in this degenerate soil, in this wicked Verdun, where its culture is so little regarded; where the weeds of vice find a genial soil indeed! Even here, where iniquity runs down the street like a torrent, some, like Lot, are to be found who dare to profess the gospel doctrines of salvation, and who by their walk and coversation protest against the conduct of the thoughtless multitude: this does not fail to draw ou them the censure and hatred of the world, and thereby fulfils his words who said, 'Marvel not if the world hate you!" From about 20 to 50 persons (mostly masters of vessels) meet together, in a room hired for that purpose, to worship their Creator. - On Sunday a Mr. J. C. who is chosen as a reader, reads a chapter from Mr. Scott's Family Bible, of which we have the whole four volumes. The service begins at half past eight, summer mornings, and ends át ten o'clock; at half past twelve a sermon is preached in the English Established Church, by the Rev. W. Gorden, Chaplain to the British Prisoners in France, a learned and good man, with whom I have the honour to be well acquainted, as he is the President of our Committee for the Relief of the Poor, of which I have long been a mem ber. On Sunday evening, at six o'clock, Mr. Crabb reads a sermon from Mr. Romaine, Boston, Burder, or some other evangelical author: this ends at eight o'clock. On Monday, at six in the evening, we have a prayer meeting, where three engage, and as many hymns are sung. On Wednesday, at six in the evening, Mr. Crabb again reads from Mr. Scott, with the notes and practical observations, which are excellent; and on Friday, at the same hour, another prayer meeting is held. Thus our weeks and months pass at Verdun. In the other depots of the common sailors much more zeal seems to be manifested! We are too lukewarm, iniquity abounds around us, and our love, I fear, waxes cold; but among the poor sailors astonishing instances of conversion have taken place; many a daring rebel has been changed by the preaching of one of the crew; several are raised up to explain the scriptures. I know two midshipmen, who were at the head of all evil when they came into France, are now like lambs, not ashamed of the cross, but boldly declaring for it; and make their former conduct a strong argument that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Many hundreds of the poor seamen meet together to worship God, and are encouraged and protected by the French authority. I have written in behalf of the poor preachers; but nothing has yet been received for them. I.wish you would speak to some one about it; for they are very poor. I don't speak for Verdun ; but for the poor fellows of the other depots. Now, for my domestic concerns. I have quitted the citadel, and live in New Street, No. 33, where I have an excellent chamber, the bed in the same room, in a recess; a little closet also for a dressingroom. I pay for this lodging 15 livres per month. It is in the same family I have lived for three years past; and I am like one of them. I breakfast in my room on tea made of herbs, and bread and fruit; I never touch butter and I dine at a house in town; where I get an excellent repast at three o'clock, with half a bottle of wine for one livre. Upon this I go until next breakfast-time, as I cannot afford supper. How different was it on board my own ship! but I am thankful, and as well as ever you saw me. ➡ I want nothing but my beloved family to make me quite contented, until Providence shall restore mé to my native shore. - I spend much of my time in attending the sick, having the sole charge of the prisoners in the gaol and hos, ital, where I see scenei which you can form but a faint idea of; and often am the bearer of unexpected good tidings to the poor captives. I conclude with praying that your last may be your best days; and that in a good old age, full of grace, and ripe for glory, you may fall asleep in the arms of your dear Saviour, and, in God's own time, welcome to the shores of bliss. Your ever affectionate son, J. N. Evangelicana. ANECDOTE OF LORD BOLINGBROKE. The following curious anecdote of Lord Bolingbroke, the celebrated infidel (says Mr. Madan, in his Comment on the Thirty-nine Articles) was related to me by a person to whom his Lordship himself communicated it, the day on which the matter happened. He was one day sitting in his house at Battersea, reading Calvin's Institutes, when he received a morning visit from a certain reverend divine. After usual salutations, he asked the Doctor if he could guess what the book was which then lay before him; and which, says Lord Bolingbroke, I have been studying. No, really, my Lord, I cannot," quoth the Doctor. It is Calvin's Institutes,' said Lord Bolingbroke: what do you think of these matters, Doctor?' "Oh, my Lord, we don't think about such antiquated stuff; we teach the plain doctrines of virtue and morality, and have long laid aside those abstruse points about grace.". Look you, Doctor,' said Lord Bolingbroke, you know I don't believe the Bible to be a divine revelation; but they who do, can never defend it on any principles but the doctrines of grace. To say truth, I have at times been almost persuaded to believe it upon this view of things; and there is one argument which has gone very far with me on behalf of its authenticity, which is, that the belief of it now exists upon earth, when it is committed to the care of such as you, who pretend to believe it, and yet deny the only principles on which it is defensible *.' * Lord