IMPRISONMENT OF MISSIONARIES.

Since the issuing of the Home Missionary for the last month, the intelligence has been received, that the Rev. Messrs. Trott, Butler, and Worcester, and seven others, have been sentenced by the Superior Court of Gwinnett county, Georgia, to four years imprisonment in the penitentiary, for refusing to take the oath of allegiance to Georgia, lately prescribed to those who live in the country of the Cherokees. After the sentence was passed, the Governor offered to pardon them if they would take the oath, or remove. All of them accepted the offer except the Presbyterian Missionaries, Messrs. Worcester and Butler, who were chained and led under guard to prison !

In taking this stand, and submitting to chains and imprisonment, rather than violate their consciences by swearing allegiance to laws which they believed to be unconstitutional, and hostile in the highest degree to the poor oppressed Indians, the Missionaries have acted nobly. The trial to them must be very great -cut off as they are from intercourse with their friends, (and one of them, Mr. W., separated from his wife, who is in a very low and feeble state of health,) and, worse than all, taken from their labours in that dear cause-the cause of salvation for the persecuted Cherokee. Let us not forget to make unceasing request for them to that God who was with Paul and Silas in the dungeon of Philippi, and sent his angel and delivered Peter from the prison into which he had been cast by Herod.

While our hearts swell with sympathy for our brethren, let us not be betrayed into unchristian feelings towards those who in this matter have acted the part of oppressors. Doubtless, the brethren who are now suffering wrong at their hands, would themselves exhort us to pray as did the Saviour-" Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!" Let us pray that the vengeance of offended heaven may be averted-that repentance and reformation may stay the uplifted rod which else must sooner or later visit the perpetrators of outrages like these-and that the Spirit of God may come down in great power on that portion of the land, and the "violent man" may be converted, and sit at the feet of Jesus" in his right mind.”

[For notices of Revivals, see the correspondence of Missionaries in the following pages.]

REPORTS OF MISSIONARIES.

ALABAMA.

From Rev. A. N. Cunningham, Montgomery, Alabama.

After stating some things which were peculiarly discouraging in the commencement of his mission, Mr. C. proceeds:

Notwithstanding these things, a decent and respectful regard was paid to religion and its professors. I never was received with more kindness and hospitality in any place.

I have divided my labours between three places, Montgomery, Mount Meigs, and Providence; each separated from the other from 12 to 16 miles. One half of my time I have preached in Montgomery, the re. maining half I divide between the other places. Since my location I have preach. ed 75 times, lectured during the week, established a weekly prayer meeting; and three Sabbath schools, embracing about

150 scholars, have been established within the bounds of my charge.

Blessing on the Preaching of the Word.

Our moral and religious prospects have greatly brightened within the last few months. There has been a manifest and soul-cheering increase of attention to the public means of grace. In Montgomery I preach twice on the Sabbath. The house, which will contain three or four hundred persons, is crowded to overflowing, both in the morning and at night. I think that the number of regular church-going people has more than doubled within four months. The house, which was seldom more than half filled before, and at my ar. rival, now cannot contain the people on ordinary occasions. It is not unfrequent for persons to come to church from 6 to 12 miles distance. The audiences are not only large, but attentive and solemn. I never have seen more orderly, attentive

Church organized.

By the assistance of brother Holman, a Presbyterian church was organized at Mount Meigs, consisting of 9 or 10 members. It is here that I have laboured the remaining fourth of my time. Three have been received by examination, and seven or eight will doubtless unite the next opportunity. The Sabbath school consists of near 70 scholars. This has been perfectly missionary ground; and I know of no place that affords more flattering prospects for a large and flourishing church. The materials are abundant. The sur rounding country is densely covered with a wealthy population.

and solemn congregations in any country.|| number manifest a tenderness on the subOur weekly prayer meeting is also largely ject of religion. The Sabbath school is in attended. I think I may state with confi-a flourishing state. dence, also, that there has been much more than merely an increase of interest in the external worship; there has been much deep and anxious feeling on the subject of religion. Fifteen have been added to our church by examination, and two or three are now indulging a hope, and wishing to unite, besides many that are anxiously inquiring what they must do. This state of feeling increases almost daily. Every week new cases of awakenings occur. Christians also are much engaged in pray. er, and all the duties of religion. These things are highly cheering to the hearts of Christ's little flock in this land of surround. ing darkness, where Satan has long held an uncontested empire. A number have been added to the Methodist Episcopal church. We hope and pray that these things are only the harbingers of better days,-only the first fruits, the blessed pledge of a more plentiful harvest. Our Sabbath school here is also delightfully encouraging. It consists of 50 or 60 scholars. It is conducted with the most perfect order and propriety. Its superintendant and teachers are not only well quali. fied for their duties, but take the deepest interest in the school; nor is there less interest manifested among the children. We had a quarterly examination a few weeks since, which was attended by a crowded audience, who expressed their satisfaction and astonishment at the progress of the children in so short a time. This school is conduc ed by Presbyterians, Methodists, and Baptists, unitedly. We have a Sunday school depository in our town, which supplies the surrounding counties with books.

