IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^/ ^""^ts" / z III 1.0 I.I 1.25 Hf lis ill 2.0 121 1^ 1^ I- u UUu 1.8 U 11.6 L_ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 — :5^S --■»-*t;*Wil«8ies*affl»" 'Q. y for (he OLMES, Stcrelary. PROVERBS xii. 2. THAT THE SOUL BE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE, IT IS NOT OOOD. Every thing that relates to the human soul is deep- ly interesting to an immortal being. The body, for which we are so anxious to provide, must soon moulder in the grave. In a few years it will be in- corporated with the great mass of matter, and the pains which we have taken to beautify and adorn it will be lost forever. But the care, bestowed on the soul during its residence in clay, will be felt in the world of spirits — the bias, given to its operations here, will fix its state hereafter — and the stamp, impressed upon it in time, will determine its happiness or misery in eternity. That this spark of immortality is an emanation of Deity, reason as well as revelation assures us — That it is corrupt, impure, and unlike the source from which it sprung, is the dictate of experience as well as of scripture — That purity cannot subsist with im- purity, that holiness is inconsistent with sin, is evi- dent to the unprejudiced understanding of every man, and that Heaven, the habitation of holiness, cannot he the abode of pollution and guilt, is a conclusion that will not be resisted by a reflectinj^ mind. How important, then, is that method, by which the human soul may be restored to the imaj^e of its Maker, l)y whieh its natural prospects of eternal wrath may bo chaiigv^d to the certain hopes of the full and endless enjoyment of God ! Blessed be God, that there is such a method. The salvation of the soul is the great object in the economy of redemption. To obtain this, the Father jiarted with the Son of his love— to secure this, the Lord of glory bled on the cross — and to accomplish this, the Holy Spirit, who commanded the liiiht to shine out of darkness, liatb shined into the hearts of his people to give liiem the ligiit ol the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. In view of the connevion of kno>vledge with the eternal interests of the human soul, we are ready to adopt the aphorism of the wise man — That the soul be witi)out knowledge, it is not good. This saying is verified by daily observation and experience. The importance of knowledge in secu- lar concerns is generally admitted. — Its necessity in the various occupations of life cannot be questioned. It is indispensable, not only in those pursuits, which are usually denominated the learned professions, but it is also requisite in the ordinary and more common avocations of men. The mechanick must have a knowledge of his trade, and the husbandman must acquire, by practi( e and experience, a knowledge of the best mode of cultivating the soil. Without a competent degree of general knowledge, it is impos- sible to maintain a respectable standing in society, or to be useful in the generation in which we live. The importance and necessity of knowledge, how- na y mind. How lich the human its Maker, by wrath may bo ill and endless I, that there is on! is the great II. To obtain of his love— to the cross — and ho eoninianded ith shined into the light of the face of .Jesus !.iio>vledge with I, we are ready nan — That the ;ood. ibservation and rt'ledge in secu- (ts necessity in be questioned, pursuits, which professions, but more common . must have a sbandmau must i knowledge of til. Without a ge, it is impos- ing in society, hich we live, lovvledge, how- ever it may be undervalued in those parts of the world, where it is the interest of the few to keep the many in ignorance, and to deprive them of the means of acquiring information, will not be denied by the inhabitants of a republican country, where it is an es- tablished principle that knowledge is essential to national happiness, liberty, and order. On this prin- ciple our venerable fathers acted, when they laid the foundation of our present prosperity and respectabili- ty, in the institution of common schools, where the son of the poor man may acquire knowledge with the same facility as the son of his more opulent neigh- bour. It is owing to this admirable institution that knowledge is so generally diffused among all classes of the community, and that the rare spectacle of a man, who can neither read nor write, has become al- most a phenomenon in this part of our counvy. But, while we rejoice in the wise institutions of our ances- tors for the general diffusion of useful human knowl- edge, we have reason to lament that there is among us such a deficiency of knowledge, vastly more im- portant, and without which all other knowledge will be of no avail. It will be our object, in the following discourse, to consider, I. What that knowledge is, the want of WHICH IS so PREJUDICIAL TO THE SOUL. And, II. To ATTEMPT TO POINT OUT SOME OF THE DE- STRUCTIVE CONSEQUENCES OF THIS BANEFUL IGNO- RANCE. The knowledge, of which we speak, respects the moral character of Jehovah— the divine law— the human heart— and the plan of salvation. y ■ I or all kinds of knovvledge, that of otir Creator is, unquestionably, the most important. Compared with this, all other science is trillinj^ and insignificant. In- deed, all the sciences derive much of their imporcancc from their connexion with this fundamental science. Hence astronomy, for instance, acquires an interest over many other branches of knowledge, because it treats of the wonderful works of Clod, and opens to the astonished eye worlds on worlds innumerable. But it is possible to possess a great degree of this knowledge of the Creator's works and yet be ignor- ant of the divine character, although it seems aston- ishing that any person can admire the one and not love the other, and we are ready to say, with the poet, " An undevout astronomer is mad." We have reason, however, to apprehend that there are not a few such madmen among the votaries of that sublime and interesting science. It is the knowledge of the moral character of .lehovah. rather than a scholastick acquaintance with the laws of nature that we are to understand by that knowledge, the want of which is so prejudicial to the soul. A man may possess all the knowledge that has ever been acquired of the heavenly bodies, and yet be ignorant of the knowl- edge of God, and a man may be a proficient in this best of sciences, and not be able to tell the difference between a fixed star and a planet. The knowledge, then, of which we speak, relates to the moral character of God, as revealed in the scriptures of the Old and New Testament. In those bright pages, God declares himself to be — The Lora — the Lord God, long suffering and gracious, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, and who mr Creator is, oin pared with ;^iiificiint. In- 3ir importance ental science. IB an interest ^e, because it and opens to innunierublc. legree of this yet be ijs^nor- ; seems aston- one and not say, with the 1." We have !re are not a if that sublime wledge of the I a schohistick hat we are to lit of which is ay possess all quired of the f the knowl- Dficient in this the difference speak, relates vealed in the ;nt. In those to be— The and gracious, sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty. He is represented in the sacred volume as a Heing, possessed of every possible excellence, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. Ilotinrss is an attribute by which he is eminently distinguished. He is emphati- cally the Holy one. His name is Holy, and the an- gelick host, who surround his throne, cease not day nor night to cry— holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts. It is for the want of the knowledge of this one attribute alone, that so many thousands of our race are destroyed. If they knew that God was a holy Being, w ho could not look upon sin with- out abhorrence, would they persist in a course, so dis- lectly contrary to the divine character, and which they must know would expose them to his just di- pleasure? If they knew that without holiness no man shall see the Lord, would they not endeavour to resemble the divine character as far as possi- ble ? The same remarks are applicable to the other moral attributes of