visit, an opportunity was afforded of preaching seven sermons, and administering the sacraments. I found myself among a pretty numerous and very worthy people, mostly members of the Presbyterian church. They are generally emigrants from South Carolina, and have inhabited this wilderness about two years. They received your missionary as a messenger of peace; and attended his labours, by day and by night, with a punctuality seldom equalled. His demands on their time and attention were many and pressing, but a prompt and cheerful compliance on every occasion, furnished a pleasing evidence of the enjoyments they realized in the delightful exercises of public worship.

"26th.-After public worship, the preliminaries relative to the formation of a church were adjusted. A paper with a preamble expressive of the object, was signed by the heads of families; and the names of individual members enrolled on the records of the church, which received on this occasion the appellation of New Hope. The following day presented before me a large and interesting congregation, assembled to behold, for the first time in this land of spiritual destitution, the celebration of the holy eucharist. The duties of the day were introduced with a sermon from John, v. 40: "And ye will not come," &c. At the close of the sermon, the ordinance of baptism was administered to four children. After a short interval, the Supper was solemnized. This holy feast was furnished with thirty guests, two of whom were admitted for the first time to hold communion with their Lord and his saints at his table. The people of God appeared to be much edified--they were much delighted. Their feelings were in unison with the expression of the Psalmist: "Blessed are they that dwell in thy house; they shall be still praising thee." I retired from the consecrated spot in deep meditation on the condescension and goodness of my Divine Master. My labours were arduous and numerous, and yet he sustained me. My body as well as my soul seemed refreshed. Thither let missionaries direct their way. And may the great Head of the church send them a pastor, who will feed them faithfully with the bread of life. Here I received 8 dollars 25 cents for the Missionary fund."

MR. CHARLES J. HINSDALE, AND

MR. AZARIAH G. ORTON,

Have reported the fulfilment of their mission to Georgia. In travelling to the scene of their labour, they passed on rapidly through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia,

North and South Carolina, till they reached Georgia, preaching as often as opportunities were offered, consistently with a due regard to the place of their destination. Circumstances prevented their formally putting themselves under the direction of the Synod of South Carolina and Georgia. They however followed the advice of a member of their Board of Missions, and of two other members of that synod. The region which they selected by the advice of these brethren, embraced seven of the western counties of Georgia; viz. Baldwin, Jones, Twiggs, Pulaski, Laurens, and Wilkinson, lying between the rivers Oconnee and Ocmulgee, and the southern part of Washington between Oconnee and Ogechee rivers.

Their plan was first to explore the principal towns and places in these counties, and then to visit them as frequently as they could. One of the missionaries thus describes this portion of Georgia:

"It has been purchased from the Indians within about 14 years, and has been settled within 13 years. Of course, as must be expected, it shares largely in the vices of new population, whose design in leaving older settlements is to acquire property. The want of an enlightened and faithful ministry is seen in its deplorable consequences among them. Religion is lightly esteemed by the major and more influential part of the community, many of whom are shrewd, discerning and intelligent men. But this, alas! is too much to be ascribed to the inconsistent and ungodly walk of professors, and even of some who call themselves the ministers of Christ. Such examples, though not common, have had a baleful influence on the minds of multitudes. Neither is religion from the desk arrayed in that lovely garb, nor presented in that beautiful consistency, nor supported by that weight of evidence, which justly belongs to her, and which is calculated to win the attention and command the respect of discerning men.

"Within the circuit above referred to, I believe there was no Presbyterian preaching before our arrival. In fact, many expressed great desire to hear us, and came out of curiosity perhaps more than from any other motive, as they had

never heard a Presbyterian. Yet there are a great number of Baptist and Methodist preachers. These two denominations are the prevailing and exclusive sects, if we except a few scattering professors, who are principally Presbyterians."

In some of the places the people were very indifferent to the preaching of the gospel, but in others they were desirous of enjoying this privilege. In some of the towns there was a prospect that Presbyterian congregations might be organized, from whom contributions might be obtained toward the support of the ministry.

