In April, Dr. William W. Pride, a young physician, of Cambridge, New York, and Mr. Isaac Fisk of Holden, Mass. a blacksmith and farmer, in the prime of life, and of more than ordinary thrift and prospects in the world,-having devoted themselves to the service, and been accepted upon ample testimonials, set out for the Choctaw station. They travelled by land; visited Brainerd in their way, where for particular purposes they staid two or three weeks; and arrived at Elliot in good health on the first of August.

Something of the disposition of the Choctaw people towards the mission, appears from recitals already made. Other particulars will shew it in a still stronger light. Soon after the brethren arrived in the nation, the king, Puk-sha-nub-bee, gave for the school, $200 to be paid annually from the annuity received by his part of the nation, from the U. S. In the fore part of August, a council of the nation was held, at which Mr. Kingsbury, by particular invitation, was present. Under date of Aug. 12, Mr. Kingsbury writes:

"For some time I was apprehensive, that nothing decisive would be done for schools. Yesterday, by the consent and approbation of the Agent, I gave them a short talk. It was well received. To day the subject of the school was taken up in the council. It was proposed, that individuals who felt interested for the school, should give cows and calves, and money, as they felt able and disposed. A subscription was opened on the spots and eighty five cows and calves, and $500 to be paid annually, and $700 as a donation to the establishment, or annually while their children are at school, were subscribed.

"The cows and calves, it was expressly stated, were a free gift, whether the individuals send children or not. The money generally was considered as a partial compensation for board of children either now at school, or to be sent hereafter, except $500 from their annuity.

"It is however to be understood, that great allowance must be made for failures in collecting. and it will also be attended with considerable expense. But I cannot doubt, that the establishment will realize a substantial benefit from the result."

These facts speak much; and are in accordance with the general disposition manifested by the nation.

In his letter last referred to Mr. Kingsbury says. "Our school at present consists of 20 promising children. Many more are anxious to come, but we are unable to obtain provisions for them, at present." And in his talk, delivered to the council about the same time, he said to them; "Brothers, we have twenty of your children in our school, who are learning very well. When dry corn comes plenty, about the first of October, we will take 20 or 30 more. We wish to do all for your children that we can."

To meet and secure these favorable dispositions, is a matter of great importance. The effect of disappointing them might be incalculably detrimental. The brethren of the mission have done what they could: and they have done much. Feeble handed, as they have been; weakened and afflicted with sickness; subjected to inconveniences; encompassed with difficulties; struggling on in weariness and painfulness; it is wonderful, that in so short a time, they have brought the establishment to its present state. They need help, and must have help.

More than five years ago, Mr. Alfred Wright, while a student in the Theological Seminary at Andover, after serious and prayerful

deliberation, came to the resolution to devote himself to the missionary work among the heathen, should Providence open to him the way; but a failure of health has hindered him. After a residence, however, in North Carolina for two or three years, in a climate favorable to his constitution, he found his health so far restored, as to encourage him to commence preaching; and for several months past he has been employed in missionary labors to good acceptance, in South Carolina. With the return of health, his desire to go to the heathen has gained strength and animation.

Having offered himself to the service, under the patronage of this Board, with satisfactory testimonials, he is now under appointment to the Choctaw mission. A request has been sent on for him to be ordained at Charleston, S. C. and it is hoped, that he will join the mission before winter.

Several young men, teachers and mechanics, have offered themselves, and been accepted, for the service among the Aborigines; some of whom are intended for the Choctaw nation. And the Committee cannot doubt, that it will be the pleasure of the Board, that the help and means, requisite for the work there, should be supplied, with as little delay as possible.

The appearances are of a nature not to be mistaken, that in the Choctaw nation, as well as in the Cherokee, the fields are white already to the harvest; and to inspire the hope, and the confidence in the Lord of the harvest, that he that reapeth will receive wages and gather fruit, unto life eternal.

ARKANSAW.

