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©I)c Spirit of missions:

EDITED FOR

THE BOARD OP MISSIONS

OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

I 4 .

PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE.

Vol. XIII. DECEMBER, 1848. No. 12.

MISSIONARY REPORTS.

illaine.

Brunswick — Rev. T. F. Fales.

“ Since my last report I have been almost entirely disqualified for all the public duties of my station by continued ill health. It has, however, been an unspeakable comfort to myself and my people that they have not suffered from such a visitation, as under ordinary circumstances they would have done. The Rev. Professor Goodwin, of Bowdoin College, whose labors for the benefit of this parish, from the first, have been invaluable, kindly and most acceptably officiated in my stead. Our church has been closed only two Sundays during the whole time. I am now better, and trust, by the blessing of God, I may soon resume my wonted labors.

“ I have no matters of especial iuterest to report in reference to the condi- tion and prospects of this station. I trust that before my half-year’s salary in April shall become due, I may be able to state, that we can dispense with a portion, although it must be a very small portion, of the aid which the Board has so long and patiently extended to us. It has not been for want of inclination and effort that something of the kind has not been done already. We can hope in this place for only a very gradual increase of strength, but, at the same time, an influence may be exerted, which will be telling every year upon the interests of the Church at large.”

Concord — Rev. N. E. Marble.

s

“ The prospects of this parish were never so encouraging as at the pre- sent time. The attendance on public worship has increased ; and as this

394

DOMESTIC.

[December,

is a growing place, we may reasonably hope for more additions to our num- ber in due time. But though encouraged by signs of prosperity, we are guarded against too great degree of elevation by the manifold indications around us, that our permanent growth must be slow. Ignorance of the character and claims of our Church, and deep-rooted prejudices, will have to be overcome. But ther£ are cheering signs that these formidable barri- ers to our progress are giving way.

“ This parish will, eventually, well repay whatever is expended upon it, as from its location in the capital, and near the centre of the state, it will exert a commanding influence upon the interests of our Church in this diocese. Our Sunday-school, though small, is well organized, and both teachers and scholars manifest a commendable zeal in its duties and stu- dies. About ninety volumes of well-selected books have recently been added to the Sunday-school library. We have also a small parish library. And your missionary has recently begun to collect a minister’s parish library, which is to be the property of the parish, and for the sole use of the rector.”

Manchester — Rev. J. Kelly.

“ I took charge of this station in June last. In consequence of the pro- longed ill health of my predecessor the church had been closed about four months ; this could not but be detrimental to any parish, but peculiarly so in a place like this, where the people, as a general thing, know nothing of the Church, and where, on account of the changes constantly taking place, (incident to all manufacturing towns,) there is little opportunity for church principles to becom e fixed, producing thereby strong and permanent attach- ment. Still, we have cause for thankfulness, that renewed zeal seems to be manifested, and a disposition to make personal sacrifices for the sake of sustaining and increasing our branch of the Catholic Church. We cannot boast of numbers , yet we feel that the ministry, sacraments and ritual, are quite as important and precious to us as if we numbered thousands.

‘•We have lately made some repairs and improvements in the interior of our house of worship ; adding, we think, not a little to its convenience ahd church-like appearance. The Holy Communion is administered each month, and also on all other occasions for which the Church has appointed ‘ proper prefaces.’ The church is open for Morning Prayer, and usually a sermon preached, on all the * Holy Days’ laid down in the calendar.

‘•We are trying to establish the Sunday-school, which, from the circum- stances above mentioned, had been entirely given up. We have at present seven teachers (including the rector,) and about forty scholars. After their respective lessons they are all, adults as well as children, catechised every Sunday.”

SDdaumr*.

Milford , Cedar Creek , and Georgetown — Rev. J. L. McKim.

“ The report cf this Missionary station must necessarily be so like my former ones, that it v-ill be sufficient to particularize the items I give below. In a field like this, where the soil is not new, and, consequently, ready for the sowing of any seed, but already pre-occupied by systems that have once

1848.]

DOMRSTIC.

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triumphed over and supplanted the Church, there is as much (or rather more) to be effected by suffering as by acting. We have To go through the tedious process of living down the opposition of enemies, and of re- conciling the most obstinate and overbearing prejudices, by showing, as we go along, all possible evidence of the reliability of the Church and her principles. Popular sentiment is against us; and especially the circumstances, that the doctrine, discipline, and worship, which once obtained in this region, have given way, and almost disappeared before an invading sect, has put us in the character of a conquered and despised people. It requires an effort of courage to cheer one another in our holy faith, much more to say to a stranger, ‘ Come with us, and we will do thee good. ’ They look on us as bigoted disciples of an old exploded religion ; and we make no new friends except through slow convictions and the force of actual experience.

“ In the meantime, the young of our congregations are continually liable to be drawn away by the popular feeling to follow the multitude. It is one of our most onerous duties to preserve them from the influence of the machinery employed on all sides to gain them ; to disabuse their minds of a notion that all entertain, more or less deliberately, that though the worship in the Episcopal Church may be very good, yet ‘ religion 3 must be obtained abroad. And it is not an uncommon thing for persons to apply here for confirmation who have qualified themselves (as they suppose) for the ordi- nance, by ‘ getting religion 5 in some Non-Episcopal Meeting.

“ To these causes, if I could add a true description of the lamentable ignorance of the Scriptures — of the most obvious and prominent truths of the New Testament — which prevails outside of the borders of the Church, even among conspicuous professors of religion all around us, you would not be surprised that the truth is so little appreciated, that the Prayer-Book is so reluctantly approved, that the Missionaries’ reports of ‘ communicants added ’ are so meagre from year to year.

“ Then we have our losses by death for another discouragement. But the other day our most excellent warden at Milford, Mr. John R. Draper, departed this life — a blessed gain to him no doubt, but to us a loss that cannot soon be repaired. Through all the adversity of the little church at that place he had stood by it bravely and almost alone. His exemplary character and prudent conduct went far to redeem it from total extinction ; and he had lived to see it rise from the dust, and put on the appearance of prosperity. He is now taken away from us in middle life, and even already we feel sadly the want of a member as active, as zealous, as reliable as he was.

“ And so it is ali around us. Now one, who was by birth a Churchman, now one, who wras such by prejudice — for there are some even of this kind — is removed; and our numbers seem to diminish rather than increase: and latterly our very ministers have left us. My two missionary neighbors of last year are now out of the field, and their stations vacant (I fear) for a long time to come.”

(Georgia.

Atalanta — Rev. J. J. Hunt.

“ Our church at Atalanta was completed in the spring and consecrated on the 28th of May. By the kindness of friends it has been furnished with

396

DOMESTIC.

[December,

books for the desk, lamps, and a little contributed for carpets. The bell promised has been received, and on Saturday last was placed in the belfry, serving to call the congregation together on the next day, Sunday. It is of fine tone (180 lbs. in weight,,) and 1 hope will prove of great advantage in giving notice for our services. Heretofore we have labored under great disadvantage for the want of it. The congregation were very good for three times on that day.

“ A Communion set has been purchased for us by friends, and is now (as I have been advised) on the way from Philadelphia. So you see the enterprize has been favored with at least marks of temporal success, and from this, cannot we hope and trust for the Divine favor on its spiritual interests, evidenced by its slow but sure and permanent advancement 1 ”

Alabama,

Carlowville — F. B. Lee.

“ I have preached occasionally in a neighboring parish at a distance of ten miles; returning by night to hold a service in my own. A visit was also made to a town twenty miles distant, with a view of giving counte- nance and encouragement to a few members of the Church at the place. An excursion is also contemplated to a new neighborhood, in which there are said to be two or three families of Episcopalians. My circumstances, however, and the importance of my charge here, leave me little liberty for travelling about.”

Jacksonville — Rev. D. D. Flower.

“ Since my April report nothing of particular interest has occurred in our parish. The Church is gradually becoming better known, and her services and teachings better appreciated. But, as is always the case in a new country, this is slow; and oftentimes the same thing which in one person would lead to a searching of the Scriptures, whether these things were so, drives another to blind opposition. Such seems to be the case here, but there is hope that better times are reserved for us. The annual excitement caused by the Methodists’ protracted meeting has just subsided. This, for the present time, has caused some little prejudice against the Church because we did not unite with them ; yet I have no reason to fear that this prejudice will be either deep or lasting, but by speaking the truth in love I hope to win souls to Christ.

“I was absent from home in the early part of July, by appointment, to meet my Bishop, when owing to his illness I was detained three weeks (two Sundays) from my parish. The Bishop, however, recovering, I w'as by him admitted to the holy order of priests, on Wednesday, 12th of July; thus enabling us to have the full services of the Church with the holy Eucharist monthly, of which before we were deprived. Since Easter one communi- cant has been added to our number, making six in all.”

Florence — Rev. J. B. T. Smith.

“I entered on my duties here the first Sunday in August, and have officiated regularly at Tuscaloosa and Florence, with the exception of one Sunday, when I was prevented by sickness.

DOMESTIC.

397

1848.'

