eral Boxes, on the top of which was printed, Remember the poor Heathen, and on the side, Translation Bible Box. One was made resembling an elegant gilt Bible, on which appropriate texts of Scripture were inscribed. These Boxes were placed on the table, at the several houses of meeting, and the freewill offerings soon amounted to fifty dollars, which were forwarded as the first fruits of this simple and easy method of aiding the circulation of the Bible. The plan is still in operation, and a very considerable sum has since been raised. Let others be admonished, to adopt this, or some similar mode, and thus unite their prayers and their alms, that they may ascend to heaven as an acceptable memorial. A. Z. ally afford it, if they are as charitable as they ought to be: the second is, that those who are very careful to have their dress conform to the fashions, must necessarily spend a large portion of their time in a trifling manner, to the neglect of the more precious ornaments of the mind. It is certainly to be recommended to Christians, to be prudent in their expenses, and to employ as little time as possible in feeding and adorning their bodies." So far we are agreed. But in page 53, Gaius observes: "One of these three positions must, I think, be true. Either, first; that there is in the Scriptures, a standard for our dress, from which we ought not to deviate; or, secondly, we are under obligations to avoid in our dress every thing unnecessary; or, thirdly, every one may dress as his judgment shall dictate." one Should the two first positions which he has stated be given up, I do not see how it is a necessary consequence, that " every may dress as his judgment shall dictate," unless this judgment is regulated by the word of God. For though no precise standard is laid down for our dress in the Scriptures, yet there are general principles insisted upon, a reference to which will be more safe and proper, in relation to dress, than the dictates of our own judgment. These general principles are found in such passages as the following: Put on humbleness of mind. Col. iii. 12. Be not conformed to this world. Rom. xii. 2. Take no Take no thought for your life; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Matt. vi. 25. In I Do not wish to make your Magazine a vehicle for unprofitable controversy. But as you have inserted in your number for March an "Essay on Dress," you will oblige a correspondent by publishing a few reflections, to which that Essay has given rise. Before I proceed, I wish it to be understood, like manner, that women adorn themthat it is not my intention to im- selves in modest apparel, with shamepeach the motives of Gaius. From facedness and sobriety; not with broihis remarks at the close of the Es- dered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costsay, it would be uncandid to sup- ly array; but (which becometh wopose that he intended to be the ad- men professing godliness) with good vocate of pride and vanity. He works. 1 Tim. ii. 9, 10. Young says, "I do not think it expedient men are exhorted to be "soberfor Christians to conform to all the minded." But we see young men prevailing fashions, for two rea- whose gay and expensive dress is sons:-One is, they cannot gener- a departure from sobriety of mind. Vol. I. 17 Their judgment, then, is an improper guide. Young women are exhorted to be sober, discreet, chaste, keepers at home." But human nature is such, that a fondness for splendid attire, and the putting on of gay apparel, in many instances, leads to a violation of these injunctions. Is it not the case, that want of discretion often leads persons to put on what is termed a gaudy dress? And is it not also the case, that those who are thus arrayed wish to attract the notice of others? And to do this, they are not "keepers at home." Yet, these persons may dress according to the dictates of their judgment. Jacob, no doubt, acted according to the dictates of his judgment, when he clothed his son Joseph in a coat of many colours. But the wisdom and propriety of the measure may be justly called in question. We are acquainted with its sad effects. It engendered as many evil passions in the other branches of the family, as there were colours in the coat. It occasioned many a sorrowful day to the youth who wore it, and to the fond and aged father, who gave it to him. I think it follows then from the above considerations, that the standard which Gaius has adopted is defective, and that we are not left to the dictates of our judgment, on the subject of dress, without having respect to the general principles exhibited in the word of God. There are many reasons which should cause the disciples of Christ to aim at simplicity and plainness in their apparel. The whole tenour of the gospel inculcates humility, meekness, selfdenial, and separation from the pomp and vanities of the world. The Saviour whom we are called to imitate, avoided the superfluities of life. The frivolity of mind which gaiety of apparel indicates, and our limited means for doing good, for assisting in the spread of the gospel, and other benevolent objects, are so many arguments against vain decorations and gay attire. I shall leave the subject with a few serious reflections addressed to your readers. Labour to have just views of the nature of Christ's kingdom. "It does