come in some measure languid and inefficient. We have succeeded in establishing a Conference Meeting on, Sabbath evening, from which we anticipate the most happy consequences. It is conducted altogether by the Members of the Church; and the object of it will be to have every male member offer his reflections upon the discourse which has been delivered. By this meeting, I hope to secure the attention of every member to the instructions of the Sabbath. It will also have a tendency to form a habit of conversing on religious subjects whenever they meet. Our young members will thus acquire a useful degree of confidence and fluency in expressing their sentiments. They will become qualified for offering public exhortations; and, in addition to their attainment of more knowledge, they will have any misapprehensions correct ed, and the truths communicated in the sermon more deeply impressed on their memories.

A prayer meeting has been established on Wednesday evenings for all the members of the Church, and all others who may feel disposed to attend.

Arrangements have been made for a meeting of the females for prayer,

A meeting during the winter, will be held, by our youth, on Saturday evening, for the purpose of singing. As our singing school is not marked by that spirit of

levity which distinguishes similar schools among the whites, and as a much larger proportion of our youth assemble on this occasion than on any other, I shall embrace this opportunity of addressing them on subjects which relate to their immor

tal interests.

As soon as the winter sets in, the Indians will be confined principally to their houses, and I hope to visit the tribe. After this visit, I shall be able to speak, with more precision and confidence, of the prospects of the Mission, than I can at present.

The house and improvements are nearly all finished; and I hope soon to enjoy regular habits in my study and among my people. We all feel thankful that God has thus far succeeded our efforts. Our prosVOL. IV.

pects of paying for the whole, without drawing upon the funds of the Board, are flattering.

SENECA MISSION.

Rev. T. S. Harris to the Domestic Secre tary-November 15, 1822.

DEAR SIR--We are encouraged to state that, by the good hand of our God upon us, the prospects of usefulness among this interesting people, appear to be brightening. We would cherish the hope that the chiefs especially, have more confidence in the rectitude of our proceedings than formerly. They appear to be more disposed to hold up our hands in our attempts to instruct their children, by cheerfully correcting, as far as practicable, every vicious habit which they may be in danger of imbibing. The school, though small, (consisting of eighteen in number,) appears to become more tractable, and much more contented, than it has been.

Many of our religious meetings on the Sabbath are attended with becoming punctuality; and we trust that they will at length prove "none other than the gate of heaven" to some souls. May the hearts of the Board with zeal and wisdom, Spirit of the Divine Saviour inspire the in promoting the spiritual interests of his people.

JOURNAL OF THE MISSION TO

NOVEMBER 2, 1822. New arrangement for Public Worship.

Sabbath, Oct. 27.-It was this day determined to suspend the afternoon service during the winter, and to meet for an evening lecture at the Mission-House. It is proposed to attend to instruction in singing, immediately after the lecture is closed. By uniting the season of singing, which is esteemed by the natives as a very pleasant recreation, with religious worship, we suppose that many more of the young people of the nation will be present at divine service, than if they were attended to on separate evenings.

Wednesday, 30.-A greater number attended the evening lecture, than were ex

pected. We trust that this arrangement will promote, not only the comfort of the family, but the spiritual benefit of the tribe. The children can now be present at the evening worship, and it is to be hoped that some of them at least, may derive benefit from the privilege. Our souls would bless the Lord for our small measure of influence over the minds of this people.

Annual Report to the Government.

Saturday, Nov. 2.-We have been prevented by sickness in the family, from completing the Annual Report of this establishment to the General Government in due season. To-day, however, it has been finished and sent. The following is an exact copy.

"To the Hon. The Secretary at War.

"Sin, The establishment with which the undersigned, Missionaries, under the patronage of the United Foreign Missionary Society, have the happiness, as well as honour to be connected, is situated about 4 miles east of Buffalo, State of New-York, on the Indian Reservation, in that vicinity. Its immediate site is within seventy rods of one branch of the Buffalo creek, which empties into the Lake at Buffalo, and is nearly central to the whole population on the Reservation.

"The number of individuals employed in educating the Indians at this station, consists, in all, of six souls :-A minister of the gospel, wife and one infant child; a teacher and wife, and one female assistant. Of these, the teacher and wife, have been on the ground three years; the others but one year.

"The teacher, on his arrival, was directed to erect a block-house, 24 feet by 28, for the accommodation of his family and school; and to open a local school on the usual plan: the children coming every morning and returning again at night. In the course of time, this method of conducting the school was found to be deficient; because it did not, and could not, secure the punctual attendance of the children, in consequence of the scattered settlements on the Reservation. It

was then judged proper by our Board, to erect a frame-house in addition, sufficiently capacious for the accommodation of a minister of the gospel, and as many children as should be judged expedient to receive under the superintendance of the mission family; and to conduct the establishment on the plan pursued at the south, with which the executive is already acquainted.

"This building, 24 by 44, was comple→ ted for the reception of the Indian youth, on the 1st of July, 1822; and about 20 chitdren taken under the immediate care of a christian family.

