listen to the Good Book, which produced such good effects,-and which made the good people, who believed it, love all mankind.

There is another circumstance, which ought to be taken into view in this connexion. Elliot has become a centre of operations for other missions. The resources which have been concentrated here have enabled the brethren to advance considerable supplies, and more than $500 in cash, towards the new establishment on the Tombigbee. Some supplies have also been advanced to the brethren engaged in the Arkansaw mission.

Such have been the consequences of those appropriations, which the liberality of the Christian public has enabled the Prudential Committee to make for the mission at Elliot. Without this aid we should have labored comparatively in vain. To the blessing of Almighty God, on the charities and prayers of his people, we would ascribe all the success, which has attended our feeble exertions. In view of what has been wrought, have not the Prudential Committee,-have not the Christian public, cause for devout thankfulness? and will they not be excited to increased exertions? What friend to the cause will regret, that the work has proceeded thus far? that so much money has been expended? We cannot think, that a single donor would be willing to take back what he has given, and forego the satisfaction he feels in the result.

Equally unwilling do we think he would be to see the work stop here. After the liberal support which this mission, in connexion with others, has received; after the happy effects, which have followed, we find no place in our breasts for the idea, that its patrons would see it languish and decline for want of support. Neither can we suppose, that they would be willing that the $3,000 a year, already appropriated for the support of schools in the two other districts, should remain unemployed for want of that additional aid, which is necessary to put them into successful operation.

The establishment at Elliot is not yet complete. Houses for the accommodation of the mission families are needed; as are a barn, and two or three small buildings. A hundred more acres of land ought to be opened and cultivated. When this is done, and the young stock grown so as to supply the family in a considerable degree with meat, which will be in the course of two or three years, we think the $2,000 a year appropriated by the natives, in connexion with the donations of clothing, and provisions, which may be expected from the states, will go very far towards supporting the establishment. But to complete the buildings, open sufficient land, and provide for the support of the family until other means can be brought into operation, considerable money will be required.

The appropriations made by the natives for the two other establishments, though they will do much towards supporting them when put in operation, will be wholly inadequate to laying the foundation. Unless there are means, in the first instance, for procuring a large stock, and bringing under cultivation an extensive plantation, the expenses for provisions would be so great, that it is doubtful whether it would long be supported.

For these and various other objects, necessary at the commencement of an establishment, four or five thousand dollars annually for three or four years will be required at each, beside the appropriation made by the natives. Gladly would we lower the estimate, if we thought it could be done with safety. The work to be accomplished is a great one. The natives view it as a great one, and one which cannot be done without ample means. They do not consider their appropriations as adequate to the object, or as capable of being employed to advantage without further aid. They have made the appropriations in full confidence, that the good people of the United States will grant them such further aid, as will complete the establishment at Elliot, and place the other two on a similar foundation. Should the plan of operations here commenced be followed up for a short time, further aid may be expected from the natives. Judging from their friendly disposition, from the great interest they take in education, and from what they have already done, we think it a reasonable conclusion, that, at no very distant period, the Choctaws will provide, in a great measure, for the support of their own schools. But should the impulse they have received be suffered to subside, should the appropriations they have made remain unproductive, for want of such additional aid as would put them in operation, their hopes would be disappointed; their school would languish; and the labor of years and the expense of

thousands would be necessary to raise them again to the same pitch of benevolent exertion.

While exhibiting the animating prospects of this mission, and the motives which call for increased exertion, we would not convey the idea, that there are no difficulties or discouragements attending it. The Committee should be fully apprised, that such is the peculiar structure of these establishments, that they will always be attended with many and peculiar difficulties. That they are admirably calculated for the instruction and general improvement of the Indians, no one has ever doubted, who has seen their operation. But to conduct them successfully will require unwearied exertions, and a sacrifice of some of the dearest enjoyments of social life.

The missionaries of the American Board have freely given themselves to the work. The powers of their bodies and the faculties of their minds are pledged for the prosecution of it. We have many imperfections and have reason to be deeply humbled in view of unfaithfulness. But we presume our Christian friends will not think, that the donations they make to the object, though liberal, and attended in many instances with a sacrifice, are to be compared with the wearisomeness and painfulness we must feel, while occupied in a ceaseless round of cares, and struggling with difficulties, which can neither be felt, nor imagined, except by those who experience them.

