IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // ^ .#. 1.0 I.I ■^|2|8 12.5 12.0 m us u IL25 1 1.4 I 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, M.Y. I45S0 (716)872-4503 V ^ r<\^ <> ^A^ % CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical l\/licroreproductions / institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Notes/Notes techniques et bibliographiques The tol The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. Q D D n D D Coloured covers/ Couverture de couleur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagie Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaur6e et/ou peiliculAe I I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque I I Coloured maps/ Cartes g6ographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Reli6 avec d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serrie peut causer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long de la marge intdrieure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certaines pages blanches ajoutAes lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte, mais, iorsque cela 6tait possible, ces pages n'ont pas At6 f ilm6es. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplimentaires; This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ L'Institut a microfilm^ le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a 4tA possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-Atre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la m6thode normale de filmage sont indiqute ci-dessous. I I Coloured pages/ D Pages de couleur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagtes Pages restored and/oi Pages restaurtes et/ou pellicultes Pages discoloured, stained or foxet Pages d^colordes, tacheties ou piqu6es I — I Pages damaged/ r~p] Pages restored and/or laminated/ FTI Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ The poa ofl filnr Ori be{ the sioi oth firs sioi ori □ Pages detached/ Pages d6tach6es HShowthrough/ Transparence Transparence Quality of prir Qualiti in6gale de I'impression Includes supplementary materii Comprend du materiel suppl^mentaire Only edition available/ Seule Edition disponible I I Quality of print varies/ I I Includes supplementary material/ I — I Only edition available/ Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuiliet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6t6 filmtes d nouveau de fapon A obtenir la meilleure image possible. The sha Tl^ wh Ma difl enti beg rigl reqi met 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X ^/ 12X 1SX 20X 24X 28X 32X aire details ues du t modifier ger une I filmage The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanics to the generosity of: National Library of Canada The images appearing here are the best quality possible considering the condition and legibility of the original copy and in keeping with the filming contract specifications. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. All other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. 6es L'exemplaire film* fut reprodult grAce i la gAn^rositA de: BibliothAque nationale du Canada Les images suivantes ont 6t6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition at de la nettetA de I'exempiaire film6, et en conformity avec les conditions du contrat de filmage. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier est imprimte sent filmfo en commen^ant par le premier plat et en terminant soit par la derniAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration, soit par le second plat, selon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont filmte en commenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la derniire page qui comporte une telle empreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol — ^> (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivants apparaftra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbole — ► signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". re Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre filmte A des taux de reduction diff6rents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA. 11 est filmA A partir de Tangle supArieur gduche, de gauche A droite, et de haut en has, en prenant le nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. y errata Id to nt ne pelure. ipon A n r: .1 .; : 2 3 32X 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 ■4i^!i %M i '(oLt •'Vn » , ^1'J\ik i)* s>s@(Si(i>w:B@ffi BEFORE THE MKttittp fot ])topa0attn0 tge <8o^{»eI , V.I nl AMONG THE hXDIANS AND OTHERS IN NORTH AMERICA • DELIVERED NOV. 9, 1820. BY CHARLES LOWELL, MINISTER OE THE WEST CHURCH IN BOSTON. BOSTON : PRINTED BY SEWELL PHELPS, NO. 5, COURT STREET. 1820. r»SR::ae5 % *■ ^^.