to employed in destitute sections of In Illinois my efforts have been country in Illinois. To give a minute directed chiefly to the settlements detail of my travels in the form of adjacent my residence, and in journals, would render my communi. Belville, Union, and Alton. In May cations unnecessarily voluminous. My last, a church was constituted at my usual route in Missouri, has been from house of nine members, the most of St. Louis, (where the first Sabbath whom were formerly under the pas. in the month was spent,) westward toral care of that distinguished ser. through the settlements contiguous to Vant of the Lord, Rev. Jesse Mercer, the Merrimack, as far as Beouf, in in Georgia Two have since been Franklin County; and return down baptized and two more ad-led by let. the settlements adjoining the Mis. ter. The state of religion generally souri, preaching once, and sometimes in this part of Illinois is rather twice in a day, and reaching St. gloomy. “The ways of Zion Louis by the third Sabbath. This mourn, because none come to her circuit has been performed monthly solemn feasts" through the season, except in one in. In the interior of the State, about stance, when severe sickness in my the head waters of Muddy River, family detained me. there is an interesting revival. A The importance of occupying the letter received a few days pasl, from above as a missionary field is deeply a ministering brother, the Rev Mr. felt, not only from its receiving only Carpenter, states, he had baptized the partial labours of one Baptist 34 since my visit in that quarter, preacher, while there are five Bap- which was about the middle of June. tist churches in it, and some in a very Mr. C. is a worthy brother, whose declining state, but also the earnest labours appear to be blest. llis opcries of some of the dear lambs of portunities of acquiring intelligence, Christ's fold, can admit of no denial. have been extreniely limited; but During my last tour, the first of this upon receiving some reports of Bible month, I felt more than usually en. Societies, and Sabbath Schools, with craged from the attention some copies of the Magazine and -the solemn countenances, preaching Luminary, he expressed a high deand, in not a tew instances, the flow? gree of joy. The united efforts to christianize the world, and the success ing tears under the wurd. The first Lord's Day in Septembe."; ! bap. that has attended, appeared to him tized four in St. Louis. vast, amazing! and he immediately slaves in this world, I hope the Lord declared himself a decided friend of by his grace has made them free for such efforts. No doubt it would apthe world to come. Two belonged pear increaïble to our New England to a French Catholic family. They brethren to bear there were christians had repeatedly applied for a cer. in America who knew itle or nothing tificate of permission to be baptized. about the operations of the present Their mistress for a long time re. day; but repeated instances have oc. fused. At first she did not appear to curred when I have given the first inunderstand the design of the cer- timation of such things, and even emony of going into the water. Find many think a missionary is the propa. ing them conscientious in their anx- gator of some new doctrine, or the ieties to be baptized, she objected on founder of a new sect. the ground that they might be drown- Besides the ordinary appointments ed, and then who would pay for them? for preaching, I have endeavoured to She consented that a vessel might seize every favourable opportunity of be prepared, and she would send for introducing religious instruction into the Catholic Priest to immerse them. the family circle, a course, if judicious. This not suiting their views, she en ly pursued, may be rendered of incal. quired of some Americans about the culable benefit, and sometimes prove ordinance, and finding that no danger efficacious where mere public preachwas to be apprehended, at last con- ing would produce little effect. sented that they might have a cer- With sentiments of fraternal re. tificate to join the church, which was spect to yourself and the Trustees of on the condition that good morals be the Society, tauglit them. Many more instances I subscribe myself, of hopeful conversion have occurred amongst the blacks, than the whites in gospel bonds, in St. Louis, J. M. PECK. Cou Thomh EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM THE REV. W. HUBBARD, TO ONE OF THE BOARD. Edgarton, (Martha's Vineyard,) Feb. 10, 1823. Dear Brother, It is now half past ten in the evening, but I am pressed to take my pen to forward you a few sentences, which I doubt not will be received with joy by you. For as cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. On Lord's-day, the eighteenth of last month, I commenced my last week's labour in the service of the Had a Missionary Board. The week was peculiarly solemn and interesting. Several in the first ranks in society were awakened to a sense of their lost condition, and to a full conviction that except they were born again, they could never see the kingdom of God. On Saturday I returned home, and attended meeting at Tisbury. very interesting season. Heard a young man relate what the Lord had done for his soul, having been brought into gospel liberty during my absence. Conversed with another in deep distress, who has since related that that evening was the time of his espousals. The brethren in that section of the town are wonderfully quickened, and brought to a remembrance of their first love; and a general awakening appears near at hand. While at meeting, a committee from Edgartown arrived with a letter from that part of the church, request. ing my release for a few weeks to return to that place, stating the Macedonian cry. At the same time they remarked, that "brother H's last visit has been attended with an additional blessing; there was a most solemn appearance while he was here, which has become more evident since his absence; and it is our most earnest wish, as well as of many of the Congregational order, that you would grant his immediate