DISTRICT OF LEONE.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 9, 1 March 1849, Page 3

DISTRICT OF LEONE.

There have been decided and growing indications of an improved state of things at this station during the past year. The solemn event that deprived it of its Missionary, in the month of March last, was followed by a change which, though not immediately perceptible, and gradual in its early progress, has continued to become more and more decided till the present time. This change appears, in a greater or less degree among all classes and ages, and in all parts of the district. Perhaps, it appears most marked among young men. These had long been an especial grief of heart to him who, for nearly five years, ceased not to warn, instruct, and beseech them, and all, to be reconciled to God. While he was vet with them, they continued “ stout-hearted and fai fiom lightneousness \ ’ but now, it may be, that the seed he sowed in tears is taking hold of their hearts and those of many others, by the blessing of Him who has given us the assurance, that His Word shall not return unto Him void. I cannot, of course, in this brief notice, specify all ways in which this change shews itself. Only one or two of the more obvious will be mentioned. The people come together in larger numbers from all parts of the district every week to listen to the Word of Life, though there are two regular out-stations at which the same number of services is held as at this place, and every

separate village has a service on Sabbaths, except those in the immediate neighbourhood of Leone. The consequence is, that our Sabbath congregations here are very large; and they are generally as attentive as they are large. From 800 to 1,000 is a moderate estimate. Sometimes we have considerably more than even the largest of these numbers. The changes that have taken place in the church during the past year are as follows :—Admissions, 43 ; exclusions, 2 ; suspensions, 3 ; deaths, 3. From the church at Pagopago, 6 have been transferred to the church here. The total number at present in full membership is, 242. Those who have been admitted are all persons of long standing. They, with many others, trace their first impressions back to the times of refreshing enjoyed in former years. The contributions to the Society are, Oil, 836 galls.; arrowroot, about 180 lbs. ; money, £1 6s. Such is a brief view of the present state of things at this station. How long the pleasing change now in progress will continue to advance, it is, of course, impossible to predict. In the meanwhile, it is ours to be thankful, and to strive to the utmost to improve the season of sunshine with which we are graciously favoured. We must, however, be prepared for changes and painful reverses in this uncertain world; and, even in our brightest days, we must rejoice with trembling.

A. W. Murray.

Leone, Tutuila, Jan. 9th, 1849.