The patrons of these schools, by whose generous aid we have been enabled to do so much, are still permitted to enjoy the society of their friends, and to repose in the bosom of their families. The devoted missionary, while he tears asunder the tenderest ties of nature, and exchanges the tranquil repose of his beloved little family, for the bustle, the toils, and the trials of a large missionary establishment, where there are almost as many habits and dispositions to reconcile, as there are individuals,-feels that it is for the cause of Christ, and were the sacrifice a hundred fold greater, it ought to be made. Still he feels that it is a sacrifice; but, while he can be useful, he rejoices that he is counted worthy to make it. Those who are holding us up, and who are praying for the success of our labors, must remember, that in this burning climate, and oppressed with a weight of care, life cannot be long. What they wish us to do must be done quickly. But it cannot be done without adequate means.

We are confident, that if all contributed according to their ability, means would not be wanting. If every hundredth person in the United States should contribute only one dollar annually, it would be nearly three times as much as has been contributed annually to the funds of the Board. And the same persons contrib uting 25 cents annually, would more than supply the wants of this nation. But while looking at Calvary, and viewing the cross of Christ,-the agonies and the blood it cost to redeem a fallen world, we shall not be satisfied with giving a few cents, or a few dollars, that the great salvation may be proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

Dear Sir, we hope you will excuse us for obtruding on your attention so many of our own views and feelings. We sympathize with the Prudential Committee in all their labors and anxieties. We pray the Lord to give them strength equal to their day, and means equal to their enlarged desires. We have the sure word of prophecy, that the heathen shall be given to Jesus for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. The silver and the gold are the Lord's, and the cattle on a thousand hills.

There is one more subject we beg leave to bring before the Committee. It will not be supposed, that brother Kingsbury, burdened with such a multiplicity of temporal concerns, as have rested on him for three years past, should be able, without time for preparation, to discharge, in so full a manner as would be desirable, the various pastoral duties connected with this mission. He cannot, under existing circumstances, neglect the general superintendence of the temporal concerns; the necessary correspondence with the Prudential Committee, the Government of the United States, and the numerous friends and patrons of this estab Jishment. These, including the necessary arrangements for the other establishments, are more than sufficient, of themselves, to occupy the time of one man. Still we consider the spiritual concerns of the mission as the great object. If they should be long neglected, all will be lost. For some time we have been supported by the hope, that brother Wright would speedily arrive. But it now appears doubtful, whether he will soon join us.

The field of labor is becoming so extensive, and the duties so multiplied, that two or three missionaries will soon be needed, especially if the other establishments go into operation. We are greatly indebted to the brethren Finney and Washburn for their labors of love during their continuance at this station. A recollection of these favors serves to impress our minds more strongly with a sense of our present destitute condition. We have a confidence that the Prudential Committee, in their anxieties for our temporal support, will not forget our spiritual wants. We will not cease to pray, that the Lord would raise up and send out faithful men, under whose labors the wilderness shall bud and blossom as the rose.

On the 10th of last month our "Mission Boat" from Ohio arrived, and brought a valuable supply of pork, flour, &c. and also of clothing, cloth, and various other articles from Boston and New Orleans. We are under great obligations to Mr. Slocomb and our other friends in Ohio, for the excellent arrangement made relative to our supplies, and for the generous donations which they gave to the mission. We regret, that the time for preparation was so short, that all could not have an opportunity of gratifying their benevolent wishes. When the business is reduced to system, we think the mission in this nation will derive important aid in provisions, and other articles, from that country.

We would also acknowledge our obligations to those societies and individuals, who have so liberally supplied this establishment with cloth, clothing, shoes, and various other articles. Particular accounts of these donations have been forwarded to the Treasurer. Our friends could hardly have performed a more important service for the cause. Every article will be of use. Such as may not be needed in the family can readily be exchanged for articles which we must purchase, and, in the present scarcity of cash, will be a great relief. We hope our dear brethren and sisters, who have so liberally aided this mission, will not grow weary in well doing. They are co-workers with us, and though widely separated, we trust the time will come, when we shall rejoice together. We hope they will not feel neglected, if they do not immediately receive from us that particular acknowledgment, which their liberality deserves. All that can be done, in this way, will be done.

