ang, in 1864. It was no little pleasure to Mrs. Bingham to find two Nui women able to read fluently in our new books, who had been instructed by two of her own pupils. We shall not soon forget this delightful visit; though the contrast of the results of one year and eight months' missionary labor here with those of six years and a half at Apaiang, could not be other wise than, I had almost said, painful. . . Through inquiry, we learned from Pen, that neither food nor money were sent them from abroad, but only clothing and some utensils."

...

Visit to Nui. The next day Nui (Netherlands, or Egg Island) was visited, (lat. 7° 27' S., long. 177° 15' E.,) where the people use the Gilbert Islands' language, and where they found "Kirisome, a Samoan teacher, left on the island by the missionary vessel Dayspring, in November, 1865." Here, in a large room used as a chapel and school-room, (in one end of a building, a part of which was also the missionary's dwelling, "the whole erected by the gratuitous labor of the people,") Mr. Bingham, speaking their language, addressed a company of "some 200, nearly the entire population of the island," whose "behavior was unexceptionable." He found "the number of fluent readers— men, women, and children—perfectly surprising;" left some books with them; and learned that there were "27 women and 19 men whom Kirisome regarded as truly the friends of Jesus." Returning to the vessel Mr. Bingham wrote: "Thus ended one of the happiest days of our lives. We had been permitted to see a people 'born in a day.' Not two years since, the first Christian missionary came to dwell amongst them, and from the first have they furnished him and his family all necessary food without pay. One Christian feeds them one day, another another; and if by any means there is a failure, near neighbors see that the missionary and his wife and child have something to eat. The island produces no bread-fruit, a poor variety of pandanus-scarcely edible, a species of taro, a little sugar-cane, an abundance of cocoa-nuts, and one or two banana-trees were noticed; yet this mis

sionary depends on no provisions from abroad. He seemed happy and contented in his work, hardly knowing when he should be visited by an English missionary! With reference to the work on Nui, it is no more than justice to state, that previous to the arrival of a missionary, not a little religious instruction had been given the people by a Mr. Robert Waters, an English trader."

The Morning Star reached Tarawa, (Gilbert Islands,) a station of the Micronesia mission, August 8th, and took the Hawaiian missionaries from there to Apaiang, (Mr. Bingham's old station,) for a meeting of the Gilbert Islands laborers. There, "the welcome from the brethren was most cordial"; a business-meeting of the missionaries was held, and various religious services attended; the Lord's supper was administered, and five candidates were examined for admission to the church, whom it was proposed to baptize on returning from Ponape. Here Mr. Johnson became unwell.

After returning the mission families to Tarawa, the island of Butaritari (Pitts Island) was visited. From this island, it will be remembered, the Hawaiian missionaries felt it necessary to retire, on account of the drunkenness and violence of the king, in 1866. The results of this and a subsequent visit were satisfactory; the king attributed his former violence to intoxication, and Kanoa and Maka were returned to the island in December, where they found every thing safe in their houses, except some hard bread "consumed by worms," and a garment which had "fallen on the floor and rotted."

the Morning Star passed back and forth on its missionary work. On the 27th of December this work, for this voyage, was finished, by landing a Hawaiian missionary and his wife on Namerik; "a prayer of special thanks was offered," Mr. Bingham writes, "and with joyful hearts we 'braced forward' for Honolulu, which port we reached after a quick run of twentyeight days and a few hours." Mrs. Snow and her children came in the vessel to Honolulu, on the way to the United States; Mr. Snow remaining alone at his post.

EBON.

LETTER FROM MR. SNOW, December 3, 1867.

SOME previous letters from Mr. Snow seem never to have reached the Missionary House, and he now repeats former statements respecting additions to the church at Ebon, as follows: In November, 1865, eleven; in 1866, - - May, 10; August, 7; November, 10; and in January, 1867, six. "The result of monthly concert contributions," he says, "I am unable to state, as they were mostly in oil, measured and sold at Honolulu."

