of God in all his dealings with us, and excite us to pour out our hearts in grateful acknowledgments of his loving kindness; and may we be more devoted to the cause in which we are engaged, more anxious to promote the salvation of these perishing mortals, more solicitous for the growth of grace in our own souls, and more desirous of promoting the glory of God, and of knowing nothing among this people but Jesus Christ and him crucified.

State of the School.

Jan. 15.-The diligence and obedience of the children are such as to meet our approbation. There is generally a strife among them who shall execute our commands with the most promptitude and accuracy. Two or three girls prepare breakfast, at an early hour in the morning, for 27 children, while the others are employed in knitting and sewing. The neatness and regularity with which they perform their labours, would do credit to any children of their age.

Phoebe York, the oldest of the girls, in consequence of a weakly constitution, is not so useful in the family as she otherwise would be; still she is willing and disposed to render all the assistance her health will permit. Harriet Woolley, the next oldest, is one of the most faithful and active girls for business we have; but owing to weak eyes, she has not made that proficiency in learning which some of the others have, yet her attainments are by no means discouraging. The girls have not advanced quite so far in their studies as the boys; but, we are happy to say, it is not for want of talents. As we have been deprived of necessary help in the female department, the girls have been very much taken from the school to assist in the labour of the kitchen. Ann Finley Sanford excels in learning; she has made greater progress than any of the other girls. These three, with Aurelia

Whiting, Margaret Milledoler, and Susan Spring, form the first class of girls-they read in the testament, and are committing short catechisms and sacred hymns; the improvement of the four remaining girls is good, considering the time they have been in school.

Jan. 26.-On account of ill health, I was prevented from attending meeting yesterday; it was the first sabbath since moving to this place, that I was obliged to stay at home. As the Indians were expected to assemble, the scholars were permitted to go: George Read accompanying them to read at the meeting a chapter from the word of God. The meeting was well attended. Mr. Johnston, a chief, made the prayers and gave an exhortation.

Sickness of the Chief Warrior.

Jan. 27.-The aged Chief Warrior, having been sick for some time, sent up word that he was worse, and desired that his three grand-children might come home to see him. They were accordingly permitted to go.

Jan. 28.-Visited the old chief and found him quite sick. I had made arrangements for the interpreter to meet me there, but he disappointed me, I could, therefore, converse but little with him-he desired me to pray with him.

Jan. 29. The children mentioned above, returned with their father, who says the old chief is much bet ter. His life is indeed valuable; may the Lord preserve him as a blessing to his people.

Visits to a Sick Woman.

Feb. 4.-Received information yesterday, that an Indian woman at the village was very sick, and not expected to live. Her two brothers in school desired to visit her, and to-day I have been to see her. I found a distressed house. She has a husband and three children, and her mother and sister were present.

She

lay apparently on the borders of the the grave. I conversed with her respecting her soul. She said but little, but expressed an unwillingness to die, and indeed a kind of horror at the thoughts of death. I prayed with her, and she appeared affected and desired me to come again. I conversed with the family on the importance of being prepared for death; they were very solemn, and listened with attention. How my heart was affected with the scene! How wretched, ignorant, and degraded is this people! In what perishing need do they stand of gospel instruction, and the the saving influences of the blessed Spirit!

Sab. Feb. 8.-Attended meeting as usual. One of the chiefs told me that some of the young people were much in the habits of idleness, and a few addicted to drinking, and that some evil consequences had resulted from such conduct; and, as many young people were present, he wished me to read such a chapter and make such remarks as I thought best calculated to warn them of the dan

ger and the evil of such ways, and persuade them to live according to

I

the directions of God's word. again visited the sick woman. While conversing with her about dying and the necessity of a change of heart, a number of the friends of the pagan party came in. This favourable opportunity was improved, by exhorting them to repentance, and to be also ready for the hour of death. The pour woman appeared to be much affected with her, situation, acknowledged she was a sinner and unprepared to die, and said that since my last visit, her thoughts had been continually upon this subject. She wished me to pray that the Lord would have mercy upon her. I endeavoured to lead her mind to Christ, and told her there was mercy for the greatest sinners who repented of their sins, and accepted him as offered in the gospel. She was too weak

Sabbath, Feb. 15.-The Interpreter being sick, the Chiefs desired George Read to perform. Although it was the first time of his interpreting in public, he performed very well, and much to the satisfaction of the Chiefs. They say, they think it is the work of the great Spirit, that he has obtained such a knowledge of the language in so short a time.

Feb. 19.-A young man from Alleghany called a few days since, and requested permission to attend the School. He is still with us, and is very steady and apt to learn. Eight or ten children and Chiefs came up to-day to provide wood for the School.

Sabbath, Feb. 22.-Our meeting today was unusually full, more than sixty persons being present. The Interpreter was again absent.

George Read was requested to take his place: he complied with much diffidence-but performed well.

Feb. 23.-An Indian woman, wife to one of the Indian Chiefs, desired to work in the kitchen long enough to earn a pair of shoes. She has therefore been with us a few days, labouring with cheerfulness and industry.

