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of the land, had enjoined to be observed with religious soberness. Five years after that period, I again visited the same district at the same season, and forcibly was I struck with the change. There were no long processions of gaudily-dressed Negroes, wearing, amidst all their jollity, countenances expressive of exhaustion and weariness: besides the Parish Church, other Places for the Worship of God were open, and seemed to be filled with worshippers: the scene was indeed changed: drunkenness, riot, and folly had given place, at least in a great measure, to sobriety, quiet, and a recognition of God. And such I believe to be a very fair instance of the state of feeling among our Slaves, where they have felt the influence of a zealous Clergy or of laborious Missionaries. In proof of this, let the eye be but turned to most of our sea-port towns, where there are crowded Chapels; and in whose neighbourhood there are multitudes of Slaves, Members of Christian Societies, and willingly obedient to Christian Discipline. The advancemeut of an observance of the Ordinance of Marriage, as evidenced by the Parish Regis ters, is another, and a strong proof of the improvement of the Negro Character.

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suspicion of its property being of an uncertain nature would deter me from embarking in it. Foreign invasion we may be visited with; but internal insurrection I believe to be nearly impossible: it might break out, but the better feelings of the more enlightened would quickly lead to the discovery of its authors, and hasten its suppression.

Great, however, as has been the improvement in every class of our community within a few years, it is as nothing when compared with the evils which remain-with the gross ignorance of religion which is still too generally prevalent -and with the debasement of character which, for the most part, marks the several classes of our community. Let not then the faithful Watchmen of Israel slumber on their posts! Let not the Soldiers of Christ, who are militant among us, count a single victory as gained, till, warring in the strength of the Lord, they shall have fought the good fight of faith TO THE END, and shall have overcome every enemy to His Gospel, and to the salvation of His people. But, if tempted to faint in the struggle, let them look to what has already been achieved, and see in it the sure presage of a final victory: for, thanks be to Him who is our COMFORTER, and whose work it is, the Christian may, indeed, regard the altered aspect of society among us with calm but heartfelt gratitude; and rejoice in the anticipation of the fulfilment of the promises of God, which assure him that a time is coming, when evil shall be utterly destroyed, and when all the sons of men shall acknowledge Him whom Prophets and Evangelists testify to be their God.

Recent Miscellaneous Entelligence.

Church Miss. Soc.-The health of the Rev. B. Bailey and of the Rev. J. W. Doran, of the Syrian Mission, having failed, they received the sanction of the Madras Corresponding Committee to revisit their native country, for its recovery. Mr. Bailey and his Family embarked at Allepie, on the 14th of May, for Colombo; expecting to obtain a passage on board a Bombay Ship which was to touch there in this expectation, however, they were disappointed, the ship being full of passengers: they were consequently detained at Colombo till the 24th of November, when they embarked on board the "Africa," Captain Skelton, and landed at Gravesend on the 10th of April. Mr. Doran took his pas sage on board the "Oriental," Captain Leader, which sailed from Allepie on the 18th of November; and he landed at Dover on the 9th of April. The health of these friends

has been much benefited from the voyage. Mr. Bailey has resided at his Station nearly fifteen years-The Rev.Peter Fjellstedt, with Mrs. Fjellstedt and Miss Racster, (see p. 156,) embarked at Portsmouth for Madras, on the 21st of April, on board the "Providence," Captain O'Brien.

London Miss. Soc.-Mr. Ray, of Kidderpore, with his wife and family, arrived at Falmouth on the 27th of March, in the Andromache, Captain Laws, from Calcutta; having been obliged to quit India for a time, on account of Mrs. Ray's ill state of health.

Rammohun Roy-This Hindoo Gentleman is well known, by name, to our Readers. He arrived in London, on the 24th of April, on a visit which he had long projected. He is well versed in the learning of his own country, and has acquired very considerable knowledge of our language and literature.

He is

strongly opposed to the Hindoo Superstitions; and has propagated his views, with great success, among his countrymen. These views are not Christian; for though he admires the practical parts of Christianity, and has even published in English a work entitled "The Precepts of Jesus," he teaches personal merit as the sole ground of expecting future happiness, and rejects the Atonement and Sanctification of the Gospel.

CONTINENT.

Reformation in France-The statement at p. 120 relative to this subject was taken from a Circular, issued under very respectable authority; but appears, from information since received, to have been, with respect to the number and the views of the Priests there spoken of, too highly coloured.

WESTERN AFRICA.

Liberated Children sold-It appearing that some Native Children, who had been liberated from Slave Vessels, had been afterward sold, an investigation of this shameful transaction was entered into; when it was satisfactorily ascertained that no Europeans or respectable Colonists had any share therein, but that the crime had been perpetrated by some reckless persons among the Liberated Africans themselves.

