our hearts. I am not afraid that Christian friends will be discouraged, or will cease to offer their services, or to cast in their mites. If their courage cannot be kept up by the promises of God, we scarcely need to calculate on any great benefit to be produced by their instrumentality. They may as well abandon the cause, and God will raise up some more favoured instruments, with more faith, and fewer in number, who shall go forth alone, like Jonathan and his armour-bearer, to the total discomfiture of the enemies of the Lord, and who shall see his work prosper in their hands.

I am now more fully convinced than ever, that there is no alternative for me, but to abandon the thought of ever learning the Indian language to any useful purpose, or to leave the family most of the time, and take up my residence for this purpose among the tribe. The difficulties of learning a language, not written, full of dialects and contracts, and altogether irregular, is not easy to be conceived, until some considerable time shall have been spent in the work.

SENECA MISSION.

EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL.

Dec. 25th. This being the anniversary of our Lord's incarnation, the people assembled at the Mission .House, for the purpose of paying us a friendly visit. We had the pleasure of introducing to the people, our brother, Mr. Hanoyer Bradley, who had arrived the day before. They appeared much gratified with this unexpected and very seasonable reinforcement, and hoped he would find encouragement in his work. The children were examined on several parts of their studies; and received some premiums from their instructress, sister Bishop, as the reward of their diligence. This examination

appeared very gratifying to the parents. After this the written declaration from the Board was read and explained in their hearing. They appeared satisfied, but returned no answers. After the whole assembly, (about 150) had partaken of some refreshment, an address was delivered them; explanatory of the occasion which had called them together.

Sab. Dec. 28th.-After public worship, Capt. Pollard arose in behalf of the chiefs, and informed that the following arrangement had been entered into among themselves, in relation to their children. They remarked that the parents had given their consent to the children remaining in future at the Mission House constantly for the space of one month, without having the privilege of visiting their parents, and then have a vacation of two days. This they deemed amply sufficient to answer all the purposes of recreation: and further, than this they supposed was not necessary. It was also understood at the same time, that the children are to be admitted to the privileges of the school at the end of every quarter only. We sincerely believe that with the blessing of our heavenly Father, this arrangement will prove highly advantageous to the school. We have now in the family thirty-one children, who are placed with the consent of their parents under our entire control. This is an event, for which we would thank God; under the impression that amidst all our difficulties and trials, the Lord graciously condescends to own our humble labours, and is, we think, opening a wide door of useful ness among this people.

Jan. 23d, 1824.-To-day the children leave us for two days, to visit their parents. The more constantly we are associated with these dear children, the more earnestly do we desire their salvation. May the Lord guard them from the influence of

temptation and the commission of sin. They have, during the past month, merited our approbation, and have really secured our affection.

We are much gratified to see the principal chiefs taking an increased interest in the school. Young King has proposed that one of the principal chiefs call upon us weekly, and lecture the children, on the subject of obedience, and we are pleased to find that they now faithfully do their duty in this respect.

Monday, Jan. 26th.-The most of our interesting charge returned on Saturday evening, according to orders. A few have been quite unwell since they left us. To-day their parents came and apologized for their absence, requesting permission for them to tarry a day or two, until they should so far recover, as to enter with comfort on the duties of the school. They appear cheerful and contented. Their progress in their studies for the last two months, has given us the most pleasing encourage

ment.

witnessed with no ordinary emotions an increasing seriousness for some days past among the children. We have discovered at times a tenderness of heart among these children; but have never seen them so much awed by divine things as at present. On Saturday, as I "walked out in the field at eventide," a few rods from our dwelling, I witnessed an occurrence of so pleasing a nature, that I shall probably be justified in mentioning it here. I saw one of our largest boys retiring just after the school had closed, into an adjoining thicket. I asked him whither he was going? He pointed his finger and said he was going yonder to pray. As I stood conversing with him a few minutes, another came up and said he was going on the same errand. I turned away affected with the circumstance, and walked below the hill, in the rear of the house, to find a place where to give vent to my feelings; and where to beg of God to fasten conviction on their tender hearts. The evening was marked with that placid stillness which tends insensibly to lead the pious mind to survey the works of God.

