society of this city is not peculiarly attached to our communion, yet, as their object is not only of supreme importance, but that in which all denominations of Christians agree, and as it contributes its share to the great design of publishing the glad tidings of salvation where they have been hitherto unknown, and of depositing the record of them in the hands of the destitute in all countries, nominally Christian, it has been presented to the notice of the conventions for sundry years past, and under continuance of the impression, there is now declared a deep conviction of the importance of the subject."

The remainder of the bishop's address having been alrea y inserted in another part of our work, we proceed to notice the changes which have taken place in the diocese, within the last year.

The Rev. John C. Clay, from Maryland, rector of St. James's, Perkiomen, and St. John's, Norristown, vice his father, the Rev. Slator Clay, deceased.

The Rev. James Montgomery, rector of St. Marks, Mantua, a new parish.

The Rev. Benjamin Allen, formerly of Virginia, rector of St. Paul's church, Philadelphia, vice the Rev. Dr. Pilmore, resigned. The Rev. William Thompson, promoted to priest's orders, has taken charge of Trinity church, Pittsburgh-long vacant.

The Rev. William H. Delancey, formerly of New York, employed as assistant to the bishop, in the pastoral duties of Christ church, St. Peter's, and St. James's, Philadelphia.

The Rev. Bird Wilson, D. D. has accepted the professorship of systematick theology in the theological seminary, and has accordingly removed to New York.

The Rev. Peter Van Pelt removed to South Carolina.

The Rev. Moses P. Bennet, employed by the society for the advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, as a missionary in the western part of the state.

Resolutions were passed approving the formation of the general missionary society, and recommending the interests of the general theological seminary, to the active care of all the members of the church in that diocese, A committee was appointed to draft a report of the state of the church, and to present the same to the next convention, and another committee to consult with the bishop upon some mode of supplying the vacant congregations with occasional services.

Standing committee for the ensuing year: Clerical members-Rev. Frederick Beasley, D. D. Rev. James Abercrombie, D. D. Rev. Jackson Kemper, Rev. George Boyd, Rev. Benjamin Allen: Lay members-William Tilghman, Richard Dale, Thomas M'Euen, John Read, Charles Wheeler.

Delegates to the next general convention : Clergymen-Rev. George Boyd, Rev. Jackson Kemper, Rev. Levi Bull, Rev. William A. Muhlenburgh Laymen-Levi Pauling, David Scott, Richard Dale, William Tilgh

man.

Resolved, That the annual meeting of the convention be on the first Tuesday after the first Wednesday in May; and that the next annual meeting of the convention be held in the city of Lancaster.

BOSTON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRIS

TIANITY AMONG THE JEWS.

THE following Circular Letter from this society to its auxiliaries, has been recently put into our hands for publication. "The Female Society of Boston and vicinity for promoting Christianity among the Jews," having recently adopted some new measures, deem it their duty to submit the following statement to their auxiliaries for their consideration.

When this society was instituted, there appeared no special opening, in our own country, or abroad, where we might eligibly ap

for worship was rapidly falling into decay. By the blessing of God, the state of things is now changed. Funds have been procured, the church put in thorough repair, and the congregation once more gathered in.

propriate our funds, and the object be, at the same time, under our own direction. Such being the case, it was judged expedient, un. der the then existing circumstances, to forward a considerable part of our annual income to the London society for the promotion of Christianity among the Jews. Since that time, however, there has been a change in the feelings of the American churches, which seems materially to affect the relative position which we hold towards that long neglected people; and which opens to us facilities for employing our funds more advantageously, as we believe, than we could do by sending our money abroad.

Previous to our last annual meeting, we received a communication from the New

York society for colonizing the Jews, inviting us to relinquish our individual and independent existence, and become auxiliary fo them. About the same time we received a letter from the Rev. Pliny Fisk, American missionary now at Malta, containing a proposition to our society, relative to the support of a missionary among the Jews. The following is an extract from the abovemen tioned letter.