Jehovah, particularly his justice and veracity, the believing knowledge of which is •ilculated to have a most powerful influence upon human conduct. It is the want of this knowledge and belief that emboldens men to continue in sin, reckless of the awful consequences— that leadr them to deal with their Maker as with a fellow worm, who may change his purpose and commDte his threatening, —that induces them to cast off all fear, with the vain and fallacious excuse that the Lord doth not see — that the Almighty doth not regard them. Intimately connected with the want of knowledge of the moral character of God, is ignorance of the divine law. We have reason to app>ehend that this is i<,'nnianro h more oxtcnslvc than is ^oncrally imagin- ed. Ill iuiditioii to the multitudes of our rare, wlio are not iavmired with a revelation, there are many in a gospel land, who are (h'|»loial)ly if^norant of the hiw of (iod. It is true, they know the faet, that (umI has promulgated a law as the rule of obedience for his rational creatures, and that this law is eontain- ed in the scriptures. Perhaps, too, they have; learnt, in tlieir childhood, to repeat the ten eonimandmenta. But how i^Miorant are they of tin; s[)iritual meaning of the law ! Many have no idea that the law extends to the thoughts and intents of the heart. They (lat- ter themselves that its recpiisitions are satisfied, if the outward conduct is not in llagrant opposition to its precepts, and thus they indulge, without restraint, in secret desires and appetites, which are, in fact, condemned by the divine law. It is melancholy to reflect on the numbers of precious souls who are destroyed for want of this important, es- sential know ledge ; we say essential— for it is the foun- dation of all other spiritual knowledge. It is by the law that we are convinced of sin. I was alive, said the Apostle, without the law once ; but when the com- mandment came, sin revived and I died. The law, says the same authority, is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. If then wc have incorrect, par- tial, and imperfect views of the law of God, it is evi- dent that we cannot have adequate conceptions of the plan of salvation by a Redeemer. The man, who is ianorant of the spiritual nature and extent of the law ol" God, can never be truly convinced of sin— can never feel that anxiety respecting his spiritual state, which is absolutely necessary to salvation. He must >aih- i M ''« fewi i r ii i^j ii iii#»i"i: ii ri i iai«,il^ But, it may be asked, what is this knowledge of Jesus Chri«^ which is so essential to salvation ? This ques- tion is highly important, and deseirves an attentive reply. Much is doubtless implied in that knowledge of a Saviour, which is connected with eternal life. It is something more than speculative and theoretical. One may credit the fact, that such a person as Jesus Christ once appeared in our world, and was the au- thor of the benevolent religion which bears his name. Nay more, he may acknowledge his divinity, he may believe in his miracles and admit the truth of his doctrines, he may even conform his morals to his pre- cepts, and after all, be ignorant of that knowledge m which consists eternal life. What then is this knowl- eL\7e ? We answer, it is erpsrimcr.tal and practical It has its seat in the heurt, and its influence extends through the life. It Implies, not only a belief in the divinity and atonement of the Saviour, but a cordial attachment to him— a vital union with him, and an entire dependance on him for justification and sancti- fication— a participation of his spirit, and an imitation of his example. An acquaintance ivith the plan of salvation is also implied in this knowledge. It is desirable that we should have some connected, systematical views of the plan of redemption. How far an ignorance of some of the doctrines, connected with this scheme, is consistent with true piety, we do not pretend to say. We certainly do not contend that they are all of equal importance with the knowledge of Jesus Christ ant. him crucified. This is indeed all impor- tant, and we hesitate not to affirm, in a christian land, essential to salvation. But how far other doc- w^^jwrtMi.'xuwi f^T^*"' ^ujiMiJiiiijgiiiP*i^if w WWW«BBRa3saEW%s;«TiT**^»**^««** )\vledge of Jesus on ? This ques- es an attentive that knowledge 1 eternal life. It and theoretical. person as Jesus nd was the au- i bears his name, divinity, he may the truth of his norals to his pre- lat knowledge in en is this knowl- al and practical. influence extends ly a belief in the ur, but a cordial with him, and an lation and sancti- , and an imitation '^salvation is also lesirable that we matical views of an ignorance of vith this scheme, o not pretend to that they are all )wledge of Jesus indeed all impor- tn, in a christian ow far other doc- 13 trines, connected with this, may claim the same high distinction we presume not to say. We do not wish to attach too great imporiunce to any doctrme that is not absolutely essential to salvation ; for we know that good men have differed in their views of articles of faith, and much as we are attached to our own opinions^and we make no pretensions to mdiffer- ence-we are unwilling to exclude from our christian charity those who differ from us, provided they are built upon the sure foundation laid in Zion, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. But, although we will not contend that a belief of all that we deem the doctrines of the gospel is essential to salvation, we must be allowed to say, that a systematical knowledge of the plan of mercy is highly important, and, if for the want of it the souls of men are no* completely .uined, as they will be for lat!^ of the saving knowledge rf Christ, they lose much comfort, strength, edification, and spiritual pros- perity which they might otherwise enjoy. It will therefore comport with our plan, II. To ATTEMPT TO POINT OUT SOME OF THE DE- STRUCTIVE CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORANCE, NOT ONLY OF WHAT IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION, BUT ALSO OF WHAT IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT TO OUR SPIRITUAL CON- FIRMATION. . ,1 f Ignorance of any important subject, especially of those subjects connected with our eternal destination, is, to say the least, much to be lamented. None but the artful and designing, or the indolent and vicious, will openly step forward and advocate the cause of ignorance. It has been beautifully said, " where ig- norance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise," and ih.s is true 14 in a certain sense. Of many things it is, indeed, far better to be ignorant than to be informed. It is in- finitely better to be forever ignorant of the maxims, opinions and habits of the vvoHd, than to ac(]uire a knowledge of them by the sacrifice of virtroiis prin- ciple. Bnt, although this plea in favour of ignorance may be admitted, it cannot be justified in relation to the all-important subject of religion. Here ignorance is destruction, and knoivlcdge is life eternal. It is difficult to describe, in all their alarming ex- tent, the destructive consequences of ignorance of those highly imjiortant subjects which have passed under review. In attempting to direct your attention to some of the most prominent evils of spiritual ig- norance, we remark, 1st. That it leaves the mind and heart open to erroneous doctrines and unsanctified affections. The human mind, although uninformed, or incor- rectly informed, cannot be a complete vacuum, unless in cases of perfect idiocy. The mind of every ra- tional creature will be employed on some subject. If, then, it is not rightly employed, it will be occu- pied by subjects which have an injurious influence upon the understanding and the heart. If the mind is not instructed, and the heart affected by divine knowledge, it requires no great discernment to per- ceive that it will become an easy prey to erroneous sentiments and unsanctified affections. The truth of this observation is abundantly verified by constant ex- perience. What is the character of those w ho know not God, and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? Is it distinguished for purity and sanctity, or even for integrity and benevolence ? On the contrary, is 15 is, indeed, far led. It is in- f