sing from the character and superstitions of the Natives, the Colony was again in danger of perishing for want of food. A Provision Ship was sent to the Settlers at particular seasons; and at the beginning of June 1726, about the period when this ship was expected, a vessel was discovered, at a considerable distance, wrecked in the midst of vast masses of ice, which at that season drive along the coast. The whole Colony was thrown thereby into great consternation. Mr. Egede resolved immediately to go, with two boats, a hundred leagues northward, to endeavour to buy provisions of some Dutch Whalers. He pushed forward night and day; but found, to his great disappointment, that he could purchase little or nothing of them. He agreed, however, with one of the ships to take the factor of the Colony and nine men with them to Europe. On Mr. Egede's return to the Colony, it was determined to be as sparing as possible of their little remaining stock of food. There were still twenty-one persons left; and for their support, taking into account the little which they had procured from the Dutch, there were but three barrels of pease, three of oatmeal, eleven sacks of malt, and 1700 ship biscuits. The people could shoot nothing, having neither powder nor shot left; and they could catch scarcely any fish, being ignorant of the Greenland method of fishing: nor were the Natives at all disposed to assist them in their extremity; which was, indeed, so great, that eight men were put on the allowance of one man. Their anxiety was heightened by the Greenlanders telling them (out of wanton cruelty, it was feared,) that they had seen the wreck of a vessel almost entirely under water, driving among the ice; and that they had heard the crew crying out in the most pitiable manner, for the Minister to come to their rescue; but that it drove with the ice out to sea, till they could see it no longer. At length, however, when they were fast sinking into despair, the Provision Ship unexpectedly arrived, and dispersed. their gloomy apprehensions of starving on this barbarous shore. Mr. Top returns to Denmark— Mr. Albert Top had now laboured, with diligence and faithfulness, for four years, as the Colleague of Mr. Egede; but a weakly constitution disqualifying him for bearing up against the continued privations and hardships of the Mission, he returned with the ship, to Denmark. Mr. Egede's exertions to support the expense of the Mission. The merchants of Bergen, reaping no advantage from the trade of the New Colony, withdrew from its support. The King of Denmark, however, con. tinued his favour; and determined to maintain both the Commerce and the Mission. Mr. Egede, despairing of any effectual assistance from the traffic of the Colony, was studious to find out some means, whereby the Mission might not only maintain itself, but be beneficial to commerce. With this view, he applied his chymical knowledge in the investigation of the objects around him but, after many fruitless efforts, was obliged to desist; and to satisfy himself with the hope, that Almighty God knew how to make use of some other and perhaps improbable means, to advance His own glory by the conversion of the blind Greenlanders; and this was the only point at which he himself aimed, in all this expensive, though ineffectual, labour. Some encouraging appearances among the Natives. About this period, Mr. Egede began to perceive more good-will in the Greenlanders toward his instructions. In some who were dying, he found a degree of seriousness, and a desire to go to a better world; and those who were in health professed to increase in faith, because, as they said, they had had many proofs that God heard their prayers, when they had been in danger or without food. One, here and there, offered to stay with him and had he been ambitious of having a number of baptised but unconverted Heathens, he might easily have been surrounded by such persons; for, on one occasion, as he was instructing them, and had occasion to speak on the subject of Baptism, they all desired him to perform this act on them, and wondered that he should scruple the sincerity of their faith and of their love to God. But he had, unhappily, ground enough for his scruples: for, amidst all their professions of firmly and fully believing all that he told them, and their promises of continuing to hear and believe, he could not observe the least change in their lives, nor the least conception or feeling of their lost estate, and consequently no longing after a happier condition. Nay, he very often discovered, to his sorrow, that their apparent teachableness was only a hypocritical affectation, produced by fear or interest; for he was assured, by the Native Boys in his family, and by the people who traded in the country, that the very Greenlanders who pretended to believe every thing, treated his singing, praying, and reading, with the most petulent derision in his absence; though, if they were reproved for doing this, they would again feign the greater devotion. Of the Children and Young People, Mr. Egede entertained some hope that he should see Christianity promoted among them yet the continual removals of their Parents from place to place, prevented him from giving their youthful minds that instruction which he desired. Mr. Egede's first baptism of a Native appears to have been in 1726, after the labours of five years; this was a sick Youth, whom he had previously instructed. In 1727, a Native, named Poek, and his wife, were admitted into the Christian Church-some account of this man may be interesting. Poek had been one of two youths who had been persuaded by Mr. Egede, in 1724, to reside in his family. These Youths were sent, in that year, to Co penhagen, that, on their return, they might give their countrymen a better opinion of Denmark, than they could derive from the conversation of the foreigners settled among them. In 1725, Poek returned; his companion having died in Denmark. However greatly Poek had been pleased with that country, he soon felt an inclination to his former way of life; and