"Before closing this letter, I beg leave to suggest a subject which we have of late thought of with interest; but which we feel to be a subject of great delicacy, and wish to propose with all proper deference. It is nothing less than that the ladies society of Boston should, instead of remitting their money to the London society, themselves undertake the support of a missionary to this part of the world, whose sole object shall be to labour among the Jews. God forbid that we should do any thing to diminish the income of the London society. On this account we have hesitated about making the present proposal. But let two or three facts be considered. All the English missionary societies, we believe, find it easier to obtain money than men; and are continually sending to Switzerland, Germany, Holland, and Russia, for men. In our country, on the contrary, there are generally young men waiting to be sent out, who are deterred for want of money. Several are thus detained at the present time. £100, with some extra allowance for an outfit, would support a single man in this country."

Our society were desirous of deliberately considering these respective propositions. We wished, in coming to a conclusion, simply to inquire what would most effectually promote the object of the society, and the glory of God. After sincere prayer, as we hope, for direction, we were constrained to believe, that considering the large tract of country on the Mediterranean which is now open to us, and the facilities it affords for a missionary to

labour among the Jews who reside there, the object of our society would be more immediately promoted by our supporting a missionary, than it could be in any other way.

A meeting of the board was accordingly convened, and the following resolutions were adopted.

Resolved, "That as soon as a suitable man shall be found for the service, this society will support him as a missionary to those Jews, who reside in the countries bordering on the Mediterranean."

Resolved, "That we make our selection from those, who either have been, or shall be approved as missionaries to the heathen, by the prudential committee of the American board of commissioners for foreign mis sions; and that, though supported by this society, he be in the same manner under their direction, as any of their other missionaries."

Resolved, "That this missionary be requested to hold a correspondence with the secretary of this society; giving from time to time, such information, and making such suggestions, as he will naturally make to the prudential committee of the American board of missions."

The reasons which induced us to decline the invitation of the New York society are obvious. And we wish it to be distinctly understood, that the plans of that society, so far as in this incipient state, they are, or can be known by us, meet our approbation. Our object is one. And while, in aiming to effect the same glorious achievement, the salvation of that people, who were so long the exclusive guardians of that inspired volume which contains the charter of our common hopes and privileges, we are constrained to adopt measures somewhat differing from theirs; we most sincerely bid them God speed. There can be no variance between us. They are Jabouring in one way, to rear the superstructure of that spiritual temple, which shall be built of all the kingdoms, and nations, and people under heaven; and we, as we humbly trust, in another. If the building goes forward, we must, we shall rejoice; nor is it necessary, or possible, that all the instruments, and all the modes of operation, should be precisely the same.

The object which this society has in view, the conversion of the Jews, we deem of unspeakable importance. It is an object precious in the sight of every holy being. It is an object connected with the best interests of the whole human family; for the same predictions, which warrant the expectation, that "the heathen shall" one day "be given to Messiah for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession," point with unerring significancy to the resto

ration of the Jews, as the signal of their final accomplishment. And as we look back upon the Jews, once beloved of the Lord, from whom we derived all that sweetens this life, or casts the light of faith and hope on that which is to come, and remember the long, long period, during which this devoted people have been withering under the malediction of the Almighty, we will not forget that it was for us they were broken off from their former privileges. And while we behold the crescent of the false prophet, triumphantly displayed as the ensign of spiritual death, on the hill of Zion, where once descended the blessing of God as "the dew upon mount Hermon ;" we will not be indifferent spectators of a reverse so tremendous to them, so replete with blessings to us; nor cease to pray for the peace of Jerusalem," nor labour for the salvation of her children.

Though "blindness in part has happened to Israel," the oath and promise of God are pledged to restore them to their former station and immunities. Trusting in the oath and promise of God, therefore, we would go forward, and joyfully bear our part in the accomplishment of his purposes of mercy toward his ancient people. We esteem it an honour to be permitted to send forth the first American missionary to Palestine, exclusively to the seed of Abraham. We confidently expect the co-operation of our auxiliaries; and indulge the hope, that others also will assist us in this delightful work. And may he, whose blessing alone can render any means effectual, bless, and increase us, more and more, and all similar institutions throughout the world; till that shall be brought to pass which the mouth of the Lord hath spoken, "Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in my people; and the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, and their kings shall minister unto thee. For in my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee. And Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting sal

vation."

