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fto. 44. Vol. ir. PLANS OF USEFULNESS. Extract from Rev. Stephen Chapin’s Century Sermon. We may benefit onr posterity by labour ing to devise plans ot’ usefulness.—Though we may feel ourselves.to be of little note or use in the world, yet one thought, o.ie hint, or word, or a plan of ours,may be the mean of infinite good in the salvation of thousands of souls. The suggestion of Reuben, to cast Joseph into a pit, was the |2ean of saving the kingdom of Egypt and the nation of Israel from destruction. The fidelity of Mordecai in giving timely warn ing to the king, that a plot was laid to take his life, proved the occasion of saving the Jews from an appointed massacre. The firmness of Daniel’s three companions, in refusing to worship the golden image, was instrumental of spreading the knowledge of the true God throughout the whole Em pire of Babylon! Mr. Carey T and a few others, when they first agreed to meet on the first Monday in every month to pray for the spread of the Gospel, little thought, that they were then commencing a custom which was to spread over the earth, and to be the mean of exciting, every month, the prayers of the people of God, in every quarter of the earth, to draw unnumbered jessing* on Christian and pagan nations. A pious female in Boston, at a dining hour, proposed to the company to lay aside one cent for some charitable purpose, instead of taking their glass of wine, and to repeat it weekly.—But she was not apprized that she was then laying the foundation for those cent and mite societies, which have contri buted one of the, largest streams of charity to aid in accomplishing schemes of benevo lence. The cent institution in New Hamp shire paid into the missionary treasury, in one year, more than fifteen hundred dol lars ! Robert Raikes, when he opened the first Sabbath School in the city of Gloucester, did not imagine, that he was then foundiug an institution, which was to be extended through Christendom, and even into pagan lands, and within a few years to furnish gratuitous instruction to more than 600,000 children ! On many of these schools God has poured out his spirit, and in them spread ing revivals have been commenced, and many children have been gathered “from the highways of sin and death” into the fold of Christ. That obscure individual, by performing that obscure act, did not know he w-as then doing that, which would enrol bis name among the most distinguish ed benefactors of mankind. But yet, when all the splendours of royalty, and all the fame of conquest, are buried in oblivion, Robert Raikes will be remembered, by saints in glory, “as the father and founder of Sunday Schools.” Th.e Rev. Joseph Hughes, when the thought first darted through his mind of forming a Bible association to supply the destitute, did not anticipate tlmt that thought would give rise to tbe British and Foreign Bible Society; a society which displays most ardent and enlightend zeal, and comprises vast weight of influence and vast resources of wealth. Iks spirit is so nobly catholic!; that, disregarding all civil and political distinctions, it is pouring forth its streams of charity to numerous nations \tff the earth. It has expended, during the sixteen years of its existence, three millions’ six hundred and eighty-three thousand and fifty-seven dollars, arid lias engaged in the printing and distribution of Hie scriptures in one hundred and twenty-six different languages and dialects J This society may well be styled the glory of the British na tion and the wonder of the world. How little did Kir. Hughes imagine that this sug gestion would be the origin of such an im measurable good ! that it would put in mo tion an institution, whose effects will contin ue and augment till the latest moment of time, and-throughout every age of eternity ! How encouraging these examples ! One word, one thought, one act of yours may be the source of some unspeakably great and everlasting good. The word, Eterni ty, accidentally seen by a fashionable Lady, who looked over the shoulders of a maid engaged in reading a little tract, pierced her soul like a sharp arrow, and threw her into tremblings and amazements, and she had no more rest until she found it in a well grounded hope of eternal life through the blood of her once despised, but now- adored Redeemer. Solomon says, “ a word fitly spoken, how good it is—it is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” ‘ A remark of the Rev. Mr. Simeon, 011 tbe benefit which had resulted from the services of Dr. Carey in India, first arrested the attention of the late Mr. Martyn to the cause of missions, and Ins thoughts then became occupied with the vast importance of the subject, boon after which, perusing the life of David Brainerd, his soul was filled with 11 holy emulation of that extraordinary man ! and after deep consideration and fervent prayer, he was at length fixed in his resolution to imitate bis example.