THE DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. FIRST REPORT-PRESENTED 10 THE GENERAL CONVENTION IN PHILADELPHIA, May 20, 1823. The operations of this society are managed by an executive committee of eight members, under the superintendence of a board of forty-nine directors, selected from fourteen states. The first meeting of the executive committee was held on the first of June, 1822, and measures were immediately adopted for "raising contributions in aid of the funds of the society." A correspondence on this subject was opened with the reverend bishops and other distinguished members of the church. Several of the introductory pages of the report are devoted to the answers given by the bishops of New York, Connecticut, New-Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio. . "The society," the directors remark, "has commenced its operations under circumstances by no means inauspicious. Other institutions, which are now dealing out the bread of life to thousands and tens of thousands, did not make a more promising beginning. We will indulge the delightful hope, that ere long "we shall reap if we faint not.” The leading object of the executive committee, during the first year, has been "rather to explore than to attempt to occupy any missionary ground.' The result of their labours will be presented under the following heads: Agencies. In compliance with the resolution of the board of directors appointing Mr. Ephraim Bacon a catechist, and Mrs. Bacon a teacher, to serve upon the western coast of Africa; the committee, at its first meeting, authorized Mr. Bacon to go out as an agent to procure funds towards the establishment of the contemplated mission school. He returned to Philadelphia in the month of September last, after having visited several places in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, in all of which he met with very considerable encouragement. Soon after his return from the south, Mr. Bacon went to the eastward as far as Boston, with an expectation that he would probably be able to hear of some vessel going to the western coast of Africa. He was instructed, at the same time, to prosecute the work of procuring contributions, either to the African mission or to the general objects of the society. As there was no immediate prospect of Mr. Bacon's being sent out, according to the first expectation of the committee: and he being disposed to continue in their service, it was thought proper to send him as an agent for the general purposes of the society, to collect funds in the states of North and South Carolina and Georgia. In the beginning of the month of November, the Rev. Mr. Bedell consented to serve the society for a few weeks as an agent, and to visit some of the eastern states. On the 6th of December last, the Rev. Amos G. Baldwin, from the diocess of New-York, was appointed an agent to visit the western states. He left Philadelphia early in January, with instructions to visit "the several states and territories in which the Episcopal church is not yet organized, for the purpose of gaining information respecting the state of the church, and the field they may offer for this society, and of forming auxiliary societies, and otherwise soliciting contributions in aid of its funds." In South Carolina, the Rev. Messrs. Hanckle and Van Pelt have been ap pointed agents for the society, both of whom have expressed a lively interest in the subject of missions. The Rev. Mr. Wheaton, of Hartford, Connecticut, and Mr. Eleazar Williams, of Michigan Territory, have also been appointed agents of the society. Missionary Stations. Mention has already been made of the mission school on the western coast of Africa, and of the appointment by the board of directors of Mr. and Mrs, Bacon, for that station; although the committee have not been enabled to prosecute this design, they conceived that the object ought not be lost sight of, and hope at no very distant day to see the mission commenced. An undertaking of this kind should be prosecuted with great caution, and as far as possible with a knowledge of all those circumstances which would either promote or retard its prosperity. By a little delay this knowledge will be obtained. It may be that the American colony now forming at Cape Messurada, will form a point around which many similar establishments may spring up. If, at some future day, a station similar to that at Regent's town, in the neighbourhood of Sierra Leone, under the care of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, can be selected unconnected with the colony, yet protected by it, it would seem to promise the greatest probability of success. The attention of the committee has also been directed to the north-west coast of America, somewhere within the bounds of the United States, as a promising field for missionary labour. A young gentleman* about to receive deacons' orders, had his mind directed several years ago to the subject of a mission here; and he still expresses a desire to be employed in this service. There are several of the Indian tribes along the coast, who are described by persons having resided among them, as a noble and highly interesting race of men. A new and interesting missionary station has lately presented itself to the attention of the committee, among the natives residing in the territory of Michigan. A letter has been received from Mr. Eleazar Williams, at present residing among them, dated Green Bay, Michigan Territory, December 2, 1822, in which he asks the aid of this society. One other station has presented itself to the consideration of the committee, where possibly the society may be eminently useful in planting the church, and extending the knowledge of true religion. The place referred to is