TOR'S JOURNAL. Recently, however, communications for this department have been less numerously furnished than formerly. This we are conscious has been the result of our own failure to adopt systematic measures for procuring such communications, rather than from any increased reluctance on the part of clergyinen and others to aid us with their pens. We shall hereafter zealously endeavour to render the "Journal" more various and instructive than it has ever been, and we are encouraged confidently to expect a full supply of well-written articles suited to the design of the work, which is to furnish "ORIGINAL SKETCHES OF REAL CHARACTERS, CONVERSATIONS, AND STRIKING FACTS." The record of such facts is often the most effectual means of conveying moral instruction. They are living commentaries on the principles which the actors in them adopt; and he who causes the striking and instructive incidents within his own experience and observation to be recorded for the benefit of others, performs a service which he could render in no other way. We trust that many will avail themselves of this novel and happy method of doing good, by furnishing for the pages of the "Pastor's Journal" many of those incidents, the influence of which must otherwise soon be lost. With the experience which we have already had in conducting this Periodical, and the advantages which we now enjoy for rendering it still more perfect in its kind, we think we may promise our readers a rich equivalent for the small subscription price, which is $1 per year. And will not the friends of Home Missions, as they love the cause, esteem it both a privilege and a duty, at so cheap a rate, to contribute to the publication of intelligence so essential to its highest prosperity? Persons disposed to interest themselves in procuring subscribers, will find the terms of the work, and the names to whom moneys are to be transmitted, noticed on the cover of this Number. REPORTS OF MISSIONARIES. MISSOURI. From Rev. B. F. Horsey, Grand Prairie, The additions to this church by letter since the first of April, 1832, have been five-by confession eighty-five-and the number of hopeful conversions have been sixty-nine. Of these twenty-five are coloured persons. In the conversions I have only stated those who have united with this church. The number of conversions which have taken place at our meetings, within the year, are probably upwards of eighty-five. We had an interesting Sabbath School in the congregation during the last summer, consisting of 75 scholars. From this nursery of piety and virtue our church received, during the summer, some of its most valuable acquisitions-some who are to be pillars in the church in future days. The ILLINOIS. way prepared in the wilderness. As there was no other house in the neighbourhood in which we could meet, I concluded not to give out another appointment till the weather should become warm enough for us to meet in an open log school. house. When I made this known to the congregation, at the close of the meeting, several of the principal men went out, held a consultation, and soon returned, inform ing me that they had agreed to build a meeting-house, and also raise a subscription for my support. What they will do I cannot tell--but they feel something of the worth of a preached Gospel. EFFECTS OF THE GOSPEL. From a Missionary in Indiana. When I came here, there seemed indeed a dark cloud hanging over the church. Very unhappy difficulties existed among the members. The good people of the church seemed quite worn out and disheartened, so that they had almost no hope of peace, or the prospority of any thing good. Now the feelings of the members are very different, as is visible even in their countenances, and I hope the old difficulty is "come to a perpetual end." At that time there was a Sabbath School regularly kept up; but it was very small and inefficient, and had no library. Now the Sabbath School is large and well conducted, with a good library, and is exciting the attention of all the neighbourhood. We have now a prayer meeting on the Sabbath when there is no preaching, and sometimes in the week. The Monthly Concert is also attended: the monthly distribution of tracts is going on well; and very recently we have formed a Temperance Society, with which it is probable every member of the church will shortly be united. Protracted Temperance Meetings. To prepare the way for these things, we held a kind of Protracted Temperance Meeting, occupying the evenings of a week of moonlight, in which I read Beecher's Sermons on Intemperance, and closed with Marsh's Address, entitled "Putnam and the Wolf." The effect was altogether a happy one. After two or three weeks we met again, and formed our society. The leaven is now working effectually all around. this distant corner. This you will believe, when you learn that I have lived here nearly two years, and never have had a brother in the ministry with me yet, on any occasion. I hope you will send one to Posey county, to be my neighbour. Remember the 11,000 souts in that county. OHIO. From a Missionary in Ohio. Travelling has this winter been unusually bad, and often in going to fulfil my appointments, I have been unable to go more than two miles per hour, do my utmost. As many of my appointments are from seven to twelve miles distant from my place of abode, I find on looking back that I have spent on an average four days per week from home, besides the Sabbath. Our Sabbath Schools closed in November, for the winter. Instead thereof I have two Bible Classes, each meeting once a week, and each containing about 30 pupils. To individual families I also give questions on Scripture lessons, and call subsequently and examine them on the same. mode of giving Bible instruction gains much in interest. Some connected with the Bible Classes appear very serious. We have three Prayer Meetings per week in different parts of the congregation, in which This endeavour to be present. These meetings are evidently highly prized by most of the church, and to attend them some will go three miles through mud and water. Occasionally we have happy seasons, and the Spirit of God often seems stirring up the people of God to pray, “O Lord, revive thy work." REVIVAL. 