cation of that wish. At length, however, the delightful reports that poured in upon us from abroad, in connexion with the prayers of the people of God here, set the ball in motion. At our first meetings this spring, few were present but the old, tried friends of temperance, and some of the converts of last winter. But in a few weeks, a band of men, of good minds and esteemed in the community, (except for their unfortunate thirst for poison,) men whose lovely families had almost despaired of earthly bliss, marched manfully up to the secretary's table, and pledged themselves solemnly before a delighted audience. That was a joyful night to our church and community. The influence of that scene spread like electricity around us. Hope, to which many wives had been almost strangers, was lighted up in their hearts. Week after week, the work went on, until almost every man that had been intemperate, and who has any self-respect left, has joined the happy ranks of the reformed. Our immediate influence has been more directly over the Protestant population; though many Catholics have joined our society. Now, the Catholic priest, aided by the Bishop, at present here, is presenting the cause! before his subjects, and on the Sabbath he expects them in a mass to take the pledge. I am confident that a majority || will do it, and it will be a triumphant day for this frontier, where Alchohol's seat has so long been. The poor Indians around us, many of them yet remain his victims. But temperance shall triumph and they will be free.

An incident.

An incident connected with our court, which was recently in session, will show something of the change in public opinion here. The grand jury imposed a fine upon its members for late attendance. By this means a little sum had accumulated at the close of its sessions. The question then arose, What shall we do with it? Instead of expending it for wine and cigars, one member moved it should be given to the American Bible Society. The motion was seconded, and passed unanimously! The Bible Society was thought of probably, because its agent

in this territory had presented its claims the united congregations in town on the previous Sabbath; on which occasion, about $60 was collected for the cause.

The Indians spreading the Bible.

The Agent was delighted with his visit to the Stockbridge Indians, who subscribed $20 to send the Bible to the destitute. The Oneidas raised $40 for the same object. How much more tolerable it will be, in the day of judgment for these Indians, than for millions in our land, who, though they have the Bible, will not read it, nor send it abroad!

A changed neighborhood.

Last week I returned from a visit of a few days at the Stockbridge Mission. I made an appointment as I passed up, to return and attend a meeting in one of the neighborhoods mentioned above, 15 miles from this place. A great and delightful change has been witnessed in that community since I first visited it twenty months ago. A tavern then was there kept by a gentleman formerly from New-England, of much energy of mind and practical sense; but he called himself an atheist, and in consistency with that belief, he sold spirits in abundance to Americans, French and Indians. His aged father lived not far distant, and his mother was the only professing Christian, except Papists, in the region. A sister of his, however, had been hopefully converted, and united with our church. Soon another sister was apparently renewed and entered into covenant with us. About the same time this landlord's wife and eldest daughter became decided as Christians, and joined the Methodist class. These four christian sisters, with no minister to aid them, assisted by a man of the Brothertown nation, commenced a Sabbath school and regular meetings on the Sabbath, our church furnishing them a small library. This they have continued more than a year, though they have had preaching, I think, only three or four times. Some of the blessed results of their labors, in connection with the prayers of Chris

Your missionary thinks he can truly say, "Thus far the Lord hath led us on," and that his labor has not been in vain in the Lord. The word preached, we have reason to think, has been blessed. To some it has been made the power of God unto salvation, while to many it has been attended very evidently with conviction only; and to a goodly number, for this newly cultivated vineyard, we trust it has been the means of consolation and strength. The congregation has been gradually increasing; and our little house of worship, on some occasions, is becoming too strait for us. This little church has been brought to act in view of its own responsibilities as a church of Christ, and to sustain its own public worship alone, while heretofore it has been connected with two other denominations. But the results of worshipping by ourselves have been happy. Still, we are but a handful 10

VOL. XV.

compared with many of our eastern churches-a few gathered together from different parts of the land. Yet, though a handful, let your missionary say, he doubts not God has cast in hither some of the salt of the earth, some who are willing to labor in his vineyard, some who are willing to bear the heat and burden of the day. May it be their happy privilege always to abound in the work of the Lord, in this rising population, where so much of the future interests of society depend upon its first moulding, and for the aiding of which, the benefactions of your Society so largely contribute. Lord continue to pour into that fountain the rich treasures of his grace, that the wilderness may be made to blossom!