“ Little of interest can be expected from a station that has been unoccu- pied for eighteen months. Soon after my arrival, several Episcopal families left this place on a visit; and this, together with sickness, which has prevailed to an unusual degree, has subtracted largely from my congre- gations, and rendered them small. An encouraging degree of interest is manifested by the few that have attended ; and as the congregations will soon increase, it is hoped that by the time of the next regular report gratifying information may be sent.”

intelligence.

[ From the. Banner of the Cros.>.]

TV ILL THE CHURCH SUSTAIN HER WESTERN MISSONS?

This is the real question before the Church, and its final decision cannot long be delayed. Let not the members of the Church deceive themselves, nor unwisely refuse to consider in time a disagreeable truth.

The questions are not merely, Shall this or that station, in some field white unto the harvest, be abandoned? Shall the Church’s prayers and praises rise no longer from some hamlet or village in the western wilds? Shall the deep voice of her supplications, and the music of her solemn chants, he heard no more upon the vast prairie, and wake no more the echoes of the mighty hills? Shall this or that missionary be left to starve upon the unfulfilled promises of the Church ? These, though questions of moment, do not include the great and real question now at issue, which is in truth the one ^et forth at the head of this article. In other words, shall the whole domestic branch of the Board of Missions be broken up? This must be the result; and we say deliberately, that it is far better it should be so, than that Body, which the Church has solemnly adopted as part of her- self, should stand before the world as unable to fulfil its engagements and discharge its debts.

We know it to be a fact, that our Missionary Bishops have suffered great inconvenience for want of their stipulated salaries. And we Icnoio cases of Missionaries, who, having held to their post until they have been literally starved out, have at last been obliged to leave the place where they could do no good, because they had lost their credit, for the simple reason, that the Church had given them “nothing to pay.”

These remarks have been occasioned by a stirring letter from the Rt. Rev. Dr. Kemper. Although this letter is written in the hurry and occu- pation of a western visitation, yet as the words of a Bishop, whose zeal and devotion have been shown by his works, and who speaks from actual know- ledge and observation, must have greatest weight, we will quote a portion

i*

DOMESTIC.

398

[December,

of this interesting letter. The justice of the views first expressed, will ap- pear evident to all, and the few facts related speak more powerfully than any words.

“ I observe that the Spirit of Missions proposes a collection on Advent Sunday for the Domestic Committee. May I beg you to urge it upon the attention of all the Clergy and the whole body of the faithful. In my opin- ion, it is a subject of immense importance. I am so incessantly occupied that I cannot arrange my thoughts ; but I will state as they occur, and as 1 have time, a few facts and opinions of which you can make use.

“ I think at the last meeting of the Board of Missions it was recom- mended to the Domestic Committee to pay the Missionaries hereafter at the end of every quarter. I wish the Church would urge this, and insist upon this as a matter of vast concern. I have proposed to the Domestic Com- mittee to do it hereafter from 1st January, even if they have to borrow thousands of dollars. A debt incurred, by paying the Missionaries punc- tually, what has been solemnly pledged to them, in the name of the Church, would rouse the feelings, and zeal, and generosity of Churchmen, if anything can do it.

I do not think that the interest of Churchmen in the broad subject of Missions has lessened, but it has of late been nearly absorbed by Diocesan and Foreign Missions, while we in the west, in the midst of our labors, so important, so promising, are almost left to perish. This almost abandon- ment of the west has in a good measure arisen from ignorance, prejudice, or calumny. The great body of the Missionaries are, and have been, sound divines, and practical, pious and useful men. Of course, at times, some who were unworthy, or could not succeed at the East, have found their way to our new country, and the folly of a few has been visited upon all; while the vast majority, amidst unnumbered trials and privations, have per- severed in laying a foundation which cannot be moved.

“ For two or three years past, the delay in making remittances to the

clergy has been most painful and injurious. The Rev. Mr. came to

Wisconsin with a large family and a few hundred dollars. He purchased some land and paid for it in part, promising the other payments semi- annually as his Missionary salary was sent him. Month after month elapsed, and no remittance arrived from New-York. He must then either lose his land, which was becoming valuable, or borrow money to meet his payments at 12 per cent. His parish gave him but little, for they were building a church, and he was too modest to complain. For a time he preached at three stations, one of which was fourteen miles off, and the other eight, and to both of which he walked. He and his sister taught school, and he and his little boys at odd hours cultivated the land to some extent. By the strictest economy in his family (in which there has been much sickness) he has thus far saved his land — but it has been amidst anxiety and debt.

DOMESTIC.

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1848.]

“ The Rev. Mr. lately wrote me that he left the service of the

Domestic Committee, because he could not receive his Missionary salary. I found Logansport in Indiana vacant, as it generally has been for years

past. The Rev. Mr. has been there for ten months without receiving

one cent from the Domestic Committee. Having a family to support, he readily embraced an opportunity to return to Ohio, where he would be relieved from his difficulties. And yet he was beloved by his parish, and they mourned his departure. One of our best and truest men, the Rev.

Mr. , has a little parish at Mishawaka. The members are warmly

attached to him, but they are few in number, and have a heavy debt on the church hanging over them. Every /thing around his little establishment was neat and respectable — while the garden and the chicken-house have supplied him and his excellent wife (they have no children) with the greater part of their food ; but the rent was to be paid quarterly, and he depended upon his Missionary salary, and twelve months had elapsed the day I was with him — and for those twelve months he had not received one cent from New-York. I said a few days since to the Rev. S. L. Johnson of Indianapolis, that his Missionary salary would be reduced. He replied that he did not know how he could bear it — but added, on reflection, that he would give it up from this time, provided all now due to him was paid without delay. These are a few of the best cases, and do they not prove that the gifts of the Church, solemnly pledged, but delayed month after month, to the mortification, anguish and distress of the Missionaries, pro- duce as much evil as good ? He who should set an example in all things, and who is a representative of the Church — cannot pay his debts — violates his word — and suffers in every respect — because the Church forfeits her word to him ! ”

To this, the Bishop adds a word of encouragement. “Of our success and prosperity something can be said, of a most encouraging nature. Wisconsin, the youngest Diocese, exceeds in the number of her clergy and communicants twelve or fourteen other Dioceses. And Indiana, with more than twenty parishes, shows what can be done, with the blessing of God, in a country where, thirteen years ago, the Church was unknown.”

The question then is, not whether the Church is to grow and extend in the West. It has been planted there, and neither the active hostility, nor the passive neglect of man may stop the work which is of God. The question is, whether the Church at large, and we especially in the East, are to have a share in this great and blessed work 1 If not, we must blot from our Prayer Book the 105th Hymn, that the concluding verse may no longer testify against us.

*• Saviour, we own this debt of love :

O shed Thy Spirit from above,

To move each Christian breast;

Till heralds shall Thy truth proclaim,

And temples rise to fix Thy name,

Through all our desert West.”

DOMESTIC.

400

[ December,

The following notice calls upon the Church to give an immediate answer to the question proposed in the beginning of this article.

COLLECTION ON ADVENT SUNDAY, FOR DOMESTIC MISSIONS.

To the Bishops , Clergy and Laity , of the Protestant Episcopal Church :

It will be remembered, that the Board of Missions, at its Triennial Meeting, recommended a collection to be made on Advent Sunday last, in aid of Domestic Missions.

This was generally adopted, greatly to the relief of the Missionaries. In some portions of the country, however, the collection was riot made, because the season appointed had passed before notice thereof could be given. As usual, during the past summer, but little has been received into the Treasury, and the Missionaries remain unpaid.

In view of the many advantages to be derived from a systematic plan of contribution throughout the churches, and especially of the great importance to the Missionaries, that they should receive their arrears before the setting in of winter, the Domestic Committee respectfully request your attention to the subject; and ask that on Advent Sunday, the third of December next, or on some other day near that time, a collection or contribution may be made for this object, and as soon thereafter as practicable be remitted to the Treasurer of Domestic Missions.

In behalf of the Committee,

Charles H. Halsey,

Secretary and General Agent.

CALIFORNIA.

We can serve the cause here presented in no better way than by laying this document before our readers.

Rev. and Dear Brother in the Lord :

A new territory has been added to these United States, and thus a new and wide field opened to the blessed influence of our branch of the Church of Christ. Upper California, with unparalleled climate, soil and native riches, draws hundreds of our countrymen. More than twelve thousand Americans are already there. It is estimated on reliable authority, that, next spring, many thousands will cross the Rocky Mountains, to seek a home in Cali- fornia. The town of San Francisco, increasing with unprecedented ra- pidity, and evidently destined to be a central point of A.merican enterprise, has actually a population of more than two thousand Americans. The im- portance of establishing a Mission at San Francisco, has been considered by the Domestic Committee of Missions. Having been appointed to that station, and leaving in December, I hope, with God’s favor, to be in Feb- ruary next on the field of labor, to which I intend to devote my life.

1848.]

DOMESTIC.

401

The Mission at San Francisco seems, in more than one respect, to have a peculiar claim on the attention and co-operation of the American Church" men. I abstain from mentioning the expenses of so distant a journey. I would only lay before my Reverend Brethren the importance of going there, with part, at least, of the funds necessary to build a Church, wherein to preach the Word, and to administer the Sacraments ; to establish a School, wherein to assemble the children of the hardy pioneer. Not, that the people of San Francisco will be backward in doing their part ; the ap- pended note gives proof to the contrary. But let the warm-hearted and generous Churchman, enjoying the privileges of civilization, send them a token of brotherly love and communion. Let not the Missionary come with empty hands. Let him be encouraged in the arduous task before him. Let him bring to the shores of the Pacific, the visible proof, that the Churchmen on the borders of the Atlantic sympathize with their brethren in the common Faith.

