The missionary. (Mt. Zion, Hancock County, Ga.) 1819-182?, July 18, 1825, Image 2

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The prisoner* who had been confined at the foot of the Pagoda, bad been released, and returned to town early in the morning. Mrs. W. was informed that I was among the number; but how great the disappointment, when she learned, that instead of being re leased, no information could be given con cerning me, or those with me; all that they knew was, they had been separated from us the night before ; and indeed Mrs. “W. had no intelligence of me until I return ed to the mission-house. I need not at tempt to describe the feelings produced by meeting again, after we had passed through so many and so great dangers; but at length we found ourselves again altogeth er, well, and beyond the power of barbar ous and unmerciful Burmans- For my own part, I was rendered almost delirious by so sudden a transition from the deepest distress to the highest pitch of joy.—ln reflecting upon those scenes of danger through which we all passed, and the narrow escapes which were afforded, when hope seemed entirely gone, 1 cannot help thinking, that our deliverance was almost miraculous. More than once, the danger which threat ened us was so near, that I could only say, ‘Lord, save now, or we perish.’ God was my only hope, and this hope did not tail me, even io (he greatest extremity. There was a secret confidence that God would, after all, in some way or other, effect our deliverance, though every thing passing before us militated against such a hope. O how invaluable is the hope of the Gospel, which, like an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast, enters into that which is within the veil 1-And, standing upon the very bor der of eternity, as we viewed ourselves, how insignificant appeared all the objects which so much attract us in this world ; how vast the concerns of a never ending eter nity ; and how invaluable a well grounded hope in the merits of Him, whose name is tin only one given under heaven & among men wberebv.we must be saved. A NARRATIVE Os the State of Religion within the bounds of ‘he Presbyterian Church, and its corres ponding Churches in the United States. In furnishing a summary of our ecclesias tical history for another year, the General Assembly affectionately greet the people of the churches committed to their cure, wish ing them grace, mercy and peace from God, our father, and the Lord Jesus Christ thro 1 the eternal spirit; and they render unfeign ed thanksgivings and praises to the King of Zi'm, for the auspicious circumstances under which they meet. In the brief sketch which we are enabled to give of the events of the year that has closed, maDy details of interest are of ne ce-’sjty omitted; and it is (frightful to re* fleet that of the blessings of heaveu on the church of Christ—the “half” is not only “irnfrM,” but in our present conditon, and world, unknown. The influences of the ho ly spirit upon the heart are often “a the dew -I Herrnon, as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion,” silenf and un- perceived, though refreshing and diffusive. Th> p.wer which restrains the passions and ‘he crimes of men, which convinces them of sin, and converts them to the Sa viour’s love, which comfort*, sanctifies and nur ores the believer, is but dimly seen, and imperfectly apprehended in nur efforts at tracing the progress of the truth. These effects vie shall only adequately know in the reults which the morning of the resur rectioo shall unfold. But of that which is knowo, and can be told ‘here is much in the state of our church es which affords the occasion both to re joice and to mourn. A“ a people, we have been blessed with a singular exemption from pestilence and famine ; and the voice of war has not been heard in our borders. In the more immediate concerns of the kingdom of Christ, the people of God among ns, seern In have received increasing les sons of instruction lately, on the importance of union to any extensive, and very useful efforts for the conversion of the world. They have learned that consolidation is the str ogth eveo of weakness itself; and while they righteously refuse to ,l say a confede racy to every one that saith a confedera- cy,” they have, at the same time, combined their numbers and labours, in adding new and National Institutions to those which they had upon the same principle, already erected. The American Bible Society , we regard under God, as “the glory and defence of our lapd.” We shape in its blessings, and in our measure in its support. As will be seen from the report of its operations for the lat year, its sphere of influence has been constantly enlarging. The nature of the service in which it is employed, and the multiplied testimonies which are from day to day afforded of its vast b.enefit to our country and our conti nent, bespeak a presence in it, which no created power can