There are also in the service of the mission two native preachers, and several native assistants, who serve as school-teachers, tract-distributors, &c.

The amount of success, which God has given to the mission has been steadily increasing. The following table exhibits the number baptized in Burmah from the beginning

Of the whole number, eleven have been excluded, and eleven have died in the faith.

AFRICAN MISSION.

LIBERIA.

This mission properly commenced with the uncommon zeal and liberality in the cause of missions, which manifested itself in the Baptist church in Richmond, Va. Two colored men, members of that church, Messrs. Carey and Teague, offered their services to the Board. They gave evidence of talent and piety, and had long been in the habit of preaching and exhorting to very general acceptance. These men were exceedingly desirous of bearing the gospel to Africa; and missionary auxiliaries were formed with the express design of promoting this end. Messrs. Carey and Teague sailed from this country with their families, in January 1821, and landed in Africa the succeeding March.

Some time after their arrival, the Colonization society procured Cape Mesurado, for the seat of their colony. From the commencement of the settlement, the colonists enjoyed Mr. Carey's labors and prayers. And in January 1823, he had received nine persons into the mission church. Among the converts was a young man from Grand Cape Mount, a place eighty miles distant from Cape Mesurado. After his conversion, great seriousness was manifested at that place. He went from house to house, eager to make known to all the way of life and salvation. Such was the state of things, that the way seemed open, at least for a missionary school. The head-man of the village promised to build a school-house and defray all the expense of Mr. Carey's journey. The schoolhouse, however was not completed till the year 1828. Mr. Carey then went to it, and, through an interpreter preached, on the Sabbath, to a considerable congregation. The prince promised to protect and patronize the school, and to aid the cause of education to the extent of his power. A school had been previously established at Monrovia.

In the year 1825, the prospects of the mission were so encouraging, that the Board felt authorized to send out another missionary. Rev. Mr. Holton, a graduate of Waterville College, had offered his services to the American Colonization Society; and, without drawing him away from his engagements to

that body, the Baptist Board succeeded in engaging him as their agent. He was ordained at Beverly, in November 1825, and sailed the following January, in the vessel with Rev. Mr. Sessions, agent of the Colonization Society, and Mr. Force, printer. They were received at the colony with demonstrations of sincere joy. The printer immediately commenced preparations for publishing a newspaper. But the third number announced the death of Mr. Force; and Mr. Holton lived but a few months after his arrival. He was attacked by the country fever, and soon sunk into the grave.

In the year 1827, letters from Mr. Carey gave information that four Sabbath schools and three day-schools were established in the colony, and in a flourishing condition. But in the midst of his usefulness, an unhappy accident suddenly removed him from his field of labor. He died, universally respected, and we doubt not, has gone to receive the missionary's reward. Mr. Teague, who sailed with him, had removed, in the early troubles of the colony, to Sierra Leone.

As soon as tidings of the death of Mr. Carey arrived, exertion was made by the Board to find a successor, to fill so interesting a station. Mr. Benjamin R. Skinner, of the Hamilton Theological Institution, offered himself for the service, and was accepted. In order to avoid the unhealthy season, he deferred his embarkation till October 1830, when he sailed with his family from Norfolk, and arrived at Monrovia, December 5th.

On their arrival, they found the station supplied by Mr. Teague, the early associate of Mr. Carey, who had now returned. He was assisted by Mr. Waring, a minister and member of the church. The church, in 1829, contained a hundred members, and two licensed preachers.

Very soon after his arrival, Mr. Skinner was attacked with the country fever, and one after another of his family took it, until all were sick at the same time. Early in January, his two children died, and their mother did not long survive. Mr. Skinner remained feeble; and the loss of his beloved family rendered his recovery the more doubtful. In the hope, however, of preserving his life, and regaining his health, he resolved to visit America. For several days, he seemed to recover strength. But on the morning of the 5th of March, he parted from earth, and was re-united to his family in heaven.

The following extract, from the triennial report of the Board in 1832, shows the present state of this mission.

"Though we are unable to report the appointment of any missionaries to this important field since the lamented death of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner, it is our happiness to say, that the good work of God has nevertheless prospered, and a healthy religious influence pervaded the colony. A letter from Mr. C. N. Waring, one of the pastors of the Baptist church in Monrovia, furnishes the following particulars: "Since Captain S. was with us, there have been nearly one hundred added to our church. The work began in June, 1830, in Monrovia, and lasted till the early part of 1831. It then extended to Caldwell and Carey Town, a settlement of recaptured Africans. Among the latter it has continued ever since, so that they make up the largest number that has been added to the church; and they seem fully to adorn the christian character. They have built themselves a small house of worship, at which they meet regularly on Lord's day, and twice in the week for prayer. We have appointed one of the most intelligent among them, to take the oversight of them, and to exhort them, when none of the preachers are there from Monrovia. Monrovia may be said to be a christian community; there is scarcely a family in it, that some one or the whole do not possess religion. We are about to build us a new meetinghouse, which has been delayed on account of the want of funds; but we have renewed our exertions, and the corner-stone is to be laid on the fourth of next month. It is to be forty by thirty-four feet, and built of stone."

