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HEVIVAL OF RELIGION IN STOCKBRIDGE, (MASS.)

From the Vermont Adviser.

Ir appears, that God, in his great mercy, had been preparing the way, for some time past, for the great work, which he has of late been carrying on amongst us. For two or three years past, he has been graciously pleased to excite the minds of some of the people to unusual concern respecting the things of religion: And several had been, hopefully, brought out of darkness into the light. A rather uncommon spirit of prayer seemed to have been given to God's people, particularly, as I have reason to suppose, to the female Society in this place instituted for prayer, animating them to peculiar earnestness, in their supplication for an increasing reviv al of his own glorious work. In the fall of the year our assemblies, on the Sabbath, were large, and peculiarly solemn and attentive. On the first Sabbath in January, thirteen were received into the church: to three of them baptism was administered at the time. The scene was affecting; and it seemed as it were, to strike the smoking flax into a flame. From that time forward the awakening, and attention to the concerns of their souls increased among the people, beyond any thing we have before known-an almost universal solemnity prevailed. Soon numbers were found to be under deep and pungent conviction: And hopeful conver sion presently began to take place, and to increase. A divine and supernatural power and agency were to visible, that very few mouths were opened against the blessed work. This good work continued without interruption, and the number of converts almost daily increased. None of these made a public profession, until the last Sabbath in June. Early in that month the church had meetings, and spent two afternoons in examining into the qualifications of such as offered themselve for communion with the church. Accordingly, the next Lord's day, Seventy were propounded for admission into the church. Sixty-seven only were, however, received-two or three feeble persons being then too unwell to come out. Twenty-eight of these received baptism at the time. The scene was exceedingly solemn and affecting. Amongst those, who were received into the church, there were of all ages, from fourteen to seventy-some few of these were persons,

who hoped they had experienced religion, .some for one, and some for several years before.

There are now, I believe, not less than sixty more in the town, who hope they have experiencd a work of saving grace; and will, probably, most, or all of them, ere long, make a public profession-And, through the sovereign, wonderful mercy of God, the number is constantly increas ing. Sometime in May, the good work seemed rather on the decline; but of late, God has been graciously pleased, again, much to revive it: And it is thought there are nearly as many under special and, many of them, deep impressions, as there have been at any particular time since this blessed work has been graciously begun amongst us. Instances of apparent conversions are now frequent. God grant that the gracious influence, which produces such happy effects, may still be continued. The number of praying per sons and praying families is much increas ed: And such as make mention of the Lord, it is hoped, will not keep silence, nor give him rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Not less, probably, than a hundred and twenty have been the subjects of divine saving influences, (as we hope,) since the the first Sabbath in January:And God is still carrying on, as we trust, his own gracious and glorious work. My own labors, and those of Mr. Swift, my worthy colleague, have been greatly increasedhis have been abundant; much beyond what I was able to go through, at my advanced age. I esteem it a great blessing, that I have had, and still have his assistance. But God's grace does all.

It may, perhaps, be useful to mention some partier lar instances, in which the hand and power of God were more peculiarly visible, than in others. A man of upwards of seventy years of age came, within two or three years past, to live amongst us. He is a man of pec liar ingenuity in the business which he followsof better mental abilities than commonhas travelled-been in England and France--and, while in France, took lodg ings in the same house with the noted Thomas Paine. There he imbiber the religious, or rather irreligious sentiments of Mr. Paine, and became a thorough and established infidel.-With these sentiments he came into this town. Some time in the winter past he fell sick-Soon his confidence in his infidel principles began to be shaken. Expecting that he should not probably survive that sickness, he soon fell into trouble of mind-his distress became exceedingly great.-Some religious people, who visited him, thought it exceeded any thing they had before seen.

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In this painful state of mind he continued for some time-But at length divine sovereign mercy and grace interposed, as we have reason to hope, and brought him relief. An uncommon change seemed to have been wrought in him; and he professed to have hope in God, and peace and joy in believing. Knowing his former character, Christian people were, for some time diffident; and dared not conelude that he had experienced a radical change. His conduct, however, since, and his apparent engagedness in religion, have gained him the charity of Christians and others: And he now takes much delight in the society of Christians.-When, after this, he first opened the New Testament to read in it, he could hardly persuade himself, that this was the book, which he had read in younger life-And the truths he read were so new and different from what he had ever apprehended before, that it seemed to him he had never heard them before. The character of the Lord Jesus and the atonement he made for sin appeared to him so wise, so perfect and glorious, that his heart was filled with delight-And his hope and joy in this giorious Savior still continue.-He derives no other ground of hope.

