resources of this Society, and also, as a substitute for the overture heretofore made, your committee recommend to this Society the adoption of the following resolutions: Resolved, That this Society deem it inexpedient at this time to make a transfer of all its funds, missionaries, and obligations, to the United Foreign Missionary Society. Resolved, That if the Board of Managers of the United Foreign Missionary Society will agree to take charge of the mission family now under the care of this Society, and will pledge itself to perform all the engagements and conditions to which this Society is subject, as well in relation to that family as to the Oneida pay tribe of Indians-that in such case this Society will direct its treasurer to pay annually into the treasury of the United Foreign Missionary Society all its annual income, first deducting, however, necessary expenditures; and such annual ments to continue as long as the said Board of Managers shall perform the stipulations on its part made. And this Society will also pledge itself to aid the said Board in advancing the great cause, with all its strength and influence. Resolved, That a copy of the above report and resolutions be forwarded to the Board of Managers of the United Foreign Missionary Society. The report was adopted, and other resolutions which it recommended were passed. Annual Report. The board of directors are unable to give an account to the society of any enterprising or vigorous efforts they have made the past year in behalf of the heathen. The plan of operations formerly exhibited, on which they have commenced, has been continued without enlarge ment. It was desirable to have done more than we have towards the completion of this plan; to have done at least so much as to place at the head of our Mission family at Fort Gratiot, a superintendent well qualified for that important and arduous office; but none in all respects suited to the peculiar exigencies of that staVOL. IV. 42 tion was obtained. Though some estimable servants of Christ were named, and probably might have been obtained, it seemed unadvisable to employ them under our embarrassments. We have no reason to complain of any serious discouragements arising from the natives. None have met us from that quarter but such as tend to awaken and prompt the Missionary to greater efforts. As it respects the disposition of the Indians to improve the opportunities furnished them, He who hath the hearts of all men in his hands hath called their attention and inclined their hearts to receive instruction sufficiently to encourage our labours of love. In the course of last winter seventeen Indian children became members of the Mission family. And though the temptations of the opening spring, influencing both parents and children, have drawn away some of them, a considerable number is left under the care of the Missionaries. Eleven have continued in the family through the summer; of these their teachers speak in terms of tender affection. They represent them as diligent and orderly beyond exattainments equal to any other children pectation, and making progress in their of the same age. The parents appear desirous to entrust their little ones to the nurture of the society, and would probably do it more extensively if the Mission family had a permanent residence near them. It is desirable that the family be permanently located, both on the principle of economy and usefulness to the Heathen. The region in which the Lord hath cast their lot, needs their assistance, and affords sufficient encouragement to their labours. All that is requisite for extensive usefulness to a well selected and organized Mission in that quarter, is a tract of land for their permanent location. This society does not possess the means to purchase the lands, nor to erect the necessary buildings, neither is there a prospect of procuring the means from sources around us. It seems necessary that some more competent than ourselves should undertake this charge. The Board feels therefore persuaded, that the course which the Society has taken in relation to the United Foreign Missionary Society, is wise in itself; that our circumstances demanded it, and that there is a fair prospect of the highest benefit to the heathen from this union. Many reasons unite to urge on this society the resignation of its labours into the hands of the United Foreign Missionary Society. Their board of managers is located in the best place not merely for obtaining information, but for a survey of the whole field of labour and duty. One comprehensive effort will better secure the great object, and produce the greatest amount of good. We are convinced that we shall be more useful in the subordinate station of an auxiliary society than we have been or can hope to be in any attempts to support, direct, and govern a single Missionary family. The single station which we select will not attract enough of public attention, nor awaken enough of public interest and charity. We are obliged to maintain our efforts at considerable expense of labour and money, that may be saved when the care of our Mission shall devolve upon a board, constantly occupied in this subject, and upon their officers who are wholly devoted to it. Every other consideration opposed to the union should be lost in the promise of greater good. The organization of the Northern Missionary Society was wise, for the period rity, the demands of public curiosity, and above all, the progress of improvement, which has been so much aided by experience, require a' change. Our mode of doing business is too much involved; it is too complicated; it wants simplicity; and is therefore not attended with that promptness and vigour so indispensible to its success. We are well organized as an auxiliary, and can aid the principal society effectually. There is but one object, and that object is best promoted by our brethren in New-York, who have advantages from their constitution and location greater than we can command. Should the union so desirable be consummated, the directors indulge the hope that this society will rouse itself to vigorous exertion, and discharge their solemn and imperious duty. It is a truth, that such has been the organization of our society, that the public mind, in this section of the church, has not been so much interested in the subject of Indian Missions as might have been expected from their intelligence and benevolence. Let us be awake in all our departments; let the subject be pressed upon our people. Let us beg them to associate this charity with the concert of prayer, and to remember the perishing heathen when they are bowing before