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LIBRARY 

ATI  rru  P 

Theological  Seminary, 

PRINCETON,  N.  J. 

Case , 

JD.iyj.sjon JO. 

Shelf 

Section / 

* 

Book,.. 

No, 

Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/spiritofmissions156epis 


3H)c  Spirit  of  Missions: 


EDITED  FOR 


THE  BOARD  OF  MISSIONS 


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


PREACH  THE  GOSPEL  TO  EVERY  CREATURE. 


VOL.  XV.  JUNE,  1850.  No.  6. 


MISSIONARY  REPORTS. 


ittaine. 

Bath — Rev.  F.  Gardiner. 

“ Since  my  last  April  report,  a parish  has  been  organized  here  by  the 
name  of  Grace  Church.  Upwards  of  twenty  persons,  most  of  whom  are 
heads  of  families,  subscribed  their  names  to  the  legal  petition  for  a primary 
meeting.  The  parish,  although  not  possessed  of  much  pecuniary  strength, 
is  in  a healthy  condition.  Our  services  are  held  in  a hall,  convenient  and 
well  located  ; but  still  not  attractive  to  many  who  might  connect  themselves 
with  the  congregation,  if  we  had  a Church  building  of  our  own.  Until  a 
house  of  worship  shall  be  erected,  I do  not  look  for  a rapid  growth  of  this 
parish.  We  have  good  hope  of  being  able  to  purchase  a lot  soon ; but  have 
not  at  present  the  ability  to  build  upon  it.  The  possession  of  a lot,  how- 
ever, will  be  a great  gain.  How  soon  we  shall  be  able  to  build  upon  it,  I 
do  not  know  ; but  whenever  it  shall  be,  I trust  we  shall  then  become  self- 
supporting  in  a comparatively  short  time.” 

Brunswick — Rev.  Andrew  Croswell. 

“ The  number  of  communicants,  it  will  be  seen,  has  been  considerably 
affected  by  removals.  This  is  to  be  accounted  for,  in  part,  by  the  establish- 
ment of  a Church  in  Bath,  where  a number  of  our  former  com- 
municants resided.  Business  occupations  which  brought  others  to  be  tem- 
porary residents  in  the  place,  have  recently  removed  them  from  us  to  other 
places.  The  proper  strength  of  the  parish  can  hardly  be  regarded  as  hav- 
ing undergone  any  material  change. 

“ As  it  respects  the  number  of  prayers  in  the  Church,  sermons  preached^ 

1 


162 


DOMESTIC. 


[June, 


&c.,  and  services  performed  elsewhere,  during  the  year,  the  present  Mis- 
sionary is  unable  to  furnish  an  accurate  account,  having  been  in  charge  of 
the  station  but  a portion  of  the  time.  It  may  be  said,  however,  in  general, 
that  the  services  of  the  Church  have  been  constant  in  the  parish,  on  Sundays 
and  on  the  principal  holydays,  and  occasional  duties  have  been  performed 
elsewhere. 

“ In  tracing  the  history  of  the  parish  for  the  last  year,  and  since  its  com- 
mencement, we  find  great  reason  for  encouragement.  We  can  truly  say, 
that  the  labor  expended  has  not  been  in  vain.  The  Church  is  favor- 
ably situated  for  a wide  influence  in  this  section  of  the  country,  and  its 
importance  and  beneficial  effects  are  far  above  that  indicated  by  the  com- 
paratively small  number  of  its  communicants,  and  of  stated  worshippers. 

“ By  its  means  already,  many  once  strangers  to  its  saving  truths  have 
been  led  favorably  to  receive  them,  and  with  the  blessing  of  the  Lord  upon 
our  efforts,  we  look  for  yet  more  widely  extended  results  in  the  future.” 

Old  Town — Rev.  S.  Durborow. 

“ Everything  around  and  within  bears  an  encouraging  aspect.  You  will 
find  that  while  seventeen  have  been  confirmed,  twenty-one  have  been  added 
to  the  communion  within  the  year.  Three  of  the  number  were  confirmed 
privately  in  the  chamber  of  sickness,  and  we  might  say  of  death,  for  two 
of  the  number  survived  but  a few  weeks,  then  died  with  a full  assurance  of 
faith,  and  the  third,  though  still  lingering  on  the  shores  of  mortality,  is 
about  slipping  into  the  dark  waters,  but  with  ‘ faith’s  illumined  eye’  she  be- 
holds the  angelic  messengers  waiting  to  accompany  her  freed  soul  in  its 
flight  to  the  realms  of  everlasting  bliss.  One  of  these  having  been  confined 
to  her  sick  room  for  nearly  two  years,  remarked  to  the  Missionary  on  his 
first  visit,  that  she  had  sent  in  vain  for  a Minister  several  times,  but  that 
now  ‘God  had  sent  her  a Minister.’  If  ever  the  heart  of  the  Missionary 
was  cheered  it  was  when  he  stood  by  the  bedside  of  this  dying  saint,  and  as 
he  spoke  of  a crucified  Saviour  he  beheld  her  countenance  light  up  with  joy 
as  though  her  very  soul  came  forth  to  view  ; and  the  tear  of  thankfulness 
came  into  his  eye  when  he  thought  of  the  great  privilege  he  had  enjoyed 
in  ministering  to  the  spiritual  necessities  of  this  heretofore  neglected 
stranger. 

“We  regard  the  prospects  for  this  Mission  as  quite  flattering,  and 
although  we  stand  in  much  need  of  a Church  edifice,  yet  if  under  the  fos- 
tering care  of  the  Missionary  Board,  the  station  can  be  sustained,  it  would 
by  the  Divine  blessing  be  productive  of  a great  amount  of  good.” 


EDelaamre. 

Laurel — Rev.  J.  W.  Hoskins. 

“ I am  making  an  effort  to  organize  Sunday-schools  in  my  parish,  with 
some  hope  of  success.  I am  compelled  to  occupy  the  new  Chapel  at 
Laurel,  though  it  is  not  quite  finished,  by  reason  of  our  poverty.  I am  sorry 
that  my  report  looks  so  meagre,  but  I have  done  the  best  in  my  power. 
Bew  can  appreciate  the  position  of  the  Missionary  who  has  to  contend 


DOMESTIG. 


163 


1859=] 

against  almost  universal  ignorance,  prejudice,  drunkenness,  and  heathenish 
darkness,  besides  the  ordinary  evils  of  life.  His  hope  must  be  strong,  and 
his  faith  active,  who  can  contend  long.” 


0ccnjia. 

St.  Mary's — Rev.  W.  D.  Harlow. 

“ My  health,  under  this  mild  climate,  has  greatly  improved,  and  I am 
now  able  to  perform  more  duty.  Hitherto  the  Lord  has  blessed  us,  and 
prospered  to  some  extent  our  feeble  service  in  his  holy  cause.  We  were 
much  refreshed  by  the  Advent  collections,  and  pray  God  to  put  it  into  the 
hearts  of  his  people  to  do  so  again.” 


.florid  a. 

St.  Avgustine — Rev.  B.  Wright. 

“ Amid  much  that  is  discouraging,  and  calculated  to  dampen  the  ardor 
of  ministerial  labor  in  this  field,  there  is  yet  plainly  discoverable  some  signs 
of  improvement,  both  in  temporal  and  spiritual  things.  The  attendance 
upon  Divine  Service  has  considerably  increased,  and  become  less  fluctuating  ; 
and  in  all  outward  expressions  of  respect  for  religion,  the  Church  and  holy 
things,  there  has  been  a manifest  improvement.  Some  too,  for  the  first  time, 
have  availed  themselves  of  their  privileges  as  members  of  Christ,  and  united 
themselves  with  the  few  who  remember  their  Saviour  in  the  way  of  His  ap- 
pointment. The  offices  of  religion  have  also  been  administered  for  the  be- 
nefit of  many  others  not  steadily  connected  with  the  parish,  and  the  Com- 
mittee in  forming  an  estimate  of  the  influence  of  the  Church  here,  and  of 
the  importance  of  maintaining  her  services,  must  not  make  the  figures  in 
our  report  the  sole  criterion  by  which  they  make  up  their  judgement.  They 
must  consider  that  the  ministrations  of  the  Church  are  by  no  means  limited 
to  the  resident  population,  but  that  they  are  extended  to  a large  class  of 
persons  who  make  this  a temporary  residence  for  a part  of  the  year,  with  a 
view  of  reaping  the  benefits  of  its  healthful  climate.  During  the  winter  sea- 
son, at  least  one-third  of  our  Congregation  is  composed  of  strangers,  and 
the  number  of  Communicants  much  larger  than  that  reported.  Some  also 
have  here,  in  a strange  land,  far  away  from  the  endearments  of  home  and 
friends,  been  called  to  pass  through  the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
and  have  received  the  kind  and  comforting  offices  of  the  Church,  in  their 
last  hours,  and  her  respect  in  committing  their  bodies  to  the  dust ; and  as 
one  evidence  of  the  benefit  of  the  Church  here  as  regards  other  than  the 
local  population,  I would  state  that  the  five  and  only  times  that  I have  ad- 
ministered the  Communion  in  private  since  my  last  report,  have  been  to  in- 
valids from  the  north,  and  that  six  of  the  eight  burials  above  reported  are 
of  those  who  have  come  too  late  to  derive  any  benefit  from  this  genial  clime, 
and  have  been  summoned  to  another  w’orld. 


164 


DOMESTIC. 


[June,. 


Jacksonville — Rev.  Isaac  Swart. 

“ The  Missionary  for  this  station  reports  with  gratitude  to  God,  that  there 
has  been  no  interruption  in  the  routine  of  services  from  ill  health ; and 
that  for  two  Sundays  only  the  voice  of  prayer  and  praise  has  not  arisen 
from  the  assembled  Congregation  during  the  year. 

“ The  services  are  the  same  as  last  year,  two  on  Sunday,  and  two  during 
the  week.  In  Lent  there  were  daily  services  ; the  average  attendance  was 
ten.  There  has  been  a gratifying  interest  exhibited  throughout  the  whole 
year,  which,  with  the  blessing  of  God,,  will,  we  trust,  be  strengthened. 
Missionary  intelligence  is  given  after  evening  service,  on  the  last  Sunday  of 
the  month  ; on  the  first,  catechetical  instruction. 

“ The  Sunday-school  and  catechetical  class  have  met  regularly  on  Sun- 
day— the  one  in  the  morning  and  the  other  in  the  evening.  The  Mission- 
ary is  superintendent  and  catechist  in  both  respectively. 

“ The  Church  building  remains  in  the  condition  last  reported.  The 
chancel  is  soon  to  be  finished  : the  liberality  of  strangers  visiting  the 
place  in  search  of  health  has  enabled  the  vestry  to  do  this.  Two  ladies  of 
Nevv-York,  passing  the  winter  here,  made  an  offering  on  Easter  for  an 
altar  cloth,  which  has  been  ordered.  A lady  of  Jacksonville  has  presented 
a carpet  for  the  Chancel,  purchased  with  money  obtained  from  St.  Peter’s 
Church,  Philadelphia.” 


Alabama. 

Carlowville — Rev.  F.  B.  Lee. 

“ In  a settled  community,  such  as  that  in  which  your  Missionary  labors, 
there  is  little  visjble  change  to  be  expected  during  the  brief  period  of  a few 
months.  That  there  is  however  an  internal  and  spiritual  improvement  in 
progress,  he  both  hopes  and  believes,  and  although  there  has  been  no  ac- 
cession to  the  numerical  strength  of  the  Church,  he  yet  feels  assured  that 
it  is  recommending  itself  to  those  who  are  without,  by  the  superiority  of  its 
advantages  and  privileges,  and  will  sooner  or  later  secure  esteem  and 
sympathy.  In  this  confidence  he  is  encouraged  to  labor  on,  leaving  the  result 
with  Him  who  orders  all  times  and  events. 

“ In  the  last  semi-annual  report,  the  suspension  of  the  Sunday-school  was 
noticed.  It  was  thought  advisable  for  several  reasons  to  have  an  intermis- 
sion of  the  exercises  during  the  winter  months.  These  have  been  resumed 
in  the  form  of  monthly  catechetical  instruction  by  the  Rector,  and  appear 
to  possess  a much  greater  interest  than  the  Sunday-school  exercises,  for  the 
adult,  as  well  as  the  youthful  members  of  the  congregation.” 

Eufaula — Rev.  G.  T.  Cushman. 

“ The  parish  of  St.  John’s  has  a Congregation  of  say  fifty  persons.  The 
population  is  fluctuating,  and  there  is  but  little  probability  a large  congrega- 
tion can  be  permanently  established.  Nevertheless,  the  Church  is  present- 
ed to  many  who  are  but  little  acquainted  with  her  ways,  and  if  God  blesses 
the  effort  it  may  become  an  efficient  instrument  of  good  to  the  country 
around.  It  is  mainly  supported  by  the  liberality  of  one  individual.” 


1850.] 


DOMESTIC. 


165 


Talladega — Rev.  T.  A.  Cook. 

“ In  rendering  the  above  report,  your  Missionary  would  observe,  that 
many  circumstances  have  conspired  to  neutralize  or  defeat  his  efforts  to 
build  up  the  Church  in  this  place.  His  opponents  are  rich,  vigilant,  and 
numerous ; his  friends  few  and  poor.  He  is  iti  a great  measure  dependent 
on  teaching,  for  the  support  of  himself  and  family.  Since  the  commencement 
of  his  ministerial  labors,  he  has  lost  some  of  that  support  owing  to  the 
'jealousy  of  a few  who  dread  his  influence  over  the  minds  of  his  pupils. 
With  bad  health,  ruined  eyes,  and  a large  family,  he  finds  it  difficult  to 
stem  the  current ; yet  the  prospect  in  the  future  is  brightening.  We  have 
succeeded  in  organizing  a Church,  and  some  influential  and  worthy  people 
are  already  expressing  a decided  preference  for  our  worship.  Our  services 
have  generally  been  well  attended,  and  we  need  nothing  now  so  much  as 
4 a House  of  God,’  into  which  we  can  collect  a household  of  faith. 

“ In  view  of  all  these  things  your  Missionary  feels  no  disposition  to  quail 
or  give  up.  Alljie  asks  is  help  to  build  a Church.  With  timely*  aid  he 
can  enlist  some  of  the  noblest  and  best  in  this  community.  Situated  as  he 
is,  some  of  the  ladies  are  afraid  to  hear  him  preach  lest  the  old  brick  house 
on  the  square  will  fall  down  on  them.” 

Tuscumbia  and  Florence — Rev.  J.  B.  T.  Smith. 

“ There  has  been  a great  change  in  the  condition  of  these  parishes,  since 
the  last  annual  report,  but  a few  more  such  changes  will  be  the  ruin 
of  them.  The  number  of  communicants  lost  is  comparatively  great,  being 
one-fourth  of  the  whole,  but  their  usefulness  considered,  the  loss  is  far  greater. 
We  shall  soon  lose  another,  whose  place  cannot  well  be  supplied,  and  still 
other  families  connected  with  the  Church  speak  of  removing.  It  requires 
great  exertion  to  prevent  a reduction  of  the  number  of  communicants,  and 
judging  from  present  appearances,  it  will  be  long  before  these  parishes  can 
sustain  themselves.  As  they  may  need  help  longer  than  the  Committee  may 
feel  justified  in  intending  it,  no  further  demand  will  be  made  upon  the 
Missionary  Society,  while  I have  connection  wkh  them.  I cease  to  be  a 
Missionary  from  the  first  of  this  month.” 


