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and teachers must be supported to receive
and instruct them. Buildings likewise must
be erected for their accommodation, and
various other expenses must be incurred,
which will always require more money,
than the simple maintenance of the Chil
dren. We say this from our apprehension;
that the education of heathen children is so
■ popular a charity, that it may possibly re
ceive a disproportionate patronage.*
And now, Dear Sir, could we close this
letter by giving you the joyful intelligence,
that not only are-the fields ripening to the
harvest, but that the reaper already be
gins to fill his arms, we trust that the tear,
which steals into the eye, as we think of
our dear native land, would forget to fall,
or drop only in gratitude; and while we
can say, that there is some seriousness
among the boys of our families ; that the
first fruits of our labours in the Lord con
tinue generally to appear well ; that a spir
it of inquiry seems more and more to pre
vail among the heathen around us—that
the fervency of united prayer begins to
warm the breasts of the missionaries of dif
fetent denominations, as appears in our
monthly meetings, and in a daily union of
prayer ; and that the Lord has been pleas
ed to add one more to our church since
we last wrote ; one, too, who has already
been useful to us as an interpreter and
schoolmaster, and who promises to be a
blesshg to his benighted countrymen —we
do rejoice in our work, and bless God that
■“ to us. the least of all saints, is this grace
given, to preach among the Gentiles the
unsearchable riches of Christ.”
Asking your prayers and those of the
churches, and trusting that neither you nor
they will despise the day of small things,
we subscribe ourselves, Rev. and Dear Sir,
Your servants in the Lord Jesu-s
James Richards,
Daniel Poor ,
Levi Spaulding,
Miron Winslow,
Henry Woodward,
John Scuddcr.
* The reader will bear in mind, that these sug
gestions are in exact accordance with the subject,
in the Missionary Herald for September. The
Board want funds, and most urgently too, for the
support of the missionaries; for, if they-are not
supported, ali the schools mest fall of course.
Miss. Herald.
From the Missionary Herald,
ARKANSAW MISSION.
Extract of a letter from Mr. Jacob Hitch
cock,, an Assistant Missionary.
The writer of this letter left Brimfield,
Mass, in March last, on his way to the Ar- 1
kansaw mission. At Pittsburgh he was
joined by Mr. Orr, destined for the same
mission, and Messrs. Wood,Dyer Howfs,
with Mrs. Wood, on their way to Elliot.—
This mission company descended the Ohio’
together, and the Mississippi till they sepa
rated, at the mouth of White river, as here
related.
It has so fallen out, that very little in
telligence has been received from this mis
sion, and none by the officers of the Board
since Messrs. Finny and Washburn returned i
to Elliot, on ihe 25th of December, after a |
long and tedious journey. It was a part of
the original plan, that they should return
for their families in the autumn. We are
led tr> conclude, from all the circumstances
which have come to our knowledge, that
the lives of the six, who ascended the Ar
kansaw, have been spared; though the
same causes which produced the sickness
• of so many members of the Osage Mission ‘
Family, and the death of Miss Hoyt and Miss
Lines, exerted a baleful influence om the
health and strength of Mr. Finney and his
associates.
Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansaw Ter.
July 4, 1820.
When at Leavenworth, on the Ohio, !
wrote, giving you an account of my journey
that place; but I must now dispense with
particulars, as 1 was obliged to leave my
journal at the Post of Arkansaw. I wrote
to afterwards, lodging ■ the letter at
New Madrid Post Office. After that, noth
ing worthy of note transpired, until we
arrived at the mouth of the White River,
.where we parted with the brethren, who
■were d-signated for Elliot. This was on
Satnrd i.. i one 17th.
It not a little trying to my feelings
to part with these brethren, with whom 1
hail bpen sq long intimate. But my droop
ing spirits were soon cheered, on bearing
that Messrs. Finney and Washburn had
been some time at the post, and were pro
bably still there. We proceeded as fast
a possible, hoping to reach the Post be
fore the brethren left the place. The dis
tance was miles ; and to the first house
30 miles. Between ten and eleven o’clock
we started, entered the White River, ad
vanced-abaut 6 miles to what is called'the
cut off, (a channel 4 miles long from the
White River to the Arkansaw,) entered it.
and between three and four ‘o’clock came
to the Arkansaw river. We proceeded up
the river till nearly sunset, when we en
camped on the beach.
