Religious Miscellany. No. 4. "Say ye to the daughter of Zion, behold, thy salvation cometh " SKETCH OF THE MISSIONS OF THE UNITED BRETHREN. Written by the Poet Montgomery. (Concluded from p. 34) Vol. III. late war, also, the Brethren's settlement at Fairfield, in Canada, was plundered and burnt to the ground, by the American army under General Harrison. A Missionary and his wife accompanied the Christian Indians on In 1734 some Brethren went among their flight, who endured for more the Indians of N. America. Their la- than two years, the most deplorable labors, their trials, their sufferings, & privation with unshaken resignation, their success, were extraordinary even thankful to God that they had yet the in missionary history. Many thous-bread of life, and the means of grace, ands of these roving and turbulent sa- when they had scarcely any other comages, of all others perhaps the most fort left. haughty & untractable were converted In no instance did the word of salfrom the error of their ways & adorned vation reach the consciences of the the doctrine of God their Saviour, wild Indians with greater power, or both in their lives and by their deaths. more strikingly display its saving effiOn one occasion, ninety-six men, wo-cacy, than in the case of Tschoop. men, and children being treacherous- Before his conversion he was distinly made prisoners by white banditti guished by every act of outrage and and marched away from their peace- sin, and had even crippled himself by ful habitations and beloved teachers, his debaucheries; but now the lion were scalped and tomahawked in cold was tamed, and the slave of sin and blood; and, according to the testimony the devil became the child of God, of their murderers, with their latest and a preacher of righteousness to his breath gave affecting evidence of their countrymen. The account he once gave of his conversion, will best elucidate the striking change wrought in him. 'Brethren," said he, 'I have been a heathen, & have grown old amongst them; therefore, I know how heathens think. Once a preacher came, and be faith. At another time eleven Missionaries, male and female, were burnt alive in their dwellings, or massacred and thrown back into the flames, in attempting to escape, by a troop of Indians in the French service.* In the * Some particulars of this tragical scene, were related by a sister who was almost miraculously preserved. A cruel Indian war, occasioned by the contest between the English and French, had broken out, spreading terror and confusion through the whole country "Late in the evening of the 24th of Novem ber, 1755, while the missionaries were at sup. pe", their attention was suddenly roused by the continual barking of dogs, which was fol lowed by the report of a gun. On opening the door of the mission-house, they observed a party of hostile Indians standing before the house, with their pieces pointed towards the door. On its being opened they immediately fired, and Martin Nitschman was killed on the ricaded the door with bedsteads. Hither the savages pursued them; but not being able to force open the door, they set fire to the house, which was soon enveloped in flames. Brother Fabricius, in attempting to make his escape, was perceived by the Indians, and instantly wounded by two balls They then seized him, and having dispatched him with their hatchets, took his scalp & left him dead on the ground. Eleven persons belonging to the Mission were burnt alive, among whom was a child only fifteen months old Senseman, already surrounded by the flames, was heard to exclaim, 'Tis all well, dear The mur Sister Saviour; Iexpected nothing else." derers now set fire to the barns and stables, His wife and some others were wound by which all the corn, hay, and cattle were ed, but ran up stairs into the garret, and bar-consumed, and having made a hearty meal, spot. departed. 50 Sketch of the Missions of the United Brethren. of teaching the barbarians his own He soon so won the affections of these rude people, that many became scholars, and made proficiency in learn gan to explain to us that there was a God. We answered, dost thou think us so ignorant as not to know that? Return to the place from whence thou camest. Then, again, another preach-ing the scriptures. In the course of er came, and said, You must not get drunk, nor steal, nor lie, &c. We answered, Thou fool, dost thou think us ignorant of this? Learn first thyself, and then teach the people to whom thou belongest to leave off these things: for who steal, lie, or are more drunken than thine own people? And thus we dismissed him. After some time, Brother Rauch came into my hut sat down, and spoke nearly as follows: seven years he baptized seven persons, who gave proof of their change of heart and life. But owing to some difficulties that arose at that period, he went to Europe to obtain assistance, and to procure powers from the Dutch Government to pursue his peaceful ministry. These were denied, and he was never permitted to go back to the colony. His heart, however, was among his Hottentots till the hour of his death: he was wont to consecrate a part of every day to secret intercession with the Lord in their behalf, and it is recorded, that he was at length found a corpse in the performance of this duty. Meanwhile, though his scholars and converts kept together for some time, expecting his return, they were in the sequel lost among their countrymen; and during fifty years, according to human apprehensions, his labors seemed to have been in vain, and his prayers unanswered. But at the end of that inter|| val, the Brethren were enabled to send three men of like spirit with George Schmidt, to the Cape of Good Hope, with the permission of the Dutch Government. They found the spot which he had cultivated: the ruins of his hut were yet visible, but his garden was run to waste, and the whole valley was such a haunt of wild beasts, that it was called Bavians' Kloof (Baboons' Glen.) The New Missionaries, however, took possession of it, expelled these intruders, gathered the Hottentots to hear the word of God, and taught their children to read it, under In 1737, George Schmidt settled the shade of a magnificent pear tree, in South Africa, and built himself a planted by their predecessor, which hut, and cleared a piece of ground was still in full vigor and bearing. near Serjeant's River. Finding it But this tree and its fruit were not all impossible to learn the Hottentot lan-that remained of the good man's laguage, he sat resolutely upon the task bors-an aged blind women who had I am come to you in the name of the Lord of heaven and of earth: he sends to let you know that he will make you happy, and deliver you from the misery in which you lie at present. For this end he became a man, gave his life a ransom, and shed his blood for sinners, &c. When he had finished his discourse, he lay down, fatigued with his journey, and fell into a sound sleep. I thought, what kind of man is this? There he lies and sleeps: I might kill him and throw him into the wood, and who would regard it? But this gives him no concern: however, I could not forget his words; they constantly recurred to my mind. Even, when asleep, I dreamt of the blood of Christ shed for us. I found this to be widely different from any thing I had heard before, and I interpreted Rauch's words to the other Indians. Thus, through the grace of God, an awakening commenced among us. I say, therefore, brethren, preach Christ our Saviour, and his sufferings and death, if you would wish your word to gain entrance among the heathen.' Brief View of Missions. self. BRIEF VIEW OF MISSIONS 51. Under the care of the United Foreign Mis sionary Society. From the American Missionary Register for been one of his converts, being traced || derstandings into obedience to himout, produced a Dutch Testament, which he had given her when he left Africa, and which she kept as her greatest treasure, carefully wrapt up in two sheep skins. A young Hottentot woman was in the habit of reading occasionally from this book to her; & this young woman became one of the earliest converts of the three Brethren. In that place (since called Gnadenthal) there is now a flourishing congregation of Hottentots, and at a considerable distance another, (Gro-|| enekloof,) which is also greatly prospering. The society was instituted in July, 1817, under the patronage of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and the General Synods or the Reformed Dutch, and Associ ate Reformed Churches. Communications from individuals or societies out of the United States, should be addressed to the Rev. John Knox, Secretary for Foreign Correspondence, New-York. All communications relating to the general concerns of the society, and to the American Missionary Register, should be addressed to Zechariah Lewis, Domestic Secretary and Editor, No. 38 Broad-st. New-York. A third Settlement has been lately begun, under the encouragement of the British government, on the White River, near the borders of Caffraria. The afflictive disaster that befell this settlement, in its destruction by a horde of Caffre savages, is well known to those who are at all acquainted with the progress of the Brethren's Missions. By the return of peace, the Brethren have been enabled to resume their post; but the devastation was so complete, that much greater expense and labor will be required to Commenced in 1820.-Situated on re-establish the settlement than was necessary at its first formation. Its the West Bank of Grand River, about inhabitants are increasing, and it is twenty-five miles north of its entrance into the Arkansaw, and about seven beginning to assume the beautiful ap-hundred miles above the junction of pearance of the two former stations, which according to the testimony of All letters relating to the pecuniary concerns of the Society should be addressed to Moses Allen, Treasurer, No. 18, Wall-st. New-York. 1. Union Mission. the Arkansaw and the Mississippi. John M. Spaulding, Alexander Woodruff, & George Requa, Assistant Missionaries There is a school at this station of thirteen Indian children, who live in the mission family. Rev. William F. Vail and Rev. Epaphras both friends and enemies to MissionChapman, Missionaries; Marcus Palmer, Phyary exertions, are like the garden of sician and Surgeon; and Messrs. William C. the Lord in the midst of the wilder-Requa, Stephen Fuller, Abraham Redfield, ness-the Hottentots themselves being as much changed in their habits, manners, and minds, as the face of their country has been improved by industry and skill. The change which has taken place in their hearts the eye of God alone can see in all its aspects, and contemplate in all its issues; but it is sufficiently obvious to all, that the love of Christ has subdu 2. Great Osage Mission. Commenced in 1821.-Situated on the North Bank of the Marias de Cein about six miles above its entrance into the Osage River, and about 80 miles miles S. W. of Fort Osage. Rev. Nathaniel B. Dodge, Rev. Benton Pix ed their natural character, and has ley, and Rev. William B. Montgomery, Misbrought their affections and their un-sionaries; William N, Belcher, Physician and The Rev. Wm. M. Ferry, missionary school of ten or twelve Indian children living in the family. and at the various stations there are Most of the missionaries have wivess This mission, having been under the care of the New-York Missionary Society about twenty years, was transfered to the United Foreign Mission-eight unmarried females, who are ocary Society in Jan. 1821. It is situat-cupied in teaching, or in domestic avoed in the Tuscaroca Village, about four miles east of Lewiston, Niagara co. New-York. At this station, we have a Church of twenty Crane, having resigned the charge of this Mission, the vacancy is temporarily filled by one Indian members. The Rev. James C. the Rev. Mr. Smith of Lewiston. 