Hto labour as a missionary, within the bounds of L- Presbytery, we take the liberty of requesting you to employ your agency with the Board of Missions, to change the field of labour to which he has been designated in Missouri, to the limits of our Presbytery. While as ministers of the gospel, we feel interested for every part of the Lord's vineyard, destitute of the stated means of grace, yet we cannot but take a more deep interest in that part of the great moral harvest, which falls more immediately under our own view. In the bounds of our Presbytery, there exist upwards of one hundred thousand souls, scattered over a vast extent of country. There are but ten ministers belonging to our Presbytery for the supply of all this amount of population. In different places, a more than ordinary attention seems to have been awakened to the great concerns of religion, and, in many instances, an earnest desire is expressed to be supplied with a preached gospel. By other religious societies, great and persevering exertions are made to increase their numbers, and in consequence of our want of labourers, it is to be feared we shall lose ground that might be maintained and cultivated, could we send among the people active, and faithful, and zealous ministers. In addition to this, there are several organized churches, unsupplied with the gospel, and which are not in circumstances to support stated pastors. We are anxious our young men should labour among them. As to the amount of pecuniary aid that may be calculated on, nothing certain can be stated, yet we confidently believe that, at least, two or three hundred dollars a year can be raised in favour of the missionary cause. Were the Board of Missions to appoint Mr. H. for six months, in the bounds of our Presbytery, we would endeavour to make one more effort in the course of that time, to see what can be done. Should the change requested not be made, Mr. H. will go on to Missouri, and fulfil his missionary appointment. We will expect an answer as soon as possible. In the meantime, we beg you to accept our best wishes, and humbly pray that to whatever decision the Board may come, it may result in the promotion of the Redeemer's glory, and the interest of his people in time and eternity." Signed by four ministers, to which a fifth added the following note. "Rev. E. S. Ely, D. D. "Dear Brother,-As I have been for some weeks in Land its vicinity, and had some opportunity of seeing much, and hearing more of the crying need of faithful Presbyterian labourers in this county, as well as throughout the whole state, I cannot but think that the views expressed by the brethren in the above letter on the subject of Mr. H's mission are such, as a regard for the best interests of the church would dictate, and I hope that Mr. H. will be permitted to remain in the bounds of this Presbytery. There is a general and increasing desire in this state for sound Presbyterian preaching, and I fear that if some powerful effort is not soon made, the cause of truth will suffer much. Kentucky has never before presented such an extensive and interesting field of labour as she does at present. "Yours affectionately.” Extracts from a letter to Rev. E. S. Ely, Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Missions, written by an intelligent agent from one of the thirteen originally United States. Jan. 23, 1829. "Before I give you a detailed account of my proceedings in the prosecution of my agency, permit me to mention a few facts in relation to the condition of the Presbyterian churches in our State, and our moral condition generally. It is true of our churches, almost universally, that they are in indigent circumstances. They have it not in their power to do very great things if they were so disposed: but the melancholy fact is, they have not their eyes and hearts open to their duties and privileges relative to the great benevolent enterprises of the day. "The habit of working systematically and perseveringly for the Lord has not yet been formed: their energies are not brought into action; and one great reason, doubtless, is, they have not had the subject presented to them in its proper light, and with its proper claims. In general, they know very little what is doing, and what is necessary to be done; they do not know the situation and movements of the Lord's hosts. They are therefore doing very little to what they might and would do, if their duties and privileges were properly urged upon them. Such is the situation of our churches with regard to benevolent operations. The moral condition of this State has not hitherto, I apprehend, been sufficiently known to our Missionary Societies. Our destitution of the means of grace and of instruction of every sort, especially among the poorer classes of our white population, is vastly more appalling than any one without a minute examination of the subject could apprehend. It is true of our whole state, with the exception perhaps of two counties, that one-half of our white population, to say nothing of the blacks, is destitute of a preached gospel. I have in view, while saying this, preachers of all deno minations. It is true of our state, with the exception above alluded to, that not one-half of our white children from the age of ten