On Sabbath the 18th at 10 o’clock we
arrived at the first house on the river.—
There we were informed, that Messrs. F.
and W. were to preach at the Post that
day. We went on with good courage, al
though brother Orr was almost overcome
with the extreme heat. We reached the
Post about sunset, on Sabbath evening. To
our brethren and ourselves I believe it was
a joyful meeting
The hand of Providence appears very
visible in the events which prevented our
brethren from leaving the Post before our
arrival. They had been detained about a
week longer than they expected. The
circumstances were the following.
Before, leaving Elliot, they had hired
two men as labourers. At the Walnut H ils
the brethren took pas age in the Mam
boat, and ascended the Mississippi river to
the mouth of the White river, and thence
proceeded to the Post, leaving their hired
men to bring on their horses by land. Af
ter crossing the Mississippi the men had a
very bad road, —lost their way and wan
dered several days through swamps and
creeks wading in water and mud up to the
waist. Three days they had nothing to
eat except burnt coffee. They arrived at
the Post only the day before we did. Both
men and horses were almost in a state of
starvation. They were, however, soon
recruited, and we determined to proceed
on our journey by land ; the distance being
about 200 miles by land, and between three
and four hundred by water. Accordingly
we put our boxes on board a boat, that
was going up the river, packed our blank
ets, a few clothes and other articles indis
pensably necessary on the way, or immedi
ately on our arrival, upon three horses ;
and on Tuesday, June 20th, we all com
menced this part of our journey on foot,
leading our horses, which were heavily
laden with baggage. The weather was
very warm, the water poor, and the road
miserably bad, leading through swamps and
over creeks without bridges, except here
and there a tree fallen across.
In this way we travelled three days, du
ring which time Messrs. Finney and Wash
burn suffered considerably from sore feet.
But this was not all. On the 3d day, bro
ther Finney and Mr. Taylor (one of the la
bourers) were taken sick. We did not stop,
however* until Friday morning, when bro
ther F. concluded he could not travel ou
foot any further. We then concluded to
obtain a canoe, and that three should pro
ceed by water and the- other three by land.
Here again we were ’defeated, the canoe
being too small. The direction of Provi
dence was visible, in this event also. Not
an hour after we attempted to ascend ihe
river in the canoe, Mr. Finney, the other
labourer) was attacked with an ague fit.—
Three of our company were now sick, un
able to travel, all having*Symptoms of what
is commonly termed fever and ague. But
one could ride at a time, on account of the
baggage, though we iiad three horses. Af
ter leaving the house where we then were,
we must travel 45 miles before reaching an
other, and the travelling was worse than
any we,had had. We thought it best to
wait a few days, hoping lor better health.
But instead of recovering, brother Finney
and Mr. Taylor grew worse. On Sabbath,
Mr. T. had a violent attack of ague ; and
on Monday brother F. a similar one. Bro
ther Washburn who had the charge of the
medicine, endeavoured to break the par
oxysms. This in a measure succeeded on
Mr. Finney, and he began to amend. Wed
nesday, brother Finney and Mr. Taylor ap
peared a little better, and we prepared to
proceed on our way again the next day.—
We then adopted anew plan ; hired a large
canoe and two men to work it ; agreed that
brothers Finney, Washburn and Orr, and
Mr. Finney should go by water; and that
myself with Mr. Taylor should go by land
with the horses. On Wednesday after
noon. brother Orr, who, until inis had en
joyed comfortable health, was attacked hy
chill and fever. Thursday morning, we
were so comfortable that we attempt°d to
go forward. Mr. Taylor went with me
through ihe woods. We encamped two
nights in the wilderness. On Saturday we
arrived at Little Rock. Mr Taylor had
his turns of shaking each day ; but was no
worse. On Monday July 3d, the brethren
arrived. The health of brother Finney
and Mr. Finney was improving. Brother
Orr was feeble, and remains so. He has ,
chills and lever. We have dismissed our,
boatmen, and they have returned. We
snail make another attempt to go by land ; 1
and intend to start tomorrow if we are able. 1
Between the Mississippi and this place
it is very unhealthy, the land being low and j
swampy ; and the strangers, who come i
here, are much afflicted with fever and j
ague. From henCe westward the climate!
is said to he much more healthy, the land !
more hilly and the water belter. We are
now within about 100 miles of our phce of
destination. My own health has been
good ever since I left the Arkansaw Post,
except one day.
