h aK MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE; BEING PARTS OF TWO REPORTS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF MISSIONS, TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLE OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 5IADE ONE IN 1812, AND THE OTHER IN 1813, PHILADELPHIA: printed Br Thomas and william Bradford , no, 8 , SOUTH FRONT STREET t 1813. ADVERTISEMENT. The first part of this pamphlet , contains selections front a report made by the Committee of Missions , to the Gen- eral Assembly, on the journals of 36 missionaries, appointed, for the year ending in May 1812 : and the second part con- tains, selections from a report made by the committee to the General Assembly, on the journals of 28 missionnaries, who performed missions in the year ending in May 1813. These selections comprize but a small part of the two reports. Much more interesting matter might have been taken from them for publication. But brevity has been consulted ; and what is here presented to the Churches, will suffice to show how usefully their collections for missionary purpose 5 , are employed by the General Assembly. MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE, & c. PART I. FROM TIIF JOURNALS OF YOUR MISSIONARIES, TO WHICH THE COMMITTEE BEG LEAVE NOW TO DIRECT THE ATTENTION OF THE ASSEMBLY, IT WILL BE SEEN, THAT GOD IS PLEASED TO SMILE UPON THE PIOUS AND BENEVOLENT WORK, IN WHICH OUR CHURCHES ARE ENGAGED; AND THAT ENCOURAGEMENT IS AF- FORDED TO PROSECUTE IT, WITH GROWING ZEAL, AND PERSEVERING ACTIVITY AND LIBERALITY. The Rev. Oliver Ayer was appointed a missiona- ry, for two months, and spent his time, agreeably to the direction of the Presbytery of Geneva, in the Holland pur- chase. He travelled 512 miles, preached 55 times, attend- ed 7 conferences, visited 36 families, admitted 10 persons into full communion, and administered the Lord’s supper * times. The labours of this missionary seem to have been blest. Deep solemnity reigned over several assemblies, to which he ministered. At the close of the exercises, on one occasion, a man, whose mind had been deeply impressed by the truth, the day before, rose up ; and, in the presence of a large assembly, confessed his sins, in a very feeling manner, asking the forgiveness of the people, and the for- giveness of God; and then declared solemnly, that, by the assistance of divine grace, he w ould take up the cross and follow Christ. Speaking of another occasion, he says, “ This was an extraordinary meeting. The Spirit of the Lord w as wonderfully manifestsdfin excitiug convictions in sinners, and in arousing professors to confess their past un- faithfulness. A new r convert, 51 years of age, related, in the presence of the people, what the Lord had recently done for his soul. His relation had a powerful effect on the congregation. It tended to arouse a number from the slumbers of sin.’* On another occasion, a physician, a man of liberal education, was constrained to confess his sins .....4 before God and the people ; and to renounce the doctrine of universal salvation, for which he had been a warm advo- cate, as an error destructive in its tendency to the souls of men. The Rev. Joshua Johnson was appointed a mis- sionary for two months, and directed to commence his mission in the county of Onondaga, and thence to proceed to the Holland purchase, where he w as to spend the great- er part of his time. The journal of this missionary is inter- esting. The Committee request permission to read some selected parts. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE REV. JOSHUA JOHNSON. On Tuesday evening, Mr. Ayer and I attended a meet- ilia: in another part of the town, where he preached in the afternoon, and I in the morning. Such solemn meetings as these two, we thought we had never seen. It seemed as though God was in the midst of us in very deed. The hearts, eyes, and ears of the people were like parched ground, ready to drink in every drop of the preached word like water ; and they witnessed the effect of divine truth in them, by the most devout attention, and plentiful tears. After preaching, many spoke, with feeling sentiments and exhortation, on the div'ne work among them, and on what God had done for their souls. Among others was obe estab- lished Universalist, who had not been known as a subject of this work. Rising and bursting into tears, he said, he had thought there was no power could bow his heart, or warp him from his belief: but he had found the day before that God could do it, and desired to give him glory ; that before the last Sabbath he had not known the character of Christ, nor had a thought that God, his Maker, had given him, soul and body, into the hands of his Son to be mana- ged for eternity ; that yesterday morning, having had no rest through the night, and being exceedingly distressed, he tried to pray, but could not; — tried to say, Lord be mer- ciful to me a sinner , — but he could only say, LORD — Thou art just, but I am condemned ; — went to his barn, but an awful gloom hung on every thing .around him, even on the sun, although it rose clear. Returning to his house, he was oppressed with a dreadful weight, and sunk upon the ground wholly insensible ; soon rising, as it were involun* 5 ..... fcarily cried out, Lord be merciful to me a sinner. He sat a few minutes and felt more comfortably; arose, went in, spent the rest of the day with his Bible, and found it quite a new book to his poor soul. This man has since become a humble professor of Christ, an admirer of the Calvinistic doctrines, anxious to know the Scriptures. Having been engaged in these exercises about eigli$ hours, it being now nearly eleven o’clock, after several singings and prayers, we were obliged to request the people to retire to their homes. We tarried among this people until Saturday; preaching, praying, conversing, from the time we rose in the morning until midnight generally ; re- joicing to see such displays of sovereign grace upon stupid sinners, bringing them to receive the kingdom of God as little children. Finding this divine work evidently increasing, the people exposed to various sectarians around them, in this trying day, we agreed it must be the duty of one of us to tarry. Accordingly on Saturday I went on westward, through rains and deep mud to Shildon, where is an infant church of 8 members, calvinistic, and a feeble congrega- tion. On the Sabbath I preached twice, to a small but hunery congregation, (the weather and roads being very uncomfortable,) who were solemn and rejoiced to hear the gospel again preached among them ; and in the evening attended a conference. Being unwell, I tarried next day, visited some families ; and at evening attended a conference peculiarly agreeable on account of my being enabled to clear up the doctrine of predestination to the full satisfaction of two men ; important members of this society, who had shewn much opposition to the church and congre- gation, on account of this doctrine. The people felt the weight of divine truth, and offered their most cordial thanks to me, and the missionary society that sent me, for our help in their infant, discouraging situation ; and requested further aid. On the same day Mr. Ayer came to my lodging, in- forming that he had spent his whole time, since I left him, at Warsaw ; that the work of the Lord had been, and still is increasing; that he was worn down with his labours, must return home to recruit his health ; and that, by his and the urgent solicitations of that people, I must go and spend the remainder of my mission w ith them. Loth to give up my present work, which I viewed as important, y et I felt as if duty called me to go. The next day I went on, and reached Warsaw not until Saturday, (the roads being excessively bad,) and found the work still progres- sing, sinners alarmed and enquiring, and Christians aui- 6..v.. . mated. Here I spent my remaining eight days in preach* ing, praying, conversation, and conferences, nightand day, from morning until midnight, when my mission was com- pleted, and my strength almost exhausted. I must mention one singular feature in the face of di- vine Providence respecting this people of Warsaw. They have been settled on these pleasant, fertile lands about six years. In the early part of their settlement, it pleased God to send three pious and eminent men to settle among them. These immediately united, set lip their Sabbath day meet- ings, on the true Calvinistic principles, and determined, God helping, not to be turned aside by any of the wiles of the adversary. For three years they stemmed the torrent of corruption, maintained their meetings almost alone, un- der every reproach and opposition that sinners could heap upon them. This little band thus continued fervent in prayer, until the Lord was pleased to plead their cause, and send them the mighty blessing of his grace in the past sea- son. It w as most gratefully noticed by them, that as soon as a church was constituted, and the holy ordinances were publicly administered among them, it had a visible check on reigning iniquity, drew numbers to their meeting, and proved a prelude to the blessed day they now enjoy, which is the first revival of religion within the hounds of the Hol- land Purchase. 