25. The Fem. Benev. Society, of Foxboro,' by the Rev. T. Williams, ately en. uing, viz. May 24, 1819 Contribution in the Rev. Otis Thompson's society in Rehoboth, 25. Contrib. in the Rev. Dr. Parish's congregation, in Byfield, 10 00 2 00 1.00 10 69 Contrib. in the society of the late Dr. Spring, Newburyport, From ladies of the same society, From an unknown source, by a member of the Rev. Mr. Emerson's society, The Tabernacle society in Salem, by the Rev. Dr. Worcester, Contribution in the Rev. Mr. Walker's society in Danvers, Collection in the Old South Church, Boston, after the annual sermon, by the Rev. 26. Contribution in the Rev Daniel Thomas's society, in Abington, Contribution in the congregation in Carlisle, by the Rev. Paul Litchfield, June 8. Contribu. in the congregational society in Franklin, by the Rev. Dr. Emmons, 12. Contrib. in the Rev. P. Sanborn's society in Reading, From the following Charitable Societies and individuals, viz. May 24. The Fem. Benev. Society of Rehoboth, a small balance, 32 31 39.94 46 76 40 24 675 109 25 47 50 42 67 6206 28.20 8 78 11 76 40 97 19 00 2.50 Eliza Carpenter of do. 25. The Fem. Cent Soc. of Wenham, by the Rev. John Smith, A lady in South Reading, by the Rev. R. Emerson, Mr. Ephraim Noyes, 1.00 7 17 1.00 5.00 20.00 300 Fem. Domestic Soc. in the south parish of Danvers, for aiding domestic missions, by the Rev. Mr. Walker, 26. The Fem. Auxil. Educ. Soc. of Newburyport and vicinity, by Mrs. Sarah Goodrich, Treasurer, June 4. A lady of Sutton, by Jona. Leland, Esq. The Fem. Cent Soc. of Ashby, by Miss Rebecca Taylor, Treasurer, 12. Collection in a charity box in the west parish of Medway, The Fem. Benev. Society of Attleborough, by Salona Thacher, Treasurer, 37 56 80.00 50 41 10 600 7 03 19 75 32 73 194 00 $1,186 82 PECUNIARY ACCOUNTS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS MISSIONARY SOCIETY. M. M. S. in account with J. Evarts, Treasurer, Dr. To cash paid during the year preceding the late annual meeting, May 25, 1819, viz.” By cash received, during the year past, from collections in churches and con $3,658 06 743 18 381 54 57 46 208 06 320 75-1,710 99 $5,949 05 The balance at this period, as published in the Panoplist for June, 1818, p. 274, was $3,452 06, which is $186, less than the true balance, as above. The mistake occurred during the absence of the Treasurer, it being supposed that $186 was paid from the Treasury, whereas it was paid by the book-committee, it having been previously drawn from the Treasury, by order of the Trustees, as part of the appropriation for books. It follows, that the charge for books in the same account, should have been $200 instead of $386. †The interest and income is larger than it otherwise would have been, as, on account of the Treasurer's absence, several dividends, which accrued during the preceding year, were not paid till within the year past. DONATIONS TO THE AMERICAN EDUCATION SOCIETY, for Nov. 1819. Female Char. Society, Sheffield, Mass. Collected at two monthly concerts for prayer, in Chelsea, Connecticut, $30.00 2 12 1.00 11 40 24 25 Liberty Co. Geo. Fem. Cent Soc. transmitted by the Rev. Mr. McWhir of Sunbury, 200′ 06 New Ipswich, N. H. Aux. Educ. Society, Norfolk, Ms. Auxil. Educ. Society, Do. Do. 30 00 60 00 25 00 21.00 Society in Sherburne, Mass. by A. Leland, Esq. Female Religious Society, Sturbridge, Mass. 9.00 Church in the Theological Seminary, Andover, by Samuel Farrar, Esq. 100 00 25 60 ABSTRACT OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL AMONG THE INDIANS AND OTHERS IN NORTH AMERICA. THE missions of the Society during the year past have been in the District of Maine;-among the New Stockbridge Indians;-the Indians on Martha's Vmeyard; the Narragansets, the Senecas, and Munsees. 1. In the District of Maine. The Rev. Daniel Lovejoy has labored at Robbinston and the vicinity. In this town he has been settled the past year. "During his mission of five months, he preached sixty two sermons, attended five meetings for prayer, baptised four children, administered the Lord's Supper, and made family visits." Mr. Lovejoy's health is infirm, and he will probably be obliged to relinquish the mission. On this account the Rev. Elijah Kellogg has been appointed to a mission at Lubec and the neighborhood. The Rev. John Sawyer has labored at Williamsburg, Brownville, and the vicinity, Sangerville, Foxcroft, Garland, Sebeck, No. 3, Williamsburg, Orono, and Sunkhaze. He was employed 4 months. Besides the usual duties of a missionary, he has been laboriously engaged in establishing and superintending schools, which are increasing in numbers, and promise much good. The Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Porter has performed