The number that have been added to our church, within the whole bounds of my charge, since my arrival, is 24. I have spent a large portion of my time in visiting from house to house, and conversing personally and pointedly on the subject of religion, urging its necessity upon old and young. I have found my labours in the private circle greatly blessed by the great Head of the Church. I am more and more convinced of the great importance of fre quent religious visits. I view it as essential to any considerable degree of success in the sacred office.

ILLINOIS.

From Rev. A. Kent, Galena.

As Mr. Kent is situated far on the outposts of

Zion, remote from the counsel and assistance of his brethren, his mission is regarded with peculiar inte

rest by the friends of Zion. On this account we are denomina-induced to give more frequent extracts from his reports than from most others. The following will

The three aforementioned tions all worship in the same building. We have, however, a large and commo. dious building going up, which will be completed in a few weeks. There has been the greatest improvement in the general morals of the place. So great is the improvement, that persons who have been residing in the place for several years are astonished, and can scarcely realize it. When our church is completed, I shall preach three fourths of my time in Montgomery.

give an idea of his manner of labour:

Besides my labours in Galena, I have this summer spent every sixth Sabbath in Iowa county, M. T., as part of a circuit of 140 miles, in which I am absent nine days, and preach nine times to assemblies of about 20 each, and endeavour to encou rage and keep alive two Sabbath schools. During my last tour, I ascertained that 44 children and youth had committed the ten commandments, to each of whom I The state of things at Providence, a gave one of the larger children's tracts, small church 16 miles south of M., in (according to promise made on my prewhich I labour the fourth of my time, is vious tour,) and 10 others whom I did not also encouraging. Six have been added see before engaged to commit them. Nearto the church by confession, two or threely all these repeated the Lord's prayer, and others have obtained a hope, and a goodly a great number of smaller children, each

of whom received one of the smaller children's books, published by the American Tract Society. Besides these, a number repeated Watts' Catechism for children, and little hymns from books previously given. In this tour some names were added to the temperance list, which numbers now between 60 and 70.

The alternate third Sabbath I have spent at Prairie du Chien, or some other place deemed most important. I have sold about 50 bound volumes of Baxter and Doddridge, Watts' Psalms and Hymns, Bible Dictionary, Presb. Confession, to meet a demand created by our being 350 miles distant from a book store; and since I have been here I have put in circulation more than 100,000 pages of tracts.

Measures are in train to supply every family throughout this whole country with Bible, but we have been waiting now five months for books that have not yet reached us. Besides Galena, therefore, we may reckon 250 families settled over a great territory, on whom some small influence for good is produced, by preaching, visits, books, and tracts, and attention to children.

lions.

Most of them have taken the field within five years. Oh, it was an anima ting event to be permitted to convene from so many outposts, and around the table of the Lord to form acquaintances, and exchange Christian salutations, and to give and receive reciprocal pledges of co-ope ration in the noble enterprise to which all seemed so devoted. I am sure if the pa trons of Home Missions could have heard their several reports, and participated in our religious exercises, (the immediate ef fect of which was that about 20 expressed anxiety for their souls,) they would need no other argument to convince them that their benevolence had flowed forth into a fertile soil. Brethren, pray for us, for such glorious results have not been obtain. ed without trials and opposition from the powers of darkness.

From Rev. T. Lippincott, Missionary labouring in Edwardsville, Alton, and Collinsville, Ill.

I have reason to thank God for what I have seen and enjoyed in my labours at Collinsville. During the past three months the Lord has been present with that peo

Allow me to remark on the plan of rewarding children for committing scrip-ple, shedding his influences like the gen. ture. In my next tour I expect to hear from 40 to 60 repeat the 23d psalm. And I must be permitted to express the opinion that it is one of the happiest methods of doing good in such fields of labour. Every child who commits the ten commandments becomes a preacher to the whole family, for they are brought under a necessity to bear the law of God daily rehearsed in their ears. This exercise brings the children to meeting, and creates an attachment to that kind friend who treats them as his friends. Their eagerness to obtain books makes them anxious for his next visit, and this again prevents his appointments from being forgotten. Then the books are so beautiful, so entertaining and instructive, even to adults, that the missionary should count on every book thus given as an auxiliary worth a dollar in furtherance of his object.