Bolingbroke,' says Mr. Whitefield,' came to hear, sat like an Archbishop, and was pleased to say, that I had done great justice to the divine attributes in my discourse. Life, p. 174. The Rev. Mr. Brown's, late of Haddington, Opinion of Reading Books. From an Original Manuscript. From experience I have found, that it is vain to attempt to be an universal scholar; that a few books, well chosen and carefully used, are better than a multitude of books. That multitudes of books are scarcely worth the reading; or, if read, we had better extract the useful hints into a note book, and never more look into them. That abridging of more useful books, especially if they be large, is very useful. That few plays or romances are safely read, as they tickle the imagination, and are apt to infect the heart; and even those that are most pure, as of Young, Thomson, Richardson, Addison, bewitch the soul, and are apt to indispose for holy meditation and other religious exercises; and so should be read, at most, but very sparingly. In reading histories, the Lord not only made me take up the facts as the doing of the Lord, and as a verification of some parts of his word, but also made them to suggest some useful, and sometimes very sweet thoughts respecting the Redemptionscheme. MRS. HEWLINGS. Obituary. FOR Several weeks prior to the 23th of Sep. last, Mrs. Hewlings had occasionally complained of pain in her head; on which day an apothecary was called in, and afterwards a physician, by whom the most suitable means were adopted; all which, however, proved ineffectual. Vain was the help of men, though of the first skill. In the midst of the greatest agonies her patience was astonishing; and, instead of murmuring, her heart was filled with gratitude. On the Sabbath morning she said to her husband, Come here, let me speak to you; and then added, now kneel down, and return God thanks for his mercies to me during the past night. Soon afterwards she exclaimed, what are my sufferings when compared with the sufferings of Jesus, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame! and all that for me! and shall I murmur? Lord Jesus give me strength to bear whatever thou seest fit to lay upon me. In the evening a considerable change took place; her countenance became pale, and she lay silent for a few moments, when her soul seemed absorbed in eternal things. Seeing her husband weep, she said, My dear love, don't weep, but remember the Lord is all-sutficient; he can raise me up; but if not, God will give you grace equal to your day.' poor Then the tormenting pain prevented her from speaking; but summoning the little strength left, she said My soul, is this thy kindness to thy friend? what returns of love do I pay for grace unparalleled like this! Dearest Saviour, shouldest thou see fit to lay more upon me, I trust thou wilt support me with thiue everlasting arins, and then thy will be done; whether I live or die, may I not be suffered to dishonour God!-- pausing a little, she continued Precious blood, to blot out all my sins! Blessed Saviour! he cancelled all ny guilt! Few and evil have been the days of my pil grimage; but filled with mercy. Her husband said "You are very low" she replied Yes; but not too low for Jesus Christ to save me: precious blood! precious blood!' Shortly afterwards she said, My dear boy, George, how his heart would yearn over me, if he were here! Sweet boy! I trust he will know the Lord from his youth. Sweet girls! I would rather they should be taken away in their infancy, than live to dishonour God.' The servant asking her if she wanted a drop of something to moisten her mouth, she replied No; I trust I shall never call for a drop of water to cool my parched tongue; but drink of the rivers of the water of life; and the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will lead me to living fountains of waters. There shall I bathe my weary soul Across my peaceful breast. ་ Her agonies returning, she cried out, 'Lord, subdue the enemy, that I may not repine; hold thou me up, and I shall be safe. How often have I feared that when the time of afiliction came, it would prove that I was nothing but a hypocrite! but I trust the root of the malter is in me, because he thus supports me.' After a short pause, she broke out, and said, He hath loved me with an everlasting love! He drew me with cords of love, I could not withstand.' She then addressed her sis ter-in-law and servant in a most affectionate manner, and exhorted them to seek the Lord in the time of health. Her husband fearing too much exertion might increase her pain, desired her to spare herself; she replied, How can I withhold what God bath imparted to What is in my heart 1 must speak. The Lord grant, if he sees fit to take me hence, 1 may not be deprived of my senses, lest I should ine ! 