Feb. 25.-The young men assembled this evening at the School room for singing. Some of the Chiefs accompanied them, and brought another girl to enter the School.

Visit to the Seneca Mission.

March 4.-Having received information, that the Seneca Mission family, were about to be removed by a law of the State, which prohibits white people from living on Indian

land, I thought it my duty to visit that Station. The school and Mission at that place have been very prosperous for a few months past, and the prospects of usefulness great and encouraging. It was melancholy indeed to reflect that so promising a school was about to be broken up, and so many fine children scattered again in the woods. Although the school at Cataraugus is large, and indeed larger than can well be accommodated during the, present state of the buildings, yet we thought it expedient to propose to the Buffalo Chiefs, that their children should be removed to our school. They appeared grateful for the offer, and thought they should accept of it. In view of this it was judged best that most of the family should remove to Cataraugus.

I returned last evening, accompanied by brother Bradley and sister Bishop; and brother Bradley has this day commenced his labours in the school.

Arrival of Seneca Children.

Sabbath, March 7.-Went down to attend meeting; but neither of the Interpreters being present, could only pray with the Indians.-Two children from Seneca arrived last evening.

March 12.-Some Chiefs from Buffalo have arrived to-day, with more children, making already fifteen from Seneca.

Sabbath, March, 14.-Attended a very full meeting to-day at the village. A number of the Pagan party were present. The old Interpreter was able to be brought in a sleigh.-It was truly interesting to see again the aged Chief Warrior, it being the first time he has been able to attend with us on the Sabbath since his sickness. The woman mentioned above as being sick, died and was buried while I was at Buffalo. This being the first opportunity of speaking to the Indians since that time, I thought proper to make the importance of being prepared for death the subject of dis

course, founded on Matthew xxiv. 44. "Therefore be ye also ready." All appeared solemn and attentive.

The Seneca children regularly entered

into the Cataraugus School.

March 17.-A Chief from Buffalo, arrived last evening, with three more children. We have now eighteen scholars from Seneca-13 boys and five girls. The present number in the Cataraugus school is forty-five. This afternoon, the Cataraugus Chiefs assembled at the Mission House, to receive, at the hands of the Buffalo Chiefs, all the children that had been brought from Seneca, and to enter them Our Chiefs regularly in the school. appear much pleased that the Buffalo Chiefs brought their children to this station. Their addresses to the children were very interesting, especially that of the Chief Warrior. He has not been able to visit us before since New-year's day.

Mr. Bradley presented to the Indians.

As most of the Christian party were present, it was thought a proper opportunity to introduce Br. Bradley as an Assistant in the Mission, sent from the good Society at New-York. After Brother Bradley's address, one of the Chiefs replied in an affectionate manner, giving him a cordial welcome, and expressing his gratitude to him for leaving his own friends to come and instruct poor Indians who have lived in pagan darkness, and who, until the good Society took pity on them, were entirely ignorant of those things that are most for their own good.-They rejoiced to see the face of those who are sent to instruct them and their children, and were very thankful for the continued interest manifested for their welfare.— They hoped they should show their gratitude to the Society, and to the Mission family, by a teachable disposition, and a readiness to do what was recommended to them, as far as lay in their power, and by a deter

mination to persevere in Christian ways, until the Great Spirit should take away their bad hearts, and give them new hearts,and their children be prepared for a better world, where all who have the love of God in them, both red men and white, shall be happy together.

March 30.-As the Mission School at Seneca has been broken up, it was thought best that Br. Clark, (who was recently appointed for that station, and had just arrived,) should come to this place, and aid in clearing and cultivating our land. He will of course return to Seneca, if that school should be recommenced. Sister Selden arrived last evening.

Close of the Quarter.

April 1.-According to the established rules of the school, another quarter has closed to-day, and the Cataraugus children have gone to visit

On ac

their friends for a few days. count of the distance, we think it best for the Buffalo children to remain with us. Our school, therefore, continues without any vacation. The improvement of the children, since last examination, is as good as could be expected.

In reviewing the last quarter, we see much cause for humility, on account of our short-comings in duty; and much cause for gratitude to our Heavenly Father, who has thus kindly preserved our lives and healths, and in so great a measure prospered us in our work. We need and we expect the prayers of the friends of Missions, that we may have grace to enable us to be faithful in the discharge of the various and important duties, devolving upon us, and that God may continue to smile upon this Institution, and visit it with the outpourings of his Holy Spirit.

AFRICA.

DEVASTATION OF MISSIONARY STATIONS. In a late number of the London Missionary Chronicle, we find the following melancholy account of

to human appearance, all our hopes (at least for a time,) of recovering ourselves, blasted.

injuries sustained at the Missionary Stations of Bethelsdorf and Theopolis, by a tempest, which occurred in October last, and which spread devastation through the southern part of Africa. The account is

under date of the 11th of October, 1823.

