish superstition; without asking after God, who was to you an unknown God. You did not seek him, but he followed you as straying sheep, and chose you to be members of that fold of which he is the Shepherd. Here he has collected you together, that he might show his power in cleansing you from your sins; for his blood was also shed for the poor Greenlanders. For us also he exclaimed on the cross, It is finished, namely, the work of the redemption of a race of sinners, whom he has now purchased for himself by sufferings and death. May this ever be before your eyes, and in your hearts! Thank him every day of your lives for his infinite love and compassion. This is well pleasing in his sight. Yet our best thanks fall far short of the debt of gratitude we owe him."

February. Speaking with the baptized and unbaptized members of our small community, one of the latter said, "At last the sun is again rising, (that is, spring is approaching,) but my wife and I are in the same state we were a year ago. We are not even admitted into the class of candidates for baptism. The reason is, because I am so full of vanity and pride." Some told us, how desirous they had formerly been to learn all the superstitious rites of the heathen; and inquired whether God would pardon them for it. We assured them, that he was ready to pardon all former sins coinmitted in ignorance, and he now only requires that they should seek him with sincerity and uprightness of heart. A boy said, "I am bad, very bad, and full of disobedi

ence." When we spoke to him of the necessity of praying for a new heart, and a right spirit within him, he replied: "I have no pleasure in disobedience, and whenever I do that which is evil, I feel sorrow and remorse, and say, 'Ah, that I were a new creature!" The assistants gave us a pleasing report of those who have been lately baptized; they attend all the meetings with diligence and delight, and endeavor to learn texts and hymns.

The first Sunday in Lent was a distinguished day of blessing, on which 24 persons were received into the Christian church by holy baptism. We are unable to describe such a scene, and the feelings which pervade our hearts on these solemn occasions.

15. The assistant, Nathaniel, addressed his countrymen, and said, "Direct the eye of your mind constantly to the cross of Jesus. Turn not from this affecting sight; and though you cannot, at all times, pray to the Lord in a form of words, let your hearts and thoughts be always directed towards him. Meditate upon what he has done for you, and maintain a constant intercourse with him. If you do this you will have peace within. He will not neglect us, since the ardor of his love constrained him to suffer, bleed, and die on our account."

22. Six persons were confirmed for the first enjoyment of the Lord's supper, and it is with heartfelt gratitude that we see our little company of communicants increase, both in number and grace. One of them made the following observation: "When I consider that the angels, who are pure and holy, veil their faces before the majesty of Jesus the Son of God, I am overwhelmed with the idea of the unspeakable condescension of our Saviour, who does not disdain to meet poor sinners, and to sup with them." 23. We called upon two heathen men, about a day's journey from hence. them began immediately to speak of the happiness enjoyed by those of his countrymen, who believe in the Gospel. We answered, that he might enjoy the same, and that it ought to be his first concern to attain it; he replied that this was his earnest wish, and that he had removed with his family to this part of the country for no other purpose.

who live

One of

March 5. Several of the Greenland brethren went to the eastward to fish for seals, and were successful. Upon the whole, we can give our Greenlanders that testimony, that they are not slothful in business, but attend with diligence to their several duties, being careful in the management of the little property they possess, and no longer abusing what God gives them in a day of plenty, as they did when they were heathen.

13. We had the favor to administer holy haptism to 13 persons. During the passion-week, our little chapel was hardly able to contain the numbers that came to hear the reading of the daily lessons. Violent storms raged from without, but within the peace of God filled our hearts, more especially on Maundy Thursday, when we celebrated the institution of the holy sacrament of the Lord's supper.

TWENTY-FIFTH REPORT OF THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

THE last anniversary of the (London) Religious Tract Society, together with the receipts and expenditures during the preceding year, were noticed at p. 355 of the last volume.

Notices of the Society's Publications.

It appears from their report that 178 new publications were added to the list during the year. Many large works are on this list; among which is a History of the Church of Christ, extending to five volumes; Christian Biography, Circulating Libraries, Rise and Progress, Cottage Sermons, Cottage Hymn Book, and the Domestic Visiter, a quarterly periodical, designed to promote the spiritual instruction of families, espe cially of domestic servants. The Committee have also made preparations to publish Select Works of the British Reformers from Wickliffe to Jewell, for which one individual has engaged to defray the expense of furnishing stereotype plates. The work will probably extend to thirty numbers, and is to be published monthly; each number containing 120 pages. A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, which shall be within the reach of the poorer classes, is in contemplation; and the treasurer of the society has generously offered to bear the expense of procuring stereotype plates for the work. The Tract Magazine and Child's Companion has increased in sale 60,000 during the year.