safely resist. To. oppose this institution is to fight against God, and yet we have seen infidels and half reformed Protestants, uniting with the Papal Hierarchy, in opposing the circu lation of the word oflife, as though the vol ume which Jehovah has adapted to the con stitution of man, and seat down from above for hi* u*e, and made efficient in his redemp tion, and commanded to be given unto him, could not with safety be committed to his hands! The United Foreign Missionary Society is extending its influence among our Savage tribes in the west, and from year to year as its resources enlarge, and its plan of opera tion improves, confirming the high hopes of the church concerning it We desire to see the cause of domestick and foreign missions, ns being one cause ad vancing in sacred sisterhood; and while we rejoice io the gradual development of the influence of thie above-named institotion, we would mention with gratitude to God, the early maturity and infant greatness of the United Domestick Missionary Society. It has sprung into life with such sudden and wonderful power, with such peculiar adapt edoess to its important field of enterprise, end,has so successfully, upon a plan unprac tised in the churches before, reared up the multitude of feeble congregations, now by its generous bounty supplied with the bread of life, that it resembles the granary of Jo seph, to the famishing population of the land of Egypt. The American Sunday School Union , rising up in the bosom of the Christian Church in our land, is also a blessed institution. In this simple and noiseless service, the best spirit and powers of the church, are brought into the most delightful exercise. Gratni tous instruction, by the first classes of soci ety, of the poor and ignorant—a beginning ol gospel impressions, and Bible knowledge, with the beginning of life—a breaking away of the connecting curse which binds ungod ly parents and children together—its happy tendency to meliorate the condition of the slaves, and free people of colour in our country—the direct influence which it ex erts upon the salvation of souls, discover an pxlraordiuary value in this institution, and should recommend it to every church and people in the nation. The American Society for meliorating the condition of the Jews, is still in active ope ration. It ascends to the first and most pow erful -elements of success, in the great work of converting the world—when it attempts the restoration of the lost tribes of’ Israel. They are a peculiar people in peculiar cir cumstances-—and call for peculiar methods of doing (hem service. Among the methods devised for their recovery, someone must soon and mightily triumph. God speed that day ! The American Colonization Society is de servedly exciting increasing interest, and assuming additional importance, from year (o year. Their colony on the coast of Af rica, has been prosperous beyond what is usual with infant establishments of that kind, and has lately been blessed with a cheering revival of religion. While this society must become a most important agent in giv ing the Gospel to Africa, it promises to ex ert a benignant influence, not only on the condition of the free people of colour in this country, but perhaps upon slavery itself; that rno-u dreadful of national calamities. The cause of Seamen excites, every day, increasit.g interest iD the publick mind The Beihel Flag, as a “banner of love,” floats in every important seaport, on our Atlantick coast; and pious sailors go forth from these outlets of our country into all the world, as the specimens of our Chris tianity at home, aod as pledges to the heathen nations of what the Gospel yet will do for their redemption. The Board of Missions, which is the or gan of this body to the destitute regions of our church and country, ha 9 been doing much the last year for our frontier Terri tory and Western settlements. It has em ployed 52 Missionaries in different States. In New York eight ; in New Jersey one; in Pennsylvania fourteen; on the Peninsula two ; in Virginia one ; in Ohio jive; in Ken tucky one ; in Indiana four ; in Illinois three ; in Michigan Territory one ; in Mis souri four; in Mississippi and Louisiana one; in Alabama three; in West Florida one; in East Florida one ; in South Caroli na one ; iu North Carolina one. The all important cause of Education ap pears from the report of the Presbyteries to have received during the last year a greater amoont of systematick and success ful attention, than at any previous stage of our Church’s history. In addition to the institutions already established, colleges have been planted in the South and West, and are beginning to impart the blessings of a liberal and Christian education, to the crowds of youth committed to their care. And with a special reference to the ser. vice of the Church, Female Cent-Societies, most of the Presbyteries, and especially our board of Education have been engaged