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CHEROKEES OF THE ARKANSAW.

MISSION AT DWIGHT.

THE following account is communicated in a letter from the Rev. Alfred Finney to the Corresponding Secretary, dated June 30,

1824.

The experience of the family, since what is termed a seasoning to the country, has justified the conclusion first formed, that our location is in a healthy spot; to say nothing of the salubrity of the surrounding country. No sickness, of a serious nature, has been experienced in the family for a considerable length of time; and scarcely the ordinary complaints of all countries, for the last six or eight months. Various opinions have been entertained respecting the comparative healthiness of the country: some confidently pronouncing it a sickly—and others as confidently affirming that it is a healthy

one.

It is readily admitted to be a country subject, in a considerable degree, to the remittent and intermittent fevers;-not, however, more so than most new countries were, which are now considered as the most healthy parts of the globe. But it is doubtful whether, in any part of the world, the remittent is milder in its influence, or more readily yields to suitable remedies. So with the intermittent, especially in the last particular. Other complaints are very rare, and instances of mortality, in proportion to the number of inhabitants, are very few. Epidemics of any description have been rarely known in this section of the western country; and, in the few instances of their prevalence, they have been far less mortal, than in other parts of the United States.

The family at Dwight had, at the commencement of our enterprise, the intermittent with considerable severity. But almost all the sickness in our family, (which has consisted, for the most part, of near one hundred persons,) has been the intermittent—a complaint, which of itself is rarely, if ever, mortal, and easily checked in its progress and removed in its influence.

From the peculiar circumstances of our case, we deem it proper to attribute much of its severity to peculiar exposure and want of medicine. Since obtaining a home, an established residence, and a condition to practise regular and industrious habits, sickness of every kind has gradually diminished, until general and almost uninterrupted health prevails. And it may now be said with safety, that the members of the family enjoy more general

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health, than they enjoyed in the northern states.

Although we speak thus in favor of the healthiness of the country, we would be far from overlooking or forgetting the source of all our mercies and comforts; but would devoutly acknowledge the goodness of our heavenly Father, in sparing life, granting health, and placing us in circumstances to labor, in any degree actively, for the advancement of his cause.

The following description of the schools at Dwight, (i. e. the school for boys under the instruction of Mr. Washburn, and that for girls taught by Miss Stetson,) appears to have been composed with much deliberation, and to have been transmitted in compliance with a request of the Corresponding Secretary.

It has never been according to our views of propriety and expediency to be lavish in commendations of our schools; lest we should seem to color high and exaggerate, or to indulge in pride and vain glory. We think, however, (and we would ever think soberly,) that much might be said in favor of the schools at Dwight, without in any measure departing from "words of truth and soberness." I would not draw invidious comparisons, between the schools here and those of other similar institutions. But I would say, that I never saw, at any place, in any country, more interesting groups of children, than those at present under our care: interesting, in almost every point of view, whether we consider them in their relations, their appearance, their behavior, their progress, or their prospects.

It is interesting at all times, and in all places, to the benevolent mind, to see the children of heathen parents brought out of the shades of the forest, where but little useful and nothing tending to happiness is learnt, and placed in a Christian family, where they are inured to industrious habits, have their minds enlarged with useful knowledge, and are led by example, by precept, and the word of God, to a knowledge of the way of life.

Those, who, when revolving in their thoughts the idea of Indians and savages, vainly imagine that nothing can belong to the Aborigines of our country, except what is frightful in appearance and deeply imbued with cruelty and barbarism, would scarcely believe themselves to be in an Indian school, when surrounded by the children, which fill our little sylvan seminary. Were they here, they would see nothing of that coarseness of feature, nor ferocity of look, nothing like that dirty dress, ugly visage and repelling counte44

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nance, and nothing of that hard, unkind, and cruel disposition, which they have been wont to associate with the Indian character. But they would see a lovely group of children, who, by the regularity of their features, their neat and cleanly dress, their fair complexions, (fair indeed for a sultry clime,) their orderly and becoming behavior, their intelligence and sprightliness, their mildness of disposition, tempered with a manly spirit, and their progress in knowledge, would not suffer by a comparison with most schools in a civilized land, nor disgrace respectable parents, in passing as their sons and daughters.

Such, dear Sir, are our schools at Dwight; our precious children, not long since brought from the shades of the forest. We love them, and we can but love them, for they are lovely. They are docile in their dispositions, generally quick in their apprehensions, prompt in their obedience, active and sprightly in their sports, and diligent and ambitious in their studies. Of the whole number of sixty, who compose the school in two departments, there are not more than six who cannot read with ease in the New Testament, and spell almost any words put to them. A considerable number can read with propriety and apparent understanding any book, and write a fair and legible hand. Near one fourth of both departments of the school are pursuing the study of geography. Some of the boys have made some progress in grammar and arithmetic, and in some other branches. It may be said with truth,|| that most, if not all, are as forward, as the children of most district schools in the most favored part of New England. But what is more interesting to the Christian is their intelligent reading of the Scriptures, singing with delightful voices the praises of God, and making progress in a knowledge of the Gospel.

