groan and piercing shriek from the lower deck convulsed her frame. She knew the voice, and snatching the infant in her arms rushed to the spot. Soon she found the object of her search. His manly form mangled and shattered; that face once ruddy with the glow of health, now pale and convulsed; the warm blood streaming from his side and breast; he saw her too. Mary' said he, and raising his feeble hand, pointed to heaven-it fell-and William was no more! Sinking on the lifeless body of her husband, Mary fainted, with the dear babe still in her arms! when, oh, mysterious providence, at that very moment, when senseless and inanimate, a ball entered through the vessel's side-it pierced her bosom! Need I tell the rest? they were pleasant and lovely in their lives, and in their death they were not divided."

RELIGIOUS AND MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

WYANDOT MISSION.

Letter from BISHOP SOULE, giving an account of a visit to the Indian Mission, at Upper Sandusky.

Dear Brother,-Shortly after the close of the General Conference, I left Baltimore and proceeded to Sharpsburgh, where I met bishop M Kendree, who had set out a week before me. Since that time we have generally travelled in company, visiting the church es and preaching on our way. We have been mercifully preserved in safety and in health, in a sickly country, and at the season most subject to the prevalence of disease. In the path of duty we walk unhurt in fire. To God be all the praise. Saturday, August 14, we left the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky, after having spent a week with the mission family, and in visiting and receiving visits from the Indians. The change which has been produced, both in the temporal and spiritual condition of this people, is matter of praise to Him, "who has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell upon the face of the whole earth; and cannot be viewed but with the most lively pleasure by every true philanthropist. Prior to the opening of the mission among them their condition was truly deplorable. Their religion consisted of Paganism, improved, as they conceived, by the introduction of some of the ceremonies of the Roman Catholic church. Hence, although they were baptized, they kept up thir heathen worship, their feasts, theirs, and

Gallatin, Tenn., November 13, 1824. their dances; sad proofs of their deep ignorance of God, and of that worship which he requires. In this state the belief in witchcraft was so strong and prevalent as to produce the most melancholy consequences. Numbers have been put to death as witches, under the influence of this belief. Their morals were of the most degraded kind. Drunkenness, with all its concomitant train of vices, had overrun the nation. Poverty, and nakedness, and misery, followed in their desolating course. In this condition the chase was their chief, if not their only resource. The cultivation of their lands, although among the most fertile and beautiful in the western country, was almost entirely neglected. To the comfort of domestic life they were consequently strangers. Such were the Wyandot Indians when the missionary labours were commenced among them. Their present situation presents a most pleasing contrast. A large majority of the nation have renounced their old religion, and embraced the Protestant faith, and they generally give ample proof of the sincerity of their profession by the change of their manner of life. Those especially who have joined the society, and put themselves under the discipline of the church, are strictly attentive to all the means of grace, so far as they understand them,

in order to obtain the spiritual and They must be instructed and encouraeternal blessings proposed in the gos- ged both by precept and example. pel: and the regularity of their lives, Happy will it be for the Indians when and the solemnity and fervency of their the efforts of their civil, literary, and devotions may well serve as a reproof religious agents are thus harmoniously to many nominal Christian congrega- united. With such a joint exertion, tions and churches. As individuals there can be little doubt but the Wy they speak humbly, but confidently, of andot nation will, at no very distant the efficacy of divine grace in chan- period, be a civilized, religious, and ging their hearts, and of the witness of happy people. It is to be feared that a the Spirit, by which they have the number of traders near the boundary knowledge of the forgiveness of their lines of the Indian lands, have, by supsins, and of peace with God, referring plying them with whiskey and other others to the outward and visible change articles, contributed in no small dewhich has taken place, as the evidence gree to prevent the progress of reliof the great and blessed work which gious influence and civilization among God has wrought among them. The them. This destructive traffic calls the happy effects of the gospel are beco- Indian to his hunting ground to obtain ming more and more obvious. Their skins to pay his debts, and at the same former superstitions have almost en- time it affords the means of intempertirely yielded to the force and simpli- ance and intoxication, from whence city of truth. The wandering manner arise quarrels, and sometimes bloodof life is greatly changed, and the chase shedding. Will not this be required is rapidly giving place to agriculture, in the great day of righteous retribuand the various necessary employ- tion, at the hand of the white man? ments of civilized life. The tomahawk, The reformed among the Indians see and the scalping knife, and the rifle, and deplore the evil, but have not the and the destructive bow, are yielding means of removing it. the palm to the axe, the plough, the hoe, and the sickle.

