The Treasurer of the American Home Missionary Society acknowledges the receipt of the following sums, from September 15th, to October 15th, 1832. Bainbridge, N. Y., Jabez S. Fitch, to const. Rev. Augustus Littlejohn life member, Bristol, Pa., Wm. Shippen, L. M. Caldwell, N. J., S. A. Marshall, Cattskill, N. Y., H. McKinstry, to const. his son, Edward M'Kinstry, L. M., 30.00 O L. Kirtland, to const. his mother, Mrs. Rhoda Kirtland, of West Durham, L. M., 30.00; T B. Cooke, to const. his son, Joshua Atwater Cooke, L. M, 30.00; Ladies' Sew. Soc, R. Phelps., Sec., 12.00 per Rev. D. Por ter, Charlotte C. H., Va., Mrs. A. M. Watkins, per tev. W. A. Hallock, Connecticut Miss Soc., Greenwich Stillson Benev. Soc., Mary E. Mason, Treas. 63.00; Windsor, Rev. R. Phelps, 15.14; Canton, Titus Case, 10.00, per D. F. Robinson & Co.; New Milford, Mrs. Gratin Mervin and daughters, G. M. Mervin and H. M. Merwin, to const. Rev. Herman Rood, L. M., 30.00; Liɛbon, legacy of Deac. Levi Crosby, per Samiuel C. Starr, of Norwich, 50.00, Fluvanna co, Va., Gen. John H. Cocke and lady, per Rev. Mr. Rice, Fresh Ponds, L. I., mon. con. coll., per Rev. N. B. Cooke, $30 00 30 00 5.00 102 00 12.50 168 14 Princeton, N. J., John Van Doren, L.M., 30; a Friend to Missions, 1, Providence, R. 1., Benef. Cong. Ch. mon. con., per B. Dyer, Treas, St. Mary's, Ga., Kev. A. Benedict, Skaneatelas, N. Y., mon. con. col., per Rev. S. W. Brace, Vermont, D. M. S., South Hero and Grand Windham, N. Y., Young Ladies' Sew. $31.00 25.00 5.00 16 67 25 34 5 00 21.50 38 00 125 63 $1795 83 K. TAYLOR, Treasurer. Amount acknowledged as received by the Central Agency, at Utica, N. Y., from May 8th, to October 15th, 1832. Binghamton, per Rev. P. Lockwood, Keesville, N. Y., mon. con. coll., 1st Cong. Soc., per Rev. J. A. Murray, 50 00 7 00 19.00 $15.00 Camden, sundry individuals, 13.88; do. Kensington, Pa., coll. in Rev. G. Chandler's ch., Mass. Miss. Soc., Windsor, from the estate of Mehitabel Noyes, in part of legacy, per Ephraim Ford, 100.00; North bridge, individual ladies, to support a particular Missionary, per Rev. S. H. Fletcher, 100.00; Feru, cont, by cong, per Rev. J. M. Brewster, 33.00, 233 00 New-Hampshire Miss. Soc., Claremont Cong Soc., 18.00; J. R., 5.00, New-Windsor, N. Y., cont., 6; members of Presb. Ch., 8, New-York, Allen St. Ch. mon. con., 23.00 Clinton, per Dr. Gridley, 2.00; Dr. Davis, 3.00; Deacon Williams, 1.50; Mr. Fayetteville, per E. H. Adams, Hastings and Constantia, 50.00; sundry individuals, 30.00, in part to const. Rev. C. Smith, L. D. 14 00 628 Litchfield, 16 12 25 00 33 CO 20 00 Manlius, Fem. Miss. Soc., Mrs. Williams, 39 52 80.00 Nelson, per Rev. N. Gillett, 13.00 12 00 New-Hartford, Fem. Miss. Soc., per Mrs. J. Sherrill, 36 10 Patterson, N. Y., Ladies' Frag. Soc. in part to const. Rev. E. B. Benedict L. M., per Elizabeth Raight, Sec.. Philadel, hia, 5th Ch., G. W. McClelland, Treas, Rev. Dr. Skinner, 30; G. W. De. do. avails of a gold pin, through Peterboro', G. Swith, Esq. Pompey, Fem. Miss. Soc., in part to const. Rev. A. Huntington, L. M., 12 60; sundry persons, 8.75; through Mr. Baker, 8, 50 00 Remsen, Sherburn, THE HOME MISSIONARY. VOL. V. Go,............PREACH the GOSPEL............Mark xvi. 15. DECEMBER 1, 1832. MONTHLY CONCERT. From the Missionary Herald. HISTORY AND PROSPECTS OF THE BOMBAY MISSION. No. 8. THE American mission in Bombay was commenced in 1812. It was the first Protestant mission ever attempted on the western coast of India. Paganism, in its most imposing forms, held its votaries with an iron grasp. There was no translation of the Bible, no schools for the common people, no school-books, and no printing in the vernacular language of the country. Every thing was to be done. For nearly two years, many embarrassments were experienced by the missionaries, which greatly retarded them in their study of the native language, and their various missionary operations. And, when these obstacles were, by a kind Providence, removed, they had every thing imposing and formidable in a complicated and ancient system of paganism to contend with, sustained by a learned and numerous priesthood:-a system, every feature of which is calculated to discourage investigation, and to deter its votaries even from examining the claims of every other religion. Though the visible progress of the Gospel has not been so great in Bombay, as in some other parts of the pagan world, yet there is no just cause of