* Thus, all the incalculable good produced by tiiis devoted missionary of tbe cross, is tracpd'to an individual and casual remark! * Ste the life of Henry Alartyn, B. 1). late ( lisplain to the Hon. East India Company, page -ltd, Boston edition. THE MISSIONARY. GO YE WTO ALL THE WORLD, ARD PREACH THE OOdPEJ. TO EVERY CREATURE.— Jesps Christ. You must not think, my friends, that every field of usefulness is occupied, that all pos sible plans of doing good have been devised and that you have nothing to do but accom plish the designs made ready at your hands. There are paths to facilitate the progress of truth, which the vulture’s eye hath not seen ; but which will be discovered by our posterity, who will wonder that we, their progenitors, were so loug held in darkness. FROM THE BOSTON RECORDER. PALESTINE MISSION. Extracts of letters from the Rev. Messrs. Par sons and Fiske , , American „Missionaries to Palestine , to the Rev. S. E. Dwight of Boston, dated Scio, Sept. 11, 1820. Dear Brother—ls you have received our letter by Captain Edes, you know our feel ings with regard to a mission at Smyrna. Wq thought then, (and we are now much more confirmed in the opinion,) that a wide and etfectual door is opened for benevolent operations.—Can it for a moment be a ques tion after so many revivals, and so many blessings upon the cause of missions, wheth er it is duty to send the gospel to that very land from whence we received it with all its attendant blessings? We are not with out hope that we shall see the standard of truth erected on these shores before we set sail for Palestine. Since we arrived at Scio, our attention has been directed to the study of the mod ern Greek language, under the instruction of the principal Professor ofthe College at Scio. We have had, however, precious opportunities to distribute religious tracts both among this people, and among the inhabitants of other Islands. Almost every day we have.had applicants either,for Bi bles, or religious tracts. The tract which we reprinted at the College press was ready for distribution about a montb since, and we have given away more than 700 copies to the people on this Island—sent 100 to Smyrna—£-90 to Crete, and 100 to Thessalonica. One fact is very encourag ing. An instructer of a school in Crete, who was here, learning that we had reli gions tracts for distribution, made a very earnest request for a quantity of them, to be given to his - friends and to schools on that Island. We gave him 200 copies. When he received them he thanked us very sincerely, and expressed a wish to see us in Crete.- Tracts distributed by an In structer of a school, or by an inhabitant of the place, will excite much less suspicion and have the prospect of much more use fulness than they would have if bestowed by a foreigner. There is much advantage in finding work for every man in the cause of righteousness. This moment, since writing the above, a Priest called on us for a Testament. He took it in his hands and said, “ O this is ex cellent.” After examining it a little, he cheerfully paid the money at which we valued it. We gave him likewise several religious tracts. Seldom have we seen more evident expressions of gratitude and jo}\ May the God ofthe Bible enlighten his mind, that he may behold wondrous things out of his law. There is evidently a searching for the holy Scriptures among this people. We pray that it may contin ue and abound. in the churches, (he ancient Greek is read, and but few ofthe assembly are, able to understand it. What a blessing wiil be the possession of the Scriptures in the com mon language of the country. Dear Brother, continue to pray for us and for this people. We are continually encouraged in our work, by the assurance that many prayers are ascending to God for our success. Your brethren in the Gospel, P. Fisk, L. Parsons. Scio , Oct. 18, 1820. Rev. and dear Sir —The answer (o your letter of June 23, will have been received, we hope, previous to the arrival ofthe Sal ly Anne. From tbe inquiries in your letter we are induced to give a concise account of the population, refigion and literature of Scio. Tbe isle of Scio is separated from the continent of Asia by a channel 18 miles in width. On the north is a distinct view of the isle of Mytetene ; on the east of the shores of Asia, (he city of Ichesme, near to which was destroyed the Turkish fleet ; on the south-east, the isle of Samos. The length of the island it is said, is 30 miles ; the breadth from IT to 18. A high range of mountains, composed principally of lime stone, runs through the whole length of the island, like the green mountains of Ver mont. On the east side is an extensive and highly cultivated plain ; upon which is the principal city, Scio, a number of fine villages, and numerous summer seats of respectable merchants. The low lands are covered with fruit trees ; as orange, lemon, fig, olive, pomegranate ; but the mountains are barren'except now and then a small grove of [line trees. As to the population we depend upon the Statement given us by the Greek bishop.