Mississippi. 

Pass  Christian — Rev.  J.  S.  Green. 

“ Having  received  and  accepted  a call  to  take  charge  of  St.  Luke’s 
Church,  Marianna,  Florida,  I therefore  resign  this  station  with  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  a beautiful  church  edifice  and  a good  congregation  in  this 
place,  where,  when  I first  came,  a Christian  minister  would  hardly  be 
tolerated.  We  give  all  .the  honor  and  glory  to  our  gracious  Redeemer,  9 
who  has  promised  to  be  with  his  faithful  servants  unto  the  end  of  the 
world.  My  resignation  may  be  dated  from  the  20th  of  December,  1849, 
at  which  time  my  successor,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Savage,  arrived  here.” 

Yazoo  City — Rev.  D.  Kerr. 

“ A beautiful  service  of  communion  plate  has  been  presented  by  four 
friends  residing  in  New-Orleans,  costing  $50.  May  the  Lord  reward  their 
beneficence  with  the  consolations  of  his  grace.  There  are  in  the  Sunday- 


166 


DOMESTIC. 


[June, 


school  thirty-two  children  and  four  teachers,  superintended  by  the  Mission- 
ary. Catechetical  instruction  is  given  the  children  on  the  second  Sunday 
in  the  month.  The  purchase  of  a Rectory  is  an  era  bright  and  ominous  in 
the  history  of  any  parish  ; but  from  peculiar  circumstances  connected  with 
the  prosperity  of  this  portion  of  our  Zion,  it  became  a vital  consideration. 
The  demand  for  houses,  the  high  rates  of  rent,  joined  with  other  things, 
would  have  required  the  Missionary  to  distract  his  attention  with  the  duties 
of  a school  ; and  whatever  may  be  the  result  elsewhere,  the  time  has  not  yet 
arrived,  when  the  anxieties  of  pastor  and  teacher  can  here  be  united  in 
the  same  person  without  great  detriment  to  the  spiritual  purpose  for  which 
he  is  sent.  To  meet  this  necessary  demand,  God  put  it  into  the  generous 
hearts  of  a few  individuals  to  seize  an  opportunity  afforded  of  purchasing 
commodious  premises  adjoining  the  Church.  Emulation  is  not  without  its 
blessed  influence  in  religious  as  well  as  in  civil  life;  and  the  Church  is  the 
last  to  forget  its  friends.  Therefore  the  remark  is  due,  that,  to  one,  always 
distinguished  for  charity,  but  especially  since  his  late  conversion  to  Christ, 
is  the  Church  here  chiefly  indebted  for  this  permanent  an*l  inestimable,  ad- 
vantage. The  Rectory  cost  $2,500.” 


(Eenness**. 

Brownsville  and  Ripley — Rev.  Cyrus  Waters. 

“ The  Congregations  worship  in  the  court-houses  of  the  respective  places. 
It  is  hoped,  however,  that  in  Ripley  during  the  coming  year  a Church 
edifice  will  be  built.  The  Missionary  cannot  entertain  the  same  hopes  in 
regard  to  Brownsville.  The  members  of  the  Church  there  are  poor.” 


KetUuckr). 

Bowling  Green — Rev.  J.  J.  Page. 

“ T officiate  at  four  different  points,  Elkton,  Russellville,  Bowling  Green, 
and  at  a Methodist  meeting-house  in  the  vicinity  of  my  residence.  Bowling 
Green  is  decidedly  the  most  important  and  promising  portion  of  the  field. 
There,  though  but  a few  have  been  brought  into  the  Communion  of  the 
Church,  a most  decided  impression  has  been  made  on  the  community  in  her 
favor.  The  congregations  are  very  good,  and  embrace  many  of  the  most 
intelligent  and  influential  inhabitants  of  the  village.  There  is  no  Church 
edifice  at  either  Elkton  or  Russellville,  and  the  congregations  are  small.” 

Hickman — Rev.  N.  N.  Cowgill. 

“ Our  little  flock  has  somewhat  increased  by  additions  of  such  as  we 
trust  will  be  among  the  saved;  several  young  persons,  as  well  as  those  of 
* mature  age,  have  given  themselves  to  the  Lord.  Thus  we  are  not  without 
encouragement.  Though  the  instrument  be  feeble,  and  the  soil  difficult  to 
cultivate,  the  gracious  Lord  will  do  his  own  work  by  whom  he  will,  so 
that  the  weak  things  of  this  world  shall  confound  the  mighty.” 

Paducah — Rev.  Caleb  Dow. 

“ When  you  consider  that  the  station  has  been  occupied  only  two  years 
and  two  months,  and  that  now  we  number  twenty-one  communicants ; have 


DOMESTIC. 


167 


1850] 

erected  and  paid  for  a beautiful  Gothic  Church  Edifice ; have  an  organ 
worth  $375,  and  a flourishing,  increasing  Sunday-school,  I trust  that 
these  signs  of  improvement  will  be  sufficiently  commensurate  with  the  ex- 
pectations of  the  Board  for  Domestic  Missions  to  induce  a continuance  of  its 
aid.” 


Dresden  and  Madison — Rev.  A.  T.  McMurphy. 

“ My  time  is  equally  divided  between  the  two  parishes,  and  my  summer 
arrangement  for  preaching  is,  the  morning  at  Dresden,  the  afternoon  at 
Madison,  but  in  the  winter  season  I take  alternate  Sundays  at  each  parish. 

“ The  Church  edifice  which  was  commenced  previous  to  my  last  April 
report,  is  now  completed  and  ready  for  consecration.  It  is  a neat  Gothic 
building  of  brick,  sixty-one  feet,  including  the  tower,  by  thirty-six,  with 
buttresses  at  the  sides ; tower,  sixty-nine  feet  from  the  base,  vestry-room  in 
the  rear,  and  gallery  at  the  end.  The  pulpit,  desk,  communion  table,  and 
chancel  railing,  are  of  black  walnut,  and  pews  finished  to  correspond.  The 
cost  of  the  building  furnished,  including  Melodeon,  is  about  $3000,  and  1 
am  happy  to  add,  that  through  the  energy  of  the  Congregation,  and  the 
kind  liberality  of  others,  is  free  from  debt. 

“ Like  all  new  parishes  in  the  West,  we  have  much  to  contend  with,  and 
it  will  require  patient  endurance,  and  steadiness  of  purpose,  to  overcome  the 
obstacles  in  one  way.  Yet  whilst  prejudice  and  other  causes  combine  to 
retard  our  progress,  we  are  silently,  slowly,  but  steadily  gaining  ground 
through  the  instrumentality  of  Sabbath-school  instruction;  and  it  is  mainly 
through  an  attendant  blessing  upon  this  labor  of  love,  that  we  hope  to  grow 
and  become  strong,  for  though  our  school  is  but  recently  established  it  has 
far  exceeded  our  expectations,  being  the  largest  and  most  flourishing  in  the 
place.  I have,  and  shall  continue  to  catechise  the  children  as  often  as  my 
other  duties  will  permit.  I may  here  mention  that  the  greater  number  of 
communicants  added  during  the  past  year,  are  heads  of  families,  and  such 
as  are  calculated  to  give  strength  and  influence  to  the  Church. 

“ The  parish  at  Madison  is  a country  parish,  composed  chiefly  of  Irish 
settlers.  There  is  at  present  but  little  prospect  of  accessions.  But  the 
few  who  compose  the  Church,  encourage  their  Pastor  to  labor  among 
them,  by  their  godly  walk  and  conversation  ; and  though  but  little  apparent 
fruit  has  been  seen  to  spring  forth  here,  by  others  coming  to  our  solemn 
feasts,  yet  we  have  reason  to  hope  and  believe,  that  the  Divine  Head  of  the 
Church  has  owned  and  blessed  our  efforts  to  do  good  throughout  the  com- 
munity.” 


Pomeroy — Rev.  T.  B.  Dooley. 

“ Your  Missionary  would  state,  thathy  the  directions  of  Bishop  M’llvaine, 
he  has  commenced  giving  services  to  the  people  of  Gallipolis,  twenty  miles 
from  this  station,  it  being  the  county  seat  of  Gallia,  where,  there  is  a good 
prospect  for  organizing  a Church.  We  had  a building  there  which  has 
passed  into  the  hands  of  Universalists,  but  we  trust  to  obtain  it  again.  On 
my  first  visit  I organized  a-  S.  S.,  commencing  with  twelve  scholars  and 


168 


DOMESTIC. 


[June, 

three  teachers.  On  the  next  visit  I gathered  fifty  scholars,  and  ten  teachers. 
1 hope  to  be  able  to  give  them  one  Sunday  in  each  month,  and  by  the  next 
Diocesan  Convention  iiave  a parish  canonically  organized  preparatory  to  ad- 
mission into  union. 

“Our  little  Zion  is  merging  from  under  the  cloud  of  suspicion,  which 
seemed  to  hide  her  beauty  in  this  place.  As  she  is  seen  in  her  excellence, 
and  known,  it  is  to  give  satisfaction  and  joy.  O ! may  the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness continue  to  gladden  our  hearts  by  the  increase  of  living  temples,  holy 
and  acceptable.” 


• \ 

Indiana. 

Bristol — Rev.  H.  Wheeler. 

“ Upon  the  whole,  I think  this  station  a promising  one.  A good  deal  of 
interest  is  taken  in  the  services,  and  the  Congregation  appears  to  be  gradu- 
ally increasing.  We  have  a good  Church  edifice  so  nearly  finished,  that 
we  can  hold  service  in  it  during  the  warm  part  of  the  season  ; and  by  the 
blessing  of  God  we  hope  to  have  it  made  comfortable  during  the  present 
season  for  all  weather.  My  people  are  zealous  but  poor.  In  order  to  my 
support  I have  been  engaged  in  teaching  for  the  last  six  months,  in  addition 
to  my  parochial  labors,  which  will  account  for  my  not  having  traveled  about 
the  country  more.” 

Laporte — Rev.  S.  W.  Manney. 

“ Our  hopes,  though  not  fully  realized,  have  not  been  altogether  disap- 
pointed. During  the  past  year  the  Church  has  been  better  attended  than 
previously,  on  Sunday,  through  Passion  week,  and  on  the  stationary  days. 
There  is  too  a greater  interest  and  zeal  manifested  by  the  Congregation 
generally  : while  it  is  but  just  to  say,  that  a few,  through  carelessness  and 
error,  seem  to  be  declining  in  these  necessary  manifestations  of  a vigorous 
Christian  life.  The  Church  has  been  newly  and  handsomely  carpeted,  and 
we  are  now  preparing  to  furnish  it  with  lamps.  These  are  small  matters  in 
themselves,  but  with  us  they  indicate  some  interest  and  self-denial. 

“ In  my  last  report  I mentioned  the  death  of  the  junior  warden  of  the 
Church ; I have  now  to  mention  the  removal  of  our  senior  warden  to  Cali- 
fornia, though  it  may  be  but  temporary.  In  old  established  parishes  these 
losses  can  be  easily  supplied,  but  in  the  West,  where  most  of  our  parishes 
are  small,  weak,  and  in  a forming  state,  they  affect  us  very  sensibly  and 
sometimes  seriously. 

“Our  progresses  slow,  and  seems  destined  to  be  so,  from  circumstances 
over  which  we  have  no  control.  The  pre-occupancy  of  the  ground — the  love 
of  excitement  and  of  something  new  which  so  generally  prevails — the  multi- 
plicity of  sects,  all  holding  more  or  less  prominent  and  not  insignificant  po- 
sitions, and  the  continual  putting  forth  of  pretended  new  opinions  and 
old  heresies  in  a new  dress,  professing  not  to  teach  anything  which  is  not 
evidently  drawn  from  reason,  all  conspire  to  retard  the  progress  of  the 
Church.  But  though  this  be  true,  and  more  too,  I have  no  doubt  but  that 
the  Church  is  the  only  hope  of  the  West,  and  that  she  is  now,  in  her  youth, 
being  fitted  by  severe  trial  and  labor  and  hardship,  to  come  off  more  than 
conqueror  through  Him  that  loved  her  ; and  when  men  have  become  tired  of 


DOMESTIC. 


169 


1850.] 

chasing  the  vain  phantom  of  reason,  and  become  sick  of  a senseless  adora- 
tion of  it,  they  will  seek  with  the  earnestness  of  a personal  interest  the  se- 
cure bosom  of  the  Church,  where  they  will  find  reason  ennobled  though  not 
deified,  and  authority  and  faith  upon  which  to  rest  their  aching  hearts.” 

Mishawaka — Rev.  B.  Halsted. 

“ Since  my  October  report,  our  Church  has  been  open  for  Divine  service 
twice  every  Sunday,  with  one  exception,  when  I was  absent  at  Bristol,  also 
on  Ash  Wednesday,  the  Wednesday  evenings  of  Lent,  and  on  Good  Friday. 
The  congregations  continue  about  the  same  as  last  year,  although  we  have 
lost  by  removal  two  families  and  several  individuals;  one  of  our  principal 
families  having  gone  to  Wisconsin,  and  the  other,  together  with  a number 
of  single  individuals,  to  California.  In  this  way,  although  we  have  acces- 
sions, yet  the  congregation  has  not  increased  in  size  or  strength,  and  needs, 
quite  as  much  as  ever,  the  aid  of  the  Missionary  appropriation. 

“ At  Elkhart,  a flourishing  town  of  alaout  700  inhabitants,  on  the  St. 
Joseph  River,  eleven  miles  from  this  place,  I have,  during  the  past  winter, 
officiated  eight  times,  on  Sunday  afternoons,  to  very  respectable  and  atten- 
tive congregations.  There  is  here  a Presbyterian  place  of  worship,  but  no 
settled  minister  of  any  denomination  ; and  I have  been  told  by  persons  living 
in  the  place,  that  if  they  could  have  the  entire  services  of  a clergyman  of 
the  Church,  a parish  could  soon  be  formed,  able  and  willing  to  sustain 
itself.  I consider  this  as  one  of  the  best  openings  for  the  Church  in  North- 
ern Indiana,  and  one  which  ought  at  once  to  be  supplied.” 

“ Besides  the  above  services  I have  administered  the  Holy  Communion  at 
Bristol  eight  times,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wheeler  being  only  in  Deacon’s  orderSj 
and  previous  to  his  taking  charge  of  that  parish,  baptized  three  children. 
I have  also  once  officiated  at  Lima.” 


Illinois. 

Chicago — Rev.  Dudley  Chase. 

“ T have  not  with  me  the  means  of  making  the  statistical  report  required 
at  the  beginning  of  this  month.  I have,  however,  been  constantly  engaged 
in  the  duties  of  my  calling,  and  as  a Missionary  of  the  Board. 

“ Since  the  reduction  of  my  salary,  as  itinerant  Missionary,  from  $300 
to  $100,  I find  myself  no  longer  able  to  maintain  my  family,  except  by  en- 
tering on  another  sphere  of  duty,  where  I can  derive  some  portion  of  my 
support  from  the  people  to  whom  I minister. 

