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RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

WE learn from Holland, where Mr. Kicherer, from South Africa, is arrived, together with three converted Hottentots, that considerable success has attended his labours at Zak River, where no less than thirty adult persons have been baptized, after giving a satisfactory confession of their faith, together with about fifty of their children. The particulars, which are remarkably interesting and pleasing, will be laid before the public hereafter. The Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecticut, to the Directors of the London Missionary Society.

Hartford, Connecticut, April 20, 1803.

Christian Brethren,

YOUR very friendly Letter of Nov. 10, 1802, inclosing your Annual Address, and the Report of your Committee concerning France, reached us about the middle of last month. It was accidentally detained some time in Boston: a circunstance which we regret, as we were prevented longer than we otherwise should have been, from receiving intelligence which greatly rejoiced our hearts.

We join with you, dear brethren, i ascribing praise to God, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, that he has stirred up the hearts of such numbers in the land of our fathers, to interest themselves so warmly in the advancement of the kingdom of our divine Redeemer. May the Lord increase the zeal of the members of your Society! and as he is so eminently opening a door for you to exert yourselves, may he give you one heart and one mind to follow the leadings of his providence and may you have the abundant satisfaction of seeing the standard of the Cross erected in Heathen lands, through your instrumentality; and of beholding the principles of pure Christianity prevail in nations where Antichrist has so long been permitted to deceive the people with his pernicious errors !

We are greatly animated with the prospect opened to view, in conse⚫

quence of your late deputation to

France. We behold the hand of a

wonder-working God; and, with a pleasing anxiety, wait for information respecting the result of that your Committee met with, and the Mission. The friendly reception encouragement afforded them by influential men, we consider as omens of good; and while with you we sincerely deplore the situation of that flourishing and populous nation, with regard to religion, we are led to hope that, ere long, evan. gelical truth will there be more generally known, and more universally embraced than at present. — May the measures adopted by you, be blessed of God towards the ac complishment of so desirable an object!

The dispensations of divine Providence, of late years, with regard to the nations of Europe, have been truly wonderful; and we cannot but hope, they are designed to be introductory to glorious scenes, as respects the church of the living God. It comforts our hearts to reflect, that all the convulsions which agitate nations, and the great changes which take place in governments, will be over-ruled to subserve the purposes of infinite wisdom and goodness.

The intelligence contained in your Annual Address, respecting Otaheite and Africa, is very encouraging; and leads us with you, to give praise to that God who hath graciously promised that the Heathen shall be given to his Son for an inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for a possession. The dear brethren who have has zarded their lives to visit those re

us.

mote regions, are not forgotten by We bear them on our hearts to the throne of grace; and anticipate, with pleasing expectation, the time when God, of his abundant mercy, shall cause the light of the gospel to beam on the dark corners of the earth; and when the isles, and the inhabitants thereof, shall sing a new song, even praise unto our God. How must it quicken and animate your exertions to reflect, that you may be coworkers with God, in communicating the light of salvation to nations that are now perishing for lack of vision! Go on, dear brethren, to enlarge the sphere of your Missionary efforts, encouraged with the assurance, that the friends of the Redeemer, in all parts of the world, who hear of your proceedings, are wrestling with God in prayer for your success.

We refer you to the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine, which will be transmitted to you with this let ter, for particulars respecting the state of religion in this country, and the proceedings of our Missionary Society. We trust it will refresh your hearts, and call forth praise to God, to learn that so many places in the United States have been lately blessed with visitations of his grace. Though infidelity and error are permitted to prevail in some places to an alarming degree, God is manifestly setting up his standard, and showing that his arm is not shortened that his ear is not heavy. Perhaps in no ante. cedent period has a greater number of places been, at any one time, blessed with sprinklings of divine grace, tho' more abundant showers may have been shed on particular places.