I could distinctly hear the voice of prayer on several sides around me. As I walked towards the house, I wondered why the little children were not heard at play as usual. The secret was soon disclosed. For I discovered that they too had collected in a little group on the side of a hill, and stood with clasped hands, and in perfect silence; while one of their number, in an audible voice, was sending forth his petitions to the throne of Him who said, "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." Surely, thought I, "how terrible is this place." May it please God not to suffer this seriousness to be as the "morning cloud and early dew, which passeth away."

Meeting of Delegates from the Missionary

Stations beyond the Mississippi.

Our readers will recollect that a convention of the Missionaries beyond the Mississippi, was held at Union in 1822. The object of the Delegates, composing the convention, was to confer together on the subject of Missions among the western Indians, and to ascertain the most efficient mode of conducting their operations. A similar meeting was held at Dwight on the 4th-7th of November last. Delegates present were Rev. Mr. Vail and Mr. Requa from Union, Rev. Mr. Montgomery from Harmony, and Rev. Messrs. Finney and Washburn of Dwight. The discussion of the following questions occupied the most of their time, and resulted in the answers annexed.

The

Question 1. Would it be advisable to endeavour to teach the children of a village while living with their parents?

Answer. In tribes of natives who have already made considerable advances in civilization, and are prepared, in a measure, to appreciate the advantages of education, local schools established in the different villages of the tribe, especially when their desire for schools is so strong, as to lead them earnestly to request instruction, and to he willing to support their children, would doubtless be attended with beneficial results. But in tribes who subsist by hunting, continue their savage customs and wandering habits, and have made no advances towards civilization, neither desiring instructions, nor able, in any measure, to appreciate the privileges offered to them, children remaining with their parents are not likely to be essentially benefited by endeavours to form them into schools.

2. What are the best means of hastening the progress of Indian children in the acquisition of the English language?

Ans. Indian children are greatly retarded in their acquisition of the English language by an excessive diffidence in speaking it. Efforts should hence be made at the outset to overcome this diffidence; to inspire them with a prevailing desire to improve, and to lead them to consider it an honour to make progress, and to speak English as far as they have learned. This can be effected by paying particular attention to the subject in school, making it a daily exercise; by rewarding them according to the progress made; and by requiring them to

ask and answer questions in English, in their intercourse with the Mission Family..

3. What means are to be used for the religious improvement of the Indian children under our care?

Ans. Religious instruction should be accommodated to their capacities. Incidents, narratives, and occasional opportunities and impressions should be improved. Religious instruction should also be communicated statedly. At least one evening in each week, besides the Sabbath, should be appropriated to this object exclusively. The catechetical method of instruction should be used during a part of every Sabbath.

We would likewise recommend, as a suitable means of communicating religious instruction and making religious impressions, that they commit to memory every week, and recite every Sabbath, portions of Scripture and hymns.

4. Should Missionaries be deterred from preaching the gospel, though they have no other medium of communication, than an interpreter who is in a great measure deficient in knowledge of both the English language and that of the natives; or one who is immoral in his life, or infidel in his principles ?

Ans. Although it is very desirable to have an interpreter fully prepared, by a thorough knowledge of both languages to communicate clearly and accurately what ever is put to him for interpretation, and disposed to strict fidelity by a real regard to the spiritual good of the natives, it is, nevertheless, the duty of Missionaries to sow the seed of the word, making use of the best means which their circumstances allow. Many important truths of the gospel may be communicated through an interpreter of limited knowledge of the languages to be used. We may also, with confidence in God, that he will take care of his own truth, commit the gospel of salvation to the hands of the Spirit, to be conveyed to the unenlightened minds of the heathen, by means of an immoral and unbelieving interpreter, if one of this description be the best we can obtain.

