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THE

American Baptist iHaga^ine,

AND

Missionary Intelligencer JSTEW SEfllES,

No. 10.

JULY, 1822.

Vol. III.

MEMOIR OF MRS. CAREY.

On Wednesday morning-, the 30th of May, died at Serarapore, Charlotte Emilia, the wife of Dr. Carey, in her sixty-first year, after an illness of about five days, in which her mind was so graciously supported, that death seemed to be disarmed of all its terrors.

Mrs. Carey was born at Rund- bof, in the Duchy of Sles^wick, March 11th, 1761. Her father was the Chevalier de Rumohr, who married the Countess of Alfeldt, the descendant of an ancient fami- ly of (hat name for several centu- ries resident in tliat Dutchy, and which had now no heir male to in- herit the title.

Miss Rumohr was from her child- hood the subject of much bodily affliction, which was increased by the mistaken tenderness of her pa- rents in debarring" her, through her weakness of body, that exercise which might possibly have proved its cure. About the age of fifteen, the accidental burning of their fam- ily house, in which the lives of the whole family were saved by her waking almost suffocated with the smoke, and awaking her mother and the other branches of the fam-

VCL. III. 4^

ily, so affected her health, as to render her incapable of walking up or down a stair-case to the end of her life.

As she advanced in years, Miss Rumohr found her constitution so greatly impaired, that at the earn- est persuasion of her parents, she left her native countr}', and sought that health in the South of France and various parts of Italy which she found it impossible to enjoy at home. In the south of Europe, therefore, she resided some years, till at length her health appearedi so much improved, that she thought she might venture again to return to her native land, fehe had no sooner reached her nati\ e shores, however, than she relapsed into her former state of weakness; and a residence there of a few months convinced her friends that it was vain lor her to hope for the enjoy- ment of health in the north of Eu- rope. Thus debarred the comfort arising from the enjoyment of her fanui'/ connexions, she felt con- strained to look out for some cli- mate better suited to her debiiitat- ed constitution. Among other coun- tries pointed out to her, one of her

362

MEMOIR OF MRS. CaREV.

[July,

friends snaffifested India, as likely Irotn Ihe mildness oHts climate, to a^ree with ber best. She irnme- diatelv made up her niiad to the voyage, intending to settle at Tran- quebar, his Danish Majesty's chief settlement in India : and Mr. An- ker, one of the Directors of the J5anish East India Company, who had been long acquainted with the family, recommended her in a par- ticular manner to the care and kindness of his brother, General Anker, then Governor of Tranqne- bar. That gentleman also, during her stay at Copenhagen, put Pas- cal's Thoughts into her hand, from reading which she received her first genuine religious convictions.

While Tranquebar was her ob- ject, however. Divine Providence who had in reserve for her a bless- ing infinitely superior to bodily health, was pleased so to order things, that she came in a ship l>ound to the Danish settlement of Serarapore, where she arrived ear- ly in the year 1800. Here she was received with great r^}spect by Colonel Bie, the Governor, and the other Danish Gentleman re» siding there, and no opportunity ollering ot" her immediately going to Tranquebar, she made up her mind to settle there. It happened th«t about three months, bet'ore this, Messrs. Marshman, \Vard, Bruns- don and Grant (of whom the last was then dead) had arrived at Ser- ampore fro;n England, and had been persuaded by the good old Governor, to settle at Serampore themselves, and invite their breth- ren c'arey and Fountain to join them, which they did early in Jan- uary, 1800. In these circumstan- ces. Col Bie introduced Miss Rii- mobr to the Mission family, as a la- dy from her retired habits desirous of having intercourse with them, and who, from her ill state of health, would feel happy in that sympathy and assistance to be expected from a family like theirs. This incident uaturaily leu lo^an intercourse be-

tween Miss Rumohr and them, and to her attendance on Divine wor- ship with them as oft as her ill state of health would permit. To enable her to do this, she applied with such diligence to the study of English, that in a lew months she was able both to converse with them, and to understand Divine worship in that language.

Brought thus within a religious circle. Miss. Rumohr began closf ly to reflect on the meaning and im- port ol" those doctrines which con- stantly came before her. She had been accustomed from her child- hood to reaJ the Scriptures; but while she held them in general es- timation, she had admitted into her' mind strong doubts respecting their leading doctrines, particularly those which relate to forgiveness through the death of the Redeemer. This led to much conversation on these subjects with various members of the Mission Family, and to her searching the Scriptures with in- creased diligence. In doing this, she found to her astonishment, that those parts of the Scriptures which she had hitherto almost neglected, particularly Paul's Epistles, were those which most fully developed these doctrines Although brought up in the Lutheran persuasion, she had never realized the importance of those doctrines which shine so prominently in the works of that illustrious Retormer ; but she now plainly saw, that the way of solva- tion laid down in the Sacred Writ- ings, was evidently through faith ill that atonement which Christ had made for sinners ; and that genuine faith and repentance w( re the only means through which sin- ners could become interested in this salvation. Her convictions on this subject were far from being su- perficial; they led her to examine her own state before God, and made her sensible that she needed such a salvation, a.al that the faith which biingelh it, is that alone which works by love and changes

1822.]

MEMOIR. OF MRS. CAREY.

363

the whole heart. In a word, Ihey led her to the Friend of sinners, la whom she tound One able to save to the uttermost.

Her searchin* the Scriptures al- so led her to different views of the ordinance of Baptism, bhe always thought it wrong to baptize infants who could have no knowledge of the ordinance ; but she now clear- ly saw that this ordinance was en- joined by the Saviour on all those who should believe on him to the end of time, and on those alone. Convinced therefore that she had never obeyed this command, she* was baptized June 13ih, 18U2.— The following is the account she then gave of her experience.

June I IrA.t This evening Miss Rumohr came before the church, and gave an account of her experi* ence. Her account was as follows : — I have been the greatest part of my lite a skeptic, but often wished to be convinced of the truths of revelation. For some time past it has pleased God, in his great mer- cy, to bless to my soul the reading of the scriptures, too often neglect- ed by me in many parts of my life,

* It is well known that the female branches of the families of the German Nobility are placed in Chapters endowed for that purpose. Miss R. was in one of these Chapters, which admitted of her en- joying its emoluments without bcin^ obli- ged to reside in it. — When the account of her baptism reached Germany, she re- ceived a letter from the officers of the Chapter, threatening her with the loss of its emoluments nnle«s she chose to sub- scribe to the Confession of Augsburg. She replied by informing them of her real sen- tirhents, and at the sauoe time denying that they had any rie;ht to inquire about her religious sentiments, the Chapters not being religious houses, but mere estnblish- ments for the temporal advantage of tliosc who belonged to them. She informed them that if they pressed the religious test upon her, she would relinquish her right in the Chapter, but that she considered the demand as unjust. It is probable the matter was dropped ; for she enjoyed the emolument till her marriage, by which it was forfeited.

t Periodical Accounts, vol. ii.p 2S0.

— and at other times I found them as a sealed book. I highly prized the morals of scripture ; but its evangelical doctrines did not reach my heart. I felt however a grad- ual conviction continually deepen- ing in ray mind ; the holiness and mercy of God, dis{)layed in the work ol redemption, tilled my heart with love and admiration, and made sin appear truly heinous, and more to be t'eared tiian any thing besides. God also appeared so lovely and glorious, as to till my whole soul. The hrst sin of which I was con- vinced was, the alienation of my heart from God : I felt, with grief and shame, that 1 had lived with- out God. My whole life now ap- peared in the most humbling light ; yet i felt no terror. While seeinof the infinite evil of sin, and all the aggravations of my crimes, 1 felt also the indnite value of that sacri- fice, which is sufficient to atone for the sins of the whole world ; and was led to hope that God would not have awakened my heart, if he had not graciously intended to have mercy upon me and perform his own work in me. I humbly hope for pardon and acceptance through the atonement of our dear Saviour, having no other hope. Every day and every moment af- ford me new proofs of the evil of my heart, and render him more necessary and precious to me. I experience daily that without him 1 can do nothing. My most ardent wish is to cleave to him and to walk in his ways; and my continu- al wandering from him and his commands, fills me n itii grief and shame, and siiews me how much { need continually to pray. Create itt me a clean hcurt^ O God ; cind re- new a right spirit xinidiin me /"

In May, J 808, Miss Rumohr was married to Dr. Carey, which brought her into closer coi^iexion with the Alission Family ai Seram- pore, and gave them an opportuni- ty of more fully witnessing her Christian walk and coqversation.

304

MEMOIR OF MRS. CAREY.

[Jul,,

This connexion God was gracious- ly pleased to continue tiiirteen years, alliiou^h the precarious stale of her health at its com- mencement, seemed almost to for- bid the hope of its continuing a single year. And although she was at no time able to take an active part in doinestic coucern:*, her love to the cause of God and her esteem for the various members of the family were sufficiently manifested. Immediately afier her marriage, the house she had previously built for her own residence, she gave to the Brethren of the Mission, that they might constantly apply the rent of it to the support oi native preachers. Towards the native converts she manifested a spirit of Christian alft^ction, rejoicing in their godly walk, and encouraging them by conversing with them in their own language as she had op- portunity, which language she had acquired chiefly with this view.--' In whatever related to the exten. sion of the gospel, she constantly manifested a deep and lively inter- est. Whatever seemed encourag- ing relative to it, filled her with pleasure ; and she mourned the occurrence of any thing vvhich threatened to retard its progress, in Schools she felt a peculiar inter- est; and though little can as yet be done in Female Education, that little she endeavoured to encour- age to the utmost. Hence when her daughter-in-ldw, Mrs. William Carey, had an opportunity at Cut- wa of raising and superintending a school for Native Girls, she imme- diately took the expense of that school on herself.

As her weak habit of body con- fined her much to the house, she devoted a large portion of her leis- ure to the reading of the Scrip- tures and of works on practical re- ligion. Among these she much de- lighted in Saurin, Da Moulin, and other French Protestant writers. She admired Massillon's language, bis deep knowledge of the human

heart, and his intrepidity in reprov ing sin ; but felt the greatest dis- satisfaction with bis total neglect of the Saviour, except when he is introduced to afive efficacy to hu- man works of merit. These au- thors she read in their native lan- guage, that being more familiar to iier than English.

She in general enjoyed much of the consolations of religion. Though so much afflicted, a pleasing cheer- fulness generally pervaded her con- versation. She indeed possessed great activity of mind. She was constantly out with the dawn of the morning when the weather permitted, in her little carriage drawn by one bearer; and again in the evening, as soon as the sun was sufficiently low. She thus spent nearly three hours daily in tbe open air. It was probably this vigorous and regular course which, as the means, carried her beyond the age of thret -vcore years (twenty one of them spent in India) notwith- standing the weakness of her con- stitution.

About three weeks before her death, her sight, which had enab- led her hitherto to read the small- est print without glasses, failed at once without any previous indispo- sition, and was afterwards restored only in a partial degree. This seemed to indicate the approaching dissolution of her mortal frame, and as such she appeared to regard it. She, however, still continued her morning and evening airings. But on the 25th, as she was returning in the evening within a few hun- dred yards of her own house, she was seized with a kind of fit which deprived her of perception. From this spasm she recovered in about an hour ; but her perception and memory were evidently impaired, of which, however, she seemed scarely at all conscious. About five in the afternoon of the next day, as she was sitting and convers- ing cheerfully with her husband, she experienced another convur-*

4352.]

MEMOIR OF MKS. CAREV.

36S

give attack, but recovered in about the same time as before. On Lord's day, the 27lh, she had no attack, and seemed so well as to give hopes of her recovery But on Monday she had rive attacks in about fifteen hours. Of tnese, however, while she suffered little pain in them, she retained no subsequent recollec- tion ; but they evidently left her memory and perception more and more impaired. During Monday night she had two more attacks, and one on Tuesday morning". This was followed by an ardent fever, whicii continued till her de- cease, between twelve and one on Wednesday morning.

On the Lord's day and Monday she appeared quite sensible that this was the breakmg up of her earthly tabernacle; but to her hus- band, who conversed with her on the probable issue, she strongly ex- pressed her willingness to depart and to be with Christ, and intimat- ed that for her death had no ter- rors. In this serene and happy state she continued, sensation grad- ually lessening without apparent pain, till it appeared wholly to de- part, which It did some hours be- fore her release from the body. She was interred on Wednesday evening in the Mission burying ground at Serampore. Beside her own and the Mission family, the Rev. Messrs. Hough, Bardwell, E. Carey, Yates, and Priessrs. Penney and Pearce attended her funeral. The pall on this occasion was sup- ported by Major Wickedie, Dr. Marshman, the Rev. Mr. Hough, R. Williams, Esq. Mr. J, C. Marsh- man, and Mr. Sarkies, a neighbour- ing Armenian gentleman. At the grave Dr. Marshman gave out that hymn of Watts's, Why do wo mourn departing friends?" and ad- dressed the spectators; and the Rev. Mr. Hough concluded in prayer. On Wednesday evening, the loth instant. Dr. Marshman preached the funeral sermon from 2 Cor. V. 1. "For we know that if our earthly h©use of this tabernacle be

dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," selected by Dr. Carey for the occasion. Most of the members of the Danish Government attended, with other gentlemen of Serampore, to testify their respect for her memory.

During the thirteen years of her union with Dr. Carey, they enjoy- ed the most entire oneness of mind, never bavins: a single circumstsnfe which either of them wished to conceal from the other. Her so- licitude for her husband's health and comfort was unceaj^ing. They prayed and conversed together on those things which Ibrm the life of personal religion, without the least reserve : and enjoyf d a degree of conjugal happiness while thus con- tinued to each other, which can only arise from a union of mind grounded on real religion. On the whole, her lot in India was al- together a scene of mercy. Here she was found of the Saviour, grad- ually ripened for glory, and after havmg her life prolonged beyond the expectation of herself and all who knew her, she was released from this mortal state almost with- out the consciousness of pain, and as we most assuredly believe, had an abundant entrance ministered unto her into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We concliule this bvief memoir, by adflinp the followiii)^ lelter, written by the Rev. I)r. Cai t- y, to a friend in England, immediately after the decease of his excellent wife.

Serampore, June 14, 1321.

I AM now called in divine Provi- dence to be a mourner again, hav- ing lately experienced the greatest domestic loss that a man can sns- tain. My dear wife was removed from me by death on Wednesday morning, May 30, about twenty minutes after midnight. She was about two months above sixty years old. We had been married tfiir-^ teen years and three weeks, during ail which season, I believe, we had as great a share of conjugal happi- ness as ever was enjoye<l by mor- tals. She was eminently piou^.

THE MINlSTEr/S WIFE POURTRAYED.

and lived very near to God. The Bible was her daily delight; and next to God, slie lived only lor rne. Her solicitude for my happiness was incessant, and so certainly could -she at all times interpret my looics, that any attempt to conceal anxiety or distress ot' mind would have heen in vain. Nothing-, however, but tenderrjess for each other's feel- inj^s, could induce either of us for a minute to attempt a concealment of any Unn^. It was her constant habit to compare every verse she read in the various German, French, Italian, and English versions, and never to pass by a difficulty till it was cleared up. In this respect she was of eminent use to me, m the translation of the word of G-oJ. She was full of comi)3S^ion for the poor and needy ; and until her death, supported several blind and lame persons by a monthly allow- ance. I consider them as a prec- ious legacy bequeathed to me. She entered most heartily into all the concerns of the mi^-ion, and into the support of scbooU, pai ticularly

those for female native children, and had looar supported one at Cut- wa of that kind. My loss is irrep- arable, but still I dare not but per- fectly acquiesce in the divine will. So m my merciful circumstances at- tend this very heavy affliction as still yield me sup>port beyond any thmg- I ever felt in other trials. (I.) I have no domestic strife to reflect on, and add bitterness to affliction. (2 ) She was ready to depart. She had long- lived on the bonlers of the heavenly land, and I think late- ly became rnore and more heaven ly in her thoughts and conversa tion. (3.) She suffered no long or painful alfliction. (4.) She was re- moved before me, a thing for which we had frequently expressed our wishes to each other; for though I am sure my brethren and my chil- dren would have done the utmost in their power to alleviate her af- fliction if she had survived me, yet no one, nor all united, could have supplied the place of a husband. I have met with much sympathy in my affliction.