the throne of mercy and seeking the grace of salvation. and circumstances it was intended to Surely we may take our rank with meet. It was among the earliest formed those who are foremost in this work of in this country. We have reason to hope the Lord. Let us not rest until for us that it has been instrumental of much, the wilderness is glad and the desert is good; but the progress of Christian cha- blooming as the rose. Home Proceedings. UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. MISSIONARY MEETING. In our last number it was mentioned, that the Rev. Dr. Milledoler and the Rev. Dr. Spring, who had been appointed Commissioners to visit our Missionary Stations at Tuscarora, Seneca, and Cataraugus, had performed that duty, and that their Report would be laid before the Board of Ma nagers at their first meeting. On receiving this Report, the Board thought it expedient to present it to the public at a general meeting during the sessions of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church and the Classis of the Reformed Dutch Church, as both bodies were to convene in this city on the same day. The public meeting was accordingly held in the Brick Church, in Beekman-street, on Tuesday evening, the 21st ult. and the attendance of the Synod and the Classis was particularly invited. The Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, the President of the Society, took the chair at 7 o'clock. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. Cox; and, after a hymn had been sung, the Report of the Commissioners was read by the Rev. Dr. Milledoler. Extracts from the journal of the Seneca Mission, just received, were then read, and a short address delivered by Mr. Lewis, the Domestic Secretary. These exercises were followed with appropriate and impressive addresses by the Rev. Dr. Romeyn, the Rev. Dr. M'Auley, the Rev. Mr. Cox, and the Rev. Dr. Spring. A collection, amounting to about a hundred and ninety dollars, was taken for the benefit of the Society, and the meeting was closed with the Doxology and Benediction. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS. The Commissioners, appointed to visit the Missionary stations on the western borders of this state, beg leave to present the following Report: That, agreeably to previous arrangement with each other, Dr. Milledoler left this city for Albany on Monday, August 11, 1823; and that Dr. Spring, with intention of visiting and taking up collections, &c. in the churches on both sides the Hudson as far as Albany, commenced his journey on Wednesday following. On the day after the arrival of your Commissioner at Albany he had an interview with the Board of Directors of the Northern Missionary Society. In that interview the subject of a more complete union with the United Foreign Missionary Society was considered and discussed. There appeared to be entire unanimity as to the propriety and expediency of such an union. Some difficulties, however, were presented. By the act of incorporation of that Society, and in consequence of the gift of some landed property by the state, they were pledged to support a catechist or missionary among the Oneidas whenever that tribe should express their willingness to receive such a missionary. And it became a question, (the United Foreign Missionary Society not being an incorpo rated body,) whether the Northern Society could, with safety, make a transfer of their funds till they had become a body corporate, and could legally assume their obligations. In consequence of these difficulties nothing more was done at that meeting on the subject of union, excepting with an ultimate view to such union, that to recommend to your Commissioners, application be made by our Board, at the next meeting of the Legislature, for an act of incorporation. Your Commissioner was informed that, independent of the obligation of the Northern Board to furnish on demand a missionary for the Oneida station, they were also under engagement to a missionary family which they have sent out to Fort Gratiot, now consisting of three persons, namely, Mr. Hudson, his wife, and a Miss Osmond. He was further informed, that although the Northern Society had entered into no engagement with Mr. Ferry in relation to the projected missionary station at Mackinaw, yet, as it is a spot which for various reasons has a commanding influence over a vast region of country, comprising many of the native tribes, they highly approved of its immediate occupancy as missionary ground. The whole of the above information, together with an official statement of the present fiscal concerns, and future fiscal prospects of the Northern Society, were duly transmitted from Albany to your Domestic Secretary. Although it was deemed unadvisable by the Northern Board that your Commissioner should on a large scale prosecute at that time all the objects of his agency within their bounds; yet, in prospect of a more entire union of the Board, they did by their official act recommend, to such of their ministers and churches as should deem it expedient, to make collections in behalf of the United Foreign Missionary Society. Your Commissioner having been in formed that a meeting of the Presbytery of Albany would be held at Saratoga on the 20th of August, repaired to that place. Having submitted to Presbytery his com mission and instructions, he requested, if at that time they should see fit to concur in such a proposition, that resolutions be passed recommending to the churches under their care to take up collections to aid the funds of the United Foreign Missionary Society-to apply the avails of the monthly concert of prayer to the same object-and to take measures for extending the circulation of the Missionary Register. Desirous first to know the result of the projected union of the Northern and Southern Boards, Presbytery declined act ing in the premises for the present, and deferred a further consideration of the subject to their next meeting, to be held at Amsterdam in the month of September. The evident indisposition of the northern churches to act efficiently in this case till the question of union should be decided, was the reason why your commissioner did not more extensively prosecute his agency at that time within their bounds. Your Commissioner, agreeably to arrangement, waited for Dr. Spring at Saratoga, and Dr. Spring arrived on the evening of the 27th of August. On the 28th instant the Commissioners set out in company for our missionary station at Tuscarora, where they arrived in safety, and found the missionary family in health. ration for the council, and in the amicable adjustment of some differences existing