intended to remove from the Colony, that he might indulge his inclination. With much entreaty he was induced to remain and there married a Greenland Woman; who made, however, no small difficulty of uniting herself to a man, who had, in her judgment, degraded himself by his outlandish way of living. : Poek's narrative of what he saw in Denmark, excited great amazement among the Greenlanders; and the presents which he had brought with him created a desire in many of them to make the same voyage. What they heard of the courtly grandeur and military power of the King, gave a new train of thought to the people; who had been always accustomed to regard Him, as the mightiest and most wealthy lord, who could catch most seals. These reflections assisted them in forming some notion, though of an awful nature, concerning God, as the Lord of all Kings; especially when they heard that the King, amidst all his might and glory, hearkened to the voice of his Pastors, though they were his own subjects, when they declared the Will of God. Arrival of two Colleagues Appearances had hitherto been so unpromising, that the intrepid Egede had been, more than once, staggered in his hopes of the duration of the Mission. In 1728, however, ample dispositions were made to extend both the Mission and the Commerce, and to plant abiding Colonies for the cultivation of the land. Several ships arrived, with materials for erecting a fort and a new colony, a garrison for the protection of the trade, and a number of masons and carpenters. By these ships Mr. Olaus Lange and Mr. Henry Milzough arrived, as colleagues of Mr. Egede in his labours. On the return of the vessels, Mr. Egede's eldest son went to Copenhagen, to pro secute his studies; with him went Poek and his wife, now named Christian and Christiana; and two Greenland Boys and a Girl, who had just before made confession of their faith and been baptized. [To be concluded in the next Number.] Geports of Societies. TWENTY-SEVE NTH REPORT OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. DELIVERED AT GREAT QUEEN-STREET CHAPEL, LONDON, ON THURSDAY, MAY 10, 1821. Secretaries, Rev. GEORGE BURDER and Rev. JOHN ARUNDEL- In a short introduction, the Directors pay a tribute of respect to two of their Missionaries, who have recently been removed from the field" by the hand of death ;" and acknowledge "much cause for gratitude and praise to God, for that degree of success which it has pleased him to grant to the labours of their Missionaries in general." They then proceed to a detailed view of their operations during the past year-commencing, as usual, with their stations in the Georgian and Society Islands. SOUTH SEAS. It will be recollected by the chief part of those who compose this meeting, that Mr. James Hayward, one of the Missionaries who have for so many years laboured in the South Seas, was present at the last Anniversary. He had already embarked on his return to the islands, when, unexpectedly, Mr. Gyles, who had been sent out to Otaheite in the capacity of cultivator, arrived in England. Mr. Gyles left Eimeo on the 10th August, 1819, arrived at Sydney 30th October, and in England 22d June, 1820. The intelligence brought by him was of a very interesting nature, and highly encouraging in relation to the future progress of the mission. The particulars, however, having been already given to the public, the Directors will only briefly advert to them on this occasion. The Directors allude particu Jarly to the opening of the Royal MisSept. 1821. 12 sion Chapel at Otaheite, when at least 5000 of the natives, together with the King and chiefs, assembled-the services and proceedings on that occasionthe meetings of the "Taheitean Auxiliary Society"-the adoption of new civil regulations-the baptism of the Kingthe baptism of a number of the natives, and their formation into Christian churches-the proceedings at the formation of the Huaheine and Raiatea Auxiliary Societies-the zeal in the cause of missions, the good sense, and even eloquence, displayed by some of the native chiefs on those occasions-the liberality of the natives, and their unanimous resolution to prosecute the object, with a view to the benefit of other nations the earnest desire displayed by the inhabitants to receive instruction --the crowded congregations--the large attendance at the schools-the improvements in the native houses, and in boat-building, &c.-the residence of the natives in separate houses, as distinct families, who were previously herded together in one-the re-union of many married persons, who had separated from each other-the regulations adopted for the better securing of the obligations of the marriage bondthe patronage extended to the Missionaries by the chiefs, and their entire ap. probation of the brethren's plans for the evangelizing and civilizing of the people-the personal piety manifested by many of the chiefs-the progress in the Taheitean translation of the Scriptures. &c. are among the very interesting particulars contained in the communications brought over by Mr. Gyles, and to which, independently of those formerly received, it is impossible the present Meeting can advert, without experiencing the most lively gratification. The pleasure hence derived must be very materially increased, by the intelligence which has lately reached this country from America, relative to the abolition of idolatry in several of the Sandwich Islands, and which may be regarded as one of the providential results of the success which has attended this Society's mission in the South Seas. The satisfaction of the present meeting will be still further enhanced, when the Directors advert to the Deputation who have just departed, together with an additional Missionary and two artisans, for the South Seas. The Rev. Daniel Tyerman, late of the Isle of Wight, and George Bennet, Esq. of Sheffield, the individuals who are proceeding on this benevolent embassy, are, as the Directors trust, eminently qualified for the execution of the various important services which will devolve upon them. The Deputation go