3SitliQmis CommumcationS^

THE MINISTER'S WIFE

POURTRAYED, IN A LETTER TO A FRIEJVD.

My tear Sarah,

As you are about to become the wife of a Chrislian Minister, and wish m9 to, point out to you the nature of those duties which will devolve upon yo\i, and also the re- quisite qualilicalions for a proper discharge of them, I will en-leavour to comply with your request so far as I am able ; and wherein I am deficient, may the Holy Spirit be your teacher and guide.

The station to which you are invited, is at once honourable, im« portantj and respo.nsiblr, U is Jwn-

ourahle^ to be the companion, the friend, the counsellor of a servant of Christ. — It is important^ because it affords many favourable opportu* nilies of i]'yino; good to the household of faith, and of benefiting society in general, so far as the sphere of ac- tion extends. — It is also responsible, because an account must be ren- dered to God of the manner in which its various duties have been dis- charged. To enter upon it, then, with thoughtless indifference, would certainly be highly culpable. I rejoice, however, that yon are

1822.]

not disnoset] to act so inconsider* ately, an(i trust you have sought di- vine direction beforfi you requested the opinion of a fellow creature, — As a wife, and especially a mini?- ter'j! wife, it will be }our dtity to j>lace confidence in your husband ; and, like a true daughter of Sarah, to pay respectful fU^erence to his judiiment, and an affectionate atten- tion to his personal connf M t. You will be expected to sympatliize with liim in his sorrows, encourage him under hi-s various trials, counsel him in his difficulties, and to assist him in his labours of active benevo- lence.

It will he your province also to ^uide the affairs of his household, to govern his servants, and to manage and instruct his children.

St. Paul, in addressing Timothy, clearly describes what every Chris- tian bishop or minister ought to be; and though he is silent as to the conduct of their wives, yet we are not to infer that he considered it a matter of no importance, because he immediately afterwards enjoins that the wives of deacons should be grave, not slanderous ; feober, faith- ful in all thinifs; from which we may fairly gather his opinion as to. ihe former.

If in Apostolic days such qualifi- cations were necessary for the pro- per discharge of the relative duties of a station so important, surely they are not less so in ours ; for, however consistent a minister's own deport- ment may be, and however desirous he may feel to rule his house well, and to have his children in proper subjection, it will be not only difB- cuit but almost impossible to effect it, except he possess in his wit'e a help meet who is careful to demean herself according to the character which her husband sustains ; aware that much of his happiness as a man and as a Ciiristian, much of his respectability, and even his success as a minister, will greatly depend upon her character and conduct.

Personal religion then, ranks fore-

said

most in the list of essentials to con- stitute you a good wife; for whatev- er are your endowments, natural or acquired — whatever yowr parent- age, pro[)erty or prospect- — if you are a stran2:er to this life-giving, soul-transforming principl*^, you are ari unsnilabie wife for the man who ministers in holy things.

Without vital religion you wouW have DO relish for the peculiar pri- vileges of your station — the society of the people of God — the frequent return of religious services : your afRnity to one whose work, whose lite, and whose conversation arc holy, instead of atfording pleasuie and satistaclion, would be uninter- esting and tiresome to your mind.

The painlul conilicts vvith which the mind of a minister is often exer- cised, renders the affectionate sym- pathy of his wife peculiarly neces- sary ; but how could you enter into feelings, and encourage him under trials, to wiiich your oivn mind was a stranger.

Your own trials also will pcrhap* be numerous; a large family, a slen- der income, a delicaie constitutiou ; and bow uofit would you be to bear all those in a becoming man- ner without that wisdom which Com- eth from above ; without the aid of that Spirit, who alone can cause tri- bulations to work patience, patience experience, and experience hope.

It is also desirable that the uife of a minister be not a novice in di- vine things ; she should be a child of God, but not an infant, it is her duty to instruct the ignorant; like her husband, she should be the counsellor, the friend, the comfort- er of the people, particularly of her own sex; but how can this be, except she be a proficient in the school of Christ herself?

A young Christian too, is io great danger of being puffed up with a vain conceit of her attainments, without sufficient knowlf'dge of her own heart to be aware of its deceil- fulness; consequently, such an one would not be hkely to exhibit the.

XiiE wjnisteh's Wife foviitrateu.

368

THE MINISTER'S WIFE P'OURTftAYED.

Christian character in its loveliness, as a pattern worthy the imitation of others.

It has often been remarked, tliat ministers are more frequently un- suitably married than oilier Chri??- tians. I was once in company when the mistakes of good men in this important matter were the subject ©f conversation. 1 recollect several supposed reasons were assigned. — One thought deception in the female character was the cause, and said,

A young lady, desirous of chang- ing" her condition, will sometimes put on the semblance of piety, pro- fess to be greatly benefited by the ministry of him whose affections she wishes to engage, and until she has gained her object, wil! wear a tem- per and disposition foreign to her own ; but that once secured, she re- lapses into herself again, reveals her native character, and the de- ceived husband who courted a Ra- chel. finds to his lasting discomlbrt that he has married a Leahy

Another person thought "that a minister aware of ihe uncertainty of pecuniary support from nis people, is likely to consider a tortune with his wit'e essential to his comfort, and is consequently in danger of making money the principal object of pur- suit. Having found that^ he is con- tent to hope the rat^ and if indeed he cannot at present find ground for hope, he is still willing to believe that God wil! honour him as the in- strument of her conversion, and that it will be his privilege to form her Christian character "

A third said ''That too easily at- tracted by a pleasing exterior, by showy accomplishments, or mental endowments, a minister may not always be sufficiently solicitous to ascertain the vitality of religion in the heart of the object whom he se- lects as the companion of his life."

One would hope that all these opinions are erroneous ; but should there exist a few cases which ap- pear to confirm them, it is most earnestlv to be wished that those

ladies would refute the charge, and justify the choice of their husbands by exhibiting before their families, in the church, and to the world, such a line of conduct as shall at least put to silence all gainsayers, and pernaps constrain them to ac- knowledge they wa ked worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called.

Prudence is also an indispensa- ble qualification in the wife of a minister; witnout it even religion itseir', as exhibited in her coniiuct, would appear unlovely ; and though there might be many otlier excel- lent trans in her character, yet wiih- our this regulating, harmor>izing, finishing grace, ail the rest would perhaps prove worse than useless. Let it then be your concern, my friend, to possess it: for wisdom d'jitUs with prudence^''* and it will teach you the art ofself governmtnt.

Every Christian female, howev- er amiable and placid her natural temj/ermay be, will often feel cause to mourn over the rising of sinful propensities ; and in the chequer- ed path of matnmonial life, many thmgs will occur to stir up the la- tent seeds of discontent, e^vy, im- patience, peevishness, and a varie- ty ufother evils ; but prudence will enable you to check them, and to command your spirit ; this is do small attainment, for greater is that conquereih her spirit than he that taketh a city.

It will also govern the tongue, that little but unruly member, by which 80 much mischief is done in the church and in the world. It is mat- ter of deep regret that the tongues of females, of females professing godliness, should ever be employed in the odious work of detraction, in sowing the seeds of discord, in uttering cruel sarcasms, and thus invidiously injuring the reputation and wounding the feelings of those whose principal crime perhaps is superior excellence ; or if not, whose infirmities or faults ought to be cov- ered with a mantle of love, and

EDUCATION OF MINISTERS.

369

co.inealo.cl from public observ>ation, rather than presented to the view fhrou'^h t}ie magnify ing power of a spleenrul Ifios.

If the iudiilgence of this habit be improper in Christian females in general, it would be stiil more ab- horrent if fonnd in the wife of a minister; hence the necc^ssity of your possessing that prudence which will enable you to govern the tongue^ for it will dictate when to speak as well as what to say ; it will cause you to order your own conversa- tion aright, and by your influence in some measure to regulate that of your acquaintances; at least, under its government, you will not fail to cast the frown of disapprobation on the invidi(X3S defamer, and thus shame the slanderer into silence.

Prudence will also govern the conduct. It will repress what is wrong, and urge to the performance of every good work, it will cause your domestic concerns to be ma- naged with economy, regularity and comfort, In your furniture, your table, and your dress, it will lead you to choose vvhat is useful and suitable, rather than what is expen- sive and fashionable. Indeed it will be so interwoven in allyourarrange- ments, and seen in your conduct, that the heart of your husband will safely trust in you, assured that you ^'will do him good, and not evil, all the days of his life."

A mind well stored with useful knowledge is a very desirable quali- fication ; because you will be the companion of one, whose pursuits and whose pleasures are principal- ly intellectual.

You will be called to associate with respectable and intelligent so- ciety ; and in the event of your be- coming a parent, you should be the instructress and friend, as well as the nurse, of your children. The maternal character is a very impor- tant one ; to discharge its various duties aright, requires no ordinary measure of wisdom, prudence, and skill, especially as the children of

VOL HT. 47

ministers are frequently, and some- times necessarily, left principally to the management of their mother during their early years.— If eve- ry mother were a Mrs. Watts, a Mrs. Doddridge, or a Mrs. Cecil, how incalculable would be the blessing to the rising generation !

'I'hLS, however, is rather a sub- ject for after consideration ; but I name it to shew the propriety of possessing suitable endowments for the station which you expect to occupy.

1 once heard a gentleman say of bis deceased wife, that she was equally qiiaiified for the business of the kitchen, the nursery, the sick- room and the parlour ; and was alike at home in the cottage of the peas- ant, and in .the drawing-room of the merchant. A minister's wife so en- dowed must be a treasure to the man who possesses her, and a bles- sing to the circle in which she moves.

That you may thus enrich your husband and benefit society, is the earnest prayer of my dear Sarah's Affectionate FRIE^D.

For the American Bap, Maff. F>DOCATION OF UIlNlSTErxS. Rev. Sirs,

I HAVE observed with pleasure, that our denominatioa in thi-^ coun- try generally begin to be sensible of the importance of having for their spiritual teachers, able men," as well as *■ such as fear God and that some of them do not stop here, but begin to act as well as to think upon the subject. Though deeply impressed with the truth, that a Paul may plant, and an Apoilos water" in vain, unless "God give the increase," they are also sensible that the wise Dis- por:''T of all things is pleased to ef- fect his gracious purposes by the usf cf means ; and that it is not the less thftir duty to cultivate the soil and to «ow the sert^, because, after

370

EDUCATION OT MfWfSTERS.

they have done all in their power, they cannot prodace a crop They are, therefore, I find, endeavouring to as^is^ those, who are looking to the sacred ministry, to get such an education as shall enable thf^m to secure the attention, and to com- mand the respect of their auditors, and rightly to divide the word of truth."

These inceptive exertions augur well ; but they are far from being general, or proportionate to the ends to be accomplished.

The Apostle, when enamerating the qualilications of a Christian miniiiter, says, he ''•must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach." As knowledge is niore generally diffused through the world at the present, than at any former period, and as our own country may boast her share of intelligent Citizens, our public teachers ought to be proportionably more learned, in order to obtain that "gooiJ report of them which are wHhout," and to secure that public confidence, which are necestsary to their suc- cess.

The people must believe that their religious instructors are hon- es^t and sincere, and, furthermore, that they are capable of instructing others, capable of expounding the scriptures, and of defending the doctrines which they preach, or they will not lend the listening ear, will not confide in their instructions. One who thinks it his duty to be- come a minister of the gospel, and who wishes to be like Apollos, ^* an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures." must give himself to study and serious meditation. *'The gift of tongues," which was confer- red by inamediate inspiration on the primitive teachers of Christianity, and which was designed, like the other miracles, to convince an idol- atrous world that this religion was from heaven, is now to be acquir- ed only by industry and persever- ing research. That the man

of God may be perlect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," that he may be able to explain those transient and obscure allu- sions to the customs of the age or the circumstances of time and place, which are often found in the sacred writings, that he may be qualified to elucidate difficu't passages, and to harmonize such as are apparently contradictory, he must have a good knowledge of the geography and profane history of the eastern world. He must be particularly acquainted with the topography of Judea or Palestine, and with the customs and manners of the Roman and Jewish nations. But these studies cannot be pursued, this knowledge cannot be acquired, without leisure, and the m%ans of subsisteBCe. Few of those, who are called to proclaim " the glad tidings" of salvation, aie what are called the " noble" of the earth. Few of them are in circumstances that enable them to obtain such knowledge as they consider desira- ble aud requisite. Under a deep sense of the responsibility of the ministerial office, they have many gloomy hours, and suffer many an anxious thought respecting their duty and their qualifications for the work. They exclaim with the learned Apostie, Who is sufficient for these things? Unless the hand of Christian charity is extended to their assistance, many relinquish the sacred vocation in d^^spair of preparing themselves for it; and, as for the rest who pertevere and eventually engage in it, their sphere of uselulness is much cir- cumscribed.

JVow it should be a matter of serious inquiry with Christians, whether they have done or are do- ing all that they ought to do, for the instruclion of those pious youth, who are destined to fill our pulpits, and upon whose labours the future prosperity of the church must in a considerable degree depend. While we are contributing to vario«5

1822.] REPORT OF THE BAPTIST MTfiSlONART SO.CIETY OF MASS. 371

charitable Societies, whose objects are, to meliorate tjie coDditioM, and to enlighten the qilpds of cmr feljlow-beings, have we improved ail the opportunities which we have for doing good ? Have we adopted the most efl'ectual measures for raising up men, who may stem the torrent of skepticism and libertine principles, which threaten to sweep away all the foundations of reveal- ed religioq, and to carry us back to a state of Pagan darkness?

We do not suppose that every pious youth who receives the ad- vantages of a good education, will make a Fuller, a Carey, a Marsh- man, or a Hall. This is not nec- essary. But to produce a continu- ed succession of a few such men, we must extend these advantages to many.

In aiding suitable young men to

prepare for the sacred ministry, our brethren in England have set us an example worthy of imitation. They have already produced many bright aad shining lights, that will shed their lustre on distant ages of the Ch'irch, and will shine as stars of the lirst magnitude in a superior world. If we should be the hum- ble instruments of making any one a more able defender of the '-faith which was once delivered to the saints," or of bringing into the pub- lic service of our divino Master any faithful servant, who might otherwise have remained in obscu- rity, nothing will hereafter afford us more sincere gratiticalion, noth- ing perhaps, which we can do, will tend more to the advancement of the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom ■

Yours, &C. OBSERVATOR,

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF MASSACHUSETTS, May 29, 1822.

It is now twenty years since this Society held its first meeting for the choice of its officers, and the transaction of other business con- nected with the objects for which it was established. And though several highly respected ministers of Christ, who took an active part on that occasion, have long ago en« tered into rest; yet there are a few spared, who remember with feelings of lively interest, the cir* cumstances which attended its or- ganization. They were permitted the honour of bestowing on this In- stitution, in its infancy, their fos- tering care ; and have observed its growth from year to year, until it has arrived at a state of maturity which gives them peculiar pleas- ure. Indeed, none of us can have a correct knowledge of the rise and progress of this Society, with- out feelings of gratitude for its past success, and confident expectation of its fixture prosperity. We have

abundant reason to thank God, and take courage ; to continue the work which our venerable predecessors commenced ; and to persevere in well doing, seeing, that in due time we shall reap if we faint not.

That the Society may understand how their funds have been appro- priated ; what missionaries have been employed; and what fields of labour they have occupied; the Trustees would lay before them the following

REPORT.