Church Miss. Soc.-Two of the Catechists who sailed in October (p. 120) for Sierra Leone, Mr. W. Tubb and Mr. W. Young, have both suffered under the country fever. They were attacked, within three weeks of their landing, in the earlier part of January, but had both recovered at the end of that month. The Chaplain, the Rev. David Morgan, had also been seriously ill, but was then quite restored. With slight exceptions, the other Labourers were, at that period, in tolerable health.

Society of Friends -Mrs. Kilham had suffered under a severe attack of fever, but at the end of January had recovered her health. She was about to try her elementary system of instruction on Twenty African Girls lately liberated from a Slave Vessel. A School Room at Charlotte, with the necessary assistance, had been obtained.

MEDITERRANEAN.

INDIA WITHIN THE GANGES. Church Miss. Soc.-The Rev. W. Smith and Mrs. Wilkinson (see p. 335 of our last Volume) arrived at Calcutta on the 14th of November, about 20 weeks from the time of their embarkation. Mrs. Wilkinson's health had improved on the voyage. The Rev.M. Wilkinson, who had come down the river for the benefit of his health, was quite recovered.

London Miss. Soc.- Mr. Christie and Mr. Higgs (see p. 471 of our last Volume) landed at Calcutta on the 23d of October, after a passage of 108 days.

WEST INDIES.

Brit. & For. Bible Soc.- A Corresponding Committee, in aid of the Society, was formed at Kingston, in Jamaica, on the 20th of October; and a Meeting was to be held on the 2d of February for the formation of an have made a Grant of 2000 copies of the Auxiliary Society. The Parent Committee Scriptures: its Correspondent writes

Under God's blessing, there may be much, very much, expected. From this projected Auxiliary, Branch Assoelations will ramify through the island; by means of which the wants of various districts will be made known; and those of the Members who are resident at sea-ports will be earnestly requested to watch for opportunities of sending the Scriptures into the adjacent Islands.

United Brethren-The Brn. Harvey and Coates, with their Wives, landed at St. John's, Antigua, on the 8th of January; having had a tedious passage, from contrary winds, of not less than 82 days from London, where they had embarked on the 18th of October. Br. Harvey succeeds the late Br. Johansen (see pp. 99-101) in the superintendence of the Antigua Mission.

UNITED STATES.

Board of Missions-The third reinforcement of the Mission at the Sandwich Islands sailed, on the 28th of December, from New

Bedford, in the ship "New England," Capt. Parker. The Rev. Dwight Baldwin, the Rev. Reuben Tinker, the Rev. Sheldon Dibble, and Mr. Andrew Johnstone, with their Wives, formed this reinforcement-The Rev. Rufus Anderson has published, in a duodecimo volume, the result of his inquiries in the Mediterranean (see pp. 136-139, 176-179 of our last Volume), under the title of "Observations on the Peloponnesus and Greek Islands:"

American Board-The Rev. Jonas King his design is thus stated

writes from Tinos on the 20th of October :I have at length seen the city of Athens, and have there made a purchase of a spot for a house. It is now all in ruins; and I shall be obliged to wait till spring, before I can build a little hut to live in. Smyrna and Constantino. ple are far more agreeable at present than any place in Greece, but I must not look at comfort. Should the way, however, be hedged up before me, I may then perhaps go to one of these places. My School now consists of sixtyfour scholars; and opposition to it is, so far as I can judge, dying away.

Newhaven Ladies' Com.-The Rev. Josiah Brewer writes from Smyrna on the 10th of November

In this quarter our Schools continue to flourish,and are likely to be free from one of the most formidable sources of opposition which those in Independent Greece are subjeet to, viz. the jealousy or policy of the Government. Cyprus, Candia, Samos, Scio, and Mitylene, will each of them present a fine field for the operation of Schools. No permission for the exiled Jewish Christian to return from banishment has as yet been obtained. "How long, Lord! bow long?" Yet the cause of Evangelical Religion is, we trust, day by day making some little advances in

these benighted lands.

-To bring together and combine, in one continuous and brief view, such notices of Greece as would be gratifying to the Scholar and to the Christian Philanthropist, and as would throw light, at the same time, upon the duty of the American Churches in relation to the intellectual and mo. ral regeneration of that interesting country.

Colonization Society - Dr. Mechlin, the Colonial Agent at Liberia, who had been on a visit to the United States, sailed, on his return, on the 27th of October, with about 140 Emigrants for the Colony, in the "Carolinian," from Norfolk, Virginia. The Rev. Benjamin R. Skinner, a Baptist Missionary, and his Wife, accompanied him. Another vessel was about to sail, with from 70 to 100 emigrants.

Religious Newspapers-Of these publications, there are now Ten in the State of New York alone; which circulate more, all together, than 30,000 copies.

Temperance Tract-Of Dickinson's "Appeal to American Youth on Temperance," 200.000 copies were distributed in the course

ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND,

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED AT THE MEETING OF THE LONDON ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY, APRIL 23, 1831.

