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the Interpreter, that he was about to execute an heathenish custom. In quarrels of this kind, the man takes his knife, and the woman is obliged to hold her head, and let him cut it in several places, and make it bleed. This settles the whole difficulty. But we interfered before he effected his purpose, and took away his knife. We then talked to them both, and they became, in some measure, reconciled. An Indian funeral is thus described in the journal:

To-day we saw something of the effects of heathenism. An Indian woman died near us, at a wigwam belonging to some of her connexions. She was turned out of the tent twenty-four hours before she died, and was left without any care or attention to die alone. After she was dead, three women came to bury her. We assisted in digging the grave; and they buried her in their own way, painting her head and face, and putting her knife by her side.

When death removes from the poor Indian his friends or relations, he " sorrows as others, who have no hope.".

As I went out this morning (writes Mr. Pixley,) quite early, to milk my cow, I trust with some feelings of gratitude to that God, whose favourable providence has so far prospered my way, I could not but look around with sympathy, on the poor children of nature ; and the more was it awakened soon after by passing a large robust looking Indian, of middle age, who was sitting alone, with his little boy, (on the prairie,) at some distance. I suspected the cause, and accordingly approached them, with the design of making some inquiries. Their faces had both been besmeared with black mud, and they had very evidently been crying. The current of their tears had furrowed their way through the mud down their cheeks. They indeed looked sorrowf, and by no means as though they had been doing unconditional penance. You know not, my dear brother, how I longed at this interview to communicate that light and hope to them which lies beyond the grave. He told me, so far as I was able to understand, that about 7 or 8 months ago he lost his father, within about a month after his mother, and lately an infant child. And considering how different from ours, their feelings might be, who are covered with darkness and ignorance, about a future state, I could not but sit down by his side, with a kind of sympathy never before felt.

I am more and more convinced, however much pagan darkness may lead men to be thoughtlessly contented in the day of prosperity, that it is far otherwise in the day of adversity, and that when affliction comes they are of all people the most to be pitied.

We think the Aborigines are not remarkable for honesty; at any rate, pilfering small articles seems to be a frequent practice of those on our borders. The fol lowing pleasant exception must conclude this article. When Mr. Pixley had just entered the Osage village, leading his cow with a rope,

The crowd, says he,now began to gather around so thick that I found it impossible to proceed farther. I therefore laid down my bag of vision and clothing on the ground, together with my axe and tin pan,

and caught the calf, thinking it best to tie him up and let the cow go. After having done this, I looked around for the things I had laid upon the ground, and found they were all gone. I began to enquire what had become of them, when White Hair gave me to understand that he had ordered them all safely deposited in his lodge. A true specimen this of Indian politeness and hospitality.

AMERICAN COLONIZATION SOCIETY.

Address of the Board of Managers.

THE period has at length arrived, when we feel it our duty to call upon our friends for their united aid and exertions. We have now a reasonable prospect of accomplishing the great object for which the society was formed. The public have been made acquainted with the difficulties with which it has pleased Providence to try our faith, our constancy, and our zeal. They have been informed by the last report, that a territory had been purchased, under the direction of Lieut. Stockston and Dr. Ayres, on the 15th of December last. This territory is situated at Montserado, at the mouth of Montserado river. Further accounts and fuller observation confirm all the representations formerly made of the health, fertility, commercial and agricultural importance of this place. It is situated in about 6o 13' of North latitude, and about 250 miles Southeast of Sierra Leone. Our people who were at Fourah Bay, in the colony of Sierra Leone, have been removed to their new settlement. Dr. Ayres, and Mr. Wiltberger, left them on the 4th of June, when houses had been prepared for them. They amounted, at that time, to about eighty. A vessel was then on the way to join them, with thirty-five new settlers, and fifteen captured Africans, with a good supply of provisions and stores. As the rains will cease in October, and the season then commence for active operations, it is of importance that such reinforcements as will be necessary to place the settlement on a respectable footing, as to strength, society, and resources, should be forwarded without delay. It is for this purpose we now call upon the public for aid. To this period we have always looked, not without anxiety as to the result, but with a confident expectation that we might rely upon the liberality, benevolence, and Christian zeal of our fellow-citizens, to supply the necessary funds for laying the foundation of a settlement, which will make Africa rejoice, and which America shall not be ashamed to own as her work. Great as have been our difficulties, our discouragements, and our trials, we view in them all the hand of a kind Providence, who has sent them, as we believe, for wise purposes, and has not failed to support us under them. We necessarily commenced our operations under much ignorance of the country and people of Africa. By the delay which has taken place, we have procured such information as, we hope, has enabled us to select our situation with great advantage, and to direct our future operations with greater skill and judgment, and to give to some of the people of Africa, a knowledge of our objects, and a confidence in our agents and country.

