assisted in this enterprise by the labors of our pious friends. Much difficulty was anticipated in establishing such a school; but we have been most happily disappointed in meeting with very little.

22. To day our little Jewess wished to read with some young Misses, who were reading to me in one of the Evangelists. I took her Bible, which was Italian, and pointed to the chapter where they were reading; but as soon as she discovered, that it was in the New Testament, she seemed alarmed and said, 'Questo non è buono." That is, this is not good; and I could not persuade her to read more than a verse or two. It was afflicting to me to find this little creature beginning to display the same prejudices against the New Testament, which have distinguished her forefathers. We regard it, however, as a peculiarly auspicious circumstance, that her parents are willing to send her to be taught by Christians. She is about twelve years of age, reads and speaks only Italian, has apparently a good disposition, and her les sons are always thoroughly committed to memory. The Jews are held in great contempt among the Maltese, and it is not long since they were forbidden to lodge - within the walls of this city.

A letter from Mr.Temple,dated April 25th, states, that they have not only printed in Italian the tracts mentioned at p. 212 of our last number; but, also, that they have printed edi tions of the following tracts in Greek; viz. "The Negro Servant," "William Kelley," "Tract on Eternity," "Payson's Address to Mariners," and "Short prayers for every day in the week." They have also in the press a tract on Redemption. An edition of "the Dairyman's Daughter" had been printed in Greek, and they had just completed another, of 1,000 copies, in Italian. Mr. Temple considers the first cost of these tracts less, even than that of the tracts of the American Tract Society.

LETTER FROM MR. KING.

By the kindness of Mr. Wilder of Paris, we are favored with a letter from Mr. King, dated Alexandria, Jan. 20th. The following is extracted from it.

Through the goodness of our Lord, I arrived here with Messrs. Fisk and Wolff, the 10th inst. after a pleasant passage of seven days from Malta. We have been continually occupied since, in selling and giving Bibles, and in reasoning with the Jews and Gentiles. We have preached to

congregations, consisting of from six persons to one hundred and thirty persons, in five languages. We have sold 100, and given away 50, copies of the Bible and parts of the Bible in ten languages. The Catholics in the convent have excommunicated us and our books, and ordered the books to be burned. Some few Bibles have been burnt. Still the people are most of them for us, and one priest has refused to preach against us. There seems to be much excitement here; and the word of God runs, and I hope will be glorified. Mr. Drovetti, the French Consul General, has received me with much kindness. I was introduced to him by the Asiastic Society. The day after my introduction, I dined with him. The Superior of the convent applied to him to prevent the New Testament's being used in a school here; but he refused. Blessed be the name of the Lord for this. The schoolmaster, who is a Catholic, and has about forty pupils, bought fifteen Testaments, and we have given him fifteen more. These are now read by his pupils in the school.This morning we have heard, that he has been excommunicated.

Every day here has been interesting, and God seems truly to bless our feeble efforts. Could you have seen us here sometimes, with Jews around us, speaking to them of Him, whom their fathers crucified, your heart would have leaped for joy.

The Bedouin Arabs have just been robbing a caravan, near Mount Sinai; and it is thought rather dangerous going through the desert. But if the Lord be with us, we have nothing to fear.

MISSION AMONG THE CHOCTAWS.

MAYHEW.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Kingsbury.

Council Ground, Mingo Moo-shu-la-tub-bee's, May 10, 1823.

Dear Sir,

I AM here attending a council, which has been called to inquire into some idle, slanderous, and wicked reports, which have been put in circulation relative to the missionaries, the chief, and capt. Folsom. Satan is making a great effort to oppose the progress of light and truth. I trust we feel humble and submissive, and a holy confidence in God that all things will work together for the furtherance of his glorious cause. We need your prayers, dear sir, and the prayers of all God's people, that we may give no just occasion of offence, and that we may abound more and more in

the work of love, even though we be loved the less for our labors.

Extracts from the Journal at Mayhew.

Nov. 7, 1822. Mr. Kingsbury held a talk with Mingo Push-a-mah-ta-haw, and the captains and warriors of the S. E. district. The Mingo requested that Mr. Kingsbury would commence the talk. Mr. K. then stated at length the reasons against placing the school for the district on the Chick-is-ah-ha, and the reasons for placing it near Mr. Nail's. Most of these are mentioned under date of the 23d ult. The Mingo was not satisfied, and made a long talk about his services for the United States, and the claim he thought he had that the school should be near him. At the conclusion, he gave Mr. K. a choice of three places, and said it must be at one of them.

