Page images
PDF
EPUB

66

[blocks in formation]

Thursday, the day appointed by our chief magistrate for public Prayer and Thanksgiving," in the Presbyterian Church in Cedarstreet. After a sermon by Mr. Bird, the instructions were read, and the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered to a large number of the professed followers of Jesus Christ. The Rev. Dr. M⭑Auley delivered an address at the communion, and the whole exercises were most solemn and interesting. In the afternoon the Missionaries attended the meeting of the Managers of the American Bible Society. Mr. Goodell preached in the Mariners' Church on Sunday morning the 8th inst., and before service, visited the Sunday School attached to that institution. He addressed the teachers and scholars, and the little girls presented to him the contents of their "Missionary Box," kept in the school, amounting to fifty cents, which they desired he would appropriate to the purchase of " Bibles for the poor children where he was going."

We have not room to notice the exercises at all the meetings which they attended. The circumstance of their unexpected visit to this place seemed a plain indication that it was a call on Christians here to do something to" build up the old wastes," "the desolations of many generations" in the East, and we trust they have, to some extent, answered this call.

The three collections in the churches amounted to about $600: the N. Y. Religious Tract Society voted them 5000 English, 5000 Spanish, and 5000 French Tracts, and many other donations, of articles needed by the family, were made by individuals.

The missionaries embarked on board the Shepherdess on Sunday evening, and sailed early on Monday morning with a fair wind.

For the Christian Herald.

ORDINATION, &c.

It is one of the characteristics of the people of God, that they pray that the waste places of Zion may be built. To such it is always encouraging, to hear when and where God answers their prayers. Such encouragement will be afforded by the intelligence which this note is intended to communicate. On Sabbath, the 10th November, the people of Spotswood and its vicinity, about 8 miles from New-Brunswick, (N. J.) were blest with the establishment of permanent pulpit services among them, by the ordination of Mr. John M Clure, and his installation as pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at that place. The ordination sermon was preached by the Rev. J. L. Zabrieskie of Millstone-the charge to the minister was given by the Rev. I. I. Schultz, of Lebanon, and the charge to the people by the Rev. Dr. Carmon, of Six Mile Run. After the ordination, the Lord's Supper was administered by the Rev. I. M. Fisher, of Bedminster. The services of the day were truly excellent and solemn, and attended by a considerable number of spectators, which would have been more so, had not the weather in the morning promised unfavourably. We

cannot but congratulate the people of Spotswood, on the happy event of enjoying the public institutions of the Gospel from this gentleman, and the Rev Mr. Ward, of the Episcopal Church; and ardently hope, that they will be eminently successful in doing good, throughout that whole region of country, hitherto almost entirely a moral waste.

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

Z.

ABOUT two years ago, a revival commenced in Lime, N. H., since which, more than 130 have been united to the Church of Christ. "More than 30 domestic altars have been erected, where before there was no morning and evening prayers. Twenty-eight husbands, with their wives, have come forward and united with the professed friends of Zion. Forty-three unmarried persons have avouched the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to be their God, in the public assembly."

Let us call the attention of the reader to the following remarks of the Rev. Mr. Perry, who communicated an account of this work of grace to the Editor of the N. H. Repository.

"In reviewing the interesting scenes through which I have passed," says Mr. Perry, "I remark,

"1. That private Christians have done much to promote the work. An idea has been prevalent that ministers are the only men who can do any thing to promote a revival. The truth cannot be too forcibly impressed, that the efforts of none can avail without the divine blessing; but with it, private Christians may be encouraged to labour as well as others.

"By visiting from house to house; by personal conversation; by prayers and exhortations offered in the social circle, and in religious meetings; private Christians have done MUCH, VERY MUCH to advance the cause of the Redeemer in this place. And by their fidelity and efforts in these various ways, many of them have made rapid and very desirable attainments in knowledge and in grace. "It is believed also that females have afforded very important aid in this good cause. Among themselves, they have had many meetings for prayer and religious conversation; and in a more private manner by their domestic influence and seasonable remarks to others, especially to their own sex, it is believed that a great sum of good has been the result. We trust they will be recognized in the world to come as helpers and fellow heirs with those who will inherit the promises; and that their devotedness to Christ, and exertions in his cause will be richly rewarded. The time no doubt is coming, we hope it is near, when every friend of Emanuel, whether man, woman, or child, will be actively engaged in every consistent way to advance the cause of truth, and extend the best interests

of man.

"2 The favourite infidel argument, that men of influence and strength of mind are not found to embrace religion, appears weak in view of what God has done for us. Many of our most respectable and influential citizens, have stood forth as active and decided friends of Christ. Their example and efforts have contributed not a little to promote the welfare of immortal souls.

