1 mechanical shops, such articles could Be manufactured, as were needed at the Stations: the natives around could be supplied with the most necessary farming tools; and some of their boys could be instructed in mechanical arts. proceeds applied to the support of the schools. There is one point, on which I feel it a duty particularly to remark: it respects the services of the missionaries. These, so far as a pecuniary compensation is concerned, have all been gratuitous.-Seven, who, with one exception, came on missionary ground with vigorous health, and in the bloom of life, have finished their labors; and entered, as we trust, on their eternal rest. They sought, and they obtained, no earthly reward, either for themselves, their friends, or their children. The surviving missionaries have no expectation, that, in this world, they will, in any way receive a compensation for their services. Having many articles of provision to purchase from the natives, we considered it would be better for them, to be paid in such articles as they needed, than in money; and that it would asc be a saving of expense to the mission. In the same way, as far as practicable, we made our calculations to pay for hired labor. Various articles were purchased for the above objects, and charged to the schools at cost; and, when sold, were placed to the credit of the schools, at the price for which they were sold. Liberal supplies of clothing, bedding, books, &c. have been sent to these schools, as donations, by the particular friends of the missionaries, and others friendly to the object. A portion of these was not needed, either for the scholars or the mission families. Many of these articles were liable to injury, and some to become entirely useless, by remaining on hand. It clearly appeared a duty we owed to the donors, and to the nation, to dispose of all surplus property, in the best way we could; also, of all surplus mechanical work made at the shops, connected with the schools. All the receipts arising from the above, and every other branch of business, have been applied to the sup-five dollars a year, for their clothing, port of the schools. By means of these various sources of support, the cash funds appropriated for the support of the schools first established, have been relieved; and the surplus has been expended in the establishment and support of additional schools. The missionaries receive food and clothing for themselves and families, and the means necessary for the prosecution of their work. But, least it should be supposed, that large sums are drawn from the funds, to furnish the missionaries and their families with clothing, bedding, and furniture, it must be stated, that, hitherto, most of the missionaries have been principally supplied, either from what was their own property, or from what has been furnished by their particular friends. There are families in the Choctaw mission, containing from four to seven individuals, who have not expended from the funds of the mission, twenty bedding, and furniture. It may be further remarked, that the missionaries, in addition to their own services, have applied more than two thousand dollars of what was their own property before they joined the mission, to the establishment and support of the mission and the schools. Nor is there the most distant expectation, that this will be refunded. They have, also, made donations to different societies, to a still larger amount. It is with reluctance, I make these statements; but, on account of the erroneous reports and impressions that have gone abroad on this subject, I feel constrained, in justice to the cause of missions, to state things as they are. According to our understanding with the natives, at the time we accepted an appropriation of a part of their annuity, we engaged to establish three schools only, one in each district. There are now six others in operation; making nine in all. In some few instances, where the parents were able to clothe their children, and had promised to do it, we have taken pay for clothing: but, in most instances, so far as it has been furnished by us, it has been gratuitous ly. In 1819, about eighty cows and calves were given to the schools, by the Choctaws and white men residing in the nation. From these, and a very considerable number that have been purchas-disciples, to "go into all the world," ed, there has grown a valuable stock, now belonging to the schools. What has been needed for provision, has been killed. Recently, fifty or sixty grown cattle have been sold, and the We put in no claim for merit, on account of what we have done. It is no more than was our duty; no more than the spirit of the Gospel requires; no more than we owe to Him, who died for our redemption, and who enjoined it on his and "teach all nations." Nor is the sacrifice of doing this, so great as many imagine. All that any of us really need in this world, is the means of subsistence while we live in it. How Female School. Two are in words of three syllables. Five are in easy reading lessons. Nine read in the Testament; four of them have committed various Scripture lessons. Twelve read in the English Reader, Geography, and Bible; define the most difficult words; have recited the boundaries, most of the rivers, capital towns, soil, climate, and productions of the United States.-Two have attended to the Maps of the other portions of the globe, in the same manner. They have, also, extensively committed The schools at this place have been taught Scripture history. a little more than nine months. Largest number of native children, 26 boys and 28 girls. Average number, Seven belonging to the mission family were also instructed, making in all, In the Boys' School. 