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\9. Todav we fix on a spot (oi the erec
tion of buitdmg®. It is a pleasant situation,
on the road which leads eastward to
teete, about half a mile from this village
in the midst of an extensive plaid, having
the open sea in front, and the rising moun
tains in the rear. One of the three houses
which Boka has engaged to build tor our
necommodation has been nearly raised
since morn mg. The timber, pmal! but du
irable,bsis been brought from 15 to 20 miles
on the shoulders of the natives, while the
Jiorses and &xeu look on at their ease.— -
Since our arrival we have seen two or
three hundred natives employed to drag
one of their guns, an eighteen pounder,
laid into an old canoe, to the top of the hill
back of the village, where they have plant
ed two or three guns, directly under cover
of which our houses will stand.
Excursion to lVitccte.
23. Incompliance with an invitation from
Mr. Allen of Witeete, ail our family in this
place visited his establishment, and dined
and supped at bis table. He is an Ameri
camblack, formerly from Schenectady, N.
Y.; has resided a considerable time in these
islands ; and lives in good style for this
country. He has a native female for a
wife, whom the female members of our
mission have nude some efforts to teach
and cloth® ; and two interesting children,
whom he desired to have baptized and in
structed. One of them he is now teaching
to read. He possesses considerable land,
which he holds under the ex-high priest
Havahava ; has about a dozen houses in
his enclosure ; a good well, which is almost
the only one in the islands ; a garden dis
tinguished for a hill of squashes planted
nearly two years since, and now bearing
the fifth crop, which will itself probably
make a good wagon load, the vines having
spread over eight or ten square tods of the
richest ground, taking root continually as
they advance, and growing with such ex
uberance, that it is difficult to pass through
them. He has a valuable fish-pond,which
affords him frequent supplies ; and a yard
, containing a Kamschatka cow, several
sheep, and about 3CO goats, from which we
are constantly supplied with milk. His
eating house is large and commodious,
where lie sets an American table for seve
ral boarders, and where our dinner wa
served up in the best order. His sleeping
house, where we were accommodated with
comfortable seats, and where, towards eve
iag we had o coffee served round, is a
pattern of neatness. He is very friendly
to us-and to the objects of our mission ; be
s*ows on n many little favours ; subscrib
ed fifteen dollars to the orphan school fund
and offers to build a school house at his own
expense, if ive will have a school near his
residence, which is about two miles from
this place. He is much respected, and
generally visited by gentlemen who call at
this island. We cannot but consider our
selves happy in finding such a neigtiooiir.
Under a serene sky and a fair moon,pleased
with our excursion, we returned in safety
to our habitations, “ because the Lord sus
tained us.”
24. Today Mr. Anderson, one of our
neighbours, called with a desire lobe bled,
and his wishes were gratified. We have
repeated applications for medical aid ; and
we experience the need of another physi
cian. But the Lord will provide. The
health ofour family has been wonderfully
preserved, through the changes of climate
and country, and through the hardships of
the voyage and our new situation. The
pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the
destruction that wasteth at noon day, have
not yet been commissioned jo smite us.
CHICKASAW MISSION.
Extractor a letter from the Rev. Thomas C.
Stuart, Principal of the Chickasaw Mission, to
the Rev. T. Charlton Henry, Corresponding
Secretary ot the Missionary Society of the Syn
od ofS. Carolina and Georgia.
.Monroe, Chickasaw JVation , }
March, 14, 1821. \
Rev. and Dear Sir—The present com
munication would have been made at a
much earlier period, had it been in the
compass of, my power, and consistent with
the urgent duties which daily and hourly
press rne. The post-office, which was for
merly kept at the agency, has been re
moved to the town of Columbu*, on the
Tomheck-bee, a distance of about 70 miles.
And, as there is but little intercourse with
(bat place from this part of the Daiion, I
find a difficulty in sending letters to the
post-office. I hope ns soon as the agent
there will be some arrangement
made lor a cross mail tiom Columbus to
Chief i■‘aw Bluff, which will pass through
the neighbourhood of this place.
r l iirough the kind providence and tender
mercies of my Father, 1 reached
the place of my destination on Saturday the
271 h of January, after a tedious and un
pleasant journey of five weeks and five
days. The weather was unusually inclem
ent throughout the wholejourney ; hut not
withstanding the inclemency of the weath
, or and my exposure by day and by night, 1
never enjoyed better bealih. God has in
deed been kind and gracious to me, in pre
serving me in safety amidst the dangers of
<iie way, and conducting me to this heathen
land, Which I now look upon as mv home
the (ield of my future toils. May 1 not
With propriety chaunt the Ebenezer, “ hith
erto hath the hire!blessed me.”
