when presented alive, received the sacred mark, and ranged the district at liberty; when slain, care was taken to avoid breaking a bone, or disfiguring the animal. One method of killing them was by strangling; another, by bleeding them to death, washing the carcass with the blood, then placing it in a crouching position on the altar. Sacrifices, dressed or not, were placed on the altar, and remained there till decomposed. Hence, the atmosphere in the vicinity of the maraes was frequently most offensive. The most affecting part of the sacrificing of the South Sea Islanders was the frequent immolation of human victims. These, in the technical language of the priests, were called fish. They were offered in seasons of war, at great national festivals, during the illness of their rulers, and on the erection of their temples. The foundations of some of the buildings for the abode of their gods were laid in human sacrifices. The central pillar of one of the sacred houses at Maera was planted in the body of a man who had been offered as a victim to the sanguinary deity afterward to be deposited there. The unhappy wretches selected were either captives taken in war, or individuals who had rendered themselves obnoxious to the chiefs or the priests. The cruelty of the practice extended, not only to individuals, but to families and districts. When an individual had been taken as a sacrifice, the family to which he belonged was tabu, or devoted; and when another was wanted, it was most frequently taken from that family. In general, the victim was unconscious of his doom until suddenly stunned by a blow from a club or stone, sometimes from the very chief on whom he was depending as a guest for the rights of hospitality. He was usually murdered on the spot, his body placed in a long basket of cocoanut leaves, and carried to the temple. Here it was offered, not by consuming it with fire, but. by placing it before the idol. The priest, in dedicating it, took out one of the eyes, placed it on a plantain leaf, and handed it to the king, who raised it to his mouth as if desirous to eat it, but passed it to one of the priests or attendants, placed near him for the purpose of receiving it. At intervals, during the prayers, some of the hair was plucked off, and placed before the god; and, when the ceremony was over, the body was wrapped in the basket of cocoa-nut leaves, and frequently deposited on the branches of an adjacent tree. After remaining a considerable time, it was taken down, and the bones were buried beneath the rude pavement of the marae. These horrid rites were frequent, and the number offered at their great festivals was truly appalling. Beside these, the chief occasional services were connected with the illness of their rulers, supposed to be inflicted by the gods for some offence of the chief or people. Long and fre quent prayers were offered to avert their anger and prevent death. But supposing the gods were influenced by the same motives as themselves, they imagined that the efficacy of their prayers would be in exact proportion to the value of the offerings with which they were accompanied. Hence, when the symptoms of disease were violent and alarming, if the suf ferer was a chief of rank, the fruits of whole fields of plantains, and a hundred or more pigs, have been taken to the marae, and frequently beside these, a number of men, with ropes round their necks, have been led to the temple, and presented before the idol. The prayers of the priests have often been interrupted by the ejaculatory addresses of the men, calling on the god by name, and exclaiming, "Be not angry, or let thy wrath be appeased; here we are, look on us, and be satisfied." It does not appear that they were actually sacrified; but probably they appeared in this humiliating form to propitiate the deity, and show their readiness to die, if it should be required. The progress of the disease was marked by the friends of the afflicted with intense anxiety. If recovery followed, it was attributed to the pacification of the deities; if not, the god was regarded as inexorable, and usually banished from the tem ple, and his image destroyed. LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS To the Western Foreign Missionary Society, from February 15, to March 15, 1837. Alexandria, N. C. Rev. Walter S. Pharr, $10.00 Cadiz, O. Pres. church, by Rev. J. M'. Arthur, ladies contributing severally 10, 3, and 2 dollars, Chartiers' Fem. Miss. Soc. by Mr. John M. Lowrie, two boxes of clothing for the use of the Western Missions, not valued. Concord cong. Pa. 18.86; Muddy Creek, 11.25, by Rev. J. Coulter, Deerfield cong. O. 17; Middle Sandy, 9, by Rev. W. O. Stratton, Hampshire, Va. by J. Kerr, Esq. Hiland's cong. Pa. (Rev. J. Reed, pas. tor,) by R. Hiland, Esq. Mercer co. Pu. Miss. Society, by Mr. W. 15.00 30.11 26.00 15.00 53.47 15.00 30.85 5.00 55.00 5.53 1.00 4.00 4.70 upwards of $50, to constitute their pastor, Rev. 1.00 Benjamin Dolbear, a life director. 