doubt, others came privately, desirous, like Nicodemus, to avoid public notice. Besides these lectures, Mr. Frey has been frequently engaged in preaching, both on the Lord's day, and in the week, to large and attentive auditories in various places of worship; and on these occasions also some of his brethren have usually attended. He holds every Friday evening in his own apartment, a meeting of prayer for the conversion of the Jews, which has been attended with the presence and blessing of the God of Abra ham. Although his ministry was more immediately directed to his own nation, yet, through the sovereign blessing of God, it has apparently been useful to others. There is ground to believe that several sinners from among the Gentiles have been converted, and others established in the truth as it is in Jesus, who were before wavering, and on the borders of infidelity; whilst true believers in Christ have been edified and strengthened in the faith and hope of the gospel. It has been attended also with a beneficial effect on some of the children of Is rael: it is ascertained that it has excited a spirit of inquiry among them, and produced in many, a doubt, whether Jesus may not really be the Messiah promised to their fathers. Several are become inquirers after the truth, and a few, it is hoped, have already been brought to the true knowledge of Jesus Christ the Lord. These circumstances the directors consider as intimations of the divine approbation, and are encouraged thereby to proceed in this work. Many and great are the difficulties which oppose its success, and they feel their need of the assistance of divine wisdom at every step. It is their design to employ every suitable means within their reach to attract the attention, and promote the instruction of this people; and judging that it may be of great use to the Jews, not only in this kingdom, but on the continent also, that a series of essays should be circulated among them, tending to establish the authority and excellency of the christian dispensation as the consum mation and perfection of the Jewish, they have unanimously requested the performance of this great service from the Rev. Greville Ewing, of Glasgow, and have the pleasure to announce that he has kindly consented to undertake it. Whenever the spirit of prayer shall be poured out on the christian church in behalf of the Jews, in a much more eminent degree than it has hitherto been, the directors will hail it as a happy sig nal that the day of grace is beginning to dawn on this people, and that any suc cess which may already have attended the ministry of Mr. Frey, will prove to be like the first drops which bring on the abundant shower: they would have now urged, especially upon the ministers of of the gospel who are present at this ar niversary, this great and important duty, had they not the opportunity, which they embrace with far greater pleasure, of re ferring them to the public address which will shortly be delivered on this subject, by one of their highly respected brethren. The directors have now presented to the society a general statement of its concerns. The benevolent heart will con template with gratitude and satisfaction, that by the blessing of God in its humble exertions, the dark and awful aspect of the heathen world has been already in some small degree brightened: here and there a few missionary stations are established, from which the waters of life are beginning to flow for the healing of the nations; but their salutary streams have as yet reached a very little way Waste places, vast and immeasurable, surround them, in which the seed of the gospel has never yet been sown, nor have they been penetrated by the fertilizing beams of the sun of righteousness. Alas, how little has been done for the advance ment of our Redeemer's kingdom, and how immense the empire over which his great adversary still holds an undisturb ed possession! Regretting the languor of their zeal, and the feebleness of their past exer tions, and relying on superior influences, the directors will now look to the means by which they hope to be enabled to car ry on this spiritual warfare with more energy and effect into the dominions of the enemy. It affords them much satisfaction to state, that an increasing disposition to engage in the labours of a missionary, has been manifested since the last anni versary, which they consider as an inti mation of the gracious designs of God to render this institution more extensively useful. In the seminary at Gosport there are now fourteen students, some of whom are likely to strengthen the stations al ready formed, some will be qualified to preach the gospel in the French lan guage, and some among those nations on the continent in which its light has been obscured for ages; and there are besides some within their reach, who appear like. ly to be suitable for extending the work of God among the Jews. There seems therefore a coincidence in the qualifications of these young men, with the occurrences of providence, and the aspect of the world, as it respects both the heathen, the Jews, and the nations of Europe where the pure gospel is buried under the corruptions of antichrist, or rejected through the prevalence of infidelity. Each of these is a legitimate object of this society, to which by the blessing of God the directors will feel it their duty to attend, to the utmost extent of the means which may be committed to them, and in the proportions which correspond with their respective importance, and with the constitution of the society. They rely on the piety and zeal of the religious public for the production of the funds which may be adequate to the enlarged scale of their