4. Seneca Mission. Commenced by the N. York Missionary Society in 1811, and transferred to the United Foreign Missionary Society in Jan. 1821. Situated about four or five miles from Buffalo, near the outlet of Lake Erie. cations. SOUTH AMERICA. Mr. John C. Brigham, and Mr. Theophilus Parvin have been sent to explore the most important parts of Spanish America, with a view to ascertain what can be done immediately towards disseminating religious truth in those extensive regions. They embarked from Boston for Buenos Ayres, on the 25th of July. They are instructed to reside in that city several months, then cross the continent to Chili; pass along the coast through Peru to the isthmus; visit Mexico; and advance to the north as far as Santa Fe, whence they may penetrate the wilderness to the missions on the Arkansaw. It may be expedient, however, that their course should be altered in various respects. Their inwhich may have a bearing on the quiries will relate to every, subject, moral and religious state of the peoMr. William A. Thayer, Assistant Mission-ple. They will endeavor to ascertain ary. A school of twenty-one Indian children || whether the Bible can be freely disliving in the family. Rev. Thompson S. Harris, Missionary; and Mr. H. Bradley, Assistant Missionary. There is a church of four Indian members-also a school of thirty Indian children, living in the mission family. 5. Cataraugus Misssion. Commenced in 1822.-Situated near the shore of Lake Erie, and about thirty miles from Buffalo. tributed; how it is received; what is 6. Fort Gratiot Mission. the effect of its introduction among Commenced by the Northern Mis- those, who had never before possesssionary Society in 1822, and transfer-ed it; whether tracts could be circured to the United Foreign Missionary lated, and would be read; what is the Society in September, 1823.-Situat-progress of education among the com ed on the River St. Clair, about one mile below the outlet of Lake Huron. Mr. John S. Hudson, Assistant missionary A school of twelve or fifteen Indian children living in the family. mon people; what are their circumstances; how they regard improvements; in what manner they will receive religious instruction; how far the principles of religious toleration 7. Mackinaw Mission. are likely to prevail; and what are the most eligible places for making Commenced in October, 1823.-evangelical exertions of a permanent Turkey-Interesting Tour. 58 character. They will probably be hanging two or three days; think of a able to make arrangements for the country in which, in case of public distribution of Bibles and tracts from disturbance, one half of the commudepositories, which can be regularly nity can murder whomsoever they supplied hereafter. By the liberality please of the other half with impunity; of the American Bible Society, they think of a country in which an armwere furnished with five hundred cop-ed man will meet a respectable inies of the Spanish New Testament; offensive citizen in the street of a and through the kind agency of Robt. populous city, at mid-day, and shoot Ralston, Esq., 195 Spanish Bibles, him dead on the spot, and then sit which had been sent to this country down quietly, and smoke his pipe in by the British and Foreign Bible So-sight of the corpse, while even ciety, were also committed to them the guards of the city are passing by for distribution. The N. Y. Tract-think of a country in which the Society has forwarded 2000 Spanish name of christianity exists, but only tracts to reach them at Buenos Ayres. TURKEY. as a name for that superstition and idolatry which belong to paganism, and in which the delusions of the false prophet exists, with al! their impuri In an interesting work entitled Sketches of the Earth and its inhabitants, lately published, is the following extract of a letter from Mrties; and all their abominations; such Fisk the American Missionary a country, or rather much worse than even this description is Turkey." "Think of a government in which every office is sold to the highest bidder, and in which a criminal may almost uniformly obtain his freedom by the payment of money; think of schools, in most of which the only thing taught is to pronounce the words of a language which neither pupils nor teacher understand; think of places of public worship, in which nearly all the exercises are performed in an unknown tongue; think of one half the females in the country prohibited from going out without concealing their faces, while both the laws and the religion of the country allow polygamy and concubinage; think of a country in which scarce one woman in a hundred can read, and where perhaps not half the men are more fortunate; think of a country in which the governor has liberty to behead seven men a day, without assigning any reason whatever for so doing, where a crimnal is condemned without jury, and I had almost said without trial or witness; and after being condemned, is immediately beheaded, strangled, or hung at the first convenient place in the street, and left From the Pittsburg Recorder. AN INTERESTING TOUR. The following interesting facts are related with great simplicity, Our readers may rely upon the truth of the narrative. At the request of the editor it was prepared for publication. About a year ago I was on buisness, travelling about 100 miles from the place of my residence. I preached at the town of M- on the Monday after communion in that place, and had an appointment for preaching in the evening about ten miles distant. I was informed by the minister of the place that I would be accompanied by a woman, who lived on my way; that she had lately joined the church, and, in conversing with the session, had mentioned me as the instrument of her first awakening. On our way she related to me the circumstances with much feeling. I had been at her father's house about 23 years before. She was then a little girl. I conversed with her about the concerns of her soul, and the day |