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The Rev. Orin Fowler received an appointment for a year as a Missionary to the state of Indiana. He was ordained for this purpose, at Farmington, in June last, by the North Association of Hartford county, and immediately set off on his journey. His travels were by the way of Buffalo to the Connecticut Reserve. On his journey, he preached and visited as occasion offered.In about six months he travelled 2183 miles; preached 129 sermons; visited 215 families; and admitted 59 persons to the privilege of church membership. His circuit included ten counties, in the middle and eastern parts of the state, until about the 12th of November, when he turned his course towards the Wabash, where he expected to continue two or three months, and then to return to the field which he had before occupied.

In every direction the people were anxious to hear the word preached. Though he preached almost every day, and conversed constantly in families, without giving himself time to study scarce an hour, yet he was able to supply but few of the pressing invitations. Many of his hearers of both sexes travelled through the woods eight, ten, fifteen, and some twenty miles on purpose to hear preaching. So urgent were the people from all quarters, that when he last wrote, he had made appointments for seven weeks forward, in nearly as many different counties; and also made arrangements to administer the scrament three times, and to form two churches within the same period. He made it his constant practice to visit families, converse and pray with them. This he thought the most effectual kind of preaching in that country,

The anxiety of the people to see more missionaries was surprisingly great. He was often desired to thank the Missionary Society, and to request that more missionaries might be sent.-While their trials and difficulties in the wilderness must be necessarily great, the prospect of usefulness is bright. He had taken a circuit of sixty miles, and had already seen the good fruit of his labors. The people have been in that country for so short a time, and are in so low circumstances, that the most to be done, for years to come, must be done by missionaries.

The Missouri Territory has opened a vast field for missionary labor. The Rev. Timothy Flint was stationed at St. Charles, on the Missouri river, and labored in adjacent towns. He also added Green's Bottom, a new settlement ten miles above St. Charles, to his missionary station. He was not however confined to these stations, but itinerated up the Missouri and the Mississippi, and frequently crossed these rivers, and preached every opportunity when the people could be collected. The situation of the people where he travelled, he represents as being generally deplorable. Many of them live and die without any thought of eternity. So engaged are they in making new settlements in the woods, that they seem disposed to regard nothing besides. But with respect to many it is otherwise. They are willing to hear instruction from God's word. He took a peculiar satisfaction in distributing the Bible; and in seeing, in his extensive circuits, the Bibles which he had distributed, and in hearing from the people their cordial expressions of gratitude to the benevolent donors. "I could give," he observes, "a thousand details of the evident good resulting from this blessed charity." One striking instance he mentions of a young man, the son of a hardened unbeliever, and a champion among that class of men. He had received a Bible, had read in it, and from reading it was persuaded that it was his duty to attend public worship. His father was angry, and gave him his choice either to give up his Bible and public worship, or leave his house. The father was very wealthy, and the young man just married and unprovided for, but he chose the latter. He left his father's house, and was under the necessity of making great exertions to support his family; and declared that he was determined to cling to his Bible at the risk of all consequences. Mr. Flint took many of his missionary tours on foot. He travelled 80 miles in a week; crossed the Missouri 16 times in seven weeks, and sometimes when the crossing was very hazardous. He assisted in the instalment of the first Protestant minister that has been known to be settled west of the Mississippi, and north of the Arkansas. In his excursions he saw many families from Connecticut; and things appeared more encouraging than in any part of the country he had seen.

The Rev. Salmon Giddings is stationed at St. Louis, Missouri; but makes frequent excursions into the country to preach the Gospel, and has formed several .Churches. In Belleview is a church which he was instrumental of gathering. In eturning to this place, after a year's absence, he was received with the highest

expressions of esteem and joy.—The church had increased in numbers, and retained its purity. Christian professors honored their profession. He also gathered a church at Richwood. When he first visited this place the people were opposed to Gospel institutions; but they soon became friendly to Gospel order, and ready to subscribe liberally for its support.

In various places he preached to attentive audiences. His tour through the country was greatly encouraging. God appeared to be silently working on the hearts of the people. There was an increasing attention to divine things, and an earnest desire to enjoy the means of grace.

