will experience as great a variety in one day, probably, as curiosity itself could desire. Over this wide extended tract of country, I have been mostly tra versing, through the course of the winter, preaching to the whites, and by an interpreter to as many Indians as I could convene from time to time; though the winter has been so excessively cold as to prevent my progress at times, yet I have got four schools started. In this business I found it difficult to obtain such teachers as I would wish; I have however employed such as are capable of teaching them the first principles of the language, and they understand some of the Cherokee language, which appears of use in the beginning of the business. I draw my articles with them in such a manner as to prevent them from trading, and confine them to use every exertion to instruct the Indians in every thing necessary, and they are liable to be turned off, if they are guilty of any immorality. The progress of the Indians surpasses my most sanguine hopes-1 visited one school on the day after its commencement, and found a number able to show any letter in the alphabet and name it. One man and his wife, in another school, who did not talk English at all, had learned in about nine days to spell the words of three letters. Their anxiety appears great to obtain information; they know there is something in the bible to which they are strangers, and they want to understand it. When I am amongst them, it is impossible to describe my feelings; there I view a number of fellow creatures, looking up to me for instruction, and anxious to hear as much as possible. Some of them go a considerable distance to meeting, and appear very attentive. I have kept a kind of a journal, and if the Board requests it, I will send a copy of it in my next letter.—I have only engaged the teachers for three months at forty dollars each, and I hope to obtain considera. ble aid in defraying the expenses in these parts, and if they continue anxious for learning, of which I have no doubt, I wish the school to continue. However, I still wish communications from the Board on the subject. It appears as if it will be attended with great expense, to do any thing to the purpose among them.

Pray for me my dear brother, that my feeble labours may be blest, and that I may be faithful in the cause of my precious Saviour-may heaven smile on you and the Board in general.

OUR brethren in Georgia, particularly of the Sarepta Mission Society, are di recting their attention also towards the Cherokees, and we are happy to hear favourable accounts from their labours.

From the Rev. Isaac M'Coy nothing has come to hand later than what has ap peared in the second number of the Luminary. It is hoped that the vigorous prosecution of his plans relative to the Wabash Indians, will be accompanied with a blessing.

GENERAL STATE OF RELIGION.

Ir is lamented that our limits do not permit us to present that comprehensive and detailed view of this subject which the importance of it, and the interest it has in every christian bosom, would render at once so proper and so gratifying— not in relation to one denomination only, but to all. A very brief, though general survey, only, can be here attempted. In this it will be necessary to mark regions of barrenness as well as those favoured by the refreshing visits of divine mercy. The Rev. Thomas Smiley justly observes, that "it would be a useful

part of information to publish where there are declensions in religion as well as revivals; and where churches after great revivals have become extinct, let it be known, and what seemed to be the leading cause of it: as this may have been mostly owing to our own imprudence, a faithful account of such things might serve as a warning both to ourselves and others. Also where ministers have apostatized, I bave often noticed that in their best days there appeared to be a lack in them; and it would be but justice that, when they show themselves as they are, it should be known how they came into the ministry, their conduct while in it, together with their fall, which would serve as a future caution."

This subject is so intimately connected with that of missions, or with exertions to spread the everlasting gospel, that, in the review here submitted, no care will be taken to keep up between them a distinct line of demarkation.

500

MAINE. In this quarter much mercy has been experienced the past year, Among the churches of the Rowdoinham association about 300 have been baptised on profession of faith and repentance; among those of the Cumberland nearly At the last session of the former 95 dollars and 29 cents were furnished from various sources for missionary objects; on the minutes of the latter, the funds of the mission society exhibit an amount of 387 dollars and 77 cents. Had the minutes of the Lincoln come to hand, with accounts from other mite and miesion societies, additional information of this nature might have been offered. In

NEW HAMPSHIRE and VERMONT-much that is grateful to christian feeling is observable. To all the associations accessions have been gained of such as profess an experience of grace in the heart; to some of them the accessions have been very numerous, in one instance 510, in another 866. Female mite societies and other indications of the prosperity of Zion are multiplying. Extracts from letters and minutes, exhibiting notices of societies, contributions, &c. with many animating passages relative to revivals, and some complaints of coldness and negligence in religion, are unavoidably here omitted. The associations in

MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND and CONNECTICUT-have received additions; but some of them small, while others have been very considerable. Although, in reference to particular places, there is great reason for lamentation and distress on account of the low state of religion, and disregard of the ordinances of the house of God, others have experienced precious reformations. The mission spirit also is in active operation, as the contributions from mite societies, churches, congregations, and individuals mentioned in their minutes amply testify.