From the Synod of Ohio the following report has been received:

"Circleville, State of Ohio, March 21, 1821.

"The Missionary Board under the direction of the Synod of Ohio, present to the Board of Missions acting under the authority of the General Assembly, the following report of their proceedings during the last year.

"In April, 1820, we appointed ten missionaries for different periods of time, amounting to twenty-four months, and in October last seven were appointed, the term of whose services, when added, amounted to twelve months; that is, we have, during the last year, appointed missionary labour amounting to the period of three years. Satisfactory reports have been presented to us of the fulfilment of twenty-four months of this time. The missionary ground within our bounds has been generally visited, and nearly 500 sermons have been preached; many families have received ministerial visits, and many sick and dying families have had the truths and consolations of the gospel presented to them. And the Board feel happy in being able to add, that in some instances which have come to their knowledge, the labours of their missionaries have been the means of bringing sinners to the knowledge of the truth.

"The embarrassments under which we have laboured during the past year have been many, especially those which have arisen from the deficiency of our pecuniary resources; but if we, as instruments, have succeeded in rescuing one of our guilty race from the darkness of nature, the blessing of God has attended our labours, which should excite our gratitude, and urge us on in the benevolent work.

"During the past year the Rev. James Scott, by our direction, visited the Indians residing in the neighbourhood of Upper Sandusky, and took with him a pious in

terpreter, through whom he addressed them, in different places seven or eight different times. In general they appeared attentive and solemn, but not willing to encourage us in establishing a school for their children, being under the impression that the President of the United States would do this.

"We acknowledge with gratitude the attention and care of the Board of Missions toward this remote and comparatively destitute region, manifested by the appointment of Mr. Khent to labour among us for six months. We hope that we shall continue to receive your friendly notice, and partake of your liberality according to your ability and wisdom. A large portion of territory in the north-western corner of this state has lately been purchased from the Indians, and is now settling. If these infant settlements could be early visited by missionaries, we might hope for salutary effects.

"The expenses incurred by this Board during the last year, have been $800, and we are sorry to add that our treasury is exhausted, and upwards of two hundred dollars of this sum unpaid.

"Signed by order.

"JAMES HOGE, President.
"ROBERT G. WILSON, R. Sec."

The Board of Trust of the Western Missionary Society have sent the following report:

"The Board of Trust of the Western Missionary Society, report to the Board of Missions of the General Assembly, that, during the last year, the following missionaries have been for different terms of time, from two weeks to three months, employed in the service of the Board, and in the parts of the country respectively mentioned, viz.

"The Rev. Mr. Core, for six weeks, in the settlements north of Youngstown, Ohio.

"The Rev. Mr. Sullivan, two months, in the county of Huron and parts adjacent.

"Mr. Solomon Cowles, three months, in the destitute settlements contiguous to his residence in the Presbytery of Steubenville, Ohio.

"Mr. James Rowan, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, one month, on the waters of Conewango and Propenstraw, Pennsylvania.

"The Rev. Wm. M'Clain, two months, in the destitute settlements in the vicinity of Canton, Ohio.

"The Rev. Robert Lee, one month, in the state of Ohio.

"The Rev. Hezekiah N. Woodruff, of the Presbytery of Bath, one month, in

Ashtabula county, Ohio, and parts adja

cent.

"The Rev. Joseph Badger, two months, in the new settlements of Ohio, bordering on Lake Erie.

"The Rev. Amos Chase, two months, on the route prescribed to Mr. Rowan. "The Rev. Mr. Allen, one month, on the Monongahela river; and

"The Rev. Mr. Simple, for two weeks, on his former route.

"In some cases these missionaries have been unable to fulfil their appointments for the whole time for which they were appointed, and in others their missions remain yet partially unfulfilled.