The convictions which have been wrought in the minds of those, who have been the subjects of this blessed work, have, in general, been deep and pungent. They have, in most instances, had a clear and distressing view of the total opposition of their hearts to God and holiness; and felt an entire disrelish of the character of Christ. In some instances, the opposition they felt to Christ and to his cause, was such, that they openly expressed their wishes never to see a Christian, and never to have one enter their doors. In one instance a female, after being relieved from her distresses by the power of divine grace, (as we trust,) mentioned before the church, when she was examined for admission, that her enmity against God rose to such a height, that she could have consented herself to go to hell, could she but carry God into hell with her. Surely the heart is, and must be desperately

wicked!

No visible disorder has taken place amongst us through the whole of the time in which God has been working so mightily by his power and grace: Nor have there been any of those enthusiastic flights, which often occasion reproach to be cast on a work of God's Spirit. In our public meetings and assemblies nothing more than an uncommon solemnity has been observable; unless it were, in some instances, the tears of those, whose minds have been affected.

We have great reason of thankfulness,

that good order and regularity have been observed, notwithstanding so much emo tion and agitation of mind as have been excited among the people.-And that, amidst the political dissensions so prevalent at the present day, a spirit of harmony and unanimity respecting this glorious work has been very apparent. In the manifestation of his saving love and mercy God has made no distinction between the different parties in politics, there are amongst us: But he shows himself to be sovereign; having mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will, hardening.

We feel, though in a far less degree than we ought, our obligations of eternal thankfulness and praise to the great God and Savior for his great and very wonderful mercies to us. And such as are indeed the children of God, will bless his glorious name, to eternity, for the rich and undeserved mercies he has graciously bestowed upon us.

That this brief narrative ofGod's glorious work, and the great things he has done, and is still doing for us, may be for the glory of God, the edification and quickening of all the good people into whose hands it may fall-And that it may awaken the attention of sinners, and be the mean of convincing them of the need they stand in of being the subjects of a saving work of the Spirit of God-And, also, that it may excite the gratitude and praise of Zion's friends, and be the occasion of many thanksgivings to God, is the desire and prayer, Of their Friend and Servant,

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open opposition, addressed private letters to the higher orders of the clergy, advising them not to read the decree in public, as they had been ordered to do by the regency. As soon as these proceedings were known to the regency, a manifesto, or public order of government was issued against the nuncio, commanding him, in the most decisive terms, to abstain from any such measures in future. The decree to abolish the Inquisition is the more worthy of observation, as the President of the regency, who intends

the decree shall be faithfully executed, is an Archbishop of the Roman Catholic church.

THE JEWS.

IT is stated in the foreign newspapers, that the Jews have experienced an extension of their privileges in Bavaria. Every circumstance in the history of this intere sting people should be regarded with attention.

LITERARY AND MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

NEW WORKS,

THE enlargement of the Church of Christ in its firm and durable state, illustrated and applied in a Sermon, delivered at Norwich (Con.) before the Foreign Mission Society, of Norwich and the vicinity May 18, 1813; at the first annual meeting of the Society. By Levi Nelson, pastor of a church in Lisbon. Published by request of the Society. Norwich; R. Hubard.

A Sermon preached before the Eastern Consociation of Fairfield county, and the First Church and society in Danbury, at the installation of the Rev. William Andrews, June 30, 1813. By Samuel P. Williams, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Mansfield. Danbury, (Conn.) Nathaniel L. Skinner.

The Ministry of Angels: a Sermon, preached at Northampton, before the Hampshire Missionary Society, at their annual meeting, Aug. 19, 1813. By Theopolus Packard, A. M. Pastor of the Church in Shelburn: To which is annexed the annual report of the Trustees. Northampton; William Butler.

FRAGMENT SOCIETY.

AT the Annual Meeting of the Fragment Society, on Monday the 11th inst. it was thought that the publication of the following extract from the Report of the Directors, would be interesting to those subecribers who were unable to attend:

"In discharging their duty the Directors have carefully endeavored to ascertain the characters and necessities of every person they have assisted, and to distribute your charities in such a manner as might best answer the design of the Society; and while they regret that they have not been able to relieve all who have been recommended to their attention, they have reason to hope that your liberality has allevi

ated the sufferings of many, who were deprived of the comforts and even necessaries of life.

