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Providential escape.

3. Last night, as Mr. Chamberlain was at the well, a large dog that has been here some time, and appeared strangely for a few days past, came by him, so near as almost or quite to touch his clothes, went into the hall, and discovered evident marks of madness. Mr. Chamberlain, through the kind Providence of God, escaped. After a short time, the dog howled, and ran. Peculiar gratitude is due to God for this deliverance.

4. The mad dog was this morning killed. We know not what, if any creatures have been bitten by him.

Temporary absence of Mr. Vail.

Brother Vail left us for New Jersey. We should regret his undertaking so long a journey at this season of the year, especially as his labors are so much needed here, were it not that parental duty so evidently requires his absence for a time.

8. Mr. Little from Philadelphia called, on his way to Huntsville. Father Hoyt is still confined to his bed, but is, we trust, recovering. This morning Mr. Little left us to pursue his journey. He seems truly interested in missions. His stay has been short; but his company and conversation have been refreshing to our hearts. On his departure, he expressed his good wishes, and his desires to promote the Redeemer's kingdom among the heathen, by a donation of twenty dollars.

11. Through the kind Providence of God, father Hoyt is so far recovered, as to sleep last night without a watcher. We trust, that, through the Divine blessing on the means used, he will soon be enabled to discharge the important duties of his station.

Visit of Samuel J. Mills and others.

15. Brother Samuel J. Mills and David Brainerd's father, whose English name we learn is Fields, arrived. The latter brought two girls, one of which has not before attended school. Brother Potter also arrived from Creek-Path. He brings favorable tidings concerning the church and people

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19. Brother Parker arrived. He came by water to Nashville, and from thence to Winchester in a hired waggon. At Winchester he left his family, and came here on foot, about 60 miles, for a waggon to convey his family to this place. Although he has found some trouble since he landed at Nashville, yet generally he has been prospered; and we have great cause to rejoice in the goodness of God, in bringing him in safety to the scene of his future labors; and we trust he will be able to do much toward building the house of God in this benighted land.

24. Brother Parker left us to go to his family, having been detained here by rain and high water, a number of days. This evening, through the kindness and mercy of God, our dear father Hoyt was able to be present at our meeting for business, after an absence of four weeks.

Having brought this journal to the close of the year, our limits constrain us to make a pause. In the remaining parts of the journal, which we have received, there are some interesting notices; but we must postpone their insertion:

Mr. Parker arrived, with his family, at Brainerd, on the 8th of January; and left that place for Taloney, where he is to labor, on the 23d.-He brought with him to Brainerd a box of clothing from his neighbors and friends in Ohio, and another from Meadville, Penn., which had been for some time at Nashville. The articles were all safe and in good order.

On the 25th of Jan. twelve boxes of clothing were received at Brainerd, by way of Augusta. They are acknowledged as

coming from the following places: Otsego County, Sangerfield, Turin, E. Hebron, Cooperstown, and Bath, in New York; Benson, Vermont; Danbury and adjacent towns, and Southington, Connecticut; Long Meadow, Massachusetts; and one from place unknown. This is precisely the number of boxes, which was shipped, at different times, by Mr. Sayre at New York, for Savannah; and though the names of some of the towns, do not compare with those in our possession; we have no doubt that the boxes are precisely the In repacking the boxes, and putting the contents of several into one, the bills contained in them are easily mislaid. It may be important to mention, that articles from the following towns in New York, were forwarded in the above mentioned shipments;-Lansingburgh, Paris, Granville, and Bainbridge.

same.

MISSION AMONG THE CHEROKEES OF THE ARKANSAW.

ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR.

A COPY of this Report, which was made out about the close of September, has recently been forwarded to us. As it is the Arst of the kind from this station, and contains a brief view of the mission, we shall give it almost entire.

IN compliance with the directions contained in the Circular from the Department of War, dated Sept. 3, 1819, the undersigned, missionaries under the patronage and direction of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, have the honor to make the following statement.

The establishment, which they have had the pleasure of commencing for the benefit of that division of the Cherokee Indians, which has migrated west of the Mississippi, and settled upon the Arkansaw river, is located about four miles north of the river; two hundred miles above the Arkansaw Post; and about one hundred miles below the present military post at Fort Smith. It is not much short of five hundred miles up the Arkansaw, following the course of the river. The scite selected is on the west side of a creek called Illinois, which is lined, on each bank, with good bottom land. The creek empties into the Arkan

saw from the north, and is navigable for keel-boats as far as our establishment. about one half the year.