the maxims, I to acquire a virtnoiis prin- ir of ignorance I in relation to lere ignorance ternal. alarming ex- f ignorance of h have passed your attention of spiritual ig- heart open to affections. med, or incor- /acuum, unless i of every ra- some subject, will be occu- ious influence If the mind ^ted by divine mient to per- ' to erroneous The truth of y constant ex- who know not Lir Lord Jesus nd sanctity, or ;he contrary, is it not, almost without an exception, sensual and self- ish .'' If the throne in the heart of man is not occu- pied by his Maker, it will be occupied by his rival, the great enemy of God and man. If the heart is not the seat of holiness, it will be the abode of sin. It can never be niiutral. It is either for God or against him ; and, if it is not sanctified by his grace, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, it must re- main ill a state of alienation from God, and opposi- tion to his will. In this state it becomes an easy prey t') temptation. The most dangerous errors meet with but a faint resistance from the mind, that is not preoccupied with spiritual knowledge. The door is readily opened for their admission by their natural ally, the depravity of the heart, which, in the absence of the knowledge of God, holds uninterrupted sway in the bosoms of men. We remark, 2dly. That the destructive consecpiences of spiritual ignorance may be perceived in the temper and con- duct of those who are under its influence. Every christian, who has had much opportunity of being acquainted with mankind, especially with those, who make pretensions to religion, must have been im- pressed with the truth of (his remark. If I am not much mistaken, he must have perceived in those, who are most ignorant of spiritual things, a temper and conduct peculiarly hostile to the mild and gentle spirit of Christianity. Who are the proud, self- righteous, self-willed, self-opinionated ? Are they not those, who are deplorably ignorant of the moral character of God — of the spirituality of his law — of their own hearts — and of the Lord Jesus Christ and m the plan of salvation through his blood ? It is often the case, that the most ignorant think they know the most ; while the best informed are ever ready to ac- knowledge that they know but in part — indeed, that they know nothing as they ought to know. Pride is the legitimate offspring of ignorance, and humility the lovely child of sanctified knowledge. I know nothing that calls more frequently for the exercise of the christian graces of forbearance, meekness, and self-control, than the wayward, unsteady tempers, the stubborn and perverse wills of those, who are ignor- ant of spiritual things, and yet think themselves wiser than their teachers — indeed, than all the world besides. We observe, 3dly. That the injurious consequences of spiritual ignorance may be perceived in the unhappy state of mind which it often induces. I now refer to those cases, where there may be saving knowledge, and yet such a deplorable ignor- ance of the doctrines of religion — of their connexion and influence, and indeed of the whole system of re- ligious truth, as to involve the mind in doubt, difficul- ty, distress, and even despair. That this is sometimes the case, and that it is owing to ignorance, or rather to a want of a systematical knowledge of divine truth, cannot be doubted. It requires a good degree of knowl- edge, which is not obtained intuitively, but by a dili- gent attendance on appointed means, to understand the system of Christianity, to perceive its various rela- tions and tendencies, and to trace the connexion and agreement between its different and sometimes appar- ently opposite doctrines. This knowledge is of no trifling importance. The mind, imbued with it, will »d ? It is often they know the er ready to ac- rt — indeed; that uiow. Pride is B, and humility edge. I know • the exercise of meekness, and idy tempers, the , who are ignor- link themselves an all the world ices of spiritual nhappy state of e there may be eplorable ignor- their connexion tie system of re- 1 doubt, difficul- his is sometimes mce, or rather to of divine truth, degree of knowl- y, but by a dili- ;, to understand 5 its various rela- e connexion and ometimes appar- wledge is of no lued with it, will IT readily discern a beautiful order and harmony in the christian system ; and will be relieved from many d.f- ficttlties, which are continually agitating the minds of those, who have but partial and disconnected views ol divine truth. Such a mind will at once reconcile the apparent discrepancies in tiie statements of the apos- tles, Paul and .lames, with regard to justifying taith ; and perceive a lovely and inseparable connexion be- tween faith and works. Such a mind, while it trusts, with child-like confidence, in a Redeemer's righteous- ness, will not fail to realize the necessity of personal holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord ; while those, who are ignorant of this connected view of divine truth, are subject to be tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctnne. But the destructive consequences of spiritual igno- rance will not be made fully manifest until the veil is drawn that separates us from the unseen wor'd. Then there will be a striking and awful comment upon the words of the text. Then, those, who have been wilfully ignorant of th.^ character of Jehovah— of the spirituality of his law— of their own hearts— of the Lord Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation, will go away into everlasting punishment ; but the righteous into life eternal. To the spiritually ignorant how awful must be the contemplation of the future world! Impen- etrable darkness hangs over the opening tomb. In vain the lingering spirit clings to life. The rough hand of death tears him from the world— the thousand ties, that bound him to earth, are severed in a moment— and he is hurried, unwilling and unprepared, into a world, where he has nothing to hope and every thing to fear. Into that awful state we cannot penetrate ; Ml : but we are assured, by the unerring word of Cod, that the liOrd Jcsns Christ shall be reveaUui from Heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, tak- in'' vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ : who shall be punished with everlasting destruetion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his pow- er ; when he shall come to be gloritied in his saints and to be admired in all them that believe. From our subject we perceive, 1st. The vast importance of spiritual knowledge. This cannot but be obvious to every attentive hearer. If such deplorable consequences result from spiri- tual ignorance, as have been mentioned, then spiritual knowledge must be of infinite importance. Its con- nexion with the salvation of the soul is alone suffi- cient to decide its vast importance. One immortal soul is of more value than thousands of worlds. The earth, which we inhabit, shall one day be consumed with fire ; the heavens shall wax old as a garment, and be changed as a vesture ; but the spark of im- mortality shall not be extinguished, the emanation of Deity, like the source from whence it sprung, shall endure ; and of its years there shall be no end. Reflect on the capacity of the soul— on the pain it is capable of feeling— on the joy it is capable of ex- periencing. If such is its capacity when encumbered with flesh, what will be that of the disembodied spi- rit ! If flesh and blood cannot bear a wounded spi- rit, how great will be its misery in the world to come ! If human nature faints under the manifesta- tions of God's love, how great will be the happiness of the soul when faith gives place to vision ! « li i fuj > - i i M « " ' - word of Ciod, revtMletl from miiif; fire, tak- God, ann ohoy St : who shall :tion from the ry of his pow- d ill his saints ieve. ,al knowledge. ttentive hearer, iult from spiri- d, then spiritual ance. Its con- is alone suffi- One immortal jf worlds. The ly be consumed 1 as a garment, e spark of im- he emanation of it sprung, shall all be no end. -on the pain it s capable of ex- hen encumbered lisembodied spi- a wounded spi- n the world to r the manifesta- be the happiues» vision ! 