called the made-dishes of Tahitian banquets. After remaining a month or six weeks longer, the pulp on the inside becomes much firmer, and rather more than half an inch in thickness. The juice assumes a whitish colour, and a sharper taste. It is now called omoto, and is not so much used. If allowed to hang two or three months longer on the tree, the outsided skin becomes yellow and brown, the shell hardens, the kernal increases to an inch or an inch and a quarter in thickness, and the liquid is reduced to less than half a pint. It is now called opaa, and after hanging some months on the tree, falls to the ground. The hard nut is sometimes broken in two and broiled, or eaten as taken from the tree, but is generally used in making oil.

"If the cocoa-nut be kept long after it is fully ripe, a white, sweet, spongy substance is formed in the inside, originating at the inner end of the germ which is enclosed in the kernel, immediately opposite one of the three apertures or eyes, in the sharpest end of the shell. This fibrous sponge ultimately absorbs the water, and fills the concavity, dissolving the hard kernel, and combining it with its own substance, so that the shell, instead of containing a kernel and milk, encloses only a soft cellular substance. While this truly wonderful process is going on within the nut, a single bud or shoot, of white colour but hard texture, forces its way through one of the holes in the shell, perforates the tough fibrous husk, and, after rising some inches, begins to unfold its pale green leaves to the light and the air; at this time, also, two thick white fibres, originating in the same point, push away the stoppers or covering from the other two holes in the shell, pierce the husk in an opposite direction, and finally penetrate the ground. If allowed to remain, the shell, which no knife would cut, and which a saw would scarcely penetrate, is burst by an expansive power, generated within itself; the husk and the shell gradually deeay, and, forming a light manure, facilitate the growth of the young plant, which gradually strikes its roots deeper, elevates its stalk, and expands its leaves, until it becomes a lofty, fruitful, and graceful tree."-- Vol. i. pp. 364-370.

One more sketch from the delightful lake of Maeva, once the scene of most cruel and impure rites, now hallowed by the holy worship of Christ.

"Among the singularly beautiful and diversified vegetable productions that

adorn the banks of the lake, the sacred aoa deserves particular attention; it stands near the large temple of Tane, at Tamapua, and is one of the most ancient and extensive that I have met with in the islands. In its growth, the aoa resembles the banian tree of the East, aud is probably a variety of the species. The bark has a light tinge and shining appearance, the leaf lance-shaped and small, of a beautiful pea-green colour. It is an evergreen, and is propagated by slips or branches, which readily take root. When the stem of the young tree is about two or three inches in diameter, the bark, immediately below the branches, which generally spread from the trunk, about six feet above the ground, begins to open near the lower part of the limbs. A number of fine yellow pointed roots protrude, and increase in size and length every year. The branches grow horizontally, and rather bending than otherwise from different parts of these, fibres shoot forth through the bursting bark, and hang like fine dark-brown threads. The habits of growth in these pendulous rocts are singular. Sometimes they appear like a single line, or rope, reaching from the highest branches nearly to the ground, where they terminate in a bunch of spreading fibres, not nnlike a tassel. At other times, while there is one principal fibre, a number of others branch off from this at unequal distances, from its insertion in the bough above, and terminate in a cluster of small fibres. The different threads are sometimes separate from each other for a considerable distance, and near the bottom, unite in one single root

"As soon as these depending fibres reach the ground, they take root, and, in the course of a number of years, become solid stems, covered with a bark resembling that of the original tree, and forming so many natural pillars to the progressively extending branches above.

By this singular process, the aoa, at Tamapua, appears more like a clump or grove than a single tree. The original stem was joined by one or two, of such dimensions, that it was not easy to distinguish the parent from the offspring, and the fibres that had united with the ground, and thus became so or stems of the tree, many trunks covered a space many yards in circumference. The lateral branches continue to extend, and tendrils of every length and size are seen in all direc

tions depending from them, appearing as if in time it would cover the face of the country with a forest, which yet should be but one tree.