His opportunity to visit his old station on Kusaie, (now without an American missionary,) in February, 1867, was no ticed in the Herald for September last. The Morning Star, on its voyage, found him there in September, and took him to the meeting of the mission at Ponape, and thence to Ebon. He now writes, that before going to Kusaie he had completed a translation of the Acts, in the Marshall Islands' dialect, and had printed 400 copies-all that he had for paper - of a small primer. At Kusaie, he "got off an edition, of 300, of a primer of 48 pages," in the Kusaie dialect, on his hand-press, which he took with him; and he has now sent to Honolulu, to be printed there, revised editions of Mark and John, in the Kusaie dialect. He has also printed a number of hymns, in the two dialects, and some other things, "making in all about 35,000 pages."

-

The Work at Kusaie. Respecting the

mission work at Kusaie Mr. Snow writes: "A few weeks before we reached Kusaie, Kanoa had received 61 to the church, and baptized 23 children. On Sabbath, August 11, 21 were received, and 6 children baptized. August 25, two young women, on a remote part of the island, were received. October 27, we received 9 more, and baptized 3 children. Thus you see the little remnant continue to be gathered in, and the good work still prospers. Of the 20 who died while we were there, 8 were members of the church, and 5 others hoped that they had passed from death unto life. During our visit, 22 gave in their voices, for the first time, as the friends and followers of Jesus. Two of these were chief women, of high rank, and past middle age. Five came out publicly on the Lord's side, at one of our evening prayer-meetings.

" On

Greetings - Gratuitous Labor. our returns to our old home, at Dove Island, we never fail to get a greeting that it would do your heart good to see, as it does ours to experience. As we enter the harbor, the tide begins to set towards the old homestead. By the time we reach it, warm hearts and smiling faces fill the place. During our last absence, the old house was taken down and a new one put up in its place, by the people, at their own expense; though there were some among them who thought I ought to pay them for their work. In speaking of it at one of our meetings, I told them, as I was lying in bed one morning, looking up to the roof, and thinking of the labor which had been expended, in some places I saw written on the work 'Love,' 'Love,' 'Love!' On other places I saw written 'Pay,' Pay,' 'Pay'; and I said I thought the young man (a church member) who was very earnest for pay, but who died before we returned, if he could come back after seeing what had been done for him in the Father's house on high, would want to write 'Love' over all he did on my house. It was not unpleasant to see their eyes moisten with emotion, and the subject of pay was dropped.

Chapel Building. "They have been

doing quite a business at chapel or church building, having erected three chapels of stone. The first was erected last year. They were aided in their beginning of it by a Captain Davis, who was in at South Harbor at the time. They frequently spoke of his kindness and counsel in the work. Soon after our return, they began the second one, having already made some preparation, in getting stones and burning lime for it. It is three or four miles from the station. The people in that vicinity alone having nearly completed this, on the 6th of June the king and all the people of the island began another and larger one, near the residences of the chiefs, on the very spot where Dr. Pierson's house was. By dint of hard labor this was nearly completed on the arrival of the Morning Star, September 18. It was dedicated October 24th, after our return from General Meeting on Ponape. It is about 36 feet by 50, wall two feet thick, with gothic arches over four of the doors, and is quite a monument to the industry and skill of the people. A German cooper, by the name of Hartmann, was of great assistance to us in making the door and window frames, and also in forming those arches over the doors. We are hoping some of our good friends at the Sandwich Islands will help them to boards for their floor (as they have only reeds now) and sash for their windows.

Church Meetings and Discipline. "The church have kept up their meetings, Sabbath-schools, prayer - meetings, and discipline, with nearly their usual fidelity. I say nearly, for it was not difficult to see - and they felt it as well as ourselves that our long absence had not been for their profit. It is only a wonder of grace that they should have run so well. It was delightful to see with what interest they drank in instruction, and how ready they were to correct mistakes. For they seemed to be mistakes, rather than perverse wanderings.