1 ain not able to ascertain the number of those who have been hopefully the subjects of renewing gracp here in the course of this work; but I suppose about So at least have come to a public profession of Christ, and generally heads of families; as if God would first make the parents holy, that the children also may be holy. Also it is remarkable that, among these humble subjects of religion, six or seven noted universalists have come forward ; rejoic- ing that God has opened their eyes, and turned them from their darkness and error into his marvellous light. The Rev. John Gloucester was appointed a mis- sionary, for three months, to the blacks, in Philadelphia. He visited the different parts of the city ; and, in the course of his term, preached forty-five sermons, attended thirteen prayer meetings, at each of which he gave an exhortation, visited a number of families, baptized six adults and five children, and administered the Lord’s supper once. On this occasion, solemn and lasting impressions of religion appear to have been made. The committee are happy jm being able to state, that, since their last report, the • •••« M'V. AFRICAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in this elft has been opened for public worship, and that Mr. Glouces- ter has encouragement to hope he will be able to collect a respectable congregation. The Congregation already for- med lias been taken under the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. The Rev. Samuel Tait itinerated as a missiona- ry, two mouths, between the Alleghany river and lake Erie, jjuring his mission he travelled 460 miles, preached 45 times, and baptized 6 infants. He was well received by the people, who, in the different places visited by him, were generally attentive, and sometimes solemnly impressed by the truth. In the town of Erie, he preached to a large as- sembly, many of whom were melted into tears. lie in- forms the Committee that some weeks after he had been in Broken Straw, a man of respectable character came to him, earnestly requesting that some minister might be 'sent to visit that place. This man told him the concern about religion which had appeared among the people when Mr. Tait was there, had continued, and was increased: that- divine worship had been set up in several families, which before had lived in the neglect of this important duty; that many w ere seriously enquiring the way to Zion ; and that the conversation of most people was on the subject of reli- gion. Mr. Tait, sometime after this, visited Broken Straw, and found the statement of this man correct; and was grat- ified in seeing evidences of a considerable aw akening among the people, and their earnest desire to obtain Christian know ledge. The assembly w ill be pleased to learn that the Female Society in Meadville, of w hich Mr. Tait gave some information in his journal of last year, still continues in existence, and that the members meet once a week for re- ligious worship and improvement. The Rev. James Cunningham was appointed to act as a missionary, three months, between Wheeling and the mouth of the Scioto, on both sides of the Ohio. As he has not in his journal given a summary statement of the dis- tance he travelled, and of the number of sermons he preach- ed, the Committee cannot give one. But this missionary seems to have applied himself industriously to his work. In some places the people were indifferent to preaching ; and i»ost chose rather to spend the Sabbath in taverns and in ,. 8 , amusements than in public worship. But generally the people attended on his ministry; and, on several occasions, very hopeful symptoms appeared of good being done. At a sacramental season, in which he assisted the Rev. Mr. Scott, the power of divine grace became conspicuous; numbers were deeply impressed with the truth, sunk under the weight of their convictions, and cried out with the Philip- pian jailor, “ What shall we do to be saved.” The Rev. James Me. Gready was directed to iti- nerate as a missionary, for three months, in the Indiana Territory. In the course of his mission, he preached 75 times. When he commenced his labors circumstances seem- ed unfavorable. The late battle between our troops and the Indians had excited among the people such an iuterest, that it seemed to engross all their thoughts and conversation, and to indispose them for the important duties of hearing the word and worshipping God. But he had not labored long before he found a most propitious change in the state of public feeling. Several tremendous earthquakes, follow- ed by innumerable shocks of less violence, spread over the country alarm and consternation. The convulsed and trem- bling earth made the people sensible how entirely depen- dent they were on their Creator for life, aud how soon they might be called to appear before his bar. The most harden- ed sinners became terrified, and felt the necessity of prepa- ring to meet their offended God. Mr. Me. Gready repre- sents his audiences, on many occasions, as having been im- mense, and solemnity as reigning over the congregated thou- sands. He states, that not only in the Indiana Territory, but over all Kentucky and Tennessee, as far as his inform- ation extended, thousands appear to be awakened and alar- med; that a very great reformation has taken place, and an amazing attention is given to the preaching of the Gos- S el. Mr. Me. Gready’s account of the favorable effects pro- uced by the earthquakes, it is presumed, will be interes- ting to the Assembly. A member of the Committee w ill, therefore, read it; it affords a striking proof of the prophet’s declaration, “ When the judgments of God are abroad in the earth, the inhabitants thereof will learn righteousness.” EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE REV. JAMES M‘GREADY. It is worthy of notice here, that in the morning on Monday, December the 16th. at half past two o’clock, 'here was a tremendous and alarming shock of an earth- quake. A very heavy shock again took place after sun- rise. These have again been followed by innumerable shocks, every few days down to the present time: some very light, others verv heavy and alarming. Many brick cliimnies have been thrown down; and the chinking shaken out of log buildings. In some places, large quantities of land have been blown up from the interior parts of the earth. The very first appearance of this awful dispensation seemed to bring death and eternity near to the view of the most careless, hardened and wicked : and struck an universal alarm to sinners of even - description. At the present time, there are hundreds over the Indiana Territory, Kentucky and Tennessee, even as far as mv information can reach, that are under hopeful, pungent convictions: and many have professed to have found peace with God, through the medi- ation and atonement of Christ. Such immense multitudes attending public worship, and such solemnity and attention in time of preaching, have scarcely, at any time, been equal- ed. On Monday morning after the first shock, many of the most profane, daring sinners confessed, that on the day be- fore they had been profaning the Sabbath, by the most daring scenes of sin and wickedness. Some acknowledged they had been labouring; others in the woods hunting game ; and. others engaged in their profane frolicks. Their confessions, their promises of amendment, and cries for mercy, were in- deed extraordinary, and manifested the effects of the con- vincing power and agency of the Divine Spirit. On Friday- morning, the 7th. of February, there was another tremen- dous shock of thd earthquake, the heaviest by far that we had yet experienced. It was attended with a loud rumbling noise, like distant thunder. By every shock the houses were affected with hard jolting, and the injuries done to build- ings were greater than by any of the preceedimj shocks. This shock wonderfully struck a more deep and awful alarm to the hearts of the poor unconverted sinners, than any that had gone before. On the evening of Friday tlie 7th. after passing a wilderness of more than 20 miles, I came io Mr. Johnston’s, the first house of the settlement that I intended first to rusit. My intention was to go four miles fur- ther that evening: but there were a few- people at John- ston s perhaps not more than 10 orl2, that were expecting me to pass that way. They came out and entreated me with such importunity to stop and spend that night there, and pray and converse v.;th them, that I considered it my duty to stop: and spent the night with them in prayer, ex- hortation and conversation: and indeed it was one of the rno«t solemn meetings for the number of people that 1 ever .40, saw. Every person seemed anxiously engaged from his in- most soul about his eternal state; even little children were all in tears, and appeared to be all anxiety about the state of their souls. One young woman appeared for a moment as if she had got a view of the fulness and suitableness of Christ’s righteousness and atonement, but presently fell again into darkness. On Saturday evening Febr.