degree of seriousness has prevailed. On the whole the Assembly think that religion has lost nothing, but on the contrary has gained much during the past year; and we would record the fact to the honor of Him, whose is the kingdom, the power, and the glory. We exult in this consideration, though the nations of the earth are convulsed, and our own beloved country is at length involved in the wide spread flame of war; and is solemnly called to humble itself before a Righteous and Holy God, while it feels the infliction of one of his sorest judgments. But recollecting notwithstanding, that it was long since the divine prediction, that Jerusalem should be built in troublous times, and observing that in our day, amidst all the falls and revolutions of empire which have afflicted and changed the face of the world, that greater efforts have been made to extend the Redeemer's kingdom, and with greater success, than for many centuries before; we even derive encouragement from circumstances and events, which, viewed in themselves, seemed hostile to Zion, but which in the hand of her Almighty King, and to demonstrate that her cause is his own, are overruled for her prosperity and triumph. The prospect of victory animates the soldier to daring exploits; and surely a heroic fortitude becomes every soldier of the cross, when the assurance is given in the word of God, and when this assurance is confirmed by the dispensation of Divine Providence, that his labor umphs of the cross; and in the exertions which are now making, and which have recently been made, and in the success which has crowned them, we think we perceive the dawning of that day, when the great Sun of Righteousness shall arise on all the world, with healing under his wings. But the prince of darkness will not be dispossessed of his dominion without a struggle. It is to be expected that before millennial glory shall irradiate the earth he will muster his hosts unto battle, and that he will dispute for his territory at every step, with the champions of the cross. The circumstances of the church and of the world demand great sacrifices from Christians, and afford every encouragement to make them. Let all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and who are awaiting for the consolation of Israel, being strong in their Lord alone, rise in the majesty of their strength, and resolve, and let their piety, their prayers, and their exertions, testify to the sincerity of their resolution, that for Zion's sake they will not hold their peace,and for Jerusalem's sake they will not rest, until the righteousness thereof shall go forth as brightness, and thesalvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. By order of the Attest, General Assembly, JACOB J. JANEWAY, Stated Clerk. A Letter from Mr. Samuel J. Mills, Jr.to the Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecti cut. shall not be in vain in the Lord.The events of the past year admonish and encourage us to be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Last summer, Messrs. Samuel J. Glorious things are spoken of Zi-Mills, Jr. and John T. Schermeron, the city of our GOD. Her boun- horn, candidates for the ministry, daries must be enlarged, until they from the Theological College at shall embrace the whole family of Andover,commenced a tour through man. And we behold in the events the western and south western parts which are now taking place, com- of the United States, to learn the fortable evidence, that the night is situation of the people with regard far spent, and that the day is at to religion, and to perform missionhand. A noble spirit animates the ary labor as they should have opprotestant world, to spread the tri-portunity. The following account of their travels, from Marietta to New-Orleans, is contained in a letter from Mr. Mills to the Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecticut. "ILEFT Marietta the 24th of October, 1812, and proceeded down the Ohio river. On the 25th, (Sabbath) preached at Belprie, a NewEngland settlement. Thence proceeded through Galliopolis to Chilicothe, where I arrived November 2d, preaching occasionally on the way, and distributing the Constitution of the Ohio Bible Society. The prospect was favorable, as it respects the increase of the funds of the Society; at least as much so as could be expected. On the 7th came to Springfield, on the head waters of the Little Miami. Here I tarried two or three days, detained on account of the rain, and waiting for Mr. Schermerhorn, who left Marietta the same day that I did. He went up the Muskingum, and came on by Zanesville and Franklinton to Springfield, where he arrived the 10th. We proceeded on our way to Dayton, and put up with Dr. Welch, the Presbyterian minister residing in that place. From Dayton, I came on to Lebanon, near the Little Miami, and thence to Cincinnati. Brother Schermerhorn went down the Big Miami by Franklin to