"It however appears, that the Board have been able to bestow upon the destitute settlements from ten to twelve months of missionary services, in addition to which they have expended better than $230 upon the Indian school established at Sandusky, under the care and patronage of this society. From the journals of their missionaries it appears, that they have been received with gratitude and affection by those to whom they were sent, and that in general their ministrations have been promptly attended. Though there has not appeared to be any special divine influence, or peculiar success attending their labours, yet they seem to have imparted some degree of strength and encouragement to those feeble congregations to which our attention has been particularly directed; and in one or two instances our missionaries have been induced to settle in congregations unable fully to support them, in the expectation of receiving annual appointments from this Board, and devoting a portion of their time to the destitute regions around them. The expenditures of the Board, amounting to about $700, have not been as large during the last as some former years, owing in part to the diminution of the amount of congregational collections received into the treasury, and the difficulty of collecting monies due the Board, and partly to the want of one or more acceptable missionaries, who were able to devote a considerable portion of the year to the exclusive service of the society. The missionary ground in the bounds and on the outskirts of our Synod, is extensive and needy, and there are a few small congregations, whose existence will be rendered extremely precarious, if they do not speedily enjoy a larger amount of missionary labour than it seems possible for us to yield them. The Board have recently appointed one of their members to visit the different Indian towns on the shores of Lake Erie, and to report upon the expediency of making a permanent missionary establish. ment in that region; and they are also de.

signing, as soon as their knowledge of the field will permit, to divide the country. which is the principal theatre of their exertions into distinct missionary circuits. On the whole the Board, though they have not been able to do as much as in some preceding years, or as they could have desired, feel encouraged by the success which has appeared to attend their efforts, and rejoice that by their exertions many in the barren and desolate regions of our country have been blessed with the occasional visitations of the messengers of truth and the heralds of the gospel of of peace.

"Which is respectfully submitted. Pittsburgh, May 1, 1821."

From the Missionary Herald for September, 1821.

PALESTINE MISSION.

While this sheet was preparing for the press, letters were received from Mr. Fisk, down to June 1st, containing intelligence from Mr. Parsons to March 13th.

We mentioned, in our number for July, that Mr. Parsons had written to Mr. Fisk from Castello Rosso, Jan. 13th. We now have before us a letter to the corresponding secretary, dated at the same place, Jan. 25th, giving an account of the voyage thus far, of which we shall lay before our readers a brief outline.

At Scio Mr. P. had an opportunity to call on Professor Bambas, and give him an account of the tour in Asia Minor, especially of the distribution of books. He replied, "Much good may be done in this region by activity and perseverance." The number of students in the college had increased rapidly, and the Young Minister's Companion was in high reputation. At Samos the vessel took refuge for four days, in a solitary harbour, far from any human dwelling.

On the morning of Dec. 18th, they passed between Samos and the ancient Melitus. Mr. P. read to the pilgrims the 20th of Acts, and pointed to the place, where Paul had his affecting interview with the elders of Ephesus. Towards evening of the same day, passing near Patmos, the epistles to the seven churches were read. There was perfect silence; and the pilgrims informed Mr. P. that they never before heard these epistles, in their own language.

After being becalmed off Coos, they arrived at Rhodes on the 21st, and were detained there six days. During this time Mr. P. became acquainted with the Greek bishop, the English consul, an Archimandrite of Jerusalem, and the president of a distinguished monastery. On Mr. P.'s pro

posing to the bishop to leave with him tracts for distribution, and showing him specimens, he replied, "Your offer is very generous; I will send a man with you to bring the rest." Mr. P. sent 150 copies for the priests and the schools, and the next day received a message from the bishop approving the tracts, and expressing gratitude for them.

66

According to the statement of the bishop, there are on the island about 10,000 Turks, a greater number of Greeks; 60 Greek churches; 100 priests; 22 monasteries; very few monks; one school of some distinction; others smaller for children."

The English consul is friendly to the distribution of the Bible, though a Catholic. Mr. P. experienced from him marked tokens of friendship and hospitality.

M. P. visited a synagogue, and a school for Jewish children. There are 200 Jewish houses in Rhodes. The Archimandrite, and the president of the monastery very gladly received tracts to distribute. The latter made "repeated professions of his gratitude, and implored a blessing upon those, through whose benevolence the favour was conferred."