"This Institution was founded Oct. 19th, 1812. The number of subscribers is 600, whose annual subscriptions amount to $960 50. Besides this there have been received in donations of money $704 75; also donations in books, stationary, printing, &c. for the use of the Society, estimated at $60, and several valuable donations of bedding and wearing apparel: for which they take this opportunity of thanking the generous donors. They at the same time would most gratefully acknowledge a donation of fifty dollars and eighty cents, from a Commercial Association, whose sympathy in the distress of the ob jects of this Institution, evinced by their kind remembrance of them at this time, does honor to this Society and to themselves.

"Five hundred families have been relieved from the most pressing want by the distribution of 3706 articles of clothing. The sufferings of the sick have been greatly mitigated by the loan of bedding, apparel, &c. and though these have been extended to 72 families, they have, (except in two instances,) been carefully returned. The persons assisted have gen erally manifested a grateful sense of their obligations to the Society; those who were able, have made their own garments, and the Directors have given employment to the recipients as far as practicable.

"As soon as means can be procured for hiring a room for the purpose of a Treasury (the Treasurer having been put to very great inconvenience the last year from the want of one) the subscribers will be informed on what days she will attend to the wants of the recipients. Until this can be obtained, donations may be sent as before to No. 2, Middlecot Street, where the oldest garments of every description, will be received with gratitude, as well as

any remnants of articles of clothing, which benevolent shopkeepers may be disposed

to contribute.

"As widows and orphans are daily mul tiplying around us in consequence of our present calamities, it is earnestly recommended to all members and patrons of the Society to use their influence to obtain subscriptions and donations. And it is believed, that all who have the means of contributing, will perceive, that the morality, good order, and consequently the security of society, are greatly promoted by such timely succor of the poor, as will protect them from the temptation to erimes. May not the injunction of our Savior, "lay up your treasure in Heaven" be urged at this time with peculiar force, when the tenure of property is every where else so uncertain.

"Subscribers are desired to direct those persons whom they wish should be assisted by this Society, to the Directors, who continue the same as the last year, (with the exception of two who have resigned) They are also requested to ascertain as far as possible the characters and necessities of those whom they recommend, and to give such information to the Directors." Boston, October, 1813.

Among the articles given away by the Fragment Society, as appears by a memorandum handed with the above extract, were 216 pair of stockings, 237 pair of socks, 530 pair of shoes, 541 gowns, 203 coats, 352 shirts, and a great variety of other articles suited to the wants of children and others of both sexes.

PROCLAMATION FOR THANKSGIVING.

The proclamation, issued by the Chief Magistrate of Massachusetts for the annual thanksgiving, breathes so excellent a spirit, and is in all respects so worthy of preservation, that we gladly insert it in our pages.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY CALEB STRONG, GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, A PROCLAMATION FOR A DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER.

THE revolving year has again brought us to the season, in which we have been accustomed to unite, in offering our public tribute of Thanksgiving and Praise to the Supreme Being, for the gifts of Providence conferred upon us. And though in His just displeasure He permits our Country to be still involved in the calamities of War, yet He has not left Himself without witness, in doing us good, and giving us rain from Heaven, and fruitful seasons,

filling our hearts with food and gladness, It is our duty, then, renewedly to present our public and grateful acknowledgements to Him, from whose bounty all our blessings are derived; to implore the forgiveness of our sins, which have caused his anger to fall upon us; and beseech Him, that He would support us under the adversities we meet with, by His Almighty Power, and guide us in the way we should go by His unerring Wisdom.

I Do, therefore, with the advice and consent of the Council, appoint THURS.. DAY, the Twenty Fifth Day of Novem ber next, to be observed by the people of this State as a Day of Public Thanks giving and Prayer. And the Ministers and People of each religious denomination are requested to meet together on that day, that we may unite in paying our humble adoration and praise to the Great Parent of the World, for the display of His goodness in the works of Creation and the ways of Providence: For the protection afforded to the People of this State, from its first settlement: For the numerous favors which he has vouchsafed to them, in the course of the last year: For his blessing on the labors of the husbandman, and the provision that is made for the supply of our wants: For the measure of health which the People have enjoyed in the course of the year; and that they have been exempt in s great a degree from the terrors and devastations of War: For the delights of friendly intercourse, and the preservation of so many of those with whom we have been intimately connected by the ties of friendship or relation: For His kindness to us as individuals, and the support He has afforded us, from our infancy, in the various stages through which we have passed: For the numerous deliverances from dangers and distress, which He has wrought for us; and all the temporal blessings conferred upon us, which are more than can be numbered: And especially for the Gospel of CHRIST, which is designed to purify and exalt our nature, which inspires and inculcates the love and practice of righteousness, and opens to our view the prospect of a glorious immortality.

