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EDITED BY J. T. RUSSELL, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

FEBRUARY 1, 1831.

SELECTIONS FOR THE MONTHLY CONCERT.

[The Missionary Herald for January, || read their Christian books to their pa1831, contains a brief view of the A. B.

C. F. M. and its operations, from which it appears, that the whole number of stations, occupied by that Board, is 50Missionaries 59, Assistant Missionaries male and females 175. The whole number of learners, in the schools, under the direction of these Missionaries, and their assistants, is 47,558.]

rents and friends, who are unable to read gospel, or see its heavenly light, except themselves, and would never know the through the medium of the mission schools;-I say then they would feel that our mission schools are important, and well deserve their patronage and pray

ers.

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From Mr. Winslow's report concerning the schools at Oodooville, in Ceylon, which may serve as a specimen of the Remarks upon the Schools. rest in connection with the Ceylon misMr. Stone thus speaks of the schools the church, at the close of this quarter, sion.-"At the general examination in connected with the Bombay mission, 128 were studying or had finished (more after having spent eleven days in a per- than 70 had finished) our Scripture Hissonal inspection of them.-"I found the schools generally in a flourishing state, tory, 65 the Sermon on the Mount, 100 our large doctrinal catechism, and 50 or and exerting a most salutary influence on 60 the smaller catechism. I found that the minds of the scholars and natives several also had left the schools since the generally in the villages where they are last examination, who had gone through, located. They have already excited a spirit of inquiry among the people, which Christian instruction in them; and others or nearly through, with the course of promises much good. As I went from less forward who are yet able to read a village to village that are enveloped in all little. Thus though the schools do not the darkness of Hindooism, the mission schools appeared like so many lamps classes are constantly presented, and forward much from year to year, new hung out in the moral hemisphere, throw-numbers are yearly sent out from them ing rays of heavenly light on the sur- with the rudiments of the most important, rounding darkness; or like springs of and what may become to them saving living water, breaking out in the desert, knowledge. to renovate and change it into a fruitful garden. I have long considered mission schools for the instruction of the rising generation, as important auxiliaries to the spread of the gospel; but I have never felt their importance so sensibly as on my present tour, in which I have witnessed the impression they are producing in regions where the gospel had scarcely been heard from the voice of a missionary. Could the patrons of these schools take an excursion with me to the schools they support; could they stand in one of them, planted in the heart of a Pagan village, containing from twenty to thirty thousand inhabitants-hear a hundred little immortals reading the word of God, and repeating the ten commandments, and a catechism comprising a summary of Christian doctrines and precepts-hear them chaunt a Christian hymn, and with up raised hands and solemn tone repeat the Lord's prayer-could they follow these children home, and there hear them VOL. IX.-Chr. Adv.

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of the Sandwich Islands, the missionaries Speaking of the learners in the schools say:-"About one half of them are able obliged to spell out their words, when any to read. A great part, however, are thing is put into their hands, which they have not previously studied. Nearly scholars are able to write legibly on a one fourth part of the whole number of slate."

Choctaw Schools. The average number of scholars attending on instruction was 194; 299 are full blooded Choctaws, and 229 mixed; in the schools 177 were males and 101 females; 67 were new scholars; 17 left school with a good common education; 36 read in spelling lessons, 36 in English reading lessons, 63 in the English Testaments, 58 in English Reader; 90 spell, and 245 read in Choctaw only; 126 read in both Choctaw and English; 51 studied arithmetic, 64 geography, 22 grammar, 57 composed in

English, 12 in Choctaw, 11 in Choctaw || sions have been established. To these and English, and 137 wrote.

PREACHING.

This grand means of publishing the Gospel is employed in all the missions, though under various forms, with various degrees of attention on the part of the people, and with various success. One or two passages will be quoted from communications of the missionaries, relating to the performance of this duty.

"Besides our stated services at the chapel, we make our school-rooms little sanctuaries, where we frequently preach to the scholars, their parents and others, who assemble to hear the word of God. We also make daily excursions through this great idolatrous city, to give instructions to those in the bazars, the highways, &c. Sometimes we sit down at the door of a native hut, and tell them the story of Jesus-sometimes converse in a familiar manner with a few individuals by the way-side-now we reason out of the scriptures with a self-righteous and conceited Brahmin, or an angry priest of the false prophet-sometimes proclaim the glad tidings of salvation to companies varying in number from twenty to three hundred, and not unfrequently, do we have as many clustered around us as can hear our voice, some of whom are children,some in middle age, others trembling with age and bending over their staves. Let the power of the gospel be felt by this people, and a missionary, had he strength, might preach to tens of thousands daily. Our duty is plain; having received the ministry of reconciliation from the Lord Jesus, we must fulfil it by testifying the gospel of the grace of God to these Pagans. Wo be to us, if we preach not the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles as we have opportunity from day to day."-Missionaries at Bombay.

countries eighty-five ministers of Christ have been sent by the Board, during the twenty years of its existence. Thirteen of these have died in the service, and fifty-nine are still in the field. There are, also, at the present time, forty-five layassistants, thirty-five unmarried female helpers, and ninety-five married females, wives of the missionaries and assistant missionaries. The whole number of laborers in foreign service, male and female, who have been sent from this country and are now living in connection with the Board, is Two HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR.