About twenty-two months ago, proposals were made, in behalf of the Board, to that portion of the Cherokee nation, that have migrated to the Arkansaw, for the establishment of a mission and schools among them. The proposals were favorably received, and a strong desire was expressed by the Arkansaw chiefs, that their people might be favored with means of instruction, similar to those afforded to their brethren on this side of the Mississippi. These proposals were solemnly repeated in May 1818, and were received with gratiude. About ten months ago, a conference was held with them, by the Rev. Mr. Peck from the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, and the Rev. Mr. Ficklin from the Kentucky Mission Society, with reference to establishments contemplated by their respective Societics. They too were answered with kindness; but were given to understand,that their proposals could not be accepted, until more should be known respecting our intentions. At the instance of the chiefs, and with a highly creditable liberality and Christian spirit, a correspondence was opened by them on the subject; which resulted in a talk, sent to the chiefs by Mr. Peck, in the latter part of last winter, of the following purport.

"BROTHERS,

"I have heard from your brothers in the north, who have a mission among the Cherokees on the other side of the Mississippi. They remember you with great love, and have not forgotten the promise to send you teachers. They have appointed a good man, who will visit you soon, and afterwards other good

men, who will instruct you and your children, and seek your welfare.—I will do all in my power to promote the good work."

"And may the Great Spirit breathe upon the Chief and head-men, and upon all the Cherokees on the Arkansaw, both small and great-disperse all the clouds, and cause the true light to shine upon them, that they may be happy here and after death."

The person here referred to, as having been appointed to visit them soon, was the Rev. Alfred Finney, who was mentioned in the Report of the last year. He was designated for the Arkansaw in November, with the intention, that he should go out early in the spring, explore the country, make arrangements preparatory to the contemplated establishment, and be joined by others, as soon as should be deemed advisable. But particular circumstances occasioned delay.

Mr. Finney and his wife are now with the company from Rockaway, mentioned under the head of the Cherokee mission, as being bound to Brainerd. At Brainerd, he is to be joined by the Rev. Cephas Washburn, mentioned also in the last year's Report; who has been employed for the last nine months in Georgia, and has received instructions to leave Georgia, in season to reach Brainerd about the first of November.

From Brainerd, Messrs. Washburn and Finney are to proceed to Elliot; and there leave their wives with the Choctaw mission, until they shall have visited the Arkansaw and made such preparations, as shall render the residence there of females, belonging to the mission, safe and proper. The mission is projected on the same general plan with those already established; and is intended to be put forward with all convenient despatch.

The Chickasaws, whose country lies partly between the Cherokees and the Choctaws, have been for a considerable time expecting and desiring a mission to them; and it has been declared to be the pleasure of the Board, that means of instruction should be extended them, similar to those afforded to their neighbors. It has not yet been found convenient to commence an establishment among them; but the design is entertained with much earnestness, and will be put in execution with as little delay as possible.

The

This business of civilizing and christianizing the Indian tribes, is becoming extremely urgent. The national government is convinced,— the people throughout the States are convinced, the Indians themselves, the better informed of them at least, are convinced,-that they must become civilized, and that soon,-or soon become extinct. alternative is absolute. It should be felt as such by every heart. Not a few, it is to be feared, in different parts of the country, really desire the extermination of these original possessors of the soil; and, of course, will favor no designs for their improvement. A larger number either think their civilization impracticable, or else think little, and care little, about it. But the benevolent part of the community is waking up to the object;-the government favors it;-the Indians shew a disposition respecting it, such as has been manifested by them in no former period-a desire tending to deep anxiety;-Divine Providence is opening the way to it, with unexpected facilities and advantages; and the Divine Spirit has given to it his decisive sanction,

and an assurance of his readiness to accompany the proper means with his Almighty Aid.

The time for the work is come. If it be neglected, the object is lost. Baleful circumstances will arise;-scenes of strife and of destruction will ensue; and the Indians will melt away and perish. But they will not perish, before it shall have been made clear to the world, that they might have been preserved, and raised up to the enjoyment of the privileges and blessings of Christian civilization. If they perishif they become extinct-their blood will be upon this nation.

The responsibility is not a light one.-Nor is it, though feasible, a small work. It will require much attention, much wisdom, much labor, much expense. This Board must not be weary in well doing; the friends of religion and of humanity throughout the nation must be excited; all hearts and all hands must be engaged for one mighty effort.

SANDWICH ISLANDS.