The lndians manifested no little satisfac
tion on-my arrival. They are as friendly
as I could wish them, and seem disposed to
render some assistance in forming an es
tablishment among them. To my great
<ootisfic!ion,l find their desire to receive in
vStrnclion -is by no means abased, but con
siderably increased. I am apprehensive I
shall fie urged to commence the school-be
fore I can possibly be ready. The busi
ness of the mipsion thus far h;o progressed
slowly; owing in part to the inclemency j
of the weather ijiyocghout .the month of!
February, which operated much against us,
and since that time three of the labourers
have been indisposed. There are two
comfortable cabins erected, and we are
now engaged in opening land tor the pur
pose* of making a crop of corn this season.
I have procured a sufficient quantity for the
present year at from 50 to 60 cents per
bushel; and expect a Supply of baCon Irom
Tennessee about the first <’t May, at la
cents per lb. I find it will be attended
with considerable expense to support an
institution in this country. Provisions ol
all kinds except beef, sell very high, ami
labourers can scarcely tie had on any terms.
As to my prospects at this time, 1 believe
they are as flattering as 1 could expect at
so early a period ot my labours. I preach
occasionally in the neighbourhood. A good
ly number attend, who are silent, orderly,
and attentive during divine worship. I can
not procure any interpreter in this part of
the nation; a circumstance which 1 deeply
regret. Those to whom 1 have applied,
affirm that there are no words in the Chick
asaw language toconvfty the idea of preach
ing. But lam pe.rsuaded, if ‘they had felt
the power of divine, grace on their hearts,
they would find words to express their feel
ings. Mav the Lord work in them for his
name's sake.
It is in agitation among some of the most
influential whites and Indians to circulate a
subscription through the nation for the
purpose of colfecting cattle for the use ot
the mission. Whether they will prosecute
their intention I cannot tell. Idu notallow
mvselfto he too sanguine lest l should be
disappointed. I hope, however, that a
sufficient ryimber for present use will be
collected. I think it would subserve the
interest of the ini-sion, if some suitable per
son were sent on to open a school in the
neighbourhood immediately. If a school
house was built in the most cent-il part of
the neighbourhood, there are 18 or 20 chil
dren who would go from home, which
would, no doubt, satisfy the Indians, until
we can be fully ready to open a at
the establishment. The additional expense
would not be great, and perhaps much good
might be done. Ido hope, that some per
son possessed of a missionary ztl can be
obtained, who will offer his service gratis,
at least for one year. Could Christians
witness the forlorn condition of tnese be
nighted sons of the forest, would they not
be induced, no! only to contribute of iheir
substance for the promotion of the Redeem
er’s kingdom among the heathen, but also
to enlist as soldiers, and come forth to the
“ help of the Lord against the mighty.”-=*•
1 greatly need some dear missionary bro
ther to unite with and encourage me in the
arduous work ; one who would participate
my hopes and my fears, my joys and my
sorrows, and who would join with me in
supplicating the God of Mercy in behalf of
my poor heathen neighbours. I am, as it
were, alone in this wide wilderness, where
Satan reigns with almost unlimited sway.
—— —+*OtfO?*'A!OSO~
REVIVAL OF THE WORK OF GOD
In Pittsburgh , Pa.
To the Editors of the .Methodist Magazine.
Dear Brethren,
Moping that the following account of a gracious
revival of religion, which has lately taken place
in this city, >i!cl its vicinity, may be subservient
to the interests of Zion, by being inserted in your
interesting miscellany, it is sent for that purpose,
’ should your judgment coincide with mine.
Yours respectfully, Samvel Davis.
Pittsburgh, Feb. 1, 1821.