operation; and they do this with confidence, because the object in view is above all others dear to every christian heart. It is the advancement of the kingdom, and the manifestation of the glory of their lord and redeemer, on the theatre of this world, in which he was crucified. The accomplishment of this object is secured in the purposes and promises of God, and he has been pleased to sanction the endeavours of his servants to promote it in an eminent degree and in various ways. He has rebuked our unbelief by demonstrating that, in proportion to the sincere and well directed endeavours of his people, obstructions have been removed, and facilities increased. The peculiar character of the divine dispensations in the present day-the important changes under which a great portion of the world is passing-the ra pidity with which the plans of providence appear to be advancing to a crisis; should all inspire the hearts of christians with new energy, to improve the occasions as they are continually arising, and on the ruins of the kingdom of antichrist, as well as in heathen countries, to hasten to lay the foundations of christian temples. Whilst the powers that are in Heaven are shaken, and the foundations of the earth are out of course, may HE who is head over all things to the church, establish and perpetuate this institution, and condescend to use it as an humble link in that vast chain of providential events, by which the great ends of his wisdom and holiness shall be effected, all enemies be put under his feet, and the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our LORD and of his CHRIST. London, 15th May, 1806. From the "Periodical Accounts of the Baptist Missionary Society." Proceedings of the Committee. IN August, 1805, Captain Wickes being in London, the committee sent by him to the care of Robert Ralston, esq. Philadelphia, a thousand guineas, to be remitted from thence in dollars to the brethren in India. On the captain's arrival in America, he not only transacted the business with Mr. Ralston, but endeavoured by public advertisements to promote a collection among the churches in that country, in order to augment the sum. This object was liberally taken up by many of the ministers in the United States, and collections were made in their congregations. We do not yet know the exact amount of them; but whatever it may be, the generous conduct of our venerable friend, and of his countrymen, deserves our warmest acknowledgments.* In November last, the secretary receiv ed a letter from Mr. Ralston informing him that the dollars would be sent to India in the spring; that captain Wickes would shortly sail in a vessel of his for Holland; after which he would touch at England, in his way to Bengal, and that if we had any persons or goods to send by him, he would take them free of charge to the society as to passage or freightage. The society having two young men on probation, Mr. Chater, and Mr. Robinson, the committee thought it right to avail themselves of so favourable an opportunity of sending them out. Mr. Chater is a member of the baptist church at Middleton-Cheney, and of late a student at Bristol academy. He has for some time had his heart set upon this work. Mr. Robinson is a member of the baptist church at Olney, and was for some time under the tuition of Mr. Sutcliff, but of late has been at Bristol at the expense of the society. On Saturday, March 8, Capt. Wickes, arrived in the Thames, in the ship Ben *The amount collected, principally in Philadelphia, and remitted by Mr. Ralston, was near 5000 dolls. Since this remit tance was made Mr. Ralston has received a letter from the Rev. J. Eckley of Boston, (which we cannot insert for the want of room) stating that further and very liberal encouragement has been received for this object in Boston. Two thousand dollars are actually received, and it is stated as altogether probable that another 2000 will be contributed. Among the contributors we notice the very uncommon liberality of Mr. Salesbury and Mr. Phillips. The first gave 200 dollars, the latter 500 dollars. Many will admire these examples of liberality, but how many will follow them? jamin Franklin. On Wednesday, the 12th, a public meeting was held at Mr. Hinton's place of worship at Oxford, for the solemn designation of our young friends to the work. At this meeting it was unanimously resolved, 1. That the thanks of the society be presented to Robert Ralston, of Philadelphia, esq. for his friendly attention to its interests, especially for his generous of fer in the present instance, of taking out the missionaries & goods free of expense. 2. That the thanks of the society be presented also to Capt. Wickes, for his kind and numerous services in promoting its designs. Extract from a letter from the Rev. A. Fuller, to a gentleman in this city. Kettering, 3d of June, 1806. DEAR SIR, I this day received your kind favour of April 26. What can I say, my dear sir, respecting the very liberal and brotherly exertions of yourself and friends on your side the Atlantic? To express our grateful acknowledgements seems too little; yet what more can I add, save that like David and the elders of Israel, I rejoice with you and bless the Lord that you have offered willingly, and with a perfect heart. I trust what has been so offered is acceptable to God as well as to your brethren in Europe and Asia, and will turn to your account, and that of all those dear christian ministers and people who have helped forward the good work. What happiness does christianity produce; and what a tendency is there in every christian duty to unite the friends of Jesus! We should not have known nor loved one another as we do, but