N. B. Communications to the society may be addressed to Miss Hannah Adams, corresponding secretary, No. 26, Newbury Street, or to Miss Frances Erving, treasurer, No. 17, Colonade Row.

Boston, July 15, 1822.

NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS.

Further extracts from Mr. Hodgson's Jour nal, continued from our number for June, p. 200. "THE town or township of Cosito is said to be able to muster 700 warriors, while the

number belonging to the whole nation is not estimated at more than 3500.

"About a mile from the town we came to the Chatahouchy, a beautiful river. We were ferried over by Indians, who sang in response; the Indian muses, like their eastern sisters, appearing to 'love alternate song.' Their dress frightened our horses; and, as we were pushing from the shore, a young hunter leapt into the boat, with no other covering than his shirt and belt, and his bow and arrows slung behind.

"We arrived at Ouchee Bridge about one o'clock; and our horses being rather tired, we determined to rest the remainder of the day at a stand kept by a young man from Philadelphia, whose partner is a half-breed. I slept in a log cabin, without windows; and supped with any host and several unwashed artificers and unshaved labourers, who, according to the custom of this part of the country, even when not within Indian limits, sat down with us in their shirt-sleeves, fresh from their labours. Our host had killed a panther a few days previously, within twenty yards

of the house.

"Ouchee Creek, which is here to form the boundary between Alabama and Georgia, when the Indian title is extinguished, derives its name from the Ouchees, a conquered tribe of Indians; many of whom were long held in captivity by the victorious Creeks. We saw several of them, who exhibited, in the subdued and dejected expression of their countenances, indications of their degraded condition.

"We left Ouchee Bridge on the 26th of May; and, early in the afternoon, arrived at Irish Bainbridge, where we found a stand in which the 'Big Warrior' is a sleeping partner, and a head-waiter from one of the principal inns in Washington, the efficient man. There is, however, another partner, whom I found highly interesting. He had lived fifteen years in the heart of the Indian country, having married an Indian wife, and adopted the manners of the natives. He appeared to unite great mildness and intelligence; and has contracted so ardent a Jove of solitude, by living in the woods, that he lately removed his stand from the most profitable situation, because there was a neighbour or two within four miles. As he was going out to hunt in the woods, for an hour or two, at sun-set, I accompanied him; glad of an opportunity of learning some particulars of the Creek Indians, from one so long and so intimately acquainted with them.

"He told me that the 'Big Warrior and the 'Little Prince' are the chief speakers of the nation, or the heads of the civil department. Their dignity is not strictly heredi

tary; although some of the family usually succeed, if there be no particular objection. The chief speakers are by no means necessarily the principal orators, but may employ a fluent chief to convey their sentiments. Their office is to carry into effect the decisions of the great council of the nation; a deliberative body, composed of chicts from the different towns.

"The most popular and influential person, however, in the nation, is Mackintosh, the head warrior, a half-breed, under forty years of age; who is consulted on every occasion, and who, in a great measure, directs the affairs of his country. I saw him at Washington, in the beginning of the year, on a deputation to the American government. His suite were at the inn where I staid; and on inquiring from one of his aides-de-camp, as I believed (for they adopt our military terms,) if general Mackintosh had arrived, I was a little startled by his replying, 'I ain Mackintosh.' He was very civil, and gave me an invitation to visit him if I passed through the Creek nation; which, at that time, I did not contemplate.

"My host regretted, in the most feeling terms, the injury which the morals of the Indians have sustained from intercourse with the whites; and especially from the introduction of whiskey, which has been their bane. He said that female licentiousness, before marriage, is not attended with loss of character; but that conjugal infidelity is punished by whipping, shaving the head, and perpetual exile; the husband being liable to suffer the same severities, if he connive at the return of his offending wife. The murderer is now publickly executed; the law of private retaliation becoming gradually obsolete, Stealing is punished, for the first offence, by whipping; for the second, by the loss of the ears; for the third, by death; the amount stolen being disregarded. My host remembers when there was no law against stealing; the crime itself being almost unknown; when the Indians would go a-hunting, or 'frolicking,' for one or two days, leaving their clothes on the bushes opposite their wigwams, in a populous neighbourhood, or their silver trinkets and ornaments hanging in their open huts. Confidence and generosity were then their characteristick virtues. A desire of gain, caught from the whites, has chilled their liberality; and abused credulity has taught them suspicion and deceit. He considers them still attached to the English, although disappointed in the little assistance which they derived from them in late wars. This, however, they attribute, rather to the distance of the British, which renders them less valuable alies than they expected, than to a treacherous

violation of their promises. Whatever the first glow of British feeling may dictate, on hearing of their attachment, enlightened humanity will not repine, if, under their present circumstances, they are becoming daily more closely connected with the American government, which has evinced an active solicitude for their civilization.