Synod of Illinois.

tle dew. The term was concluded with a four days' meeting, including the last Sabbath in August, at which I had the assist. ance of several beloved brethren. The occasion was solemn and deeply interesting. Eleven persons were received into the church, several others indulge hope, and a number still occupy the anxious seats. It was a pleasing sight, indeed, when the candidates came forward in presence of the large congregation, gathered under the shade of a beautiful grove, (the meeting-house, though convenient, being too small for the occasion,) to avouch their attachment to Christ-all in the bloom of life-all, except two, teachers or pupils in the Sabbath school. I cannot but hope, from what I have seen, that the impres sion which had been previously made, is considerably increased in extent and strength by the continued exercises during the four days.

I have been necessarily absent from my The meeting of Synod was entirely har-charges part of the time, and have found monious, and deeply interesting. Of 37 ministers, about 22 were present. They occupy the most important stations in the two states of Illinois and Missouri, and are already exerting an amazing influence || by preaching, and by their united exertions to promote Bible, Tract, Temperance, and S. S. Societies, and thus giving direction to the energies of unborn mil-hope.

matter of thanksgiving in some of these cases. The first Sabbath in July I sup. plied Bethel church (in Bond co.) by Pres. byterial order. It became a three days' meeting; and I left about twelve on the anxious seats when I came away. The Lord was there, I hear little since from the church, but that some have exercised

The third Sabbath in August was inclu-ing benevolent institutions, the people ded in a four days' meeting, which brother need to be enlightened, to know facts. Messenger and myself, in conjunction with They have been deluded by the misstate. two Cumberland Presbyterian brethren, ments of those who have set themselves (Rev. John Barber, sen. and jun.) held in up as preachers, and have substituted mere Maine settlement, in this county, where declamation and noise for argument. This there is no church. It was a blessed time. remark also applies to the doctrines of Several hope in the Lord, and others re- Presbyterians. These have been shame. main anxious. fully misrepresented; and there are many who have their honest prejudices from this source, which may be removed by "speaking the truth in love," and by holy living.

INDIANA.

From J. R. Wheelock, Greensburg, Decatur Co., Ind.

Though I have not the happiness of reporting any special work of grace among the people where I am located, yet I hope that my labours have not been altogether in vain. Our meetings are more full, and there is evidently an increasing interest felt in the plain exhibition of gospel truth.

Our people, though few in number and poor, have laid the foundation of a Presbyterian meeting-house, 35 by 50 feet. scribed. This will raise the walls 11 feet They have been enabled to get $400 subhigh and cover it. Considering their circumstances, this is a great deal.

Description of a Labourer needed in the

West-from a Missionary Report.

Our Sabbath schools are all of them in prosperous operation. A man at one settlement, who is a "preacher," and who Now, dear Brethren of the Committee, has had considerable influence among maI desire to speak freely with regard to the ny of his neighbours, was so violently op. kind of men we want;-for I think I ought posed to Sabbath schools that the few to know, having been brought up in the friends of the cause had despaired of being west, and having laboured as a missionary able to have one there. Yet in conse. among the people for whose sake I now quence of the happy effects of the two write. They want a man who can preach schools in that region, and especially of in the house or out of the house-on a the libraries, the people requested me to stump or on a barrel-in a cabin or in a visit and preach to them again on the sub- barn;-one who, if the people cannot hear ject. I did so, and requested any one who him, can speak a little louder, and a little might have any objections to make to Sab. louder, and if that will not do, who can bath schools, or to what I had stated, to speak louder still;—who must and will be make them there. Opposition was silent. heard. We want one who will not stop or The people came forward very generally, turn back for every little shower or creek: raised a fund for a library, and they have one who can sit on a stool, and lie on chaff now a very well conducted and prosperous in a log cabin, without "chinking or daub. school. Thus we see "the kingdom of ing ;" and his wife, if he have one, must heaven is like leaven." Whenever a Sab. partake of the same spirit. We want men bath school can be established and con- that are calculated to build up,-men such ducted by a proper superintendent, it is as the great and good Baxter would say sure to produce this effect on the neigh. "can out preach, out pray, and out live" bouring region. And although some of all that preach false doctrines. These are the schools established by agents and mis. the men for the west-men of zeal, yet sionaries in the West may dwindle and prudent; resolved, yet not overbearing; fail for want of suitable teachers, yet such persevering, not like the fires of the praiis the happy effect of the libraries on parie, which make a great blaze and soon go rents as well as children, and so obvious to all are its benefits, not only in a moral point of view, but as the means of teach

out.