The

From Rev. A. Gaston, Delavan, Wis.

No rum there.

The members of this church are generally regular and prompt in their attendance on public worship, and give good indications of being not only interested but profited by the preaching of the word. They appear amicably united in their endeavors to promote the divine kingdom. There is a perceptible change in the community since the revival of last winter. The inoral state of things is much improved. There is less profanation of the Sabbath, and of the name of God, than had been witnessed for some time. This place and vicinity have never known much of the sin of intemperance. In fact, it is considered a temperance community, almost every individual belonging to the temperance society. The little village of Delavan never contained a rum tavern or store, and there has never been a glass of intoxicating liquor either sold or drank in the place. The people are generally intelligent, and manifest a disposition to hear the truth.

Notwithstanding the favorable circumstances already mentioned, the Congregational church here finds it somewhat difficult to sustain itself. The members are scattered at various distances of 4 to 7 miles. They have but

just commenced their improvements. Houses are to be built, farms put under cultivation, and their own families sustained. All these are to be done with feeble resources, and in some cases without the least capital, except a pair of hardy hands.

Our little church has at times been almost discouraged. I have pointed them to the "Rock of Ages," and cheered them on. Though faint they are still pursuing. Almost to an individual, the members assemble at the monthly church meeting. At every communion season some have united with us.

ILLINOIS.

From Rev. S. G. Wright, Rochester.

Good devised.

Our presbytery have just adopted a plan to promote the spiritual interests of both its members and churches.

Monthly meetings of a portion of the ministers and elders, or other delegates, are to be holden-so arranged as to visit every church within our bounds during the year. The object is-1st, to promote the spiritual efficiency of the ministers and delegates; for, in this new country, we have no opportunity for forming acquaintances, and counselling and stirring up to increased effort, without some such a plan: 2d, to promote the spiritual interests of the people where we meet.

Fruits of neglect—Influence of laymen.

I found at-, a striking illustration of the fact, that "while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares, and went his way." An individual holding infidel sentiments, had formerly been there, and had formed acquaintances, but has since returned to the East. While at he zealously instilled his principles among the youth, and since his departure supplies them with infidel publications. The consequences are deplorable. A little band of hardy skeptics are on the ground, exerting their palsying influence in giving cha racter to that community. And who can fully estimate the consequences?

When shall all the professed followers of Jesus awake to a just sense of the great work that lies before them, and engage in it with a becoming zeal? Then will many a layman leave the loved land of his fathers, bend his course to some infant settlement at the West, where few or none are found to speak of the love of Jesus, and there plant the standard of the Cross, and nobly defend it from the shafts of infidelity, and the more blighting influence of worldliness, until the seed sown shall spring and ripen into a precious harvest. Many feeble churches here are languishing for want of one active layman to go forward and lead in social meetings, and watch over the spiritual interests, in the absence of the minister, who perhaps can visit them but once a month. I know of several places where all that seems wanting is one spiritually minded man, willing and accustomed to bear responsibility. Why do not such men, when they remove to the West, inquire for such places, instead of going where they are hardly needed? And why do try? They are as much needed as the minister, for without them, a great share of his labor is thrown away. If judicious, they will not suffer in pecuniary interest by a removal; and if faithful, their treasure in heaven will be vastly augmented thereby. No one who has not been on the ground, can tell how much such men are worth here. I have no doubt such a man here, could effect more for advancing the Redeemer's kingdom, than a large share of ministers do at the East.

not more such men come to this coun

Something gained.

You have a right to ask, what is the apparent result of my labors here the past year? There has been a change. The church see it, and the community see it. It is true that but few attend worship. But the movements of the church are watched. One year ago, an intelligent man dwelling here, said publicly, that he did not know that there was a church, or religious society of any order, existing in the place. The members of the session were known as