Wherefore, Reverend and Dear Brother in the Lord, I humbly request your co-operation in this work, by directing the attention of your congre- gation to it, by reading this letter, or, better yet, by preaching a sermon, to impress them with the importance of the subject, and by receiving such contributions as your parishioners will give, as a “ free-will offering to the Lord,” and forwarding the same to the Domestic Committee of Missions at New-York, to be appropriated to the purposes herein contemplated.

In the bonds of Christian love,

Your Servant and Brother,

John L. Ver Mehr, Ph. D., LL. D., Missionary to San Franciscoy California.

Philadelphia, Oct. 2 6th, 1848.

The undersigned cheerfully commends the above to the favorable notice of his brethren. Alonzo Potter,

Bishop of the Frot. Epis. Church in> Pennsylvania.

The undersigned, residents of, or about removing to California, fully aware of the importance of establishing the Church in San Francisco, will contribute towards the erection of a Church there; and hope that the call upon the Church, made by the Rev, Dr. Ver Mehr, who has their entire con- fidence and warm support, may be abundantly responded to.

B. Riley, Brig. Gen. U. S. Army.

Alex. V. Fraser, Capt. U. S. R. S.

G. C. Westcott, Bit. Capt. U. S. Army.

J. W. Revere, Lieut. U. S. Navy.

George A. Ward.

Frank Ward.

John G. Christie.

Rodman M. Price, Purser U. S. Navy.

402

DOMESTIC.

[December,

DOMESTIC MISSIONS.— ADVENT COLLECTION.

It is impossible to overrate the present importance of our Western Mis- sions.— Never was there such need of doing what we do with our might. Nations are springing into being there in a day. They are now plastic, and ready to be moulded as the heart of the Church may will. If we wait, they become barbarized and indifferent to the faith and life of the Gospel. Our operations are on a narrow scale. They ought to be vastly increased. If we had ten laborers in the field where we have one, it would be too little for the harvest ; it would be far too little for the wealth which belongs to the Church, and ought to be consecrated to the cause of Christ. And yet this Advent Collection, which is about to be made, is needed to pay up arrears! To keep us from breaking our engagements with the few Missionaries we have in the field ! If we were ever permitted to appeal to the patriotism of our people, we would tell them, that in no way can they more effectually se- cure the stability and grandeur of the great American Republic, than by planting the living law of Christianity in its farthest bounds. Only let it be made and kept a Christian nation, and we have no fears for its future destiny. But we would urge all who have been baptized into Christ to manifest their love and loyalty to their heavenly King, by consecrating freely their earthly substance to the glory and extension of the divine Kingdom. Our forefathers freely offered up both their fortunes and their lives for the establishment of the earthly Republic : shall we not give freely of our sub- stance for the building up of the Divine Commonwealth, in which we are fellow-citizens with the Saints?

The Advent collection will, we trust, show that we have all studied, no how little we could satisfy our consciences with, but how much we can take from our luxuries /and even our wants, to give to the cause of Christ and His Church. — [Calendar.)

Collection on Advent Sunday for Domestic Missions. — We notice that in one or two Dioceses it has been recommended to make a collection on Advent Sunday for their own objects.

We trust that our request for a collection will not interfere with any Diocesan arrangement, and that by convenient adjustment of the time, as near Advent Sunday as practicable , every Parish may be enabled to make us a remittance.

secretary and general agent.

The Domestic Committee give notice, that the Rev. C. H. Halsey has consented to withdraw his resignation, tendered at the time of accepting the Rectorship of Christ Church, New-York ; and relinquishing one-half of his salary, will continue to discharge the duties of Secretary and General Agent until the next meeting of the Board of Missions.

DOMESTIC.

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1848.]

Funds. — The present number gives the last opportunity for this year, to appeal to the Churches in behalf of the Missionaries.

Like almost every year before it, this has been one of continual solicitude on their account.

The Treasurer, with the generous assistance of two friends of Missions, has at last sent to all the Missionaries their salary due on 1st April, 1>48. The money thus advanced, must be returned out of the Advent Collection-

The Board of Missions has recommended that they should receive pay- ments quarterly — yet the Church is actually indebted to them for more than a half year’s salary. It is impossible for the Committee to carry out the re- commendation of the Board without funds ; and now we speak with deep earnestness in their behalf, when we say, that it is of the utmost importance to the Missionaries , that they should receive their salaries as speedily as pos- sible. Surely the Church will not require that, in addition to the great delay of payment, their privations consequent shall again be published to the world, before they can be relieved ? A slight effort on the part of their clerical brethren can impart joy and gladness to hearts now oppressed with great anxiety respecting the future, — to say nothing of the past.

Appointments : — The Rev. J. L. H. Ver Mehr, Ph. D.t LL.D., to San Francisco, California. From November 1st, 1848.

The Rev. W. M. Steel, to Tipton, Randolph and Somerville, Tenn. From October 1st, 1848. P. O., Beaver Dam Forks, Tipton Co.

THE SPIRIT OF MISSIONS.

To the Clergy of the Churchy and the Subscribers to the Spirit of Missions :

The undersigned thankfully acknowledges the valuable aid of many of the Clergy in different parts of the country, in procuring and transmitting sub- scriptions to this publication.

Twelve hundred copies of this work are distributed without charge, (chiefly among the Clergy.) To sustain this distribution, and to recover the cost of the whole edition, reliance is had upon the paying Subscribers; but a large amount of subscriptions remains unpaid. The publication now stands in need of all its dues, and of additions to the list of Subscribers, to prevent its becoming a burden to the Treasuries of the Board of Missions.

Should these dues be paid up, and should each Clergyman who receives

404

DOMESTIC.

[December,

the work send back but a single new name with one year’s subscription, not only would the threatened demand upon the Treasuries be prevented, but with the greater diffusion of information, a greater interest in the work of Missions would be awakened, and this publication would actually be enabled to pay into ike Treasuries jive hundred dollars, instead of becoming a burden to them. Is anything more than this statement requisite to induce the Clergy generally to take this matter in hand? — to induce those who are indebted to the Spirit of Missions, to pay up the amount of their arrearages without delay?

Remittances may at all times be made to the Publisher, by mail : but should the Subscriber reside in one of the places where there is an agent, (see list on second page of cover) he would do well to make payment to him.

Daniel Dana, Jr.,

Publisher, &c.

Qlckiicrolebgments.

DOMESTIC MISSIONS.

The Treasurer of the Domestic Committee, ac- knowledges the receipt of the following sums from October 15, to November 15, 1848.

MASSACHUSETTS.

Ashfield— St. John’s 1 00

Boston — St. Paul’s 12 50

Church of tlie Messiah 3 00

Cambridge — Christ Ch 39 50

Marblehead — St. Michael’s *5.... 5 23

Ne wton Lower Falls — St. Mary’s 10 00

Salem— St. Peter’s.... f 53 78 125 01

CONNECTICUT.

Monroe — Rev. J. H. Betts 2 50

New- Haven — Trinity 100 00

Newtown — Legacy of the late Mrs. R.

Glover. V. .. 25 00

Watertown — Christ Ch 20 00 147 50

NEW- YORK.

Goshen — St. James’s, for 111 45 00

New- York — St. Mark’s, C. Carville,

Esq. i 5 00

Ulster — Trinity Ch. 2 00 52 00

NEW-JERSEY.

Newark — Trinity 25 72

New- Brunswick — Christ Ch 10 00 35 72

PENNSYLVANIA.

Butler — St. Peter’s 4 50

Leacock — Christ Ch • 3 00

New-London, X Roads — St John’s, LI 04

Pottstown — Ch l ist Ch 18 00

Reading — Christ Ch., Mo. Miss. Coll.

for San Francisco 30 00 56 54

DELAWARE.

Newcastle — Emmanuel 30 00

Wilmington— St. Andrew’s 55 87

Triuity 22 90 108 77

MARYLAND.

From “Charles,” through the Editors

of the Epis. Recorder 20 00

VIRGINIA.

Portsmouth — Trinity Ch 20 00

NORTH CAROLINA.

Raleigh — Hon. D. Cameron 50 00

SOUTH CAROLINA.

Charleston — St. Philips, for Bishop

Kemper’s jurisdiction 32 00

Do. for Bishop Freeman’s... .32 00

Do. for Jews 5 00

Mo. Miss. Lee., Oct. and Nov. 6 30

Do. for Indiana 50

Edgeville — Trinity Ch 10 00

Pendleton — Summer off’gs. ofafami-

ly of children.., 5 00 90 80

GEORGIA.

Macon— Christ Ch. £ 10 00

FLORIDA.

Key West — St. Paul’s *5 00

ALABAMA.

Carlo wville 11 70

Dallas Co. — St. David’s 5 31 17 01

ILLINOIS.

Joliet and Lochport 10 00

Lancaster — M. L. Marsh, £ 5 00 15 00

ARKANSAS.