Valuable printing establishments have been set up in three of the missions widely remote from each other, and are in active operation. From them have issued more than 35,000,000 of pages, which, with the printing executed at the expense of the Board in other places, swells the number of pages to nearly 37,000,000. The number of copies of different works is not less than 900,000. These have been printed in eleven different languages, three of which had previously been reduced to writing by missionaries of the Board; and the several works were almost all composed, or translated by persons connected with that institution.

In schools, established and superintended by missionaries of the Board, and sustained by funds placed at its disposal, there are more than 47,000 learners, and not less than 70,000 persons either belong to these schools, or have enjoyed their advantages. One-fourth part, if not one-third, of the population of the Sandwich Islands, is now receiving instruction in the mission-schools.

Look, then, at the laborers, at the printing, at the school-instruction, at the whole array of means and influence. It is nothing, indeed, compared with the necessities and claims of the heathen world. It is nothing in comparison of what might have been done, and ought to have been done, by the thousands of churches represented by the Board. In that point of view, every friend of the Lord Jesus, and of the world for which he died, will

"Preaching has been maintained as usual at all the stations, and at most of them the number of hearers has greatly increased. Our congregations on the Sabbath usually consist of from one to four thousand hearers, and are characterized by stillness and strict attention to the exhibition of divine truth. Meetings on other days are well attended. Two large substantial churches have been comple-look on with grief and confusion of face. ted during the past year, one at Hido, and one at Honoruru. At Lahaina a good stone church has been brought forward, and will soon be finished."-Missionaries at the Sandwich Islands.

GENERAL SUMMARY AND REMARKS.

O! HOW MUCH MORE must be attempted, and done, the next twenty years!— Yet there is another point of view, from

This number is less than that stated in the last survey. Yet there has been This brief survey furnishes an answer, no actual diminution of numbers in the in part, to the question, What has been schools. More accurate returns may effected by the Board, during the twenty have been received from the Sandwich years which have elapsed?—In a number Islands. Mr. Bingham states, however, of countries, covered with the deep dark-in a late letter to his friends in England, ness of paganism, or blest with only the that the schools of those favored islands dim twilight of the gospel, Christian mis- contain not less than 45,000 pupils.

to encourage his hopes for the future, in the extensive preparatory influence, which has gone through the community, and which will be likely, through God's grace, to work out more glorious results.

whence we must look with gratitude to | ing and reflecting, he may behold more God. How many thousands of sermons have been preached by these missionaries in the lapse of twenty years. How many thousands of addresses have these pious men and women poured into the ears of benighted wanderers from God. And how many thousands of persons have listened to these sermons and private appeals. And those millions of pagesbeans of spiritual light-into how many dark minds must they have poured their heavenly radiance; and what a multitude of persons must have learned at least some of those great truths, which are able, with the divine blessing, to make men wise unto salvation.

Yet we must not suppose, that even the missionaries can perceive all the influence they exert upon the multitudes around them; much less that they can so describe it that others, in distant countries, can see the whole of it. Much of their influence escapes all human observation; and much of it consists, for a time, in mere modifications of character, rather than in radical changes;-extensive modifications, and therefore important; but slight and therefore not easily perceived; or else so exceedingly gradual, as to be made strongly apparent only by contrasting distant periods. Then it is seen, that the manners of the people have been softened; that their customs have become more humane; that there is less intemperance and contention; that there is more industry and honesty; more regard for right and equity; more order, harmony, and happiness in families. Children in the schools begin to thirst for knowledge. They carry their books, into the domestic circle, and read them to their parents and friends. Mind begins to wake up in villages and neighborhoods. Ideas new and strange, but amazingly important, pass from man to man, till thought is roused, and the moral sense, and conscience.-Now the missionary perceives that he has not been laboring in vain. He is encouraged. He Sows the good seed in hope. He plies all his means with increased faith and diligence. At length he fully gains the understandings and hearts of some, and these are converts to the truth. Now he rejoices over his sheaves, and his patrons at home become apprised of the effects of his labours. They acknowledge, that he no longer labours ineffectually that he begins to succeed.

REPORTS OF MISSIONARES.
NEW YORK.