THE Society for the Abolition of Slavery throughout the British Dominions earnestly request your attention to the present state of the question. The Dissolution will probably soon take place, when the great body of Electors will be strongly agitated with discussing the measure of Reform, which has divided the existing Parliament. At this crisis we entreat you, in the midst of conflict and excitement, to remember the Sacred Cause to which, in conjunction with ourselves, you are solemnly pledged. Upon the exertions now made, so far as human wisdoin may foresee, mainly depends the continuance or extinction of that System which has so long prevailed, in violation of all the principles of the British Constitution, and in subversion of all justice-outraging every feeling of humanity—and utterly repugnant to the precepts of the Religion which we profess to acknowledge. We pray you to rouse yourselves to strenuous, persevering, and well-organized exertions; and we suggest for your consideration the following measures :—

To call meetings of your Committees, and to invite to join you all who prefer humanity to oppression, truth to falsehood, freedom to slavery-to appoint frequent periods for assembling-to form a list of all the Electors who can be properly influenced in the approaching contest, each individual answering for himself and as many more as he can bring to aid-to make strict inquiries of every Candidate, not only whether he is decidedly favourable to the extinction of Slavery, but whether or not he will attend the Debates in Parliament, when that question shall be discussed; herein taking special care not to be deceived by general professions of disapprobation of Slavery, but ascertaining that the Candidate has adopted the determination to assist in carrying through measures for its speedy annihilation. None look with greater horror on the shedding of blood, or the remotest chance of occasioning such a calamity, than ourselves; but we are in our consciences convinced, and that after investigation the most careful and scrupulous, that, from the emancipation which we recommend, no risk to the safety of the White Inhabitants could arise: on the contrary, we verily believe, that the continuance of Slavery renders desolation and bloodshed much more probable; and that if the country does not repent of the sin of Slavery and cast it from her, it may, by the just retribution of Providence, terminate in a convulsion destructive alike of life and property.

On behalf of Candidates who are known to hold these principles, and on behalf of such Candidates only, we ask your assistance: and this assistance may be most powerfully rendered, not merely by votes, but by open and public adoption of the Candidate on these avowed grounds-by the exertion of lawful influence-by saving him time in his canvass-and by relieving him from expence in going to the poll.

We assure you, that, on our part, we will not be backward in our efforts for the attainment of the same ends; and we will, from time to time, afford you all the information which we may deem requisite.

In the truth and justice of our Cause we are all confident; but men must work by human means. Without strenuous efforts, the gold and combination of our interested opponents may leave the Cause without that support in Parliament which is essential to success; and so continue, for an indefinite period, sufferings indescribable and iniquity incalculable.

We solemnly conjure you to shew yourselves, by your courage, energy, and perseverance, faithful in the cause of Truth and Mercy: and then, with His aid to whom all good is to be ascribed, we trust that this accumulation of guilt and misery may be speedily annihilated.

Signed, in behalf of the London Committee,

T. FOWELL BUXTON, SAMUEL GURNEY, W. WILBERFORCE, WILLIAM SMITH.

MAY, 1831.

Biography.

ACCOUNT OF ELIZA,

A NORTH-AMERICAN INDIAN WOMAN, WHO DIED NOV. 23, 1830. THIS Indian Woman was connected with the Mission established by the American Board at Mackinaw, an island in the Strait which connects Lake Huron with Lake Michigan. The narrative is derived from the communications of the Rev. W. M. Ferry, the Missionary at the Station; and "exhibits," as the Board remark, "in an affecting manner, the contrast between those who are without the Gospel and those who enjoy its light and embrace it; so far as the effect on their character, condition, happiness, and prospects is concerned."

The Indian name of Eliza was O-dahbe-tuh-ghe-zhe-go-quai; signifying, in English, the Midway-sky-woman, or the Place of the sun at noon. She was born about 300 miles up the south shore of Lake Superior; and was, by blood, of the Ojibeway Tribe.

Being related to the principal persons of her tribe, (her uncle was a Chief,) she was chosen to become Interpreter of Dreams. This took place when she was probably about 16 or 17 years old. The qualifications for this rank or honour were, according to the superstition of her tribe, to be decided by living ten days in a separate hut, without any other nourishment than a little water each night she faithfully observed the prescribed abstinence, although it nearly cost her her life her bodily strength was almost exhausted; and, on being brought out of the hut, and probably too plentifully fed, she fell sick, and did not recover for several months and yet, of her own accord, soon after her recovery, she fasted nine days more.