The name DWIGHT has been given to this station in affectionate remembrance of the late Timothy Dwight, D. D. President of Yale College, who was a warm and devoted friend to missions, a distinguished and active member of the Board, and the first who died from that body after its incorporation.

After saying, that they spent some time at Brainerd and Elliot, in order to learn the best manner of conducting schools among the Indians; and, in the first instance, went up the Arkansaw without their families, to make preparations for settlement; having been joined at the Arkansaw Post, by Messrs. Hitchcock and Orr; the Report proceeds:

We all arrived in this country in the month of July, 1820. Sickness, however, with which we were all affected, prevented our entering immediately on the work in view, and has greatly retarded our operations since their commencement. The scite selected was a wilderness. The first tree was felled on the 25th of August.' Since that time, we have cleared, and enclosed with a substantial fence, about 20 acres, most of which is improved the present season. We have also erected four cabins of hewed logs for dwelling houses; two of which are 20 feet square, with piaz zas on two sides, and two are 18 feet by 22, with piazzas on one side. A school house, 24 feet by 36, is nearly completed, constructed on the Lancasterian plan, and designed to accommodate 100 children. A considerable part of the work is done for a dining hall and kitchen in one building, 24 feet by 68, with piazzas on both sides, and a cellar under it, 24 by 40 feet. Aside from what has been mentioned, we have built a corn-crib and stable, and have clear-> ed and fenced a garden, yards, &c.

+

The property at present belonging to the establishment, consists principally of stock and farming utensils;-three horses, two yoke of oxen, ten cows and calves, between 30 and 40 head of swine, two wag-, gons, one cart, ploughs, &c.

We have not yet made sufficient progress to enable us to open a school for the instruction of heathen children; but hope" to do so in about two months. The number, which will be admitted to enjoy the privileges of instruction, cannot at present be named, as no limits will be set to the extent of benevolent action, except what is involved in the want of means.

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The plan, upon which the school will be

conducted, is similar to that of the schools at Brainerd and Elliot, with which the Executive is in some measure acquainted, and which has already received its approbation. The plan requires, that all the children taken into the school, be received also into our family, that they may be constantly under our care and direction. By taking them before their habits are formed, placing them in a Christian family, and teaching them, not only the common branches of human learning, but the various kinds of labor on the farm, and in the work-shop; and thereby inuring them to habits of industry, temperance, and sobriety, there will be a foundation laid for their future usefulness, and reason to hope, So far as the influence of such an education extends, that the condition of our aborig ines will be essentially improved. This plan of education, embracing a practical knowledge of agriculture, and such of the arts as are suited to the condition of the Indians, on the part of the boys; and spinning, weaving, sewing, and the various kinds of labor in a well regulated family, on the part of the girls; is that which we design to introduce into the school, about to be commenced. We fully accord with the views of Government, so far as they are known to us, as to the high importance of teaching Indian children to labor; and not only how to do this to good advantage, but also to feel sensible of the necessity and utility of it in their own case; and to prepare their minds gradually to be pleased with industrious habits and active life. But for the accomplishment of the object contemplated, time, perseverance, exertion, and no small expense, will be requisite.

Messrs. Finney and Washburn then state, that in order to make the establishment permanent and highly beneficial, additional buildings must be erected, mechanics brought on the ground, a large plantation cleared and put into a productive form, and great additions made to the stock and farming utensils. Among the buildings, are a saw-mill and grist-mill, which are important not only for the natives, but for diminishing the expenses of the school.

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Dwight, Ark. Ter. Nor. 28, 1821. Dear Sir,

Respecting the mission with which we are connected, nothing of interest can at present be communicated. We occupy

a field, however, which, although hitherto a barren wild, and hard of cultivation, is not to be neglected. The Lord can, and will in his own time, have, even here, a harvest of souls to the praise and glory of his grace. We may see no fruit even to the end of our course; but the assurance that our labor in the Lord shall not be in vain, and that we may be the humble instruments of preparing the way of the Lord in this part of the wilderness, encourages us to labor patiently and perseveringly, and to occupy till he come.

