God, for a revival of his work, and requested all who were desirous, to come forward and join them. Many of the members came forward, we kneeled down, and the ministers pray. ed. The season was solemn beyond description In a very short time the signs of a revival became apparent, prayer meetings were well attended, and tokens of conviction among the young people began to appear. These brethren, Hodges and Warder, at the earnest request of the ministers and churches, formed for a short time, a kind of travelling circuit, embracing the churches of Gold Mine, Scarrots, Elk Creek, Mount Hermon, Mine Road and Waller's ; and with a few exceptions, they confined themselves for several weeks to incessant preaching in those congregations. In Gold Mine church a great revival took place, and about seventy were baptized, (mostly young men) in the course of two or three months. In most of the other churches precious seasons were experienced, and additions have been made; but the work has been, and is still most powerful in Waller's, and its branches, County Line, and Bethany Meeting-Houses. As the stated pastor of these congregations, I have it in my power to give you a narrative of facts. Sometime early in the month of August, conference meetings for hearing experiences were opened, and converts began to crowd the gates of Zion. For ten weeks past, I have almost weekly been called to the precious work of baptizing; and have to preach from four to five times a week. One hundred and eighteen have been received, and great numbers appear to be under very solemn convictions ; at least three fourths of these are young people in the bloom of youth. The work has been gradual, and clear of delusions; the greatest noise to be heard in our assemblies is the sweetest harmony of praise from the young converts, or involuntary groans of the penitent-the most visible effects are silent weeping, and once in a while a request to be prayed for on the part of the distressed. In one instance three young ladies in the same family found peace within twelve hours of each other. I could give you some striking anecdotes concerning the progress of this revival; but being a perfect stranger to you, and not wishing to be thought an intruder, I forbear. Yours in Christ, ABSALOM WALLER. Having been present at the last Session of the Vermont Association, which was held in Addison, Vt. it may be gratifying to you to have some account of it. They met in the new Baptist Meeting-House, a very elegant and well-finished building, forty-one feet by fifty, which was then opened for the first time for the public wor ship of God. A Dedication Sermon was preached on the occasion, to a large and attentive audience, by the Rev. Mr. Haynes, of Middletown, from 2 Sam. xxiv. 24. The preacher exhibited the sinfulness of a covetous character; and charged his hearers to possess a religion which should cost them something. He inculcated upon ministers the duty of esteeming no labours too great, no sacrifices too Cear, in the service of their divine Master; and, upon private christians, their obligations to maintain the public worship of God, by erecting conve nient edifices for the same, and, especally, by faithfully supporting those who minister to them in spiritual things. From most of the churches enand to many of them there had been couraging intelligence was received; large additions. Four churches applied for admittance into their connexion; and were received. One of these, consisting of about 100, had been lately formed, where a year before there was only 3 or 4 scattered members. In the churches previously constituting that Association, there had been bap tized about 800; so that within a year they have had an addition of more than 1000. In Addison, the place of their meeting, the church, under the pasto ral care of Rev. Mr. Woods, had been refreshed with a copious shower of divine grace. It was however confined to the Baptist Society. Since the 26th of Jan. more than 90 had been most of whom were in the morning buried with their Lord in baptism; of their days. The Church and Socie ty appear to be united in the maintenance of public worship; and are not only able to support a faithful minister of the gospel, but, I believe, generally think the labourer worthy of his hire. Missions, foreign and domestic, continue to be supported by the churches in that Association with unabated zeal. The Corresponding Letters of the Boston and Otsego Associations, upon the subject of assisting pious young men in suitable studies preparatory to the gospel ministry, were read and heard with approbation. A motion being made to appoint a Committee to draw up a Constitution for Education Societies, Rev. Mr. Going, of Worcester, supported it in a very eloquent and impressive address on the importance of forming such Societies. Others signified