In a letter of late date, he says, he had preached regularly at St. Louis since his preceding communication, except that, every fourth Sabbath in each month, he preached in the country. He had instituted a Sabbath school in St. Louis, which was well attended, and he preached a lecture every Sabbath and Friday evening. There appeared a more than usual attention to the things of religion. A number were deeply distressed on account of their sins, and some were rejoicing in hope that they had met with a saving change. The people were about to erect a house for the public worship of God.

The prospect of good in that country, arising from missionary labors, he thinks, is daily increasing, as the call for more missionaries. God has not suffered the labor which has been bestowed on his vineyard to be in vain. The fruits of it are already seen; and "may we not hope they will continue, spring up, and ripen for years to come? People in the country are surprised at the alteration in St. Louis within two years; and alterations for the better are visible in almost every place where missionary labors have been bestowed" Seven churches are already formed in that region.-One of them has a pastor, and another a minister residing among them. The remaining five are dependent altogether on missionaries for a supply. The two most distant from each other are not less than 140 miles apart. These destitute churches," says Mr. Giddings, "are calling on me for preaching, and consider themselves as under my pastoral care. I can feel for them, and pray for them, and that is the most that I can do for some of them." The Rev. Elias Cornelius was appointed, by the board of Trustees, a mission-` ary to the city of New Orleans. On his way to that place he performed missionary duties, and arrived there Dec. 30, 1817, after a journey of 3000 miles. This city contains 30,000 inhabitants, and has but one Protestant minister. The popu.ation chiefly consists of French, who seem to have no idea of the sanctity of the Sabbath. The day is devoted to business and pleasure. There are thousands of English and Americans there; and the number is annually increasing. The pious, of different denominations, had long been waiting for some one to break to them the bread of life. And, forgetting the peculiarities of party, were ready to rally around any evangelical minister of Christ, and lend him their support and prayers. "Hence," says Mr. Cornelius, "they received me with joy and gratitude, and flocked together to hear ne preach; and never was I more gratified with the attention of any people. The utmost order and solemnity were observed, and not unfrequently the silent tear evinced that some hearts, at least, could feel."

He was treated with great kindness and hospitality; and was instrumental of forming a regular church and congregation, which have obtained an act of incorporation from the Legislature. By these he was earnestly importuned to tarry, and take the pastoral oversight of them. This he felt himself under a necessity of declining, and directed their attention to Mr. Larned, who was soon expected in the city, acting under a commission from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Cornelius preached statedly and frequently to the people previous to the arrival of Mr. Larned, which was nearly two months. After this, and about five weeks previous to his departure, he turned his attention more particularly to other parts of the city; and preached in the hospitals, in the jail, to scamen, and to a congregation of 200 Africans.

His visits to the hospitals were frequent, and deeply interesting. Here were people huddled together of all descriptions, and attended with various diseases. To the sick and dying, Mr. Cornelius was a counsellor, a comforter, and frequently with his own hands administered both clothing and nourishment to their bodies. Through his influence, the internal regulations of the hospitals were considerably improved, and the condition of the sick greatly ameliorated.

From the sick, the dying, and condemned, he turned his attention to seamen, He preached in a ship, which was lying in the harbor, to as many as could be collected, the cabin of which was filled with sea captains; and he had the pleasure to find the assembly attentive, solemn, and affected. And his congregations of Africans were no less solemn and attentive under the preaching of the Gospel. The various scenes through which Mr. Cornelius passed, in the discharge of bis laborious duties, were of the most affecting kind; but he had the satisfaction of being hopefully the instrument of much good both to the souls and bodies of his fellow men.

The arrival of Mr. Larned was an occasion of great joy to the friends of religian. His labors were highly acceptable; and the church and congregation harmoniously invited him to settle with them in the Gospel ministry. This invitation he accepted; and a house for the worship of God is soon to be erected.

On the whole, Mr. Cornelius thinks the moral state of the city is improving, and that the cause of religion is rising.-The monthly prayer meeting is attended with increasing interest; a Sabbath school is established; a Female Praying Society; a Female Orphan Society; a Bible Society; and increasing exertions are making to replenish its treasury. A Female Domestic Society has also been recently instituted, the object of which is to procure a well qualified minister to labor among the poor and sick, in the jails and hospitals.

