should have guided her youthful steps, and imprinted on her heart the pure principles of religion and virtue. What a dreadful account must he have to give, when arraigned before the bar of Jehovah, who has thus been the very pander of his own offspring. She is now a miserable, abandoned, and wretched woman; but of late I have frequently seen her at meetings; she appears solemn, and often weeps : expresses a great desire to leave her vicious courses, and return to the paths of virtue. She is very desirous to get a situation in some family, where she may obtain an honest livelihood-says she has not a friend to assist her."

"Have sent nine from the Hill, one a young girl who had been sometime resident there, and had sadly departed from every thing amiable and lovely in the female character-who had even threatened to destroy the life of her only parent, a fond mother. Distressed and wearied with her infamous mode of living, she at length formed the resolution to abandon for ever a place where there were so many records of her shame and folly; and if possible to be reconciled to her parent She went to a lady requesting her assistance, which she readily granted; and went in pursuit of her mother, and at her house they met ; an affecting scene ensued. The injured parent was willing to forgive her unhappy daughter, in case of a reformation. It was thought best for them to go immediately towhere they have friends.

Some nec.

essary articles of clothing were obtained for the girl; my friend paid the expenses of their passage; and I saw them on board a vessel which sailed in the evening."

Speaking of that part of West Bos. ton where such multitudes of abandoned creatures are crowded together, Mr. R. justly observes, "It is impossible for any one, not acquainted with circumstances, to imagine, or for me to describe, the awful deeds of dark. ness which are committed with im punity in that most horrid sink of pollution. What scenes of agonizing misery, and hopeless death, are there to be met with! There no soft sympathizing tones meliorate the agonies of despair, no hand of affection wipes from the pallid face the cold sweat of death. There all the feelings of humanity are obliterated. Like brutes they live, like brutes they die." Perhaps many, who are now a disgrace to human nature, were once the VOL. II.

idols of their fond parents, who cherished them with the tenderest affection; and while lovely in innocence and purity, they reclined on their pa rental bosoms, have looked forward with delightful anticipations to the period, when their beloved daughters, happily established in the world, would be the support and solace of their declining years."

"At a meeting on the sabbath, (says Mr. R.) while I was engaged in supplicating the throne of grace, the man of the house, who had formerly been a very hardened and profane sinner, was so completely overwhelmed with a sense of his lost and ruined condition, that he was unable to sustain his body, and fell to the floor. The people gathered around him, exclaiming, he is dying! I was unable to proceed; but requested them to be silent, and observed that he was not dying, but sincerely hoped that he would die to sin, and live to righteousness. He, recovering himself a little, cried out, Do pray for me-O, Lord, have mercy on me! His burden of sin appeared greater than he could possibly endure. All were in tears and begging for mercy The scene was too solemn for language to describe.

I endeavoured to direct them to the only Saviour of lost men, and to urge the importance of their immediately surrendering themselves unreservedly to God. I continued the exercises as long as I thought profitable, and appointed another meeting at the same place in the af ternoon The house was crowded, a deep solemnity apparently pervaded every mind, and every ear was attentive while I addressed them from these words, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved" After meeting I conversed particularly with the above mentioned person, who appeared truly humble and penitent; confessed himself to he a great sinner, and said that he deserved no mercy at the hand of his offended Judge, whose vengeance he had often imprecated in the most profane manner. I told him that Jesus had died for guilty and polluted sinners, and now all that was required of him in order to be accepted of God was to repent and believe in the I.ord Jesus Christ, and he should be saved. More than a week elapsed before he durst hope in the mercy of God, and now it is not without trembling. far as I can learn, he is regular in his attendance on public worship on the

As

sabbath-attends regularly to the duties of the family. I have often seen and conversed with him, and I think both from his life and conversation

1818.

that he is now travelling in the strait and narrow path that leadeth unto life, and will in the resurrection morn be found among the redeemed."

"By

→ By

19 By

do. do. do.

$52,00

37,64

488,95

18,94

16,79

25,34

154,56

Nov. 3.

37,39

63,00

10,00

JOHN CAULDWELL, Treas

Dear Brother,

Cazenovia, Oct. 16, 1818.