St. Augustine, in East Florida. The young men's missionary society in Charleston, South Carolina, over which the bishop of that state presides, has already supported the Rev. Mr. Fowler as a missionary at the place, for a considerable length of time. They have lately made application to the general society for assistance. Publications. ized by the board to print, from time to Although the committee were authortime, missionary papers, devoted to missionary intelligence, in order to circulate kind has yet been done. The reason them among the churches, nothing of this why the committee has postponed these enabled, at a much less expense, to give publications, was because they have been circulation to all the information relating to the society, through those periodical papers which were already set up. Still, however, the committee suppose, when the number of auxiliaries shall be increased, and the operations of the society more extended, it will be very important to keep up a continual communication * Mr. Sylvester Nasb. with branch of the church by directors beg leave to congratulate every every means of these missionary papers. member of the society and of the church, upon the auspicious commencement of its labours. As yet it is as a grain of mustard-seed hid in the earth, which under the blessing of God, who never fails to honour them who honour him, will become a tree beneath whose shade many will sit with great delight. The Church Missionary Society in England continues to send out copies of its reports and proceedings, and of the Missionary Register, for the use of the board, and a separate copy for each of the bishops. These publications will be found eminently useful to the board, particularly when the sphere of exertion becomes enlarged. Appropriations. According to the provision contained in the 9th article of the constitution, the committee have appropriated two hundred dollars, during the year, to be applied to missionary purposes in the state of Ohio, together with one half of the proceeds of several bonds presented to the society by a lady in Connecticut, due and payable by persons residing there. They have also appropriated the same sum to the state of Delaware, upon the condition that they should form an aux iliary society, with a view to the better supplying of the churches within that state. Funds. By the treasurer's account, it appears that there is in his hands a balance of $2,256 10, without any specification of appro the manner in which it shall be It also appears that there are at this time 21 patrons of the society, so constituted by the payment of $50; 11 life subscribers, who have paid $30, and 74 annual subscribers, 70 at $3 per annum, and 4 at $5. Conclusion. To the enlightened philanthropist, who looks not beyond the temporal happiness of his fellow creatures, it must be a source of pleasure to observe the wide-spreading zeal which in these days is pervading the Christian churches. He will anticipate, with peculiar satisfaction, the approaching period, when the dark places of the earth will be cheered by the comforts and consolations which Christianity scatters along her path But to the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who takes into his calculation both worlds, and whose interest in the events taking place around him, is determined by their connection with the eternal welfare of mankind, the signs of the times are awfully important. He beholds the volume of prophecy, which has been rolled up for ages, gradually unfolding, and the kingdoms of this world (convulsed to their very foundations) preparing the way for the establishment of that better dominion, when every knee shall bow to Emmanuel, and every tongue "confess that he is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." One of the happiest features in the present prospect of the Church of Christ, is the increasing spirit of missionary zeal. This sacred fire, not like that celebrated in pagan fable, did, in truth, come down from Heaven, and is finding its silent way over both continents. With the increase of missions, the advance of true piety is inseparably connected. The living members of Christ's mystical body being partakers of the same faith, animated by the same hope, and constrained by the same love of Jesus Christ, will delight to emulate each other in the same blessed enterprise, which promises to give the Heathen to the Redeemer for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth In concluding this report, the board of for his possession. Blessed are all they who are interested to save sinners." Let us, then, not in such a cause; they are fellow-labourers doubt-let us not fear, nor grow tired with God in the accomplishment of his in the work. "The Lord himself is purposes; they are the best friends of the with us. The God of Jacob is our deLord Jesus, who "came into the world fence." Home Proceedings. UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Since our last number was issued, we have received letters from the Union Mission to the 15th of July, and from the Great Osage Mission to the 1st of August. These communications are, in some respects, more encouraging than any other which have been received in the course of the year. A number of the Osages of the Arkansaw were turning their attention to agricultural pursuits, and were preparing to form a settlement for this object within two or three miles of our missionary establishment at Union; and an accession of nine Indian children had recently been made to our mission school at Harmony. There was ground, also, to believe that the Great Osages would soon return to the village, (in the vicinity of that station,) which they abandoned in the autumn of last year. In the month of July, the Rev. Dr. Milledoler