not consist in meat and drink; but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." It consists in "a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." I am a friend to plain dress, and an enemy to gaudy and extravagant apparel. Yet I would not hastily condemn a brother or a sister whose garments may not be so plain as my own. If I saw any thing that I conceived to be inconsistent with the simplicity that is in Christ, I would avail myself of some private interview, and, in the spirit of meekness and wisdom, suggest what I thought would make their characters appear more lovely. In general, the exercise of good sense, a due regard to propriety, and the sanctions of religion, will be sufficient barriers to Christians against a fanciful and expensive display of dress. The great thing is, to have the heart right— to be clothed with humility as a garment-to be adorned with the graces of the Spirit; then our outward adorning will not occupy much of our attention. I hope that young Christians will daily remember, that it is infinitely more important to look at themselves in the glass of God's law, than in the glass at which they adorn their persons. If less time were employed at the latter, and more at the former, many who call themselves Christians would be greater ornaments to their profession. I am no advocate for a slovenly disregard of your persons. Cleanliness and decency are almost the inseparable associates of religion. But still you are mistaken if you think that a fine garment can gain you the esteem of the wise and good. Sweetness of temper, a cultivated mind, and uniform piety, will best secure you a place in their hearts. The worst of characters may clothe themselves in purple and fine linen. These exterior appendages are no proofs of personal excellence. They give no real elevation to your character or condition. So man, in his greatest glory and splendour, is but dust and ashes, and will soon become a feast for worms. When we reflect on the humble origin of our bodies, that they are formed of the dust of the ground; when we remember the melancholy event which first rendered dress necessary; we shall be furnished with motives sufficiently strong, not to be vain and proud of that which remains as a memorial of the honour and dignity we have lost. I cannot conclude my remarks without introducing a few lines from a favourite poet, which express my own views, and, I trust, the views of many others on the subject of dress. A heavenly mind But how a body, so fantastic, trim, COWPER. For the American Baptist Magazine. THE ADVANTAGES OF EDU- THE subject of Education, especially the education of spiritual teachers, as it is intimately connected with the morals of society, cannot fail to command an attentive consideration. Some remarks have already been offered upon the importance of having a learned as well as pious ministry, in this skeptical age High attainments in knowledge, though unnecessary to moral rectitude, or even to high degrees of moral excellence, will render a good man more eminently useful, and will establish his own faith upon a broader basis; will enable him to turn the engines of the enemies of Christianity against themthe strength of his reasoning, as selves, and to convince them by well as by the eloquence of his virtues. I would not wish, however, to insinuate, that any thing minister of the gospel. Nor can can supply the want of piety in a I greatly admire the modesty or charity of those, who would thrust from the vineyard of our Lord, all the labourers, who have not gone through a particular routine of stud jes, or who, in other words, have not had a college education. It would be presumptuous in us thus to limit the Almighty. As there is in us a natural ten- "That brighter reason prompts to bold- Setting aside revelation, we can learn our nature and character only from the most critical observa tions upon ourselves and others. Where then must we look for the most unaffected humility, the most ardent piety? Where shall we find happier exemplifications of the benign influence of our religion than among the hardy yeomanry of our country? An humble peasant, "Whose soul proud science never taught to stray Far as the solar walk, or milky way," but who is well instructed in the sacred oracles of truth, has more exalted and consistent views of a Deity, of his goveroment, laws and perfections, than the most enlightened sages of antiquity. It is the glory of our religion that it was preached to the poor and illiterate. The great truths and duties of Christianity may be comprehended and practised by all. The first disciples of our Lord, though ignorant of the philosophy of the Lyceum, possessed every virtue that could elevate the man, every grace that could adorn the Chris tian. And we have no reason to believe that any one in modern times has fulfilled the great duties of "repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ," with more sincerity of heart or purity of motive than did these unlettered fishermen. The general diffusion of knowledge, has not changed the nature of man. It has not arrested the arm of the assassin, banished lawless ambition from the human breast, or introduced among men the harmlessness of the dove, as well as the wisdom of the serpent. Crimes are not perpetrated less frequently, wars are not less