Rev. Henry Hale has fulfilled a missionary appointment of three months, which had been given him previous to the last annual meet- ing. Most of this time was occu- pied in the province of New-Bruns- wick. After mentioning several to^vns which he had visited, he r€» marks; ''This week I spent on fSchoodick river, preaching lectures in different places. Having passeid

372

REPORT OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETV

[July,

the sabbath in the town of St. An- drews, I rode to Maorguadavick river, where I spent four Lord's days. The settlemf?r.t on this riv- er is about nine miles in length, and the inhabitants quite numer- ous. Thr-re is a snriall Biptist churcli iiere. 1 found them very low in rehgion, and the people ex- tremely wicked. 1 trust 1 felt more than a common concern for Iheir i?pjritual welfare. I visited and preached frequently in difler- ent parts of the settlement. I soon discovered some special attention to religion. Christians manifest- ed greater zeal for the cause of Christ, and several who had before been entirely thoughtless, appear- ed to be under deep concern for their souls. While I tarried with Ihem, the attention to divine things seemed gradually to increase. Be- tore 1 left them, one young man gave satisfactory evidence that he had found the Pearl of great price." On his return, Mr. Hale visited and preached in several towns in the State of Maine, wliere his labours were kindly received ; and it is hoped, attended with a blessing.

The Trustees have to record with gratitude, the success which has accompanied the missionary exertions of their taithful brother, ]\jr. Isaac Kimball. At their meet- ing last May, they gave him an ap- pointmeut for six months. A few extracts from his letters will be sufficient to shew that he has not laboured in vain. He observes, " I'ruly I may say, goodness and mercy have followed me ail my days. Since I saw you, I have witnessed many delightful and ani- mating scenes, and have, I think, reason to bless Cfod that I was sent by Him, and the Society to Clare- mcnt. I have spent my time most- ly in that place. I have, liowever, occasionally vijited and preached in Charlestown and Unity. I have also spent two Lord's days in Plain- tie Id. and have had the happiness

to see that church beginning to revive. I endeavoured to excite the brethren to put forth their eil forts to gather a society ; and have since heard they were doing so with very good success. But my labours for the last three months have been principally con- tined to Ciaremont. After the constitution of the church there, the work of the Lord gradually ia- creased,and filled many a heart with joy and gladness. 1 attended meet- ings in different parts of the town almost every evening, except to- wards the latter part of the time, when, on account of my ill health, I was obliged to relax in my exertions, Satan did not, hotvever, allow the subjects of his empire to renounce his service without a struggle. Mr. Kimball states, that the irre- ligious part of the community man- ifested a virulence and malignity in their opposition which he had nev- er before witnessed. Threats were incessant, insomuch that some of the brethren were concerned for my personal safety. In repeat- ed instances, our'opposers fastened and nailed up the school houses where we held our meetings; and in some cases, came into the meetings contradicting and blas- pheming ; and once they so dis- turbed the service, that we retired from the school house to a private habitation. But they followed us, and were expelled from the house by muscuiar strength. Still the glorious work went on and spread from heart to heart, and from house to house. I have, since the for- mation of this church, which then consisted of seventeen members, baptized sixteen, and several have been added by letter. But 'a small part of the hopeful converts have yet professed religion. The num- ber of those who have hopefully passed from death unto life is about sixty. Various have been the ways in which God has been pleased to call up the attention of sinners in this place. The preaching of l^e

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word, private conversation, and the administration of baptism, have been means which God has blessed. The good work is still going- on, and it was with great reluctance, I left the place at this interesting season."

In a subsequent letter, he adds,

I have spent ten weeks in Clare- mont. As the state of that infant church seemed to require particu- lar attention, I spent my sabbaths mostly with them, so that they were left destitute but once. I have usually held a third meeting in Charlestovvn, Unity, or Cornish. Besides the above towns, I preach- ed in Newport, Windsor, Weath- ersfield, Springfield, and Chester, in Vermont.

In this tour, I have preached fif- ty times, besides attending confer- ence meetings. I baptized thirteen persons in Claremont, who were added to that ciiurch, increasing their number to more than fifty. There are a considerable number more whom we hope to see come forward before lung to declare what God has done for their souls. In Unity the cause is rising. Two persons have been added to the church the summer past by bap- tism, making their addition eight since I first went there."

In a communication, dated De- cember 26, 1821, which brings Mr. Kimball's journal to a close, he says, 1 have spent the time chief- ly in the same region I did before. 1 have ridden in the prosecution of my duties previous to my leaving the missionary field, between live hundred and six hundred mites ; preached eighty times; and attend- ed many other r^li^ious meetings, I have administered the Lord's Supper three times ; and the ordi- nance of baptism to seven persons. In Claremont, the m.>st fruitful spot in my missionary field, things still vvfiar an encouraging aspect. The brethren continue their meet- ings regularly, whether they have preaching or not, in a commodious

Hall which they have obtained in the centre of the town. On the 26tli of September, I had the hap- piness of witnessing the acceptance of that infant church, formed with seventeen members a few months ago, into tiie Woodstock Baptist Association, consisting of fit'ty-five members. Three have been since added to that number. On No- vember 14, I had the satisfaction to assist in the formation of a Fe- male Benevolent Society, whose object is, to aid with money and clothing, or other necessary arti- cles, the education of pious young men for the ministry, missionary exertions, and Indian schools," In Charlestown, after long and anx- iously watching the prospects of a revival, we have at length been permitted to witness something of the work of the Lord, and the tri- umphs of his grace. The number of hopeful converts is twelve or fourteen

The church in Unity appears to be gradually rising. I drafted a constitution, and assisted in the formation of a Female Benevo- lent Society," similar in its objects to the one in Claremont. On both occasions I preached, shewing the necessity and utility of such pious benefactions.

Bradford has experienced a re- vival of religion ; in which about thirty souls have been hopefully converted to God, Such as had correct views of gospel doctrine and church order, I encouraged to become embodied as a church. And on the 1 Ith day of December, a church was regularly organized, consisting of eight males, and sev- en females; all heads of families except one, and all in the prime of life.

In Hillsborough is an infant church, formed with sixteen mem-^ beis, August 31, 1820. The Lord has been graciously pleased to grant them bis continued smiles, and they have increased to fifty- one, containing an unusual propof-^

374

aEPORT OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY

[Jnljr,

tion of brethren, apparently re- spectable both for talents and prop- erty. On my return to this place, I spent four days with them, in- clading one sabbath. Besides the above places, I have, as fornierly, made short ilineraiing excursions into other towns, and have preach- ed in Netvport, Sutton, Fisherfield, New-London and Washington, and in t!vo or three neighbourmg towns in Vermont.

Rev. Gideon Cook, nominated to us by the New-Hampshire Missiona- ry Society, has fulfilled a mission of three months. His labours were chiefly confined to Strafford coun- ty, New-Hampshire. The towns of VVolfborough, Ossipee, Tupton- borougti, Milton, and Eaton, were favoured with his ministrations. In Eaton he assisted in the consti- tution of a church ; but being una- ble to support a minisier, they beg the assistance of this Board. In "VVolfborough, Mr. Cook was in- strumental in forming a Female Society for pious and benevolent purposes. During this tour he preached sixty limrs ; visited and conversed from house to house ; and received thirty-three dollars in donations and subscription^^. This worthy missionary informs us,

there are not iess thai twelve towns in that region, which are destitute of the gospel, and many who had not heard a sermon for nine years. Their cry is, come over and help us.*" We do not wonder he should add, " May you think on their situation, and the Lord give you wisdom."

Rev. Jesse Coburn has furnished us with an account of eleven weeks service performed in the western parts of Windsor, Washington, and Orange counties, Vermont. His labours, especially in the township of Roxbury, seem to have been blessed. In one section of this township, the pious people had not heard a sermon from a Baptist preacher for fifteen months. He ^ays, he found a number ©f sisters

praying the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers into his har- vest. None can conceive the grat- itude they manifested to God for his goodness to them. Within a few weeks the work of God has com- menced in this neighbourhood, and several persons have been hopeful- ly converted. Our Missionary brother had the satisfaction of bap- tizing fifteen persons on a profes- sion of their faith. He remarks, '* the Lord is truly visiting tiie wil- derness and solitary places, and making the desert to blossom as the rose. If ever I enjoyed the divine presence, it has been on this mission. Although I have been fa- tigued in body, yet I have felt wil- ling to spend and be spent in the service of my Redeemer."

Mr. Coburn ^preached in eight towns, and found them in a very destitute condition. And such he observes is the deplorable situation of that portion of country to the extent of forty miles square.

Rev. John Ide has been employ- ed as our missionary for three months. He preached in the towns of Jay, Westfield, Pollon, Troy, Newport, and Derby, Vermont. In Jay he was induced to spend four sabbaths, as there appeared to be a solemn sense of the importance of religion on the minds of the peo- ple. Before he had finished his mission, he baptized ten persons ; six others also gave evidence of pi- ety. Besides the above mention- ed towns, he says, I have visited Irasburg, Sutton, Burton, Brown* ington, and Salem. In the last mentioned town a seriousness is visible, and there are one or two instances of conversion."

By another communication from Mr. Ide, we are favoured with aa additional account of his labours. At Newark he advised a few pious but feeble people, to establish meetings on the sabbath, and also weekly conferences. They con- sented, and have attended these meetings regularly since. At a

1822.]

OF MASSACHUSETTS.

37o

place ten miles south of Newark, he assisted in the formation of a small church, consisting of seven men and one woman. Others were expected to unite, but the severity of the weather prevented them from coming together.

In a number of instances, where he preached, there is reason to hope that the messages which he delivered, were not in word only, but in demonstration of the Spirit and with power. It is very evi- dent from his statements, that the people are perishing for lack of knowledge. They have no one to warn them of their danger, or point them to the Lamb of God, who tak- eth away the sin of the world. To the south of Coventry, he says,

there is only one preacher with- in eighteen miles — to the east there is only one within forty — to the west there is not a preacher near- er than ttiirtj'-six miles — and to the north there are only two ministers between this and unknown lands. Surely a people thus silting in darkness, and famishing for the bread of life, should share largely in our sympathies ; and we ought to consider ourselves under weigh- ty obligations to iend them the everiastmg gospel. At Montgom- ery, where they had calculated to contribute to the missionary funds, but were disappointed; the whole congregation expressed their tiianks to this Society, by rising up. They had no money to spare, but they shewed they were not insensible to the great kindness of the Soci- ety in sending them a minister of Christ. In this mission, Mr. Ide travelled five hundred and fifty miles; preached seventy-five ser- mons; attended four church meet- ings, and three conferences ; as- sisted in organizing one church ; and also administered the Lord's Supj)er, and Christian baptism.

In this place, the Board would introduce a letter which was en- closed in the journal of Mr. Ide, and signed by a number of pioas

females. It describes so feelingly the spiritual wants of that section of our country, and expresses such a warm glow of gratitude to their more highly favoured sisters who assist in supporting the missiona- ries of the cross, that we think it cannot be read without interest. It is addressed to the "Female Mis- sionary, Mite, and Cent Societies of Massachusetts."

" BELOVED SISTERS,

We reside in our smoky log cot- tages, surrounded on all side« by an almost impenetrable wilderness, where, until within a few months, the blessed name of Jesus was nev- er proclaimed, nor the celestial sound of the gospel ever heard. We know but little of the great and momentous transactions which are transpiring in the more popu^ lous and refined parts of our coun- try ; but we have preciou* and im- mortal souls, which we trust, have recently been redeemed by the efficacious blood of the Lamb. Our hearts were sensibly affected, when we learned by elder Ide, that our female friends in various parts of our land were contributing of their substance, to send the glad tidings of salvation into owr needy and dark setllenaents. We would offer our most elevated expressions of grati- tude to God, who has disposed the hearts of bis children to cast io their mites to send the news of peace to unthinking mortals. And, dear sisteis, we would hereby pre- sent our unfeigned thanks to you, for uniting your endeavours to fa- vour us with the word of life. In- deed, the language of this feeble tribute is too languid to express those sensations of gratitude with which our minds are impressed. Perhaps, were it not for }our gen- erosity, as the means by which God has vouchsafed to send his gospel among us; we should now have been covered with the shades of nioral darkness, and s|.orfing thoughtlessly upon the brink of ruin.

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REPORT OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY

We shall evpr cherish the rempm- brance of your benevolence with the liveliest affection. May we be allowed to hope, that the Lord will protect and preserve us from sur- rounding temptations, and at last receive us mto the assembly of his saints in heaven, there to enjoy eternal, undiminished and unchange- able blessedness." Jay, Orleans Co. Vt. J/iril 12, 1822.

From Rev. Emory Oserood, the Board have received an account of three months missionary service The labours of this servant of Christ appear to have been attended with happy effects. At Richland, Os- wego County, New-York, he was instrumental of turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. After having repeated- ly visited them during the lapse of one or two years, he had the pleas- ure of seeing twenty-nine ppr^ons, who had first given themselves to the Lord; give themselves to each other to walk together in church c-ovenant. Mr. Osgood also con- tributed to the formation of an in- fant church in the town of Orleans. In the discharge of his duties as a missionary, he preached one hun- dred discourses; baptized eleven persons; and frequently attended meetings for conference. At the close of his letter he gives an in- teresting account of the wonderful displays of divine grace in that re- gion, but as it is not immediately connected with his missionary la- bours, it will be more proper to in- sert it in our Magazine, detached from his journal.

Rev. Asa Averill has itinerated three months in the counties of Jefferson and St. Lawrence, N. Y. An extract from his letter to the Boaid, will give you some idea of the manner in which he performed his appointment, and the difficulties which a missionary is called to en- counter. He remarks, " owing to the new and very bad roads, I have aot been able to embrace so large

a tract of country in my labours as I could have wished. I have, how- ever, visited and preached in most of the destitute settlements a few times. My labours have been chiefly confined to a tract of country, called *•* Fenitt Square," and in the north part of Brown- ville, an extent of country about eighteen miles long, and twelve wide, containing about 550 fami- lies; but no minister of orthodox sentiments is among them. I thoug-ht it my duty, he observes, to circumscribe myself within the above mentioned limits. I. Be- cause in such places as this, much good cannot be done, but by re- peated and persevering efforts; and not by preaching in public exclu- sively, but in their houses, and by their firesides. 2. Because by continumg among them I was ena- bled to make arrangements for de- fraying a part of the expense of my mission I flatter myself that my labours among this people have not been altogether in vain ; though the way may only be paved for more and extensive usefulness. I think such a foundation is laid, as shall-, by the blessing of the God of mis- sions, be productive of lasting goo<\ to this people, should the Board be pleased to continue me in their service, and give me liberty to la- bour among them. I have a fa- vourable prospect of originating several Societies, auxiliary to the Board; and expect to be able to set up several sabbath schools as soon as the roads are good, as the people have generally fallen in with these plans. During the time I have been employed by the Board, I have preached sixty-seven times ; attended twenty-nine other meet- ings for religious worship ; baptiz- ed three persons; adminij^tered the Lord's Supper twice ; and assisted in constituting a church in the town of Rossie, in the county of St. Law- rence, consisting of twenty-one members.

Rev. Peter P. Roots has fulfilled

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a missionary appointment of three months, which he received from this Board. He has spent most of his time on this mission in the conn- ties of Tompkins, Tioga, and Broome, N.Y. In Dryden, a town in which he has freqnenlly preach- ed, he says, a considerable number have entertained a hope in Christ; and some of them have lately been baptized. He appears to have been faithful and laborious in per- forming his duties as a missionary ; and it is hoped that his exertions were blessed.