for these exertions for his name. Our last intelligence from India comes down as late as October 20, 1805, and you will find it in print, in No. xv. p. 113-123. The Lord is more and more opening the hearts of his people in Britain to contribute. We make an annual collection in London. I have several times made it, but never till this spring collected above 400 pounds. This time the collection amounted to upwards of 800 pounds. Of all the nations upon earth, I think it is the great duty of Britain and North America to disseminate the gospel. We have more commerce with mankind, more gospel knowledge, more liberty, and more wealth, than perhaps any other nations; and while we are thus employed, or rather while there is amongst us a body of christians thus employed, I have little or no apprehenwion of our falling a prey to the destroyer. In the tract which good Mr. Carey pub lished prior to his engaging in the m sion, I remember he introduces Isaiah Ix. 9. in proof that navigation and com merce should become subservient to religion. Truly we have seen the accom plishment of this already in a measure. I know not in what way to express the gratitude of the Baptist missionary socie ty, to the numerous friends who have a sisted it in America. The Lord reward them, and think upon them for good! Capt. Wickes was well and very hap py in seeing his old friends in London, as we were in seeing him. We have got a good portrait of him. He took out be sides our four young people, a yung woman from the London missionary s ciety, who is gone to be a companion to a Mr. Lovelas, one of their missionaries in the east. Grace and peace be with you my dear sir, and with your obliged and affectionate friend. ANDREW FULLER A FEW days ago I visited my last establishment in the Cherokee nation. The institution promises fair for usefulness. It is now under the patronage of a very respectable man of the half-breed who is much interested in its success, and will use every possible exertion for its advan tage. The small-pox has taken its course through the most of the scholars: twen ty-seven are returned, and I apprehend the school will shortly amount to eightyfive. The plan of boarding is a little dif ferent from the other school. The whole of the children are placed in the family of this half-breed, and two Indian fami lies in the neighbourhood of the school, and quite convenient. They have not the advantage of table ceremony, but are con ducted religiously in school Inclosed is a statement of the progress of the children as taken from the master's day book.* Some very serious impressions are making on the half-breed and his family, some full blooded Indians and a negro or two in the neighbourhood. All these are important, especially in the place they live. In the time of a discourse I delivered in the school house, while pointing out the checks of conscience, and the miseries attendant on a sinful course, the half-breed became so affected that he was obliged to withdraw a few minutes to refrain his tears suffciently to be in company. As soon as the See the Fac simile. discourse was ended, he carefully interpreted to the Indians the leading ideas of the whole sermon. (He has a remarkably tenacious memory.). You will be able to form an idea of the state of his mind by the following circumstance. A few days before I visited the school, a half-breed by the name of Vann, had Killed a relation, I think a cousin, of this man, who of course was called to sit in council on the case, as it is a law among Indians for the nearest of kin to be the avenger of blood, and it was thought he would have been obliged to have taken the satisfaction. 1 During my conversation with him I remarked on the existence of an overruling providence, that we were constantly under its immediate notice and subject to its control. Said he, "I am now clearly convinced of this, for two or three minutes before I left the council, it was uncertain whether I should not have been obliged to do an act, which, according to my present convictions, might have caused me future uneasiness, but it was otherwise decided; and, on my return, meeting you at my house, with the varicircumstances which have taken place, all put together, convince me that there is a God, and that he overrules our affairs; and, from this peculiar case, I am more strongly convinced of it, than I have ever been in all my life." All this was said with such fixed attention and solemnity as marked the feelings of a mind deeply penetrated by the truth. ous Just after the close of divine service (as observed above) a principal man, a full blooded Indian, named Cheuhequa, under a conviction of duty, requested to be regularly married. Through the interpreter, I explained the nature and obligation of the rite, and solemnized it in a plain and expressive way: perhaps few cases of the kind have occurred in America where there were greater marks of solemnity than on this occasion. I have evidence to believe that this was the first marriage of a full blooded native which has ever been celebrated in this nation. Some others are seriously reflecting on the subject. Should marriage become general, it would have a good tendency to reform the savage habits and customs of the tribe, as well as to increase and establish their families, and very much promote chastity and virtue. The small pox has been pretty fatal, but the introduction of vaccination has stopped its career so far as it has been practised. Oh, that the divine Redeemer would make his precious blood as ef fectual to the checking of moral disorder in our guilty world. With the highest esteem, I am, dear sir, your's in the gospel of God's dear Son, GIDEON BLACKBURN. Rev. Ashbel