Fort Smith — All Saints 30 00

Fan Buren — Trinity 2 00 32 00

MISCELLANEOUS.

A Friend to Missions, post-mark Cam- bridge, ^ 2 50

A Lady, per the Secretary 2 50

Legacy of the late E. Hallam, Esq.,

New-London, Ct , £ 696 12 701 12

Total $1,486 47

(Total since June 15, 1848, $5,493 56.)

1848.]

FOREIGN

405

FOREIGN,

MISSIONARY CORRESPONDENCE.

Constantinople.

REPORT OF RT. REV. HORATIO SOUTHGATE, D. D. ( Continued .)

May 1 5th. — Communicated to the Greek Patriarch my thanks and con- gratulations on occasion of the successful issue of his opposition to the religious propagandism of the Papal Envoy. Tine mission of the Envoy, as I have mentioned, soon took a religious turn ; and at length there ap- peared, under cover of his popularity as Ambassador from the Pope, a letter from the latter, addressed to all the Oriental Christians, inviting them into 44 the fold of the Catholic Church,” and telling them plainly that they were now out of it, on account of their separation from Rome. This letter was translated into the different Oriental languages, and distributed in large numbers. Copies were sent to the Patriarchs, Bishops, and other clergy, and left at the churches. The Armenians received it very meekly after their manner. Some were pleased with the compliments which it con- tained upon Eastern Christianity of olden times ; some laughed at it ; some were indifferent; but most seemed to take it with that quiet spirit which marks the nation. I have often remarked, that the Armenians set less apparent value upon their membership in the Church Catholic, than any other Eastern Christians, and therefore are more easily drawn away from their Church. There is, too, a very unhappy spirit of discord among the Armenians, — a want of fraternal feeling among themselves, — which is most unfavorable to their unity as a Church or a nation. The Greeks, on the contrary, are a solid, compact mass. They stand together shoulder to shoulder, like brothers; and, therefore, with some slight exceptions of proselytism, which were effected at the times of the Crusaders, when Rome was in her glory, they have suffered little from schism.

Among them the Pope’s letter was received with an universal burst of indignation, and it was soon apparent that serious consequences must follow. The Patriarch, a thorough Greek in his church feelings, represented the matter and the whole object of the Envoy’s visit to the Porte and the Sultan in such a light, that the Envoy was compelled to leave, not only with haste, but with far less of eclat than had marked his arrival. 7'he event has been of great importance. It has been disastrous to the Papal prospects in the East, and it will be long before the Greeks will recover from the sense of insult which the Pope’s letter excited. It is owing mainly to the firm stand of the Greek Patriarch that so happy an issue has been attained, and I conceived it to be becoming that a representative of another branch of the Catholic Church should present his thanks for the effort and his con- gratulations for the result. My communication was received with great

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cordiality by the Patriarch, who gave me various details of his labors in this common cause.

May \lth. — Met a Roman Catholic priest at the house of a friend. We had some talk upon the present state of things at Rome. He said that the Pope had a good head, but was surrounded with difficulties, and ppposed by many of the higher ecclesiastics. He seemed to think that he was doing a good work by his political reforms, but he spoke of no others as contem- plated or likely to follow.

May 23 d. — Received tidings from Mossoul. Kas M. writes more parti- cularly of the nature of his occupation in the school. He acts as rector, gives lessons himself, and assists the other teachers, of whom there are two. He expresses his intention of going again to the mountains after the Feast of the Ascension, and desires to employ as permanent teacher there, one who is in the same ecclesiastical position with himself, and who has been repeatedly recommended to me as a priest of reformed views and of a pious character. He mentions also his desire of going once every three months to the mountains, for the purpose of preaching among the villages and teaching from house to house. He says that the people made a special request to him to do so.

Mutran Behman writes details concerning the school, the same in sub- stance as have been already reported. He appeals very earnestly for fur- ther aid in carrying out his plans. I have arranged that everything of this nature should be through Kas Michael and administered under his direc- tion, as he is our recognized agent there.

June Sth. — Received a new student — the third. I hardly know how to provide for so many in the present irregularity and uncertainty of my receipts; but the case seemed so strong a one that I could not well refuse. Others I have declined without hesitation for the present, but Paul, the new student, knowing English already, and having been trained thus far chiefly by our benefactions, and being withal a person of very superior abilities, I could not hesitate to take him.

I will say a word here of the course pursued by me with my students. They go to their own Church in the morning; afterwards they hear from me an exposition of some part of Scripture, and attend Mission prayers. They also have religious lessons twice a week. My object — my constant object, with them — is to make them, with God’s blessing, good Christians and good Churchmen. They attend to their ordinary studies during the day, hut they are constantly under my eye, and I endeavor, hour by hour, rising up and sitting down, at table and in our walks, to inculcate those principles and precepts which I wish to make the basis of their character. My only design is to fit them for usefulness among their own people. For this purpose 1 give them my personal attention and care, hoping that they may thereby become more efficient instruments of good. I have declined receiving many who have applied for admission. I wish to be particular in the choice of students, as I can have but few, and to train only such as may be suited to my purpose. For this reason, I may dismiss one.that I have, who, although of good disposition, desirous to learn, and ready always to receive religious instruction, is not of that intellectual grade that I can expect much of hicrh and influential effort from him for his nation’s good. The other who has been with me, is all that I could wish, both in his ardor for learn- ing, his ability to learn, and his moral dispositions. I expect much from him, if I am permitted to finish his training. One or two even, of such men, will be inestimable blessings; but my plan is gradually to enlarge

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the number as the Church enables me to do so, until I reach the point to which my own ability extends. In this way, we may hope to see one after another go forth into the heart of his nation, to work there for greater results than any direct effort of a foreigner, however well qualified for his task can hope to secure. They are all entirely dependent upon me for support which is not an evil, but rather a good, since they are thus more completely under my direction and authority.

June iist. — Received letters from Mossoul Kas Michael reports farther upon his excursion to the mountains. He says there are twenty large villages of the people to whom he referred, and ten priests: that he started three schools ; that all the people wherever he went, wished him to take them under his care ; that he visited only a part of the villages on account of the severe cold and snow on the mountains at the time; that he intends, in his next, to visit the n at large, leaving his family in Mossoul until he learns whether he is to be permanently located in the mountains; that it is a good field and promises much ; that it will require an increased expendi- ture above my present appropriation to that department. He also asks a supply of paper for books for the schools, which he proposes to translate from Arabic.

June 29 tli. — Calling in the city to see an old friend, a Greek Bishop, I was surprised to find that he had died. He wa& one with whom for years I had been on terms of intimate intercourse, and with whom I had had many long and interesting discussions on religious thing3. He was a man of pure views, of a remarkably liberal and Catholic disposition, and one from whom one could differ without danger, of breaking “ the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

In his place I found a priest who had lately arrived from the interior, and expected to be consecrated soon by the Archbishop of Constantinople, the Greek Patriarch. I introduced myself, and sat with him an hour, talking on religious matters. He was evidently puzzled to find my ecclesiastical position. He had never heard of any Chiistians in the West but “Papists ” and “ Luthero-Calvinists,” to neither of which I professed to belong 1 gave him some account of my Church, with which he was well pleased, excepting (he asked particularly on this point) the Double Procession of the Holy Ghost. For the hundredth time, perhaps, I bad to state and defend our position on this point, giving the Orientals, as I uniformly do, the credit of having retained the original language of the Creed. He was not satisfied; he had never heard of any but Papists who held the Double Procession, and it was with some difficulty that I convinced him that 1 was not one. We then got on more smoothly, and had a long and animated discussion on many matters, doctrinal and practical.

He drew forth a pamphlet which I was pleased to see — an Answer to the Pope’s “ Letter to the Orientals” — which had just been issued by the Greek Patriarch and Synod, signed also by the Patriarchs of Antioch, Alexandria, and Jerusalem — a document, in fine, bearing the impress of the whole Greek Church. He read from it large portions in which the Papal claims were strongly disputed, and, for my particular benefit, gave me an extract bearing very hard upon the Double Procession, caliing it in downright terms a “ heresy.” I had something to say in reply, and we parted very good friends, notwithstanding our differences, upon which, I hope, he got some light which he had not before.

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Qifricrt.

EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL OF REV. J, PAYNE.

April 2d , 1848. — 1 had little expectation of any congregation to-day, after the tidings brought to our people last night. It was reported and confidently believed, that during the night or early this morning, a com- bined attack would be made upon these towns by the River Cavalta, Grah- way and Cape Palmas people, at four different points. As I made my usual visit through the town yesterday, 1 found thp people everywhere fix- ing their guns, breaking up pieces ofiron and brass for shot, and sitting in groups, with care written on every countenance, as if expecting a despe- rate encounter. Desperate indeed it must have proved, if, as reported, they had been attacked by one-half of the Grebo tribe at once. Happily, how- ever, the night passed away, the Sunday dawned peacefully and brightly as it ever did in a Christian land — no enemy making his appearance. I met our Mission family for prayer, as usual, at half-past six o’clock, A. M., a congregation of 200 people at ten, administered the Lord’s Supper to twenty five professing Christians at half-past two o’clock, P. M., and held the usual evening service, including lecture in English, at seven — thus con- cluding the public services of as delightful a Sunday as I have passed in Africa. “ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine ene- mies.” Laus Deo !