19 2dl.v. Wo infer from our subject, the duty of all to inilcnvour to obtain spiritual Icnowledife. An important imiuiry here presents itself for our consi(U'ration. How is this knowledge to be obtain- ed ? It is, undoubtedly, the gift of God, and is to be sought of him in the taithful and diligent use of the means which he has appointed. Open thou mine eyes, saith the Psalmist, and I shall behold wondrous things out of thy law. If any man lack wisdom, says the Apostle, at him ask of God, who giveth to ali men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. But, although spiritual illumination can- not be obtained without the immediate agency of the Holy Spirit, it is to be sought for in the use of means, and when obtained, by the use of means it is to be cherished, maintained, and increased. Spiritual knowl- edge, like all other kinds of knowledge, cannot be obtained without application and faithful and diligent study. There are some, who imagine that little or nothing is to be done on our part towards obtaining this knowledge. There never was a greater or more dangerous mistake ; and it is to be feared that this error has been the ruin of many souls. The fact is, there is no kind of knowledge that requires more con- stant and diligent application. It is true the same mental powers are not requisite to obtain it, as are necessary to excel in any branch of human science ; for the wayfaring man, though a fool, may be a pro- ficient in spiritual knowledge. The christian, how- ever, cannot expect to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, without a faithful and diligent use of those means which God has appointed. I Arnoii;,' these the vnmarkd studi/ of the ftrriji- iuies, (U'si'rvrdly, holds a cons|)i(•lH)U^ place. Tlw Bible is the jjieat source onnlonnationon spiritual sub- jects. We believe that a great share of that (h.-piora- ble ignorance, which is to be found even among pro- fessing christians, is owing to the neglect of the Bible. By a diligent and careful perusal of the scriptures, and by comparing one passage with another, inan\ mistakes might be corrected, and much valuable and important knowledge actjuired. It is strange how much information vt) subjects the most important, and which might be obtained with so much ease, is lost by neglecting to j)eruse the scriptures ! Is it be- cause the Bible is so common, because it finds its way, by gratuitous distribution, to the poorest cot- tage, that it is so little esteemed ? Shall the admira- ble facilities, that have, of late years, attended the circulation of the scriptures prove the ruin, instead of the salvation of souls ? Lt;t those, who would grow in grace and in spiritual knowledge, meditate day and night upon the sacred volume. Let them make it the man of their counsel, and the guide of their lives. Let them estepm it more precious than gold, yea, than the most fine gold, sweeter also than honey or the honey comb. Attendance on the christian ministry is another, and one of the most important means cf attaining spiritual knowledge. It is instituted by God himself, who is pleased by the 'foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. We cannot sufficiently ad- mire the adaptation of this means to the desired ef- fect. How admirably calculated is the preaching of God's word from sabbath to sabbath, and from 21 J If of the mip- (U^ place. The on spirituiil suh- ol" tliiit ti(;pl()ia- !veu ;imon<5 |»ro- li'ct of the iiibli!. the scriptures, I another, man\ uh vahial)lc and is strange how most important, o much ease, is uures ! Is it be- ;ause it finds its the poorest eot- iShall the admira- rs, attended the ruin, instead ot who wouhl grow meditate (hiy and !t them make it lido of their lives, in gold, yea, than lian honey or the listry is another, eans of attaining 1 by God himself, 1 of preaching to :)t sufliciently ad- to the desired ef- i the preaching of bbath, and from week to week, to enlighten the understanding, and to give correct views of the subject of religion ! How many thousands, nay millions, are thus en- lightened, and trained up for glory, honor, and im- mortality ! It is true, these means, when not im- proved, will only heighten our conihinnation, and nt us for destruction ; but to those, who rightly improve them, they become a savour of life unto lile. The last, and the most important and essential means of accjuiring and maintaining spiritual knowl- cdije remains to be mentioned — and that is, prayer. Without this, all the other means that have been named will be ineffectual. Without jirayer, the scrip- tures will be as a sealed book ; and the preaching of the word a savour of death unto death, tiod will be inquired of by the house of Israel. He has command- ed us to seek his face; and, for our encouragement, he has assured us that ihey that seek shall find, they that ask shall receive, and to them that knock it shall be opened. Let those, then, who would ob- tain and increase spiritual kiiowledge, be instant in prayer looking to God ro open their understandings, and to shine into their hearts by the light of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 3dly, and lastly, we learn from our subject, Thai the condition of those, ivho are perishing for want of spiritual knowledge, claims our compassionate re- gards and benevolent efforts. This inference, did our time and the occasion per- mit, might lead us to make an affecting appeal to your sympathy and benevolence in behalf of the many millions of unenlightened heathen, who never heard the name of Jesus nor the glad tidings of sal- mMmnrnism m mmm : n vatioii tlironKli hi«i l)loo(l. Wc might desoriht; tlirii pitiable toiiditimi in such a maniior, as would con- strain you, at least, to weep over their miseries, and, I trust, to extend a helping hand to their relief. J3nt the occasion, upcm which we are convened, re- minds us that there aie other claims, nearer home, which, in our zeal for foreign missions, ought not to be disregarded. The state of rtiligion in our own coun- try, although it gives us occasion to bless God for what he has done for our infant nation, at the same time loud- ly calls upon all, who are interested in the prosperity of Zion, for renewed, and vigorous, and persevering eflbrts. Although much has been done by the labours of our pious fathers, there yet remains a vast field for their posterity to occupy and improve. Even in New England — the most highly favoured section of our country for the enjoyment of religious institutions and privileges^ — there are many dark places, where the sabbath is not associated with the worship of God — where no sanctuary throws open its inviting doors — where no pastor«breaks the bread of life — and no baptismal engagements designate the disciples of the Redeemer. And, if we direct our attention from this favoured spot to the vast extent of territory, com- prised in the federal compact, what enlarged and en- larging spheres of usefulness present themselves to our view ! Here, surely, is a field in which the eiost expansive benevolence may have ample scope ! We do not say that all the^ good than can be done to the inhabitants of our own country must first be effected, t)efore missions to the heathen are attempt- ed. We have no such contracted views of the bene- volent operations of the present day. We believe equ; talit n (lescrihe thcii- us would con- r inisnics, and, ;ir relief. B conveiKHl, re- I, nearer hoiix;, ou}»;ht not to be our own eoun- js God lor what lauie time loud- i the prosperity lid persevering by the labours a vast field for Even in New section of our us institutions places, where he worship of en its inviting ad of life — and he disciples of attention from territory, com- larged and en- themselves to vhich the inost e scope! an can be done y must first be 'n are atteinpt- vs of the hene- . We believe that thri mnre zral, that is manifested for the ronvor- sion of the heathen abroad — the more interest will be felt for the heathen at home. But we do say that thiit is a false zeal, that professes to seek the salva- tion of souls ill another hemisphere, and is utterly re- gardless of the welfare of the many precious immor- t.'ils, who are perishing, on every side, for want of kiiowledge ; and we aflirm that every judicious and well inlormed christian will give to domf.stick missions an important place in his heart and in his charity ; and, while he cheerfully aids in sending the blessed intelligence of a Saviour's love to the Hottentot and Hindoo, and rejoices in the marvellous change which these precious tidings have elTected in the once be- sotted isliinders of the Pacific — he will take, at least, equal pleasure in cheering, with the hopes of immor- tality, the small remnant of that unhappy people, whi once possessed the lands which we now call our own, and once roannMl through the forests, which we have converted into the habitations of civilized man. Nor, will he feel less delight in being happily instrumental in strengthening the things which remain, and are ready to die — in reviving the hopes, and in bright- ning the prospects of those who once enjoyed better days, and in furnishing with the means of christian instruction and spiritual knowledge the rapidly in- creasing population of our extensive country. It was with a view to the accomplishment of these important designs, that the Society was instituted, whose claims we now present to your respectful con- sideration and benevolent regards. If priority in associated efforts to spread the gos- pel — if the patronage of many distinguished and «*»»W|!