^.tV. At a meeting of the Society, 9 November, 1820, Voted, That the Secretary, Rev. Mr. Tuckerman, and Rev. Dr. Foster be a Committee, to present the thanks of the Society to the Rev. Mr. Lowell for his Sermon, delivered before them this day, and to request a copy for the press. A. HOLMES, Secretary. DISCOURSE. V. Dr. to the y, and ry- LUKE XII. 48. UNTO WHOMSOEVER MUCH IS GIVEN, OF HIM SHALL MUCH IIF. REQUIRED. WE cannot contemplate, for a moment, our condition as intellectual and moral beings, as expe- riencing continual protection, and as enjoying the light and privileges of Christianity, without a deep conviction of the kindness and love of God. We behold around us innumerable creatures un- conscious of the value of existence, insensible to the profusion of beauty and magnificence which sur- rounds them, and incapable of the enjoyment which results from the cultivation of the powers of the un- derstanding, and the exercise of the affections of the heart. We behold multitudes of our fellow crea- tures, possessed of like faculties and affections with I 'A IS: m '^-"^S^ 1 ourselves, cither destitute of the means of intellec- tual and moral improvement, or enjoying but the partial and imperfect possession of them ; dwelling in the region of heathen darkness and superstition, or placed in circumstances which exclude them from the full enjoyment of gospel light. By the condition in which we are placed the most solemn obligations are imposed upon us. No talent which God has given us should be neglected, and no means of improvement with which He has furnished us, should be unimproved. If He has given us more understanding than the beasts of the fields and made us wiser than the fowls of heaven, it is, that we may devote our powers to noble purposes, and that, being so much exalted by nature above the animals around us, we may rise superiour to the enjoyments of mere animal life. If He has distinguished us above many of our fellow creatures by the means of knowledge, if He has favoured us with the instruc- tions and promises and discoveries of the gospel, if the sun of righteousness has shone upon us with full and unclouded effulgence, it is, that we may be guided in our opinions by the light which it conveys to the understanding, and be the subjects of that li ol h P oi ai at i 1 holy influence which it sheds r ion the heart and the life. If, aware of our weakness, and of the power of sensible objects to draw us from our duty, He has appointed institutions adapted to strengthen our purposes of obedience, and to counteract the eflect of the objects around us, it is, that by the observance and use of these institutions, we may be assisted in attaining the end for which the gospel was given us. Possessed, then, of rational and moral capacities, we should not be satisfied with low attainments in knowledge and goodness. It is by the mind, the im- material and immortal principle within us, that we resemble the Deity, and it is only by the cultivation of this principle that the resemblance can be preserved. It is by the mind, the immaterial principle within us, that while on earth, we are susceptible of pure and exalted enjoyment, and that, in heaven, we may at- tain to inetTable and eternal felicity ; and it is only by the cultivation and improvement of this principle, that the purest enjoyment of earth, and the most exalted felicity of heaven* can be secured by us. Enjoying, too, the light and privileges of Chris- tianity, we should use them for the purpose of pre- paring ourselves, by the grace of God, for our high 'i destination. Communicating to us the most impor- tant and interesting truths relating to our Creator and ourselves, we should study the scriptures, that our minds may be enlightened by the truths they contain, tliat we may be guided by the instructions they impart, and may transcribe into our characters the examples of piety and virtue which they display. Favoured with institutions intended and adapted to advance the purposes for which we were created intelligent and immortal beings, and were indulged with the blessings of the gospel, we should yield to these institutions a strict and diligent observance. But this is not all. We are to cultivate our own powers, and improve our own light, and use our own means of religious and moral instruction, not only that we may advance our own benefit, but be useful also to others. We are formed for society. We have social affections. We depend upon society for much of our comfort and happiness. Our duties in this state are mutual and reciprocal. Receiving from others, we must impart to others, in return. Nor is this to be confined to those from whom we have received direct and personal benefits. Deriv- ing advantage from the social state, we must labour i to meliorate, improve, and elevate tliat state wherever it exists. Hence results the duty of diHusing the means of instruction ; for the wisest of men lias long ago told us, what, indeed, our own observation abundantly con- firms, that ybr the soul to be without knowledge^ is tint good. Hence, especially, results the duty of diffusing religious instruction ; for one almost as wise, at a much later period, has left it on record as the fruit of his researches and experience, *^ that there never was ** found in any age of the world, either philosophy, or " sect, or religion, or law, or discipline, which did so ^ highly exalt the public good, as the christian faith." But, you need not the opinion of Lord Bacon* christians, to