Nothing gives me greater pleasure, than opportunities of frequent conversation with dear friends; and as I have the honor to consider you among the number, I take the liberty of conversing a few moments with you in this epistolary manner. The state of religion in this section of the country gives us much encouragement; al though there is not so general attention, as in the year past, yet in many places there are very powerful awaken ings. A missionary spirit seems increasing and many of the friends of Zion seem to be redoubling their efforts for the spread of divine light. Female societies increase in numbers, and in exertions, to aid the laudable designs of the domestic and foreign societies in their labors of love.

i

At the meeting of our association, we enjoyed a very comfortable interview. Peace, harmony, and brotherly love pervaded the meeting intelligence from the churches was refreshing; 555 were added by baptism and 192 by letters the year past, total number, 4,787. At the close of business, brother Luther Rice being present preached a sermon on the subject of missions; a contribution was made of sixty eight dollars, which together with the contributions of the churches, &c. amounted to the sum of $140 for foreign missions, besides liberal donations to the domestic society.

The work of God has not entirely ceased; in this town some mercy drops continue to fall; several of late have manifested a change in their views; and I expect that they will soon come forward and own their Saviour publicly.

In Fabius the good work still continues; 121 have been added to that church by baptism. In the town of Lenox almighty grace triumphs; 51 have lately been immersed in the wa try grave, and joined the ranks of Emanuel. In Smithfield 81 have yielded subjection to the King of glory, and submitted to his commands. In Westmoreland 37 have been made willing in the day of his power, and testified their obedience by submitting to his ordinance. In the second church in Lisle the word of God has had effect, and 31 have yielded to the divine power, and professed their subjection to the King of Zion. Most of the churches in the association have received considerable accessions to their numbers; and enjoy a good degree of union and harmony.

Our education society has been organized; the funds amount to$2458,88, Two young brethren have been study ing under the patronage of the society, with brother Daniel Haskell; others are making application for admission. The prospect is encouraging; and I cannot but hope that under the smiles of divine Providence, this in. fant institution may prove a blessing to Zion. I shall send you a copy our Minutes, and wish to receive one from you I wish you to write me a letter; it will not be tedious to read, a long epistle from one whom I so highly

esteem.

After my wishes for your prosperity, and that of your family and friends, I subscribe myself, dear friend, your affectionate brother in the Lord,

JOHN PECK.

COM

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE
MITTEE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS
BAPTIST EDUCATION SOCIETY, FOR
1818, READ BEFORE THE BOSTON
BAP. ASSOCIATION IN SEPT. LAST.

YOUR Committee, in execution of the trust reposed in them, have patronized within the last year, twelve young men. Three of these have been permitted to withdraw themselves; and two of the three, are now labouring very acceptably in congregations within your limits. The other nine are still under a course of instruction, and preach occasionally, as circumstances and the discretion of their tutor shall direct. In the admission of these men, no local preference has been allowed to determine

the judgment of your committee. They have not been solicitous from what church or State they came. On other points, however, they have felt the deepest concern and responsibility. They have carefully inquired into the character, piety, min. isterial gifts and calling, of all that offered themselves, being fully persuaded, that whatever deficiency of ministers exists, that deficiency ought not to be supplied by the introduction of ungodly men, even of the most specious talents and acquirements.

In reference to the treasury, your committee feel a pleasure in reporting, that the receipts from the churches in your immediate connexion, have been greater the present than on any former year, thereby in. dicating a growing attachment to the interests of this Society. They have at the same time to lament that with such additions as have been made, the funds subject to their control, are quite inadequate to the necessary and pressing demands made on them. This has led to the adoption of measures not before pursued. A Circular was drawn up containing a succinct account of the origin and progress of the society, together with the present state of its treasury, and an earnest appeal to the pious and bener. olent to afford such aid as the emergency required. This, it was hoped, would produce some relief from a broad. What will be the result of this measure, is not yet fully ascer tained. Satisfied that whatever collections might be made in consequence of this Circular, they would af ford only temporary relief,and that permanent resources were necessary to meet the constant and increasing expenditure, your Committee determin. ed to raise, if practicable, regular auxiliary societies. Through their agency, it is believed, that ten or twelve male and female Societies, have been organized in the District of Maine, and a reasonable prospect opened of the cordial support of the numerous churches in that extensive portion of our State. In New-Hampshire also, a laudable spirit of co-operation has been manifested, as far as the subject has been distinctly presented to their consideration. T Woodstock Association in Vt. & N. H. have, with enlightened zeal and liberality, cast their influence into the scale of education, and it may be calculated that their example will be followed through the State. Sufficient means exist in the churches of New-England, to afford

