piness there. I then explained to him our views of a future state, the bliss of heaven and the torments of hell, as the respective portions of the righteous and the wicked. He asked whether the wicked could ever get a release from the guilt of sin, except by suffering condign punishment. This lead to a particular explanation of the sinful state of all mankind, and the glorious plan of salvation which God has devised. He listened with apparent attention, and, I trust, not without profit. 19. Though not yet prepared to open a regular school, I have thought best to encourage applicants by receiving those who apply and putting them under the care of iny teacher. However I have them present at morning worship, when I have the opportunity of expounding to them the principles of the gospel in a familiar and practical way, and exhibiting to them something of the interior of a christian household. I also spend about an hour a day in direct instruction. Several of the boys are quite large, yet they manifest considerable decorum and docility in their conduct. There are nine now that come with some degree of punctuality. But this will probably be one of the most difficult objects to secure permanently among Malay children. They run so much at large, and are left so much to their own wills, that the restraints of a well regulated school are likely to prove an almost intolerable yoke. Still, if the Lord bless the effort, it will, it must succeed. The people begin to manifest their confidence also by applying for medical assistance. 25. Commenced a Sabbath exercise with the children of the school, open also to all such adults as may wish to come. One man came and appeared to be not a little interested in the lesson. Others also stood outside to listen. I felt much more as if directly engaged in the missionary work than ever before. November 1. This afternoon adopted a new expedient to attract attention to the Bible. Set a young man to reading in the front varandah, while I examined him on the portion read, and explained when necessary. Four or five persons soon gathered round and became apparently interested in the subject. But, alas, how difficult to get into their hearts. Every day, every hour, every effort only shows that all our attempts are vain without the influences of the Spirit. Do our christian friends at home realise this? Gracious God, thou knowest all our need. Oh pour those influences down in copious, refreshing showers. 15. The rainy season has now fairly set in. We have our showers more or less abundant and pretty regularly every day. Occasionally a day is quite wet throughout, and sometimes it rains almost incessantly the whole twenty-four hours. This, however, is rather rare, and more generally the sun appears more or less clearly for several hours. Now and then he sheds his reviving beams from morning to night upon the earth. Great part of the old city of Batavia is usually overflowed for several wesks. This season the rain has not been so abundant as last. Hence, whereas we expected by this time to be almost confined to our isolated abode, we as yet have no difficulty in going out as often as desirable to church, etc. But we can do little in visiting the people on foot. We should be in danger of being overwhelmed in sudden showers, which often come up in an unexpected moment; or if this did not occur, we should be very likely to sink in the mire of the way. January 1st, 1841. All the people were very particular in their congratulations to me this morning. Some made quite formal addresses. But all the blessings they wished upon my head terminated in earthly good. How little they can appreciate the highest aspirations of a Christian's heart! Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon my soul, that I may labor with diligence and zeal for thee, and give me their souls for my hire, and then withhold, if thou shalt deem it best, every earthly good. But 8. Having got our school-room in order, we this day set ourselves to work in earnest to increase our school, and especially to collect some younger children in order to form an infant school. We finally succeeded in gathering about a dozen little boys and girls. They were quite shy of us at first, and scampered off in every direction as we went round to persuade and entice them to come. no sooner had we got them together and commenced operations, than they appeared free, and every thing went on pleasantly. Several adults, mostly mothers of the children, assembled round the doors and windows and seemed greatly amused with the attempts to instruct such little children, whom they were disposed to consider as yet incapable of receiving instruction. February 7. Sabbath. Early this morning, when we first arose, we had the satisfaction to see a great part of the little children of our school assembled evening the day is closed much in the March 21. Sabbath. We have now six children in our house, two boys and four girls. Their regular conduct and gradual improvement afford us much pleasure. Mrs. Thomson spends considerable time in direct religious instruction and prays frequently with them, or rather leads them in praying together for themselves. 