and the Rev. Dr. Spring were appointed commissioners to visit our missionary stations at Tuscarora, Seneca, and Cataraugus. They commenced their journey about the 10th or 12th of August, and returned to this city on the 23d of September. A report of their proceedings will be presented to the Board of Managers at its first meeting, and will probably be published in our next. A statement of the collections and donations received on their tour will be inserted at the close of the present number. In the month of August, the Board resolved to commence a missionary establishment at Machinaw, in the territory of Michigan. The Rev. Wм. M. FERRY, who had resided at that place about ten months, and who tendered his services to the Board, was appointed superintendent of the mission. His commission and letter of instructions, dated the 20th of August, were transinitted to him at Northampton, in Massachusetts; and on the 5th of September he and his wife, having made the necessary preparation, passed through Albany on their way to their destined residence. Mr. Ferry is instrutted to open a school for Indian children as soon as practicable. Should the success of his enterprise and the liberality of the Christian community warrant the measure, additional teachers, together with a farmer and his family, will be sent to his assistance in the course of the ensuing year. The Board have also acceeded to a proposition from one of their auxiliaries, the Northern Missionary Society, to take the management of its mission at Fort Graciat, in the Michigan Territory. This mission is located on the river St. Clair, about one mile below the outlet of Lake Huron, and embraces at present one male and two female teachers, with a school of fifteen or twenty Indian children. Thus, in the course of a few weeks, the managers have added two mis sionary stations to the number previously under their care. This extension of their operations will require a proportionate augmentation of their funds. To the liberality of the friends of Indian missions, controlled by the influences of Divine Grace, they look with confidence for the requisite means to carry on their missionary labours with promtitude and energy. UNION MISSION. EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. and occasionally to ride. The school is now under the care of brother Spaulding, From the Assistant, to the Domestic Secre- and is making good proficiency. tary-July 15, 1823. Notwithstanding the trying circumstances and the dark prospects of the mission at the commencement of June, yet, by the favour of a kind Providence, that month closed with a brightening scene, the lustre of which has not yet been diminished. On the 1st and 2d instant we raised our mills. To accomplish this, about thirty men, besides our own family and hired men, were collected, as by a Divine impulse, from the states of Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio, at the very moment their assistance was needed, and the provisions necessary to make them comfortable were afforded, only the day before, by the arrival of our supplies from Cincinnati. Probably two-thirds of a frame these men never before saw building of any size raised; yet, notwithstanding the weight of the timber, the extent of the building, and the inexperience of the men, no frame ever went up with more precision and promptness. Not the smallest disaster was sustained by a single individual. Surely the hand of God was visible here. It is judged by all who have seen the frame, that it is remarkably strong and skilfully constructed. On the 10th inst. brother Vaill returned from the post of Arkansaw. He brought letters from the Board, of the 17th of December, the 6th of March, and the 3d of April. He also brought letters for the family, and papers, pamphlets, &c. as mentioned in his late communications to the secretary of the Board. He informs us that the iron for our mills, which had been ordered from New Orleans, is now on its way up the Arkansaw. The family enjoy ordinary health. Sister Fuller, although still feeble, is recovering. She is now able to walk about, I expect in a few weeks to commence a settlement, about two or three miles from this place, with a few Osage families, who wish to adopt our habits and mode of living. The probable advantages of such settlements cannot at present be calculated. The late dispensations of Providence seem plainly to require the adoption of this measure. It may prove to be the corner-stone of civilization in this tribe.. That the Divine blessing may attend every effort of Christians for the spread of the gospel, direct the deliberations of the Board, and crown every labour with success, is, dear sir, our constant prayer. JOURNAL FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1825. Erection of Mills Suspended. Monday, June 2.-The millwrights are compelled to stop their business, because the frame of the building has not been raised, and the iron necessary for the machinery has not arrived. It has been utterly impossible to draw home the timber, which has been framed at the pinery, in consequence of the quantity of water which, for several weeks, has filled the streams and the surface of the ground. We expect that brother Vaill's expedition will furnish the iron. The green insects common in this country, about the size of honey bees, (called prairie flies,) have commenced their destructive ravages upon the stock. They are remarkably numerous this season, and very much perplex us in ploughing the corn-fields. They are so formidable an enemy that, if a horse were exposed to them in a confined state for a few hours, his death would probably be the consequence. We find it very difficult, in the day time, to drive teams or ride horses on the prairies: |