Page images
PDF
EPUB

is preaching here every Sabbath, and consequently Sabbath breaking has greatly diminished, though the day is now regarded much less than it should be. Being on a public thoroughfare, we are not a little annoyed with travellers.

MISSOURI.

From Rev. T. S. Reeve, St. Joseph.

Pioneering.

Although my labors have been extremely arduous, having ridden, in the discharge of my ministerial duties, more than a thousand miles, preaching the Gospel under all possible circumstances in the open air, in open log houses, in groceries, in taverns, in private houses, and in unfinished buildings visiting the sick and dying, &c.; yet God has, in much kindness, preserved my health and strength. Dangers have been around me and mine, still life has been sustained. Difficulties, trying and great, have been met and overcome. Discouragements, dark and mighty, have clustered around my pathway, and yet I have been enabled to keep up my spirits, and to continue my labors, cheered with hope. I have secured the organization of a church in this new and flourishing town, which I trust, is to exert a holy and an extensive influence in Upper Missouri. I have also secured the erection of a log church, and which is now nearly completed. To do this, I have had to shoulder my axe and march to the forest, and cut many of the logs nyself; and have done many a hard day's work upon the building besides.

Our little church consists of twelve members, and some of them, at least, manifest a good christian spirit. I have also secured a small Sabbath school library, and, as soon as our church is finished, shall organize a Sabbath school.

Solemn circumstances.

This has been a trying season to great numbers of families, on account|

of sickness occasioned by the high wa ters and storms of last spring and sum mer. In one family four children died, one after another, in almost as many weeks. On the day the last child was buried, I attended the funeral at 10 o'clock, A. M., and at 3 o'clock, P. M., admitted the father of two, and the mother of two that died, (two brothers living together,) into the church, and administered the sacrament to them and an aged grandmother, who was lying sick of the fever, unable to sit up. It was a solemn, and an unusual, and a deeply interesting occasion. This family, in which are four of the members of our church, live on "the bot tom," some three miles from town. I have an appointment there for the purpose of organizing a Bible class for the winter season, the neighborhood being thickly settled.

We are hoping that God will, during The wicked even are beginning to feel the winter, revive his work among us. tired of living wickedly, and as the excitement of politics, which has been a deadly curse to the churches in Missouri, will have subsided, we trust that religion will become more prosperous.

Is Home Missionary aid needed?

The following, from a minister in the Upper Missouri country, gives the answer:

There is an immense amount of labor to be done; and although the field is very large, and already white for the harvest, the laborers are indeed few. And unless some further arrangement is made for the support of those now in the field, they will be still fewer. Ministers cannot live on wind, nor have their families learned to subsist on thin air. Yet so scanty have been the means, that I have heard a minister's children cry for bread, and none could be obtained. My own family have actually suffered for many things. And I feel that duty will not compel me to stay much longer unless something more can be done. If a man can be sustained here a few years the church will, most unquestionably, be able to return the monies she is now receiving; but if the field is abandoned for want of a few dollars,

which thousands in the churches have | for the sake of spending an hour with in abundance, the loss will be irre- the disciples of the Lord Jesus, in praytrievable, and the guilt will belong to er and conference. Two others have those who might have secured a lasting gone a still greater distance, and conblessing to multitudes. sidered it, as they say, "no sacrifice whatever." The subject of "revival," or rather of a revival in our hearts and in our community, has been the theme of much interesting discussion in these meetings, and has elicited many fervent prayers from Christians. Many are beginning to feel that a revival in the midst of us is greatly needed, and oth

WISCONSIN.

Specimen of pecuniary embarrass

ments.

Violation of the Sabbath.

I have received only thirty-seven dollars from that church since I commen-ers, that it is indispensable. ced my labors among them, a year ago last July. And I shall not probably realize over fifty dollars of the hundred that was pledged last year. I do not mention these things by way of complaint, but they are not so pleasant to be endured, especially by one so poor as myself. There are some willing hearts and ready hands to minister to my necessities, though it be not in the shape of dollars and cents. Were it not for these we might suffer, and be in need of "all things." But I find in all my trials, the Lord a present help. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," is a strong consolation to the missionary who diligently pursues his work, and keeps his eye single to the glory of God.

It is painful, indeed, for one coming from the "land of steady habits," to witness the very great, and I might say, almost total disregard of this day, in this country. Our streets leading to the principal ports upon the lake, are thronged with people going to and returning from market upon the Sabbath, almost as much as any other day of the week. Sixteen teams were observed to pass one way upon the Racine road in a single hour. The same might probably be seen every hour of that day, and of almost every Sabbath during the year. It is not unfrequently the case, that the ears are pained with the sound of the sportsman's gun, and his eyes

From Rev. M. Wells, Burlington, Wis. with the sight of the fisherinen upon

Prayer for revival.

For a few weeks past there has been an increased interest felt on the subject of religion in these churches-especially in Burlington. Four weeks ago we commenced a weekly evening prayer meeting in the neighborhood were most of the church live, by going from house to house.