We are happy to learn that many of the most powerful and intelligent of the kings along the coast, have become convinced, that the slave trade VOL. IX.

51

must soon cease; and they have been led to look with no small anxiety, for the sources of their future supplies; and they now see in our new settlement that resource, the object of their solicitude. Their interest and their hopes are already enlisted in our favour; and the activity and enterprize of our cruisers, have brought them to dread the power, and to respect the name of our country. We are now seen and known through another medium than that of slave traders, and we are now enabled to place the safety of our people and the success of our settlement, on two of the strongest passions of man-fear and interest.

At a grand palaver called by Dr. Ayres in April last, at which there were seventeen kings, and upwards of thirty half kings or head men, there were but two opposed to the settlement of our people at Montserado, and all but one offered Dr. Ayres land, within their own jurisdiction. As to the disposition of the coloured people in the country to avil themselves of an opportunity to join the colony, we can confidently state that many hundreds are not only willing, but anxious to go, and that applications for this purpose are almost daily made to the Board. At the same time, it is proper to state that no persons, of any description, ought to attempt to settle in the colony without the permission of the Board, and that they will not be received without such permission. We request the auxiliary societies to exert themselves in making collections; and we hope that where there are no auxiliary societies, individuals friendly to the cause will do something among their friends and neighbours. If this is done extensively, even small contributions, which will hardly be felt, will, from their number, enable us to send out a powerful reinforcement. We hope no friend of the cause will omit giving something. This is an important crisis in our affairs. We, therefore, hope none will be lukewarm or indifferent. In a short time, we expect the settlers will be able to support themselves, and to aid other emigrants. Now is the time to encourage them, and lay a foundation for future strength. Many thousands will be enabled, in a few years, to find their way to the settlement, when it is once firmly established, and employment and assistance can be readily furnished them on their arrival. Let us, then, be up and doing. The cause is great, the object important, and the occasion urgent. Collections in money should be forwarded to Richard Smith, Esq. Cashier of the United States Branch Bank, Washington, Treasurer of the Society. By order of the Board.

E. B. CALDWELL, Secretary.

NARRATIVE OF THE STATE OF RELIGION

Within the bounds of the Synod of New-York and New-Jersey, October, 1822.

In reviewing the reports of the state of Religion in the Churches within their bounds, during the past year, the Synod of New-York and New-Jersey feel mingled emotions of sorrow and joy. They cannot but grieve to hear of the progress of vice in many of the congregations under their care. They can scarcely refrain from tears when they hear of the prevalence of intemperance, gambling, profaneness, and Sabbath-breaking, among those for whose spiritual wel

fare they feel a deep concern. These vices are more to be dreaded than the desolating plague. They are sure symptoms of malignant disease in the soul--the prognostics of eternal death. Nor can they view with indifference the lukewarmness that pervades so great a portion of the Churches under their care. This is an evil highly offensive to the great Head of the Church; one which he has reprobated in the strongest terms; and the pernicious effects of which, no mortal can duly estimate. This fatal evil gives birth to others. When the love of many waxes cold, iniquity will abound; and when the soldiers of Christ sleep at their posts, the enemy will break into the camp.