25. It seems that about in proportion as our boarders increase, our day scholars disappear. Very few now attend with any degree of regularity. Whether they are mortified with the distinction apparent between themselves and those who live with us, or whether some secret influence is beginning to operate against us, it is hard to tell. 28. Visited a Mohammedan school in the campong. It consisted of about ten scholars, all boys, learning to chant the koran, which neither they nor their teacher understand. May 16. Sabbath. This morning there were thirty-one natives at our Malay service, besides an old Dutch soldier, who is living with a Malay man near us. I gave the latter a Dutch Bible, which he said he could read, and for which he seemed thankful. His body seems to be undermined by disease: may his soul be renewed and sanctified by the word and the truth of the gospel. Borneo. LETTER FROM MESSRS. NEVIUS AND YOUNGBLOOD, DATED AT PONTIANAK, 26TH DEC., 1840. Superstitions. Of the daily appearance and exercise of the Character of the Dyaks-Manners and boarding pupils in his school Mr. Thomson gives the following pleasing account. April 27. The children of our little school, in their various occupations and exercises from day to day, present to our eye a very pleasing, not to say imposing, spectacle. When we first arise in the morning we usually see some of them refreshing themselves with an early bath, a duty which, for the sake of cleanliness and health, we impose upon them all. No sooner do we come down from our chamber than they all flock around to give us their morning salutation. Just before coffee they are all assembled together to repeat their hymns and verses of Scripture and unite in simple childlike devotion, all kneeling around Mrs. Thomson, who leads them in these addresses to the throne of grace. After this we sit down to coffee and they take their morning rice; and as their little bamboo table is arranged quite near to ours, a blessing is asked before meal in their own native Malay, so that they may hear and join in it. This is done at each of their meals, and we are well satisfied that it exerts a benign influence upon their manners and temper. Then we have family worship with them and as many of the people around us as we can get together. School follows, and in the MESSRS. Nevius and Youngblood, after travelling extensively among the Malay and Dyak population of Borneo, makes the following statements respecting the latter In the form of their persons the Dyaks generally are superior to the Malays, their complexion is rather lighter, they are taller, and their limbs better formed and more muscular. In the features of the face the women are rather inferior to the men. We saw some, however, with good features and who were better looking than most Malay females. The men, except those who live near Malay towns, and those who have embraced Islamism, go almost naked, wearing only a narrow strip of cloth or bark, generally the latter, around their loins. The feinales wear a piece of cloth about half a yard wide around them extending from their hips downward. In natural intellect the Dyaks do not appear to be deficient, although they are considered and often treated by their Malay masters as if they were little, if any, superior to the orang outang, while they themselves appear to have no idea of their being able to advance beyond their present degree of knowledge. They seem to think it would be impossible for them to learn to read and write. None of the tribes ap-,, pear to have any knowled of an alphabet, or of any way by visible signs of permanently recording their ideas. Neither have they, as far as we could learn, any system of religious belief, any idols, or temples. Of a Supreme Ruler of the universe and his perfections they have scarcely any conception. Some tribes are said to believe in a superior being whom they call Jubata. They are, however, very superstitious, believing in invisible beings whom they imagine to preside over the woods, water, paddy-, ground, etc. When they are sick, or are about to plant their fields, or to engage in any important undertaking, they call on these for aid. They pay great attention to omens, especially to the cry and flight of certain birds. When they contemplate attacking their enemies, they do not proceed until there is a favorable omen, that is, until the birds are heard on the right of their village or encampment. If they are heard on the left, it is a bad omen, and they do not proceed until there is one that is favorable. For the want of this they are often kept in their place for weeks and months together, after an expedition has been determined upon. If the cry of the birds is heard both on the right and left, and that on the right is the stronger, they proceed anticipating difficulty, but confident they shall succeed in their undertaking. If a bird flies high over the house of a sick person and descends in its flight, it is a bad omen, the person will die, or some great calamity will befall him. If a bird flies low and ascends, it is favorable, and the sick person will certainly recover. When a favorable omen is wanting they sometimes call the birds, as they say, by placing rice or some other grain or seeds some distance from their dwellings; and they also beat on wooden gongs and other instruments for the same purpose. This is done by old and influential men among them, who are supposed to have much skill in these matters. In their rice fields they often employ means for keeping off a species of bird, which if it should remain near the field, the niawa, or spirit within it would injure the growth of the rice. When a bird flies into a dwelling, they are frightened and imagine that an enemy is coming; and if certain birds are heard in the night, they will arise and go out of their habitations, also fearing the near approach of enemies. Some of the tribes on the Kapwas river and other places believe in transmigration. After death they suppose that they shall be changed, as their ancestors have been, into deer and orang outang. and on that account they never eat the flesh of the first named animal. The Dyaks, as a people, are noted for their industry, a characteristic in which they differ widely from the Malays, as well as from most other natives of these islands. They are principally engaged in cultivating the soil, and with great labor are obliged every year to clear new lands in order to procure a crop of rice. In manufactures of some kinds a few of the tribes evince considerable skill. The Kyan tribe, near the centre of the island, manufacture swords of the finest polish from steel, a specimen of which we saw. Some tribes in the neighborhood of Sintang manufacture cloth from cotton, some of which displays considerable