the whole village was civilized. The people built their houses, erected barns, ploughed their fields, and reaped their harvests. on Friendly Islands.-When a mission was first established in this group, it met much opposition. One missionary was murdered, and two others were compelled to flee for their lives. Yet the obstacles were ultimately overcome. Many were converted. Among them was a chief, who issued his proclamation, that, a certain day, all the idols should be brought to one place and burned. When the day came, the gods were there, promiscuously thrown together. Before the execution, the chief stood up above the people, to make a speech-not to the people, but to the idols. "Now (said he) if you are gods, you can run away. Run, then, or you shall be burned up." Not choosing to run, they were burned. This mission has been highly prosperous. Thousands have been hopefully converted. those islands are 600 native class-leaders, and 40 local preachers. MISSION TO SINGAPORE. The of "Dialogues between two Friends," and several other tracts. The blocks are cut in China, and sent here. The printing proceeds at the rate of more than 2000 leaves a day. A Chinese school was commenced, Feb. 17, in the Chinese part of Singapore, by a man possessing some knowledge of Christianity. The boys now number 25, and make pleasing progress in their studies. When I look at the crowd of native vessels always here, and constantly coming and going between this port and various islands and countries around, all filled with fellow-men, who need the bread of life themselves, and are willing to carry it to their friends, and spread its influence far and wide, I feel unwilling to have the immediate manufacture and circulation of books regarded as an object of inferior importance. Malays, who formerly refused our books, now receive them with readiness, and frequentOnly with intense eagerness. Under date of Oct. 28, Mr. T. says-We have two schools, containing 40 Chinese boys. We hold religious meetings with the Chinese-a duty which gives us much pleasure. There are probably 200 native vessels within sight of where I sit, not 20 of which I have been able to visit, to give them of the bread of life, though they are anxious to receive it. This evening I went out and distributed 40 books and tracts. As I approached a Borneo prow, the people hailed me, pleading for books. Before I came along side, it was lined with men, their hands stretched out to receive them. Before giving, I be gan to talk a little, but could not keep the books in my hands, except by force. The boat was soon filled with men, who jumped into it from the prow, and seized every Malay book I had with me, except one, which lay concealed. When we approach the Bugis, they crowd round us by scores and hundreds, asking for books. From the Missionary Herald we learn that, Mr. Tracy and his associates have continued their labor of preaching and distributing books, on the land and in the junks. At the funeral of a rich Chinese, when 8000, or 10,000 people were assembled, they disposed of 15,000 copies. Mr. T. had begun to pray and address the people in the Chinese language. Under date of May 19, 1835, he remarks-The printing press has been constantly occupied since the arrival of Mr. Jones, in printing the Gospel of Matthew, and one or two tracts in Siamese, and Mr. Moor's book. Several Chinese printers are now employed in making books. They have printed and bound 1000 copies of the "Sacred Sleeve Gem," and 3000 WESTERN FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. MISSION TO THE IOWAS. Extract of a Letter from Mr. Aurey Ballard to the Cor. Secretary, dated February 5, 1836. REV. AND DEAR SIR: schools, in different places, for the instruction of the Indian children. It is probable Mr. Sheppard will attend two schools, about two miles distant from each other. The children are very wild, and I expect will not be easily reclaimed. The most effectual plan, I think, would be to take a few into our family. The Through the mercy of God, we are all as little girl, that we have with us, is improving well as usual. Mrs. Ballard has been afflicted very fast. She is beginning to read in the considerably, this winter, with a liver com. New Testament-understands most of what plaint; but, being now better, she hopes she is said in the family--and seems in a good will be able to resume the business of teaching degree weaned from Indian habits. We can her school in the spring. We expect to have probably get as many in the spring as we may three schools in the ensuing season. Miss think proper to take. As we have no interHenderson will be with us after the close of preter, it seems important to bring some forher school at