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several individiuals, which cannot be carried into effect by solitary exertion; and there are desirable objects which may be effected by a large body associated, which cannot be prosecuted with success by small ones. Of this nature are our Education, Domestic, and Foreign Missionary operations. The education of ministers, called of God and licensed by the churches, is now generally acknowledged to be important; but the same institution can educate one hundred as well as ten. Little, very little more labour is necessary in teaching. a large class than a small one.-Separate individual attempts are hence attended with an absolute loss.

Domestic missionaries may be sent by individual associations, but it is now acknowledged, that to send them to journey through large districts of country, is not the best method. To accomplish the great object for which they are sent, they must tarry in one place while. the pleasure of God prospers in their hand. So did the apostles. They staid year after year in that place, and its vicinity, where the Lord caused the word to prosper. Besides, it is impossible for individual associations, on account of their isolated situations, to know the most important fields of missionary labour. Some large districts of country with a numerous population, have never been visited by any missionary of the cross; while others, not far distant, have been traversed year after year. These evils may be obviated by a Convention of all the associations in the state: at which, information will be given of all sections and places, where missionaries are wanting; and, from such knowledge, it may easily be determined in what places they may be employed to most advantage. And by uniting the funds of the different associations, missionaries may be stationed in the places, where such are needed, until churches are formed, and societies organized. By stationing them, much may, and will be done by the people, to whom they are sent, for their support. This will enable us to employ more missionaries, and will have a happy effect on the minds of those to whom they are sent. It will establish a habit of vast importance to any society, of maintaining the Gospel among themselves, when they shall possess the ability so to do. But we have room to insert but a small proportion of the advantages resulting to the missionary cause from the proposed union. In the establishment and prosecution of foreign missions, such a union has done, and is now doing, that which individual exertion could never have accomplished: and the same is true of Bible, and Tract Societies. No reasonable objections can be urged against the proposed union. To say that the brethren appointed by your associations, will not be honest in the appropriation of the funds, committed to their hands for the spread of the Gospel, according to their best judgment and information, no one will presume. And that they will possess better, vastly better, means of information, in convention, than they otherwise can possess, must be evident.

As a further consideration, we mention what has already been done by the union of a few associations. Elder E. Galusha, a missionary at this Convention, has been instrumental, in the hand of God, of esta

blishing a respectable church at Buffalo, where he baptized many worthy citizens. They are now able and willing to raise, at least, one hundred and fifty dollars annually, for the support of the Gospel in that vicinity. And when we consider that at the formation of this institution there was no Baptist church, or preaching, within fifteen miles of that important central, and flourishing village; and that now a church of thirty members, able and willing to do so much, exists on the spot, we are constrained to exclaim, "What hath God wrought ?" After the first tour of Elder Galusha to that region, on hearing his report, and considering the importance of the place, though they had no funds, the Board individually pledged their own property to support a missionary there, until a meeting of the Convention! And now our appeal is to you, ye friends of God and of truth. And will not you, who are "workers together with him," work where he works, and protect those sheep that are now without a shepherd ?-And other sheep hath our Lord Jesus in the wilderness-in the territory of Michigan, brought and united in a Gospel church by our above named missionary. A territory embracing more than ten thousand inhabitants, never before visited by any of our missionaries, and to whom there is now none to break the bread of life. "The poor have the Gospel preached to them;" but these poor are an exception! And shall it long be so? We ask ye, friends of Christ! some of whose children are the inhabitants of that same wilderness. Other sheep in the wilderness of Pennsylvania invite your compassionate regards. In Centre county, and its vicinity, churches have been formed since the existence of this Convention, all of which are now as sheep without a shepherd. Our missionary, who has laboured there, is Elder Elkanah Comstock, who has been uncommonly blessed in awakening sinners, and confirming the souls of the disciples. He has been assisted in this region by brethren from other Missionary Societies, and by brother Philleo. And such has been the effect of their labours, that by two of those little flocks in the wilderness, about half the amount has been subscribed, requisite to support a constant mission in their section of country. And shall they remain destitute? And shall the children of God cry to you from the mountains for the bread of life in vain? And shall the inhabtants of the valleys of the Alleghany ask of you instruction in the way of life, and receive no answer? Especially, since they have themselves offered to do to the extent of their ability.

Our limits will not allow us to be more particular, or to lay before you the situation of Rochester, Oswego, and other places, which are crying, "Come over and help us." Nor can we dwell on the state of the poor wandering tribes of Indians, the rightful proprietors of of the soil, of which you are the possessors and lords! Their cries have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, and have pierced the hearts of many of our brethren! By our united efforts, we might do much, for that unhappy race of human beings, who live among us, and on our borders.

(To be Continued.)

