She 25. Uhalii called again to converse with || did not hesitate between the world and us. He said, "The Holy Spirit accompanies Christ. She replied, with much animame to-day in my heart. He was with me tion, "What are the things of the world? I want something that at night when on my bed, and with meThey are rotten. also in the morning." He inquired the endures, that I may not be ashamed.' meaning of that passage of scripture, "If said, "Christ was the one that she loved God were your father, ye would love me.' much, that it would not be good for her to He expressed great delight in the word of defer trusting in him;" and added, "I do God, and in Christ. Said, it was not him- not love the things of the world; but canself, but the Spirit of God that was in him, not say that I shall not be entangled with that approved the word of God. He ap- them, in the time of temptation-that is with God." peared to have "strong consolation," and I trust, has "fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us." I however reminded him of our Savior's words, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." July 19. He called on us again. Said, "My heart is joyful, and therefore I wish to converse with you." I inquired after the cause of his joy. He replied, "It is on account of the voice of Christ that came to me on the wind." What did the voice say? said I. He answered, "He that believeth on the Son of God hath everlasting life." This passage, it appeared, had been suggested to his mind, and he had been musing on it by the way. He seemed to be walking in the light of God's countenance. Judging from his conduct and occasional conversations down to the present time, (Nov. 19th,) I trust the "candle of the Lord" still shines on his path. April 8. Kunu, an elderly woman, came, apparently with intense interest, to inquire, as she expressed it, about the salvation of the soul. Lately, when but partially recovered from a severe illness, she came on the same errand, and with the same apparent anxiety. At that time she was much agitated; and wept like a child. Said "she did not think of the body, but the soul, the future state of the soul." She then listened with fixed attention while I endeavored to point her to the great Physician. "who healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." To-day she was not less earnest, though less agitated. While I read to her in her own tongue, in the third chapter of Romans, from the 21st to the 25th verse, and a few similar passages, she seemed, with ardent joy, to drink "the sincere milk of the word." Among the verses read, was the following; "He that believeth on him shall not be ashamed." She immediately added, "He shall not be ashamed at the last day. As she professed to love the Savior, I asked her if she did not think her love to her husband was greater than her love to Christ? She said, "No, I love my husband for he is kind to me, and provides for my body. But I love Christ on account of salvation. Man cannot save me." On the 14th, she came again to our house on the same important errand, and seemed to have a trembling hope. I asked her if her heart May 19. 1 conversed with her again. She still appeared to feel an absorbing interest in eternal things. Said, "I fear on account of sin, my heart is heavy." Why do you fear? said I. With tears streaming from her eyes, she replied, "on account of the old debt;" referring to past transgressions. Do you not know him whose blood "clearseth from all sin?" With great energy she answered, "Here am I." With eager and fixed attention, she listened, whilst I endeavored to shew her that the blood of Christ was equally efficacious in cleansing from the guilt of past and of present transgressions. June 20th, Kunu came She appeared again to converse with me. to enjoy to some extent the consolations of the gospel, though scarcely conscious of it. Said, with her usual earnestness, "She ought very quickly to secure the salvation of her soul, and that she wished to lie at the feet of Jesus." Her health seems to be declining, but we trust she is preparing for a place at the feet of her Redeemer, in the mansions of glory. 25. Our kind friends, Simeon and Deborah, returned to this station, after an absence of more than five months. Deborah informed us that shortly after the laws prohibiting the sale of ardent spirits, riding on the Sabbath, gambling, &c., were proclaimed at Honolulu, an English merchant, who is a member of the church of England, came to Kaahumanu to persuade her to relax a little on some points; and among various arguments, adduced with this view, he said, "They do not prohibit these things in England, or America." She replied, "We do not rule there. But these islands are ours, and we wish to obey the word of God.' The merchant then said, "I don't know that there is any law against riding on the Sabbath. Where is it?" Kaahumanu rejoined, "Yes; you do know there is a law against it, 'Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.' 