their cordial approbation of the object In fine, there was but one opinion expressed respecting the utility and necessity of assisting indigent brethren, already engaged, or about to engage in the sacred ministry, to pursue some necessary studies. The motion was passed unanimously. A Committee was appointed, who were to report at the next Session. A vote was also passed to open subscriptions in the churches the present year for the same object. The Session was closed with an appropriate discourse by Rev. Mr. Going, from 1 Cor. ii. 2. It was on the whole a highly interesting and important meeting. : religion claims the highest attention of man, and challenges a conspicuous place in every miscellaneous publication. The fate of empires sinks into nothing when compared with the infinite value of the soul. How many dangers are braved, and how much toil endured, to acquire the honors and possessions of the world and yet how poor are all these things in comparison with an interest in the Redeemer's blood! The person who has a well grounded hope in the gospel, if he realize his precious priv ileges and exalted destination, enjoys delightful entertainments worthy the consideration of the immortal mind. The situation of man, in his fallen estate, is much more deplorable than is generally imagined. He is under the penalty of that law which thunders eternal death to its incorrigi ble violators. Defiled and helpless, he is exposed to the gnawings of a never-dying worm, till the arm of grace shall snatch him from the abyss of sin and misery. How fearful the apprehensions, and deeply wounded the heart of him who is enabled to see, in gospel light, his true character in all its native vileness and deformity! Recognizing, in a degree, the extent and purity of the divine law, he views himself justly slain by its sanctions. While he ardently desires to dwell forever with Christ and his saints, his enlightened conscience respondsAmen to the sentence which consigns him to ever-during wo, in eternal exile from all that is lovely and cheering in the universe. But this is a destiny which no pious man can wish-such a wish would imply a willingness to remain the enemy of God, and, of course, the object of his holy indignation and punishment forever. In a state of agonizing anxiety, how precious the grace which enables the trembling sinner to exercise living faith in the Lord Jesus! How efficacious the blood which heals from moral defilement his sin-stained soul ! How condescending and boundless the love that speaks peace to his troubled mind, and proclaims pardon and liberty to the weeping captive! These solemn and weighty considerations have lately been renewedly impressed upon my mind, from witnessing the facts which I shall now briefly describe. In the course of the last summer I was called to visit, as a medical man, a Mr. Bake, of Ulysses, in the State of New York, who was labouring under a paralytic affection. He told me that he had lost a brother by the same complaint, when he had arrived at about the age of himself I did not conceive his situation immediately dangerous, although he was, manifestly, much diseased. He discovered a thoughtful frame of mind, and an air of solemnity was evident in his deportment. I asked him if he was a member of any religious society; he answered in the negative. I remarked to him that I hoped he had a respect for religion, and was pleased to learn from his answer, that he felt friendly to its cause, and deemed it the one thing needful. After prescribing such a course of curative remedies as appeared to be demanded by the symptoms, I recommended to his prayerful attention the gospel of Christ, and retired A few days after I repeated my visit to my patient found no essential alteration in the state of his body, or the exercises of his mind, and concluded to persevere in the system I had adopted for his recovery On the first or second night following the last mentioned visit, I was alarmed by a messenger with a request to hasten in paying another, and probably a last, visit to Mr. Bake, who, I was told, was in keen distress of body and mind. I repaired to his house, and, on entering the sick room, beheld a most souldissolving scene. He was, apparently, struggling under an aggravation of all his distressing symptoms. most powerful agents for the removal of paralysis known, I believe, in our schools of medicine, were unavailingly applied to alleviate his sufferings. But the deadly nature of his moral disease was constantly predominant in his mind He was very conscious of his sinful. helpless and lost condition. He bewailed, in the most feeling language, the depravity, coldness, and unbelief of his heart, and the wicked rebellion of his life. He confessed that he bad ever slighted the calls and invitations of the gospel, and seemed to doubt his being, any