the meeting several interesting questions | came under discussion, relating to the best means of promoting civilization and Christianity among the Indian tribes. The result of these deliberations is given in the following answers to the several questions discussed. Question 1. Would it be advisable to endeavor 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 be 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 instruction, nor able, in any measure, to appreciate the privileges offered to them, children, remaining with their parents, are not likely to be essentially benefitted by endeavors 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 lan- || guage 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 honor 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 impres sions, that they commit to memory every week, and recite every Sabbath, portions of scripture and hymns. 4. Should missionaries be deterred from other medium of communication, than an preaching the gospel, though they have no 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 whatever 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 scripture 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 christianization 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 favor of immediate endeavors to communicate 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 endeavor 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 readily to understand the terms and illustrations 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 endeavors 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. this, as in all the purposes of his grace, God is pleased to make use of means. we Among the most probable means 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 shewing 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 labors. To obviate the impression entertained so invariably by parents that they confer a favor, 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 permanent 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 of missionaries, to be fervent and Ans. A spirit of gratitude for the bless- assiduous in prayer, that rulers may be disings and privileges proffered by missiona-posed to promote the diffusion of truth, and ries to the heathen can be excited in their the reformation of the world. hearts only by Divine influence; but in 9. What course should be pursued in order to excite gratitude in the natives for favors 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? An appropriate discourse was delivered, in the afternoon of Nov. 5th, from Acts 3:12, by 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 western Indians. The following brief remarks are subjoined by Mr. Finney. Our hearts have been rejoiced, if not our hands strengthened, by the "interchange of brotherly counsels," which we have experienced in our humble Missionary Association. The utmost harmony of feeling has prevailed, and we trust that the few days we have spent together will result in lasting good to ourselves and to our brethren from other stations. Separated, as we are, from all intercourse with our fathers and brethren in the ministry, we cannot but esteem those as very precious seasons, when we can meet together and deliberate with those who are pursuing the same course. We are in a very dark part of the heathen world; a section of the great field,|| rough, and hard of cultivation. A large share of faith and patience are peculiarly requisite; yet we think that our Heavenly Father is not leaving us altogether without tokens for good. Two instances of very serious inquiry are mentioned, one of them a woman who was apparently the most unlikely to be reached by the influence of the Gospel; and Mr. F. adds,― We feel encouraged, yet would not be too sanguine, lest we be deceived by flat tering appearances, and have to mourn over sinners once awakened, but now turned back to a state of greater hardness and insensibility. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. FROM THE REPORT OF THE PRUDENTIAL During the year ending Aug. 31, 1823, the Treasury has received, in donations and legacies, $53,614:22; and, from other sources, $2,194:72; that is, $55,808:94. The expenditures have been $66,379:75, and have therefore exceeded the receipts by more than $10,500. The expenses of the reinforcement of the missions to the Sandwich Islands and to Palestine were considerable, and may be regarded as in some measure distinct from the ordinary expenses of the Board. Yet it should be well understood by the friends of missions, that new expenses must be often incurred, and that it by no means comports with what the church owes to its Redeemer, and to the souls for whom he died, to rest satisfied with present exertions. The Committee do not attribute the deficiency of receipts compared with