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METHODIST CREEK MISSION.
Copy of a letter from the Rev. VVm. Capers,
5. C Conference Missionary , to the Mis
sionary Committee of said Conference.
Coweta, Creek Nation, Sept. 5,1821.
Dear Brethren—ln company with Col.
Blount, of Georgia, 1 have visited the
Creeks ; and have done nil that, at this mo
ment, can be done for the institution of a
mission among them. M’lntosh and Lovett
are more than friendly, and say, the chiefs,
in council, will surely accede to our wishes.
To give permission to any white man to
live among them, a Council of the whole na
tion must first be held, and the concurrence
of the agent obtained. The agent is now
in Alabama, and we know not when he may
return—probably within a fortnight; but
as early as may be, the necessary consulta
tion will be had, and the result made known
to me through the agent. Or if the coun
cil cannot be bad very early, the time for
holding it will be made known, that I may
attend.
Noble Kennard, who heard my commu
nication to M'lntosh and Lovett, soon point
ed to one of his children, and asked if she
was big enough for school, “ I wilt find
four,” was bis delightful rejoinder to my re
ply. I left a plain affectionate talk in wri
ting, signed and sealed for the chiefs. The
way is open, and my heart is upon it. I
have seen strange things. God bless you.
I write in great haste—excuse me—pray
for me—pray more and for these people.!
Affectionately, VVm. Capers.
REVIVALS IN VERMONT.
From'the Woodstock Monitor.
Having recently attended the anniversa
ry Commencements at Burlington, Middle
bnry and Dartmouth Colleges, and having
had a personal interview with most of the
Pastors of churches, where the Lord is
pouring oot his Spirit, and having visited
many of the towns thus blessed with the di
vine favour, we are pref/Sred to give our
readers an account of the wonders which
God is working for Zion.
During the winter, here and there a
church in different parts of the state, was
blessed with a revival. Little was seen to
encourage the hope of a more extensive
work, till after the meeting of the consoci
ated churches at Middlebury on the 3d
Tuesday of June, when the Pastors and del
egates agreed to recommend to the chur
ches in connexion to observe n fast with ref
erence to a revival of religion. Our in
formant believed that no church in the con
nection feels the special influences of the,
Spirit, which did not thus consecrate a day
of fasting and prayer, and that those which
complied with the recommendation are
more or less visited, and most of them in a!
wonderful manner.
In Franklin County, in Bakersfield, Enos-:
bergh, Berkshire and Montgomery, the i
work has prevailed since about the com-1
mencement of the present year, and has al
ready given an accession to those feeble
churches of 180 members, 22 of this num
ber joined the Baptist and Episcopal church
es. The converts are computed at 285,
and the work is said to be progressing.
Here the labours of Mr. Boardman, in the
service of the Vermont Juvenile Missionary
Society, have been signally blessed. The
work has excited and put down much vio
lent opposition, especially among those who
had advocated the doctrine of Universal 1
Salvation. Very many of this character in !
the light of truth saw their feet standing on j
slippery places, who now, instead of making
“ the heart of the righteous sad, and
strengthening the hands of the wicked, that
he should not return from his wicked way
by promising him life,” are piousiy engag
ed in warning their friends and neighbours
to flee from the wrath to come, aud do
works meet for repentance.
In Chittenden County, the commence
ment of the work is of recent date, except
in Jericho, which is dated in March last
Very hopeful appearances are observed in 8
or 9 other towns in this county, aDd in some
the work has commenced with such power as
appals the enemy, while the soldiers of the
cross are marching on to victory, triumph
ing in the Captain of their salvation, In
Essex and Westford are already 70 hopeful
subjects of renewing grace.
In Addison County, it is believed the
work is w ithout example in the history of
the Church in this State. Within less than
three months, it is computed there are
about 300 converts in Cornwall, Storeham
and Middlebury.
In five other towns, the work is very in
teresting aod rapidly progressing, in which
it is believed are more than 100 recently
brought into the liberty wherewith Christ
makes free.
Rutland County. In eight towns, it is
computed are about 300 converts, almost
exclusively within about three months, and
the work continues to progress. In Castle
ton, the subjects are principally between 12
and 25 years of age. In Tinmouth, it is
-said, ■are between 30 and 40 hopeful sub
jects of renewing grace, and more than that
number, in whom a former hope has been
revived.