OHIO.

Shalersville, O.

Nine have been received to the church at Shalersville on profession of faith; ten

ing the children to read, as a substitute From Rev. T. M. Hopkins, Mantua and for common schools, -the institution must gain friends-must prevail. The more its merits are discussed, the more the great body of the people are led to examine it, the firmer hold will it gain in the confi. dence of the great majority of our citizens. I find respecting this, as well as other lead-air.

*The wood and mortar with which the interstices

between the logs are filled to keep out the external

have been examined to be received into the church at Mantua next Sabbath; and there are probably as many as five or six more to come forward yet; so that in all, there are as many as fifteen or more who will be added to the church at Mantua at their next season of communion. There are several more in each town, who have lately found peace in believing, and who will probably before long be united to the people of God by a public profession of their faith.

Revivals in Portage Co., O.

Within the limits of Portage county, and within the short space of twelve or fourteen weeks, it is thought there have been as many as 8 or 900 cases of hopeful con. version to God! I scarcely need add, the churches have been refreshed and strength. ened-the whole face of the moral world is changed-men of every age and standing in society are among the subjects of the work. Not a single meeting has closed without a blessing from God! These seasons still continue, and both Christians and the impenitent attend them with a full belief that they will be blessed.

[ing, at the inquiry meeting, when the Holy Spirit was poured out to such an astonishing degree, that professors were ashamed of their unbelief, and there appeared to be an instantaneous excitement spread through the whole assembly. Many sinners were cut to the heart, and constrained to seek an interest in Christ. The services of Sabbath were indeed interesting and solemn. Many of the ungodly, who had attended for evil purposes, were awed into silence, and the most profound respect. During the inquiry meeting on Monday morning, there was the most powerful influence of the Spirit perhaps ever felt in this church. The larger part of the assembly were bathed in tears; and it was evident that souls were deciding for eternity. Forty were added to the church during the meeting. It was found that many had received their first serious impressions a year ago at the camp meeting held in the bounds of Ebenezer-they are now rejoicing in hope.

From Rev. Samuel Bissell, Twinsburg, O.

The little vineyard in which I have been labouring and toiling amidst privations and

From Rev. A. T. Rankin, Felicity, Cler. discouragements, has at length been wa

mont Co., O.

During my second quarter I have preach. ed thirty-five times, baptized sixteen adults and twenty-four children, and received to the communion of the church forty-four persons. Twenty-two of these remain in the church of Felicity, and six in the church of Ebenezer; the rest have been transferred to other churches.

You will perceive by the statement already made, that the Spirit of the Lord has not yet forsaken us. Our camp meeting, including the fourth Sabbath of August, was a season of peculiar interest.

Some

tered of the Lord. Its appearance is already changed, and there is abundant reason to believe the vintage will be ample. | On the third Sabbath in July, seven interesting young people came out from the world, and entered into covenant with the church in this place. Thinking this would be a favourable opportunity to have more than the usual religious exercises, we commenced our meeting on Saturday with prayer and other religious exercises. Three clerical brethren were present on that day. At the close of the meeting it was evident there was more than usual attention to religion. Twenty-five or time in the latter part of the spring, a course more attended an inquiry meeting. On of preaching was commenced, and continu. the Sabbath one brother only was with me, ed through the summer, such as was Exercises as on the preceding day, with thought would have a tendency to arouse the addition of the communion. It was professors from that state of lethargy into not till Monday morning that the church which it was evident many of us had fall- seemed to be fully awake. It was now no en. Almost every discourse was shaped longer doubtful whether the Lord would with a view to stir up Christians to pray pour out his Spirit upon us. The place of for and expect great things. The effort, worship was filled at an early hour, though with the blessing of heaven, was not una- in the midst of harvest. Feelings of deep vailing. The meeting was commenced un- anxiety were evidently fastened upon eve. der unfavourable indications. Only a few ry conscience early in the day, and con. brethren came to assist with the services. || tinued to increase up to the close. At the The preaching was truly of the evangeli- conclusion of the afternoon exercise, those cal kind; and the effect was considerable who were desirous to have conversation on the people from the first, but did not be- on religious subjects, as anxious sinners, come very apparent until Sabbath morn- or as lately hoping, were requested to re.