to twenty, can read a tale. And judging from a minute examination of two or three counties with regard to their destitution of the Scriptures, counties which were supposed to be at least as well supplied as any in the state, more than half of our families are at this moment destitute of the Bible. "The legitimate and sure consequences of such a moral state of things are seen and felt here, as they must be every where under similar circumstances. I have not room to particularize the forms of vice, as they appear among us, but I may comprehend the whole, and no more, by say. ing every evil work.' We have, how ever, in the midst of this darkness, one cheering prospect, and that is, the people are beginning to feel their spiritual wants. We can point to at least fifty places, each of which would present a good prospect of successful operation for a Missionary. The people begin to utter the Macedonian cry, and we hesitate not to say, that the fields are white already to harvest. In view of these facts, and knowing that it was the design of your Board to aid the destitute, I have not hesitated to say to the congregations which I have visited, that you would expend all the money we could raise in this state among our own destitute population; and I hope that the Board will permit me to add, in future, that they will give them in addition to what they raise, as much aid as their funds will permit." The Executive Committee have received since the last publication on this subject, from the monthly concert in the Third Church, Philadelphia, $5 34 From the monthly concert in the newly formed Eleventh Church, Philada. From Second Ch. Albany, from From contributors in Reverend J. 15 00 Mr. Joyce to the General Agent. East Liberty, Allegheny County, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Feb. 9, 1829. Rev. and Dear Brother,-With many professed Christians, I once thought missions to the heathen a great waste of means, while so many in our own land were living "without God in the world." The unscriptural nature of this objection was discovered, and the objection removed from my mind, many years ago. I beg leave to state to you how this was done, as it affords me an opportunity of discharging part of what I owe to a name that will be revered as long as compassion for the heathen is felt in the Church, or sacred reason valued by men. Walking one evening with a friend to hear a German preacher in the French Church in the city of Dublin, my friend mentioned that he had heard the Rev. Andrew Fuller preach a discourse in the same meeting-house, in behalf of Foreign Missions. I believe I then stated my objection; my friend informed me that Mr. Fuller had replied to it in the course of his sermon, in the following manner. "If the Apostles had acted on that principle they could never have passed the bounds of Judea: had Paul acted on it, his life and labours must have been limited to a single city: and we should have inherited the ignorance and idolatry of our forefathers." The remarks were irresistible, I saw that the principle of the objection was the reverse of the principle on which the 10 00 apostles acted, and they "had the mind of Christ." It was impossible, therefore, to retain this objection against missions to 98 25 the heathen, believing, as we must do, "That if any man have not the spirit of Christ," in this as in all other things, "he is none of his." Since that conversation, I have never doubted that it is the duty of Ministers and Churches to send the gospel to the heathen: and experience has shown, that there is a reaction of blessedness in the land where missionary efforts originate; and so, the divine promise is fulfilled, "He that watereth, shall himself also be watered." With these views the following considerations were submitted to the congregation lately organized in this place. 500 20 00 100 44 00 Mr. Belville's Ch. Neshaminy, 30 00 "We, the subscribers, members of the congregation of East Liberty, desire to 16 00 contemplate with awe and gratitude, the mighty movements of the God of all grace, in "the times which are passing over us;" and in view of the glory of our reigning and triumphant Saviour herein displayed, would ask, "Lord what wilt thou have us to do?" His answer is before us, "If ye love me, feed my sheep-feed my lambs; follow my lost sheep in the wilderness, and bring them into my fold, lest they perish." The spirit of this command did not expire with the Apostles, it binds all who have "named the name of Christ;" their influence should be exerted to restore to the fold of the chief Shepherd the sheep for whom he laid down his own life. . Indeed, whatever views we take of the Father Almighty, and of fallen man, the same truth meets us, for the One and only God, has made of One blood all the nations of men that dwell in the earth; and, in his fathomless grace has appointed one, and only one Mediator between our race and himself. The Mediator, in his Divine offices of Prophet, Priest, and King, is preached to man either by his written word, or the human voice; uttering that word, is the ordinary means of bringing sinners to the light, and from the power of Satan unto God. If then we love our Lord Jesus, and desire the diffusion of his glory in the salvation of our