In Kentucky, and the back parts of some of our southern states, God has, for some time past, been carrying on a very singular work of grace. This work, as you have probably been informed, is remarkable, as respects the numbers wrought upon, and the manner in which they are affected. In our Magazine for March 1802, you will find the best account we have been able to collect of this extraordinary

revival. By late intelligence froin that part of our country, we are happy to learn that the rivival continues, and is becoming more extensive, though not attended with such singular bodily impressions as at the first. There are diversities of operation, but only one Spirit; and God has infinitely wise reasons, though we may not see them, for departing from his usual mode of operation, at particular times and in particular places. The revivals in New England have not been attended with those effects upon the body which have characterized the work at the southward; - still we are constrained to believe, that the same God, who hath wrought thus powerfully with them, hath been with us in the still small voice. Let praise and glory be given to him for the displays of his mercy, in whatever manner he may see fit to manifest his power and grace!

Our Missionary efforts, owing to the scantiness of our funds, have hitherto been small, compared with yours; but, from the increasing li berality of the good people of the state, and the patronage of our honourable, legislature, we hope to be able soon to do more than we have yet done, in promoting the cause of truth and righteousness.You may think that the amount of our contributions, for the support of Missions, is small, considering that our Society extends through the state; but it should be recollected, that Connecticut is a small state. Its whole population is but about 250,000. Of these, onefourth or upwards are Episcopalians, Baptists, Wesleyan Methodists, or other denominations who do not unite with the consociated churches of the state in the Missionary institution.

As yet, we have done little for the Heathen on our borders. They are in a truly deplorable state of ignorance and barbarity; which loudly calls for the prayers and exertions of those whom God has blessed with the means of knowing him and Jesus Christ, whom he has sent. Their situation is also very peculiar; and, in many respects, more unfavourable to the reception

of the gospel than that of the inhabitants of the islands in the South Sea. Our funds do not admit of our forming a Missionary establishment upon an extensive plan : — We have sent a judicious, pious Missionary to reside in the neighbourhood of some of the tribes, with a view to his learning their language, and occasionally conversing with such chiefs as he may see, on the subject of their receiving religious instructors; and we indulge the hope, that God, in answer to the prayers of his people, will graciously open a door for his future usefulness; and that this may be preparatory to something more ef fectual than has yet been accomplished for those benighted Pagans.

The attention of our Society has been chiefly turned to the inhabitants of our new settlements. We have a very extensive country at the back of us, which is settling with an astonishing rapidity, chiefly by emigration from the Atlantic states. From a variety of circumstances attending a country just setting, a considerable time must necessarily elapse before the inhabitants will be in a situation to support the regu lor preaching of the gospel, and administration of the Christian ordinances. We deem it, therefore, highly necessary, that zealous, faithful Missionaries be sent among them, that they may not lose sight of the importance of religious institutions. It was under these impressions, as well as with a view of ultimately benefitting the Indians, that the Missionary Society of Connecticut was instituted. This Society, though but recently organized in its present form, is in fact the oldest institution of the kind in America. For upwards of fifteen years, the clergy of the state have greatly interested themselves in be half of the inhabitants of our fron tier settlements. Many Missionaries have been sent to those settlements, by whom the gospel has been preached, churches gathered, and Christian ordinances administered, in numerous places, which, but a short time since, were the abode of savage beasts, and the occasional resort of still more savage

men. The present constitution of the Society was formed about five years since; and last fall, the institution was made a legal corporation, by the legislature of the

state.

We have abundant reason to be lieve, that the labours of our Missionaries, and the religious books which they have dispersed, have been blessed, in many instances, as a means of keeping alive a sense of religion among the inhabitants of the new settlements; and influencing them to take measures, much sooner than could otherwise have been expeeted, for the regular settlement of gospel-ministers.

By inspecting a map of the United States, you will see that we have, within our limits, large tracts of country still unsettled. The field for Missionary labours will, therefore, be extending itself for many years, if not ages; and will call for increased exertions on our part. If we may be made, in any measure, instrumental in sending forth_la. bourers into this part of the vine. yard of our Lord, we trust we shall so far promote the cause of truth, and benefit the souls of our fellow.

men.

