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tween study and labour that none be lost in idleness; that 200 acres of land should be devoted to their use, which they should cultivate; that they should be accustomed to restraint and obedience; that girls as well as boys should be received into the school, and that they should be taught the duties of domestic life; and at the same time that the principles of virtue and piety should be instilled into their minds in a way, that should be likely to make the most lasting impression.

This was the plan for a school formed by Mr. Sergeant, and which by great exertion he was . enabled in part to carry into execution just before his death.

It would perhaps be useless to enter into a detail of events, which had relation to this mission at Housatonic, but there are two inquiries that will naturally be made; first, by what means was Mr. Sergeant supported, and from what sources did he derive funds for defraying the unavoidable expenses to which he was subject, and secondly, what success rewarded his labours?

He received an annual salary of 120 or 130 dollars from the Commissioners for Indian affairs at Boston, which however was very incompetent for his own comfortable subsistence and that of his family. The General Court, besides building a schoolhouse, and house for public worship, made him a small grant, and for what was still wanting he was dependent on the generous donations of individuals. Among these it is pleasing to recollect the munificence of Mr. Isaac Hollis, of London, who in the course of four or five years contributed upwards of two hun

dred pounds sterling for educating a number of the Indian boys. Mr. Samuel Holden of London, and Madam Holden were also liberal benefactors of the mission. To these may be added the names of Dr. Watts, Dr. Ayscough, and Capt. Coram of London, and Gov. Belcher and Dr. Coleman of Boston. It is par ticularly the last mentioned gentleman, whose name deserves to be held in remembrance. He was the early friend of the mission and unwearied in his exertions to promote its interest. Through him the bounty from England was communicated to Housatonic. He rejoiced in the hope of promoting the salvation of the heathen, and it was but four days before his death that "with a sick and faint breast and a trembling hand" he wrote to Mr. Sergeant to make known to him a new instance of the liberality of Mr. Hollis. At the close of this letter we find the following affecting benediction, "My son, the Lord be with thee; and prosper thou when I am dead."

As to the success, which attended the benevolent labours of Mr. Sergeant, it was such as must have administered to his heart the purest satisfaction. When he went to Housatonic in 1734, the whole number of Indians living there did not amount to fifty; when he died in 1749 the number was increased to 218; of these 129 had been baptized, and 42 were communicants, 18 males and 24 females. About 70 others had been baptized who were not living. When it is recollected that Mr. S. was cautious as to the admission of members into his church, that he carefully ex

amined those who offered themselves, perhaps without presumption we may indulge the hope, that most whom he received were real Christians, truly penitent and believing. If however he was the means of bringing but one heathen to the knowledge of the gospel, this event would fill heaven with joy.

The wives both of the Captain and Lieutenant died, expressing to him their hope of salvation, and giving evidence that their hope was not groundless; and several others, while Mr. S. was living, closed their eyes in peace, and joyful expectation of eternal life.

At length the time arrived when he himself, was to be summoned into the world of spirits. In his sickness he was frequently visited by the Indians, and he took every opportunity to enforce upon them the instructions which he had given them, charging them to live agreeably to the gospel, as they would meet him at last in peace. So great was their affection for him, that they assembled of their own accord, to supplicate their Father in heaven for the continuance of his precious life.

When he was asked, whether the grave excited any terror, he replied, "Death is no surprise to me. My acquaintance with the blessed world, to which I hope I am now hastening, through the mercy of God in Christ, is not now to commence. I can trust him, in whom I have believed, and long ago placed my everlasting dependence upon." On being reminded that his work was well done, "I can call myself," he answered, "a most unprofitable servant, and say, God be merciful to me a sinner." Vol. II. No. 10.

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At last, in July, 1749, after commending his departing spirit to the blessed Redeemer, he died in peace, and has entered, it is believed, into that rest, which remaineth for the people of God.