The seriousness inspired by the momentary expectation of the enemy, contrasted strongly with the noise and bustle common amongst the hea- then in less dangerous circumstances. And as they sat before me in the chapel with guns in hand and in fall war dress, with monkeys’ and tigers’ skins and greegees dangling about them, and painted twice as black as natural, ready to sally out to battle at a moment’s warning, I could but hope that there must be some reverence for God’s word, and his day, too, to bring and keep them together under such circumstances.

Mondap, April 3d. — Satisfactory information was brought to-day show- ing that the report of the Cape Palmas people’s intention to take part in the contemplated attack on this place was false. The Grahwayans, how- ever, really did design it, and actually slept in the woods near Cavalla on Saturday night, with a view of making an attack early next morning. Strange to say, aft^r proceeding thus far, the greater part concluded that there was no just cause for the course which had been decided upon, and all in consequence returned home. The River people, who, it appears, waited for a signal from the Grahway side, before making their appearance, finding that they were left alone, likewise retired. Thus has our God again caused a black cloud to roll away from us.

Sunday, April \)th. — Our congregation this morning numbered about 159. The people of this place had, without recollecting that the Sunday was so hear, determined to sleep near Wotteh, on Saturday, with a view to attacking it next morning. They, however, readily desisted on being informed that the Sunday would thus be desecrated. The fact that this has been done before, is very gratifying, showing, as it does, that the peo- ple here have some regard for God’s holy day.

Tuesday , April l \ th. — This has been another memorable day for Ca- valla. It had been determined again by the people here to make an at- tack on the River towns. They had, however, ascertained that the Grah- way people, while professing not to take part in the war, were really

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only waiting to see them engaged with the River people, when they design- ed coming up on the other side. In order to be perfectly satisfied on this point, before leaving home the following plan was adopted. At day-break this morning, by previous concert, guns were fired in all the Ca- valla towns, as if an attack had been made upon them. This had the de- sired effect. The Grahwayans, believing that their allies on the river were actually engaged with the Cavalla people, soon came over to Dodo Lu ; the Cavalla people, who were waiting behind their breast-work, fully prepared, as soon as they came near enough to show their hostile inten- tions, sallied forth, and within the space of an hour drove them home to the very gates of their town! Here, however, having bad one of their leaders wounded, and being completely exhausted, they were compel- led to withdraw. The Grahwayans now took courage, and followed them back to Dodo Lu, where the fight continued for some time. Mean- time, while our people were engaged with the Grahwayans, near their town, the allies of the latter made their appearance, and attacked Nyaro on the opposite side. As there was but a handful of people in this vil- lage, and the River party has always been considered stronger than the Grahwayan, it was with no little anxiety, that from the piazza of the mis- sion-house, only a few hundred yards distant, we watched the result of this unequal combat. But the Nyaro people fought valiantly for their homes, their children and their wives. Indeed, the last, though they did not actually fight, by binding around them old cloths, and mats, holding sticks in their hands in imitation of guns, and manoeuvring in the distance like warriors, did much to keep the enemy in check.

The battle on both sides continued over three hours, and every moment which made up these hours Was fraught with anxiety to us. It is true, as has been stated before, that both before and since the war commenced, I have been in the habit of visiting and preaching to both parties; and were I alone, or had, beside my immediate family, only colonist assistants, I should have felt little apprehension in view of any event likely to occur. But I have in the mission grounds six native families, besides our large boarding-schools of native boys and girls. Now, as these are Cavalla men, women and children, in case their party should be beaten, they could but expect to share their fate. It was on their account that I felt the deepest solicitude ; and being the children of God, the foundation of His Church here, I felt that I might pray for His own glory’s sake, that their people might not be defeated — that they might not be given into the hands of the enemy. Our prayers were answered. At half-past eleven o’clock, the distant sounds of the firing on one side, and the black masses of people moving off on the other, made it evident that the enemy was in full retreat The loss from all this fighting was, on the Cavalla side, one killed and some six or seven wounded, and on the other, four killed and several wounded! Knowing from past experience that after such an ef- fort as that this morning, the natives are not apt to fight again very soon. At two o’clock, P. M , i started for Mount Vaughan, to meet my regular appointment there, passing Grahway on the way.

Friday , April 14 th. — Visited Wotteh (River Cavalla) as usual. Some- thing having been said here about the native youths living on the Mission premises having taken part in the battle of Tuesday, I thought it proper to tell them that, though l had discouraged it as much as possible, some of these had done so, urging in their justification, that their enemies, if suc- cessful, would not spare them because they lived on mission premises. I

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asked if this was so. They answered that they were Cavalla people, and of course would be treated as such wherever found. While admitting, how- ever, the justice of this view in reference to young men and boys belonging to Cavalla. I told them th o t in the case of the girls, some of whom were from their own towns and others from neutral tribes, being unmarried, I must consider them members of my family, and should feel bound to pro- tect them in our house, in case the Cavalla people should suffer defeat. They appeared to be satisfied with the reasonableness of such a course in regard to the girls. The attendance on religious services was as large and respectful as usual.

Friday, April 2\st. — Returned from Fishtown, Cape Palmas. At the latter place I preached and held service on Tuesday evening, and on the following morning attended a meeting of the, members of our Church, and called to taka preliminary measures for organizing an Episcopal Church in “ Maryland in Liberia.” In the afternoon I proceeded to Fishtown, on my quarterly pastoral visit to that station.

On Thursday afternoon I baptized Sia Nyine, alias Ellen May, a mem- ber of the boarding-school at Fishtown. She is an interesting girl, about 13 years of age, and had been for some time a candidate for baptism. On the evening of the same day, I administered the communion. This occa- § sion was more than usually interesting, from the fact that Mrs. Perkins, a sister beloved in the Lord, who has been' connected with the Mission for some eight years, partook with us, probably for the last time in Africa. The very delicate state of her health in the judgment of her husband, ren- ders her removal from this climate absolutely necessary. She takes with her an interesting son, 7 years old, born at Mount Vaughan.

Sunday, April 23 d. — Congregation this morning about 150- At half- past ten o’clock, I baptized Mary Tibayu, wife of John Mussu Neapo, now in the United States with Mr. Hening. Mary, after years of instruction and prayerful effort in her behalf, has been brought to hopeful repentance and faith.

In the afternoon I administered the communion to twenty-eight pro- fessing Christians. On this occasion we had present Mr. and Mrs. Apple- by, who are expecting to leave shortly with Mrs. Perkins, for the United States, on account of the ill health of the latter. Thus three more are about to withdraw from the Mission. But though thus forcibly reminded of the truth, ‘ all flesh is grass, and withereth,” and yet we know “ the word of the Lord endureth forever.” And “ this is the word which by the Gospel is preached” here, blessed be God ! For if the word of God is preached, then Jesus is with us. And He cannot die — His work cannot stop — it must go on.

Sunday , April 30 th. — Congregation to-day about one hundred and twenty.

Friday , May bth.— To-day, Mr. and Mrs. Appleby left us for Cape Pal- mas, expecting to sail for the United States in the ship Madonna, Captain Lawlin.

The providence which removes Mrs. Appleby so soon from her chosen work in this destitute field, like many others, is mysterious to us, though we know infinitely wise and good. She appeared both heartily interested in and well qualified for the duties of a Missionary teacher, and her guile- less spirit and amiable conduct will make her live long in the memory and affection of those whom she has left behind.

Sunday, May 7th. — Our congregation this morning did not exceed 150

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Alas, this people would appear given up to their idols. Although they have already more than a score of deyabo amongst them, and have lost their confidence in all these, I learned yesterday that they were about to send to a great distance and at much risk for another, to make them gods of wood and stone, although the $inly true one is “ not very far from every one of them.”

Wednesday , May 10 th. — In passing through Bevede, the largest of our towns here, on my way from Cape Palmas, l found the people all in com- motion. It was soon ascertained that the occasion of it was the adminis- tering of gidu to three women. The charge against them was, that they had gone to the towns lately burned by these people, and brought “ we,” witchcraft, in order to make the enemies of these people successful against them. Whether there was any proof ol this charge, more than the ordinary ipse dixit of the deyabo , I am not informed. If, however, there are traitors in civilized countries, it is not wonderful that they should be found, espe- cially where, as in the present case, the husbands and parents of the accused are the contending parties. The attachments of blood relation- ship are here much stronger even than that between husband and wife; and were the question put to either of these, in case of distress, which should be succoured first, it would be answered in favor of the parent, rather than the party allied by marriage. And in reference to witchcraft, having long been convinced that this is not only firmly believed in, but extensively prac- tised amongst these people, it is to be expected that treachery, when resorted to, should take this form.

At a time when it is expected every day that an attack will bet made by these people upon the River towns, it is not wonderful that, believing the unfortunate women guilty, their excitement against them should be very great, and the utmost potency given to the poisonous draught. In about one hour after I reached the mission-house they were all dead ! One of them was the mother of Horatio Gillet, a Christian youth, and member of our boarding-school. Having procured from me two yards of cotton cloth to cover her, and assisted by another of our scholars, the poor fellow bore her away a few moments after her death, to her last resting place. She was probably perfectly innocent of the crime laid to her charge.