Deacons Ordained. "Perhaps I have moved more slowly than might seem best in establishing some of the more outward forms of church offices among them; for

they have never had any regular deacons until this year. During this visit I have ordained four deacons, two at the station where the large church is, and one each at those out-stations where the other two stone chapels are. It was pleasant to us, and accorded entirely with our judgment, that their first choice for a deacon was George, the man who lived so long in our family, and now the only living child of our dear old King George. He inherits much of his father's good common sense, modesty, and noble generosity. I have been thinking a good deal of him as possibly the man whom we might think best to ordain as pastor of that little flock, as my visits there are so seldom, and will be likely to be still more so.

Deaths. "It is an item of tender and touching interest to us, as we return to them and inquire about some of those who have passed away during our absence, to be told that among their last requests was

-'Give my love to Mr. and Mrs. Snow when they visit Kusaie again.' To me, these messages are as like to voices from the 'farther shore' as any thing I have ever heard. It is wonderful with what intelligent cheerfulness, and even joyous hope, some of the Christians enter the dark valley. I visited a woman who, they told me, had lost all consciousness, — did not speak to or even recognize her friends. I had seen her but a few weeks before, the very picture of health. As I sat down by her, and called her by name, she recognized my voice, and to the great surprise of her friends, sat up, with her husband's help, and answered all my questions with a cheerful smile upon her face. was no fear for the future, nor apparent anxiety about the five little children she was so soon to leave. Jesus was near and precious. While I was singing-Asleep in Jesus,' (‘Motul in Jisus, motul mwo,') she lost her consciousness again, and recognized no one after that.

There

Good Influence on Sailors. “I am interested in the intercourse of some of the young men with seamen. They speak of one, a supercargo, who seems to have had a Christian education, and perhaps had

"At one time a gruff old officer, when the ship first came to anchor, treated the Christian boys and young men very roughly, wanting them to get out of his way, as far off as possible. One evening he also was ashore, and at one of their prayer-meetings. What he saw and heard there wholly changed his course towards them. Ever after that he spoke kindly to them, and seemed to love to have them about him. From some things of this sort, I cannot but hope that they are doing good to others than their own people. As many of them can speak English quite readily, I encourage them to try, in all modest and becoming ways, to do good to seamen as they have opportunity. It is encouraging to hear them well reported of from time to time, by those who visit them. Their modest and retiring manners win respect.

Influence of Ebon Christians. "Our Ebon young men (church members) are also exerting a good influence, in their way, upon other islands, of both this and the windward range. The young man who assisted me in translating the Acts into this dialect, went north with the chiefs, during our visit to Kusaie. He spoke in one of our recent prayer-meetings of his trip. They had worship morning and evening on their proa, during the passage; and while at Namo, an island 100 miles or more north of this, they (he and another young man, a church member) had Sabbath services, at which quite a number of chiefs from neighboring places were present, giving respectful attention to all their exercises. He spoke of having a congregation of about 300. Some of this

sowing of the good seed may yield fruit unto eternal life.

Hawaiian Missionaries. "Here let me speak of my Hawaiian associates. J. A. Kaelemakule, upon Namerik, reports 147 readers, 58 who have renounced their heathenism, and 8 candidates for baptism. Labor was commenced on that island in November, 1864. Truly a good record. His pupils number 189. Rev. D. Kapali, of Jaluij, numbers 70 pupils; 40 readers; 11 who have renounced their heathenism; and 7 candidates for baptism. His field is a trying one, both for lack of native food, and for difficulty of reaching his people. A large lagoon, and the population scattered all around the atol.

"We are planning to push out vigorously next year into the Radak range of this group, if we can get men to occupy the posts. We hear very encouraging reports as to the amount of population upon the more northern islands of that range, and shall hope, ere long, to test the truth of these reports by actual observation."

