1863.] CHURCH MISS. SUNDAY-SCHOOL TREat at madras. 113 on Christian doctrine; the endeavour being by every prayerful means to open to them those sources of instruction which will enable them to become acquainted with the character of God, the relation in which they stand to Him as fallen creatures, and the means of grace which He has provided for their recovery in short, the teaching is purely scriptural, and though so, heathen, as well as Christians, avail themselves of it, the former showing no reluctance to sit and learn by the side of Christians. Mr. Bilderbeck believed that if his lordship were disposed to ask any questions on Scripture, the pupils would be prepared to answer them, although the object of assembling the school was simply to give rewards for regular attendance and good behaviour, and to hear words of counsel and encouragement addressed to them and their teachers. With reference to the arrangements made to gratify them all on this occasion, he felt he could not do better than first read a letter he had received the day before from a valued member of his congregation for whose forethought and consideration he was deeply grateful. This Hindu Christian gentleman, whose name he was not at liberty to mention, writes thus “Rev. and dear SIR,-I do myself the pleasure to send herewith a small mite (ten rupees) towards procuring prize-books, and providing a treat for your Sunday-school children. Instead of a few children only getting prizes, I would respectfully recommend that every child receive some small gift as an inducement for future conduct. None of them should be allowed to go away with the impression that he was not worthy of the esteem and goodwill of those connected with the Sunday school who have the power to reward merit. In my humble opinion the giving of rewards only to a few is not a proper method to be pursued in Sunday schools where the motives for acquiring knowledge are different from those which actuate the pupils in secular institutions. "I remain, &c. (Signed) The views so expressed by his friend Mr. Bilderbeck hoped he would be able to carry out, only he thought that those scholars who were regular in their attendance, and had given satisfaction in their classes, should receive some marks of special notice; and for this purpose, among other things, books also were provided, which he would beg his lordship to distribute in the order of the names that would now be called out, and after that he would be obliged if the Bishop would kindly say a few words to both pupils and masters. Some of the girls were first called, and, in introducing them, Mr. Bilderbeck said they belonged to his class, and as they were mostly the elder pupils of the central school, they were remarkable for intelligence and a good acquaintance with the word of God, which only heightened his pleasure in teaching them. Next came some of the boys of the senior class. In presenting them, Mr. Bilderbeck read the report given of each by Mootoosawmy Pillay, their teacher, whose kindness in voluntarily assisting in this good work he thankfully acknowledged. This report, written in English, was as creditable to him as to the pupils whom he commended. It may not be uninteresting to give it here in detail. It is as follows "E--. This lad holds the most prominent position in his class. He 114 CHURCH MISS. SUNDAY-SCHOOL TREAT AT MADRAS. [OCT. has given me entire satisfaction in the delivery of his lessons, as well as in answering questions bearing upon subjects that do not form a portion of his class studies. The regularity of his attendance, and the neverceasing diligence evinced by him in his studies, entitle him to a reward. "M This young lad is very punctual in his attendance, and bears a general good character. I can bear favourable testimony to his industry and assiduity. He deserves encouragement. "D—. This young man has made considerable progress in his studies generally since he connected himself with the Sunday school. He reads fluently, and has otherwise given me entire satisfaction. He also deserves some encouragement. "I. This lad is very regular in his attendance, and is an example to others in the delivery of his lessons as well as in answering questions. Moreover, I can bear very favourable testimony with regard to his moral conduct. I beg to recommend that he should get a first-rate reward." Books having been distributed both to pupils and teachers, all the young people stood up, and, with much interest and great silence, listened to the Bishop's address, which was replete with kindly counsel and loving instruction. His lordship exhorted them to consider the motives which prompted the formation of Sunday schools, and which moved their teachers to teach. The object was, to promote their spiritual good, and it was with this view that they chiefly taught them the Holy Scriptures, as that alone which could rightly lead them through the path of life, and light their way to a blessed eternity. Hence they should learn to value their privileges and love their teachers, whom they ought always to meet joyfully. Next, he pressed upon them the importance of redeeming time and making most of their present opportunities; and concluded by encouraging them to persevere