The schools have never been more steady and uninterrupted by disaffected parents, than for the last two quarters. We know not of a discontented child in school, nor of a disaffected parent in this part of the tribe. The children feel, as far as I know, as if at home, and choose to stay. Excepting four or five, all now in school are under the age of fifteen years; and experience in time past has evinced the inexpediency of bringing together a large number of both sexes, who have arrived at adult age, and whose habits and character are already formed.

Secular Affairs.

Mr. Finney next gives some account of the various secular labors of the mission, the mills, the farm, &c. A great increase of la

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bor on the farm was occasioned by a flood in January last, in consequence of which, two thirds of the fences were swept away, a great part beyond recovery. The water rose nearly eight feet higher than it had been known for several years. Some of the inhab. itants not only lost their fences, but their domestic animals, and had their houses nearly filled with water. An attempt to raise wheat has entirely failed, in consequence of the rust. This has been the case, at another missionary station. There are 60 acres of corn, which, at the time this letter was written, appeared very promising.

The mills are likely to be of great benefit to the mission.

Religious Instructions.

For six or eight months past we have been enabled to do more in the appropriate labors of missionaries, preaching the Gospel to the heathen, than at any time previous. We have had less incumbrances of a secular nature, more facilities for communicating religious instruction, and considerable increase of encouragement for labors of this description.

Secular labors and cares, in the various departments of the mission, have by no means diminished in the aggregate; but the establishment has begun to assume a more regular form, and cares of a general nature are brought more within the several particular departments, than was practicable in the incipient stages of the institution. These circumstances, with an increasing desire in all the several members of the family to promote the general interest, have left the preachers of the Gospel without excuse for not laboring more in the appropriate business of missionaries of Christ. We trust the opportunity has not been altogether unimproved. Should temporal cares and labors with those, whose appropriate province is in spiritual concerns, continue to press less and less upon them, and be assumed more and more by our assistant brethren, (and such is the fact, it is spoken to their praise,) it may be hoped that the time is not far distant, if not now at hand, when the whole time of some of our number may be devoted to strictly official and ministerial duties.

Among the increased facilities for communicating religious instruction, may be numbered better interpreting, increasing desire of the natives to become acquainted with the Gospel, and a growing confidence in us, as friends of the Cherokees, seeking their best and lasting interests. We have had at Dwight constantly, for more than six months, an interpreter, who, although ignorant, circumscribed in his

views, and limited in his knowledge of English, is nevertheless capable of rendering into Cherokee whatever he can understand in our language. During his residence with us, and especially since the arrival of Mr. David Brown, scarcely a Sabbath has passed without a regular assemblage of Cherokees to hear the Gospel, and scarcely a week when not more or less individuals have been instructed. Almost invariably the little communicated has excited a desire to know more of the way of salvation. But one instance is recollected, (and that of an aged chief, who is inveterate in his prejudices against the customs of the whites and the improvement of his own people) where there has not been an apparent interest felt in the truths of the Gospel, and a reception of it, as far as understood, as truth which essentially concerned them. The people, with whom as yet I have had intercourse, seem to admit without opposition or cavilling, that whatever is contained in the good or beloved Book, as they term it, is truth. In some few instances, an unusual earnestness to become acquainted with the Gospel has been manifested;-to such a degree that the persons have willingly and patiently sat, hour after hour, to hear of the way of salvation. At one of the times alluded to, I was almost constantly with five or six natives, from Sabbath morning to 12 o'clock on Monday, stating and unfolding divine truth. During the whole time they listened with the closest attention, scarcely changing their position, and making no other reply than that it was good, all good, they loved to hear it. In answer to the inquiry, which will naturally be made, whether any saving effect has probably been produced, we are happy to make the following statement.