longer, under a dispensation of mercy: indeed he frequently said, with a poignancy of grief, bordering on desperation, that he was about to die, and to dwell with eternal burnings! He often desired an interest in the prayers of all present, at the throne of grace, and many were offered on the occasion. In his conversation and ejaculatory prayers he acknowledged the justice of God in his condemnation. This interview was rendered peculiarly affecting, by the presence of the aged and pious mother of Mr. Bake, and his amiable The and devout sister. They hung upon him with every indication of the deepest sympathy. They, measurably, realized the precious worth of the soul, knew the terrors of the Lord, and well remembered the wormwood and the gall Under the state of things which I have faintly portrayed, I left the house of mourning and lamentation with those exercises of mind it was naturally calculated to inspire. Several hours after my departure, this son of affliction desired his faithful consort to hand him his clothes, exclaiming, that he was heal. ed in body and mind: He immediate ly arose from his sick bed, praising God, rejoicing in the belief of the truth, and in that blessed hope which the gospel alone can create! Sacred delight thrilled through the bosoms of the religious relatives by whom he was surrounded. And well may an event which causes angelic congratulation, gladden the hearts, and elicit the thanks of the redeemed of the Lord! Soon after my patient was dressed, he walked some distance into the fields of his plantation, and experienc ed no other inconvenience than a little fatigue from the exertion. I saw him a few days after his glorious deliverance. Celestial joy beamed on his countenance, indicative of the holy serenity of his mind. Not long ago he informed me that he continued to enjoy consoling evidences of his adop tion into the family of the First-born, and had experienced no return of the palsy, or attack from any other disor. der. Thus are we permitted to behold the glory of God in the displays of that life-giving power which awoke Lazarus from the sleep of death, and called him from its dreary abode ! The principal subject of this letter, I am assured, has ever been distinguished for his moral and exemplary behaviour yet, in a correct view of the divine law, he saw himself totally depraved and guilty. He saw no hope or refuge only in the Lord Jesus; and the imputed righteousness of his Sav iour alone he deemed sufficient for him in the day of final retribution. I add, with unmingled pleasure, that Mrs. Bake, to whom I have alluded, has lately become a hopeful subject of redeeming grace. May this favour. ed pair walk together as heirs of the grace of life, and at last be received where faith is lost in vision and hope in glory! Yours most respectfully, O. C. COMSTOCK. commenced by singing Dr Baldwin addressed the throne of grace. The Rev. Mr. Winchell, Secretary to the Union Committee, then read the Report of the Schools. After singing again, the Rev Mr. Sharp delivered an Address. While the collection was taken up, the children and teachers united in singing their anniversary hymn. Mr. E. Lincoln closed with prayer, and Mr. Sharp dismissed the people. The assembly was large, and appeared to be much impressed with what they had seen and heard. The singing of the children was peculiarly moving. Many eyes were suffused with tears, to hear them lift their infant voices in perfect harmony with their teachers, in expressions of gratitude and praise to the Father of mercies. A As the support of these schools is attended with considerable expense, as well as labour, the committee indulge the hope that the people of this town will not be backward in aiding them with their subscriptions. large number of the children must unavoidably be denied the privilege of attending through the winter, unless the Boards of the several societies are furnished with money sufficient to procure them outside garments. It is understood that the parents of the children furnish them with clothing; but some of them are absolutely unable to make them decent and comfortable in cold weather. If they do not attend the schools, it is probable they will go barefoot and almost half naked during the winter. It is desirable that such should be assisted if possible. For the information of some it may be proper to observe, that there are as many societies as there are schools, and each school is under the direction of a separate Board of Managers, consisting of three or more directors or directresses, and as many teachers as the number of children requires. The Union Committee is composed of dele. gates from each of these male socie. ties, and superintend generally the concerns of the schools, and adopt any measure for their prosperity, not interfering with the rights of the several