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In my letter to prof. Bambas, I stated that my object was, not to write the language spoken by the Greeks, two or three thousand years ago, nor that which may be spoken by them two or three hundred years hence; but that which is spoken at present; making, however, such a difference between the written and spoken languages, as is made in all other languages. I also said, that I had taken as guides Coray, himself, and Hilarion. The latter part of his letter seems to me intended as a reply to my remarks.

Mr. Temple adds—

This kind letter from the professor has been consolatory and encouraging to Petrokokino, as it ought to be. You will know, as well as I, how much to ascribe to the kindness and courtesy of the professor, in these commendatory and encouraging expressions from his pen. For my own part, I am disposed to consider them as the candid expressions of his feelings in reference to the subject.

His undisguised opinion, in such a matter, we should all regard as more worthy of consideration, than whole volumes from the juvenile scribblers and others who undertake to censure what they know not how to improve. On the whole, I feel that our press, like the Mosaic dispensation, has made nothing perfect; but I do feel, that we are going on, in a commendable manner, towards perfection, and doing the best we can. I dare not, therefore, allow either myself or the Committee, if it is in my power to prevent it, to be discouraged by any reports to our disparagement in this respect. It is proper to add, that though we hear complaints of the style of our books, we have not been favored with any corrections. or indeed with any data from which we could ascertain what the radical defects are. Defective as they are, I am consoled, and the Committee has reason to be consoled, with the fact, that they have been widely diffused, and have actually done no small amount of good; and I am persuaded that our feeble labors in this department and in others are destined to accomplish still more good.

Though some dark and threatening clouds sometimes pass over our minds and our prospects, still we are generally cheered with the bright sunshine of hope.

The books in modern Greek, now printed at the mission press, are specially designed for the youth of Greece, and have in general been very acceptable to that class of readers.

Armenia.

EXTRACT FROM A COMMUNICATION OF MR.

SMITH, DATED AT MALTA, Nov. 8, 1831. Toleration of the Russian Emperor to the German Mission.

In the numbers of this work for January and February, some account was given of the origin and progress of the German mission in Armenia, and of the difficulties which had arisen between the missionaries and the Armenian ecclesiastics. This difficulty, it was stated at p. 33, had been referred to the emperor of Russia, under whose jurisdiction it occured. On his decision, therefore, depended the question whether Protestant missionaries should be permitted to preach the gospel, establish schools, and in other ways exert an evangelical influence in that province. The emperor has taken the subject into consideration has been communicated to Mr. Smith by Mr. and issued his decree, the substance of which

Dittrich, one of the missionaries at Shousha.
In forwarding the extracts from Mr. D.'s letter,
Mr. Smith remarks-

You will perceive that the missionaries regard the decision as not a little favorable to them; and with the best reason. It attaches no censure or blame to them in any respect. It leaves the field of education open to them, with nothing to oppose but the moral influence of the clergy; and this, according to our own notions, it is not desirable that government should attempt to restrain, or to regulate by force. But the declaration, which, while it does not directly countenance proselytism, leaves an Ar menian at liberty to forsake his church, and choose what sect he pleases, is the most important part of the decision, and is unexpected. Unless my information is entirely defective, it is the introduction of a new principle of religious toleration in Russia. It is an important step towards that religious liberty which leaves men to act solely upon their responsibility to God for their religious sentiments. It is a confirmation of the opinions of many, who have known the imperial family of Russia most intimately, that they are really desirous of promoting religious toleration. The decision respecting the press is the imposition of no new hindrance; it is merely saying that the laws respecting the censorship shall remain as they were.

The following is the extract from the letter of Mr. Dittrich, under date of August 4th, 1831.

"Our books have been spread in large quantities through Georgia, Nakhchevan, Erivan, Sheki, Shamakhi, Bakoo, &c. where two young men have travelled with

them.

"Government has in a very gracious || manner decided in the matter of the accusations, brought forward against us by the Armenian high clergy; that it approves of our schools, but neither can nor will restrain the Armenian clergy, if they endeavor to act against schools directed by men of another and different confession; that it finds no reason to believe that we have tried to make proselytes, yet if a person should be fully determined to leave the Armenian church, the clergy have no right to retain such a one against his will by force, but shall free him immediately to do what he pleases.

"From this, it is clear, that schools and spreading of books, are yet free and open to us, and government wishes not to interfere with them. The opposition at Shousha is grown weaker; and we have five schools, which go on in a pretty peaceable manner. Government has also begun to take notice of them to protect them.

"I am sure that much can yet be done in our place; and letters, which we have often from Bakoo and Shamakhi, show clearly that the awakened souls there go on with firmness, among all the opposition they

have to meet with.

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Sickness and Death of a Cherokee Girl.