the receipts of last year, or with the expenditures of the present, to any diminution of interest in the missionary work. It is rather to be attributed to the want of agents, who should visit our churches and congregations, and awaken attention by pleading the cause of millions perishing for lack of knowledge, and by pressing upon the heart and conscience the command of the ascending Savior. Donations in articles of clothing, provisions, and furniture, and in books and stationary, designated to various missions, or left to the discretion of the Committee, as acknowledged in the Missionary Herald from November 1822, to October 1823, inclusive, are estimated to be worth more than $12,000. Some donations of this sionary stations, (as in the preceding years,) kind have probably been sent to the miswhich have not been acknowledged, because the transmission of them has not been communicated to the Treasurer. The value of these, however, may not more than balance too high an estimate which is occasionally made, respecting those articles which are communicated. By imparting to the missionaries the avails of labor, either in the form of domestic manufactures, or of the fruits of the earth, many persons are enabled to show their attachment to missions more conveniently and effectually, than they could do in any other manner. Sometimes these articles are purchased with money, and committed to the Board for transmission. It is thought proper respectfully to suggest, therefore, that whenever articles are purchased for the missionaries, this business can be more advantag ously done by the Treasurer, than by d nors, who cannot usually know what arti les are most needed. Cause of Missions. Extract of a Sermon reached before the Church Missionary Society, Eng. By Rev. William Jowett. CHRISTIAN brethren, ye who know what it is to have "Christ dwelling in your hearts by faith," what it is to have "Christ in you the hope of glory," tells us, Would you part with that blessed hope for any earthly treasure? Now that you know its value, would you not give the world to secure it? And would you not have others partake, together with you, of this saving knowledge? Would you not give houses full of silver and gold, would you not give worlds, might such a price bring men to the knowledge of the Savior? Consider the fulness of that privilege to which you are exalted, in possessing this pearl of great price: it is to have pardon and peace with God;-it is to have an inward witness of the Spirit in our hearts, that we are the children of God;-it is to gain the mastery of those fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;-it is, by faith, to overcome the world; to feel a holy indifference when it smiles, and inwardly to smile when it frowns;-it is to wrestle with the powers of darkness, without fear, without fainting, and to say, "that wicked one toucheth me not;"-it is, in sickness and sorrow, not to fret and mourn as if without hope; but, as a loving child, to own the rod of a loving Father, most loving, when he chastens; it is, in the agonies of death, never to lose hold of this thought, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" The whole of this privilege cannot be fully enjoyed on earth; our mortal powers cannot conceive it: therefore, "Beloved, it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know, that, when He shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." Oh, let us say, then, to the rich and the poor, to the high and the low, to men of every rite and of every religion,-let us proclaim to all nations and kindreds and people and tongues, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" Our fellow-men are dying faster than our words can fly to reach their ears! Father of mercies, have pity upon them! and strengthen us, thy servants, that we may bear thy message to them of infinite love, and proclaim to them thy salvation! May we not then, my brethren, boldly urge the just plea of this Society, on the members of our church, and on the Christian world? In whose name do we plead? In the name of him, who, "though he was rich, yet, for our sakes, became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich." It is a small matter, surely, that we should ask of you your temporal things. It is nothing unreasonable to say, "Where formerly you gave or collected one talent? now gain ten for Christ; where once you wrote a hundred, take now your bill, and sit down quickly, and write a thousand." But we ask the still greater gift of your prayers: or, rather, we would beseech our Lord himself to pour out his Spirit upon us. "Lord, teach us to pray-to pray always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and to watch thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" especially for all the preachers of God's holy word, "that utterance