* 8, I preached at the house of Howell Bass, on the head of Pi- geon. A large assembly attended, and an awful solemni- ty filled the house. The people were all anxiety, and their whole concern was their salvation. Here I had to speak till I could speak no more; and when I was quite exhaust- ed, it was with reluctance that the people dispersed. On Sabbath the 9th. I preached at Patoka to an immense mul- titude from Rom. 10. 21. An awful solemnity filled the place. Eternity and eternal things engrossed the attention of the people at large, and a vast multitude were bathed in tears. On Sabbath evening I preached at Mr. Potter’s to a vast crowd of people. Though the night was excessive- ly dark, yet a large house was filled as full as it could con- tain; and all appeared to hear the word preached as for the life of their souls. On Monday the 10th. I preached at Calvin Merry's, in the same settlement. The day was ex- ceeding wet and uncomfortable ; yet a great multitude at- tended, so that with difficulty the house could contain them, and each one seemed to hear for eternity. That evening going from the place, I rode a few miles with a gentleman, a militia officer, who had distinguished himself in the late battle with the savages as a brave man. He had been a De- ist in sentiment, and a very rapid swearing, drinking man. I had noticed him that day in time of preaching awfully so- lemn and very attentive, and much affected. Our conver- sation turned upon the subject of the earthquake. He ob- served that nothing that had ever happened to him before, had brought him to realize death and eternity as the earth- quake had done; and sa,id he, it has brought many of us to see the necessity of quitting our folly. As I returned through that settlement homewards, this man had professed to have found pardou, peace, and reconciliation w ith God, through the merits of Christ. On Monday evening the 10th. I preach- at Win. Latlipm’s. The night was very dark, wet, and cold; yet a large assembly attended and manyappeared to have the arrows of conviction fastened deep in their hearts. I think I can say I have tried to be as faithful in the discharge of the important duties of my mission as possible; and I think during my late tour, the appearances in every place I visited were pleasing, and the prospeet 11 very hopeful : but how these awakenings and convictions* which looked so flattering, may terminate, or how many of these that have obtained a hope of salvation may hereafter appear but stony ground hearers, God only knows, and time alone can determine. But not only in the territory, but in the bounds of my stated labours, and all over Ken- tucky and Tennessee, as far as I can obtain information, thousands appear to be awakened and alarmed. A vast refor- mation has taken place, and an amazing attention is give** to the preaching of the Gospel. The Rev. Thomas Cleland was appointed to la - hour, for two months, as a missionary, in the counties of of Harden, Grason &c. Kentucky. As his journal is short and interesting, the Committee ask leave to read it. From the journal it will appear, that Mr. Cleland spent on his mission 46 days; but, in that time, he organized one society, and preached 62 sermons. The Committee taking into con- sideration the abundant labours of this active missionary, think it their duty to recommend that he be allowed salary for two months. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE RET. THOMAS CLELAND. August 7. Rode 17 miles, and preached at Mr. Poage ? s, in Cumberland county. This w as the last day of eur election for members to the state legislature, and my ap- pointment w as almost in sight of the place where the elec- tion w as held, and 1 expected but few hearers. I w as agree- ably disappointed. The judges of the election proclaimed a recess of tw o and a half hours. They and the candidates, with many others, attended : so that when I began to preach I found before me about 200 people, or more, who listened w ith the greatest attention ; and many of them I saw in tears towards the close of my discourse. I preached at night, at the same place. There are about a dozen families in this neighbourhood, who profess an attachment to our church ; yet are entirely destitute of the stated means of grace. 8th. Rode 28 miles to Monticello, Wayne County — Preached in the Academy to an attentive audience, and then rode that evening to Col. Ewings, 10 miles. 12 .... 9 th. Preached to day at Col. Ewing’s to a small assem- bly, who appeared very serious, and some of them much af- fected. 10(h. 4 1th. and 12th. preached 5 sermons in the Aca- demy at Monticello, and administered the sacramental sup- per to about 30 communicants. This occasion afforded me more encouragement and greater hopes of success, than any of the like kind I ever attended, considering the circum- stances in which I was placed. I was alone, but blest with health and strength sufficient to go through the undertaking. The people attended each day and evening in large numbers ; were particularly attentive, solemn, affectionate: and many w ept aloud. The professors appeared to be much engaged. They requested me to attend to such regulations as would put them into a congregational form. 1 did so. Elders were appointed, session books formed, clerk and treasurer for the congregation chosen. The scattering professors thus collected call themselves, u The church of Monticello.” They have since been added to the Presbytery of Tran- sylvania. Sept, i 8th. Preached at Moses Mann’s, Green county, — House would not contain the people — retired into the w oods — congregation large and solemn. Al night preach- ed at Mr. Taylor’s. The room was crowded ; and, in time of preaching, almost the whole cougregaton wept aloud. My appointments were well attended ; and 1 humbly hope, my unworthy ministrations were made a blessing to many. 1 never saw people appear more anxious to hear the Gospel. They spared no pains to attend day and night ; and in every place urged me to \ isit them again. The late earth- quakes have affected many in a serious way. They have been told by ignorant teachers that the day of judgment was just at hand-. — that the end of the world would take place in a few days. This has frightened a great many. These i jreachers have taken the advantage of their feelings. They nave been urged to join society, and consequently in a very short time some hundreds have been added. Among the latter there are men at this time authorized to preach the Gospel who are not able to read the text from which they would attempt to preach. There are frequent instances of such in several counties through w hich I rode. O Sir, you can have but small know ledge of the condition of many neighbourhoods through which 1 passed, where such teach- ers abound, and w here the people are perishing for lack of jyiowiedge. : 13 Mr. Benjamin H. Rice was appointed a missionary, for three months, in the eastern parts of Virginia and North Carolina. The labours of this missionary w ere interrupted bv indisposition. He, however, appears to have prosecuted lus mission with diligence; for he preached 42 sermons, and performed other missionary services. At Edenton 100 persons have been added to the churches of different denom- inations since his last visit; and although he does not claim to have been the principal instrument used in producing the awakening there, yet he is well assured his labours have been blest to the people of that town. The Rev. John H. Rice, appointed a missionary, for three months, to the blacks in Charlotte county, Vir- ginia, and parts adjacent, has sent the following account ol'his labours. Letter from the Rev. John H. Rice to the Chairman of the Stamliug Committee of Missions. _ “ Richmond, Vir. May 11th. 181?. Rev. and Dear. Sir, About the lime when I should have given you some account of my missionary services, during the last year, it was determined that I should re- move from Charlotte, and pitch my tent in Richmond. A determination so important, (I mean important to myself,) and the arrangements necessary to carry it into effeet, have so completely occupied my time and attention, that 1 really forsrot the duty which I owed to the Committee of Missions, until 1 was prepared to set out to Richmond. I hope, however, that uo serious inconvenience will result from the delay of my report. The manner in which I have executed the trust com- mitted to me, has been so fully detailed in former commu- nications, to the committee of Missions, that I need say nothing on the subject at present. 