Issues of Publications.

The publications issued from the depository during the year have amounted to nine millions, six hundred and forty-nine thousand, five hundred and seven; without including the works published in foreign countries, at the expense of the society, to which considerable additions have been made being an increase, compared with the preceding year, of one million, three hundred and sixty-seven thousand, one hundred and three, in those issued in England. The sales of the first series of tracts alone have increased nearly six hundred thousand. The Committee have no doubt that the total number of publications distributed through the instrumentality of this institution, since its commencement in 1799, amounts to upward of one hundred and twenty millions.

The following paragraph exhibits the activity of the agents of the society, in distributing tracts among that class of people and in those places, where the restraints and purifying influence of divine truth are most needed.

The friend who visits the courts and alleys of London, and distributes tracts in prisons, hospitals, and workhouses, has received nearly 53,000 publications for these important objects. At the pleasure fairs in London and its vicinity, where much wickedness generally abounds, 185,700 tracts and hand-bills have been distributed. About 150,000 have also been given to persons found violating the Sabbath day. The soldiers and sailors have not been forgotten: more than 23,000 publications having been granted for circulation among them; in addition to two of the Circulating Libraries-one presented to a regiment proceeding on foreign service, and the other for the use of the men in the barracks at Chatham. The Home-Missionary and Baptist VOL. XXV.

Home-Missionary Societies have received 26,000 publications. Among the crowds attending the execution of criminals, 31,700 have been given away. Several convict-ships have been supplied to the extent of 18,000 various works; including the Circulating Library, which was placed under the care of a correspondent in one of the vessels. About 40,000 tracts and handbills have been circulated at different horseraces, and 28,000 among the crowds who visited the ruins of the Brunswick theatre.

DOMESTIC.

AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY.

To cause the truths of the Gospel, in some manner, to exert their purifying and saving influence on all mankind, and especially on the population of our own country, must seem exceedingly important to every true friend of Christ. This needs to be done immediately, so that the present generation, who are going most rapidly forward to the retributions of eternity, may share in the blessing. In this view of the subject, the following appeal, taken from the American Tract Magazine, seems appropriate and deserying of attention.

Importance of extending the Scale of Operations.

God has now awakened in the hearts of his children a deep sense of their obligation to convey a knowledge of the Gospel to all who are ignorant of it. For this single object, the whole phalanx of our evangelical benevolent institutions is engaged. God is now showing his children, that there is a large portion of the community who are reached by no other means of grace, and who can be reached by tracts-multitudes, who never enter the sanctuary, are visited by no preacher of the Gospel, have not the Bible, and come under the influence of no school, of any sort whatever. The whole population over the age of 15 or 16 years, however destitute they may be of other means of instruction, are, according to the present order of things, excluded from the benefits of schools.

By tracts, all the destitute portions of our population who can read, and who do not reject every thing pertaining to the Gospel of Christ, can be reached, and that without delay! Years must roll by, before the country can be supplied with the preaching of the Gospel, or with the Bible; but no such delay is necessary in the printing and circulation of tracts.

We appeal to this Christian community, and ask whether God has not most clearly devolved on us the duty of immediately supplying our destitute population with this means of grace? We challenge all denial of this duty. This responsibility rests on us--we cannot throw it offwe must rise and meet it. There is no obstacle to encounter but the native selfishness and indolence of our hearts; and if we indulge ourselves and say, "A little more sleep, a little more slumber, a little more folding of the hands to sleep," let us beware of the impending "destruction" that will fall upon our fellow-men, and the frown of heaven that will come down upon ourselves.

The Committee of the American Tract Society feel, that no effort must be spared thus to sup17

Total in 10 years,5,997 burned or buried alive! In the Madras and Bombay presidencies, the official statements for nearly the same period, give 635; grand total, 6,632.