between Mr. Crane and Miss Brown. On Saturday the 6th of September, and after attending the solemnities of an Indian funeral, the council was convened in their church, and continued in session until between 9 and 10 o'clock at night. Having been opened with prayer and an introductory speech by one of the Commissioners, the members proceeded to business. Talks were delivered by the venerable chief Sacharissa, so often noticed in our publications, by the chief-warriour George Prentup, and by the Interpreter Cusick. Sacharissa having in a salutatory address thanked the Great Spirit for the preservation of the Commissioners, and apologized for the absence of some of his people, addressed the Commissioners as follows: Brothers-We have now heard that you are come to inquire into the state of things in the tribe. Several years ago I was travelling in NewYork, and met some of the ministers, who conversed with me about receiving the Gospel. From that time I had it in my mind to have the Gospel preached to my nation. When I laid it before my people I found they were willing to receive it. I wrote to the Society that they were willing. I saw a minister also of that Society, with whom I made a covenant to receive it, and wished them to send a minister as soon as possible. He said many In dian nations had professed to receive the Gospel, but had afterwards fallen away. I assured him I would be faithful. When the covenant was made we agreed to take each other by the hand, and ever keep bright the chain of friendship, and that if any grievance or difficulty should arise the Board would remove it, and that when we, who are old men, are dead, our children would keep the same chain of friendship bright as long as grass grows or the sun shines. I have mentioned what was agreed upon at that time, and I suppose you have it in writing. I could not write, but I well remember some things that were said. I told you we were Indians, poor and low-you white people, and far beyond us in learning, but still we would try to learn, and make good use of the things you should do for us. Now, to that covenant I have tried to be faithful. I am a poor wicked creature, and One day was spent in necessary prepa- there is much wickedness in my nation; but, for my part, I have meant to be faithful, and I have the same mind to be faithful still. You are now arrived to the same age with those brothers with whom I made the covenant. I satisfied not only from past events, but also from the occurrences that had taken place during this council, that his usefulness amongst them was at an end, there hope you will be faithful, and walk in their appeared to be no alternative left but to steps, and continue to help us. May the Great Spirit help you in your work at this time, support you through life, and carry you at last to the happiness of heaven. George Prentup, chief of the warriors, then rose and addressed the Commissioners as follows: Brothers-We are glad to see you at our council to-day. I was happy to hear our old chief speak of the covenant between him and your chief men. Most of your chiefs are dead, while we have our chief still alive among us Our young warriours are here, and our women have come to hear. I have felt happy to hear your words. They are all for our good. We are ignorant and wicked-in some things we go out of the way, but we have no wrong feelings toward the Society. We, who are the children, wish to keep the covenant, and we are happy to hope, that now you have come, all our difficulties will be removed You see our unhappy situation. We are in confusion, and divided. Now we do not wish to be led into crooked ways. We wish to be led into straight paths; and we hope that God will enable you to help us. Nicholas Cusick then rose, and having stated all those grievances of the tribe, which had formerly been embodied in letters, to the Board, concluded his speech with a direct application to the Commissioners, that the relation which had hitherto subsisted between Mr. Crane and themselves henceforth be dissolved. To these talks the Commissioners, as the subject required, offered their replies. It was soon evident to your Commissioners that the difficulties which on the part of the tribe had been made subject matter of complaint to the Board against Mr. Crane had not subsided; that, on the contrary, strong prejudices against him were still cherished by the interpreter, who evidently carried with him on this occasion the strength of the tribe; and that every attempt at accommodation would prove fruitless. A majority of the tribe persisting in their request for the removal of Mr. Crane, and he himself having informed the Commissioners that he was entirely comply with their request. Mr. Crane tendered the resignation of his charge in the following speech : Brothers-I wish you to hear a few words. For more than six years I have lived and laboured among you. labour among you. work; but my heart is afflicted to see you divided. It grieves me to see you distracted on account of any thing I have done. My desires, and prayers, and labours, have all been intended to lead you to receive and follow the Word of God, and then you would all have lived in peace, and been of one mind. But I would rather be five hundred miles from you than divide and distract you. And now, my brothers, I have determined to request these Commissioners to dismiss me, not because I am tired of you, but because you are troubled on my account. And O that God may direct the good Society to send you a minister who shall be more faithful and more successful than I have been. And let me now intreat you, brothers, if I have been a bad man among you, show it to these Commissioners, that they may not send a bad Missionary to your red brethren elsewhere. If I have not been a bad have them for my friends, and that they may man among you, tell them so, that I may still still confide in me. I have loved to live and Though requested both by Mr. Crane and the Commissioners if they thought him a bad man to say so, they declined bringing forward any such charge; and only observed that they did not wish him to be continued. His relation to the tribe was therefore declared by the Commissioners thenceforward to be dissolved. With the remote circumstances leading to that result your Commissioners are unacquainted. All they could learn was that Cusick and others, for some cause or other to us uncommunicated and unknown, had long cherished strong prejudices against Mr. Crane. From what passed in council your Commissioners however discovered that a bad impression had been made on the tribe. 1st. By the proposal of sending their children to Seneca. |