RAFT OF GAMBIER ISLANDERS
The group in the Pacific Ocean called the Gambier Islands are but thinly inhabited, but possess a good harbour. Captain Beechey, in his "Narrative of a Voyage to the Pacific and Behring's Straits," tells us that several of the islands, especially the largest, have a fertile appearance. The Captain gives an interesting account of his interview with some of the natives, who approached the ship in rafts, carrying from sixteen to twenty men each, as represented in the Engraving.
"We were much pleased," says the Captain, "with the manner of lowering their matting sail, diverging on different courses, and working their paddles, in the use of which they had great power, and were well skilled, plying them together, or, to use a nautical phrase, 'keeping stroke.' They had no other weapons but long poles, and were quite naked, with the exception of a banana leaf cut into strips, and tied about their loins; and one or two persons wore white turbans." They timidly approached both the ship and the barge, but would upset any small boats within their reach; not, however, from any malicious intention, but from thoughtlessness and inquisitiveness. Captain Beechey approached them in the gig, and gave them several presents, for which they, in return, threw him some bundles of paste, tied up in large leaves, which was the common food of the natives. They tempted the Captain and his crew with cocoa-nuts and roots, and invited their approach by performing ludicrous dances; but, as soon as the visitors were within reach, all was confusion. A scuffle ensued, and on a gun being fired over their heads, all but four instantly plunged into the sea. The inhabitants of these islands are stated to be well-made, with upright and graceful figures. Tattooing seems to be very commonly practised, and some of the patterns are described as being very elegant.
CHRISTIAN FREEDOM.
| "He is the freeman whom the truth makes free," Who first of all the bands of Satan breaks; Who breaks the bands of sin, and for his soul, In spite of fools, consulteth seriously; In spite of fashion, perseveres in good; In spite of wealth or poverty, upright; Who does as reason, not as fancy bids; Who hears Temptation sing, and yet turns not Aside; sees Sin bedeck her flowery bed, And yet will not go up; feels at his heart The sword unsheathed, yet will not sell the truth; Who, having power, has not the will to hurt; Who feels ashamed to be, or have a slave, Whom nought makes blush but sin, fears nought but God; Who, finally, in strong integrity Of soul, 'midst want, or riches, or disgrace Uplifted, calmly sat, and heard the waves Of stormy Folly breaking at his feet, Nor shrill with praise, nor hoarse with foal reproach, And both despised sincerely; seeking this Alone, the approbation of his God, Which still with conscience witness'd to his peace. This, this is freedom, such as Angels use, And kindred to the liberty of God! Pollock. |