Loo-Choo politeness be converted into obe- tion. The whole of their conduct towards dience to the gospel. According to the last us seems to be contrived to throw as many national census, 350 millions constitute obstacles in the way of our labors, as can China's population, and these all worship consist with the preservation of friendly the god of this world, and the surrounding appearances towards ourselves. Though countries are enveloped by impenetrable making unbounded pretensions to hospitaldarkness, and we cannot send to these ity, they will neither furnish a missionary large nations the light of the gospel, be- with a regular supply of food, nor suffer cause these countries are inaccessible to him to use his own without the payment of Christian missionaries? No; they are not a heavy duty. Though in the habit of inaccessible, if a servant of God, clothed spending much of their time in large comwith deep humility, penetrated with the panies, when a missionary proposes to love of Christ, endowed with talents, sus- preach, a tedious negotiation has to be entained by prayers, at home, and enlivened tered into, when all their ingenuity is put by his own, is willing to make every sacri- || in requisition, either to prevent the meeting fice for the glory of God. But there are no by getting up a council or a dance, or to funds to support them? There are men render it almost nugatory by calling on who travel at their own expense to gratify none but a few old men, or in some way their curiosity; and in a land of liberty, like preventing the people from attending. yours, shall no individuals be found, who When commenced, the discourse is liable will travel at their own expense, for love to be interrupted and the meeting broken to their Savior? Christ showers his grace up by the receipt of news, the arrival of upon your blessed country; and are there strangers from another town, or any such no individuals to be met with, who, being trifling occurrence. In this way they harass enriched by the gift of the Holy Spirit, can and discourage both preacher and interdevote their property and their lives to the preter, though the latter is of course most cause of God in China? To individuals of exposed to the influence of the sly wit and this description I address myself. They drollery which often circulate on such ocwill find an unbounded field for exertion, casions, and sometimes finds it a severe patience, love, and talent. Let them be trial of fortitude to proceed with his unwelduly acquainted with some useful art, come task. On one occasion last summer mathematics and medicine in preference, their opposition assumed a more definite and possess a talent for acquiring languages, and authoritative form than usual. While and they may brave Jesuitical stratagems, waiting for the chief to send out the criers armed with faith in their Savior, and re- to call the people to meeting, as he had precommended by simplicity in their proceed- viously engaged, he came forward and ings. An ardent mind will find free scope stated that the minds of the people were in among this immense population. It is well a very agitated state respecting some pubto possess Christian fortitude, patience, and lic concerns, and that it would be impractienthusiastic desire for the salvation of cable to draw their attention to any other China. China needs these qualifications in subject. He further said, "We have no its spiritual benefactors. objection to the preaching, it is a good thing," and pointing to the Bible added, "Take home the book and keep it for me. When our difficulties are over, bring it back and we will listen to you." Two other principal men who came with him said their views also were the same. In the circumstances I did not consider it my duty to persist, though I afterwards found that the conduct of Clermont was not generally approved, and that no other difficulties than usual were to be met in assembling the people. Though but little interest appears to be taken by the generality in any religious subject, yet in conversation with individuals we sometimes find that they understand enough, in some cases, to satisfy their minds of the truth of our statements, in others, to excite the most lively opposition. An instance of the latter was exhibited by the well known Mad Buffalo in regard to the justice of God, a doctrine on which his feelings were no doubt influenced by the imprisonment which he suffered, some years since, at Little Rock. To punish a criminal, in any case, he would by no means admit to be consistent with goodness; and not even the finding a ransom to suffer in the room of sinners, could recon Consider not the insignificant individual, who entreats you to become co-operators in this great vineyard, but the cause of God, and pray for your correspondent, who is surely the most incompetent for the performance of the task with which he is charged. Osages. EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF MR. MONT GOMERY, DATED UNION, DEC. 27, 1831. Difficulty in gaining access to the Osages. SINCE the removal of the Osage settlement at Hopefield, in 