In the mean time, we would inform our patrons and friends, that unmade cloth and clothing, a portion of it suitable for winter,-shoes and bedding of all kinds, will be always acceptable, and will greatly diminish the difficulties and the expense of the mission. We shall be likely to receive more garments for small children, in proportion to the number wanted, than for larger ones. Men's clothes of all kinds are needed at the establishment.

The letter of Mrs. H. H. appropriating $30 for the support of a female child, has been received with much satisfaction, and measures immediately taken to procure a suitable beneficiary. This will often be attended with more delay than may appear necessary, on account of the great distance at which many of the parents live from the school. We shall ever feel bound to take the most prompt measures to comply with the benevolent wishes of those, who may be disposed to support children in our school.

To the Prudential Committee we would tender our most sincere gratitude, for the liberal manner in which the wants of the mission have been supplied, and for the parental care and affection they have manifested towards every member of it. We solicit a continued interest in your prayers, that we may continue faithful unto death, and that our labors may not be in vain. Your servants in the Gospel,

C. KINGSBURY,
M. JEWELL,
W. W. PRIDE.

L. S. WILLIAMS,
I. FISK,

We think the preceding letter cannot be perused by any sincere friend of missions, without a solemn inquiry, whether he does what may be justly expected of him, in aid of the great work of sending the Gospel to the heathen. What position can be more clear and undeniable, (to repeat a thought, which we have heretofore expressed,) than that the same command of Christ, which makes it the duty of Mr. Kingsbury and his associates to consecrate their lives to his service, in a most laborious round of duties among the heathen, binds all Christians to make constant sacrifices to the same cause. Let every reader, who praises the public spirit and self-devotion of missionaries, beware lest this praise rise up

against him to his condemnation. This will certainly be the case, if he d nothing, or very little; in short, if he makes no sacrifice, for the same object. It is true, as is suggested in the preceding letter, that if one person out of hundred in the United States, counting men women and children, rich and por bond and free, were to give a dollar a year, it would raise a much larger sum tha has yet been contributed to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreig Missions in any year. It is to be remembered, however, that but about one per son out of twenty five in our country is a professor of religion, that is, a comme nicant at the Lord's table. One out of twenty five of the whole people may be about one out of ten of the adult population. Of the whole number of communicants not much more than one fourth part, certainly not more than a third, are members of Congregational and Presbyterian churches. When it is considered. that some of these are slaves, others are in extreme poverty, and an immense multitude hear little of the calls of the heathen, it cannot be expected that, during the present generation, there will be an equal distribution of the burden of sending the Gospel into all lands. Christians, who know their duty and acknowledge it must expect to do a great deal more, than what would be their fair proportion. Some have already been in the habit of giving ten, twenty, and even fifty times, as much as would be required, if the whole community did their duty. A laboring mechanic, in a season of great discouragement with respect to his business, has given twenty dollars in one year; servant girls have given ten dollars, and more, at a time; a clergyman in moderate circumstances, has given fifty dollars annualally, for several years in succession; a farmer, not in affluent circumstances, has done the same; traders, in comfortable circumstances, but far from being rich, have given one or two hundred dollars a year. But these instances are compar atively rare. If they were as frequent, as they might easily be, there would be money enough contributed for all the charitable objects of the day. And the great increase of donations must be expected principally from an increase of these instances. Persons must be raised up, in great numbers, who will deny themselves, consent to real sacrifices, for the sake of Christ, and consider it the great business of their lives to share with missionaries in the cares, labors, prayers, and constantly recurring expenses of the extended warfare against the god of this world. It should be thought altogether out of character to commend the cause of missions, and do nothing to aid it; or to commend it strongly, and make but feeble, inconstant, irresolute efforts in its favor. Though the smallest offering is acceptable with God, from a person, who has little to offer, those, who have hundreds and thousands at disposal for their own gratification, may well beware how they pretend to honor Christ with their property, while they afford his cause but the merest trifle. Let the friends of missions awake and exert themselves, and strive to impart life and activity to others. The Gospel is every thing, or it is nothing. No Christian can doubt as to the alternative. If the Gospel is every thing, words cannot express the guilt of withholding it from any, to whom Christians have the power of imparting it.

SACRIFICES TO THE MISSIONARY CAUSE.