^ JI! ^lUiJl'-j"!' 24 excellent inen-if the unwearied exertions of those to whom executive duty has heen comm.ttcd-and if a steady, uniform, and consistent endeavour to evangelize the aborigines of our country, and to sup- ply with faithful pastors and missionaries many des- titute pans of our Zion, constitute a claim upon the attention of tiie friends of piety and truth— then, The Society for propagating the Gospel among THE Indians and others in North America will hold no inconsiderable rank among the religious Insti- tutions of the present day, and will not be suffered to languish and decline for want of the vigorous and effectual sui)port of an enlightened publick. It is true, other societies, having similar objects, have sprung into existence, and proffered their claims upon christian benevolence. We rejoice in their mul- tiplication-and, in his name, whose gospel they strive to promulgate, we cordially bid them God speed. There is room enough for all, and for many more. May they ever go hand in hand in the prosecution ot the blessed work in which they have engaged. It will not impoverish them to contribute to our funds, nor will it impoverish us to contribute to theirs. Let us give to each and to all, as we have ability and opportunity ; and relax not our benevolent efforts, until the earth shall be full of the knowledge ot the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. amen. ^r,l_«j. ItJIIfl f , ertions of those committed — and nt endeavour to [itry, and to sup- naries many dcs- 11 claim upon the and truth— then, i Gospel among H America will ho religious Insti- I not be suffered the vigorous and publick. r similar objects, ffered their claims joice in their mul- hose gospel they d them God speed. 1 for many more, the prosecution ot lave engaged. It ibutc to our funds, itribute to theirs. ,s we have ability benevolent efforts, knowledge of the REPORT or THE SELECT COMMITTEE. Published by order of the Society. The missions sustained by the Society in k*^v towns and plantations assuming more and more of a pastoral character, the influence of them has become similar to that of the stated ministry in the older setUeinents. It admits not of calcula- tion ; but it may be satisfactorily estimated by a recurrence to the obviously great and salutary influence, in any place, of a regular gospel ministry. The services rendered by the Society's missionaries in the vicinity of their stations, where the population is too inconsiderable, or the ability of the people too small, to admit of a permerent support of the Gospel, are of immense importance. Beside an immediate influence favourable to virtue and piety, they serve to strengthen the feeble, and to encourage the despondi.ig, and prepare the way for the formation of churches, and the maintenance of the Christian ministry. The missions among the Indians, with all the difficulties attending them, are stdl found to be useful ; and the importance of them is now xwe felt and acknowledged, than it has formerly been, by the Indians themselves. Of their present influence, and hopeful aspect, the Society will be enabled to form a judgment from the journals of the missionaries. Missions in New Setllemenls. In Alfred, Rev. Mr. Douglas has preaclied, as usual, and administered the ordinances of the gospel. Two persons I were baptized on their own piolcssion, and admitted into thu church; he had also baptized 13 children. There were two Salibath schools in the town. Meetings on the Sabbath hpj been more generally attended than usual. Two weeks of the mission Mr. Douglas spent in JVatcrborough, where he " was welcomed in every family, and treated with the utmost kitidness as a missionary. Mucli gratitude," he writes, " was ex{)rcs&ed toward your Society for having thought of them » once .nore." Tie here visited 55 families, gave two Bibles, three New Testaments, three Wilson on Christianity, four Watls's Catechisms, " the most of them to persons who never saw a catechism," one Doddridge's Rise and Progress, and preached eight sermons " to respectable audiences." Mr. Douglas spent four weeks at Cape Elizabeth, where he visited 127 families, and three schools, attended one funeral, and preached 14 sermons, and distributed the Society's books- Bibles, Testaments, Doddridge's Rise and Progress, Wilson on Christianity, Watts's Psalms and Hymns, and Catechisms. Our missionary writes, that he he has never performed a mission in the employment of the Society, where greater attention has been paid him, or his services more generally acceptable. He there admitted two persons into the church, and baptized one child. The people spoke highly of our missionary (Rev. Mr. Kellogg), who had previously visited them; and who, Mr. Douglas believed, had been very useful among them, as a counsellor, a Christian, and a minister. By an arrangement of Mr. Douglas, provision was made for an additional Sabbath's service to be performed by a neigh- bouring minister, and the Lord's Supper to be administered. The Rev. Mr. Calef, in his mission at Lyman and the vicinity, preached in Waterburmgh one sabbath, and five lectures, and visited 40 Aimilies. In Holli. he preached two sabbaths, and visited 64 families, and one school. His ser- vices on the sabbath were well attended, and he received very kind treatment from the people there, in Ossipee ht preached one sabbath, and five lecturer, ; and visited 32 families and one school. "Their attention to meeting and i iiuwg iM Tigj— wgr^w and admitted into iht icii. There were two s on the Sabbath li?j sual. Two weeks of ilcrborough, where lie •eated with the utmost lude," he writes, " was ving tiiought of them ies, gave two Bibles, on Christianity, four to persons who never se and Progress, and ble audiences.'' Mr. beth, where he visited Jed one funeral, and the Society's books— and Progress, Wilson ■mns, and Catechisms. s never performed a ciety, where greater [•vices more generally rsons into the church, spoke highly of our ad previously visited had been very useful ian, and a minister, ovision was made for erformed by a neigh- to be administered. at Lyman and the le sabbath, and /ive ollia he preached two no school. His ser- 5d, and he received there, in Ossipee ht res; and visited 32 tion to meetirg and 27 religious conversation was interesting." The remainder of his mission he spent in Lyman ,• assigning as the reasons, that it had been very sickly in his parish, and that an unusual seriousness in it had required his spetial attention, in the course of three months he admitted 1 1 persons into his church; and expected that a number more would soon publicly make a profession. He had weekly prayer meetings, and had reason to hope that a blessing had attended them. The Rev. Mr. Peet preached the first week of his mission in Madison on the sabbath, and one lecture. Attending a meeting of Association, he preached once in China, where there had been considerable religious attention; and also visited Vassalborough, where there appeared a very deep in- terest in religious concerns, and where, finding that Mr. Adams needed help, he performed public service. During the second week, he preached on