public worship, who had not before attended, some from the distance of 12 or 15 miles. Mr. Finney preached from Heb. ii. 3. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation? Inconveniences from the want of necessary Aug. 2. Find ourselves under the necessity of sending to the Arkansaw Post for Peruvian bark, of which we are entirely destitute. It cannot be obtained short of that place, and is indispensably necessary in the cure of the intermittent fever, with which several of the family are yet afflicted. A small part of the amount for which we sent to New-Orleans, will be a greater expense at the Post, besides the want of it in present sickness, which cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. 3. Find ourselves under the necessity of sending a man to the Union Mission to procure nails for our school-house. We have depended on the coming of nails for which we sent to the north. This has prevented our making arrangements to procure them from Natchez or New Orleans. None are now to be had any where on the Arkansaw river. Our only hope, in the present exigency is, that they may be obtained of our brethren of the Union Mission, who, when they ascended the river had a large supply. Exemplary Devotedness. 7. Meeting for business. Resolved; 1. That we hold ourselves consecrated to the work, on which we have entered, for life. 2. That we neither expect nor receive any earthly emolument whatever for our services, except what is necessarily expended for our support while under the patronage of the Board. 3. That we consider all the property committed to our care as sacred to the Lord, and ourselves bound to use it as such. 4. That we will endeavour, at all times, to consider ourselves as brethren en gaged in the same work, and to culti vate a spirit of union and peace, among ourselves; that we may not retard a growth of grace in our own hearts, nor the progress of the Gospel among those with whom we dwell. Darkness of Paganism. 9. A half-breed Cherokee, brother to Catharine and David Brown, called to make us a visit. He can speak English well; has had considerable acquaintance with the whites; and is a young man of some intelligence; but appeared, notwithstanding, deplorably ignorant on all spiritual subjects. He said he had never been told; and never knew, but that men died like the beasts;-that man has a soul which exalts him above them, and would exist after death ;-or that there was a beloved book which informed us of a future state. He said he rather thought in himself that men did not die as beasts; but that they lived somewhere after death, but how or where, he knew not. Brother Washburn, who had considerable conversation with him, endeavoured to enlighten his mind on these subjects;-to show him the certainty of a future state, and that too of happiness or misery, as men are righteous or wicked in this world. While describing to him the two different places where the righteous and the wicked will for ever dwell in a future world, he appeared very solemn ; but when told of the way by which the wicked might become righteous, escape from sin and misery, and finally go to the happy place, he appeared to be much interested and pleased: said he would come again, and hear more good talk. their ears heard the proclamation of mercy; their hearts were opened to receive it; and they now belong to a Christian church, and their conduct agrees with their profession. Why should not the Gospel be preached to all the families on our continent? and the other continent too? Means enough are in possession of the church, if they were only brought into operation.] 17. Brother Hitchcock, and Mrs. Finney considerably ill. Our messenger to Union Mission returned, having had a fatiguing though successful journey. Our brethren of that mission sent us nails sufficient for our school-house, as they had more than they would use before we can replace them. He found most of the family of Union in health, and proceeding prosperously in their buildings and other improvements. Warlike Rumors and Commotions. From Capt. Prior, a white man residing among the Osages, he learned that they had returned from their long hunt; -that they appeared greatly enraged at the death of the half-breed lately killed; -and that they were coming down immediately, about 1,400 warriors upon the Cherokees, with the intention, as was said, to kill, plunder and destroy, whatever comes in their way. 18. The news respecting the coming down of the Osages has put the CheroThey are endeakees in commotion. vouring to rally round the standard of war, intending to spy out their enemy's course, and, if possible, to prevent their coming down upon the Cherokee settlements. us. Visit of a Methodist. 21. One of our Methodist brethren, living near Cadron, called upon us in the morning, and spent the day with He had had unfavourable impressions of missionaries, until some of his brethren heard Mr. Washburn preach last summer, and himself heard Mr. Vaill afterwards. He asked a great many questions respecting our sentiments;-the motives which led us to this land; the plan upon which we proposed to proceed;-the reasons which we had to hope for success, &c. After satisfying his mind, he added that he had had some fears about us; but that he now believed we had come to preach the Gospel of Christ to sinners; -that he was glad to find that we had set out in the right way, and that he believed the Lord would bless and succeed us in our labours. Before leaving us, he urged very importunately that one of us should attend their next camp meeting, and go down and preach to them at other times, when it would not interfere with the duties of our mission. 23. The Agent called and made us a short visit, and renewed his assurances of his readiness to aid us in the object of our labours. 