convince you of the worth of Christian- ity. No, — you are fully aware of its importance to the public welfare, and to private virtue and hap- piness ; how essential it is to the progress of civili- zation and the useful arts ; how much it elevates the tone of public morals ; and how powerful an influ- ence it exerts where "law and discipline" have no controul. You are fully aware of its beneficial effects on our personal condition, and on the relations of domestic life ; what light, and comfort, and joy it J tv 8 imparts wherever its influence is felt; how much contentment, and patience, and resignation, and hope it inspires in poverty, and sickness, and sorrow, and death; how it infuses sweetness into the bitterest cup, and tinges with brightness the darkest cloud of calamity ; how it has lighted up the passage of the grave, and presented to the inquiring eye of faith a brighter region beyond it. Yes, — it has brought life and immortality to light ; — it has opened the gates of the tomb, loosed the cerements of the dead, and given back the pious departed to the faith of surviv- ing relatives. In the chamber of sickness, it has smoothed the pillow of the dying, filled a void in the heart which nothing else could fill, removed a reluctance to lie which nothing else could abate, whispered peace *o the departing spirit, and, like an angel from heavei beckoned it upward to the abodes of everlastin rest and joy. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gifi How many hearts, which have experienced its cheer- ing encouragements, its divine supports, its animating hopes, will respond when I repeat, Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. I. (I 9 IV much nd hope ow, and bitterest cloud of e of the * faith a ught life gates of ad, and f surviv- hed the t which to lie eace *o beavei rlastin gifi cheer- mating Se unto Suchf my hearers, so efficacious, is the religion we have received, and which it is our duty, as there is need, and we have opportunity, to impart to oth- ers. Wherever the heralds of salvation are sent, we should devoutly wish them a blessing from the Lord; and to every rational, practicable plan for promoting the diffusion of christian truth, and of course advanc- ing the best interests of mankind, we should afford, as we have ability, our patronage and aid. If there is a prospect of success, we must scatter our seeds in the wilds of Patagonia, cast our bread upon the waters of the Ganges, open a fountain of life in the Arabian desert, and kindle a flame, which shall diffuse light and heat, upon the mountains of the frozen pole. At least, we must pray that the kingdom of God may come, and we may not con- demn, however we may hesitate to assist, the feeblest and most unpromising effort. To human reason, nothing could appear more wild and extravagant than the original project of establishing the christian religion, with so many ob- stacles to overcome, and such trifling and insignifi- cant means for effecting it. Without doubt, if it had been the work of man, it would soon have come to 2 <: •v. I nought. Yet It stood, and flourished, and extended itself. // has sent forth its boughs to the sea, and its branches to the rivers^ and, from past experience, we may well believe, that the time is hastening on, when all nations shall repose under its foliage, and be re- freshed by its fruit. It is not, however, to such extensive views, to such large and diffusive exertions, however honoura- ble and useful, that we are called by the venerable Society, which I have the honour now to address. It confines its attention to our own continent, labours to meliorate the condition of the natives of our own forests, extends its helping hand to the piously dis- posed In our new settlements, and assists in rebuild- ing the waste places of our ZIon. In this comparatively limited, but actually ex- tensive field of usefulness, it has long and successfully laboured. Its efforts to communicate divine and human knowledge to the Aborigines have not been unavailing, and of late, from a change in the mode of operation which experience has suggested, there is the prospect of a richer harvest of good. Of the instruction it has given to the young who were growing up without knowledge; the warn- V \ . i 1 extended ea, and its rience, we l on, when md be re- views, to honoura- venerable > address. It, labours ' our own ously dis- n rebuild- tually ex- i ccessfully ivine and not been > the mode ted, there • lie young . the warn- u ing it has addressed to the careless and irreligious who were iiving without God, the conviction it has brought to the unbelieving who were without hope in the world; the comfort it has spoken to the despond- ing, the consolation it has afforded the afflicted, and the peace it has imparted to the dying, who, without its benevolent interposition, might have died in their sins, of all this, the journals of its missionaries, and the reports of its committee will abundantly testify. Its means of usefulness are in no decree com- mensurate with its opportunities. If it limits its views, as required by its charter, to the northern section of our own continent, still, a field is open before it sufficiently large to occupy its whole atten- tion, and incalculably more than sufficient to exhaust its resources; reaching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the gulf of Mexico to the Arctic ocean and the frozen shores of Greenland. But it is only in its charter that it takes so wide a range. Over this extended space, it can cast only an anxious, and, but for the sure word of prophecy, a hopeless glance. It must return to a narrower sphere, happy if within this sphere it can do something to diffuse the bless- TS V -•#'J -T^-^^ j»,_k.