5. May benefit be expected from reading a translation of select portions of Scripture to the people before being able to explain and enforce them?

Ans. Great good may be expected to result from translating select portions of Scrip

ture and reading them to the people, even when but little explanation can be given.

6. Can we rationally expect that the preaching of the gospel will be effectual among a people entirely uncivilized?

Ans. The success which has actually attended efforts for the conversion and Chris tianization of untutored savages, the command of Christ to preach the gospel to "every creature," and the encouragement derived from the word of God, that, if we cast our bread upon the waters, we shall "find it after many days," present it, as an urgent and immediate duty of Missionaries, to preach the gospel, even to those who are uncivilized; and lay a broad foundation for hope of success among a people in the most savage state. There is no exception in the command of Christ to preach the gospel, nor partiality in the providence of God, in the bestowment of his grace. All objections which can be urged, from the degraded state of savages against efforts to evangelize them, so far from being valid, are arguments in favour of immediate endeavours to com. municate the gospel, as the first and principal means for improving even their temporal condition.

7. In preaching to the heathen, ought we to attempt to give a full, systematic view of gospel truth, or select some of the most plain, obvious, and important points, and endeavour to enforce these, till an impression is made?

Ans. Considering the limited views which the heathen of this country necessarily have, in reference to religious subjects, the untutored state of their minds, the difficulty of communicating religious instruction, the practice of the apostles, and the experience of subsequent Missionaries; it seems obviously the best course to select the most prominent and important points, and dwell upon these, and enforce them, till they become the instrument, in the hands of the Divine Spirit, of a saving influence. Christ and his cross are the appropriate theme of the Christian Missionary.

8. Is it important, in the system of means for the improvement of the Indians, that some degree of government be introduced? -and what course would be advisable for the attainment of this object?

Ans. Judicious laws for the punishment of vice are indispensably necessary to the welfare of any community of depraved men; and little progress can be made by the Indians in adopting civilized habits, while the defence of property and life rests entirely on personal strength and courage. The establishment of some plain and important laws is desirable, also, as a means of cultivating sentiments of justice and truth, and preparing their minds more rea

dily to understand the terms and illustra tions employed in religious instruction.

Any measures taken for the promotion of the object should be adapted to the peculiar situation of the Indian tribes, as under the guardianship of the United States, and to the character of the existing customs and policy of the particular tribe in view. Where the chiefs possess little or no authority, and any business which is transacted is done in council, recourse should be had to that body, and endeavours used to convince the principal men of the necessity and advantage of some authoritative regulations; and any aid which may be necessary in their formation, should be afforded them. But great caution must be observed in every case, lest we excite suspicion and jealousy.

9. What course should be pursued in order to excite gratitude in the natives for favours conferred; and to prevent the impression upon their minds, that they are laying us under obligation to them by committing their children to our care and instruction?

Ans. A spirit of gratitude for the blessings and privileges proffered by Missiona ries to the heathen can be excited in their hearts only by Divine influence; but in this, as in all the purposes of his grace, God is pleased to make use of means.

Among the most probable means we would include the full, clear, and frequent representation of their present degradation and wretchedness, of the superlative value and appropriateness of the blessings offered them, and of the happy consequences of accepting these blessings; and showing that all that is done for them, and offered to them, is entirely gratuitous, subjecting Missionaries and their patrons and supporters to many sacrifices, self-denials, trials, and labours. To 'obviate the impression entertained so invariably by parents that they confer a favour, and impose an obligation, by committing their children to the care and instruction of Missionaries, we ought cautiously to avoid all appearance of solicitude to obtain children, never using any persuasion, nor holding out any allurements either to parents or children. A simple statement that the school is open, and that all its blessings and privileges are freely offered to such as will receive them, is a course which will, doubtless, in the end, cause the greatest number to be collected, secure their steady and permanent continuance in school, and most promote their improvement. This appears to be the only effectual course to secure any measure of gratitude for the privileges afforded them.

