NeTV Greek Church is the term sometimes ap- plied to the Eastern Church, as it was constituted after the subjugation of Greece by sultan Mohammed H in 1453, and continued in full power until the Greek Revo- lution of 1831-33 brought about the independent estab- lishment of a state Church for Greece. See articles Gueece; GiiEEK Church ; Nauplia.
New Grenada. See Colo.-mbia.
New Guinea. See Papua.
New Haven Theology. See Theology (New England).
New Hebrides, a group of volcanic islands situ- ated in the South Pacilic Ocean, to the north-east of New Caledonia, and to the west of the Fijis, extending
NEW HEBRIDES
13
NEW IRELAND
in S. lat. between 14^ and 20^, and in E. lonp;. between 166^ and 170^, and having a total area estimated at 5700 square miles, are regarded as the most easterly point of the western division of Polynesia, The grouj), which was discovered by (Juiros in IGOG, but not fully known until explored by Cook in 1773, embraces Espi- ritu Santo ((35 miles long by 20 broad), Mallicollo (60 miles long by 28 broad), Ambrim, Annatom or Aneityum, P^romango, Tanna, with an active volcano, and Aurora. Most of the group are hilly and well wooded, some even mountainous, an(l present a luxuriant vegetation. The only animal of consequence is a diminutive species of hog, which when full grown is no larger than a rabbit. The inhabitants, who are of the I'apuan Negro race, number less than 200,000. They are less intelligent than the other South Sea Islanders, ver\' tierce, and exces- sively dirty. Erromango is a well-known name in mis- sionary history, being the scene of the barbarous mas- sacre of the Rev. John Williams — generally called the Martyr of Erromango (Nov. 20, 1830). Two j-ears after the death of Williams the London Missionary Society sent native teachers from the eastern group of Polyne- sia, and they met a hearty welcome, especially' in An- natom. In 18-12 European missionaries attempted work at Tanna, but the hostility of the natives to all whites because of fear lest they should take them into slavery for Australia, as was so frequently done, prevented any successful issue. Several of the native teachers were murdered (at Futuna) ; others remained and labored, but without any apparent result. But the London Society would not see the work abandoned, and frequently sent the mission-ship to the New Hebrides, and furnished teachers when there seemed to be an opening. A new ffira dawned in 1848, when the Reformed Presbyterians established their mission. By 1852, when only two la- borers occupied the field, Christianity gained its first real strong footing, and by 18G0 all Annatom, then 3500 inhabitants strong, was free from the cruelties and ex- travagances of heathenism, and in close alliance with Christian morals and measures. The good work con- tinues, and there arc now in Annatom over 500 commu- nicants. The Rev. Mr. M'CuUough, formerly one of the missionaries, in June, 1875, wrote to the Boston Traveller some interesting statements respecting the triumph of the Gospel there. The following will be read with interest: "No one could visit Aneityum for the first time without being struck with the change ef- fected by Christianity. Instead of a number of naked savages on the beach, armed with clubs and spears, to dispute your landing, you see a number of qiuet, peace- able men and women, with children, in front of their houses, engaged in domestic occupations. The hus- band may be seen feeding a brood of pigs with cocoa- nuts, and the wife kindling the fire to cook the meal for dinner or supper, while the children all have the look of happiness and contentment in their countenances. The most conspicuous among the houses and villages are the church and school -houses and mission prem- ises. The church is itself a wonder of architecture, constructed by native workmen, under the missionary's superintendence. It is built of stone obtained on the island, and is beautifully plastered and whitewashed. Lime is obtained from the coral which abounds on the shore. This church is capable of accommodating a thousand natives, when seated closely together, and is pronounced by competent judges to be one of the finest places of worship in the South Seas. The teachers are expected to give instruction in reading, spelling, writ- ing, and arithmetic. The book used ail over the island is the New Testament, or some Gospel in a separate form, such as IMark or Luke, which were printed in a detached form before the New Testament was printed in full. Almost all the natives can read, and some of them very fluently. They pray with a fervency and fluency that would put to the "blush many who have enjoyed far greater advantages in Christian lands. They are also required to give an account of the births and
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^ Torres Is.
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NEW HEBRIDES
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deaths in their respective districts from month to month, and to recommend parties for marriage if they tliink them suitable."
In Erromango missionary Gordon sought a foothold in 1856, but in 1861 he and his wife fell martyrs to their faith, while many natives who had embraced Christian- ity were persecuted. Yet Christian teachers and mis- sionaries continue their work, among them a brother of Gordon, and of the population, which in 1867 amounted to upwards of 5000, 100 had accepted Christianity and 15 submitted to baptism. Tanna, with its 1500 inhab- itants, has had missionaries since 1858, though native teachers advocated Christianity before that time. Much opposition was encountered there too, and only recently the ^vork opens more favorably. There are now two stations. Vati is now also subject to missionary labors, and very recently mission work has been attempted on the largest island of the group. This important mis- sion work of the New Hebrides is now A-irtually under control of the Presbyterian denomination. A mission- ship, entitled the Daysprinr/, serves this field, and sus- tains connection with the Australian colonies. See Grundemann, Missions-A this, pt. iii. No. 4 ; Blachwood's Marjuzine, 1868, i, 37 ; 1860, ii, 52. (J. H. W.)