In Rupert and Pawlet, Bennington Coun
ty, the work is said to have commenced in
May, and about 60 are rejoicing in hope.
Jn Pawlet it is mostly confined to the stu
dents in the Academy.
We here enumerate thirty-two towns,
where the churches are refreshed, and mul
titudes are anxiously inquiring, “ What shall
we do to be saved?” We have given a
moderate estimate, and yet the aggregate
is almost 1800. Weathersfield and Ben
nington, which we have already noticed in
former numbers, together with a few oth
er towns, where has been more than usual
attention, will, doubtless, swell the list to
more than Two Thoruand.
In Granville, N. Y. a work is prevailing,
and 80 are hopeful subjects. Plattsburgh
i also visited, and it is believed about 30
have been born into the kingdom of Christ.
There are hopeful appearances in other
towns in that region.
The revival in Lyme, N. H. commenced
about a year since, and ha* been silently
and gradually progressing; 53 have been
added to the church of which Rev. B. Per
ry is pastor, and 19 examined for admis
sion. The hopeful converts are about
100.
The work continues to be encouraging
in Hanover and in the vicinity of Dart.
College. One hundred and fifty are hope
ful subjects of renewing grace.
What shall we then sRy to these things ?
If God be for os, who can be against us?
Well may we say to Zion, “ Arise, shine,
for thy light is come, and the glory of the
Lord is risen upon you.”
STATE OF RELIGION IN MICHIGAN.
JUxtract of a letter from Detroit, to the Editor
of iht Boston Recorder , dated July 2, 1821.
“ I wish it was in my power to describe
to you the awful situation of the people of
this territory. In it are about 10,000 in
habitants; most of them perishing for lack
of vision. There are two small Presbyte
rian churches; one at this place, and one
at River Raisin; but there is no Presbyteri
an minister in the territory. There are
three or four Methodist societies, with one
stationary, and at present, no circuit preach
ers; one small Roman Catholick church
here, and a small one at River Raisin, over
which are two regular ministers; both are
stationed at Detroit. The Catholicks in
Detroit are numerous, and generally ex-
tremely ignorant of every thing except the
formal ceremonies of their worship. 1 pre
sume I am safe in saying that nine-tenths of
them cannot read, and of that small number
nineteen-twentieths have not the Bible, ex
cept small portions of the New-Testament,
such as are dealt sparingly to them by the
priests. I can find but one English transla
tion of the Vulgate, which they call their
Bible, and that (the property of one of the
priests,) now lies before me; in which our
blessed Saviour is made to speak most glar
ing absurdities; for instance, in Matt. iii. 2.
saying, “Do penance for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand;” and again, v. 8, “ Bring
forth therefore fruits meet for penance
iv. 17. “And Jesus began to preach, and
to say, do penance, for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand.” Also, Luke xiii. 5. “ I
tell you no; except ye do penance, ye shall
all likewise perish.” Protestant transla
tions of the Bible are prohibited, because
they are not made to speak this language.
One man, considerably enlightened, when
asked, why do you pray to the Virgin Ma
ry ? said, “ our church says, if I pray to the
Virgin Mary, and pray her well, she will
help me to get to heaven.” I said, does
the Bible say so? he answered, “1 don’t
know, 1 never read the Bible.” (He can
read French fluently.) Omy dear Sir,
darkness covers this land, and gross dark
ness the people.”
PROFESSOR LEE.
It is no censurable curiosity which in
quires into the history of those living char
acters that are distinguished by the rank
they hold among the benefactors of the
world, and the efficient friends of Christian
ity. Their names will be had in everlast
ing remembrance ; and it is desirable that
their cotemporaries, as well as their suc
cessors on the theatre of life should know,
as far as may be, the extent of their merits
and claim on publick admiration.
Few men are more distinguished by their
acquirements than the gentleman whose
name stands at the head of this article ; and
few men seem more disposed to lay the
fruit of all their exertion at the foot of -the
cross.
The “ Investigator” is the authority on
which we state the following facts. Prof.