THE family to which this girl belonged resided about five miles from Brainerd, but had not availed themselves of the opportunities afforded for obtaining religious instruction, and had not attended meeting at the station for six or eight years. They were thoroughly heathens, opposed to Christianity and missionaries, and strongly attached to the old superstitions of their people. They annually purified themselves in the running stream, attended by their priest or conjurer, to guard against sickness. Conjuring was to them a substitute for religion. The father had said that Christianity was not made for Indians, but for the white people. Mr. Elsworth proceeds

Sometime in March last, we learned that Lucy, a daughter of this family, was sick

with a pulmonary complaint, and would not probably continue in life. She was visited, but as no interpreter could be obtained, she could not be conversed with. Shortly after she was visited with an interpreter, and conversed with in regard to the concerns of her soul. When asked respecting her views of death, she replied that she had not. thought much about it. She was urged to immediate repentance and prayer for a new heart.

On the two or three subsequent visits her greatest anxiety seemed to be, that people should visit her, not to give instruction on the great things of eternity, but to divert her mind from the tediousness attendant on a sick bed. It was not long before she manifested some concern for her soul, and desired to know what she must do. From the commencement of her being visited by Mr. Taylor, (a Cherokee member of the church) as interpreter, it was the invariable practice to have a Cherokee hymn sung and a prayer in Cherokee; and on one occasion she requested that a hymn book should be left with her, so that she could have an opportunity of hearing hymns when people called who could sing. Her favorite hymn now was a translation of that beginning, "Come humble sinner in whose breast," &c.

Her strength was fast declining, and it was evident that she must soon die.

Al

though the subject of death is unwelcome to the living, and particularly to those who are unprepared, still it was felt to be an imperious duty to make known to her what was thought of her situation, and to urge her to an immediate preparation for death. Her mind was easily brought to look at her state, as she had already anticipated that she had not long to live. There did not, however, appear to be those clear views of the nature of sin and the depravity of the heart, that were desirable; still there seemed to be some conviction of sin, and a desire to be released from its power. In reply to the question, How would you live if God should spare your life? she said, "I should try to serve him." She repeatedly and solemnly warned her parents and the family to forsake the ways of sin and seek religion, if they hoped to meet her in another world. At one time on visiting her, she said, "I have given up the world, I have no desire to stay; I wish to spend my remaining days in the service of the Savior, and in thinking of him. I am not afraid to die." She was asked, Has this been your feeling all the time? "No, I was once afraid to die.' The inquiry was then made, Why are you not afraid to die now? She replied, "Because I think the Savior will take me to himself."

Such instruction was given as was thought best suited to the state of one soon to enter the eternal world. Much of her time, when circumstances permitted, was spent in prayer; and at one time she complained of being disturbed by the children

the school by a punctual attendance. They have also made rapid progress. Some of the scholars have come to school barefooted, though the ground is at this time covered with snow. The Cherokees here have very cheerfully paid for the school-books; those that had money or credit went to the store and bought; but as there were some who had no money, but wanted books, I therefore sent and bought a dozen spelling books, and they readily brought in corn, potatoes, chickens, &c., for them. The people in this neighborhood have done more for this school since I have been here, which is about three months, than was done for the school at Carmel during the five years that I was there. The people are very friendly and kind. One came not long since with his interpreter, and said to me, "A person coming to a new place can have no garden vegetables for some time; you must therefore send to my house and get some as you need them."

around her. She had now become too weak | The children manifest their attachment to to sit up, and was much distressed for breath. Early in the morning of the 12th of May, the father came to the station and said that Lucy was supposed to be dying, and had sent him to procure some graveclothes. He was told that some of the family would be at his house soon to bring the clothes. On arriving at the house Lucy was still living, and perfectly sensible, but seemed to suffer great pain, and was able to converse but very little, on account of the extreme soreness of her throat. She very soon requested that the Cherokee hymn should be sung, translated from that in English, beginning "Blest be the tie that binds," &c.; and as there was no one to pray in Cherokee, she asked that prayer might be offered in English. She then asked if the clothes were brought. After looking at them a moment, she said with the utmost composure, "It is well, now put them away." While looking at the clothes which were soon to enwrap her lifeless form, she said, "I am in haste to be gone.' She was then reminded that the Savior knew when it was best for her to go. She answered, "Yes." When asked if she could safely trust herself in the hands of the Savior, she replied without hesitation, that she could. She continued until evening in the same frame of mind, when we trust she fell asleep in Jesus, and that her soul was carried by angels to Abraham's bosom, there to unite in singing the song of redeeming love. By request of her parents, her remains were interred in the mission burying ground at this place.

Here was one snatched as a brand from the burning, a signal display of Almighty grace. We learn from this case, not to limit the Holy One of Israel.

It is to be hoped that Lucy's exhortations may not be lost. The mother and one brother appear to be quite serious, and inquiring.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. PROC

TOR, DATED AT AHMOHEE, DEC. 21ST, 1831.