Revival in Middlebury, N. Y. From Rev. E. S. HUNTER, dated Wyoming, Middlebury, Genese county, December 13th, 1830.

"It affords me pleasure to have it in my power to say to you, that the good work of the Lord which I mentioned in my last as being begun in this place, is now going forward in a very powerful manner. God has "bowed the heavens and come down and the mountains have flowed down at his presence." The wave of salvation is rolling deep and wide, and bearing up on its peaceful bosom the fruits of eternal love to the multitude of souls that were perishing in their sins. This work is almost indiscriminate as to the characters who are the subjects of it. All classes of persons are affected. The aged and the young,-the moralist, and the openly profane. The middle-aged and aged especially, are extensively wrought upon. Men, who have for years been settled in the principles of infidelity are scared from their vain subterfuges and led to seek a refuge from impending wo, beneath the Cross of Christ. Some of the most influential men in town, who but a few weeks since were apparently indifferent and neglectful, if not positively opposed to religion-are now seen upon their knees in the praying circle mingling their hearts and voices at the throne of grace for the salvation of souls around them. In our meetings, which are now every evening in the week, tumult and confusion are unknown. God appears in our midst in the 'still small voice;' but oh! in this very stillness there is a resistless energy before which the hardened sinner is constrained to bow.

"The number that has obtained hopes in the town cannot be definitely stated. I can only say, that it is general and powerful. There is not perhaps a single school district in the town but what has shared, or is sharing, more or less in this blessed work. But as much of the territory of the town is under the influence But, it should be remembered, that of other denominations, I know less as to these few converts are no proper mea- the exact number that has obtained sure of his success. They may be only hopes out of my own congregation, I the first fruits of a great harvest. There only know, that it is great. In my own may be stronger evidences than these of congregation the number of fruits of this success, in the mass of unconverted minds revival is perhaps not far from sixty. around. Over these converts he rejoices Thirty of whom have already connected with a peculiar joy; but, if he be observ-themselves with the church.-Several

more will come forward at the next com- || West Mendon and fifty dollars in Rush

munion.

"There are some particularly striking instances of the power of divine grace in subduing the human heart that have been presented to view in this revival, which I should love to describe and perhaps I may when I write again.

"Immediately after the date of my last, our circumstances required the number of weekly meetings to be increased. Since about that time, I have attended a meeting nearly every day or evening. I preach three discourses upon the Sabbath, three or four lectures in the course of the week, the remainder of the time is employed in visiting and attending conferences and prayer meetings.

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My Bible class which I was in the habit of attending Sabbath morning, at 9 o'clock, has been for a little season suspended, and in its stead has been substituted a prayer meeting for the Sabbath School Teachers. These exercises have been blest. At the hour appointed the superintendent opens the meeting with prayer and singing. The lesson is then read and explained; prayers are offered with special reference to the school, that teachers, and scholars, may be led to a right understanding of God's word, and that the carnal minds of both may be re

newed.

"Since the commencement of these meetings, four teachers and nine scholars have in the estimation of charity become subjects of renewing grace. The Sabbath School cause has strengthened greatly the season past."

From Rev. G. G. SILL, dated, West Men don, N. Y. Dec. 18th 1830.

"The prospects of West Mendon are more encouraging. The congregation has been gradually increasing for the last six months.

"During the quarter there has been one case of hopeful conversion, and some are now inquiring. A meeting for religious conference and prayer has been established and the organization of a church is contemplated as soon as practicable. We now count four male and six female professors of the Presbyterian order in this place. It is a singular fact that when this congregation was commenced, more than two years ago, there was not known to be a male professor of the Presbyterian order in this village of four hundred inhabitants. Previous to that period the Methodists, Chrystians, and Universalists had the sole occupancy of the ground.

"The congregation are now desirous of my services the whole of the time. It will be recollected that my services have been divided between West Mendon and Rush, one hundred and fifty dollars in

being raised for my support. The congregation of West Mendon having gained some strength the last year, now proposes to raise two hundred dollars this year and ask the aid of the Board of Missions to the amount of 100 dollars.

A wedding fee well appropriated. "Now for my apology for not forward-. ing my report before. I made a pledge in my own mind some weeks ago, that I would contribute the next marriage fee which I should receive, to the funds of the Auxiliary in this place. I heard of an intended marriage before the quarter was out, and I delayed my report till it should take place, which was last evening. Five dollars was the fee. I told some of our young men that they must raise a similar sum which being done, raises the funds of the Auxiliary to twenty dollars-So that the delay has turned to your advantage.'

From Rev. JABEZ SPICER, dated Andover, N. Y. Dec. 1, 1830.