"Upon the present plan of instruction, it is our calculation primarily, to introduce the children to the knowledge of the English language, and to open to them, through this channel, those sources of inthe instructors of youth in this happy formation, which are so highly valued by Republic: believing it is of the highest importance to the children among the Six Nations, surrounded as they are, by a dense population of whites: that they be made acquainted as early as possible with the language of that community, with which they will in time, in all probability, be amalgamated.

"This plan of instruction also, supposes it highly proper, that together with the advantages to be received in the training of a christian family, the children should be taught those common branches of agriculture, and be made acquainted with those mechanic arts, which may be of almost incalculable use in promoting their future civilization. Under the influence of sober and industrious habits, they may thus learn to support themselves comfortably, by cultivating the small remains of that soil, of the whole of which they were once the sole proprietors; but which has been often wrested from them by the hand of avarice,, or sold, through their own ignorance, for the veriest trifle.

"To complete the establishment under our superintendence, it would seem important that more and different teachers should be employed in this work: particularly a farmer is needed in connection with the Mission; not only to lessen our

expenditures, which are increasingly large; but that also by having a well cultivated farm in immediate sight, the natives may be excited to those industrious habits which are so well calculated to raise them to a level with enlightened man.

"The improvements belonging to the establishment consist principally of the before-mentioned buildings and their appendages; together with a garden improved, and about 12 acres enclosed with a substantial fence, for an orchard and meadow.

"It was not discovered till a part of the buildings had been commenced, that the site selected for their erection was composed of a bed of almost solid limestone, with a thin layer of earth above: much labour and expense have therefore, been necessary in digging the cellar and well, the former of which only is yet completed.

“The moveable property belonging to the establishment, consists chiefly in implements of husbandry, intended for the boys; a loom, wheels, and the necessary aparatus for the instruction of the girls; a set of carpenter's and shoemaker's tools, with the household furniture which would be found indispensible in a family of 30 persons.

"The current expenses of the establishment have been from October 20, 1821, to September 16, 1822, $2762 91, including disbursements for out-buildings, digging well, cellar, &c.

dian brothers; and which, in the language. of a member of our own board," are now in the full tide of successful experiment."

"To this work we have devoted ourselves for life; expecting no other reward than that of an approving conscience in the discharge of our duty: hoping, and fully believing, that in the use of the proper means, many will yet arise from among this people, who shall continue to enlighten and bless their nation, down to the latest generations."

The Journal of this Mission, from the 4th of November to the 10th of December, is received, and will be given in our next.

CATARAUGUS MISSION.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Thayer to the Domestic Secretary-Dec. 12, 1822,

Having mentioned the causes which had res tarded his preparations for receiving the Indian children into his family, and expressed the expectation that his school would commence early in January, Mr. Thayer remarks:

I hope soon to communicate something relative to these children, who have so long remained in heathen darkness. We look forward with anxious feeling to the time when we hope to receive them into our family, and make them the objects of our particular care--when they shall be snatched from the abodes of filth and ignorance, and be favoured with the opportunity for improvement. Let our toils, our labours, and our trials be ever so

"For the full accomplishment of the objects embraced in our plan, much time, patience, perseverance, and more funds than we can at present command, will be certainly necessary.

"For the further prosecution of our measures, we look with confident and buoyant hopes, to the fostering hand of government; believing that the arm which has been so long, and we hope faithfully extended, for the protection and relief of its red children, will not now be withdrawn from patronizing those institutions which have been formed with an express view to meliorate the condition of our In

good to these perishing immortals, we shall rejoice-yea, we do rejoice in the prospect of usefulness.

We entreat an interest in your prayers, that we may have grace sufficient for our day, and may be prepared for the inte resting work of teaching these heathen children.

JOURNAL OF THE MISSION FROM AU

GUST 15 TO DEC. 8, 1822.

Council of Christian and Pagan Chiefs,

Thursday, Aug. 15.-A council of both parties of Indians was convened to. day. The pagan party sent for their

friend, Mr. Taylor, to read the act of the Legislature, ejecting all white people from Indian land; the others sent for me to see that it was correctly read. This act is new to them, and has in some degree terrified the christian party, as well as emboldened the pagans.

Sabbath, 18-More Indians attended meeting to-day than I expected, considering the present state of affairs. There is a certain firmness and determination among these poor Indians, that evinces their sincerity in desiring to be instructed in the ways of righteousness.

Council of Christian Chiefs.

Monday, Aug. 19.-Another council to-day of the christian party; they met at a private house to devise some means to pursue their favorite object in peace and safety; they delegated two of their principal men to go to Buffalo and counsel with the head chiefs; they feel grievously distressed. Before they broke up, six of the pagan chiefs came in to spy out their doings and interrupt them. They peremptorily forbade our interpreter attending our meetings on the Sabbath; and threatened if he interpreted for me, even once more, they would make a public example of him, and turn him and his family out of doors. Thus are these poor heathens, who are trying to seek after truth, persecuted from day to day.

Visit to Seneca.