the sabbath in Anson, to an attentive congregation ; one lecture in Madison, and one in Mercer, " where the little church value the privileges of the gospel ; " attended a conference ; visited a number of families 5 and again visited Vassalborough. " It was truly animating to see together so many new-l Dm souls, delightfully engaged in worshipping God, and listening to the word of truth." The third week Mr. Peet pseached in Starks, which he found much disheartened, "not having ability to procure gospel privileges, and not having received the ordinance of the Sup- per for more than a year. He preached a preparatory lecture, and on the sabbath preached and administered the Lord's Supper. He preached two other lectures, and ad- dressed a Sabbath school. The fourth week he preached io Kingfield, and two lectures; preached twice in Madison, administered the Lord's Supper, and baptized one child; attended the examination of a Sabbath school, and addres-sed the scholars. During the mission he preached 20 sermons; attended vo meetings for couference and prsiyer; administered the Lord's Supper twice ; baptism once ; addressed two sab- bath schools ; attended one meeting for religious inquiry, and one funeral, and visited from house to house, as he lound it "«»ai<»aE«sasjs»>*y ■ftfa^****^*?^' ^^J*-=T^^ I 28 convenient. The people, where these labours have been performed, attend to coiigregiUional preaching when they have opportunity. " They appear grateful for your charity ; but are unable to make any remuneraiion." Ttii: Rev. Mr. Kkllogg was kindly received by the church and society at Perry ; and he found them united, and ready to receive the word with joy. His principal labours in this place were among the Indians ; but he preached every sabbath to the white people in Perry and the vicinity. Saturdays he devoted to personal visits among them, and distributed books and tracts. They treated him as a father; attended public worship; kept united as a people; and were grateful for the care the Society has taken of them. They are quite in an infant state, and implore farther aid. Mr. Kellogg performed the service assigned him at Cape Elizabeth, where he preached gratuitously long beyond the term of his mis- sion. On account of " the low circumstances of the people," he thinks their claims for our charity arc as strong as those of any destitute church in the county of York or Cumber- land, perhaps of any place that can be named. He made pastoral visits to 97 families; distributed tracts in every family ; and attended four funerals. This people had had no assistance from any other missionary society, excepting four weeks a year or two preceding, and expressed a particular interest in the labours of our missionary. Mr. Kellogg visited the principal Islands in Cacso Bay, preached, midc pastoral visits, and distributed tracts presented by Richard Cobb, Esq. of Portland. He visited 82 families. There are on the outer isLnds, which he did not visit, about 30 jp^milies. The Rev. Mr. Bigelow has continued his labours in the mission assigned to him. After some discouraging circum- stances in the temporal concerns of the Society at LuheCy great exertions were made, a d with such success as to encourage the expectation cf a permanent continuance of their religious privileges. " The result," says our missionary, « has been ' f !i.vmm*^mmmtk^n'.fAmm.' ""mi^m^' ^n^^^ ^^'^f^^s^^ " labours have been faching when they ul for your charity ; eivcd by the church united, and ready to labours in this place ;d every sabbath to icinity. Saturdays iui, and distributed a lather; attended ; and were grateful n. They are quite id. Mr. Kellogg pe Elizabeth, where le term of his rais- ices of the people," c as strong as those f York or Cumber- named. He made ;d tracts in every 1 people had had no iety, excepting four )ressed a particular y. Mr. Kellogg y; preached, made sented by Richard 2 families. There not visit, about 30 his labours in the iscouraging circuin- ;iety at Lubec, great ess as to encourage ce of their religious ionary, " has been 29 • peculiarly gratifying to my own feelings, and will no doubt be so to your Society ; for it proves that the aid which yoa have so liberally bestowed has not been in vain; and that the inhabitants have become so convinced of the value of the institutions of the gospel, that they are prepared to make great personal sacrifices to retain them. And may we not view it as a pledge of future success? For the aid which the Society for propagating the Gospel has extended so geir erously and so long, the society in Lubec request me to tender you their most grateful acknowledgments ; and also to solicit the continuance of the same during the ensuing year." During the year past, he preached three quarters of the time at the meetinghouse in the village, and the other quarter at the meetinghouse in another part of the town. In both places the attention has been as great, and in some instances the number (particularly at the Neck) greater than at any former period. Our missionary baptized six children, and two adults ; admitted three to the church ; and attended 10 fu- nerals, at several of which sermons were preached ; and visited most of the families in town. " I exchanged one sabbath," says Mr. B., " with your indefatigable missionary at Perry, and was much pleased to find the house of worship full, and the audience very attentive. His labours and pri- vations have been very great at Perry, and among the Indians, and have been attended with more success than the most sanguine anticipated, who knew the extreme degrada- tion and the strong prejudices of the Indians. During the past winter three or four families of these Indians have en- camped on an island opposite to Lubec, and attended meeting with us on the sabbath occasionally. This is entirely new for them, and shows that their prejudices in favour of the Roman Catholic Religion are not invincible. I hope this attempt to instruct and civilize them will not be abandoned. Last summer a very interesting and flourishing Sabbath school was maintained in Lubec. About 50 children attend- ed constantly, and with remarkable proficiency in comnaUtmg to memory the Scriptures and their catechisms. 'During the four years," says the missionary, " that I have been set- tied in Lubiic, 19 have been added to the church, 15 by profession, and some by letter. 1 have reason to hope, that several others have been led to repertance ; and that a happy effect has, in many instances, been produced upon the morals and habits of the people. In looking back u/ion the past, I see much cause for humility, as well as gratitude. 1 am often reminded of the motto of your Society, Not by might, NOR Bv i-owER, BUT BY MY SiMRiT ; and it is my earnest prayer, that the Spirit of God may give increased success to your efforts, and to all the labours of your missionaries." The Rev. Mr. Parker performed his mission of two months chiefly in Dresden and Richmond. He preached 29 sermons ; administered the Lord's Supper three times; attended 10 prayer meetings; visited 51 families, the sick four times, and eight schools; and attended four funerals. While our mis- sionary expresses humiliation, that his labours have not been more signally blest, yet he hoped and trusted, that he had not laboured altogether in vain. The parish is low in num- bers and resources. They must therefore continue to depend on foreign aid, or the minister's gratuitous services, or be deprived of stated worship and ordinances for a considerable part of the year. The Rev. Mr. Adams has pursued the same course as to the distribution of his labours between Vassalbormgh^ Wins- low, and Clinton, as in years past. The routine of his duties has not varied materially from that of former years, except- ing that he has " had occasion to labour more abund intly. It has been a year of uncommon interest and solemnity." Since the last Report, 94 have been received at the commu- nion of the church in Vassalborough. Of these, 83 reside in Vassalborough ; the rest united with the brarich of that church at Winsljw ; and the church, which, at the time of Mr. Adams's ordination, contained 15 members, now contains 134. The influence of this deep and solemn attention to their religious interests has been visibly favourable to the cause of Christ. When our missionary made his Report, the people were en- im:>M ^ssssimsmsm^i^es^^ss^^^^^^^sm ■ mm^ the churcli, 15 by eason to hope, that ; and that a happy ;d upon the morals ck ufion the past, 1 i gratitude. 