54 45 61 Five were in the spelling lessons. Fifteen read in the Testament. Ten of these have recited the tables of punctuation, abbreviations, &c. in the spelling book, also the multiplication table. Six read well in the more difficult school books. Two have ciphered through the compound rules; and two through the rule of three. Four recited accurately the boundaries, rivers, cities and principal towns, population, governments, religion, &c. as delineated on Woodbridge's Atlas. Thirteen write. Eight write composition. Six new members entered the school. Sixteen, who attended last year, did not return;-of these, Seven are at the Choctaw academy; Three at the school at Col. Folsom's; and Two at the school at Ai-ik-hun-na; the other four will not, probably, lose what they had acquired." Labor of the Boys. Three of the larger boys were employed, morning and evening, clearing ground; for which they were paid. Five were employed in harvesting wheat, oats, rye,&c. for which, they received 50 cents per day. They worked faithfully; and their wages, for the above labors, amounted to thirty-nine dollars. The smaller boys were employed, under the direction of a larger one, in chopping wood at the door, and other labor. The latter received five dollars per month, for three months, for this service. Twelve wrote. Labor of the Girls. The girls, while out of school, have labored, principally, under the direction of one of the larger scholars, and a young woman, a native, and formerly a member of the school. The wages of the two amounted to 125 dollars. There were made by the girls, 35 shirts, 66 pair of pantaloons, four coats, one cloak, 15 vests, seven hunting frocks, 69 dresses, 65 aprons, 30 pair of stockings, and a variety of smaller articles; also, 60 dozen of candles, and three barrels of soap.-The latter articles were for the use of the female school. The girls of this school, have formed a Bible Society. The members contribute the avails of their labor half a day, every week, to furnish Bibles for the destitute in Ceylon; to be remitted to the Female Bible Society of that island. Nine new scholars entered. Thirteen, who attended school last year, did not return.-Four are married; two attend the school at Col. Folsom's. Some of the others will be benefitted by the instruction they received; others will not. The articles of clothing, blankets, books, &c. given to the scholars, amount to 495 dollars and 30 cents. The exercises in all these schools are sim ilar, and the account of one of them will show very nearly what the others are. The school at Mayhew, the state of which is here presented, contains a larger number of scholars than any other; but the scholars have not made greater progress than in other schools. Summary of the other Schools. There are in the Choctaw nation, under the patronage of the Board, eleven schools, at nine different stations 23 Composed in English, 186 147 65 141 41 28 for devout gratitude and thankfulness to God, as well as for deep humility. With a few exceptions, we have been preserved from wasting and fatal sickness; have been supplied with the necessaries and many of the comforts of life; and have been permitted, though under many discouragements, to continue our labors for the instruction of the people among whom we reside. These are causes for gratitude and Read-thankfulness. That we have done so little; that so few appear to be benefitted by our la 24 Recited various lessons in Geography bors; and that so many causes continue from Maps. 13 Ciphered, and 10 or 12 adults have learned to read their own language. Of the school at Ai-ik-hun-na it is remarked: Experience in this school, has fully shewn the great advantage to scholars, who do not understand English, of a Choctaw translation. A Sabbath School has been taught at this place, for the instruction of the adult Choctaws in their own language. It consisted of fifteen; including four children, who did not attend the day school. Seven of these can read the translations of the Scriptures, that have been made; and are beginning to write on slates. to counteract and hinder our efforts, should greatly humble us; and make us feel, that "except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." That there is an increasing desire among the Choctaws, for instruction and They have an Academy in Kentucky, general improvement, is very manifest. supported at their own expense; in which are upwards of 50 Choctaw lads, receiving instruction. Some of them, who formerly attended our schools, are cation. now well advanced in an English edu The efforts made three or four years since, to suppress intemperance and some other evils, not being supported, on the part of the chiefs, by firmness and good example, failed of producing the desired effects. The chiefs, re Mr. Byington preaches on the Sab-cently chosen, have commenced a sysbath in Choctaw. The number of hearers varies from 15 or 20 to 40 or 50. Some of them give good attention. Some account of the progress made in acquiring the Choctaw language, and of the preparation of books in it for the natives, was given in the number of this work for July. Concluding Remarks. the The very great expense and labor, attending a large number of children, where they must be boarded in mission families, and the very great probability, while the state of society remains as it now is, that the full blood children, after great expense and labor have been bestowed on them, will leave schools before they are permanently benefitted, have persuaded us of the necessity of going into the villages, to teach at their own houses, those who will not be benefitted at the schools. This persuasion is confirmed by experiments among other nations; and we might add, it is confirmed by some very limited experiments, among the Choctaws. A