— They are as follows— the entire population CO,OOO or 70,000 ; of these not less than. 3000 are Turks ; 800 or 900 Catholicks, a few Jews and tbe rest Greek 3 MOUNT ZION, (HANCOCK CO. GA.) FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 1821. The Turks live most of them in a large castle on the sea-shore, separated from the city by draw-bridges. They have in the city 12 mosques, all of which are still Oc cupied as places of worship! During Ram izan, the Mahomedan fast, the minarets are illuminated in the night. Bells are not in use among the Turks, but a person is em ployed to give notice of the different hours for prayer by crying aloud from a high part of the minraet. In Scio, the Turks usual ly speak the Greek language, and some times marry into Greek families. Chris tians enjoy great liberty, and are ntver in terrupted in their religious services. Cathulicks have six churches, three in the city and three in the country, one Bish op, and 28 Priests. The Greeks have 50 or 60 chirches in the city, and very many, (some saysoo oth ers 1000,) in different parts of tie Island. There is one Bishop, and 500 or 6(0 Priests besides monks. Only 5 or 6, Qtt of the 600 Priests, ever attempt* to pnach the gospel. Their duties are limited to the reading of the church service ipoD the Sabbath and feast days. The bcoks used in the churches are in ancieut Greek, and are read with.great rapidity and indistinct ness. Among them we have noticed “the Menaion,” consisting of 12 folio volumes, one for each month ; the “ Tims-Piece,” one folio volume ; selections from the gos pels, and some small books. The whole Bible is not found in the churches, and sel dom indeed in the houses. We have seen only two Bibles, one Septuagint, and three Testaments, excepting those left by Rev. Mr. Jowett, and Rev. Mr. Williamson.— Psalters are kept for sale, and are used .in schools. There are about 100 holidays besides the Sabbath. On these days, the people assemble morning and evening, in th.e churches for religious- service. Both in the summer and winter the morning ser vice is performed by candle light. Prayers are read or sung by two or three individu als, and the congregation respond, “ God he merciful.” The Lord’s prayer and the Creed are repeated at every season of worship. The College in this city was established in its present form and government about five years since, when Mr. Bambas , the principal instructer, took the charge of the Institution. There are at present 700 or 800 students—l 4 instructers—one Prof, of Chem. and Rhetoric!;, one of RJathematicks, one of Theology, Geometry, &.f.one of the Turkish language, one of the Latin uud French, and nine teachers of the ancient and modern Greek. A considerable pro portion of the scholars are .young, and are instrncted in the first principles of Gram mar ; the higher -classes are required to study Plutarch, Xenophon, Demosthenes, Plato, Homer, Herodotus, Pindar, and the Iliad. The four first days of the week, lectures are “delivered in Chemistry, Rhetorick, and History. There is a good chemical labora toy, and printing press, obtained the last year from Europe The funds of the Col lege are obtained in part from the. Greek community, and in part by private dona tions. A gentleman in Russia has recently given 20,000 or 30.000 dollars to this semi nary. Tuition is given gratis to all the stu dents. On Friday the first class are in structed in the “ Holy Catechism,” and twice in the week the second class have lessons from the Acts of the Apostles, and from ethicks. This term lessons have been given to 30 or 40 students from the English work called “Young Minister’s Compan ion.” The Professor gives a translation of it in Greek, and requires’ each student to write as he speaks it. Grpat good may result from this mode of instruction. We might enlarge, but time will not permit.— Your brethren in the Gospel, • P. Fisk, L. Parsons. CHEROKEE MISSION. Extracts from the Journal kept at Braincrd. The following extracts precede, in order of time, those which were published in our number for January—[and in (he 12th No. of the Mission ary.] The reason is, it was apprehended that the Journal for the period between April and July last, had not been received b\ the Cor responding Secretary. On further examination it has been found. Missionary Herald. Aprils, 1820. Brother Conger removed into the new house. It has two room* about 14 feet by 16, with a chimney to each room ; the rooms being made entirely sep aratees high as the eaves, and placed 1$ feet apart.’ A roof, nearly 50 feet in length, extends over the whole, leaving the space between covered, but open in the front and rear. The logs are hewn down on ‘.he in side ; and split boards ar nailed over the crevices between the logs; and are also laid loose, as a floor or ceiling over head, making on the whole, Tolerable comforta ble dwelling rooms. Favourable Prospects at Creek Path. In the evening, after early family pray ers at the mission-house, the mission family with some ot the scholars, attended a pray er meeting in the new house. It was a refreshing season to our drooping spirits, which had in some degreebeen prepared by the arrival of our dear brother, John Arch, with good news from Creek Path.