Having thus far taken a general view of the former and present state of It is delightful to notice their mani- the Wyandots, I now proceed to a more fest inclination to the habits of domes- particular narrative of our visit to the tic and social life. If we may depend mission. We arrived at the missionon the correctness of our information, house on Friday evening, and found the and we received it from sources which family and school children in tolerable we had no reason to dispute, those of health. Saturday we visited the farm, the Indians who have embraced the the location of which is delightful and protestant religion, are generally, if convenient. They have reaped a small not unanimously, in favour of cultiva- crop of wheat and oats, and have about ting the soil, and of acquiring and pos- sixty acres of corn growing, as fine in sessing property on the principles of appearance as any I have seen in the civilization. This, with suitable en- western country. They have also raiscouragement and instruction, will lead ed a fine crop of flax, and have a great to a division of their lands, personal variety, and abundant supply of vegepossession of real estate, and laws to tables. Three very important purposecure their property. The national ses are answered by this department of government in its wisdom and benevo- the Missionary establishment. lence, has adopted measures for the family and school are supplied with instruction and civilization, not only of bread by their own labour. The boys the Wyandots, but also of many of the are furnished with an opportunity and Indian nations on our vast frontiers; the means of acquiring a practical and the Christian Missionary, anima- knowledge of agriculture, and an exted with the love of souls, whose great ample is exhibited to the Indians, who object is to do good on the most exten- frequently visit the farm, and observe sive plan within his power, will rejoice the manner of cultivation, and the adto contribute his influence to promote vantages arising from it; and nothing the success of these measures. Such is more obvious than their disposition to is the relative condition, the education, imitate. Hence their fields are openand the habits of the Indians, that much ing, and in many instances present the depends upon the character of the go- most pleasing and promising appearvernment agents, the missionaries, and ances. The buildings on the farm are the teachers employed among them. neat and convenient, but not sufficientVOL. VIII.

5

The

by roomy for the accommodation of the Tuesday,-We met, agreeably to increasing household. They will there- previous invitation, a number of the fore be under the necessity of enlarge- Indian leaders, among whom were seing. They milk ten cows, and make veral of the chiefs, and the Moderator plenty of butter for the use of the fami- in the national councils, together with ly, which is composed of about seventy two interpreters. After opening the persons. meeting with prayer, Bishop M KenSabbath, We attended public wor- dree informed them that we should be ship with them. A large number of glad to hear from them how the church the Indians assembled, some of whom was prospering, the state of the school, came sixteen miles, which is their regu- and whether any thing more could be lar practice on the Sabbath. Bishop done for its prosperity: with any other M'Kendree preached to them by an matters which they might wish to cominterpreter, and I addressed them after municate; assuring them that we were him through the same medium. Prior, their friends, and would be glad to do however, to the opening of the meeting them all the good in our power. After in English, Mononcu prayed, and they the interpreter had fully informed them sang a hymn in their own language. of our wishes, a momentary pause enAfter the regular exercises were clo- sued, when they arose and spoke in sed they held a prayer meeting, in succession, as follows:which a number of the Indians prayed Mononcu. "My old brothers, I have in the most solemn, impressive, and af- many reasons to praise God for myself fecting manner. It was truly delight- and for my nation. I believe that God ful to notice the solemnity, attention, has begun a great work, and hope he and pious feelings of this assembly, so will carry it on. I have tried to talk recently emerged from the ignorance to my people, and to pray for them. If and stupidity of their Pagan state. Af- I know my own heart, it is my intenter four or five hours employed in de- tion to be wholly for the Lord. I bevotional exercises, it was with manifest lieve that religion is in a prosperous reluctance that many of them retired state. That those who have professed from the house of prayer. Devotion are generally steadfast. The wicked appears to be their delight. In view have been taught that there is no half of such a scene my heart kindled with way place for them. I often feel infirm gratitude to the Father of Mercies, and and weak, but I trust in God. My was ready to exclaim with pleasing constant prayer to God is, that his work admiration, "What has God wrought!" may revive, that his people may be Monday, We visited the school, and blessed, and that the wilderness may examined into the progress of the boys flourish. I am sorry that some of the and girls in their learning; and the re- older brethren are absent who could sult was most encouraging. They spell speak better, and could give you more and read with great propriety. Seve- information. I am not able to commural classes are reading in the Testa- nicate my own mind. Brother Finley ment, and one large class in the Pre- will be able to give you better informceptor or English Reader. They are ation than I can. Last spring when also making good proficiency in wri- brother Finley was gone there was ting. Of their native genius and viva- some difficulty. We seemed to be discity they give demonstrative evidence. couraged, and were like children withIndeed I am persuaded that I never out a father; and some were disposaw an equal number of children to- sed to go away. The wicked Indians gether in any school, where there was were encouraged by his absence, and a greater display of intellect, or a more did all they could to turn away others obvious capacity of improvement: and who were weak, from the right way; I am certain I never saw a school but since his return things have bewhere there was equal subordination, come better, and are now nearly as peace, and quietness. The boys en- prosperous as they were before. I begage in the various labours of the farm lieve that God has appointed our browith readiness, cheerfulness, and pro- ther Finley for this mission. All those priety; and we had the pleasure of see- who are religious in the nation, if they ing the girls sew, spin, and weave, and were here, would speak the same thing. variously employed in the business of The people in general are attentive to the family; in all which, considering the word, and many come a great way their opportunity, they certainly ex- to meeting, and I believe there will be celled. a great work of God. I am thankful