Mr. Sergeant has left an example, which in many respects is worthy of imitation. He was frequent in the duty of secret prayer. Morning and evening he worshipped God in his family, reading at the same time a portion of the sacred Scriptures, and making such observations upon it as he thought would be useful. He preached four sermons every Lord's day, two to the English, and two to the Indians, and in the summer season usually spent an hour with the latter after the common services, instructing and warning and exhorting them in the most familiar manner. Besides this, during the week he kept his eye upon them, and continually endeavoured to promote the objects of his mission. He was very careful in the improvement of his time. He translated into the Indian language those parts of the Old Testament, which contain an' account of the creation, of the fall of our first parents, of the calling of Abraham, of the dealings of God with the patriarchs and children of Israel, and those which relate to the coming of Christ, and the whole of the New Testament, excepting the Revelation. This was a work, which cost him much labour, and the reading of it to the Indians, as their language abounded in gut-turals, was extremely fatiguing.

Mr. Sergeant was just, kind and benevolent; compassionate to the afflicted, liberal to the poor, friendly to his enemies,

and anxious to save the sinner from death. He was careful not to speak evil of any one. No envious or unkind word fell from his lips, and no resentment was excited by the injuries he received. His cheerfulness did not degenerate into merriment, nov his seriousness into melancholy; but he seemed always to have the quiet possession of himself.

Such is the representation, which is given us of the Rev. Mr. Sergeant. Many traits might be added to this portrait, but those who wish for more minute accounts are referred to the pamphlet already mentioned..

The reader, who with a benevolent joy has seen the gospel conveyed to the Indians at Housatonic, will naturally desire to know what has been the state of that tribe since the death of Mr. Sergeant. The Rev. Jonathan Edwards succeeded him as missionary at Stockbridge. Anumber of years after his death the whole tribe emigrated to New Stockbridge, near Oneida, in the state of New-York, where they now live under the pastoral care of the Rev. John Sergeant, a worthy son of the excellent man, a sketch of whose life and labours has thus been given.

W.

ON THE

Religious Communications.

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(Concluded from page 419.) Ir the doctrine of divine influence, as before stated, be true; we are reminded of the unspeakable goodness of God. He has not only ushered in an economy of which divine grace lies at the foundation; he has not only sent his Son, the great and blessed IMMANUEL, from heaven, to open a way for the exercise of mercy; to open prison doors to them that are bound, and to break their chains; but he sends his spirit, to take them by the hand, and lead them out. As all outward means, however numerous, or forcible, are insufficient for our delivery, on account of the deep corruption of our hearts; he sends his Spirit, to operate within, that, by the joint influ

ence of outward means and inward agency, he may take possession of that seat to which he is entitled; but which has long been occupied by the world and sin.

2. It appears, likewise, that our depravity must be very great. indeed, or else such a kind and gracious gospel, as that of Christ, would need no spiritualinfluence to procure it a ready reception. It is strange, that sinners under sentence of eternal death, need to be urged to accept pardon, and a heavenly inherit

ance.

Men do not require urging to accept earthly benefits. They readily and gladly accept them. One would suppose, that men would be greatly dissatisfied with their sinful state, and very anxious to avoid the dangers of it; that the offer of forgiveness and eternal life would be em

braced with joy unspeakable. But instead of this, so great and inveterate is our attachment to sin, that without the impressive, persuasive, and transforming influence of God on the heart, these offers would certainly be rejected, and we should remain in the number of those, who will not come unto Christ, that they may have life.

3. If the preceding observations be true, and the influence of the Holy Spirit be essentially necessary to conversion and a holy life; it is highly important, that this doctrine should be sensibly felt. We ought to imbibe this, as a first principle, that, in the work of religion, nothing ef fectual will be accomplished merely by our own strength; and that therefore reliance is to be had on the grace of Christ, Impressed with this idea, we are humbly to acknowledge before God our present corruption, the fatal influence, which sin has obtained over us, and earnestly to implore, that God would endùe us with divine strength, and direct our souls to himself. It is by divine influence on the heart, counteracting corrupt inclinations, weakening the power of sin, and directing the mind to God as the chief good; it is in this way, and not by the mere strength and independent exertion of man, that the obedient servants of Christ, in all ages, have attained a state of holiness and glory.

