Af them into the church, and somehow securing their eternal salvation? The great candles on the altar are now lighted. His colleague delivers an address to the children, accompanied with prayers and sacred melodies. The other then examines them, the first question being, How do little children become members of the church of Christ? and the answer being, By baptism. To all the questions they reply together, as with one voice. His colleague repeats the Apostle's creed, and asks, Do you profess this as your faith? Yes, they reply. Do you desire to live by it as christians? Yes. And thus hope for salvation? Yes. He now solemnly declares them confirmed members' of the christian church. terwards they pass around in succession to both the pastors, who take them by the hand. They then pass around again, five or six kneeling at a time before the pastors, and receiving their hands upon the head, with a blessing and a few words of exhortation. This done, the pastors and the children kneel down together, and one of the pastors offers a prayer for them. During this exercise especially, and the one preceding, many of them are dissolved in tears, and some weep aloud; and the sympathetic emotions of many in the assembly are manifest. The Lord's prayer, a benediction, and hymns with the voice, and organ, and a full band of instrumental music, close the solemnity. Oh! how few, in all probability, among these precious souls, understand the scriptural doctrine of being born again, or have, in reality, "passed from death unto life." And how awful the mistake to imagine themselves regenerate, and safe in the bosom of the church, if they have not been "created anew in Christ Jesus." The tears that were shed may have been the tears of penitence and holy joy; but, alas! how much is it to be feared, that in most cases, they were only the offspring of agitation, or of merely natural affections, or of that goodness which is as the morning cloud and as the early dew! May he that knows the heart have mercy upon these children, and upon their teachers; and hasten the time when his truth and his commands shall cease to be perverted. To teach children the way of salvation, to examine them, and to pray for them, are unquestionably duties of the first importance. But let them be done in such a manner, as, instead of deceiving the child into an ungrounded confidence, shall tend to impress upon his mind the con viction of his need of that spiritual regeneration without which instruction and prayers are vain. I have presented you, my dear sir, the brightest view of the religious state of this place; for it is almost exclusively at church that any appearance of religion is to be seen, so far as my observation has extended; and I have had a good opportunity to observe. At table, there is, in some instances, a few moment's pause, for silently asking a blessing, and giving thanks; but generally there is no such devotion, even where clergymen are present, The only person whom I have heard ask a blessing, is a little boy, who, in a family where I often dine, is called upon to repeat a form. Family prayer,' so far as I have been able to discover, is quite out of use. In conversation, the name of God and of Christ, by preachers themselves, and all sorts of people, men, women, and children, is used for exclamation and emphasis, as currently and as gracefully as by common privateersmen; and religious circles treat with derision what they call pretism, and our notion of being renewed by the energies of the divine Spirit. Yet all-all cling to the christening of infants; and men who are scarcely ever seen at public worship, come to the preacher, and request him to baptize their children at home,where, indeed, most of the christenings are performed. It is a darling relict of man's pernicious devices, substituted for the directions of our Lord; and it grieves me to think that any of a more christian character are unwilling to let it go. My sheet is filled, and I can only add, that the more I see of Europe, the more am I impressed with the conviction, that our brethren in America must rise in the strength of the Lord, and bear an important part in the reformation of christendom, and the conversion of the world. Adieu. Yours, &c. Account of the Church, and of a revival, in Southbridge, in a letter to Dr. Baldwin. Dear Brother, Aug. 31, 1824 Conscious that you feel a deep interest in the prosperity of Zion, I write in hope that a brief account of the rise and progress of this Church, may afford you a degree of pleasure. Agreeably to request, I visited this town, and assisted in forming a Baptist Society, in May, 1816; and the 1 an Junc following, removed my family curred worthy of notice, unless I say, 2 from Woodstock, (Con.) and commenc- precious youth put on the Lord Jesus, ed my labour with them. Previous to by obeying his command, and were this, there had been but little preach- received into the fellowship of the ing in this place, notwithstanding church. there was a Congregational Church, We have now rrived a period over which Rev. Jason Park was or- where it is proper to be more particdained about this time, and