Imatges de pàgina
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"Visiting a sick man, named Jeph ta, I asked him, if the Lord should call him to die, upon what ground he should enter eternity? He answered, he did not know. I enquired, if he did not think that his frequent attendance on the worship of God, and his not being so wicked as other Heathens, was not a good ground to trust that God would be gracious to him? He replied, No; this ground is not good. — I then asked him, if it was not better to seek, as a lost condemned sinner, his salvation only in the Lord Jesus, who came to seek and to save that which

was lost. He answered, he believed that was the right ground; and that it was through grace that he had a desire to seek his salvation in that way."

Extract of a Letter from a respectable Friend in one of the principal Cities in France.

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"In consequence of the very high price which the bookseller who possesses Protestant books, demands for them, the minister has obtained about 100 New Testaments from Geneva, and is about to order an equal number of Old Testaments. If the English Missionary Society would make an offer of that kind in favour of the French churches, it would have a most astonishing effect towards the spread of the. Gospel amongst them (whether it were by giving away or selling at low prices) by sending to the ministers of the reformed churches a proportionate number of Bibles and other edifying books,-since almost the whole were burnt when the decace was promulgated against divine worship; and fcarcely any are now to be seen in France, but such as are procured from Flanders, Switzerland, and Geneva.”

INDIA.

A LETTER has arrived from India, dated as late as Aug. 31st, 1802. tion to what has been received beThe intelligence it contains, in addifore, is, that applications have been made to the Missionaries by messengers forty miles off, requesting them to visit their part of the counwith, and that great numbers of peotry:-that this request was complied ple were found to have thrown off their cast; 200 in one place, and as many as 2000 in another, and that on conviction of the wickedness of

Hindooism and Mahomedism; yet without any knowledge of the right way:-that when they heard of the Gospel, they sent to enquire after it; and on hearing of one of the Mis sionaries coming, were all assembled to welcome him. There is every appearance of their receiving the Gospel with all readiness; but the result must be left to the Lord. At

present, there seems to be an open

door.

A. F.

P. S. The following passage is in Mr. Marshman's Journal of May 5, 1802, "Received a most affectionate letter from Dr. Vanderkemp, dated Nov. 2, 1801, in answer to one we had sent him in February. He mentions many particulars which you must receive another way, before this can reach you. He was then at Graaf Reinet, in a state of blockade, the Christian inhabitants around him having risen, to avenge on him the pollution of the church by the admission of Hottentots! He promises a continuance of his correspondence, and requests the same on our part; with which we shall joyfully comply."

New York. Those friends of the Rev. J. M. Mason, who have expressed some anxiety to hear of his safe return to America, will read with much pleasure the following

Extract of a Letter from a Lady at New York to a Friend at Walworth, dated New York, Oct. 20, 1802.

"Mr. Mason and five other ministers have arrived safe in this city; where he found his family and friends in general well.

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"Last Sabbath week he preached his first sermon. I may call it a comment on the first epistle of St. Jolin, 1st chapter, particularly the seventh verse in that chapter; and the second verse in the second chapter, "Christ the Propitiation." It was a very solemn sight to see the church crowded within and without. Mr. Mason, with a psalm, called on all things to praise God, and then offered up a very solemn prayer; and when he spoke to his church and people, it was very affecting indeed; and all seemed much impressed. I can speak for one, it was a refreshment from the Lord's presence."

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THE gospel of late, in this place, has been attended with great success. Accessions to our church have been numerous, and the sweet influence of vital religion increasingly felt by us all. Among other instances, is a Prussian Jew, of the name of Solomon Joseph, who has been in this kingdom upwards of thirty years, and, three or four of them, a resident in this town.

From the earnest and repeated entreaties of his wife, who is a serious Christian, he was induced, near twelve months ago, to hear among us the glorious gospel of God our Saviour. The subject to which our esteemed Pastor (the Rev. Charles Dewhirst) was providentially directed at that time, was founded on Heb. xiii. 10-13. After his first attendance, he began to suspect his own religion, and was influenced to pray that God Almighty would lead him into what was truth.”— From that time he omitted no opportimity of attendance. The light

he gained into Christianity was rapid; especially as our beloved minister was expounding the Acts of the Apostles. Hearing a discourse, in the month of January, upon the conversion of Lydia, and her public profession of Christianity, he waited upon Mr. Dewhirst the following day, to declare what God had done for his soul, and express his desire of being baptized. The interview was pleasing and affecting; the account he gave of his conversion was simple, clear, and striking. After this he was waited upon by a number of Christian friends at different times, who were more than satisfied with the account he gave. On the first Sabbath in March he was baptized, when, before a very numerous and crowded audience, the service was conducted in the following manner. after singing, Mr. Dewhirst offered up a solemn prayer;-then deliver. ed an introductory discourse,-after which the following questions were proposed: "Solomon Joseph, as your parents were Jews, and as you were educated in the Jewish principles, what induced you to embrace the Christian faith? What are your reasons for believing that Jesus › of Nazareth was the Son of God?As you know that you are à guilty condemned sinner according to the the law of Moses, how do you ex, pect to be saved?