Meetings have been commenced in this neighborhood before, but they have died away for want of supporters. But now every Christian seems interested in them. All attend them without regard to sect, all participate in them, and all seem desirous to have them attended in their own houses. An aged mother in Israel, one who has seen upwards of eighty years, has gone a mile and a half

the ponds, or with other acts, which, if possible, are still more offensive in the sight of God, and more annoying to the Christian. No longer ago than the last Sabbath, during the morning services, we were annoyed with the butchering of a hog, within a few rods, and in sight of the place where we were convened; and every Sabbath, almost, is the quiet of our village disturbed by the running of a grist mill. Now, what shall we do? We preach, we pray, we labor for a reform in this matter; but there seems to be but little hope of success, while there continues to be so large a class of professed religionists as we have in our community, who desecrate the Sabbath. The last example of Sabbath breaking mentioned above is by a leading member of a religious denomination. The preacher of that church, as I am credi

bly informed, keeps his public house
open to the accommodation of parties
of pleasure on the Lord's day; and his
sons are off on a fishing or hunting ex-
cursion, while he is preaching. Now
it may be said, "these are not Chris-
tians, and therefore, their influence will
go no farther than any other worldly
men's." But this is not true. They
have their churches, they meet for wor-
ship, they preach, they weep, and
hence they succeed in making thou-
sands believe that "they are as good as
other Christians;" and consequently
their influence goes as a christian influ-
ence in favor of Sabbath desecration.
But it cannot always be so.
By their
fruits ye shall know them," said the
Savior. The world will "know them"
also, and will condemn them in heart,
though they may do the like themselves.
God's truth will prevail, for it is om-
nipotent.

66

Other embarrassments.

to feel rather cold toward me, and to contemplate a change of ministers.

Heterogeneous materials.

strongly of the various assemblage at the The following enumeration reminds one Penticost, (Acts 2: 9-11.) Can any wonder that it needs great piety, great tact and zeal, and perseverance to be a successful missionary among such a people; or that the individual who attempts it should be sustained by the prayers and contributions of the older churches?

66

I have, at one time, preached to persons from England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Poland, New-Brunswick, Canada, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, Maine, New-York, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, besides the representatives of the Western states, called, in the unique geographical nomenclature of this region, "Hoos"Wolverines," During the past summer, I have la-iers," Badgers," bored under great discouragements. "Suckers," "Buckeyes," &c. When The nearest house that I could obtain, I learned the heterogeneous character of to live in, is nearly three miles from the the population, and was told, moreover, village. Hence it has been very difficult that Eastern men, and especially Presfor me to attend evening meetings, byterian ministers, were looked upon and consequently, they have been sadly by many with peculiar suspicion and neglected during the past summer and prejudice, I will not conceal that I had fall. Near where I live, I have held a many misgivings in relation to my ultiBut I have found the prayer meeting every Sabbath evening, mate success. until recently, which has been attended people frank, intelligent and kind heartwith considerable interest. The people ed; and have not been treated with inhere are so easily led away by excite-tentional discourtesy by a single citizen ments of various kinds, that it is hard of the place.

to keep up an interest among them from one Sabbath to another. Causes of excitement are not few, and the people are very ready to yield to their influence.

Variety of Sects.

Last spring, a man who was cut off from the church two years before, A few families among the many that opened a store in this place, and com-have come in during the season belong menced selling grog. Since that time, to our order of worship, but more belong rumor says, that one or two of the mem- to the Baptist and Methodist denominabers of the church have violated their pledge. Not having any definite proof, yet enough to convince me, that there has been some gross inconsistency on the part of two or three, I have preached plainly on the subject of temperance, which probably led those who were guilty

tions. The former of these have now a minister at hand. The latter have two preachers, with their families, locacated here. Owing to the rapid growth of this place, and its prospective enlargement, it is not surprising, I think, that different denominations should

here meet and combine their forces; and, perhaps, a strong temptation may thus be presented to succumb to the wishes of ungodly men, and " keep back" a part of "the truth:" which is only a shade better than to "hold the truth in unrighteousness." Concerning the Thomasite sect, (as they are called,) who established themselves here two years since, after forming a small church, and making a desperate effort to disciple all the people, I would say they have fled to another village not far off, and are endeavoring there to rally the inhabitants around their water-bath -perhaps they may succeed now, as their only opponents are a small society of Unitarians. Our Catholic community remain pretty much stationary at = present. It is believed that two families, belonging to them, have lost all confidence in the genuineness of their religion. I am sure this is true of one of these families. Time will determine the results. Since the great disturbance of the Mormon hive at Nauvoo, and the death of their king bee, a number of families belonging to this strangely infatuated sect have wandered here, waiting, I suppose, to see what the end shall be. The Universalists, at present, have preaching a part of the time.

Preparation for the future.

