tion, and that of the committee, to the rising importance of the great work to which you have put your hands. The field opens rapidly to the view, and the hopes, of Christian benevolence. A brighter star has arisen within our aboriginal hemisphere than was ever seen before. I anticipate the day as at hand, when the messengers of heaven will cause to the empire of darkness in the wilds of America, a more extended and fatal shock than it ever yet received. I will, at least, indulge the pleasing hope that before another year is passed, your anticipations relative to the southern Indians will be realized; that in each of these nations schools will have been begun, and that they will flourish, with as much prospect of success as already animates the hearts of your laborers at Brainerd. I only beg the liberty to request that those whom you employ in this service, 'be workmen that need not to be ashamed,' men of great piety, but men of talent too. Scarcely a field in the heathen world can be proposed in which an union of these is more essential to success than that which is presented in the ignorance, the prejudices, and the indolent habits of the aborigines of America. They may be compared to a patient whom many have unsuccessfully tried to cure, and whose failure renders the aid of more skilful physicians necessary. The kingdom of God is a kingdom of means. While, therefore, it is our duty to look to him for final success, such an anticipation can only be justified when the most efficient means within our reach have been put in requisition.

"The committee will, no doubt, see the necessity of putting in train a system of means for raising money to meet the demands of their establishments, and that it can easily be raised, I have not a question. I believe one thousand dollars for each institution may be expected from the government, and from the society four thousand more. The manner in which God compels the community to

respect your treasury, forbids the fear that your finances will not keep pace with your numerous demands. In regard to myself, I can say I feel more and more interested in the work, and should God still hold forth the prospect of usefulness, I trust I shall be willing to toil. I have great confidence in the practicability of the plan which is commenced, and had rather die than see it abandoned."

On the 8th of December, Mr. Cornelius' reached Natchez, Mississippi, and was welcomed by his friend. and fellow-laborer, the Rev. Daniel Smith. He remained in that place till the 27th, and then proceeded down the river.

"New Orleans, Dec. 30, 1817.-This morning I arrived at New Orleans, in the steam-boat Vesuvius, fortyeight hours from Natchez. It is difficult to describe the joy I felt as I stepped upon the levee of a city to which I had been directing my course on a journey of three thousand miles. The constant hum of business, the crowded streets, and numerous ships which lined the river, gave at once the most convincing evidence of the growing importance of New Orleans among her sister cities. Indeed, it is physically certain that a place which commands the commerce of one of the greatest rivers in the world, with all its numerous tributary streams, must one day rank with the largest cities on the globe. That a place of such importance, and containing nearly thirty thousand souls, should have but one protestant minister, is a stain upon the church.

"I found the city peculiarly destitute of protestant preaching of any kind. During the last winter, two Baptist clergymen labored here, but had both left the city several months ago, and it was doubtful whether either of them would return. Mr. Hull, the Episcopal clergyman,

who has for several years been stationed here, had not preached during the warm season, and had been able to deliver but few discourses since the cool weather had returned.* In this sad condition, I found the city. The pious people, and there is a considerable number of different denominations, had long been waiting for some one to break unto them the bread of life. Forgetting the peculiarities of party, they stood ready to rally around any evangelical minister of Christ, and lend him their support and their prayers. For months, they had enjoyed no regular preaching, and the Sabbath as it came seemed the signal for unrestrained and universal mirth.

"It is said that New Orleans is a sickly place. Admit it. But is it not a shame and reproach to the Christian church, that such a reason should damp the zeal or prevent the approach of Christian missionaries, when it cannot hinder thousands who from the love of gain establish themselves here for years, and often for life, without a single fear? I blush while I think that the servants of the world, the flesh, and the devil, should be so much more interested and persevering than the servants of God. And I will not cease to hope and pray that hereafter, no occasion may exist for a lamentation so bitter and reproachful.

"Thursday, January 8.-This day is the anniversary of the celebrated battle which was fought between the American and British armies, three years ago, and which, through the mercy of God, issued in the political salvation of New Orleans. So conspicuous was the hand of God, that the event ought never to be remembered, but with devout gratitude. But alas! such is the infatuation of men, that however signal the divine interposition in effecting the deliverance, man must have the glory, and the

* Mr. Hull died early in 1833.

day which commemorates it, must be devoted to unrestrained pleasure.

"This day heard to my joy, that a letter had been recently received in town, from Mr. Larned, who at the time of writing it, was at St. Louis, on his way to the city. May the same Guide who has protected him thus far, speedily conduct him to this field, which waits for his labors.

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storm.

January 12.-For the second time, within the last seven years, the people of this city witnessed a snowThe weather had been cool for a day or two past, and last evening it became more so. This morning the roofs of the houses, and the streets, were covered with a light snow, accompanied with rain. The thermometer at 31° of Fahrenheit. As the day advanced, the weather became more cold, and the thermometer sunk to 28°. This is lower than I have seen it before, since I have been in the city, and yet it is only 40 below freezing point. It continued to snow until near sunset, when the sky again became visible, except as it was obscured by swiftly flying clouds, which added to the coldness of the air, gave no faint idea of a severe northern night. One vehicle on runners passed through the streets, which were covered with a mixture of mud and snow, and it was a great curiosity.

"Thursday, January 15.-The weather is considerably milder. This morning visited Mrs. C., and prayed with her. Endeavored to lead her mind into a contemplation of the majesty and glory of God, as entitling him to the first place in our affections. I have seldom enjoyed a richer season of reflection. While my own mind became warm with the subject, the flame seemed to kindle in hers also. How good it is, thus to be immersed in God. To have such views of his superior excellence and glory, as shall lead us to forget ourselves and all private concerns, and

not to suffer for a moment a comparison between the separate interest of one soul, and the good of the whole of God's moral kingdom. At such a moment, the soul gains a victory over its native and supreme selfishness, and extends its thoughts and its benevolence to the universe and its glorious Author. It is then that sweet submission reigns triumphant, and the mind lifted above the fear of every evil exclaims, Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth that I desire beside thee!'

"January 22.-This morning had the unspeakable satisfaction of greeting Mr. Larned, who has long been expected in this city as one of its permanent laborers. The people were anxiously waiting. From the report they had received of that excellent young man, their expectations were very high, and although I had never witnessed his public performances, I could not doubt the correctness of the opinion which has already been extensively formed in regard to him. Though much fatigued, he consented to preach the lecture this evening. Bless the Lord, oh my soul,' for condescending to grant to his church so rich a blessing as she enjoys in this wonderful young man. The congregation was large and respectable, and notwithstanding their expectations were very high, they were far transcended. One single burst of approbation told at once the reception they gave this new messenger. I rejoice that in regard to correctness of sentiment and elevation of piety, as well as the inimitable manner in which it was delivered, the discourse was such as every Calvinist, and every real Christian, must unhesitatingly approve. His text was 1 Cor. i. 18. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness, but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.'

"There can be no doubt but that the people of this city will gladly exert themselves to settle Mr. L. I felt great