‘‘I  did  not  feel  willing  to  relinquish  the  preaching  of  the  Gospel,  or  to 
leave  the  Diocese  of  Illinois,  and  there  are  few  new  parishes  in  the  Diocese 
able,  without  some  aid  from  abroad,  fully  to  maintain  a Minister. 

“ Under  these  circumstances  I was  led,  by  the  advice  and  desire,  and 
hearty  concurrence  of  the  clergy  of  this  city,  to  endeavor  to  form  another 
Church  in  this  city,  now  numbering  over  20,000  inhabitants. 

‘’I  came  here  at  the  time  Trinity  Church  was  deprived  of  a Pastor;' 
officiated  for  them  in  turn  with  the  other  clergy,  and  opened  Divine  service 
in  the  west  division  of  the  city. 

“ A room  has  been  procured  and  rented  for  a year.  A parish  has  been 
formed,  and  they  have  entered  me  as  their  Rector,  though  the  most  they 


DOMESTIC. 


170 


[June, 


can  do  for  my  support  is  $350.  This  is  far  from  an  adequate  provision  for 
my  family  alone. 

“ I ask,  therefore,  that  my  Missionary  salary  of  $100  be  continued  till 
the  parish  are  able  to  provide  fully  for  my  support.  I design  (and  have 
made  it  to  be  understood)  to  go  one  Sunday  in  each  month,  to  a place  on 
the  West  Plain  river,  where  a parish  was  started  by  the  Bishop  several 
years  ago,  and  a small  sum  collected,  and  placed  in  deposit  in  this  city,  on 
interest,  till  they  should  be  ready  to  build  a house  to  worship  in.  I have 
officiated  there  one  Sunday,  and  found  five  or  six  families  devotedly  attach- 
ed to  the  Church,  and  twelve  communicants.” 


Alton — Rev.  S.  Y.  McMasters. 

“ Our  congregations  are  always  good,  and  I am  sure  that  many  who  are 
not  directly  connected  with  us^are  sincerely  desirous  for  the  prosperity  of 
our  Zion. 

“ The  great  affliction  of  the  Church  in  this  country,  is  the  unsettled  con- 
dition of  society.  A large  part  of  our  population  is  floating,  and  compara- 
tively few  continue  long  ‘ in  one  stay.’ 

“ I deeply  regret  to  say  to  you,  that  we  are  not  yet  able  to  support  our- 
selves, so  heavy  have  been  our  losses  of  contributing  members. 

“ I have  continued  to  visit  Edwardsville,  fifteen  miles  from  this  place, 
where  I never  fail  to  have  large  and  attentive  congregations,  though  it  may 
be  questioned  whether  there  is  any  influence  in  the  place  decidedly  for 
Episcopacy.  Yet  I think  an  active  and  self-denying  young  man,  with  a lit- 
tle assistance  from  your  Board,  might  be  sustained  here,  and  do  much 
good.” 


Joliet — Rev.  D.  E.  Brown. 

“ With  expressions  of  our  gratitude  to  the  fountain  of  all  good,  for  the 
measure  of  health  and  other  blessings  which  we  have  enjoyed  the  past  sea- 
son, it  would  be  improper  to  withhold  the  expression  of  our  thankfulness 
for  the  same,  and  to  continue  our  earnest  supplication  at  a throne  of  grace 
for  its  continuance,  not  only  for  ourselves  individually,  but  for  the  Church 
generally,  and  for  a blessing  upon  the  Missionary  operations  of  the  same. 

“ It  will  not  be  advisable  to  refer  again  to  the  effects  of  the  pestilence  of 
last  season,  the  sad  effects  of  which  are  still  felt  in  the  business  portion  of 
the  community,  in  the  breaking  up  and  derangement  of  established  business 
houses,  the  want  of  confidence  in  progressive  operations,  and  the  fresh  alarm 
given  by  the  fact,  that  the  pestilence  is  now  raging  at  New-Orleans,  and  is 
rapidly  extending  up  along  the  Mississippi  and  Ohio,  and  their  tributaries, 
having  already  reached  Cincinnati,  Louisville,  and  St.  Louis  ; and  we  have 
reason  to  fear  will  shortly  appear  at  Chicago.  Having  referred  to  its 
ravages  of  last  season  in  my  October  report,  I will  not  do  it  now. 

“ Yet  there  is  another  epidemic  raging  in  our  midst,  which  vve  fear  will  be 
but  little  less  severely  felt  in  the  breaking  up  of  domestic  relations,  the  dis- 
continuance of  business  operations,  and  the  withdrawal  of  capital  from  its 
legitimate  channels  in  our  midst,  and  diverting  it  to  other  objects,  an df  for- 
eign channels,  that  is,  the  gold  mania  of  California.  Last  season  it  drew 
from  this  county  some  four  hundred  emigrants,  but  this  season  it  is  contem- 
plated that  the  emigration  of  this  season  will  be  many  times  that  number. 
This  draft  is  made  from  all  grades  and  classes  of  society  ; and  our  Church 


1850.] 


DOMESTIC. 


IT  t 


in  this  village  is  suffering  also — even  members  of  our  vestry  are  among  the 
number.  I have  delayed  this  sheet  a few  days,  in  order  , to  ascertain  to 
what  extent  would  be  the  draft  upon  our  Church,  and  as  the  last  have  now 
left,  we  find  the  most  active  and  influential  member  of  our  vestry,  and  a 
number  of  our  people,  are  among  the  number.  Their  families  remain,  of 
course,  but  their  withdrawing  from  the  active  business  of  the  country, 
operates  very  detrimental  to  business  operations  with  us,  and  closes  up  all 
the  avenues  of  active  exertion ; and  in  most  cases,  the  men  who  have  left 
families  have  taken  all  their  available  means,  leaving  a bare  support  for 
those  who  remain  here.  Thus  all,  or  a great  proportion  of  ihe  means  of 
supporting  the  Church  is  cut  off,  and  although  the  ministrations  and  or- 
dinances of  the  gospel  are  still  much  needed,  and  the  consolations  of  reli- 
gion are  more  needed,  yet  their  means  of  sustaining  them  are  gone  for  the 
present,  and  in  most  cases,  I presume,  for  all  time. 

“ You  are  aware  that  the  pioneers  of  t^iis  country  are  generally  a rest- 
less, moving  class  of  people,  and  the  very  ones  to  be  excited  by  the  gold 
fever  ; they  are  perfectly  at  home  upon  the  prairies  on  the  California  routes, 
and  the  Sierra  Nevada  would  present  no  barrier  to  them — not  even  the 
snows  of  the  Rocky  Mountains,  nor  the  strolling  bands  of  savages  on  the 
plains  would  present  any  insurmountable  obstacle ; a frontier  prairie 
life  has  become  endeared  to  them,  and  the  excitement  of  the  gold  mania  is 
the  element  for  them  to  live  in  ; no  wonder  then  that  the  number  of  emi- 
grants from  this  prairie  country  is  so  large.” 

Kickapoo — Rev.  Richard  Radley. 

“ During  the  past  year  my  services,  as  heretofore,  have  been  given  to  the 
congregations  at  Kickapoo  and  Limestone  Prairie,  holding  Divine  service  and 
preaching  once  in  each  place  every  Lord’s-day,  with  occasional  week-day 
services  in  the  adjacent  neighbourhood. 

“ The  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  has  been  administered  on  the 
first  Sunday  of  every  month. 

“ At  Kickapoo  the  prospect  reported  last  year  has  gradually  advanced, 
and  impressions  decidedly  favorable  to  the  Church  have,  been  made.  The 
Book  of  Common  Prayer  has  been  supplied  to  a number  of  applicants,  and 
many  others  have  purchased  it  for  themselves  ; we  regard  these  circum- 
stances as  decidedly  favorable,  and  I have  good  hope,  that  before  the  close 
of  another  year  my  communion  will  be  doubled. 

“ In  my  last  annual  report,  I spoke  of  the  Church  which  was  in  course  of 
erection  in  this  place  ; and  now,  it  is  with  heartfelt  gratitude,  that  I inform 
the  Board,  not  onl/  that  the  building  is  completed,  and  consecrated  to  the 
worship  of  Almighty  God  ; but  also,  that  it  is  entirely  free  from  debt.  The 
edifice  is  twenty-eight  by  fifty  feet,  substantially  built  in  plain  gothic,  with 
good  stone  foundations,  and  brick  superstructure ; the  inside  is  finish- 
ed in  a neat  and  becoming  manner,  with  chancel,  desk,  and  pulpit;  the 
body  of  the  Church  is  well  seated  with  a row  of  pews  on  each  side,  and 
slips  in  the  middle  ; at  the  north  end  of  the  building  i-s  a tower  of  suitable 
height  and  strength  for  a bell,  with  the  necessary  frame  work  for  receiving 
that  very  desirable  appendage  ; directly  under  the  tower  is  the  principal  en- 
trance. Cost  in  all  $2,264  ; of  this  sum  over  $2000  was  collected  within 
the  limits  of  Peoria  county.  At  Limestone  Prairie,  ten  miles  distant,  the 
Church  has  been  open  for  public  worship  every  Sunday  throughout  the  year, 
except  one,  and  several  times  on  week  days : the  congregation  is  steadily 


172 


DOMESTIC. 


[June, 

increasing  in  numbers,  and  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  good  seed 
sown  will  ere  long  yield  a rich  harvest.  The  members  of  this  parish, 
though  few  in  number,  are  sincerely  devoted  to  the  interest  of  the  Church; 
and  among  those  who  come  from  other  denominations  there  appears  to  be 
a growing  attachment  to  our  beautiful  services.” 

MencLon — Rev.  John  Sellwood. 

“ I have  spent  every  other  Sunday  in  Carthage,  as  usual,  with  two 
exceptions — the  one  I was  prevented  by  heavy  rain,  the  other  by  the 
sickness  of  my  mother.  Prospects  here  are  not  at  present  very  encouraging. 
There  is  no  parish  formed,  nor  likelihood  of  one  as  yet.  If  favorable  wea- 
ther, and  all  other  circumstances  are  favorable,  a considerable  congregation 
-assembles  for  divine  worship,  otherwise  it  is  small.  I generally  hold  three 
services. 

“ In  my  last  report,  I mentioned  that  I had  just  before  visited  La  Harpe 
for  the  first  time,*  and  had  been  earnestly  entreated  to  visit  the  town  again, 
and  that  I purposed  doing  so.  I did  so  once  or  twice  on  Sunday  evenings, 
when  being  unable  to  spend  any  more  Sunday  evenings  there,  I was  re- 
quested by  several  of  the  citizens  to  visit  the  place  on  week  days,  and  offi- 
ciate at  candle  light.  Believing  this  request  to  be  an  intimation  of  the  will 
of  Divine  Providence,  I engaged  to  do  so,  and  have  endeavored  to  visit  the 
place  every  other  week,  with  two  or  three  exceptions,  and  at  each  visit  offi- 
ciate at  least  three  times,  on  Monday,  Tuesday,  and  Wednesday  evenings. 
I have  delivered  a course  of  lectures  on  the  destruction  of  Sodom  and  the 
other  cities  of  the  Plain,  and  the  various  circumstances  antecedent  and  sub- 
sequent to  that  event.  I have  reason  to  believe  that  the  Lord  has  blessed 
my  ministrations  in  this  place.  I hope  some  will  praise  God  to  eternity  for 
sending  me  there.  No  Episcopal  Church  services  had  ever  been  held  in 
the  town,  previous  to  my  visiting  it  last  fall.  Some  attempted  to  hinder  my 
usefulness,  and  prevent  persons  from  attending  divine  worship,  by  raising  the 
cry  of  popery,  but  it  was  in  vain,  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  with  me  for 
good.  The  congregations  that  have  regularly  assembled  have  been  large  ; 
sometimes  the  place  has  been  crowded,  and  I have  enjoyed  many  a pre- 
cious season  in  preaching  to  them  the  words  of  eternal  life.  I have  endeav- 
ored to  preach  to  them,  as  I am  wont  to  do  in  all  other  places,  the  great 
doctrines  of  the  Reformation — man’s  ruined  and  dangerous  state  by  nature, 
and  the  great,  the  free  and  glorious  salvation  there  is  in  Jesus,  to  be  obtain- 
ed bv  believing  in  him.  And  while  I have  been  exhorting  my  fellow  sin- 
ners to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come,  and  pointing  out  to  them  the  only 
refuge  provided,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ; and  while  1 h^ve  been  endeavoring 
to  exhibit  him  in  all  his  saving  characters  and  offices,  and  earnestly  entreat- 
ing and  beseeching  them  instantly  to  flee  to  him  for  safety,  where  alone  it 
could  be  found,  I have  felt  it  good  to  be  there,  arid  many  of  the  audience 
also  felt  it  good  to  be  there,  and  have  had  cause  to  say,  ‘ Surely  this  is  none 
other  than  the  house  of  God  and  the  gate  of  heaven.’  ” 


iHidpgan. 

Charlotte — Rev.  Luman  Foote. 

“ At  Bellevue,  the  only  place  where  worship  can  be  held,  is  a common 
school-house,  which  all  the  denominations  claim  the  right  of  occupying; 


DOMESTIC. 


173 


1850.] 


hence  I have  several  times  been  prevented  fulfilling  my  appointment  for 
want  of  a place  to  hold  services  in.  ‘ The  powers  that' be’  of  the  school 
district,  at  last  decreed  that  I could  have  the  school-house  but  once  a 
month.  These  facts,  together  with  the  badness  of  the  roads  during  the 
winter  season,  and  it  always  taking  three  days  of  my  time  to  make  a trip 
there,  although  the  distance  is  but  sixteen  miles,  led  me  to  suspend  my 
visits  to  that  place  since  the  last  of  December.  The  place  of  worship  at  this 
place,  Charlotte,  is  the  court-house,  to  which  also  all  ‘ who  profess  and  call 
themselves  Christians,’  and  some  who  do  not,  claim  an  equal  right.  I have 
always  occupied  it  half  the  time,  and  during  the  present  winter,  three 
quarters.  But  every  other  Sunday  I have  been  prevented  holding  morning 
service  there,  the  Methodists  using  the  house  at  the  hour.  Consequently 
since  December  I have  been  prevented  by  these  circumstances,  from 
preaching  and  holding  services  on  the  Lord’s-day  one-fourth  of  the  time. 
This  I very  much  regretted,  but  saw  no  way  to  help  it.  Under  these  embar- 
rassments I have  therefore  held  divine  service.” 


Detroit — Rev.  W.  C.  M unroe. 

“ We  now  hold  divine  service  in  our  vestry-room,  as  we  are  not  able  to 
finish  our  Church  at  present.  We  have  a Sunday-school,  consisting  of 
twenty-four  scholars  and  five  teachers.  We  have  a library  of  a hundred 
volumes,  besides  other  books,  which  we  received  through  the  kindness  of 
Dr.  Dyer.” 


JonesviUe — Rev.  R.  S.  Elder. 

“Your  Missionary  has  but  little  of  interest  to  report.  His  field 
of  labor  is  in  as  prosperous  condition  as  probably  he  has  any  right  to  ex- 
pect. Grace  Church,  Jonesville,  where  he  resides,  is  especially  in  an  en- 
couraging state.  We  have  succeeded,  since  I have  been  in  connection 
with  the  parish,  in  completing  our  Church  edifice,  which  I found  in  the 
fall  of  1846  in  an  unfinished  condition,  the  frame  being  raised  and  but 
partly  enclosed.  It  was  completed,  entirely  out  of  debt,  and  consecrated 
in  the  fall  of  1848.” 