conse- ular, as it comprises a narration of a quently the state of society was not work of grace more general than any the most pleasant. Our society, very other with which we have ever been fortunately succeeded in purchasing favoured. Sometime last fall the Meeting-House, which was own- attention to religion began to increase, ed by individuals; and the year after and some were impressed with the idea my settlement, built the parsonage that God was about to revive his work where I now live. In February, 1817, in this town; but nothing appeared the Church was constituted, consisting very encouraging until 3 came forof 27. ward and requested baptism. From In the year 1818, we were favoured this to the present time the good work with a pleasant revival, which con- has been gradually progressing, and tinued nearly through the succeeding nothing appeared, which looked like year; and 20 were added to the enthusiasm, or a zeal without knowlChurch by baptism. But in this in- edge. The awakened have almost constant world, Israel often appears universally been brought to see the like the burning bush, which was true infinite purity and strictness of the diof us in 1820. Our members had gen- vine law, to read their just condemerally fallen into a lukewarm state, nation thereby; and to fly to Immanand soon became encompassed with uel as their only refuge. portentous clouds, which threatened We believe, in the judgment of us with speedy dissolution. Under charity, that more than 40 have shared these circumstances a few, possessed of in the gracious work, 27 of whom have Daniel's spirit, agreed to meet weekly been buried with Christ in baptism, on to seek the Lord their God by prayer profession of their faith, making our and supplication, that he would heal present number 87. Persons of the our backslidings, revive our graces, and first respectability from the youth of 12 bless us again with a refreshing season. to the man of grey hairs have been It was not long before the sun of right- the subjects of this work. The change eousness lifted upon us his soul-cheer- produced by this good work ing presence, in answer to prayer, our Society, is very apparent. in In which dispersed our gloom, enlivened those houses where God was not the church, and granted us an accession worshipped, the morning and evening of 5 by Baptism, during the year 1821. sacrifice is daily offered. Those who This and other incentives induced us seldom if ever attended divine service, to continue our social importunity, are now constant in the duties of the with interest and pleasure ; believing sanctuary. And some who were over that God had not said unto the seed fond of vain diversions, now view them of Jacob, “ seek ye me in vain." We altogether incompatible with man's were not obliged to lift up our eyes accountability; and appear truly deunto the hills, from whence cometh lighted in meeting for prayer and reour help in vain; for a compassionate ligious conference. Father shed down the Holy Spirit in The special agency of the Holy gentle effusions, and there appeared a Spirit has been remarkably apparent cloud, to the eye of faith, “ like a in this reformation, almost to the exman's hand,” which we fancied indic- clusion of ordinary means. And if any ative of abundance of rain. It is evi- one has been honoured as an instrudent that we were not prepared for an ment in forwarding this blessed work, extensive refreshing ; consequently, let the name of the Lord have all the our anticipation was not fully realized: praise. All who have bowed to the nevertheless, a number experienced sceptre of the Lord, appear well estaba hope in 1822, and 11 returned to lished in the doctrine of grace; and if give God glory, by following Christ in we were to calculate on future usefulthe ordinance of baptism, and uniting ness from their present appearance, with this church. During the follow- our anticipation would be great, but ing year, it might have been said of we are too well acquainted with the “behold how good and how pleas- depravity of the human heart, to exant it is for brethren to dwell together pect a high degree of perfection in this in unity! Excepting this, nothing oc- life. We hope the great Shepherd of us; the sheep will take these lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom until he shall present them faultless before the Father with exceeding joy." I transmit to you with this letter 10 dollars, which was given by a friend, to constitute me a life member of the Tract Society. Also 6 dollars 75 cents, a collection which was taken for the Indian Mission, after a sermon preached at the celebration of our National Independence. I subscribe myself your sincere friend, and unworthy brother in a precious Saviour, GEORGE ANGELL. REVIVAL OF RELIGION. EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO A FRIEND. Windsor, (N. c.) Aug. 17, 1824. "It is evident our blessed Lord was at work upon the minds of the people some time before it became visible, by this revival. Such was the case of Cornelius and his family. When Peter came to his house, he found them already prepared to receive and obey the word