fellow men, we must aid in sending his Gospel to every creature. A door for Missionary effort is opened to us, which other ages did not enjoy. Missionary Societies are in active operation, and already have planted the hallowed Cross in every quarter of the globe. The Board of Missions of our own Church, are redoubling their efforts to reap the wide "field which is whitening before them unto the harvest." Our Fathers and Brethren call on all the churches to come up to the help of the Lord, and enjoy the honour and happiness of being workers together with them, and co-workers with the blessed God himself, in "saving souls from death." The plan suggested by the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions of the General Assembly for affording pecuniary aid, is simple and practicable; it is this: 1st, That every Church Session resolve itself into an Auxiliary Missionary Society, to collect and forward to the Treasurer of the Board the money subscribed. 2d, That each member, in full communion, pay annually, on or about Christmas, a sum not less than fifty cents, to this object. This plan has two great advantages; it prevents the multiplication of societies, which is a growing evil of the age; and the Church, acting through her spiritual John M'Clintick, 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 Mrs. Eliz. M'Clintick, Robt. Gamble, jr. James Wallace, Catharine Joyce, sen. Ann Joyce, Mr. Thomas Joyce, 50 50 50 1 00 1 00 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 on the application of the Rev. Mr. Brown, Agent of the American Board, already bought and forwarded clothing for twenty Indian children of the Chickasaw nation, in the school at Monroe. Report of the Rev. Thomas Barr, Missionary Agent for the Board of Missions, in Ohio. Dec. 18, 1828. Cash received at Mansfield also, 37 subscribers. Cash received at Mount Ver non number of subscribers, 44. Dec. 21, 1828. Cash received at Buck Creek number of subscribers, 58. 3 of one dollar, 20 of 50 cents, 26 of 25 cents, and 9 of 12 cents, each. Cash received at Urbanna Jan. 12, 1829. From a collection taken up in Dr. Wilson's Church, Cincinnati Subscriptions Cash received at Dayton felt the occasion refreshing, and hope that seed sown at that time will spring up, and bear much fruit to the glory of God. A general seriousness appears now to rest on the people in this vicinity. And ten or twelve are more or less anxiously concerned for the salvation of their souls. Meetings held in the evenings through the week, as well as those on the Sabbath, are well attended, considering the sparse$7 12 ness of the population, and the diversity of sentiment on doctrinal points prevalent in this region. One difficulty in the way of promoting good here is, the disposition in some places to engage in controversy. This is manifest, especially in some of our Methodist brethren; and now threatens to be a means of serious injury to some of those, who are in a measure awake to a sense of their danger. 9.00 12 75 41 15 8. 00 22 00 11 871 Within the month embraced in this re12 87 port, I have travelled one hundred and twenty miles-made thirty-two family visits, and preached fifteen discourses. Have distributed about 400 pages of religious Tracts. (In the two preceding months I distributed about eleven pages, an item which was probably omitted in the report.) These tracts are eagerly perused by many, and, I doubt not, have been attended with a blessing in a number of instances. At present my stock is exhausted, and I know no opportunity of replenishing it. I have formed two Tract Societies, auxiliary to the Philadelphia Branch, under favourable auspices: one in Deerfield, the other in Centre congregation. 11 50 4 25 15 7 $155 60 TWENTY-SECOND COMMUNICATION. Extract of a letter from Mr. John D. Hughes, dated Brokenstraw, Pa. Jan. 24, 1829. On the 25th of December, I was met by Rev. Robert Rutherford, who was sent out by the West. Miss. Soc. and came here supposing that I was in New York. As he was only commissioned for one month, and therefore could not readily make arrangements for other vacancies, he remained in this county until the 17th inst. In the mean time, he visited the several congregations with acceptance, and I trust with profit to the people. On the first Sabbath of this month he administered the Lord's Supper in Centre congregation; the season was solemn and interesting. Six young persons, who not long since had been running in the paths of iniquity, were, on examination, received as members of this church. Of these, two received baptism. Baptism was also administered to two infants. I was present, taking part in the exercises, *Centre congregation lies chiefly in Brokenstraw Township. In closing this hasty, imperfect sketch, your missionary would state that he continues to meet with a kind reception. He meets in this destitute and much neglected region, something to encourage and revive his drooping spirits, and hopes that in the hand of the Lord, he may be an instrument of good to some wandering soul. But he also sees many things to convince him of his weakness, want of experience, and his great need of more knowledge, wisdom and piety. He labours where skilful cultivation, and where the showers of divine grace are in a high degree