this place, which has struggled against, and overcome numerous difficulties, and though they have received but little assistance from those to whom they should naturally look for encouragement, yet the abundant blessing of the Almighty, has, undoubtedly, accompanied their praise-worthy exertions. I gladly accepted an invitation from this gentleman to officiate in his stead, on the approaching Sabbath, being very desirous of becoming better acquainted with the character and strength of his congregation, which I expected to find but limited in the number of its members, on account of its late organization. Our Reverend brother called for me at my boarding-house in the morning, for the purpose of conducting me to their place of worship. It is a spacious edifice belonging to the University of Pennsylvania, and as I have been informed, occupied by the members of that University at the present time, who are engaged in erecting more extensive, and more convenient buildings. Two christian congregations of different denominations assemble here every Sabbath-the Methodist and the Lutheran. They worship under the same roof, having but a slight partition wall between them. How beautifully emblematical of that dividing line, composed of differeuce of opinion as respects some of the minor truths of the gospel, which prevents us from uniting more closely in this present world-and when I saw these christians, after the service of the sanctuary was ended, mingling unconsciously together, it reminded me of that union and fellowship, which will exist when time shall be no longer. It is whilst contemplating such scenes, that the soul is often lost in the most pleasing anticipations. The things of time and sense, vanish for a moment, from before us. The bright visions of futurity appear with their enchanting influence, and almost make us forget that we are mortal. Imagination soars from earth to heaven, and pictures to the mind a faint delineation of those glories which are inconceivable; while, no longer able to sustain the brilliancy of fancy's coloring, the splendid visions disappear, and we awake to lament that the dream of our happiness did not last forever. But I wander.

On being introduced into a room which would contain about five hundred persons, think of my astonishment, when, instead of a few individuals scattered here and there, I found almost every seat occupied.-I was led to a very neat pulpit raised a few steps above the floor, and after having seated myself, I observed a convenient gallery opposite, well filled with singers. It is customary in many churches, not only of our own, but likewise of sister denominations, to have the singing of psalms and hymns confined more particularly to the choir; and it is to be lamented that every christian who possesses the requisite faculty, does not pay more attention to this delightful part of public worship. The case here is different from what I have generally observed. As soon as I had announced the hymn, a sudden peal of soul-inspiring melody burst from every lip, and the house of prayer resounded with the praises of Jehovah. This, thought I, is music-music, such as angels use, where all are employed, from the least to the greatest, in ascribing glory to their Redeemer and

their God. I felt its influence; and I knew that I was in a place where many hearts were engaged in devotion.

This custom, however, or rather, this practical spirit of devotion, exists in other places besides Philadelphia. During my visits at New-York, which are frequent, I alway derive a peculiar pleasure from attending the church of St. James; and though this pleasure is in part produced by many fond associations, yet it is increased by observing that active piety which seems to prevail. There are likewise many other instances of this kind.

I have always admired the practice, adopted by a very interesting family of my acquaintance, whose children are taught from their infancy to lisp in harmony the praises of their Creator. What a delightful exercise! What a pleasing recreation! How preferable to those vain amusements, which administer pleasure but during their momentary existence, and leave no joy behind. This is certainly a custom, which, if generally prevailing, would produce a very happy effect. Every christian family might constitute this a part of their evening devotion, and on every succeeding Sabbath, whilst engaged in the service of the sanctuary, all could unite in those ascriptions of praise which are due the Creator from every individual menber of the family of man. I hope you will pardon me from making a passing comment on those subjects, which are thus accidentally presented. I should even be pleased to indulge more freely in my ob. servations, could they be comprehended within the limits of a single letter. But to return to our meeting.

The music was not the only thing which attracted my observation. The deep solemnity and serious attention which pervaded every countenance, convinced me that there was an earnest desire to become acquainted with the way of salvation, and those inspiring truths which relate to our welfare here, and are connected with our happiness hereafter. In short, I discovered that I was in the midst of a people, who had risen to their present happy condition, notwithstanding many trials and disappointments, which have only served to excite and cherish a spirit of christian perseverance.

You are, undoubtedly, well acquainted with the object of my mission to this city; and though I have found some whose charity not only begins at home, but ends there too, (how unlike the zeal of a Franke!) yet, thank God, I have found many who have expressed a deep interest in our success. Those who are desirous of contributing to our undertaking, are not able, in consequence of their own peculiar circumstances, to contribute any thing but their prayers; yet, surely, these will not ascend to heaven in vain:

I have often lamented that Lutherans are not more liberal in their intercourse with one another, and more anxious to promote those objects which will conduce to the general welfare. This is not confined to the lay members of the church, but it extends to ministers of the gospel; and here, in fact, we must look for the source of the evil. The Pastor of any people, has an opportunity of exciting among the members of his congregation a spirit of benevolence and liberality; and on the contrary, he can also, by his individual in

fluence, warp these feelings, and substitute in their stead, qualities of an opposite character. I am sensible that I may be censured for such an undisguised expression of my sentiments on this subject. I may be told that the existence of such principles is a sufficient evil, without exposing them to public view; but I must confess, that I do not agree in opinion with those who employ such arguments. Shall we permit these feelings to exist without correction, or shall we openly exhort each other to banish them from the midst of us. I, for my part, am in favour of the latter course, and I should hail its general adoption, as a most important event in our history. I have regarded with pleasurable emotions, the efforts which are making in our church at the present day A change has certainly been effected. Missionary and education societies, connected with the Lutheran cause, are springing up in every part of the Union; and the operations of these associations, are a convincing proof of the fact, that our people are beginning to awake from their inactivity. Two Theological Seminaries have been established within a very few years, and a third is now in contemplation.