The revival of religion with which this
place has been favoured.has continued with
little interruption for about a year and a
half; during which time, great numbers
have been awakened and converted to God,
and about 500 have been added to the so
ciety. Os thisf number about two hundred
and sixty became members iu'the space of
six months. Such hre some of the mod
prominent facts of this gracious work. As
to the circumstances of- its rise and pro
gress, it may he proper to state, that in the
summer of 1819, the Camp-meetings in the
western part of Pennsylvania were made a
great blessing. From these the sacred fire
spread through the western circuits and
stations generally, under the jurisdiction of
the Baltimore Conference ; so that scarce
ly any part of our work was left u un water
ed and dry ;” but the towns of Washingion,
Brownsville and Union ; the Redstone and
Ohio circuits, with our favoured city, were
most abundantly blest.
We would not say, that the circumstances
and causes leading to this glorious work are
to be traced no hisjherthan the camp-meet
ings of August 1819 ; but, that these meet
ings contributed largely in bringing it to
maturity. They elicited spark® which had
long been hurieil ; and raised to a flame ‘
fires that had for sometime been kindling.
The faithful preaching of the gospel of a
free salvation, which this plqce enjoyed,
like leaven, was imperceptibly working its
way; and like a hammer, was breaking the
rock in pieces. Prejudice, ignorance, in
sensibility and bigotry, which are found
every where, and which much abounded
here, were yielding o the force of truth ;
and numbers had taken the advice of the
apostle, 44 Prove all things, hold fast that
which is good.” Many sincere souls had
been praying night and day, “ Lord, re
member Zior.—revive thy work in the
midst of the years—in wrath remember
mercy.” For they believed, as one of them
lately fold me, that 44 (he Lord had much
people in Ibis city.” The sequel proves
they were not mistaken.
When appointed to this place in the
spring of 1819, I found the congregations
pretty large and attentive. An increasing
attention and seriousness were soon mani
fested. Our prayer meetings were well
attended, and a spirit of serious inquiry was 1
excited ; deep and general convictions fol
lowed ; and it was now become very evi- i
dent, that (he objects for which my fuitKful j
predecessors, in union with our brethren,!
the local preachers, had been labouring t
6
and praying, was nigh nt tiacd. *bo Ltae
of refreshing coming from thu presence of
the Lord, was indicated by the appearance
of the cloud of mercy that was gathering’
over us. • It soon broke in abundant bles-1
sings upon us! Thd conteTii anil distress ol j
those who were anxiously inquiring u W hat
they must do to be saved,” Soon enlisted
the sympathies and prayers of God's people
in their behalf, l'or they who have them
selves drunk the bitter draught of repent
ance, know how to feel tor those who are
driuking the. ivormwaod and the gall. Rut
few there were, when this work commen
ced,who did not recognize it ns God’s work.
Although “ marvellous in their eyes,” they
knew it to be the Lord's doings. If they
were astonished, it was not the astonish
ment of ignorance, like that of the Israel
ites, who, when they saw the manna, erted
out, M What is it ?” but the pleasing sense
of the marvellous, excited by an unusual
inanifes ation of God's mercy to themselves
and their fellow sinners.
An immense number of auditors now at
tended our publick meetings; but.actuated
no doubt, bv various motives and feelings.
Many came to pray, and seek salvation
some to meek—and some who were aston
ished at the report they had heard, resolv
ed to see and bear for themselves, and
came, saying, l4 Can any good come out of;
Nazareth ?” hut they remained under feel- j
jug- of reverential awe, and acknowledged, j
like Jacob, “ Surtly God is in this place
and I knew it not!’ They were surpiised
to see so large, Si serious, and so deeply
affected an assembly ; to see Irom fifty to
an hundred penitens fall upon their knees
to be prayed for, —to hear their cries and!
fervent supplicatiois to God for mercy ; and
to see many of then rise with every mark,
of delight and joy,aid give 44 Glory to Gird”
for havingdelivered their eyes from tears,
’heir feet from falling, and, their souls from
(he pit of corruption I
Some there were as might he expected,
who mocked, and called it the work ot the
devil; others said it was fanaticism, delu
sion, hypocrisy, the effect of a disordered
and terrified imagination, madness; and, in
short, any tiling but religion. This is not
strange. There never was a revival of
God’s work, which was not opposed by
the devil and lukewarm professors of relig
ion. Those who now speak against crying
and rejoicing aloud, bad they then lived,
would have joined with those who said to
Bartimeus, 4 hold thy peace,’ and with those
who said to the Apostles on the day of Pen
tecost, when the Holy Ghost come upon
them, 4 These men are filled with new
wine!’ so little know they of God’s work!