-^* V I '■:■ t 12 ings of civilization, and extend the bounds of the Redeemer's kingdom. Conscious of the dignity and importance of the objects which it labours to promote, it is not asham- ed to solicit your cooperation. In doing this, it calls you to the most honourable office, that of '^ fellow " workers with God j" to the best service, that of dispensing the bread of life ; to the highest reward, the reward of those who have turned many to right- eousnesSf and who shall shine as the stars forever and ever.* Nor does it call you to a fruitless service, for, whilst it bids you obey the voice, which cries from the wilderness. Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our GoD,t it invites you to hear the encouraging promise. The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice^ and blossom as the rose.^ Would you be instrumental in accomplishing this glorious design ? Would you promote the spread of a religion which is productive of effects so benefi- cial, whith thus softens the most rugged face of na- y * Daniel xii. 3. t IsMah xl. 3, Sic, X Isaiah xxxv. 1. \ t 13 Is of the ce of the >t asham- is, it calls ' "fellow S that of t reward, to right' "ever and ifice, for, 'ies from rd, make t invites ildemess fcr/ shall ing this read of benefi- of na- ture, converts the dreary waste into a fruitful fields and causes the solitary place to echo the notes of grateful praise ? Would you bear your part in re- claiming the wandering savage, in teaching him to know and feel " the charities of father, son and brother,"^ and in giving him a home of love and peace and piety? — Cast in your oflfering. To ob- jects such as these, it will be faithfully applied. Freely ye have received^ f^^^ly give. The apostles of our Lord, and many of the early christians, sustained the loss of every thing, but a good conscience, and the hope of heaven, that they might bring others to a participation of the heavenly treasure which was intrusted to them. They were not satisfied with enjoying its benefits, but laboured, incessantly, to diffuse them. To their exertions, to the labours and sacrifices of these christian missionaries and their successors, are we indebted for the exalted rank we hold, and the im- mortal hopes we entertain as christians, and, as far as circumstances demand, and opportunities allow, shall we not emulate their efforts } . 1. * Milton. :.t...^<*-'"-.->^ 14 Consider, I beseech you, my friends, whilst you are providing for the temporal comfort of your fel- low creatures, whether you have done enough for their spiritual and eternal interests ? By aiding some species of charity, you may encourage idleness and vice, and thus, instead of lessening, may increase the amount of real suffering. But it is far otherwise with regard to the charity which I now recommend. By the diffusion of religious knowledge, you furnish the strongest incitements to industry, and the most powerful motives to virtue; for religion hath said. He that provideth not for his own, especially those of his own house, hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel* Religion also hath said. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.'\ — Godliness is pro- fitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. My hearers, we have received much, and much will be required of us. Highly exalted in point of privilege, it will be expected that our views will be enlarged, and our aims proportionably elevated. Happy will it be for us if we diligently improve the 1 Timothy t. 8. t Hebrews xii. 14. i'\ • f' ' c ■Hi whilst you ' your fcl- nough for ding some eness and crease the otherwise Boininend. >u furnish the most lath said, ^% those is worse Without ss ispro- ' the life I 15 talents which have been given us, direct our steps by the light which has been imparted, faithfully ob- serve the institutions which have been appointed for our benefit, and promote, as we can, the improve- ment and happiness of our fellow men. Then, when our conflict with the power of temptation is ended, and our warfare with sin and with death is accom- plished, we shall be able to give a good account of our stewardship, and, through the mediation of the Saviour, shall receive the reward of our fidelity in the kingdom of God. id much point of will be levated. ove the —— .- * -—=!.