Admissions to the Church,

On the first Sabbath of May, two Cherokee women, who had been previously received as candidates for church privileges, were baptized and admitted to the communion, as members of the church at Dwight. Several others are seriously inquiring after the right way; and three have indulged the hope, that they have experienced a change of heart. One of the two women, received to the fellowship of the church, is a half sister of Mr. David Brown. The other of the two, the first hopeful convert, was, from her connexions, her habits of life, and general character, the most unlike person to become a Christian of all the people around us; and, in our short sighted view, she was almost the last person we were disposed to think would attend to the Gospel. They both give very satisfactory evidence of real piety,

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and we trust will be followed soon by others openly espousing the cause of Christ. On the same day that the two women were received, four children belonging to them, members of the schools, were dedicated to God in baptism. It was a solemn and interesting scene. All the members of the family, (except brother Washburn, who was absent at the Choctaw mission,) three Cherokee communicants from the church at Creek Path, who had lately re moved to this country, Mr. David Brown,, our two new sisters, and one African, a member of a Baptist church, making in all fifteen, surrounded the table of the Lord in this wilderness.

General Prospects.

The fact, that the children committed to our care have been kept at school with a good degree of constancy, and not interrupted by disaffected parents, is an expression of the feelings of the people toward the institution. So far as our knowledge extends, there appears to have been for some time, a general if not a universal satisfaction with the schools and mission, and with the course of education. We believe it is the general impression of the people, that the institution at Dwight is for their good, and that the missionaries are their friends.

The effect the Gospel has already produced in the conversion of a few souls, and the desire excited to hear and understand, show that our poor services and labors have not been altogether in vain; and they encourage us to hope for more extensive blessings to Zion in this dark land. From the roughness of the field we were sent to cultivate, we expected, at the commencement of our enterprise, that a long season of patient, persevering, and toilsome effort would be requisite, before we should begin to see any evidence of an approaching harvest: more especially before we should begin actually to reap with joy, when we had to plant with tears,-with fear and much trembling. Our covenant God, the God of grace, has surpassed our expectations, in granting us and our object favor in the sight of the people, in prospering our efforts for the good of the rising generation, and in making the Gospel, through our poor instrumentality, his own power and wisdom for the salvation of some precious souls.

I am able to state, dear Sir, and I would do it with humility and devout thankfulness, that we are at peace with all around us-at peace and united among ourselves. A good degree of harmony, fellow-feeling, and oneness of interest, judgment and desire seem to prevail, among all the members of the family. I believe all are con

tented and happy in the work we have to do, and satisfied with the assigned service of each individual. The Lord continue his blessing upon us, and our imperfect labors, and keep us from divisions, alienations and strifes, that we may unitedly wait and rejoice to see his salvation in this land of moral darkness. With sentiments of respect, I am, dear Sir, your unworthy servant and fellow-laborer in the kingdom of our common Lord,

ALFRED FINNEY.

CHEROKEE MISSION.

Taz following extracts are made from the journal of Mr. Chamberlain, who preaches in different parts of the Cherokee nation, as an evangelist.

The first entry has respect to a neighborhood, (at some distance from any missionary station,) where the people have never, till within a little more than a year past, received any Christian instruction. Mr. C. was ac-i companied by an interpreter, one of the young men who were educated at Cornwall. The first date is July 30, 1824.

Desirable Change.

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Had a meeting this afternoon in the woods. The seriousness among the people appears to be on the increase; and I have a hope, that some of them have passed from death unto life. There has been a very remarkable external reformation in this neighborhood during the past year. One year ago there was scarcely a woman in this place, but would be very frequently intoxicated. They used to meet almost every week for frolics, and allnight dances; drinking whiskey, and fighting, seemed to be their chief pursuit, while their fences were broken down, their fields neglected and overrun with weeds, and every thing about them plainly showed their abject poverty and wretchedness. But since last fall I do not know that there has been one person among them intoxicated; their fences are put up, many of their fields are enlarged, their corn has been well tended, and they have a good prospect of a plentiful crop. They have no all-night dances, no ball plays or frolics of any kind; but they meet often together to sing songs of Zion, to call on the name of the Lord, and to exhort one another to love and good works. These things are certainly encouraging, and ought to stimulate us to go forward in the service of our God.

Effects of the Climate.

31. Rode to Haweis. Found the mission family enjoying very good health, though like most of us this season much afflicted

with the heat. As this complaint is not known in northern climates, perhaps it will need some explanation. It is caused by a long course of extremely hot weather, and makes its appearance by thickly covering the skin with very small red pimples. If you should take two or three thousand needles, and force them at once through a person's skin, his sensation would be very similar to that of a person affected by the heat, whenever he is exposed to the rays of the sun, drinks cold water, or exercises a little too freely. When the hot weather subsides the pimples disappear, and the outer coat of the skin comes off; but the prickling continues for a long time after

wards.

