REPORT OF THE BOARD.

THE Board of Managers anticipate the feelings of their brethren, in offering to God their fervent thanks, that He has again permitted the Convention to assemble. They praise His blessed name, that although several of its venerable founders-FURMAN, and SEMPLE, and STAGHTON, and BALDWIN, have gone to their rest, yet others have risen to take their places; and that the Convention has advanced, with a steady progress, in the accomplishment of its great work, to its present elevated position. A review of the twenty-one years which have elapsed since the formation of the Convention, furnishes many conspicuous instances of the divine favor towards our Missions, and strong incitements to increased activity in the holy and sublime enterprise of saving the world.

It is an additional cause of gratification, that we are now assembled, for the first time, in the capital of this venerable commonwealth, the oldest member of our confederacy. We are reminded of the blessings which spring from our national union, and of the happy influence of our Convention, and of similar religious associations, in binding our hearts together, and strengthening the ties of national brotherhood. The Board believe, that God has designed to make this nation a mighty instrument of good, a bright example of freedom and holiness to the nations of the earth. But the fulfilment of this glorious ministry depends on the continuance of our union; and the Board view, with strong interest and delight, every thing which tends to make that union more affectionate and more permanent.

They are reminded, on again meeting the Convention, that some of their fellow-laborers have ceased from their toils on earth, since the last session. Though the Board have, on other occasions, taken a suitable notice of these cases of death, yet it is proper to mention, now, the names of our dear departed brethren, Thomas Stokes, David Jones, Ensign Lincoln, Nathaniel R. Cobb, and Abner W. Clopton, who were all elected members of the present Board, but who have all died. We need not speak of their worth and of their services. Their memory is precious on earth, while, as we cannot doubt, they have entered into the joy of their Lord. Four only of our missionaries have died since the last Convention,-Rev. Mr. Roslan, Rev. Mr. O'Bryant, Mrs. Lewis, and Miss Cummings. While we regret the loss of their valuable services, we ought to be grateful to God, that he has spared the lives of our other missionaries.

The Board feel that they ought to unite with the whole Christian world, in a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Dr. Carey, the chief founder of modern Missions. No other man, since the days of the apostles, has been so highly honored, as an instrument in spreading the Gospel among heathen nations. The Board join in praising God, that He gave to this eminent servant so many special gifts, that He enabled him to expect,' to 'attempt,' and to accomplish, so much for the welfare of mankind and for the glory of the Saviour; and that his life was prolonged till he had kindled a great light in India, which nothing can extinguish. In addition to his other services to Zion, Dr. Carey deserves the gratitude of this Convention, for many acts of kindness towards our missionaries.

The Board feel, moreover, that love to our common Lord requires them to express, on this occasion, their sympathy with the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in the severe bereavement which they have experienced, by the recent death of one of their Secretaries, Dr. Wisner, and of an unusual number of their missionaries. They unite

their prayers with those of that Board, that God will comfort the bereaved friends, and make these afflictive events a source of blessings to them, and to the cause of the Redeemer.

The Board will now proceed to present a summary view of their proceedings, and of the progress of our Missions, during the past year, referring the Convention to the annexed Reports for 1833, and 1834, for particulars relating to the transactions of the preceding years. In this Report, the usual arrangement will be somewhat changed, for a geographical order, commencing with Missions in America, and then proceeding to Missions in Europe, Africa and Asia.

Missionaries, Rev. EVAN JONES, Mrs. JONES, Mr. COLUMBUS F. STURGIS, Miss SARAH RAYNER. Ordained native preachers, Jesse Bushyhead, John Wickliffe. Licensed exhorters, Dsulawi, Dsusawala. Interpreter, John

Timson.

Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield have discontinued their labors at this station; but they propose to establish themselves at some post of usefulness, not very remote. The religious state of the mission at the Valley Towns, continues to be very encouraging. Mr. Jones and his associates have seven preaching stations, at most of which there are commodious log meeting-houses. At these places, the Gospel is frequently preached, and the Holy Spirit has accompanied the word. A “four days' meeting" was held, in September, of which Mr. Jones gives an account, in a letter to the Corresponding Secretary, dated Sept. 30: "We have cause for thankfulness, for the manifestations of the Lord's faithfulness and love. During the whole of the meetings, there was solemn and continued attention to the word preached; and, on several occasions, an affectionate and softening influence pervaded the assembly. On each evening, invitation was given, to those who were concerned for their souls, to come forward for prayer. A few came the first evening; more on Friday; and, on Saturday, two males and four females related the exercises of their minds, and were received as candidates for baptism. On Sunday, these six, and another female, who had been received before, ‘all full Cherokees,' were solemnly immersed, in the name of the adorable Trinity, by brother Bushyhead. Notwithstanding a heavy rain, which fell on Saturday night, and continued the greater part of Sunday, the congregation was large and attentive; and, so strong was the general impression, at night, that when an opportunity was given to manifest their anxiety, the places were crowded; and many weeping sinners could not find room. It was a time of deep mourning on account of sin, and I sincerely hope it was the prelude to the exercise of living faith in the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. The minds of the brethren appeared to be strongly exercised, and their affections drawn out towards dying sinners. Many affectionate and ardent prayers were offered up, which I trust will be returned, charged with efficient influences of the Divine Spirit."