To these he made very satisfaçtory replies, and was then baptized according to the mode used in the independent churches. Immediately after his baptism, he was unanimously admitted a member of the church; and then Mr. Dew hirst ad, dressed him upon his public profes sion of Christianity,-the church of which he had become a member,and the surrounding audience; concluding by prayer for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. Thro' the whole of the service, which was near two hours, solemnity filled the place; and at particular seasons, the whole congregation was much affected.

In the evening an appropriate, sermon was preached by the Rev. William Hickman, of Wattisfield from John xx, 29.

Colonel Despard.

THE trial and execution of Cul. Despard for high treason, have been reported to the public through so many channels, that it is scarcely necessary for us to mention thein; nor should we take any further notice of him, but on account of the spirit of infidelity by which he seem. ed to be actuated, living and dying.

This unhappy man, after having thrown away his life, by making proposals, to a set of ignorant felIqws in an ale-house, to murder his Majesty, and overturn the present system of government (in which it is hard to say, whether weakness or wickedness had the greatest share) appeared to be totally insensible of his guilt, and avoided the very means of conviction. When the Rev. Mr. Winkworth, an evange lical clergyman, and who is Chaplain to the Surrey Gaol, kindly of fered his services, he declined them, and refused to enter in any religious conversation. He also declined reading Dr. Doddridge's Evidences of Christianity, saying to Mr. Winkworth, Sir, I might with equal propriety request you to read this book," shewing him a Treatise on Logic which he had before him,

Being again pressed on the same subject, he said, "I have fetters on my legs; do not endeavour to put fetters on my mind." He also ob served that he had ftudied Theology a great deal, had attended all sorts of places of worship, and, had many years ago made up his mind on that subject; adding, that he did not be. lieve the truth of religion. He seems to have persisted to the end in the same irreligious state, justi fying his political conduct with his last breath, and rejecting the Saviour of the world. To such awful hardness of heart may men attain, who have forsaken God, and who may therefore justly leave them to strong delusion, that they may be. lieve a lie, because they receive not the love of the truth.

Bedford Union.

"THE seventh general meeting of the Union of Christians formed at Bedford, is expected to be held on Wednesday, the 27th of April, The Rev. Rowland Hill, A.M. has engaged (God willing) to preach on the occasion, at Bedford, in the forenoon of that day."

ORDINATIONS,

JULY 15, 1802, Rev. D. Jones, late student at Wrexham, was solemnly set apart by the imposition of hands, to the pastoral office in the inde. pendent congregation at Holywell. The service was introduced by Mr. D. Davies, of Welchpool; Mr. T. Jones, of Newmarket, read a portion of the Scriptures, Mr. G. Lewis, of Llanuwchllyn, delivered a discourse on the nature of a church, pertinent on the occasion, and asked the usual questions, to which satisfactory answers were given; Mr. W. Brown, of Wrexham, then prayed the ordination prayer; Mr. J. Lewis, of Wrexham (his tutor) addressed the minister, from 1 Cor. ii. 13. ; and Mr, B. Jones, of Pwll

hili, delivered the charge to the congregation, from Phil. ii. 29. — Mr. J. Wilson, of Northwich, and several other ministers, engaged in the afternoon and the preceding evening.

Nov. 18, 1802, Moses Fisher was ordained pastor of the particular Baptist church of New Brentford. Mr. Uppedine, of Hammersmith, began the service, with reading 2 Tim. ii. and then prayed; Mr. Button, of Dean-street, explained the cause of dissent from the estab lishment, and received the account of the Lord's dealings with this church since its commencement; the church avowed their call; Mr.

Fisher signified his acceptance, and gave a confession of his faith; Mr. Phillimore, of Kingston, prayed the ordination prayer; Mr. Upton, of Black fryars, delivered the charge, from Tim.vi r1-14.; Mr. Hutchings, of Unicorn - yard, preached to the church, from 1 Cor. xvi. 10; Mr. Torlin, of Harlington, concluded with prayer. The congre

gation was numerous and attentive; and solemnity marked the whole of the service.

The members of this church gratefully acknowledge the kindness of the friends in Mr. Wesley's connexion, who afforded them the use of their chapel in Old Brent ford, for the occasion,

CHAPELS OPENED.