1 have nothing new to add, to what has been already said. Only I will observe, that I have found very few opportunities of preaching at the funerals of black people within the year past. Nor is it probable that much can in any short time lie done in this way. 1 have, however, neglected no opportunity that has occurred of attending to this duty. i'he effect of my labours during the last year, has been pretty much as usual. Nothing very remarkable has 14 . occurred ; but y'et I have reason to hope that my labour has not been 44 in vain in the Lord.” The conduct of pro- fessors among the blacks has been orderly, and, in some good degree, as becometh the gospel. Not a ease has oc- curred requiring the exercise of the discipline of the cliurcln I have heard of no complaints against any of our black members. There has been an addition of five members to the church since last spring: and, when I left the congregation, there were three or four others who seemed anxiously to de- sire a full participation of the privileges of the Gospel ; and who in due time 1 hope will be received as members. The whole mi Oliver now exceeds ninety. One of the congregation died during the winter. She lived at such a distance from me, that I heard nothing of the matter until some days after her death. The most in- telligent and best instructed man of all the number, attend- ed her during her sickness, and gave me such an account of her dying exercises as satisfied me, as far as we can be satisfied in such matters, that she 44 died in the faith.” Ac- cording to the account of Jlaron, (the man just alluded to— AVho by the way is in my judgment a most exemplary Christian,) her sole depeudenee was on the merit of Jesus Christ — She was utterly unworthy, “ but Jesus is worthy” said she, 44 and I hope" that I have committed my soul to him.” May I not hope lhat she is now singing in more ex- alted strains than the most exalted Christian on earth can use, 44 Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive glory, and honour, and dominion, and praise forever? The circumstances which occurred when 1 preached my last sermon at Cub-Creek church, convinced me, more fully than any thing ever had done before, that I have uot been uselessly employed while labouring among the blacks. I cannot do justice to the scene. It was a sacramental oc- casion. About ninety had partaken of the Lord’s Supper. During the whole day, they looked at me wit li a mournful expression in their countenances, w hich convinced me that they felt pungently. They hung over the table in a sor- rowful manner, as if they "thought “ This is the last time that lie wall minister to us.” 1 hey how r ever commanded their feelings pretty well until near the close of my fare- well sermon. And then such a flood of grief burst out, as 1 have never before witnessed on a similar occasion. When I came down from the pulpit they crowded about m6, and while they, with a sort of convulsive squeeze, pressed my hand, some could just articulate 44 May God Al- mighty bless you — pray for us and others were too lull^ to utter a word — But I at this time so feel the contagion of their grief that I must drop the subject — Only I will ob- serve that two worthy brethren have already succeeded me in the congregation, who I believe w ill carefully attend to the interests of my beloved blacks. This is truly consoling to me. Before I bring this communication to a close, I will observe that although there has been nothing like a revival of religion in this country, yet it is manifest to a careful observer that religiou gains ground among us. Its progress is silent and slow' but I hope that it is sure. It£ influence is gradually extending among those classes of society, which were thought not long ago to be set in most determined op- position to it, and to be least likely of all others to come un- der its influence. Both missionaries and stationed preach- ers have been instrumental in effecting this change. I cannot conclude this my last communication as a mis- sionary, without offering up my most fervent prayers that God may bless the Missionary Cause throughout the world ; that he may direct the committee over which you preside, may bless all their labours, give efficacy to all their plans for promoting evangelical religion, and send out those who labour under their direction “ in the fulness of the blessings of the Gospel of Christ.” I am, dear Sir, with the highest esteem and regard, yours Sfc. JOHN H. RICE. I PART II. The Rev. Oliver Wetmore was appointed a mis^ iionarv by the Presbytery of Oneida, to itinerate two months, within their bounds. He states his mission was performed, as to time, in a manner somewhat broken, ow- ingto unavoidable circumstances; but that he spent more Sabbaths in bis mission than belonged to the appointed term : and should have continued another week on mission- ary ground, had it not been for an epidemic prevail ins; in almost every tow n, to such a decree that, towards the close of his mission, he found difficulty in collecting a congrega- tion in some places. The people visited bv him, lie says, really need missionary aid, and have been too much neglect- ed on account of their vicinity to populous places w here the Gospel is statedly preached. Every where lie was treated with the utmost kindness; and those who were in the habit of assembling for worship, expressed their grat- itude to him and to the Assembly for his services. At Rus- sia there appeared more than ordinary seriousness; and, on this account, and because the inhabitants of that place were exposed to the influence of false doctrine, he conceiv- ed it to be his duly to spend more time among them than in other places. Mr. Wetmore informs the Committee, that many fam- ilies visited by him were destitute of the Holy Scriptures; and that, in every place where he laboured, there were some families who needed them. On his mission, he dis- tributed a number of Bibles received from the Oneida Bi- ble Society. He also distributed religious tracts. “ In some families,” says he, “ to w hom the w ord of God has been given, a spirit of inquiry has been aw akened ; and I have no doubt, from present appearances, that incalcula- ble good will he done to the souls of many families, to whom the sacred volume has been presented. No one instance has occurred to my knowledge where the Bible was not thankfully received.” In performing his mission, Mr. Wetmore travelled 270 miles, preached 3 / sermons, attended one public con- ference, and visited a number of families. The Rev. Joshua Johnson fulfilled a mission of two months, on missionary ground w ithin the limits of the 1 7 ..... Presbytery of Onondaga and its vicinity. He preached 33 sermons, administered the Lord’s supper 7 times, baptized 13 children and one adult, and attended 7 funerals, at 5 of which he preaehed. The Assembly Mull be gratified by the reading of a part of his report to this committee. EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF THE REV. JOSHUA JOHXSOX. The mission assigned me to the destitute churches and congregations within the bounds of the Presbytery of Onon- daga and its vicinities, I attended to in the beginning of Sept. 1813, and have since been attending to it as Provi- dence called. After taking counsel with my brethren, I concluded it would be the most useful mode to spend about one week in each of those new settlements, where regular societies are formed, and infant churches established. This plan I pursued for five weeks in succession, in differ- ent parts of the congregations: preaching everyday when I could make appointments, and visiting their schools and families, especially where I could learn that any w ere un- commonly serious, and enquiring for the w ay of life: — and much was I gratified in having many opportunities of enlight- ening and comforting a number of poor ignorant souls, who w'ere mourning in secret over their wicked hearts, and praying for light. Wherever I came, I found consid- erable numbers of almost all denominations ready to attend on my lectures. Generally I went into a town on the first of the week, and preaehed and visited every day I could, and finished my services in that town on the following Sabbath, when I gave them two sermons, a sacramental service, and a lecture or conference in the evening of thaf day. At the close of my labours in public, the people, by the month of some one appointed in their name, expressed their thanks to me, and particularly to the General Assembly, for the great privilege they had now enjoyed through their bounty; as in some places they had not been favored w ith preach- ing and the holy