PONAPE.

LETTER FROM MR. STURGES, May-August, 1867.

THIS letter from Mr. Sturges is of earlier date than some others received at the same time; but was doubtless brought to Honolulu by the same conveyance. He writes at different times, and from different places; but the letter, like others from the mission, is of much interest. Under date May 7, he wrote:

"We are still at our new place, on the east part of the island, and find full compensation for our exile from the comforts of home, in the hurry of work we find here. The people are all anxious to learn, and Mrs. Sturges finds more than her hands full in her school.

A Communion Service. "We have just returned from holding communion services in another tribe, on the north part of the island, where there are many church members who have long desired to come to the communion, but could not, for want

of a church large enough. We spent a few days among the scattered people, and were glad to find that so many gather in their new church on the Sabbath. All our meetings were solemn; over one hundred partook of the elements of Christ's love; six hundred witnessed the scene; and though many had never been present at a like meeting, not a smile or look indicated a sporting spectator. It was especially pleasant to see the mountain patriarch' sit down with so many whom he had helped to come to Christ.

"What a change since he came over to the Lord's side! Then he was almost alone; and a little band, met to worship God, were fired upon and stoned, by some of the very persons now so much interested. On the very spot where the meeting-house stands, I was near being overcome and robbed fourteen years ago. Some who were then ready to take my life are now followers of Jesus. I never attended a communion service with more satisfaction. Six hundred heathen just opening their eyes to the light, and so many communicants, made truly a pleasant sight. We much desired to spend some more days in that very interesting field. They need much the presence of a teacher. The sooner the Doanes get there the better.

Almost a War of Parties. "July 25th. Since my last date we have been passing through exciting and busy scenes -war and church building! I say war, for this has been the one great thought with our people. For two years and more, the heathen party have looked upon their thinning ranks with jealous feelings, and we have feared a conflict of their party with ours. The king of this tribe has long acted towards our good Hezekias, who is the second in rank, as though he were a nobody, and treated him and his people with much indignity. They have meekly borne all insults, even to the spoiling of their goods though they were three to one of the heathen party-hoping they would be won over; but when the king went so far as to take possession of our high chiefs' lands, and commenced to disfranchise all our chiefs and their peo

ple, there seemed to be no way but to assert their rights or lose all. I advised our people to stand for their rights. Our chief, in a friendly note, demanded the return of his places. The king sent word in reply, that he held the lands and should defend them. Our people sent to the Christians in other tribes, who made common cause with us here. Soon a very large force was gathered; and a note was sent to the king, stating that the lands must be returned. He, seeing his weakness, agreed to restore the places, and be friendly; so the dread arbiter, war, stands still. We much hope never again to come so near a conflict of deadly strife. I think, and all think, a better day is dawning. The Christian party is now a party — a power to be feared.

Church Building. "Just as the warcloud began to threaten, our people commenced erecting a new church at this place, as it was not convenient for them to go to their regular place of holding meetings, some two miles from here, and on a very high hill. We are hoping to be in it in a few days; and our hearts are greatly cheered at the interest the people take in this, the third meeting-house they have built here within two years. It is wonderful to see these people-naturally so selfish and indolent so ready to help us as to build a parsonage, 23 by 31 feet, without expecting any pay; and then, so soon, commence work on a new house of worship. Is it strange that we have so protracted our stay here, and have some thought of making this, in place of our old home at Kiti, the head station'?

At Home. "Kiti Station, August 17th. Home again! To know the meaning of this sweet word, how one needs to be in exile awhile! And thus we seem to ourselves to have been for the last few months. Yesterday I seated myself in a chair for the first time for months; and now I am writing by a large glass window, the clear light of out-doors pouring in upon my table. We are no longer in a low house, with tall bread-fruit trees, like so many English taxgatherers, counting our windows, and begrudging us the free light of heaven! But