6 dishonour him. I desire not to live, if it be the will of God otherwise for me to live is Christ; but to depart is far better. May I breathe out my soul sweetly upon his breast.' She expressed the most affectionate concern for the salvation of a dear relative; and said I should have been glad to see her, to remind her that she must one day be brought as low as I am; but without a God she cannot be thus supported.' Her husband expressing his satisfaction to see her happy, she replied, 'Not unto me, not unto me, but to his grace be all the praise. I am but flesh and blood; but having redemption thro' his blood, we have peace with God, peace at home, peace that the world knows nothing of: yes, it is peace.' She continued in this happy frame about an hour, and afterwards seemed inclined to dose, but could not for the pain; her sufferings grew more excruciating than ever; but her prayers were still answered; for not a murmuring word escaped her lips. She conversed sweetly with her father on Monday evening, and said I doubt not but 1 shall have to praise God for this affliction. I have a great deal of dross and tin; and he will take it away: then turning to her husband, she said 'What an honour if 1 should be admitted into heavenMy sight is gone!' when, on a sudbefore my father, to welcome him there.' Seeing her husband weep, she said, 'My dear love, grieve not, there is wisdom in this dispensation; perhaps, if our days had been prolonged, they might have been embittered to us; believe it is the dispensation of love and wisdom; it is all well; yes, it is all well. Remember, it will be but a little while before we shall meet again; and then the interval of parting will seem as nothing. God will be with you; he will support you; he will raise up kind friends for the dear children. Pray to God you may see that this is all in wisdom.' On Tuesday morning her agonies increased so, that she was delirious at times during the day; but when collected, continued speaking of the goodness of God; and her heart and affections appeared quite de tached from earthly things. Her husband saying "What shall I de if the Lord should take you from me and the dear children?" she calmly replied, That is not my business. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?' Conversing about the efficacy of heart religion in dying moments, she said • Nothing else will do. God looks at the beart; and the Devil looks at the heart. God regards the heart with approbation; but the Devil with terror.' Being informed that her brother called to see her, she observed Ite has been brought very low; but I am afraid not low enough. In a subsequent interview, she earnestly entreated him to consider his latter end. During the day (Tuesday) her sister-in-law endeavouring to comfort her, she said What are all my sufferings when compared to what Jesus suffered for me! O death, come and welcome. In all my sufferings I will join to tell my Jesus hath done all things well.' In the afternoon, it was evident that the disorder was making rapid progress, for her agonies were indescribable. At length the period of her sufferings was at hand: she cried O my gracious Saviour, surely, this is more than I can bear!" soon after which she exclaimed deu, the pain left her, and she reclined her head on her husband's shoulder, as if she had expired. Thus she lay insensible for a while, and then fell into a sound sleep for several hours. When she awoke, her sight was restored, and she was perfectly sensible; but too low for conversation. Amidst all her sufferings, her faith remained unshaken; and as death approached, her hopes seemed to increase. Dur ing Wednesday, the day of her death, she was sensible, but convulsed at times, and complained of pain at the back of her neck; and soon after said, "O my sufferings! O eternity! eternity! Oh death! death! dying is hard work. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly! Lord Jesus receive my spirit! Just be fore she departed, her husband asked her if she was happy; she answer ed Yes. He asked, What makes you The deceased was the daughter of 6 RECENT DEATHS. AUG. 6, died Jacob Moses, a Prussian Jew, of Ebling, in Polish Prussia. He embraced the Christian faith upwards of 12 months ago, and was baptized by Dr. Nicol, at the Jews' Chapel, on the 20th of May last. From the time he professed the Christian religion, he was diligent in attending the means of grace. Having been lately reduced from affluence to poverty, through the decrees of our inveterate continental enemy, he came to England, and cheerfully engaged to learn the business of a tailor; but it was evident that inward grief was undermining his constitution. A short time after his baptism, he was taken so ill as to be confined to his room; and during his illness felt the greatest solicitude about his family, who arrived in England. about five weeks before his death. He appointed the Rev. T. Fry, the Rev. J. Frey, and J. Fox, Esq. guardians to his children, with full power to secure their instruction in the Christian faith. Committing his widow and five children to the care of the London Society, he expressed the greatest resignation to the Divine will, declaring his only earthly desire to be, that he might live to see his children baptized. His pious conversation with the Rev. Mr. Steinkopff, Dr. Schwartz, Mr. Frey, and others, was highly satisfactory; and his latter end was peace. He was interred in the German burying-ground, near the German Chapel, Goodman's Fields. attended by the Committee of the London Society, with the children of the Institution. Dr. Schwartz addressed the audience in German, and the children in English; and Mr. Frey spoke over the grave in English, to a numerous and attentive concourse of spectators. — On Sunday Mr. Frey preached a very impressive sermon on the occasion to a very crowded audience, at the J; Chapel, from Psaim xiii. 4, 5. Oct. 11, 1812. Mrs. Somerville, widow of the late Rev. James Somerville, of Branton, died after a long and painful disease, which she bore with a truly Christian patience, at the house of the Rev. J. Scott, Stoodley, near Halifax, Yorkshire, Nov. 10, died the Rev. G. Osborn, upwards of 20 years Pastor of the Church in Angel Street, Wor cester |