ordinances for nearly a year, being unable to procure them. In the extensive bounds of the Presbytery of Onondaga is much missionary ground, w hich I have not been able to visit, where a multitude of souls are famishing for want of a preached Gospel. Where I have travelled, from the universal attention of the people to the word preached, from their gratitude 19 and earnest solicitations for future aids, I am more than ever satisfied that a little money spent yearly in these re- gions, cannot be spent to greater advantage to religion, and souls who are destitute of the words of life. In re- flecting on my mission, I have a little satisfaction in the thought that I have bestowed my services where they were most needed; and that I have contributed one mite to the in- struction of Gospel sinners, and to the comfortin'* and con- firming of the children of Zion in the most holy faith. The Rev. John Clark -was appointed a missionary, for one month, in Dutchess county, state of New-York. He itinerated 34 days, preached 27 times, delivered 3 exhortations, and attended one conference; and had it not been for his sickness during 3 days, and heavy rains, his labours would have been more abundant. lie met with some success in his mission. The Rev. Henry Ford was appointed a missiona- ry, for six weeks, by the Presbytery of Hudson, and itin- erated eight weeks. He travelled 400 miles, preached 57 sermons, administered the Lord’s supper twice, and visited 60 families. His labours were abundant; and, it is hoped, attended with beneficial effects. In the course of his fami- ly visitations, he found in one place a number of both sexes w ho appeared to be anxiously enquiring in regard to reli- gion. Some of them were in that state of mind when he was there the year before; and some had been in that state even from the time of his first visit in 1809. In another place, he observes, some appeared considerably impressed; and the people of God in particular seemed to be much comforted. The Rev. Eliphalet Price, agreeably to an ap- pointment of the Presbytery of Hudson, spent two weeks as a missionary, in the towns of Dover and Ainenia, in Dutchess county, New-York. “ My thne,” lie says, “ was wholly taken up in visiting from house to house, and in preaching on every convenient season. In the course of two weeks, I visited 72 families, conversed and prayed with them all, preached 7 sermons, and held one conference meeting. My ministerial labours, particularly in visitiug families, I have reasop to believe were much blessed.” The Rev. John D'. Perkins performed his mission of four months, in the destitute settlements, on both sides of the Delaware, above Easton, and on missionary ground within the limits of the Presbytery of Albany. Mr. Per- kins travelled not less than 1000 miles, preached 64 times, visited schools, and baptized 6 or 8 children. He informs the Committee, he would have preached more frequently on week days, had he not been prevented by particular circum- stances. When he commenced his mission, the time of ma- king hay had begun, and as he travelled northward and it rained constantly for two weeks, the gathering in of the harvest lasted more than half the term of his mission. The labours of this missionary appear to have been blest. He deserves commendation particularly for endeavouring to form into praying, societies pious Christians in different places visited by him. Such societies are peculiarly useful to those who do not enjoy the stated preaching of the Gos- pel; and missionaries render them signal benefit, when they succeed in forming such religious associations. It will be gratifying to the Assembly to hear select parts of Mr. Per- kins’ journal: and especially a letter from a very respecta- ble character, giving an account of a considerable revival of religion ascribed to the preaching of Air. Perkins, as the means honored by the divine Spirit in producing it. EXTRACTS FRO AT THE JOURNAL OF THE KEY. JOHN I>. PERKINS At Schenectady, State of New-York, July 22, 1812, I obtained information about missionary ground, and on 23rd. commenced my course, according to advice, and rode to Bern 18 miles. On the way, by the side of a wood, I saw 8 or 10 Indians, all busily employed in making brooms. Aly curiosity was excited to ask them a number of questions. One middle aged woman, with her two young daughters, were the only ones that spake English. With her 1 had considerable conversation. She told me that they were of ;!ie Stockbridge tribe — that many of their people worked the fields, as hunting was not good of late years — that they had schools taught by Mr. Sergeant, who also preach- ed to them — that he had about 30 Christian w omen belong- ing to his church, and a few men. She was a believer her- self, but not a true believer — not bom again — not a Chris- tian — not a member of the Church. — She wished to be con- verted, and talked sensibly and feelingly about Jesus Christ -—what he came into the world for — and shed many tears when telling that he died to save sinners. Her two young daughters read in my hearing, some passages in a small catechism, published by I. E. Latta, which I gave the mother. They had been taught at Mr. Sergeant’s school. She promised that the children should read it to her, and learn it. I then gave them some plain talk, and prayed with them. They all attended with silenee and solemnity. The woman appeared affected; and, when 1 rose from prayer, I discovered her wiping her eyes. Spent Sabbath-evening 6th. Sept, in religious conver- sation and prayer, w ith people who came to Esq. Taylor’s, where I lodged; who treated me with great hospitality, and appeared to be desirous of promoting the cause of religion in his vicinity. In this place (Hadley on the Hudson) the Lord Jesus has made a remarkable display of the freeness and sovereignty of his grace, in the case of a young man, a physician, who had been personally acquainted with Thom- as Paine, had embraced his infidel sentiments, and was very profane audjdissipated. After more than a year’s fighting against the convictions of the Spirit of God, (which w ere so powerful, and his stubboruess so great, like a ; bullock unac- customed to the yoke,’ as to bring him to a bed of long confinement, and the most awful desperation of mind,) he has become an humble, zealous and exemplary Christian. As soon as his health is recovered, and lie qualified by preparatory studies, he designs to go forth to the world, and preach that Jesus whom he for many years fully believed to be an impostor ; w hose name he habitually blasphemed, whose religion he thought foolishness and a very base im- position on the world. In my preaching, on this Sabbath, I w as led to dwell much on the awful depravity, and completely desperate state of man, without a Saviour. As this man had been made to know these truths by long and very painful expe- rience, the discourse was calculated to arrest his attention. He told me, on Monday, that but a few years ago he w ould have been provoked enough to have interrupted and abu- sed a man w ho should have preached such a discourse in his hearing. “ Indeed 1 had (to use his own expressions.) en- mity in my heart enough to have taken his life ; Iliad such ideas of the dignity and perfectabiiity of the human nature.” He told Esq. T. that he heard more preaching that day, than all that he had ever heard in that place before. .21 These* are very desirous for English preaching, would .contribute liberally towards the support of it, and had a slight prospect of obtaining a part of a minister’s labours. On enquiring for people who would be willing to be visited by a minister, 1 w as told of a woman who was thought to be « in a strange way about religion.” On my going to her house, she was so much overcome with joy, at the visit from one whom she looked upon as a minister of Christ, that, between alternate laughing and weeping, it was full 20 minutes before she could converse calmly. She inform- ed me that about tw o years before she began to be awaken*- ed ; that for more than a year she was struggling, alone, with powerful convictions and distressing alarms, without any religious friend to instruct or encourage her; — that, for about half a year, she had been relieved from her distress, and was enabled “ to rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of her salvation.” The Bible w as now a new book, all light and delightful. Her only distress was for her chil- dren, as they lived in a place where they could learn little else than wickedness. Her eldest child, a daughter of 15 or 15 years, being called into the room, I conversed with her, and found her to be under considerable aw akening, which she had not made know n to her mother. This w as a source of new joy and encouragement to the mother. She told me of two women, in the village, whom she believed to be religious, and went with me to see them. One we found at home, who w ept freely with joy, at my calling to see her. I proposed to them the plan of their meeting to- gether as often as they eould, and ottering up their united prayers for the out pouring of the Holy Spirit more almud- dantly upon themselves, their families, and the village. They professed to be much pleased, and promised to make the trial. I cannot but enjoy the hope, that the Lord is about to pour out his Spirit upon this wicked settlement. 