Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

ful Lord, that he may fit us to be come messengers of his good-will towards the Heathen nations," &c. J. G. MATTHES.

The two brothers ALBRECHT.
J. P. M. EHRHARD.

To the Directors
of the Missionary Society.

Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Robert Easton, Newburgh, in America, to the Rev. A. Waugh, London.

"The state of religion is very different in various parts of this country. The deadening poison of infidelity is dreadfully prevalent in many places. In Newburgh, where I am at present, attempts have been made to organize an infidel society; as a large number of the inhabitants are of that unhappy description. Yet, where infidelity most abounds, where Satan seems to have the greatest influence, God is not with. out his witnesses. There are some who warmly embrace, and strenuously contend for the truth of the blessed gospel; and may we not reasonably hope, that such efforts are present tokens of future success and triumph?

"An extraordinary phenomenon has lately appeared, engaging the

attention of all religious parties. It is that of people of different denominations meeting together, to the amount of two or three thousand at one time; and many of them exhibiting signs of the most uncom mon spiritual distress: and, what. is an undeniable fact, some profane infidels and vicious wretches, who go only for sport, receive the same serious and violent impressions that others do. This began in Kentucky; and it is now spreading in North Carolina, Pensylvania, and Jersey. A tree is known by its fruits. Sober men, whose philosophy and experience do not lead them to approve entirely of this re. ligious commotion, are yet obliged to think more favourably of it than they have done, from the circumstance of its being accompanied, in many, with unexceptionable piety and virtue. The violent symptoms have disappeared in Kentucky; and · there remains, according to the accounts which I have received, a thirst among the people for spiritual knowledge, and a sober gladness in hearing the words of eternal life, with a conscientious attention to the personal and relative duties which are enjoined upon Christians.

P.S. "The Indian Missions in this country bid fair for the most desired success."

HOME INTELLIGENCE.

Scotland,

By a Report of "The Society in Scotland, for propagating the Gospel at Home," lately printed, it appears that great and successful exertions have been made, by means chiefly of preachers educated for itinerating, and by the occasional labours of more settled ministers. Some of the foriner have been employed in the north of Ireland, where their labours have been much blessed. The Shetland, Orkney, and Western Islands have also been visited by the preachers; and, in many places, where the uncorrupted gospel had not been heard for many

years, the people in general received their visits with thankfulness; and eagerly solicited a renewal of them.

The Report gives an account of the work in Dunkeld; where it is hoped that 145 persons have experienced the power of divine grace on their souls, by means of the Society's preachers. At Aberfeldie fifty-seven persons profess to have experienced the same; and by similar instruments. In the district of Kintyre, which is represented as having been in a deplorable situa tion, the labours of Mr. Archibald M Callum, though much opposed, have been greatly owned. radel, upwards of thirty give satis

In Car

fying evidence of their conversion to God. Public dances are generally given up, public-houses almost forsaken, and rents paid with punctuality: - a thing too much neglected before. Here, some of the professors were severely tried,-being required to leave their farms. or renounce their new connection; and they readily gave up their farins rather than their pastor; and Providence soon appeared in their behalf. Others, it is hoped, will be graciously provided for. Near 100 persons have become members of Mr. M'Callum's church. In Dumbartonshire, Mr. M'Ewan, who speaks Gælic, has been heard with great attention, and apparent advanLage, by crowds of people.

In Breadalbane, where much ig. norance and many wicked customs prevailed, there has been a considerable awakening. By the preaching of Mr. Farquharson, and others, many have been called; and about 200 are united in church-fellowship.

The Report concludes with an animated Address to the Members of the Society, acknowledging, with thankfulness, what God hath already wrought by their instrumentality; and exciting them to pursue their grand object, the Salvation of Souls, with redoubled ardour. We transcribe a passage or

two:

"Brethren, the present times are favourable to Christian exertions, beyond any former period. Civili zation and Commerce have opened, enlightened, and connected the world in a very remarkable manner. Say ye not, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." On the discovery of the New World, by Columbus, it is reported, that men of that age congratulated each other, that they lived at such a period ; — but much more may that Christian, who knows his privilege, rejoice in the present day. Now there is an opportunity of reaping a spiritual har vest; and he that reapeth re

ceiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto eternal life." What astonishing motives do the Scriptures of truth everywhere exhibit, to lead us to humble confidence, to holy diligence, and unremitted activity in the work of the Lord! We are sure that our exertions can never be altogether vain. Even to prophets, "whom God had not sent," even to them, it said, "But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings." Jer. xxiii. 22.