The Board have not, in consideration of what was doing without them, slackened their efforts, but have carried on a correspondence with individuals in various parts of our country, where a prospect offered of obtaining suitable mis

sionaries. They regret to state that they have not yet succeeded in engaging any one; though all have not been heard from who were addressed.

INDIAN MISSIONS.

There is less of absorbing interest and romantic narrative in the history of these missions, than in the history of the Burman stations. Yet the Board have by no means overlooked their obligations to the tribes, who were once lords of the soil.

The first missionaries to the Indians, commissioned by the American Baptist Board, were Rev. Messrs. Peck and Welsh. They were designated to their work, in Philadelphia, in May 1817, and spent the summer in forming missionary associations, and awakening attention to the condition of the Indians. In the autumn, they arrived at St. Louis, which they made the head-quarters of their operations. Here they established schools, preached to the destitute settlers, and formed acquaintance with the neighboring tribes of Indians. When matters here were in good train, Mr. Peck was instructed by the Board to remove to the station occupied by Mr. McCoy, and assist him in his toils. But in consequence of family circumstances, he was excused from any further service of the Board, and has since labored successfully, in the Western States, on his own responsibility.

Mr. McCoy, who had preached, for some time, in the vicinity of the Indian country, felt much anxiety for their religious welfare, and offered his services, as a missionary of the Board. Similar offers were made by Rev. Messrs. Ronaldson and Young, who were likewise accepted.

CAREY STATION.

When Mr. McCoy received his appointment in 1817, he commenced his labors among the tribes in his neighborhood-the Miamies and Kickapoos. Here his success was very small. He baptized but one individual, and collected only nine or ten scholars in his Indian school. While here, he formed an extensive acquaintance with the Indians generally; and with a Miami chief he was quite intimate. This chief urged him to go to Fort Wayne, a central point, to which the Indians were in the habit of resorting. He listened to the request, and went with him.

In this place, Mr. McCoy had frequent intercourse with the Putawatomy, Ottawa and Shawnee Indians, and prospects were encouraging. As soon as his determination to stay was known, several of his scholars from the former station came to join his school, and in less than six weeks he had forty eight scholars. The gospel also was preached to a ready people, and within three months, six persons were baptized.

During the year 1822, a season of sickness and great distress afflicted the region. The Putawatomy Indians were very anxious to have the station removed into the heart of their tribe, and to retain Mr. McCoy for their teacher. On the abatement of their troubles, the mission family, after the spot had been investigated, removed to the station. It was named Carey, in honor of Rev. Dr. Carey, of Serampore.

This station was two hundred miles northwest from Fort Wayne. Mr. Mc Coy was assisted by Mr. Lykins, whom he baptized, and who became valuable as a teacher. Soon after the removal to Carey, Mr. William Polke and Miss Goodrich joined the station, and the mission began to proceed with vigor.

The Putawatomy Indians seemed disposed, from the beginning, to listen to the gospel. In less than two years, the boarding school contained nearly seventy scholars, and much progress had been made in agriculture and the mechanic arts. A religious attention of an encouraging character was soon visible, and a considerable number made a public profession on the same day.

Messrs. Simmerwell and Slater, with Miss Purchase, joined the Carey mission in the year 1826. Being thus reinforced, opportunity was presented to Mr. McCoy to travel among the Indians, and originate new stations. The Carey station was marked by no special circumstances of interest, during his excursions. In the years 1828-1830, the subject of the removal of the tribes was agitated, and the state of the mission was dark and unpromising. The following extract from the last report of the Board discloses the present prospects of Carey.

"The removal which it was hoped would be brought about at this station, did not take place; and Mr. and Mrs. Simmerwell are still there. Finding they were likely to remain for an indefinite time, they made arrangements to continue the school, and employed Luther Rice, a native Indian, and lately a resident at Hamilton, N. Y. to teach it. The number of boarding scholars averages probably ten; but any of the Indian children in the vicinity of the school are at liberty to attend. Whether the government will provide for the removal of the Putawatomies the present season, is uncertain; but we think there can be little doubt of their intention to do so. Whenever that event takes place, the station will be relinquished, of course; and it may be before that time.”

THOMAS.

Several Ottawa Indians, who had become acquainted with the state of things at Carey, expressed great anxiety to have a missionary, and instruction in religion and the mechanic arts. No missionary could be sent; but a blacksmith, an Indian apprentice and two hired men, whose influence might be beneficial, went to reside among them. In the winter of 1822-3, Mr. McCoy set off to visit them. THOMAS is in the state of Michigan, more than a hundred miles distant from Carey. In Sept. 1825, Mr. McCoy made a second visit to Thomas. He was received with the greatest cordiality; and urged to establish a mission and schools. About a year later, he took up his residence there for several months. A church has been organized, which was admitted, in Oct. 1832, into the Michigan Baptist Association. The station is under the superintendence of Mr. Leonard Slater. The school is committed to Mr. Potts, and is kept alternately on the mission premises, and about a mile distant, in order that its influence may be diffused as widely as possible.