his missionary services at Fryeburg aud the vicinity. He spent 9 Sabbaths in the service of the Society. "There are appearances of a reformation in Fryeburg. The number of inquirers is increased. A Sabbath Bible School was continued in Fryeburg and Conway during the summer and autumn of last year, and it was expected to be revived, and others opened, in the spring. The Rev. Mr. Nurse has labored, as formerly, at Ellsworth, both as pastor of the church in that place, and as superintendent of the school, at which instructors are qualified for many other schools in the neighborhood. It has consisted of from 50 to 80 scholars. The Rev. Josiah Peet has performed the duties assigned him at Norridgewock and the vicinity. He visited Temple, Farmington, New Sharon, and Bingham. Attendance on meetings, and attention to the word preached, has been greater during this mission, than usual." "The Rev. Nathan Douglas, during a mission of two months, spent one week alternately with his own people in Alfred, and in Shapleigh." He had many applications for tracts, gives an encouraging account of the schools, their proficiency, and their prospects. The Rev. Jonathan Calef has performed a mission of two months at Parsonsfield and the vicinity. His labors were in Parsonsfield, Effingham, Cornish, Newfield, Limington, and Waterborough. In the first mentioned place, "They entertain a hope, that, if they can be favored with missionary assistance 2 or 3 years more, they shall be able to settle the Gospel again among them." "The Rev. Jonathan Fisher has assiduously performed a mission of two months at Sedgwick and the vicinity. He devoted much time and attention to personal and family instruction." The appearances in that neighborhood are considered by the missionary as increasingly favorable. The Rev. Freeman Parker has continued his labors at Dresden and the vicinity. A considerable part of his services were performed in Bowdoinham. "The Sunday schools, which were mostly under the instruction of young ladies of professed piety, were holden in three parts of the town of Dresden, and about 100 children attend." The Rev. Mighill Blood preached at Columbia and Machias, visited Lubec, and passed over to Eastport, where he spent the rest of the time during his mission. He found the people in this place very attentive,-had much reason to be satisfied with his reception among them, and believes there are many praying for the prosperity of Zion on that Island. The Rev. Thomas Cochran, on a mission of two months, preached at Searsmort, Camden, Belmont, Duck Trap, and St. Georges, and performed other missionary services. He established one Sunday school, visited others, and distributed many books. The Rev. Thomas Adams has performed a mission of 4 months at Vassalboro' and the vicinity. This appointment, together with the encouragement of the Society's patronage, facilitated Mr. Adam's settlement in the ministry at Vassalboro,' which has taken place since his appointment. Mr. A. has preached in Winslow 10 Sabbaths, and was heard with respectful and solemn attention, and was cordially received in his visits, as well as in his public ministrations. Several members of the church of Vassalboro' resided here, and the Lord's Supper was celebrated here on the first Sabbath of Nov. 1818, and again on the first Sabbath of May. "On invitation, several other denominations mingled with this little flock around the sacramental board, manifesting their persuasion that Christ is not divided; but that there is indeed one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Sunday schools are established both here and at Vassalboro' and the moral aspect appears brightening. 2. Moheakunnuk or New Stockbridge Indians. The number of these Indians has been recently diminished by emigration. The Rev. Mr. Sargeant, the missionary, collected the whole tribe on the 24th of July, 1818, by appointment, "with a view to have them present at the forming of a church from this tribe, who were about to remove and form a new settlement at White river, in Indiana, with a number of others of the tribe. Mr. S. transcribed the Confession of Faith and Covenant, both in English, and in their own language, which was subscribed by each of the members of the newly formed church. Before their departure, the missionary delivered a long address to them, pointing out their duty, and advising them how to conduct themselves when arrived among the heathen. Before their departure Mr. S. preached to them and administered the Lord's Supper, and by a testimonial, signed by himself, and the Rev. Mr. Lyman, commended this infant church to the Christian kindness and care of all the friends of Christ.”