Translation of a Letter from Professor Young, in Marbourgh, dated Feb. 27, 1903, to the Directors of the Religious Tract Society.

Honoured Brethren, and dearly beloved in our adorable Redeemer Jesus Christ!

YOUR favour of the 30th of September, 1802, together with the valuable books which accompanied it, has been duly received; and I beg leave to assure you, that, for a long time, nothing has given ine such a lively and sincere pleasure as that letter and those books. Bless ed be the Lord, who causeth his vivifying Spirit to move round the globe, from Kentucky to Otaheite, and from Greenland to the Cape of Good Hope! and praised be his holy name, that, in many places, he raises up men who exert themselves with zeal and fidelity in the cause of the kingdom of God, and unite together for his service! His name be likewise extolled for this, that his providence has directed you to me, and me to you! May our union resemble a grain of mustard seed, growing up to a spreading and salutary plant!

Hallowed be his name!"

many of the particular providence of God.

The ta

I was born in the year 1740, in a solitary village of the principality of Nassausiegen. My forefathers were poor, but pious peasants, and colliers. My father, who was a tailor and schoolmaster, gave me a careful and strict education; and devoted me from my infancy to the Lord. I followed the employments of my father till my twenty-third year; and had already then many heavy trials to endure. lents which God had given me, soon urged me on to improve myself; so that during that time, I made considerable progress in ma thematics, history, geography, the Latin language, &c. At length, I could hold out no longer in my native country, but took up my staff and went into the duchy of Berg; where, after having spent a twelvemonth under very trying cir cumstances, I obtained a situation with a rich irenmonger, as teacher to his family, and assistant in his business. During the seven years I spent there, I learned the mercan→ tile business, the French, Greek, and Hebrew languages; and, I may say, ransacked every corner of Phi losophy, Ascetics, and Poetry: I perused the English works on Ascetics and Theology; and made myself also acquainted with French literature. At last, through the providence of God, it so happened, that a renowned oculist left me, by will, his arcana (private recipes). Upon this, I began to practise as an oculist, and went, in the year 1770, in the thirtieth year of my age, without money, and without the least prospect of getting any, to Strasburgh, in order to study Physic. Here I must refer you to Stil. ling's Lite, for the remarkable and wonderful interpositions of God in my behalf.

In 1772, I returned to the duchy of Berg, as Doctor of Physic There I married, in a very singu lar manner, the sickly daughter of a pious tradesman, who had no more fortune than I had; but relied, with the same confidence, on the assistance of God. We then moved to Elberfeld, where 1 prase

tised as a physician; but as it would be too tedious for my present purpose to enumerate the variety of heavy trials which I again expeperienced there for seven years, and the extraordinary help and repeated deliverance vouchsafed me by my heavenly Conductor, I must again refer you to Stilling's Life.

In 1778, the Lord was pleased to deliver me out of this fiery furnace; and I received a call as Professor of Husbandry, Manufactures, and Commerce in the newly-established college at Kaiserslautern, in the Palatinate. Here my annual salary was about 60l. sterling; but I had contracted a debt of 400l. at Elberfeld, and my heavenly Refiner continued to try me still more; so that I was under the necessity of going still deeper into debt. After spend. ing nine years in the married state, under very trying circumstances, it pleased God to deprive me of my dear and pious partrer, who left me with two young children; so that after a suitable time, I was obliged to marry again. My second wife had likewise no fortune; but she possessed remarkable talents for housekeeping: so that now I could every year pay off some part of my debt; and my sufferings began to diminish.

In 1784, the college was removed from Kaiserslautern to Heidelberg; whither I of course moved likewise. At length the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel called me hither to Marburg, as Professor of Politics, with a salary of 1200 dollars (equal to 2001.)

In 1787 I came hither; and in 1790 my second wife died; and my children being still young, I was constrained to marry a third time; and am now very happy in my marriage.

I have published a great number of treatises on Political Economy, and several moral romances; but since the year 1792, a great change has taken place in my sphere of action. The French Revolution, with its consequences, and the succeeding war in Germany, made a deep impression on my mind.

I

thought there was reason to conclude from the Scriptures, that the

last great contest was commencing, and the coming of the Lord to his church at no great distance; and now that desire to devote myself wholly to the service of the Lord and his kingdom, and to live and die for him, which had lain dormant within me from my youth, was roused into activity. In the following years I published a work in five volumes, entitled, Himach Longing to be at Home). This book excited uncommon attention: many hundred copies found their way to America, many to Denmark, Sweden, and Russia; and it was generally read throughout all the provinces of Germany. Being now called upon from all quarters to devote myself and my talents to the service of religion, I began from that time to publish a periodical work, entitled, Der Graut Mann (The Hoary Man); which comes out every half-year. Soon after, I wrote an explanation of the Revelation of St. John, entitled, "The History of the Triumph of the Christian Religion," which had likewise an unexpected sale; so that in the first year a se

cond edition was called for. This book is also much read in America, where "The Hoary Man" is now printing, from time to time, in a German newspaper. To this b must add, the remarkable blessing which the Lord lays on my prac tice as oculist; and particularly on my operations for the cataract, having already operated on 1300 blind patients; and, in the vacations, I am always called upon to travel into distant parts to attend the blind. Next Faster- vacation, I am engaged to travel into Saxony and Upper Lusatia. These journies make me more known, and af ford me opportunities to edify my self, and to strengthen the hands of others.