30.00 98.00 80.00 Pequea, Pa. Miss J. M. Luckie, Donation of Mrs. Vandervier, 40.00 20.35 At Simla-W. Gorton, Esq. Bengal civil service, 100 9.00 J. T. Rivaz, Esq. 200 1.03 Captain F. Auberjonois, 16 Rev. W. Parish, Chaplain, 16 13.75 C. Raikes, Esq. civil service, 16 5.00 50.00 At Calcutta-C. E. Trevelyan, civil service, Sicca rupees, 100 10.00 20.00 15.00 33.00 50.00 10.00 65.00 NOTE. The letters from our missionaries which contained an account of these generous donations, have not been received. They amount to about 443 dollars 50 cents; and afford pleasing evidence of the interest felt in our India mission by some of the European residents in that country. PAYMENTS FOR THE CHRONICLE. Rev. C. Long, J. M. Lowrie, Miss Mary Fairfield, O. by Rev. Robert G. Linn, from City of New York and Jamaica L. I. by Mr. J. U. Morrison, from forty-one subscribers, 50 cents each-$20.50. $931.79 Collected and remitted by Rev. James Coe to the Treasurer, $30. From a late report, in part, of Mr. Coc's Agency, we learn that Mr. This is in addition to $27.00, from fifty-four John Paul has paid $30, to constitute his subscribers, already acknowledged. Mr. daughter, Mrs. Hannah Statesmycr, a life Morrison has procured, within a few months, member; the congregation of Maryville, up- 127 subscribers for the Chronicle, and collectwards of $30, to constitute their minister, Rev. ed 95 subscriptions. Other friends of the SoJonathan Sampson, a life member; and the|ciety are active in extending the circulation congregations of Lower Liberty and Milford, of this publication. FOREIGN MISSIONARY CHRONICLE. VOL. V....No. 5. PITTSBURGH, MAY, 1837. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. THE LATE MISS BIRD, OF CALCUTTA. We invite the attention of our readersmore especially pious females-to the following memoir of a lady who was was distinguished for talents, acquirements, piety, zeal, and unwearied efforts to promote the kingdom of Christ and the salvation of sinners. This sketch of her life appeared in the Christian Observer for March, 1835, and has since been printed and circulated, in the form of a tract, in London; with a copy of which, for insertion in the Chronicle, we have been kindly furnished by a worthy brother, who was personally acquainted with the deceased, and bears testimony to the excellence of her Christian character and abundant labors in the cause of God. While we feel a melancholy satisfaction in calling to remembrance the lives and deaths of the dear friends we have lost, the Christian has a higher motive in tracing the character of departed believers. He would do it to show forth His glory whose Gospel they adorned, and who has commanded us to "be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." It is with this feeling that the following memoir is drawn up; and with the earnest wish that it may be blessed of God in stimulating His people to active exertion in His service, when they see how much may be effected by a private individual; and, above all, in setting forth His praise who made the subject of it what she was. Miss Bird, daughter of Robert Bird, Esq., of Taplow, Bucks, was born in London, May 29, 1787, and entered her heavenly rest in Calcutta in the month of May 1834, a victim to that mysterious pestilence which, after desolating the east for several years, has gradually, though with mercifully mitigated ravages, swept over Europe, and found its way even across the vast Atlantic to the western world. Her early years were passed in the bosom of her family. While a child she manifested no anxiety upon spiritual subjects; nor was it till the age of seventeen or eighteen that the religious character for which she was afterwards so eminently distinguished began to dawn. There was nothing remarkable-that is, specially so, for every thing connected with the operations of God's mercy to fallen man is WHOLE NO. 49. remarkable, and infinitely memorable-in the first openings of Divine grace in her soul. She often spoke of the early instructions which she had received from her mother; adding, that it was the observing how much she desired for her children the salvation of their souls, beyond any earthly good, that led her to consider her own eternal interests to be a matter of deep personal concern. At this period she with her family passed some years in New York. There she became acquainted with the venera. ble Mrs. Graham, whose conversation and instructions were much blessed, in leading on her mind, and in forming and maturing her spiritual character. Her zeal to be useful to others, and her perseverance in carrying on her plans for their good, began to be apparent at this time; for though much engaged in the instruction of some of the younger members of her family, she yet labored diligently among the poor and ignorant; and her delight and activity in these employments induced her to carry them on to the injury of her health. Returning to England in 1812, she was for some years greatly afflicted by bodily weak. ness, and more than once was brought near the grave. This, which was peculiarly a trial to one of her active habits and ardent disposi tion, and was accompanied at times by much mental conflict, was made the means in the hand of God of greatly deepening and strength. ening the work of His grace in her heart, and no doubt of preparing her for future usefulness. For the last seven years of her abode in this country she was diligently engaged in the instruction of the poor in the neighborhoods in which she resided; and there are some now rejoicing with her before the throne of God, to whom she was blessed, as the instrument of opening their eyes and turning them from darkness to light; and not a few, it is believed, are on their way to heaven who will be her crown of rejoicing in the great day. But Miss Bird's character was not formed only for usefulness among the poor. God had given her natural abilities of a very enlarged character, and these she had diligently culti vated; and this, together with the influence which a spiritual mind always gives its pos sessor, made her society not less acceptable among those of her own class than to those who were the objects of her charitable care. But her earnest desire and endeavor were to a feeble and delicate female: love to God, in use every talent to the