L. was born at Longnor, near Shrewsbury.
Without the early advantages of education,
and while labouring as a carpenter for his
daily subsistence, at the age of 17 he studied
the Latin tongue, unassisted by any one.—
He was so poor, that with all his economy
he could purchase but one book at a time,
and after having made himself master of
that, he purchased a second, for which he
paid in part with the first, and in (his way
advanced, till some increase of his wages
enabled him to make larger purchases ; he
then attended to the Greek, the Hebrew,
the Chaldee and Syriack tongues. The
loss of the tools he used in his trade com
pelled him to resort for the subsistence of
his family to his literary acquirements. He
engaged in a school. By this means his
character became known to Archdeacon
Corbett, who liberally assisted him, and
gave him a “ happier introduction to his fa
vourite pursuits.” He was at this time 23
years of age. He had been aided by no in
structor, cheered by no literary compan
ion, stimulated by no hope either of profit
or praise, and yet had attained the know
ledge of six dead languages. To these he
has since added eleven others, viz. Arabick,
Persick, Hindostanee, French, German,
Italian, Ethiopick, Coptick, Malay, Sanscrit,
and Bengalee.
With great labour he has edited the Sy
riack New Testament, the Malay New
Testament, H. Martyn’s Hindostanee Pray
er Book, a Tract for Mahometans, transla
ted into Perqick and Arabick, a Malay
Tract, and several Hindostanee Tracts,
an Arabick Tract on the new system of
education, and the Episcopal Liturgy in Per
sick. He is now translating the Old Testa
ment into Persian—printing an Hindosta
nee New Testament—beside preparing for
an Ethiopick Bible and other works. He
has also made anew fount of letter for Hin
dostanee and Persian printing—and a Dew
fount for the Syriack Old Testament. Hi
present occupations all bear on the great
cause of missions. He is preparing in Per
sian and English, the whole controversy of
70
| Ijenry lfSirtyn with flie literati of Persia,|
with considerable additions of his own,'’ to
establish the truth of the Scriptures against
the sophiuus of the Mahomedans.
In Mathematics •>' talents are not less
admirable, but he has abandoned them lor
the less teductive study of languages.
Bast. Recorder.
— —
An Example worthy of Imitation.
The author of the letter from which the
following is an extract, will doubtless ex
cuse its publication, though done without
his knowledge or consent, when he recol
lects the poerfol''jnfluence of example on
human conduct, and the probability that
many may b induced to go and do like
wise. The letter is addressed to the author
of “A plea for the Theological Seminary
at Princeton, N. J.” by a distinguished
clergyman, resident in one of the Eastern
States, immediately after reading the plea.
EXTRACT.
“ I have long felt deeply interested in
the prosperity of the Theological School
at Princeton. I was a member ol the Gen
eral Assembly, in 1812, when it was loca
ted, and shall never forget the interesting
discussions of that day, nor the solemnity ot
the hour wheuthe question was finally ta
ken and decided. Although a congrega
tional minister, 1 received my theological
education in a Presbyterian church ; and,
on many accounts, shall always feel attach
ed to that denomination of Christians. At
the same time, Ido not mean to imply an
indifference to my own denomination, nor
to the Theological School established in our
part of the country. I regret ta learn the
low state of your funds, and am desirous to
afford you some little aid. lam inclined to
do something for your seminary, more from
the hope that my example may induce oth
ers to do likewise, than from the expecta
tion that the little it is in my power to give,
consistently with other numerous and pres
sing calls, will be of essential service to the
Institution. You will therefore consider
me an annual subscriber for one hundred
dollars per anoutn, for ten years. In case
of my decease during that period, 1 will
make provision for the payment of the en
tire sum ; and, should that provision, thro’
any unforseen dispensation of Providence,
be prevented, you may consider this letter
as a sufficient guarantee, and order upon
my executors for the payment of the sum
that may be due, which 1 have no doubt
will be readily admitted. Below you will
find an order for the payment of the first
subscription upon a house in N. York.”
Sept. 13, 1821.
WESTERN COLLEGE.
Extract of a letter to the editors of the Charles
ton Ev. Intelligencer , dated Lincolnton , jV.