"3. The beneficial effects of a revival have been strikingly exhibited in this place. Every candid man, and, perhaps, even the most bitter opposers of religion, will acknowledge that there has been a great moral change in the habits and pursuits of this people Almost every thing around us has assumed a new aspect. The Spirit of God has changed the scene of festivity and amusement, to a place of prayer; the thoughtlessness of youth to the serious reflections of manhood; and the resort of dissipation and boisterous mirth to a place of sobriety and temperance. Many of our youth have found, that the giddy circle of folly is not the best place in which to spend the precious hours of time, and that the rude and gay associate is not the most desirable companion. And those in

[blocks in formation]

tiper years have learned, that the conference and the prayer meeting are better places for enjoyment than the house of festivity, aud the habitation of merriment." "Who can say that religion does not make men happy, even in this world?"

Extract of a Letter from a Clergyman to the Editor of the Christian Herald.

"Since July last, I have spent my time principally in different parts of NewJersey, and in Bucks County, Pennsylvania In almost every place where I have been I have witnessed the operations of the Holy Spirit. In the church at Deerfield, West New-Jersey, a work of Divine grace has lately commenced. There are about 30 or 40 anxious inquirers, and the work is progressing. In Bucks County, Pa., the churches at Newtown, Neshaminy, Doylestown, and New Hope, have been visited. At Newtown 43 have been added to the church, at the late communion; at Neshaminy 79; At Doylestown upwards of 50. At Mansfield, N. J. a work has commenced. At Hackettstown 30 were added last Sabbath. The work has just commenced, and is rapidly and powerfully progressing. The churches at German Valley, Fox Hill, Lebanon, Lamington, and Bedminster, have been visited; and in most, if not all of them, the work is still going on. I do not know how many have been admitted to the communion of these churches. At Somerville the work has been the most extensive; upwards of 60 were added at the first communion, and at the second 145. At Bound Brook more than 50 have been added at each communion. At Baskingridge there are supposed to be 200 anxiously concerned; and I am informed that Rockaway, Morristown, and Chatham, are likewise visited with these gracious showers. The set time to favour Zion has now come."

A powerful revival has commenced in Dickinson College, Pa. The Church under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Duffield, has also been greatly favoured with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At present we decline giving particulars.

SUMMARY.

THE REV. Dr. SPRING, arrived in this city on Saturday evening. His health has been considerably improved by his voyage to Europe.

The Rev. Mr. FREY, as agent for the "American Society for meliorating the condition of the Jews," has formed about one hundred auxiliaries in the NewEngland States, and the northern part of this state. He has now commenced a tour to the southward, with the same objects in view.

Episcopal Missionary Society. The anniversary Sermon was preached in Trinity Church, on Thursday evening, by the Rev. MANTON EASTBURN, and a collection taken up amounting to $118.

Burman Mission. Many of our readers are interested in this mission. Mr. Judson, the first missionary to this empire under the patronage of the American Board of Baptist Missions, has acquired a thorough knowledge of the language, and translated a considerable part of the New Testament, which is now printed and circulated among the natives. Several native converts have formed a Christian Church, and conduct themselves consistently with their professions. Mrs. Judson was obliged to take a voyage for the benefit of her health; and while in England, she proposed to the friends of missions there to raise about $4,000, to purchase twenty-five female orphan slaves, for the purpose of commencing instruction among the females of Burmah. Female education forms no part of the system of the Burmans, and the above plan is the only one by which the work of instruction can be commenced and carried on, with any prospect of success, among the females of that immense empire. The expense of supporting the children when redeemed, will be about $340 per annum. This expense, after the first four years, may be nearly defrayed by the children themselves, through their acquired VOL. IX.

56

habits of industry. Mrs. Judson is now in this country, for the farther improve ment of her health, and we hope this excellent plan of hers will meet with encouragement and support from the friends of missions in America. Should she be spared to return to the interesting scene of her former labours, we hope she may go with a renewed assurance that she will be followed with the contributions and prayers of many Christians.

Recent intelligence from Mr. Judson informs us that he is at present entirely occupied in translations, as the prosecution of Moung Shwagnong, a hopeful convert, "struck a fatal blow to all religious inquiry" He was, however, fully persuaded, that the way would soon be opened for the establishment of true religion in that country.

Donations for the Baptist Missions may be sent to THOMAS STOKES, Esq., Treasurer, No. 155 Broadway, New-York.

Heathen Females. A Society has been organized at Boston for the "Instruction of Heathen Females," by ladies of the Baptist denomination în that city. On this occasion, Mrs. Judson presented an address to “Females in America,” in which she depicts the wretched situation of heathen females in the East. Mrs. Jv pleads with her countrywomen, "by all the tender feelings of which the female mind is susceptible, by all the privileges and blessings resulting from the cultivation and expansion of the human mind, by our duty to God and our fellow-creatures, and by the blood and groans of Him who died on Calvary,” “to meliorate the situation, to instruct, enlighten and save females in the eastern world."