■« Sei the oft T mon Lore ties ( Lord scho( sion, to vis burg, and c itatio] toag Some, that I: conve False of trio V REPORT OS THE Select Committee of the Society for propagating the Gospel among the Indians and others in J^Torth America : read and accepted 9 JVovember, 1820. Published by order of the Societjr< THE Select Committee have the satisfaction to report to the Society a summary of the laborious and important services of the missionaries, appointed the last year. MISSIONS IN MAINE. The Rev. Dr. Porter accomplished his mission of three months at Fryeburg and the vicinity. He preached on the Lord's day, and visited and performed various missionary du- ties during the week. The ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper he repeatedly administered. The Sunday schools, of which there were 13 within the sphere of his mis- sion, all provided with able female instructers, Ive was careful to visit. During the prevalence of an epidemic fever in Frye- burg, he visited the sick and the dying, imparted instruction and consolation, and performed the funeral service. This vis- itation of Divine Providence, he observed, disposed the people to a greater attention to religion, and awakened serious inquiry. Some, who had neglected divine worship, expressed a desire that he would visit them ; and " some, who were too weak to converse, wished to hear concerning the faith of Christ." False principles of religion did not stand the test of the hour of trial. " One, who had seemed to favour the doctrine of ite' ■h^L-i^ ■•■■•► J I 18 salvation to all men without limitation," said to him, " I was never so glad to see you in my life, as 1 am now ;" begged, his " prayers ; and said, should I recover, I should think different from what I ever did." The Society's books, sent to Dr. Por- ter's care, he distributed to his best discretion. He " bestow- ed Bibles on widows and orphans ; Testaments on children, who were able to read them ; the Questions and Answers, on those who could read ; from all of whom he received a promise that they would take care of and read them." The books which he distributed on a former mission, he " called for, ex- amined, and inquired what proficiency the receivers had made in reading them, and found, to his great satisfaction, that they had not neglected them." He preached 1 3 sabbaths, 7 lectures, made more than a hundred visits, and attended 9 funerals. The Rev. Mr. Douglas has performed his mission of two months at Alfred and Shapleigh. Almost all the towns in the vicinity being visited by missionaries, he thought it his duty to confine himself to Shapleigh. The two parishes in this town are so separated from each other by ponds, that " they appear more like two towns than two parishes in the same." He di- vided his labours between the two parishes; and they were gratefully received, and apparently blessed. Beside preaching on the Lord's day, and lectures, administering the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and visiting a school of about 60 scholars, he visited the families extensively. " It is animating and encouraging," he observes, " to see what grati- tude they appear to manifest for the notice taken of them. It is easy to converse with them upon the great doctrines and duties of religion, and, I may add, to preach the glorious gos- pel." In the East Parish he formed a Female Cent Society for missionary purposes, and from individuals there he receiv- ed $3.20 ; and by contribution in the West Parish $3.30 ; and " feels more impressed with the belief, that they begin more highly to prize gospel privileges, since they have had mission- ary labours bestowed upon them." V' f'i -rsr i to him, " I was w •" begged, his I think diflcrent lent to Dr. Por- He "bestow- n children, who iswei's, on those tved a promise ." The books '' called for, ex- ivers had made ction, that they )aths, 7 lectures, 9 funerals. mission of two he towns in the ht it his duty to les in this town it " they appear same." He di- and they were side preaching the ordinances ig a school of sively. " It is ;ee what grati- of them. It doctrines and glorious gos- Cent Society ere he receiv- h <^3.30 ; and begin more had mission' 19 In Alfred, although the encouragement towards the entire maintenance of the gospel ministry has not been such as had been hoped ; it is pleasing to be assured by our missionary, that " many of the most influential characters have done their full proportion." It is more pleasing still, to learn that his la- bours here have been crowned with unusual success. " I have been, notwithstanding," he writes, " greatly encouraged the year past. God hath done great things for us, whereof we arc glad. I have baptized 23 persons ; 4 adults and 19 children ; 10 persons have united with the church — nine by a public pro- fession and one by letter." Beside the donations in Shapleigh, he received jj5 from a pious female in Alfred, making collec- tivcly ^13.50. The Rev. Mr. Calef has laboured two months in Parsons- field, Limington, Effingham, Newfield, and Wntcrborough. He represents " the state of religion, as more promising" than when he made his last report. He appears to have been re- ceived with much respect and cordiality. The Congregation- al Society in Parsonsfield, " in general appear to