Westport. We want several ward in education as fast as possible. We are using our endeavors to learn their language. |sions. My only difficulty is my want of suffi To this Mrs. B. has devoted considerable time. ciency for the great and responsible work. We are able to tell the Indians something But I am encouraged by the thought, that the about the Savior; and we read to them all in grace of the Lord is sufficient for me. I feel, the books printed in the language of the Ottoes; more than ever before, the want of education. to which they listen with apparent interest. One of our divines said, "one educated man in But their intemperate habits are so strong, the missionary field is worth five uneducated and the whiskey-dealers using such efforts to men." He might justly have said “worth keep them in their present degraded condition, twenty." Yet I read, that "in a great house" that our enterprise would appear hopeless were there are vessels of dishonor, as well as honor; it not that the Lord reigneth, and, through his and only desire grace to do my duty in my strength afforded us, we can do all things. It sphere of action. On my return to the Station is a great consolation, that he will hear and from the Indian winter hunt, you will expect answer prayer. some account of my sojourning and proceedings among them. Feb. 25. My writing has been delayed by the illness of Mrs. Ballard. I went to Westport for Dr. Chute; who has been here since yester. day, and gives encouragement to expect her restoration. This evening the family are as well as usual. The custom of the Indians is to go out on the winter hunt about the first of Octoberstay out three months-then collect near this place, or some where on the river bottom with. in eight or ten miles, and spend the remainder of the winter in drinking and feasting, until they eat up their meat and perhaps sell half their horses for whiskey; and, consequently, When I returned from the hunt, my clothes almost starve through the summer. But the were nearly worn out, and it required some father of Maria-the little Indian girl above time to make others, to supply their place. mentioned-has resolved that he will break The poor Indians have recently had a drunken off from his intemperate habits. He lives near frolic. This was very discouraging. But the us. I assist him in providing his wood, and Lord is good. Some evenings since, a few of try to encourage him to withstand the tempta- the principal men called a council, and made tions to which he is exposed. To-day, one a law that no one should bring whiskey into came with a keg of whiskey, and urged him the nation; and if any did, it should be immeand his family to drink: but they said, "No; diately destroyed. For this purpose an officer we do not drink." He called them fools; but was appointed-a large club provided, and he they utterly refused. He has since been to authorized to break every keg and other vessel one of the trading-houses, and to the Indian containing the liquid poison. Accordingly, in camps, where he was urged to drink; but he a little time, two men who had travelled two was again enabled to withstand the evil influ- days for whiskey, and returned, were subjected ence, and came home perfectly sober. Yes- to the penalty of the law. The officer, prompt terday, he said to another Indian in our hear-in doing his duty, knocked in the heads of three ing, "The Iowas are bad; and I and my fami- kegs, and away went the liquor. This law is ly mean to be Americans, and pray to God." to continue two months; and we hope it may The good Lord enable him to keep his resolu- do great good; as they will have time to reflect tion-bring him to Jesus, and finally to hea- upon the subject, and give us an opportunity ven!-We beg your prayers for us, for them to converse with them. Before the close of and the nation. that time, they will not have the means of procuring liquor, and before fall we hope to sucExtract of a Letter from Mr. Elihu M. Shep-ceed in convincing them of the great evil of pard, to the Cor. Secretary, dated Iowa Mission, Feb. 14, 1836. DEAR BROTHER SWIFT: One Sabbath after another is passing away, and we are all on the shores of time. Mrs. Ballard's health is feeble; but she was able to day to partake in the exercises of our prayer meeting. Although no Indians attend it, except occasionally, we convene to implore the blessing of God upon ourselves, this nation, and all who dwell on the earth. Though few and far from home, we trust that God is with us and grants his blessing. For one, I feel the want of the outward means of grace in this wilderness. But think not that I am murmuring. No; I am not. Had I a thousand lives to give, if my wicked heart deceive me not, I would gladly devote them to the cause of mis drinking. March 6.