For the Christian Herald.

REVIVAL OF RELIGION.

An account of the late revival of religion in the first society of Franklin, Conn.; with a brief history of the church for several preceding years.

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good for his mercy endureth for ever." bered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever."

"Who remem

THE present pastor, the third since the organization of the church, was ordained March 13th, 1782: at which time the church consisted of 66 members; 36 males, and thirty females. The whole number of inhabitants was then, and is now, not far from 700. The present number of the church is 124: 32 males, and 92 females. The society had been vacant several years, when the present pastor was settled; his predecessor, the Rev. John Ellis, having been dismissed from his charge, to hold a chaplaincy in the Revolutionary army.

Many different candidates were employed, and the people became very much divided in sentiment; particularly, about what was then called, old and new divinity. They, however, almost unanimously united in calling the present pastor, to settle with them in the work of the ministry.

They generally attended public worship on the sabbath; but many were like Ezekiel's hearers, concerning whom it was said: "they hear thy words, but they will not do them."

Much pains was taken to excite a general attention to religion, particularly among the youth. Extra meetings were held for this purpose, in different parts of the society. For a long time, however, no very beneficial effects were seen. There were frequently solitary instances of hopeful conversion; and, with the exception of four years, from one to ten, were annually added to the church.

In 1799, through the great mercy of God, there was much more than usual attention to religion. The youth were especially remembered in mercy. Frequent meetings were held at the house of the pastor; who conversed and prayed, both with those who were inquiring, and those who were, apparently, rejoicing in Christ. About sixty, of all ages, were seriously awakened; but, of far the greater part, it might be said, their religion was "as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away." They were not ready to give up all for Christ--One went to his farm; and another to his merchandise.

Only twenty-five obtained a hope that they had passed from death unto life, and gave such evidence of a saving change, that they were admitted to the communion of the church.

In 1809 there was another little refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and fourteen were added to the church. Those who had named the name of Christ, did not, generally, appear to take a deep interest in these seasons of revival. As a church, there was manifestly much coldness and indifference, to excite our fears that God would speedily remove his blessing from us. It was very difficult to find a brother, who, on any occasion, would lead in prayer, unless in his family, and there was reason to fear that some did not pray, even there!

There was general harmony in the society and in the church; but no material change for the better, till 1812, when the pastor was first laid on a sick bed. This event seemed to strike at the very heart of the people. They had enjoyed his almost uninterrupted labours during a long life; and had now reason to fear, that he would be taken from them in this time of their deep affliction. Numbers sickened and died, while he was sick. Some of the brethren of the church seemed to awake as out of sleep, filled with a praying spirit. They prayed with the people, and with the pastor, and were earnest for his restoration to health. God beard their prayers, and brought him back in mercy to renew his labours.

There were those too among the sisters of the Church, who appeared to have a fresh anointing from the Lord. They established a monthly prayer-meeting, at which time they circulated much religious information, by distributing among their number, the religious publications of the day. These were carried home into their respective homes and families, and became silent messengers of instruction to many souls. The happy effects of these Christian efforts, will, we trust, long continue to be seen and felt, as they are to this day. 67

VOL. IX.

In December, 1819, the pastor, in his parochial visits, found two young married women seriously inquiring concerning their souls. They both, eventually, obtained a good hope, through grace; though only one of them was suffered, publicly, to profess her faith in Christ The other bore an honourable testimony to the truth and excellency of His religion, during a long and distressing sickness. Her sun set in peace. Herself, her husband and her child, were all cheerfully committed into the hands of God

About February, 1820, there was another dawn of hope. In the immediate neighbourhood of one of the deacons, there were several instances of serious inquiry. These he communicated to the pastor, with a request that an evening lecture might be preached at his house. The request was complied with-the lecture well attended, and very solemn ! Several lectures were attended in succession, and evidently excited an unusual interest.

The excitement became so great that it was judged expedient to have stated meetings in that neighbourhood, two evenings in the week. Large numbers attended! In general, there was great solemnity, and some were deeply impressed. But there was nothing wild nor enthusiastic-it was, evidently, the "still small voice" of the Spirit, speaking to the hearts of sinful men.

The jailer's cry, "what shall I do to be saved?" was, for some time, confined to this neighbourhood. However, it was not long before other neighbourhoods in all parts of the society were remembered in mercy. Additional evening meetings were opened, which, apparently, proved a rich blessing.