Rev. Thomas Baker has made returns of ten weeks service, un- der the patronage of this Board. In several instances, there is reason to conclude that his preaching was a means of conversion to some who heard him. At the close of one discourse which he delivered, a person went home in great distress ; the next sabbath his convictions were more pungent ; and in the night he was so much alarmed un- der a sense of sin, that he cried aloud, "Lord Jesus, have mercy on me a sinner this awoke his family, who came around him to inquire what was the matter, he iold them he was apprehensive he should be lost. He continued his cry for mercy until day light, when he found peace in the* Lord Jesus Christ. I thought, said he, when describing his experience to Mr. Baker, that morality wa^» the way to obtain religion, and thought many times I had almost obtained it, but your sermon stript mp of it all. 1 had done nothing. He gives great ev- idence of a change of heart. Con- ferences have since been establish- ed in that neighbourhood, and there are hopeful appearances that a work of grace has commenced. Mr. Baker writes, I rode about seventeen miles to a village, called Springville, and preached, on tlie sabbath. A very profane man came to hear me. After meeting 1 went to his house and found an ar- row had reached his heart. A

VOL. III. 4B

short time after I called on him again, and found him on a sick bed, but a happy man. Said he, Kl- der, your sermon was like as a fire, and a hammer that breaketh tiie flint in pieces. 1 had no peace for several days; but in my distress Christ appeared for me the chief of sinners." He has since died in the triumphs of faith.

Some of the statements which this missionary brother makes, con- cerning the errors which prevail in that region ; the abuse of the Lord's day ; and the impious manner in which ungodly persons have made a mockery of the solemn ordinance of the Supper, are too shocking to be introduced into this Report, but they are sufficient to convince ns of the deep and thorough depravi- ty of human nature; and to excite ns to renewed exertions in sending that gospel to the destitute, which will teach them that denying un- godliness, and worldly lusts, they should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world.

Before we pass from the exten- sive missionary field which the State of New- York presents, we shall notice the labours of brother Amos Chase, who has spent twelve weeks under the direction of your Board. In a letter addressed to the Secretary, he says, I have spent the principal part of my time in the counties of Steuben and Al\; legany. I wa"? also on the east edge of Cataragus county, and in a few- towns in Ontario and Monroe coun- ties. I have rode about seven hun- dred miles ; preached eighty-nine times ; baptized eight persons ; and have also assisted in settling diffi- culties in three churches. The ground over which I have travel- led is peculiarly destitute of reg- ular preachers of the gospel. At Canhocton there is a Baptist church and no preacher^ — at Dansvilie there is a Baptist church and no preacher — at Almon there is a Bap- tist church and no preacher — af Kenedea there is a Baptist church

378

REPORT OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY

and no preacher— in PouKney there are two Baptist churches and no preachers. There are many bap- tist members scattered through tfns country, who hail a missionary wilh delir^ht, and express much gratitude to your Society.""

Rev. Edward Davenport writes,

Agreeably to my appointment from the Baptist Missionary Socie- ty of Massachusettss, I travelled to the State of Pennsylvania. 1 form ed a circuit of eighty-tive miles in the counties of Potter and McKeen, and preached in that region fifteen we^KS. Within that time it snow- ed more or less for thirty-dve days in succession. I cannot describe the muddy roads, and the hard travelling. But the females would walk from one to five miles with torches and lanterns, that they might hear the gospel. God has wrought great things in this wil- dv'iness. When I first ome here, there was no regard manifested for the Lord's day. But now there is a church of 36 members, thirty three having been added by bap- tism, and three by letter. I have, on tins journey, baptized nine per sons. The work of grace began in the centre of Potter county, where I had laboured until now in vain. I cannot describe the thanks they return to God, and the Mis- sionary Society, for sending the gospel to ttiem. These young con- verts meet every Lord's day for religious worship. When I visit ed them this fall, I was astonished at their growth in the knowledge of the holy scriptures."

The Trustees have received a letter si^•ned in behalf of the ciiurch and inhabitants of McKeen county; expressing the most heart felt grat- itude to this Society for their kind- ness; supplicating your aid in fu- ture; and bearing the most honor- able testimony to the piety and zeal of elder Davenport.

Rev. Benjamin Oviatt has been sii^jpported as a missionary twenty '.veeks by the funds of this Society.

On receiving his credentials, he travelled to Belfonte, in Center county. Pa Here he remarks, I found a few baptists who were very desiroas to hear preaching. There was not a baptist minister within thirty miles of the place. I spent about ten days in preaching and visiting ; and have reason to hope the Lord has a people whom he will bring out in due time. Mis- sionary labours are much needed in this region " At Miflin, Mr. Oviatt preached in the Presbyteri- an meeting house ; and after the sermon, baptized three persons in the presence of a large and solemn assembly ; he then returned to the house and administered the Lord's Supper. At Springfield the ap- pearances of usefulness were very encouraging. The fourth sermon he delivered in this place, was to a large and solemn assembly. The people were bathed in tears, and unwilling to go away. Some were crying, and saying, what shall I do to be saved." He says, "I conversed and prayed with them. Truly it was a solemn time. I spent several days preaching and visiting among them. I found some that had experit'nced religion — a time was appointed to baptize them — a large assembly collected after sermon, and we walked half a mile to the water, where the ordinance of baptism was administered to four persons. Many appeared to be pricked in the heart, saying, what shall 1 do to be saved? It was tru- ly as solemn a |ime as ever I wit- nessed on such an occa'^ion." Af- ter labouring in many other places with success, Mr. Oviatt returned to Springfield, where he baptized two candidates, and assisted in the organization of an infant Church. Twelve persons had been recently baptized, and nine expected to unite with them by letter. After the church had been constituted, they went five miles, where he preached and broke bread to them, ready to depart on the morrow.

1822.]

OF MASSACHUSETTS.

This he remarks, " was truly aa

affecliog scene as my eyes ever be- held, borne had been lately trans- lated out of darkness into marvel- lous light, and had not as yet been baptized. Others were weighed down under a sense of sin ; and wringing their hands, they said, do not leave us yet ; how can we part with you? But 1 was under the necessity of bidding them aJieu. It was not, however, without pray- ing to God that he would appear in their behalf, and open the way that I might return to them again."

At a meeting of the Trustees in September last, a communication was laid before them from the *• United Society tor the spread of the gospel," earnestly requesting that a mi.«sionar}' might be sent to the State of Illinois. This request was accompanied by a representa- tion of the state of things in that region, which cannot but affect ev- ery pious heart. In the letter al- luded to, we are informed, that *' there are extensive settlements in Illinois extremely destitute. The military tract north-west of the Il- linois river; the range of country on the opposite side, embracing the rapidly increasing settlements of Maccoupen, Apple Creek, and Dia- m^ond Grove ; with the extensive settlements of the Sangamon, call loudly, "Come over and help us." In Maccoupen and Sangamon are Baptist churches recently constitut- ed, but they are quite remote from ministerial supplies. The military tract, it is believed, was never vis- ited but by one minister, Rev. Mr. Welch, though its population ex- tends through a vast extent of coun- try. It will be understood, that over these settlements many bap- tist professors are dispersed ; many of w^om might be collected into churches. If there is a portion of the United States that needs mis- sionary labour, it is the fieKI of Mis- souri and Illinois." The Board ielt the appeal of their distant brelh- reo, and were uaanimous in their

views, that this was impoi tant mis- sionary ground.

In a sub:<equent letter, the ''Union Society*' recommended the Kev. John M Peck, as a missionary de- serving the contiJence and su[)port of the Board. As some of the Trustees are personally acquainted with Mr. Peck, and all are saii^fied with the ampl? tesitimonials to iiis character as a Christian and a min- i-^ter ; they have given him an ap* pointment for one year, to lab^>ur in the States of Mis.soun and illinois.

Besides the missionaries of whose labours we have given a brief sketch, the following ministers have also received appointments for the respective periods affixed to their names.

m. -at.

Rev. Hezekiah Pelitt 2 —

Samuel Churchill 9 — Thomas Conant 1 £

Joshua Bradley 2 —

William Throop 3 —

Aaron Leland 3 —

Alden Brown 6 —

Squire Abbot 3 —

Job Seamans 3 —

Solomon Goodal^ S — William Bentley 6 —

Oliver Altord 3 —

Jesse Hariwell 3 —

Henry Kendall 3 —

Amos Chase 3 —

Some of the individuals who have received missionary appointments have not been able to accept of them ; and others, from whom we have not received any particular information, are now, wc trust, pro- claiming to the inhabitants of the wilderness the good liews of salva- tion by Jesus Christ.

Agreeably lo a vote of this Soci- ety at a meeting called for tlie spe- cial purpose, t.vo of the Trustees petitioned the Legislature of tliis Commonwealth, that the Act in- corporating this Society might be continued in force to an indefinite period; and that its powers to hold property might be enlarged. Tii9

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MISSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

[July,

Trustees are happy in saying that both thesa requests were readily granted. The section of the Act which limited the continuation of this Society to fifteen years, has been repealed ; and that part ot it which authorised the Society to hold real and per>;onal estate not exceeding Uventy-Ii?e thousand dol- lars, has been so far altered and a- mended, " as to allow said corpo- ration to receive and hold real and personal estate to the amount of fif- ty thousand dollars; the annual in- come of wnich !*hail be applied agreeably to the provisions of the said Act." It is hnped that a knowl- edife of these circumstances will erj' our.ige pious and wealthy per- S"a« to maive donations, and be- queath legacies, which shall enable t;^e Society to enlarge the sphere of its operations, and confer more subs'ian:ial benefits on the poor in- habitants of the wilderness.

li may be proper to inform the Society, that 600 dollars are now ready to be paid into Ihe Treasury, as piofils from the AmGricaii iiap^ tist Magazine, for the year past. This, with previous sums, makrs 2')00 doliars. which have been re- ceived as the I'ruit of this work since the commencement of the New S^rifs. From a deep con- Yictiou of the utility and importance

of a periodical publication conduct- ed on the principles of the Ameri- can Baptist Magazine, the Board respectfully and earnestly desire, that their ministering brethren, and also private Christians would use their influence in giving it a wi» der circulation.

In bringing their " Report" to a close, the Board have great satis- faction in believing, that their en- deavours to promote the interests of this Society have not been in vain. They can scarcely recollect a year in which greater success has seemed to attend the labours of their missionaries. It is confident- \y hoped, that in the journals of these faithful men, the members and patrons of this Society will find much to encourage them in their career of holy benevolence.

Let us. Christian brethren, ofi*er up our daily supplications to God, *^ till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." And let us shew the sincerity of our supplicaiions, by adding the fruits of Christian liberality, until

the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose."

In behalf of the Trustees,

DANIEL SHARP, Sec'ry.

fS^imomxv 3Inte!Iiffcnce-

AMERICAN BAPTIST FOREIGjY MISSIOX

LETTER FRO-tt RF.V. JAMES COLMAN TO BEV. MR, SHARP, DATED

Chittagongf August 16, H21. *

Rer. and dear Sir,

Since my last, permission has been obtained from the judge of Chittagong, to erect a builidiog at Cox's Bazar. The materials are now collecting, and it will, I think,

be finished by the first of January. Whenever it is ready, I sliail feel much satisfaction in rfimov'og^rom this place, and in mingling again with those who understand my lan- guage. Had there not been a number of important objects to gain, my stay here would have been quite intolerable. But the license

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381

from the Supreme government, anil ihe permission to erect a house at the largest, aud most central A(- rakanese town in the British terri- t vries, effectually secure every ad- vantage wliich could, at the pres- ent time, be reasoabiy expected.

Cox's Bazdr is well cal'julated for a missionary station. It con- tains at least thirty thousand in- habitants,^ attd 4s only forty miles from the river Gnat, which divides the E.iglish from the Burman do- minions. Standmg on one of the high hills back of the town, you perceive a weii cultivated country, and pleasant villages rising in al- most every direction. These pre- sent an inviting 6eld for occasional labour ; while the vast numbers that are daily resorting to Cox's Bazar on business from vaiious parts of Arrakan, will afford excel- lent opportunities of sending to that country tracts and portions of the scripture.

It is also an important circum- stance, that the place which will, I hope, contain the second establish- ment of the American Baptists in the east, is subject to a tolerant government. There will be no re- straint on missionary efforts. Eve- ry prudent attempt to evangelize the heathen can be made without the least fear of offending the ru- lers of the country; and those who are converted will meet with no persecution, excepting (hat which arises from private malevolence and hatred.

To a station combining so many advantages, the way has, through divine goodness, been effectually opened. The removal of various obstacles, which, for a number of months, impeded exertion, and the favourable disposition manifested by the government towards my ob- ject, are striking iudicalions (hat the Lord approves the undertak- ing. He has iiitherto prospered it beyond my most sanguine expecta- tions. To his name be everlasting praise.

Let me entreat your advice as it respects future operations ; and in your prayers to Gud, do not forget the infant cause among the Arra- kanese.

I remain, very affectionately, and respectfully yours,

J. CObMAN.

By a letter which we have seen from Mrs. Judson to her sister in Bradford, (Mass.) dated December 3 1, the day before she sailed for England, she makes the following communication :

" 1 have received eight letters from Mr. Judson since 1 left Ran- goon ; he is well, and daily expect- ing the arrival of Dr. and Mrs. Price, (we have heard of their safe arrival.) Mr. and Mrs. Hough, with their two children, sailed for Ran- goon yesterday, (December 30,) so that my anxieties on his account are considerably abated, as he will not now be alone as I feared. Thirteen Burmans have been bap- tized ; but the present prospects are rather gloomy, on account of the persecuting spirit manifested by the government. The Lord reigns ! this is all our hope. He can remove obstacles apparently insurmountable."

ENGLISH BAPTIST MISSION. CALCUTTA.

RXTRACT FROM THE THinn AWNDA^ REPORT OF THE CALCUTTA AUXILIARY BAPTIST SOCIETY.

Preaching to the Natives, The preaching of the gospel being in- stituted-by the great Head cC the church, as the principal means of reclaiming men to God, your Com- mittee, from the formation of the Society, have directed their views to this department of missionary la- bour, as the most important to which its resources can be applied. The composition and distribution of religious tracts, the education of

3i^S. MISaiONARY INTELLIOENCE.

the rising generation, and the dif- fusion of general knowledge, must be regaided as valuable auxiliaries in preparing men for the reception of divme truth; but the devout mind will always regard the public annunciation of the gospel accord- ing 10 divine appointment, as the most indubitable means of awaken- ing the heathen to a deep concern for their eternal welfare, and bring- ing them to a saving knowledge of

the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent." Its re- sults, however, may not be so im- mediately nor so extensively visi- ble, as the Christian philanthropist may have anticipated. In a coun- try like this, where falsehood and superstition have held the minds of men in such absolute subjection, that all sense of moral ob igation «eems obliterated ; and where the rery existence of a Supreme Be- ing seems only admitted, with a Tiew of associating him so intimate- ly with moral evil, as totally to de- stroy human accountability; the servants of God may have to labour much, and to wait long, before they are permitted to witness the tri- umphs of the gospel. Your Com- mittee, however, are not disposed to view the deplorable state of the heathen world, and this part of it in particular, as supplying any mo- tive why exertions should be re- laxed ; but would con.-<ider it as af- fording a more urgent reason, why such exertions should be persever- ed in with greater intenseness, and with a more undivided reliance up- on the promise of divine assistance, with which Christ accompanied his command to go into all the world, and preach the gospel td every creature — Lo, / am with you al- ways^ even unto the end of the worlds

In the course of the last year, the attention of the natives to the word of God has been equally en- couraging as in former years.

In the Molunga place of wor- ship, where service is conducted in Bengalee four limes a week, the

attendance has been equal to what has been witnessed in any preced- ing year; and within these three or four months past, a more lively attention has been evinced than has been before noticed. Some have warmly contendedagainst the claims of Christianity as a divine revela- tion, and have seemed to come with no other object in view ; but many others have discovered an atten- tion highly promising.