Two Hon. East India proprietors, urging the abolition of this murderous custom, declare'Probably no day passes on which some victims are not sacrificed to this horrid practice, in India, and more especially in the Bengal Provinces.'

No correct idea can be formed of the number of murders occasioned by suttees, infanticide, cruelties to the sick, &c. The late Rev. W. Ward, in his valuable work, conjectures "the number of victims annually sacrificed on the altars of the Indian gods," as follows:

Widows burnt alive in all Hindustan,
Pilgrims perishing on the roads, and at holy
places,

5,000

500

4,000

Persons drowning themselves in the Ganges, or buried or burnt alive,

By official documents laid before parliament, from 1821 to 1828, it appears that the average number of suttees is about 700 annually, but this does not include those that take place in the tributary, allied, and independent states, which are not subject to British regulations.-When Row Lacka, grandfather of the present chief of Cutch died, fifteen concubines were burned on his funeral pile. A recent account from the Hill Country states that twenty-eight females were burnt with the remains of a Rajah. Probably half or one third the number of suttees in this estimate may be nearer the truth, but after the greatest possible reduction, the numerous and various kinds of murders in British India, cry, 'as though an angel spoke,'-Oh Britain, spread thy shield over those who are drawn unto death, and ready to be slain.' Say, 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed.'

SWINGING AT THE FESTIVAL OF GANGAMMA.

THE voluntary torture of which an account is given below, was witnessed at Cuddapah, in India, by Messrs. Tyerman and Bennet, the deputation sent to visit the missions of the London Missionary Society. The account is from the Missionary Register.

We had an opportunity of attending a great Hindoo Festival, called "Gangamma Tirnal," or the great goddess Gangamma, held in the vil

lage called Cocottapetta, distant from Cuddapah about five miles.

This was a most novel and affecting sight. About 50,000 people were assembled in a sort of grove, around the filthy pagoda, in which was the object of attraction and adoration. Before the door of this swamy-house, the people were sacrificing sheep and goats to the idol all the day, and streams of blood flowed in all directions. Around this place is a wide road, on which multitudes of bullock-basket-carts were driven: from which grain, of various kinds, was thrown in fulfilment of vows, to all such as chose to receive it. Between twelve o'clock at noon and six in the evening, we saw thirty men and two women undergo the ceremony of swinging upon hooks put through the skin in their backs: the machine, which was used for this purpose, was a bullock-cart: over the axle-tree, a post was erected; over the top of which a beam about 35 feet in length, passed, and moved upon a pin: the longer end of this beam extended over the bullocks: at the other end of it was a square frame attached, adorned with young plantain trees, in which two persons could stand: when the hooks were inserted into the skin, the ropes attached to the hooks were lashed firmly to the top bar of the frame, so as to allow the people to stand upon the lower bar: this being done, the beam was raised upon its fulcrum, and the persons in the frame were elevated about 25 or 30 feet above the ground: each person was furnished with a dagger in the one hand and a pocket handkerchief in the other: the machines, te some of which were yoked 6, 8, 10, or 12 bullocks, were now driven at full speed round the pagoda three times; while the deluded wretches were brandishing the dagger and waving the handerchief, occasionally resting their weight on the lower bar of the frame, but often suspend. ing their entire weight on the hooks. Sometimes SIX or eight of these machines were driven round at the same time. On inquiring why the deluded beings submitted to this punishment, some told us that it was in fulfilment of vows made to the goddess: others, that they were hired by persons standing by, and received one or two rupees for their trouble. Among the trees were stalls and booths, in which were sold sweetmeats, victuals, trinkets, &c. Here were jugglers, beggars, and parties of pleasure; but very few took any notice of those horrid scenes which most attracted our attention.

Never were we before so powerfully impressed with the importance of missionary exertions! Truly the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty! Oh that the people of England could witness this horrid spectacle, so truly infernal! Who could remain indifferent to missionary exertions; or withhold his support from those noble societies, which propose to make known the merciful religion of Jesus, in order to enlighten the heathen and to put a stop to these dreadful cruelties?

INDIAN CLANS.

WHATEVER throws light on the ancient char acter and customs of the Indians, or contains indications of their progressive improvement, is worthy of being recorded. It is to be hoped that the Cherokee Phoenix, from which the following article is taken, will do what is practicable towards making that race better known, whose antiquity is involved in so much mystery,