— Brother Butrick writes, that the school had increased to 45 ; and that more would be glad to. enter soon, if there were room for them. He wishes to have an assistant.— The scholars.being chiefly new beginners, require much more attention than they will when further advanced. He is now obliged to employ brother John the whole time as a teacher, and can do very little to wards bringing him forward. It is thought that John ought not to be so soon hindered in his own studies, if it can be avoided. The natives say, if a female teacher can come to instruct the girls, they will build another” house for them. The whole expense, including board, washing, &c. for brother B. and his assistant, has been sustained by the people, except a few .books, slates, and Some other trifling con tingencies. The Sabbath meetings are well attended. Numbers are thoughtful ; some under more deep conviction ; one of two girls received as a Candidate for baptism here about a year ago, and soon after taken from us, has found means to get to that school. She began to write some before she left us, and by a letter now received from her, it appears that she has lost nothing in writing, but has improved, though without instruc tion. She now hopes to find her way to Brainerd, and to the church. The woman who came more than IQQ miles last May to seek instruction, as she said, about the Saviour, is among the serious inquiries at Creek Path. O that the Lord of the har vest would thrust labourers into this whi tened field ! May 6. Agreeably to previous appoint ment, this day was set apart by the mission family for fasting and prayer. It is with ns a day of trial and affliction,* and a day of rejoicing. We have truly a mixed cup.— Blessed be God, that it is not an unmixed cup of anguish and dismay as our sins de serve. After sermon, the two candidates for communion ttf the Lord’s table, (John Arch and David Brown) answered ques tions relative to their preparation for ad mission to that holy ordinance. Their an swers gave full satisfaction to the church, that they had “ knowledge to discern the Ltyd’s body, and faith to feed upon him,” and the church unanimously agreed, that they be admitted tomorrow. 8. Received boxes of clothing, &c. from the following places, viz. one from Otse go, N. Y.'containing several parcels from different societies and individuals ; one con taining hats and medicine from Mr. Geo. Pomeroy, of Cooperstown, N. Y. ; one from Griswold, Con. one from Rupert, Vt. One from Granville, Vt. ; all containing very useful clothing. We.have now a very good supply for the summer. Most of the clothing now on hand is of thin cloth, too thin for winter. A kind Providence appears still to smile on the mission, and amidst sorrows and af flictions, sends consolations and encourage ments. In thy strong arm, Lord, we’ll confide ; Through the rough storms thou art our guide ; O’er all the host which Satan brings, Thy army still its victory sings. Meeting for business. Resolved, that we recommend to sister Catherine Brown to go and take charge of a female school in her father’s neighbourhood, as soon as the people will put a house in readiness. 9. A gentleman and his wife from Frank fort, Kentucky, who called on us last eve ning, left us this afternoon. She is trav elling for her health, and had a'desire to come this way and visit the school. They appeared much interested in the children, and expressed great satisfaction on account of the brightening prospects among this people. Though our interview was short,’ parting was painful. They both appear to possess a true missionary spirit. They left a donation of S2O. Departure of David Brown. 11. David Brown set out this morning on his way (if the Lord will) to the Foreign Mission School. He goes by Savannah and Boston. We did expect Mr. Elijah Hicks to accompany him. He has wailed I several days, but, learning that Mr. Hicks! couldnotgosoon, he intreated that we would ! permit him to go alone. It is indeed a long j journey for a lad of 19 to undertake alone among strangers, and people ofanother na tion. But no difficulty appears to him in surmountable, or even great, which comes in the way of his being prepared to preach that Gospel, which he has found to be so precious and powerful in his ovyn case.— By the assistance of his friends, he has ob tained money sufficient to defray the .proba ble expenses of his journey ; but after this shall be expended, he will be obliged to fcast himself on thechaiity of the friends of Jesus. And be appears to entertain not the least doubt that a competency will be | obtained from this source. We hope and pray, that He, who hath the promise of the heathen for his inheritance, will so replen ish the funds of that school, that the direc tors of it will not feel themselves obliged to exclude this our dear brother from their patronage. We often think, if we cnuldp have access to individuals, who possess property, throughout our country, we would willingly beg. on our knees from ev ery one who had even a trifle to sp<(re. — * The*): i;spr< ->ioos refer to the departure efl Mr. TaJiuadge from the juissioy, ■ I Price 5 $ 3 : 50 P r - ftnn - or t t ’ ( $3,00 in advance. > But again* we reflect, that the trfeasure and the hearts of all are in the hand of the Lord, and we prostrate ourselves before him, and intreat that he will not suffer his people to shut their hands against the poor .heathen, whose souls are perishing for lack of that knowledge, which, through the beneficence of Christians, might be impart ed unto them. May the gracious Saviour vouchsafe his gracious presence, with this our dear brother, and satisfy his desires ac cording to his enlarged faith. 