In reply, Mr. K. endeavored to convince him of the impropriety of the situations he had spoken of, and that it would be utterly impracticable, with the means we possessed, to comply with his wishes; and that the school must remain, where it is now situated.

The Mingo, after some consultation, said, they must then withdraw their appropria tion. They were given to understand, that they could not do that, as it was confirmed by treaty. He then said he would consult with his captains further on the subject. But no answer was returned. So the talk ended. Most of the captains and warriors appeared satisfied, especially those belonging to the Six Towns, Chickisahha and Huwahnee settlements, which comprise more than three fourths of the population of the whole district.

15. Mr. Kingsbury left Mayhew for Bethel and Elliot. It is expected that Mr. Wright will accompany him from the Pigeon Roost to Bethel, where it is proposed to organize a church on the next Sabbath. At Elliot it is expected a council will be held to settle some difficulties relative to the school there.

21. A church of Christ was organized at Bethel last Sabbath. This was a joyful day to our dear brother and sister Williams, who, for some time, have been deprived of the stated ordinances of the Gospel. The church consists of six persons.

An affecting Scene..

Dec. 6. In the afternoon, an Indian named Bame, who has had two sons in the school came to take them away. He said he had heard that we did not teach them right, and that many things relative to the

school were not as they should be. At first, he did not believe the reports, but he had now heard them three times and believed them. He thought they must be true, because two white men had taken their

children away. He was a poor black Choctaw, and thought it was best to take his away also. Facts and arguments were urged in vain. He was determined to take them away.

We went to the school house where an affecting scene was witnessed. We had given to the boys the names of William Jenks, and Gardiner Greene. They were affectionate, dutiful children, who loved their school, and were beloved by their teacher. When told by their father, that they must go home, they wept aloud. For a moment the heart of the father appeared to relent; he seemed half inclined to let them remain. But recovering himself, he endeavored to work on their feelings by other motives. He asked them if they did not care for their mother, who was at home sick. They replied, they did not forget their mother, but that they did not wish to leave the school. "You cried when I wished to bring you here," said the father, "and it seems I shall have trouble to get you away." He then commanded them to make ready.

When they were in readiness to depart, we united in prayer, and commended these tender lambs to the care of the great Shepherd, who is able to gather them again from the recesses of the wilderness, and the depths of ignorance, to the place of Christian instruction.

It was affecting to our hearts to see these children thus torn from the school, and hurried back to the abodes of darkness and wretchedness.

8. In the evening Maj. Pitchlynn and Capt. Folsom arrived. At their request, the boys were assembled, and after listening to some remarks, the scholars engaged in singing several hymns, which they had committed to memory. A select band, who excelled in this delightful art, performed with so much regularity of movement and harmony of sound, that a stranger could hardly have believed, that a few months ago they were taken from habitations, in which no song of Zion was ever heard. Having gone through with the exercises agreeably to the request of our friends, we commended these youthful immortals to him, who alone can teach them to sing with the spirit and with the understanding.

On the 13th, Israel and M'Kee Folsom arrived from the Cornwall School; and also Miss Anna Burnham, an assistant missionary.

In the afternoon commenced teaching for the first time, in our new school house. It is constructed on the Lancasterian plan, and is sufficiently large for 100 scholars. One of the young men from Cornwall, who is pious, addressed the scholars very affectionately, recommending that religion, which had disposed others to do so much for their good.

Mr.

30. We would record, with lively gratitude, the arrival of the Rev. Reynolds Bascom and Mr. Adin C. Gibbs. Gibbs is a native of the Delaware tribe, has been educated at the Cornwall School, and accepted by the Board as an assistant missionary among the Choctaws. Mr. Bas. com expects to continue in the nation several months. Thus, in seasons of darkness and depression, the Lord strengthens our hands and encourages our hearts. Having sung an hymn, we kneeled around the social altar, and gave thanks to Him by whose kind care we meet.

Retrospect of a Year.