Leaving Rhodes on the 28th, they were driven into a solitary harbour, where they were detained eight days. With considerable difficulty, the vessel reached the harbour of Castello Rosso, Jan. 7th. Some young men from the village coming on board, tracts were distributed to such as were able to read. These tracts were circulated, and a general desire was excited to obtain a greater supply. In the morning, as Mr. P. passed through the village, a multitude thronged the streets, each crying aloud in modern Greek, "Sir, will you give me a tract?" Mr. P. gave 125 tracts to the schools, at the particular request of the teachers; and 50 to persons who came to the vessel for the purpose of obtaining them. There was but one copy of the Romaic Testament in the village. This had been purchased at Rhodes, and was circulating among the inhabitants. While there Mr. P. sold five Testaments, containing the ancient and the modern Greek in parallel columns, to individuals in the village, and five to pilgrims. "In no place," he adds, "have I seen a greater desire to read the word of God."

Castello Rosso contains 250 or 300 houses, of which 30 belong to the Turks, and the rest to Greeks. It has a fine harbour, but is little else than a barren rock. The vessel left that place on the 10th; but was driven back by very tempestuous weather, and remained there at the date of the letter. "Notwithstanding our frequent disappointments," says Mr. P. "the goodness of God to us has been peculiar, and very affecting."

"Larnica, Cyprus, Feb. 7, 1821. "Rev. and Dear Sir-In a letter, dated Jan. 25th, I gave a short account of the voyage from Smyrna to Castello Rosso. The next morning we left that harbour with a favourable wind, which conveyed us very rapidly to the port of Limesol, in Cyprus. The captain had given orders to have the anchors in readiness, and we were all rejoicing in the assurance of a safe arrival at the destined haven. But our pleasant prospects were soon blasted. The wind changed almost instantaneously, and blew from the east with great violence during the night. Again the vessel was driven back to sea, but the next day, we were enabled to enter the harbour of Baffo, (anciently Paphos,) 40 miles to the west of Limesol. At that harbour, I left the vessel; and proceeded by land to Limesol for the purpose of distributing Testaments and tracts. The first place which I visited was Paphos. The priests of the village immediately conducted me to the church, where they say, St. Paul preached the gospel; from thence to the hall, where he was condemned; and to the pillar, where he was bound, and received forty stripes save one.' truly affecting to see so many churches destroyed-some used for stables, others for baths, others completely in ruins. Of the 365 churches, once the glory of Paphos, only 4 or 5 now remain. Twentyfive or thirty miserable huts are all that remain of the once most distinguished city of Cyprus.

It was

"From this place I went to the house of a Greek bishop, in a village two or three miles from the shore. There I was received with the utmost cordiality; and all the proceedings of the bishop were marked with great seriousness and dignity. He said, that it was his delight to entertain strangers, and he wished for no pecuniary compensation. He highly approved of the tracts, which I brought with me, and engaged to distribute them among his people. Under his government are 200 churches, but only 50 are now open for religious service. In each of these churches is a copy of the modern Greek Testament procured at Nicosia from those sent to Cyprus by the Rev. Mr. Conner.

"On the way to Limesol spent one night in a small village called Pisouri. The priest of the village purchased of me a Greek Testament, and received a sufficient number of tracts to supply all who could read. There is but one church in the place, and no school of any import

ance.

"The English consul at Limesol requested me to reside in his family, till the arrival of our vessel. This afforded me a favourable opportunity to visit the churches and schools, and to distribute

tracts to the best advantage. A little boy, as an expression of his gratitude, presented me a handful of flowers.

"The English consul made a request, in behalf of two poor churches in the vicinity, for two Greek Testaments. I mentioned to him that it was not agreeable to the wishes of the members of the Bible Society, that Testaments should be permitted to remain useless, but that they should be constantly read. He assured me, that he would accompany the Testaments with a letter, and the wishes of the donors would be strictly regarded.