"Our recluse told us, that they have a general idea of a Supreme Being; but no religious days, nor any religious rites, unless, as he is disposed to believe, their green-corn dance be one. Before the corn turns yellow, the inhabitants of each town or district assemble; and a certain number enter the streets of what is more properly called the town, with the war-whoop and savage yells, firing their arrows in the air, and going several times round the pole. They then take emeticks, and fast two days; dancing round the pole a great part of the night. All the fires in the township are then extinguished, and the hearths cleared, and new fires kindled by rubbing two sticks. After this they parch some of the new corn, and, feasting a little, disperse to their several homes. Many of the old chiefs are of opinion, that their ancestors intended this ceremony as a thank-offering to the Supreme Being, for the fruits of the earth, and for success in hunting or in war.

"The more reflecting of the Creeks think much, but say little, of the change which is taking place in their condition. They see plainly that, with respect to their future destiny, it is a question of civilization or extinction; and a question, the decision of which cannot be long postponed. They are there fore become very solicitous for the establishment of schools; and the introduction of the various arts, from which the whites derive their superiority. In some of these, they have already made considerable progress; and the nation, at this time, exhibits the very interesting spectacle of society in several of its earlier stages. The hunter, who still spends much of his time in his favourite pursuit, is the possessor of perhaps several hundred head of cattle; and, if the warrior do not literally turn his tomahawk and scalping-knife into pruning-hooks, he is satisfied to regard them as mere ornaments of dress, till hostilities shall again call him into the field; and is ambitious to attain distinction in agricultural pursuits. I saw several neat and flourishing little farms, as I passed through the nation; but my pleasure was alloyed by observing, that the labour generally devolved, either on the African negro or the Indian wife. As few of the Creeks are rich enough to purchase many negroes, all the drudgery is performed by the

S

women; and it is melancholy to meet them, as we continually did, with an infant hanging on their necks, bending under a heavy bur. den, and leading their husband's horse, while he walked before them, erect and graceful, apparently without a care. This servitude has an unfavourable effect on the appearance of the women; those above a certain age being generally bent and clumsy, with a scowl on their wrinkled foreheads, and an expression of countenance at once vacant and dejected."

WE have just received bishop Bowen's address before the Charleston protestant Episcopal Sunday school society, at the anniver sary of the society in Whitsun week, with the report of the society. We have only room for the following sketch, from the report, of the mode of proceeding in the school at St. Michael's church.

"The first class, being the youngest in years, or in religious attainments, learn the church catechism, thoroughly, and the collect for the day. The second class recite the collect for the day; some portion of the old or new testament; a portion of the evidence from prophecy for the truth of Christianity, and the divinity of Jesus Christ, in a course of catechetical instruction;' a bymn, or part of a metrical psalm, from the book of common prayer; the order and arrangement of the several books of scripture, and find the text of the preacher. The third class recite the collect for the day; a portion of the exposition of the church catechism, &c. published by the protestant Episcopal society; a hymn, or part of a metrical psalin. They are taught the use of the book of common prayer in the service of the church; an explanation of the calendar; the method of finding the lessons, &c. Some portion of the gospel or epistle for the day, and one or more of the articles of religion, are recited; and the text of the preacher found. Higher classes, with other exercises, are established as occasion may require. The extent of the exercises is, in general, prescribed; but a discretionary power is given to the teacher, to regulate them according to the ability and opportunity of the scholar. Several classes of coloured children are likewise instructed by some elderly coloured members, under the inspection of the ministers of the church. Their instruction consists in a knowledge of the church catechism; some portions of the sacred writings, and the psaims and hymns. No secular instruction is given in this school."