And now, with this view of our place, I would say, concerning our own church, we trust, under God, and by the aid of your Society, that Zion will yet be firmly established-able, ere long, not only to help herself to the provisions of God's house, but hereafter ready and willing to impart a benefit to others who may be as we now are, struggling into life. I anticipate the day when this whole "valley of dry bones" shall present a living army for the living Godone that shall neither shrink from suf

pared to " contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints," when the powers of iniquity shall rise, we shall need to know something more than "the first rudiments" of christianity-the church will need to do something more than merely to meet, praise, and pray, and enjoy herself. And during all the days of our infancy and childhood, we are obliged to look up to your Society as the mother of us all— every day we are nourished and cherished by your tender care and pity; and while we hear your longing hearts cry out, in the language of the noble mother of the brave Pierre Petois, "My child, do your duty," we cheerfully respond, "for Christ's sake, our duty we will do.”

Finding the lost.

I am happy to say that one man and his wife, old backsliders, from a church in Vermont, have recently been awakened, and show signs of returning to life and duty. Last night I visited another, whom I unexpectedly found to have been a professor once, belonging to a church in Boston. Another man of the world has recently been called to lay in the cold grave his two eldest sons. He seems greatly afflicted-we hope he will now flee to Jesus. His children were both members of our Sabbath school, and gave pleasing evidence of a happy change. The views, questions and answers of the eldest, were somewhat remarkable for one so young.

INDIANA,

Infancy of Christians in the West.

The stern old fathers in the communities of

ferings, nor faint under rebukes when the East, long fed on the "strong meat" of the long predicted combining hour of Christian doctrine, and habituated to the staid Antichrist's forces shall have fully and regular operation of causes, woven into come. The soldier, in time of peace, the texture of society by their ancestors, can needs little more than a rusty old scarcely make due allowance for the immasword; and he is contented with a well turity of principle, and unsteadiness in pracstuffed knapsack and good rations; but tice, often seen in churches in the new states. the clarion of war changes all the scene, They forget that the missionary has to deal and calls for other preparations. So, to with society in its forming stages-that the be a good soldier of Jesus Christ, pre-Christians who constitute the "good seed of

[blocks in formation]

the kingdom," are often of most dissimilar to see the church universal form its origin and associations, and that frequently they must be managed with tenderness and forbearance, as babes in divine things. While this is true of them as Christians, it is also true that as men of trade and politics, and other worldly interests, they are intelligent and shrewd; and hence, much wisdom and tact is needed rightly to direct their ener gies.

The writer of the letter which follows has such a people to build up, with the blessing of God, into a living church. It is a noble work; but how difficult! What patience with the inexperience and waywardness of men it requires! What anxious care, and reiterated effort, and abiding at the foot of the cross-which never can be estimated by any but the all-seeing eye! May the spirit of Christ be largely imparted to all such faithful men, to bear them up under their burdens, and secure that none of their labor

shall be in vain!

What becomes more evident to me, as time rolls on, is the false views and habits of Christians generally, as to the true idea of a christian life and christian benevolence. I find business and the world, almost without exception, first, and the kingdom of God second; (If it were only second!) and the practical realization of Christ's Spirit, I nowhere see-men give what is convenient, and do what business allows-no more; and even that they think they ought to be thanked for. Alas! sometimes I think that the church are not discriminated from the world! Just as much engaged in business-no more charitable no more self-denying—and | equally ready to call the true idea of christian self-sacrifice, when held up, fanaticism. Can these dry bones live! Yes, if the Spirit of God will breathe! But I remember what this place has been and take courage. Christians, like children, must creep before they can walk. And I set about vanquishing their low, very low, conceptions of benevolent devotion, knowing that this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

whole scheme of practice in life and business affairs on a different model from any now known, viz: Christ's model. It seems to me if there were but two orders in churches, viz: the senders and the sent, and that the whole energy of every Christian were devoted in one order or the other, the world would be evangelized in a very few selves, and give Christ what they can years. Now men do business for themspare. I want them to do business just as much; but to do it as salaried agents for Christ, and take what he can

spare.

From Rev. J. G. Brice, Winchester.

At Stoney Creek, in Henry County, there has been more than usual solemnity among the people collected on the Sabbath to hear the Gospel. Some, who about two months ago were living careless and unconcerned about their souls, are now indulging a lively hope in the Redeemer, and are looking forward with no inconsiderable degree of interest to that one meeting, when they shall for the first time come publicly forward, and give themselves to God by covenant. Since my last report we have received three to the church. They bid fair to be humble and consistent Christians.

Sabbath Schools grently needed.

Within the last two months I have organized two Sabbath schools. These schools are doing well. The scholars punctually attend, and the teachers appear to be much interested in their salvation. The one organized among the colored people prospers. The scholars who compose this school are from the youth of six years old, to the aged man and woman of sixty. I have been lately much impressed with the importance of supplying every destitute neighborhood in our county with Sabbath schools. There are many places in this county where I might to great advantage organize Sabbath schools, under the direction and superintendence of pious persons. Many of the members Ah, dear brethren, my heart longs of the churches among which I am la

An aspiration.

« PreviousContinue »