Green, D. D. Extract of a letter from the county of Oneida in the state of New-York, dated Sept. 10th 1806. On the 4th inst. the presbytery of Oneida ordained Mr. GEORGE HALL of East-Haddam, Connecticut, to the work of the gospel ministry, and installed him in the pastoral charge of the congrega. tion of Cherry-Valley. The Rev. James Southworth, of Bridgewater, made the introductory prayer, and gave the right hand of fellowship; the Rev. Samuel F. Snowden, of New-Hartford, delivered the sermon; the Rev. James Carnahan of Whitesborough, made the ordaining prayer; the Rev. Joshua Knight, of Sherburne presided, and gave the charges to the minister and to the people; and the Rev. Andrew Oliver, late of Pelham, in Massachusetts, made the concluding prayer. It was observed by several persons present, that the transaction was one of the most impressive and affecting which they had ever witnessed: the circumstances which contributed to render it such deserve notice. This congregation, tho' one of the oldest west of Albany, had enjoyed, but in a partial degree, the labours of a minister of the gospel, and had been for some time destitute: many unpromising circumstances had discouraged, and almost destroyed the hopes of the friends of religion in it. The prospect of having the gospel speedily and permanently established among them became daily more gloomy. The hand of Providence seemed evidently to direct Mr. Hall to this place, and in a surprising manner to concentre and increase the strength of the congregation, and happily to unite them in him. The recollection of these particulars, with the sufferings endured by this settlement in its infant state, during the war, which were seasonably brought into view in the course of the exercises of the day, produced strong and tender emotions. This was fully manifested, when the members of the congregation came forward, after the exercises were concluded, to give their minister the right hand in token of fellowship and affection. Aged men, the fathers of the settlement, whose hair was gray with years, and in whose remembrance were revived afresh, the difficul ties, sufferings, and toils, which they had undergone, but on whose minds an era of union, peace, and prosperity appeared how to dawn, were unable to contain the feelings with which their hearts were full. This scene drew tears from the eyes of the spectators, as well as from those of both the ministers and people: even the most collected could scarcely refrain. This ordination is the fourth which has occurred within the space of four months, in the presbyterian and congregational churches in this part of the country. In June, the Rev. Mr. Clark was ordained and installed in the town of Milton, a few months previous to which the Rev. Mr. Shadwick was installed in another congregation in the same town. In July the Rev. Mr. Rich was ordained and installed at Sangersfield. In August the Rev. Mr. Adams was ordained and installed in a congregation in Sherburne. It is a subject of pleasing contemplation, and cause of lively gratitude to God, that congregations are now formed, and supplied with pastors, in places which but a few years since were a wilderness. The ordinations above mentioned are confined to churches which from their agreement in doctrine and conformity in worship, and spirit of discipline, may be considered as forming one denomination. Baptist churches likewise increase in numbers; and an episcopal church which has a settled pastor, was consecrated on the 7th inst. at Utica. On Tuesday the 23d of September last, the presbytery of Oneida ordained Mr. William Neill, a licenciate late of the presbytery of New Brunswick, to the work of the gospel ministry, and instal led him pastor of the congregation g Cooperstown. The exercises were per formed in the following order, and by the following persons: The Rev. Andrew Oliver made the introductory prayer; the Rev. James Carnahan delivered the ser mon, from Luke ii. 34; the Rev. Joshua Knight presided and made the ordaining prayer; the Rev. George Hall gave the right-hand of fellowship; and the Rev Samuel F. Snowden delivered the charges to the minister and people, and made the concluding prayer. POETRY. The following occasional hymn is extracted from a small volume of Poems by Mr. James Montgomery, a work recently published in London. Of Mr. Montgomery's life and present situation very little appears to be known. The English critics have spoken in very high terms of his talents as a poet. They also remark that "if he is fascinated by the graces of poetry he is also fortified by the consolations of christianity." RELIGION. AN OCCASIONAL HYMN. Through shades and solitudes profound, The fainting traveller winds his way; Bewildering meteors glare around, And tempt his wandering feet astray: Welcome, thrice welcome, to his eye, And life a pilgrimage of pain! Till mild RELIGION, from above, Descends, a sweet engaging form, The messenger of heavenly love, The bow of promise in a storm! Then guilty passions wing their flight, Sorrow, remorse, affliction cease; RELIGION's yoke is soft and light, And all her paths are paths of peace. Ambition, pride, revenge depart, And folly flies her chastening rod; She makes the humble contrite heart A temple of the living God. Beyond the narrow vale of time, Where bright celestial ages roll, To scenes eternal, scenes sublime, She points the way and leads the soul At her approach the grave appears The gate of paradise restor❜d; Her voice the watching cherub hears, And drops his double-flaming sword Baptis'd with the renewing fire, May we the crown of glory gain: Rise when the host of heaven expire, And reign with God, for ever reign. |