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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