The last January, a day was set apart for special prayer, in behalf of the mission, by the mission family. At the close of the day, a hired man in the family was found to be the subject of deep religious impressions. After him several Indian children, members of the school, became anxious, and finally, one chief. A few converts were the fruits of this awakening.

VALLEY TOWNS.

In the year 1818, Rev. Mr. Posey travelled through a part of the Cherokee nation in North Carolina, and established a few schools. But, owing to various discouragements, they were discontinued at the close of the first quarter. After their failure, he travelled extensively among the Indians in Missouri. On his return, he erected a little establishment suitable for a mission-family on the Hiwassee river, in North Carolina. In 1821, his school contained forty children. At this time, a large company were sent by the Board to occupy the station, including among them Rev. Mr. Roberts and Mr. Evan Jones, now the superintendent of the mission. The school greatly increased, and in the year 1823, two or three of the natives became serious. Schools were established in two or three places, at some distance from the station, where the missionaries occasionally visited and preached. Upon these schools, the divine Spirit shed forth his influences, and several became followers of the Lamb.

This station is the most encouraging of all under the charge of the Board, among the Indians. From the close of the year 1829, there has been a continued season of religious revival. In the autumn of 1830, there was a large

number of inquirers; and during that year, 39 Cherokees united with the church. During the year 1831, events occurred of great interest. Many joined themselves to the Lord, at the seat of the station; and in a district twenty miles distant, a considerable number of sincere disciples have followed their Lord in the ordinance of baptism. Mr. Jones thus describes the close of a meeting, holden among them.

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Every breast seemed to be full, and every heart overwhelmed with various emotions. Some bowed down under the guilt of past sins, some hoping in the atoning blood of Jesus, while many bosoms swelled with gratitude to see their parents, wives, husbands, children, yielding to the gentle sway of the blessed Saviour. The penitents were of all ages, from eight or nine to upwards of eighty years of age."

The converts exhibit characteristics of decided piety. Two of them, John Wickliffe and Dsulawe, have been approved as teachers, and spend much of their time in the service of the Board. Their labors, together with those of private brethren, have contributed materially to the extension of the revival. On the first Sabbath in June, 1832, thirty six full Cherokees were baptized, One, a little boy, 9 or 10 years old, and another an aged man of 70. Mr. Jones says in a letter, "In all the settlements where the members reside, they meet on Sabbath days to sing and pray. They have also regular prayer meetings in the week. All the heads of families have morning and evening worship in their houses and many who are not heads of families use their influence for that purpose."

Letters from Mr. Jones, till the close of October 1832, recount scenes of continued revival. The word of God among the Cherokees has free course and is glorified. The church numbers upwards of 160_members. The boarding school is in a flourishing condition. Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield and Miss Rayner were sent to this station, as a reinforcement in Oct. 1832.

SAULT DE ST. MARIE.

This station, in Michigan territory, is under the superintendence of Rev. Abel Bingham, who arrived, with his family, in October 1828. He immediately commenced a school with 50 scholars, and established preaching, on the Sabbath, to the neighboring whites, and, through an interpreter, to the Indians. In December, 1831, it became apparent, that the gospel was taking effect, and a more than ordinary interest was felt in the subject of religion. The number of hearers increased, and anxious inquirers often tarried for prayer and conversation, after the assemblies were dismissed. In a little time, the work spread into the garrison, and several of the soldiers became hopefully pious. Still more were asking, "what shall we do to be saved?"

A letter dated in May 1832, speaks of the revival, of which this was the commencement, as unspeakably interesting. "It has been a glorious time, and one never to be forgotten. God has displayed his power once and again in this place. At first, temperance with healing rays shone upon it and effected much. Then followed the influences of the Holy Spirit, and the stoutest hearts submitted to his power. The garrison, which two years ago, following the custom prevalent of spirit drinking, exhibited the characteristics of intemperance with its numerous train of vices, is now a sober and religious place, from which prayer and praise are constantly ascending from numerous hearts.

Our little church, which numbered but six last summer, now recognizes thirty four; eighteen, of whom are soldiers, mostly young men of promising talents, and very zealous and devoted."

More recent letters speak of additional baptisms. Messrs. Meeker and Merrill, with their wives, joined the station in October 1832. This station has the advantage of affording its missionaries frequent opportunities for giving religious instruction to natives from the interior. It so occurred the last winter, that a Tequemenon chief and his daughter were detained at the place for several weeks, during which time it was hoped that she became savingly acquainted with the truth.