In a letter, dated Oct. 11, Mr. Jones says, "I have the pleasure to add to a communication, dated a few days ago, that two more full Cherokees, one male and one female, were admitted and baptized, on a profession of their faith in our blessed Redeemer, at Dsiyohee, about thirty miles from this place. We had a two days' meeting there on Saturday and Sunday. The

congregations were large and attentive, especially on Sabbath day, when we surrounded the Lord's table, with fifty or sixty children of the forest, who have forsaken the superstitions of their fathers, to become the followers of a dying Saviour. It was a solemn and comfortable season, and, I trust, will be a blessing to some precious souls.

"Since my last visit to this place, the brethren have erected a good log cabin, for a place of worship. I trust the work of God is extending and deepening its influence here. I had many applications for the parts of Scripture which are printed in Cherokee. Sixteen persons have been added, within a year, to the church, which now consists of two hundred and twenty-seven members. The school is flourishing."

THOMAS.

[On Grand River, Michigan Territory.]

Missionaries, Rev. LEONARD SLATER, Mrs. SLATER.

In a letter, dated April 21, 1834, Mr. Slater says, "Our meetings, of late, have been interesting to me, and evidently so to the hearers. Some have experienced religion recently. I had the pleasure, yesterday, of baptizing five willing converts to Christianity, viz. one Englishman, member of our family, and four natives. Never were the banks of Grand River lined with so numerous a company of spectators. Deep solemnity was obvious almost throughout the concourse. The predictions of our brethren are, that others will soon follow. O that it may be not only believed, but witnessed. Our inquiry meetings have been well attended, and cheering to the hearts of God's people. Our meetings on the Sabbath have been full. Previous to the natives' moving to their summer ground, I walked four miles to their camp, and held two meetings. They desire that I should hold three meetings with them each Sabbath."

Mr. Slater's family have been much afflicted with sickness; but, at the last date, their health had been restored. There has been much sickness among the inhabitants near the station. On the 24th of January last, one of the native members of the church died. Mr. Slater says concerning him,

"He was an active and useful member, and adorned his profession by a godly and holy life. He was perfectly calm in his trying hour; spoke of his departure with composure, and appeared happy in the prospect of death. Jesus was all his theme. His friends received his dying attestation to the truth of religion; and, for the first time, witnessed the last moments of a faithful Christian."

Mr. Slater has had many pressing invitations to preach to the whites, in the neighborhood. The population is rapidly increasing. He says, "It seems as though all Michigan were directing their way to this quarter. Almost daily, emigrants arrive; and we may expect, during the present season, a dense population in this vicinity. There are, at the station, two schools, with thirty-six scholars, a Temperance Society, and a school of twenty-four members; five of whom have been added during the past year."

SAULT DE ST. MARIE.

[In Michigan Territory, near Lake Superior.] Missionaries, Rev. ABEL BINGHAM, Mrs. BINGHAM. Mr. JAMES D. CAMERON, licensed preacher, and Miss HANNAH HILL, School teacher.

Miss Macomber left the station in May last, on account of ill health. The prospects of this station have greatly brightened during the year past. In July last, when there were many traders and Indians at the