art. Honesty is another characteristic of this people. Theft is very uncommon. Polygamy is very rare among the Dyaks, and we have reason to believe that divorces are not near as frequent among them as among the Malays and other Mohammedans. We were also rejoiced to learn that what has often been asserted as true respecting them is incorrect, viz. That every man is debarred from the privilege of matrimony, until he brings one or more human heads, cut off by himself, as an evidence of his bravery. That there are instances in which a father may refuse to give his daughter in marriage unless such a dowry is brought, is no doubt true, especially among the cannibal tribe of Sangau, but the greater part of marriages are celebrated without any thing of the kind being required. At the same time it is also true, that in most tribes the more heads a man can bring the greater and more honorable he is esteemed. It is said that widows sometimes refuse to marry, except the person making proposals can bring a dowry of heads. The marriage ceremony is performed, as far as we have learned, in a manner similar to that of other natives of the East. dowry is always required, which is generally a piece of cotton cloth or a large water jar or two. When a Malay or Chinamen marries a Dyak woman, the same dowry is required. When this is brought, a feast is made, the relatives on both sides being invited, and a season of music and dancing ensues. When the bride leaves her father's house, she is often loaded with gifts such as they have to bestow, and which are often of more real value than the dowry given by the husband. There seems to exist a great A degree of affection between parents and children, and more between husband and wife than among the Malays. This people are thinly scattered in small villages, generally from half a day to one day distant from each other. The largest desa or village we saw contained only eighty-six families and about 400 or 450 souls. But notwithstanding their location and the difficulty there is of access to them, we think that efforts ought to be made as soon as possible to carry to them the blessings of the gospel. No people, humanly speaking, we think, would be more willing to receive the heralds of salvation and listen to their message. In March the health of Mrs. Nevius was so much impaired as to require some change, and accordingly Mr. and Mrs. N. embarked for Singapore, at which port more recent communications from that quarter mention their ar"rival. Proceedings of other Societies. FOREIGN. In addition to the summaries of the proceedings of English societies, given in the last number of the volume just closed, the following are inserted, taken from the English Missionary Register. RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. THE publications issued from the depository during the year amount to 17,799,562; making the total circulation of the society, in about eighty-six languages, including the issues of foreign societies, assisted by the parent institution, to exceed 337,000,000. Besides 152 libraries, the committee have made grants for Great Britain and Ireland of 2.410,195 publications during the year; being 822,844 less than the grants of the preceding year. These supplies amount in value to £2.706. Since 1832 the committee has granted 2,111 circulating libraries, at a cost of £6,902, exclusive of those sent to foreign lands. The number of new publications for the year was 159. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE number of stations and out-stations belonging to the society in different parts of the world is 387. missionaries 163, assistants, European and native, 528, churches 110, communicants 11,485, and scholars 42,222. The society has 15 printing establishments. The number of missionary students is 18. Deaths. Seven champions of the cross, and, with a solitary exception, all in the vigor of manhood, have exchanged the sword of the Spirit for the crown of glory. Returns-Twelve laborers, five male and seven female, have been constrained, either by the sorrows of bereavement or by exhausted strength, to return to their native land, and far the greater part, without the prospect of resuming their work. Sailed.-The directors have sent forth 37 brethren and friends to supply the places of the fallen, or to enter on new scenes of holy confliet and honorable toil. The receipts for the year were £80,643, and the payments £90,391. In an appeal for additional funds, issued by the society, it is stated faithful men who have left their native land, and During the last seven years, the number of gone forth under the auspices of the society to preach the gospel to the heathen, has been nearployed; and the increase also in the number of ly equal to the entire number previously em native evangelists and teachers is nearly in the same proportion. In the year 1833, the society employed 114 European missionaries and assistants, and 243 native evangelists and teachers total 357. At the present time, the number of Europeans is 218, and of natives 452, making a total of 670 men, exclusive of their wives, (who in most cases are valuable and efficient assistants,) now laboring in connection with the institution and dependent on its funds. Within the short period now described, the results of former years of prayer and labor have abundantly appeared; and, through the divine blessing, facilities and inducements to extended exertions have been secured, which the most benevolent and sanguine would not have ventured to anticipate. The most urgent and affecting applications are at the present time before the directors, and did their resources permit, they could send forth more than fifty additional missionaries into fields where no laborer is yet found, or into others which are white even to the harvest. But, from the want of funds, and from that cause only, the applications cannot be entertained, these extensive and promising fields must be declined. And as the