Synod of Ohio. In reporting the state of religion within the bounds of this Synod, it is mentioned, that in two or three towns there have been revivals of religion-in congregations destitute of stated pastors, the elders, and other mem bers of the churches, have kept up meetings; and in some instances, their efforts have been attended with encouraging success. Incipient measures have been taken by this Synod, and the Synod of Pittsburgh, to unite with the Synod of Kentucky in establishing a Theological Seminary in the West.

Synod of Pittsburgh. This Synod have recently published a narrative of the state of religion within their bounds, which, amidst some causes for regret and humility, exhibits a state of things, on the whole, most encouraging. Pastoral visitation has been more attended to than formerly, and, as might be expected, family religion has much improved. Revivals of religion have been powerful in a few places, and the Presbytery of Hartford is particularly noticed. "Bible, Missionary and Education Societies, as well as Sabbath Schools, Bible Classes, and Praying Societies, have very considerably increased in number, public estimation, and general utility;" and the additions to the churches have been greater than in any former year.

Sandwich Islands. The family intended as a reinforcement to the mission at those Islands, sailed from New-Haven, on the 20th of last month, in the ship Thames, Captain Closby.

The Jews. The history of the "American Society for meliorating the condition of the Jews," commenced in this number, will be continued, and the operations of the Society, and the success of Christian labours in behalf of the "covenant people," in various parts of the world, will be particularly noticed in our future num

bers,

DIED, at Cox's Bazar, Bengal, July 4, 1822, Rev. JAMES COLMAN, American Baptist Missionary at Chittagong.

eaman's JMagazine.

He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they [sailors] glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Psalms.

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING THE GOSPEL AMONG SEAMEN.

Ar a very full meeting of the Board of Directors on Friday evening the 29th ult. the Rev. JOHN TRUAIR, Minister of the Mariner's Church, laid before them the following report, which we feel assured will deeply interest every friend of seamen, and every friend to Christ's Kingdom.

GENTLEMEN,-On the business which your committee appointed me, of visiting the eastern states, I left the city on the 25th of July and proceeded directly to New Haven, where I was kindly and cordially received by many friends, who highly approved of the object of my mission. It, however, appeared that the committee had misjudged in regard to the kind of preaching which would be necessary to gain the object I had in view; and a gentleman of that city kindly advised me to alter at once, if I meant to enlist the feelings of the people of New-England; and to preach distinctly on the subject of seamen. I resolved, therefore, to turn my thoughts immediately towards the conversion of seamen, and the various other subjects, interesting to the church of God, with which that conversion is immediately or more remotely connected; and I think I have found it not altogether an unprofitable employment for my own mind. It was thought by some gentlemen of that city, that a sermon on the subject of seamen, would have made a material difference in the collection taken up. I spent a few days here, attended a number of meetings; and one, especially interesting, was a meeting for seamen holden on board the steam boat. It was judged that there were from four to five hundred who attended it. It was a very solemn meeting, and I judged it to be interesting to them from the profound attention which was paid to every part of the exercises of the evening; probably this meeting will not soon be forgotten. It was thought best for me to visit New-Haven again, on the same business, at some future period; and in a sermon for the purpose, lay the whole claims of seamen before them, that they might see the bearings of the object to which this charity was given. The same request was also made at Hartford, where I was able to accomplish nothing for seamen, as at the time, the ground was pre viously occupied for another object.

On my way to Hartford, I called at Middletown, where I obtained a good collection for the time and notice which was given them, as I was able only to give them a call on a week day. Here I found some good friends to the seamen's cause, who I think will do more for their salvation, when the knowledge of the way of doing it becomes more prevalent. Those are the only towns which I visited in Connecticut. From Hartford I went to Providence, where I found some warm-hearted friends to the cause of seamen, and many cold-hearted calculators, who seemed little concerned about any thing but to know who would show them some earthly good. It was with some difficulty that I could get a house to preach in, where I might be allowed to take up a collection for the benefit of sailors; and a place to hold a Bethel meeting could not be obtained; and we were obliged to abandon the attempt altogether. The friends of seamen, however, at last suc ceeded in getting a house, with the privilege of a collection; and I trust a divine blessing will rest on the congregation who gave it, and on the individuals who enlisted themselves in the cause which is so important to the Christian world. I have been informed that they have established meetings for seamen in Providence since I left them; if this be a fact, and I trust that it is, it will be evident that the labours even in that place for the cause of seamen, have not been altogether in vain. I think, without a question, that the society may safely calculate on

« PreviousContinue »