66 From Rev. H. R. Howe, Wilksville, Gallia From Rev. C. Butler, Evansville, Ind. At the close of a late meeting in behalf of Temperance, 12 persons came forward and joined our Society. This is a small number compared with what is the fact in many other places; but I have learned not to despise the day of small things. A little more than three years since, a Temperance Society was never heard of in all this south-west corner of the State, for one or two hundred miles around; and after Soon after I commenced preaching, labouring, and talking, and reading, for there were evident tokens of the presence months on the subject, I at last obtained of God's Spirit. The first Sabbath in the names of 18 in Gibson county to join August I was assisted by brothers Spaldin a Society, and more than a year since,ing, of Athens, Newbury, of Rutland, and it numbered upwards of 400. The two Societies in this county, (Vanderburg.) commencing under still greater discouragements if possible, number upwards of 150. In Warwick county, also, there is a Society of nearly 150. Dear Sir, I did hope to see you here, when I had intelligence of your being in the West. It would have cheered me much to have a brother call upon me in Kimball, of Chester. On that occasion the hearts of the few disciples in this place were much refreshed by the heavenly influences of the Holy Spirit; sinners were convinced of sin, and led to yield themselves unto God as alive from the dead. Eleven made a public profession of their faith in Christ, and united with the church. Since that time, at different seasons, nine have been added to the Wilksville church, ly from the poison which kills the body and soul. In the history of this man, two things are worthy of remark. (1.) That he who becomes the friend of temperance will probably become the friend of religion. (2.) That those who attend on the means of grace are more likely to be led by the Spirit of God to embrace the truth, and From Rev. J. Chapin, Madison, Geauga believe on Jesus Christ, than those who County, Ohio. treat the institutions of the Gospel with neglect. In the fore part of the winter we adopted a new method of visiting. The plan was this: for a few members of the church to go with me and hold a Prayer Meeting in every family where they were willing. At these meetings some of the neighbours usually come in, and I have made it my rule to converse upon the subject of religion with all present, males and females, young children excepted. These meetings have usually been held twice a week, and have been attended with apparently very good effects. We design to continue them. We have usually held two other Weekly Conferences. We have at times been led to hope that the Lord was here, and about to revive his work. Interesting Case of Conversion. I will mention one interesting case of conversion. It is that of a man who for several years has very seldom attended| any religious meeting, and has been considered a confirmed infidel. Near the close of the year he attended meeting once or twice, became somewhat thoughtful on the subject of religion, and formed a resolution that he would commence with the year, and attend all the religious meetings during the year that he any way consistently could. He commenced according to his resolution, and soon became anxious for his soul. Before the close of the first month he was led to cast himself upon the mercy of God, and to hope for pardon through a crucified Saviour. He now appears in his right mind, and willing to sit at the feet of Jesus. Thus, the Lord is ever ready to meet the returning prodigal. After this man was brought to taste and see that the Lord was good, he erected the family altar, and soon his wife was led to indulge a hope in Christ, or to revive an old hope which had lain dormant for several years. This man formerly made a free use of ardent spirits, but left off the practice about two years ago, and became a decided friend of temperance. He is now willing to pledge himself to abstain entire I have lately received a most urgent letter from one of the towns in this country, settled principally by Americans, pressing me to use my efforts to obtain for them a minister from the States. Their situation is one of deep interest to my feelings. The little church which has been formed among them, is in danger of ruin, unless a pastor can be found to watch over them. But where shall they look, where shall I look? Of what avail, to write an appeal to our Theological Seminaries. The students, pre-engaged, or with minds fixed on the heathen, or the " far West," and kindled to enthusiasm by the visits and appeals of the various agents and secretaries, would give no heed to my feeble and silent request. But of the host who come under your influence or knowledge, is there not one who will have compassion on the many thousands of his countrymen, scattered over the territory lying north of Vermont?-who would be willing to make one of the few-oh how few-labourers in this great and growing field. But words cannot express the emotions which struggle in my bosom on the men tion of this theme. Often is my soul harrowed by letters which I receive from various parts of the country, inquiring if there are no ministers. I can only lay them down and weep, and despondingly say, "Send forth labourers into thy harvest." Again then let me ask, dear sir, can you not turn the steps of at least one young minister to this forgotten land? Will you not part with one? The situation of our towns is much like that of the new and rising townships of the West. Support can be obtained from the people, and from our little Missionary|| Society. Will it be out of your power to aid this people in finding a minister? Do let me hear from you on the subject. I should write a much longer letter, but your time and my own is too much occupied to allow of long correspondence. Yours respectfully, G. W. PERKINS, Pastor Am. Pres. Ch., Montreal. played; at Dansville village; at Almond, four miles from this place; and at Hammondsport, at the head of Crooked Lake in this county, where the Lord, it may be truly said, "triumphed gloriously." From Rev. S. Cowles, Napoli, N. Y. Temperance among the Indians in Western New-York. On Wednesday I rode up the Alleghany river thirteen miles to deliver a Temper From Rev. J. Nall, Russelltown, Lower ance Address to the Indians, who had met Canada. REVIVAL. Allow me to express my gratitude to your Committee, for the pecuniary aid afforded me while endeavouring to cultivate a part of the moral desert in which Divine Providence has cast my lot. About seven months ago I commenced my operations in this extensive field. I am happy to say that God, whom I