But while the Synod view with unfeigned regret the alarming spread of lukewarmness and vice, they have occasion to praise God that he has not forsaken his people, nor given up his heritage to reproach. Many of the Churches under their care, where there are no special revivals, appear to be walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, and are gradually enlarged. An exemplary attention has been paid to the religious instruction of youth; Sabbath schools are established in almost every congregation, and are generally in a flourishing state; benevolent societies are still in operation, and have increased in number and efficiency; meetings for social prayer have been greatly multiplied, and the Lord truly appears in many places to be pouring out on his people a spirit of grace and supplication.

The Synod are gratified to learn that discipline has in several instances been exercised with becoming tenderness and decision, and will, they doubt not, be followed by the happiest effects. They observe also with great pleasure that there is among the members of their body a growing concern for the spiritual welfare of their respective congregations, in many instances in which the Lord has not yet made bare his arm. And in addition to these heart-cheering proofs that their Redeemer liveth, the Synod rejoice to record special manifestations of his power and grace. The congregations of Smithfield and South-Salem, in the bounds of the North River Presbytery, have lately enjoyed times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord; and in the latter seventy-two precious souls have been at one communion added to the Church, and several others have been hopefully converted.

In several Churches under the care of the Presbytery of NewYork, there are very promising symptoms; especially in the city of New-York, the aspect of the Churches is peculiarly flattering. In those of Broome-street, Vandewater-street, Rose-street, Corlaer's Hook, the Bowery, and especially Wall-street, there has been considerable excitement, and encouraging additions have been made to the communion of the Church. Spring-street Church has experienced an effusion of the Holy Spirit within the last year; and as the fruits and evidences of this good work, the names of fifty-two have been registered among the people of God. The Brick Church has witnessed, again, the descent of the Holy Ghost, in his quickening, enlightening, sanctifying, and comforting influences. While Christ's professed disciples have come valiantly, with one accord, to the help

of the Lord, more than one hundred from the world have, during the past year, it is supposed, been made willing in the day of his power. The Orange-street Church, also, has been favoured with revival of religion. That afflicted city, chastised as it is by the scourge of Heaven, may sing of mercy as well as of judgment. It would seem as if God proclaimed to it aloud from Heaven, The day of vengeance is in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

Within the limits of the Presbytery of Jersey, the Churches of Paterson and Rockaway have each experienced a partial outpouring of the Spirit of God. The Church of Chatham, since last November, has shared abundantly in the gracious influence of a gradual and powerful work of God, which has resulted in the increased holiness of God's people, and an addition to their number of seventy-seven new members. Since the opening of spring, the great Head of the Church has condescended to visit Morristown in the multitude of his mercies. He spake in power, his disciples heard his awakening voice, and came forth to meet their Lord. The dead also heard and lived; and one hundred and twenty have already been added to the Church. "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

From the reports of the Presbytery of New-Brunswick it appears, that there is among the students of Nassau Hall an increasing spirit of benevolence manifested, in the vigorous operation of their Bible, Tract, and Education Societies-a spirit which the Synod devoutly wish may never decline, and which they cannot too highly commend. The Theological Seminary at Princeton is still in a flourishing state, and the students are generally distinguished by unwearied diligence in the prosecution of their studies, exemplary piety, unexceptionable morals, and a habitual readiness to spend and be spent for Christ and his Church. Since the middle of May last, God having remembered his holy covenant, and having given ear to the prayers of his people, has mercifully visited the Church of Bound-Brook. His power has been displayed in convincing and converting multitudes, of all ages and classes: one hundred have been added to the Church, and at least one hundred more are deeply anxious, and the revival still progresses; Christians now awake, are expecting still greater wonders of grace.

In the extensive region under the care of the Presbytery of Newton, there is much to encourage and gladden the hearts of God's people. At Lamington, since the latter end of June, forty have been added to the Church, and about twenty more are supposed to be still anxious. At German Valley, since the middle of June, about sixty have been awakened, thirty of whom entertain a hope of having passed from death to life, and there is yet no apparent suspension of Divine influence. In the congregation of Mansfield, it is conjectured that one hundred, since the first of August, have discovered their awful state while without God and hope in the world: some of whom, it is believed, have been brought to enjoy the liberty of the sons of God. Baskingridge has again come up in remembrance before God: it is thought that the number of the awakened in that congregation

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