tions would be too multifarious; but as a specimen of the facts they disclose, and the disinterestedness, piety, and zeal which they display, the following answer is given for the gratification of the readers of our Maga zine: Answer of the Rev. J. F. Oberlin. "My parish borders upon French Lottingen, where all are Roman Catholics, many of whom have procured Bibles from us; but these are but few, compared with the number of those who are still without Bibles, but desire to have them. I have also distributed many copies of the New Testament, even to Roman Catholic Priests; some. of whom, through ignorance, have burnt them: this has been told to me by many of their own people with great concern. I account it a pleasing circumstance, that many of the Roman Catholic Peasant's manifest more confidence in me than in their own priests. "One hindrance to the spreading of Bibles is, the poverity of the inhabitants; and another, the very small type of the French Bibles. Hardworking people soon lose their sight, either in part or entirely, in the mountainous country, in which the five villages under my 'pastoral care are situated; and the Roman Catholics also, of whom I speak. When, therefore, they arrive at an age in which they might be disposed to serious reflection, they can scarcely make any use of Spectacles are of small Bibles. service only for a short time; for the sight is soon entirely gone. "Nevertheless, I always keep a stock of French Bibles, partly to lend, partly to sell, and some to give away. In order to do this, I make it a rule to lay by three-tenths of all my income. If I had not adopted this practice, I should not have been able to do any thing of this kind. "The type of the German Strasburgh Bibles is very legible; I therefore keep a number of them always in readiness †.” The above communication, together with the letters from the other ministers whose names have been mentioned, are strongly stimu lative to the good work of forming a Society for an extensive circulation of the sacred Scriptures. This object, however, cannot be accom plished in haste; it requires deliberation and wisdom suited to its dignity and importance. In the meantime, if any Christian friends in this country feel that admiration of the character and conduct of the Rev. Mr. Oberlin, which the preceding account is well calculated to inspire, and are disposed to assist him in more largely procuring and more extensively distributing the Holy Bible in his large parish and its vicinity, their contributions will be thankfully received by Messrs. Hardcastle and Reyner, Swan-stairs, London Bridge; or the Rev. Mr. Steinkopfft, Minister of the Lu theran Church in the Savoy, Strand, and be faithfully conveyed to the Rev. Mr. Oberlin. On reading the Communications from the Rev. Mr. Oberlin, and the other Ministers in Germany. To souls like these, of such a Heav'nly kind, And catch the lustre of their godly zeal! Act the same part, pursue the same design, S-. A Rev. Minister, now in this country, who is well acquainted with Mr. Oberlin, gives us the following short account of his character and exertions: "Mr. Oberlin has laboured upwards of thirty years with remarkable success. When he first entered on his office, the people placed under his care were noted for their ignorance and all kinds of irregularities; but now they are equally conspicuous for cency of behaviour, for diligence, regularity, and Christian-humanity." Translation of a Letter from Professor Young, in Marbourgh, dated Feb 27, 1903, to the Directors of the Religious Tract Society. Honoured Brethren, and dearly beloved in our adorable Redeemer Jesus Christ! YOUR favour of the 30th of September, 1802, together with the valuable books which accompanied it, has been duly received; and I beg leave to assure you, that, for a long time, nothing has given nie such a lively and sincere pleasure as that letter and those books. Bless ed be the Lord, who causeth his vivifying Spirit to move round the globe, from Kentucky to Otaheite, and from Greenland to the Cape of Good Hope! and praised be his holy name, that, in many places, he raises up men who exert themselves with zeal and fidelity in the cause of the kingdom of God, and unite together for his service! His name be likewise extolled for this, that his providence has directed you to me, and me to you! May our union resemble a grain of mustard seed, growing up to a spreading and salutary plant! "Hallowed be his name!" As to myself, it is my earnest wish to devote myself, with unwearied activity, to the advancement of the kingdom of God; but, alas! my hands are tied in a variety of ways. From my very infancy I have felt a strong impulse to live and labour only for the Lord; but hitherto it has not pleased him to release me from those duties upon which both I and a numerous family have to depend for support. My dear brother Steinkopfft can inform you of the wonderful deal ings of Providence with me; and I have reason to think, that my life, which. I have published under the title of Henry Stilling's Youth, Travels, and Domestic Life;" as also other publications of mine, if they were translated into English, would produce very good effects in England, as they have done in Ger any; and would fully convince many of the particular providence: of God. I was born in the year 1740, in a of Nassausiegen. My forefathers solitary village of the principality were poor, but pious peasants, and colliers. My father, who was a tailor and schoolmaster, gave me devoted me from my infancy to the a careful and strict education; and Lord. I followed the employments of my father till my twenty-third year; and had already then many heavy trials to endure. The ta lents which God had given me, soon urged me on to improve my self; so that during that time, I made considerable progress in mas thematics, history, geography, the Latin language, &c. At length, I could hold out no longer in my. native country, but took up my staff and went into the duchy of Berg; where, after having spent a twelvemonth under very trying cir cumstances, I obtained a situation with a rich ironmonger, as