Port  Huron — Rev.  G.  B.  Engle. 

“ I engaged  in  the  duties  of  this  parish,  February  1st,  1850.  So  little 
time  has  since  elapsed  that  I shall  defer  statistics  until  my  next  report. 
The  congregation  is  considerably  larger  than  that  at  Niles,  and  is  very  re- 
gular for  a parish  that  has  been  vacant  for  three  or  four  years.  We  are 
now  taking  measures  for  building  a new  Church,  which  we  hope  to  finish 
during  the  coming  summer.  Our  location  is  on  the  St.  Clair  river,  about 
a mile  and  a half  below  the  mouth  of  Lake  Huron.” 

Tecumseh — Rev.  W.  M.  Burton. 

“ The  prospects  of  the  Church  at  this  station  are,  upon  the  whole,  more 
encouraging  than  at  the  time  of  my  last  report. 

“ At  Tecumseh,  you  will  perceive  from  the  statistics,  that  a goodly  num- 
ber have  renewed,  ratified,  and  confirmed  the  vows  of  Holy  Baptism,  and 
in  the  Holy  Communion  have  sought  still  further  supplies  of  grace  and 
spiritual  strength.  To  the  desponding  hearts  of  the  faithful  and  devoted 
few,  who  have  mourned  over  the  desolations  of  Zion  in  this  place,  and  who 
had  almost  begun  to  fear  that  God  had  forsaken  them,  and  that  there  would 


174 


DOMESTIC. 


[June, 

no  more  be  any  tokens  of  the  Divine  presence  in  their  midst,  this  is  quite 
cheering  and  encouraging.  Your  Missionary  is  also  much  encouraged 
to  go  on  his  way,  laboring  in  patience  and  faith,  looking  to  Him, 
who  only  can  give  the  increase,  and  trusting  that  in  due  season  he  shall 
reap,  if  he  faint  not.  I regret,  that  several  families  of  the  congregation 
design  to  leave  soon,  but  1 hope  that  their  place  will  soon  be  supplied  by 
others.  The  transient  character  of  the  population  is  one  great  discourage- 
ment which  we  are  called  to  meet  at  the  West.  But  we  must  not  suffer 
ourselves  to  be  unduly  depressed  by  these  circumstances.  Our  wisdom  is 
•clamly  to  take  things  as  they  are,  and  make  the  best  of  them. 

“in  St.  Patrick’s  Church,  Clinton,  the  attendance  has  generally  been 
quite  good,  and  though  I am  able  to  report  but  two  confirmations,  several 
have  their  thoughts  directed  that  way,  and  will,  1 trust,  before  long,  take 
the  decisive,  the  irrevocable  step.  The  congregation  have  repaired  and 
carpeted  their  small  Church,  and  it  has  an  air  of  great  comfort  and  neatness. 

“ It  were  much  to  be  desired,  that  each  parish  had  a clergyman,  with 
one  instead  of  two  services  on  Sunday.  While  the  parochial  labors  of  their 
minister  are  so  extended,  it  cannot  be  expected  that  so  great  advances  will 
be  made  as  there  would  be  if  each  parish  enjoyed  his  full  and  undivided 
• labors.  Still,  the  improvement  has  been  such  as,  in  some  degree,  to  cheer 
and  encourage  the  friends  of  the  Church,  and  lead  them  to  continue  their 
efforts,  with  the  hope,' through  the  Divine  blessing,  of  ultimate  success.” 


iDisconsut. 

Shiboygan — Rev.  L.  W.  Davis. 

“ The  fact  that  this  place  is  rapidly  increasing  by  emigration  from  the 
East,  together  with  many  circumstances,  that,  under  God’s  blessing,  have 
occurred  during  the  past  year  to  evince  an  increasing  attachment  of  the 
people  to  the  Church,  encourages  your  Missionary  in  this  field  of  labor, 
and  strengthens  the  hope  that  the  parish  will  ere  long  become  not  only 
self-supporting,  but  able  and  willing  to  lend  a helping  hand  towards  the  sup- 
port of  others.” 

' Watertown — Rev.  M.  Hoyt. 

“ The  Church  has  been  opened  for  Divine  Service  twice  on  each  Lord’s 
day,  and  all  the  principal  fasts  and  festivals  of  the  Church  have  been 
observed. 

“ During  the  year  a very  neat  Gothic  Church,  twenty-four  by  fifty  feet,  has 
been  erected,  at  an  expense  of  about  $1000.  It  was  consecrated  in  Novem- 
ber last,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  J.  Kemper.  Since  that  time  the  Congregation  has 
greatly  increased. 

“We  have  adopted  the  plan  of  weekly  offerings  for  the  support  of  the 
Ministry,  and  thus  far  it  has  succeeded  well,  averaging  each  week  about 
five  dollars. 

“ The  ladies,  by  a fair,  realized  about  8159,  with  which  sum  they  have 
furnished  the  Church.  . The  Congregation  have  also  purchased  a fine  toned 
Melodeon,  at  a cost  of  805.” 

Green  Lake — Rev.  G.  R.  Bartlett. 

“ Since  my  last  report,  the  prospects  of  the  Church  here  appear  more  en- 
couracring.  The  number  of  attendants  on  our  services  has  increased.  We 
have  also  an  increased  number  of  Communicants.  By  the  aid  of  our  friends 
at  the  East,  we  have  purchased  the  building  used  for  our  place  of  public 


DOMESTIC. 


175 


1850.] 

worship.  This  we  have  repaired.  We  have  also  added  to  it  some  plain, 
substantial  benches  for  the  greater  convenience  of  the  Congregation,  who  have 
heretofore  occupied  temporary  seats  of  rough  boards.  The  building  being 
found  too  small  for  the  accommodation  of  our  Congregation,  we  have  made 
a contract  for  enlarging  it  by  the  addition  of  ten  feet  to  its  length,  and  shall 
have  the  work  commenced  in  a few  days.  We  trust  we  shall  be  able  to 
have  the  building  finished  and  ready  for  consecration  by  the  latter  part  of 
the  month  of  June.  If  we  succeed  in  so  doing,  ours  will  be  the  first 
Church  edifice  in  Marquette  county  Bishop  Kemper  visited  this  station, 
and  preached  and  administered  the  Holy  Communion  on  Easter  Sunday. 
I accompanied  the  Bishop  in  his  visitation  to  several  other  places  in  this 
region,  and  at  Janesville,  on  the  8th  inst.,  was  by  him  admitted  to  the  order 
of  Priests.” 

Delavan — Rev.  S.  McHugh. 

“ On  Sunday,  the  7th  inst.,  (April,)  our  new  Church  was  consecrated  to 
the  worship  and  service  of  Almighty  God.  I do  not  intend  in  noticing  this 
event  to  go  into  an  elaborate  detail  as  to  architectural  design,  the  order 
adhered  to  in  its  erection,  or  the  style  of  its  finish.  I confess,  and  perhaps 
should  be  ashamed  to  confess  it,  that  I am  not  sufficiently  versed  in  these 
matters  to  write  learnedly  on  the  comparative  merits  of  the  Grecian  or  the 
Gothic.  Ours  has  been  constructed  agreeably  to  an  order  admirably  suited 
to  our  climate  and  circumstances,  and  may  therefore  very  properly 
be  designated  the  Wisconsin  order,  its  three  leading  features  are 
adaptation,  durability,  and  economy  ; a union  of  these  three  has  been  pre- 
served in  the  most  exact  proportion  throughout.  I 'state  it  with  gratitude, 
that  our  Church  is  well  filled  with  worshippers  ; and  I have  every  reason  to 
believe,  in  spiritual  progress,  we  are  keeping  full  pace  with  our  numerical 
growth  and  prosperity.” 


Jo  tua. 

Burlington — Rev.  J.  Batchelder. 

“ During  the  year  now  passed,  though  suffering  severely  from  fre- 
quent attacks  of  illness,  I have,  with  but  very  few  inteiruptions  or  omis- 
sions, performed  Divine  Service  and  preached  twice  regularly  on  each 
Lord’s-day.  I have  also  on  many  festival  occasions  occurring  on  week- 
days, performed  Divine  Service  and  preached. 

“ We  still  suffer  much  from  the  extremely  unsettled  habits  of  the  commu- 
nity, our  members  so  frequently  removing,  that  it  is  no  small  matter  to  fill 
up  the  vacancies  thus  occasioned.  Could  I have  retained  the  persons  who 
have  been  connected  with  my  congregation  since  I have  been  in  this  place, 
my  records  show  that  1 should  now  have  a congregation  of  more  than  four 
hundred  persons.  We  may  justly  hope,  that  the  many  individuals  thus 
scattered  from  us  to  the  four  winds,  will  carry  with  them  the  instruction 
and  benefits  here  received,  as  good  seed,  that  shall  ultimately  bear  fruit  to 
the  praise  and  glory  of  the  abounding  grace  of  God. 

“We  have  occupied  our  Church  since  the'  beginning  of  July  last, 
although  it  has  not  yet  been  consecrated  on  account  of  pecuniary  encum- 
brances. This  debt  is  in  the  way  of  being  paid  off,  and  I doubt  not  will  be 
paid  according  to  stipulation.  Over  two  hundred  dollars  have  been  paid 
during  the  winter  now  passed.” 


176 


DOMESTIC, 


[June, 

Resignations. — Rev.  J.  B.  T.  Smith,  Tuscumbia  and  Florence,  Ala- 
bama, to  take  effect  April  1st,  1850.  Rev.  S.  K.  Miller,  Fort  Washington, 
Wisconsin,  to  take  effect  April  1st,  1850. 

The  announcement  made  in  the  May  number,  of  the  resignation  of  the 
Rev.  S.  C.  Millett,  of  Beloit,  Wisconsin,  was  an  error. 


itcknoniUbgments. 


DOMESTIC  MISSIONS. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Domestic  Committee  ac 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


Holmesburgh — Emmanuel,  (Jews)...  2 00 
• Norristown — St.  John’s,  4 15  72 


knowledges  the  receipt  of  the  following  sums  from 
the  15th  April  to  the  15th  May,  1850 ) 


VERMONT. 

Shelburne— Trinity,  Mrs.  F.  Priudle  1 50 

. MASSACHUSETTS. 

BostonSt.  Paul’s,  for  the  Chickasaw 

Mission 21  00 


RHODE  ISLAND. 

Johnston — St.  Peter’s 

Lonsdale — Christ  Ch 

Providence — Grace  Ch 

“ (Jews) 

St.  John’s,  for  the  Jews. 
Warren — St.  Mark’s 

CONNECTICUT. 

Birmingham — St.  James’s . . 
Fairhnven — St.  James’s  ... 
Killingworth — Union  Ch... 

Litchfield — St.  Michael’s 

Rev.  H.  Wheaton,  D.  D 

NEW- YORK. 


Albany— Grace  Ch 5 50 

(Jews)  2 50 

Little  Neck — Zion  Ch.  S.  S.,  for  111. . . 5 60 

Munhasset — Christ  Ch 11  37 

Morris — A.  Palmer 10  00 

Newtown — St.  James’s,  for  0 10  00 

New-York— Christ  Ch.,  4 44  00 

“ special  for  Domestic  10  00 

Ch.  of  the  Epiphany  S.  S.,  4 5 55 

Plattsburgh— Mite  box  of  Mrs.  C.  B. 

and  daughter 1 50 

Sandy  Hill — Zion  Ch.,  (Jews) 1 00 

W.  M 25  00  129  52 

NEW-JERSEY. 

Newark — Trinity  offerings 32  11 

From  “ New-Jersey”  for  111 100  00 

“ for  Bp.  Freeman’s 

jurisdiction 100  00  232  11 


Philadelphia — Trinity,  a lady  (Jews)  2 50 
Pittsburgh — St.  Andrew’s,  an  indivi- 
dual, for  Ark 5 00 

Pottsioum — Christ  Ch 10  00  35  22 

MARYLAND. 

Baltimore  Co.— Owings’  Mills 25  15 

Georgetown,  D.  C. — St.  Johu’s 32  CO 

Worcester  Co. — All  Hallow’s 2 00  59  15 

VIRGINIA. 

Charlottesville— Christ  Ch... 10  00 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

Plymouth — Grace  Ch 5 00 

“ (Jews)  1849  ’50,  6 81  11  81 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 

Charleston — St.  Peter’s,  for  Cal 53  00 

St.  Philip’s 20  00 

Mo.  Miss.  Lee 2 22 

Cheraw— St.  David’s 24  00 

Sheldon  Ch.,  for  the  South-west, 

A.  H.  Seabrook 15  00 

Mrs.  Loruett 5 00 

Waccamaw — All  Saints 71  00 

“ (Jews) 25  00  215  22 


GEORGIA. 

St  Mary's— Ch.,  of  the  Messiah 

Savannuh — Christ  Ch.  Infant  School 

9 00 
5 00 

14  00 

OHIO. 

Ohio  City — St.  John’s 

Putnam — Easter  offerings,  4 

Zanesville — W.,  4 

10  00 
5 00 
5 00 

20  00 

ILLINOIS. 

Quincy — St.  John’s 

15  00 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

From  a lady,  for  Dom.  Miss 

Total 

1 00 
,$934  19 

(Total  since  June  15,  1849,  $29,019  16.) 


13  88 
6 25 
36  13 
2 25 
51  25 

11  00  120  76 


22  00 
5 00 
1 40 
7 00 

10  00  45  40 


1850.] 


FOREIGN. 


177 


FOREIGN. 


MISSIONARY  CORRESPONDENCE. 


Africa. 

JOURNAL  OF  REV.  C.  COLDEN  HOFFMAN. 

Fair  Haven , August  28,  1849i 

August  2S^7«. — Mr.  Rambo  feeling  himself  sufficiently  well  to  undertake 
the  duties  of  his  station,  entered  upon  them  on  the  2’3d,  and  yesterday  I 
joined  him,  reaching  here  about  six  o’clock  in  the  evening. 

Thursday  evening. — Preached  in  the  school-house. 

August  30 th,  Friday. — Preached  in  the  large  town,  against  the  devil  and 
gree-grees ; the  people  were  roused,  and  by  word  and  look,  responded — 
“ Wue,”  “ Wue.”  When  I commenced,  they  said  they  got  tired  with  long 
sermons  ; so  when  I had  spoken  some  time,  I told  them  I would  stop  if  they 
were  tired.  They  replied,  “ no,  go  on  ; speak  more.”  I then  showed  them  the 
difference  between  Heathen  nations  and  Christian — how  God  blessed  the 

latter,  &c. Then  went  to  Jammie’s  Town,  a very  small  one;  most  of 

the  people  were  away,  yet  had  the  following  conversation  with  a native  about 
his  gree-gree. 

He  was  sitting  on  a log,  near  his  hut,  chopping  wood;  opposite  the  door 
was  a large  stone  surrounded  by  little  sticks.  It  was  a gree-gree  stone, 
and  formed  the  subject  of  our  conversation,  which  I thus  briefly  note.  With 
seriousness  I asked,  “ what  that  stone  was  for  ?”  “ It  is  to  keep  off  witches. 