It may be gratifying to the friends of the bociely to know, that very recently an individual residing at no great distance from this place, has made himself known to the mis- sionaries, as an earnest inquirer af- ter salvation ; and by the conver- sations they have hitherto had with him, there appears every indica- tion of sincerity, and humble solic- itude to come to a knowledge of the truth. He professes to have been under religious concern these two or three years past — to have read parts of the New Testament — and to have been in the habit of attending the preaching of the gos- pel in the Molunga chapel from the time of its first erection. Should this man's inquiries terminate in a cordial reception of the gospel, it may be considered as an appeal to the followers of Christ, to contin- ue in their efforts to make known the truths of salvation, although the results of their benevolent ex- ertions may remain for a long time concealed.

The Collungah chapel, where worship in Bengalee and Hindoost'- hanee has been conducted twice a week, having been found inconven- iently large for the congregation generally collected, and being very much out of repair, the Committee lately resolved to take it down, and erect it afresh on a smaller and neater scale. It is expected to be completed within a month, when worship will again be held in it, chiefly in the Hindoost'hanee lan- guage.

In the native chapel in Bow^Ba-

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363

zaf, worship IS held every Tiies- day^ \V'6dnesday, and Saturday mornings, and on the afternoons of the Sabbath day. As the congre- gation at this place has always been large, and a spirit frequently evinc- ed for discussion, it has been thought expedient to extend the morning services to a much longer period, to give a fair opportunity to enter more largely into the various top- ics connected with the gospel, or which arise out of the different ob- jections that may be urged against them by the heathen.

The chapel in the Moonshee Ba- zar, built at the expense of a pious female servant, was found to be too distant from the road to command a tolerable congregation. After a sufficient trial therefore, she has requested it may be removed, and ground obtained for its erection in a more populous neighbourhood ; she cheerfully engaging to contrib- ute to the expense. The zeal of this woman, who, in her poverty, has manifested so deep a concern for the salvation of the heathen, cannot be too highly commended ; and it is sincerely hoped, her ex- ample may be imitated in similar attempts at usefulness, by those in more affluent circumstances.

Your Committee, in reporting to you the circtimstances connected with native preaching in Calcutta, cannot pass over in silence the ob- ligations the Society are under to Mr. Carapeit Aratoon, for the high- ly important and gratuitous assist- ance rendered by him in this de- partment of labour. Though call- ed to arduous exertions for the support of his family, he cheerful- ly devotes the earlier part of two or three mornings in every week to join the missionary addresses in the Bengalee language.

DIXAGEPORE.

LETTER VROM MR. FERWASDEZ TO MR. SUTTON, AT MOORSH EDARAD, RE- ClilVKD BY THE LATTER IN JULY LAST.

"I THA.NK you for your letter of

the 19th ultimo, which osme to hand on the 26th, and has afforded me strength and encouaagement ; the Lord is certainly blessing hi« own cause in the world more or less. Though the blessing he ban bestowed upon Bengal has not been so copious as in some other places, yet we have cause for thankfulness for what he has already done, and we have great reason to hope, that the work he has so graciously com- menced, he will surely carry on to the end. Let this hope therefore, coustiain us to use every effort m our power to promote the enlarge- ment of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, idolatry is evidently tottering and fast falling to the ground, it is so at least in this dis- trict. A great part of the people do not appear so superstitioui as they formerly were, they seem lo manifest great indifference towards their idols. One of them a few years ago sold a whole cluster of Seeb's temples, about ten or twelve in number, with their idds, consist- ing of two pieces of black stone in each, to Mr. Home. Of these stones, which were the objects of their worship, Mr, Home has made paint-grinding stones. This indif- ference has been frequently observ- ed by others who still retain some veneration for them. There are some large temples built by the former Rajahs and dedicated lo their favourite idols, which are now in a decayed state, and some already fallen to the ground, and the pres- ent Rajah never troubles himself to repair these or build new ones. The establishment allowed by the former and late Rajah for the ex- penses of these temples amounted annually, to about twenty-five thou- sand Roopees, but is now reduced to a few huiulreds only, and this too is annually diminisiiing, Thu«, as Dagon fell before the ark of the Lord, shall idolatry fall before ihe gospel. On Lord's-da)-, the 1:7th ultimo, nineteen persons were b.ip- tized in the Tanjan river at ^:dda- mahl, and there are fourteen can-

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MISSSIONARY INTELLIGENCE.

[July,

didates, the greater part of whom I hope will sooQ follow. I have now seventy-two members, men and women, of whom sixty-six are in full communion. The Christian population now with me amounts to one hundred and sixty-seven per- sons, including- children. These people were but a few years since in gross darkness, bowing them- selves to the dumb idols, but are now brouffht into the light of the knowledge of the only true and liv- ing God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

KINGSTON.

COMMUNICATION FROM MR. COUL- TART, PAT£0 I>£CEMB£R 20, 1821.

" In the five years of the mis- sion here, about one thousand per- sons have been added to the church. Some have reached " the city of habitation,'^ and some few, it is to be feared, have taken up the form of godliness without the power. In these two last years nearly five hundred have been added, and we have been very particular ; but it would be too much to say, that none have deceived our hopes. They, I may say with safety, have deceived us ; I hope we have not deceived them into a good opinion of themselves by hoping too much, or being sanguine beyond what was reasonable. If our additions are large, you will see that our be- reavements are great too. We have lost six or seven per week, somtirnes nine in this last season of sickness, and many of these per- sons have been the most eminent among us for piety. 1 have felt much in attending the death bed-^ of some of these, but most have died so suddenly that I heard not of their sickness. A Guinea negro, whose experience we lately heard, ob- served respecting himjself, that from the time he came from the Guinea

Coast, " him no able to take word, if any one offend him, me take knife, me take tick, me no satisfy till me drink hjm blood — now me able to take twenty word; — len me tief, me drmk, ebery bad tiner me do. Somebody say, me must pray — me say no, what xv>q pray for? rum be:*t pray for me — give me someting good for eat, dat bet- ter dan pray." What made you change your mind then?" Massa, me go to church one Sunday, an me hear massa parson say, Jesus Christ came and him blood for tinner. Ah, someting say, you heara dat? him pill him blood! Ah ! so ! den me the tinner, me de tief, me de drunkard! Mim pill him blood for Guinea niger ! On, oh ! Jesus die for poo niger before him know him !" — thinking, as seems quite natural to them, that Jesus becomes acquainted with them just then, because he is just then telling them all they have done.

We have an old member, who is now growing very feeble, and obli* ged to walk with a stick, and who has a long way to walk every Sab- bath, for she never misses her church unless "eick lake her," as she expresses it. She met me a few days ago, and took me by the hand, saying, " You tell me true, massa — you gie me plenty physic — it quite trong — but it do me good!" 1 could not remember any thing to which her assertions would apply, until she said, " You no know ? uder day you say. Any body come late to God's house, you fear him dropping off fe Jesus Christ, him heart growing cold — for true, me massa, me feel a little cold that day, an me too late, but you no see it so again."

Another of our female friends came thirty miles the other morn- ing, to tell me of her recovery from sickness, that I might unite with her in praising God. She gave me a long account of the means used for her recovery, which she imag-

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. 385

ine'l God had revoaled to her in a dream. 1 said, ^' Mary, take care, God is very gfood, but yon nnust not think too much about dreams ; for Satan sometimes puts on white clothes." Yes, massa, (she re- plied,) me knoTv ; but me no heed so much what me feel, as what dat me feel make me do " She added, " When me hear any body peak, me say, Well, me see what you do; and me watch quite close — for it no hard ting- to peak Christian, but but it quite hard to maintain the Christian.''^

Our monthly prayer meeting* is well attended, althous"h we are obliged to meet before the sun goes

down, to avoid the penalty. I am sure that some of the prayers of- fered up by these sons of Canaan, would deeply affect your hearts could you hear them. One said in hi^ prayer last monthly meeting, with great fervour, " Lord, save we poo black sinner! break up all de dibbleN work him done in me heart, and save poo African and me poo Guinea niger from dat place where no sun shine, where no tar twinkle.'''' It is some encourage- ment to hear these poor things pray, and we do hope prayer will prevail against sin, and that this desert will in answer thereto, be watered and become very fruitful.

3^iC!igii)us: intelligence*

REVIVAL OF RELIGIOK

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. £. OStiOOO, DATED

Henderson^ N. Y. Feb. 18, 1832. Rev. and dear brother,

i SHALL now proceed to give some account of the precious work of grace in this region. It has been a time of treading down in this country. The churches in this as- sociation have experienced for about four years past much tribula- tion ; but the Lord has been pleas- ed of late to remember the low estate of Zion, and comforted the hearts of his people. There were some favourable appearances in Sacket's harbour, and Watertown, the latter part of last winter and spring, and a number of souls hope- fully converted ; but the work seemed not to be general. About September of last year (he work commenced in Adams, under tbe ministry of the Rev. Mr. Gale, VOL in. 49

(Presbyterian,) aided materially by a young man, candidate for the ministry, by the name of Burchard. The work soon became pretty gen- eral, and some of the first charac- ters in the place have been made the rejoicing subjects of grace. The work soon spread into Ellis- burgh and Lorrain, and many were now made the trophies of ail con- quering grace. In October, the work broke out in Rodman, under tbe ministry of Rev. Mr. Spear, and the ministry of Mr. Cornel, a baptist licentiate. Here the Lord magnified the riches of his mercy in that where sin had abounded, his grace was caused much more to abound. All descriptions of peo- ple, from the child of 8 or 10 years, to the man of grey hairs, were the subjects of conviction. In fact, so ])owerful was the work in this p!ac;e, that in a small vi!!-!:):^ in the vicinilv

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[July,

of the meetingf house, for a nnmber of days it bore the appearance of a sabbath. The business of this world was almost altocrpther laid aside, and the great and long ne'^- lected concerns of eternity alone attended to. The work soon made its appearance in (he Baj>(i^t church at Adams, to which pldfr Joshua Freeman ministers. There wa^s a precious shower. ^<ome poor de- luded Deists and Univer«alists were made to feel that there was a hell, aad without Jesus, they must soon sink to rise no more. But they have found him, of whom Mosps iu the law and the prophets did write.

About this time the work appear- ed in a congreg^afional church in Adams and Hand-field, at the time destitute of a stated ministry. Here a goodly number of souls were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. The first gra- cious appearance of the work in this town, was on the Saturday pre- ceding the fisrt sabbath in Novem- ber, in covenant meeting. I be- held with unspeakable joy, the most astonishing spirit of prayer and supplication poured down up- on Z'on. There were a num- ber of instances, in which brethren continued fervent in prayer all night 1 Sinners began now to en- quire what they should do to be saved. Backsliders returned from their wanderings. The work spread in different parts of the town. ] was permitted to cast off my sackcloth, and put on a girdle of gladness. A goodl}' number have been taught by the Spirit of the living God, their lost situation by nature, that they were enemies to God; and that the only method of reconciliation, was by the atoning blood of the Saviour.

The work here, as in other pla- ces, has been among children, youth, middle aged, and aged ; but per- haps the greatest proportion gen- erally among the youth. It is im- possible for me to say correctly,

how many have experienced a hope in this or the other places named. Neither have I ascertained the number that have joined the differ- ent churches. In Rodman, some- thing more than fifty have joined the Rev. Mr. Spear's cluirch. A- bout the same number the metho- dist**, and between thirty and forty the baptists. In Adams between 40 and fifty to the Rev. Mr. Gale's church, and how many have been baptized I have not learned. In this town three have joined the con^^re- gational church, and three others are propounded; probably others will soon come forward. I have bap- tized twenty-eight, and several oth- ers are waiting for an opportunity. I think the work is now on the de- cline. Although in some other places it seems to be going on with power, particularly in tiacket's har- bour. And in the garrison there have a number been converted. If the Board would permit me, I should be really gratified to spend some time io the garrison. Thus I have given you only some general outline of the work of our God io this region. O that men would praise the Lird for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. Praise the Lord, > O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Yours respectfully,

EMORY OSGOOD.

VALLEY TOWNS.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROT REV. THOMAS ROBERTS, TO THK Sr.CRETA- RY OF THE NEW- YORK BAPTIST FE- MALE MISSIO.VARY SOCIETY, DATED

VaUey Towns, Cherokee Nation, feb. 20, 1822. Dear Sister,

I TAKE this method to inform you and the worthy females composing your Society, that the valuable do- nation of cbthing which you sent to the Cherokee children, has ar- rived (by way of Savannah) at a

1821.]

RELIfilOUS INTELLIGENCE.

very seasonable time. And when we found that all the articles were warm and good, designed for win- ter, it made your present doubly valuable. You desired to know how they suit the children. 1 an- swer, remarkably well. The poor boys feel thankful when they re- ceive a tow cloth garment to cover their naked bodies. How much more when they saw those sent by you. made of good cloih and karsi- nett. And could you have seen the grateful smiles, mingled with tears of joy on the faces of the lit- tle girls, it would have done your hearts good, and constrained you to say, O ! what pleasure there is in doing good.

The waggon arrived last Satur- day evening ; when the box was opened, we thought best to wait until Monday before we should shew the things to the children. But Sunday proved to be the cold- est day we have had this winter. One of the sisters who has the care of the wardrobe, said to me on Sunday morning, that it was neces* sary to make use of some of the articles immediately, and especial- ly the blankets.

I felt impressed with the wordf, I will have mercy and not sacri- fice." Here is mercy sent from far, and if we keep it from its ob» jects until to-morrow, we know not what the sacrifice will be.

Thus the destitute situation of the children, the severity of the weather, the gift sent in part by a sabbath school ; and as a number of Cherokees came to meeting that day to see tlieir children, every thing seemed to point out after meeting as the best season to make the distribution; vvilii a view to produce a happy impression on the minds of both old and young, The Sunday school exercises being over, 1 preached from Psalm Ixxxiv- 11. The passage led me to speak of the goodness of our heavenly Father. And after meeting, when all were re?asseajbled, I reminded them of

what they had heard in the morn« ing, and now, said I, your eyes will see the truth of what your ears have heard." Then I called their attention to look at the box, and told them from whence it came, and what it contained. I asked them, Do yon know the rea^ son why those good people love you so much ? The}' said nothing, bat appeared to be lost in admira- tion ! I will tetl you,-- The love of God is shed abroad in their beans by the Holy Ghost, and they feel a h^ve for all Brother Jones took them out article by article, and held them so that all could see them. The scene was very affect- ing and solemn. \ continued talk- ing on the effects of that gospel which we recommend to them, pointing to the evidence which they could not deny. This was an excellent text to talk upon. It was so plain, that even those who un- derstood little or no English, seem- ed to comprehend every part of it, and I will venture to say, they will remember it as long as they live.

I read your kind letter before we parted, and took occasion from it to shew the good arising from Sunday schools, that the children not only learn to read the Bible, but also to love those whom they never saw.

1 asked the Indian children, — Do you love those little children in New-York? Do you feel thank- ful for their kindness in sending these clothes for you ? The whole as with one voice, said — Yes, Sir. " Weil, dear children, you enjoy the blessing of a Sunday school here, as well as those good chiL dren in New-Yoik ; and if you be- lieve in, and love the blessed Sa- viour, though you may never see them on earth, you will meet them at the right hand of God, nhere you with them shall praise him forever. But if any of you will neglect this great salvation, and live and die in sin, you will neve?

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[July,

enjoy their company. They will be received into the joy of their Lord, and you will be cast out. — Here the tears began to wet their tawny cheeks, and their counte- nances seemed to express the lan- guagfe of their hearts.

May the Lord whom ye serve, bless your endeavours in the ad- vancement of the kingdom of Christ, is the prayer of your un- worthy brother,

THOMAS ROBERTS.