retrospect of the past year presents many considerations, which call tem of reform, both as to the administration of government, and the laws to be observed; which, it is believed, will be both permanent and extensive. The progress of the Choctaws must, for a while, be slow: but, probably, not as slow as that of many tribes and nations, that have attained to a high state of improvement. We believe, that the day is not far distant, when this nation will better appreciate the exertions now making in their behalf, and when the fruits of these exertions will be more perceptible. Specimens of Composition. The following pieces were written by two native scholars of the female school at Mayhew, and are inserted here as specimens of the improvement which has been made in composition. The first is an address to those who had assembled to witness the examination of the school in July 1826.-It was written by a girl about 13 years old, and spoken at the opening of the examination. [To Col. Folsom.] Repected Sir, I am happy that I have the opportunity of saying a few words to you. We rejoice to think that we have a chief who is a friend to his people, and wishes their good, and favors the schools in the nation. Had it not been for you and the friends of missions, we think we should have been wandering about in the wilderness. We have heard people say the missionaries have done us no good; and now is the time for them to see if we are in the same situation that we were eight, or even four years ago. We think you will still be a friend, and help the schools all in your power: and we hope you will not be discouraged with your people. We hope God will make you instrumental of doing good to the nation. Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to say a few words to you in behalf of the school. We thank you for coming here to attend our examinations: we hope you will not be disappointed in what we are able to perform. We know that we are very deficient, and we are just beginning to learn. Please to excuse all the errors you find in us. We hope you will consider that we have had but little opportunity to learn. Now permit us as a school, all as one, to thank the mission family for their kindness to us: in sickness and in health, you have been friends indeed: you have treated us as your own children. We hope your labors will not be lost. Please to excuse our ungratefulness to you. We ask your prayers for us now and when you are absent, that we may walk in wisdom's ways, which are pleasant, and all her paths, which are peace. The other is addressed to a clergyman, whom the writer justly regards as a patron and a friend. She is about sixteen years old; and at the time of writing this letter, had been in the school less than three years. Mr. Kingsbury mentions in a communication recently received, that she was admitted to the mission church on the first Sabbath in June, and that the writer of the preceding address was proposed for admission at the same time. This fact, in connexion with the seriousness and maturity exhibited in these pieces, must lead their teachers to hope much from their future example and influence. Mayhew School, March 18, 1827. Dear Mr. H., I take this opportunity of writing to you a few lines. Although we dont know each other, yet I hope we shall see each other in heaven. I think you would be glad to know that I began to think about God in December, I dont know what day it was. In March I thought I found the Saviour; but VOL. XXIII. sometimes I think that Satan was de ceiving me; but sometimes I feel very happy, and sometimes I get into darkness. I think you will be interested to hear that some of the girls are trying to get the religion of Jesus. Mr. H.I want you to pray for us that we may not turn back to stupidity. Will you please to tell the good people there to pray for me earnestly. I wish I could go there and see and converse with you. I should be very glad to go and stay there; but we shall see each other in another world. I hope you will meet some of these girls in heaven, where they will live forever with God. Oh, how dreadful will it be, if any of these girls who have heard so much about God, should at last sink down to hell, never to rise again; there to live with devils and damned spirits forever and ever. It has been almost three years since I first came here to school; but I have been out some of the time. My mother lives two days' journey from here. Last summer I talked a little to her about God, and she did not know any thing about her soul. She came here in February, and Mr. Byington talked to her in Choctaw about God, and she was very glad to hear. She never knew any thing till she came here. I think she will love God. I wish I could go and talk to her about God, and all my relatives; I do not want any to be left behind. O may we all be brought into the kingdom of Christ, who died for us. I want to go to heaven, and sing praise to God forever and ever. When you and Mrs. H. die I want to meet you in heaven. I think some of the girls here may be brought into the kingdom of Christ; and when they go home they can tell their parents about God. I do not know that one adult Choctaw has become a Christian. We all pray for them, but we cannot save them; and if they die, where will they go? I do not want any one to go to hell. May the Lord pour out his Spirit upon the poor Choctaw people. They do not know who made them, and they drink and kill each other. God is very good to send the missionary here to teach the poor Choctaws. I thank you for the name which is given me. I wish you would pray for me and for all the boys and for all the girls at this school. I have one little sister here named Miriam: sometimes I talk to her, and pray with her, and for the