teacher to his family, and assistant in his business. During the seven years 1 spent there, I learned the mercan tile business, the French, Greek, and Hebrew languages; and, I may say, ransacked every corner of Philosophy, Ascetics, and Poetry: I perused the English works on Ascetics and Theology; and made myself also acquainted with French literature. At last, through the providence of God, it so happened, that a renowned oculist left me, by will, his arcana (private recipes). Upon this, I began to practise as an oculist; and went, in the year 1770, in the thirtieth year of my age, without money, and without the least prospect of getting any, to Strasburgh, in order to study Physic. Here I must refer you to Stila ling's Life, for the remarkable and wonderful interpositions of God in my behalf. In 1772, I returned to the duchy of Berg, as Doctor of Physic. There I married, in a very singu. lar manner, the sickly dauthor of a pious tradesman, who had no more fortune than I had. but relied, with the same confidence, on the assistance of God. We then moved to Elberfeld, where I prace tised as a physician; but asit would be too tedious for my present purpose to enumerate the variety of heavy trials which I again expeperienced there for seven years, and the extraordinary help and repeated deliverance vouchsafed me by my heavenly Conductor, I must again refer you to Stilling's Life. In 1778, the Lord was pleased to deliver me out of this fiery furnace; and I received a call as Professor of Husbandry, Manufactures, and Commerce in the newly-established college at Kaiserslautern, in the Palatinate. Here my annual salary was about 601. sterling; but I had contracted a debt of 400l. at Elberfeld, and my heavenly Refiner continued to try me still more; so that I was under the necessity of going still deeper into debt. After spending nine years in the married state, under very trying circumstances, it pleased God to deprive me of my dear and pious partner, who left me with two young children; so that after a suitable time, I was obliged to marry again. My second wife had likewise no fortune; but she possessed remarkable talents for housekeeping: so that now I could every year pay off some part of my debt; and my sufferings began to diminish. In 1784, the college was removed from Kaiserslautern to Heidelberg; whither I of course moved likewise. At length the Landgrave of Hesse Cassel called me hither to Marburg, as Professor of Politics, with a salary of 1200 dollars (equal to 2001.) In 1787 I came hither; and in 1790 my second wife died; and my children being still young, I was constrained to marry a third time; and am now very happy in my marriage. I have published a great number of treatises on Political Economy, and several moral romances; but since the year 1792, a great change has taken place in my sphere of action. The French Revolution, with its consequences, and the succeeding war in Germany, made a deep impression on my mind. I thought there was reason to conclude from the Scriptures, that the last great contest was commencing, and the coming of the Lord to his church at no great distance; and now that desire to devote myself wholly to the service of the Lord and his kingdom, and to live and die for him, which had lain dormant within me from my youth, was roused into activity. In the following years I published a work in five volumes, entitled, Heimwek (Longing to be at Home). This book excited uncommon attention: many hundred copies found their way to America; many to Denmark, Sweden, and Russia; and it was generally read throughout all the provinces of Germany. Being now called upon from all quarters to devote myself and my talents to the service of religion, I began from that time to publish a periodical work, entitled, Der Graue Mann (The Hoary Man); which comes out every half-year. Soon after, I wrote an explanation of the Revelation of St. John, entitled, "The History of the Triumph of the Christian Religion," which had likewise an unexpected sale; so that in the first year a second edition was called for. This book is also much read in America, where "The Hoary Man" is now printing, from time to time, in æ German newspaper. To this I must add, the remarkable blessing which the Lord lays on my prac tice as oculist; and particularly on my operations for the cataract, having already operated on 1300blind patients; and, in the vaca. tions, I am always called upon to travel into distant parts to attend the blind. Next Faster-vacation, I am engaged to travel into Saxony and Upper Lusatia. These journies make me more known, and afford me opportunities to edify myself, and to strengthen the hands of others. But all these various circum stances occasion a severe conflict in my mind. The Lord has brought me, without my seeking it, into a sphere of religious activity, and blessed my services in an abundant measure; but my extensive corres pondence and labours as an author, take up so much of my time, thag it is with difficulty I can fulfil the duties of my professorship; which, however, ought to be my first object, as I receive a salary for it. On the other hand, I cammot relax in my religious labours; not only because they are continually demanded of me, but because I feel a strong impulse in my own heart to labour in that line. Moreover, all the leadings of Providence with me, from my youth, seem evidently to mark me out as a witness of the truth in these last times; and in particular, to direct my labours for the promotion of union among the awakened of every denomination, that when the Lord comes, he may find only one flock. On this account I belong to no party; but cultivate a brotherly fellowship with all. As to my external pro fession, it is that of the Reformed Church; which, in England, is called the Presbyterian; but my principles approach nearest to those of the late Mr. Wesley. I might, indeed, at once get rid of the difficulties under which I struggle, by resigning my office; but prudence forbids that, as I should thereby put both myself and family out of bread; besides that, my wife would then be unprovided for, in