The pastor, in his sixty-eighth year, was usually present at the extra meetings, besides visiting from house to house, and attending occasional meetings for special conversation and prayer. It was impossible always to preach. Those articles in the religious papers, which appeared most interesting and instructive, and which unfolded the great fundamental and distinguishing doctrines of grace, were, therefore, selected and read. These were followed by such remarks and exhortations from the pastor, as the nature of the subject required. The people listened with great interest, and the meetings were generally crowded. Many of the brethren were ever ready to take an active part. There was now no longer a putting off from one to another. All seemed engaged, heart and hand. Generally, a number prayed at every meeting. The time was constantly occupied in a serious and solemn manner, till the meeting closed, which was usually, perhaps always, before nine o'clock. The brethren wished for order, and kindly aided in supporting it. They had a good degree of zeal; and it appeared to be a "zeal according to knowledge." They not only laboured abundantly with the awakened and rejoicing sinner, but sought, by every argument they could use, to alarm those who were asleep in sin.

For something more than a year, from the commencement of the work, the pastor was usually able to continue his labours night and day. At length, however, he became so debilitated and hoarse by constant exertion, that he was obliged to leave the management of the weekday meetings, excepting the concert of prayer, very much with the brethren.

There are three weekday meetings still continued; and the pastor has been enabled to resume a great share of his labour. "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." The "little cloud," which was at first the "size of a man's hand," increased and spread, and a shower fell which beautified our Zion.

The subjects of this work did not all experience the same degree of conviction of sin; nor did they all receive the same degree of comfort. Some were distressed for a longer, others for a shorter time:-- some exhibited brighter, and others feebler evidence of a gracious change: but all appeared to have a “new song put into their mouths, even praise unto their God " In consequence of this revival, 66 have been received to the communion of the church. The doctrines, which they have professed to believe, are those called the doctrines of grace. They readily disclaimed self-righteousness, and expressed their only hope of salvation through the merits and righteousness of Christ.

Twenty were the most ever received into the church at any one time. This, though a small number, when compared with additions to many other churches, was viewed very extraordinary here, as the like had never before been seen among us.

A few of those who are numbered among the subjects of this work, had for years entertained a faint hope of pardoning mercy. They now gained fresh strength, and were enabled publicly to profess their faith in Christ before an ungodly world.

There were some of all ages included in this revival; but God particularly delighted in bringing the young to a knowledge of His truth.

Among the subjects of the work, was a man more than fifty years old, at the head of a large family. He had long struggled with some of the distinguishing doctrines of grace, and always lived in the neglect of family devotion. He now saw his exceeding sinfulness and danger, was led to embrace the Saviour, to rejoice in the holy sovereignty of God, and to feel the spirit of prayer! He called his numerous family together, confessed his fault, in so long neglecting to come with them around the family altar, and devoutly commended himself and them to the mercy of God! On this altar, incense is now daily offered to Him who delighteth that all the families of the earth should call upon His name.

This man, his wife, and three daughters, all consecrated themselves to the Lord on the same sabbath. His oldest son, and his wife, afterwards followed their example.

It is worthy of particular notice, and may encourage other parents to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, that though this man's father died when he was very young, his mother, who was an eminently pious woman, took unwearied pains to teach this, her only child, the holy Scriptures. She also carefully instructed him in the assembly's catechism, (which was then almost the only one in use,) watched over him with great faithfulness, directed his reading, restrained him from improper company, and set before him a pious example, to the close of her life in a good old age.

The church, by the late revival, is greatly strengthened, and the prospects of the society wear a very encouraging aspect. The Lord has not, indeed, exempted us from trials; but he has removed much of evil, and given us in its stead much of good. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; bebold all things are become new."

Public worship is better attended than formerly, though there is reason to fear some are still criminally negligent in this respect They seem to imagine there is" a lion in the way;" and, though they have "a price put into their hands to get wisdom, they have no heart to improve it."

The praying spirit continues; and with it continues our hopes that God has yet greater blessings in store for us-that He will yet come out and make richer displays of His grace-that He will "revive his work more and more"-and, "in wrath remember mercy."

His

O that the Lord would say: "I will heal their backslidings, I will love them freely for mine anger is turned away from them. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon."

Franklin, Conn. November, 1822.

SAMUEL NOTT, Pastor.

SEVENTH WARD BIBLE ASSOCIATION.

The Seventh Ward Bible Association of the city of New-York, celebrated their fourth anniversary in the Reformed Dutch Church, in Market-street, on the evening of the 25th of December last, in the presence of a large assembly of the friends of the association.

The exercises were introduced with reading a portion of Scripture by the Rev. Mr. Gray, who presided. The Rev. Mr. M'Murray made the introductory prayer, after which the president read the Report of the Board of Managers. The following are extracts from the report, After acknowledging the goodness of God to the association, during the past year, in that they had "been privileged, as in former years, to distribute the Bible to many destitute and necessitous families," the report proceeds: "The Board doubt not but they express the sentiments of

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