27. Kanihoa, a young married woman, called to converse on the subject of relig ion. With deep emotion and streaming eyes she said, "My heart admires the goodness of the Lord, in preserving my life hitherto. I have sinned greatly against God." Wherein have you sinned? said 1. "In the things forbidden in his commandments. And I used to pray to him in secret with my mouth only, but latterly fear has seized me." She said less, but evidently felt more than most of those who converse Sept. 4. Last night about midnight, nine with me on this subject. She sat weeping in silence a considerable time. I urged her to submit immediately to Christ. From the above date to June 20th, she came frequently to converse with me; (sometimes her husband came with her) always manifesting the same deep and af fecting sense of her sinfulness. Under the latter date, I find the following notice of her. Kanihoa appears now to have got rid of her burden. She said, "I rejoice some days, but other days it is not so with me.' Having been asked whence she supposed her joy was derived, she replied, "I think it is from the Lord." She seems to have a pretty clear and consolatory view of the way of salvation, and is, I trust, walking in it with humility and fear. July 12. She called again. I inquired if she felt happy. She answered, "In the Lord is my joy." Her deep emotions seemed now to have given place to those of a more calm and tranquil nature. She seemed to manifest much tenderness of conscience, combined with joy and peace in believing. June 20. Called on Deborah. Found her seated under ranai, surrounded by almost twenty females, with portions of the scriptures in her hand. I inquired what they were doing. She modestly replied, "They are seeking the meaning of a passage which has just been read." She was endeavoring to teach them. She seems desirous to do good in every way that is practicable. And in our opinion it is not a little that she effects. For she is not only a person of warm heart and excellent judgment, but who possesses also a large share of natural energy. July 30. Naopuhi, the female mentioned December 31st, and Kanihoa, were this evening examined, with a view to their being propounded for admission to the church. The church members are present on such occasions. The former having been requested to give an account of her views and feelings, spoke as follows: "A few months since I was living in sin. My body erred, my heart and my spirit, altogether. Then I knew a little of the word of God; but I disbelieved, rejected, and hated it. I was admonished to turn and forsake my evil ways, but I would not hear. Afterwards, when I saw how great my sins were, my heart trembled, and I was afraid. Once, when I was praying in a secret place, my heart felt great love to Christ." She added more in a very interesting strain, but I cannot repeat it. From the time of those peculiar feelings, while engaged in secret prayer, she dates her conversion; and we trust she is not deceived. Such also is the opinion of some of our most intelligent professors of religion, whom we often consult concerning the character of persons to be propounded. She seems to put all her trust in Christ, and to rejoice in him though conscious of remaining sin. houses near us were consumed by fire. Providentially the sparks were not carried towards, but from the adjoining buildings. Otherwise probably one hundred would have been destroyed. us. Kaani, mentioned March 3d, was one of the sufferers. This morning he called on Said they saved nothing from the flames, not even their book, the scriptures. He was asleep when his house took fire, and awaked just in time to escape with a child in his arms. He said it made him think of the fire of the last day. Their houses being thatched with grass, and the atmosphere usually very dry, they burn like tinder. This poor man said nothing about the loss of his clothes, &c., but remarked that he was sorry for the word of God. We were happy in being able to repair in a good measure his loss in this particular. 24. Kumamakolu, a middle aged female, called, and with streaming eyes read in the scripture catechism concerning Abraham's offering up his son Isaac. She could scarcely speak for weeping; and thought it was wonderful, that Abraham did not reject the divine command to sacrifice his son. She (and likewise a number of others, whose naues I have not mentioned) has often manifested considerable feeling; but as I feared it was not of the right kind, 1 endeavored from the example of Abraham to shew her the nature of true faith. Oct. 8. Gideon, a member of the church, came to ask a few questions; one of which was whether the use of tobacco was forbidden in the word of God. I read to him in the first epistle to the Corinthians, x. 31, and remarked that if he could glorify God by using it, in other words, if he were fully convinced that it was beneficial either to his soul, or his body, then he was at liberty to use it. He concluded that absti nence was the only safe course for him. Cherokees. EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MISS SOPHIA SAWYER, DATED NEW ECHOTA, aug. 9th, 1832. Journey to the Valley Towns. I have been refreshed this vacation by a trip to the Valley Towns, with the Rev. Mr. Jones, a