discouragement. Immediate success cannot reasonably be expected among pagans of their character and circumstances. Chained as the Hindoos are, by the principle of caste, and awed by the most tremendous sanctions of apostacy from the faith of their venerated shasters, with minds perverted by false philosophy, and hearts by licentiousness and sin, how can it be expected they should at once embrace the Gospel? There is no reasonable prospect of the extensive progress of the Gospel among pagans under such circumstances, till after many years of patient and persevering labour on the part of missionaries. We cannot reasonably expect that those who have grown up to maturity of life, under such a system of impurity and false philosophy, will ever be induced to forsake it for the self-denying and holy principles of the Gospel. The hope of extensive success rests much on the rising generation. To this class of the popula tion our missionaries have directed their special attention and efforts. Schools have been in operation on the islands of Bombay, Salsette, and on the coast, for a number of years. There are now many hundreds of youth who have been educated in the schools of the mission, and in consequence of being thus instructed, look upon paganism and all its array of false philosophy with disgust. It is believed that few, comparatively, of those who have been thus instructed, are satisfied with the religion of their fathers. In consequence of the moral and religious instruction which has been com municated by schools, preaching, the distribution of the Scriptures, and religious tracts, a spirit of religious inquiry is beginning to show itself. Some few of high standing in society have openly embraced the Gospel, and give pleasing evidence of piety. There is good reason to believe that the way is preparing, and the time hastening on, when a great change will be effected in Bombay, and in various other parts of India. VOL. V. 16 It is worthy of special notice and thanksgiving to God, that our missionaries in Bombay, and missionaries in similar circumstances, in other parts of India, have never manifested or cherished feelings of discouragement. They can see and understand the circumstances of the people, and are comparatively happy, and satisfied in spending their lives and wearing out their energies to lay the foundation for the ultimate triumph of the Gospel. They see enough of success to convince them that God approves of their work. While they believe that God is able to give immediate and extensive success to his Gospel in prostrating the idols of the heathen, they are no less convinced, that their minds must be prepared by human instrumentality to examine the claims of the Gospel, and to understand its doctrines and duties. None of our beloved missionaries have been disheartened by the slow progress of the Gospel;-they labour in hope, and in sure expectation of eventual and complete success. They may never see the Hindoo pantheon overthrown, and the banners of the cross waving over its ruins; but their successors, who enter into their labours, will see the complete triumph of this sacred cause. Eventually it will be seen that these pioneers have done a service as important to the conversion of India, as those who shall have the happiness of seeing the millions of the votaries of Hindooism flocking to Christ as doves to their windows. Let not the churches be faint-hearted in furnishing the munitions of the sacred warfare, so long as their sons, who are in the field of toil and of danger, encourage them to effort and perseverance by their own example! Let the friends of missions never forget the paramount importance of united and persevering prayer to God for the influence of his Holy Spirit. They may cause the Bible to be translated into every language under Heaven; they may send the preachers of the Gospel to every heathen tribe in existence; they may furnish means for the instruction of the entire population of the globe, and what would be effected without the Spirit of God! It is the prerogative of God alone to give the increase. Let every friend of missions show the genuineness of his attachment to the cause, by his uniform, cheerful, and increasing donations in sending forth and sustaining labourers in the field, and by his fervent and unceasing prayer to God for his blessing. Christian reader, the field for your missionary exertions is great, and constantly opening to your view. The time