* 3. Indians on Martha's Vineyard. Mr. Frederick Bay lies, who had for several years been employed as instructor to the Indians on this island, having received several grants from the Society the two last years, and entirely approved himself by his assiduity and fidelity, has been appointed to a more extended mission. Mr. B. says, 'Chabaquiddick, Farm Neck, and Christiantown, remain much the same as they have been for years past. At Gay Head they are more attentive to public worship than formerly; and I find a greater number in my favor than I expected. In my visits my feelings are often hurt; the universal complaint is, ‘Our children are suffering for want of a school, and we are not able to support one. Can you help us. Mr. Baylies spent a day at Troy, where are 48 natives, who received him kindly. They have a decent house for meeting and schools. In a letter from the Rev. Mr. Thaxter of Edgartown he remarks, "I consider the instruction of these poor creatures an object of importance. I have been acquainted with * See an account of this little company of Christian emigrants in our last vol. p. 476. them near 40 years, and am fully persuaded, that schooling the children ought to be the first object; preaching to them the second. Were the missionary entrusted with a small sum to procure a school mistress, it would be productive of great good. It would not only benefit the children, but endear him to their parents, and render his labers more useful." On the 21st of June, in a full assembly of the Indians, at Gay Head, at which Mr. Thaxter attended, he informed them what exertions were making for them, and counselled them to improve the privileges within their reach. "The Indians appeared to be pleased; they chose a committee to agree with a woman to take charge of the school. On the 28th it was opened." It soon contained 30 to 36 scholars, from 5 to 16 years of age. Mr. B. on visiting the school repeatedly, says, "I found it in good order, the parents gratified, and the children improved." On the 30th of August, Betsey Carter, a woman of color, opened a school at Chabaquiddick. Mr. Baylies visited her school several times. "She has more than 20 scholars, and gives good satisfaction." On the 6th of September, Miss I. Luce opened a school at the North Shore. The missionary visited her school twice. “She has 13 scholars, and discharges her duty with fidelity." Mr. Thaxter in a letter to the Secretary, says, "I advised Mr. Baylies to try to awaken their ambition, by choosing a committee of their own, to provide a school mistress, and to oversee the schools. It took with them. I advised them to add to the donation, and to keep up a steady school. They appeared well pleased." 4. Narragansets. The Indians of Charlestown, R. I. who were included in Mr. Baylies' commission, have been the objects of his particular care. He set out for Narraganset on the 22d of July. On the 2d of August he opened a school at Charlestown, in the Indian school house, and continued it 3 weeks. He had from 11 to 36 scholars. The whole number was 46, of whom 10 can read in the Testament. On the 23d of August, Miss Clark took charge of the school. She will also continue the Sunday school which Mr. B. commenced. “A new era appears to be commenced among the Indians in regard to education. Their schools are in a flourishing state." "Here the tender mind is early disciplined to order; here they are taught the excellency of the Christian religion, and the importance of a regular life. These schools meet the general approbation of all." Public worship is more respected on this island than formerly. 5. Senecas and Munsees. The Rev. Timothy Alden has been appointed to another mission among these tribes. If unable to perform his mission this year, he will, by permission, perform it the next. Officers elected May 27, 1819. His Honor WILLIAM PHILLIPS, President. Rev. ELIPHALET PORTER, D. D. Vice President. Rev. ABIEL HOLMES, D. D. Secretary. Rev. WILLIAM E. CHANNING, Assist. Secretary. SAMUEL H. WALLEY, Esq. Treasurer. Mr. JOSIAH SALISBURY, Vice Treasurer. SOUTH-SEA ISLANDS. From the London Evangelical Magazine. The following Letter from the Rev. W. P. Crook, one of the missionaries in Otaheite. was addressed to the Rev. W. Milne, at Malacca, and contains not only a confirmation of the former intelligence, but also several very pleasing particulars with which we had not before been acquainted. We copy it from No 6, of the Indo-Chinese Gleaner, published at Malacca, in October last, which is just come to hand. Wilks Harbor, Tahiti, July 9, 1818. 