of above 70 members, took their stand. The whole was concluded with prayer.

triumph of the Gospel over heathenism. From time immemorial, on such occasions, the Indian had exhibited by his wailing, dishevelling the hair, &c., how appalling death is to those who know not the Gospel. This was the first instance in which a native was buried in a Christian manner.

tion of all they saw and heard. Since the meeting we have preached at the king's, to an attentive audience. For two weeks we have had a considerable accession to our meetings and the number of those who do not understand English has become so great, that we generally have our discourses interpreted. We hold two conference meetings each week, one for the Chickasaws and the other for the black people. I have now an interpreter constantly employed.

Influence of the Gospel in Affliction.

The professors of religion generally are very consistent and some of them remarkably devoted. One who is a Chickasaw has exhibited the triumph of gracious principles under the most trying circumstances. She had an only daughter about eight years of age who sickened on Saturday and was a corpse on the following Monday. None of her relatives were with her until a few hours before the child's death; and indeed no person thought her dangerous until the dying agony commenced. When I announced to the mother that the child was dying, she submissively replied, "The will of the Lord be done." She talked of the dispensation with more apparent Christian resignation than I have yet witnessed in any land, and we have every evidence that it was sanctified to her. A few days after the child's decease she remarked to me, that she thought she had more sensibly realized the preciousness of the Saviour, during this affliction, than ever before. By the request of the family, the funeral service was conducted in a Christian manner. An appropriate sermon was preached at the house; the coffin was then closed, and a procession formed. The clergyman went first, followed by the corpse, which was Then folsupported by four carriers. lowed the parents of the deceased, the grand parents, near relatives, the children of the school, and neighbors, of whom At the grave there were a great number. the most perfect order was observed. No wailing was heard nor any undue excitement of feeling. This we consider a great

A black woman who had been a consistent member of our church for more than a year, was also called about two months since into eternity. At the time of her

had no Christian friend to administer to her the consolations of the Gospel and to receive from her dying lips, her last testimony. We have only heard that, from the commencement of her sickness, she faithfully warned those around her to prepare for death.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. WILSON, DATED SEPT. 29, 1829.

SINCE the receipt of the foregoing communications, the Chickasaws have been more than ever agitated with the apprehension of being removed west of the Mississippi. This has disheartened the chiefs in regard to enforcing the salutary laws which had been enacted; has created an anxiety and confusion among the people, and turned their attention, in a great measure, from religion; and numbers in the general despondency, have returned to their former vicious indulgences. Mr. Wilson, the missionary at Caney Creek, who is now at Tokshish during a temporary absence of Mr. Holmes, makes the following remarks under date of September 29.

I have not been enough among the people to form an opinion of the state of feeling in the neighborhood, but from what I have seen, I should say that it is much as it has generally been for two years past. There are, perhaps, twenty persons who appear to be seriously concerned on the subject of religion; and of one half of that number we have hopes that they are Christians. A few, we think, give good evidence of being such. A majority of each of these classes are black people. I fear that the state of feeling among the church members is not so good as it was three months ago. Next Sabbath is the The regular time for the communion. prospect is that there will more Indians attend than were formerly in the habit of attending, but not nearly so many as on the last occasion of the kind.

In a postscript, dated the 10th of October, Mr. Wilson remarks

Our meeting took place on last Sabbath, as was expected. Mr. Byington and Col.

Folsom were present. It was a good | meeting, but there was nothing special in its character. Some of those who manifested much feeling at the meeting in July have since shown that it was nothing but sympa. thy. Some who were then thought to be seriously impressed went to a ball play instead of attending our last meeting. Some others who live within a few miles did not attend. One, who was thought certainly to be a Christian, more than a month ago concluded to give up her religion.-But still the good Spirit of the Lord is among us. At the late meeting, about sixty came forward to the anxious seats, and never did I see such weeping at any place. I wept with those that wept: but to my mind that is no evidence that they are under the influences of the Spirit of God.

In another letter, information is given, that at the meeting just mentioned, two Indians and two black people were admitted to the church.

It is not surprising, that, when a religious excitement takes place among a people who have heard and thought as little about Christianity as the majority of the Indians have, there should be much of mere animal feeling, many fluctuations, and many instances of going back to sin. Many fall into the delusions of the adversary, and mistake their own character, and many may appear to be anxious because their neighbors are. But if any are really created anew by the Holy Spirit-their consciences enlightened and made active, their hearts purified, and their conduct reformed-and this change is permanent-a great thing is accomplished, even if the change extends to but very few. It is believed that many have been effectually changed, and that many others have been so far instructed as to be materially restrained and benefitted. Still, the missionaries need the prayers of the churches, that they may know how to instruct, to admonish, and to discern character. Christians should also pray that the new converts may be taught of God, may not be deceived, and may not fall into temptation.

Endians in New York.

LETTER FROM THE REV. HIRAM SMITH, DATED SEPT. 21, 1829.