Sunday , May Wth. — This morning, on looking out on the peaceful, bright, welcome light of the Sunday, almost the first object that met our eyes, was another victim of gidu stretched out on the sand.

She was quite a girl, the wife of a prominent man in the community, who has been for some time seriously indisposed — of course, according to public opinion he was bewitched — and his father, the chief of the place, as he lay down to sleep, anxiously revolving in his mind. .who could be attempting to cut off his right arm by depriving him of his first born son, dreamed, as he says, that this young woman was the witch. The husband, when told the dream, was somewhat incredulous; but determined, for his own and his father’s satisfaction, to examine the woman, and by false representations calculated to operate upon her fears, to ascertain the truth. When all were buried in sleep, he entered the house where she was lying, and thus addressed her : — “ Y., a doctor who has been consulted in refer- ence to my illness, declares that you are the cause of it — that you are atttempting to kill me by witchcraft. The Sedibo, filled with indignation at your conduct, c itne to-night to subject you to trial by gidu, but in consider- ation of your youth and my affection fox you, I prevailed upon them to desist, or at least, allow me to have this interview with you. Tell me, truly, are you guilty ] If you confess, I solemnly promise the matter shall end here ;

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but if not ” “ G.,” said she, after some hesitation, “ I am not falsely

accused. 1 am attempting your life.” “ And what,” asked G , indig- nantly, “ havewl done to merit such conduct at your hands'?” “ You have treated me,” replied Y., “ with cruel neglect. This l have mentioned more than once to N., whom you regard with no more favor than myself. Still I do not implicate her or any one else. I take all the blame : I am the witch.” Next morning G. called an older member of his family, and made known to him the woman’s confession. “ Mind,” said N., after hearing the story, “ that you are not deceived in this matter. It is very plain to me that this young woman is not alone in this work. She is only the instrument of some other older persons in accomplishing their wicked purposes ; and probably through their influence, when again examined, she will deny everything which she has said to you.” Early next morning she was sought but could not be found. She returned, however, late at night to her house, where she was caught and secured. Next day, W., the chief, examined her in reference to the confession which she had made to her husband. She at first denied everything, nor was it until after much difficulty, that something like a general confession was extorted. Partly with a view to detect her accomplices, and partly to frighten her, the old man directed some members of his family to take the girl to the place where gidu is usually administered. On arriving here, she denied all that she had. before confessed, and solemnly protested that she had done nothing to her husband. This so much exasperated the young men that they determined to give her gidu. A very small portion was given, but its effects were fatal. In a few moments she was dead.

In this case there was nothing more than what is constantly occurring around us ; but having got all the circumstances from the husband of the deceased (one of the most sensible natives of my acquaintance,) I have recorded them, as presenting one view of the superstitions and social state of the heathen here.

Sunday , May 21st. — The day has been very inclement; but notwith- standing this our congregation numbered about 200.

Tuesday, May 23 d. — To-day the people of this place, after having been preparing for several weeks, made an attack on Wotteh. This, however, entirely failed ; the warriors having all fled after the first fire, leaving three of their number dead, and in the hands of the enemy. The repulse was owing partly to the strong position of Wotteh, which enables its people to fire on the assailants, without any exposure to themselves, or even being seen ; but chiefly to the dissensions amongst the leaders of the Cavalla people. Since the death of Nye-Praa, their late distinguished warrior- chief, three or four have aspired to his place, and as only one could hold it, the others appear disposed to avenge themselves by defeating the measures of their successful rival.

On reaching Wotteh to-day, B., the present leader, and a few otheis, rushed boldly to the gate, and although three of their number were shot down in the attempt, from the enemy concealed by their fortifications, B. and another spirit like himself actually forced their way into the town. They announced their success to the people without, and called upon them to follow. Not one, however, would do so. It seemed as if they were determined to leave these two brave men to perish, in order to gratify their envious feelings. They, however, did not perish, but after finding that they were left alone, rushed by the dangerous pass over the dead bodies of their comrades, and followed the flying host to a place of safety.

What will be the result of this day’s cowardice, God only knows. It

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certainly has had the effect of dispiriting this people, as it must have, of em- boldening their enemies.

Sunday , June Mh, 1S48. — Congregation this morning about one hundred and sixty. The extreme scarcity of food amounting, indeed, to a famine, which has prevailed for a month past, has the effect to prevent our poor people from moving about much, even to get out to the chapel.

This afternoon I administered the Lord’s Supper to twenty-eight commu- nicants. Amongst these was Robert Henry.Gibson, brother of the teacher at this station, and one of the Colonist Beneficiaries, lately taken into the Mission. H. has always appeared a very sober-minded youth; but he pro- fesses lately to have been led to realize his sinful state by nature, and in repentance and faith, to have been brought to a knowledge of the Saviour. He was admitted to the communion to-day, the first time.

John Payne.

€l)ina.

REPORT OF REV. P. D. SPALDING.

To the Missionary Bishop of China ; transmitted to the Foreign Committee for publication in the Spirit of Missions.

Rt. Rev. W. J. Boone, D. D :

My dear Bishop : — T now submit to you my report for the quarter, end- ing June 30, 1848. God has continued to bless me with uninterrupted health and all needful temporal blessings, for which I trust I am truly thankful to the giver of them all. God’s spiritual mercies and blessings cannot be compared with these, because they are eternal ; I only pray, that the more I see and can rightly estimate their value, that I may in that pro- portion, at least, strive to make them known to these poor heathens, by whom we are daily surrounded

Sutiday, April 9 th. — I conducted divine service, and preached to a good congregation at the British Consulate. My duties during the week, as you are aware, are wholly comprised in the study of this language of the people to whom I have come as a Missionary of the cross of Christ. This being the case, the events which have come under my observation must be those which would have sufficient general interest to justify the mention of them in my report to you. In my last report, I mentioned the congregation of poor people, which assemble every Tuesday afternoon, at two o’clock, to receive the alms of the offertory at the Holy Communion. They still continue to come very regularly, and I detain them about one hour, in trying to give them some instruction about the great salvation which their Maker has provided for them in Jesus Christ. I have good reason to think that I am understood in most that I say. I confine myself to the great doctrines contained in the Catechism, and there explained by question and answer. I find that it will afford foundation for instruction for a long time to come. I teach them to repeat the Creed, and then take one of the articles and try to explain it to them. I always dismiss them with prayer ; they are very attentive, and sometimes ask curious questions, which of course show how dark the human mind is, uninstructed by God in the gift of his revealed will. The number is between 40 and 50 who come weekly to the

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chapel, and then there are 8 or 10 who are not able to come, being either blind or lame, to whom I go every week and carry their portion, and speak with them about their souls. Some of them hardly know that they have a soul. The general belief among the great mass of people, 1 should judge, is that of the metem-psychosis, or the transmigration of the soul of a man after death into some other animal body.

April \ltk — I went into the country a mile or two with the Rev. Messrs. McClatchie and Syle, to see a procession which takes place every year at this season, dedicated to an idol called the “ Yang-law-ya.” His office seems to be the exercise of some restraining influence on the destinies of those who have departed this life. Those who have been sick during the past year, show their gratitude for their recovery, by joining in the procession, and are distinguished by some badge. The procession was full two miles long, some on foot, some on horseback, and some in sedan chairs. A great vaviety of banners were carried, and many implements, the use of which I could not surmise. My teacher tells me that they are implements used in inflicting punishment on those who come under his displeasure in the place of future existence. At the end of the whole procession the idol itself was carried on a kind of chair by eight men. The image was very large, and his face painted black — on the whole, a most hideous object. We saw sev- eral persons in the procession, who seemed to be performing penance to atone for some kind of sins ; both of their arms were extended, and from the muscular portion of the fore-arms were suspended heavy incense pots, by being hooked into the flesh. In some instances, the blood was percep- tible, oozing from the perforations made by the brass hooks; these men were walking in the procession. It was very heart-sickening to behold them thus macerating their bodies to please a wooden idol. We questioned them as to whether it was painful, and they declared that they endured no pain. They haye some kind of medicine that is applied to the flesh in which the hooks are placed, which removes all susceptibility of pain. It is used likewise in extracting teeth and amputating limbs. The whole coun- try seemed congregated at the different hamlets, through which the pro- cession was to pass. It is hard for one who has been blessed with the light of a better way, to see how reasonable men could be engaged in such vain and superstitious ceremonies. I suppose the sober reason is, that the devil is leading them captive at his will.

On the evening of this day we were permitted to welcome three Mission- aries of the Church of England. They had a passage of five months and some days, and arrived in health at the port of their destination. Two of them ate unmarried, and after spending a few days here, left for Ningpo, the station fur which they were designed by the Church Missionary Society, under whose patronage they have engaged in the Missionary work. The third is a married man, and remains in Shanghai with the Rev. Mr. McClatchie. They were here oir Easter Sunday ; the Holy Communion, was adminis- tered by the Bishop to six clergy/nen, and it was truly a blessed privilege, thus to meet with so many engaged in a common work, in so solemn a service. The service on Good Friday was conducted by Mr. Syle, and the Sermon was preached by Mr. Cobbold, one of the newly arrived Missionaries. We have heard from those that have gone to Ningpo, and they are now engaged in their work, with much to encourage them.