Indeed bigotry is so unyielding, that it is
not willing that even the Almighty should
work, except in the nay suitable to its
views.
In relation lo what is termed, and per
haps in some instances with propriety-, the
extravagance of revivals, 1 must he per
mitted to say, ‘that in this case there was
loss of it. roooidorinsr the inapm’ittidp of vhe
work, than in any I have ever witnessed. —
And 1 will add, of the number who became
convicted, and were exercised on the sub
ject of religion, as many were happily
brought to the knowledge of the truth, as
in any revival that 1 have seen. Os the
genuineness of the work many have given
satisfactory evidence, by the fruits of good
living which they bear. 4 May their fruit
remain !’
Although I have not observed any pe
culiar characteristicks by which this revi
val might be distinguished, yet no doubt this
sketch might be enlivened by descriptions
of some particular cases, if the writer could
depend on his judgment in the selection of
them. This therefore he declines; but
would observe thata connected view of the
whole, cannot fail to be interesting to the
friends ot Zion, as it furnishes increasr
ing testimony that Christ reigns in the j
midst of his enemies.
The number that joined us was compos
ed of persons of almost every age, condi
tion and circumstance in life ; and it may be
‘added, of almost every denomination of the
professing Christians of the place, of which
1 there are eight of ten. If these persons
j are questioned concerning the reasons
I which induced them to leave the churches
| in which perhaps both they ar.d their fore
fathers were biought up their answer in
general, is substantially this : 4 That the
want of the life and power of godliness was
so great, and spiritual helps and counsellors
so few, that they believed their safety and
eternal welfare endangered by remaining ;
and, that they were actuated by the sheer
est sense of duty,'’ That a regard to the
riches and pleasures of the world, or the
honour that comes from men had any influ
ence upon them, will not be readily sup
posed.
Towards the close of the last conference
year, there having been a rapid accession i
ot members to the church, it -was thought
by some, and indeed a little feared by my-!
self, that we should have a sifting in the’
ensuingyear ; as in most revivals there are :
many stoney-ground'hearers, who, having
no root in themselves, endure but a little
while. But in this I waS happily disap- j
pointed ; having, since my return to the !
station, had the satisfaction to admit to full i
membership, most of those who had been ■
previously received on trial. These are
going on their way rejoicing, and not fear
ing to win the driv ; and the Lord still con
tinues to add to our numbers. Oh ! may
they be such as shall be saved !
A camp meeting w hich was held last Au
gust a few miles from this place, was made
a great blessing to the young converts, as
well as to many others, who were then
brought from darkness to light. We trust
that the Great Head of the church, who
has begun this good work, will nlso carry it j
on. Although the flame of a revival may
in a great measure subside, there can he no
necessity for the work of God to stop ; and
the reason why revivals arc not more gen
rid, urn! of longer c.6nliAnnce, must he m
general, the qufaii!fiHues of the prolessors
of religion.
-
Stafe of the British Missions in Jlmtrica. ,
From the Report cf the Wesleyan Miij’y. Sociity.
In the West ludia Islands the mission ap
pears in a prosperous condition. There
are Five Districts in these islands, which
include 28 Circuits, and employ 49 mission
aries. The number in society is twenty
three thousand and ninety-two. They have
one district in Canada, which included, last
year, nine circuits, eleven preachers, and
seven hundred and forty-four members.
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New
foundland Districts include twenty-nine cir
cuits, thirty-five missionaries, and two thou
sand six hundred and eighty-one members
in society.
Total number of missionaries in these
stations, 91
Total number of members in so
ciety, 20,517
Southern and Western Theological Seminary.
The Louisiana Advertiser of April 51 h, states,’
that the Rev. Austin Dickenson was at that time
at New Orleans, soliciting aid for the establish
ment of a 44 Southern and Western Theological
Seminary” in Tennessee, under the direction of
a Presbyterian Synod. Mr. D. had letters of in
troduction and recommendation from many gen
tlemen of (he first respectability. General
J ACKSON expressed his view on the subject in
language which can hardly fail to produce a hap
py effect on the inhabitants of New Orleans,where
his servicer in the late war were so eminently suc
cessful.— Bos!. Bee.