1 am ety, Not by miqht, my earnest prayer, i success to your onaries." sion of two months ached 29 sermons ; mes; attended 10 ck four times, and While our mis- urs have not been jsted, that he had sh is low in num- ontinue to depend IS services, or be or a considerable 3ime course as to salborough, Wins- itine of his duties er years, except- lore abundmtly. and solemnity." d at the comma- hese, 83 reside in ch of that church e of Mr. Adams's itains 134. The to their religious cause of Christ, people were en- -■it . gaged in building a parsonage hou.e. "This," he writes, ^ seems to be an important step towards a permanent arrange- ment. At Winslow we have now, i should think, three lime* as many attendants on public worship, as when 1 first com- menced my public labours there. Their house of worship which was old and decayed, has been undergoing a thorough repair, which was to be completed the past season* At Chn- ton, attendance on public worship continued to be good. U was confidently hoped, that a meetinghouse would be built there in the course of the year. There is reason to believe, that the foundations are strengthening, and that the fostering care, heretofore extended to this people, has not been wholly in vain." A hope is expressed, that there will be a contmu- ance of the Society's aid. The Rev. Mr. Kurd has " met the last year some en- couragement" at Frycbur^. Meetings on the sabbath well attended ; there were instances of serious attention and hope- ful conversion; and, at the time of his Report, eight persons stood propounded for admission into the church. " Meetings for prayer and religious improvement during the week, had been kept up by the church, and some good done by them. A Tract Society and Depository have been established, and many tracts read and distributed in this region— formerly, and even now, very destitute of religious books. Our missionary had received three into his church, and baptized nine chU- dren in Fryeburg, and one in Denmark. He spent nine weeks, the last year, in Denmark— part of the lime for the Maine Missionary Society; and distributed many of our Society's books, and many tracts among that people. All the books, sent him the first year of his mission, he distributed with his own hands in destitute families in Fryebiirg, Canway, Brownjield, Hiram, Denmark, and Chatham. They were very thankfully received, and gave him "an opportunity of speak- ing -,alvation to them. Without your continued aid," he re- marks, "the gospel will be removed from this place. I therefore, in behalf of my church and people, request your patronage for the year to come. I hope we shall, in three I ' 32 or fotir years more, be able to live without charity. Till that tirae, we look to your Society—grateful for what you have done— and give thanks to God for the disposition ho has given you towards us, and praying him to grant a blessing on you, and hoping to have a remembrance in your prayers and charities in time to come." The labours of the Rev. Mr. Nourse, on his mission of eight sabbaths, were exclusively devoted to the people of Mariuville. " Your services through me," he writes, " have been gratefully received. My meetings have been well at- tended, and I have been heard with a pleasing degree of attention. Good, I hope and believe, has been done." Three or four sabbaths he preached three times, but not to the same audience. He " made ib a point to visit all the schools which he found within his reach; and made not less than seven or eight of these visits. His account of the state of the schools is favourable. " I feel much pleasure in informing you, that the subject of education receives a laudable degree of at- tention in this new settlement. Their schools are faithfully taught by competent instructers, and of course they are in a flourishing condition." Our missionary preached a funeral ser- mon on occasion of the death of " an interesting young man, whose temper and life evinced the power of his faith. He endured half a year's sickness with the most perfect com- posure and resignation, and left the world in the triumph of faith." The account of Gouldsborough is pleasing and en- couraging. "They are building a very commodious and suitable meetinghouse. Their prospects brighten." The people of Mariaville made our missionary a payment to the amount of half the expense of his mission. Beside general expressions of a grateful reception of the Society's " liberality to this people," Mr. Nourse writes, « numbers have been very particular in requesting mc to express to you the high sense they have of your kindness and Christian benevolence." 'J'hcy cherish the hope that we shall not forget, nor neglect them. ^ "■•»•?'- lOut charity. Till eful for what you the disposition he 1 to grant a blessing ;c in your prayers on his mission of I to the people of " he writes, " have lavc been well at- ^leasing degree of een done." Three >ut not to the same I the schools which less than seven or state of the schools iforming you, that ible degree of at- ools are faithfully urse they are in a ched a funeral ser- esting young man, of his faith. He Host perfect com- I in the triumph of pleasing and en- commodious and brighten." The a payment to the . Beside general ciety's " liberality •s have been very ou the high sense ian benevolence." brget, nor neglect 33 T«E Rev. Mr. WK.TO., of Lebanon, labouro.! three week, of ,he six assigned to lu.n, will, his own ,..-oplc ; a.>a he c lining three he spent abroad. ^^'^^ ''^fZ^^ town iS the vicinity of a population .n the ^-^^^^^^^ „,uch more destitute of the stated means of .r.cx I ha Iha .vhich immediately borders upon the '"'«^'°"7/'^""J,;; Maine, our missionary laboured in destUu te P*-- '"^^^ Hampshire, in his vicinity. He spent thr.e ^^bbath m ,4^ in the county of Strafl.nl, and i.om the .n.r^s : ortTncTwhere there i an ^^f^"^^^ :^::^t Js a settled congregational m.n.ster. \he church has come extinct; but materials for a church a c to b ound there" He spent a few days m New Durham, ^^herc ne S a few c/ngregational families, which once .joyed ^^^ benefus of a regular ministry ; but, ^^^^^^'^^l'^ ;r'J ^ into the wilderness, have not so much as seen ^he face oi «nary. During his ab-- f- J^^^^^^^^ f..nios,preachedi4sexmons andv^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ more and irarhe^dt^s^Tiw^^^^^^ of their continuance." The Rev. Mr. Page spent three of the six weeks assi^ed pastor, and he was snoruy lu u „r»9rhpd three missionary made more than 40 family vis.ts ; preached 34 times on the Sabbath ; altcmlod lectures during tlip work ; and propounded tlirco persons for admission into the church. " In Limington there hus been as much to encourage us, per- haps, as could reasonably be expected. The state ol' the church and of religion here had become very discouraging. Encouraged, howevc*, with the prospect of receiving assist- ance from abroad, they were excited to exertion; and with this assistance, and by contributing themselves as far as they were able, and some even beyond their ability, thry havr succeedtJ as yet in maintaining the gospel among them."— Since Mr. I'age commenced his labours in Limington, there had been an accession of 12 members to the church; the whole number in the chtirth, when he made his Report, was 27. Their meetings have, for the most part, been well at- tended; the congregation, from the time of Mr. Page's settle- ment, has been gradually increasing ; and, when he closed his journal, " it was nearly or (juite double of what it was at the first. Our meetinghouse," he writes, " has been since finished, and a sabbath school kept for two seasons, at- tended by between 40 and 60 children. On the whole, things appear to be in a promising state among this people. The field is certainly an important one. The town embrace? a population of more than 2,200 souls." The assistance ol the Society is gratefully acknowledged, and its continuance solicited. The grant made, the last year, to the Isles or Shoals was gratetully acknowledged by the Directors of the Society for promoting religious instruction at those Islands. Miss Pba- BODY, as appears by their last Report, kept her school for a year. The number of scholars was from 1 5 to 24. " The progress of the scholars was as great as it was reasonable to expect. A committee of the Directors visited the school, and were pleased with its appearance." A Sunday school was kept during the year ; " the children were very punctual, and committed the lessons well." On the Sabbath, Miss Peabody often read religious discourses to several of the people collected together j and their attention was respectful i 8 during thr wcf k ; ;ioii into the church. 