considered as the most savage in these parts, the Officer of the Fort sent some men, armed, to protect us in our route. Saw a band of buffaloes on the plains: though this animal is as large as a Devonshire Ox, and apparently of a very unwieldy and inactive make, yet, in a laboured canter, he has considerable speed: the band fled from us with rapidity. I could not but contemplate the rough picture of life before me, at our evening Encampment. Our guns were suspended on the trees; and, around an immense fire, the men were cooking buffaloe meat on sticks: the Cariole and Sledge Boys were lying around us; and wolves were howling in every direction. Jan. 25, 1821.-The men, who accompanied us from Brandon House as guards, left us this morning; as we were informed that the Band of Indians whom we feared were gone considerably to the north of our track. Saw vast numbers of buffaloes grazing on the plains near us. Soon after it was dark, we were considerably alarmed at our Encampment, in hearing the Indians drumming and danc ing a short distance from us in the woods: we immediately nearly extinguished our fire; and lay down with our guns under our heads, with considerable apprehension that they had seen our fire before we heard them, and would visit us during the night. When an Indian designs an attack, he comes upon you, as has been justly observed, like a Fox, attacks like a Tiger, and flies from you like a Bird. Jan. 26.-What with the melancholy howling of the wolves, and the expectation of a visit from the Indians, I had but little rest. We started a long while before break-of-day, to prevent the Indians seeing us. Thank God, we escaped them altogether; for had they had not done us personal injury, they would probably have been very troublesome, in seizing our guns and the little property which we had with us. As we proceed, we continue to see vast herds of buffaloes. Jan. 27.-We were disturbed, soon after midnight, by the continual barking of the watch-dog; and found that some buffaloes were passing close to our Encampment. Arrived at Beaver Creek, Qu'appelle, about two o'clock. On being informed who I was, some of the Indians, who were trading at the Post, came and stroked me on the head, as a fond Father would do a favourite Boy. Having obtained liquor, in barter, at the Post, there was such a Bacchanalia in the evening as I never witnessed before. Jan. 28, Sunday. The Company's Servants assembled for Divine Worship, at eleven o'clock. Service again in the evening, when I married two Couple and baptized several Children. Addressed about forty persons, on the subjects of Baptism and Marriage. Afterward, an elderly man came to me, and said that he had lived a long while in the country in a bad way, and hoped that I would marry him and baptize his seven children. After the Service, I distributed some Bibles and Testaments, with Tracts, among the people. Jan. 29.-Met again for Divine Worship. Married Three Couple and baptized several Children and Adults, after having publicly and privately told them of the Divine institution, the nature, and the use of Baptism to the Christian. Jan. 30.-Left Qu'appelle, on my return to Red River. Came to an Encampment of Indians, engaged as Hunters by the Hudson's Bay Company. Was received by them with great attention: they made me a bed with their best robe, in their tent, at night. If I had had an Establishment for the reception of Children to educate at Red River, I have no doubt but I could have obtained some from them for this purpose. The more I see of the Indian Character, the less sanguine am I of much impression being made upon them, while wandering from evil to evil in their ignorance; and from the great variety and difficulty of their languages, and the consequent hindrances to obtaining them. But I see a vast field presenting itself, calling for British Liberality, in the most extensive prospect of usefulness in the education of their Children. Jan. 31, 1821. Having an extensive plain to cross, and the snow being drifted, one of the men has been obliged to walk nearly the whole of the day in snow-shoes, to make a track for the dogs. The whole scene around us was animated with vast herds of buffaloes, attended by their enemies the wolves, which follow to attack the weary and the wounded. Feb. 1.-We stopped to breakfast in a creek, where two Indians had just shot a buffalo; and who eat, I perceived, some of the raw parts of the animal. Feb. 2.-The night has been intensely cold. Arrived at Brandon House about two o'clock, Feb. 4, Sunday-The people assembled morning and evening. Distributed Bibles and Testaments, with some Tracts, among them. Feb. 5.-Left Brandon House. Feb. 8.-Started before, day-light. The rising sun, with the magnificent scene of nature opening gradually to my view this morning, was most impressive. The heavens, indeed, declare the glory of God, while day unto day ullereth speech: but the voice of God is not heard among the Heathen; and the Name appears to be known among the Europeans, chiefly to be profaned! Feb. 9.-Though the wind drifted the snow this morning like a thick fog over the plains, we persevered in our journey, and reached the Farm about four o'clock, with grateful thanks to Almighty God for protecting me through a perilous journey of between 500 and 600 miles, drawn by dogs over the snow, through a most wilderness part of North Ame rica. March 12. Left the Farm, in a Cariole, for Pembina, the upper part March 18, Sunday.-Preached to a considerable number of persons, assembled at Fort Daar for Divine Worship. I fear the character of all around me is become deeply degraded. March 19.-Went to the plains, and was surprised to see with what agility the Half-Breeds pursue the buffaloes, and kill them from the bands. March 22.-Returned to the Farin, from Pembina. April 1, Sunday. Married four Couple on Friday last, at the Hudson's Bay Company's Post, where nearly all the English Half-Breeds were assembled. So passionately fond are they of Dancing, that they continued to dance almost incessantly, from about two o'clock on Friday Afternoon till late on Saturday Night. To-day Fort Douglas was almost thronged with them to attend Divine Service. I endeavoured to address them with simplicity and godly sincerity. They were very attentive and orderly; but I fear, from their talking principally the Indian Language, that they did not understand a great deal of my Discourse. April 29, Sunday.-Could not cross the river, from its being still blocked up with ice. Assembled the Company's Servants at the Farm, both morning and afternoon, for Divine Worship. Felt considerably depressed at not seeing some fruit of my Ministry among the Settlers. Though I trust some little outward reformation has taken place, with regard to the Sabbath; yet I see not the least hopeful change from a state of nature to that of grace. My soul is with the Indians, for the introduction of Christianity among them. May 18, 1821. The Red River, being in the centre of British America, appears to me to present a most desirable spot for a Missionary Establishment; from whence, under Divine blessing, Christianity may be extended throughout this vast and hitherto neglected territory. May 20, Sunday.