Enlargement and Progress of the School.

THE opening of Mr. Proctor's school at Ahmohee, and the interest which both parents and scholars manifested in it were noticed at p. 19. The prospect still continues favorable.

You will be pleased to hear, no doubt, that my school has been peculiarly interesting since I wrote you. The average number of scholars for twelve weeks varied from 27 to 33. I have on my list 44 names; six of them are white boys; eleven can speak English, but are of a mixed blood; leaving 27 who speak the Cherokee only. There are eight or ten more to come in yet. I have never found Cherokees before who possessed so great a desire for a school.

Here is a very wide field for usefulness opened before me; and may God give me grace and enable me to do much for this truly needy people. I had two new scholars enter my school yesterday. They are from one of the darkest, most wretched, and heathenish towns in the nation, and yet they are the most promising of any in my school. I am well situated for circulating tracts both English and Cherokee. I have made such arrangements as I thought necessary for building, and enclosing land, and I think I may safely estimate the expense of settling here at a sum less than twenty-five dollars.

I had a meeting with the church at Carmel on the first Sabbath in this month. Mr. Thompson preached to them on the last Sabbath in November; and on the second Sabbath in this month both Mr. Thompson and Mr. Butrick were there, and adminis tered the sacrament to them.

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. HOL-
LAND, DATED DEC. 24TH, 1831.

CANDY'S Creek, the station at which Mr. Hol-
land resides, is within the chartered limits of
Tennessee.

Meetings-Erection of a House of Worship.

Last autumn we held a four-days' meeting of such a character as to excite pleasing anticipations. These were not, however, fully realized. The services of that interesting meeting were conducted in English by Messrs. Butrick and Eagleton, and in Cherokee by our Cherokee brethren, John Huss and Richard Taylor, assisted by others. The truth was plainly and forcibly exhibited, and powerfully accompanied to the hearts and consciences of the congregation, by the Spirit of God. Ten or twelve individuals occupied the seat of inquirers

during the two last days of the meeting, || while a deep seriousness pervaded the whole congregation. Christians seemed much revived and encouraged for the time. A number of our brethren and sisters of Maryville and Athens, Tennessee, attended, and expressed high gratification on the occasion. Rev. Mr. E. rode forty miles to assist, and notwithstanding the distance, cheerfully offered his services at our next protracted meeting, which is appointed to commence on the Thursday previous to the first Sabbath in May ensuing.

Of the individuals spoken of as apparently under conviction, some few have hopefully embraced the gospel, some are still in an inquiring state, while others have entirely lost their religious impressions.

One person was added to our church on profession of her faith in Christ, at our last communion season. She is an interesting woman. Her husband has himself been for some time in an inquiring state of mind. Her only child was presented for baptism at the same time. This woman was educated in the mission family at Dwight, and accompanied her husband to this place last year. Being quite intelligent and agreeable we hope she may be very useful.

Our church at present consists of fifteen Cherokees, with Mrs. H. and myself. Mr. Butrick has labored here a large portion of

the time since he left Carmel.

During the last autumn a meeting-house

perhaps it will be sufficient to state that, having been at school generally not more than two or three years, they are not far advanced, though they can mostly read in the Testament with ease and propriety, and some can write a legible hand. Nearly half have studied geography and attended to arithmetic more or less.

Osages.

NOTICES FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE UNION STATION.

The School.

THE station at Union was originally occupied solely for the purpose of giving instruction to the Osages; and till within the last four years none but Osage children and youth were received to the school. But while the Osages have been retiring from the vicinity of the station, and manifesting great indifference to the school and to religious instruction; a portion of the Creeks and Cherokees have recently settled in that quarter and appear much more inclined to avail themselves of the advantages which are offered. The school is still kept open for all such Osages as desire to enter it, and at the same time as many Creek and Cherokee youth are

admitted as can be accommodated.

Since the opening of the school in 1820, 134

has been erected at this station at considerable expense. Our church and congregation being very small the putting up of this house imposed quite a tax on all, especially pupils have been received; a large portion of on those who felt interest enough in the effort to carry it through. I am happy to state that the building was so far completed as to admit of being used on the occasion of our protracted meeting. It is fifty feet by thirty, of hewn logs, covered with short boards, fastened with nails, and is by far the best and most commodious house of worship in this nation.

State of the School.

Excepting the two first years of our operations here, the school has been larger the past year than heretofore, while the regular attendance of the scholars has never before been equalled. During this period we have boarded from thirteen to fifteen Cherokee youth. Two or three of these are kept at home to assist Mrs. H. two or three days every week. Ten are supplied with clothing by their parents and guardians, who, with one exception, annually pay the amount of ten dollars for each, towards defraying the expenses of their board, &c. The school is now suspended for four weeks, after having been in almost constant operation for about fifteen months. Most of the children will spend the vacation with their parents. In regard to the proficiency of these children in their studies,

whom have been Osages. Some continued in it but a short time, and received little benefit. Others spent a longer time there, and received more benefit. Some are now promising young men, capable of transacting the ordinary business of life, and supporting themselves after the manner of white men.