common and sanguinary, at present, than in former ages. Those, who by their fortunes are elevated above the common cares of life, and who are, or ought to be, the best informed part of society, are probably the persons who more generally give themselves up to sensual gratifications, substitute the laws of honour for the laws of God, and, by indolence and a general effeminacy of manners, enervate their minds as well as their bodies. Voltaire and his infidel coadjutors, with all their accumulated knowledge, are not to be compared for moral purity, for rational views of "our being's end and aim," with Socrates or Epictetus. The speculations of the scholar have little connexion with his practice. Though he has explored the laws that gov ern the natural world, has seen the wisdom as well as the power of the Creator in ten thousand ways which escape the vulgar eye, we do not find him more regular in his devotions, or more effectually controlling the evil propensities of his nature, than the honest farmer, whom perhaps he despises for his ignorance. Can any one then be so blind to his own interest, or so partial to his own acquisitions, as to make learning the criterion of his virtue, the index of his moral improvement? Savage could moralize as well as Johnson. But we may store the memory with the enlighten the understanding and most important truths, we may convince the judgment, without Whatever reforming the heart. is purely intellectual, though it may furnish an inexhaustible fund of rational amusement, rarely proves a powerful incentive to noble and virtuous deeds. It will tic graces of the Christian, it will not confer upon us the characterisconduct us to none but an Utopian paradise. While, therefore, it is our duty to add to our virtue ble encouragement to learning, we knowledge," " and to give all possihave no more right to trust to learning, than to our good works, for salvation. Learning should ever be made the handmaid of such a powerful subsidiary to the religion; and as she has proved cause of truth and righteousness, when employed in their defence, Christians cannot in duty, reject her proffered aid. OBSERVATOR Missionary Intelligence. BAPTIST CONVENTION OF THE UNITED STATES. THE General Missionary Convention of the Baptist denomination in the United States, commenced their triennial meeting, in the Sansom street meeting-house, in Philadelphia, on the 7th of May last, and continued in session until the 14th. when having completed their business they adjourned, to meet again in that City on the last Wednesday in April, in the year of our Lord, 1820. As the public will shortly be gratified in seeing the Report at harge, we shall give our readers in this number, only a hasty abstract. Delegates were returned from missionary societies auxiliary to the General Convention, from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, S. Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky. Societies in some other States were represented by proxy. The Rev. Dr. Furman, of Charleston, S. C. was called to preside in the Convention, and the Rev. Mr. Sharp, of Boston, was chosen Secretary. On the evening of the same day, agreeably to appointment, an appropriate sermon was delivered before the Convention, by the Rev. Dr. Baldwin, of Boston, from John iv. 35, 36; after which a collection was taken for the Society. From Messrs. Judson and Hough, at Rangoon, accounts highly interesting were received. The reading of these communications, produced in the whole assembly, the most lively emotions of joy and gratitude. Every heart seemed to say, "Thy kingdom come." May the Saviour soon have the heathen for his inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for his possession. Qur brethren in Burmah appear happy in each other, and happy in their situation. The more they become acquainted with the circumstances of the ignorant idolaters around them, the more they seem to long for their conversion. Our esteemed brother Judson, in the true spirit of an apostolic missionary,notwithstanding his having remained alone in that heathen land for nearly three years, declares, that were there a ship ready to sail, and a passage offered him to his native land,and this with the consent of his brethren, he would not step on board, but would prefer to die in Burmah. The honour of forming the first Christian church in this pagan empire, has been reserved for our American missionaries. May "this little one become a thousand, and this small one a strong nation." Mrs. White, who went out with Mr. and Mrs. Hough, appears to be happily settled with Mr. Rowe, one of the English Baptist missionaries, at Dijah. A very affectionate and interesting communication from Drs. Carey and Marshman, and the Rev. Mr. Ward, expressive of their cordial cooperation with us, in whatever relates to the Burman mission, was received and read in the Convention. Two amiable young men have also offered themselves as missionaries to the East. Their commu cations, which were of a character highly interesting, were read both in the Convention and Board, and met with the most decided approbation. They will probably sail in the course of the present season, for the Burman empire. Another object of nearly equal importance, presented itself to the consideration of the Convention, viz, the establishment of a Domes |