1830, it has been my wish to spend as much of my time as possible among the people at the large town. No change, however, having taken place in their wandering habits, it is only during particular portions of the year that they are within our reach; and even when stationary there are many things which render it difficult to remain long with them, or to accomplish much in the business of their instruc cile his mind to the divine proceedings. || books; you have never given me a plough, But the truth which excites the most frequent animadversion, is the spirituality of the divine nature. "Have you ever seen God?" "What sort of a being is he?” "Where is he?" are questions which they often put with evident feelings of triumph. Upon these facts Mr. Montgomery very justly remarks The above particulars are stated, not as at all unusual in the commencement of a mission in a heathen country, nor as constituting any peculiar ground of discouragement in regard to the Osages; but as serving to cast light on the nature of our present labors, and to account in some degree for the smallness of our progress. The reluctance which this people have hitherto manifested in regard to religious instruction, cannot be supposed to arise from any distinct apprehensions of the nature of the gospel. Perhaps it may, in part, be attributed to the doubtful state of their minds on the great question, whether they will adopt the ways of white people, or perse vere in their wandering life. In their conceptions, the arts, government, and religion of white people are viewed as a whole, inseparable from one another. All their traditions and ceremonies lead them to this conclusion. We have always found that much pains are requisite in order to prevent them from confounding farming with relig ion. While, therefore, their minds are not made up to adopt our customs, and mode of life entire, they appear to consider it necessary to resist the entrance of light on any subject, and to reject every innovation on the ancient system. The missionaries have now for many years had to encounter these obstacles to the success of their labors; but there is reason to think that a favorable change of prospects is at hand. Mr M. adds It is gratifying to have ground to hope that the opposition from this source will not be of long continuance. An evident change has of late certainly taken place in their sentiments in regard to civilization. All expectation of being able to maintain their hunter state, seems now to be really abandoned. Instead of arguing strenuously against both the necessity and practicability of their living by cultivating the soil, they appear now to be seriously convinced that this is their only alternative. Formerly, they looked with contempt and dislike on the undertaking at Hopefield, and blamed the missionaries for their agency in it. Now, many of them profess to be desirous to follow the example of the settlers, and complain of us for not furnishing them with cattle and implements as well as the people at Hopefield. "You do nothing,' said Clermont last summer, "but talk about an axe, or a bake-oven; these are the things which I value." And just recently, after inquiring if application might not be made to our patrons for aid of this sort, he said, "To a red man, destitute of the means of living like white people, the education and sentiments of white people are of no use." "Do you think the Cherokees who send their children to your school took books first? No, I suppose they first received cattle, &c. and afterwards schools. If I had a house and things like white people, I would send a great many children to school." Others of the leading men descant with a great deal of earnestness on the project of farming and raising cattle. When government shall proceed to extend to them its promised aid in these pursuits, it is greatly desirable that care be taken that the expense be not lost, or worse than lost; as was the case in regard to the measures adopted in behalf of the upper branch of the nation. Increasing disposition to receive the Gospel among the Creeks. The Creeks here referred to are settled within twenty miles of Union. They have been mentioned repeatedly. See especially the number for March, p. 80. In the Creek country, the disposition to hear, which for some time was confined chiefly to the blacks, has been gradually spreading among the Indians. It is not, however, yet popular or reputable for a Creek to be seen at meeting; and, therefore, such as do attend are generally found to be more or less serious. Few of them understanding English, the discourse is always on their account interpreted. Happily this is a service which occasions us no trouble here, there being half a dozen young men who are competent and who would cheerfully officiate. Most of these young men possess great readiness of speech, and are in the habit of praying in public, and of addressing the people from their own stores of thought, sometimes at great length. How deeply important that they be duly assisted in extending the knowledge of the scriptures, and in forming their religious character. At