"The most remarkable appearance, however, which the aoa presents, is when it grows near some of the high mountain precipices that often occur in the islands, A short distance from Buaoa, where the rocks are exceedingly steep, and almost perpendicular for a hundred feet, or more, an aoa appears to have been planted near the foot of the rocky pile, and the tender fibres rotruded from the branches, being nearer the rocks at the side than the ground below, have been attracted towards the precipice. From this, fresh nourishment has been derived, the tree has continned to ascend and throw out new

fibres still higher, till it has reached the top. Here a branching tree has flourished, exhibiting all the peculiarities of the aoa; while the root, and that part growing along the face of the rock, resembles a strong interwoven hedge, extending from the base to the summit of the precipice.- pp. 169,

170.

"The cottage erected for my lodging, when visiting the district of Maeva, was within a few yards of this tree, and the chapel stood within the precincts of the ancient idol temple. I have often conversed with the people respecting it, and they have said that the most appall ing horrors filled their minds, if they approached the tree or the pile after dark that when they have pushed their light canoe along the adjacent lake, they have, as an act of reverence, uncovered the upper part of their persons, and almost trembled with fear till they had safely passed. Considering the dark and gloomy appearance of the temple, the wide extent, dense shade, fantastic shape, and grotesque appear

ance of the tortuous fibrous roots or

trunks of the aoa, it is not surprising that the superstitious natives should be under the influence of those feelings, especially if it be recollected that there were few seasons when a human body was not suspended from some of the branches, to propitiate the deity of the place."-pp. 170, 172.

Amidst the numerous topics, which it would have afforded us pleasure to notice, before we close this article, two claim a pre-eminent regard; these are, the form of Christian fellowship established in the islands; and a proposal of the author for a general Colonization Society, in aid of Foreign Missions.

In respect to the subject of church-fellowship, as the fundamental principle of the London Missionary Society is, that it will not adopt any existing form of church government, as a model or rule to which it obliges its missionaries to conform; but leaves them, and their converts, "to assume for themselves such form of church government as to them should appear most agreeable to the word of God;" when the critical period arrives, which requires a decision on this point, might we not expect very serious difficulties to arise in the way of general co-operation, from the difference of denomination to which the missionaries themselves might have belonged, or from the diversities of opinion which the general perusal of the Scriptures by their converts might create? To suppose that the Directors of the Society were indifferent to the subject, is contradicted by the very terms of their fundamental rule, which expresses an apprehension that, to determine that matter among themselves, might only lead to dissention. In such a dilemma what could be done, but commit the issue to an honest perusal of the word of God? Let What then was that issue? us attend to the testimony of our author.

"Although we did not experience that difficulty which, from the peculiar circumstances of the Mission and the people, had attended the first administration of baptism, we regarded it as a matberation. ter requiring grave and prayerful deliWe felt that cur proceedings would influenc the views and conduct not only of those by whom we were surrounded, but perhaps of future genera

tions. A foundation was now to be laid, on which, so far as order and discipline were concerned, the superstructure of the Christian church in that island was to rise in every succeeding age, and by many important respects. which it would certainly be affected in Anxious therefore to begin aright, we sought,

and trust we received, Divine guidance, endeavouring to regulate our proceedings altogether by the directions of the sacred volume. It was, however, difficult to divest ourselves entirely of those views of the subject which we had imbibed from the writings of men.

"A Christian church we considered to be a society of faithful and holy men, voluntarily associated for the purposes of public worship, mutual edification, the participation of the Lord's supper, and the propagation of Christianity: the Lord Jesus Christ was regarded as its spiritual head; and only such as had given themselves unto the Redeemer, and were spiritually united to him, members. These were our general views. In England we had belonged to different denominations, and however adapted the peculiarities in discipline, of those communions might appear to the circumstances of British Christians, we did not deem it expedient to take any one altogether for our model. It appeared to all more desirable, in the existing state of the people, to divest the churches we might be honoured of God to plant among the Gentiles, of every thing complicated or artificial, that they might be established in the purest simplicity of form, and, as far as possible, according to the directions of revelation. Had any been pertinacions of their peculiarities, they had now the fairest opportunity of acting accordingly.