If  a witch  come  in  the  night  to  trouble  my  house,  this  stone  would  stop 
the  person  who  bring  witch,  and  hold  him  till  the  morning.”  “ What ! a 
thing  without  hands,  feet,  eyes,  hold  a man  ! Has  it  caught  any  one  yet?” 
“ No,”  he  replied,  with  a conscious  smile.  “ The  doctor  said,  who  put  it  here, 
that  it  would  keep  off  sickness  and  death.”  “ Have  you  been  sick  ?”  “ Yes,” 
(with  a smile,) — “ but  that  is  because  I did  not  give  ‘ gree-gree’  rice  and 
palm  oil,  when  I eat.”  “ What ! can  the  stone  eat?  Where  is  its  mouth  ? 
The  ants  and  worms  I think  are  glad  that  you  feed  this  stone.” 

“ Don’t  you  expect  to  die  ?”  I asked.  “ The  man  who  made  this,  made 
one  for  another  man ; and  now  that  man  is  very  old.”  I told  him  here  of 
the  great  God  who  alone  gave  life  and  breath  to  man,  and  who  alone  could 
preserve  our  life. 

Now  followed  a conversation  about  witches.  He  asked  me  if  I believed 
in  them  ; I told  him  no.  He  said  “ if  a man  look  me  in  the  eye,  with  witch, 
then  when  I go  home  I die.”  I replied,  “ no  man  could  take  my  life,  un- 

2 


178 


FOREIGN. 


[June, 


less  God  allowed  it.”  He  asked  “ if  I believed  there  was  any  thing  which 
grew  in  the  bush,  which  would  make  a man  well,  or  sick,  or  kill  a man?” 
I replied,  “certainly  ; that  we  were  constantly  in  the  habit  of  using  such 
things  for  medicine,  but  that  they  cured  or  killed,  not  because  there  was 
witch  in  them,  but  because  of  their  peculiar  properties  ; that  the  great  God 
had  provided  them  for  man’s  good.” 

In  conclusion,  he  said — “ well,  God  make  black  man’s  heart  bad,  so  he 
minds  country  fashion  ; white  man’s  heart  he  make  good,  so  he  minds  God 

fashion ” “No,  no,  my  heart  was  as  bad  as  yours;  all  men  have 

bad  hearts,  but  the  great  God  changes  the  heart.  He  will  change  yours  ; 
pray  to  him ; speak  to  him — he  will  hear  and  make  you  a new  heart ; then 
you  will  no  longer  trust  to  a dead  stone,  but  to  the  living  God.  Let  these 
words  I have  now  spoken  live  in  your  heart.” 

“ Well,  I think  you  speak  true — true  word.” 

Here  is  an  instance,  among  daily  ones,  that  must  carry  conviction  to  the 
hearts  of  these  benighted  heathen.  Oh,  that  it  might  be  more  frequently 
presented,  and  more  powerfully  than  a weakhandfull  of  laborers  are  able  to 
do,  amidst  darkened  millions. 

September  Ls£. — Left  Fair  Haven  at  half-past  twelve  for  Mount  Vaughan, 
to  pass  Sunday  ; on  my  way  preached  at  Middletown  and  at  Rocktown, 
where  I had  a congregation  of  fifty,  half  of  whom  however  were  children, 
to  whom  I referred,  speaking  to  them  of  Jesus’s  love  to  children.  Ending, 
and  rising  from  prayer,  the  headman  addressed  the  children,  and  to  my 
surprise  said — “ Children,  this  word  you  hear  be  true  word  ; you  must  mind 
this  word,  and  the  Lord  will  bless  you.” 

Surely  God  is  preparing  the  hearts  of  this  people.  This  head  man  had 
heard  the  word  before.  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson,  now  at  the  Gaboon,  had  twelve 
years  ago  dropped  into  his  heart  the  seed  of  truth,  which  even  now  may 
spring  up  and  bear  fruit  to  God’s  glory.  “ Cast  thy  bread  upon  the  waters, 
and  thou  shalt  find  it  after  many  days.”  “ My  word  shall  not  return  to  me 
void.”  “ How  shall  they  hear  without  a preacher  ? How  shall  they  preach 
except  they  be  sent?” 

Mount  Vaughan. 

Sunday , September  2 d. — Was  called  upon  this  morning  to  bury  a man  who 
had  died  the  day  before;  many  friends  of  the  departed  were  gathered  to- 
gether ; a few  remarks  on  a part  of  the  psalm  in  the  service  enlisted  their 
attention.  With  the  sound  of  martial  music,  (the  man  had  been  a soldier,) 
we  moved  to  the  secluded  burying  place,  and  amidst  the  solemn  silence  of 
the  Sabbath,  and  the  sobs  of  the  bereaved  widow,  his  body  was  committed 
to  the  earth. 

Returned  at  twelve  o’clock  to  the  Chapel,  where,  after  preaching,  admin- 
istered the  Communion.  Preached  at  night  to  a large  congregation. 

Monday,  September  3 d. — Returned  to  the  Cape  in  the,morning,  and 
thence  in  the  afternoon  to  Fair  Haven,  stopping  at  the  head  man’s,  at  Rock- 
town,  to  avoid  the  rain.  It  was  seven  o’clock  before  we  reached  the  sta- 
tion ; dry  clothes  and  a repast  refreshed  me. 

September  5th. — Preached  in  two  of  the  towns  this  afternoon. 

September  6th. — Thursday  evening. — Preached  to  members  of  the  Mission 
in  the  School-house.  Walking  this  afternoon  in  town,  met  a youth  with 
an  abundance  of  gree-grees  round  his  neck  and  on  his  person,  looking 
very  dirty  ; an  apron  was  round  his  loins  made  of  long  grass,  and  he  car- 


FOREIGN. 


179 


1850.] 

ried  a staff  in  his  hand.  He  was  a candidate  for  the  doctorship.  I told  him 
to  come  and  hear  what  God  spoke  in  his  word,  and  that  I hoped  then  he 
would  throw  his  gree-grees  away.  He  promised  to  come  on  Sunday. 

September  1th. — Went  to  preach  in  the  River  towns  this  afternoon,  borne 
in  a hammock.  Found  that  the  head-man  had  lost  his  daughter,  whom  that 
morning  he  had  buried,  a girl  about  twelve  years  old.  He  really  seemed 
deeply  to  grieve  for  her.  These  people  love  their  children.  I have  con- 
stantly observed  it. 

September  8th. — Received  to-day  a package  of  letters  from  America,  via 
Providence,  a source  of  great  pleasure.  At  dusk  visited  a native  town  ; in 
one  of  the  huts  was  an  old  sick  woman — it  was  so  dark  that  I could  not  see 
her  face — I could  only  hear  her  feeble  voice;  she  said  she  prayed  to  God 
daily,  night  and  morning. 


JOURNAL  OF  REV.  J.  RAMBO, 

Cavalla,  August  14,  1849. 

August  14 th. — Returned  to  Cavalla,  to  remain  a few  days  before  leaving 
it  finally  for  my  new  and  interesting  scene  of  labors  at  the  settlement  I had 
just  left.  The  four  months  I have  resided  at  this  station,  (Cavalla,)  have 
passed  quickly  and  pleasantly,  with  so  little  discomfort  of  mind  or  body, 
(blessed  be  God,)  that  I could  hardly  realize  that  I was  living  on  Africa’s 
sunny  shores,  thousands  of  miles  removed  from  the  home  and  friends  of 
childhood  and  early  youth. 

August  19 th. — Sunday. — At  seven  o’clock,  A.  M.,  was  present  at  the  bap- 
tism of  four  natives — school-boys,  from  the  ages  of  twelve  to  seventeen 
years.  They  professed  to  have  undergone  the  great  change  from  nature  to 
grace,  and  were  not  ashamed  to  profess  publicly  the  religion  of  their 
crucified  Saviour,  through  whose  blood  they  trusted  they  had  found  atone- 
ment for  their  sins.  Preached  in  the  evening  in  the  school-room,  to  the 
usual  congregation.  # 

August  21  st. — Exhibited  the  Magic  Lantern  this  evening  to  the  schools  at 
Cavalla,  and  lectured  upon  the  various  Scripture  scenes  represented  by  the 
glasses.  Whatever  may  be  thought  of  this  plan  of  conveying  instruction  to 
children  at  home,  it  certainly  seems  to  succeed  well  here,  not  only  for  the 
children,  but  for  the  adult  Heathen,  who,  in  regard  to  holy  things,  are  but 
grown  up  infants.  Indeed,  infant  scholars  in  America  could  teach  African 
kings  and  legislators  the  A B C of  the  Christian  religion,  of  which  they 
are  ignorant,  till  Missionaries  unfold  those  heavenly  truths  to  them,  and 
thus  enlighten  their  benighted  minds. 

August  %ith.— Bade  adieu  to  my  Cavalla  home  and  friends,  and  removed 
permanently  to  Fair  Haven,  (twenty-two  miles  distant.)  All  apprehensions 
of  the  ill  effects  of  the  attacks  of  intermittent,  (if  prudent,)  having  passed, 
and  this  field  needing  so  much  the  care  of  a Missionary,  the  step  just  taken 
was  thought  by  the  Missionary  band  the  most  advisable.  I am  to  be  joined 
in  a few  days  by  Mr.  Hoffman,  with  whom  I am  for  the  present  to  divide 
the  labors  of  this  station,  whilst  the  numerous  duties  there  are  too  arduous, 
perhaps,  for  a single  new-comer  ; being  shared  by  two,  they  will  be  compar- 
atively light.  However,  as  it  is  our  purpose  to  preach  ( Deo  volente) 


180 


FOREIGN. 


[June,. 


weekly  not  only  in  the  five  villages  in  this  settlement,  and  two  on  the  Fish- 
town  River,  but  also  in  Rocktown  and  Middletown,  we  shall  at  least  be  “ in 
journeyings  oft,”  and  in  “ labors  abundant.”  Looking  to  the  Giver  of  every 
good  and  perfect  gift  for  the  assistance  of  His  heavenly  grace,  and  the  gui- 
dance of  His  Holy  Spirit,  we  would  go  forward  to  accomplish  the  work, 
which  He  in  His  All-wise  Providence  has  sent  us  to  this  heathen  land  to 
perform. 

Sunday , August  26th. — My  work  is  before  me.  Not  a ray  of  light  shines 
upon  the  seven  thousand  souls  around,  but  those  emitted  from  this  station. 
What  a responsibility  thus  to  have  the  care  of  such  multitudes  of  precious 
souls  ! May  God  vouchsafe  His  blessing,  and  abundantly  pour  out  His  Holy 
Spirit  upon  the  Pastor  and  his  flock,  that  the  Eternal  Word  may  be  profit- 
ably dispensed,  and  that  his  weakness  may  be  made  strength  through  its 
Almighty  and  life-giving  power. 

Preached  to  a full  house,  nearly  two  hundred  people  in  the  morning  in 
the  Chapel;  also  preached  in  the  School-house  at  night,  besides  having  at- 
tended the  Bible-class  and  Sunday-school. 

August  29th. — Commenced  a series  of  lectures  on  Scriptural  pictures 
as  exhibited  by  the  Magic  Lantern.  Had  a good  and  attentive  audience. 

August  31s^. — Had  a most  profitable  and  interesting  trip  to  the  River 
towns,  three  miles  distant.  The  road  passed  partly  through  a forest — partly 
upon  the  sand  beach,  and  partly  over  a level  and  verdant  meadow,  upon 
which  numerous  cattle  were  feeding.  The  towns  were  small,  and  but  few 
people  were  at  home.  The  head-man  being  away,  I preached  to  the  few 
people  to  be  collected  in  the  house  of  a Krooman,  who  is  evidently  a warm 
friend  of  the  Mission.  He  gave  me  a cordial  reception,  saying — “ I am 
glad  you  have  come  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  us  ; if  the  people  had  known 
you  were  coming  to-day,  all  would  have  stayed  at  home  to  receive  you.” 
He  showed  his  interest  by  summoning  every  man,  woman  and  child  to  be 
found,  to  attend  the  service  ; endeavored  to  realize  the  importance  of  the 
work,  and  pray  that  by  God’s  blessing,  the  message  delivered  may  not  have 
been  lost  upon  the  ignorant  hearers.  Saw  dozens  of  canoes,  and  scores  of 
harvest-men  and  women  just  arrived  at  the  landing,  or  coming  down  the 
river,  bringing  their  sheaves  with  them.  It  was  a most  animating  scene. 
The  people  at  Fishtown  all  take  canons  at  this  point  to  reach  their  rice 
farms  in  the  “ bush.”  All  are  busy  at  this  season  ; indeed,  their  harvest  lasts 
some  two  months,  for  it  takes  a long  time  to  cut  a large  field  of  rice  in  the 
way  they  do  it,  which  is  one  head  at  a time  with  a penknife,  or  an  instru- 
ment like  it.  This  keeps  them  employed,  and  does  that  much  good  for 
them.  One  American  farmer  with  a cradle,  would  cut  more  in  one  day 
than  scores  of  these  people  would  perhaps  in  the  same  time.  It  is  very 
much  the  same  in  other  matters.  Christianity,  with  her  hand-maid  civili- 
zation, is  soon,  I trust,  to  work  a mighty  revolution  on  this  coast,  the  influ- 
ence of  which  must  soon  after  be  felt  all  over  this  vast,  continent.  Lord, 
may  thy  kingdom  speedily  come  to  this  much  neglected — down-trodden 
race. 

September  ls£. — Made  my  usual  visit  to  the  villages  around,  to  become 
fully  acquainted  with  the  people — to  obtain  an  opportunity  of  leading  indi- 
viduals to  Jesus,  and  to  remind  all  that  the  following  day  would  be  the 
Lord’s  Day.  Among  other  prominent  men,  I called  upon  Hyano,  the 
Governor  of  the  settlement  and  Patriarch  of  the  whole  tribe,  and  perhaps 
the  most  influential  man  in  it.  He  is  a tried  friend  of  the  Mission,  and  a 
regular  attendant  upon  the  means  of  grace,  being  present  at  Chapel  every 


FOREIGN. 


181 


1850.] 

Sunday  morning.  seated  myself  in  his  narrow  and  smoky  hut,  to  con- 
verse with  him  about  the  saving  truths  of  the  Gospel.  He  said  he  was  glad 
to  see  me.  I reminded  him  that  the  following  day  would  be  the  Lord’s 
Day.  He  said  he  would  attend  Chapel  as  usual.  “ I am,”  he  continued, 
“ generally  at  home,  and  always  wish  to  be  present  at  service  on  Sunday.” 
We  had  a long  conversation  on  various  topics,  bearing  more  or  less  upon 
religion.  I spoke  pointedly  to  him  about  his  soul’s  salvation.  He  seemed 
much  interested,  and  at  last  said — “ I am  glad  that  you  have  come  to  live 
among  my  people.  May  your  life  and  health  long  be  spared  to  you,  that 
you  may  preach  the  Gospel  to  them.  Perhaps  they  will  soon  give  up  their 
gree-grees,  and  worship  the  true  God  of  whom  you  often  speak.”  May 
God  awaken  him  fully  to  a sense  of  his  real  condition — give  him  a new 
heart,  and  make  him  leader,  at  least  by  example,  of  his  people  to  the  feet  of 
Jesus,  and  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven.  As  I turned  from  the  hut  of  this 
venerable  African,  (perhaps  seventy  years  old,)  my  heart  leaped  for  joy, 
at  the  idea  that  he  was,  perhaps,  not  far  from  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  and 
might  soon  come  with  hosts  of  his  people  into  the  Church  of  the  Redeemer. 
This  is  my  prayer — to  bring  him  thither  shall  be  my  increasing  endeavor. 