case of her outliving me. There is, therefore, nothing left for me to do, but patiently to hold out till the Lord himself shall help me; and this I am persuaded he will do, and not leave me just when his views toward me are unfolded. You may, perhaps, think that I might live by my practice as an oculist; but that is out of the question, as I lie under an obligation to serve the poor gratis with this talent; and likewise to demand nothing from the rich, but to be contented with what they give me of their own accord. - Amidst all, I trust, with unshaken confidence in the Lord; and firmly believe that he will support and help me. Excuse me, dearly beloved brethren, that I trouble you with so circumstantial a letter; but it appeared to me absolutely necessary that you should have a thorough knowledge of my situation, if you and I are to join hand in hand in labouring for the Lord and his kingdom. To conclude, I must request you not to interpret any thing that have said in this letter concerning myself, as proceeding from pride or vanity;-God forbid! Boasting is least becoming me of all men; for the Lord chuses the weakest, the most wretched and abandoned among men for his instruments, that he alone may have all the honour and glory. I dare not describe to you how wretched I feel myself, lest I should appear to make a shew of humility. From all the above, you will form an idea of my principles and situation. As soon as it shall please the Lord to release me from my post in the college, so as to enable me to spend all my time and strength for him alone, I shall most gladly join hands with you, to labour for the great prize. Nevertheless, I shall still continue to publish" The Hoary Man," of which I have just finished the thirteenth Number, wherein the venerable Tract So ciety, with its great and glorious object, is strongly and earnestly recommended to all German Chris tians. Your kind offer, dear brethren, to assist us, in case of need, with money, deserves our warmest thanks; but we will first endeavour to do what we can ourselves, before we have recourse to your assistance, and become burdensome to you. Meanwhile, we beg the sup port of your prayers and blessings. Germany is the principal seat of Christendom. Here the greatest Christian Prince resides; here it is that the chief parties, both in phi losophy and religion, arose; and here, on the other hand, is likewise the chief seat of Infidelity and Apostacy from Christ. You would scarcely believe to what lengths people have proceeded. In the Prussian and Saxon states, they preach boldly from the pulpits, that to worship Christ is idolatry; and that the redemption of sinners, by his sufferings and death, is no thing but old superstition. Dreadful indeed! Here and there a mimister is still to be met with whe preaches the truth; but their number decreases more and more; and the apostacy so plainly foretold by the apostle Paul, rushes in like a torrent, breaking through all the banks; but God will protect his little flock, and will deliver and preserve us. Here, in Germany, the beast will soon arise out of the earth, and make common cause with the Man of Sin (the beast out of the bottomless pit). May the Lord help us! that we may be found faithful, boldly testifying of the truth, and patiently enduring unto death, that so we may obtain the crown of life. It would, doubtless, be a great advantage, if true Christians, in England and Germany, would join hand in hand and labour in fellowship; and if the German Tracts for edification were extensively circulated in England, and the English Tracts in Germany; by this means, our prayers, in behalf of each other, would be more extended and more effectual, and the work of God be powerfully promoted. May the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ transform you, beloved brethren, more and more into his image, from glory to glory! May he work mightily in you and thro you, to the salvation of many souls, and to eternal life! In him and through him, I am to eternity, your affectionate Brother, Johan Heinrich Jung, M.D. (English, Young) Counsellor of Court and Professor. MISSIONARY COLLECTION. Perth Missionary Society - L. 50 0. HOME INTELLIGENCE. Academy near Bradford. In the west riding of Yorkshire, we have been long and highly favoured. During the space of the last fifty years, the gospel has had free course among us; it has run, and has been glorified: congrega. tions have been collected, chapels have been built, churches have been formed, our desarts have be come fruitful, the dry land has been watered, and the wilderness has blossomed as the rose. In effecting this pleasing change, the academy, formerly at Heck. mondwike, under the care of the Rev. James Scott, was eminently instrumental; and now the Independent Academy at Rotherham, is a public blessing;-it is a fountain from whence issue streams which refresh the city of our God. But our county is extensive, and there are many congregations who cannot, by any ordinary effort, on account of distance and expence, obtain assistance from that or any other academy, in the way of occasional supplies. Convinced of this, a gentleman in London, Edward Hanson, Esq. (lately deceased) generously offered to support two, students during a course of education for the Gospelministry, provided a proper person could be found in the neighbourhood to undertake the office of tutor. The Rev.W.Vint, of Idle, near Bradford, was applied to for this purpose; and complied. The academy was opened; and two stu dents were supported by Mr. Hanson while he lived. By his will he has made permanent provi sion for five students: he has be queathed 5000l. three per cent.con sols, to the care of five trustees, for the support of this institution for ever. But as it is not a specific legacy, and as there is no particular time mentioned in Mr. Hanson's will for the transfer of this stock, his executors consider themselves authorized by law, to retain it for twelve months, for the use of the residuary legatce. Consequently, the institution will derive no benefit from Mr. Hanson's. liberality till January, 1804. |