me because I pray, and try to tell them what I have heard about God; but I do not mind that; I cannot help pity them, and pray more. And when I think of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, who do not love God, I feel so bad I cannot help crying and going away and praying for them."

that

Having proceeded thus far, I said to him, I am soon to write my friends, have you any word you wish me to say to them? "Yes," replied he, "tell them I am glad that God has sent you to my people, and I wish you to ask your friends to pray for me, I may love God more, and that he will give me a heart to serve him till I die. I am only a little child, very small, very weak, his eyes are just open, he is just getting up and learning to stand, he can only walk a little, he has heard a little, and he knows only a little. But your friends have always heard of God, they know how to pray for

me.

He visited me, almost daily, wishing to be instructed. He now can repeat the ten commandments and several hymns in his own language. Before he left this place with his father for their hunting-ground, I proposed to him to accompany me into the interior. He was much pleased with the thought of being instructed, and expressed a desire of doing something to benefit his people. He can address them directly, pray in their language, and give them a practical demonstration that the white man's religion is better than the Indians' religion.

His father is an Indian well known and much respected in the interior. This circumstance will, under God, secure their respect for him, and gain an influence for me that I might not otherwise be able to exert. His father cheerfully consented that he should go with me. He is very modest and unassuming. His conduct and influence, so far as I have been able to see and learn, are strictly Christian. He is quick of apprehension, and exhibits the characteristics of a strong mind. His Indian name is Poquotchenini-the wild man. I trust that he is no longer what his name signifies, but sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind.

Endians in New York.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. WRIGHT,
DATED AT SENECA, FEB. 11.

very entrance on the missionary work. She died about the middle of January, after enduring much suffering. Her bereaved husband remarks, "I hoped that she would be my example and consolation. She loved the cause of Christ. She loved the Indians. She was willing to sacrifice her all for their salvation. She had previously sacrificed her all to Jesus, and when he came and called for her, she was ready to relinquish that hope for which alone she manifested any desire to live."

Admissions to the Church at Seneca.

The serious attention to religion which prevailed at this station about a year ago, resulting in the conversion of a considerable number, has been repeatedly noticed before.

Our communion was on the 15th ult. at which thirteen members were received. One of these had been baptised in childhood. The church renewed their covenant engagements; and, in addition to the former covenant, engaged that no present or future member of the church should drink any ardent spirits, except when prescribed by a regular physician, in case of sickness;

and that no one should enter into the marriage relation without having the ceremony performed in a Christian manner. The latter article was one of their own proposing, The following Sabbath, nine men, some of and an exceedingly important regulation. them chiefs of high standing, came forward with those with whom they had lived as wives, and were solemnly and publicly united in marriage; thus in a measure removing one of the greatest stumbling blocks which has been thrown in the way of the people. On the same occasion fifteen chil dren were dedicated to God in baptism.

Churches at Cattaraugus and Alleghany.

During the latter part of January I visited Cattaraugus and Alleghany. Though neither of these places enjoys a revival at present, the Lord is still granting to both the churches a good degree of prosperity. At the former place three persons were ad

mitted to church-membership, one couple married, and six children baptised. At the latter eleven were received to communion; there were thirteen marriages, including one couple, the principal chief of the nation and his wife, belonging to the Buffalo reDecease of Mrs. Wright. servation. Fifteen children were baptised. Several more would probably have been reTHE health of Mrs. Wright was poor when she ceived into the church could we have found joined the mission last fall; and it was thought time for their examination. Both these churches have adopted the same regulaexpedient that she should spend the winter with tions respecting ardent spirits and marriage a relative in Hudson, Ohio, with the hope that which were adopted by the church in this she would be able to engage more actively in place. The former now has 53 members. missionary labors in the spring. But the Head During my absence, twelve days includof the Church has seen fit to remove her at hering two Sabbaths, four persons belonging to

the Christian party, and I believe two of the heathen party, were called into eternity. Another was buried yesterday. These solemn visitations will I hope produce some good effects on the people, if not upon the missionary. One young woman expresses a hope, who says her feelings were excited by these providences. We hope she will not prove to have deceived herself. The Indians have, of their own accord, called a convention of all the mission churches, which is to meet at Cattaraugus on the 27th inst. I believe the object is to make arrangements for a similar convention annu

ally. I have received no formal invitation to attend, but presume they will expect me; and if present I shall endeavor to have some new measures adopted for the purpose of giving greater efficiency to the temperance societies on all the reservations. The meeting will probably continue through the greater part of the week, and most of the church-members from the different reservations will be present. Probably this year will not present another so favorable opportunity for giving an impulse to their spiritual feelings.