C. Sept. 6.
“ The Trustees of the Western College
of North Carolina attended at this place on
the 29th ult. and the location of the college
was fixed here on a beautiful eminence,
witbin half a mile of the Court House. The
eminence is so high that parts of the moun
tains, (the Blue Ridge) can be seen. The
snows on these mountains will afford a
beautiful sight to the student, and cause
pure air to circulate. The next summer,
it is expected, preparations will be made to
erect the buildings.” i
Several ballotings took place before the
location was-fixed ; but after the question
was decided the Trustees generally united
in adopting measures best calculated to
promote the objects of the institution. The
annual meeting of the Board of Trustees
will be held on the 2d Wednesday of Feb.
The following gentlemen were elected
officers of the Board—Rev. Dr. M’Rae,
Presdt.; Major Lawson Henderson, Treas
urer; Mr. V. M’Bee, Sec’y.
From the Charleston Evan. Intelligencer.
THE GAMBLER—A Fact.
I saw him, near the midnight hour, bloat
od and emaciated, staggering to his wretch
ed cabin, assisted by the amiable companion ]
of his fallen fortunes. The height of hu
man anguish was depicted in her counte-1
nance, and her trembling limbs but feebly
supported the object of her early attach-!
rnent. Her plighted vows still remained
sacred, notwithstanding the unworthiness of:
him who had received them.
How different tyas once his aspect in life.
A professor of the religion of Jesus, he ap
peared to live up to his calling. Respected
because he was virtuous, be enjoyed the
esteem of all. His advice was sought with
avidity, and followed with scrupulous ex
actness. His home, the abode of content
ment, was hououred with the presence of
the piou9 and the good—forthere the right
eous feasted on the conversation of saints,
and rejoiced in the company of Zion’s pil
grims,as they stopped to refresh themselves
to acquire strength to pursue their pilgrim
ages. Plenty covered his board, and peace
sat on every countenance. The compan
ion of his bosom smiled with joy as she
presided over the feast prepared for the
pious stranger—and her heart beat with
gratitude to God, for the many blessings
with which she was surrounded. Their
lovely children, the subjects of their pious
parents’ cares and prayers, appeared to be
growing up in righteousness like towering
cedars of Lebanon, and bid fair to orna
ment the doctrines of the Cross. The hus
band and the father was cited as an example
worthy of imitation—honest, industrious
and frugal, he seemed to be far removed
from the vices of the times—temperate
and abstemious, he was thought to be se
cure from the temptations of Satan, and the
allurements of the world.
Alas ! how changed !—How sad the re
verse. He wanted £rmues9 to resist some
of the smaller, hut not less insidious evils
of the world. For pastime only, and at
the solicitation of his thoughtless children,
an insignificant game was introduced in his
house, and, but for the consequences, might
I have been harmless. In process of time, |
however, others followed of greater mag
nitude—nd, at length, the once watchful |
Christian, haying had his heart vitiated by ;
degrees, consented to the introduction of
cards, and other similar games, that dis
grace civilized society.
It is unnecessary to detail all the painful
particulars of his progress in vice ; suffice
it to say, that his downfal was complete.—
The Christian, the husband, and the father,
became a professed gambler. Intemperance
followed. Ruin and devastation kept pace
with his retrograde from virtue, until noth
ing was left save a ruined reputation, an
agonized wife, and disconsolate children.—
Shunned by society—yes, that very society
which so lately rejoiced in his prosperity,
and telt honoured by his countenance, now
avoid him as they would the most deadly
poison—for his awful declension has disgra
ced their Master’s cause, and brought a
scandal on the sacred Christian name he
professed. Their prayers may ascend to
the mercy-seat to reclaim the wanderer—
but Divine Justice may remain unsatisfied
and he rnay sink to the grave abhorred by-
God and man. Upraided by the compan
ions of his wickedness, his existence is al
ready miserable—the fearful precursor of
a more miserable eternity.
One faithful companion still cleaves to!
him. Neither adversity nor disgrace can 1
sever the tender cord that binds her to him. i
She, whom he has reduced to poverty and
wretchedness, still feebly supports him in’
her arms—still ministers to his want 9, and |
endeavours to reclaim him from the des
troyers of his happiness. She upbraids
him not, except with the involuntary sighs
and tears which will sometimes hurst forth.