It is well known to the Board, and to the Christian community extensively, that there are several youths from the Sandwich Islands, under especial patronage and instruction in this Christian Land. It was, indeed, the desire for their instruction,-that they might not only enjoy the blessings of Christianity themselves, but also be instrumental in communicating them to their friends and countrymen,that gave birth to our Foreign Mission School. And the expectation has been fondly cherished by many thousands, that as soon as suitably qualified, these youths would be sent back to their native Islands; and that missionaries of our own country would be also sent, with a view to the introduction and establishment of the Gospel there, with all its civilizing and saving influences.

Obookiah, whose heart was filled with the holy design, in whom a particular interest was extensively felt, and on whom no ordinary hopes were placed,-is not to return to Owhyhee.-God had provided some better thing for him.-But though dead, he yet speaketh; and in a tone, and with an emphasis, not to be unheeded. His Memoirs,like those of the still dearly remembered Mrs. Newell,-are pleading the cause, which was dearest to his heart, with powerful effect.

His mantle too is with his brethren. Three of them, giving satisfactory evidence of piety, of well established Christian principles and habits, of promising abilities for usefulness, and of a sincere and ardent desire of being employed in the great work of evangelizing their countrymen, are thought to be so far advanced in knowledge, and other qualifications, as to render it advisable to gratify their desire, as soon as convenient. And a fourth, the son of Tamoree, one of the kings of the islands, is impatient of delay: and though not like the others, exhibiting evidence of a truly religious character, yet possessing vigorous faculties, having made good proficiency in his studies, and being impressed with a conviction of the importance of Christianity to himself and to his countrymen, the hope is entertained, that he will be a friend to the mission, and a blessing to his nation.

Of the sons and daughters of our Zion, several appear to have had their hearts prepared by divine grace for this arduous mission to the

Isles afar off. Mr. Daniel Chamberlain, of Brookfield, Mass. a substantial farmer in the prime of life, with a rising family, and in the midst of prosperity, has given up all that would hold him to his country, to his home, or to his earthly pursuits, and willingly offered himself and his family for the service. Dr. Thomas Holman, a young physician of Cooperstown, N. Y.-Mr. Samuel Ruggles of Brookfield, Con. a member of the Foreign Mission School from its commencement; Mr. Elisha Loomis, of Middlesex, N. Y. by trade a printer, and for some time past a student at the same School; and Mr. Samuel Whitney of Branford, Con. a member of Yale College, and also possessed of mechanical skill;-have, in like manner, devoted themselves, desiring to be enrolled for the mission, and to be employed in such parts of the work, as they are best qualified respectively to execute.

Mr. Hiram Bingham of Bennington, Vt. and Mr. Asa Thurston of Fitchburg, Mass. approved men, whose preparatory studies in the Theological Seminary at Andover are just closed-yet of mature age, and somewhat acquainted with mechanical arts-are designated, as principals of the mission, and their ordination is appointed to be at Goshen in Connecticut, on the last Wednesday of the present month.

A passage to the Sandwich Islands is engaged for these missionaries and assistants, with their wives and the four islanders, on board the brig Thaddeus, bound from this port to the Northern Pacific Ocean, and expected to sail in about a month from this time. It is intended, that the mission shall be amply furnished; and an assurance is felt that it will be attended with the hopes and desires and prayers of many thousands.-The Society Islands have proclaimed JEHOVAH for their God; and the Sandwich Isles are waiting for his law.

FOREIGN MISSION SCHOOL.

This Seminary, so strong in the affections, and so dear to the hearts of Christians, is in a highly gratifying course of advancement. The present number of pupils is thirty-two. Of this number nine are from distant heathen countries-six from the Sandwich Islands, one from Otaheite, one a Chinese from Malacca, one from Sumatra;seventeen are Aboriginal Americans-seven Cherokees, two Choctaws, two Oneidas, two from the Stockbridge tribe, one from Pennsylvania, and one from Canada;-and six are young persons of our own country, preparing for the missionary service.

Seven of the youths from heathen lands, have publicly professed their faith in the Redeemer, and been admitted to the sealing ordinances of the Everlasting Covenant; and their conduct has been such in general, as to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior, and to give an example very salutary in its influence on the school. Besides these, several others indulge the hope, that they have passed from death unto life; and others still are impressed with serious convictions of the truth and importance of Christianity.

At the late examination, the Executive Committee of the school took particular note of the pupils individually, as to their behavior and their progress; and their Report is such as to inspire confidence and hope.