of a religious nature seem never to have been regarded as involving any thing authoritative, and were too vague to make any definite impressions on their minds or to exert any influence on their conduct. When Christianity is presented to them, they regard it as the same useless thing-the truths which it reveals, and the motives which it presents, as having no reality, or, at least,

as

not being any concern of theirs. Hence, they frequently treat the Gospel with great levity, and generally with entire unconcern. They are, in general, in utter darkness on the point whether God has any thing to do with the affairs of men they do not realize that He possesses or claims any authority over them, or that they are under any obligations to Him: of course, they have no notion of sin as against God, and little or no consciousness of guilt.

The following questions were put to two old men by Mr. Dodge, of the Harmony Mission, and, with the answers, were forwarded by him.

The first conversation was with Sans Nerf, a man about 60 years old, who had been acquainted with White Men about 40 years; and who had visited St. Louis and the city of New York, and in both those places had been told something respecting the God of Christians.

Before that time what did you hear about God? "I have formerly been taught to consider the sun, the moon, the earth, and the sky, to be the principal gods." Who first told you about God? The old men told me about Him, from my childhood." Had He intercourse with men; or did He direct their concerns at all? His ideas were confused respecting God's intercourse with men, but he believed the sun and moon are angry with men and kill them. What does God require men to do? Confused: no ideas on the sub

"

ject. Do you think often of your gods? "When a big brave dies, and when we want to go to war, we put mud upon our faces, and look to the sun and moon for success.' Did you formerly pray to your gods, and what did you pray for? "The Osages put mud on their faces, and ask the ground, the sun, and moon to help them to go to war and for success. This is all they pray for." Do you know any thing about sin? He appeared in total ignorance of the nature of sin; but said, "All I desired was to kill; and if the enemy kills my son or nearest friend, it is all well: there is nothing wrong." Was you ever restrained from doing what you pleased, because you was afraid of displeasing God? "I never felt any restraint from the gods, but I sometimes thought they hated me, because I did not succeed in obtaining the objects which I desired." Did you think there would be another life after the present? "I

believed that when the body was dead that was the end."

Similar questions were afterwards put to a man 80 years of age, who had known White Men for 20 years, but had never heard of God or the Christian Religion until the day previous to the conversation, when he came to the Station and heard the Missionaries preach.

What have you heard before about God? gods which I could see-the sun, moon, seven "My ideas have been, that there were four stars, and yard-ell; and another god which is unseen, that I do not know: I never could tell where he was." Who first told you of these gods? "The old people taught me, from my youth." Had these gods any thing to do with the concerns of men? "If we want to go to war or hunting, we put mud on our faces and fast seven days, and then in a dream the several gods bring us tidings of certain success." What do your gods require you to do? "The sun requires us to go to war and bring a scalp; the moon, to bring a skin, and to make moccasins; and one star requires us to paint the leader red when we go to war.' Did you think of these gods often? "Very often-more or less every day." Did you pray to these gods? "We pray every night and morning; and once a year we hold a great meeting." What did you pray for? We put mud on our faces, and pray for success in any thing we desire to do." Did you know any thing about sin? He could not answer distinctly, but was confused upon the subject. Was you ever restrained from doing what you pleased, from fear of offending your gods? No." Did you think there would be another life after this? "Yes." Where did you think you would then live? "At an old town on the Missouri: we shall have bodies as here: it will be good huntingground: there will be plenty of game: shall go to war, as here. Different nations of people will go to different places." Better Prospects opening before the Tribe.

we

On this subject, an extract is given of a Letter from Mr. Pixley, who lives near to one of the largest villages, and has obtained good acquaintance with the people and their language: he writes on the 25th of December

I never felt myself more at home among the Osages than at present: I and, indeed, never had higher hopes of never had more of their confidence ; eventual success. Some of the principal men have told me that they would never more think so lightly of what I Gospel should not take as complete say to them. I see nothing why the effect here, as at the Sandwich Islands, or elsewhere, when the communication shall be fully made, under circumstances

calculated to inspire them with a belief of its truth.