MR. SMITH has recently been appointed by the Prudential Committee, a missionary to the Senecas, and has just entered on his labors. He resides at the Cattaraugus station, though his efforts in preaching the Gospel and performing pastoral labors among the Indians will be extended to those residing on other reservations in that vicinity.

Anxious Inquirers after the Way of Life.

It is now a month since I came here. Dur

Her

ing this time, I have been much interested with what I have seen and heard. The day after I came here I visited a heathen woman who was afflicted with the scrofula. home was a hovel, with scarce an article of furniture or crockery in it, and with nothing for her comfort, except what the mission family had sent to her. Her skin had become dead and crisped, as though it had passed through the fire. She lay upon a few old rags strown upon hard boards, without any covering except a woollen blanket. Her attendant was a brother, who while I was there gave her some drink, which, for the want of a spoon, he communicated to her mouth through a tunnel made of the bark of a sapling. She could scarcely swallow, and was unable to conThe next day she died: and as her friends were heathens, she was buried without any religious service. This poor woman, a few days before her death, was anxious for her soul, and sent for Mr. Thayer, to pray and converse with her. When she saw him, she told him that while she had her reason, which she feared would be continued but a short time, she wished to be instructed in the way of salvation. I could not but contrast Christianity with paganism, and desire that the influence of the former, even if it were limited to the present life, might supplant

verse.

the latter.

I daily see abundant evidence of the fact, that temperance, industry, intelligence, piety, and happiness, are the effects of the Gospel among Indians who have embraced it.

I visited about a fortnight since, a Mrs. Crow, a young Indian woman, granddaughter of Chief Warrior. She was confined to a sick bed, and distressed for her soul. She said she feared that she had been so great a sinner that she could not be saved. I pointed her to the Almighty Saviour. She has since recovered her health, and from her conversation and appearance, gives us reason to hope that she has passed from death unto life. She is distinguished for her talents, but unable to speak the English language. If she is a Christian indeed, we trust she will do much good to her people.

Several others have of late publicly confessed themselves to be sinners. One man, about thirty years of age, arose at the close of the second service on the Sabbath, and said his conscience smote him so much that he could not keep his distress a secret any longer; that he had looked before him, and perceived that he was walking in a broad road, at the end of which was destruction; that he was resolved to put away

all his sins and become a Christian. At the close of a religious conference meeting, an aged chief arose and confessed that he was a great sinner. When he had taken his seat, an aged woman said that she did not expect to live long, that she was in the habit of daily praying to God, and intended to serve him as long as she lived.

About a dozen females meet weekly for prayer at the mission house. Some of the male members of the church have of late manifested considerable feeling upon the subject of religion. We hope their goodness will not be like the morning cloud. One thing I have noticed in attending meetings here which administers reproof, to many professors of religion, who have not only a complexion different from the Indians, but who are distinguished for their attainments and privileges: I refer to the readiness of the pious Indians to pray in religious meetings when requested, and to speak upon the subject of religion, when an opportunity is afforded.

Friendly Feelings of the Heathen Party.

It has been heretofore mentioned in this work, that, while about half of the Senecas, on their several reservations, have renounced their heathen superstitions and customs, the other portion still adhere to them. This occasions the distinction of Christian and heathen or pagan parties, made in communications from this mission. These two parties, though intermixed with one another, constitute, in many respects, separate communities, and have on some occasions manifested much hostility towards each other.

The heathen portion of the people had their corn feast last week, which continued for several days. Mr. Thayer and myself thought it inexpedient for us to attend, as our attendance would wound the feelings of the pious Indians, who refrained from going themselves, and prevented their children from going. On the first day of the feast, the church had a meeting for prayer, and at the close of it, John Jacobs, a heathen Indian, was legally married to an Indian woman from Seneca station. Religious services were performed on the occasion. The mother of Mr. Jacobs, the most violent opposer to Christianity on the reservation, attended our meeting yesterday in the afternoon, and listened attentively to the preaching of the Gospel; and I am told it was the first time that she was ever seen in the house of God on the Sabbath. A number of pagan young men have for several Sabbaths past attended meeting, and one of them has learnt to sing the songs of Zion, and for two Sabbaths he has taken his seat with the choir.

they danced much less, than they have formerly done; that they seemed to act as if they considered their ceremonies of very little importance; that one of them sung a part of the thirtieth hymn of the second book of Watts. That Young Chief, the second man in point of influence in the nation, though he was present, did not dance; and that during the summer past, on the Sabbath, he has had his table set in English style, and asked the blessing of God upon the bounties of his providence. He says he must confess his errors and not dispute his father. His father is Chief Warrior, a remarkable man, and apparently eminent for his piety. He is respected by all the Indians, even by the pagans. It is interesting to reflect that here, where formerly has been wielded the tomahawk and the scalping knife, there is now wielded the sword of the Spirit, which wounds to heal, and kills to make alive. It is thought by some of the pious Indians, that the heathen party are about to come over to the Christian party, and we hope to the Lord's side.

Progress of Knowledge.