"Near the centre of the island is a distinguished monastery, which is visited by all pilgrims, on their way to Jerusalem. The consul engaged to send two tracts to that monastery, and 50 to the monastery called the Holy Cross.

"In Limesol are 4 churches-10 priests -one flourishing school upon the system of Coray, other small schools designed merely for learning the church service;' four mosques; houses of unburnt brick; port not convenient. Four or five vessels lay at anchor. In the vicinity of Limesol are large and rich plains, now green with wheat and barley. The mountains are white with snow.

Monday evening, Feb. 5th (63 days from Smyrna,) arrived at Larnica. Letters, which I brought with me from Smyrna, introduced me to Mr. Vondiziano, the English consul, in whose house I resided with great satisfaction. I sent to the bishop of Larnica 200 tracts; 100 for his own use, and 100 for the archbishop of Nicosia. The next day the bishop, in company with the principal men of the village, came to the house of the consul to their express approbation of the truths contained in the tracts, and their gratitude for the favour. It was my design to go to Nicosia by land from Limesol, but the rain prevented. The tracts which I send to that city will be distributed, as in other places, among the priests and schools."

The last letter, which has been received from Mr. Parsons himself, addressed to the corresponding secretary, is the following:

66

Joppa, (Jaffa,) Feb. 12, 1821. "Rev. and Dear Sir-I arrived at this port Saturday morning, after 48 hours passage from Cyprus. A considerable number of pilgrims took passage with us from that island, so that, at the close of our voyage, there were not less than 75 souls on board. Eight hours after leaving Larnica we came in sight of Mount Lebanon in Syria; and from thence we passed near the shores of the Holy Land, and had a distant view of Sour, Acre, Caiffa, and Mount Carmel. We looked upon Mount Carmel with uncommon interest

as the place where the prophet Elijah 'cast himself down upon the earth,' and prayed for rain, till there arose a little cloud out of the sea like a man's hand.'

"The English consul at Jaffa, had received information of our arrival, and bis son and dragoman waited at the shore to take us and our baggage to his house. Every assistance which he could afford, was generously offered, while we should remain at Jaffa, or at Jerusalem, 'My garden,' he said, 'will afford many articles for your comfort, which cannot be well obtained at Jerusalem.'

room,

"The Russian consul at Jaffa, Mr. Mostras, to whom I had letters of recommendation, invited me to occupy a which he has under his own direction, in a monastery at Jerusalem. After the Passover, in May or June, he proposes to take a tour to Mount Lebanon, and he wishes me to accompany him. If it should be thought best to pass the summer there, I may improve this favourable opportunity.

"Yesterday morning I attended service in the Greek church of this place. The assembly consisted, I should say, of 250 people, all standing and repeating prayers, as is the custom in all the churches. The only difference which I observed was this, that the scriptures were first read in ancient Greek, then in Turkish, and then in Arabic, as the Arabic is the common dialect of the country.

"After service, the president of the monastery in this village called at the house of the Russian consul. He examined the tracts, which I brought with me, and approved of the plan of distributing them among the people. He took 50 or 60 for the use of pilgrims, and others who could understand them. As it respects the distribution of tracts and Bibles, Jaffa is a station of high importance. Almost all the pilgrims from Russia, and from Natolia, land at this port, and frequently remain here many days. Bibles and tracts can be landed here without taxes at the custom house, and can be distributed without the danger of suspicion attending a portage to Jerusalem. If a mission should be established at Jerusalem, Jaffa can also be under the charge of the missionaries, with the prospect of great usefulness to the souls of men.

"The Russian consul at Jaffa will take charge of all the letters, or packages, directed to his care; and forward them directly to Jerusalem. He designs himself to be there at the Passover, for the purpose of protecting the Russian pilgrims.

"This letter will be forwarded immediately to Cyprus, to the care of the English consul at Larnica. In the morning, we design to set forward for the Holy City. I now feel the need more than ever before, of the prayers of God's peo