Sunday , September  2d. — At  seven  o’clock,  A.  M.,  at  the  usual  hour  of 
Bible-class,  in  the  presence  of  all  on  the  Mission  premises,  baptized  Dowe 
James  May,  (aged  about  eighteen  years.)  He  had  been  under  catechetical 
instruction  by  myself  many  weeks,  and  gave  satisfactory  evidence  of  a 
change  of  heart,  and  seemed  a fit  subject  for  this  Sacrament.  Surely  men 
as  well  as* angels  may  well  rejoice  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth  here,  as 
well  as  elsewhere.  If  soul-cheering  to  Christians  generally,  when  a soul 
recently  in  midnight  darkness  not  only  sees  the  light  of  the  Gospel — but  is 
warmed,  illuminated  and  saved  by  it,  surely  such  a fact  must  cause  unceas- 
ing praises  to  rise  from  the  heart  of  the  humble  instrument  of  his  salva- 
tion, to  that  God  who  has  caused  the  good  seed  sown  to  spring  up  and 
bring  forth  fruit  to  his  glory.  Preached  to  a full  house  at  half-past  ten, 
A.  M.  At  half-past  two,  P.  M.,  lectured  and  administered  the  Communion 
to  ten  persons — after  which  catechised  the  Sunday  scholars.  Evening, 
preached  as  usual. 

September  5th. — Held  my  second  lecture  with  the  Magic  Lantern.  House 
crowded  to  overflowing.  All  the  people  seemed  so  much  surprised  at  the 
sight,  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  keep  them  quiet.  However,  order 
was  at  length  restored,  and  the  exercises  seemed  deeply  to  interest  the  two 
hundred  present. 

Sundat/,  September  9 th. — The  services  of  to-day  were  divided  between 
myself  and  Mr.  Hoffman.  Held  a Missionary  meeting  (monthly)  this  even- 
ing, endeavoring  to  stir  up  the  zeal  of  this  congregation  of  heathen  con- 
verts, to  personal  efforts  for  the  salvation  of  their  countrymen. 

September  10 th. — Had  a most  pleasant  and  profitable  visit  to  Rocktown 
and  Middletown.  Preached  in  the  two  largest  villages  of  the  former,  and 
one  of  the  latter;  congregations  good,  attentive,  and  seem  almost  ready  to 
receive  the  Gospel,  and  to  adopt  the  religion  of  the  Crucified  as  theirs.  The 
heathen  superstitions  of  these  interesting  people  seem,  as  a general  thing, 
to  have  less  hold  upon  them  than  almost  any  other  part  of  the  Grebo  tribe. 
May  the  Lord  open  their  hearts  to  receive  wisdom,  and  cause  the  engrafted 
word  to  make  them  wise  unto  salvation. 

Sunday , September  16/4. — Duties  the  same  as  usual.  Had  an  overflowing 
Chapel;  nearly  two  hundred  people  to  hear  the  word  of  life;  perhaps  the 
largest  congregation  I have  as  yet  seen  here,  except  at  Magic  Lantern  lec- 


182 


FOREIGN 


[June, 

tures.  Sunday  services  always  highly  interesting,  and  results  generally 
encouraging.  Besides  my  boarding  scholars,  some  thirty  or  forty  children 
come  from  town  to  be  instructed,  as  all  are — in  the  principles  of  the  Gospel, 
as  well  as  to  read. 

September  25th. — According  to  previous  notice,  held  an  annual  (the  first) 
Thanksgiving  service  under  the  shade  of  some  large  trees  in  the  midst  of 
the  town.  The  people  were  blessed  with  an  uncommonly  good  crop  of 
rice,  (the  main  article  of  food  here,)  and  were  rejoicing  together,  but  after 
their  heathen  fashion,  because  of  this  blessing.  Being  anxious  by  all  means 
to  lead  their  minds  and  hearts  to  God  in  thanksgiving  and  a continual 
service,  we  determined  at  this  opportune  season  to  call  them  together,  and 
endeavor  to  teach  them  the  source  whence  this  and  all  other  blessings  flow, 
and  to  impress  upon  their  hearts  the  duty  of  thanksgiving  to  God  for  all 
these  benefits.  The  plan  seemed  to  succeed  well.  The  object  of  the  meet- 
ing commended  itself  to  all,  and  the  result  was  that  at  least  four  hundred 
people — men,  women  and  children,  among  whom  were  the  headmen,  and 
nearly  all  the  most  influential  men  in  the  settlement. 

Mr.  Hoffman  was  present,  and  took  part  in  the  interesting  services  of  the 
occasion.  After  the  opening  exercises,  a Grebo  hymn  was  sung,  and  both 
of  us  addressed  the  multitude.  We  told  them  that  their  gree-grees  could 
not,  as  their  doctors  told  them,  bring  any  rice  or  other  blessing ; that  they 
were  senseless  and  foolish  things,  and  therefore  were  unable  to  do  them 
any  good ; that  God  was  their  Creator  and  their  continual  Preserver,  and 
without  him  nothing  would  grow,  neither  could  they  exist  a single  moment ; 
that  he  made  the  sun  which  shone  upon  the  ground,  and  sent  the  rain  that 
helped  the  rice  which  they  planted  to  grow ; therefore  it  was  their  duty,  as 
it  was  .also  the  duty  of  all  men,  thus  to  meet  together  and  thank  God  for 
the  abundant  supplies  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth  which  he  had  sent.  They 
were  also  reminded  that  though  rice  and  all  other  temporal  gifts  were  ines- 
timable blessings,  yet  these  were  not  to  be  compared  to  the  blessings 
brought  by  the  Gospel ; and  that  the  greatest  of  all  gifts  was  that  made  by 
God  to  this  fallen  world — even  the  gift  of  his  own  dear  Son,  who  had  pur- 
chased the  salvation  of  all  men  by  his  death  upon  the  cross.  To  Him  were 
they  urged  to  look,  and  believing,  they  should  live. 

The  whole  service  passed  off  well.  All  were  remarkably  quiet,  and  mani- 
fested uncommon  interest  in  the  exercises.  They  went  to  their  homes 
quietly,  and  apparently  thoughtful  and  reflecting.  May  all  receive  truly 
grateful  hearts,  and  bring  forth  in  them  the  fruit  of  good  living,  to  the  sal- 
vation of  their  souls  and  the  glory  of  God. 

September  2 6th. — Made  (with  Mr.  H.,)  a Missionary  tour  to  Garraway, 
(fifteen  miles  up  the  coast)  in  our  boat.  To  me  the  trip,  as  is  generally 
the  case  on  the  water,  was  very  pleasant,  though  we  were  overtaken  by 
several  showers  of  rain.  It  was  otherwise  with  Mr.  If.  He  was  sea- 
sick most  of  the  trip  to  and  fro.  We  were  kindly  received  in  the  three  vil- 
lages of  the  settlement  which  we  visited.  The  place  is  entirely  destitute 
of  the  Gospel ; and  when  we  summoned  the  people  of  one  of  the  villages  to 
hear  the  Word  of  Life,  the  cabin  was  filled  to  overflowing  by  people,  few 
of  whom  had  ever  before  heard  a message  of  salvation.  They  had  doubt- 
less seen  white  men  before;  but  they  went  there  on  a different  errand. 
The  people  seemed  pleased  to  have  us  come,  and  are  not  only  willing  that 
we  should  preach  there  often,  (we  hope  to  do  it  monthly,)  but  would  be  glad 
to  have  a school  opened  there — that  their  children  may  be  taught  to  read 
this  Word,  and  in  their  turn  instruct  their  own  people.  This  is  far  from 


FOREIGN. 


1S3 


1850.] 


being  a solitary  instance  of  a call  for  help  made  to  the  Missionaries.  They 
hear°them  wherever  they  go.  Alas ! alas  ! that  they  are  obliged  to  say — 
we  have  neither  the  men  nor  the  means  by  which  to  establish  schools  and 
regular  weekly  service  in  their  midst.  When  will  the  Church  at  large  in 
our  own  land,  respond  to  these  earnest  and  repeated  Macedonian  cries — 
“ Come  over  and  help  us?”  When  will  Christians  feel  that  it  is  a privi- 
lege to  give  of  their  abundance  to  send  the  Gospel  to  the  Heathen  ? When 
will  young  men — candidates  for  the  ministry,  in  countless  numbers,  rightly 
understand  and  gladly  obey  the  Saviour’s  last  commission — “ Go  ye  into 
all  the  world,  and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature  ?” 


JOURNAL  OF  REV.  J.  PAYNE. 

4 

Sunday,  November  1 3th,  1849. — Congregation  this  morning  about  as 
usual,  or  250.  Many  present  were  from  the  interior.  During  the  present 
season,  the  number  of  persons  in  town  from  the  falls  and  banks  of  the  Ca- 
valla  river,  is  usually  considerable.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  they  get,  and 
carry  back  with  them  some  knowledge  of  the  gospel,  even  now.  But  how 
much  more  will  this  be  the  case,  when  the  people  here  shall  become  Chris- 
tians, and  when  teachers  and  ministers  shall  be  raised  up  from  amongst 
them  ! The  Lord  hasten  this  blessed — this  long-prayed  jjpr  event ! 

Sunday , Nov.  25th. — The  addition  of  twelve  feet  latelykmade  to  our  little 
native  chapel,  afforded  accommodations  for  a larger  numner  than  usual  to- 
day. At  least  thirty  persons  from  the  interior  were  again  present.  • 

Friday , Nov.  30^/i. — This  morning  died  Mary,  wife  of  John  Musu  Neapo, 
the  native  man  who  accompanied  Rev.  Mr.  Hening  to  the  United  States. 
Mary  made  a profession  of  religion  a year  ago,  but  there  is  reason  to  fear 
that  she  afterwards  fell  into  gross  sin.  Her  disease  was  of  a lingering  char- 
acter, and  for  some  time  previous  to  her  death  she  was  speechless.  She 
was,  however,  sensible  of  what  was  passing  around  her,  and  evidently  heard 
the  words  of  exhortation  and  comfort  addressed  to  her.  But  while  we  love 
to  hope,  we  cannot  but  feel  that  she  left  us  under  a dark  cloud. 

Her  funeral  services  were  performed  on  the  Mission  premises,  and  were 
attended  by  numbers  of  her  native  friends  from  town.  They  appeared  very 
serious  while  I spoke  to  them  of  death,  the  resurrection,  and  the  judgment. 

Thursday , Dec.  2SSth. — The  last  quarterly  examination  of  the  schools  of 
this  station  was  held.  Rev.  Messrs.  Rambo  and  Hoffman  were  present. 
Sixty-three  youths  and  children  were  examined  on  the  following  branches, 
Latin  and  Greek  Grammar,  English  Grammar,  Rhetoric,  Philosophy,  sim- 
ple system  of  Theology,  Arithmetic  and  Reading. 

The  examination  was  more  satisfactory  than  any  previous  one  during  the 
year ; showing  a decided  improvement  in  the  assistant  to  whose  care  the 
children  have  been  committed  since  Mr.  Gibson’s  removal  to  Mt.  Vaughan. 
The  care  with  which  the  little  boys  had  been  instructed  was  very  apparent. 
In  the  female  department  there  was  less  evidence  of  improvement,  and  the 
need  of  an  efficient  female  teacher  continues  urgent. 

Friday,  Dec.  21  st. — To-day  all  has  been  bustle  amongst  the  children,  in 
making  preparations  for  the  annual  visit  which  they  are  permitted  to  make 
to  their  friends.  We  usually  give  two  yards  of  cotton  goods,  worth  about 


184 


FOREIGN. 


[June, 

twenty-five  cents,  to  each  boy,  and  half  this  to  each  girl,  as  presents  to  their 
relatives  or  parents.  As  they  come  to  us  from  several  tribes,  there  is  a very 
general  dispersion  at  this  season. 

Monday , Dec.  24 Ih. — Leaving  home  this  morning  early,  I reached  Mt. 
Vaughan  at  10J  o’clock,  to  attend  the  quarterly  examination  of  the  schools 
there.  I found  Rev.  Mr.  Hoffman  already  on  the  hill,  having  officiated  the 
previous  day  in  the  colony.  Rev.  Mr.  Rambo  arrived  about  1 o’clock  from 
Fishtown. 

The  examination  continued  from  10J  o’clock  in  the  morning  to  6 o’clock 
in  the  evening,  except  a recess  of  about  an  hour,  to  allow  examiners  and 
children  to ’get  refreshments.  Fifty-one  in  the  female,  and  fourteen  in  the 
male  department,  were  examined  in  the  following  studies  : English  Grammar, 
Geography,  Arithmetic,  Simple  Philosophy,  Reading,  &,c.  Every  one  of 
these  examinations  raises  my  estimate  of  the  importance  of  this  branch  of 
our  operations.  Mrs.  Thomson  is  training  a large  number  of  the  future 
teachers  and  mother's  of  the  colony.  I was  pleased  to  observe  that  she  has 
caused  her  daughter  Agnes  and  another  advanced  scholar,  to  assist  her  in 
the  duties  of  the  school  already. 

Mr.  Gibson’s  little  charge  did  him  credit.  The  penmanship  of  his  boys 
I have  rarely  seen  exceeded. 

During  the  day  addresses  were  delivered  by  Rev.  Mr.  Hoffman,  and  a 
number  of  youths.  Garretson  Gibson,  from  Cavalla  station,  (brother  of 
Mr.  J.  Gibson,)  delivered  an  original  address  on  the  importance  and  advan- 
tages of  a High  School.  The  closing  one  was  made  by  a native  youth,  G. 
T.  Bedell.  It  was  appropriate  to  the  season,  and  delivered  in  a very  happy 
manner. 

Public  religious  services  were  held  in  the  Chapel,  beginning  at  7J  o’clock 
in  the  evening,  at  which,  after  the  reading  of  the  service  by  Rev.  Mr.  Hoff- 
man, I preached  from  Joshua  xiii.  1 — “ There  remaineth  yet  very  much  land 
to  be  possessed.” 

Christmas  Day. — The  most  pleasant  that  I have  passed  in  Africa,  or  in- 
deed elsewhere.  In  past  years,  this  sacred  season  has  been  made  in  the 
colony  the  occasion  of  much  revelry  and  dissipation.  It  has  pleased  God, 
however,  within  the  past  two  months,  to  visit  the  community  generally  with 
the  gracious  dews  of  His  Ploly  Spirit.  Very  many  have  made  a profession 
of  religion,  chiefly  the  young.  So  pervading  is  the  spirit  of  seriousness,  that 
Christmas  dawned,  and  advanced,  and  closed,  as  peacefully  as  a New  Eng- 
land Sabbath.  At  10£  o’clock  we  assembled  in  the  Chapel  for  the  appro- 
priate services  of  the  day.  It  was  soon  filled  with  a serious  and  interesting 
congregation.  Rev.  Mr.  Rambo  read  the  morning,  and  myself  the  ante- 
communion  service.  Rev.  Mr.  Hoffman  preached  a very  appropriate  dis- 
course for  the  season  and  the  occasion,  from  Hebrews  xii.  2 — “ Looking  unto 
Jesus.” 