“Virtue cannot exist without Morality
and Religion ; ami w ithout Virtue-, Repub
licanism cannot be perpetuated; I there
fore recommend to all good citizens the
propriety of aiding this infant institution by
their liberal support, by which alone it can
grow into usefulness. From this Institution
light® may arise that may give liberty to
thousands, and happiness beyond the grave
to millions.”
—■?* o o w
LOCAL ARTICLES.
JVew Church on St. Simon's Island.
From the Georgian, May 24.
There are few among the reflecting part
of mankind, who do dot feel a peculiar in
terest in the ceremony of depositing the
first foundation s'tone of any structure to be
dedicated to the service oi publick utility,
and virtue ; but when the contemplated in
stitution is planned to promote higher pur
poses, and is to be dignified with the attri
butes of the Divinity, to be consecrated to
the preservation of that purity and peace,
which hallows the sacred shrine of Chris
tianity, and gives the soul a more glorious
surety of immortal blessedness, how pow
erfully do all the simple solemnities of such
an event impress the mind with the impor
tance of its future prosperity. A similar
satiMnction was experienced by an assem
blage of highly respectable inhabitants, on
laying the Conner stone of the Protestant
Episcopal Church , on St. Simon's Island,
about half a mile from Frederica. The
ceremony took place on Sunday, the 20th
inst. after the morning service was conclud
ed ; and was preceded bv an impressive ad
dress from the Rev. Edward Matthews.—
it is anticipated (hat the edifice will be fin
ished, and ready for consecration, at some
early period during the ensuing fall. This
Ipudable design to promote the cause of
morality and piety, by the respected inhab
itants of St. Simon’s, proves them to be de
serving of the general reputation they have
acquired for hospitality, and the practice of
the social virtues.
From the Same, May 28.
Yesterday, in pursuance of a request is
i sued by the Grand Master of Georgia, the
Hon. T. U. P. Charl'on, the Masons of Sa
vannah assembled near Cherokee hill, eight
miles distant, for the purpose of laying the
corner stone of a church, appropriated for
all denominations of Christianity. After
opening the lodge in a contiguous building,
a procession was formed, which, for num
bers and appearance has seldom been sur
passed on a similar occasion in this state.—
Arrived at the spot where the church was
to he erected, an appeal wa9 made to the
throne of grace, by the Rev. Allen Sweat,
at the conclusion of which, the masonick
ceremonies were opened by reading the
24th Psalm: the Grand Master then, after
regretting the absence of the Grand Chap
lain, addressed the brethren on the objects
for which they had been convened, by sta
ting, that they had been assembled to lay
the corner stone of an edifice, to be dedica
ted to the holy name of the Most High. It
was to be called the church of all denomina
tions, as indicating the universal toleration
I of that love, extended by the Divine Ar
chitect to all of his dependent creatures;
as recognizing no distinction ; thM Masonry
is a church for all denominations, embracing
in its affection, every fellow being who be
lieved in its benevolent attributes, and nour
ishing no sectarian prejudices. In conclu
sion, he observed that the brethren had
met to bless this as a 44 Holy Hill,” to im
plore a dispensation of prosperity to the
faith hereafter to be inculcated, having for
its basis, 44 Peace on earth arid good will to
ward all men,” that the building might bloom
and flourish in the wilderness, under the
protecting and preserving hand of Him,most
merciful, most just—the indulgent Father,
the everlasting Friend of all denominations
committed to his care.
The Corn of nourishment, the Wine of
refreshment, and the Oil of joy, were then
poured upon the marble, with an appropri
ate illustration of each emblem ; and the
termination of the impressive ceremony
took place by the masonick prayer, as usu
al on such occasions, in the 99th Psalm.