The following sentiments are expressed in the form of resolutions;

Resolved, That, in bringing those natives who are entirely uncivilized, to a knowledge and practice of agricultural pursuits, it is necessary, not only to exhibit before them an example of a well-cultivated and well-managed farm, and to give instruction to such individuals as come to seek it, but also to assist them in forming parmanent settlements;-and that the payment of their annuities partly in cattle and agricultural implements would admirably forward this object.

Resolved, That, in view of the obstacles which are opposed by heathen rulers to the entrance of the gospel into several populous countries of the earth, and the few instances in which Governments second, in a cordial manner, the efforts of the church; and considering the encouragement which we have, from the Divine promise, to hope that rulers and kings will at length submit themselves to the Messiah, and become nursing fathers to the church, it becomes the duty of Christians, and especially Missionaries, to be fervent and assiduous in prayer, that rulers may be disposed to promote the diffusion of truth, and the reformation of the world.

An appropriate discourse was delivered, in the afternoon of Nov. 5, from Acts iii. 12, by the Rev. Mr. Vaill, according to previous appointment. One afternoon was appropriated to an examination of the school, that the brethren from Union and Harmony might have opportunity to witness the improvement of the children in their studies.

The following arrangements were made for the next annual meeting.

Resolved, 1. That our next meeting be at Harmony, on Saturday next before the first sabbath in October.

Resolved, 2. That the family at Dwight be requested to appoint a brother to preach a Missionary sermon at our next meeting; and that the family at Union be requested to appoint a substitute.

Resolved, 3. That brethren Dodge, Vaill, and Finney be a Committee to prepare a Constitution for our Missionary Convention, and present the same at the next meeting.

Resolved, 4. That brethren Pixley, Chapman, and Washburn be appointed to prepare, and present at our next meeting, a communication on the qualifications requisite for Missionaries and Assistant Missionaries among the western Indians.

appointed a committee for this purpose by the Ameri-
can Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
[From the New-York Observer.]

To the Honourable the Senate and House of
Representatives of the United States, in
Congress assembled.!
GENTLEMEN,

At the annual meeting of this Board, at Boston, in September last, the subscribers. were appointed a committee "to prepare and present a memorial to the government of the United States, on the general subject of the civilization and moral improvement of the Indian tribes, within the limits of our national territory; stating summarily, what this Board, and other boards for similar purposes, of different denominations, have done, and are doing, for the benefit of the said Indians; the success of their efforts, hitherto, and the encouraging prospects, as to the future, provided means are furnished adequate to the support of their contemplated operations; and soliciting such pecuniary aid from the government, as, in their wisdom, they shall see fit to grant."

In fulfilment of our commission, we beg leave respectfully to state to your honourable body, that a prominent object of the Board we represent, is to extend the blessings of civilization and Christianity, in all their variety, to the Indian tribes within the limits of the United States. In carrying on this work of benevolence and charity, we are happy to acknowledge, with much gratitude, the aid received from the government, in making and supporting the several establishments made for accomplishing their purpose. The object of the govern ment, and of the Board, is one; and, indeed, is common to the whole community. We trust, therefore, that the measure adopted by our Board will not be deemed an improper interference with the concerns of the government, a thing at which our feelings would revolt; but only as a proper act of co-operation of a portion of the citizens, in effecting a great and interesting national object.

The history of our intercourse with Indians from the first settlement of this country, contains many facts honourable to the character of our ancestors, and of our nation-many, also, too many, which are blots on this character; and which, on reflecting on them, cannot fail to fill us with regret, and with concern, lest the Lord of nations, who holds in his hand the scales of equal and everlasting justice, should in his wrath say to us, "As ye have done unto these Indians so will I requite you." We here allude to the neglect with which these aboriginal tribes have been treated in regard to their civil, moral, and religious improve.