27. Through the goodness and mercy of God, brother Orr, who has suffered much and long with the ague and fever, has experienced at least a temporary relief. He is now able to labour a conSister Misiderable part of the day. nerva Washburn is also some better. Sept. 4. It is now one year since we came to this ground, which we have considered as devoted to Zion's King. When we look around us, to see what has been done towards bringing forward an establishment for enlightening our untutored red brethren, we find the actual accomplishment to fall far short of our expectations. Oh that our hands might be strengthened, and our hearts encouraged, to labour for God and perishing sinners, with more patience, perseverance, diligence, and activity, as the night of darkness and death will soon call us from the field. 5. A small company of Delaware Indians, about 25 or 30, came in as allies, to the Cherokees in their war. They have taken their stand for the present, within about two miles of Dwight. Three or four blacksmiths are employed in shoeing horses for the purpose of an expedition against the Osages. Gloomy forebodings of a Chief. 17. Waterminnee, a chief and famous warrior, called upon us. He said he was very glad we had got in so good a way, and were soon to have a school for the instruction of the children of his people; but added, that he was going to war, and that it was not very likely that he should live to return, or ever be permitted to see any thing we should do for his nation. He has been noted for his courage and success in war; but in the present case appears much disheartened, acting with the impression, that he shall die in the contest with the Osages. 30. Our congregation much as usual. Mr. Washburn was able to lead in the exercises. He preached from Matt. xxii, 5. But they made light of it. LETTERS FROM THE MISSIONARIES. Different letters have been received from Messrs. Finney and Washburn, down to Nov. 3d. They had been severely tried by not hearing from their friends, or from the Committee, through a long series of months. "Hitherto," says Mr. Washburn, under date of Sept. 3d, "we bave been as entirely excluded from all intercourse with the Christian world, as we should be in the Japan isles. We have heard of the arrival of letters for us in the Arkansaw Territory; but as yet have been unable to trace them so as to obtain them. The postmaster, where they were lodged, forwarded them to Fort Smith, a military post about 75 miles above our station. Brother Orr will set out for that place in a few days, by divine permission." After mentioning Dr. Worcester's death, Mr. Washburn adds; "But we may find consolation in the reflection, that God, the only efficient friend of missions, is not dependent upon any of his creatures. He only condescends to use even the most active and devoted of his children, as instruments, or tokens of his operations; and their removal does in no wise impoverish his all-sufficient fulness. He can more than make up the loss of that great and good man to his family, the people of his charge, the American Board, and the church of Christ; and it is our high privilege, that we may go to this allsufficient God, as our Father, and ask that he would sanctify all his dealings to us, and command into his service all the requisite means for the accomplishment of his purposes of grace." The Cherokees were becoming very impatient to see the commencement of the school; and the Missionaries felt bound not to postpone it much longer, though the preparations were not fully made, and the expense would be very considerably increased by the disappointment with respect to supplies from Boston. The letters above referred to were at last received. They proved to be from personal friends of the Missionaries ; and not from the Board. Communications, which were transmitted from Boston last summer, had not arrived at the date of the last letter, Nov. 3d, in which Mr. Finney says: "The health of the family is at present, in a measure, good. Our circumstances require the labour of a great many hands; but we know not whether our number is to be increased by help from the north; how much we shall be justified in hiring; or to what extent means can be supplied. Doubt and perplexity attend our course; but we would not murmur or repine, for the Lord will order wisely." In a letter dated two days earlier, Mr. Washburn states, that "the schoolhouse had been completed, and the body of the dining hall and kitchen raised. The Lord still surrounds us with goodness," adds Mr. W., "and disposes our hearts to be pleased with this great work. May he bless our labours, and save, for his mercies' sake, this benighted people." Miscellanies. REVIVALS OF RELIGION. We find it mentioned in several religious papers at a distance, that "there is a revival of religion in some of the Congregations in this city." The statement, we are happy to say, is correct, In many of our Congregations, of different denominations, there is an unusual and increasing excitement among the professors of religion. In some, this excitement has extended beyond the circle of professors; and many, we trust, are deeply impressed with a sense of their guilt and their danger, and are inquiring the way to Zion with their faces thitherward. As stated in the Boston Recorder, "The last Tuesday in February was set apart by the Pastor and Elders of the Brick Presbyterian Church, as a day of Fasting and Prayer, for the outpouring of the Spirit on the Churches, and a general revival of pure and undefiled religion in the city. Other churches of the same denomination, were invited to unite and nearly all the Presbyterian Ministers of the city were present, with a large assembly. The exercises began at eleven o'clock, and continued about six hours. They consisted in singing, prayers, reading portions of scripture, relations of the state of the churches, and short addresses." The first Wednesday in April has been appointed by the Pastor and Elders of the Presbyterian Church in Vandewater-street, for similar exercises; and the Pastors, Elders, and Members of the other Presbyterian Churches are invited to unite with them on that occasion. The Pastors, Elders, and Deacons of the same Churches have met once a week, for several weeks, for a season of special prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In some of our Churches, the Pastor, Elders, and Deacons, with