M. Ellis, Secretary to the New-York Baptist Female Missionary Society.

TO THE FAYETTE STREET SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHOLARS. Dear children,

I FEEL happy whenever I think of you ; a gracious God hath done much for you, in casting your lot not in the Cherokee Nation, or in Burmah, but in New- York, a city famous through the Christian world for gospel institutions, true reli- gion, and Christian benevolence. As you go on to shew mercy to heathen children, I hope you will not forget how much yourselves stand in need of mercy from God lor your precious souls. 01 chil- dren, if you die without the wed- ding garment, you will be speech- less before the throne of God. Seek this best robe, and remember that however ready you are to give your mites to clothe the nak- ed, Christ is far more so, to give his righteousness to them that seek him; and notwithstanding the good- ness of the clothes you have sent to these little Indians, they will wear out. But the righteousness of the Saviour will never soil nor wear out: arrayed in this, you will ghine as the sun in the kingdom of your Father. May the Lord bless the word of his grace to your souls, and make you useful, is the prayer of your friend,

THOMAS ROBERTS.

ANNIVERSARIES OF SOCIETIES.

It may not be unnecessary to ap- priz ' our readers at a distance, that the last week in May, or the week of the General Election, in Boston, is a season of peculiar interest to the friends of Zion in I\Ias?achusetts. On that week the anniversaries of most of our religious associations are held ; and a great number of the clergy from every part of the State are present. We shall give a brief account of the various exercises which then took place ; as such an account will give a concise view of many of our most useful and be- nevolent institutions.

On Tuesday afternoon. May 28th, the " Evangelical Tract So- ciety" held its anniversary meeting at the house of Heraan Lincoln, Esq. The following persons were elected officers for the ensuing year.

Rev. THOMAS BALDWIV,D.D. President.

£. LINCOLN, Secretary.

HEMAN LINCOLN, Esq. Treasurer.

COMMITTEE. Joseph Grafton, < N. W. Williams, Daiuel Sharp, % Beta Jacobs,

Lucius Bolles, < Francis Wayland, jr.

Ebenezer Nelson, ? Joseph Toney. Levi Farwell.

In the evening an appropriate sermon vvas delivered before the Society, by the Rev. William Gam- mell, of Medfield, at the meeting- house of the third Baptist church in Charles street. Text, Matth. XXV. 40. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me. A collection vvas taken for the bea- eiit of the funds of the Society.

On Wednesday morning, May 29, the Massachusbtis Baptist Mission- ary Society held their 20th anni- versary at the meeting house of the second Baptist church. The services commenced at 9 o'clock, A. M. by an able and excellent dis- course, by the Rev. Jonathan Going, of Worcester, from 2 Cor. v. 9. Wherffore we labour^ that •whether present or absent^ we may be accepted of him. -The Society was then or- ganized for the transaction of busi-

1822.]

PvELlGlOUS INTELLIGENCE.

ness. The annual Report was read by the Rev Daniel Sharp, of Bos- ton, the Corresponding Secretary. Of the excellence of this RejDort, and the deep interest it awakened in the minds of the audience, it is unnecessary to speak, as it is already before our readers.

On motion of the Rev. Abial Fish- er, of Bellingham, seconded by the Rev. Joseph Torrey, of Hanson, it was Resolved, that the Report be accepted, and inserted in the Amer- ican Baptist Magazine. The Treas- urer's Report was then read. And on motion of Rev. Mr. Way land, of Boston, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Butler of Hanover,Resolved that the Treasurer's Report be accepled.

On motion of the Rev. Charles O. Kimball, of Methuen, seconded by the Rev. Gustavus F Davis, of So. Reading, Resolved that the thanks of the Society be returned to the Benevolent Societies and individu- als who had generously contributed to the support of its missionary ex- ertions.

On motion of the Rev. Mr. Bus- well, ofGloucester, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Grafton, of West Cam- bridge, Resolved that the thanks of the Society be returned to the offi- cers of the Society for their disin- terested and faithful labours during the past year.

The following persons were then elected officers for the ensuing year.

Rev. THOMAS BALDWIN, D.D. President.

Rev. JOSEPH GRAFTON, of New ton, V.Pres.

Rev. DANIEL SHARP, «jf Boston, Coi: Sec'ry.

Mr. E. LINCOLN, Treasurer.

TRUSTEES. Rev. Elisha Williams, < Rev. Wm. Gammeli, Lucius Belles, i Charles Train, N. W. Williains, ? Bela Jacobs, Stephen Gano, i ¥. VVayland, jr. Ebi nezer Nelson, < HemanLiricolu.Esq. Stepiien S. Nelson, } Dca. Levi Far well, ' George Keeley, i James Loring.

In the evening, the Rev. Gusta- vHS F. Davis, of So. Reading, preach- ed before the Society, from Matth. ix. 37. The harvest truly is plenteous^ but the labourers are few ; pray ye.^ therefore.) the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. A collection was taken in aid of the objectg of the Society.

At I o'clock P.M. was held the an- niversary meeting of the Massachu- setts Charitable Society. for the relief of the widows of Baptist ministers.

The followinj;^ persons were cho- sen officers for the present year.

Rev. THOMAS BALDWIN, D.D. President. Re\-. N. VV. WILLI A.MS, of Beverly, Secretary. LEVI FARWELL, Esq. Cambrjdge, Treas.

It in:»y not be amiss to observe that the ^^Ui^jited Phayer Meeting," the ot/ject of which, i?* to pray for an especial outpouiing of the Holy Spirit, is supported by the lay breth- ren of most of the churches in Bos- ton, commonly denominated ortho- dox.

Prayer meetings of this kind have been established in Worcester, Sa- lem, and many other towns in our vicinity, and have been attended with an evident blessing. They teach us, that although on some mi- nor points Christians may differ, they all can agree in praying for the prosperity of the cause of our com- mon Redeemer.

On Thursday evening the Unit- ed Prayer Meeting was held at the meeting house of the first Baptist church. The exercises were throughout,solemn and appropriate, and the unusual testimony of the assembly collected from every part of the State, seemed to bear witness that God was with us of a truth.

REPORT

OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE FEMALE SABBATH SCHOOL OP THE SECOND BAPTIST SOCIETY IN BOSiON.

In presenting a statement of our exertions during the past year, we teel much reason for gratilnde to God, and in;Hiy new incentives to perseveran.:e in this laljour of iove." Although we have had un- til of late, but little to encourage our hopes, or animate our zeal, and at times have been from various circumstances, almost induced to abandon the object, yet by patient- ly enduring, we find that we have not laboured in vain, nor spent

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

[July,

our strength for nouafht." Our ef- forts have been, and still are, of so unobtnisive and silent a nature, that little effect is perceived by the eje of a superficial observer. The noise of the axe or hammer is not heard in all the work ; or as an elegant writer has observ- edj 'Mike the violet, it is to be trac- ed rather by its fragrance than its colour." To the scenes of domes- tic life, to the closet of devotion, we would direct the enquirer for the result of Sunday school instruc- tion. We are aware from those slow, and almost unperceived ef- fects, the Institution has lost a de- gree of that lively interest which characterized its commencement ; and many feel disposed to bestow their labour on objects which ap- pear more flattering to their hopes. But in whatever light others may view this Institution, we, as a So- ciety, and as individuals, should be encouraged, from the success with which a gracious Providence has distinguished our exertions the past year, to increase, rather than les- sen them. Our school is at pres- ent, composed of one hundred and eighteen scholars ; the averai^e at- tendance is generally from tifty to sixty-five. These are divided into eight classes, attended by fourteen alternate Teachers; among all of whom the most pleasing harmo- ny and unwearied zeal continues. With the exception of one of the children, whom we were obliged to exclude, their improvement in knowledge, their strict observance of the rules of the school, coml)in- ed with the most amiable deport- ment, has justly , merited our highr est approbation.

In order to improve the strength of their memories, as well as more fully to develop their intellectual capacities, a few moment:^ before the school is closed, they are gen- erally questioned from various chap- ters previously selected. Ques- ' tions like the following are chosen. Where was Christ born ? At what

age did he commence his ministry ? Where was Christ crucified, and for what purpose ? In what chap- ter is the account of the flood giv- en, &:c. ? After this exercise, some reflections are offered, and when, in the most solemn and tender man- ner, the truths are applied to their consciences ; the silent tear is no| unfrequently seen trickling dowQ their cheeks.

During the past year, one of our former pupils, and three of our present Teachers have been hopefully brought to the knowledge of the truth, and pro- fessed their faith in the Lord Je- sus Christ. Two of them, when they entered the school, were stran- gers to vital piety. There are others, we trust, who begin to dis- cover in some degree, the necessi- ty of a change of heart, and desir^ a participation in that grace which has been so richly shed on their associates. The little girl men- tioned above, dates her first seri- ous impressions from the instruc- tions she received while in this school ; but being removed from beneath our care before the seed sown in her heart had sprung up, it became the privilege of others to enter into our labours, and with a divine blessing to finish the work. We have had the pleasing testimo- ny that she is rapidly advancing in the divine life, and rejoicing on her way. After witnessing so rich a harvest, what further proof can we wish for the utility of Sabbath schools? Should we not be instru-* mental in the conversion of anoth- er soul, this one instance would be enough to compensate for all the toil and discouragements through which we have passed. But at that day of righteous retribution for which all other days were made, thenshallbe disclosed more perfect- ly the blessings which this Institution has diflfused, and there may teach- ers and children join in the same song of adoration, and rejoice with joy, unspeakable and full of glor^.

1822.]

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

EVANGELICAL TRACT SOCIETY.

This Society was formed in 1811, for the gratuitous distribution of religious Tracts; and in the pros- ecution of this benevolent object, several thousand valuable Tracts have been annually circulated in various parts of the United Slates, from many of which, pleasing and encouraging intelligence has been received. As the object of circu- lating Tracts is increasing in im- portance, and a conviction of the bonetits resulting from them is dai- ly strengthening, the Society have resolved to increase and extend their operations. For this pur- pose, they will in future combine a depository for the sale of tracts at a cheap rate, with the gratuitous distribution of them.

The revised Constitution of this Society specifies, that its object is, to publish for sale, and gratu- itous distribution, such religious Tracts as illustrate and enforce the great truths and duties of the Chris- tian religion ; and it shall be the duty of the Board, to select and publish such as they shall judge best adapted to accomplish the ob- jects of the Society, and establish a general depository in Boston for their distribution ; also, such other agencies as they may deem expedi- ent."

Each member is required to pay not less thnn one dollar annual- ly. The payment of ten dollars constitutes a member for life. Each subscriber has the right of drawing from the general d' posilory in Tracts one half the amount he may

pay into the Treasury, and all Aux- iliary Societies and life members are entitled to purchase Tracts at ten per cent, deduction from one mill a page."

New patrons have arisen to the Society; and it is hoped benevo- lent frien Is will continue to aid it. The friends of religion are earn- estly requested to enlarge the funds by becoming life members, that the. Board may hav« means to keep on hand an extensive assortment pf Tracts tor the supply of Auxiliary Societies. Let some zealous friends in each of our churches contribute to make their minister a life mem- ber, and thus, while they aid the Society, enable him in future to ob- tain Tracts at the most reduced prices.

Measures will be immediately- adopted to furnish an interesting assortment of evangelical Tracts at the depository to be established by this Society ; and it is particularly and affectionately recommended to the churches and friends through the country, to form Auxiliary So- cieties. The young friends, or the females in any church or neigh- bourhood, by raising a few dollars annually, can, at the cheap rate at which they will be sold, obtain a supply of Tracts for the schools and destitute districts in their vi- cinity, and thus diffuse a savour of the gospel in a silent, but perma- nent and successful manner. Let each individual Christian be admon- ished by the sacr'?d word, not to be Tvcary in zeell doing ; for in due smson he shall reap if he faint not.

Amount of Monies received by the Treasurer of the Baptist Missionary So^ ciety of Masiachuselts,from Jane 30, 1821, to June oO, 1822.

1821.

June 3. By Cash from Mk Sarali Hoi^.er, - 1,00

ilo. Mi-s, Hobait, Ashbui i.ha. i, - 1,00

di). Uavul LJoodwin Charlcsiown,- 2,C0

do. int' rest on Stock, - , . 8,00

do. from Mr. Ba'iger, Bonon, - I/O

do. from a fri«.nd, - - . . 3,00

do. Cakes Perry, • - - - 3,00

do. Kowley Female Society, - - 3,31 do. Mission Box, by Bcjij. C. Oraf-

too, ...... 3,o«

July 6. 7.

Aug:. 30. Sept. 11.

24.

25.

Sept. 25. do. C. O. Kimhall, - - - - 1^6 do. Hoxhiiry B iptist Cliur. & Society ,s,0» do. Kei>iok Bi I'.t-volent Sccit-ty of

CaojhriiltCi- ar.d vicinity, • . 52,64 do. Kri ^(h in Wobiuii, pr. S. Tidd, 10,45 do. Keina.o C'-nt Socii ty, 'Wobiirn, 9,0» do. Sale;;i Baptist Female Cent So- ciety. 69,19

do. vi,s«i„n Box. by Mrs. B . He?, 3,09 do. "( ni tlc Bai'tis' Mission Society, Newton and ^^ciuit), - - ^ 24^46

392

RtUGlOUS INTELLIGENCE.

[July,

Sept. 25. do. Newburyport Baptist Benevo- lent Society, - - - - 4,50 do. du. Female Baptist Be- nevolent Society, ... 4,50 do. part of a collection at Newburyp. 4,00 do. domestic mission box, do. 3,10 do. Maiden Baptist Female Society, 27,51 do. Haveihili Female Baptist Cent

Society, 22,73

do. Capt. William Lapbam, Little- ton, pr. deacon Lincoln, - - 2,00 do. interest on Mr. Newman's note, 48,C0

29. do. deu. David Gooilwin, - - 2,00 Oct. 3. do. interest on Stock, - - - 8,00 Nov. 17. do. from a friend, pv. Mr. P. Bond, 1,00

do. Mr. Brown's note, - - 33,33 28. do.ofDea. James Loring', - - 10,00 do. Wesley Harmon, Haverliill, - 2,00

. 1S22.

Jan. 2. do. of Oliver Holden. mterest, - 72,98 4. do. Dea. David Goodwin, • - 2,00 8. do. interest on Stock, - . - 8,00

Feb. 21. do. from female friend in Middle- field, pr. Mr. Cbilds, - - - 3,00

Marcb9. do. from Rev. M. BoUes, - - 1,00

April 5. do. interest on Stock. ... 8,00

30. do. from Mr. Gair, collected in mis-

si(in box, 2,00

May 11. do. from Rev. L. Bolles, interest on Legacy from the late John Cor- nish, Esq. .... 448,99 13. do. from Mr. Oakes Perr}', - - 1,00 do. from Dea. P. I'hatcher, - 4,00 do. Mr. David Beal, Boston, - - 3,00 do. from Female Mite Sccii ty, Stock- bridge, Vl. pr. Rev. Isaac Kimball, 3,50 do. from lady in Middlcborough, pr.