Aug. 5. Spent the forenoon in Elias Boudinot's school, and was very highly gratified with the appearance of it. The scholars are under excellent discipline, and are learning fast. I think there are but very few schools in New England, that appear better. As the parents of the pupils had heard that I was to be there this forenoon, they came in, and after hearing the school read, they wished me to preach. All were remarkably attentive during the sermon. This was truly an interesting season. To witness the order and docility of the children, the manly appearance of the teacher, the attentive and approving countenances of the parents; and then to reflect that they were all Cherokees, and but a few years ago were heathens, and have been brought to their present state of improvement by means of the Gospel, was truly encouraging. After meeting, rode to brother Proctor's, at Hightower.

6. A number of the young converts came in, with whom I conversed and sung; and, in the evening, the people assembled, and we had a religious meeting.

7. Visited a number of people at their own houses: found several rejoicing in hope, and others seriously inquiring. In the evening, the people again assembled for religious service.

8. Sabbath. Had a very attentive congregation. In the evening, the people came in, and had a prayer meeting.

9. Visited the people again at their houses, and conversed with them individually. Some of them give very good evidence of a change of heart. Visited the school, and found the children making good progress in their studies.

Mr. Chamberlain called upon Mr. Hicks, the steadfast friend of missions, and had conversations with him, respecting the improvement of the Cherokees, by means of schools and religious instruction. His confidence in the success of the system now pursued remains unshaken

Brief Reasons for Missionary Effort.

In a Tract printed by the Prudential Committee, about a year ago, were some brief reasons, why the churches of our American Israel should send the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the heathen. That tract has been seen by comparatively few of the readers of this work. As, therefore, it is important, that every friend of missions should be well furnished with reasons for aiding this cause, especially since considerable pains are now taken to seek out and propagate reasons for doing nothing in its behalf; we here insert them, as they were then printed.

1. Christianity is designed for the religion of the whole human race. This is manifest on every page of the New Testament; and there is not a syllable which bears a contrary import. The spirit of the Gospel is universal love. It makes no distinctions of age or sex, of rank or condition, of nation or color, of intellectual endowments, or civil cultivation.

2. The character and circumstances of the heathen prove their need of the Gospel. Their general character, as it was 1800 years ago, is drawn with frightful accuracy, and in all its shades of guilt, by the great Missionary to the Gentiles, in the first chapter of his epistle to the Romans. And the populous nations of the pagan world maintain substantially the same char. acter now. They as really need the Gospel as the Greeks and Romans did 1800 years ago. The commission given to Paul by Christ himself,* implies, beyond all possibility of denial, or evasion, that, without the Gospel, the nations of the earth would remain in the grossest moral darkness, in a state of entire alienation from God, and without any well grounded hope of the remission of their sins. In regard to temporal things, they are degraded, oppressed, rendered poor and wretched by their vices, and subjected to the domination of sinful passions; but their temporal sufferings would hardly deserve to be mentioned here, did they not furnish an awful exhibition of the tendency of human depravity, and did they not suggest melancholy forebodings with respect to that future state, for which the only actual preparation is a continually descending progress in guilt and turpitude.

3. Wherever Christianity has been introduced, it has proved an unspeakable benefit. The state of society has been immediately altered for the better. An elevated standard of morality has been formed. Multitudes have been actuated by a principle of enlarged benevolence. The female sex has been raised from its previous degradation. The people generally have been taught to think, and reason, and act like immortal beings. Schools

* Acts 29:18.

have been established; equitable laws have been enacted and administered; the hand of violence has been restrained; industry has prevailed; and science has greatly improved the condition of all classes of the community. God has been worshipped as a holy, gracious, and merciful Being. Intercourse has been established between earth and heaven; and the sanctified spirit has been prepared for its everlasting residence in the mansions of the blessed.

4. The Gospel has been conveyed to heathen nations hitherto by missionaries only; nor is there any reason to suppose, that it will ever be conveyed in any other way. The efficacy of this method has been' proved by a series of experiments, reaching from the time of Christ's ascension to the present day.

5. Gratitude for the Gospel received by our barbarous ancestors, from the hands of missionaries, urges that we should make the most suitable acknowledgment in our power, by sending the same glorious inheritance to those, who have at present no part in it.

6. The people of the United States are more able, than those of any other country, to make great and vigorous exertions in this cause. They sustain fewer public burdens; they possess a more abundant country; they witness more clearly the purifying and most powerful effects of the Gospel; and they possess at least equal facilities with any other people, for gaining access to the most distant nations.

7. The possession of these great and peculiar public blessings imposes correspondent obligations. We know the sweets of liberty, of good government, of well regulated society, of industry, and social intercourse, and mental cultivation. All these things have been conferred upon us by that religion which will infallibly impart the same thing wherever it is received in its purity.

8. The success of modern missions should excite to increased activity. Within a few years past the triumphs of the cross have been signal. They have proved the presence and favor of God as fully as any miracles could do. In India, proud and bigoted Brahmins have yielded to the

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