a communion season in October, 15 persons were baptised. The church now embraces 63 members, of whom 23 are Creeks. Last Spring five young men of nearly equal age, none of whom could speak English,, or wore the American dress, presented themselves among others for examination. Seldom has there been seen in western missions a happier fulfilment of Grant's beautiful anticipation: "Unwonted warmth the softened savage feel, Strange chiefs admire, and turbaned warriors kneel." While the church has been gradually || herd of Israel is about to take some of these enlarged, we think there has been a per- tender lambs under his own charge, by ceptible advance in knowledge and spirit- gathering them into his fold. For two ual judgment among many of the members. months past, considerable seriousness has They profess to prize correct scriptural in- prevailed among the youth at this station. struction; and have cheerfully received After laboring ten years on this barren Watts' Psalins and Hymns, to be substitut-heath, you may well suppose that even the ed in room of those lighter hymns which prospect of some precious fruits would have were previously used. In one important an exhilarating effect upon our spirits. To particular they exhibit very substantial evi- be permitted merely to break up the fallow dence of a desire to improve-a disposition ground, that those who come after us may to learn to read. After one of the leaders not sow among thorns, is a high privilege, had shown that it could be accomplished but to gather in the golden grain is in the without any stated instruction, numbers of highest degree encouraging. them commenced with spirit, and several have already become able to read in the easier parts of the New Testament, and have evidently profited much already by their new attainment. Last summer the disposition pervaded a considerable portion of the congregation, and frequently, when time admitted, previous to the usual service, they were attended to in the manner of a Sabbath school. The example of these people presents another proof of the efficacy of the religious principle in waking up the powers of the mind, in creating a thirst for knowledge, and in producing the steadiness of application which is requisite in acquiring the art of reading. None of them would, in their circumstances, have ever thought of attempting this attainment, had they not been excited by a desire to become acquainted with the scriptures, or, at least, carried along by the example and spirit of religious associates. In the state of feeling which at present prevails, nothing appears to be wanting but the steady exertions of a resident missionary, in order to convert this interesting congregation into a reading people. June 4th Mr. Jones writes, that thirteen were admitted to the church on the day previous, eleven by profession and two by letter. Two of these were Osages, two were Delawares, and two were colored persons: the rest were children of the missionaries. Most of these are members of the school, and became hopefully pious during the month of March. The missionaries indulged hopes concerning the piety of several others, while the spirit of serious inquiry was manifest in many more. Ten days later, Mr. Jones writes that there was a prospect of a still larger accession to the church on their next communion, than was witnessed on the 3d of June. Eight or ten were hopefully born into the kingdom in one week. What is rather sur prising, all except two or three of those who entertain hope, have either been or are still members of the school. This fact imparts new courage to your missionaries, and is a proof of the utility of the schools. Were you here, you might suffer a similar inconvenience to that once experienced by missionaries among the Hottentots;—you could scarcely find a place for secret devotion. Walking out morning or evening, Under date of January 19th Mr. Jones speaks you would hear the voice of prayer in EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF MR. JONES, thus of the school The average number of Indian scholars in the school, for the last year, was from 36 to 40. The good order which has prevailed among them, the progress they have made in their studies, and in the domestic arts and agriculture, were we to look no farther than the present, is highly flattering. In the course of the year, several gentlemen of some distinction have visited the school, and have spoken in the highest terms of commendation, both as it respects the progress the scholars have made in their studies, and their general appearance. One gentleman, to express his good will, presented us with a bell for the benefit of the school. almost every direction. Chickasaws. EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. STUART, General State of the Mission. THE Presbytery of Tombecbee met here two weeks since. It was an interesting time. The congregations were large and very attentive. An old African man was admitted to the communion. Since the meeting we have had larger congregations than usual. I now preach three times on the Sabbath, and have good