-You will perhaps think it strange that my letter is so long on hand. But my time is much occupied; as the Indians are all encamped, at present, within three miles of us, and I have been teaching whenever it was practicable; and expect to do so every day, except the Sabbath, if Providence permit. It is very laborious; as I have to walk to the lodges, and then go from one to another, to teach them. In no other way can I have access to them, and there are four times as many as I can attend to. They complain of my not visiting them. But this is impossible; and I must here repeat the Macedonian cry, Come over and help us!-I appeal to young men, who are able to "bear the burden and heat of the day." Come, engage in the work of the Lord, with true devo begin to think it is good to know how to read. How tion to his service, assured of a gracious reward. | blowing a kind of whistle, or file, on which He is immensely good, and kind are all his however, no tune is played. They have some ways. But expect not a full reward in this old keg, over which a deer-skin is drawn. life. Come, prepared for every trial. You This is beaten very regularly, and each inan will often find need to say, "Lord, increase jerks his stick-head in unison for some time our faith!" and seek grace to act according to until one of the old men gets up, or at least the injunction, "in your patience, possess your half way, bellowing and snorting, like the souls." Alas! the Iowas are extremely igno- buffalo. None must talk. All is done by morant; and many seem to think it a favor done to tion. He is soon followed by others; and each us to attend upon our instructions. one goes on the sticks and his feet with his Monday evening, March 7.-This is the even-head down, hooking and pawing around. ing our beloved friends in Christian, and When he wants a partner, he goes and hooks Missionaries in `heathen lands, meet at a one up with his artificial horns; and she comthrone of grace, to implore the blessing of God mences in the same manner to jump around upon all the heathen world. We have en-with all her might. I should not have been deavored to join them, and though far from thus tedicus; but this, in their view, is worshiphome and in a Pagan land, the Lord is present ping God! But it is, in reality, gross Pagan by his Spirit and grace. You cannot conceive darkness, which must be dispelled by the light what courage it inspires when, on these oc- of the glorious Gospel of Christ. casions, we reflect how many are at once ear. March 9.-I have visited fourteen lodges tonestly addressing the throne of grace on our day, and taught forty children, besides readbehalf; for we believe the Lord will answering to a number of adults; and I believe they their prayers, and, at a time not far distant, give the poor Iowas to his Son as a part of his inheritance. I have been at my daily employment of visiting the Indian camps, reading, talking, and teaching. Though I set out early, and continued to the going down of the sun, it was in my power to teach only a part of those who were willing to receive instruction; and some to whom I gave instruction could receive only very short lessons. I have some hymns and short prayers, written by brother Merrill, which I am in the habit of reading among this people; together with the account of the creation. This morning, when I had been teaching in the old priest's tent, he supposed I was about to leave him without reading, and begged me to stay and read. I opened my book and began reading about the creation. He interrupted me; saying: "Yes, that is very good. That I remember. The prayer I want; and I wish all my children to know it." This, dear brother, was said in such a manner as almost overpowered me, and left no doubt on my mind of the sincerity of the speaker. I journeyed along from tent to tent; gathering the little groups around; teaching and reading to those who were providentially present. On my return, I passed a great religious washee, or dance. It was the Buffalo dance, and, of course, all the men were buffaloes! They were besmeared with red paint, making a frightful appearance; and their noise and gestures were not less so. Some had hay or prairie grass round their heads, forming horns; and in the right hand each one held a stick perhaps two feet long, covered nearly all over with small hoops tied to it with short strings, so as to rattle. In the left is another of the same length, but no hoops. There is a path made round the fire, and the men sit out side the path in a circle, and the women behind them. They then commence PRINCETON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. We