Proceedings of other Societies.

FOREIGN.

Church Missionary Society.

ABYSSINIA.

THE mission of Messrs. Kugler and Gobat to Abyssinia has been repeatedly noticed in previous volumes. The following extracts from a letter of Mr. Gobat to the Rev. Mr. Blumhardt, principal of the Basle Seminary, presents various particulars respecting the state and prospects of the mission in June 1830.

Disturbed State of Abyssinia.

of refuge. There is never war in the interior of Shoa: on that account, a white man can easily make friends, in a moment of danger, with two chiefs of opposite parties. For instance, the greatest enemies of Oubea, who have authority at Gondar, have asked me if I was a friend of Oubea; to which I have always answered plainly, "Yes; it is my interest to be the friend of every one." This has been sufficient to gain me their friendship.

Distribution of the Scriptures in Gondar.

When I left Tigre, it was my intention to remain only ten days at Gondar: therefore I believe it is for some purpose that the Lord has thus shut me in: at least, it gives me a better opportunity to make known the gospel than I have ever before had. If I had a thousand copies of the Bible, I could advantageously dispose of them; but in Abyssinia, and especially at this season of scarcity, the Bible must be given; for the Abyssinians really have not the means of buying. For several weeks past, persons have been continually coming to me, to ask for a gospel. I have distributed them in all parts of Abyssinia, and I find that in many places they have been copied. At first they did not set much value on it, because it was not the Ethiopie

I shall be compelled to take up my winter quarters at Gondar, without knowing how it may please God to support me. I have, as yet, wanted nothing: and, although there have been many disturbances at Gondar since I came, I have had no cause to fear. One day, however, I was told that there had been a battle in the midst of the city, in which several lives had been lost, and that plunder had commenced: friends pressed me so strongly to take refuge in a neigh-gospel, the language in which they are accusboring church, that I yielded at last to their entreaties: and on the morning of the next day the soldiers entered my house, to sack it; but they only found a little bread, which they devoured with water.

The interior of Abyssinia is now in a worse state than ever.

In the midst of all these troubles, there is one spot at Gondar which is as tranquil as Berne: when any one apprehends danger, he takes refuge there, and is in perfect safety.

The province of Tigre and the little kingdom of Shoa are very tranquil: all the rest of Abyssinia is more or less in distress and trouble: for all that, I see much less of danger in travelling or dwelling in Abyssinia than I could have believed. In Tigre, even when there is war, the person and property of private persons is almost always safe. In the interior, when there is no war, all goes on well: and if war suddenly rises, there are many cities of refuge, where there is no danger; as, Waldeba in Samen, Taras, Sabar, Avagara, the Etchegua's quarters at Gondar, and Conaral, on the borders of the Lake of Dembea. The numerous churches are special places

tomed to read. When I found that, I gave six copies to the Etchegua, to distribute them as he pleased; and since he has disposed of two copies, all who can read come to ask for them. I have reason to believe, that whenever we multiply copies of the Bible in Abyssinia, it will soon effect a great change in the country; for those who are instructed a little particularly admire the writings of St. Paul, while the other sects that I have seen in the Levant scarcely know their

names.

Discussions with the Abyssinians.

At first, when they questioned me on critical points, I spoke with caution: but the Abyssinians have much less prejudice against Europeans. than I expected after reading the works of Bruce and Salt. I have almost always my house full of people; and every day some priests come, with whom I speak as freely as I should speak in England: for, to the shame of my country, I must own that, up to this time, the Abyssinians are more tolerant than the Swiss. I do not conceal a single opinion, nor keep back any information;

The Duties and Conduct of the Catechists.

naturally puzzles them still more, when they see themselves ill-treated by European Christians themselves. On such occasions, some, who have not the root of the gospel much in their hearts, begin to murmur, as the Israelites in the wilderness, and grow indifferent in their attendance on the means of grace.