Sault, a protracted meeting was held, and the Gospel was preached to a large number of persons, who had never before heard it. Some of these individuals came from a distance of more than a thousand miles. "We know not," says Mr. Bingham, "that there were any real conversions during the meeting; but, from what we have seen and heard, we are led to believe that it made a very favorable impression on the minds of the Indians, generally, and especially the strangers." Mr. Cameron has preached in the Indian language, for more than a year. He spent the last winter in the Tequimenon country, between lakes Superior and Michigan, and about 120 miles from the station. Here, his labors were instrumental in the conversion of two very interesting young Indians, named Gishkidjewun and Ahkudho, the former of whom will, it is thought, succeed his deceased father, as chief of the Tequimenon tribe. This young man recently saved the life of Mr. Cameron, when their canoe was overset on the lake. Both these young converts were baptized at the Sault, on the 18th of January. Mr. Bingham says, in a letter dated Jan. 27,-" With these young Indians we had a very interesting time. They gave us a reason of their hope in Christ, and offered themselves as candidates for baptism. After several pretty thorough examinations, they were approved; and, on Lord's day, 18th inst. they were baptized, and united with us in commemorating the sufferings and death of our Lord, at his table. On Monday, in company with brother C., they took their leave, to return to their hunting grounds; and they truly appeared to go on their way rejoicing. Gishkidjewun was in the mission some time last fall, even after Ahkudho returned to the woods, and he can read and write some. Ahkudho has attended our school some, but has not made so much progress. They are apparently from twenty-one to twenty-three years of age; and I cannot but flatter myself with a hope that they may be useful by-and-by. We have a native woman, also, whom we now consider as a candidate for the rite. She related her experience at the time those young men did, but was not then baptized. She is the wife of Samuel Ashmun, Esq., who has, for many years, been an Indian trader in this country. Since the baptism of those young men, several of our children have discovered an unusual seriousness, and date the commencement of their impressions at that time. We were much pleased with the appearance of those two young Indian brethren. Ahkudho, after he first opened his mind to me, appeared to enjoy a most happy frame of mind; and his evidence seemed bright and clear, both to himself and to us. Gishkidjewun was a little differently handled. The change was doubtless as great as in the other, but his faith was not as strong. After giving a history of the operations of the Spirit on his mind, he said, "I don't know, now, as I am a Christian. I can't say that my sins are forgiven, but I can say that there is a great change in my feelings, and I am sure I love God and Christians; and I have given myself to the Lord, soul and body, to be his; and I now give myself to you, to do with me as you think proper. If you think me fit to be baptized, baptize me." He, however, expressed his decided determination to live a religious life, whether he was baptized or not. In the course of the year, a fine young man belonging to the fort, was baptized; and two individuals who had been connected with the Methodists, joined the mission church. One native member of the church died in April, 1834, with a firm hope in the Saviour.

Mr. Bingham has been actively engaged in preaching, a part of the time, to the whites, and, at other times, to the Indians, through an interpreter. He has examined Dr. James' translation of the New Testament, and pronounces it to be the best which has been made into the Ojibway language. Mr. Bingham is preparing a Spelling Book in this language. He and Mr. Cameron have adopted Mr. Meeker's system of orthography; and they think it a decided improvement,

The schools have been continued, except the Infant school, which was relinquished for want of teachers. The Sabbath school, also, has suffered, from a deficiency of teachers. In the boarding school, there were ten scholars, besides two little half-breed boys. The day school was, for a while, broken up, partly by the hostility of the Catholic priest; but, at the last date the scholars had again begun to attend, to the number of about 25. The influence of the Catholics is found, at this station, as well as elsewhere, to be among the greatest obstacles to the progress of the truth. The priest, at the Sault, is very furious; and, on a recent occasion, in the midst of his sermon, he tore a copy of the Bible, and threw it into the fireplace, declaring it to be a great sin for his people to read it.

The church now consists of about 45 members. Mr. Bingham says, in a letter, dated August 6, 1834, "Numbers of these are absent; and we expect that several of them have, before this time, united with other churches, but have not yet reported it to us."

The prospects of this mission have been such, at some times, as to induce, in the minds of the Board, and of the missionaries, a doubt whether it ought not to be relinquished. But appearances are now more favorable; and, at a council held by the Indians, in January, it was unanimously resolved, that a request be presented to the missionaries, and to the Board, not to abandon the station. The same desire has been expressed by individuals, in very earnest and affecting terms. The Board have therefore resolved to continue the station.

TONAWANDA.

[Near Niagara, in the State of New York.]

The missionary operations at this station have been retarded, during some time past, by a frequent change of superintendents; but the present teacher will, it is hoped, be permanent. Rev. Ely Stone, in a letter to the Treasurer, dated March 24th, 1835, says, "We have two excellent females associated with the superintendent. Great harmony prevails in the missionary family. We have the best school, perhaps, which we can have at the station. We have had occasional seasons of despondency intermixed with rejoicing. We have a farm of 120 acres, valuable buildings and improvements. The farm contributes considerable towards the support of the station. The boys and girls are taught to labor. Public worship is regularly maintained, at the Indian meeting-house. We are exceedingly annoyed by two taverns, kept by the whites near the Indian village, (not on Indian lands,) which are very detrimental to our operations. But the Lord reigns. We can rejoice in view of good done at that place, to these degraded sons of the forest, believing, that ere long, this tribe will be reckoned among the nations ransomed of the Lord."

West of the Mississippi.

All the stations of the Board west of the Mississippi are within the "Indian Territory as it is termed; i. e. the country assigned by the government of the United States for the future residence of the Indians. A considerable number of the Indians have removed thither from the east.-In Mr. M'Coy's " Annual Register of Indian Affairs," the following description is given of the Indian Territory :

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"By the Indian Territory, is meant the country within the following limits, viz.-Beginning on Red River, east of the Mexican boundary, and as far west of Arkansas Territory as the country is habitable; thence down Red river eastwardly to Arkansas Territory; thence northwardly along the line of Arkansas Territory to the State of Missouri; thence north