The following Letter was addressed by two Indian youths now at Hamilton, to Rev. I.[saac] M'Coy, their former instructer, under whose labours, together with his associates, they were brought to an acquaintance with the gospel. We give it as written by themselves with some slight correction in spelling a very few words. It is hoped that these young men, with five others at the same Seminary, will soon go forth to be a blessing to their heathen countrymen.
Hamilton Seminary N.Y., Nov. 9, 1827.Dear Father, Yours has been gratefully and gladly received by us the 7th inst. We were all gratified to hear of you, but a better satisfaction would have been, if you had reached our sights, to shake hands with you. We were somewhat astonished on account of your not coming here, to give us a visit while you were so close by us; however, as the father knows better than the sons, we must acknowledge that you have
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the right to dispose your affairs; we are very much pleased to see your zeal and anxiety for the welfare and prosperity of the poor misfortunate Indians. We think if we are not cheated in our feeling that we sympathize with their condition; we think we have an anticipation of that time when we shall unitedly engage in the great concern of our blessed Redeemer, to endeavour to blow the glad tidings of a dying and risen Saviour who was once despised and rejected by the Scribes, Pharisees, Priests, and Kings; but notwithstanding all this transaction in betraying him into the hands of notorious persons to death, that he is now exalted in heaven at the right hand of his Father to be Prince and Saviour, and to give repentance to those who will confess him to be the advocate or intercessor between God and man,—and as we learn ourselves of the expressions which he uttered, saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” &c. We are very glad also to hear of the family at home; that they are doing well excepting old Mrs. Ash. We feel emotion and sorrow at her state; but we hope that she has a foretaste of that glory and happiness which is reserved for the children of God. On this account we are not so much agitated and concerned; nevertheless we should be happy to hear of her recovery, for we have a hope and expectation that we shall be permitted to see all the fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters in Israel, in our native country, if Providence permit.Dear Father, you seem to have a wish that we might possess strict attention and assiduity in our studies, in order that we may get along as fast as we can, and pay observance to our teachers, and in special manner that we may be devotional, watchful, prayerful, and submissive to Him who is our Maker and Preserver. We hope that we are in conformity to your feeling and wish; but we confess that we have nothing to boast as to giving ourselves in devotedness and consecration to the service of God. We wish therefore that you will not cease to make mention of our names to the mercy-seat; we feel as though we needed the prayers of every saint in order that we may adorn the profession which we have made with well ordered lives and godly conversation; we hope that none of us deems it a task to bow our knees in supplication to God that we may obtain those things which are calculated for the benefit of our souls and be wise unto salvation. With regard to our present concerns in study, we are about as progressive as we ever have been, and that degree you know. We are expecting to be separated in three weeks from this time, to have vacation: for this reason we think we shall be deprived of each other's company; but we hope that we shall again meet to enjoy one another's society, early next spring. All the Indian brethren send their affectionate regards, and their best wishes for your prosperity and success in your present undertaking; and we hope you will write us a letter of exhortation and admonition, as soon as you shall have received these few lines.
As it is getting late in the evening, we must draw to a conclusion in our writing; farewell.
We remain your respectful, affectionate and sincere sons by adoption.
JOHN JONES.
PETER PORGLOIS.===================== [From The American Baptist Magazine, January, 1828, Volume 8, pp. 19-20. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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