Rev. Isaac Kimball, • - - 1,00 do. Rev. Isaac Kimball, - - 1,00 do. Charlestown Baptist Female Mis- sionary Society, - - - - 30,00 do. Second Baptist Church and Soci- ety, Boston, 116,76

do. Third, do. do. - - 42,00 do. Rev. Ebenezer Nelson, - - 1,00 do. Rev. David Benedict, - - 1,00 do. Rev. Abial Fisher, - - - i.oo do. Rev. B. F. Fariisworth, - - 1,00 do. Rev. J. Eliiot, - - - - i,oo do. from Mission Box in Vestry of

Baptist Meeiing house, Roxbury, 5,00 do. from Rev. Bi la. Jacobs, Cambr. 2,00 do. E. Co.-ey. - - - 10,00

do. Wiiliam Brown, - 5,00

do. L. Farwell, - - 10,00

do. Prud(>nce Farwell, - 10,00

do. Josiah Coolidge, - - 2,00

do E. Hovey, - - - 1,00

do. S. Hancock, - - - 1,00

May 29. do. collection at Cambridge, - 26^0 do. Mission Box. Vestry, do. - - 15,64 do. Rev. Jtsse Lyon. - - - 1,00 do. Rev. J. Grafton, - - - 1,00

do. Mr. Kent, 2,00

do. Rev. rhoinas Conant, - - 1,00 do. Rev. G. F. Davis, - - - 1,00 do. Rev. Ebene/.er Nelson, jr. - 1,00 do. from Female friend in Sharon, 1,00 do. three Female friends, do. 2,00 do. Rev. J. Torrey, jr. - - - i,00 do. Rkv. Charles i rain, - - 1,00 do. Rev. Mr. Chamberlain, - - 1,00 do. Rev. J. A. BoswtU, - - - 1,00 do. collection at second Baptist meet- ing hoUbe,aftci- missionary sermon,36,13 do. from the A.gents of the Amwican B.iptist Missionai7 Magazine, be- ing profits arising from the work, 500,00

June 5. do. from a friend, pr. Dr. Baldwin, 50,00 do. Dea. David (joodwin, - - 6,00

E. LINCOLN, Treasurer. 1S31,07

N. B. In many places where the missionaries laboured, geiierou.s contri- butions and donations were i.uade, which have been accounted for by them in .set- tlement with the Society, for their servi- ces. It is hoped that in all places, where the labours of missionaries are enjoyed, the friends of Christ \vili feel the obliga- tion of aidins^ in their support, by pecun- iary contributions.

The following sums have been recently accounted for with the Board ; and in future it is intended to publish in the Magazine, accurate accounts of all such donations and contributions.

Rev. Eraoi-y Osgood pi-esented the Society, 17,00

Donations to him from friends on his mission, 3,00

do. to Rev. Benjamin Oviatt, - 37,38 do. to Rev. Isaac Kimball, on his last

mission, 28,03

do. to Rev. Thomas Conant, - « 5,78

do. to Rev. Gideon Cook, ... 33,00

do. to Rev. Asa Averill, . - - - 21,00

do. to Rev. John Ide, - " - - - 15,00

160,19

AMERICAN BIl

4

The sixth anniversary of the American Bible Society vvas cele- brated May 9th, at the City Hail, in New-York. At ten o'clock, the officers, managers, and directors formed in procession, and walked from the New-Yo:k Institution to the Hotel. The audience conven- ed on this inlerestine^ occasion, was nnusnaUy large, and of the highest respectability.

The meeting being organized, Peter A. Jay, E>^q. read an address from the Hon. John Jay, President of the Society. William VVoolsey, Esq. the Treasurer, read the annu- aiPcport of that department, which

LE SOCIETY.

presented a highly flattering view of the slate of the funds of the in- stitution.

The annual Report was then read by the Rev. Mr. Woodhull, of Brooklyn, the Secretary for Do- mestic correspondence. It states, that during the sixth year of the labours of the Society, there were printed of

English Bibles, 15,625 En^^lish Testaments, 17,500 Spanish Testaments, 3.250 German Bibles, purchased, 250

:56,625

1822.]

KELlOIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

393

Which added lo the num- ber mentioned ia the last Report, 231,552

Make a total of 288,177 Bibles and Testaments — or parts of the latter printed, or obtained for circulation, during the first six years of the Institution.

The number issued during the sixth year was of

Bibles, 28,910 Testaments, 24,bOG Gospels of John,

in Mohawk, 39 Epistles of John,

in Delaware, 15

53,47U

In the five preceding years, there were issued of

Bibles and Testaments, 139,610 Delaware Epistles, 736 Mohawk Gospels, 102

Total, 140,348 Bibles and Testaments issued since the establishment of the Society.

More than sixty auxiliary Socie- ties have been recognized during the sixth year ; — and the whole number of them is 300.

The nett receipts of the Treas- urer in the sixth year have been 38,682 dollars, 34 cents, of which 22,968 dollars. 97 cents, have been remitted for Bibles, &,g. from .Aux- iliary Societies.

The payments from the Treas- ury, in the sixth year, have been 39',y95 dollars, 93 cents.

On motion of the Rev. Dr. Bates, President of Middlebury College, Vermont, seconded by the Rev. F. C. Schaeffer, Pastor of the Evangel- ical Lutheran Church in New- York, it was Resolvedf That the Report of the Managers be accept- ed and printed under their direc- tion.

On motion of the Rev. Robert B. E. McLeod, of New York, sec- onded by the Rev. Mr. Howe, of New-Brunswick, N. J. it was Re- solved^ That the Society highly ap- preciate the services and exertions

VOL. IlL 50

of the Board of Managers during the past year, and request them to accept their thanks lor the labori- ous attention which they have paid to the business of the Institution.

On motion of the Rev. Mr. Wa- terman, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, seconded by H. Ketchum, Esq. of New York, it was Resolved, 'i'hat the Society are much gratified at the choice made b}' the Managers, of the venerable John Jay as suc- cessor to their late lamented Pres- ident, Dr. Boudinot ; and at his kind- ly consenting to accept the appoint- ment. And that the thanks of the Society be conveyed to their said President, for the excellent address which in his unavoidable absence, he has transmitted to the present meeting.

On motion of the Rev, T. De Witt, of Fishkill, seconded by the Rev. C. G Sommers, of New-York, it was Resolved^ That the Society receive from their Managers with mtjch pleasure the cheering intel- ligence that so large an addition has been made to the numbers of their Auxiliary Institutions, and re- turn their thanks to the pious indi- viduals who have promoted their formation. The gentlemen who moved and who supported the a- bove resolutions, besides others whose names we have not been able correctly to ascertain, address- ed the Society ntlh a feeling and eloquence becoming the interesting occasion.

NEW-YORK BAPTIST MISSIONA- RY SOCIETY.

This Society held its annual meeting for the choice of officers, and the transaction of other busi- ness, on Thursday, 1 Uh of June, 1822, in the vestry of the Baptist church in Oliver street, New- York. Rev. Archibald Maclay com- menced the services by addressing the throne of grace; after which, he read the Report of the Trus- tees, and also an interesting com- munication from the Juveriiio Bap-

394

RELieiotra ikt£lli«ek«e.

[July

list Missionary Society of New- York, The Report gave a particular ac- count of the labours of the mission- aries who had been employed (iur- iag the last year, and there is rea- son to hope that in several instan- ces their mini.«try was blessed to the conversion of sinners. The letter from the ''Juvenile Society," gave the pleasing information, that they had presented this year to the parent Institution, more than two hundred dollars. On moving the acceptance of the Report, and thanks for the liberal donation from the youna: men, Rev. Mr. Sommnr?, of iVew York, and Rev. Mr. Sharp, of Boston, addressed the Society. Their remarks were intended to awaken a more lively interest in favour of the objects of the Society. It was also particularly urgfed upon them that prayer and pecuniary aid should be combined in all our exertions for the support of For- eign and Domestic Missions.

Measures were proposed at this meetins^, to secure a more exten- sive CO operation among- the Bap- tist churches in the city of IVew- York, in relation to this Society. It is sincerely hoped that these measures will be effectual. May the God of missions grant prosper- ity to the efforts of his servants.

LETTER FHOM A FRIEJfr, APDRESS- BD TO THR TREASURER OK THE MAS- SACH»SKTT8 BAPTIST EDVCATION SOCI- ETY, AND ENOUOSIJVG TEN TOLLARS.

CeOTgiOf April 15, 1822.

Enclosed is a mite to assist the funds of the Society, of which you have the honour to be Treasurer. When 1 reflect on the adventurous spirit of pious young men to obtain a liberal education, when I see them denying- themselves not only the comforts, but even the necessaries of life, dependent on charity, en- during so mfiny hardships, encoun- tering- so many diOiculties, bearing 50 much repronch from the ignorant iir^d the misguided, I have often piti-

ed and would have relieved them ; but that pleasurQ,has until now,been denied me. My feelings on this subject resemble those of the old soldier, who has fought the battles of his" country, and experienced in the struggle all the misery of which the most vivil imagination can form a picture, when he reads the account of his brethren who are then facing similar dangers, and enduring similar privations. It is pity from experience.

When I commenced my studies both for College and the Theolog- ical Seminary, 1 had enough to sup- port me only a small part of the year. To procure means for the rest, I was compelled to teach a school, and laboiir with my hands. I travelled on foot to and from the academy and college, (some hun- dred miles,) because I had not wherewith to pay stage fare. Of- ten have I fasted till the sun had passe«l the meridian, hoping a kind Providence would throw a break- fast in my way, (as was frequently the case,) lest I should spend the last cent 1 had. Should any one look over the bills I have paid, and see the account of all the monies I have received, he would be con- vinced that my wants must have been very few, or they could not Lave been supplied.

I have now r^^ason to thank God that he has enabled me to send you this mite^ and has given me hopes that it shall be repeated every year, besides what He lends me to bestow on otherdeserving objects. Though I felt a restlessness to l ubli^h the '^glad tidings" bt fore nr.y term of study expired, yet I have never re- gr tted that I gave myself whol- ly" to them so long. Tiie work of tt>c ministry is so momentous, the duties are so many, that the best qualified cannot but exclaim, "whs is sufficient" for the oflice ? Oppo- sition to the gospel shows itself in so many forms, has so many weap- ons to repel, and shields to prevent the admission of truth, that it re-

1822]

BEJLIGI0U8 INTELLIGENCER.

S95

quires a workman that oeedelh not to be ashamed, to parry and pierce them. We all admit that

the sword of the Spit it," is the only sure tempered, effectual in- strument in " dividing: asunder" the bones and marrow of the stout hearted rebel ; yet did not the ac- quaintance of Paul with human na- ture, his learning:, his politeness, give him access to some who would have refused to listen to teachers not possessed of his qualifications ?

My best wishes and daily prayers attend you in your attempts at im- proving the minds of those who bear the ark of the Lord.

EXTRACT OF A LETTES FROM A LA- DY, TO ONE OB THE TRUSTEES OF THE SEW HAMPSHIRE BAPTIST DOMESTIC MISSION SOCIETY, DATED

Haverhill, N. H. Sept. 1, 1821.

B^er.and dear Sir,

1 KEjoicE in the formation of a missionary Society in our own State. New Hampshire has heretofore been deficient, not only in support- ing the gospel where it is statedly preached, but also in affording as- sistance to destitute places. Oh ! that the brethren of our denomina- tion may arise and come up to the help of the Lord against the migh- ty. The cause is good, and the vic- tory is ensured through our Lord Jesus Christ. Nor do I think my own sex are exempted from taking a humble part in this work. Much may be done by the female friends ofZion, to promote missions, when their minds are thoroughly awak- ened, and their hearts enlisted in this good cause. Let all arise and bring in the tithes and offerings, that there may be meat in God's house ; raise the funds, and strength- en the infant Society in this Stale, and prove the Lord herewith, and see if he will not open the win- dows of heaven, and pour us out a blessing, which there shall not be room enough to receive. God's cause iu the earth is compared to a

building, which the great Master- builder is rearing up. Let us ail liave a mind to the work, as the men of Israel had in Nehemiah's day,and the building will go up. In this letter 1 enclose fifty dollars, which I pre- sent as a donalion to the missionary Socipty of this Slate, and beg leave to subscribe myself your sister in the gosppl of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, h. p.

THE DOMESTIC AND FOREIG.V MISSION SOCIETY OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY AKD VICINITY,

Held its eighth annual meeting at the Baptist meeting house, iu Hansou, ou Wednesday, the 12th instant, at half past eight, A. M. Elder Ebenezer Briggs preachtd a sermon introductory to tiie business of the Society, from Isa. xl. i.

The Society made choice of the fol- lowing persons to manage its concerns for tlie year ensuing, viz. Elder Samuel Glover, President. Ebenezkr Brigcs, Fice J^rcSm Joseph TonRKv, tier-'^rary, Levi Pierce, Esa. Trenaurcr* Trusteed.

Mr. Andrew Cole, 1 Eld. Thos. Conant^ Eld. S, S. Nelson, Isaac Kimball,

f John Butler, |

The following monies were paid into the Treasury.

Female Missionary Society, King;ston, - • 9,65 ISlission box at conceit pniyei meeting, do. - 9,60 Five snbsciibers, do. - - - - - 5,00 Female fi lend, do. i,oo !• riends to missions, do. - - - - . ,57 Mr. Andrew Cole, Middieboi-ougb, - - 3,00

Col. Ephrann Ward, do 2,00

Col. Peter U. Pierce, do. .... 2,00 Samuel Pickens, Esq. di». .... 2,00 Seven subscribers, do. - - - - 7,00 Widow Hannah Nelson, - . . . 32 Levi Peirce, Esq. do. - - - - 10,09

Female Mite Society, do. pr. Mrs. Pierce, 8,56 Femaie Cent Society, Pembroke and Hanson, 2b,S0 Subscril)ers, Jtc. Baptist Society in Pembroke

and Hanson, - ..... 3,5© Mr. Cephas Leach, Easton, - - - . 40,00 Mr. Solomon Leach, do. - - - - 2,00 Female C».nt Society in Hanover, ... o.29 Subscribei-s. &c. in BajJtist Society, Hanover, 9,21 Female Cent Society in .Maishrii h!, . . 14,16 Mi-s. E. ilagonn, Pembroke, avails of fruit from

an apple Uec set apart for missions, - 1,35 Tliiee subsciibers, Mai-shfield, - , . 3,cO Mr. Caiel> Atherton, rannton, ... 4,00 Two siibsciibv-i-s, female friend, Biidjjewater, 2,50 Messrs. S. Baeku*, and P. Hathaway, Mid-

dUboruu^li, - 2,00 Female friend, pr. Mr. Backus, ... 4,(,0 Norton Female Mite Society, .... 11,15

Three members, ...... 3,00

Mi-s. Low, Bridgewater, . . . . ^59

Coileetiwi after sianwH, . . . . 12,75

396 OBITUARY — MR. LILLEY EATON. [luly,

Mr. LILLEY E/iTOM

Died at South Reading, (Mass.) March 12, 1822, Mi% LiLLEY Eaton, in the 54th year of his age. During the early part of his youth, Mr. Eaton was the sub- ject of no serious impressions of a relig- ious nature. But at the age of 20, be- coming very weak and debilitated, he was led to reflect on the unsatisfying na- ture of all sublunary enjoyments, the brevity and uncertainty of life, and the inCniie importance of preparation for eter- nity. At first, however, he indulged some hope of preparing himself by a series of good deeds for the felicity of heaven. But the more he reflected, the more cor- rect his ideas became. He saw at length the moral pollution of his heart, the crim- inality of his life, and his utter inability *o commend himself to the favour of Je- liovah. In about two years he was ena- bled to fix all his hopes in the atonement of Christ, and found peace in believing on Him who is the end of the law for lighteousness to every one that believeth.

^May 12, 1794, Mr. Eaton was baptized in his native town, by the Rev. Dr. Bald- win, and united with the second Baptist Church in Boston,under his pastoral care. A few years afterward, he was dismissed to the Baptist Church in Woburn, In 1804, when a Baptist Church was consti- tuted in his own town, he was embodied with it, and continued one of its most active and useful members to the day of his death.

During his last illness, which continued but eight days, he was for the greater part of tiie time bereaved of his reason, so that he had little opportunity of ex- hibiting those traits of character which often adorn and render enviable the dy- ing bed of a real Christian. But from the whole tenour of his religious life, the best evidence we can possibly have, we cannot doubt that he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus.

On the Lord's day following his decease, a discourse was delivered on the occa- sion, by the Rev. Gustavus F. Davis, Pastor of the church, to a crowded and deeply afl^ected auditory, from Psa. 12, 1.

Bc//i, Lord, for the godly man ceas- ffh ; for the faithful fail from among the children of vieny From that dis- course, the following extracts are made,

which will serve to give some of the out- lines of his character.