Cincinnati, at which place we both arrived the 17th of November. "I shall at this time only mention the number of Presbyterian ministers, in the state of Ohio, south and west of New Connecticut. By recurring to the census of 1810, you may form some idea of the religious state of this part of our western country. I shall name those counties that have one or more Presbyterian ministers, residing within their limits. Those not named are destitute. Columbiana county, one; Jefferson, four; Belmont, one; Athens, one; Delaware, two; Fairfield, one; Licking, one; Muskingum, one; Pickaway, two; Ross, two; Knox, one; Washington, one; Montgomery, one; Warren, one; Highland, one; Hamilton, two; Butler, one; in the whole state, New Connecticut excepted, twenty four. These ministers have one church at least under their care, some have two or three. There are three Congregational ministers in this part of the state,Mr. Potter, residing near Steubenville, has no charge; Mr. Robbins in Washington county; and Mr. Harris in Licking county. "South of New Connecticut, few Bibles or religious tracts have been received for distribution among the inhabitants. The Sabbath is greatly profaned; and but few good people can be found in any one place. There are, however, a number of Societies which are wishing to obtain ministers for settlement for a part of the time at least, more commonly for six months in the year. The New Light Societies have been numerous in the western part of the state; but are at present fast declining. They had lately, in their connection, 7 ordained preachers, and 6 licentiates. The Baptists are somewhat numerous in certain parts of the state. But the Methodists, according to their own calculation, are far the most numerous religious denomination, in the state of Ohio, south of New-Connecticut, which is, in my opinion, far the most desirable part of the state; certainly as respects the moral and religious habits of the people living there. They are far advanced above any portion of country of equal extent and population, west of the mountains. The Shakers have a village 25 miles in a northern direction from Cincinnati. They reckon their number at about 400. I believe they are not increasing at the present time. "From Cincinnati Mr. Schermerhorn and myself came down the river Ohio to Laurenceburgh in the Indiana territory. Left that place the 24th of Nov. crossed the Ohio into Kentuckey, and came down the river about 50 miles; then again crossed over into Indiana, and came down some miles on that side of the river; then crossed back into Kentuckey, and continued our course within 30 miles of the falls of the Ohio, preaching occasionally. We found the inhabitants in a very des Baptists are very numerous in this state. They have 142 preachers, 263 churches, and 21660 communicants. The denomination called New Lights have 15 ministers, 20 churches, and 1000 communicants. There are also 6 Roman Catholic priests, and 12 places of worship, A Roman Catholic church has late titute state; very ignorant of the doctrines of the gospel; and in many instances without Bibles, or any other religious books. The Methodist preachers pass through this country, in their circuits occasionally; but do very little, I fear, towards aiding the people in obtaining a true knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible. There are, in the In-ly been built in Lexington. The diana territory, according to the Methodists are less numerous than last census, 24520 inhabitants; and the Baptists; but there are considthere is but one Presbyterian min- erable numbers of them in different ister, Mr. Scott, living at Vincennes. parts of the state. The Methodists and Baptists are considerably numerous. In the Illinois territory, containing more than 12000 people, there is no Presbyterian or Congregational minister. There are a number of good people in the territory, who are anxious to have such ministers amongst them. They likewise wish to be remembered by Bible and Religious Tract Societies. 66 Leaving the river, we proceed ed on our way through Frankfort, an easterly course to Lexington, where we arrived December 5th. We put up with Mr. Blythe, and soon became acquainted with a number of good people, During our stay at Lexington, we assisted in reorganizing the Constitution of the Bible Society, which had been instituted a year or two before; but on too restrictive principles. It had done but little towards advancing the great object for which it was established. The prospect was, when we left, that it would soon become much more extensively useful Of 500 Bibles, which had been committed to our care, by the New York Bible Society, we directed 100 to be sent to the Managers of the Kentucky Society, for distribution. There are, in the state of Kentucky, as nearly as we could ascertain, 33 Presbyterian ministers, 61 churches, and 1200 communicants. There is a Presbytery, called