Baptist Missionary. He came here one week before the school closed, with the intention of my returning with him. most gladly accepted his proposals, and we left for the mountains the day the school closed. My mind needed just such fatigue, danger, and variety of scenery, as was found in a journey over mountains, rivers, and vallies. We reached Judge Martin's the first night, where we were detained by Mr. Jones illness one day. After receiving no relief from medicine, Mr. Jones concluded to ride, in hopes to find lies, the people began to assemble at the mission house soon after sunrise, with all that apparent interest which a belief of the Bible encouraged them to expect from a proper keeping of a religious fast. When Mr. Jones was instructing two native preachers respecting the design and nature of a fast, after mentioning some of the national sins, the interpreter spoke of slavery as a crying sin, and said, "If Providence does not favor a nation, it cannot prosper. God cannot be pleased with slavery." After some discussion respecting the expediency of setting slaves at liberty, he said, "I never heard tell of any hurt coming from doing right." The people in this part of the nation have few slaves-are industrious and enterprising. advantage from the water and air on the present and the interest manifested, that mountains. Though Mrs. Martin's hospi- the day was observed, in some degree, as a tality would have detained us, I willingly fast that God has chosen. Though meetconsented to try to make our way twentyings were held in many places in the Valmiles over the mountains, ere we could reach any thing like the abode of man. We followed a winding path on the side of a mountain, and I was only relieved at intervals, with anything like the appearance of a good road, from the most painful anticipations of danger. On the left, the mountain rose almost in perpendicular height. On the right, I shuddered as my eye measured the distance below-and a glance at the narrow pass for the horse, to my fears, nearly realized a headlong plunge down the precipice. Mr. Jones however moved calmly and quietly forward bidding me follow. I was unwilling to increase his pain and burden, or make myself ridiculous by useless exclamations of danger; I therefore passed in comparative silence until we reached the summit of the broad mountain and found room to walk or ride safely, and I realised, if ever I did, that “in God we live, move, and have our being.' Mr. Jones, with truly Christian fortitude and meekness, struggled through the difficulties of the first day, when he found relief, and we pursued the journey with safety and comfort until we reached the mission house. Knowledge of the Bible. I was highly pleased with Mr. Jones' Imanner of giving instruction. It is delightful to hear the testimony which the people give to his instructions, by their frequent appeals to the Bible to decide whether conduct is right or wrong. Meetings are held in many places among the mountains on the Sabbath and in the week; and the peo Feelings of the Indians in View of Re- ple seem to know the God they worship. moval. When Mr. Four persons were baptised while I was Had I Stewart's power of description, I would place the enchanting scenery of that delightful part of the nation before you. As it is, I will tell what I can of the people. They had been waiting with anxiety to learn from Mr. Jones what return the delegation brought from Washington. When told that their rights could not be obtained -that no alternative remained to them as a nation but death or removal, they seemed not to hesitate saying, "It is death any how -we may as well die here." When told of the proposals of government, they say, "How can we trust them while they are breaking the most solemn treaties? Here are our homes-our fire-sides-our cultivated fields our gardens of fruit." A land which to them seems flowing with milk and honey. They look at their wives-their little ones-the tottering old men and women. They cling to the graves of their fathers and say, "Let us die with them. If we leave this country, these hills and vallies, this mountain air, we shall sicken and die. What can we have in exchange? Perhaps war on our arrival, or if we remain a few years in peace, and cultivate the Prospects of the Church-Restoration of land, again the white man will invade our rights. Where can we find rest or protection." The appointment for a fast was received in the Valley Towns with much interest. We have reason to hope, from the number VOL. XXVIII. reached him. The circumstances and relation of this aged man carried more convic tion to my mind of the divine origin of the Christian religion than volumes on the subject. A voice cried within, "The Lord, he is God." Chickasaws. EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF MR. STUART, Members. THE prospects of our church are brightening a little. For a few months past the state of religion has been more encouraging than at any period since my return from 13 South Carolina. A few cases of hopeful conversion have taken place, and several more are serious. Three have been admitted