be willing at this time to do something more than they have done in years past for the support of the gospel." They have it in contem- plation to raise a fund, " the interest of which will enable them to procure ministerial labours among them." Our missionary received from them a contribution of $25 ; and a missionary sent by the Maine Missionary Society, jj^20. The Rev. Mr. Adams has performed a mission of three months at Vassalborough and the adjoining town of Winslow. It was his practice, to spend every fourth sabbath in Winslow. In addition to his stated labours on the Lord's day, he attend- ed, during the week, to such other services as his health would admit, and as circumstances appeared to require. He fre- quently preached on funeral occasions, (sometimes in remote places,) "on account of the opportunity thus afforded of preaching to many, whom otherwise " he would not have op- ■'A 20 't i I 11) porlunily to addrosn." Our missionnry bcnrs a drcidcd losti- mony in favour of » local missions ;" but ndds, " not that itine- rant missions ouglit to lie abandoned ; the sheep and lambs, scattered on the mountains, should not be forgotten. Still I conceive, that local missions, judiciously conducted, promise the most permanent utility." The Christian public, however, he suggests, " may expect too much from them ; that a mission, once established, will assuredly flourish, and soon support it- self." On this subject he remarks : " In most of our new set- tlements there will be found some, who are hungering for the bread of life, and who are willing to make almost any sacrifices for the enjoyment of gospel ordinances ; but there are many others, who, though a price is put into their hands to get wis- dom, have no heart to it. In most cases, to effect a permanent establishment must be a work of time." " The number of those who attend regularly on my ministrations in this town, I find to be gradually increasing \ the same is true with regard to Win- slow." For the feelings of the people in the latter place with regard to the mission, our missionary refers us to an enclosed communication, which, he observes, "was wholly voluntary and unsolicited." This communication, which is signed by a " Committee of appropriations for the Religious Society, Win- slow," expresses their grateful acknowledgment " of the Soci- ety's care and attention for their religious and moral improve- ment, by directing Mr. Adams to supply their pulpit, part of the time, for fifteen months past." " We have reason to think," they observe, " your liberality has had a favourable effect. A segment of Vassalborough church has been established in Winslow, and a number admitted as members ; and through the benevolent and Christian spirit of Mr. Adams, many mem- bers of churches, and of different sects, have been permitted to be guests at the Lord's table. No calculation, at present, can be depended on as a Toron, to raise money for the support of the gospel. A few individuals have formed themselves into a Religious Society, with a view to raise something for that purpose. We have raised a small sum, as a donation to your I 21 Society, which wc hfivo paid to Mr. Achms, to he under your direction for appropriati(»n/' This sum, which was duly ac- counted for to the Treasurer, was f 42.50. The Rev. John Sawyer has performed iIk duties nsslsjned him at Brownvillc and the vicinity, lit , '^nchcd lO snl iends here." Mr, Sergeant notes, that " there have been 8 births, 7 deaths, and 7 new comers the year past :" also, that « The Stock^- chi ii, "H "] "1 4. se ^1;. •ibes ; the object s in the cause of ism, and also to A letter, written »nie appeared in igrating church. Christian char- in Indiana, and ew Stockbridge. 2 one which she he close of the love me, but do lave me go into lat is there, and we shall meet I be, if I could lOrd Jesus, and ?d as a day of lion was read to >th of the same " This evening the people met on our friends the heathen in 's great mercy nt doctrines of rd would bless •n their way to of their coun- it, on this day, tribe now at lite with their rths, 7 deaths, "The Stoui. 29 bridge Indians have spun and made 20 coverlids and several hundred yards of cloth the year past." The Journal, to the 1st of January, 1820, closes with a copy of the missionary's last speech to the emigrants, delivered 24 July, 1018, the same day on which, as appears by our last Report, the new church was formed. It was read to them in their own lan- guage. It begins thus : " My dear children of the Muhhekun- " nuk Tribe, who are about to remove I'roni this place to the " Western Country. 1 wish to have you consider it a very " great and important undertaking. You need much advice " from your friends here, but more especially you need the " kind care, constant support and protection of the providence " of Almighty God, who considers you all as the creatures of his " power ; and, as to a number of you, I have reason to hope, " the children of his grace. 