The Rev. Samuel Royce was appointed a missionary to the State of Louisiana. He is stationed at Alexandria, which is situated on Red River, at the head of steam boat navigation. This river is about 100 miles above New Orleans, and empties into the Mississippi from the west. Here he has spent the most of his time, and has accepted an invitation to settle in the Gospel ministry.

On his journey to this place, he preached much to destitute congregations. He crossed the Mississippi at Baton Rouge, and since that time, he observes, he has been on ground never before trodden by a Protestant minister, except a few who were very illiterate. He made excursions into the country to preach, and visited Natchitoches, which is 80 miles above Alexandria on the same river. The inhabitants of this place are a mixture of Americans, French, Spaniards, Indians, and Negroes. The language of these is mixed in all possible proportions.

A woman, who was brought up in New England, and who had been some years in this place, was informed that there was a minister in town; she sprang from her seat, clasped her hands, and said she had not heard so good news since she had been in that country.

Many of the people were desirous of settling a minister, and expressed their regret that he was engaged. Numbers of his hearers, in this place, had never heard a sermon except from a Roman Catholic; and had never before seen the face of a Protestant clergyman. Yet they did not know that greater religious privileges were enjoyed any where, than what they enjoyed. Some, however, were sensible that they were perishing for lack of knowledge. He was frequently asked, why no minister was ever before sent into that country, and whether it is probable that any others will be sent.

Infidelity has spread wide its baneful influences. A great cause of this is, that there have been no ministers of the Gospel there, for whose talents and learning the people had any respect. Yet there are a few pious people scattered through the country, some of whom have been long separated from religious society. When he met with such, their countenances and tears, more than words, expressed emotions easier to imagine than describe.

His mission has gladdened the hearts and encouraged the hopes of God's children; and some have been brought to think seriously of religion, who had neglected it before.

The Trustees have now exhibited a summary of the labors of those who have been employed under their direction. It is but a general view which they can exhibit on this subject, for it would require volumes to enter on a particular detail.

The missionaries, who have been employed, appear to have been faithful and persevering, in the great and important duties devolving upon them; and their labors have been attended with as great success as we had any reason to expect. The harvest truly is plenteous, and the laborers few. In order to proportion their labors, they must give to each but little. But that little is all important, and has been instrumental of producing Gospel order, of advancing the

moral and civil interests of the people, of establishing churches, of converting many souls, and of comforting the hearts of God's dear children. In every place, where missionaries bave gone, they have been joyfully received, and hospitably entertained; and in almost every letter, the thanks of the people are presented to those whose liberality has enabled the Trustees to send missionaries, to feed their souls with the bread of life.

In the foregoing Narrative, particulars respecting the administration of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper, and visiting families and schools, are generally omitted, for the sake of brevity, and to avoid repetition.

Brethren, the time is come when the Lord's house must be built; and in order to do this, much expense must be incurred, and who is there who does not wish to share in the honor and blessedness of this work? It is presumed that none have been the poorer for all they have given for this purpose; yea, that they have had greater prosperity, for there is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty. But even if the reverse were the truth, who would not cheerfully make some sacrifices to accomplish this glorious work? Think of the multitudes scattered in the wilderness, and perishing in ignorance; and their children growing up without instruction in the most important knowledge; and you must be sensible of the necessity, not only of continuing, but increasing your donations. The country is rapidly settling, and an increased number of missionaries is necessary to do the work, which a small number could a few years ago have done. The constant cry is, “Send us more missionaries." The Trustees would rejoice to send them; but they must bave your permission; you must give an increase of means. In former years, they have gone to the full extent of their funds, and in some have anticipated your bounty; and the year past, they expended nearly a thousand dollars more than their income. What you give to build up Zion is but lending to the Lord. It is laying up an inheritance for your children which they cannot waste. Be not weary then in well doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not.

With your charities, let your prayers daily ascend up to God, that he would accompany the labors of missionaries with more abundant success; and that all exertions to spread the knowledge of the great Redeemer may be abundantly succeeded, until from the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, his name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered to him, and a pure offering.

JONATHAN BRACE, Chairman.

Passed by the Board of Trustees, Jan. 13, 1819.

Attest,

ABEL FLINT, Secretary.

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From three charitable societies of females, and nine other individuals,

223 06

4,335 53

Interest on Notes, Bonds, and Bank Stock,

1,929 95

$6,265 46

Expenditures.