to church privileges, two whites and an old African, under very favorable hopes; and two whites have been received by certificate. Four have been restored. Among these is the young man (a native) mentioned in a former communication, who had been suspended for intemperance. His evidences of sincere repentance are very satisfactory. He was restored at our last communion. At my request he rose up in the midst of the large congregation, assembled on the Sabbath, and, addressing himself to the members of the church, confessed his wandering, expressed a desire to return, and asked their forgiveness. He spoke at some length. It was an affecting time. Many were melted to tears. The congregations have been larger and more solemn and attentive than usual. My labors have been as usual, except an additional meeting, held occasionally about twenty miles off, where several of our church members reside. Here I have some encouragement to labor. The old woman, at whose house I preach, is evidently serious and inquiring. The professors seem to enjoy the meeting very much, and are evidently growing in grace. It is pleasant to feed such lambs of the flock. But there are some things to discourage. While we are rejoicing in the hopeful conversion of some to God, we are called to mourn over the sad defections of others, of whom we had hoped better things. Six are now under either public or private suspension, and all give sorrowful evidence that they have never known the right way. The most distressing of these is the case of of whom you have doubt. less heard much. His praise has been in all the churches. He seemed to be a burning and a shining light, and we had hoped was destined to do great good amongst his people. But our hopes are disappointed; and we are taught the folly of placing any confidence in an arm of flesh, or expecting any thing from man. The whole number of members now in good standing in the church is 93, including those at Martyn. We would organise a church at that place immediately, were it not for the precarious situation of the Indians. For the present, we must remain as we are. In the course of last winter, I formed a temperance society among my people. It now numbers 83 members. The chiefs of the nation are co-operating with us, by enacting laws to prohibit the introduction of ardent spirits; since which there has been much less drinking than formerly. Since the decision of the Supreme Court, the Chickasaws have thought themselves quite safe; and I am confident that not one in ten has yet had any idea of removing, or that they would be removed. The president has recently assured them, with his usual professions of friendship, that they shall not be removed until the conditions of the treaty are complied with, on the part of the government. Now, as they believe that this can never be done, they therefore rest satisfied they will stay where they are. But I fear it is a vain hope. Of this, however, I presume you know more than I do. I should not omit to mention the hopeful conversion of a native woman, the daughter of one of the principal chiefs. She has been inquiring, and at times deeply serious, for several years. She now gives good evidence of a change of heart. Her husband is a wealthy half-breed, and a consis tent member of our church. I returned on the 5th inst. from an useful tour amongst the Cherokees, Creeks, and Osages. I shall in this communication give you some account of our meeting with these Indians, and the prospect of spiritual good among them. The first meeting was held here. It began Friday and continued till Sabbath evening. Mr. Dodge from Boudinot, Messrs. Vaill and Montgomery from Union, Mr. Palmer from Fairfield, and Mr. Newton from Forks of Illinois, were present, and all took part in the public exercises of the meeting. A large congrega tion for this place were present. A prayer meeting was held each morning at sunrise. The regular public exercises commenced at 10 o'clock, A. M. Two sermons were preached and interpreted in the forenoon and two in the afternoon. About half of the prayers and singing were in the Cherokee language. In the evening a meeting for prayer and exhortation was held. On the Sabbath the Lord's supper was admin istered. Before the meeting commenced it was evident that many in our family and in the neighborhood around us, were under the influences of the Holy Spirit. This in deed has been the case for more than a year. At the very opening of the meeting there was a feeling in almost every heart that God was in the midst of us. Chris tians were more humble in their confessions of sin, more deeply penetrated with a sense of their unworthiness, and of the presence of a holy God, were more affected with the guilt and danger of sinners, and felt stronger desires for their salvation, and reated with a simpler and a stronger faith on the divine promises. We trust they In all of them, there was deep and solemn prayed in faith. Several, who before had feeling, and from that time a revival has indulged a trembling and doubting hope, been manifestly in progress in that neighwere brought to a fuller submission to