to such of their sons as are called to the ministry, all requisite literary instruction; and the proper measures, we trust, will continue to be adopted and pursued till this important object shall be fully accomplished.

Your Committee would further state, that the able instructor, under whose care most of the students have been placed, having been appointed to a professorship in the Maine Literary and Theological Seminary, it became necessary to adopt new arrangements in reference to the school After mature deliberation it was deemed expedient, that a proposition should be made to the Maine Literary and Theological Seminary, to receive under their in. struction, on certain conditions, such of your beneficiaries, as should be sent to them. The proposition was cheerfully accepted, and the prospect now is, that much advantage will arise to both institutions from this unexpected connexion. There is no engagement entered into on either side by which the parties are bound to continue these relations, any longer than they shall be mutually agreeable, and subserve the general cause. The principal objection to this measure which presented itself to your Committee, was, the location of the Seminary. It appeared on a slight survey to be too remote, but on farther consideration it was thought that divine Providence had very wisely and graciously determined upon that place. Conveyance may be obtained by water from Boston, Salem, Portsmouth and Portland, nearly every week to within a few miles of the Seminary, and that for a very trivial consideration.

It is believed that students from New-Hampshire and Vermont will not, in most cases, find it more expensive, making a journey to Waterville, than they would to Boston, and from thence to Danvers. The necessaries of life may be had in that place in such abundance and on such moderate terms, that less than two thirds the sum, necessary to support a scholar at the former situation, will be ample now. Besides these considerations, they are situated in the midst of a great and growing pop ulation, inviting the hand of moral culture. Many churches exist in that District which are destitute of a stated gospel ministry; and many towns, having convenient and well finished meeting-houses, have no settled minister. These are happy to receive such assistance from the brethren at

Waterville, as it may be compatible with their classical pursuits to afford.

It is proper further to state, that your Committee, having certain knowledge of one or more important bequests made to this Society, and deeming it a duty to avail themselves of such security to its funds as the law affords, have petitioned and obtained from the court an act of incorporation. This charter so nearly accords with your present Constitution, as to require very little, if any, modification of its articles But should some small alterations be necessary, they trust you will cheerfully accede to them.

In view of the progress, support and prospects of this Society, your Committee feel that they have cause of devout thankfulness to God, and are oncouraged in humble dependance upon his gracious influence, to continue their efforts. They rejoice that they are not left to sustain the labour, and accomplish the object of your institution alone. They look abroad south and west of them, and see their brethrer like a mighty nation roused from inglorious repose, and engaging in the same work. Distinct associations, male and female, have been formed in some of the different States, even to Georgia, all tending directly to the advancement of the same great object. Let these pious exertions be continued; let such societies be multiplied, and soon will the churches, even those that now sigh for the bread of life, reap the harvest, to their inexpressible satisfaction and to the glory of God.

Your Committee cannot bring this communication to a close, without expressing their grief occasioned by the death of their beloved fellow labourer, who should have been the organ of it. In the decease of the Rev. William Batchelder, they have to deplore the loss of one of their most active and persevering members Having the interests of truth, of learning, and of the denomination, at heart; he encountered any obstacles, surmounted any discouragements, and submitted to any privations and fatigues, requisite to their advancement. The last efforts of his valuable life confirm this declaration in accents so loud, that the vibration is still felt upon our souls. But his work is done, and he receives his reward. His example remains to stimulate us to fidelity. May a double portion of his spirit rest upon as.

LUCIUS BOLLES, Sec'ry.