31. Another year of our probationary existence is drawing to a close. We canhot but recal to mind the various scenes, hrough which we have passed, since its commencement. He, whose ways are unearchable, has removed from us a dear felow-laborer. His sovereign right to do this, is not the only reflection that should console us. Painful as has been this affliction,

But we are constrained to speak of mercies, as well as of judgments. Our covenant God has bestowed upon us many blessings. We have been supplied, by the pious and benevolent, with the means of carrying forward the work, in which we are permitted to labor. We have been encouraged and strengthened, by the arrival of pious and devoted helpers. Many of the children of the surrounding forests have been gathered into our family, are enjoying the benefit of Christian instruction, and acquiring the habits of civilized life. Most of us have been preserved, and mauy of us enjoyed good health, while the shafts of disease and death have been flying thick around us. Finally, we are permitted here on this consecrated ground, to labor directly for the most benevolent and noble object, that can engage the attention of men or angels. May we ever remember, that the time is short, in which our hands will be employed in building this spiritual temple.

AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY.

NINTH REPORT.

TILL within a few months, the name of this society was the New England Tract Society. But, by an act of the Legislature of Massachusetts, its name has been changed to the one, which heads this article, and which corresponds, better than the old one, with the amplitude of its exertions.

This Society, which is second only to the London Religious Tract Society, held its Annual Meeting in Boston, on the 28th of May last. From the Report presented on that Occasion, we shall now make a number of extracts.

After mentioning the successful exertions of the Agent of the Society, Mr. Wm. A. Hallock, the Report says:

Eighty-one persons, during the past year, have been made life members of the Society. Sixty-nine of them are ministers of the Gospel. Sixty-eight of these have been made life members by their people; and forty-one by females. More than 100 ministers of the Gospel had before been made life members of this Society, by benevolent females in their parishes. Five instructers have, during the last year, been made life members by their pupils. And Henry Martyn, a little child, has been made a life member by his father.

Publications.

The Committee have, during the past year, printed 76 other tracts,* making in all 77. Sixteen of these are new tracts, viz. On hearing the word of God.-Helps to self-examination.--The duty of supporting the Gospel ministry.-The barren figtree. The splendid wedding.-Memoir of William Churchman.-Important discove

*Besides the "Account of Mrs. Emerson."

ry.-Life and death of Eliza Thornton. The end of time.--Memoir of Dr. Bateman. -Universalism exposed.--Search the scriptures.--Address to parents on sabbath schools.-Memoir of Elizabeth Davidson. -Account of Mrs. Emerson.-The Great question answered.

Of 13 of the new tracts, the committee have published 6,000 copies each; of 2 of them, 7,000; and of one, 9,000; making 101,000 new tracts published the last year. Of 60 of the old tracts they have published a new edition of 6,000 copies each; and of one, a new edition of 9,000, making in all 369,000. So that the whole number of tracts published the last year, is 470,000. || These tracts will average about 10 pages each, making 4,700,000 pages; a greater number than has ever before been published by the Society in one year. The whole number of tracts in the series, now amounts to 157. No. 154 closes the 7th volume. Of several of these tracts there have been 7 editions, of 6,000 copies each, in 9 years.

Of the first 5 volumes 1,000 copies have been bound; and 200 copies of the 6th volume. An additional number of this volume, and 500 copies of the 7th, will shortly be bound, so that all persons who wish, may be supplied with complete sets. These volumes are bound in strong, neat, full binding, gilt, and lettered. They contain 300 pages each, and are sold at fifty cents a volume. Few books, it is believed, if any, beside the Bible, will be more useful, especially to children and youth. And the Committee view it as exceedingly desirable, that a complete set should be owned by every family.

The Committee have, also, during the past year, published no. 3 of the Christian Almanack. This tract of 48 pages with an astronomical diary prefixed to it, contains an extensive collection of facts, relative to the present state of Christian and heathen countries; numerous tables, exhibiting condensed views of the various benevolent societies, their origin, means, and operations for evangelizing the world; and also much information, interesting to children and youth, to farmers, mechanics, merchants, ministers, and all descriptions of persons; and it is calculated to be a useful little manual for every family in the country.

This tract has been published for the Society, in Boston; in Washington, District of Columbia; in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and in Rochester, New York. Of those published in Boston, there has been a circulation of nearly 39,000.

How many

have been circulated, of those published in the other places, the Committee have not yet been informed. If there have been half as many in all, as of those published in Boston, it will make about 58,000 copies.

The Committee are now preparing no. 4 of the same tract; and by availing themselves of their past experience, and of the friendly hints which have been suggested by readers of the past numbers, they hope to make the next number still more wor thy of the public patronage; and to obtain for it a still more extensive circulation. And it is devoutly hoped, that at no distant period, such a tract will be published in every state, and be found in every family in the country; and that it will bear m unimportant part, in hastening the time when "holiness to the Lord" shall be writ ten upon all the publications of men.