Saturday, Aug. 24.-Went by appointment on the 20th inst. to Seneca, and had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Crane from Tuscarora at the same place. At a late hour in the evening our hearts were gladdened by the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Rankin from New-York. Mr. R. is a member of the Board. Brother Crane laid before us his plan respecting the Indian school, and informed us that he had submitted it to the Board. Brother Harris and myself wrote immediately to the Board, expressing our willingness to acquiesce in any plan the Board should think best calculated to promote the interests of the heathen. Returned home in safety last evening.

Sabbath, August 25.-Attended both meetings to-day as usual; a goodly number of the Indians assembled; but, alas! though the interpreter was present, he dare not officiate. We therefore had only prayers and singing, excepting an exhortation by Jacob Johnson, one of our best Indians.

Monthly Concert.

cert of prayer was attended this day at Monday, Sept. 2.-The monthly conthe Indian Village. The principal part of the Indians were present. A part of the time was spent in communicating religious intelligence from other Missionary stations. It was animating to see with what pleasure they listened. One of the chiefs said it made their hearts glad to hear such good news about their red brothers of the Osages, Choctaws, and Cherokees. He said their hearts rejoiced to learn how much good was doing for poor Indians. Those nations, he added, “are blessed and happy. We envy them—we want it should be so here-the Great Spirit has blessed them-we hope he will look down and pity us in our distressed state, and bless us too."

Unexpected interview with the pagan party.

Monday, Sept. 9.-This morning Red Jacket, with about thirty of his party, assembled in Mr. Taylor's room in this house, and soon sent for me to meet with them. I immediately retired to seek the direction and presence of my Heavenly Father, while about to go before his enemies. Upon going into this assembly of pagans, and seeing a white man among them, who is hostile to the Mission, I felt it my duty to state to them, that as they had sent for me to attend their council, I had heard their call, and was willing to converse with them at any proper time and place, except in the presence of that man, provided I could have my own interpreter. Red Jacket again requested" me to hear a few words, when, with a good deal of spirit, he forbid me to settle on their land, or any where near them. I mildly answered, that it was not for him to say that I should remove; that the Great Spirit who was then looking down

upon us, and was thoroughly acquainted with all our ways, was able to carry on his own work, and order all things for his own glory; and that he ought to beware how he opposed, lest haply he be found to fight against God. I then withdrew. October 20.--Last night returned from attending the general council at Buffalo; most of the Indians of both parties attended. Several letters from the Secretary at War were communicat ed by the Agent of Indian affairs. They were favorable to the improvement of Indians and to Missionary operations among them; also disapproving of the conduct of the pagan party. We hope, by the blessing of God, these letters be the means of softening the opposition which has been so violently manifested.

Encouraging prospects.

may

gans would be permitted to accomplish their object by driving us from them; but the Lord has appeared for us, and taught us never to distrust his goodness, by unexpectedly providing a dwelling for A friend of the cause has kindly of

us.

fered his house for our accommodation for

one year, situated six or seven miles from the Council-house. It is in an unfinished state, but we hope that in a few weeks it will be made comfortable. We desire with gratitude to view the hand of God in this instance of his loving kindness. rode to the Indian Village early this morning, and requested a council of the christian party, and desired the children to be brought together. I met them this afternoon, and had the pleasure to find them as much as ever engaged, respect ing the education of their children. I informed them of the goodness of God in enabling me to procure a house, and stated our prospects and the plan of the intended school. They were very much animated, and said, “here are our children, we give them to you, to be instructed and directed by you and the good so

ciety. We think that you know what is best for us and 'these children, who are dear to us. We desire to thank the Great Spirit, that he influenced the good society to send you to us; and though we have been cast down and disappointed, yet the brightening prospect now before us,causes our hearts to rejoice. We cheerfully undertake to do all in our power to promote the objects of the society among us, pray the Great Spirit to bless in you your undertakings for our good, and for the interests of our little ones."

and

Surely it is the work of the Lord thus to cause the heathen to be willing to part with their children, to go several miles from them, into the hands of those whose language, manners and customs are so May the Lord add

different from theirs. his blessing, and make these children trophies of redeeming grace.

Visit from Mr. Harris and Mr. Kanouse.

October 15.-Brother Harris being dians. Although the discourse was long, present last Sabbath, preached to the Inthey appeared to give unwearied attention. Mr. Kanouse, an agent for the Board, arrived yesterday. Such inter

views with dear christian friends are pleasant, and I hope profitable. Delegates from both parties of Indians met yesterday to hear and answer his talk. It was an interesting meeting. One of the chiefs of the opposite party, said that they could not at present listen to the voice of the society, but he thought it would not always be so; before long, it was probable they should unite with their tion. This morning Mr. Harris and Mr. brothers in receiving the offered instruc Kanouse started for Seneca, and as the time for which I had hired this house had almost expired, and the new house not done, they thought it best for my family while I should stay and superintend the to accompany them, and tarry at Seneca, finishing of the house.

October 18.-This day removed our effects to our intended place of residence, and stored them for the present.

Sabbath, Nov. 3.-Rode to the Indian Village this morning as usual to attend meeting, but found that the Indians had