MISSION AMONG THE CHOCTAWS;
Extracts from the Journal at Elliot.
[Continued from page 49.]
April 2,1.820. Ur. Pride set out for Wal
nut Hills to transact some business relalive
to our boat, which is expected to arrive
here about this time, from Ohio. We have
had a large quantity of articles from Bos
ton and New Orleans stored at the Hills
for some time, having had no opportunity
to convey them to Elliot. We hope to re
ceive a part of these by the above mention
ed boat.
13. Were much gratified in receivings
large packet of letters from the Chickesaw
post office. They contain much to cheer
our hearts.
A girl who does not speak English was !
brought aid admitted to the school. This j
makes the number of scholars 63, including :
the little daughter of brother Williams.—
The health of the scholars is very good, as
is also that.of the family generally, except
two or three of the sisters, who are feeble.
30. The parents of live of our scholars
ariived here today on a visit. They re
side near 200 miles from Elliot. An In
dian youth, about 15 years old, son ofPush
amatahaw, a chief of that part of the na
tion commonly called the Six Towns, a
south-east district, came with them to join
the school. The lad speaks English flu
ently, reads and writes well, has a good
knowledge of English Grammar, and some
acquaintance with geography. Hkeduca
<ion was received at St. Stephens, through
the benovolence of several gentlemen in
that place.
May 7. The father of two of our sc holers
arrived, bringing with him two more active
170
lads, who were admitted into the school.
He also brought some letters from the
Choctaw agency. .
8. Have in general much satisfaction
withre.-pect to the conduct ot our children.
Although there is n considerable i.umber
of large scholars, yet thej have generally
conducted with propriety. Today were
under the painful necessity ot publickly
and severely reprimanding one ol them, in
the presence of the whole lamily, when as
sembled for evening devotion.
9. Meeting for business. Resolved, that
we admit into the school an applicant from
the Chickesaw nation, provided her pa
rents pay for her board, as we have been
informed that,, on such condition, there will
be no objection on the part ot the Choc
taws.
Boat from Ohio.
10. About noon, the mission boat which
we have long expected, arrived, to our
great joy. It is called “The Choctaw
Packet,” and left Marietta the 10th ol
March. Our friends can hardly conceive
the effect which this event was fitted to
produce on our minds. Besides the arti
cles purchased for the mission, we have al
so received from different parts of the IJ.
Sjates, by this arrival, the charities of a
thousand hands, accompanied bylhe'pray
ers of a thousand hearts. While we desire
to be deeply affected by these expressions
of Christian benevolence, we would not be
unmindful of the Great Source from whence
they flow.
18. We were gratified by the arrival of
Adam Hodgson, Esq. of Liverpool. This
gentleman] before he left England, had
heard of the school at Elliot, and came from
the road sijwty miles for the purpose of vis
iting it.
20. Mr.Hodgson, our jfions and benevo
lent visiter, left us today. Were delighted
and edifiedwith bis acquaintance.'* He -in- ]
tends visiting Brainerd on his way to the
northern states. This is perhaps the sec
ond or third time only, that we have been
favoured with the company of a pious
stranger.
24. Several valuable mechanicks came
with our boat from Ohio, who were en
gaged to labour for a time after their arri
val. Have lately erected a commodious
workshop, in which are employed a car
penter and wheelwright, and occasionally
a cabinet-maker. There was also a black
smith among the number, who works in the
smith’s shop when brother Fisk is absent.
Four men are at present employed in the
brickyard.
Visit-of the Indian Chiefs.
June 2. Puk-sha-onb-bee, and Mush-oo
la-tub-bee, two head chiefs, wiih seven or
eight of their principal warriours, or cap
tains, arrived this evening. They came at
our request more than 100 miles to visit the
school. The head chiefs are styled kings
in the language of their country.