Surely, the Protector of the unfortunate
will receive her in his bosom, when her
earthly trials are ended. W.
——a>ozo:-y.t:ozo*-
ANECDOTE.
Some few years since, in the eastern part
of Connecticut, the following remarkable
circumstance took place :
In the town of , there lived a res
pectable family of the name of R — 9. Mrs.
if not Mr. R. had made a publick profession
of religion, and joined the Baptist commim-;
ion. But professors of all denominations
had fallen into an awful state of insensibil
ity, and seemed almost wholly conformed
to the world.
It was common in this vicinity at this j
time, for young people when they happen-1
ed to meet together on an evening, to spend;
the time in dancing and other vain amuse
ments. The custom of admitting parties to;
dance in private families, was too generally ‘
allowed of, even by professors of religion, j
A particular circle of young persons, ofi
which two or three of the above family
made apart, not unfrequently met at their
house. Notwithstanding Mrs. R.’s religious
feelings had greatly declined, and she view
ed herself in a cold, backslidden state, yet
she could not feel easy to countenance such
vain amusements, but became resolved to
reprove them. It so happened, that not,
long after, a number of these young people
collected at her house, when it was soon
proposed to engage in dancing. Mrs. R. i
perceiving what was going forward, felt’
her spirit stirred within her,like Paul when
at Athens, but knew not what course to
take to prevent what her conscience dis-!
approved. The yuung people had arran- i
ged themselves in order for what they j
termed a set dance, when Mrs. R. with;
much fear and trembling, resolved to ven-’
ture into the room and try to speak to
them. They were standing upon the floor,
but had not commenced their dance, when
9he addressed them nearly as follows: “It
9eems to me, my young friends, some of
your company are missing.” Not know
ing to whom she alluded, they replied, that
they did not miss any one in particular.—
“ No !” said she : “ Where is Isaac Deans
—where is Dennison Lathrop—where is
’ Perez Pembleton?”* A brother of the
l last mentioned young man was one of the
; company, who was up and ready to lead
| down the dance. He was so struck, that
, he immediately cried out, “ I am undone !”
What do you mean said one standing by
him? He replied, “ I am undone ! 1 am go
ing to hell! there is no mercy for me!”
Terror and amazement in an instant spread
over every countenance. They stood like
so many statues, until it was said, that the
floor was literally besprinkled with their
tears. The conviction extended from
heart to heart, until the whole exhibited a
scene of distress, not very easy to be des
cribed. Thus their mirth and dancing was
turned into weeping and distress.
Mrs. R. continued her pious and tender
exhortations, while her heart was often as
cending to God in fervent prayer that they
might be saved.
The time at length arrived, when it was
proper they should retire. With many
tears and solemn engagements to seek the
Lord they parted for the night.
But the reader will be anxious to learn
the result of this remarkable meeting. If
a friend of Christ, he will he gratified to
learn, that roost of this company were in a
judgment of charity in a little time, hope
fully converted to God. Some of them are
still alive to declare that the Lord is good.
Nor were the effects of this meeting limit
ed to this little company. The work
spread, until it wa9 judged, that one hun
dred souls were made the subjects of a
work of grace. What a wonder-working
God!
Was Jael the wife of Heber , pronounced
u blessed above women,” (because she had
■ destroyed the life of one of the enemies of
I God’s people? How much rather blessed
shall she be, who was thus happily instru
i mental in saving the souls of many from
eternal ruin!
* I'he two Qrst, were drowned a little before—
the last died about the same timo, of the consump-
I The circumstances of the above narra.
’ tive nre so well known to the Editors, that
j they hesitate not to give it a place ; devout.
I ly hoping it may be a means of exciting oth
ers to similar exertions to save thftsouls of
men, [-dm. Bap. Mag.
Donations to the American Board of
Commissioners for Foreign Missions, for the
month ending 17th August, amount to
£4lßl 56. Columbia Lodge, No. 39, made
a donation of £3O for the translations; and
George W. Coe, Esq. of Savannah, present
ed the Board with the sum of £SO. A box
of clothing, valued at £35, was also receiv
ed from ladies of Ashville, (N. C.)
Southern Evangelical Intelligencer.