And if it be important to realize this doctrine, in the very out set of a religious life, in our first inquiries after salvation; it is no less important, that the Christian realize it, in his endeavours after progressive sanctification. The pious believer will no more

advance in the ways of righteousness without the influence of the Spirit, than the sinner would, without it, turn to righteousness. If we be the children of God, our lives are spiritual, i. e. not only conformable to reason and the dictates of the mind; not only opposite to sensuality and the law in our members; but, in a manner imperceptible, influenced and directed by the Spirit of God. If we mortify the deeds of the body, it is through the Spirit. If we be not in the flesh, but in the spirit, the Spirit of God dwelleth in us. And, if we have not the Spirit of Christ, we are none of his.

4. This doctrine of divine influence is exceedingly comfortable to those, who have a just opinion of their own weakness, ignorance, and corruption. How strong are the temptations, to which Christians are sometimes exposed! How arduous is the warfare, in which they are engaged! How numerous are their enemies; and how unequal is their strength to all the opposition, which they are required to encounter! But God has a perfect knowledge of their situation. He knows every circumstance with regard to them. He knows the very kind of aid and direction which they need. By humble application to him, accompanied with their own watchful endeavours, they are sure of being saved from the hour of temptation; not indeed. from being tempted, but from being overcome; from being tempted beyond what they are able to resist. God is able to make all grace abound toward them; to establish and confirm them; to invigorate their reso

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lutions, to subdue their sinful affections, and to enable them to triumph, through Christ Jesus. The work of our salvation, blessed be God, is not put exclusively into our own hands. It is not confided to our own strength. We are to use the strength communicated from above. It is

God that worketh in us to will and to do of his good pleasure; and therefore we are required to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

5. This doctrine of divine in fluence affords great relief to the Christian's mind, when he is call: ed to act in perplexing circumstances; when he is required to take some active part, but yet knows not, on which side the path of duty lies. He feels disposed to do right, but knows not what is right. He then rejoices, that there is a Being, of whom he can ask wisdom; who is ready to pity the ignorant, and those that are out of the way. He knows that in God there is infinite wisdom; and after lamenting his own ignorance, and imploring divine light and direction, he feels the burden, in some measure, removed. He feels a humble hope, that God will lead him to a right determination and suitable conduct. Most Christians are sometimes placed in such circumstances as these; and know the feelings, of which we are speaking.

Lastly, as true believers are said to have the Spirit dwelling in them, it becomes an important subject of inquiry, whether we have this Spirit, or not. And the apostle gives us a rule, by which this is to be determined. If we are led by the Spirit, we shall mortify the deeds of the

body, we shall maintain a con: tinual warfare with sin; we shall be crucified to the world, and the world to us, by the cross of Christ; we shall curb, restrain, and mortify those corrupt desires and affections, which oppose the gospel; we shall be spiritually minded, and show that we are risen with Christ, by placing our affections on things above. We shall be employed, every day, in maintaining and strengthening the new and spiritual life, That day, that month, or that year, will be viewed by us, as best employed, and as turning to the best account, wherein most has been done for God, and for the weakening and subversion of sin, in ourselves and others. The character of God will appear glorious, sin hateful, and holi ness, above all things, lovely and desirable. The Spirit of God excites to humility, and leads us to speak of ourselves, in secret worship, in worse terms, than we should think ourselves justified in applying to any of our fellow men..

These are some of the general qualities of those, who are led by the Spirit, and are the sons of God. If these qualities be possessed by us, we have unspeakable reason to rejoice and bless God, and to press on vigorously after greater attainments. But, if we have them not, it is strongly to be apprehended, that we are in a state of sin, of danger, and condemnation, and may with good reason be urged and exhorted to flee from the wrath to

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