endeavour to serve in the Gospel of his dear Son, has not suffer. ed me to labour altogether in vain. About five months since we held a Protracted Meeting, which terminated in the conversion (we have every reason to believe) of not less than fifty souls. Two months ago we organized a church of forty-eight members, who, with one or two exceptions, appear to adorn their profession by a holy life and a heavenly conversation. NEW-YORK. From Rev. Geo. P. King, Hornellsville, Steuben Co., N. Y. REVIVALS. Mr. K.'s report gives us reason to hope that the infant church to which he ministers is rapidly ad vancing in strength and activity. A house of wor ship is about to be erected. He adds I have been considerably absent from this place during the interval between the Sabbaths, attending protracted meetings in this quarter, some of which have been rendered most solemn and interesting by the presence of the Holy Spirit of God, convicting and converting sinners. Since my residence in this place, I have attended six of these meetings, viz: At Howard, where the work of God was most powerful, and where there was not, and is not now, a minister of the Gospel stationed, but where they wish one: at Willardsburg. on the boundary of Pennsylvania, about sixty miles distant; at Arkport, about five miles from this, where again the power and mercy of God were wonderfully dis in Convention, from the Five Reservations in this part of the state. Brothers Wright, and Bliss, from Seneca, and Cattaraugus, were with them. At their request I spent the week, assisting them in the business of the meeting. It was a time of deep interest. A larger number of pagan Indians came out than I ever saw at a Christian meeting before. After we had closed the meeting on the river, in company with several pious Indians we came to this place in the evening. Although weary and faint, having had but a morsel of food since early in the morning, we stopped at the meeting-house, and found it filled with an audience awaiting our arrival. After a short sermon,we gave our red brethren an opportunity to speak. All were silent-one arose and spoke by the interpreter, and then another. The third said he used to be called "the chief of drunkards," but he went to Jesus Christ, and found a medicine which had cured him of drunkenness. He closed with a spirited exhortation, that if there were any drunkards present, they would go with him and take the same medicine, and they would serve the Lord Jesus hand in hand together." The meeting seemed mutually to benefit and strengthen the Indians and the whites. 66 The way is preparing for planting a church. A spacious whiskey storehouse has recently, by the owner, been converted into a temple of the Lord. Convenient seats have been provided, a pulpit of wood fitted up, a stove introduced, and this once gloomy apartment is now lighted up with lamps, and thronged with attentive worshippers. The door is now open for the labours of a preacher of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come." The prospect is that one will soon be procured. I am almost literally surrounded with destitute churches. From Rev. A. Gardner, Big Hollow, Since my last report, the Lord has seen fit, in his righteous providence, to deprive us of a house of public worship. It was consumed to ashes on the first Sabbath in February, between the hours of 8 and 10 in the morning. As some of the congregation were approaching the house for worship, they beheld it enveloped in flames! Others came in time to behold only its ashes! A more solemn Sabbath I never witnessed. The people assembled in the largest school-house in the place, which was crowded. Had there been one dead in each family in the congregation, and had the people assembled to listen to a sermon preached on such an occasion, I can hardly conceive that they would have been more deeply affected. I could not satisfy myself to think of preaching the sermon I had written for that day. I discoursed on 2 Pet. iii. 11. "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness." The providence of God often explains and enforces portions of his word. On Wednesday of the week on which this trying event occurred, the Society met to take into consideration the propriety of making efforts to build another house. It was unanimously resolved, that we pro ceed without delay to erect another house for God. MISCELLANEOUS. MISSIONARY SELF-DENIAL AND Gratitude. the current year, This he did because he The following facts respect a Missiona- felt it to be a privilege, in view of the ry in the state of Ohio: All that he has received, or is to receive from the people among whom he labours, including fifty dollars advanced by the A. H. M. S., for his first year's labour, will amount to about three hundred and twenty dollars. His situation has been less expensive than that of many of his brethren; himself and family have been blessed with uninterrupted health; they live in a log cabin with one room; have one bed and one pallet; have neither bureau nor bookcase; yet theirs is the abode of plenty, because it is of contentment. There they have evidence that they are useful, and know that they are happy. In these circumstances, as a thank-offering to the Giver of all good, and as an expression of gratitude for the encouragement received from the A. H. M. S., the Missionary feels a pleasure in relinquishing fifty dollars of the amount pledged in his commission, blessing of God upon his business, to sustain the whole support of one of the most useful agents of the Society in the western states. Again. Two brethren met the Editor in the street, since his return from the west, and requested the privilege of sustain, ing, jointly, the whole support of a Missionary to be sent to some new field in the west or south. Their request will be complied with; and we trust they will soon be preaching the gospel, "by proxy," in some distant portion of the United States. It is cheering to record examples so indicative of an increase of interest, on the part of individuals best acquainted with the principles of the A. H. M. S., and the manner of its operations, May they be multiplied a hundred fold. The wants of the Society were never more pressing, and its prospects of usefulness never more encouraging, Are there not many friends of the cause who will take pleasure in imitating the above examples? And may we not hope, nay, confidently expect, that the receipts of the coming year will make it manifest? |