DEC. 17, 1802, a small chapel was opened at Verwood, Dorset, situated in a most dreary part of the Old Forest, about seven miles from Fordingbridge. Though the popu, lation of the neighbourhood is small, the mental darkness of the inhabitants is extreme, and justifies the benevolent zeal of the Christian friend who stepped forward to rear this little tabernacle for God. Mr. Lewis, of Ringwood, explained the advantages of public worship, trom Psalm xlii. 2. ; Mr. Button, of Downton, prayed; and Mr. Loader'preached, from Ezek. xxxiv. 11, 12. For some years, two or three plain Christians, and occasionally regular ministers, have held forth the word of life to the people,

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not without some tokens of success. Greater hopes are now entertained from a Sunday-school, which is to be formed on one half of the Lord's Day. Hitherto, whole families have lived and died without being able to read the Scriptures,-which alone are able to make us wise unto salvation,

FEB. 23, 1803, was opened, a new chapel in Bagell, near Holywell, Flintshire, under the pastoral care of the Rev. D. Jones, The service was introduced by Mr. J Jones, of Liverpool; Mr. W. Brown, of Wrexham, preached from Is. xxv. 5; and Mr. T. Jones, of Beauparis. from 2 Chron. vi. 20. the afternoon, the service was begun

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We are happy to hear that the town of West Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, which, in the summer season, has long been a place of fashionable resort, possesses now, what will be deemed by the serious families who may be disposed to visit it, one great advantage, a stated ministry of the gospel. Mr. Styles, when preaching some months at Newport (at the request of Mr. Walker, who sometimes preached a lecture on a Lord's Day evening) visited Cowes occasionally; and. on quitting that scene of his labours, by the unanimous wish of the people, undertook to preach statedly at Cowes. The progress of the gospel has been great during the last six months. The place occupied for divine worship (which is a storehouse fitted up for the purpose) is not by any means large enough to contain those who are willing to attend, and to contribute to the support of the cause. A commodious meeting-house, therefore, is now being erected; and it is hoped, it will be completed about the time when the company visit this watering-place.

Having received many complaints of the Abridgment of this Department, through the late Arrival of Intelligence, we are happy, this Month, to give an Additional Page, by way of Compensation.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER

FROM THE

late William Cowper, Esq.

TO A LADY.

Mysterious are his ways, whose pow'r
Brings forth that unexpected hour,-
When minds that never met before,
Shall meet, unite, and part no more !
It is th' allotment of the skies,
The hand of the supremely wise,
That guides and governs our affections,
And plans and orders our connexions:
Thus when we settl'd where you found us,
Peasants and children all around us,
Not dreaming of so dear a friend,
Deep in th' abyss of Silver-end *;
Thus Martha, e'en against her will,
Perch'd on the top of yonder hill;
And you, tho' you must needs prefer
The fairer scenes of sweet Sancerre,
Are come from distant Loire + to chuse
A cottage on the banks of Ouse.

This page of Providence quite new,
And new just op'ning on our view,
Employs our present thoughts and pains,
To spell and guess what it contains !
But day by day, and year by year,
Will make the dark ænigma clear,
And furnish us perhaps at last,
Like other scenes already past,
With proof that we, and our affairs,
Are part of great Jehovah's cares:
For God unfolds, by slow degrees,
The purport of his deep decrees;
Sheds ev'ry hour a clearer light,
In aid of our defective sight;
And spreads at length, before the soul,
A beautiful and perrect whole,
Which busy man's inventive brain
Toils to anticipate in vain.

Say, Anna, had you never known
The beauty of a rose full-blown,
Could

you, though luminous your eye,
By looking on the bud descry;
Or guess, with a prophetic pow'r,
The future splendor of the flow'r ?
Just so, th' Omnipotent, who turns
The system of the world's concerns;
From mere minutiæ can adduce
Events of most important use,→
And bid a dawning sky display
The blaze of a meridian day !

The works of man tend, one and all,
As needs they must, from great to small;
And Vanity absorbs, at length,
The monuments of human strength;
But who can tell how vast the plan
Which this day's incident began?
Too small perhaps the slight occasion
For our diminish'd observation;
It pass'd unnoticed, like the bird
That cleaves the yielding air unheard ;
And yet may prove, when understood,
An harbinger of endless good!
Not that I deem, or mean to call
Friendship a blessing, cheap or small;
But merely to remark, that ours,
Like some of Nature's sweetest flow'rs,
Rose from a seed of tiny size,
Which seem'd to promise no such prize,
A transient visit intervening,
And made almost without a meaning;
Hardly th' effect of inclination,
Much less of pleasing expectation,
Produc'd a friendship thus begun,
That has cemented us in one;
And plac'd it in our pow'r to prove,
By long fidelity and love,

That Solomon has wisely spoken,
"A threefold cord is not soon broken.”

FOR THE MISSIONARY MEETINGS ETERNAL Saviour, Prince of Peace,

Thy gospet send from shore to shore i To guilty souls it brings release,

And makes the sinner thee adore. The mountains level, vallies raise,

And give it universal spread; Let it inspire our souls with praise,

And raise to life the sinners dead.

Bid, Lord, this conq'ring word go on;

Bless who the gospel message bear;
Let it destroy the tempter's throne,

And Nations in its blessings share.
Our brethren bless in southern isles;
Success to ev'ry effort give;
Let them enjoy thy gracious smiles,
And bid th' untutor'd heathen live.

Let those abroad, and these,at home,
Be useful to the souls of men
Through them to Chrift may sinners come,
Let all the people add Amen!
Bodborough.

The place where Mr. Cowper then resided.
The Lady had recently returned from France.

O. A. J.

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