The Masonick ceremonies were succeed
ed by a sermon by <he Iter. A. Sweat, and
nil exhortation by that truly
aNllr ami benevolent man and citizen tu
Rev. M. L. WceUW. ’ *
the missionary 13 **
MOUNT ZION, WED NESBAyTTunr g “
It cannot have escaped, the observatioii
of any considerate and reflecting man, (h ff |
we often overlook, in our plans of extend
ed beneficence, objects of apparently i u f
rionr magnitude which fall under our dailv
inspection. Scenes upon which the eye j,
constantly fixed, become familiar; and thij
very circunr tance of familiarity subtracts
not a litlle from that vivid interest which
they might otherwise inspire. \\ e are
apt to associate something plodding and dull
with the daily business and duties of'life
while we move with raptbre in somesphert
of siipposable and imaginary action. Fan
cy can easily create her ideal worlds
where the romantick spirit enjoys an eias
ticity of feeling, which receives no impnls
from the ordinary occurrences of real lift
Over these abodes is spread a finer canopy
than was ever looked upon by a mala
eye—a brighter 9un establishes his dornin
ion of illumination by day—stars of diarnom
brilliancy soften the gloom and chase away
the terrors of midnight—while a richer!
drapery invests the landscape which smiles!
with inimitable loveliness around. Ilercl
the youthful enthusiast performs his acts o|
fancied charity, while the child of wan*
perishes of hunger at his door—and tbj
beardless hero sallies forth to slay his g|
ants, while his bosom foes are left to in!
trench themselves, in proud defiance, i|
the very centre of his heart.
Something of the same spirit may exis*|
in the religious world. Even Chrislijjj
charity may become romantick. Tb)fe|
something imposing in the plans of geaer:
and universal benevolence—and it is, •
least, possible, that these may be pursuJf
at the sacrifice of the more immediate aw
individual good which might be acco-J. :
plished by fixing our eyes sometimes monß
directly upon the objects of mercy whieffl
surround us. We are not among thosiß
who would have charity not only begin bv:B
end at home ; and must consequently ap-Sj
prove of those schemes of Missionary ope-S
ration which, in couformity with the com®
mand of Christ, would render the influence:
of the Gospel as universal as the sins am
miseries of the world. We can follow will
our best wishes, the devoted herald of th-
Cross while he rolls upon the surges am
braves the tempests of the ocean—trar
erse by his side the driven snows of Green
laud—cross with him the barren sands o
the torrid zone—trace in his countenaDCf
the deep lines of solicitude while he light
up his cottage-fire in the distant islands, dis
severed from the civilized world and sur
rounded by the eternal girdle of thesea-g
and in all these circumstances of conflicjf/
and of hope, devoutly pray, that grace ma |
encourage and success attend his labour |
For the pagan woild, we would gladly ii t *
crease, rather than diminish the sympathii m
of the church. We venerate the spirit <€ Ja
Swartz, the modern apostle to the GentiM;
who first told the natives of India of tbl
way of life ; and involuntarily nssociati
him with the Great Apostle of old, whf
was divinely commissioned to scatter ligh
over the regions of pagan darkness, and t|
erect altars and churches in the midst®
idol gods and heathen temples. No j|' lW
withhold our admiration from those, wb(.
actuated by the same spirit, are followir
hi® footsteps and aspiring at the same rl
ward.
But in these enterprises fortheheathe
is it not possible, that ardent minds m
mingle something of romance with religioi
There is something interesting in the id
of visiting a foreign land, of seeing wl
we have never seen before. Expedafi
is awake ; and a thousand motives not 1 1
cessnrily religious, combine to render su |
an undertaking an object of deep andg*
eral interest. Novelty has its influen .
over minds of every structure, and i
most imposing charms are thrown arc? |
every thing which relates to an e'p is
from the church to the heathen world”
There is something great, and noble, a’
daring in every plan which has for its o
ject the conversion of the nations to Cbns
and on this principle, no doubt, many c 0
tribute to 4he promotion of this cause"!
have never formed a just estimate oft!
worth of the soul. These considerate
ought to be presented, not because we !> a
too much zeal for the salvation of the he.
then, but because, in the prosecution ol ti
business, other objects are overlooked a
neglected, which have an equal, perhaps|
superiour claim upon our compassion.
While we are crossing oceans, and penetj
ting the wilderness, and exploring
nents in search of the miserable outcast®
our race, that the overtures of pardon®
peace and heaven may be propounds 4 *!