Payments to 30 missionaries for their services during the year,
Various contingent expenses during the year,

The Society has on hand, all belonging to the permanent fund,

$6,662 17

582 40

$31,111 73

The Society has sent the New Settlements books to the following amount during the year, viz. 71 bound volumes, 1942 Sermons, Magazines, Tracts, and other Pamphlets.

At a meeting of the Trustees in Jan. 1819, they voted thanks to the several charitable socities and the individuals, who have made donations, either in money or books.

DONATIONS

TO THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS, RECEIVED DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY, 1819.

Acworth, N. H. Contribution in the congregation of the Rev. Phineas
Cooke, by Mr. Beckwith,
Alstead, N. H. The Soc. for edu. hea. children, by Mr. Benton,
Ballston, N. Y. Fem. Heath. School Soc. for the child named DAVID
BRAINERD, 20 payment,

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Ballston, Spa, N. Y. By the Rev. Levi Parsons, an agent of the Board, from the following individuals, viz.

From Ephraim White, 85; Joshua B. Aldridge, $5,
Thomas Palmer, Maria Wendell, $5 each,

10.00

10.00

David Corey, F. M'Brain, Elijah Page, $2 each,

6.00

Mrs. C. Corey, 82; Moses Williams, $4,

600

Rev. J. Perry, Rev. R. Sears, Eli Barnum, $1 each,

5 00

U. F. Doubleday, Mrs. E. Smith, a female friend of missions, $1 each,

G. Lockwood, W. Clark, 50 cts. each,

Barnet, Ver. From an aged woman, half for missions and half for
translations,

Bath and vicinity, Me. Foreign Miss. Soc. by Mr. Jonathan Hyde,
Treas.

Bolton, Warren Co. N. Y. Fem. Cent Soc., by Mary Archibald,
Boston, Monthly concert of the Old South and Park Street churches, for
the mission to Jerusalem,

Bradford, Mass. Gentlemen's Assoc. in the 1st parish, for ed. heath. children, by Mr. Jesse Kimball, Treas.

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Braintree, Mass. Ladies, for the ed. of the child named RICHARD
SALTER STORRs, 2d payment, by Mrs. B. Hooker,

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Brandon, Ver. Soc. of females, for the support of schools among the heathen, by the Rev. Ebenezer Hebard,

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Bridgeport, Con. Contribution in the Rev. Mr. Waterman's church, for the mission to Jerusalem, by W. Thurston, Esq.

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Franklin, Co. Ms. Auxiliary Fur. Miss. Society, by Jerome Ripley,
Esq. Treas.

Bridgewater, Ms. A female friend of missions, for the missionary
chapel at Bombay, by the Rev. Daniel Huntington,
Brunswick, Me. Fem. Juvenile Soc. for ed. heathen youth, by the
Rev. Dr. Appleton,

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Collections at the prayer meetings of the church in do. for missions, Buxton, Me. Female Cent Society, by the Rev. Levi Loring, Cazenovia, N. Y. Mrs. Burnell, for the education of a female child in Ceylon, to be called CHARLOTTE BURNELL, in memory of a deceased daughter,

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John Calvin Burnell, a little boy, rewards for learning bymns, &c.

12.00

1.00-

A charity box kept in the first Presbyterian church, by Gen. John Lincklaen,

Charleston, S. C. Mr. William Clarkson, by the Rev. Dr. Palmer, Claremont, N. H. From young ladies remitted to the Rev. Dr. Morse, by Laura Parmelee,

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Conway, Ms. The Young Men's Char. Soc. for the Cherokee Indians,
and adjacent tribes, by Mr. Joseph Avery, Treas.
Danby, N. Y. Fem. Cent Soc., by Jerusha Parker, Treas. for missions
to the Indians,
East Hampton, L. Isl. Fem. Society in aid of foreign missions, by the
Rev. Ebenzer Philips,

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East Tennessee, From children of Col. Campbell,
Epsom, N. H. A young female, for the mission at Brainerd, by Miss
Kimball,

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-13 00

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Georgia, (State of.) From the following sources by the Rev. Pliny
Fisk, viz.

Contribution in Medway,

119 50

Females at White Bluff, for a child to be named THOMAS

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