But all these various circum'stances occasion a severe conflict in my mind. The Lord has brought me, without my seeking it, into a sphere of religious activity, and blessed my services in an abundant measure; but my extensive correspondence and labours as an author, take up so much of my time, that

is with difficulty I can fulfil the duties of my professorship; which, however, ought to be my first ob. ject, as I receive a salary for it. On the other hand, I cannot relax in my religious labours; not only because they are continually demanded of нie, but because I feel a strong impulse in my own heart to Jabour in that line. Moreover, all the leadings of Providence with me, from my youth, scem evidently to smark me out as a witness of the truth in these last times; and in particular, to direct my labours for the promotion of union among the awakened of every denomination, that when the Lord comes, he may And only one flock. On this account I belong to no party; but cultivate a brotherly fellowship with all. As to my external pro. fession, it is that of the Reformed Church; which, in England, is called the Presbyterian; but my principles approach nearest to those of the late Mr. Wesley.

I might, indeed, at once get rid of the difficulties under which I struggle, by resigning my office; but prudence forbids that, as I should thereby put both myself and family out of bread; besides that, my wife would then be unprovided for, in case of her outliving me. There is, therefore, nothing left for ne to do, but patiently to hold out till the Lord himself shall help me; and this I am persuaded he will do, and not leave me just when his views toward me are unfolded.

You may, perhaps, think that I might live by my practice as an oculist; but that is out of the question, as I lie under an obligation to serve the poor gratis with this talent; and likewise to demand nothing from the rich, but to be contented with what they give me of their own accord. Amidst all, I trust, with unshaken confidence in the Lord; and firmly believe that he will support and help me.

Excuse me, dearly beloved brethren, that I trouble you with so circumstantial a letter; but it appeared to me absolutely necessary that you should have a thorough knowledge of my situation, if you and I are to join hand in hand in

labouring for the Lord and his kingdom.

To conclude, I must request you not to interpret any thing that I have said in this letter concerning myself, as proceeding from pride or vanity;-God forbid! Roasting is least becoming me of all men; for the Lord chuses the weakest, the most wretched and abandoned, among men for his instruments, that he alone may have all the honour and glory. I dare not describe to you how wretched I feel myself, lest I should appear to make a shew of humility.

From all the above, you will form an idea of my principles and situation. As soon as it shall please the Lord to release me froin my post in the college, so as to enable me to spend all my time and strength for him alone, I shall most gladly join hands with you, to labour for the great prize. Nevertheless, I shall still continue to publish" The Hoary Man," of which I have just finished the thirteenth Number, wherein the venerable Tract Society, with its great and glorious object, is strongly and earnestly recommended to all German Christians.

Your kind offer, dear brethren, to assist us, in case of need, with money, deserves our warmest thanks; but we will first endeavour to do what we can ourselves, before we have recourse to your assistance, and become burdensome to you. Meanwhile, we beg the support of your prayers and blessings.

Germany is the principal seat of Christendom. Here the greatest Christian Prince resides; here it is that the chief parties, both in phi losophy and religion, arose; and here, on the other hand, is likewise the chief seat of Infidelity and Apostacy from Christ. You would scarcely believe to what lengths people have proceeded. In the Prussian and Saxon states, they preach boldly from the pulpits, that to worship Christ is idolatry; and that the redemption of sinners, by his sufferings and death, is no thing but old superstition. Dreadfut indeed! Here and there a minister is still to be met with whei

preaches the truth; but their number decrease's more and more, and the apostacy so plainly foretold by the apostle Paul, rushes in like a torrent, breaking through all the banks; but God will protect his little flock, and will deliver and preserve us. Here, in Germany, the beast will soon arise out of the earth, and make common cause with the Man of Sin (the beast out of the bottomless pit). May the Lord help us! that we may be found faithful, boldly testifying of the truth, and patiently elring unto death, that so we may obrain the crown of life. It would, doubt." less, be a great advantage, if true Christians, in England and Germany, would join hand in hand and labour in fellowship; and if the

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German Tracts for edification were extensively circulated in England, and the English Tracts in Ger many; by this means, our prayers, in behalf of each other, would be more extended aird more effectual, and the work of God be powerfully promoted.