3. The chiefs and were shown
our buildings, cellar, stores of provisions,
blacksmith’s shop, mill, wheelwright’s and
catpenier’s shop, brickyard, &.C. &c. They
were highly gratified vvith all ; but with
nothing were they more interested than
with our big clay oven, which was filling,
at the time for the dinner of our numerous
family. At ten o’clock they went into the
school, andcontinaed till two in the after
noon, observing with the greatest pleasure
and attention, all the exercises of the schol
ars, particilarly their spelling, exercises
for speaking English, and singing.
It would have been worth a journey from
New Eagiaid to have witnessed the ani
mation vi.-ij.le in the countenances of these
war-worn chief, at seeing the first dawn
ing-* of science upon the rising generation
of thsir country. After the exercises were
closed; the chiefs made a short address to
the scholars, in which they expressed the
high satisfaction they enjoyed on the occa
sion, arid their thankfulness to brother Wil
liams and the rrissienaries, for all the care
and labour, which they had bestowed on
the children.
Liberal Grant of the Choctaws.
After dinner the chiefs assembled under
a pleasant shade, near the school-house, to
hold a council on business relative to the
school. Mr. Kingsbury addressed them at
some length ; and dwelt upon the advanta
ges of education, the .expenses attending
the school, the liberality of their father the
President, and of their white brethren
toward then. This address was closed by
a request to king Puk-sha-nub-bee, that he
would appropriate part of the annuity due
his district,to the benefit of this school.—
They thanled us, and wished A little time
to deliberaie. It was not long, however,
before we were called. Puk-sha-nub
bee said, when he considered what had
been done by his w hite brethren for the
school, and what the other chiefs had done
for schools in their districts, he could not
hesitate a moment. He would give the
balance of the annuity due for the last pur
chase of land, which was.s2ooo a year, for
16 years, to the school at Elliot. An in
strument was drawn, and signed by the king
and ‘all hiscaptains, who were present.
j The king observed, that he was an old man
! —but he was glad to have an opportunity
|of doing some good before he died. They j
i were told, that we wished to have a talk I
j with them on the morrow about the Good,
i Book.
4. Sabbath. A more than usual number
I attended publick worship. We considered
, that it was a precious season, and that it
j ought to fie used for the benefit of the chiefs
; and warriours whom we never before had
| the opportunity of addressing on the sub
ject ot religion. Cnpt. Folsom interpreted.
; The morning was spent in narrating some
I of the most striking events of the Old Testa
ment history ; the evening in giving some
! account of Jesus Chri*t and the <vay of i
---* It seems duo to Mr. iiodgsori to stale, in,a
he left nt Elliot and Braintrd, proofs of Ids libe
rality, which his modesty would not permit to be
published.
■ vatioji through him. *Tldr\"U'Pro4|)fH
1 larly reminded, that this school had been
established through the influence of the
Gospel ; that Ihe good people who had giv
en money to it, and were praying for it,
wished for nothing so much as to se*e the
Choctaws become the followers ot Jesus
Christ.
Exhortation of the. Ch iefs.
After supper, the scholars were again
assembled at the request of the chiefs,who
addressed them for an hour, in a highly an
imated manner. When they had conclu
ded, Capt. F. gave ns, in few words, the
substance of what they had said. They
expressed their thankfulness at seeing their
children in a place, where they would
learn so many good things. They exhort
ed them to listen to all that Was said, and
be obedient; hut the subject on which they
dwelt more than any other, was that of the
“ Good Book.” It was truly animating to
hear them express themselves in this man
ner. They were ignoraut of the things,
about which they spoke ; but we hoped the
Lord had prepared their hearts to give the
Gospel a candid hearing, whenever they
should have an opportunity. How much
we desire that there may soon be one or
two faithful missionaries to travel through
the nation and proclaim the glad tidings of
the Gospel.
5.> Last night the chiefs procured a let
ter to be written in their name to the Sec
retary of the Board. This morning they
j had another written to their father the
i President, expressing their thankfulness for
the school, and earnest desires that more
schools may be established.
The time for.separation now arrive*}. —
The chiefs took an affectionate leave of all
the mission family, with many expressions
of gratitude. When introduced to the sis
ters who were going to the red people on
the Arkansaw, they affectionately expres
sed their good wishes. We see much oc
casion for devout gratitude on account of
this visit.