Boards, from whom they receive their appointment, and a statement of the schools. The following persons compose the Committee for the present year. Rev. Daniel Sharp, Rev. James M. Winchell, Mr E. Lincoln, Dea. Josiah C. Ransford, Col. Thomas Badger, AFRICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL. On Dec. 18, 1817, the children belonging to the African Sunday School in Boston attended a public meeting at the Rev. Mr. Paul's Meeting House. An appropriate discourse was delivered by Rev. Mr. Grafton of Newton, and the Report relative to the Schools was read The children sung their anniversary Hymn in a very pleasing manner, and a collection of about 40 dollars was taken to aid the institution. From the Report we learn that the school commenced in Nov 1816, and from 30 to 80 children have attended, who have made encouraging progress in their learning. A pleasing external reformation has been effected in the streets where they reside. Formerly they assembled, and were engaged in fighting, or in play; but they now with eagerness repair to the school Some also evince that serious impressions have been produced on their minds; and the hope may be cherished, that the seed now soon will be productive of fruit to eternal life. Ordinations, &c. ORDAINED in the church at Tioga, State of N. Y. on the 2nd of July last, Brother Levi Baldwin, to the work of the ministry in that place. Brother Andrew Sherburn, (a missionary from Massachusetts) preached on the occasion from 1 Tim. iv. 16. Brother Stone made the Ordaining Prayer; Brother Goff gave the Charge; Broth. er Spaulding gave the Right Hand of Fellowship; and Brother Ovatt offer-ed the Concluding Prayer. The season was solemn and interesting. Ordained at Spencer, N.York, to the work of the ministry, Brother Benja min Ovatt. The same Council attended as at the above. Elder Sherburn preached from Acts xvi. 17th."These men are the servants of the most high God, who show unto us the way of salvation." Brother Stone prayed whilst hands were laid on the Candidate; Brother Goff gave the Charge; Brother Baldwin the Right Hand of Fellowship; and Brother Spaulding offered the Concluding Prayer. The services were attended in the Court house, by a large and respectable audience, on the 4th of July: A most delightful, solemn celebration of Independence! November 12th, 1817, Mr Phinehas Richardson was ordained to the work of an Evangelist, by solemn prayer, and laying on of the hands of the presbytery in the Baptist Meeting-house at Methuen. Mr. John Peak, of Newburyport, offered up the Introductory Prayer; Mr. Jeremiah Chaplin, of Danvers, preach ed the Sermon; Mr. Lucius Bolles of Salem, made the Consecrating Prayer; Mr. Wm. Batcheldor of Haverhill, delivered the Charge; Mr. Charles Kimball of Methuen, presented the Fellowship of the Churches. The services were solemn, appropriate, and interesting and it is hoped, that impressions were made upon many in the assembly, which will prove salutary and lasting. : Ordained at West-Greenwich, R. I. Mr. Nathan Sheffield to the work of the gospel ministry. Sermon by Elder Amos Wells. Ordaining Prayer by Elder Jonathan Miner. Charge by El der Gershom Palmer. Elder Nathan iel Cole gave the Right Hand of Fel. lowship: And Elder John B. Gibson made the Concluding Prayer. Ordained at Mount Vernor, (Maine) Mr. Arthur Drinkwater to the work of the ministry. Mr. S. Boardman of New-Sharon delivered a very interesting discourse on the occasion. Mr. John Haynes of Livermore made a solemn prayer at the imposition of hands, Mr. Thomas Francis of Leeds gave an important Charge to the candidate. Mr Josiah Houghton of Readfield gave the Right Hand of Fellowship: And Mr. Drinkwater gave out the 116th Psalm, "What shall I render to my God, For all his kindness shown." The whole of the exercises were per formed with pleasing solemnity in the presence of a respectable audience. CHURCHES CONSTITUTED. Rev. Mr. Ranaldson to one of the Editors, under date of May 16, 1817, gives the following account: "A Baptist church has been lately formed at Natchez; a young man from New England, (Samuel Eastman) has and become a member of that church. since been baptized in the Missisippi, It is believed he has gifts for the min. istry. He is now with me, and intends shortly to go on to Philadelphia to study divinity. A Baptist church was constituted at West Cambridge, on the 20th of Nov. last. The public services were attend. ed in the Baptist meeting house. The following brethren officiated on the oc casion. Brother E Williams, who has principally supplied this people for some time past, engaged in prayer, Brother Baldwin delivered a discourse founded on Isaiah xl. 11. Brother Grafton addressed the church and gave the Right Hand of Fellowship. The services were solemn and interesting, and attended by a respectable assembly. |