in their useful course, and so to sustain the efforts that are made on their behalf. The young people having resumed their seats, the teachers, six in number, were next addressed in the same telling and earnest manner. His lordship made some forcible remarks on the spirit in which they should teach as of equal importance with the matter generally selected on such occasions, and followed what he said by setting before them the example of St. Paul and that of the divine Redeemer. This ended, another hymn was sung, and the Rev. W. T. Satthianadhan offered a prayer in Tamil, and the Bishop pronounced the Benediction. As soon as the visitors retired the young people were treated with fruits and sweets. There was nothing gay in the gathering, but all was cheerful and pleasant; and the best proof of its having given satisfaction was the delight of the pupils and teachers, who went away highly gratified. Among the visitors were Miss Gell, the Misses Macdonald, the Misses Johnston, Miss Guest, Miss Prince, Miss Johnston, Mrs. Guest, Mrs. Satthianadhan, Mrs. Claridge, Mrs. Bilderbeck, Rev. H. A. Alcock, Rev. J. P. Ashton, M.A., Rev. W. S. Smith, Rev. R. Johnston, Rev. J. Guest, Rev. Mr. Solomon, Rev. W. T. Satthianadhan, Major E. J. Lawder, Dr. Jesudasen Pillay, J. Murdoch, Esq., Mr. Stewart, and Mr. Perriman. "Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth ?"-Jer. iii. 4. THE Yoruba country has long been in a disturbed state. War between tribes has been raging there, obstructing the advancement of the country, and filling every thing with confusion. But for that war, Yoruba might now be furnishing large quantities of cotton to the British market, and have risen in importance. But, above all, the spread of the Gospel has been interfered with, the occupation of new points in the interior rendered impracticable, and, where it has reached, men's minds distracted from attending to it. May peace be soon restored to this and other distracted lands! And yet, amidst all that is calculated to perplex and grieve, there is still consolation, that He who reigns on high can cause his work to progress in the most troublous times and by the most unlikely methods, and that He can overrule great evils for the accomplishment of his own glorious purposes. Thus even wars and commotions have been made productive of good that never was expected. The following item of intelligence from the Yoruba country, communicated by the Rev. G. F. Bühler, is an instance of this "There are many indications of the overruling hand of God in this war. During this present war a young Ijebu trader came occasionally to one of my church members, where he saw the difference between Christians and heathen. The Christian persuaded the young Ijebu man to learn to read the word of God: he consented finally, and found the word of God excellent. As soon as he could read, he taught his brother the art of reading at home. A third one learnt it too. The first of them got ill of small-pox, which prevented him from reading; but his brother read several psalms to him every day, which he told me were a great comfort to him. These three men taught some others, so that seven men can read, and eighteen more are learning it as fast as possible. This all in a town where no Missionary would have been accepted. And now, they told me, the elders of that town, having seen the conduct of our Christian warriors, are not only no longer enemies of the book-people, but admire them. As soon as the war is over, the men assured me, many in that town would become Christians. Three of these men are here at present to receive more instruction in order to get baptized.” THE SIOUX, OR DAKOTAS. In the summer of 1862 the Missionaries of the American Board were quietly pursuing their labours among the Dakota Indians, in the State of Minnesota, and that with every prospect of improveThree stations had been formed at Hazlewood, Yellow Medicine, and Zoar, and little bands of converted natives gathered together at each of these points. The Indians were planting larger fields, making better fences, and taking better care of their crops. There was the promise of an abundant harvest. Their houses were looking neater than formerly, and getting around them more conveniences, as chairs, tables, bedsteads, clothes, &c. 116 THE SIOUX, OR DAKOTAS. [OCT. Suddenly a storm broke upon the peaceful scene. The heathen Dakotas, instigated by various motives-wrongs which they considered they had received at the hands of the American authorities, and, on the part of some, dislike to Christianity-suddenly rose, attacked the agency posts, and, defeating the soldiers sent against them, butchered many of the white residents. The Missionaries were placed in extreme danger, and although the Christian Indians rendered important aid, it was soon apparent that they had no power to protect their benefactors. The Missionaries and their families were compelled to flee for their lives, betook themselves to the prairies, and succeeded, after great danger and fatigue, in reaching a place of safety. About 600 or 700 whites fell in this massacre, amidst the horrors of which, although they were themselves but a little band, the Christian Sioux succeeded, during the first week, in