80th. Rode 11 miles to the Rev. Stephen Fenn’s, Har- persfield. Here 1 could not get away from my old friend, till I had speut one day with him, ami preached on Wednes- day and Thursday evenings to his people, where they meet for social prayer, reading, singing and religious conversa- tion. Mr Fenn has been settled in this place 15 or 10 years, and been so highly honored of the Lord, as to be made the visible instrument of three general revivals of religion, in his congregation. The last was about a year ago. Plain, unlearned farmers, with their families, have been in the practice, for several years, of meeting together, on week- day evenings, in ditferent parts of the Society, for the pur r Speaking a!' ir^abilcats cf a lUaos near Duaueslmrg. pose of social prater, singing, reading, anil religious con- versation. These meetings they manage themselves. EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO Mr. PERKINS. Dear sir. Since you left this place, the cause of reli- gion lias exceedingly flourished among us. Between 50 and BO persons, chiefly young persons, have in this vicinity, within the last three months, given evidences of having passed from death unto life. Of most I think it can truly be said in the language of the prophet, that they “rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of their salvation.” And I trust it will comfort you, after your fatigues and labours, to know, that there is great reason to believe that this revi- val Is the early fruit of the Gospel seed which you have sowed. Very many of your remarks are still repeated among us, and your name often mentioned with affection, in our conference meetings. In pursuance of your adv.ee, prayer meetings and conferences were established, shortly after you left ns, and ha ve been j egularly continued on Sun- day and Thursday evenings until now.’’ EXTRACT OF A LETTER, FROM A CONVERTED INFIDEL, TO MR. PERKINS. Praise and hallelujah be to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that he has, in some degree, poured out his Spirit among us, and brought several to acknowledge his sovereignly, while others are inquiring the way to Zion. I think the righteous Redeemer is among us sometimes. The Holy Spirit at times lills each breast with gratitude, and eyes with tears. We have lately appointed, and at- tended conference meetings, twice a week, with evident blessings attending. Pray for us, dear sir, that our strength may be sufficient for the day; that God would give us faith. Oh that every Christian would live his religion visibly. The Rev. Jon r \ Gloucester has performed fiis mis- sion of three months, to the people of colour in Philadelphia. It is believed that he is doing considerable good among this class of people, and that, in due time, he will have a res- pectable congregation. .23 Thf. Rev. Alexander Cook performed his mission? of four months, within the limits of the Presbyteries of Hartford and Lancaster, and on the Monongahela. Hi s letter contains the following extract front a letter of a cor- respondent: “ Myself and family would be glad to see you once more, if so ordered and convenient for you; and not we only, but the great body of the people also. Permit me to assure you, that the meetings we have had together are still remembered with pleasure. On last Saturday, an aged woman intimated to me, that your last sermon was the means of opening her eyes to see herself a lost sinner, unless she found refuge in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Speak- ing of his meetings, Mr. Cook says, “ I trust some sucli seasons will he remembered to the glory of Cod in the sal- vation of souls.” The R ev. James Hughs laboured as a missionary, for two months, in the state of Ohio, at discretion. He travelled 900 miles, preaehed 36 times, administered the .Lord’s supper twice, baptized 16 children, generally ex- pounded the sacred Scriptures to families where he lodg- ed, and often conversed with families and individuals. So- lemnity frequently pervaded the audienees to whom Mr. Hugh’s ministered; aud in several of lliem a number were considerably affected. In one place, three or four persons were subjects of bodily exeTcise. The congregation of Har- mony, in the neighbourhood ofUrbana, exhibited very en- couraging and promising appearances. The Rev. Thomas Clelaxd was appointed, far two months, in the counties of Harlan, Grason, Adair Kentucky. From parts of his journal which the Committee have selected for reading, it will appear that a divine bless- ing attended his labours; and that the church organized by him, on his last mission, is likely to obtain a settled minis- ter. Mr. Cleland rode between 6 and 700 miles, preached 62 sermons, exhorted 5 times, adiuinisiered the sacrament of our Lord’s Supper twice, and baptized 4 children. As he is about removing from his present to another settlement, he iuforms the Committee, it will he w holly out of his pow er to perform any missionary duty, this year. At the request of this active and zealous missionary, the Committee lender ,24. fie Assembly liis thanks for (be confidence Intberto placed him. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE KEY. THOMAS CLELAND. I bare been under tlie necessity of filling; up my (ime by spending a day liere, and a day (here, and sometimes four or five in succession, as I could find it most suitable. The intervals between the dates in the following; journal were Bccasioned partly from tbe circumstances just mentioned, and partly because in some of my short tours, I frequent- ly preached in places that I could not so well recognize as missionary ground. Where I thought ibis to be tbe case, I took no account of it in my journal. The following w ill exhibit a brief view of my progress. May 18 . Rode fi miles, and preached to a respectable congregation. Many were in tears. After sermon bap- tized 5 children. June 3d. Preached at the same place to a similar audi- ence. 4tl». Rode 10 miles, and preached to a very attentive and solemn assembly. In the afternoon, rode 10 miles, and preached two hours before sunset to a large assembly of people in a grove, the house not being large enough t* contain them. The place appeared to he solemn and awful. 5th. Through mistake or inattention, no appointment had been made for me. 10th. Preached to an attentive and w eeping assembly. 14tli. Preached, 17 miles from home, in Casey county, at a vacant house of worship, called the Rockv-ford meeting-house. It being tbe Sabbath day, the congregation was very large, and many shed tears — had many solicitations to visit them again, which I promised to do, and left an appointment. Rode that evening 12 miles, and preached a short sermon, on u Time is short.” The assembly was small. The lady of the house was much affected, and has lately solicited the privileges of the church. 24th. Rode 10 miles, and preached to an attentive congregation in the hills of the Rolling Fork, Cassey county. Rode 3 miles in the evening, and preached by candle light. A number appeared to be very solemn, and some w r ept aloud. 25tli. Rode 13 miles, and preached to about CO S ersons, many of w hom w ere very solemn and wept abun- antly at the close of the discourse. July 5th. Returned to Rocky Ford, agreeably to ap- pointment, and preached to a very large, attentive and weeping congregation- 23rd. la \he evening rode 6 miles up Green river, and preached at Mr. McWhorter’s, in a Baptist settlement. The house was crowded. They were attentive until I had finished discourse and had prayed — was about to sing the last hymn hut was forestalled by an enthusiastic kind of man, who started a song with a lively tune. Several young women began to jirk backw ards and forwards. The seats were immediately removed, 1 o afford room and prevent them from heir. . ' .urt. One young w oman had w hat I call, the whirling e&e 'Jsc. She went round like a top, I think at least, 3o times in a minute, and continued, without the smal- lest intermission, .‘‘or at least an hour. It far exceeded any thing of the kind I ever saw. I was told she had had the 7 / ' s nearly three years. She did not appear exhausted— compl hied of pain if the bv-stauders did not continue sing- in ’ T became perfectly tired — my preaching seemed to be ail gone and to have been rather in the w ay from what took place af< erwards. I remonstrated w ith some of them, and cautioned them. 28th. In the afternoon rode 10 miles to Cumberland bottom. Mr. Hall preached to about 50 persons ; after which I gave an exhortation. Not one in the house, I be- lieve, hut what was in tears, and the most of them w ept alond. 