5 encourage us, prr- The state ot thf ; very discouraging. t of receiving assisi- I exertion ; and with selves as far as they r ability, they havr pel among them.'"— in Limington, there to the church ; th(> idc hia Report, was part, been well ;it- of Mr. Page's sett le- nd, when he closed )le of what it was at !s, " has been sincr For two seasons, at- ?n. On the whole, J among this people. The town embraces The assistance ol and its continuance Isles or Shoals was rs of the Society for Islands. Miss Pea- ept her school for a am 15 to 24. "The it was reasonable to 3 visited the school, " A Sunday school » were very punctual, the Sabbath, Miss es to several of the ention was respectful ii5 and solemn. Religious tracts, plain and Pr«^'';=-\|:;;:; ^;;'; circulated among such as were able to read. 1 here has b en sou^c visible improvement; "and the people generally „re becoming more sensible of the -l-^'T^t' Direct ^ ,i.lous institutions supported among them.' J he D recto s express the high sense they entertainof Miss Peabody s hd h- ty and disinterested zeal in the service of the Society. Her t\ has been great, her labours abundant, and even o. han it was reasonable to expect has been ---P''^^^ [ ^ missionary has since been engaged by the Director.. 1 he school was bkewise to be taught by one of h^s amdy^nd instruction given in the domestic arts, as durmg the prcceung year. MISSIONS AMONG THE INDIANS. The Slockbridge Tribe. The death of our late missionary, the Rev. Mr. Sergeant, and the projected removal of the New Stockbridge Ind.ans JoGreen Bay, have, for the present, considerably affected this mission. In March last, a letter was communicated to he Select Committee, signed by " the chiefs and principal 1 of Muhheconnuk or Stockbridge Tribe of Ind.ans, in behalf of themselves and their people," viz. Hendrick Au- paumut, John Metoxen, C/.ie/, and John W. Qu.nn J, Llomon U. Hendrick, and Joseph M. ^-^'^'y-JXtiZ of the letter was, to solicit the continuance of the Society s grants in behalf of the tribe. "We present to the Society our grateful acknowledgments for the favours you have here- tofore bestowed on us your children; that for many years you have supported a minister of the gospel among us, and aided us in the education of our young people, and we would ■ bo cnrmira^jpd by your paternal kintlness, which we have so Inrij; oxpericnrrd, to rcijucM a conlinimncc of the same. Wp (hiiik the gn«pr| find il^* onlitiancrs have been a groat blessing to our peonlo, ami wc frel very unwilling that our meetinghouse should he left empty on the Sabbath, and our people without n spiritual guide. It hath pleased the great Sovereign of the rniverse in his unerring wisdom, to remove out oftiiueourvenerihle lather Rev. John Sergeant, on the 7lh of September last, by which we became as poor little orphan children." A Utter, signed by Rev. President Davis (of Hamilton College), A. S. Norton, and Calvin Bushnell, ap- proving the memorial of the Indians, accompanied the com- munication. The Select Committee, having maturely con- sidered the subject, Voted, That the Secretary institute a correspondence with Rev. President Davis, to obtain from liim ample information respecting the situation of the Stock- bridge Indians residing both at Stockbridge and Green Bay, regarding their wants, their own resources, and the aid they receive from other denominations of Christians; also, that fifty dollars be now granted for the religious and moral in- struction of the said Indians, to be appropriated, the whole or in part, to any such objects and in any way, which may be thought most for their advantage by President Davis. According to the instructions of the Select CoTimittee, the Secretary opened a correspondence with President Davis, who bestowed particular attention upon the subject, and very obligingly communicated the desired information to the Secre. ... Dr. Davis derived much of his information from Rev. Mr. Miner, who had been preaching to the English Presbyterian church and society in New Stockbridge, and who visited him in company with John Metoxen. " Metoxen is a chief of the tribe ; a sober, pious, discreet, intelligent man, and has great influence with them."— The Stockbridge bidians, Brotherton, Oneidas, Tuscaroras, Munsees, and St. Regis, purchased, some time since, of the VVinnebagoes and Menommeenecs, with the approbation of the government of the United Slates, about three million acres, bordering on Green Bay ; but none of these people, with the exception . .1 pill .11 PI iiw-imnrtin is, which we havp M\cc of the same. have been a groat (in willing thai our Sahbath, and our 1 plrasnl the great wisfhjm, to remove 5crgcant,on the 7lh ( poor little orphan resident Davis (of alvin Bushneli, ap- ompanied the corn- zing maturely con- crctary institute a /is, to obtain from ation of the Stock- Ige and Green Bay, I, and the aid they rislians; also, that ious and moral in- opriated, the whole y way, which may y President Davis. eel CoTimittee, the h President Davis, ic subject, and very information to the [lis information from ing to the English V Stockbridge, and [etoxen. " Metoxen discreet, intelligent "_The Stockbridge 3, Munsees, and St. le VVinnebagoes and f the government of acres, bordering on with the exception 37 of a pr»rt of the Rtockbri Adams, 3 At Chauncy-Place Church, collection after the annual Sermon by Rev. Dr. Codman, 3d November, OFFICERS ELECTED XXVI MAY, MPCCCXXV. Hon. William Phillips, President. Rev. Eliphalet Porter, d. d. riGe-^President. Rev. Ariel Holmes, d. d. Secretary. Rev. John Pierce, d. d. Assist. Secretary. Samuel H. Walley, Esq. Treasurer. Mr. JosiAH Salisbury, Vice Treasurer. SELECT COMMITTEE, Alden Bradford, Esq. Rev. Charles Lowell, d. d. Josiah Salisbury, Edward Tuckerman, Esquires, and Levi Hedge, ll. d. —with the President, Secretary, and Treasurer. lETY. nom.ral, proh.tat $ 6300 378 4S AUDITING COMMITTEE. Edward Tuckeuman, Eowj^rd Phillips, aiid Alden BiuDroRi), Esquires. 16500 1000 1000 1250 1200 990 60 60 62 50 96 MISSIONARIES, 1825. 1646 50 643 80 Rev. Nathan Douglas, Jonathan Calef, John Sawyer, Elijah Kellogg, Josiah Peet, Jonathan Bigelow, Freeman Parker, Thomas Adams, Carlton Hurd, Alfred and vicinity, Lyman and do. Plantations on Penobs. R. Perry Si Passam. Indians, Norridgwock, &c. Lubec &L Cape Elizabeth, Dresden and do. Vassalboro' and do. 18,250 • 500 1102 70 months, 2 2 2 5 1 2 2 3 2 2 8 sabbaths. 6 weeks. 161 45 cxxv. ,t. ce-^President. •y. cretary. EE. LowEL"^., D. D. Josiah and Levi Hedge, ll. d. usurer. v^oiiiuii »*%«.- Fryeburg and do. Messrs. Douglas & Page, Cape Elizabeth, Peter Nou.se, Vicinity of Ellsworth, James Weston, Lebanon and vicinity. Grant to - - - Sullivan, Maine, Do. ... Isles of Shoals - - faO Do . . . - for the purchase of Books 50 Do". ... - Calais (Maine) - - 100 Frmn the Alford Fund. Indians at New Stockbridge and Green Bay $175 r. Baylies for Indians on Martha's Vineyard, j ^^q NSU-raganset, and Nantucket, S Mr. Joseph Lake do. ^ Nantucket and vicinity 76 Mmhers deceased since the last Report. Hon. Thomas Dawes, Rev Elijah Parish, d. d. ♦ Daniel D. Rogers, Esq. -, Members Elected. Hon. Richard Sullivan, James P. Chaplin, M. D. Rev. Henry Ware, jun. Hon. Samuel Hubbard, Rev. Benjamin B. Wisner, JohnC. Warren, M.D. 44 l"OHM OF A BEQUEST, OR LEGACY. Item : / give and bequeath the mm of to the Sockhj for propagating the Gospel among the Indians and others in North America; to be applied fc-'h"- to the general objects of tbe In- stitution, or to sucii particular purposes, consistent with those objecifl, as the Donor may think proper. THE EKB. \cy. to the Sucicti and others in JVurih i\ objects of the In- msiatenl with tiiusc f;mmu,minmiss*«^4im:»s^ ' 'ii^i ^ 'ii'<-''A^'-3; -