needful. May your prayers still fol low him. In performing the part of an Agent for the Board, I have accomplished but little. The plan recommended has been proposed in Deerfield, and in Centre congregation, and well approved of. In Deerfield, an annual subscription of fifty cents was opened, and the following gave their names, viz. Joseph M'Calla, and Francis Tuthill, (Elders,) Samuel Culbertson, James Culbertson, Wm. Culbertson, Seth Hill, Samuel M'Guire, Samuel Hunter, John Thompson, Robert Thompson, Joseph Huff, George M'Calla, Alex. M'Gee, and Samuel Parshall (Post Master). These reside within the bounds of Deerfield, in Deerfield Township, Warren Co. Penn. In Centre congregation, and chiefly within Brokenstraw Township, the following gave their names as annual subscribers of fifty cents. James White and William White, (Elders,) Henry White, Benjamin Upton, James M'Cray, Robert M'Cray, Samuel M'Cray, Alex. Wilson, John Ewing, Jonathan Hamilton, Paul Huffman, John Tuttle, Stephen Hosmar, Charles Boner, John Home, Arthur Andrews, Hugh Long, George Long, jr. Cyrus Norton, Garnsey Bellnap, James Andrews, Hugh M'Guire, James M'Cray, Samuel Moor, John Vanderhoof. In this part of the duty assigned me, I expect to effect something more, but perhaps of little moment while confining myself to this county. Desiring that the efforts of the Board may receive the smiles of the Head of the Church, and requesting your advice and direction in relation to my future labours, I remain, with affectionate regard, Yours, &c. JOHN D. HUGHES. The following is extracted from a letter of Mr. John B. McCreary, a Missionary of this Board, addressed to the President, and dated Easton, Talbot County, Md. Feb. 2, 1829. I wish, if it is the will of the Board, a re-appointment to this county for six months-and if, my respected Father in Christ, I could present to your view this moral desolation, the thousands of immortal souls who are here perishing for lack of knowledge, the anxiety and eagerness with which the word of life is receivedthe sacrifices which have been made during this inclement season to hear what Christ has done for perishing sinners-if you could visit the places where we sometimes have to meet-old school houses with scarcely a sound pane of glass, and see the poor people standing around me until I have been so much overcome by cold that I could no longer address them: if, I say, you could witness these and many other encouraging circumstances which I might mention to you, you would not, to use their own language, take from them, and send to others, that bread of life for which they are perishing. For some time after my arrival in Easton, I preached in the court-house, but the Levy Court, who have not the fear of God before them, a short time since refused me the use of it any longer-this arbitrary measure produced a good deal of unpleasant feeling towards them, among those who are anxious to have preaching, and some of the more influential of the latter, petitioned the Legislature for permission to use the court-house as a place of worship; in the meantime we have rented the principal ball-room, which is the only place of sufficient dimensions that could be obtained; we have it seated with benches from an old billiard-room-lighted with lamps from a masonic hall, and use the desk of a Universalist for a pulpit; thus we are at this point of my field comfortably situated, and our room well crowded, and having obtained this vantage ground from the adversary, we take courage and go on, believing that we have the presence of the Master with us to sanctify the place, the work, and the people. I mention these things, dear sir, not through a spirit of vain boasting, for God forbid that I should glory in any thing save in the Cross of Christ, but to show you and the Board, the deep interest which is taken in the spiritual food which you send to this people. There are two Sunday-schools and two prayer meetings that I attend, and I have two Bible classes forming, which I will take charge of, if I am re-appointed, and if I am not they must go down, and with them, three established places of worship. I will continue to labour here in the hope of a re-appointment, until I receive an commission, let it commence with the preanswer from you. If you send me another sent month, at which my last appointment terminated. With my most earnest prayer for your personal welfare, but especially for the prosperity of the good cause in which you are engaged, I am, dear Sir, yours, in the bonds of Christian esteem, JAMES B. M'CREARY. TWENTY-THIRD COMMUNICATION. WYALUSING. A report has been received from the Rev. Burr Baldwin, who has been labouring as a Missionary of this Board for two months, in Wyalusing, and its vicinity, Susquehanna Co. Pa. which thus concludes: "The services of this evening close the term of my commission under the direction of the Board of Missions, having laboured as their Missionary two months, and preached during that time forty-one sermons, and attended six prayer meetings; have aided in forming one Tract and one Temperance Society. At the close of my Mission under your direction, the state of things was so encouraging at Wyalusing, that I felt unwilling to leave the people, and therefore continued to |