Resolving, from henceforth, not to forbear any more to deliver them that are drawn unto death, but to be ready to every good work, let us apply these principles to the case before us. Here is an Institution that furnishes the means of salvation to thousands of our countrymen; many of whom, before it was set on foot, were not seeking after God, but were living without him, and without hope in the world; and many, without its continued aid, are still unable to support a preacher. In behalf of this So. ciety, brethren, you are now addressed. Perhaps some of you are still unacquainted with the destitute state, in a religious view, of a great part of your native land. You will find, on enquiry (and it is your duty to enquire) that in many places the people are perishing for lack of knowledge; and that deplorable ig norance, and lukewarm formality fearfully abound. The Highlands, particularly, are in a most wretched condition. Few, comparatively, of the Highlanders are in possession of a Bible; nor is it sold at such a price as to be within reach of the bulk of the people. Even in parts of the country where this precious treasure is possessed, the instances evangelical preaching, it is found to are but rare, in which, without ing, men are not only naturally be very useful. When this is wantaverse to take the trouble to read the Bible, but are generally misled with false teachers, who pervert its contents. Thus they perish for lack of knowledge. It behoves us all, beloved, seriously to reflect on this

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

At Great Driffield, on the 12th of April was opened a new chapel for religious worship. In the morning, the Rev. S. Bottomley prayed; and Mr.Thorgoland, of York, preached from Isaiah lx. 7. In the afternoon, the Holderness Missionary prayed; and Mr. Bottomley preach. ed, from Psalm xxvi. 8. In the evening, one of Mr. Lambert's deacons engaged in prayer; and another gave an exhortation, from Luke xiv. 23. This is a new inte. rest; and the congregations were numerous and attentive.

[ocr errors]

April 13. The Associated Ministers in DORSETSHIRE, held their Annual Meeting at Beaminster; when Mr. Vickery, of Compton, preached from Rev. vii 15; Mr. Herdsman, of Petherton, from 2Sam. xxiii. 2; and Mr. Lambe, of Cerne, from John iii. 7; Messrs. Harring ton, Higgs, Cracknell, Morren, Gale, Weston, Toms, and Price engaged in prayer. The preceding evening, Mr. Morren, of Shaftes bury, preached from Mat.viii. 2, 3 ; and the following evening, Mr. Toms, of Chard, from Phil. i. 6.

May 31, and two first days of June, the NORTHAMPTONSHIRE (Bap; tist) Association held their Annual Meeting at Sheepshead, Leicestershare; Mr. Sutcliff, Moderator. Sermons were preached by Messrs. Blundell, Fuller, and Cox (who, at Clipstone, succeeds Mr. Morris,

[ocr errors]

removed to Dunstable.) The texts from Heb. x. 12; 1 Cor. xii. 23, 24; Psalm xxxii. 8. Messrs Mills, Churchill, Nicholls, Johnson, Hall, Fletcher, Keely, Cave, Hopper, Crachrade, Crapps, Burton, &c. engaged in prayer.

June 5, 1803 This evening a new Baptist Meeting-house wa opened at St. Day near Redruth, in Cornwall, by Dr. Ryland, from Bristol, who preached from Mark i, 15, "Repent, and believe the gospel." The place was exceedingly crowded.

June 7. Mr. W. Rowe, lately a student at Bristol, was ordained pastor of the Baptist church at Redruth. The meeting house newly opened, though pretty large, being insufficient to contain the people, the Methodists kindly offered the use of theirs, which was much larger Mr Opie Smith, of Bath, began the service; Mr.Redding, of Truro, introduced the bu siness of the day; Mr. Rowe de-livered his confession of faith; Mr. Winterbotham prayed the ordina tion-prayer; Dr. Ryland gave the charge, founded upon 2 Cor. iii. 6; Mr. Steadman preached, to the church, from 1 Thes. iii. 8; and Mr. Hogg, of Thrapstone, concluded. Mr. Page, of Bristol, preached in the evening.

June 8. Mr. S. Saunders, who was also a student at Bristol, was ordained pastor of the Baptistchurch at Penzance. Mr. Opie Smith began with reading and prayer; Mr. Steadman introduced the business of the ordination; and, after Mr. Saunders's confession of faith was delivered, Mr. Winterbotham prayed; Dr Ryland delivered a charge to the pastor, from 1 Tim.vi.11; Mr. Redding preached to the church, from Heb. xiii. 7, 8; and Mr. Page closed in prayer. In the evening, Mr. Winter botham preached, from Isaiah ii, 5; Mr. Rowe concluded.

July 12 Mr. Harris's new nieeting-house, at Kingston, Surry, was opened by two Sermons, by the Rev. Mr. Clayton, and the Rev. Mr. Hughes.

LONDON.

Horton Academy.

ON Thursday afternoon, June 23, 1803, the Anniversary Meeting of the Subscribers and Friends, was held at the chapel adjoining the Academy House, previous to the vacation of five weeks.

The Rev. James Gawthorn, of Derby, began with prayer. Three students preached: Mr. Grey, on Original Sin; Mr. Davidson, on the Atonement; and Mr. Thomas, on Regeneration. The Rev. Mr. Nicol, co-pastor with the Rev. Dr. Trotter, of the Scots church, Swallow-street, concluded with prayer. After informing the congregation, that, with the Rev. Mr. Waugh, of Well-street, he had, the Tuesday preceding, examined the students in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew: that the proficiency they had made in those studies fully met their approbation, and reflected much credit, both on the tutors and the students: After noticing, that their knowledge of divinity, and ability as public speakers, had been proved that afternoon, he called on the friends of the institution, still to exert themselves for its support.