29th. We rode about .30 miles, and both preached at night to a cro vded and attentive assembly, in Green coun- ty. The professors in this neighbourhood are principally separate Baptists. 30th. Rode 7 or 8 miles, and both preach- ed to a respectable assembly, some of w horn were very so- lemn. and some wept. Rode 6 miles, and met with a crowded assembly at night. Mr. Hall preached, and I gave an exhortation. This was a solemn evening ; many were much affected. The Rev. W. John Doak performed a mission of six weeks, on missionary ground between Fincastle and Green- ville, in East Tennessee. The labours of Mr. Doak w ere at two different times, interrupted, by a hoarseness produced by inclement w eather and preaching in small and crow ded rooms. He represents the region through which he passed* as being in a very destitute condition in regard to Ihe public means of grace. His labours, it is hoped, have not been in vain. In Providence church, he preached on a Sahhatli- day to a large audience, many of whom had to remain out of doors : and of that day he observes, it w as one the of most solemn that he ever witnessed. Speaking of a leeture de- D 5 20 livered in Salem Church, he says, “I hare reason to believe that God's blessing, attending that discourse, made it pro- fitable to many souls. At another place w ere he preached, lie says, u A considerable number were unable to conceal their emotions, and a few cases of considerable bodily agi- tations appeared in the congregation.” The Rev. William Paisley was appointed a mis- sionary, for three months, in the eastern parts of Virginia and North Carolina, near the boundary line between the two states. Mr. Paisley travelled, during his mission, 600 miles, and preached 44 times. The labours of this missionary seem to have been frequently attended with the influence of the Holy Spirit. In Edenton, North Carolina, his preaching appeared to be blest. Selected parts of his journal will be heard with pleasure. Mr. Paisley was pre- vented from serving out his w hole term. He spent only 50 days in missionary labours; but, in consideration of his dili- gence and success, the Committee recommend allowing hi® f alary for two months. EXTRACTS FROM THE JOURNAL OF THE REV. WILLIAM PAISLEY. Thursday , Dec. 24, 1812, 1 left home, and travelled 25 miles. Friday 25th. Preached at Bethesda Church, Cas- well county, North Carolina, to a large congregation, who were very attentive and solemn, and some deeply affected under the preaching of the w ord. 1 appointed prayer meet- ing in the evening, at 1. Ovi’s Esq. where about 200 people attended. There a number were brought to cry out, Lord, w hat shall 1 do to be saved ?” and the people of God enjoy- ed a sw'eet soul-refreshing season. There I baptized one adult and three infants. Saturday 26th. Attended an appointment at Rattle- snake Church, Caswell county, N. C. where I met with the Rev. Wm. B. Meroney, w ho preached to a solemn and attentive congregation. We appointed a meeting in the evening, at James Montgomery’s, where there was much weeping and affection among the people. There 1 bapti- zed 3 infants and one adult. Tuesday 29th. Preached at Capt. Williamson’s, Meck- linburg, Virginia, to about 300 people. It pleased the Lord to make that a day of his pow er to the people. Eve- ry ear appeared attentive; almost every eye rolling in tears; ,27, the children of Zion were refreshed ; and sinners were made to weep and cry. Sabbath, .Tan. 10, 1813. Preached at Wiceacon chap- el, Hereford county, N. C. to about 200 people. It may be said indeed, the Lord was there, and caused his grace to be felt. A number appeared much impressed. Friday 15tli. Preached at Ballard’s Bridge church, Chowan county, N. C. to about 150 people. They were very attentive, and solemn; and some much affected. Saturday 16th. Preached at Sandyridge church, to about 200 people. A sense of the Divine presence seemed to rest on the congregation. The word was attended with power; many in tears appeared to be deeply convicted, and the hearts of God’s people M ere comforted. I rode to Edenton, a town on Albermarle Sound, containing about 1700 Inhabitants. In that town a very great reformation has taken place, in the space of two or three years ; some hundreds profess to have obtained converting grace; and there are numbers at present under very serious impressions. A goodly number of those who have obtained a hope through grace, say, that they received their past impressions under the preaching! See. of the Rev. Dr. James Hall, and the Rev. Benjamin H. Rice, the missionaries that were sent to them, by the Committee of Missions of the General Assembly. But having no Presbyterian Society, or ministers of that denomination near them, they have attached themselves ei- ther to the Baptist or Methodist churches. Each of these denominations has now each a large meeting-house, and a large society in Edenton, w here, a few' years ago, but very few religious people were to be found. Sabbath 17th. Preached in Edenton, at 11 o’clock, A. M. in the Baptist Chrrrch, to nearly 1000 people. Solem- nity and attention rested on almost every countenance, I believe the Great Master of assemblies was present. Preach- ed again at 3 o’clock P. M. in the Methodist Church. The house was crow ded, and numbers around could not get in. That was an afternoon in which the power of God wasmaiH i fested ; the word reached the hearts of the people; such weep- ing but seldom seen; scarcely an unaffected person could be observed in tihe large assembly. Preached again at six o’clock in the evening, in the Baptist church, to a crowd- ed assembly, who were deeply affected under the word preached. Monday 18th. I travelled, on towards Perquemon county, N. C. 19th. Preached at Bethel meeting-house to about 250 people, who were attentive and serious, and some much affected. 20th. Preached at Hatford town, to a large , 28 , congregation. Numbers appeared much impressed; tears bedewed almost every cheek. 2ist. Preached at Betlilehem Church, Pasquotank county, N. C. to about too people, who appeared very at- tentive anii solemn. 32nd. Preached at Salem meeting-house to about 200 people. That was a solemn day; a number appeared much affected. 23rd. Travelled back towards Edenton. Sabbath 24-th. Preached at Edenton, in the Baptist church, to a large assembly. Numbers were solemn and affected. Preached in the afternoon in the Methodist Church, to a much larger assembly. They were soon overwhelmed in tears; and numbers could not keep their sobs from being turned into loud cries. Preached again in the evening, at the same place. The house was crowded : and the word was accompanied with power to the hearts of many; in- deed, it would have been difficult to have found an unaf- fected person in the large assembly. 27th. Preached in the evening, in the MethodistCliurch, to a large congregation, where the power of God attended the word ; numbers w ere deeply affected, and some were made to ci v aloud for mercy- Monday, Feb. 1st. Preached at Sandy-ridge meeting- house, 12 miles from Edenton, Chow an county. It was a day of seriousness and solemnity; scarcely a person was to be found in the congregation that w as unimpressed. 2nd. Preached at Ballard's Bridge Church, to about 300 peo- ple. That day appeared, literally speaking, a day of weeping. Almost the whole congregation was much af- fected under the word. 4th. and 5th. 1 rode on my way to- wards home. 6th. Preached at Deep- creek Church, Hal- ifax county, N. C. to a small assembly. They w ere solemn and attentive, and some impressed, feabbath 7th. Preach- ed in Halifax, to a large congregation. That Sabbath was a most solemn day. A number of Christians were so filled w ith joy that they could scarcely contain themselves; and sinners w ere made to w eep and cry, being deeply im- pressed with a sense of the important truths brought into view 8th. Preaehcd at Rocky-swamp Church, Halifax county, to about 300 people, a very serious and attentive audience. Some of the hearers were deeply affected. 