that my old brothers have sent brother Sumenduwat. I am thankful to God Finley, and hope they will not take that he has been so kind as to bring our him away. They might send a better old gray headed brother to us again. I man, but they cannot send one so well will inform our old brothers, that acquainted with the affairs of the In- though I am young in the cause, I endians. We know him, and he knows joy the love of God. My tongue is too us, and can live like us. I believe eve- weak to express what God has done for ry brother in the nation is praying for me, and for my people. The providence brother Finley to stay. Many of our of the Great Spirit was wonderful in old people are rejoicing for the bless- sending the gospel among us, in preparings of the school; for the great change ing the way before it came that it might which has been produced by it. Before be understood. No longer ago than I the school was set up, our children can remember, and I am young, we had were wild, like the beasts of the wil- a way of worship. But it was all outderness. They are not so now; but ward, and there was nothing in it to are tame and peaceable. I have seen reach the heart. Those who taught us many of the children on their knees, would say good things, and say and de praying in secret. We old people bad things. But now they live as they cannot expect much benefit from the speak, and the people are affected. school ourselves; we are too old to They weep, ep, and their hearts, and learn; we shall soon go to rest. But words, and actions are changed. The the children will rise up improved, and school will be a great blessing. The the school and religion will improve children learn to read the word of God, and benefit the nation in future gene- and to work with their hands, and to be rations." good. Some day they will rise up to Punch. "I wish to say a few words preach the word, and teach the nation. to our brothers. I am weak; but God It is impossible to describe the mighty requires no more than he has given; change which has taken place. Go and I have great encouragement when into families morning and evening and I consider the many promises of God, you hear them praying for the spread and the power he has to fulfil his pro- of the gospel in the wilderness, and mises. There is a great change in the many weeping and rejoicing for what nation since the word of God came God has done. This is all God's work. among us. Our people are very differ- He will continue it. We must be faithent from what they were before. They ful and leave it all to him. My word do not speak as they did, nor act as is very feeble; but my brothers can they did. The work speaks for itself. draw out my mind, and know what I The people are more industrious and mean; and they will excuse the weakattentive to their business. They used ness of my speech." to live by hunting in the wilderness, Gray Eyes. "My language is weak, and were wild; but now they work with and I have not much to say. My brotheir hands to provide comfortable thers will excuse the weakness of my things for the body." words. My heart rejoices every day Peacock. "I thank God for the privi- for what God has done in the wilderlege of meeting with our old brothers ness, and I believe he will carry on the to-day. I have but a few words to speak. work. Some are too much inclined to God has done great things for us. The go away into the wilderness to hunt, people are greatly changed in their way and this weakens their religion; but of living. I was a long time between this is wearing away, and the people two opinions, whether I should hold on are more disposed to work with their to the old way, or embrace the new. But hands, to make fields and houses, and God directed me to the right way, and have things comfortable. The provisince that I have always been deter- dence of God is wonderful in providing mined to hold on. I shall not live long, before two men, by whom we could and can do but little. But I hope the understand the good word when it young ones who are springing up will came among us. We thank God for carry on the work. I am much at- what he has done. He has done all, tached to our brother Finley; and I He has provided all."