is short in which you can labour in it. What you do, must be done quickly. Soon you must give up an account of your stewardship; and if found faithful, what will be your happiness to be admitted to the joy of your Lord! O, cheering thought, to meet in Heaven the souls of pagans brought home to glory through your instrumentality! Near the close of last year, a new station was commenced at Ahmednuggur, by the Bombay mission. This station is situated on the continent, 175 miles east by north of Bombay. The city of Ahmednuggur was the residence of the sultan Ahmed, in the time of the Mohammedan empire in India. It contains a population of more than 50,000. Its location is elevated on the table land of the Ghauts, where the atmosphere is comparatively cool. To this station invalids may resort, with a fair prospect of receiving benefit from change of climate. It is in the heart of the Mahratta nation, and affords a promising field of usefulness. ARKANSAS CHEROKEES. Communication from Mr. Washburn, dated, Dwight, May 18, 1832. In the report I now make, I begin with the church. The whole number of persons who have been connected with it, is seventy-one; thirty-two males and thirty-nine females. Seven members, five females and two males, have died in the faith. Four have removed to other churches, three males and one female. Two, both males, have been excluded as apostates. This leaves the present number fifty-nine, of whom thirty-four are females, and twenty-five males. Nine persons now stand propounded as candidates for church fellow. ship, to be received at our next sacramental occasion. Of these, four are males, and five females. The church is one through the nation. It has not been thought expedient to divide it. Dr. Palmer and myself act as joint pastors. We hold communion seasons at different places. The religious state of the church is very encouraging. We think we have the best reasons to hope that all are truly the disciples of Christ. All seem much engaged in religion, and we hope all are aiming at an elevated standard of piety. If the pastors and missionary members are faithful, we hope that none will prove apostates, and that all will become actively useful Christians. Respecting the revival, I submit the following statement. The first indications of seriousness were apparent in December, 1830, among the scholars in our school. In March following, several persons, living in the neighbourhoods where Dr. Palmer preaches, were led by the Holy Spirit to inquire the way of salvation. A few in school here, and a few in those neighbourhoods, soon expressed a hope of moral renovation, which change was evidenced by a conscientious fear of God, and holy obedience to his will. The excitement continued, and was gradually extended, till our series of protracted meetings, which began in July. Those meetings gave a new impulse to the revival. Several, as we hope, submitted to God. The seriousness extended into other parts of the country. The revival has continued till the present time. It has suffered some abatement for a season in some of the neighbourhoods, and has afterward been renewed. The excitement now is greater than at any other time, and is much more extensive. Indeed, we think there is evidence that God is pouring out his Spirit in every part of the nation. Not a settlement is known where there are not some anxiously inquiring about their eternal welfare. In many neighbourhoods the seriousness is very general and deep. There is a pressing call for instruction. The number of labourers is inadequate to the present exigencies of the people. Every neighbourhood needs the constant instructions of a minister. Here exists a revival of religion throughout a territory as large as the state of Massachusetts, and only two ministers to perform the whole labour. If all the instruction could be given, which now seems to be needed, there is reason to believe that this whole nation would be converted to Christ; but, with the present number of labourers, many tedious years must pass before that time, and many souls perish in sin. It is true that God can, if in his sovereign pleasure he sees fit, convert all this people, through the instrumentality of the present means, or even without them, but we have no reason to expect he will do it. SCHOOLS. Mr. Washburn, after noticing the interesting character of the Bible Class and Sabbath School, which are attended by the more advanced scholars, together