with efficiency in training pious and intel ligent young men for the Gospel Ministry. Greater energies, however, are still to be etuploypd in this important work. It is yet but just begun. The whole Broad frontier of our church, from Lake Michigan to the extieme South West of Louisiana, is yet'to be supplied with Gospel laborers. The loud and melting cry for “help” has reached os from a thousand desolate pla ces in the land. It is time that Christians should awake at the call of their perishing fellow men, to new ardour of zeal and en orgy of andj^gyjU enterprize. tP iPP The Theological Seminwywt Princeton JV, J. which is ihe child and common pro perty of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, continues to meet, and even to exceed in its extensive usefulness, the most sanguine expectations of its friends and patrons. By the distinguished liberal ity of several important sections of the Church, the foundations of its professor ships begin to assume a stability, which puts the permanent existence of the insii lution beyond the reach of danger. The praises of its worthy and valued professors, are in all Ihe churches. It is entitled to the unqualified approbation, patronage and prayers of all our people. In reference to the more personal labours of the ministry, w e are happy to say, that in the administration ol church ordinances, the preaching of the word, in pastoral vis itaticns, and catechetical and Bible-class instructions, a pleasing fidelity and effect have iu general been discernible during the last year. Many of the presbyteries have, in a greater or less degree, been visit ed by the spirit of God. The presbyteries of Buffaloe, Niagara, Cayuga, Onondaga, Londonderry, Troy, Columbia, North Riv er, Hudson, New Brunswick, Red Stone, Grand River Portage, Abingdon, Lexing ion, (Va.) New Yolk, and Albany, have, in some of their congregations, shared the special influences of the Holy Spirit. The presbyteries of Si. Lawrence, Geneva, Newark and Elizabethtown, have in whole or in part, felt the mighty power of God, put forth in an unusual measure : the day spring from on high has visited the peo ple, and redeemed sinners have returned! in rejoicing throngs to their Farther’s house. We notice with pleasure the enlighten ed attention which has been paid to the religious instruction and. evangelizing of the unhappy slaves and free people of colour ol our country in some regions ol our church. We would especially commend the pru dence and zeal combined in this work cl mercy by Ihe presbyteries of Charleston, Union, Georgia, Concord, South Alabama and Mississippi. The millions of this un happy people in our country, from their singular condition as brought to the Gos pel by a peculiar providence, constitute at home a mission field of infinite impor tance, and of most inviting character. No more honoured name can be conferred on a minister of Jesus Christ, than that of Apos tie to the American slaves, and no service can be more pleasing Io the God ol heaven, or more useful to our beloved country, than that which this title designates. Many particulars worthy of record and full of interest, rise to our view as we pro ceed ; but the general and brief nature of this narrative compels us reluctantly lo pass them by unnoticed. We should be doing injustice to our own feelings, as well as to an amiable and im portant class of onr fellow labourers in the cause of Christ, did we not here acknow ledge how much our churches owe to the piety and active benevolence of females, in the Bible Society, Sunday School, Mis sionary and Education Societies, and most eminently in those associations which have for their object the relief of poor and suf fering females and children, the influence of Christian women ha3 been sensibly felt among us. In these appropriate and inter esting fields, we rejoice to meet them, and cordially bid them God speed. The statistical table prepared by Ihe order of this body for the churches, enrols 13 synods—B2 presbyteries —1021 minis ters —173 licentiates— —193 candidates — 693 vacant congregations —946 congrega tions supplied—l 639 congregations—B666 communicants added last year, and by 761 congregations which have reported— 103,- 531 communicants reported from 982 con gregations. Baptisms —1709 adults in 439 congrega tions—973o infants in 818 congregations. After this brief sketch of God’s mercies towards us, we turn with pain, to a survey of Ihe evils which are brought to view in a history of the last year. We would first uotice the fearful extent and unanswered calls of our vacant territory in Ihe south and west. “ A famine, not of bread, nor of wa ter, but of the words of life,” presses them down to eternal death. As specimens of this wide and melancho ly waste, the population of Missouri and Illinois amounts to 160,000, and covers a region of count ry 500 miles square. We have within those limits already 18 church es, and yet only seven ordained ministers and one licentiate. In Mississippi and Lou isiana. are 230,000 inhabitants, scattered over 80,000 square miles. The great bo dy of these belong to no church, aod enjoy no ministrations of the gospel from any Christian denomination ; and in all this vast territory, we have only eleven ministers ofthe gospel established. [The remainder of the Narrative is necessarily postponed.] LATEST FROM LIBERIA. The intelligence which has just reached here from Liberia, by the* Hunter, says the National Intelligencer, is of the same en -1 couragiog character with that last received. 