and have been inquirers for one, two, and some three years. Our Church-members now number 600; during the past year, two only have been expelled for immorality. Their conduct is worthy of their profession. We have just had our first Missionary Meeting; it was a glorious gathering; not less than 3000 were present. The natives are poor; they have no staple article for exportation. Their contribution has been in cocoa-nut fibre, arrowroot, &c. At a low estimate, I think they will fetch, in Sydney, £45. In addition to this, they have paid for their books in arrowroot, and we have now shipped, per John Williams,' about six tons of arrowroot, for sale in Sydney.

"I have been progressing slowly with the work of translation. I have now completed the Hebrews, James, Ephesians, and Titus. These we send to Sydney, per John Williams,' to the agent of the L. M. S.

"While we are full of gratitude for all the success which has attended the feeble efforts of God's servants, at the same time we rejoice with trembling. We feel to need much, very much grace, for from us these natives will receive their first real impressions of Christian life. We need all the sympathy and prayers of our friends in England. We would make the apostle's request ours, and most urgently plead with our brethren at home to remember us: 'Brethren, pray for us.'

"The first week of this year was a week of prayer throughout the whole island. One day was set apart as a day of prayer for England, and many fervent prayers were offered by these once Savage Islanders' for their Christian brethren in England and other Gospel lands. Everything is now most promising on Savage Island. The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few.' We have been praying as a church and people that the Lord of the harvest would send us another labourer to this corner of the harvest field. If we do not soon have help, I am afraid Popish priests will be here to mar the work of God, and lead the inquiring natives into their crooked paths.

"I am happy to say myself, Mrs. Lawes, and our two little boys are all well. God has mercifully given us health and strength.

"Mrs. L. unites with me in kind regards to yourself, Mr. Prout, and the Directors.

"REV. A. TIDMAN, D.D."

"I remain, dear Sir,
"Yours very truly,

"W. G. LAWES.

STATISTICS OF SAVAGE ISLAND FOR YEAR ENDING MAY 31st, 1863.

SOCIETY ISLANDS.

RAIATEA.

WE have much pleasure in inserting a letter from our newly-appointed friend and brother, the REV, J. C. VIVIAN, written soon after his arrival in the distant scene of his destination. The facts connected with his voyage, which he states with much interest, serve to show the intense anxiety cherished by the people, in Islands hitherto unblessed with a European Missionary, for the inestimable advantages which they anticipate from his residence among them. The friends of the Society will hence learn that there are still in the South Pacific many fields white to the harvest, for which faithful labourers are required. May the Lord of the harvest raise up many, and send them forth speedily!

"Raiatea, May 4th, 1863. "REV. AND DEAR SIR,—It is our happiness at last, after a voyage of thirteen months, to find ourselves comfortably located in our home in the South Seas.

On our way here, from Tahiti, we called at Huahine, and took on board the Rev. Charles Barff. We went on shore about two hours, and then proceeded to Raiatea, where we arrived on Sunday the 26th of April. The day following, a meeting of the Brethren was held at the Rev. George Platt's house, when the Brethren of the group gave me a very warm-hearted and affectionate welcome among them as their future fellow-labourer. On Tuesday there was also a meeting held in the chapel, of the members and deacons of the church.

'On Friday morning, the deacons, members, and also the children of the schools. came to our house and brought us a large present of food, according to their custom, Several long speeches followed, which chiefly consisted of a statement of their great love to Miti Viviani tone, and Miti Viviani vohine, their new Teachers.

"On Sunday I gave out the hymns and read the lesson, and Mr. Platt preached I can nearly understand all the natives say, and hope, in a very short time, to preach to them in their own tongue.

"Our long voyage from Sydney. though occupying nearly nine months, has been full of interest, and has contributed greatly to my experience. We have visited upwards of thirty islands, and I have seen the Mission fie ld in these seas in all its length and breadth. You will not be surprised when I tell you that, on several of the islands to the west, the people are so anxious to receive Missionaries that I had literally to drag myself away almost by force from them.

"At Uea, one of the Loyalty Islands, the natives were so anxious for me to remain, that they were ready to give up their lands, or anything they possessed if I would stay and be their Missionary.

"At Fate, as soon as they knew I was a new Missionary, they determined, if possible to secure me. At first they tried persuasion; on finding this to fail, they next tried what brute force would do-they designed to carry me off. For this pur pose, six strong fellows came on board before daylight, and took their stand near the cabin stairs. Judge my surprise on ascending the ladder. I had scarcely reached the top, before I was caught in the close embrace of these six naked black men. They looked very resolved at first; but by a little coaxing I got my release and when they found their case was hopeless, they desisted and made no further further effort. Every one of these poor fellows carried marks in his countenance of

deep desire for further instruction in the Word of God. It was truly painful in the extreme, to witness these things, and have no means of assistance at hand. Oh, that more labourers were sent forth. Truly, the harvest is great, and the labourers are few.'

"On reaching Samoa, the same cry was heard from the Brethren and people, 'Do stay here; we need help.' At the meeting of the Brethren, no less than seven of the high chiefs came and made a formal request that I might be detained. Oh, if the Christian people of England could for one moment have witnessed the anxiety, or heard the pleadings of these men, I am persuaded they would think no sacrifice too great to make, in order to supply their want. They said with tears, if a Missionary did not come with them, the priest would, and the people would be lost. If by gathering the whole population before me, to plead their own case, they could succeed, they would do it, and 5000 people should come and present themselves as destitute of a pastor and going to ruin. These things, dear sir, deeply wrought upon my feelings, and my heart melted in me for their sakes.

During the whole of our voyage we have enjoyed uninterrupted good health. Our worthy captain and Mrs. Williams have contributed to our comfort and happiness in every possible way; and the officers and men were kind and obliging. On my leaving the ship yesterday, the 1st of May, as she started for Sydney, all hands gave three cheers for us each, and we really felt keenly our leaving the Messenger of Peace. Three of the crew have given their hearts to God since our leaving Sydney.