But I have already extended this epistle beyond ordinary limits; I will therefore close with the promise that you shall soon hear from me again.

With sincere prayers for your welfare, I remain your affectionate brother in Christ.

HOPEFUL CONVERSION OF KUAKINI, GOVERNOR OF

HAWAII.

Among the number of those who have given pleasing evidence of a gracious change during the past year, and who will be admitted to the church at the next communion season, is Kuakini, governor of Hawaii. He is the last of his family who have now taken up their cross, but we devoutly hope and pray that he may not be the least in the kingdom of heaven. The evidence he gives of being a new creature, is as satisfactory as the nature of such evidence can be. It is no other than from being indifferent, he has become our warm friend, and from a besotted sceptic he has become a devout, a moral, and we trust a pious man. He has long been the subject of many prayers from the whole church in the island, and has at various times been under much concern of mind. His knowledge of the English language has, however, been a snare to him, as it has continually exposed his mind to the attacks of certain foreigners, who have left no means untried to prejudice his mind against Christianity, and to corrupt his morals. He has for several years deligently read his En lish Bible in order to discover the truth, and has long been familiar with the historical parts. He now discards his infidelity, and professes his full belief in the doctrines and precepts of Christianity, as his hope of salvation. May he prove a blessing to the church and

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his generation. Two weeks since, on the Sabbath before his departure to Oahu to visit his sister Piia, he arose, after the morning sermon, and addressed his people in a pious and affectionate manner, exhorting them to turn from their sins and follies, and give themselves up to Christ. "As for myself," said he, "I have resolved to serve the Lord, and to seek for the salvation of my soul through Jesus Christ. As he gave himself up a sacrifice for our sins, so"-said he, in allusion to the text of that morning-"do ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." He acknowledged his former remissness in the punishment of offenders against the laws enacted for the prevention of crime, and publicly announced his purpose of not suffering criminals to escape. "Let us observe," said he, "what the laws of God enjoin. If they say to us, You may steal, murder and commit adul tery, why then we will do it. But if not, then let us beware what we are about, for he sees us every day, and will judge us acording to our deeds."-Missionary Herald.

CHEROKEES.

Advancement in the Morals, the Arts of Government & Civilized Life.

The following letter says the Missionary Herald, from the Rev. Samuel A. Worcester, missionary of the Board, residing at New Echota, in the Cherokee nation, was addressed to Mr. William S. Coodey, Secretary of the Cherokee delegation now at the city of Washington. The letter states with sufficient explicitness the occasion of its being written, the aim of the writer, and the means of information possessed by him. It was first published in connection with a report, presented by the Secretary of War, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, asking information respecting the progress made in civilizing the Indians during the last eight years, and their present condition. The letter of Mr. Worcester is dated 15th of March, 1830.

Dear sir,-I cheerfully comply with your request, that I would forward to you a statement respecting the progress of improvement among your people, the Cherokees. Whatever might be said of the propriety or impropriety of missionaries discussing the question of the removal of the Indians, it can hardly be doubted that it is proper for any one to give a statement of what passes under his observation, in regard to the present condition of the tribes interested in that question. I shall not say any thing in this communication, which I shall be unwilling to have come before the public, accompanied with my proper signature, if occasion require.

Whatever deficiencies there may be in my statements, I shall use my utmost endeavor, that nothing colored, nothing which will not bear the strictest scrutiny, may find a place.

It may not be amiss to state, briefly, what opportunities I have enVol. V. No. 4.

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joyed of forming a judgment respecting the state of the Cherokee people. It was four years last October, since I came to the nation; during which time I have made it my home, having resided two years at Brainerd, and the remainder of the time at this place. Though I have not spent very much of the time in travelling, yet I have visited almost every part of the nation, except a section on the northeast. Two annual sessions of the General Council have passed while I have been residing at the seat of government, at which times a great number of the people of all classes and from all parts are to be seen.

The satistical information which has been published respecting this nation, I hope you have on hand, or will receive from some other source; it goes far towards giving a correct view of the state of the people. I have only to say, that, judging from what I see around me, I believe that a similar enumeration made the present year would show, by the comparison, a rapid improvement since the census was taken.

The printed constitution and laws of your nation, also, you doubtless have. They shew your progress in civil polity. As far as my knowledge extends they are executed with a good degree of efficiency, and their execution meets with not the least hindrance from any thing like a spirit of insubordination among the people. Oaths are constantly administered in the courts of justice, and I believe I have never heard of an instance of perjury.

It has been well observed by others, that the progress of a people in civilization is to be determined by comparing the present with the past. I can only compare what I see with what I am told has been.

The present principal chief is about forty years of age. When he was a boy, his father procured him a good suit of clothes, in the fashion of the sons of civilized people; but he was so ridiculed by his mates as a white boy, that he took off his new suit, and refused to wear it. The editor of the Cherokee Phoenix is twenty-seven years old. He well remembers that he felt awkward and ashamed of his singularity, when he began to wear the dress of a white boy. Now every boy is proud of a civilized suit, and those feel awkward and ashamed of their singularity who are destitute of it. At the last session of the General Council, I scarcely recollect having seen any members who were not clothed in the same manner as the white inhabitants of the neighboring states; and those very few (I am informed that the precise number was four) who were partially clothed in Indian style were, nevertheless, very decently attired. The dress of civilized people is generally throughout the nation. I have seen, I believe, only one Cherokee woman, and she an aged woman, away from her home, who was not clothed in, at least, a decent long gown. At home only one, a very aged woman, who appeared willing to be seen in the original native dress; three or four, only, who had at their own houses dressed themselves in Indian style, but hid themselves with shame at the approach of a stranger. I am thus particular, because, particularity gives more accurate ideas than general statements. Among the elderly men there is yet a considerable por