It is no uncommon thing now, to hear this people, when they smoke, call upon God to give them good thoughts, and lead them in the "right-hand path," instead of asking for success in killing Pawnees and stealing horses-not that they have laid those aside; but it shews that what is said to them is taking root, and is conversed about. Who would think it strange, if, in these days of God's working, this valley of dry bones should all at once begin to move? Indeed, I think it more likely that I shall not be prepared for such an event, than that it will not come. God's promises are sure; but, too often, His people are not ready-waiting and prepared for their accomplishment.

CHIPPAWAS and OTTAWAS. Effects of Religious Instruction. The efforts of the Missionary Family stationed at Mackinaw, to convey Divine Truth to the minds of the Scholars under their care, have been greatly blessed of God: and, latterly, the Rev. W. M. Ferry, the Missionary at this Station, has witnessed, as will be seen in the subjoined extract, a display of the same grace with reference to the Adults.

I have now the privilege of recording the mercies of God, in what we believe to be truly a work of Grace and Salvation here. It has been for some time past, and still continues to be, such a season as we have never seen here before. The proud, the vain, and the high-handed sinner is forced to bow under the mighty power of God. A number of heads of families are among the subjects of this work-some of them now rejoicing in hope-others deeply concerned: so that, in several instances, gay amusements are abandoned; and dwellings, where perhaps the voice of prayer was never heard before, are now converted into Bethels. I think as many as ten have become truly pious in the garrison and village: among them are some of the most intelligent and respectable men in the place, White Settlers and Indians.

The only marked features of this work hitherto, which I would notice as having forcibly impressed themselves on my mind, are great tenderness of conscience under the unfoldings of Divine Truth, and an especial blessing apparently attending a faithful but tender expostulation with individuals in private. We must beg your fervent prayers in behalf of this Mission. Surely the Lord is opening channels of mercy in this region. Oh for greater and still wider triumphs. of Grace!

UNITED KINGDOM.

Church Miss. Soc.-The Committee,judging it desirable, in the present advanced state of the Society, to publish its proceedings in a separate form and under official responsibility, have resolved unanimously, after frequent discussions at full Meetings of the Committee, to substitute, after the present year, for the Monthly Paper which has been issued since the beginning of 1828, an enlarged publication, under the title of the "Church Missionary Record," containing full details of both the Home and Foreign Proceedings of the Society. The details of the Foreign Proceedings and of all the chief Proceedings at Home will continue to appear in our pages: but, in order the better to meet the increasing expenses of the Missions, the Committee have also unanimously resolved to appeal to the zeal and liberality of the Collectors of the Society, in proposing to them to receive the cheaper publication, the Record, instead of the Register; while, anxious that they should continue their support of the Society on intelligent and catholic grounds, they earnestly recommend to them to continue to make themselves familiar with the

:

varied contents of the Register-The Rev. John Murrell, Mr. Henry Graham, and Mr. John Warburton, with Mrs. Graham, received the Instructions of the Committee, on the 29th of September, on proceeding to the West-Africa Mission; and were afterward addressed by the Rev. J. H. Stewart, and commended in prayer to the protection and blessing of Almighty God. They embarked at Gravesend, on board the "Julius," for Sierra Leone, on the 11th of October, and sailed the next day but the ship was driven back; and waited, at the last dates, for a favourable wind-On the 20th of October, the Instructions of the Committee were delivered to Mr. W. Stearn and his Wife, about to proceed to Jamaica. They embarked at Gravesend on the 22d, on board the "Lady Fitzherbert"-The Rev. John Hartley arrived from the Mediterranean, on the 15th October. He came from Smyrna by way of Trieste, across the Simplon to Geneva; and by Bâsle and Paris, to London-having had opportunity in several places, particularly at Geneva, where he met Dr. Pinkerton, of making known the opening prospects for Education and the Scriptures in those parts

of the Mediterranean which he had visited:

of Switzerland he says

The cause of true religion is making rapid progress in Switzerland. I was informed, that, but few years ago, there was scarcely an individual in Geneva and other eities, who appeared to give decided attention to his eternal interests; and, as for Missionary Exertion, it was wholly unknown: but I found a large assembly of persons who give evidence of cordial attachment to Christ and to His Cause on earth. There is a simplicity, a godly sincerity, a humility in the character of Swiss Christianity, so far as I have observed it, which greatly delight me. Persecution unhappily has not yet ceased. There has recently been a most melancholy instance of it at Berne. Upwards of twenty persons have been exiled from that city for their attachment to the dictates of conscience. But, I doubt not, all is working together for good.