AND while we thank the Author of our mercies for all the benefits we have received, let us confide in Him for all that we want; and entreat Him, that He would still be merciful to the People of this State, and cause His anger towards u to cease: That by His former kindue s to our Forefathers and to us, we may le encouraged to trust in His mercy, a d honor Him by our sincere and faithfu obedience; and that a deep conviction of His constant and universal agency may af

ford us consolation amid the fearful and perplexin changes which are taking place ie world: That we may be grateini prosperity, and resigned in adversity, and acknowledge the wisdom and goodness of God in whatever he bestows, withhoius, o. inflicts: ihat He would save us from the powe. of the sword, and from the ravages d alarms of War, and give us quietness and safety in our borders; and that the People may be at peace among themselves, and, if it be possible, live peaceably with all men.

That lie would preserve the Union of these States, and that our rulers may be governed by a spirit of wisdom, moderation, and justice, and e guided by the mild influence of that region which breathes only benevolence and peace: That He would guard us against any fatal injury from foreign connexions or partialities: That the War in which we are involved may be speedily terminated, and the hearts of all who are engaged in it be disposed to peace and justice: And that He would give us true repentance for all our sins, and especially for those which have occasioned the calamities we suffer; and convince us of our errors by the mischiefs they bring upon us, so that neither interest, prejudice or passion may hinder us from discerning the truth.

THAT He would put an end to the sanguinary war which has overspread the whole Christian world, and that every con

tending nation may impartially inquire. upon whom the stain of blood guiltiness lies: That He would change the hearts of oppressors by His grace, or restrain their malignity by His power; and reclaim from the error of their ways all those who are engaged in unrighteous War: That he would be gracious to those countries which are made desolate by the sword of an invading enemy, and cause the influence of the Gospel of Peace to be extended to every nation: That he would enlarge the borders of the Redeemer's Kingdom: That exalted honors may every where be pad Him, and all the ends of the earth look unto Him and bẹ saved.

AND the people are requested to abstain from such labor and recreations as shail be inconsistent with the religious services above recommended.

Given at the Council Chamber, in Boston, this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord One Thousund Eight Hundred and Thirteen, and the Thirty Eighth year of the Independence of the United States of America.

CALEB STRONG. By His Excelleney the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Council. ALDEN BRADFORD, Sec'ry. God save the Commonwealth of Massa chusetts.

OBITUARY.

THE deaths in Denmark and Norway, during the year 1812, were 59,450; the births, legitimate, 76,184; illegitimate, 6,166. The births exceeded the deaths by 22,900. This is a much smaller excess than has hitherto been observed in the United States. The great number of illegitimate births proves the state of morals to be deplorable.

Died, in Chatham county, (N. C.) Mr. HENRY NORWOOD. He was one of a party in pursuit of two runaway negroes, who had carried off swords, &e. About break of day, one of the party, mistaking Mr. N. for one of the negroes, fired at and shot him dead.

At Philadelphia, Sept. 29, NICHOLAS WALN, formerly a distinguished member of the Philadelphia bar, and latterly a preacher among the Friends.

At Lymington, (Me.) Mrs. MARR, aged 20, wife of Mr. James Marr. Her clothes accidentally caught fire, and she was burnt to death.

At Keene, (N. H.) Mr. WILLIAM SMITH, aged 30, and his wife SUKEY, aged 25. Mr. S. was taken sick the day that his wife died, and died himself within six

days after. Having within a year lost their two children, the family has become extinct.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

WE have received two anonymous reviews of Dr. Parish's Sacred Geography.. Our correspondents are respectful y informed, that we can never insert a review, unless we know the writer of it, or have been able to examine the work reviewed for ourselves. The reason is too obvious to be mentioned. We regret that our want of leisure, and want of room, have retarded us in the publication of the review of Bellamy's Works; and have been such as to prevent our entering upon a review of the Sacred Geography, Mr. Lord's History of Missions, Mrs. More's Christian Marals, Mr. Waterman's Life of Calvin, M Crie's Life of Knox, and many smaller works. We know enough, however, of all the works above-mentioned to wish them an extensive circulation.

We thank W. for his interesting memoirs of Miss SARAH SMITH. They will

appear soon.

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