-More than 100 persons assembled at the Fort, this morning, for Divine Worship; and I had all the Children of the. School, about 30, for public examination in the "Chief Truths of the Christian Religion," and "Lewis's Catechism." They gave their answers with much satisfaction to all parties. May 22.-All the Settlers inet, this morning, at Fort Douglas, to consider of a Petition to His Majesty for British Protection, and the appointment of Magistrates. May 25. By the arrival of the boats from Qu'appelle, I received another Indian Boy, about seven years of age, from the circumstance of having noticed him when I stopped with the Indian Hunters in their tents, during my trip to Beaver Creek in the winter. Soon after I left these Indians, the Father of the Boy observed, that, as I stood between the Great Spirit and them, he could refuse me nothing, and would send me his Boy. Just before the boats left the Post, he brought the Boy, and requested that he might be given to me. I am in daily expectation of two more, who are on their way to me from the Sioux Country; and have the promise of some of the Children of the Scoulteaux Chief Pigwis, when I can receive them. I have twelve men employed in building the School-House; and hope, in the course of the month, to have it so far finished as to be able to receive them. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. John West. York Factory, Hudson's Bay, Sept, 6, 1821. I am proceeding in the sanguine hope of forming a Native School-Establishment at Red River; and often view the building with lively interest, as the land-mark of Christianity, in a vast wilderness of Heathenism. I hope to complete it early in Spring for the reception of as many Native Indian Children, as British Benevolence will encourage me to take: they are waiting for admission. In fact, so wide does the field now open before me for cultivation, that I cannot but exclaim, "Funds, Funds! and Fellowlabourers!" Had I these at command, I would tread hard upon the heels of Commerce; and, through the assistance that might be afforded me by the Hudson's Bay Company, I * would seek to establish a School or Schools for the Native Children, even in the Indian Villages near the Rocky Mountains. We have regular communication with that part of the country every Spring; and an Officer has just given me a pleasing and encouraging account of these Indians, as having great respect for White Men, and as living in a way that borders on civilization. Christians, who have the love of Christ in their hearts, will not, cannot, cease from ACTIVE benevolence and earnest prayers for Missionaries, when so many thousands are perishing for lack of knowledge, even in this wild range of country, and where a highway is opened to shew unto them the path of life. The Young Man who came out with me last year, fully answers my expectation; and is going to be married to a pious Young Woman, who will come out in the ship next year, if I am encouraged in the establishment. Right Rev. James Kemp, D.D. Rev. George Boyd, Rev. Samuel J. ART. I. This Institution shall be denominated the "Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States of America.” ART II. It shall be composed of the Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and of the Members of the House of Clerical and Lay Deputies of the General Convention of said Church, for the time being; and of such other persons, as shall contribute, by subscription, three dollars or more, annually to the objects of the Institution, during the continuance of such contributions; and of such as shall contribute at once thirty dollars, which contribution shall constitute them Members for Life. Members who pay fifty dollars, on subscribing, shall be denominated Patrons of the Society. It shall be the privilege of the subscribers, to designate, on their sub scriptions, to which of the objects, Domestic or Foreign, they desire their contributions to be applied. If no specification be made, the Board of Directors may apply them to either, or both, at their discretion. ART. III. The Society shall meet triennially, at the place in which the General Convention shall hold its Session. The time of meeting shall be on the First Day of the Session, at five o'clock, place of the meeting thereof. NINE members of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to constitute a quorum to do business. The meetings of the Board of Directors shall always be opened with using a Form of Prayer to be set forth by the House of Bishops for that purpose, or one or more suitable prayers selected from the Liturgy. ART. VI. At the Annual Meetings, all Missionary Stations, appointments of Missionaries, and appropriations of money, and all by-laws necessary for their own government and for conducting the affairs of the Missions, shall be made; provided, that all appointments of Missionaries shall be with the approbation of the Bishops present. Special Meetings may be called by the President, or by one of the Vice-Presidents, as often as may be necessary to carry into effect the Resolutions adopted at the Annual Meetings of the Board; at which Special Meetings, SEVEN members, including the President or one of the Vice-Presidents, shall be a quorum to transact business. The Board of Directors, whether at their Annual or Special Meetings, may appoint such Committees as may be necessary or useful. ART. VII. There shall be annually appointed a Treasurer and two Members of the Society, who, together, shall be termed Trustees of the permanent fund. The Treasurer shall receive all contributions which shall be made to the Society, and enter them in detail; distinguishing between what may be contributed for Domestic and what for Foreign purposes, if any such distinction should be made; and present a statement of his accounts annually, or oftener, if required, to the Board of Directors. He shall not pay monies unless on an order from the Board, signed by the President; or, in his absence, by the senior VicePresident, who may attend the meeting, when such order is given. Twenty per cent. of all monies which shall be contributed to carry into effect the objects of the Institution, shall be vested by the Trustees, in their own names, as Officers of the Society, in some safe and productive stock, to constitute a permanent fund. The residue of the contributions, with the interest arising from the permanent fund, shall be appropriated to the objects, for which the Society was formed. ART. VIII. The Board of Directors, at their Annual Meetings, shall take such measures as they may deem proper, to establish Auxiliary Societies in any Diocese, with the advice and consent of the Bishop of the sameto secure patronage-and to enlarge the funds of the Institution. The Bishop of every Diocese shall be President of the Auxiliary Societies organized within it. |