of God. The Lord Redeemer always goes before his ministers, and makes preparation for the success of his Gospel. In some instances nearly the whole family have been baptized. I saw four sisters follow their Lord and Master into the liquid grave a few days past: the youngest did not exceed 12 year of age. This was a very thoughtless family, until this event. Their conversion happened about the same time, and they were baptized also at the same time with many others. The account which she, (the youngest) gave of her faith was such, that it called forth the admiration of all who heard it. She was very clear in the relation of her faith, and of her justification by Christ, without her own works. In him she trusted for acceptance with God. I cannot give a full account of all such instances, in a letter. Many old persons have also professed, some of whom have been called moral, others much addicted to vice. Young ladies of the most respectable families, and young men of the most promising standing, have openly professed faith in the blessed Redeemer, and have been baptized. Four doctors of physic have already become members of the church. Three of them were married men, who with their wives, are among the zealous disciples of Christ. Our High Sheriff has been already baptized. The truth is, there are some of almost every station in life. Every Sunday there are more or less baptized. Last Sabbath forty submitted to that ordinance, and yesterday, which was Tuesday, 7 were immersed according to the practice of Christians in the apostolic day. I know of but few instances where any open concern has appeared in any person, who did not in the end profess repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism by immersion is scarcely called in question. When they profess to be believers in Christ, they without hesitation seek for baptism. The young converts appear to have a great concern for such of their friends as remain unconverted, and especially for those who seem distressed. The town of Windsor, which heretofore had none who espoused the cause of Christ, is now entirely reformed. The Gospel, formerly slighted, is now heartily received among them, and many have become members of the church. This glorious work is still spreading, and O may the growing numbers never end! The greatest harmony prevails among both the ministers and churches. The revival cannot be said to be under any one minister more than another, as there is a general reciprocation in their labours. God blesses truth, whether it is expressed with the beauties of oratory, or in a more homely dress. Our churches are not unacquainted with the danger of receiving members, who may only be moved by passion or the influence of sympathy. Yet after all, we cannot expect to be exempted from what the apostles were not. Simon Magus believed, and was baptized, and was yet in the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. It is however one thing to be willingly deceived, and another to be so unwillingly. Those who make no scruple to receive unconverted persons into their Society, do it with willingness. But it was not so with the Apostles, nor is it so with ourselves. Up to this date, 410 have been received and baptized. I remain, dear brother, in the best of bonds, RICHARD POINDEXTER. P. S. 23d inst.-At three places, 55 were baptized yesterday; there are others which I have not yet heard from. EXTRACT OF A LETTER. town of Orleans, there is a very gen. eral attention to religion, but no reguA correspondent in Ellisburgh, lar minister of our denomination for a (Woodville, N. Y.) under date of Aug. great number of miles. Almost every 29, 1824, informs us, that “at the day we have very pressing entreaties present time there is in this region a to come over and help them. Since very general call and attention to the May last, 106 have been baptized inpreaching of the word, and in several to one church in our Association, and places very special revivals. In the I have lately baptized 11 in Richland." Lines uritten after recovery from a fever. A. W. a 67 The Rev. Dr. Staughton, Secretary of the Board of Managers of the Baptist General Convention, in a letter of Oct. 21, 1824, states, that the Board have unanimously elected the Hon. Heman Lincoln, of Boston, Treasurer. TO CORRESPONDENTS. E. 436 402 39, 152, 229 272, 312, 352, 383, 432, 464 109 266 Education Soc. Donations to 79, 152, 228, 432, 463 Hints on 446 F. 43 Farnsworth, Mrs. Polly, Obituary of 268 36 346 388 34 IST 187 439 343 102, 225, 303 254 184 247 416 183 193 207 301 73 49 15 22 283, 313 341 IOB 173 378 210, 253, 339876 97, 211 K. 386 309 21, 64, 378 384 III 183 210, 253, 330, 376 181 31, 266 54 105 21, 64, 378 32 34 56, 101, 207, 253 58 64 103 70 71, 307 73 73 74 143, 419 145, 306 183 207 254 265 A. 18 164 219 273 399 78 106 173 407 51 109, 110 360 198, 242, 324 B. 29 30 125, 381 128, 363 137 159, 417 454 164 198, 242, 324 309 429 70 178 341 392 432 393, 433 16 188 230, 464 428 75 56, 97, 207, 330, 376,456 144 ISI 3 SO 390 347 392 76 38, 39, 76 170 265 338 26 143 162 81, 113, 153 145, 306 58 27 30 307 41 348 21 109 417 240 ISI 350 428 do. 69, 71 225 |