13! Milo Hoyt, having left the school in charge of Darius, came up from Chatooga. He performed the journey in one day.— Cows for milk, and certain other articles of food, cannot be obtained- there, as was ex pected, and he was obliged to return for supplies. Appearances there, at present, are very different from those at Creek Path. A Cherokee Inquirer. 14. Received a very affectionate letter dictated by the father of the boy whom we call Jeremiah Evarts, interpreted and writ ten by sister Lydia Hoyt, and directed to Father Hoyt and Brother Chamberlain.— This man has no knowledge of letters or ofthe English language. The following is an extract from the letter : “ We have been separated a long time from each other, but I hope you have not forgotten to pray for me and my nation.— My dear friends, you told me much about our dear crucified Saviour, and 1 hope I have not forgotten what you said. O .10, m3 dear friends, I cannot forget the great Redeemer, who has, as I hope, redeemed my immortal soul from eternal destruction. 1 hope you will instruct my dear children in tbe right way, and that the Lord may have mercy on them, and turn their wicked hearts io himself. Give my love to them.” Inclosed in the above is an open letter, directed to two persons in this neighbour hood, whom, it seems, he considers as fel low converts to Christianity. One of them is a member of the church. The follow ing is an extract from this inclosed letter: “ My dear friends, though we do not now , see each other, yet I hope our hearts are i still united in Jesus. Let us go on in the ! way we have begun ; for it is not a tedi -1 ous way. May the Lord of Love be your Father. 1 have talked to my poor parents, 1 but 1 cannot convince them of their sins.— • I know that God is able to change their 1 wicked hearts.” Do not these sentiments appear to flow from a heart enlightened by the Spirit of ’ God? Andrew, when he had found the Saviour, immediately sought his brother : Simon to bring him to Jesus. Philip did the same for-Nathaniel. And Moses said ■ to his father-in-law, “Go thou with us, 1 and we will do tbee good, for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.” This man seeks to bring his relatives and friends ■ to Jesus, and is assured that the Saviour is able to do them good. His daily conduct, so far as we can learn, is in unison with the sentiments expressed in these letters. And yet this man has received but little instruc tion, except what he has picked up here, , in his short visits to his children. Even , these brief visits have been at long inter , vals, as he lives about 60 miles from us,and is busily employed in domestick concerns. 15. Mrs Sally M'Donald being about to remove into the neighbourhood of the church at Springplace, a letter was direct ed to be given recommending her to the fellowship of. that church, and authorizing a dismission from this church to that. She appeared much affected at .the prospect of removing from us, though it is but a short distance, and she is to go among dear Christian friends and natural relatives. The ties which bind these dear converts to us, and us to them, are such as we trust will never be broken. Further Progress at Creek Path. 24. Catharine Brown’s father came from Cre-’k Path with a letter from brother Bu trick. .He writes, “ The people, after hearing that Catharine was willing to teach the girls, as soon as a house could be pre pared, and that the missionaries thought well of it, immediately resolved to build a house of the same size as the other, and ap pointed the next Friday and Saturday to build it. “ On Friday, about 50 Cherokee men, besides boys and blacks, assembled, built the house, covered it, and almost comple ted the .floor. On Saturday they finished the floor, hewed it down on the inside, chinked it, and put in the beams. They expect to make the door and benches this week. I told them it was not absolutely certain, whether Catharine would come or another *|e.rson, though 1 expected she would come. 1 think it would be well for her to take charge of the school, as she can speak the native language, and there will be no good interpreter. If she teaches a few months, and then continues a scholar, she may do great good. Her mother is pe culiarly anxious to have her;at home.” Mr. Brown says he did not come to take Catharine away from us, or from the school, and he does not wi-h her to go un less we think it best. He appears serious? ly impressed with divine things. Catha rine is still at brother Hall’s—her father will wait her return. £5 Th.e Kev, Remembrance Cumber? e. >y m