THE following lines were addressed to a clergyman, in a country-parish, by a member of his congregation.

"REV AND DEAR SIR,

I HAVE been much affected by reading a letter from the missionaries in Ceylon, addressed to the Rev. Dr. Worcester, published in the Panoplist for June, 1820, in which the want of funds for the support of heathen schools in Ceylon is feelingly laid before the Christian public. A perusal of it has suggested to my own heart the following inquiries:

"Have I not publicly covenanted to be the Lord's, and thus promised to make an entire surrender of my all to him? Shall I now toil for a perishable grain of dust; and, when attained, shall I press it to my bosom,-happy that I can call it mine; but forget that the day is at hand, when he who exults in his wealth, and he who repines in poverty, must alike inhabit a little spot? Shall I turn a deaf ear to these perishing immortals? Shall I spend my little portion of earthly sub

Stance in decorating this clayey tenement, or reserve it "for heirs I know not who?" No: let me forego the pleasures of extravagance and ease, (if such they Can be called;) let me be clad in a plainer garb; let me work with my own hands; and let my frame grow weary in its accustomed labors; if I may but be used as the humble instrument of bringing one, who now dwells in the region and shadow of death, to know and honor God. Can I better imitate the benevolence and compassion of my blessed Redeemer, than by aiding to spread the triumphs of his love?,

For the purpose of educating a heathen child in the family of Mr. Meigs, I inclose the sum of twelve dollars. With respect and affection, A FRIEND."

REMARKS IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE ABOVE.

THOUGH it is with great pleasure, that we receive donations for any of the objects under the patronage of the Board, it has become our duty to state, in order to prevent future disappointments, that as many children are already provided for at Ceylon, as our missionaries can superintend, in the present condition of their families. The domestic care of more than a hundred and fifty children must take a large part of the time of the missionaries; and this charge, added to the superintendence of many hundred children in schools, and to the performance of their pastoral duties;-to the correspondence, which they must sustain, and the thousand incidental cares, which must attend their various operations, will be as much as they can possibly bear. It is often desired by benefactors, that letters should be written by the missionaries, giving an account of each child to the persons by whom it is maintained. That something may occasionally be done in this way is probable; and we are confident, that patrons of this species of charity will not expect impossibilities, when they are aware of the fact, that missionaries find it a heavy labor to keep up the necessary correspondence with the officers of the Board. This labor, in regard to the Ceylon mission, fell principally upon Mr. Meigs, before the arrival of the missionaries more recently sent out. And such an accumulation, added to the other cares, which pressed upon him, was probably the occasion of the serious indisposition, under which he was suffering, at our last advices. Contributors will see, that the writing of a letter to the benefactors of each child, is, in such circumstances, or in any circumstances, which will be likely to exist, quite impracticable. In like manner, our missionaries at Brainerd and Elliot find it very difficult to keep up the necessary correspondence with the Board. After days of severe labor, they are often obliged to snatch portions of time allotted to rest, to make the proper entries in their journals, and accounts, and to write parts of letters, to be completed and copied at uncertain intervals.

We would suggest, also, that, when donations are given for the support of children in mission families, we presume donors would wish to have them applied with a liberal regard to the circumstances of the case. For instance, the usual sum is given for the support of a child in the family of Mr. Meigs, or Mr. Poor; but when the remittance arrives in Ceylon, the missionary under whose care the child is to be placed, may not be living, or may be dangerously ill; or the circumstances of his family may prevent his taking the charge. In any such case, and various others which might be mentioned, it is presumed the donor would wish the child to be placed in some other mission-family. And the same sort of general confidence may doubtless, in other respects, be presumed to be reposed in the discretion of the Board, and its agents; so that the wishes of donors should be complied with, as nearly as possible.

When donors undertake to support an annual charge, they surely must be aware of the importance of punctuality in their annual payments; especially as the expense is actually incurred, and the contingent expenses of remittance are all assumed by the Board.

We would by no means divert any future donation from the purpose to which it now stands pledged; but in regard to new contributions, we would respectfully submit to the contributors, whether they can do better, than to place their offerings at the general disposal of the Board. It is with concern we state, that the customary remittances could not be seasonably made for the salaries of the missionaries in the east, for want of funds. The consequence has been, that they