Monday , May lsf. — This evening, returning through the city from the Missionary meeting, I went into an opium shop with Mr. McClatchie and Mr. Farmer. Mr. McClatchie and myself had seen these dens of misery

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more than once before, but Mr. F. had some curiosity to see them. There were in the one which we entered, six persons, lying on the lounges around the side of the room, some smoking the baneful drug, and others sleeping off its effects. Mr. McClatchie entered into conversation with one man, who told us that he had used it for 24 years. He was a painful-looking object to behold, and seemed quite conscious of the wretchedness of his condition in this life. He expressed his willingness to give it up, and de- sired to be sent to Dr. Lockhart’s Hospital, in order that he might procure some medicine to eradicate his vitiated taste. All we could do was to urge him by greater reasons than he had before known of, to give up this sin, and told him where, and at what hour of the day he could get access at the Hospital. Several persons had gathered into the room from curiosity at seeing three foreigners enter before them. Mr. McClatchie exhorted them as became a minister of the Gospel; to the truth of his words, they all yielded assent, because, according to Chinese customs, it ^ould be impo- lite not to agree with you while in your presence. We left this place and proceeded on our way through several streets, end in passing a house, we heard the noise of a human being in great distress ; we entered the house from whence the noise came, and found that it wras a person mourning on ac- count pf the loss of his brother, who had died that day. He was raving, and several persons were trying to hold him and restrain him. Thus he was sorrowing without hope. The coffin was in the place, and we inquired what was the reason of the man’s distress, and we were told that the brother of the man had gone away — meaning by this that he was dead. They have a great dread of death. Passing on from this a few rods further, we saw a crowd of people gathered in the street, and in their midst a man lying on the ground, whose friends were trying to persuade him to go to his home. It turned out that he was drunk from the effects of wine. They called him a “ Chew-chii,” or wine-devil.

Tuesday, May 2 d. — In company with the Rev. Messrs. Milne, Muir- head, and Southwell, I went to a village by the name of “ Kong Wan,” about five miles from Shanghai. It was the time of a feast to the “ Ching Hong,” or idol of the district. It is a large village, and looked much cleaner than Shanghai. The principal street of the place, through which we passed, was about half a mile in length, closely built up, and the buildings occupied by various tradesmen, from butcher’s shops to silk dealers. The street was decorated by a great variety of lanterns on either side, and overhead, crossing to and fro, it was festooned with a kind of red cotton cloth ; these, with many other ornaments, must have presented a very pretty effect when lighted in the night. This was done in honor of the “ Ching Hong.” 7'here were thousands of people in and around the various temples. Judging from their outward appearance, they were a much more respectable class than we see generally in Shanghai. There were many respectable females in and about the temples, and they did not appear to be so much afraid of meeting with foreigners as most of those we see in this city. The idols within the temples were very large, and looked as though more care was bestowed on their preservation than is general. I have never seen anything elsewhere like the devotions that were paid to these. No matter which way you turned, you were in danger of interfering with some one engaged in his prostrations. Beggars, — limbless, clotheless, and afflicted with almost every imaginabledisease, — were sitting at the gates and beside the idols in the temples, asking alms of those that went in and out. The feast had lasted several days, and the

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[December.

interest seemed as much alive as when it commenced. At this place a man was buried alive a few days before we were there, because he had murdered his grandmother. He was taken by the people of the hamlet in which he lived, himself made to kneel by the side of his coffin, his hands nailed to the same, and then buried to the neck with earth ; and there he remained un- til he died. This is what would be called lynch-law at home, yet it was af- terwards sanctioned by the authorities on the ground of its being the most merciful way to dispose of the affair; they said that if they had been com- pelled to examine into it, the whole neighborhood would have been implicated for allowing such an atrocious thing, as that of a man mur- dering his grandmother to take place. Mr. Milne preached in two different temples in this village. The people stood in the courts, while Mr. Mil ne, from a table placed for him by some attendants at the tem- ple, spoke to them from each place for about one half hour. They were very attentive, and made but little noise, considering the mixed multitude assembled. A great many Christian tracts, and portions of the Word of God, were distributed among the people of the place. We re- turned and reached Shanghai about five o’clock, P. M.

Thursday , May 4 th. — To-day we heard of the melancholy death of Dr. James and lady, which happened near Hon"g'Kong, on their way from Canton to the former place. The vessel in which they had taken passage was struck with a squall, capsized, and Doctor and Mrs. James both per- ished, with three or four others on board of the same vessel. They were Missionaries from the Southern Baptist Board of Missions, and were on their way to this city to join that Mission here. It is a great loss to the Missionary work here, as well as to those whom he has left behind among his friends at home.

Sunday , the 7th — I administered the Holy Communion at your residence, it being the first Sunday in the month.

Sunday, 14 th. — I attended the Rev. Mr. McClatchie’s Chinese service. The day was unfavorable, and not so many present as usual, though the at- tendance was good. He will erect a Chinese Church in the course of the year, as his society have made an appropriation for that object, and also for dwelling houses for their Missionaries. Messrs. McClatchie and Farmer are looking out for a piece of land for their dwelling, and as soon as secured, will commence the erection of their houses.

Tuesday, May 1 6th. — To-day, at my poor congregation, an elderly wo- man came, who said she belonged to the “ Tien Tsoo Kean,” which is the title which the Romanists take in China. She sat very attentive du- ring all the time I was speaking to my congregation, and when I had fin- ished, she repeated the Apostle’s Creed, in a kind of chanting tone. She quite astonished my congregation, and they gathered around her, arid took hold of her, and asked her a great many questions, as to where she came from, and where she learned the “ Sing Keung,” which is the name of the creed in Chinese. The meaning of the name is “ belief’s classic.” She told them if they would be more attentive, and do as I bade them, they would soon be able to repeat it as well as herself. She said she came from “ Siong Kong,” a place about 75 miles from Shanghai, that her an- cestors for five generations before her had been Romanists, and that in that place, there were a great many disciples of the “ Tien-Tsoo-Kean.” They have four chapels, which are now, all but one, supplied with foreign priests; that one is supplied by a native priest. I saw in this person an illustration of the value of teaching the heathen the great leading features of the Gospel. With these facts so deeply imprinted on her memory, had

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1848.]

she been more fully instructed in their application, they would have been a great blesssing to her soul, by teaching her the knowledge of Christ and his precious salvation ; but I fear in her case that she only had the doctrines on her lips, and that they had never entered her heart. She said she wor- shipped the cro^ss and the Virgin Mary. She had her beads with her, as she showed me. I am satisfied that this must prove the most effectual way of dealing with the Chinese, namely, give them in summary the leading doctrines of the^Goispel, and when they are familiar with these, you can bring in all you want to say about the Gospel, in explaining to them the doc- trines therein contained. For this reason I think you have given us an in- valuable aid in our work, by prepaiing a Cathechism in the Chinese language.

Sunday, May 2$th. — I conducted Divine Service, and preached at the British Consulate. The weather has, been very rainy, and for that reason I have been more in the house during this month of June, and consequently have not many observations to note.

Whit-Sunday, June 4th. — I administered the Holy Communion at your residence.

Sunday , June 18 th. — This being Trinity-Sunday, the new church built for the Foreign Community here, was opened for Divine Service. The name of the church being that of “ Trinity,” it was thought most appropriate to have it opened on this day, though not entirely completed. It was a source of no little regret to many, that your health would not permit you to com- ply with the request of the committee engaged in its erection, and preach the first sermon in the building you have taken such a ^eep interest in erecting. The day was exceedingly wet, yet a large congregation came together. The service was read by the Rev. Mr. Syle ; the sermon appro- priate to the occasion, was preached by the Rev. Mr. McClatchie, and the prayer and benediction by yourself. The pastor for this flock of Christians in a foreign land, is nowon the great deep, hastening to this point, we trust, by God’s direction, “ to seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the midst of this naughty world, that they may be saved through Christ for ever.” The person who has been called to this charge is the Rev. Mr. Souder of Devizes, England. We hope and pray that God will bless and prosper him, aud bring him to the important post which he is called to fill.

This day, at 4 o’clock, the Holy Communion was administered by your- self, as on all holidays for which a preface is appointed. This concludes the things worthy of being noted in my report. I have been enabled to pursue my studies without any interruption, for which I feel very thankful to God. I feel very much encouraged in the work before me, and the pro- gress I have made since I last reported to you. I hope before it becomes my duty to report to you at the end of my fourth quarter, to have made a beginning in really preaching the Gospel to the Chinese. I pray that God will bless me with continued health, and every needful help, to enable me to accompli: h this desire of my heart. Mr. Syle is now moving to the New School buildings, and the boys have this morning been dismissed from the school to their homes with a week’s vacation, when they will assemble at their new horfte and again enter upon their duties. It is my earnest prayer that God will continue to bless you in your bodily health, and in his own appointed time fully restore you to strength, and preserve you long to guide this important Mission of Christ’s Church in its onward march. May God give you wisdom to devise, and strength to carry out

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[December,

to successful termination, every measure undertaken for his glory ; — may the Lord of the harvest raise up and send into this field to labor with you, and those under your direction already here, many faithful servants to do his will. I would now commend you and your work to the God of all grace, and pray that He will bless you, and further your work begun in his name, till greater glory shall resound to his everlasting praise, from out of this now so deeply benighted land.