providence of God is presenting wide and inviting spheres for exertion, so many devoted members of our churches, constrained by love to Christ and love to souls, are anxious to go forth on this arduous and holy work. But their offers of service the directors are unable to entertain. Since the last anniversary, more than twenty candidates for missionary work have been most reluctantly declined, from the want of funds, and from this cause alone. The present embarrassment of the society is the obvious result of its success, not its dishonor, but the proof of its fidelity; and no occasion for regret, though a demand for forethought and an excitement to zeal. How different, how mournful, would have been our case, if faithful men had been wanting for the work, or had the devoted missionary still been denied access to the multitudes who were perishing, or had God refused to crown our humble service with his blessing! The faithful friends of the society have long been interceding with God for the overthrow of slavery and the downfall of superstition, the awakening of the nations, and the con version of the world: and, in the progress of the society's labors and the enlargement of its success, their prayers have been answered, and their hopes realized. And will not the liberality of the churches keep pace with the movements of Providence, and the calls of the heathen? The poor, to the utmost of their power, yea and beyond their power, have proved their generous attachment to this holy cause. But have the rich done what they could? With few exceptions, the annual contribution of the wealthy, for the conversion of the world, scarcely exceeds their subscription to some local charity. Surely the signs of the times, with respect to christian missions, require that every man should give as God hath prospered him! it is stated that 32,593 persons are now under their care in five of those islands, the number having nearly doubled during the last twenty years. The following considerations are urged why the aid should be afforded. 1. The long period of eighty-six years, during which the United Brethren have been engaged in missions among the negroes in the British West Indies. 2. The large portion of strength and of pecuniary means which they have devoted to this sphere of labor. It is worthy of remark, that, of the 241 missionaries employed by the Brethren's church in the year 1840, no fewer than 74 were stationed in the British West Indies; and that out of a gross expenditure of £7,123, the sum of £5,300 was disbursed, in 1839, for the 24 missionary stations in those islands; leaving only £1,320 applicable to the necessities of the settlements in Greenland, Labrador, North America, and South Africa. This outlay was, of course, independent of the disbursements on account of the separate funds for West Indian purposes, to which this appeal has especial reference. 3. The large amount of success, wherewith it has pleased God to accompany the labors of his servants, in this extensive field. The preaching of the gospel in great simplicity has been the means of gathering together numerous congregations. American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. HOME PROCEEDINGS. AUXILIARIES, ECCLESIASTICAL BODIES, AND AGENCIES. THE Communications which follow will show to some extent how the christian community to whom the missions of the Board look for the pecuniary means requisite to sustain and extend them, are disposed to respond to the call made upon them in the existing emergency. Rev. William Clark, agent for the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, writes respecting auxiliary meetings in Vermont The late meeting of the Board in Philadelphia is producing, under God, very happy effects within the limits of my agency. I came from Philadelphia immediately to Woodstock in this state, where I found the General Convention of Congregational ministers in session, and very fully attended. I was permitted to address the body fifteen minutes. In that time, I endeavored to give them the substance of the meeting at Philadelphia. Through the Divine blessing, a deep impression was evidently produced. Most if not all present came to the conclusion to which we had been drawn, that they must make unwonted efforts, both by increasing their personal donations, and by inducing others to do the same. Not a few at the time, as I have since learned, determined, and silently pledged themselves, to increase their donations for the support of foreign missions this year twenty-five, fifty, seventy-five, a hundred, and some even five hundred per cent, beyond their donations of last year. Also, to exert themselves to induce their respective churches and congregations to do likewise. The anniversary of the Windham County Foreign Mission Society was held at Grafton on the morning of the 22d of September. It appeared that the society had paid into the treasury of the Board within the year ending at this time, about $1,350, something more than in the preceding year. Nearly all the Congregational ministers in the county were present, as also delegates from most of the churches. I aimed to set before them the Philadelphia meeting just as it was. The brethren, both clerical and lay, felt, and wept, and spoke, and gave pledges, spontaneously, just such as we could desire. It was a meeting of much promise to the cause. The Foreign Mission Society of Windsor County held its annual meeting at Wethersfield Centre, on Friday morning, 24th; one of more interest, if possible, than that of Windham County. After addresses, a resolution was adopted unanimously, to call the roll of the members of the Conference, and to have put to each the two first questions which were put to us at Philadelphia. The answers in every instance were as favorable as those given there. The meeting was very solemn and impressive. It was a pledge that the brethren present would put forth their best endeavors to relieve the Board and its missions. |