London Miss. Soc.-The Rev. John Reid, from the University of Glasgow, having been appointed to Bellary, sailed from Portsmouth with Mrs. Reid, on the 3d of September, on board the Wellington, Captain Evans; and, on the 14th, from Plymouth, into which place they had been driven by contrary winds.

MEDITERRANEAN.

Church Miss. Soc.-The Rev. W. Jowett, having spent a few days at Bâsle, reached Marseilles on the 16th of October; and was about to embark, the same afternoon, in a vessel sailing for Malta.

Jews' Society.-Mr. and Mrs. Nicolayson were proceeding to Malta by the same ship as Mr. Jowett.

INDIA.

We regret to state, that the Rev. T. T. Thomason died at the Mauritius, on his return to England, on the 28th of June. He had for many years, on his first residence in India, laboured with unwearied zeal in promoting the Cause of God and had re-visited that country in the hope of renewing his services there.

Church Miss. Soc. Recent intelligence from Tinnevelly (see pp. 418-425) states the continued and indeed rapid growth of this most encouraging Mission. At Midsummer 1828, the number of persons belonging to the Congregations was 4305: at Christmas it had

increased to 5225. At Midsummer, the Baptized were 699-at Christmas, 760.-The Rev. J. B. Morewood writes from Madras, in June and the beginning of July, that he was residing, with Mr. Schaffter, in a House, presented to the Society, together with a Compound, for the purpose of a Seminary, by Messrs. Arbuthnot and Co. He was prosecuting the study of Tamul; and had underhis care the sons of Mr. Rhenius, Mr. Bärenbruck, and Mrs. Schnarré.

NEW ZEALAND.

The Rev. A. N. Brown (p. 198) writes from off the Cape-de-Verde Islands, on the 28th of May, that they had arrived there after a long but safe passage of five weeks.

UNITED STATES.

Colleges-At p. 240 we extracted from the Quarterly Journal of the Education Society a Statistical View, for 1827-8, of the Colleges in the United States: the same Journal, for April last, furnishes the following statement of the year 1828-9. The Colleges mentioned amount to 43; but, in 32 of them only, there are Academic Instructors, who are 217 in number. The Alumni, instructed and now under instruction, are 29,520 of these, 11,866 are now living; and 4235 became Ministers, of whom 2014 are now living. The Graduates in 1828 were 652: the Undergraduates in 1828-9 were 2809. The Students maintaining a religious profession were 587-Students assisted by College Funds, 321-Students assisted by Education Societies, 148-Medical Students, 590- Law Students, 33. The number of Volumes in the College Libraries were 128, 118-those in the Students' Libraries, 66,730.

NORTH-WEST AMERICA.

The Rev. David T. Jones and Mrs. Jones (p.285) arrived at York Factory, Hudson's Bay, after an unusually favourable passage, on the 12th of August. A boat from Red River brought, the same day, good tidings of the Colony, in both its temporal and spiritual

concerns.

Br. Johannes, read Br. Johansen.

The Committee state, in reference to the Letter which follows

The first document which reached us from the scene of bereavement was of a peculiarly affecting character. It is a brief Letter from the dying Missionary himself, addressed to the Secretary, under whose roof he had formerly resided. It bears date "past midnight of Monday, Sept. 1, at Patna," and was dictated by Mr. Burton when he was too weak to do more than barely to affix his sig

nature.

The Letter is as follows

At the close of a few lines which I sent you not many days ago, I told you that I did not feel well. I came down on Sunday Evening to Patna, not being able to preach, to enjoy the society and advice of my friend, Dr. King; who now kindly uses the pen for me, to inform you of the rapid progress of my disorder, and its apparent approach to a fatal termination.

We have written to Mr. Leslie, to request him to come up." I have little hope of seeing his face again in the flesh. Br. Leslie will notice the state of things when he arrives; and I hope will be able to maintain the work here, till you can supply my place from home.

My complaint being a disordered liver, my mind is sometimes a little depress ed; but I trust, my ever dear Sir, that the truths which you, with my dear pastor [Rev. Joseph Ivimey], early taught me, are still precious to my soul. In Jesus is all my salvation, and all my de sire. I have been an unworthy and a sinful Christian—a sinful and unworthy Nov. 1829.