forth, followed by the best wishes of multitudes; assured, that the prayers of this Society, and of all who take a lively interest in the evangelization of the heathen, will continually ascend to the throne of grace and power, on their behalf, that they may be safely conveyed over the mighty waters, preserved in health, directed and sustained in the discharge of their important services, and brought again to their native land, to gladden the hearts and gratify the laudable curiosity of British Christians, with a report of what their eyes have seen, and their ears have heard, and their hearts felt, among the islanders of the Great South Sea. Nor will those who accompany the Deputation be forgotten in these supplications. It is intended that the Deputation, after residing for a time in the South Sea Islands, should return by way of China, visit Dr. Morrison, at Canton, and from thence proceed by Malacca and the East Indies, to England, availing themselves of opportunities of visiting the brethren at the Society's most important stations in that part of the world. The Directors have pleasure in mentioning, on this occasion, two grants made during the past year, by the "Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society," of 100 reams of paper each, for the printing of the Scriptures in the Taheitean language. CHINA. From the isles of the Pacific, the Directors pass to the southern boundary of the vast empire of China-agitated by changes which awaken the benevolent hopes of Christians as to the issue -and direct the attention of this Meeting to the Society's solitary Missionary in that quarter, who, after a laborious service of 15 years, still pursues his work, in humble dependence upon Him "who is invisible," and has preserved him in health and prosperity during so long a period of voluntary exile. It is now 18 months since Dr. Morrison rejoiced on the completion of the Chinese translation of the Holy Scriptures, exccuted by himself and Dr. Milne, jointly; may their valuable lives be spared until they see the whole of the inspired volume circulating through the vast population of China, and the islands of the Eastern Seas, exciting a spirit of serious inquiry in thousands, and leading them to the saving knowledge of the true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent for the salvation of all nations, and empires, and languages. Since the above-mentioned period, Dr. Morrison has been chiefly employed in the prosecution of his Chinese Dictionary, but has also availed himself of such opportunities as have occurred to promote, by direct religious instruction, the great object of his mission. He has also endeavoured, while at Macao, to promote the relief of the sick poor among the Chinese, and the instruction of youth, both at that place and at Canton. The Emperor of China, Kea King, died on the 2d September, 1820, in the 61st year of his age. The new Emperor has assumed the title of Taowkwang, or "Reason's Glory," by which he would have it understood, that his reign will be a glorious age of reason in China. Considering the exertions which are going forward with a view to introduce the light of Divine Revelation into that vast empire, the directors may be allowed to express their earnest hope that the Emperor's wish may be realized in the wide success of those efforts, inasmuch, as that Revelation, wherever it is truly embraced, becomes, in the highest sense possible, the restorer and "glory of reason." Mrs. Morrison arrived safe from England with her children at Macao, on the 23d of August last, after a passage of four months. MALACCA. On a general review of the mission at this station during the last year, Dr. Milne observes, that while there is much to discourage, "there is a great deal more which is calculated to inspire cheerful hopes. Knowledge is spreading; the number of youth connected with the mission is increasing; oppor tunities for the circulation of tracts more numerous than ever, and the heathen more frequently visited in their own habitations." There are three Chinese schools at this station; the same number of Malay; a Malay and English evening school, and a Malabar, or Tamul, school. The former had been under the superintendence of Mr. Medhurst, who is removed to Penang, the rest are under that of Mr. Thomsen. About 34,000 copies of different portions of the Scriptures in Chinese, and tracts in that language, including the Chinese Magazine, together with numerous tracts in the Malay, had been dispersed among the islands of the Malayan Archipelago, &c. and in the countries of Siam, Cochin China, and Malacca. From the mission printing office, had issued during the year 1819, of books, in Chinese, including copies of portions of the Scriptures, magazines, tracts, &c. about 65,000; besides 20,000 tracts in the Malay, and about 3000 books and tracts in English. Several elementary works, &c. have been compiled by the brethren at this station during the last year. Among those in progress is one in Chinese, by Dr. Milne, "On the Nature, Immortality, and Salvation of the Soul." The religious services in the Mandarin and Fokien dialects of the Chinese, Malay, Dutch, and English languages, has been continued; but the number who attend is small, and it appears, that the most useful intercourse with the heathen at this station, is obtained by visiting and conversing with them at their own habitations. Connected with the Malay department of the mission, the Directors are happy to state, that two Mo. hammedans, viz. a young man about 19, and his sister about 16, have formally renounced the Mohammedan religion, and embraced Christianity. Several other Malays are candidates for Christian baptism. Attached to the mission are twelve young persons, who have been rescued from slavery by the benevolent and prompt interposition of Mr. Thomsen, and to whose maintenance he has generously devoted the money he receives for his services at the Dutch Church. They are now under regular instruction, and are trained to habits of useful and profitable industry, under the direction |