My very dear Sir, I little thought when I wrote to you last, that I should so soon be under the painful necessity of describing to you such a scene of desolation and distress as that which now presents itself before my eyes; and I can truly say, that I never in all my life took up my pen under the influence of such feelings of grief and distraction, as those which now possess me.

Exertions have been made here,and vigorous ones. Under the divine blessing, great things have been affected, yea, wonders, towards the melioration of the temporal circumstances of the Hottentots here: but oh! my dear Sir, how heart-rending it is to behold our late endeavours rendered entirely fruitless, and at present, according

breeze. On Wednesday the wind blew a hurricane from the south-east, and the rain descended in torrents, such as were never witnessed by any of the people of the place, and which continued without intermission till to-day (Thursday) at 12 o'clock, when it began to abate.

On Friday morning, as soon as it was light I looked out, and saw that the river had risen to an amazing height, and had overflowed the ground where we had made bricks for the new village-all which have been swept away.

In the evening about eight o'clock, I was suddenly alarmed by a great crash. I immediately took a candle, to go out and discover the cause; but while I was preparing so to do, Mr. Barker came in with uplifted hands, and a countenance bespeaking the

greatest agitation and distress, exclaimed, "We are all completely ruined!" I asked, "What is the matter? Surely your house has not fallen and hurt any of your family!" He replied, "No: but our schoolour noble school, is destroyed and is completely down to the ground!" I immediately went out, and when I beheld it, I received such a shock as I shall never forget.

I can assure you that never since I have been here had 1 cast my eyes on that building, but it has rejoiced my heart to think of the purpose to which it was devoted, and what facilities it would afford to the rising generation, by the introduction of the British system of teaching, for which it was adapted; and also that it would be used as a commodious place of worship, till the people shall be able to build a church.

The agitation and distress of our own minds, and the fearful apprehensions we entertained for the Mission-house, would not suffer us to retire for rest that night. Reflecting on the circumstances of the people at the Old Village, Mr. Barker and I concluded to go over, though in a midnight rain, to examine the state of things there; which, you will not be surprised to hear, were in a dreadful condition. The reedhouses were drenched through and through with rain, the water streaming through many of them like a river; the night excessively cold, so that one man was with difficulty preserved from being starved to death. The kraal was become such a deep quag, that the cattle were unable to stand in it, and were permitted to ramble where they would, in danger of being stolen by the Caffres, who are now very troublesome in our neighbourhood. When daylight returned, it presented to us additional cause of distress

every house building in the new village was washed down, so that not one brick was left upon another, with the exception of the house which we occupy, and that is much injured. We had about 100,000 bricks made for the village, and all in an unburnt state except one small kiln,-these have all been laid under water and are completely destroyed.

Our present consternation and distressing circumstances you may more easily conceive than I can describe. The people's old houses are all gone to ruin, and the old church is nearly down! What we shall do, the Lord only knows, and it is only in the exercise of faith in the Providence of God, and in the belief of that infinite wisdom, and goodness, and rectitude, which directs all his dispensations towards his church and people-it is only such considerations that can support our minds under present circumstances!

Could you have witnessed the scene

early this morning, when the poor creatures came over to behold the desolation, I am sure you could scarcely have endured the melancholy sight-it was truly a scene of lamentation and mourning-distress was depicted in every countenance, and every eye was filled with tears.

P.S. I have just received information that fifty houses and stores in Graham's Town are completely down, and that Bathurst is nearly destroyed.

The Directors of the London Missionary Society, on receiving this afflictive intelligence from their Missionary Stations in Africa, appropriated 4001. Sterling, for rebuilding the chapel and school-house. They also raised about 1001. by the private subscriptions of the Members of the Board; and "resolved to present the case to the members and friends of the Society throughout the United Kingdom-not doubting that it would excite the sympathy, and procure the prompt assistance of the religious public."

EAST INDIES.

We have much pleasure, says the London Missionary Chronicle, in communicating to our readers the pleasing intelligence contained in the following extracts from a work published monthly, by the brethren at Calcutta.

From the number for May 1823.

CALCUTTA.

Baptism of a Native Convert at Union
Chapel.

ON Sabbath morning, April the 6th, Ramhurree, a Hindoo convert of Kidderpore, solemnly devoted himself to God by the instituted rite of Baptism. Three Brahmins (respecting two of whom we entertain great hopes,) and a Native schoolmaster were present. The services of the morning were peculiarly solemn, and a marked interest was visibly excited in the congregation at large. Our joy on the occasion was, indeed, like the joy of harvest --we felt as the husbandman who, after waiting long for the precious fruits of the earth, sees the first germ of approaching plenty. The simple testimony which this convert bore to the power of the gospel on his heart, in the presence of a large European audience, and before the priests of Hindooism, was interesting in the highest degree. It is gratifying to notice the firmness which he manifested to his profession of the Christian faith previous to his baptism: he bore the brunt of persecution—his countrymen treated him with derision-his friends refused all intercourse with himand his wife, when entreated to secure with him her future happiness, threatened to