their families, hold a weekly meeting for a similar purpose and in all our Churches, and in several of other denominations, prayer meetings are multiplied, and thronged. It is not our intention at present to give a detailed statement. These general facts, will, we hope, draw forth the sympathy and the prayers of Christians throughout the country, in behalf of our great and guilty city. Whether the present excitement will increase, or soon subside, is known only to the King of Zion. The work is His, and to Him be the glory ascribed. FROM THE BOSTON RECORDER. Extract of a Letter to the Editor, dated Watertown, Jefferson Co. N. Y. Jan. 2, 1822. SIR,-Permit me to give you a succinct statement of the state of religion in this region. It is but little more than twenty years since a perfect and uninterrupted forest covered this whole country. About that time the attention of several parts of New-England was turned to it, and the tide of emigration strongly set towards the Black River country. Now, notwithstanding the demoralizing and ruinous effects of war on frontier settlements, we have flourishing and populous villages, and churches and dwellings which would adorn older countries. Compared to many other parts of our land, the state of morality has been low and but little attention given to religion by the majority of the people. There were however, a few who mourned over the indifference of others and waited upon the Lord. Their prayers for a special blessing, have been in a measure already answered, though many petitions doubtless remain as memorials before the throne to call down future and greater blessings. At present there is a general attention to religion throughout this county. It commenced early in the spring, about the same time at Watertown and at Sackett's Harbour. From there it extended to Adams and Rodman; appeared in both of these places about at one time. And now at Ellisburg, Henderson and Lorrain, God is pouring out his Spirit. In short there is scarcely a church or neighbourhood, supplied or destitute, in which there is not a number who have commenced the solemn work of seeking the salvation of their souls. The work extends to all Christian denominations-and whilst the friends of this work are active and combining their efforts, its enemies are rallying, and uniting in resistance to the Spirit of God. Every man's character is now known either by aiding and advocating the work, or by murmuring and cavilling, by disseminating falsehood and by persecuting. As usual in works of this extent, persons of every description, the aged and the young, bond and free, have been brought to taste that God is gracious. Perhaps only in Rodinan can the work be said to have been powerful. In general it is slow rather than rapid-considering the district of country which it covers and the population, the number of converts and of the inquiring is not great. At the Harbour the number is small. At Watertown it is larger, at Adams it is still larger, and at Rodman the greatest number of converts is supposed to have been made. Perhaps the whole number of hopeful subjects of this extensive work does not exceed 400. The work is more like the refreshing and silent breeze, than the roaring wind-like the gentle dew than the powerful rain. But whilst there is cause for joy, there are causes for sorrow. Our country is new and destitute-ministers of the gospel are few, some of that few are young and inexperienced. Such feel their weakness and cry for helpthe destitute cry for help-the anxious inquirer, who has no guide, calls for help-and shall these calls be unavailing? Much more can be done in this region at this time in one month, than in a careless region in twelve. "Who will come up to the help of the Lord?" FROM THE RELIGIOUS REMEMBRANCER. Extract of a Letter to the Editor-Wil mington, Del. March 4, 1822. "I will take up a theme which has caused joy among the angels in heaven, and endeavour to tell you a little more of the blessed work now going on in our church. Our dear *****'s letter has given you the commencement and progress of the work up to last week; since that time no abatement, but rather an increased attention is manifested. At the anxious meeting held on Friday evening, numbers appeared deeply convicted of their guilt and danger, and when those who had obtained a hope, arose to come out and sing that sweet hymn, "Loving kindness," &c. it seemed like the final separation, when the ransomed of the Lord shall lift up their heads and sing for their redemption draweth nigh. But weeping and wailing filled the hearts of those who had not submitted to Christ and given themselves up to his free salvation. "These anxious meetings are peculiarly solemn, and are only attended by anxious sinners and young converts. At these meetings submission is insisted on, and inquiring souls are directed in the language of the Bible to "repent and be converted." They are warned against trusting to their prayers, tears. or any other self-righteous means, and come to Jesus just as they are. Many have come to the anxious meetings in deep distress, who before they left the place, have had their feet taken from the horrible pit and miry clay, and a new song put into their mouths, even praise to Him who hath loved them, and given himself for them." Oh! could you see the joy of these young converts; could you listen to their prayers; could you behold them following Jesus in the way,' crying "Hosanna! blessed is He that cometh!" your heart would leap with joy; and with holy David you would exclaim, "Great is the work!" To behold their anxiety for their impenitent friends; to hear sisters pleading with sisters, brothers with brothers, parents with children, children with parents, and friends with friends, would cause the burning blush of shame, (yea has done it) in the face of old professors, who have for years been negligent of the souls of those around them. "I called not long since to see a young person under deep concern, and found her without hope, and of course wretched. Soon after we entered, she threw her arms around a careless friend |