glory of the Giver, and the first place; love to her fellow-beings, in the to obey that command: "Occupy till I come." next. Though most acutely alive to the opinIn the year 1823 she was induced, by the ions of those among whom she lived, she still affection she bore to a widowed brother in In- pursued her way through evil report and good dia, to leave her beloved home for the alleviation report. The path she marked out for herself, of his trial; and in taking this step she was not new, and hitherto untrodden, was to visit in a little influenced by the hope that she might their homes the numerous females descended in some way be useful to the ignorant and de- from Christian parents, with whom Calcutta graded female population of India. With this abounds, who speak Hindoostanee, but are toidea she commenced the study of Hindoostanee tally unable to benefit by instruction in Engduring her voyage, and diligently prosecuted lish, or to read any language at all. To these it after her arrival in Calcutta, till she attained persons Miss Bird was the messenger of glad such proficiency as to be enabled to compose tidings, explaining and teaching the gospel of and converse in the language with great facili- peace, with such earnestness and sincerity that ty. Providential circumstances some time she seldom failed to make a deep impression. after rendering her abode in India no longer She devoted Thursday evening in every week necessary, the question arose, whether she to the instruction of these Hindoostanee females ought not to return to her native land; but after at her own residence. By degrces the numserious deliberation, she resolved to remain, ber increased; and in the afternoon of Sunday, for the purpose of devoting herself to mission- for two years past, they were joined by a few ary labors. In the pursuit of this object, the native converts, under the instruction of a path which she marked out for herself was pe- Christian Mouluvee, who assisted, by reading culiar. The particulars are so well narrated the prayers and exposition of Scripture which in a paper published in the Calcutta "Chris- Miss Bird had previously prepared. At the tian Intelligencer" for June 1834, from the time of her death there were no less than fifty pen of a lady in Calcutta, a particular friend females who were thus receiving instruction in of the deceased, that we cannot do better than the way of life eternal. This work alone make the following extracts from it: would have satisfied many, and would even "Miss Bird arrived in this country in 1823, have been too laborious for most; but it was and proceeded to her brother, R. M. Bird, Esq. only part of her exertions for the benefit of of the civil service, then stationed at Goruck- others. Her method of communicating inpore, a place well suited to her taste. A mis- struction was so happy, that she was requested sion of the Established church had already by several of the ladies conducting schools in been formed there, in which she immediately Calcutta, to devote some time cach week to became warmly interested; and, besides assist- impart religious knowledge to their pupils, ing in superintending the boys' schools, she and this she most readily did. For the same collected one on her own premises for native purpose she visited the Orphan School at Allifemales. She was thus occupied in the same pore. She established a Bible class, consisting benevolent way she had been in England, visit- of about thirty young females, who regularly ing and instructing the young and ignorant. assembled every Monday evening. She affordNor was this all, for here she commenced ed her most cordial assistance in forming the translating elementary works into Hindoostanee, and continued to devote some portion of her time daily to this useful employment till her lamented death. In this interval she paid some short visits to the neighboring missionary stations, and also to Calcutta, for the purpose of contributing to the comfort of a younger brother, suffering severely under the bereavement of an amiable wife, who fell a victim to cholera-the same frightful disease that so suddenly terminated the life and labors of his admirable sister. In 1830 she finally quitted Goruckpore and came to Calcutta, with the intention of remain ing as long as she could be useful; and, with a courage which those only who knew the real sensitiveness of her nature could estimate, she commenced seeking where she could do good; and when once this was found, nothing could deter her from prosecuting her labors till fruits of success were visible. No power but love could thus have animated Sunday school assembled at the Free-school Church. She also once a week instructed a class of native boys, under the care of the Christian Mouluvee, in geography. During this time her labors in English and Hindoostance composition did not cease. Besides her commentary on the book of Genesis, well calculated for the improvement of families and schools, she published, both in English and Hindoostanee, England delineated,' and fitted several valuable school-books for more general use in India. She completed the Outline of Ancient History, and translated the whole of it into Hindoostanee. She finished a tract on the Ten Commandments, which had been commenced at Goruckpore; besides several smaller tracts. She translated also a small work on Geography, of her own composition; Brewster's valuable Treatise on Astronomy, with Maps; and was engaged on a History of England, which she had brought down to the reign of William II. when she died. The above is a tude by many, long after their connection with the institution has