are pleased to learn by a letter from Mr. James W. Hoge, of Princeton, Gibson Co. Indiana, that a Missionary Society was organized in that place on the 7th of June, 1835. Rev. H. Patton, having been requested to address the assembly, performed the duty by delivering, in the Reformed Presbyterian Church, a discourse very appropriate to the occasion, from Romans 10:14, 15; How can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard, &c.! After some preliminary remarks, Mr. James Finney was called to the chair. A Constitution, previously prepared by members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, was presented and read; and, after having been so altered as to unite all religious and moral members of the community in the good cause, was adopted. According to the constitution, the funds of the society are to be paid into the Treasury of the Western Foreign Missionary Society; yet considered at the disposal of the majority of the members in reference to their applica tion to specific objects, in forwarding the same cause. The sole object of the society is to promote the great enterprise of foreign missions, by their pecuniary contributions and their prayers, as the Lord may enable them. The payment of 50 cents or more annually entitles to membership. The officers chosen were, Mr. Simon Orr, President; Mr. John Lagow, 1st Vice President; Mr. Calvin Minnis, 2d do.; Mr. Robert Erwin, Treasurer; Mr. James W. Hoge, Se. cretary. No intelligence from any of our missionaries to India, of more recent date than that published in the last number of the Chronicle, was received at the mission room when the present number was put to press. NOTICES. Pittsburgh, May 9, 1836. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the Presbyterian Church will meet in the First Presbyterian Church of this city on the 19th inst. at 11 o'clock, when the opening sermon will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Phillips. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the Western Foreign Missionary Society will meet in the Lecture room of the First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday the 24th inst. at 5 o'clock, P. M. THE ANNIVERSARY of the Western Foreign Missionary Society will be held in the First Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening the 26th inst. when the annual sermon will be delivered by Rev. James Culbertson. Payments for the Foreign Missionary Chronicle will be received in the Mission Room in the rear of said church, during the sessions of the G. Assembly; and other funds, as usual, by the Treasurer at No. 110, Market Street. M'Ilvaine, pastor,) 38.00 Forks of Wheeling, Va. by Rev. A. O. Patterson, 34.50 Rev. L. F. Leake, by Rev. T. D. Baird, Lower Buffalo, Pa. by Rev. A. O. Patterson, Mercer co. Pa. from Mr. John J. Dean, executor, bequest of the late James Stinson, Mercer co. Mission. Society, from D. G. Porter, Treas. for support of Rev. J. R. Campbell, 130.00; (of which 50 is to constitute Rev. Robert Semple a life director,) Mingo creek cong. Pa. by Benj. Williams, Esq., Natchez, Miss. Female Mission. Society, by Mrs. Marsh, 365.00, (40 the proceeds of Juvenile Mission. Soc. to educate heathen children,) Northfield, O. Mr. Matt. Wilson, Omega's annual contribution, Philadelphia, Mr. M'Lin's church, by Mr. Engles, 7th Pres. ch. clothing, 100. Pine Grove, Pa., by Rev. A. M'Cready, Pittsburgh, First Pres. church coll. by J. M. Snowden, Esq., 134.08, (of which 50 is to constitute Rev. Dr. Herron a life director,) Second Pres. church, yearly contribution for 1836, by Mr. Walter H. Lowrie, Treas. Union Grove, Ill. 2d Pres. church, contribution in part, Upper Conococheague, Pa. by A. Speer, Esq., 130.00 22.00 365.00 5.05 15.00 100.00 27.50 134.08 303.00 15.00 30.00 20.46 Warren, Pa. 1st Pres. church, by Mr. Collections of Mr. A. T. Skillman, Ky. 5.06 45.00 Collections of Mr. S. D. Campbell, Ala. Clinton church, 27.25; Marion, 16.15; Mr. Hammond of Claiborne, 5, Collections in Ohio. By Rev. C. C. Beatty, Centreville cong. 5.62; a Lady in Cadiz, 10; do. 5; Steubenville, by W. Copeland, treasurer, 129.37; (of which 50 is to constitute Rev. E. T. M'Lean, a life director,) By Rev. Arch. Hanna, Unity cong. 6; Evans' Creek, 3.56; Mount Hope, 14.00; Wooster, 15.50, 48.40 150.00 39,06 PAYMENTS FOR THE CHRONCLE. K. Ambose, S. Bowman, Wm. Cooper, Mrs. I. Neal, $1 each; Miss N. Allison, Dr. Bed4.00 dinger, Miss E. Brown, Mrs. Burse, J. Campbell, Esq., Miss Marg. Chandler, G. B. Craw10.74 ford, J. Gordon, J. Hoover, J. Howze, J. Johnson, Wm. Lamb, J. M'Calmont, J. M'Claren, J. M'Naul, R. B. Mershon, W. Newbury, W. 50.00 Patton, H. F. W. Schulze, D. Smyth, H. Swansey, H. Thompson, Mat. Wilson, Th. Wilson, and