After  Sermon  and  the  Offertory,  the  Lord’s  Supper  was  administered. 
About  forty  came  forward  to  Communion,  most  of  whom  were  members  of 
our  Church.  Four  of  these  presented  themselves  for  the  first  time,  and  a 
fifth,  who  had  been  suspended  for  a year,  came  forward,  it  is  hoped  in  sin- 
cerity, to  renew  his  professions  of  repentance,  and  his  vows  of  obedience. 

In  the  afternoon  I walked  through  a portion  of  the  colony,  accompanied 
by  Mr.  Gibson.  Our  object  was  to  make  final  arrangements  with  the  pa- 
rents of  those  boys  who  wish  to  enter  the  High  School.  It  was  delightful 
to  observe  everywhere  the  same  marks  of  a religious  influence,  that  have 


1850.] 


FOREIGN. 


185 


been  before  alluded  to.  Groups  of  men,  women,  and  children,  were  indeed 
everywhere  to  be  met  with.  But  there  was  no  revelry  ! only  the  sober 
Christian  cheerfulness,  appropriate  to  the  season,  was  to  be  seen. 

This  happy  Christmas  day  was  concluded  by  public  service  in  the  Chapel. 
Rev.  Mr.  Rambo  preached  from  Judges  iii.  20 — “ I have  a message  from 
God  to  thee.” 

December  ‘ZQth. — I passed  this  morning  in  making  pastoral  calls  in  the 
colony,  and  in  an  interview  with  King  Freeman,  of  Cape  Palmas,  relative 
to  erecting  a Chapel  in  the  large  town  of  which  he  is  the  chief.  It  is  some 
time  since  this  project  was  commenced,  and  although  King  Freeman  makes 
fair  promises,  I fear  the  object  will  not  soon  be  accomplished. 

I was  sorry  to  find  Gov.  Russwurm  still  passing  under  the  afflicting  rod 
with  which  it  has  pleased  his  Heavenly  Father  for  some  time  to  visit  him. 
His  disease  confines  him  to  his  couch.  It  is  pleasant,  however,  to  know, 
that  God  in  mercy  grants  him  the  patience,  through  which  his  affliction 
will  no  doubt  work  in  him  “ the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness.” 

I reached  home  this  evening  about  7 o’clock.  I found  Mrs.  Payne  almost 
alone,  nearly  all  the  children  having  gone  to  visit  their  friends.  None 
others  than  natives  had  been  on  the  premises  since  I left,  a circumstance 
which  shows  the  security  in  which  we  at  present  feel  that  we  live  amongst 
our  people. 


(Sll)ina. 

JOURNAL  OF  THE  REV.  E.  W.  SYLE. 

Shanghai , June  24,  1849. 

June  24 tlu — Sunday. — Two  services  to-day  at  Wong-Ka-Moadur,  but 
none  at  the  village  in  the  evening,  owing  to  my  feeling  much  indisposed* 
My  symptoms  seem  to  threaten  an  attack  of  biliousness. 

June&Qth. — On  the  Tuesdays  of  the  last  two  weeks  I have  been  busy  about 
re-arranging  the  tickets,  &c,  of  the  poor  people,  who  receive  each  their  pit- 
tance from  the  Communion  Alms.  Mr.  McClatchie’s  pensioners  are  now 
blended  with  ours,  so  that  when  all  are  assembled  together,  they  make 
quite  a little  congregation  ; some  seventy  or  eighty  in  number. 

I have  detected  several  attempts  to  play  off  tricks.  One  boy  presented  a 
ticket  that  had  been  given  to  an  old  woman.  “Whose  ticket  is  this?” 
“ My  grandmother’s.”  “ Why  does  not  she  come  herself  to  receive  the 
cash?”  “She’s  dead,  Sir.”  “And  who  told  you  to  bring  the  ticket, 
and  get  money  for  a person  who  is  dead  ?”  “ My  sister,  Sir  ; she  is 

ashamed  to  come  herself.” 

Another  case.  One  woman  brought  three  tickets — two  of  them  belong- 
ing to  neighbors  who  could  not  come  themselves.  “ What  are  your  neigh- 
bors’ names  ?”  Here  she  blundered  so  much,  that  some  voices  outside  the 
half-open  door  prompted  her  : — the  voices  were  those  of  the  neighbors 
“ who  could’nt  come  themselves,”  but  who  wanted  to  get  off*  quickly  by  un- 
fairly anticipating  their  turn.  Oh,  how  foolish  and  how  childish  these  peo- 
ple are ! 


186 


FOREIGN. 


[June, 

But  it  is  not  all  discourao^ment.  There  are  two  out  of  the  number — 
one,  a blind  man,  and  the  other  a woman  who  can  read  a little,  that  ap- 
pear to  be  really  earnest  seekers  of  salvation.  The  man  told  me  his  story 
to-day — how  he  became  blind,  and  how  he  first  heard  of  us,  and  the  reasons 
he  had  for  believing  the  things  we  preached.  His  acknowledgments  of  sin 
in  breaking  the  Commandments,  were  ingenious  and  explicit.  The  old 
woman’s  case  is  an  especially  interesting  one  : her  poverty  is  very  great, 
but  in  Jier  younger  days  she  spent  three  years  in  learning  to  read,  in  con- 
sequence of  which  she  is  able  to  understand  most  of  the  catechism,  and 
hence  the  work  of  instructing  her  is  much  facilitated. 

June  23th. — Parcels  of  newspapers,  &c.,  sent  per  “ Virginian”  and  “ Samuel 
Russell,”  arrived  to-day  : the  Secretary’s  long  letter  of  April  had  reached 
us  four  days. 

July  Is#. — Sunday. — Continued  and  very  heavy  rains.  Attendance  in  the 
morning  small;  afternoon  and  evening  more  numerous.  Mr.  Spalding  has 
not  seemed  so  well  to-day. 

July  6th. — The  whole  city  and  neighborhood  seem  to  be  rife  with  rumors 
of  our  being  about  to  go  off  home  in  foreign  ships,  and  to  carry  all  our 
scholars  with  us.  A few  days  ago,  one  of  our  female  servants  was  obliged 
to  go  home  and  comfort  her  family,  who  are  reported  to  have  been  crying 
continually  for  two  days  together,  because  we  were  going  to  take  her  away 
with  us.  The  other  woman  had  a visit  from  her  husband,  who  seemed 
quite  incredulous  when  told  that  no  day  had  been  fixed  for  our  departure. 
Miss  Jones  says  that  the  school-boys,  are  constantly  having  some  of  their 
relatives  come  to  look  about  and  see  that  no  harm  has  happened  to  our 
young  victims.  To-day,  my  man-servant  tells  me,  that  everybody  is  talk- 
ing about  it,  and  the  school-teacher,  Zeay,  says  that  the  boys  are  so  much 
alarmed,  that  very  few  of  them  will  come  to  the  day-school,  now  about  to  be 
re-opened  after  a short  vacation.  I believe  almost  all  this.  This  is  owing 
to  the  fact  that  the  ship  “ Amazon”  left  this  port  for  California  a few  days 
since,  carrying  out  upwards  of  a hundred  Chinamen — some  mechanics, 
some  were  day-laborers ; but  all  eager  in  gold-digging.  May  the  expedi- 
tion not  prove  a disastrous  one  ! 

July  7th. — Dr.  Kirk  was  called  in  to-day  to  hold  a consultation  with  Mr. 
Lockhart  on  Spalding’s  case.  His  opinion  will  no  doubt  be  communicated 
fully  by  the  Bishop  to  whom  it  was  fully  expressed.  The  practical  conclu- 
sion was,  that  the  case  was  one  that  needed  active  treatment,  and  that  it 
would  be  unwise  to  attempt  a long  voyage  without  the  presence  on  board 
ship  of  a medical  man. 

July  8 th. — Sunday. — Few  at  the  morning  service.  At  noon  went  to  the 
South  Gate  School-house,  and  endeavored  to  set  at  rest  the  people’s  fears 
about  our  going  away.  The  thing  that  seemed  to  convince  them  most, 
was  the  fact  of  our  building  a Church  in  the  city  ; for  “ how  could  we 
carry  that  away  with  us?”  I asked  ; and  of  course  there  was  no  answer  but 
“ sure  enough!”  The  attendance  at  afternoon  preaching  was  large  and 
animated ; and  my  conversation  afterwards  with  the  two-aged  inquirers 
was  interesting,  and  elicited  much  that  would  be  found  full  of  instruction  to 
one  studying  the  minds  and  habits  of  this  people.  During  my  village  con- 
versations in  the  evening,  there  was  a perpetual  struggle  between  myself 
and  my  interlocutors — they  perpetually  bringing  in  questions  of  govern- 
ment, customs,  trade,  agriculture,  &c. ; and  I as  perseveringly  bent  on 
bringing  each  new  topic  to  bear  on  my  one  great  subject. 


1850.] 


FOREIGN. 


187 


July  9th. — If  I did  not  observe,  on  looking  over  the  published  accounts  of 
existing  Missionary  operations,  that  in  all  quarters  of  the  world  our  Mis- 
sionary brethren  are  under  the  same  necessity  as  we  find  ourselves  to  be, 
of  giving  milch  time  and  attention  to  the  building  of  houses,  churches,  &c., 
I should  be  tempted  to  think  I was  not  in  the  path  of  duty  when  occupied 
in  passing  along  the  walls,  examining  the  materials,  drawing  out  the  plans 
and  patterns,  overseeing  the  men,  &c.,  & c.  But  I notice  that  in  all  parts, 
at  Benares  and  at  Red  River,  in  the  East  African  Mission  and  among  the 
New  Zealanders — all  Missionaries  seem  to  have  much  of  this  kind  of  work 
to  look  after,  at  the  time  of  their  first  settlement.  Moreover,  it  does  not 
become  me  to  profess  more  spiritual-mindedness  than  the  Great  Law-giver, 
of  whom  it  is  written,  that  he  “ did  look  upon  all  the  work,”  on  their  Hag- 
gai  and  Zechariah,  through  whose  “ prophesying”  the  building  elders  of  the 
Jews  “ prospered.”  Oh,  that  here  may  be  fulfilled  the  words  of  those  pro- 
phets ! “ In  this  place  will  I give  peace,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts ;”  and 
again — “ The  Branch  ; he  shall  build  the  temple  of  the  Lord,  and  he  shall 
hear  the  glory,  and  shall  sit  and  rule  upon  his  throne,  and  shall  be  a priest 
upon  his  throne.” 

These  and  such  like  thoughts  are  often  brought  into  my  mind,  when  I 
am  called  upon  to  go  into  the  city  (as  I did  this  afternoon)  to  see  how  the 
building  progresses.  The  original  plan,  making  of  the  contract,  &c.,  was  all 
attended  to  by  the  Bishop.  Mr.  Spalding  effected  the  purchase  of  the 
ground,  and  when  he  was  well,  did  a good  share  of  the  practical  oversee- 
ing; but  now  that  he  is  laid  by,  this  devolves  chiefly  on  me — the  Bishop 
making  a visit  when  any  point  of  especial  importance  needs  to  be  settled. 

July  10 th. — The  number  of  applicants  for  alms  was  greater  than  ever  we 
have  known ; much  distress  prevails,  and  there  is  more  in  prospect.  My 
evening  congregation  was  a very  interesting  one. 

June  1 1 th. — I have  performed  to-day  a very  sorrowful  task — no  less  than 
parting  finally  with  the  little  girl  whom  Mrs.  Syle  had  taken  to  educate.  I 
mentioned,  at  the  time  it  occurred,  the  fact  of  our  being  obliged  to  send 
her  back  to  her  parents  temporarily,  because  of  the  undesirableness  of  our 
having  her  with  us  now,  that  we  are  in  the  same  house  with  a whole  school 
of  boys.  I also  mentioned,  that  some  little  time  after,  our  friend,  Mrs. 
Taylor,  was  kind  enough  to  take  a temporary  charge  of  her ; but  this  ar- 
rangement, being  only  for  a time,  came  to  a termination,  and  we  were  sor- 
rowing over  the  fact,  that  the  interesting  and  promising  child  on  whom  two 
years  of  Christian  instruction  had  been  bestowed,  should  be  falling  back 
among  the  Heathen,  when  we  heard  that  Mrs.  Southwell  (of  the  London 
Society’s  Mission)  would  take  her.  The  opening  seemed  providential,  and 
as  we  had  no  definite  prospect  before  ourselves,  we  consented,  though  not 
without  a heaving  heart. 


188 


FOREIGN. 


[June, 


Intelligence. 


Athens. — Advices  have  been  received  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hill,  dated 
28th  March.  Mr.  H.  was  still  confined  to  the  house  by  illness,  but  was  re-- 
covering. He  refers  to  the  differences  which  had  occurred  between  the 
British  and  Greek  governments,  and  observes  that  they  do  not  in  the  least 
affect  the  position  of  the  Mission. 

“ Our  own  work,”  he  writes,  “ is  ever  the  same,  and  we  pursue  our 
course  uninterruptedly.  The  only  exception  has  been  my  illness,  the  first 
of  any  importance,  or  at  least  of  so  long  duration,  for  many  years.  Mrs. 
Hill  and  Miss  Baldwin  are  in  very  good  health. 


Africa. — An  arrival  from  the  Western  Coast  brings  us  the  following 
letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rambo,  dated  at  Cape  Palmas,  on  the  21st  Feb- 
ruary last,  and  announces  the  safe  arrival  of  the  brig  Smithfield,  in  which 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Hening,  Mrs.  Hening,  Miss  Williford,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Stokes,  had  taken  passage. 

“ I write  you  a few  lines,  to  say  that  the  long  expected  Missionaries  ar- 
rived at  Fair  Haven  harbor  on  the  morning  of  the  18th  inst. ; all  in  good 
health  and  spirits.  They  found  all  of  us  in  the  enjoyment  of  fine  health, 
and  I trust  I can  say,  cheerfully  prosecuting  the  interesting  work  which  the 
Lord  has  given  us  to  do.  How  can  we  sufficiently  magnify  the  name  of 
our  covenant-keeping  Jehovah,  for  blessing  us  in  all  respects  above 
measure  ? 

“Each  day  brings  new  mercies;  each  passing  season  witnesses  fresh 
showers  of  His  superabounding  grace.  Long  have  some  of  our  number 
been  spending  their  strength  and  energies  here  amidst  difficulties  and  dis- 
couragements ; and  others,  during  a much  shorter  period,  have  shared  those 
trials,  yet  our  blessings  have  overbalanced  them  all ; so  much  so,  that  we 
even  confidently  hope  that  ‘ goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow  us  all  the  days 
of  our  life.’ 

“ Perhaps  there  has  never  been  a time  in  this  Mission’s  history,  when 
there  was  so  much  cause  for  all  its  Missionaries  and  friends  to  praise  God 
as  the  present.  Kings  and  Princes,  or  those  most  influential  among  the 
Heathen,  by  whom  we  are  surrounded,  and  for  whom  we  labor — some  of  those 
who  had  hitherto,  with  their  people,  been  entirely  indifferent  to  the  calls  of 
the  Gospel,  (among  whom  are  the  Grahwayans  and  River  Cavalla  people,) 


1850.] 