NEW-YORK State.-Upon this region we advance with unfeigned delight. Here the Spirit of the Lord has been largely shed abroad. Numbers have been brought out of the darkness of sin into marvellous light. Many have been baptised into the name of HIM who was crucified, and who rose from the dead. Of course, zeal for missions abundantly prevails. It is regretted that the minutes of several of the associations the past year have not been obtained. Those that have come to hand, as well as letters from that quarter, exhibit the most animating indications of the progress of the cause of Zion. In the churches of one Association have been baptised 409-another, 437-another, 733—and another, 870. Extracts from letters will be introduced into a future number of the Luminary, as soon as practicable Some of the churches in the

NEW JERSEY Association have been favoured with refreshing influences from on high. Others mourn a state of coldness in divine things, praying with the

prophet, O Lord, revive thy work! The ladies of the Burlington Mite Society, as well as others, continue to display a laudable zeal for missions-while one, lately of their number, now shares in the toils of the missionary field westward of of the Mississippi river. Large additions the past year were not made to any the churches connected with the associations in

PENNSYLVANIA.-A number of them, however, both in the city of Philadel phia and the country round about, as well as those at a greater distance, have worn a pleasant aspect, and realized a gradual increase. Several missionary societies have been formed. Within the limits of the Abington Association, a revival, it is understood, has commenced. But in various sections of the commonwealth missionary aid is pressingly needed. Relative to the associations in

DELAWARE and MARYLAND-but little can be here introduced. Notwithstanding a degree of coldness in religious matters much to be deplored, and that many are to be met with who seldom hear preaching, some things are observable to sustain and animate our hopes. In one of the churches in Baltimore, 46 have been baptised, and in that in Alexandria 58; besides the zeal for missions, foreign and domestic, in these places, in Washington city, and in other portions of country now under review. A survey of

VIRGINIA-awakens emotions at once joyous and painful. Several of the churches in different parts of the state have been richly visited with the showers of divine goodness. Happy and extensive revivals have been witnessed. Much zeal for missions continues to be displayed; and societies for missionary purposes have multiplied. Some sections, however, are but partially supplied with the Similar observations will apply to preaching of the gospel.

THE CAROLINAS and GEORGIA -Although various places exhibit a degree of barrenness which it is mournful to view, considerable ingatherings have gladdened some of the churches; favourable prospects have for a time warmed the hearts of the brethren in others; and a zealous activity and liberality in favour of the missionary cause has been manifested. In the

ALABAMA TERRITORY and STATE OF TENNESSEE-the gospel appears to be gain. ing ground. To the associations in this quarter large additions have not been made. In a few instances the Lord has shed forth a spirit of revival; at Mobile a Sunday school has been originated by the ladies; missionary efforts are increasing; still here is a wide field for faithful labours in the Saviour's service.

KENTUCKY-has been greatly favoured the past year. Powerful and extensive awakenings have been experienced; the number of mission societies has been augmented; and much concern for imparting the blessings of civilization and christianity to the native tribes of the forest, is here discovered. An abundant reward for these evangelical solicitudes, and their attendant liberalities, it is hoped, will be enjoyed in the continued and increasing displays of the divine favour.

OHIO and INDIANA-appear not to have been signalized by any remarkable outpourings of the Holy Spirit, the year past. Some of the servants of the Lord have seen happy times; others have had their hopes raised and expectations excited for a season; but have reason to lament the want of preachers, and the ways of Zion mourn that so few attend the solemnities of divine worship.

ILLINOIS and MISSOURI TERRITORIES-present extensive fields for missionary labours. Churches however have been formed; and there are some, besides

the missionaries under the patronage of the Board, proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ.

MISSISSIPPI and LOUISIANA. The state of things in this quarter is best exhi bited in the communications from the Rev. Mr. Ranaldson, published in this and former numbers of the Luminary. Missionaries are there greatly needed.

By the returns on the minutes as exhibited in the Table of Associations, the number baptised the preceding year must have exceeded 12270; that number is actually returned from 80 associations, while from 50 associations no returns of those baptised have been furnished. The churches are 2682; preachers, 1859; the whole number of members about 190,000.