E. Zimmerman, 50 cents each. VOL. IV....No. 7. PITTSBURGH, JULY, 1836. WHOLE NO. 40. ANNIVERSARIES IN NEW YORK. AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY. The American Bible Society held its 20th anniversary on the 20th of May, 1836. The speakers were R. P. Dunlap, Gov. of Maine; Peter A. Jay, Esq., Rev. Messrs. M'Elroy, Atkinson, Hodgson, Reid, Brown, Skinner, and Cone. The President, Hon. John C. Smith, being absent, the Chair was taken by John Polton, Esq. Dr. Sharpe read the 40th chapter of Isaiah. Dr. Milner read an excellent address transmitted by the President. John Nitchie, Esq. read the Treasurer's report, and Rev. Mr. Bingham, Cor. Sec. read an abstract of the annual report. The report states, that 24 auxiliaries have been formed during the last year; making the whole 1000. The receipts of the year amount to $104,899 45; viz. In payment for Bibles and Testaments, $42,766 75; from bequests, $9,265 70; for foreign distribution, $13,389 19; unrestricted contributions, $25,112 07. The expenditures have been, $107,910 93-leaving a balance in the treasury (including a former balance) of $9,265 70. Some of the foreign versions, patronized by the Society, are undergoing careful revisions, that they may correspond with the fundamental principle of the Institution to circulate the Scriptures "without note or comment," in the English language, according to "the version in common use.' In regard to foreign languages, the Board, in February last, adopted the following resolution "Resolved, That, in appropriating money for the translating, printing, or distributing of the Scriptures in foreign languages, the managers feel at liberty to encourage only such versions as conform in the principles of their translation to the common English version; at least so far, that all the religious denominations represented in this society can consistently use and circulate said versions in their several schools and communities." Plates have been ordered for a new pocket French Bible and Testament; for a pocket English Bible, on a small diamond type; for a German pocket Testament; and a pocket Spanish Testament; and for a large pica Testament, with the book of Psalms appended for aged persons. Modern Greek, 3,646; Portuguese Bibles and Testaments, 51--Welsh Bibles and Testaments, 66--Arabic, Syriac, Swedish, and and Indian; making in all, 221,694 copies, Dutch, 58-Italian, Polish, Danish, Gaelic, and an aggregate since the formation of the Society of 1,989,430. In addition to $1000 appropriated last year for printing the Bible for the blind, $500 have been contributed for that object by the New York Female Bible Society. The work is in press in Boston and will soon be published in full. The Boston Female Bible Society has granted to the Parent Society $1,718 79. The Pittsburgh Female Bible Society have paid them $350, to constitute Rev. Messrs. Lowrie, Wilson, and Newton, life members of the American Bible Society. The young men of Providence, R. I., resolved to supply every child under fifteen years of age with the Tesfamily in the state with the Bible, and every tament; and have carried the resolution into and 6,540 Testaments, and supplying 1,200 thorough execution; distributing 1,705 Bibles destitute families. The Society in St. Lawtitute families; circulating more than 4000 rence county, N. Y., has supplied 776 desBibles and 12,000 Testaments. Other societies have also been active. Appropriations, amounting to $45,000, have been made toward printing and circulating the Scriptures in foreign countries which has been paid chiefly to mis. sionaries of the Protestant Episcopal, Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, and Moravian denominations, for the Siam, Bengal, Northern India, in the Turkish circulation of the Scriptures in China, Burmah, empire, Russia, Germany, France, and Spain. On the whole, the report is most satisfactory. SEAMEN'S FRIEND SOCIETY. The anniversary of this Society was held May 9, A. Van Sinderen, Esq., the President, in the Chair. Rev. Dr. De Witt made the introductory prayer. The annual report was read. The receipts during the year were $13,172 52, and the payments $13,365 72— balance in the Treasury $200. The Society has been in operation eight years, and supports The number of Bibles and Testaments issued the following missions-In Canton, Rev. Edsince the last report is as follows-English win Stevens. The Bethel flag has been disBibles, 63,160-German, 1996-French, 593-played almost every Sabbath, and the audience Spanish, 169-English Testaments, 150,018-collected on deck or in the cabin of some ship German, 1818-French, 756-Spanish, 213- has been either American or English. Rev. |