attendance each time. The members of the church, I hope, are a little waked up. These generWe bless God that a brighter day seems ally stand firm, with a few exceptions. At to be dawning upon us. Present appearthe late meeting we excommunicated one, ances favor the idea, that the great Shep- Il suspended three, and restored two. We Revival of Religion at the Station. have a temperance society, which numbers || The chiefs have been making some effort, the laws of Mississippi notwithstanding, to suppress intemperance among the people. They have agreed to remove, provided a suitable country can be obtained from the Choctaws. This, they believe, cannot be done, and therefore they have strong hopes of staying where they are. These hopes, I fear, are vain. It will be seen that the spiritual condition of the station was more encouraging when the foregoing extracts were written, than when Mr. Stuart wrote at the beginning of the year. p. 118. Endians in Ohio. See EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. VAN TASSEL, DATED MAUMEE, APRIL 3, 1832. General View of the Mission. As it respects the concerns of this station, the family are enjoying good health, living in peace and harmony, and all manifest a disposition to press forward in the path of duty. I have visited the Indians some, while scattered on their hunting grounds in the course of the winter; but not so much as I intended, on account of the unfavorable season for travelling in the wilderness. When at home I preach every Sabbath at the station, attend the Sabbath school and Bible-class. The congregation is gradually increasing, and there is uniformly good attention. There has recently been two additions to this little church, one by letter and one by examination. At times we have had some tokens of the Lord's presence; so that we were encouraged to hope for a revival; but, as often before, these seasons have passed like the early cloud and morning dew. In my last, I wrote you that some of the Indians had agreed to go west of the Mississippi. I think now they will settle down with the others, and remain till the rest of their land is taken from them. They are more willing to receive instruction. Three new scholars have been added to the school, and several more have agreed to send their children this spring. Within two or three weeks, the Indians will return again to their villages. After this, myself and wife intend to spend our time almost exclusively among them. On the 27th of June Mr. Van Tassel states, that the school contained 31 Indian children-14 boys, from three to fifteen years of age, and 17 girls, from five to twenty years old. Ten of the scholars were studying arithmetic and geography, twelve were attending to writing, and fifteen were able to read in the Bible. The pupils were cheerful, obedient, and moral; and the cause of temperance was gaining ground, both among the Fadians and the white settlers in the neighborhood. Mackinaw. EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. FERRY, Increased attention to Instruction. THERE has been, during the whole of the past season, an unusual degree of interest manifested by the Indians visiting this place, in religious instruction. Notwithstanding all the Papal excitement and opposition, (which have been very great,) still Indians from different quarters, and some from L'Arbre Croche, where the Papal mission would, if possible, control every thing, have come to us time and again in considerable numbers to hear reading and attend to other means of instruction. There is evidently an uncommon movement of feeling among the Indians. In one case, which I believe I mentioned in a former ||letter, an Indian and his wife at L'Arbre Croche became dissatisfied, from their own observation, with the Papal movements; and, of their own accord, applied to us to take one of their children, and in a few days, a second; said they had thought of the subject since last spring, but dared not speak of it; and that none but, their family knew of their design when coming to place their children with us. They are both girls, and by their lovely and promising character have already become much endeared to us all. The parents have been here to see them several times and bring them presents. They appear perfectly contented with what they have done, notwithstanding all that has been said to them, and so are the children. In two cases of Indians, both from Grand Traverse, we have evidence that the religious instruction imparted to them has been attended with saving grace. Grand Traverse is on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, about fifty miles from Macki naw. Proceedings of other Societies. FOREIGN. ANNIVERSARIES OF ENGLISH SOCIETIES. THE following notices of some of the more important of the late anniversaries in London are taken, with omissions, from the Evangelical Magazine. British and Foreign Bible Society. The anniversary of this great society was held at Exeter Hall, on Wednesday, the 2d of May, and the occurrences of the day were such as to awaken sentiments of devout thanksgiving to God, among all the attached