The love of ease and money, the natural attachment to early habits and superstitions, and the countenance of the great and powerful, are mighty instruments in the hand of the archenemy, to deceive many here, as well as everywhere else.

At the end of June 1829, there were 53 catechists and assistant catechists: now, at the end of December 1830, there are 68-an increase, therefore, in the last eighteen months, of 15. There were, for a few months, four assistant catechists more, in new stations where it was hoped the small beginning would be successful; but the people soon discovering other views, the teachers were recalled.

Five catechists were dismissed during the year, partly for continual negligence in the great Still, the power of Christ and his gospel is ap-work, partly for ill-behavior. One who was disparent, and spreading. While in a congrega- missed for ill-behavior soon shewed signs of true tion some are overcome by the enemy, the rest repentance; and freely acknowledged his error remain stedfast and endure many afflictions; de- before his congregation, with suitable exhortaclaring, that they will lose every thing, and event tions to them to beware of the spirit of lies. life itself, rather than return again to heathenism; and divine providence helps them. In many villages, the number of Christians, or rather catechumens, has, during the last six months, increased. Fourteen new villages, in various directions, have been added to the list, where a larger or smaller number of families have renounced heathenism: so that, notwithstanding the defect noticed above, the knowledge of the gospel has been spreading considerably for the fast six months; and more temples to the living God have been reared.

Since July 1829, during the last eighteen months, the number of baptised has increased by 377 souls; of which the newly baptised are

During the year 25 native converts were preparing to be catechists; of whom 19 had been stationed. In the seminary there were 34 youths, making 81 received into it since it was opened in 1821. The number of schools, December 1830, was 65; containing 1,803 boys, and 83 girls: making, during the preceding 18 months, an increase of 20 schools, 766 boys, and 30 girls.

DOMESTIC.

BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY.

THE Society held its eighth annual meeting in Philadelphia, January 4, 1832. The society has suffered much pecuniary embarrassment, which

Total, 377 souls.-Many more might have received the sacred rite, but for the want of ordained ministers. Only a very few of the bap-has occasioned a partial suspension of its operatised have been induced to backslide, from the causes before mentioned. I trust the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for them, will seek them, and lead them back to the fold. The rest hold steadily on their way, and are more and more edified.

We have but few congregations of the low caste; among whom, as heathen, drunkenness is very common, to the great annoyance of the rest. In one place where they have become Christians, they are now so much freed from this abominable vice, that the heathen enjoy more quiet, and express themselves much pleased with the change effected by Christianity. The liquorsellers, likewise, have been greatly reduced in that quarter.

They have likewise improved in dealing justly. This is appreciated even by the heathen. For instance, the brahmins of P, several years ago, gave some land for the formation of a Christian village; which is now in a pleasing state, consisting of a church with 41 houses. The same brahmins, pleased with this village, gave, a few months ago, another piece of land, for the formation of a second Christian village in their neighborhood: and now they have requested us to accept of at least a part of the heathen village of P itself, for the same purpose; with the express declaration, that all their cultivators should be Christians, because the Christians are more faithful and prompt in paying their dues to the land-owner than the heathen are. This is certainly very gratifying, and comfortable to our hearts.

VOL. XXVIII.

tions. It is, however, now going forward with better prospects. About $3,000 of its debts remain still unpaid. One legacy of $500 was received during the year. In the report of the society it is stated that the most important fields of its labors are the valley of the Mississippi, the colony at Liberia in Africa, and the Burman Empire. Eighty Baptist churches in Missouri and Illinois, and seventeen in Kentucky have received a donation of a set of the society's tracts during the year. It is estimated in the report that at least $2,000 ought annually to be expended by the society in these fields.

PRESBYTERIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY,

THE following statement respecting the organization of this society is taken from the Journal of the American Education Society:

The Rev. William Patton, of New York city, has been appointed Corresponding Secretary of the Presbyterian Education Society, in the place of the Rev. E. Cornelius, who resigned that office to become Corresponding Secretary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions; and Mr. John J. Owen, an agent of the society has been appointed Assistant Secretary.

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