—**ozo:o:t:ozO’o- —
From the SailoT' l s Magazine.
BETHEL FLAG.
A friend who attends the the prayer mee
tings in the Upper Pool, has communicated
the follow ing pleasing circumstance.
“ Last Tuesday night, Capt. M , was
requested to give out a verse or two of a
hymn, and then pray. He came to the ta
ble, and said, “ My dear friends, 1 bless God
that ever the Bethel Flag was hoisted at
the Mast head of the N— D—.” He then
repeated the words, and said, “ Never since*
that night, have 1 heard an oath on board
of her, and I have some reason to hope,
that the Lord has begun the work of his
grace in the hearts of some of my people.
I am getting very old, and must soon enter
into eternity. Let us now pray for a Mes
sing upon the attempt to do good to the
souls of seamen.” He then poured out his
soul, in the most affectionate manner, fre
quently interrupted by the tears which ran
down his weather-beaten countenance, es
pecially when praying for the crew of the
N— D—.
Meetings in the Lower Pool.
Our sailor’s prayer meetings proceed
with the utmost energy and unusual success.
The spirit of power continues to enlarge
and expand the heart, and instances fre
quently are occurring of hardened sinners
being converted hy Almighty grace.
Five seamen had engaged in prayer on
board the Ariel of Shields, when a very
young lad, the cabin boy, took the hymn
book of his own accord, and gave out “O
for a thousand tongues to praise.” After
singing, he bowed his knees, and prayed
with such fervour and humility, that every
person was melted. The lad cried to the
Lord to pardon his sins, give him anew
heart, bless the meeting, teach his father
and mother to pray, and his little brothers
and sisters. He entreated also, that God
would strengthen his captain, to set a good
example before him and the ship’s compa
ny. The lad had scarcely finished, when
a captain of a ship, (who, with his wife, had
been invited on board the Ariel by the cap
tain,) began in much distress of mind, say
ing, “Lord, save me, a wicked 9inner;
have mercy on a poor prodigal. Five and
twenty.years 1 have been ploughing the
great deep, and never prayed before.—
Lord, thou hast often saved me from ship
wrecks and the devouring seas, and what
have I been doing,never to thank thee be
fore! Oh save me, Lord Jesus; my sins
are more than the sand on the sea shore!
1 will praise the Lord, 1 ever came to this
meeting to-night. What do I feel; what do
I see ! every heart broken before God, at
this unexpected visit from the majesty of
heaven,” His poor wife was deeply af
fected.
FROM THE SELECTOR.
A letter from a member of the South Carolina
Conference, to the Editors , duted Colum
bia, Jan. 12, 1821.
Asa part of the Selector is designed to
be a medium for the conveyance of reli
gious intelligence, and as the friends of re
ligion are always fond to hear of the pros
perity of Zion, and of the adoption of such
plans as promise well to aid in the support
jind extention ol our Redeemers kingdom ;
I have thought proper to communicate the
following information, relative to the pro
ceedings of the last South Carolina annual
Conference in the creation of a conference
and Indian mission—the .‘pecificlc objects of
which are, to supply as far as practicable,
the destitute parts of this conference with
preaching, and to visit the Southern tribes
oflndians, particularly the Choctaws, and
. search for a suitable site for a Missionary
I station, h was also recommended in the
j following manner—that for the purpose of
meeting with the increasing expense of
I supporting the Gospel, there should be
i weekly cent collections in our societies
nod *:n• ng <v V friends,'in addition to our
obtaining the means to ad
%nt#l tW aK'iour’V kingdom.
This method was adopted. *lt requires
but little from any individual, nnd all may
easily find u medium of contributing their,
mite, as you will perceive from the com
munication and resolutions subjoined.
A communication from the. Bishops to the
Conference
“lt is recommended hy the Superinten
dents, as a proper means, isi order to meet
(lie great and increasing demands made up
on us, by the necessities nj toe destitute,
within the limits of this Conference, and of
the Indians in particular, that there be made
in each of the societies, a ivcckly*cent col
lection, to be appropriated to the support
of a mission or missions among the Indians,
tlie Conference mission, and such other
necessary uses connected with the mission
ary cause, as may be approved by the
Bishops and the Conference. Should this
meet your approbation, it might be proper
to direct, that
Ist. —The Presiding Elders and the
Preachers in charge, shall inform the soci
eties of the objects of this institution, and
use proper measures to recommend it to
their regard.
