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Among the subjects noticed in the Bishop's address to the Convention this year, there was one in regard to which he had for a long time shown a most affectionate and paternal concern, and which it is thought may not be without a degree of interest to the reader.

"It is a subject of congratulation, that our Church has resumed the labours which, for a long period before the revolutionary war, the Society in England for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, directed to the religious instruction of the Indian tribes. Those labours were not wholly unsuccessful; for, on my recent visit to the Oneidas, I saw an aged Mohawk, who, firm in the faith of the Gospel, and adorning his profession by an exemplary life, is indebted, under the Divine blessing, for his Christian principles and hopes to the missionaries of that venerable society. The exertions more recently made for the conversion of the Indian tribes, have not been so successful, partly because not united with efforts to introduce among them those arts of civilization, without which the Gospel can neither be understood nor valued; but principally because religious instruction was conveyed through the imperfect medium of interpreters, by those unacquainted with their dispositions and habits, and in whom they were not disposed to place the same confidence as in those who are connected with them by the powerful ties of language, of manners, and of kindred. The religious instructor of the Oneidas, employed by our Church, enjoys all these advantages. Being of Indian extraction, and acquainted. with their language, dispositions, and customs, and

devoting himself unremittingly to their spiritual and temporal welfare, he enjoys their full confidence; while the education which he has received, has increased his qualifications as their guide in the faith and precepts of the Gospel. Mr. Eleazar Williams, at the earnest request of the Oneida chiefs, was licensed by me, about two years since, as their lay-reader, catechist, and schoolmaster. Educated in a different communion, he connected himself with our Church from conviction, and appears warmly attached to her doctrines, her apostolic ministry, and her worship. Soon after he commenced his labours among the Oneidas, the Pagan party solemnly professed the Christian faith. Mr. Williams repeatedly explained to them, in councils which they held for this purpose, the evidences of the divine origin of Christianity, and its doctrines, institutions, and precepts. He combated their objections, patiently answered their inquiries, and was finally, through the divine blessing, successful in satisfying their doubts. Soon after their conversion, they appropriated, in conjunction with the old Christian party, the proceeds of the sale of some of their lands to the erection of a handsome edifice for divine worship, which will be shortly completed.

"In the work of their spiritual instruction, the Book of Common Prayer, a principal part of which has been translated for their use, proves a powerful auxiliary. Its simple and affecting exhibition of the truths of redemption is calculated to interest their hearts, while it informs their understanding, and its decent and significant rites contribute to fix their VOL. I.

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attention in the exercises of worship. They are particularly gratified with having parts assigned them in the service, and repeat the responses with great propriety and devotion. On my visit to them, several hundred assembled for worship; those who could read were furnished with books; and they uttered the confessions of the liturgy, responded its supplications, and chanted its hymns of praise, with a reverence and fervour which powerfully interested the feelings of those who witnessed the solemnity. They listened to my address to them, interpreted by Mr. Williams, with such solicitous attention; they received the laying on of hands with such grateful humility; and participated of the symbols of their Saviour's love with such tears of penitential devotion, that the impression which the scene made on my mind will never be effaced. Nor was this the excitement of the moment, or the ebullition of enthusiasm. The eighty-nine who were confirmed, had been well instructed by Mr. Williams; and none were permitted to approach the communion, whose lives did not correspond with their Christian profession. The numbers of those who assembled for worship, and partook of the ordinances, would have been greater, but from the absence of many of them at an Indian council at Buffalo.

"I have admitted Mr. Williams as a candidate for orders, on the recommendation of the Standing Committee; and look forward to his increased influence and usefulness, should he be invested with the office of the ministry.

"There is a prospect of his having, some time hence, a powerful auxiliary in a young Indian, the

son of the head warrior of the Onondagas, who was killed at the battle of Chippewa, and who, amiable and pious in his dispositions, and sprightly and vigorous in his intellectual powers, is earnestly desirous of receiving an education to prepare him for the ministry among his countrymen. I trust that means will be devised for accomplishing his wishes. We ought never to forget that the salvation of the Gospel is designed for all the human race; and that the same mercy which applies comfort to our wounded consciences, the same grace which purifies and soothes our corrupt and troubled hearts, and the same hope of immortality which fills us with peace and joy, can exert their benign and celestial influence on the humble Indian."

Shortly after this notice, the chiefs of the Oneidas sent an address to Bishop Hobart, marked by the peculiarities of style belonging to that race, and a child-like and touching simplicity, which was answered by him with a happy accommodation to their customs and taste.

"Right Rev. Father,

"We salute you in the name of the ever-adorable, ever-blessed, and ever-living sovereign Lord of the universe; we acknowledge this great and almighty Being as our Creator, Preserver, and constant Benefactor.

Right Rer. Father,

"We now, with one heart and mind, would express our gratitude and thankfulness to our great and venerable father, for the favour which he has bestowed upon this nation, in sending Brother

Williams among us, to instruct us in the religion of the blessed Jesus. When he first came to us, we hailed him as our friend, our brother, and our guide in spiritual things; and he shall remain in our hearts and minds as long as he shall teach us the ways of the Great Spirit above.

"Right Rev. Father,

"We rejoice to say, that by sending Brother Williams among us, a great light has risen upon us: we see now that the Christian religion is intended for the good of the Indians as well as the white people; we see it, and do feel it, that the religion of the Gospel will make us happy in this and in the world to come. We now profess it outwardly, and we hope, by the grace of God, that some of us have embraced it inwardly. May it ever remain in our hearts, and we be enabled, by the Spirit of the Eternal One, to practise the great duties which it points out to us.

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"Agreeably to your request we have treated our brother with that attention and kindness which you required of us; we have assisted him as far as was in our power, as to his support: but you know well that we are poor ourselves, and we cannot do a great deal. Though our brother has lived very poor since he came among us, yet he is patient, and makes no complaint: we pity him, because we love him as we do ourselves. We wish to do something for his support; but this it is impossible for us to do at present, as we have lately raised between three and four thousand dollars to enable us to build a little chapel.

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