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Letter to Margaret Livingston, wife of Maturin Livingston (1769-1847). Margaret's mother's powerful temptations and "the sugestians of an Enemy she takes for the voice of God." Reflection on the final minutes and death of Julia. Conversions under the ministry of Mr. Remington. Four thousand Choctaw natives have joined "their society." Mention of a love feast.

Letter from one Reverend to the corresponding secretary for the American Home Missionary Society with many edits made directly on it and large portions being crossed out. Reporting that his mission has been prosperous. Notes an “increasing attention to the means of grace.” Describes giving a course of sermons on temperance that were well received, with many renouncing “the use of ardent spirits & their introduction in the social circle has been almost wholly abandoned.” Mentions a man purchasing alcohol to bring to a military meeting, but that no one took him up on his offer to consume any. Reports steady growth of the church, with a few converts and him performing a baptism on an adult and two infants. Describes a settlement of around 70 families in Saline, all of differing faiths. 7 or 8 Presbyterian professors agreed to build a schoolhouse that could also be utilized for worship.

Printed circular sent from the Office of the American Home Missionary Society on behalf of the Executive Committee. The Missionary Society's origins and reliance on the public, summarizing the institution's progress. Comments on the number of "Congregations and Missionary districts" aided, increases in church membership, and the importance of preaching. Mentions the Mississippi Valley as a particular example, on account of its rapid population increase and representation in Congress. "The destinies of the Union will be in their hands. If that portion of the country be not brought under the influence of religion now, it cannot, to human view be done at all. Already the infidel is there,--the Socinian, the Universalist, the Roman Catholic is there. Now or never--is the watchword of all the benevolent Societies in reference to that region." Underscores the necessity of Home Missions, the need for more men to help minister, and the role of auxiliary societies. Grateful for the contribution recently sent. Addressed to H. D. Smith, Sec. Aux[iliar]y Dom[estic] Miss[ionar]y Soc[iet]y, Go[u]verneur, St. Laurence Co., N.Y.

Working on the Constitution and Discipline for the Methodist Protestant church. Accused members, admission of members, and the authority of the preacher. Manuscript postmaster's free frank.

Writing about their negative impressions of [Robert Hervey] Lilly, believing him to have "an unhappy, jealous disposition." "We believed he had talents, a good memory, particular fondness for languages, & hopeful piety, & therefore thought he might be useful in some field of missionary labour. Each of us, however, thought that a connection with us would render us unhappy." Provide examples of his jealous and uncooperative nature, including their dispute over an address to Princeton Theological Seminary professors about establishing a new missionary board. See also R[ufus] Anderson ALS to Archibald Alexander and Samuel Miller, August 17, 1831.

Writing from the Missionary Rooms in Boston. Comments on [Robert Hervey] Lilly and the reasons why he believes him ill-disposed to become a missionary. Brethren at Princeton, likely the Princeton Theological Seminary, including Mr. Thomson, [William Patterson] Alexander, and [George Washington] Boggs, have stated that Lilly is of a jealous nature and they would not be willing to serve with him. "Our late friend, Mr. Evarts [Jeremiah Evarts] used to say, that if a jealous man had actually embarked, & this trait was discovered, he ought not to go." Tried to notify Professors Hodges and [Samuel] Miller. Details how he confronted Lilly on the issue and other steps he has taken to bring Lilly's disposition to the attention of Board leaders, only to be rebuffed. See also W[illia]m P[atterson] Alexander, Geo[rge] W[ashington] Boggs, and W[illia]m A. Thomson, ALS to Rufus Anderson, August 8, 1831.

Grateful for the maternal affection included in her last letter. "We are separated from each other by a long interval of country, by the walls of a visible church, and in some respects by a difference of religious opinions." Comments on his mother's differing religious views, believing her beliefs "closely confined as your situation in society, has unavoidably rendered it within the narrow walls of a but too contracted and illibural sect." Discusses his efforts to move beyond the "narrowing prejudices of early education" to discover religious truths, admitting he has gone "a considerable distance" from the faith he was raised in. Notes his mother's anxieties about his change in religious beliefs, but underscores the similarities that still exist in their spiritual convictions regarding salvation, Jesus Christ, sin and punishment. Intends to edit and publish a bi-monthly pamphlet, "The Southern Pioneer and Gospel Visiters," with Rev. Otis A. Skinner. Asks his mother to contribute pieces for the pamphlet on "some practical, religious subject, some moral tale, or some piece on religious experience." The pamphlet will focus on "the inculcation of practical piety."

Remarks on missing friends, family, and home, and the importance of letters and little remembrances. Believes Hindus have no conscience and are sinful. "There is not a sin mentioned in the black catalogue which Paul has drawn up... which is not illustrated by the Hindoos to a degree of perfection which I did not imagine man capable of this side of the Pit." Recommends [William] Ward's History, Literature and Religion of the Hindoos, and believes it proves the necessity of the Gospel to uplift man. Believes the treatment of women proves the superiority of Christianity. "None but the Christian religion assigns to Women her appropriate place. All other systems of Religion make her a Slave of man." Describes women's work and appearance in India and briefly mentions missionary schools for girls. Comments on Hinduism, the role of Brahamans, and people's celebration of them. "The Hindoo religion... perhaps the most subtle, enslaving & complete system of Priest craft the world ever witnessed." Briefly mentions their missionary work superintending schools, distributing books, and learning languages to aid their proselytization.

Encourages her sister's religious awakening; is glad to hear of the religious revival is Simsbury, [Connecticut].

Referring to the Universalist minister Mr. Rayner from Hartford who had been drinking wine and playing cards. This led to the Universal Society attempting to kick him out, to which he offered $100 of his salary to remain involved. Seeking assistance from Keith because he himself is now under investigation for misconduct as well as Rayner. Universalist meeting was being held to discuss it and lawyers had been consulted. Ends with a note requesting that Keith destroy this letter and not show it to anyone.