30 T HE FOLLOWING REPORT HAS FEES’ RECEIVED FROM THE SrSOD OF VIRGINIA. To (lie Chairman of the Committee of Missions of the Gen- eral Assembly. Sir, The Synod of Virginia, during the last year, have liad in their employ, for short periods, four missionaries. The whole time spent by them in missionary labours, a- monnts to 14 months. The journals of the missionaries ex- hibit nothing remarkable, or worth communicating to the General Assembly. The Synod has funds, abundantly suf- ficient to compensate their missionaries, and more if suita- ble ones could be found. By order of the Synod, SAMUEL BROWN, Stated Clerk, S. V. THF FOLLOWING UNOFFICIAL REPORT HAS BEEN RECZI~ VED IN REGARD TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF TRUST OF, THE STNOD OF PITTSBURGH, ON THE SUBJECT OF MISSIONS. It will appear from the last report that the mission and school, at Sandusky were suspended, for the reasons assign- ed in that report. In the Spring of 1813, the Board of Trust, apprehen- sive that war would he declared, and in that case the prop- erty at the station would be lost, sent out two members to secure he property, or make sale of it, if it appeared ad- visable to them w hen on the spot. The committee sold the property, which amounted to about §T 00; and let out the farm to be occupied on the shares. .20 acres of corn was raised, which w ould have at least produced 1000 bushels ; hut it was destroyed last fall by t he army, for which we have as vet received no compensation. The Indians formerly attending at the missionary sta- tion, with few exceptions, continue friendly to the United States: (50 of the young men are in our army. The rest about TOO remain neutral at Sandusky. Barnet, who had been reported as eminently pious, died last fall of a fever; and from all accounts experienced the comforts, and manifested tlie power of divine grace to his last. His son is at school, ant! lives with a member of the Board of Trust. We employed one missionary for three months lasf winter. Nothing interesting in his jour* nal. We have one missionary now out, who is fo enquire into the situation of the friendly Indians, and whether it might he advisable to make any attempts to renew the missions in present circumstances. But this is doubtful. The field of mission is extensive, and the demands for mis- sionaries great; but missionaries sufficiently qualified are hard to obtain. Our funds .at present amount to above £1500; and the Board of Trust contemplate employing several missiona- ries iu the course of this year. THOMAS MARQUES, ELISHA MACURDV. The Committee are sorry to state to the Assembly, that, owing to different circumstances, the mission to the Cherokee Indians has not been revived. A plan was sub- mitted to the last Assembly, for employing, by means of a. co-operation with the New-Jersey Missionary Society, two missionaries among that tribe. The plan was approved; and an expectation was then indulged of obtaining two young men, educated for the ministry in the Divinity College at Andover. This expectation has been disappointed. The young men, for reasons stated by them in a letter to the New-Jersey Missionary Society, and communicated to this Committee, have declined the Mission. The Committee, taken into consideration the hostile attitude of the Indian nations, and the probability of the Cherokees being invol- ved in war, judged it inexpedient to make for the present any further efforts for renewing the mission to that tribe; and have communicated to the New-Jersey Missionary So- ciety this as their opinion. 81 THE FOLLOWING MISSIONARY APPOINT- MENTS WERE MADE BY THE LAST GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Resolved, That the following’ Missionaries be appointed, and that the follow* Jng Presbyteries be authorized to employ Missionaries, on Missionary ground with- in their respective bounds. 1. The Rev. Asabel Stone, for three months, in the north eastern part of New York, along lake Champlain. 2. The Presbytery of Columbia, to employ a Missionary for two months. 3. The Presbytery of Geneva, to employ a missionary for two months. 4. The ReY. Jedidiah Chapman, for three months, in the Genessee country, at discretion. 5. The Rev. Oliver Wetmore, for two months, within the limits of the One- ida Presbytery. 6. The Rev. Oliver Ayer, for one month, in the Holland purchase. 7. The Rev. Joshua Johnson, for two months, on Missionary ground, within the limits of the Presbytery of Onondaga and its vicinity ; and one month, on the great bend of the Susquehannah, and its vicinity. 8. The Rev. Andrew Rawson, one month, in the counties of Madison and Onondaga, state of New York; and two months in the Holland purchase. 9. The Presbytery of Cayuga, to employ a Missionary or Missionaries, for four months, within their limits and vicinity. Id. Mr. Ezekiel Glasgow for one month, from Beavertown to Steubenville. 11 . Tile Rev. Eliphalet Price, for one month, in Dutchess county, state of New York. 12. Mr. Robert F. N. Smith, for six weeks, in Dutchess county ; New York and three months in Acomack and Northampton counties, Virginia. 13. The Presbytery of Hudson to direct a mission, for three months, on mis- sionary ground, within their limits ; and to divide the lime between the Mission- aries as they may judge most conducive to the interest of the Mission. 14. The Rev. Isaac Lewis, for three months, at discretion, in the county of West Ohester, state of New York, 15. The Presbytery of Jersey to employ a Missionary for three months. 16 . The Presbytery of New Brunswick to employ a Missionary or Mission- aries. for three months. 17. The Rev. John Gloucester, for three months, to the blacks in Philadel- phia. 18. The Rev. David Elliot, for fmc month, in the extreme parts of the Carlisle Presbytery, beginning at Williamsport, and proceeding up the river Potomac. 19. The Presbytery of Carlisle to employ two Missionaries, for one month each, in the extreme parts of that Presbytery, and of Huntingdon Presbytery. 20. The Rev. Thomas Hunt, for three months ; part in Tyger’s Valley and the adjacent country, and part near to Wooster and Mansfield, in the state of Ohio ; and one month in the suburbs and vicinity of Pittsburgh. 21. The Rev. Elisha Maecurdy, for one month, at discretion. 22 . The Rev. Thomas Marques, for one month, at discretion. 23. The Rev. Alexander Cooke, for three months; one half of the time to be spent within the limits of the Presbyteries of Hartford and Lancaster ; and the other half, on the Monongahela, from about eighty or ninety miles above Pitts- burgh. 24. The Rev. Thomas Moore, for three months, along the Alleghany river towards the Holland purchase. 25. The Rev. Cyrus Riggs, for two months, within the limits of the Pres- bytery of Erie, 26. The Presbytery of Hartford to employ* a Missionary for two months, I within their bounds. 27. The. Rev. James Hughs, for four months, in the country yoand abo 1 .;* Vrbaua, state of Ohio, at discretion. 23. The Rev, John Boyd, for six weeks, within the bounds of the Presbytery of Washington. 29. The Presbytery of Washington to employ a Missionary, for three months. 30. The Rev. Joseph Stevenson, for one month, on the head waters of Grave Creek. Ten Mile, and Wbeelen. 31. The Rev. Joseph S. Hughs, for six weeks, on the waters of Scioto, Big- belly, Allom, and Whitestone. 32. The Rev. Stephen Bovellc, one month, in the bounds of the Presbytery of Abingdon. 33. The Rev. James M‘G ready, for three mouths, within the limits of Muh- lenberg Presbytery. 34. Mr. John R. Moreland, for three months, in the counties of Knox, and Rock-castle, Kentucky, and to continue his rout through the back parts of those counties adjoining the line that divides Kentucky and East Tennessee. 35. The Rev. Joseph D. iiow, for two months, in the lower part of Kentucky, and West Tennessee. 36. The P-ev. William Robison , for two months, on the Miami and White- water. 37. The Presbytery, of West Lexington to employ a Missionary for three months, in the counties of Gallatin, Boone, Pendleton, IlarrisoD, Nicholas, aud Bath. 38. Mr. Samuel Doake, for six vr-oks; commencing his route at Fincastle, aud proceeding thence on missionary ground to Grenville, East Tennessee. 39. Mr. William >1* Dowell, lor six months, betweeu Washington and St. Mary's. 40. The Rev. William. Paisley, for six weeks, in the eastern pat# of North* Carolina. 41. Mr. Robert Tate, for two months, in the eastern parts of North Carolina. 42. The Rev. Nathan Hall, for three months, in the bounds of the Transyl- vania Presbytery. 43. The Presbytery of Northumberland to employ a Missionary for two months. 44. The Presbytery of Redstone to employ a Missionary for three mouths, within their limits. 45. The Rev. James Kemper, for three weeks, in Stafford, Fauquier, Cul- pepper, ami Madison counties, in til** Northern Neck, Virginia. 46. The Presbytery of Concord to employ a Missionary, for two months, within their bounds. Resolved, that the Committee of Musiot s be authorized to employ as many additional Missionaries us the funds will bear.* Resolved, that the salary of the Missi s t;ri#s be forty dollars per month. * Should all the sessionary appointments already made, be fulfilled, and the several Presbyteries avail themselves of the privilege granted, the expense, at forty dollars per mouth, will amount to four thousand, four hundred, and ten dollars. Since the rising of the Assembly, the Rev. James W. Thompson has been ap- pointed, for three months, in North Carolina. He is to commence his route ar Ncwbern.