3||f!WlL &L and enterprise pi-are ex isls between the and the native?, and among all the neighbouring tribe?. The emigrants by the Hunter were visited by the fever of the climate, but the disease proved mild and altogether favourable. The stone pier is completed, and the pub lick worl{9 generally greatly advanced. The Agent has transmitted a line specimen of the mahogany of Africa, and also some small bags of cnffep, which grows sponta neous and abundant in the vicinity of tl-.e colony. ’ The Aero Testament in Cherokee. —Our readers will be pleased to learn that Davi I Brown, the young Cherokee, of whom we have had frequent occasion to speak, is now engaged in translating the New Testament, from the original Greek, into his native tongue. He has already completed seven chapters in Matthew, and expects to finish the whole at no distant period.—A". Y. Qb. Extract from the Report of the Missionary Socie ty of the Methodist E. Church. Tennessee Conference. —There are three missionary stations within the bounds of this conference, a-ll among the Cherokee Indians. Mississippi Conference. —A mission was established by this conference at its last session, among the Choctaw Indians. A missionary was also appointed to New Or leans, who writes that .there were about thirty white arid sixty coloured members in society io that place, and that they are now erecting a meeting house. V From the Pensacola mission the managers : have received a very encouraging account from the Kev. Mr. Cook, the missionary* who it seems has extended his labours to Mobile, and to several destitute neighbour hoods along the Escambe river. St. Au gustine, to which a missionary was contin ued last year, is now in the list of regular appointments attached to the South Caroli na Conference. South Carolina Conference , —Many of those heretofore denominated missionary stations in the bounds of this conference,! are now numbered among the regular sta- * lions of the conference ; so successful bate been the labours of the missionaries in these, newly formed societies in planting the gos pel of Jesus Christ. Others, however, have been added, and some of the old ones retained. These are all the missionary stations which have come to the knowledge of the board. And it is certainly no small cause of encouragement that so many have been struck from the list of missionary stations, not as being abandoned to their former wretchedness, but as having so well suc ceeded as no longer to need the aid of mis sionary funds for their support. . The whole number of auxiliary & branch societies connected with the parent institu tion is ninety-four ; and the managers ex press a hope that the additional calls for missionary labours will tend greatly to mul tiply their numbers. Wise reply of a Pious Archbishop. When Archbishop Leighton, was asked why he did not preach on the political sen timents of the times, as all the rest of his brethren did, he answered, “ That if alf the rest of his brethren preached on time, then surely one poor brother might preach on eternity. “In Eternity there is nothing to gain; nothing to lose. Ail is either gained or lost for ever. In time, there is an Eterni ty to gain, or an Eternity to lose. Not an instant here, but tells in the account here after. Life places you in that pregnant crisis, between a world of mourning and a world of joy.” MOUNT ZION, MONDAY, JULY 18, 1325. We are again under the necessity of of fering un apology for the failure of The Missionary. Its publication has been sus pended for the very simple reason that we could not get the material on which to pub lish it, and the diminished size on which it appears calls for further apology. If our friends knew the mortification which such a failure has cost us, aDd the circumstances which produced it, they would surely with hold their censure. We shall, as we have heretofore done', furnish our patrons with 52 numbers for a year’s subscription—so that the loss is ours, the disappointment theirs. An extra sheet accompanies this paper, which contains such advertisements as have been previously inserted. The Season , eo far, in this section of the state, has been highly encouraging to the husbandman. The dry weather which pre vailed a few weeks since, has been suc ceeded by plentiful rains, and the crops, both of Corn and Cotton, are generally very promising.