The corner stone of anew Episcopal
church was laid at Newbern, (N. C.) on the
sth of July, and an appropriate address de
livered on the interesting occasion by the
Rev. Richard S. Mason, Rector of Christ
Church. The building is to be of brick
and will reflect credit upon those by who&t
liberality it is erected, n
Messrs. Harrison, Harned, Keeling
Waite, Clack, Brown and Lynd, students in
the Baptist Theological Institution at Phil
adelphia, underwent an examination on the
| 20th July, and gave the most satisfactory
1 evidence of their improvement and qualifi.
| cations to preach the gospel. Messrs.
Clack and Harrison were solemnly set
: apart, by ordination, to the work of evan
gelists. yj.
At Fort Wayne, Mr. McKoy [Baptist
Missionary] has lately baptized two Indian
converts.
SELECT SENTENCES.
Dignity of Religion.
The great difficulty in pulpit eloquence
is, to give the subject all the dignity it so
fully deserves, without attaching any im
portance to ourselves. Some preachers
reverse the thing; they give so much im
portance to themselves that they have none
left for the subject.
Every letter of the Lamentations of Jer
; emiah appears to be writen with a tear,
and every word to be the sound of a broken
heart; and the writer a “ man of sorrows,”
who scarcely ever breathed but in sighs,
or spoke but in groans.
i He who seldom thinks of Heaven is not
I likely to get thither ; as the only way to
hit the mark is to keep the eye fixed
; upon it.
| THE MISSIONARY.
1 MOUNT ZION, MONDAY, OCTOBER 8.
During the session of the last Legislature, we
presented to the publick a fevy remarks on the
subject of education in the State of Georgia. The
duty and importance of intellectual improvement,
and the special utility of a general diffusion of
knowledge in a Republican Government, were
defended by reasons, in our estimation, founded
,on truth and tested by experience. It was our
’ intention to prosecute this subject still farther by
submitting to pubiick inspection some observa*
, tions on Common Schools in connexion with the
; fund appropriated for the establishment of Free
i Schools in our State; but from this labour we were .
i deterred by an intimation, that nothing decisive
j would be done on this subject by the Legislature
then in session. This intimation proved correct;
—and as this important business will again come
before the constituted authorities of the State in
the course of a few weeks, we deem the present
a favourable period for the continuation of our
remarks. V
It is to be devoutly hoped that our Reprere/i
----tatives elect, when they shall have assembled for
the purposes of legislation, will do something more
than talk on the subject of Education. Too
much time has already been wasted in prelimina
ry and abortive speculation. It ought now to be
the period of decisive action. And in most res
pects the present moment would lead us to anti
cipate the adoption of the most decisive and effi
cient measures. A spirit favourable to the edu
cation of youth and to the promotion of literature,
pervades the publick mind ; and this spirit will
not slumber in the pursuit of its object till the in
stitutions of onr own state shall attain the rank of
elevation occupied by those of the older states of
the Union. Our Representatives, we have no
doubt, partake of this spirit equally with other
intelligent members of the community, and there
is nothing to prevent its embodying itself in tbtfi’
most efficient acts of legislation unless it be th*’
party politicks of the State. In one point of view
the popular character of our government, though
of vital consequence in the preservation of our
liberties, operates unfavourably upon the interests
of literature. The frequency of elections and
the violent struggle of competitors for office, have
given birth to those party feelings which blind the
eyes of too many to every thing which is not
connected with the success of some darling ob*
ject, or to the elevation of some political favour
ite. The publick mind is not unfrequently
thrown into a perfect phrenzy by the return of an
annual election ; and not a man can be found
who is able to give a satisfactory account of this
preturnatural excitement. Perhaps no political
principle of importance is at stake—the interests
of no section of the country are jeopardized —and
the honour and happiness of the present and fu
ture generations, may be equally promoted by the
ultimate success of either contending party.
Such a contest for power prosecuted with all the
zeal and pertinacity which are allowable only
where vital principles of policy are involved, often
causes “ much ado about nothing .” It
“ Resembles ocean into tempest wrought ,
u To waft a feather , or to drown a fly.”
But when the popular effervescence excited by
our late election shall subside, and when the next
Governoqr, whoever he maybe, shall be con-