2nd.—The Preachers in charge, shall
have the names of those who approve the sj
institution, appropriately recorded, so that
it may be ascertained from the records,
what amount shall have been collected in
the different societies and neighbourhoods.
3rd.—ln'making the collections, it shall
be at the discretion of those who contribute,
whether their contributions be made week
ly, monthly or yearly.
4th.—The Preachers shall receive an
nually, from such persons as may be by
them appointed to obtain the collections,
the amount competed ; and shall bring, and
account for the same, to conference.
sth.—The cent cbilections shall be alto
gether distinct from the quarterly and class
collections, and may not be considered as in,
anywise interfering therewith.
6th.—The Preachers in charge* shall be
supplied, each with a copy of these direc- j
lions, and sh <! read them in the societies.
Resolutions of the Conference upon the above
comma), ication.
Whereas the superi.it ndents have re
commended the plan of cent collections,
and proposed certain rules for the proper
execution of the same ; therefore
■ Resolved, That we approve of the plan
and adopt the directions recommended hy
the Bishops, as proper to govern us in mak
ing the collections and in appropriating the
monies collected.
2nd.— Resolved, That the monies col
lected as above, ought to be at the eclu
sive disposal of the Bishops and this confe
rence, according to the provision made in
the sixth item of the sth section, 2nd. part
of the form of discipline, and ought not to
be subject to any rules of the Missionary
Society. ,
3rd.— Resolved, That one thousand copies
of the Bishops’ communication be immedi
ately primed for the use of the Preachers
and societies ; and that these resolutions
be subjoined.
Copy from the Journals.
J.Vo. Howard, Sec. pro. tem.
Jan. 17, 1821.”
It is contemplated that this plan will
move the rrn.ss of our people. Should it
succeed,and we most cordially hope it may,
as there are twenty-four or five thousand*
white members of our societies in this con
ference, there may be from ter; to fifteen
thousand dollars raised by it annually,
which will aid the Missionary’ cause in an
important degree, and thereby much may
be done, in sending the gospel where the
name of Jesus was never heard.
Ihe Conference likewise formed itself
into a Missionary society, of which I think
every member present became a subscrib
er ; It is auxiliary to the Methodist Mis
sionary Society, of North America. The
following persons were appointed officers
and managers:
©
Rev. Lewis Myers, President.
J. Norton, ) Vice Presi- !
Samuel K. Hodges, \ dents.
William Capers, recording and cor
responding sec'ry.
W. C. Hill, Treasurer.
W. M. Kennedy, ‘j
J. Howard,
W. Kennedy,
A. Morgan, .Managers.
J. O. Andrew,
S. Dunwoody &
N. Talley,
There were seventeen preachers admit
ted on trial, the mo9tofwhom were repre
sented as young men of promising talents.
Eight located and two died, C. Dickerson
and S. Bass—they ended their labours tri
umphantly, and their works follow them.
We had a net increase of one thousand six
hundred and twenty members to the socie
ty, notwithstanding the many deaths and
emigration to the West.
From, the “ Scotch Preacher.'”
“ Twice had the sun .gone down on the
earth, and all as yet tyas cpiiet al the sepul
chre; death held his sce-ptre over the Son
of God; still and silent the hours passed on;
the guards stuod by their posts ; the rays
of the midnight moon gleamed on their hel
mets; and ou their spears ; the enemies of
Christ exulted in their success; the hearts
ot his friends were sunk in despondency
and in sorrow; the spirit of glory waited
in anxious suspense to behold the event,
and wondered at the depth'ofthe ways of
God ! At length, the morning star, arising
in the east, announced the approach of
light; the third day began to dawn upon the
world—when on a sudden the earth trem
bled to its centre, and the powers of Heav
en were shaken; an angel of God descen
ded, the guards stink back from the terror
of his presence, and fell prostrate on the
ground li js countenance was like lightning