Mr. Walker's Course of Experimental Philosophy was delivered, at the Academy during the months of March and April; and, to acconimodate thirty young men, six new studies have been lately built.

Complaint having been made, by a valuable and respected friend, of a paragraph in the Memoir of the late Rev. Mr. Eyre, supposed to reflect on the Seminary at Hoxton,we beg leave to say, That no such reflection was intended by us; and that we considered the whole pas sage as the simple statement of those views which induced the plan of a new Seminary, more directly calculated for itinerant purposes.

July 6. The Rev. George Burder (late of Coventry) was publicly set apart to the pastoral office over the church in Fetter-lane, in the room of the late Rev. Mr. Mau. rice. Mr. S. Burder, of St. Albans, prayed and read the Scripture; Mr. Thorpe delivered a discourse on the nature of a Christian church;

Mr. Barber, prayed; Mr. Clayton preached from 2 Cor. vii. 6; and Mr. Goode concluded with prayer.

National Defence.

WE are happy to learn, that all clergymen, and all licensed teachers of separate congregations, will be exempted from serving in the Army of Reserve, as well as in the Ge. neral Armament. We deeply regret, that the military exercise is to be practised on the Lord's Day; which, we fear, will be highly in jurious to the cause of religion. We are informed, however, that a clause has been introduced in behalf of those who cannot conscientiously exercise on that day,

thought very seasonable, that a At this peculiar crisis, it will be meeting of prayer for the nation and is to be continued weekly, at commenced on Wednesday last; different places of worship in the metropolis. This example, we trust, will be followed, wherever practicable, through the kingdom.

RECENT DEATHS.

ON Monday, May 23, in the prime of life and usefulness, died the Rev. Mr. Jenkinson, late minister of the gospel at Green Acres, near Manchester.

Rev. A. Crole, formerly in the connection of Lady Huntingdon; but for several years the pastor of a church in Founders' Hall, Lothbury. He had suffered much from a long and painful illness; but was removed suddenly, at last, on Lord's Day afternoon, July 3, to the great grief of a numerous family and an affectionate flock. His corpse was attended to the grave in Bunhill Fields, in a most respectful manner, by many ministers and Christian friends. Mr. Waugh delivered the funeral oration, and read, ac cording to the will of Mr. Crole, a paper expressive of his gratitude to his people for their friendly offices.

Mr. Wilks preached his funeral sermon, at Founders' Hall, on Sunday afternoon, July 17th. - We hope we shall be enabled to present our readers with a Memoir of this faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

LONGING FOR HOME.

A Thought at the Close of a Week. AND now another week is past,

And I one week am nearer come; Fly swift, ye hours; convey me fast

To my long wish'd- for, dearest home. Far from my father's house, its true, Yet frequent tokens of his love, And kind memorials, not a few,

Oft I receive from him above. Sometimes he deigns to visit me,

And with his grace my heart to cheer; But oh! I long unceasingly

To dwell at home, and see him there!. His love has plac'd me in this school, Where ev'ry lesson of his grace, And all the discipline and rule,

Are to prepare me for that place.

Soon as his plans are all complete,
And I am perfected in love;

Soon as his grace has made me meet
For my inheritance above,

He'll call me from my banish'd state,
And take me to my blissful home.
Then wait, my soul, in patience wait;
Soon will his glorious chariot come.

SONNE T.

W. B.

[blocks in formation]

Blessed Spirit! Heavenly Dove!
Thee I'd slight not, thee I love;
By thy pow'r, and thine alone,
The value of these gifts I've known.
C-

THE POOR BLIND. A Morning Reflection.

BE glad, my soul; the gloomy night
Has now her rule resign'd:
Behold mine eyes! the grateful light
Returns again to bless thy sight,

But visits not the blind.

The morn may make the sun arise,
And these no pleasure find;
Then let me well thy mercies prize,
Thank my kind Maker for my eyes,

[ocr errors]

And pity the poor blind.

They pity claim; but more, much more,
The man of darken'd mind,

That his hard lot mourns o'er and o'er ;
This his sad case does not deplore,
Nor knows that he is blind.

Christians, who yourselves of late,
In darkness were confin'd;
Can you forget your dismal state;
A Saviour's love so free, so great,

That pity'd you when blind.

"No," you reply, while life remains ;
His grace we'll call to mind:
We'll publish too in joyful strains,
Jesus still lives, and grace still reigns,
In pity to the blind!

I greet ye, Missionary bands,

In pure compassion join'd;
I pray, May God uphold the hands
That carry life to dying lands,

And light to sinners blind.

Go on, ve highly favour'd still,
The shades begin to flee;
Go on till light all nations fill,
And (if it were Heav'n's sov`reign will)
Till all the blind shall see.

[merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]
« AnteriorContinuar »