God, borhood. Several of the full Cherokees to a single and entire trust in Christ, and have expressed a hope of salvation, and of course, to a clearer and more joyful hope. others are anxiously inquiring. Mr. NewThe awakened were brought to a clearer ton's prospects of usefulness are very ensense of their guilt and felt the duty of im-couraging. We spent the night on Bayon mediate repentance. Whether any, and if any, how many yielded their hearts to Christ, I cannot say. Of some, we hope they did. Those who came to the meeting careless could not avoid a solemn sense of the realities of religion, and we hope some such will indeed henceforward, "seek first the kingdom of God." More than forty persons came to the anxious seats requesting the prayers of God's people. Of some of these we indulged hope previous to this meeting, and several more gave us reason to hope for them before its close. The day of judgment alone will fully disclose the results of this meeting; but we doubt not its influence will be long felt in this nation. Meeting at the Forks of Illinois. From Dwight, Mr. Dodge and myself accompanied Mr. Newton to Forks of Illinois. We spent one day in the neighborhood and on Bayon Menard, near cantonment Gibson. The day was devoted to family visiting. At sunrise we went to the house of one of the female members of our church, whose husband has been a long time serious. The family, with the servants and a few neighbors, who were occasionally there, made up a little congregation. A hymn was sung and prayer was offered. The presence of the Holy Spirit was very obvious. Not a soul was indifferent. After two prayers and three exhortations, another hymn was given out before a closing prayer. The hymn was "the successful resolve," beginning, "Come, humble sinner." Before reading the hymn, it was proposed that every one present who did then make the resolution expressed in the hymn, should stand up while singing. The hymn was then read. When the reader came to the stanza beginning, "Perhaps he will admit my plea," the husband before alluded to, whose emotions during all the exercises had been very deep, arose, and when the hymn was sung, every soul present arose, and at the close every one dropped upon their knees, while one lead in prayer, expressive of our application to Christ as our only refuge, and of our determination to trust only in him. I trust every Christian did go to Jesus and surrender himself wholly to him. That anxious husband, we hope, was one of them. Since then his hope in Christ has been constant, clear and joyful. Impressions were then made several that we trust will be permanent. Three other meetings were held in the ourse of the day, similar to the preceding. on Menard with a hospitable family, with whom we had religious exercises, singing, exhortations and prayer. In the morning we rode to the garrison. At 10 o'clock a meeting was holden at that place. Most of the officers, with their ladies and all the privates who were off duty, attended. I have never witnessed a more respectful attention to the word of God. If the army were furnished with chaplains of the right char acter, there is reason to hope that great good might be done. If a healthful, moral influence could proceed from the military posts in the Indian country, these posts would become important auxiliaries to missionary efforts for the improvement of the aborigines. Such an influence, it is reasonable to expect, might be secured, if the army were supplied with pious, faithful and laborious chaplains. Meeting among the Creek Indians. In the evening after the meeting at the garrison, all our party met at Dr. Weed's, in the Creek country. During the three following days, the last of which was the Sabbath, we held religious meetings among the Creeks. The meetings were held in a grove, where a rude kind of pulpit had been erected, and logs placed in the form of a square served the congregation for seats. The number of persons collected, especially on the Sabbath, was very considerable. Great seriousness and good attention were manifested. The work of God's Spirit has steadily advanced during the last year. Nearly forty persons came forward to the anxious seats. The number of communicants on the Sabbath was about sixty. The religious prospects of the Creeks are very encouraging. A revival has been steadily in progress for more than two years, there is no apparent abatement of the work at this time. They have, however, suffered for want of a resident missionary. The brethren of Union mission have done what they could, but this has, of necessity been little, in comparison with the wants of the people. In New England, where the people are all educated, have all much knowledge of Christian doctrines and duties, and are all supplied with Bibles and a great variety of religious books, it would be thought a very inadequate supply of ministerial instruction, if they were only visited once in two, three, or four weeks by a minister, and his labors at each visit to be only to preach two or three sermons. What then would be thought of their destitute state if they had no education, no knowl |