with the brethren of the mission, closes thus: In conclusion, I would remark, that the prospects of the missions, in relation to its greatest object, the salvation of the people, are far more encouraging than ever before. You will unite with us in thanksgiving to the great Source of all these blessings, and in earnest prayer for the continued and more extended influences of that Spirit, by which alone revolted nations and individuals can be brought back in submission to their rightful King. Information has been received, by a letter from Mr. Vaill, of the Union mission, that a series of religious meetings was held among this portion of the Cherokees, commencing August 3d, attended, on an average, from day to day, by 250 or 300 Indians. Twelve sermons were preached by Messrs. Vaill, Washburn and Palmer, and interpreted, accompanied by exhortations, prayers and singing. Most fixed and anxious attention was given by the audience during all the meetings. The number of persons who were seriously inquiring the way of life, and requested the prayers of the church, was about fifty. The Lord's Supper was administered during the meetings, of which above seventy persons, most of them Cherokees, partook. Eight persons were received to the church, on profession of their faith in Christ. The revival is stated never to have been more interesting and promising than at the date of the letter. CORRESPONDENCE OF THE A. H. M. S. LETTERS FROM THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. No. 1. Cincinnati, O., Nov. 7th, 1832. Rev, Benjamin H. Rice, D. D., Associate ven. Secretary of the A. H. M. S. both in its magnitude, and the rapidity of its accomplishment, far surpassing the most sanguine expectations of the founders of the institution by which it has been effected. But this announcement does but begin to tell the story of its benefits. Thousands of souls have been converted on this field, tens of thousands of children and youth have been gathered into Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes, and hundreds of thousands of the population of these states have been furnished with the stated ministry of the Gospel, who otherwise might have remained destitute. Thus, in connexion with what others have done, both of our own and other denominations, a foundation has been laid deep and bread, to rear the house of the Lord. Though the work accomplished on this field is small, in comparison with what remains to be done, yet a beginning has been made, on which faith may plant her foot, and lift up her voice and sing, My dear Brother:-Though far from my beloved family and the endearments of home, I bless God for that providence which has directed me, for a season, to the "great West," and you to the office which you now sustain. Our work, both || there and here, if we pursue it with a right spirit, has less of earth in it than of hea"There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repent. eth." How much more over the ten thou-in many portions of the West, on which sand who were hopefully converted during the last year, under the ministry of the 509 missionaries of the A. H. M. S. And we cannot doubt, that the Father of Mercies approves of the efforts of his people to extend the knowledge of his salvation. When I reflect upon the extraordinary blessings with which he has crowned the operations of our society, especially on the field from which I now address you, my heart is full, and I feel that it is good to be here, to behold what God hath wrought by us. To have rendered essential aid to nearly 500 congregations and missionary districts, in the support of 260 ministers of the Presbyterian church in these western states, a large proportion of whom have been directed to this field by the encouragement afforded through the A. H. M. S., and all this within the short period of six years and six months, is a result, "The Lord will raise Jerusalem, If it were possible, my dear brother, I would desire that you and every agent of the Home Missionary Society, and every contributor to its funds, in the older states, might step across the Alleghanies, and hold a communion season with our brethren in the West, That portion of the population who have learned to value religious insti. tutions as the only hope of their country, as well as of their souls, and especially the churches which have been built up under the labours of our missionaries, and now enjoy their faithful ministry, often |