Our missionary trials are spoken of as peculiarly severe; but pain, sickness, and exposure to premature death, are some of the lightest trials of a missionary life, and are nothing compared with what some have experienced who have gone before us, or when viewed in connexion with the heavenly nature of the object we seek. It has often been a question in my own mind, whether missionaries ought to communicate any thing of the kind to the Christian public, lest they appear desirous of self-exaltation. But when we consider the fact, that the missionary enterprise is becoming in some measure popular, and that the number of those who offer themselves as candidates for the sacred service is increasing, there is perceived to be danger, that some will enter the lists, without counting the cost, or with minds unprepared for the rugged course on which they enter. It seems proper, therefore, to present, in some meas ure at least, the dark side of the missionary life, which may operate as a barrier against a hasty, inconsiderate, unhallowed entering upon a work, which requires stability, decision, faith, patience, perseverance, and a holy, enduring zeal,

These remarks are very sensible, and deserve, especially the concluding sentences, the attention of all who think of ap

The actual performance of all this, will require greater means, than we can at present expect, unless the benevolent aid and fostering hand of Government be extended to us. To this we look with humble confi-plying for the holy, but arduous employdence, for at least a part of our resources ment of missionaries among the benighted for carrying on the great and highly important work of civilizing a part at least of our pagans. long neglected aborigines. To this work

Here we take occasion to remark to all,

in this sacred city, I can say, that in one respect it differs from any other place I ever visited:-there is no such thing as being satiated by viewing objects every where presented to the eye. The sight of Smyrna, of Pergamos, of Patmos, awakened the tenderest sensibilities; but the feel

who think of applying for employment among the heathen,that no one should consider himself as having come to an enlightened decision, till, by much reading and reflection, he has ascertained the nature of a missionary life. Reflection, without reading, gives the enterprise a romanticings were in a measure momentary. It is

not so with Jerusalem.

air; and a little of both, has often no better I now go to Mount Calvary,-walk in effect; while the fact always proves to be, the Garden of Gethsemane,―stand upon on trial, that nothing is a more sober realithe heights of Zion,-ascend the Mount of Olives,-drink of the waters of Siloam, ty, than a missionary life. After a little with greater pleasure, than I did on the first while, when the novelty of the situation day of my arrival. Indeed there are so has passed away, the adventurer—for we many subjects presented to the mind, such as the devout anthems of David; the dedcan call him by no better name, who goes icatory prayer of Solomon when he kneelforth without duly counting the cost,ed, and spread out his hands to God, and wakes to a just view of the undertaking. consecrated a temple, which became the He expected many trying things, but not glory of the church, the wonder of the world; the exalted strains of Isaiah, when such as these; many things grievous to the he saw the day of Christ and rejoiced; the flesh and the spirit, but they were of a difzeal, patriotism, and piety of Ezra and Neferent nature. His situation, the work, hemiah when they reared the tabernacle of. the heathen, are all unlike what he had David amid the opposition of a world; and what is infinitely more, the benevolence, conceived and loved, when in his native sufferings, death, resurrection, and ascen-. land. Now arise the pains of disappoint- sion of our divine Redeemer,-that the ment, and the spirit of enterprise is brok-pleasure must be increased upon every ex- .

en. The only sure way of avoiding these evils, is to acquire, by reading and reflection, a just conception of the nature of the work; and to supplicate daily the God of all grace, for large communications of that divine Spirit, which gives strength and inflexibility to benevolent purposes, and raises the soul above the vicissitudes and disappointments of this world. As a motive to seek earnestly this spirit, we assert, without fear of contradiction from those who have made the trial, that he, whose piety is habitually languid, before engaging in a mission, will not probably find, that a change of country, and circumstances, and work, will warm his cold affections, and give him a "holy, enduring zeal."

PALESTINE MISSION.

LETTER FROM MR. PARSONS TO MR. CY-
RUS BYINGTON, DATED JERUSALEM,
MAY 5, 1821.

My dear Brother,

JUST as I left Smyrna, I wrote a hasty letter in reply to yours of August 18th, enough to express my gratitude for the favor, and my wish to stand among the few, who are to receive many of your letters. After a residence of about three months

amination.

But what is rather remarkable, this view of the subject destroys all curiosity to see particular objects venerated by the ignorant multitude. You are here shown the pillar, to which our Savior was bound to be scourg ed; the arch upon which Pilate cried, "Behold the man!" The very door, at which Peter knocked, when the angel led him from the prison; and a thousand other places of great veneration. Now all this is folly, and calculated to disgust enlightened travellers, and give strength to infidelity.

But, that this city was for many ages the great capital of the church of the living God; that it has been honored by the presence of David, of the Prophets, of Gabriel, and of God himself in human flesh: that the Gospel has been preached here with power, and with wonderful success, and a multitude from this city conducted to the heavenly world,—is truth, upon which the mind may rest without the possibility of deception. And this is enough to satisfy the most enlarged and benevolent minds.