friends of the cause. The hall was full-the platform presented a delightful spectacle of rank, talent, and piety-and the dove of peace once more hovered over the assembled advocates and distributors of revealed truth. Lord Bexley, in the absence of the venerable president, took the chair; and, in an appropriate speech, congratulated the meeting on two things-the mild visitation of the hand of God, in that disease which has of late prevailed, and the re-establishment of peace and union in the society. He concluded by urging the friends of the cause to increased diligence, watchfulness and prayer. The report of the society was unusually interesting. It opened by a temperate reference to recent differences; it recorded the unanimity of the society's councils; and mentioned the fact that more than one thousand pounds had been voluntarily spent by the friends of the cause in defending it from the attacks of its enemies. The foreign operations of the institution have been most encouraging. The income of the society, during the past year, has amounted to 81,7357. 16s. 4d.; being a dimination on the receipts of the preceding year of 13,6887. arising exclusively from a variation in the amount of legacies falling in to the society during the year. The expenditure of the society has been 98,4097. 10s. 9d. The issues of Bibles have been 160,701, and of Testaments, 182,444, which, added to the issues on the continent, make a total of 583,888, being an increase on the issues of the preceding year of 100,000 copies of the word of God. The total issues of Bibles and Testaments, from the commencement of the society, have been 7,608,615, and the sum spent in effecting this grand object, 1,878,382. 16s. 2d. Among the occurrences of the day, nothing was perhaps more gratifying, than the modest, humble, and self-denying manner in which the Hon. and Rev. Gerard Noel acknowledged his error in having opposed himself, for a time, to the great and good cause. British and Foreign School Society. The twenty-seventh annual meeting of this society was held on Monday, the 7th of May, Lord John Russell in the chair. The total receipts of the past year, including 1007. from the king, have amounted to 2,572. 10s. 8d.; and the expenditure has been 2,5381. 4s. 3d. VOL. XXVIII. Sunday School Union. The annual meeting of this society, which has been so greatly blessed of God, was held at Exeter Hall, on Thursday evening, the 3d of May, Lord Henley in the chair. Including the Sunday School Society for Ireland, there are belonging to the Union, 10,897 schools, 115,709 teachers, 1,131,023 scholars; being an increase, during the year, of 735 schools, 8,162 teachers, and 78,367 scholars. London Hibernian Society. On Saturday, the fifth of May, the anniversary of this institution was celebrated at Exeter Hall, the Marquis of Cholmondeley in the chair. The number of day. Sunday, and adult schools, in connection with the society, during the past year, have been 1,569, in which 90,085 scholars have been enrolled, being an increase on the returns of the former year of 4,330 children and adults. Making allowances for the double enrollment of certain of the pupils in the class-books of the day schools, and of the Sunday schools, it appears that no fewer than 73,655 have been in actual attendance, for a longer or shorter period, during the past year, being an increase on the preceding year of 3,500. The Roman Catholic pupils, it is calculated, have amounted to 36,000. The day schools are 692, in which there are 55,750 scholars; 24,490 of whom are Roman Catholics, and 31,260 Protestants. The Sunday schools are 468, containing 23,346 scholars. The adult schools are 409, containing 10,989. Of these, three schools have been entirely instructed in the Irish language. In the day schools, there are 34 Irish classes, in which 594 children have been taught to read in the Irish tongue. Of the thirty-two counties into which Ireland is divided, twenty-nine are blessed with the schools of this admirable institution. It was reported that of the 692 day schools belonging to the society, 317 were under the superintendence of clergymen of the established church of Ireland; forty-five under the ministers of other denominations; 282 under noblemen, ladies and gentlemen; and eighteen having no local visitors. The Bibles distributed during the year have been 4.712; the English Testaments 12,832; the Irish Testaments, 330; and the Irish Bibles, 69; making a total of, since the commencement of the society, 273,519. During the past year, a grant has been made to the institution by the British and Foreign Bible Society, of 500 Bibles and 16,000 Testaments. The receipts of the past year have amounted to 9.822. 15s. Gd.; and the expenditures to 8,2971. 8s. 1d. Religious Tract Society. On the 8th of May, early in the morning, the anniversary of this society was celebrated at the City of London Tavern, W. B. Gurney, Esq. in the chair. After prayer, the chairman briefly explained the objects of the society, and then called on Mr. W. Jones to read the report. It stated that a grant had been made in China to 34 |