Preacher of the Gospel-a sinful and unworthy Missionary-and I cast my soul on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. I can only add, May the Lord God prosper you and the Society, and grant you a much more abundant harvest than you have yet seen!

The Rev. Andrew Leslie, Missionary at Monghyr, describes the last scene, in a Letter from Digah, of Sept. 8, 1828

On Tuesday, the 2d instant, I received a Letter from Dr. King, of Patna, apprising me of the illness of our dear Brother Burton; and entreating me to hasten up as soon as possible, as Mr. Burton was exceedingly anxious to see me. Accordingly, I set off on the morning of the 4th; and, travelling without intermission, arrived (the distance being 100 miles) at two o'clock on the morning of the 6th.

On entering the room, I saw our be loved Brother apparently insensible, and breathing his last. I consequently made no attempt to speak to him; but waited in silence at his bedside, for the space of about two hours. Perceiving him to continue in the same state, I at length spoke to him; on which he instantly opened his eyes, and, looking at me, said, "I am glad to hear thy voice," and then sunk immediately into his former state.

About six in the morning, I made another attempt to apprise him of my presence, by asking him if he knew me. Opening his eyes again, and smiling, precisely in his usual manner when in health, he said, “I know thy voice, and also thy form." Endeavouring to engage

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him in conversation, supposing that he might have something to say to me, from his being so anxious to see me, I mentioned his children, with the names of several of his friends, and asked him if he wished me to say any thing to them. He replied, generally, that he loved them all, and wished them to be told so.

The chief seat of his disorder being in the head, his expressions were very incoherent; but, amidst his incoherencies, it was evident that the cause of Christ had a deep place in his heart. With a very sorrowful expression of countenance, he said to me, in Hindoostanee, that the Native Church would now become dispersed. Speaking to him in the same language, I assured him that I would do what I could in caring for them; with which he seemed pleased, and said no more on the subject. A little after, he said he feared that Ministers labour

ed for something else, than to diffuse the spirit which belonged to the Kingdom of Christ on my saying that I hoped this was not the case with all Ministers, he instantly assented. Several times he expressed his belief that all would be well with him; and I have no doubt that his confidence was properly founded.

From the very beginning of his illness, he expressed to Dr. King his conviction that his sickness was unto death; but at the same time said that he was delivered from all fear in the prospect, for that he rested entirely upon Christ. For the last few days of his life he ceased to have any care about the things of this world; telling the Native Converts, or others who came to speak to him about any temporal matter, that

they must wait for my arrival, and speak to me, for that he now had ceased to have any more connection with the things of earth. Numerous were the pious expressions that he uttered to one friend and another who called upon him expressions which strongly exhibited the heavenly state of his mind.

Previous to his death he was much reduced in body, but he appeared to retain a great degree of strength to the end : and this I think was the reason why he lingered so long, evidently expiring. He appeared to suffer much, but whether he did so in reality I cannot tell. He was ill only sixteen days, but Dr. King says that the disease probably had a longer existence. It was an affection in the brain, and this it was that caused so much incoherency during the last three days of his life.

The following testimony was borne to Mr. Burton in a communication which appears to have come from Dr. King—

Highly gifted for the arduous duties. particularly required of him, he pursued them with zeal, devout perseverance, and success. Kind, benevolent, and charitable, he soon acquired the esteem and affection of all who had opportunities of appreciating his worth. Numbers followed his honoured remains to the grave; and those, to whom he taught and expounded the Truths of our Blessed Religion, testified their attachment to the Pastor and the Friend, by insisting on bearing the corpse the whole way, a distance of two miles. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord!

This interesting individual, who is now a Missionary at Monrovia, in Africa, was born a Slave in Charles City County, about thirty miles below this city, on the estate of Mr. W. A. Chris tian. In 1804, he was sent to this city and hired out by the year as a common labourer. At this time, and for two or three years after, he was excessively

profane, and much addicted to intoxication: but God, who is rich in mercy, was pleased to awaken him to a sense of his lost estate; and, about the year 1807, he was baptized by the Pastor of the First Baptist Church in this city.

A Sermon about this time, founded on our Lord's discourse with Nicodemus, awakened in him so strong a desire to be