Affectionately, yours in the.Lord,

Phineas D. Spalding.

P. S. — I have forgotten to notice, in the above, the attendance at the Chapel on the Lord’s-day. Tne congregations have been much on the increase, — many Sundays very large. Mr. Syle has preached every Sunday ; and those who attend seem to be manifesting more and more interest in what they hear. P. I). S.

Intelligence.

China. — Since the publication of the last number, letters have been re- ceived from Bishop Boone, dated at Shanghai, on the 4th July, and 2d August. •

In the first he remarks, in reference to the liberal grants which had been made to his Mission by individuals for the erection of Mission buildings, “ God has been truly gracious to us in the two large donations we have re- ceived, and we are most devoutly thankful. May his blessing rest upon and consecrate these to his own service and glory.

“The school house is nearly finished. I have been living in it for the last ten days, having moved down in advance of others, for the benefit of my little boy. The fresh air has improved him very much, even in this time.

“ One of the oldest and most promising boys in the school has come for- ward voluntarily, with a request for baptism. He is about fifteen or sixteen years of age, and seems to be fully awakened by the Blessed Spirit to a sense of the sinfulness of his condition and the hopelessness of his state with- out Christ. We indulge much hope of his true conversion to God. There are others, also, who are manifestly feeling the power of the truth.”

In his letter of 2d August he says, “ My general health is very much improved by my residence at our new house. I hope (D. V.) in October or November to resume full Missionary duty, and to preach as heretofore.

“We were all much delighted with the receipt of your letters by this mail. The Lord has been truly gracious in providing for our wants, and I trust it proves a stimulus to every member of the Mission to greater zeal and earnestness in His service.

“ We recently had the greatest flood that has been at this place for twenty or thirty years, accompanied with a typhoon Our house was much exposed to its fury, but we escaped with less damage than almost any foreigner in the place. This storm is considered as giving a good proof of the substan- tial way in which the house is built.”

1848.]

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419

COLLECTION FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS.

First Sunday after the Epiphany, January 7th , 1849.

To the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity

of the Protestant Episcopal Church : —

In accordance with a recommendation of the Board of Missions, at its late Triennial Meeting, a collection for the Foreign Missions of the Church was very generally made at the Epiphany season in this year.

The result was a most liberal contribution, relieving the department from embarrassment, and bringing with it many expressions of cordial interest, highly encouraging to those entrusted w'ith the work.

Although the offerings of the Church enabled the Foreign Committee to meet the claims of the last financial year, and- likewise to extinguish the indebtedness which oppressed their treasury, still no surplus was accumu- lated for the expenditures of the ensuing year.

As is usual during the first or summer quarter, the receipts of late have been light, and the Committee are now pressed with great urgency by their respected Missionaries abroad, for the remittances essential to their subsis- tence. The Church has but to repeat her offerings, to carry forward her Foreign Missions with comfort during the year.

The receipts for the Missions at Constantinople and Athens, have not been sufficient to cover the first quarter of the present financial year, while the second quarter is more than half expired. The Committee are yet in debt for the whole amount of the annual shipment made to the African Mission in August. The contributions to the Mission in China, which sufficed to meet the tw<> first quarters of the year, have not yet enabled the Committee to authorize drafts for any portion of the quarter due on the 1st January next, so that the Missionary Bishop at Shanghai must necessarily be left at least three months in arrears for his remittances.

The Foreign Committee therefore appeal, with much earnestness — and they may say with confidence — to the Church; and solicit contributions to their treasury, to be made on the 7th January, 1849, the first Sunday after the Epiphany, or on some other Sunday of the Epiphany season.

In behalf of the Foreign Committee,

Pierre P. Irving, Sec’y fyc.

Foreign Mission Office, 2 Park Place, )

New-York, Dec. 1 1848. f

Receiving Agent at Philadelphia. — The Foreign Committee having accepted the resignation of E. Wilcox, Esq., who has long, with great kind- ness, acted as their receiving agent for the Diocese of Pennsylvania, they have appointed in his place, Lambert Duy, Esq., of Philadelphia.

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FOREIGN.

QuknotDlcbgments.

FOREIGN MISSIONS.

The Treasurer of the Foreign Committee ac- i knowledges the receipt of the following sums from j the 15th October to 15th Nov. :

MAINE.

Saco — Trinity Ch., a lady 3 00

MASSACHUSETTS.

Cambridge — A friend to Missions, \ 2 50

Springfield — Christ Ch., Africa 40 00 42 50

CONNECTICUT.

Ncw-Haven — St. Paul’s Ch., Africa... 50 00

Watertown— Christ Ch 20 00

Do. for Constantinople 2 00 72 00

NEW- YORK.

Esopus — Ch. of the Ascension for

Afrifca 110 57

Flushing — St. George’s Ch. Sunday- school, for educa. of a child in

China ... 25 00

Goshen— St. James’s Ch., Africa ... 16 00 New-York — St. Bartholomew’s Ch.,

Geo. Clark, Esq., Ann. Con. for

education, China 12 50

St. Mark’s Ch., Charles Carville,

Esq., for Africa 5 00

Anonymous, for the African Miss. 50 00

H , for Africa 2 00

F. for the Ch., Africa 3 00

Family Mite Box 4 25

Do $1, do. SI, do. $1, do. $1.. 4 00 332 32

PENNSYLVANIA.

Bellefonte — St. John’s Ch. S. S. for

Africa 6 00

Brownsville — Christ Ch., for Greece 30 00 Churchtown — Baugor Ch. additional,

Africa 5 00

Leacock — Christ Ch 2 00

New-London — X Roads, St. John’s

Ch 1 54

Philadelphia— St. Andrew’s Ch., a

lady, for ed- of a child, China 25 00 Reading — -Christ Ch. S. S., for ed. of

Richard W. Morgan, Africa.. 10 00 Westchester — Mrs. John B. Clemson, for ed. of Daniel Lewis Clem- son, China 25 00 104 54

VIRGINIA.

Accomac— St. George’s Par., Africa.. 5 00 Alexandria — Christ Ch. S. S., for ed.

of a child, Africa 25 00

Clark Co. — Wickliffe Par., for Afri. 70 00 Fredericksburg — St- George’s Ch. ; omitted in the Nov. No., Miss A. Gray, for Athens, $10 ; do. do. do. for Africa, $10; Mrs.

L. Gray, for China, $5 25 00

A few members of Mrs. Wii-

mer’s School, for Africa 4 25

Kanawhi Co. — Miss Jane A. Sum- mers, for Africa 10 00

Lancaster — St. James’s Ch., Africa. . 20 00

Two ladies, do. 7 00

Norfolk — Christ Ch., from the Miss’y

Board, for Africa 7 50

From ten ladies, for ed.of a child in Africa, first aim. payment. . 20 00

From a few friends for do 5 00

From a lady for do 10 00

From a friend to the Mission,

for do 5 00

From do. do. do. 7 50 Petersburg — St. Paul’s Ch., for Chi- na and Africa 115 00

Grace Ch.S. S., for ed. of achild,

Africa 20 00

Portsmouth — Trinity Ch., Constant. 2 00 Prince George Co. — Merchant’s

Hope Ch., for Africa 15 00

Richmond — St. James’s Ch., Africa. 21 25

Monumental Ch., do 28 00

From a colored man, do.. 0 50

From a clergyman 5 00

St. Paul’s Ch., a member, for Constantinople 30 00 458 00

MARYLAND.

Hagerstown — College of St. James,

St. James’s Chapel, from the of- fertory, for Africa 40 00

Urbanna — Zion Ch., Africa 5 00

Washington, D. C. — Trinity Ch., for

Africa 49 01

A member of do., for do 20 00 114 01

SOUTH CAROLINA.

Charleston — Mon. Miss. Lee. for Oct.

St. Philip’s Ch 5 05

St. Philip’s Ch., Africa 10 00

Do. do. Constantinople 14 00 29 05

GEORGIA.

Macon — Christ Ch 10 00

Do. Greece 20 00

Do. Africa 20 00 50 00

FLORIDA.

Tallahassee — Miss L. B. Parkhill, for

Africa 10 00

KENTUCKY.

Hickman — A Missionary station, for

Greece 6 20

OHIO.

Columbus — Trinity Ch., for Greece,

Africa, and China 77 00

ILLINOIS.

Collinsville — St. Paul’s Ch., 150

Lancaster , Cass Co — M. S. March... 5 00

Do. for Greece 5 00 11 50

LEGACIES.

Connecticut, Newtown — F rom the

late Mrs. Rebecca Gh ver 25 00

Do. do. New- London — From the late

Edward Hallam, Esq 696 12

Maryland , Baltimore — From the late Miss L. E. Arthur, for the Mis- sion in Africa and China 100 00 821 12

Total .$1881 24

(Total, since 15th June, $6,967 67.)

Pnnceton Theological Semmary-Speer Library

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