We wish to maintain a friendly correspondence with your Society; for though the particular fields in which we are called to labour, are, in some respects, different from each other; yet our general object is the same: the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom. If we are sincere in this, it will be our delight to aid each other by our prayers, and by mutual communi. cations; which may serve to quicken our zeal, so apt to grow languid, and to stimulate to more vigorous and persevering efforts. Sensible of the importance of a free and friendly intercourse with you, our Board of Trustees have lately de termined to write semi-annually; and to transmit to you our Magazines, which will inform you of our proceedings, and of the general state of religion in this western world. We hope also to hear from you more frequently than in times past; and to receive from you such communications as may inform us

respecting the progress of pure and vital Christianity in any part of the world, that may come to your knowledge. We are particularly desirous of receiving, from time to time, the Missionary Journal which you mention is about to be published; not doubting but the perusal of it will serve to quicken us in the cause in which we profess to be engaged.

We desire with you, devoutly to adore the hand of God, in the re markable events which are taking

place among the nations of the earth; and are looking forward, with anxious solicitude, for the time when the Most High, who ruleth over all the earth, shati overturn, and overturn, till he comes whose right it is to take the diadem and crown.

We are, de brethren, with Christian affection and esteem, Your Fellow-Labourers,

(In the name of the Trustees) J. TREADWELL, Chairman, ABEL FLINT, Secretary,

HOME INTELLIGENCE.

APRIL 20. A new meetinghouse was opened at Little Hadham, Herts. The Rev. R. Hill preached in the morning, from 1 Cor. ii. 1, 2; and Mr. Weaver, of Shrewsbury, in the afternnon, from Mat. xiii. 45, 46; Mr. Holme, of Ware; Mr. Drake, of Hertford, and Mr. Linsell (who at present supplies this congregation) engaged in other parts of the service.

April 27. The EAST KENT Association of Ministers held their Half-yearly Meeting at Mr. Atkin son's, Margate. Mr. W. Mather preached in the morning, from Col. 1. 28; and Mr. J. Mather in the evening, from Isa. xl. 11; Mr Atwood preached the preceding event. ing. The next Meeting is appointed to be held at Mr. Atwood's, Folkstone. Oct. 19, when Messrs. Gore and Cramp are expected to preach; and Mr. Young on the preceding evening.

On Whit Monday (May 30) the Anniversary was held at Peppard, intended to counteract the practice of revelling on that day, and to teach the poor villagers the good way of the Lord. On this occasion three sermons were preached by Messrs. Cook, Douglas, and Colli son; Messrs. Jeary, Lovegrove, Bickerdike, Scholefield, and Evans assisted in other parts of the services; and the children of the Sunday-Schools sung an hymn composed for the purpose.

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June 6. The Independent Mi nisters of the county of KENT, held their Annual Association in Mr. Goodwin's Meeting, at Lenham. The evening preceding, Mr. Geo. Townsend preached, from Acts xxvi. 16. The next morning, a prayer meeting at seven o'clock. At ten, Mr. James Paruel reached from 2 Cor. iii, 13. La the even. ing, Mr. Tracy, from Is. Ix.i. p.→ After sermon in the morning, the. ministers and people of the asso Ciated churches present, joined in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper. In these exercises, Messrs. Legget, Child, Vincent, Ralph, Popple well, and Arnold engaged in prayer. The next Annual Meeting is to be held at Greenwich Tabernacle, Mess. Gurteen, Vincent, and Town, send to preach on that occasion, Previous notice will be given of the time fixed.