You speak of the trials of missionaries." Perhaps now you can speak of them by experience. If so, you have found them, I doubt not, much as we contemplated them, when examining the question relative to missions. It is one thing, however, to make mention of the trials of a missionary, and quite another thing to experience them. We often said, we must languish under a burning sun; wander solitary and forsaken without a smile to cheer, or a

flattered by a few, and loved by none; and have life always given over unto death. These, it is true, are afflictions, but not worthy to be mentioned in comparison with others, which prey more deeply on the heart. To be obliged to be silent when God is dishonored, and souls deceived and destroyed by the craft of men; to be left in doubt what measure to pursue, what course to take, what counsel to give; to be counteracted in every good design by a power which cannot be evaded, and to urge a spiritual religion upon those who have no ears to hear, no eyes to perceive, and yet who know that heaven is secure,is an affliction which makes the heart bleed.

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heart to feel for us; be hated by many,,, had previously written in English, and translated into French. I spent a little time daily in reading the Scriptures in English, Greek, and French, with six children of the Messrs. V., and devoted most of my remaining hours to study. I sold three Greek Testaments for about one third the first cost, gave away four others, and distributed, and left for distribution, 100 Greek tracts of different kinds. I also visited the Greek priests frequently, for the purpose of reading the Scriptures with them. After reading our Savior's discourse to Nicodemus, I asked, "What is regeneration?" The head priest replied, "Baptism," I asked, "Is it water baptism merely, or does it imply also the renovation of the heart by the Holy Spirit?" "It certainly implies the latter," said he. I replied, "Suppose a man has been baptized, but his heart remains unholy, and he has no true faith; can he be saved?" "Certainly not," was the reply. I then entered into conversation to shew the nature and necessity of the renewing influences of the Holy Spirit. To all that I said, he readily assented.

I have never been more sensible of the duty of praying for missionaries, than of late. In my solitary room I often find comfort from this reflection; that I may do good to my brethren who are afar off, even if I can do no good to those who are near. It is a comfort to pray for missionaries by name, and thus employ a day in looking over the Christian world. I think I can say, that my assurance of the conversion of the world to Christ was never so firm as at the present time: and never, surely, were the obstacles and difficulties more affectingly magnified.

My brother, we need not fear, we may dismiss all solicitude,-go forward,-turn not to the right or to the left. God will overturn and overturn, till He, whose right it is, shall take the kingdom.

I trust that your body and soul prosper. If you write to any of our fellow laborers give them Christian salutations. Wide is the field, but the reward is great. My last wish, as I bid you farewell, is, that we may sit together in heavenly places.

LEVI PARSONS.

EXTRACTS OF A LETTER FROM MR. FISK
TO THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

Dear Sir,

Smyrna, Nov. 22, 1821.

I have already given you some account of the village of Sedicui, and a visit which I made to it last winter. I have just returned from a residence of a month there with the families of the Messrs. Vanlenneps. We went out Oct. 20th. The five Sabbaths which I spent there, I preached in French to a congregation of about 20 persons, from the following texts:-"Search the Scriptures." "The law of the Lord is perfect." "When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." "There remaineth, therefore, a rest for the people of God." These were sermons, which I

A little way from Sedicui, there is a spring called "St. John's Fountain," to which the Greeks attribute a kind of miraculous power. The water is slightly impregnated with iron The sick resort to this fountain, taste the water, make the sign of the cross, offer a short prayer, and then tie a small rag to the bushes which surround the spring, and, according to public opinion, depart materially benefitted. Hundreds of rags are hanging on the bushes, having been left there by invalids, who came to be healed. Similar springs are found, it is said, in the neighborhood of many Greek villages.

Smyrna, with its vicinity, continues to be a theatre of the most tragical and bloody scenes. Three or four days ago, a quarrel took place between some Turks, and some Slavonians and Ragusians who are Austrian subjects. A few individuals were killed on both sides. This excited the anger of the Turks generally to the highest pitch of phrenzy, and they wreaked their vengeance on the poor Greeks, shooting and stabbing them in the streets, and even breaking open houses to glut their fury, and gratify their lusts. I have heard the number of assassinations committed in the course of two or three days, variously estimated at from 100 to 300.

Mr. F. states, that firmans had been repeatedly received, ordering all peaceable Greeks to be protected, and that Turks who molested them should be severely punished. The effect of these firmans was usually a short period of tranquillity, which,

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