The number of Indian scholars during the past year has been 54; of whom 13 are Osages, 25 Creeks, and 16 Cherokees: 31 were males, and 23 females. This has been about the average proportion from the three tribes for two years past. Of these 54 pupils, there are only two that cannot read in reading lessons, while the greater part can read in any book, and some are advanced to writing composition, and the study of geography. During the year nearly all the ́ scholars have made excellent proficiency. None, in any school, could have done better than some of our Indian youth. Some have left the school this year sufficiently advanced in knowledge to become teachers to their own people; and one is already employed by a missionary society in this way among the Creeks.

Besides the Indian scholars, eleven white children have attended the school during the year, making the whole number in the school 65.

That the school has been useful in diffus- || ing common knowledge among the young Indians, and religious knowledge among the adults admits of no doubt. Three tribes have shared in these advantages, though our principal usefulness has been among the Creeks.

The mission and the school have, on the whole, been favored with good health through the year, and indeed since the establishment of the mission. Two or three of the Indian scholars have been attacked with some acute disease, and have died; yet no general sickness has prevailed, except in the year 1826, during the eleven years since we have occupied this place.

Desire of the Creeks for a School on their own Lands.

The readiness of that portion of the Creeks who have settled about twenty miles from Union to avail themselves of the advantages offered them to obtain religious instruction, and secure an education for their children, has been often noticed. And from the statements just made it is seen that their children have constituted a large portion of the school at Union during the last two years. They have repeatedly requested that a school might be established among them, which their children might attend and yet live with their parents. This request has recently been renewed with such earnestness as induced the mission family at Union to make an attempt to supply them, by transferring Mr. Redfield, the teacher at the station, to this new post. Under date of October 20th Mr. Vaill writes

The pressing nature of the case need not be reiterated. Every week increasingly confirms the statements that have been forwarded to the Rooms. They are in pressing need of help. They feel their need and cry loudly for help. Mr. Redfield is the man they choose. He carries every vote, so to say. They need one acquainted with Indian character, and with the peculiar character of the Creeks. He is qualified to go among them as a teacher and catechist.

Near the beginning of our late vacation Mr. Redfield and myself, after consultation with the members of the family, engaged that he should remove and open a school among them, provided they would put up the buildings, provide meat and bread-stuff for his family, and no objection should arise from those who direct our movements. We told them that we wished for an answer on their part before the close of vacation. The answer was given by their assembling in a body, collecting the logs for his dwelling house, bringing them on their backs, and putting up and covering the building containing two rooms. And they are ready to build the school-house as soon as they shall have gathered their corn. It was an uncommon movement, and exceeded all our

expectations. The Creeks, you may be sure, are truly engaged to have a school among them. The anxiety of the children, blacks, and all, to learn to read carries away our minds towards them with an irresistible impulse. Accordingly we have advised them not to send back their children to this school, but to wait for the school to be established among them.

The Creek Church.

We held a two days' meeting among them, closing on Sabbath evening last, and admitted sixteen more to the communion, Indians and blacks. The missionary brethren who attended the convention were present, and were gratified at the feeling manifested. The church there now contains about sixty members.

Endians in New York,

EXTRACTS FROM A LETTER OF MR. THAYER, DATED JANUARY 11TH, 1831.

Death of a Female Member of the Church. THE church at Cattaraugus has been organized more than four years, and now consists of forty members.

The first case of death which has taken place in this church was that of the wife of Oliver Silverheels, who died on the 15th of December last. She was sick but a few days, and during the last two she was unable to speak, till a few hours before she died; when she unexpectedly broke out in language of praise to her Redeemer, expressing her firm hope in his merits, and saying that she was ready to die and be with him. She called on some brethren present to pray. She said much to her husband respecting the importance of bringing up their children in the fear of the Lord, being fully aware that she was about to go and leave them. She said she had given her own soul and all her children to the Savior. She then made an extraordinary prayer, which cannot be described. After praying a long time, she exhorted the brethren and sisters to arise and be active in their Master's service, and manifest to all that they did indeed love the blessed Savior. She urged them to take up the cross and make known to sinners the wonderful love of Jesus in dying for them. She then began to sing a hymn, and sung one verse distinctly; but before she closed the second her happy soul took its flight to a better world. We can express but little of the many wonderful things she said. Her triumphant death affords us strong evidence of the reality of the religion of Jesus. We hope that this interesting case may be the means of convincing some of the heathen part of the nation of the truth and power of the Christian religion.

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