little girls here. Please to write to me as soon as you receive this letter, and you will much oblige your affectionate Rev. J. H. $6 A. H. Foreign Entelligence, Constantinople. JEWISH CONVERTS TO CHRISTIANITY. appeared. When we hear, as we now do, of hundreds of Jews longing to become professed disciples of a Messiah whom they have so long execrated, but whose very lives are in danger of being sacrificed the moment they execute their resolution, how earnestly and with what perseverance ought we to implore God to impart that peculiar assistance to these Israelites which their very critical circumstances demand! Were we truly assiduous-"praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints"-effects, not to be impeded or controlled by the most active resistance of man, would un THE account in the last number, pp. 239 and 240, from the pen of Mr. Brewer, of a disposition to religious inquiry among the Jews of Constantinople, and especially his description of the sufferings and constancy of three Jewish converts to Christianity, must have awakened a desire in many readers to be more particularly informed respecting matters of so much interest. Copious extracts will, there-doubtedly follow. There is nothing, even in fore, be made from the journal of Mr. Hartley, a missionary of the Church Missionary Society, (vol. xxii, pp. 360, 383,) by whom the three Jews were baptised: his journal is published at length, in the London Missionary Register. The individuals, whom Mr Brewer calls Haim and Nisim, are by Mr. Hartley called Chaim and Misim. Oct. 13, 1826. A young Jew, Chaim Castro, called this morning on Mr. Leeves, and intimated that he wished to become a Christian. We were delighted to find him in the utmost readiness to receive the truth; and he has engaged to call on me daily for the purpose of religious conversation. He said that he had many friends of similar sentiments; and that 200 Jews would become Christians, had they European protection. 15. The young Jew called again. I conversed with him concerning Jesus of Nazareth; and was glad to find that he was fully possessed of the idea that the death of Christ was a sacrifice for sin. Read to him Isaiah liii., Daniel ix., and other prophecies concerning the Messiah. He said, that his first impressions of the truth of Christianity were derived from an Armenian, who used to inform him, when a child, of the errors of the Jews. that adamantine barrier which has been so long erected against the truth in the countries of the East, which can prove successful against the operation of a decisive faith in the Son of God. When once the clear conviction has taken possession of the mind, that "we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," the happy individual "rejoices even in tribulation:" he is glad when "men revile him and persecute him," and "say all manner of evil against him falsely, for the Son of Man's sake." 22. What interesting prospects are opening upon us in Constantinople! Already I know, personally, four Jews who are desirous of becoming Christians; and I hear of a multitude of others who cherish similar hopes. Those who visited me to day were Chaim Castro, Menahem Castro, and Jacob Levi; the second of whom I had not previously seen. We read together the twenty-seventh chapter of Matthew, and various prophecise of the Old Testament. They gave me the following information as a fact: Some time ago, 25 Jews subscribed a declaration of their faith in Jesus of Nazareth; and, in consequence, were thrown into prison by the Shapgee, a man of the greatest power and influence in their nation: they remained in prison six months; when the Shapgee himself being cut off by the Grand Seignior, they obtained their liberty: they also stated, that the same Shapgee, not long ago, bought up 55 copies of the Hebrew Testament and burnt them, not knowing that there were others on sale. Another story, and in truth a very melancholy one, is this: A very respectable Jew became convinced that Jesus is the Messiah; and was, in consequence, taking steps in order to become a Christian; the Shapgee accused him to the Grand Seignior, with the intention of procuring his death: orders were instantly given him to become a Mussulman, and he was weak enough to comply. 21. Since my interviews with Chaim Castro, I have had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with two other Jews, who also believe in Jesus of Nazareth: their names are Jacob Levi and Mentish Baruch. Last Wednesday they were all with me, and avowed their clear persuasion that the crucified Man of Sorrows was the great Messiah, so long expected by their nation. I saw two of them again yesterday; and, on these occasions, I have endeavored to become better acquainted with their views and feelings, and to aid their faith and strengthen their determination: for 29. Yesterday I had to perform a very which purpose we read together, "in the law painful task. Chaim Castro and Jacob Levi, and the prophets, the things pertaining to the having been frequently with me, and having kingdom of God." There is one well-known pressed me exceedingly to baptise them, I and important prophecy, which appears to was constrained to inform them, that they have produced its appropriate effect upon must wait six months, in order that I might them--the declaration of Jacob, that "the have opportunity of knowing them well, and sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a of instructing them more fully in what regards lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh the religion of Christ. I have had consideraFrom this they had decidedly gath-ble anxiety since I made this communication ered, that the Messiah must long since have to them, being fearful that it might act as a come." "" |