PREFACE. THE narrative contained in this volume exhibits the state of religion and civilisation in the Friendly and Feejee Islands in 1850. The devout reader will observe with thankfulness and joy the marked progress which has been made, in both particulars, since Mr. Lawry's former visit in 1847. The work of God is deepened and established. The framework of society is improved and strengthened by the advance of education and the elevating principles of Christianity. The relative and social duties are understood and acknowledged. Just laws are enacted and administered. "Wisdom and knowledge are the stability of the times" of the Messiah, and are the foundation of the peace and comfort of these island communities. How vast the change which has been effected within thirty years! Great as have been the revolutions of Europe, and the advance of America within that period, in no part of the world has there been experienced so extraordinary a renovation as in the islands of the South Pacific. So greatly has God honoured the prayers and labours of His faithful servants; and has borne testimony to His own truth, "The isles shall wait for His law;" and, "All the ends of the earth shall fear Him." We have not repeated in this volume the mass of information collected in the former volume on the history, policy, superstitions, and natural productions of these islands. We now, once for all, refer to the former volume, as containing a complete digest of all that is known on these subjects; at the same time observing, that this volume is not necessarily dependent on the former, the information it contains being full and distinct. One of the public prints, in giving some notice of the former volume, suggests, that the valuable information it contains might have been given without being mixed up with quotations from Wesley's Hymns and the details of love-feasts. The writer should have known that it is the spirit breathed in the scriptural Hymns of the Rev. Charles Wesley which has enkindled the Missionary fire in the hearts of the Methodist Societies; and that it is in those very details of love-feasts that we see exhibited the process by which the most barbarous and hateful of human beings have ceased to be savage and cannibal, and have been brought to their right mind, and are now sitting at the feet of Jesus. These islanders have not been first civilised, and then converted. They have been first converted; and their civilisation is still in its infancy. The word of God has been preached to them, and they have felt its power. They have been convinced of their lost condition, and have sought and found mercy of God through Christ. Being new creatures in Christ Jesus, they are following after "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise." The Missionaries are aiding them in this pursuit; and it is hoped that the facts contained in the following pages will induce a continued and increased support to those Funds by which the Missionaries are enabled to follow work they have so happily commenced. independent confirmation of the statements contained in these volumes be considered desirable, the Editor has great pleasure in referring to a beautiful volume recently published by a lady in America, relating her own observations and experience, and entitled, "Life in Feejee.” up the If any WESLEYAN CENTENARY-HALL AND MISSION-HOUSE, CONTENTS. PART I. FRIENDLY ISLANDS. Page. NEW ZEALAND, Auckland-Kauau-Bay of Islands—Paihia— re- Page. -Tonga Flag-Funeral of William Feejeeoi-Letters to .1 to 116 PART II. FEEJEE ISLANDS. Oneata-Sabbath and Popery-The Missionary Call-La- |