"General good, however, was our object; and that line of procedure, which, as a whole, we could unitedly pursue, in closest accordance with Scripture, and at the same time with greatest advantage to the people, was more desired by every one, than any peculiar views on minor points. I believe it is from the paramount influence of these feelings, more than from any other cause, that such uniformity exists. There was no agreement previously entered into among the Missionaries, but those of each station were left, with the people around who might be brought to a reception of the truth, to assume for themselves such form of constitution and discipline, as should in their views be most accordant with the word of God; and yet I am not aware, that in any material point there is the smallest difference among them."-pp. 302 – 304.

The missionaries and their converts studied the word of God, as directed, and a happy and cordial unanimity was the result. When we, at home, can be brought to do the same, we shall share the

same blessing. Here, we have acts of uniformity and prelatical pomp and authority, with an endless diversity of opinion and practice; there they have the word of God only, and uniformity. What the system is, must be gathered from our author's narrative. He has given it no name: whether it bears one, we know not. Let others call upon it a name-we will not; but we say, that system which is the result of the unsophisticated study of the word of God, and which produces such cordial agreement and uniformity, by free consent, must be scriptural; and, if so, divine. Let those who are curious in these things, find out what it is. We particularly recommend the search to the author of the New Model for Christian Missions

We pass to the second point which claims especial regard, the formation of a new society "for the promotion of agriculture, mechanic arts, social order, and the general civilization of rude and barbarous tribes." Mr. Ellis pleads for such an institution in the following terms.

"Although the expensive and com mendable measures adopted by the Directors of the Missionary Society, for encouraging industry among the South Sea Islanders, and furnishing them with a source of productive labour by introducing the manufacture of sugar, had not accomplished all that was designed, and Mr. Gyles had returned to England before the expiration of the period for which he had been engaged, the Directors still considered that it was their duty to endeavour to promote the temporal prosperity of the people-that the introduction of useful mechanic arts, and other means of advancing their civilization, though objects of only secondary importance, were not to be overlooked. Some stimulus to more regular employment than that to which the natives had been accustomed, during the unsettled and indolent state of society from which they were just emerging, was still necessary for their contentment and individual happiness, as well as their national prosperity.

"The Directors of the Missionary Society were not influenced by their own choice, but by the necessities of the

people, in making these and other se

cular arrangements, which were not contemplated in the original constitution and object of their association, but have resulted from the changes effected by

their agents in the circumstances of those

communities among which they have resided; and have sometimes involved an expense which could not always be met without difficulty. These collateral exertions often occasion embarrassment, and it would be highly gratifying, if other institutions were able to prosecute those departments of effort, which are rather appendages than proper parts of Missionary labour. Were the resources of these societies formed for the universal diffusion of education, and the means of the British and Foreign Bible Society such as to enable them to undertake entirely the instruction of of the heathen, and the translation and circulation of the Scriptures, it would greatly facilitate the extension of Christianity. If, in addition to those already in existence, there was also an institution for the promotion of agriculture, mechanic arts, social order, and the general civilization of rude and barbarous tribes, such a society would exert a most beneficial and commanding influence, and furnish an able and important agency, in conjunction with those now engaged. It would enable Missionary institutions to follow more energetically their simple and primary labours, in sending forth messengers to preach the gospel to the heathen.-Vol. i. pp. 466-468.

The missionaries sent to uncivilized tribes have felt severely the want of such auxiliaries as here proposed. Many persons might, doubtless, be induced to support civilization societies, who would not cast even a mite into the treasury of Christian missions. Societies of this nature for the benefit of Africa and Canada already exist; and, either these societies might unite their resources and extend their operations, so as to form a general colonization society for the whole world; or distinct societies might be formed for that particular portion of the human race, which might seem most to require the aid proposed. The grandeur of a

N. S. NO. 61.

general society might produce more ample resources, the sympathies of distinct societies might convey more extensive benefits. A plan which should combine both advantages, would, perhaps, be the most likely to obtain general support.