By the avails of this Almanack, more than 50,000 tracts were printed the las year. And every person who purchased one, may have the satisfaction of knowing that he provided the means for printing å copy of a tract for perpetual circulation.

Depositories.

Fourteen new Depositories have been es tablished the past year; making the whole number belonging to the Society 92. Around these depositories are numerous Tract Socie ties, and individuals, who purchase the tracts and scatter them through the country.

Need of Funds.

To supply these Depositories with tracts, and to keep them supplied, "the Society must have," says the Report, "GREATER FUNDS."

It has sent out, during the past year, more than 389,000 tracts. More than 20 of its numbers are now out of print; and yet the Depositories now established, have not upon an average, tracts to the amount of 50 dollars each. To furnish the numbers now out of print will require 1,000 dollars. And to establish and supply Depositories over one half of the country

Were the Society to circulate 4,000,000 of tracts a year, this rate of circulation would never supply every family in the United States with one set of the tracts already published. And yet our country is only a small part, even of this continent, which is destitute of religious tracts, and greatly needs them. Upper and Lower Canada, Mexico, and all South America, present an ample field. Nor is the want of traets confined to this continent.

In the vicinity of Bombay, in India, where the American Board of Commissioners have a printing press, are 11,000,000 people, all speaking one language. Nearly all of them are destitute of the Gospel, there being only three missionaries among them. And, writes one of these missionaries, "The distribution of tracts is the only possible way in which we can exhibit any portion of the Gospel, to vast portions of the present generation of India. Ministers enough to go and preach to them the Gospel, cannot be obtained. We must print and circulate tracts, or millions and millions of the present and future generations of India must go down, in unbroken succession, through pagan darkness, to the grave."

And, writes another missionary, "Tracts can be printed at Bombay in the Mahratta language, as cheap as you can print them in New England. And there is no section of the world where they may be distributed with a prospect of greater usefulness, than in the Mahratta country. The great body of the people would be likely to receive more instruction from a little tract, which they could read in five minutes, than they would from the entire New Testament; because they would be so much more likely to read it." And after they have read one tract, they are often anxious to get another, and another. Soon they may read, if they can obtain it, the whole New Testament.

A missionary in Ceylon writes, "We visit from two to eight families in a day. Sometimes we take long journeys, and are out six or eight days; taking with us, some of the boys from the schools. At such times particularly, we feel the need of tracts. Passing through the villages where the Gospel was never before heard, we find hundreds who can, and who would read, had we books, or tracts, to give them. But alas, we have none! No Bible, no tract, to show the poor heathen how to flee from the wrath to come. The only tracts which we have ever had, have been written upon the olla, and procured, of course, at a great expense. Perhaps in all our missions, we have distributed 200, obtained in that way. O that we could get a supply printed. Into how many villages could the Gospel be sent by means of tracts. How many sculs, by a single tract, might be saved from endless misery."

And shall the Christian missionary whe has left his father's home, his native land, and gone 13,000 miles to tell the dying heathen of a Savior, and point them to the Lamb of God, go from village to village through the wide spreading desolation, find hundreds and thousands who have never heard the Gospel, who can, and who would read, if they could get a Bible, or a tract, and yet have none to give them? Shall hebe left to cry, in the ears of a thousand churches abounding with wealth, “Alas, we have none to give them: no Bible, no tract, to show the poor heathen how to flee from the wrath to come?" Shall it be told in the ears of all Christendom, that after years of toil and labor, the only tracts which they have ever had, were written upon the olla, and procured at a great ex-pense; and that the whole mission had not been able to obtain for circulation more than 200? And shall they still remain destitute, to cry, "O that we could get a supply printed? Into how many villages could the Gospel be sent by tracts? How many souls, by a single tract, might be saved from endless misery?"—and yet cry in vain? Let Christendom answer.

Influence of Tracts.

The following extracts give us some idea of the prodigious amount of influence, which may be exerted by individuals and societies, through the medium of tracts.

A respectable mercantile House in purchased the last year 10,000 copies of the Christian Almanack. By this purchase a profit accrued to the Society, sufficient to furnish for circulation, in our own country, tracts of four pages each, to the number of 30,000.