From this estimate it is obvious that there is far from being a sufficient supply of ministers even for the churches; besides loud and pressing calls from destitute sections of the country. While, therefore, we have much cause for devout thankfulness to the Father of goodness for his manifold mercies, we have also great rea son for deep humility, and fervent supplication that the Lord of the harvest would send forth labourers.

The preceding remarks have reference to the state of religion in our own deno. mination. Others, blessed be God! have, in multiplied instances, been highly favoured with the reviving influences of divine grace. We regret that our limits do not allow us to introduce a more particular and extended survey. We wish to know, and wish our readers to know, as accurately as possible, the state of every religious denomination in our own country, and throughout the world.

THE EDUCATION of pious young men, who in the judgment of the churches, as well as in their own judgment are called of God to the work of the ministry, de serves to be taken into the account in a general view of the state of religion.

The necessity that the preacher of the everlasting gospel should “give attend- · anceto reading," as well as "to exhortation." and to "doctrine;" should “meditate upon these things;" should “give himself wholly to them;”—that he should “ study” in order "to show himself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," agreeably to the solemn and repeated injunctions of Paul to Timothy, is becoming more and more apparent. En. lightened by the scriptures on this subject, the churches feel its importance. In all directions a kindling zeal is producing vigorous exertion.

Our brethren in the eastern states have already made considerable advance. ment. As appears by the minutes of the Boston Association at their last session, they received 765 dollars to assist the funds of the Baptist Education Society. Among the contributors we are happy to notice two Female Education Societies. A dozen or fourteen young men are studying with the Rev. Mr. Chaplin, of Danvers, Mas. In the course of the past season another institution has been originated in that quarter, and located in Maine, the design of which is understood to be both classical and theological, and the prospect of its utility flattering.

Besides the Education Society in the city of New York, one has been formed in the interior of that state, where very considerable zeal appears to exist, with competent means, for the prosecution of this interesting object.

In Virginia and North Carolina something, on an enlarged scale, it should seem, is about to be attempted. Education societies, particularly among the ladies, have already been there established.

Our brethren in South Carolina connected with the Charleston association, have for a long time employed a zealous activity, and given to this business successful operation. The minutes of their last session exhibit receipts from societies, churches, and individuals, to the amount of $635 93 for the Education Fund, besides $928 99 for missions. We notice, too, with particular satisfaction, the donation of $100 by Mrs. Elizabeth M'Nair, towards the Theological Seminary proposed by the Convention, and about to be carried into effect by the Board.

Another education concern, it is understood, has been originated in the same state among the churches belonging to the Savannah River Association. Our friends in Georgia, we are persuaded, will not, with their ample means, refuse themselves the happiness of assisting a cause so obviously important to the interests of religion.

In Mississippi an education society has already been formed, and one in Ohio; nor will we for a moment admit the idea that our worthy brethren in the wealthy and flourishing country between, will suffer others to carry forward these benevolent and useful plans without their assistance. Meantime let all unite in supplicating the blessing of God on every pursuit undertaken for his glory.

POETRY.

For the following communication the publishers are indebted to Miss SALLY GANO of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. who received it from the author, Mrs. HoUGH, when on her voyage from America, twenty days from Calcutta.

"THE other evening I sat reflecting on the past, and my absent friends shared much in my meditations; sadness pervaded my mind, and I almost involuntarily poured forth my soul in song. Possibly the simple effusions of your friend may amuse you, and perhaps a sympathetic feeling will pervade your bosom as you read the following lines

ON MELANCHOLY.

When absent friends invite

The silent tear, the tender sigh;
When Memory throws her light
On scenes of joy passed swiftly by:

Then Melancholy flings

A sombre sadness o'er the mind;
She strikes the tender strings

Of sensibility refined.

She bids the tears to speak,

To tell the latent grief she feels;

Their language is too weak,

'Tis what the deep-fetch'd sigh reveals.

But, Melancholy, why

Hang all thy tender charms o'er me?

I would not always sigh

For worldly joys, which transient be.

Though time and distance join

To part me from the friends I love;
If Jesus is but mine,

'Tis joy which changes cannot move.
Then, Melancholy, go—

Thy power can never bind my soul;
Thou tender nurse of wo,

I yield thee not supreme control."