FOREIGN. 


189 


are  now  calling  earnestly  not  only  for  schools  for  their  children,  but  also 
for  a resident  Missionary. 

“ One  of  these  head-men  recently  remarked  to  me  as  follows  : — 4 Hitherto 
myself  and  people  have  cared  nothing  for  that  word  you  speak ; we  would 
not  come  and  hear  it,  and  we  would  not  send  our  children  to  be  taught ; 
but  we  have  changed  our  minds,  and  we  are  now  willing  to  hear  and  re- 
ceive the  Gospel,  and  to  have  our  children  instructed.’ 

“ This  is,  indeed,  the  sentiment  of  prominent  men  in  all  -parts  of  the 
tribe ; and  in  answer  to  their  calls  we  are  doing  all  we  can  for  them — 
preaching  in  all  the  towns  once  a fortnight  at  least,  and  in  some  weekly. 
During  this  soul-invigorating  season  of  Lent,  we  are  making  all  possible 
efforts  for  them,  and  shall,  by  God’s  help,  leave  no  scheme  at  all  feasible 
untried,  which  may  increase  an  interest,  and  make  new  and  we  trust  lasting 
impressions  upon  their  half-awakened  consciences. 

“ Could  we  at  this  moment  raise  our  voices  so  loudly  as  to  be  heard  by 
all  of  Africa’s  praying  friends,  we  would  entreat  them  to  spend  this  precious 
season  with  us  in  earnest  and  unceasing  supplication  for  God’s  special  bles- 
sing upon  this  vine  of  his  planting.  Then  might  we  hope  that  the  little 
cloud,  apparently  4 no  larger  than  a man’s  hand,’  would  continue  to  enlarge 
more  and  more,  till  overspreading  the  whole  heavens,  most  copious  show- 
ers of  divine  grace  through  the  Spirit’s  operations,  would  wake  to  life  and 
energy  multitudes  of  Heathen  souls  long  ‘ sold  under  sin,’ — ‘ led  captive  to 
Satan  by  his  will.’. 

“ The  arrival  of  our  friends  is  doubtless  very  opportune.  I would  that 
instead  of  four,  the  number  had  been  four  times  four ; for  an  indefinite 
number  of  Christ’s  true  disciples  could  find  abundance  of  work,  and  would 
in  the  end  be  amply  repaid  for  their  toils  in  the  rich  harvest  of  Heathen 
souls  they  would  gather,  and  eternally  treasure  up  in  the  garner  of  their 
Lord.” 


China. — From  the  Mission  at  Shanghai,  advices  have  been  received  to 
the  12th  February  last. 

Bishop  Boone  was  still  struggling  with  feeble  health,  yet  enabled  to 
accomplish  much.  The  apprehension  is,  that  from  paucity  of  numbers  and 
the  greatness  of  the  work  upon  his  hands,  he  may  prostrate  himself  com- 
pletely by  undertaking  too  much. 

“ We  are  now,”  he  observes,  ‘‘through  God’s  bounty,  so  well  off  in  houses, 
that  the  absence  of  Missionaries  to  fill  our  vacant  rooms  makes  itself  more 
severely  felt.  I trust  it  is  not  necessary  for  me,  indeed  I cannot  see  how 
by  anything  that  could  possibly  be  said,  I could  increase  the  sense  the 
Committee  must  have  had,  of  our  need  of  suitable  efficient  aid.  I say,  suit- 
able, for  however  great  may  be  our  pressure,  I never  wish  the  Committee 


190 


FOREIGN. 


[June, 


to  send  any  one,  male  or  female,  against  their  judgment.  But  the  lay- 
man for  the  school,  and  three  very  superior  single  women,  send  us  at  once, 
together  with  some  young  men  in  orders,  to  preach  the  Gospel.” 


An  Acceptable  Offering. — As  the  name  of  the  individual  referred  to 
in  the  annexed  interesting  communication  from  our  former  colleague,  is 
doubtless  unknown  to  any  human  being,  we  may  be  allowed  to  present 
the  example  to  others  as  an  incentive  to  benevolent  exertion,  and  thereby 
add  to  the  good  which  the  pious  offering  was  intended  to  effect . 


New- YorJc,  April  29,  1850. 

Rev.  and  Dear  Sir  : — A few  days  after  the  collection  for  Missions, 
recently  made  in  my  Parish,  I received  anonymously  a small  silk  bag,  con- 
taining several  gold,  silver  and  copper  coins,  and  a note,  of  which  the  fol- 
lowing is  a copy  : — 

“ Sir, — The  enclosed  are  the  savings  of  a number  of  years  ; pieces  given 
me  by  my  mother  and  friends.  I had  long  since  intended  them  for  For- 
eign Missions,  and  they  have  been  religiously  kept  for  that  purpose. 

“ The  amount  is  small,  but  they  are  given  for  the  service  of  Him  who 
regards  the  motive  as  well  as  the  act.  And  like  the  widow’s  mite,  may 
the  offering  be  acceptable. 

“To  the  Rev.  Chas.  H.  Halsey.” 

The  value  of  the  coins,  correctly  ascertained,  is  thirteen  dollars  fifty 

cents.  The  amount  is  herewith  sent.  I have  no  means  of  ascertaining  from 

© 

whom  it  comes.  I trust,  therefore,  I do  not  in  any  way  offend,  in  commu- 
nicating the  circumstances  under  which  it  was  received. 

The  note  tells,  in  simple  and  touching  words,  its  own  story.  The  mo- 
tive and  the  act  are  worthy  of  imitation  ; and  as  God’s  blessing,  I doubt 
not,  accompanies  the  gift,  so  does  it  likewise  suggest  a method  of  doing 
good,  which  many  could  easily  adopt. 

The  writer  of  the  note  evidently  is  cherishing  the  memory  of  a mother, 
from  whom  lessons  of  piety  were  received.  And  may  we  not  trust,  that 
this  “ offering”  is  acceptable  to  Him,  who  hath  commanded  us,  whose  path 
from  infancy  has  been  surrounded  with  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel,  to 
send  the  same  to  them  that  sit  in  darkness  and  the  shadow  of  death. 

Affectionately,  your  Friend  and  Brother, 

Chas.  H.  Halsey, 

Hector  of  Christ  Church , 
New-  York. 


FOREIGN. 


191 


1850.] 

Letters  for  China. — In  the  May  number  of  this  Journal  it  was  stated, 
that  all  letters  intended  for  the  overland  mail  for  China,  should  be  for- 
warded to  the  Foreign  Mission  office  in  New-York.  It  has  since  been  as- 
certained that  letters  can  be  mailed  and  prepaid  all  the  way  through  to 
Shanghai,  at  any  Post-Office  in  the  United  States.  The  postage  from  New- 
York,  on  each  letter  not  exceeding  a quarter  of  an  ounce  in  weight,  by 
Steamer,  via  Southampton,  is  forty-five  cents.  Should  letters  be  sent  to 
this  office,  attention  is  called  to  the  weight  of  the  paper  used.  The  lightest 
kind  only  should  be  sought. 


Annual  Meeting. — The  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Board  of  Missions 
will  be  held  in  Christ  Church,  in  the  City  of  Hartford,  Conn.,  on  Wednes- 
day, the  19th  day  of  June,  inst.,  at  half  past  ten  in  the  morning.  On  the 
morning  of  that  day,  the  Holy  Communion  will  be  administered,  and  a ser- 
mon (D.  V.)  preached  by  the  Rev.  W.  B.  Stevens,  D.  D.,  Rector  of  St.  An- 
drew’s Church,  Phil.  On  the  second  evening,  in  accordance  with  a stand- 
ing resolution  of  the  Board,  a Missionary  meeting  will  be  held,  and  addresses 
delivered  on  the  subject  of  Missions. 


Funds. — All  remittances  intended  for  the  present  financial  year  must  be 
in  hand  by  the  15th  of  June.  The  attention  of  the  Parochial  clergy  is  re- 
spectfully asked  to  this,  and  a contribution  earnestly  solicited  from  those 
who  have  not  yet  transmitted  any  offering  for  the  year. 


^UknotuUigmentB. 


FOREIGN  MISSIONS. 

The  Treasurer  of  the  Foreign  Committee  ac- 
knowledges the  receipt  of  the  following  sums,  from 
the  15th  April,  to  the  15th  May,  1850: — 


MAINE. 

Portland — St.  Stephen’s,  China  and 

Africa 20  00 

VERMONT. 

Brandon — St.  Thomas’s 7 55 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Boston — Christ  Ch.  S.  S.,  ed..  China.  25  00 
Ch.  of  the  Messiah,  China 2 00 


St.  Paul’s -257  50 

Trinity,  $60  ; S.  S.  Miss,  offgs., 

Africa,  $43  50;  Young  Ladies’ 

Miss.  Asso.,  ed.,  Africa,  $25; 

S.  S.,  China,  $40 168  40 

Bridgwater — Trinity 5 00 

Brookline — St.  Paul’s. 31  60 

Cambridge — Christ  Ch 13  00 

Cambridgport — St.  Peter’s 7 00 

Hanover— St.  Andrew’s 20  00 

Lowell — St.  Ann’s 50  00 

fVillcinsonville — St.John’s 11  64 

Mrs.  T.  G.  Fcss-uden,  Greece. . . 5 00  596  24 


RHODE  ISLAND. 


Johnston — St.  Peter’s 6 75 

Lonsdale — Christ,  Africa 4 11 


192 


FOREIGN. 


Providence — Grace  Ch.,  $30 12 ; S.  S. 
Sewing  Circle,  Africa,  $10  ; S. 

' S.,  education  Eleanor  Vinton, 

Africa,  $60_ 100  12 

St.  John’s,  sixth  annual  payment, 
support  of  a Miss,  in  China  ; 

$900  ; S.  S.  morning  collection 
for  one  year,  China,  $75  41 975  41 


St.  Stephen’s 13  03 

Warren — St.  Mark’s lO'OO  1109  42 

CONNECTICUT. 

Birmingham — St.  James’s 7 34 

Bridgport — Geo.  Brandon,  Africa. . . 1 00 

Fair  haven — St.  James’s 5 00 

Hartford — Christ  Ch 59  15 

Norwalk— St.  Paul’s 14  50 

Pomfret— Christ  Ch 15  00  101  99 


NEW-YORK. 


Albany — Grace 5 00 

Astoria — St.  George’s 15  00 

Castleton,  S.  I. — St.  Paul’s,  £ 5 65 

Little  Neck — Zion,  Africa 11  11 

Morris — A.  Palmer 10  00 

New  Brighton,  S.  1. — Christ  Ch.  S.  S., 

ed.,  Africa 10  00 

New-York — Christ  Church,  $44  ; 

China,  $2 ; contents  of  a silk 
bag,  anonymous,  China,  $13  50  59  50 
Ch.  of  the  Ascension,  “ F.  De  P.” 

ed.,  China 25  00 

Ch.  of  the  Mediator,  Africa 101  20 

St.  George’s,  $404  15 ; Greece, 

$50;  Ch.  at  Cavalla,  $98;  S.  S. 

China,  $50;  ed.,  Africa,  $40; 

Mrs.  Tracy,  ed.  2 pupils,  Chi- 
na, $50  ; “ B ,”  ed.  “ S.  I.  B.,” 

China,  $25  ; “ G.  M.  F.”  and 
“I.  and  I.,”  China,  $25;  “ C. 

T.  L.,”  China,  $25;  “G.M.F.” 
and  “ I.  and  I.,”  ed.  H.  Gillett, 

Africa,  $20 787  15 

St.  George’s,  Beekman-street,  a 
member,  J each,  Greece,  Africa, 

China 15  00 

Family  Mite  Box 3 00 

Do.  1 74 

Do.  1 00 

Do.  1 50 

Mr.  Peshine,  Africa 2 00 

“W.M.” 25  00 

Potsdam — Trinity 13  00 

Richmond,  S.  I. — St.  Andrew’s,  Mrs. 

M Holmes,  China 3 00  1094  85 


PENNSYLVANIA. 


Hcnesdale— Grace 20  00 

Pequea — St.  John’s 10  00 


Philadelphia — Ch.  of  the  Epiphany, 

Parish  Benevo.  Fund,  $250 ; 

Ladies  Sewing  Soc.,  $250  ; S. 

S.,  $250  ; (for  the  support  of 
Rev.  31  r.  Payne,  Africa  ;)  S.  S., 

ed.,  Africa,  $20 770  00 

St.  Philip’s,  Africa 5 00 

Pittsburg — St.  Andrew’s,  a member, 

China 10  00 

Wilkesbarre— St.  Stephen’s  S.S.,  Afr.  15  00  830  00 

MARYLAND. 

Baltimore  Co.,  Owing's  Mills — St. 

Thomas’s 5 00 

Georgetown,  D.  C. — St.  John’s  S.  S. 

Miss.  Soc.,  $27  ; ed.,  China,  $25  52  00 
Rock  Creek , D.  C. — Per  Rev.  H.  VV. 

Woods ...15  00  72  00 


VIRGINIA. 


Clarke  Co. — Wickliffe  Par,  Africa, 

$26  30;  Greece,  $8  50 34  80 

Charlottesville 168  00 

Greenville — Meherrin  Par.,  $13;  co- 
lored people,  Africa,  $4 17  00 

Winchester — Christ  Ch.,  Africa  and 

China 20  00  239  80 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 


Charleston— St.  Peer’s.  Bp.  Boone’s 


salary,  China 

-...664  11 

Do.  ed.,  China 

Do.  Africa 

Do.  Greece 

GEORGIA. 

Macon — Christ  Ch 

....  40  00 

St.  Mary's — Ch.  of  the  Messiah 

....  6 00 

Savannah — Christ  Church,  $1 ; 

Mrs. 

Hill’s  school, Greece, $2  ; Miss 
Williford’s  School,  Africa, 

$5  50  ; Miss  L.  I.  Kerr,  3d  An- 
nual payment,  ed.  T.  Cranmer, 

Africa.  $20 28  50 

Ladies  African  Ass.,  Africa,  $26  ; 
education  Lucia  Byrd,  Sarah 
Gallagher,  Eliz’th  Newcomb, 
and  one  other,  $80 106  00  180  50 

OHIO. 


WESTERN  NEW-YORK. 


Oxford — Three  ladies,  ed.  of  W.  H. 

De  Lancey,  Africa,  sixth  ann. 

payment 20  00 

NEW-JERSEY. 

Princeton — Trinity,  a member  of, 

ed.  G.  Emlen  Hare,  China 25  00 

Anonymous — N.  J.,”  China,  $100; 

Africa,  $100 200  00  225  00 


Columbus— Trinity 75  00 

Gambier — James  S.  Sawer.  China..  1 00 

Massillon — St.  Timothy,  Mrs.  Burke, 

Africa,  $2;  Master  Burke,  Chi- 
na, 50  cents 2 50 

Putnam — Easter  offering  of  a female 

friend  to  Missions,  £ 5 00 

Zanesville— W.,  h 5 00  88  50 

Total $5532  85 


(.Total  since  ! 5th  June,  1849,  $29,032  88.) 


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