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PER  BV  2520   .Al  A5  v. 3-5 

The  American  Baptist 
magazine,  and  missionary 


Digitized  by 

the  Internet  Archive 

in  2015 

https://archive.org/details/baptistmagazinem310unse 


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 


1822.] 


OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


373 


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. 


376 


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 


1822.] 


OF  MASSACHUSETTS, 


377 


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 


380 


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 


1822.] 


MIS?^ONARY  INTELLIGENCE. 


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- 


1822.] 


MISSIONARY  INTKLLIGRNCB. 


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- 


384 


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 


386 


RELIGIOtJS  rJTTELLIGENCE. 


[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? 


388 


RELIGIOUS  INTELLIGENCE. 


[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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