Mr. Thayer has published a number of psalms and hymns, accompanied with a little spelling book, in the Seneca language. It is so simple that even the Indians, as well as others who know the English alphabet and can spell words of two syllables can read it with facility. The work came from the press near the close of last week, and it was used yesterday in our meetings by the choir apparently with as much ease and correctness, as if the hymns sung had been committed to memory. The Indians seem much interested in the work, and Friday of the present week, has been appointed for all the Indians, old and young, to come together to learn to read it. I trust it will not be long, before these Indians will become a reading people.

Other books prepared for the Indians in their own language were noticed at p. 365 of the last

number.

I am informed that at the late corn feast

to read the new book.

formed with the intent of relieving the Jews resident in Great Britain from the civil disabilities to which they are subjected, (and for this purpose a petition to parliament has been prepared;) and of performing such kind offices towards them as shall induce them to regard the professors of the Gospel with a more favorable eye, and ultimately to come within the pale of the church. Income $1,329 92: expenses $1,367 92.

BOOK SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING RELIGIOUS

KNOWLEDGE AMONG THE POOR.

The society held its 79th anniversary on Jan. 28th; Rev. R. Hill presiding. It is the oldest society of the kind, and among its early patrons were Whitfield, Doddridge, and Hervey. The receipts were $3,011 12; and the expenditures $2,983 58.

IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY.

The 15th anniversary was on May 12th; Thomas Walker, Esq. presiding. The society aims to promote the preaching of the Gospel by aiding pastors of churches in Ireland, and supporting missionaries, itinerant preachers, and Scripture readers in their labors. The receipts of the year were $16,531 60; and the disbursements $15,270 11.

BAPTIST IRISH SOCIETY.

The society held its 15th anniversary June 19th; Capt. Gordon in the chair. The object of the society is not to make proselytes to the Baptist denomination, but to check the growth of popery by circulating Bibles and tracts, and the employment of itinerant preachers. It employs 82 schoolmasters and schoolmistresses, 53 Irish Scripture readers, and eight itinerant preachers. The number of scholars in the day schools is about 7,000. During the year 2,000 Testaments, besides Bibles, and 5,840 spelling-books have been distributed. From six persons the society received $2,311 11.

NATIONAL EDUCATION SOCIETY.

The 18th anniversary was on May 13th. The Society's object is the promotion of education in England and Wales, upon the system of Dr. Bell, and in conformity with the principles of the established church. In the Sunday and daily schools there are 100,477 boys and 74,136 girls. In the schools attended on Sunday only, there are 51,087 boys, and 51,547 girls; making a total of 277,249. adding one third for the places not reported, and the total of children will be about 360,000. Central or model schools have also been established, and the average of boys in them was 357, and of girls, 206.-The society received from the bequest of Mr. Tilland $88,888 88, and from other legacies $888 88. The expenditures were $23,564 44.

HUNTINGDON EDUCATION SOCIETY.

The society held its 5th anniversary 23d of June; Rev. William Kemp presiding. Its object is to educate the children of poor clergymen in the countess of Huntingdon's connexion. The income was $498 36; and the expenditures $554 62.

HUNTINGDON HOME MISSION FUND.

The annual meeting took place June 24th; Joseph Trueman in the chair. The object of the society is to support ministers and establish stations in the Huntingdon connexion throughout the kingdom. The receipts of the year were $2,291 73; and the expenditures $2,235 85.

After the brief survey of the principal benevolent societies which have their centre of operations in the British metropolis, presented in the last (pp. 351-354) and present numbers of this work, it is scarcely possible to avoid remarking on the variety of objects embraced by the several societies. Wherever the eye of Christian kindness can discover want to be supplied, distress to be mitigated, ignorance to be instructed, danger to be averted, vice to be reformed, or present or future happiness to be promoted, there some associated body is prepared to extend a beneficent hand. For all these classes of evils heathen countries provide no remedy or alleviation. To do this is the province of Christian kindness and zeal, and of these only.

The amount of pecuniary means which the people confide to these societies is also worthy of remark. Taking the amount of the last year's receipts of those societies whose receipts are given, and supplying the deficiency in the case of others, by inserting the receipts of the previous year, which will probably be considerably less than the actual amount, the total amount of the receipts of the societies whose anniversaries have been noticed is $1,740,141 03. If to this be added $126,637 62, the income of the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and 39,692 72, the income received by the United Brethren from London, they will make the amount $1,906,471 37. In addition to the sums received by these benevolent societies, the new London University has received during the year, to enable it to go into operation, the sum of $265,793 77; and King's College, a new institution just going into operation in London, has received in the same time $564,329 66; making the grand total, of money contributed for the promotion of religion and education, without including the contributions of many smaller and local societies, $2,736,594 80.

MISSION OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCI

ETY AT NEW LATTAKOO, SOUTH AFRICA. NEW LATTAKOO is about 600 miles northeast from Cape Town, and quite in the interior. The mission there was established about twelve years since, and has been much disturbed by the incursions of neighboring hostile tribes. The natives, also have manifested little concern about their salvation, knowledge increases very gradually, and the missionaries have felt much dis