suppose the reason is, because it was Big Tree. "I am young, but I wish under his prayers and exhortations that to say a few words. God has done a I was brought to know the truth. And great work in this wilderness, which this is the case with many of the nation. but a short time past was in great dark

ness. There is now much zeal in his to know what God is doing for us: ways. When you go into families you and I thank God for sending you, and hear the old people and the young peo- preserving you on your way. Brothers, ple talking about this good work, and you desire to know our state. But to what God has done for them. When let you know what our present state is, our brother was preaching last sab- I must go back and tell you what we bath, and telling what effect the good were before the word of God came word had wherever it went, I looked among us. Brothers, it is not a great back and remembered what we were while ago that we were a very wicked before the word of the Lord came people-we were lost, and in darkness among us, and what effect it had. in the wilderness. We were bad, and Many witnesses were there of the truth doing every thing that was bad. But of our brother's word. The school is a then we were baptized, and sung, and great blessing. When my little chil- danced, and pretended to be religious. dren come home from the school, they But the religion we had then did not talk about the good things they have make us better men. Here you see learned. They are very much altered us-we were all wicked men-we got -much better than they were. I have been a very bad man, but God has changed my heart, and I now love God, and wish to do right; and do good to my people and to all men."

drunk, and did every bad thing. Our wickedness was too bad to describe. But we did not do all these things with a wicked design. We did not know that all this that we did was wrong. Washington. "This has been a very We hope the Great Spirit will excuse wicked place. Much wickedness has some things because we were ignorant. been committed here. And I have Brothers, I have told you what we been a very wicked man. But now were; I will now tell you the change. when I go round among those who The Great Spirit sent a good man were very bad, I find them sober, and among us to teach us the true religion praying, and weeping, and striving to of the word. He was taken away, and serve the Lord, and live well. Reli- another was sent. The word took hold, gion is sometimes high, and sometimes and the old practices were given up, low. They do not always get along and bad men became good men. In alike. But God is carrying on his the old state the men and women lived work, and I believe it will prosper. Some people ask why we are so fond of our brother Finley? I suppose it is because we have been blessed through his labours."

almost like the beasts; but now they are married, and live according to the word. And the men love and keep their wives, and the women love their husbands, and they live together in peace, and love, and take care of their children. Brothers, you can now judge for yourselves. The work speaks for itself. Blessed be the Great Spirit for all he has done for us.”

Driver. "I wish to speak a few words. I am like one set out to follow a company which had gone before. But I have much cause to bless God that I have set out, and since I started I have been always determined to hold on, Joseph Williams. "I wish to speak a and live according to the good word. few words. My brothers have spoken Sometimes there are little jars in the of the work. I believe that all the church, as there will be among chil- members would speak and say that the dren. But when these jars take place Lord has done wonders. The darkness we pray to God, and peace is restored. has given way, and the light of heaGod has done a great work for me and ven shines. The work is its own evifor the nation. Sometimes through the dence, and God will carry it on." eye of faith I can view the beauties of Mononcu then rose, and closed the heaven; and I rejoice in the prospect communications on the part of the Inof it. I believe God who has begun dians, as follows:-" My old brothers, this work will carry it on; and that you have heard your young brothers of the school is the place from which the the wilderness in their way. You can word of God will start out. And I now judge for yourselves what the pray God to bless the children, and make them teachers and leaders of the nation."

Two Logs. "Brothers, I am thankful to you for coming so far to see us, and

state of the church is, and what is necessary for us. Brothers, we are weak and helpless in every thing, and need help and advice from you. I am sorry our older brothers are not here; but I