1 wish to impress on your minds, " that on your way, and also when you arrive among the hea- '• then, you will be exposed to many dangers, trials and temp- " tations." The remainder of the speech gives salutary coun- sel, pertaining to their duties and dangers, to their Christian profession and obligation, to their temporal interest and com- fort, and to their future and everlasting happiness. A later number of the Journal of i\Ir. S. (from 1 January to 1 July, 1820,) records another attempt for a reformation. Mr. Sergeant having invited all the men of the tribe to meet at the dwelling house of the Chief, " to give them counsel and advice for a more general reformation in their morals ;" they met according to appointment, on the 29th of May, when he addressed them in a long speech. They all appeared solemn and attentive ; and afterwards voted several resolutions, the purport of which was : — to be united in promoting regulations for the comfort, happiness and respectability of the tribe ; to renew their covenant engagements, signed at the formation of the Moral Society, and to endeavour to support every regula- tion of it ; to endeavour to deny themselves the use of spiritu- ous liquors while cultivating their lands ; to desire the neigh- bouring white people to use their utmost endeavours to put an r^i ■•^s' m % i 1. i I 30 entire slop to the sale of intoxicating liquor to any of their tribe; to appoint a committee to reprove, admonish, and com- plain of any white people, who may go about visiting or at- tending worldly business on Lord's days; and to use their ul- jnost endeavours to promote among themselves all the arts of civilized life, which might, with the divine blessing, render them independent and happy. After which the Chief made the fol- lowing reply : " Father, " We, your children, thank you for your good counsel. " You have plainly told us all the errors of our nation for " many years past ; wherein our forefathers and we their child- " ren, have missed the good path of duty whereby they and we " might now have been a rich, great and numerous people, like " our brethren the whites. Every word you have said is the " truth. We will try to do better for the future, than we have " done in our past days, and follow your good advice." I W( SCI ll ■(, Indians on Martha's Vineyard ; and the Narragansels. Mr. Baylies, whose account of the Indian schools to the month of September the last year, as appears by our last Re- port, left them in a flourishing state, wrote in March, that " in their close," his " most sanguine expectations were gratified." Beside visiting the schools, it was necessary that he should " take a part" in the instruction of them. Miss Clark closed her school at Charlestown (R. I.) on the 12th of November; having taught it 12 weeks. The whole number of scholars was 46 ; the greatest number in one day, 37. She taught the branches usually taught in women schools, approved herself by her fidelity, " gained the confidence of the Indians, and has done much good." Our missionary takes no- tice again of the good offices of Rev. Mr. Brown, who, he ob- serves, " merits the thanks of all those who wish well to this mission." — Mr. Baylies opened a school at Charlestown on the I a .«fc 31 to any of ilioir lonish, and coin- ut visiting or al- d to use their ut- ^s all the arts of iiig, render them ef made the fol- ■ good counsel, our nation for we their child- t>y they and we >us people, like ave said is the than we have J vice." ragansets. chools to the y our last Re- irch, that « in ire gratified." at he should 'R. I.) on the The whole in one day, men schools, idence of the ry takes no- who, he ob- well to this town on the 15th of November, and continued it three weeks. The cold weather prevented small children from attending, "yet he [\\v\ 35 scholars in all ; 27 was the greatest number in one duy. A school was kept here four months and a half. Miss Clark taught three months, and Mr. Baylies, at two dill'crcnt limes, six weeks.* " The scholars have made good improvement.*' On the 16th of October Miss Luce closed her school of aix weeks at Christiantovvn. She had a small school of 12 or 15 scholars ; " but she was faithful, and has done much good." On the 1st of January Miss Johnson fmishod her school of 8 weeks at Gav Head. Mr, B. found her school '• under good regulations," and believed she " discharged her duty with tldc- lity." On the 3d of January Mr. B. began school himself; and before he had taught 12 days, " a meelhig was callcil, and Mr. Joseph Skill*, a faithful young man, was hired for 6 wcek^)." The last of February Mr. B. recommenced the school, and completed three weeks ; " found the children had made great improvement, and the parents highly gratified." His school consisted of 43 scholars in all ; 30 was the highest number in one day. " The last ten years little attention has been paid to schools," till one was opened by Mr. Baylies' influence, as mentioned in our last Report. The Indians here have now had 27 weeks' schooling, of which 16 weeks, and the board of Mr. B. 3 weeks, have been at their own expense. Miss Carter finished her school of 8 weeks at Chabaquid- DiCK ; and her instructions were well approved, and kindly re- ceived. On the 30th of January Mr. B. began a school for 3 weeks ; the whole number of scholars was 27. " They made a handsome improvement." " Thus," the missionary observes, " 4 women schools have been supported the season past. In all they were taught 34 weeks ; add 12 weeks which I taught, make 46 weeks. In my schools I had 132 scholars; 122 were coloured, 11 were mar- * See last Report. The Rhode Island Missionary Focielj paid for Miss Clark's board $15, and ^r Mr. Baylies' $12. ..... ,..