return, for such a time we never before saw in Edgartown." The Tuesday following I returned, and have been on the ground almost a fortnight. Since my return, there has, as we have reason to hope, been eleven or twelve brought out of nature's darkness into the marvellous light and liberty of the gospel. I believe there are many under various degrees of conviction of their lost condition, and some under pungent distress By reviewing my several letters since I have been on this Island, you will discover my feelings relative to the approach of this cloud From appearances, at different times, I am now persuaded that the shower will be abundant. Every part of the Island is shocked except at Holmes's Hole, the place of my residence. On the east side of the harbour, the work is going on as powerful as in this place New-Town parish, (Tisbury,) the work appears to be commencing with power. At Chilmark there is a like display of mercy, principally among At Religious Intelligence. EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. J. PECK TO REV. F. WAYLAND. the Methodists. My labours are incessant. In twenty-three days past, I have attended thirty-three meetings. Preached three times yesterday, as usual, attended a prayer-meeting this morning, and a conference this evening; left the people still assembled at half past nine. God has manifested himself so conspicuously in the present work, that opposition seems entirely confounded. With regard to my enjoyment, it is better felt than expressed. I consider the present and past year a peculiar era in my life. All the sacrifices, crosses, self-denials, and discouragements I have met with in my ministry, I consider as now rewarded in an hundred fold, and my hope is brightened, that in the world to come I shall uninterruptedly enjoy everlasting life, in beholding the beatific vision of my glorious Redeemer. Affectionately yours, Cazenovia, Jan. 23, 1823. them, and to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And the kind assistance afforded us, by our dear brethren in Boston, and places adjacent, seems to lay us under fresh obligations to exert all our energies in carrying into effect the laudable design. I had the pleasure, last week, of visiting the school at Oneida, and also a number of Indian families. The school appears to be in a prosperous condition, although for want of sufficiency of clothing, in this inclement season, not so many attend the school as would, had they wherewith to cover their nakedness. The Indians appear to be pleased with the school, and much satisfied with the measures pursued by the society. It is with real pleasure that I can inform you that our victorious Lord striumphing gloriously in this place. I was about the first of November, that he began to make his power known, since which time, thirty-five souls have been liberated from the chain of satan, and made to rejoice in God their Saviour. The blessed work is still progressing. In the town of Eaton, a few miles east of this place, a work of grace has begun, and eight souls are already rejoicing in the Lord. Smithfield, adjoining to this town, begins to taste similar blessings. Several have been brought to know the truth, and others are inquiring the way to Zion At Oneida about twenty have been brought to bow to the mild sceptre of Jesus; and the good work is increasing in all these places We have just received the articles for the Indian school, from Cambridge, Boston, &c. Yours, &c. JOHN PECK, and Christ gave her light. Prayer meetings were soon formed and well attended; and the church resolved to have a prayer meeting on the first Monday in each month to implore Divine aid upon all missionary exertions. These meetings have been highly favoured with the gracious presence of God. Brethren have found it good to wait upon the Lord in prayer. This blessed work still progresses, and gradually increases. Our last meetings were the happiest we have had. On the last Lord's day I bap tized five, of which were two young daughters and a mother; the scene was truly interesting. The day was unusually cold: but the hearts of many were comfortably warm. Young persons are mostly the subjects of this revival, among whom are many of the children of the old members of the church, which greatly endears the work to their aged hearts. During the progress of this good work, twenty have been bap tized upon a profession of their faith in Christ, and ten have joined by letters, making our number now fiftythree. Although this may appear to those who live in a populous part of the world like the day of small things, yet we, here in Ohio, realize that the Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad. We have a good log meeting house on Salt Creek, furnished with a stove, which renders it very comfortable at this sceson of the year. Our stated Saturday and Sabbath meetings are well attended, and we humbly hope the Lord has great mercy in store for us. I must add, before I close this communication, that the church on Salt Creek may be regarded as the offspring of the church in Zanesville, though much older in point of constitution. The happy revival which we have experienced here for two years past, seems now to be extending itself to the east of us over that church. Our young brethren of the Zanesville church have been very useful during this revival in our vicinity, in attending prayer meetings!. O how much might be done for the cause of God, if private brethren would turn out and have prayer meetings! We are, my dear brother, moving on very comfortably here, (in Zanesville and Putnam.) We have about ninety members in our church, many have moved away, none have been excom. municated, and only one has died; and she died in peace. We can look ν The following transcript of the proceedings of the Corporation of Brown University, at a late meeting, gives a flattering prospect of the increasing growth and utility of this literary institution. The elegant building presented to this institution is four stories in beight, 120 feet by 40 in extent, and contains 48 rooms. Brown University, Fan. 13, 1823. At an