The DEVONSHIRE Association of Calvinistic Ministers met at Ap. pledore, June 22. Qu the preced ing evening, Mr W, Rooker, of Tavistock, preached from 2 Cor. xiii. 14. Wednesday morning, Mr. Smail, of Axminster, from Rom. viii. 30 (Justification); and in the evening, Mr. Allen, of Exeter, de livered a (practical) discourse, from

john ii. 20; Mr. R. Winton, of Exmouth, delivered an address to the churches; and Messrs. Dewey, Jackson, and Stoat engaged in other parts of the service. Notwithstand. 3 G

ing an incessant rain of fifteen hours, the services were well attended.

June 28. The Rev. H. M'Kenzie was ordained to the pastoral office over the particular Baptist church at Bury St. Edmonds. Mr. Cowel, of Ipswich, introduced the business; Mr. Fenn, of Otley, of fered the ordination - prayer; Mr. Ward, of Diss, gave the charge, from 2 Tim. ii. 19; Mr. Hall, of Ipswich, addressed the church, from Deut. xxxiv. 8, 9; Mr. Thompson and Mr. Caddy engaged in other parts of the service; and Mr. Simpson, of Diss, preached in the evening. This infant church was raised, and the meeting built, by Mr. Ridley, who died, much regretted, nine months after his ordi.

nation.

Jaly 7. The Rev. J. Sloper (late student at Homerton Academy) was ordained over the independent church at Beccles, Suffolk. Mr. Walford, of Yarmouth, delivered the introductory discourse; Mr. Newton, of Norwich, prayed the ordination - prayer; Mr. Ford, of Stepney, gave the charge, from Col. iv. 17; Mr. Ray, of Sudbury, addressed the people, from 1 Co. xvi. 10; Messrs. Shufflebottom, Ray, Gardiner, and Craig, engaged in other parts of the service; and Mr. Atkinson, of Ipswich, preached in the evening.

July 13. The Rev. Mr. Theodosits was publicly set apart to the pastoral office in the Independent church at New Windsor, near Man. chester. Mr. White, of Chester, read the Scriptures and prayed; Mr. Bradley, of Manchester, de. scribed the character of a Christian church, and asked the usual ques tions; Mr. Ralph, of Liverpool, engaged in the ordination - prayer. The pastor received his charge, which was founded on 1 Tim. iv. 16, from his tutor, Mr. Lewis, of Wrexham; and the church and congregation were exhorted to prayer for their minister, by Mr. Roby, of Manchester. In the evening, Mr. Sowden, of Bolton, preached from 15. lxxxii. 6, 7.

July 17. A new Independent

meeting was opened at Holy Cross, near Stourbridge, Worcestershire; when two sermons were delivered on the occasion by the Rev. Mr. Brewer, of Birmingham. - The gospel has been preached in this neighbourhood for some years past, in a private house; but the num der of hearers having of late been much upon the increase, it was thought 'expedient to erect the above mentioned place; which was done chiefly at the expence of a worthy gentleman near London.

The Rev. R. Winter, late of London, having accepted an invitation from the Independent church at Newport, in the Isle of Wight, the Ministers of the Hampshire Association, with some other Christian brethren, agreed, at the request of the Society, and its newlyelected Pastor, to spend Wednesday, the 3d of August, in devotional exercises at Newport. Mr. Cox, of Fareham, began the morning service by prayer and reading the Scriptures; the general prayer was offered by Mr. Hamilton, of Brighton; Mr. John Winter, of Newbury, delivered a short but appropriate address on the Duties and Obligations belonging to Pastor and People, and engaged in prayer; Mr. Kingsbury, of Southampton, preached from Phil. iii. 12, 13, 147 and Mr. Potticary, the former pastor (who now keeps a respectable academy in Newport) concluded with prayer. In the evening, Mr. Stephenson, of Houndsdown, prayed; Mr. Bogue, of Gosport, preachClayton, of Southampton, closed ed from Psalm 1xix. 9; and Mr. G. the whole with prayer.

LONDON.

WE are happy in being able to inform the religious public, that an order was lately sent from the Admiralty to the different dock-yards, that the shipwrights should not be required to work on the Lord's Day, unless on occasions of the most urgent necessity.It would give more than the joy of karvest to

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