saving the lives of 100 whites, as well as obtaining subsequently the release of many prisoners. War ensued, in which, as might be expected, the Indians were crushed and broken. After the battle of Wood Lake, the murderers decided to flee west, a few excepted: some thought it better to surrender to the Big Knives; for "although," as they said, "we may die, our wives and children will be preserved from starvation." These men were executed towards the close of the year; 263 others were sentenced to be hung for taking part in the battles; while many others, not convicted of any crime, were confined in the prison at Mankato. Among these people a remarkable movement has taken place, a deep anxiety about their souls and a glad submission to the Gospel of Christ. Dr. Williamson, the Missionary, says— The prisoners captured by General Sibley were brought to the neighbourhood of Mankato about the 10th of November 1862. On the 12th I first visited their prison, and endeavoured to speak to them. There were at that time more than 370 Dakotas, and some twenty or thirty Winnebagoes, all chained by their legs, two and two. Most of them were heathen; very many had been persecutors of all who had evinced any disposition to embrace Christianity; but among them I found three members in good standing, one of them a ruling elder in the church to which I had ministered before the outbreak, two others who had been communicants in churches connected with our Mission, and nine whom we had baptized in infancy. There were about twenty who had been taught to read in our schools, About a dozen had also been baptized by the Roman Catholics, nearly half of whom could read. On my third visit, November 23d, the officer in command kindly instructed the guard to keep out visitors during divine service, and there was great silence, the Indians listening with deep, fixed attention. From that time to the present I have visited and preached to them every Sabbath except two, when brother Riggs was with them, and frequently on 1863.] THE SIOUX, OR DAKOTAS. 117 Saturdays and Mondays. The Lord has carried on his work gloriously. Soon, the cards with which many of them had been trying to amuse themselves, disappeared from their prison, and the paint from their faces. The few who had been able to retain a hymn-book, a portion of the Holy Scriptures, or Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, were seen diligently perusing the same. I was earnestly importuned for books in their own language, very few of which could be obtained. The church members got together for social worship, at first each evening, and then both evening and morning. Others crowded around them as close as they could to hear, and, as far as practicable, join in the worship. Seeing this, the Christians became more bold, and added exhortations to singing, prayer, and reading the Scriptures; and Robert, the ruling elder, was enabled to speak in a manner highly appropriate and edifying, far beyond what could have been expected of one of no more education and experience in public speaking. Though myself, or some of my associates in the Mission, have preached to them every Sabbath, the work has seemed to be carried forward chiefly through his instrumentality, and that of his fellow-Christian prisoners. On the 26th of December thirty-eight were executed, being all except two who were convicted of having participated in the massacres. These had eagerly listened to Christian instruction, and, with two or three exceptions, desired to be baptized. Most of them gave such evidence of conversion as men in their circumstances could give. Many of them now became anxious for baptism. A confession of faith in their own language was prepared for them, due instruction given, and before the close of the month all the Indians at Mankato, with one exception, were baptized, to the number of more than 300. Since then they have been going on well. They have three seasons for social worship in the prison, or, when the weather and other circumstances admit, in the prison yard, each day. They apply themselves with great diligence to learning, and, considering their circumstances, make rapid advances in knowledge. Though poorly supplied with books and paper (and their prison is so dark that in most parts it is difficult to see to read), many, who at the beginning of the year did not know a letter, now write letters to their absent friends. Their prayers are copious, fervent, and appropriate. They pray daily for the officers and soldiers who guard them. They pray much for their families. And God is answering these prayers. The Missionaries observe that a general execution of these Indians had been demanded by the settlers, but successfully resisted by President Lincoln. The sentence passed upon the natives is, indeed, without this, of sufficient severity. On account of the murders committed by about 300 wicked men, Congress has declared the lands and annuities of a population of 6000 souls forfeited. About 2000, or one-third of these, surrendered themselves to General Sibley last fall, and have been held as prisoners ever since, in circumstances in which they can earn nothing. They have been deprived of their arms and implements for hunting; with a very |