Mr. Eaton was emphatically a god- ly and a faithful man. It is unnecessary for me in my station and under my cir- cumstances, to expatiate on his mildness of disposition ; his almost unparalleled equanimity ; his kind and condescending affability towards all classes of men ; — these were excellencies in his character which will linger in the fond recollection of all who knew him. But there were some traits in his religious character, on which I beg leave to make a few re- marks.

Mr. Eaton was a man of ardent piety. From his conversion to God, he adhered with becoming fidelity to the grand and fundamental principles of the gospel. Nor did he hold them merely in theory ; speculative notions of divinity formed a small part of his religion. Every senti-? ment which he embraced, exerted a pow- erful influence on his heart and hfe. When the distinguishing features of Christianity were exhibited to his view, his cheeks were often seen suffused with tears of penitence and joy.

Mr. Eaton was a man of prayer. He not unfrequently led the devotions of his brethren in the social circle. He not only bowed at the family altar, morning and evening, but in obedience to the commands of his Lord, he entered into his closet, and shut to his door, and prayed to bis leather in secret.

The following rules in relation to the proper seasons for attention to Christian duties, drawn up by himself, will gi\ some idea of his views on this subject.

1. Vray in secret before breakfast in the morning.

2. Pray in secret before dark in the evening.

3. Observe a season for the express purpose of consideration and meditation, between sunset and dark.

4. If the head of a family, read the scriptures and pray with the family im- mediately after breakfast.

5. At meals give thanks or ask God's blessing on his provision.

6. At evening, with as many as coht venient of the family, read the holy script tures and pray as ia the morning.

1822.]

OBITUARY — MRS. LYDIA ALLEN.

39

As far as his most intimate friends can judge, he scrupulously and constantly observed these rules. His attachment to prayer continued with him to the last. His family will always remember tl:e pe- culiar^fervency with which he addressed the throne of grace on their behalf, on the evening before the commencement of his last illness. And just before he expired, he appeared to revive a little, and with an audible voice offered, as nearly as can be recollected by those who were present, the following sup- plication.

I rejoice in the God of my salva- tion, Thou art the portion of my soul. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness, according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, O cleanse me from my sin. Heal me of ray backslidings ; for I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. O Lord, revive thy work in this place. Make bare thine holy arm in the sight of all the people. May fearfulness surprise the hypocrite, and sinners be converted to thee. I commit myself, O Lord, into thy hands, and all my numerous concerns both for time and eternity. Amen."

Mr. Eaton was a man of great hospi- tality. He seemed to consider his earth- ly possessions committed to him as to a steward, and acted like one conscious of the fact, that it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful. He be- lieved that the silver and gold in his hands were the Lord's, and subject to the calls of his word and providence. He therefore heard these calls with cheerful- ness, and answered them with prompt- ness.

His local situation and pecuniary re- sources, made his house a general resort of ministers and private Christians from all parts of the country, and gave him an ample opportunity of distributing to the necessitous, and contributiug to the sup- port of benevolent institutions. Nor was he regardless of the wants and distresses of those around him, who needed the aid of his munificent hand. Of the truth of this, many of you are witnesses. " He hath dispersed abroad ; he hath given to the floor ; bis righteousness remaiueth forever."

But he has gone, no more to return, no more to engage in those acts of piety and benevolence in which he so much delight- ed ; and for which he was so highly dis- tinguished. His work is finished, and ere this he has received that blissful plaudit, V»'ell done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the jovof thv Lord/'

It may not be improper here to in- troduce one or two extracts from a letter which he wrote to his daughter E — at that time in the academy at Bra nbrd, dated May 30, \6'2.Q ; as they wili serve to confirm some parts of the above de- scription of his chiiracter.

This is my birth day. O that I might suitably consider the goodness of God to me, all the way the Lord has led me these 52 years. Surely goodness and merey have followed me all ray days. But O my leanness ! My sins would sink me in despair, were it not that 1 have a little hope in Jesus Christ the Saviour."

Be watchful every hour, 'ive near to God, and pray for me and for us all, that we may do likewise ; for time is short, and it seems very precioas. May we live every day as those who expect soou to die."

When such a man is taken away, the event is inscrutable, and our only conso- lation is, that it has taken place in con- formity to Hia will and purpose, who is " too wise to err, and too good to be unkind." In his death, an afflicted wid- ow has lost a kind husland ; six orphan children, an excellent father ; the church of Christ a firm pillar ; and community a worthy citizen.

May all make a su/table improvement of this afflictive visitation, and be pre- pared to mee: the deceased in heaven, where thp inhabitants " die no more."

Mrs, L'iDJA ALLEN,

Died at Lisbon, Connecticut, Janua- ry 7th, 1821, >Irs. Lydia Allen, wife of deacon Eoenezer Allen, aged 32 years. She vas the daughter of Capt. Ebenezer, ani Mrs. Ruth Bass, of Wind- ham, Connecticut. Blest with pious parents, she was early instructed in the principle? of the Christian religion. She possessed a strong mind, and was fre- quently the subject of serious impres- sions. She haa from time to time, oppor- tunities of attending upon the ministry of Rev. Abel J'almer, formerly of Hampton. Under hispreaching she often found herself greatlv affected, and thought that if she were ever converted, it must be through his instrume.'ilallty. In 1811, being about to remove to the State of New- York, he came into the neighbourhood to preach. As she expected it was the last time she should ever hear him, she made much dependence upon the meet- ing, and thought that she should theji feel just as she w ished. But instead ci being melted under the word, she found herself extremely insensible, and nothing seemed in the least to affect her. Sht;

a98

OITUARY — MRS. LYDIA ALLEN.

[July,

retnraed home stupid, (as she thought,) and concluded that slie should never be- come a Christian ; but before night a sense of her lost condition returned, and tears be^^an to flow. She retired to pray, and several times poured out her soul to God. At length her distress left her, and she became compofed. The next morning she appeared to have a sense of the giory of God in the veonder- ful works of creation, and wondered that she had never before seen what she then saw. After family worship she confessed to her parents her sinfulness, and asked iheir forgiveness. From that time she appeared to have just \iews of the character of God, the nature of his law, and the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. Abcut three years after, she Tvas led to exejuine the subject of bap- tism, and became convinced that it was her duty to be iainiersed on a profession of her faith. In IB 15, she was baptized by Elder Putnam, and united with the Baptist church in Hamjjton. At the water side, after addressing the specta- ■ tors, and telling them the reason why 5he could not bs satibfied wit-h her In- fant baptism, she repeated with a pecul- iar emphasis the hymn,

** Jesus, and sliall it ever be,

A mortal raa« aibaniM of thee I" &c.

Soon after she obtained a hope in the mercy of God, she becaoie anxions for the salvation of others, and often warn- ed them to flt e from the wrath to come. Her desires were not confined to those of her immediate acquair.tance, but ex- tended to souls in heatiien lands, who were perishing for lack of knowledge ; and when the Windham and Hampton Female Mite Society Avas formed to aid in translating the scriptures, she became a member, and acted as their Secretary until she was married to deacon Ebene- zer Allen, in 1818, and removed to Lis- bon ; but she remained a member till her death. She was ever ready to bear her proportion in supporting the gospel at home, and at her death, bequeathed one hundred and twenty dollars, one half of which sum is for the educat^n of In- dian children, the other half for the sup- port of Foreign Missions.

In the summer of 1820, she was attack- ed with an inflammation on the lungs, which ended her active and useful life. Her cough and alariuing symptoms be- gan about the last of July, although she attended meeting in Hampton on the first sabbath in August, which was the last she ever attended. From the first, sfae seemed to be impressed with an idea tiiat she should not recover. So;ne

part of the time her cough was less dis- tressing, but even then she was aflaict- ed with a great degree of hoarseness. Her friends indulffed hopes that she would again recover her health, and thought her spirits low, wlien she said she did not wish to know what was go- ing on even in the other part of the house, i have nothing more to do with my work of a temporal nature ; but wish to examine my evidence of a title to that mansion which is prepared for the children of God. In the commencement of her sickne3s,her mind seemed to be fill- ed with doubts and fears, which she often expressed to her friends ; but in the midst of tiiis distress and anxiety, she had a hope which she coul j not give up ; yea, her faith appeared unsliaken But still she seemed to have a strong desire that the Lord would reveal himself in such a manner as to give her that comfort she so greatly desired. She all this time manifested a resignation to the will of God, and said, 1 would not murmur a- gainst the will of my Heavenly Father for all this world. Frequently did she eyy, I would not complain ; and spoke of the goodness of God to her, in that she did not endure such pain as many of her fellow creatures.

One morning, the Lord in great mer- cy revealed himself to her in a wonderful ii.anner. Then she had something to say to all her family. She entreated her husband to live more devoted to God. To one she said, Do prepare for death I how can 1 endure the thought of being separated from 3"ou in another world, should 1 be saved and you lost?" To another, 1 feel as though I had never given you any reason to think me a Christian, and asked him if he was prepared for death.*" He gave her to understand that he did not consider him- self to have passed the great change of regeneration. She enjoined on him to attend to it immediately. At that lime she seemed to take her leave, and give her last advice, although she hved many months. Ever after that time she felt more calm and strong in the Lord ; her evidences seemed, to brighten to the last. She appeared in an eminent de^ gree to possess the temper of a child, often saying to her friends, sit down by me, instruct and admonish me." Ou the morning of her death, she enquired if she were dying, then said, Oh ! yes, this is death, and asked if it woulii be wrohg for her to say, Come, Lo?'d Ji sus, come quickly ^ Being answered in the nega- tive, she said, " Oh I I wish I was there," and soon closed her eyes in death.

£)rDinations, ^e.

•HCRCH COJfSTITUTKD.

Trb meeting house formerly occupi- ed by the German Reformed Church, in New-York, was purchased in April last by two enterprising gentlemen in this city, (not members of any particular tjhurch) and offered for the accommoda- tion of the Baptist denomination. The providence of God having thus plainly indicated the duty of our brethren in New- York, several members of Baptist churches obtained regular letters of dis- mispion, for the express purpose of or- ganizing a new church, to be called the South Baptist church in New-Yoi k. The Rev. Charles G. Sommers was unani- mously invited to take the charge of the contemplated church, and having ac- cepted the call, and removed to this city, the church was publickly consti- tuted on the 24th of April.

The Rev. John Williams introduced the services by an appropriate prayer. A sermon was preached by Rev A. Maclay, after which, the pastor of the church gave to the council of ministers convened, a succinct statement of the doctrinal sentiments and order of the church. The hand of fellowship was then presented to the pastor of the new church, by Rev. John Stanford ; follow- ed by a most solemn and impressive charge to the pastor and members of the church. The concluding prayer was offered by Rev. Amasa Smith. The ser- vices were interspersed and enlivened by appropriate sacred musick.

CJICRCH CONSTITUTED AND MINISTER ORDAINED.

By the request of a number of breth- ren residing in Rhincbeck Flats, N. Y. a council was called July third, 1821, for the purpose of constituting a church, and ordaining Mr. Robert Scott, to the work of the ministry. The following composed the council : from Northeast, N. Y. elders freeman Hopkins, and John Buttolph, with two brethren ; and from 1st Sandisfield, Mass. elder Jesse Hartwell, with three brethren.

1. In the evening the council formed, elder Jesse Hartwell, Moderator, John Buttolph, Scribe. 12^ Examined the brethren and bisters

re>pecting their experience, Chrjstfeo character, doctrines, articles of faith, and covenant, and being sati/fied there- with, it was agreed to give them the right hand of fellowship as a church ; which was done in behalf of the coun- cil by the Moderator.

3. Brother Robert Scott, one of the constituted members, who had been la- bouring for a considerable time in that place, and has been the principal instru- m^jnt in gathering the church, was presented as a candidate for ordination. After due examination, the council re-, solved to proceed in the criinafioa to-morrow. After which, four persons presented themselves for baptism. They gave satisfactory evidence of tlieir Chris- tian experience, and were received. Adjowrned till 10 o'clock to-morrov morning.

July 4. Met pursuant to adjournment,

4. Elder J. Hartwell preached from Acts XX. 28.

5. The candidate niade a formal and Bolemn dedication of himself to the work of the gospel ministry.

6. Elder J. Buttolph made the ordain- ing prajer.

7. Elder J. Hartwell gave the charge.

8. Elder J. Buttolph presented the right hand of fellowship.

0. Elder F. Hopkins made the con- cluding prayer.

10. Repaired to the water, accom- panied by a Duiuerous asseniblv. Avhere the four candidates were baptized by el- der Hopkins.

11. Having returned to the house, a number more related their experitnce, and joined the newly formed church.

12. In the most pleasinsr union, the church for the first time, together witk tile membtrs of the council, partook of the Lord's Supper. 1 hus in peace and love closed this solemn and pleasing scene.

Ordaivko June 28th, 1820, in the Welch Association, at their session in Steuben, Uneida county. Rev. Thomas Morgan Sermon by elder David Grif- fith ; ordaining prayer by elder John Stevens ; elder David Griffith gave the cliarge ; elder John Stevens the right hand of fellowship ; concludiug prttyer by elder Abraham Williaxas.

200

POETRY.

February 28th, 1821. Norman Git- teau was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry in the Baptist church of Christ in Denmark, county of Levri?, as their pastor. After the usual examina- tion, Elder Emory Osgood preached the sermon from 2 Corinthians, Chap iv. rerpe 7. Elder John Blogget made the consecrating prayer; elder Martin E. Cook gave the charge ; elder Emory Osgood gave the right hand of fellow- ship ; elder Palmer Cross made the con- cluding praj'er ; the candidate gave out the concluding hymn, and dismissed the assembly. The solemnity of a crowded audience, and excellent musick added much to the gratification of the Chris- tian.

March 15th, 1821. Asa Averill was ordained to the work of the gospel min- istry in the Baptist meeting house in El- lisburgh. Elder Norman Gitteau preach- ed the Sermon ; elder Emory Osgood made the consecrating prayer ; elder Martin E. Cook gave the charge ; elder Joshua Freeman gave the right hand of fellowship, and made the concluding

prayer. The scene was solemn and in- teresting,

November 8th, 1821. Hiram Cornell was ordained to the pastoral charge of the Baptist church in Rodman. The usual examination being past, in which the candidate gave entire satisfaction, el- der Elisha Morgan preached the sermon ; elder John Blogget n»ade the consecrat- ing prayer ; elder Emory Osgood gave the charge, from 1 Timothy, chapter iv. verse 16. elder Martin E. Cook gave the right hand of fellowship ; elder Jo- seph Cornell, (grandfather to the candi- date,) gave the charge to tlie church : elder Norman Gitteau made the conclud- ing prayer. On the same day, brother J. Beard was set apart as a deacon. The Congregational church kindly gave the loan of their meeting house. The sea- son was salemn and interesting.

November 9th, 1821. Benjamin M. Danielson was ordained to the pastoral charge of the first Baptist church of Christ in Rutland.

THE UNION.

From whence doth this union arise, That hatred is conquerM by love ; That fastens our souls in such ties, As nature and time canH remove.

It cannot in Eden be found, Nor yet in a paradise lost ; It grows on ImmanuePs ground, And Jesus' rich blood it did cost.

My friends who so dear are to me, Our hearts all united in love ; Where Jesus is gone we shall be, l« yonder blest mansions above.

O why then so loath for to part ; Since we shall ere long meet again? Engrav'd on Immanuel's heart. At distance we cannot remain.

Though callM to resign up this breath, And quit these frail bodies of clay ; When freed from corruption and death, We'll unite in the regions of day.

With Jesus we ever shall reign, And all his bright glories shall see ; We'll sing Alleluia, Amen, Amen, even so let it be. B.

DOXOLOGY. The Father, who sits on the throne. The Lamb, who redeem'd us with blood. The Spirit, who seals us his own, We praise and adore as our God.

TO CORRESPOjYDEJVTS,

Theophilus arrived too late for insertion in this Number.

Obituary of Deacon S. B. has been received.

Account of Revival in Sedgwick shall appear in our next.

in Lib"^^

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