From this time she was considered an extraordinary Being. The tribe would not permit her to work; but, provided with a wigwam or hut of distinction, she constantly received from them the best of their food and clothing. She was also furnished with a large otter skin, or medicine sack; stored with every article thought to be necessary, either for the magical cure of the sick, or for interpreting dreams this sack, which she carefully preserved, was her badge of honour; May, 1831.

and, in all their medicine dances, she was greatest among the great. On these occasions, she took the lead in drinking whiskey; and thus became so excessively intemperate, that in some of these scenes she twice lost her sack, which, with the death of her children, and the neglect of the Indians, so dispirited her, that she abandoned herself to every vice.

About nine years ago, she lost another child; the third of four. For awhile she listened to advice, and abstained from drinking: but it was not long, before she was allured away into the woods by an Indian Man and Woman, where whiskey had been previously carried, and there they persuaded her to drink with them. In this drunken frolic, the woman fell upon her and wounded her nose: this being the greatest disgrace, in her estimation, which she could possibly suffer, for a long time her friends had to watch her to prevent her destroying her life: once, she tried to hang herself: another time, she threw herself into the lake; but an Indian caught her by the hair, and drew her again into the canoe: after this she began to think, that the unknown Indian, who, as she supposed, had the care of her life, was unwilling that she should kill herself, and she gave up all further attempts to effect it. Having but one child left, she remained sometimes on the island of Mackinaw, and sometimes on the main land; with no fixed object but to get whiskey by every possible means.

I first became acquainted with her 2 E

about five years ago. Soon after our family was open to receive children, I. one day met a boy; and, on ascertaining who he was, went, with an interpreter, to the hut of the Mother. A wretchedly destitute and miserable scene we wit nessed. At that time, no persuasion could induce her to let me have her Son; but going the second time and the boy himself being willing, she, at length, though reluctant, gave her consent. The following Spring, more out of pity than for our convenience, I employed her, first in the kitchen, and after at the sugar camp, on condition that she would drink no whiskey and conduct herself properly. By much counsel and care she did so much better than I had expected, that I finally told her, that, provided she would be steady and do such work as she was able, she might have a home with us. From that time, I believe, she was never intoxicated more than three or four times.

About three years since she began to pay serious attention to religion; but, for some time, was very fluctuating. While under the sound of instruction, she would be affected sometimes to tears. For several years, during the hours of the Sunday School, we have had a separate School for Indian Women and others, for the purpose of reading and explaining the Scriptures and Tracts. At these meetings she was often affected; though afterward, as she says, she would throw the subject off, and become in a measure indifferent. Impressed with the idea that there could be no mercy for such a creature as she was, and the thought of her religious state making her unhappy, she would avoid being present at the meetings or at family worship: yet she often felt so strong a desire to hear the sound of prayer and singing, that she has gone to the door and remained there as long as she thought she could without being discovered, sometimes till nearly frozen. During most of that Winter she felt such uneasiness of mind, that, not daring her self to look to God for mercy because she was such a sinner, she felt it a relief to overhear the worship of others; as if God might possibly hear their prayers, though she was unworthy to be present.

During the Spring, while at the sugar camp, she was greatly distressed. When gathering sap, she often had thoughts like these "Here I am going the same round daily from tree to tree, and can find no relief. I must always carry this wicked heart; and, when I die, be mise

rable for ever!" A pious Indian Woman, who had charge of the sugar camp, used to converse with her; and, after praying, would ask her if she did not feel the importance of joining in heart with her: she said she did; and though there was to her mind no prospect of ever being better, yet she would, as she said, forget herself, and feel strong desires for mercy. After her return from the sugar camp, she thought that every one must look upon her condition as hopeless; and, as before, she often staid away from Divine Worship because she thought it unfit for her to be there.

Most of the following Summer she spent at the farm; where, at times, she seemed to awake to an affecting view of her state, and with such feelings that she would go away from the house, and pray and weep much alone; but, for the most part, she indulged despair, and found no relief.

The next Autumn we had unusual sickness in the family: she and her Son were left at the farm alone for two or three weeks: they were both taken ill; and probably suffered somewhat for want of nursing, before we were aware of it and could bring them home. In reference to this time, she says, that she thought with herself that she had found no relief to her mind in OUR WAY, meaning that of Christians; and that she would again try her OLD WAY, her medicine or sorcerers' songs; and spent the greater part of several nights in songs and her former Indian mummery. After she was brought home she discontinued this; but she thinks that she nearly lost all anxiety about her soul, and seemed to have no feeling further than to take care of her Son: he had greatly profited by the instructions which he had received, and conversed much with his Mother; but nothing seemed to move her. A few days before his death, which took place shortly after, he told her he should die soon; and that he wanted her to promise him never to drink any more whiskey-to remain with the Mission Family-listen to their in structions-and pray every day to God; then, when she died, she would go to God and be with him. At first, she told him that if he died she would die too: but her Son said that was wrong; for that God only had a right to have her die when He saw fit. At length she promised him that she would remember and do as he had requested.

During the whole scene attending her

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