the Cumberland Presbytery, which has detached itself from the Synod of Kentucky, Part of this Presbytery is within the limits of Tennessee. There are belonging to it 11 ministers, and about 1000 communicants The number of churches we did not learn. The "We left Lexington on the 14th of December, and proceeded on our way to Nashville, in Tennessee, where we arrived the 28th. On the 29th, rode to Franklin, 20 miles from Nashville, and put up with Mr. Blackburn. During our stay iu this part of Tennessee, we con sulted with a number of pious people, with regard to the expediency of forming a Bible Society. They decidedly favored the object. Mr. Blackburn thought there would not be time to collect the people, and form a Constitution during our stay. He engaged that he would exert himself in favor of the object, as did others, men of piety and influence, We left with him a copy of the Constitution of the Bible Society formed in the state of Ohio; and wrote to Mr. Robbins of Marietta, requesting him to send to Nashville, for the benefit of the Society about to be formed in that neighborhood, 50 of the 500 Bibles which were to be sent to him from Pittsburgh. In the state of Tennessee, there are 22 Presbyterian ministers, and 45 churches. The Methodists are much more numerous; about 80 ordained preachers, 125 licentiates, 13500 whites in society, and 500 blacks. The Baptists have in this state a number of societies. "We consulted with Mr. Black burn on the expediency of pursuing our course down the river to NewOrleans. He advised us to go, and assisted in making the necessary preparations. It was thought best for us to descend the river. General Jackson was expecting to go in a few days, with about 1500 Volun teers to Natchez. Mr. Blackburn introduced us to the General, who, having become acquainted with our design, invited us to take passage on board his boat. We accepted the invitation; and after providing some necessary stores for the voyage, and making sale of our horses, we embarked the 10th of January, 1813. We came to the mouth of the Ohio the 27th, where we lay by three days on account of the ice. On the 31st we passed New Madrid; and the 16th of February arrived at Natchez. about 15 churches, and 494 communicants. The number of the Methodists is about equal to that of the Baptists. "Before we left Natchez, we (with Mr. Blackman, the chaplain who attended the Tennessee Volun teers) obtained a subscription of more than 100 dollars, for the benefit of the Tennessee Bible Society. This subscription was made by the officers principally. The prospect was that it would be very conside rably increased, before they left that: part of the country. We were treated with great attention by the General and officers and were more obliged to them for their subscription to the Tennessee Society, than if it had been made to us. "We left Natchez the 12th of March, and went on board a flat bottomed boat, where our accommodations were but indifferent. The weather was generally pleasant, and we arrived at New-Orleans the "During our stay at Natchez and the vicinity, we introduced the subject of the formation of a Bible Society, for the benefit of the destitute in the Mississippi territory. The professedly religious people, of the different denominations, appeared anxious for the establishment of an Institution of this kind. A proposal was drawn up for a meeting of those disposed to aid the object, and the time and place of the meeting agreed upon. At the time appointed, a number assem-19th. We might have taken pasbled, and chose a Committee to sage in the steam boat, and should* prepare a Constitution, to be pre- have done so, had it not been for the sented to those disposed to sign it, extra expense we must have incurat a second meeting which was to red. The usual rate each passenbe held at Natchez, three weeks ger pays in the steam boat from from the first meeting. We left Natchez to New-Orleans is 18 dolwith the Committee a copy of the lars; whereas our passage was but Constitution we had with us, to little more than 6 dollars for both of which the one formed for the Mis- us. The distance is 300 miles. sissippi territory will most likely be For 100 miles above New-Orleans, similar. The Bible Society for this the banks of the river are cleared, territory will be supported by a and in descending the river you number of the most influential char-pass many very elegant plantations. acters, both civil and religious. We engaged to send them 100 Bibles, and have given directions that they should be forwarded to Natchez. We likewise encouraged them to hope for further donations of Bibles from other Societies; and engaged, upon our return, to represent their state to the Bible Societies of Philadelphia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. As those who engaged in the formation of the So-bles, and that the priests did not alciety, entered upon the subject in