'MY DEAR AND HIGHLY ESTEEMED BROTHER, Mr. Davis and I wrote to you from Eimeo last December. Since that time many important things have happened; we have been reinforced by additional laborers from England; our brig so long in hand, called the Haweis, is now at sea, removing the missionaries to their various stations. Eight of us are left at these two islands, and eight go to the leeward islands of the group. We have three missionary stations at this island, and one at Eimeo, with two missionaries at each station. Mr. Bourne, one of the newly arrived missionaries is with me: he understands printing, and we are about to set up a press here, in addition to that which Mr. Ellis has removed to the islands below. The whole of this group of islands is now professedly Christian, and if we are to judge of their conduct by that of nominal Christians in general, they have vastly the advantage. Theft is almost unknown among them. Family prayer is set up in every house, and private prayer is almost universally attended to. These poor people look up to the missionaries as their oracle in all their troubles of body and mind, civil and religious. They were once the cruel slaves of Satan, destroying themselves and their infant offspring. Now women are restored to their rank in society, a new generation of young ones is springing up beloved by their parents; and the face of things is marvellously altered, so that we are constrained to say, 'This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.' We are endeavoring to bring them into regular habits, and to promote their comfort and usefulness. This we trust will be in time accomplished. Last May we held the anniversary meeting at Eimeo. All the missionaries, sixteen in number, and most of their families, were present; and spent a most delightful day together, partaking of the Lord's Supper. But what is most remarkable, a Missionary Society was formed among the natives. The King is President, and the various Chiefs are Governors, with Secretary and Treasurer. Cocoa-nut oil, arrow-root, cotton, or pork, is to be subscribed, and the funds sent to England. It is supposed, that there will be scarce one inhabitant, that will not be a member. Reading is become general among this people, and they are diligently engag ed in teaching each other: 3000 copies of Luke have been printed and sold for 3 gallons of cocoa-nut oil each copy. Many thousands are sadly disappointed that there are no more. We believe ten thousand might have been sold in ten days. We hope to get on printing and publishing the Sacred Scriptures. 'A great concern is manifested for the islands around us, and those who were thought to be out of the reach of missionaries, are graciously and very providentially brought under the influence of the word. The fame of the Gospel has spread by means of the natives themselves. The inhabitants of some of the low islands to the eastward have cast away their idols, and many of them are among us, learning the word of God. The sound has reached Tubuai and the high islands called Raivavae, and the people are desirous of missionaries. I am sanguine in my expectations of the Marquesas, some of whom have learned to read with us, and now others, natives, from hence are going. I have also some hopes of the Sandwich Islands, as the American Brig Clarion, by whom I send this, is bound thither and takes passengers, some natives of those islands who have been learning the word of God here. Excuse my hasty scrawl, dear brother, and let me have the pleasure to hear from you when opportunity offers, and I hope to be punctual in writing to you in return. Mr. Davies has removed to Huaheine, with Mr. Ellis and others, having the press. As we are to windward I shall most likely get intelligence first, and any you may send me, shall be quickly communicated to him. We are here with eight children, have a dispensary, a large school on the new plan, much of the language, &c. to write, and frequently to preach; Mrs. C. has also a school of girls, so that we have enough to do.' MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES RELATIVE TO RELIGION AND MISSIONS. THE following letter was accompanied by a donation of five dollars, and communicated by a clergyman. "REVEREND AND DEAR SIR, Boston, September 17, 1819. BEING present at the last monthly prayer meeting, and hearing of the design of sending a mission to the Sandwich Islands,-and prior to this having heard very unfavorable accounts of the character of those Islands-my mind was strongly impressed with the desire that something might be done for them. And although much may not be accomplished in my day; yet a first effort is always necessary to bring about any event. "You will be pleased, therefore, to take the charge of the enclosed "widow's mite," as a small part of the sum necessary for so great an undertaking." Iain, Dear Sir, Yours respectfully. A WELL WISHER." |