We have now only to wish Mr. Ellis health and length of days, and the recovery of his beloved invalid; that they may return to those delightful Christian islands, where we know they would be, to spend many years of comfort and usefulness, blessed themselves, and a blessing to all around them.

The Scripture Testimony to the Messiah: an Inquiry with a View to a satisfactory Determination of te Doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures concerning the Person of Christ. By J. P. Smith, DD. 3 Vols. Svo pp. 1679 £1. 16s. Holdsworth and Ball.

ON the appearance of the first edition of this invaluable work, we were among the first who expressed their conviction, that it was destined to occupy a high place in the theological literature of our country for ages to come. That opinion was not founded on a superficial, but a very patient and full examination of the nature and merits of the work. If it was expressed with confidence then, so far from retracting it, we feel disposed, if possible, to add to its strength, and to implore our readers, who are not yet in possession of the work, to avail themselves of the earliest opportunity to obtain and to study it. If they have ever had doubts and difficulties on the subject of which it treats, we know not where they are so likely to meet with a satisfactory solution of them. If they have not experienced doubts, but wish to have their knowledge increased, and their faith confirmed, the "Scripture Testimony" is ad

G

mirably adapted to supply what they require.

re

It is not our general practice to enter at large into new editions of works, which have been before the public; but this is too important a publication to allow us to be trammelled by use and custom. The work, many of our readers are aware, was originally designed as an answer to "The Calm Inquiry of the late Mr. Belsham." Its nature, however, would be entirely mistaken, if it were garded merely as an answer to that book. It embraces, in fact, the whole Unitarian Controversy in relation to the person of Christ; and discusses, with consummate ability, all the arguments of ancient and modern, Continental and British Socinians. There is nothing temporary or local in the character of the argument, which will be felt to be as fresh and important a century hence, if Socinianism should exist so long, as it is

now.

The learned author arranges the work in four books. The first is occupied with preliminary considerations, on the Evidence proper to the Inquiry-on the Interpretation of Scripture-on the Errors and Faults of the Orthodox and the Heterodox, with respect to this Controversy- -on the Moral State of the Mind in relation to the Inquiry and on Mr. Belsham's Preface and Introduction to his Calm Inquiry.

The second book treats of the information to be obtained concerning the person of the Messiah from the prophetic descriptions of the Old Testament. The third takes up, in the same manner, the narratives of the Evangelical History, and our Lord's own assertions and intimations. And the fourth discusses at length the doctrine taught by the Apostles in their inspired ministry concerning

the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Appended to every chapter, are numerous notes, replete with accurate and profound learning, on a vast variety of topics, more or less intimately connected with the principal subjects discussed, besides a series of larger appendices at the end of the work.

Dr. Smith mentions in the preface, that this edition is increased by more than one-fourth of new matter, besides innumerable modifications of words and paragraphs. In fact, while it contains all the arguments of the first edition, not one of which the author has felt it to be his duty to retract, it is in other respects so much enlarged and improved, as to be in a considerable degree a new book.

The work of Dr. Smith has peculiar and extraordinary claims on the grateful reception of the religious community. The subject on which it treats is of the very first importance to the interests of Christianity. The person of Christ involves all the great peculiarities of the Christian scheme. According as he is received as a divine or a created being, must be the regard paid to his message, or the submission to his authority. His death as an atonement for sin, his advocacy as the Mediator of his people, his power to govern now and judge at last, must all depend on the estimate which is formed of his true nature. The magnitude of redemption, and the glory arising to the Father from his undertaking; in short, every thing valuable in the religion of Christ is connected with this most interesting inquiry. Whatever, therefore, tends to clear away difficulties which attach to the subject, and to place it in all its scriptural simplicity and importance before the mind, must be deserving of the deepest attention,