SAMOAN MISSION PRESS.

Samoan Reporter, Issue 16, 1 December 1854, Page 2

SAMOAN MISSION PRESS.

The proceedings of the Mission Press during the year that is now closing have been far more encouraging than any of late, and the results of our work are larger and more satisfactory than any previously obtained. This has arisen, in a great measure, from the steadiness with which the native workmen have applied themselves to their occupations. Although the war has continued to distract the minds of this people, it has not much disturbed our operations; and my assistants have remained steadfast, until within the last month.

The Scriptural books issued from the press since the last report of January, inst., are, 5,000 each of the Ist and 2nd of Kings, Ist and 2nd of Chronicles, the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther; 3,500 of the books of Solomon and the Minor Prophets—from Hosea to Malachi. We

have also printed during the year, 7,000 copies of the revised Hymn-book (a third edition), 1,000 of a reading and hymn-book for Savage Island, 1,200 of the Samoan Reporter , and 2,000 of the Samoan Calendar. There have been bound a large number of Pentateuchs and the Historical Books—from Joshua to Ezra, and the book of Psalms. We have now in hand the books of Ezekiel and Daniel.

It is gratifying to witness the printing of the Scriptures drawing so near to a close, and that this work has progressed through the many interruptions and obstacles which, of late years, have opposed its course. We are anxious to see the Scriptures completed, that the entire Word of God may be in the hands of the people as early as possible. In the accomplishment of this desirable object, we have to record the assistance afforded us by the British and Foreign Bible Society, through the liberal grants of paper with which they have, from time to time, supplied us. It will be no small gratification to the Directors and supporters of that Society to learn that the entire Scriptures have been translated and printed in another of the languages of Polynesia. The translation of these books has been a work of considerable toil, diligently and carefully pursued through several years, by the missionaries of this group. They, too, will feel great satisfaction in witnessing the successful termination of their labours.

May He who has graciously given His revealed Word prosper it in the thing whereunto He has sent it, cause it to illuminate the minds of this people, and renew their hearts with its sanctifying influence, through the operation of His Spirit. Dec. sth, 1854. Samuel Ella.