-w.' I. r I f *■ 32 ricd people. 1 Iwvc not the exact number further than I have stated, but I should say, in the above schools there were 130 coloured scholars. These schools are very pleasing to the Indians ; and it is my fervent prayer, that they may tend to promote their happiness in time and in eternity." Specimens of writing from 70 of the Indian scholars, left by Mr. B. with the Secretary, and preserved with the papers of the Society, do great honour to the schools, and furnish good encom-agcment to their continuance. Mr. Baylies spent 8 sabbaths at Narragansct ; the remainder of his time principally on Martha's Vineyard — at Gay Head, Chabaquiddick, Christiantown, and Farmneck ; dividing it ac- cording to numbers and circumstances. Although there has been no special attention to religion of late among the Indians here, " yet we are not to conclude,"' says the missionary, " that they are without thought. I find many serious, pious people among them. Our public worship is not so well attended at all times as I could wish ; yet we often have full assemblies. These poor people, who have experienced so much benefit from the benevolence of the Corporation and Society, rest in humble hope that they shall not be forgotten in future." " Rev. Mr. Thaxter has rendered me essential service. Though he is far advanced in years, yet he is never weary in doing good, especially to the Indian;?, as his frequent visits did great labour of love clearly demonstrate." The recent grant of the Legislaiurc of ^300 to the Natives at Chabaquiddick, " to build a suitable house for public worship and school," has had a happy effect, and promises great utility. The house is already built and has recently been dedicated. Senecas and Munsces, The Rev. President Alden has recently performed the ser- vice, assigned him the last year. It was chiefly devoted to the Seneca Indians, and to the settlers in their neighbourhood. " In general," he writes, " I was cordially received by the white [": *t««- her than I have there were 150 pleasing to the y may tend to l'^." Specimens hy Mr. B. with the Society, do encouragement i the remainder -at Gay Head, dividing it ac- )ugh there has ng the Indians sionary, " that , pious people 11 attended at ill assemblies, much benefit ociety, rest in iturc." ice. Though ary in doing Us ti.d great le Natives at jlic worship ?reat utility, cdicated. ed the ser- ^otod to the ibourhood. y the white 33 inhabitants, many of whom seldom have opportunity to hear a preshytcrian missionary in tiu" Ity-patlis into which 1 was fre- quently led in my various wanderings from one section of the aborigines to another. My aitcnlion was mostly engrossed in labouring among my red brethren of the Senecas (for the Mun- sees are of the pagan party.) and in passing from one village to another on the several reservations. Thinking it probable, that I should not again, very soon, have it in my power to visit these natives as a herald of the cross, I exerted myself to visit the principal settlements of all the Senecas. I, accordingly, was at Cataraugns, BuflWIo, Toiuiewanta, S(|uauke-IIill, Gaudao, Alleghany, and Jennisadaga." '' The prospect for eflectually evangelizing the Senecas is more favourable than at any former time. Since my last mis- sion, in some reservations one third and in others one half of the Indians, comprising the most respectable of the chiefs and of others of the best habits, have come forward and resolved to open their ears to the sound of the gospel. They according- ly are in the constant practice of meeting together with their wives and children, usually in their best robes, on the sabbath. They have been taught to sing many of our most celebrated tunes by Mr. Cullender of Buffalo, employed by Mr. Hyde, who has prepared a number of hymns in Seneca for their use, some of which I have formerly sent you. They have charming voices, take great delight in singing, and their language is as well adapted to musick as the Italian. Whenever I went into their cabins, almost the first thing would be to get their singing books, and to join me in singing the praises of their Redeemer in their native tongue. When they have no preacher they spend the sabbath in singing, praying, conversing on the con- tents of the Bible, so far as in their power, recapitulating the discourse any of them may have heard, and in listening to the exhortations of their chiefs. At Cataraugus the chiefs have even appointed two Indians of talents to instruct their people in the Christian religion ; a wonderful fact ! My exercises, in vari- ous instances, were mingled with the publick prayers of Sene- '«