a very spirited manner, we doubt not the result will be a happy one. There are at present 4 Presbyterian ministers in the territory, and 5 or 6 churches. Whole number of communicants 113. The Baptists have 6 ministers and 5 licentiates, The whole of this distance, the banks appear like one continued village. The greater part of the inhabitants are French Catholics, ignorant of almost every thing except what relates to the increase of their property; destitute of schools, Bibles, and religious instruction. In attempting to learn the religious state of these people, we were frequently told, that they had no Bi low of their distribution among them. An American, who had resided two or three years at a place, which has the appearance of being a flourishing settlement, and which has a Catholic church, informed me that he had not seen a Bible during his stay at the settlement. He add choice of officers. General Benjamin Morgan was chosen President, and Dr. Dow, Vice-President. The ed, that he had heard that a woman | The Managers proceeded to the from the state of New-York had lately brought one into the place. Upon our arrival at New Orleans, we were soon made acquaint-rate paid by those who become ed with a few religious people. The members is fixed at 5 dollars, upon number of those possessing this signing the paper, and the yearly character, in this place, we are con- tax upon each member is 3 dollars. strained to believe is small. We All present appeared much gratififound here a Baptist minister, who ed with the opening prospect. has been in the city a few months, but expects to leave the place soon. He is a sensible man, and to appearance a Christian. I doubt not, he has labored faithfully in the service of his master. There is no Protestant church in the city. Attempts have been made to obtain a subscription for building one, but have failed. There is at the present time a Methodist preacher in the place. I believe he expects to leave it soon. The Catholic priests will then be the only professedly religious teachers in the city. "We find that, in order to have the Bible circulate freely, especially among the Catholics, the consent of those high in office must be obtained. We were frequently told, that the Catholic priests would by no means favor the object. We were referred to Father Antonio, as he is called, who has greater influence with those of his order than even the Bishop, who has lately arrived from Baltimore. If the consent of the former could be obtained, it was allowed by those with whom we conversed, that much might be done towards distributing the scriptures among the French Catholics. We took a convenient opportunity to call upon the Reverend Father. The subject was "Soon after our arrival, we introduced the subject of a Bible Society. It directly met the wishes of the religious people with whom we had become acquainted. As we had letters of introduction to Gov-mentioned to him. He said he ernor Claiborne, we called upon him in company with a friend. The object of our coming to the place was stated to him, and he approved of it. A proposal for a meeting was readily signed by him, and by 12 of the members of the Legislatúre who were then in session. About 20 more, principally merchants belonging to the city, added their names to the list. At the time appointed for establishing a Society, the greater part of those who subscribed to the proposal met. Previous to the meeting, a Constitution had been formed; and was presented for their approbation, should it meet the wishes of those present. The Constitution was read and considered, article by article, and adopted. It provided that the number of Managers should not be less than 12, nor more than 24. The Managers were to choose the other officers of the Society. After signing the Constitution, the Managers were chosen, about 20, some residing in the country, but the greater part in the city. should be pleased to have the Bible circulate among those of his order; and that he would approve of the translation distributed by the British and Foreign Bible Society. In addition to this, he said he would aid in the circulation of the scriptures, should an opportunity present. We enquired of him, whether the priests in the different parishes would likewise favor the good work? At this enquiry he seemed surprised, and answered, "How can you doubt it? It is for their interest to circulate the scriptures." Upon this point, our sentiments were hardly in unison. However we felt no disposition to contradict him. We have since called upon the Bishop. He also gave his consent, and said he would contribute in favor of the infant Institution. This disposition in the Catholic priests to favor the circulation of the scriptures has very much surprised all with whom we have conversed on the subject in the city. The priests acknowledge the nakedness of the land. Father Antonio gave it as his opinion, that we |