ceased A week never passed in which she was not twice or thrice found seated among the children, patiently conveying instruction, as though she had been a hired servant rather than a gratuitous friend. One so disinterested, so zealous, so indefatigable, so desirous of doing good, is seldom found. Her memory will be dear to a multitude of sorrowing friends, by whom she will be honored, as one of those excellent women who have patiently labored in the gospel, and whose names are written in the book of life." very imperfect sketch of what she did; and few | Miss Bird, one of their lady visitors. To her can describe how she did it, or delineate all unwearied diligence, active piety, and cheerthe excellencies of her character. Her mental ful disposition, no commendation of theirs can powers were very uncommon; she was ready do justice. Regardless of bodily weakness, at acquiring, and retaining, and applying and a climate quite enough to excuse inactiviknowledge. In translating the work on as-ty, she went about doing good to those whom tronomy she encountered many mathematical few care to seek after. From house to house difficulties which were new to her, but till she she carried consolation; teaching the young fully understood them, she did not give up the and aged of her own sex where, without fear study, or attempt to continue the translation. of disappointment, they might find rest for As a remarkable instance of this we may their souls. The unsearchable riches of Christ; mention, that, having to explain the computa- the faithful saying, that Jesus came into the tion of the distance of the earth from the sun, world to save sinners,' was her delightful she was not satisfied till she had made herself theme. On this she loved to dwell, with that mistress of the mathematical demonstration of happy cheerfulness of heart which imparted a the mode of doing so by the transit of Venus, peculiar charm to her character, and won the for the purpose of inserting it in her transla-affection of all who listened to her discourse. tion. She was perfectly conversant with the On the Free School she conferred benefits best English and French authors, and possess-which will be remembered with lasting grati ed a fine taste. But all these literary qualifications, which would have been worthy of remark in others, were totally lost sight of in the superior excellencies of her character as a Christian. Jane Taylor remarks, What an honor, to have been noted by St. Paul as one of the excellent and worthy women of his day!' Amongst such, how pre-eminent would the deceased have been! Devoted, in more than a common degree, to her parents and family; dwelling with enthusiastic delight on their pleasures, and sympathizing with their pains; she could still give up all for Christ. She could relinquish the comforts and elegancies Some apology may be deemed necessary for of home, and devote her time, her means, and the warmth of these extracts, and perhaps it her talents, to the poor and neglected of the may be thought that they assume too much of land, and to imparting a knowledge of salva- the tone of panegyric: nor would they be intion to them that sit in darkness and the shad-serted were it not cordially believed that their ow of death. Her affections were as warm, basis is strict truth. We desire not to hold her her spirits as joyous, her heart as guileless, as up to admiration, but Him whose image she though she had never known the cares or sor- bare, and by whose grace she was what she rows of this world. Wherever she went she was. We, however, bring them forward, bewas a bond of union and love; incapable of cause they show, much more forcibly than we giving, she was equally slow at taking offence, could portray, the character of her whose loss and would not believe that any one would wil- we so deeply lament, and the unwearied nalingly distress her. Though delicately formed, ture of her exertions in his service whom her and exceedingly lame in consequence of an soul loved. The shortness of her illness and accident which occurred many years ago, her the entire prostration of her strength from the enthusiasm enabled her to endure such fatigue very beginning of the attack, prevented her as many robust men would have shrunk from. expressing her feelings in the prospect of The evening before her death she passed at death, but the following passage, from a letter the Kidderpore Orphan School, apparently in written sixteen months before, will show what perfect health, or, at least, as well as any one was the habitual state of her mind. After could be during the extreme heat of the weath-giving an account of a fall from her horse, er. On retiring at night she felt indisposed, when she was taken up in a state of insensibut delayed disturbing any one, or sending bility, she proceeds: People say, what an esfor medical aid, till near morning, when the cape I have had! but I cannot help thinking fatal disease was confirmed. Whatever re- how pleasant it would have been to have joinmains that we would have said, has been so ed the general assembly of the church of the beautifully expressed in the last Report of the first-born, and to have done for ever with the Free School, that we cannot do better than perplexities and temptations of this evil world. conclude in its words: The governors cannot However, as it has pleased God to preserve my close this Report without adverting to the irre-life, I know I ought to be thankful, and to reparable loss which the Frec School has sus-ceive it anew as His gift, to be used in His tained by the sudden and unexpected death of service; and I hope I do feel something of 6 |