may be given unto them, that they may open their mouths boldly, to make known the mystery of the Gospel." We Nay, brethren, we ask yet more. ask many of you to give your own selves, and, if not yourselves, your sons and your daughters, to the service of Christ among the heathen. Why stand ye here, in England, all the day? Is it because no man hath hired you? Our missions faint with crying out for assistance; and our constant prayer to the Lord of the harvest is, that he would send forth more laborers into his harvest. Fear not, ye tender fathers and mothers, to part with beloved children! Did you not, in the nursery, teach them to lisp their prayers, and say, "Thy kingdom come?" And did you not tell them, from time to time, some of the numerous facts of the missionary history of our day, which might serve to explain that prayer? You did well. And, now that their souls turn to the missionary life, would you stifle the feeling which you excited, and blast the lovely flower which your own hands reared? Let them go in the name of the Lord; and, if it should even be their lot to die in a foreign clime, and to leave you childless, yet know that your God can give unto you a name better than of sons and daughters, even an everlasting name that shall not be and nations, now to us nameless, unite in || they have pierced!-when the decayed and giving glory to our heavenly Father! Hasten fallen Christian churches shall repair the that time, O Lord! and do thou, O quick- || waste places, the desolations of many genening Spirit, inflame the zeal of thy people! erations!-and when all kindreds of the Blessed consummation! when heathens and earth, through that adorable Redeemer, Mahommedaus shall know the only true who hath purchased the Church with his God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent! own blood, shall ha e access, by one Spirit, -when the Jews shall look on him whom unto the Father! Donations TO THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS, From Jan. 13th, to Feb. 12th inclusive. Alabama, Mr. Craighead, rec. at Brainerd, Char. box in the miss. lib. in sem. by Mr. F. E. Ashby, Ms. mon. con. for Bombay chapel, by Attleborough, Ms. Mr. L. Reed, m. f. for west. miss. Augusta, Me. mon. con. (8 of which for Bombay Baltimore, Md. Fem. benev. so. for Nathaniel Bath, Me. mon. con. for Bombay chapel, Boothbay, Me. mon. con. 14,17; fem. fr. of miss. 3; by Rev. J. Weston, Bradford, Ms. Fem. asso. in Bradford Acad. by Bradford, N. H. mon. con. Brainerd, Cher. na. found in box of clothing, mon. con. for Bombay chapel 2,60; Rev. B. Branford, Ct. Mrs. Gillet, by T. Dwight, Esq. 1 00 16 27 75 5 00 4. 00 3 00 24.00 15 00 120 00 5 00 15 00 20 00 66 00 Castleton, Vt. So. for relig. inquiry, to build a bay chapel,) by Rev. J. R. Arnold, 15; (East Columbia, Ct. friend, by Rev. Dr. Basset, Columbia Village, Ct. Mr. W. Powell, m. f. by Concord, Ms. Fem. mite so. for John White in Constable, N. Y. Dr. S. Wyman, by Rev. N. S. 22 23 34 50 Bridgeport, Ct. mon. con, for native schools, 22,50; Sec. for Sou. Am. miss. by R. Ralston, Esq. 22 00 Buckland, Ms. av. of quince bush, by Mrs. L. Burton and Claridon, O. Indiv. for Bombay * This sum, (a part of which is for the erection of a new building,) was received from the following sources; Amenia, N. Y. (N. par.) contrib. 6; a lady, 1; (S. par.) contrib. 1,65; Bozrah, Ct. Col. Fitch and lady, 2; Branford, Rev. Mr. Gillet 3; Dr. Lay and child, 2,06; Bridgeport, Young la. sew. so. 10; Dr. J. E. Beach, 1; Colchester, Dr. Watrous 5; a friend 2; Cornwall, a lady 50c. Crawford, (Hopewell con.) N. Y. contrib. July 4th 5; Mr. A. Thompson, 5; Rev. J. Van Doren 2; Dover, contrib. 1,80; Mrs. Belden, 50c.; Durham,Ct. a 'ady 50c.; Ellsworth, two indiv. 50c.; East Hartford, a lady 2; Dea. Morris 2; Mrs. L. Morris, 1; Mrs. L. Morris, 1; Mrs. H. Hart, 1; East Windsor, Fem. so. Miss M. B. Tr. 11,64; Guilford, D. Loper, 3; alady 1; Hartford, at an assembly when two Chinese youths were present, 49,75; Dr. Bacon 5; D. Wadsworth, Esq. 5; a gent. and iady 10; Mrs. Trumbull 3; Mr. J. Rogers, 10; Hebron, Fem, benev. so. 10,25; a friend, 5; Lancaster, Pa. Wm. Kirkpatrick, Esq. 5; Lebanon, Ct. W. T. Williams, Esq. 2; a marriage fee, 1; Mansfield, D. and Z. Storrs, 6; a friend, 2; Mr. E. Storrs, 1,25; Mrs. Atwood, 1; Middletown, for Chinese youths, 7; Milford, Mr. J. Martin, 1; Newburgh, N. Y. Mr. L. Halsey, 10; Rev. J. Johnson 2; Miss S. Johnson, 2; New Haven, Ct. Pres. Day, 5 Rev. Dr. Taylor, 5; a lady of Rev. Mr. Merwin's chh 5; Mr. W. K. Townsend, 5; Judge White, 5; Mr. T Atwater, 3; Dr. O. Hotchkiss and son, 3; S. Twining Esq. 3; Rev. T. F. Davies, 3; Mr. J. Brewster, 4; Mr S. Converse, 2; S. J. Hitchcock, Esq. 2; Dea. Burritt 2; Dr. Monson, Jr. 2; Dr. Ives, 2; Mr. E. Sanford, 2: Mr. L. Dunning, 1,50; L. Griswold, 1,50, Capt. T 11 |