A Season of Refreshing. Since my last we have been again visited with a little refreshing from the presence of the Lord, which has made glad the people of God in this region, and awakened in them those expressions of gratitude which evince that they do not despise the day of small things. During the latter part of summer and autumn, the Lord has been pleased to pour out his spirit, and carry on a work of Divine grace in that part of Thornelsville, which lies on the north-east corner of had lived in the place several years, and Andover. A few professors of religion had not been favoured with but two sermons from Clergymen of our order previous to my visiting them: yet I believe they had prayed much for the means of grace and for the blessing of God to accompany them. I have visited them as often as consistent with other duties, going from house to house and attending religious meetings: the distance from Andover Center is about eight or ten miles: numbers attend public worship on the Sabbath at Andover: seven have already united with the church; twelve or fourteen more have expressed a wish to unite, and probably will soon; others are entertaining hopes of a gracious change, some have recently gained evidence of an interest in Christ, and others are still inquiring: which gives evidence that the Lord has not yet taken his spirit from them; and there appears to be an ardent desire breathed out in fervent prayer to God for the continuance of his gracious work.

On examining my journal, I find I have preached one hundred and twenty-two sermons, made some over one hundred

family visits, and rode about five hundred || five more were added-subjects of the and sixty miles. I have thought it pre- gracious work, and three others on letters ferable to have prayer meetings and of recommendation. Have baptized eight religious conferences rather than ser- adults and one infant. mons in times of awakening, in order to habituate young professors to take an active part, that they may be the better prepared to hold religious meetings in their respective neighborhoods when I cannot be with them.

Previous to the revival, the Church

in Scott, (the Presbyterian Church) numbered only eighteen members; twenty three have now been added to that number. This something more than doubles their number, and as several families have thus been added, their strength is also in some measure augmented, and there begins to be some talk of building a house for public worship, and I am rather inclined to believe they will attempt it the coming season.

I have admitted seventeen to the communion of the churches in Andover and Greenwood, Baptised eighteen infants and four adults, administered the sacrament of the Lord's supper four times; have regularly attended four Bible classes, established two temperance societies, and a Sabbath-school in every school The town of Scott has within six district where there was sufficient Pres- months last past undergone a very great byterian influence to warrant success. moral change, and yet in Scott, that is in The Church and Society in Andover are some parts of it, iniquity still aboundsin a very flourishing state, they are going especailly Sabbath breaking. As it reson with their meeting-house well: I have pects the Presbyterian Church we hope received by the hand of Rev. M. Hunter that the revival is not altogether pasta donation of fifty dollars from Rev. Mr. that the Lord has not yet withdrawn the Dwight, of Geneva, for aiding in finish- Holy Spirits' influence from us. It is ing the house, which they are expending thought that the spirit of prayer is rather to good advantage. The Church and reviving amongst professors of religion, Society in Greenword are also in a pros- and that some impenitent sinners are unperous state, it will be more convenient der serious impressions. Prayer and for them to unite with the town of Jasper conference meetings are still kept up and the coming year. I have preached a are interesting, and we still hope to see number of Sabbaths and frequent Lec- numbers more gathered into the Church. tures in the town of Independence. So- For what the Lord has already done, we ciety is flourishing there, and a Church have abundant reason to call upon our will probably be organized soon after the souls and all within us to bless and prsise next meeting of Presbytery, they are his great and holy name-and we have engaged in finishing their meeting-house.great occasion also to be very humble I have also received fifty dollars for them and to abase ourselves before God for our at the hand of the Rev. M. Hunter a unfaithfulness, seeing so many remain imdonation from the Rev. Dr. Janeway, of penitent and unbelieving-probably on Philadelphia; which they have expended account of the unfaithfulness of Christin nails, glass and putty. They are young ians. I need not say to you, dear brother, and feeble, surrounded with enemies who pray-pray for me as your Missionary, are devising every means to hinder their that I may be found faithful to my trust work, and hoping they will not be able-I would feel that souls are committed to finish. If there could be any further to my care. donations made them from Philadelphia, the smallest would be thankfully received and expended to the promotion of the Redeemer's cause. Do procure them some assistance if you can. Their house is 50 by 40, two story, and will be a rich blessing in this wilderness town if it can be completed.

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We have uniformly a conference on Saturday afternoon. I preach twice on Sabbath, attend the Bible class between services, and conference at six o'clock.

The number of hopeful conversions in the town of Scott is about a hundred and twenty-about sixty have united with the Seventh-day Baptists, and between thirty and forty with the First-day Baptists.

In Scott there is a Bible society auxiliary to the county society of Cortland, and I believe that every family in town is furnished with a copy of the Bible.

There is also a Temperance Society in this town consisting of between fifty and one hundred members, and is evidently exerting a very salutary influence.

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