May the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ transform you, beloved brethren, more and more into his image, front glory to glory! May he work mightily in you and thro you, to the salvation of many souls, and to eternal life! In him and through him, I am to eternity, your affectionate Brother, Johan Heinrich Jung, M.D. (English, Young) Counsellor of Court and Professor.

Academy near Bradford.

In the west riding of Yorkshire, we have been long and highly favoured. During the space of the last fifty years, the gospel has had free course among us; it has run, and has been glorified: congrega tions have been collected, chapels have been built, churches have been formed, our desarts have become fruitful, the dry land has been watered, and the wilderness has blossomed as the ro e.

In effecting this pleasing change, the academy, formerly at Heck. mondwike, under the care of the Rev. James Scott, was eminently instrumental; and now the Independent Academy at Rotherham, is a public blessing;-it is a fountain from whence issue streams which refresh the city of our God. But our county is extensive, and there are many congregations who cannot, by any ordinary effort, on account of distance and expence, obtain assistance from that or any other academy, in the way of occasional sup. plies,

Convinced of this, a gentleman in London, Edward Hanson, Esq. (lately deceased) generously offered to support two students during a course of education for the Gospelministry, provided a proper person could be found in the neighbourhood to undertake the office of tutor. The Rev. W.Vint, of Idle, near Bradford, was applied to for this purpose; and complied. The academy was opened; and two students were supported by Mr. Hanson while he lived. By hiswill he has made permanent provision for five students: he has be queathed 5000l. three per cent.comsols, to the care of five trustees, for the support of this institu tion for ever. But as it is not a specific legacy, and as there is no particular time mentioned in Mr. Hanson's will for the transfer of this stock, his executors consider themselves authorized by law, to retain it for twelve months, for the use of the residuary legatee. Consequently, the institution will derive no benefit from Mr. Hanson's liberality till January, 1804.

tutor.

After the expences of this year are defrayed, this little seminary, we hope, will have but comparatively few demands upon the pub. lic, as it is not intended to increase the number of students more than one or two beyond the provision of Mr. E. Hanson's charity; lest it should be thought by any to assume the appearance of competition with other institutions of the same kind, upon a larger scale.

Subscriptions and Donations will be gratefully received by any of the Gentlemen who compose the Committee, viz. Messrs. Clapham, Leeds; Ayden, Shelf; Davy, Hafax: also the Rev. J. Cockin, Halifax; E. Parsons, Leeds; A. Hudswell, Bingley; and T. Taylor, Ossett.

THE Half-yearly meeting of the Association of Ministers in HAMPSHIRE, was held at Southampton, October 5. On the preceding evening Mr. Bogue, of Gosport, delivered a discourse from Luke xxiv.

47.

At seven in the morning, Mr. Bennett, of Romsey, preached from John i. 7; Mr. Cox, of Fareham, discussed the doctrine of the Sab. bath, in the forenoon: after which, the Lord's Supper was celebrated. In the evening, Mr. Robert Winter, of Newport, discoursed from 2 Cor. v. 20. In the course of the service, many of the Ministers, as usual, engaged; and the whole meeting, though numerously attended, was orderly, harmonious, and profitable. In the interval, and after the conclusion of public worship, the business of diffusing the knowledge of the Gospel in the County, was transacted in a Committee; and, it appearing that the

funds were exhausted, new and very liberal contributions were made. It' was also stated, that the efforts already made, have been honoured with many tokens of the divine blessing. Since the last annual report, new chapels have been erected and opened at Swanwick and Horingsdown, which are well attended; and the Lord gives evi, dent testimony to the word of his grace at both places.

Early on Thursday, Oct. 6, the Rev. Pierre Dex, a native of the little island of Sark, near Guernsey, whose labours in that and the neighbouring isles have been crowned by the Lord with signal success, was set apart at Southampton to the pastoral office. Mr. Dex not understanding the English, the service was conducted in the French language. Mr. Perrault prayed and read the Scriptures; Mr. Bogue asked the questions, which were answered in a very serious and satisfactory manner; after which the same minister engaged in the ordination prayer, which was accompanied with imposition of hands; Mr. Bennett delivered the charge; and Mr. Dex concluded the whole with an affectionate and fervent prayer.

The same day a new chapel, for the ue of the congregation and church formed at Swanwick, near Bursledon Bridge, was opened for public worship; Mr. Griffin, of Portsea, preached from Is. li. 10; and Mr. Bogue preached, in the afternoon, from Psalm lxxxix. 15. Many of the ministers who attended the association on the preceding day were present. Messrs. Mac Arthur, Kingsbury, Skemp, Styles, Frey (the converted Jew) Geo. Clayton, and R. Adams, engaged in prayer. A cottage was first opened by a gentleman in this neighbourhood for preaching, four years ago, when, as it has since appeared, saving power followed the word, in five instances, which have been increasing ever since, under the ministrations of preachers who have alternately visited this people.