adjourned meeting of the Corporation, on this day, the following letter being received from the Honourable Nicholas Brown, to wit:" "To the Corporation of Brown Uni versity. "It affords me great pleasure, at this adjourned meeting of the Corporation, to state, that the College edifice erected last season, and located on the land purchased by the Corporation, of Nathan Waterman, Esquire, is completed. "Being warmly attached to the Institution, where I received my ed. ucation, among whose founders and benefactors was my honoured father, deceased, and believing that the dis semination of letters and knowledge is the great means of social happiness, I have caused this edifice to be erected, wholly at my expense, and now present it to the Corporation of Brown University, to be held with the other corporate property, according to their Charter. "I avail myself of this occasion, to express a hope, that Heaven will bless, and make it useful, in the promotion of virtue, science and literature, to those of the present and future generations, who may resort to this University for education. "As it may be proper to give a name to this new edifice, I take leave to suggest to the Corporation that of 66 Hope College." "With respectful and affectionate regards to the individual members of the Corporation, I am their friend, NICHOLAS BROWN. Brown University, Jan. 13, 1823," It is thereupon resolved, That the members of this Corporation entertain a very high sense of the liberality of this Patron of Science, in the gift of this new building, in addition to his former large donation to this University. Resolved, That in compliance with the suggestion of the Donor, the new edifice be denominated" Hope College." It is further Resolved, That the Hon. David Howell, Rev. Henry Edes, and Stephen H. Smith, Esq. be a Committee to devise and report at our next annual meeting, the most eligible measures to manifest our gratitude for this illustrious instance of public munificence. [Prom. Gaz. SALEM BIBLE TRANSLATION AND FOREIGN MISSION SOCIETY. The Annual Meeting of the above Society was held on Wednesday evering Jan. 25, 1823, in the Baptist Meeting House at Salem, when the following gentlemen were chosen the Board of Managers, viz. Rev. Lucius Bolles, President. Robert Upton, Corresponding Sec'y. Trustees -Stephen Webb, Nebemiah Roundy, Rev. Simeon Chamberlain, Rev Gustavus F. Davis, Rev. Ebenezer Nelson, jr. Rev. Charles O. Kimball, Rev. George Keely, Rev. Arthur Michael Webb, Michael Shepard, Drinkwater, Rev. Matthew Bolles, Benjamin Kent, and Col. Lemuel Sweetzer. This Society is associated with the General Convention of the Baptist denomination in the United States, and have appointed the Rev. LUCIUS BOLLES their delegate to said Convention, to meet at the City of Wash ington in April next; and in case of failure, Rev. GEORGE KEELY, of [Watchman. Haverhill. From S. Reading Bap. Female Missionary and Ed acation Society, by A. Davis, Sec'ry, " Annual Contribution at S. Reading, Mission Box by Miss Eaton, do. ,, Mr. S. Wiley, 9, Mr. Thomas Woodward, "Joshua Walton, do. ,, Mission Box in Vestry of Bap. Meeting-house 23,03 11,22 2,56 ,50 975 ,50 in Beverly, to educate Fem. heathen children, 3,23 ,, Benjamin Kent, of Danvers, 3,00 1,00 1,00 5,00 5,00 I,CO 1,00 " William Trask, of do. ,, Benja. R. Reed, of do. Miss C. by hand of Rev. L. Bolles, " John Bacheller, of Lynn, Mr. Brown, of Hamilton, ,, Rev. Mr. Nelson, jr. of Lynn, " A female friend, 1,00 , Rev. L. Bolles, 2,00 32,31 290,27 CONSTITUTION OF A CHURCH, AND On the 1st day of Jan. 1822, at a village called the "Rock's Village," six miles below Haverhill bridge, was constituted the 2d Baptist church in Haverhill. The introductory prayer, and also the sermon from 1 Cor. iii. 9, "Ye are God's building," by Rev. G. Keely; from whose pastoral care the greater part of the members had been dismissed right hand of fellowship by Rev. Hosea Wheeler; concluding prayer by Rev. Simeon Chamberlain," This Church, assisted by a respectable Society, have erected a neat and commodious Meeting-house, 50 by 43 feet, which was opened for public worship on Wednesday, Jan 1823Select portions of Scripture were read, by Rev. Mr. Houghton, of Readfield; introductory prayer by Rev. S. Chamberlain, of Rowley; prayer was again offered by Rev C. O. Kimball, of Methuen; a highly appropriate sermon by Rev. George Keely, of Haverhill, from Ps. lxxxvii. 2.-"The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob;" Concluding prayer by Rev. Gustavus F. Davis, of South Reading. The day was fine, the crowd immense, the sing ing good; and the ministering brethren had the impression, from the promising appearances which they saw, that this will be a growing and flourishing people. In the evening, Rev. Mr. Davis addressed the people on the importance of prayer, and correspondent exertions to obtain a pastor, from Num, xxvii. 16, 17. The Treasurer of the Penitent Female's Refuge Society, gratefully acknowledges the receipt of One Hundred Dollars, from an unknown friend, by the hand of Rev. William Jenks. E. PARSONS: Obituary. JOSEPH CAULDWELL. After a long and painful illness, this pious christian fell asleep in Jesus, on the 27th of Nov. 1822, aged fifty-five years. There is something interesting and pleasing in the thought, that when one person in a family is made a partaker of the grace of God, it is frequently the case that others in the same house also participate in this inestimable blessing. When the Lord opened the heart of Lydia, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul, her household were likewise brought to a knowledge of sal vation; and when the jailer was converted, he rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. A similarly joyous event took place in the family of which the deceased was a member. He experienced religion when young: and he was only one, of several brothers and sisters, who became interested in the same common salvation. Most of them, having adorned a christian profession in their lives, enjoyed the consolations of religion in death, and have we trust entered into rest. |