Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

BAPTIST MISSION IN INDIA. Extract of a letter froih the Rev. Dr. Carey, dated Serampore, Aov. 25, 1824 Through thefcreat mercy of God, myself nod all the members of the Mission family are well, as are also Ihe brethren ai Calcut ta ; l may sav of all denominations, except the Rev. Mr.” Jelter, of the Church Mission ary Society, who is about to sail for Liver pool in the Princess Charlotte, on account of ill health. My nephew, Eustace Carey, was also, with his wife, obliged trom the same cause, to leave this country, in an, American ship, a few months ago, and will probably he in England before this reaches you. These are severe losses to (because of God, as they were both very active and useful men; but the way* of God, though inscrutable *° ns, are infinitely wise, and I have no doubt but the things which appear to us dark and discouraging, will in due time be.su ordered, in his wise providence, as to occasion much greater good to the inter ests of religion, than anv other arrange ment, however favourable to our wishes, would have done. The general interests of the kingdom of our L'-rd Je*os are evidently gainingground Our brethren of the Church Missionary So ciety are labouring with considerable, sue cess, especially in the department of 9chool*. Oor independent brethren are not behind them; we and our junior breth ren in Calcutta are doing what we can, and 3 rejoice to say, that some success attends our labours in all the three departments ol Missionary exertion, viz. Education, the translation of the Scriptures, and the spread of the gospel by preaching. There are at least ten schools for females at Serampore, and in its neighbourhood, I believe all in a flourishing state. In the College we are: doing all wp can, and I certainly anticipate very considerable advantages Irotn it in. time In printing the versions of the Bible, we mav go to the very extremity of our funds; the New Testament will soon t> u published in at least thirty four languages. and the Old Testament in eight, beside* versions in three varieties ol the Hindoos tanee New. Testament. * “ PRINCIPLES OF •76.” “ In chnrcli ami state, xanity am! persona! ag grai’diz; ment are rulin’ pas*it>ns. A young man at the plough or ae\il takes it into his he.id that he is doomed to preach the Gospel—he applies to some enthusiast, as Parson Boardman, who en courages him, To giiej ou an idea of the power of Parson Boar.lman, it is stated in the Reformer No. 53, page 92, Sic. that iie offered to save six hundred millions of souls lying eastwurdly, pro vided they, the people, would give him money j enough, and denouncing them ifthey would not.” The foregoing remarks are extracted from a communication on religious and po litical matters, under the signature of 4 *76,’ which was published in the National Intel ligencer of the 10th inst. and received from the Editors of that paper the following note of approbation : “ Our correspondent, “ ’76,” 'pushed his ob iectious rathr to far, and his pictu.e is per.taps a little overcharged—hut he eirs, if he errs at all, on the right side, and his piece is therefore insert ed. Indeed, we think the few SeVenty-Sixers left among ns, have an indefeasible right to lie respectfully heard on any sohj"ct connected with the puhlirk manners, morals or politicks of the country.” \V presume that the remarks of “’TO,” rrp intended to apply to the Rpv. George I). Bo inimnn, missionary to Burmah, tvlio sailed for Calcutta a few week* ago, under the patronage of the Baptist Geneial Con vontion. To all who arc acquainted with 7VTr- B. or with the religious opinions of the Baptists, it must he unnecessary in say that his language lias been grossly misrepresent ed. We will not yield on o whit to the editor in sincere respect for the principles ([relig ious and political) nn which our revolution wa* commenced and achieved, nor in veil oration tor the host of worthies by whom these principles were defined, and under whom, by the blessing of God, they were fuccescfutjy defended—rvr will we be de (erred from bearing testimony against the imposture, when it is attempted to make these, principles or these men, a cover for propagating *entiment“ of an opposite cha Tac.trr. No true patriot, no cberisher of pure morals, no sincere friend of th° human race, can, in cor estimation, wish to diroin ish the vene-ntion which is entertained by the public!; for the Holy Scriptures, nor to liriog the toilsome and disinterested labours of the Christian missionary into derision, whether his life be spent in ihp service ot his Master in the moral wastes of our own country, or among Ihe heathen in foreign lands. We would, with due respect, ask these gentlemen if they were about to exchange their present abode, but still desired to en joy. the blessings of liberty, whether they would seek a home in any country in which the Bible is not freely read, and the ordi jams* of the Go*pel fearlessly observed ? We would a*k them, for they are intelligent nen, •# not political freedom enjoyed in ev cry country on the face of the globe, iu proportion as the Go*pe| is freely preach ed, and the Holy Scriptures venerated, and circulated without hindrance ? Their own candid reply to this question will he the lie*t comment on various arlieles which they have recently published, unless they can -eparate the ministry of the Gospel from the Gospel itself. If the signature which is affixed to the leeblc communication of “ ’70,” has been used by the correspondent ot the Intelli getreer to gain a little importance for hi* weak production, he deserves contempt hut il it he. indeed Ihe legitimate signature of one wiio lived in “ the days that tried weft'* soul-.” and bore an active patt iu ,1 he cause of liberty, we sincerely compas- Mi.d.,ft hi-situation, and deplore his want of that wisdom which is from nn high. He know* nothing of the deceitfulness of bis own heart : and tmt % wii listanding the Editors’ plea on his behalf, he rather needs a coun fellor than a flatterer. We think that noth ing will be lost in venturing to guess, that the writer of ’76 has not, at any period ol his life, done more to establish the liberties of his country, than was effected by the author of the Rights ot Man. We would •ask him to reflect for a few miout°s, if a deßire for worldly houour still disturbs his bosom, and urges him to write, what in alt probability would be the meed ot praise bestowed on the character of Thomas Paine, had grace refined his heart, or had he not blindly and impiously attempted to gainsay and ridicule the word of Cod. \\ e would at the same time bring to his recol lection the character of Washington. We would ask him to compare the latter days of these friends ot our country, and to ex amine the consolations that supported their declining years. We would take him to the conches on which their dying limbs re poed. We would entreat him lo listen to their expiring accents—to recollect that lime for him mut he very short—and ihen call on him, as he values his eternal hap piness, to choose between the Christian and the Infidel! Columbian Star. BIBLE CLASSES. A writer in the Western Recorder, pub fished at Utica. N. Y. urges the establish ; ment of Bible Claes in every congrega I tion regularly organized As the subject, J though not oew to ail our readers, may he iso to some, we would slate that a Bible j Class is an institution in which the learn ers, instead of merely committing pa*sa j ges of Scripture of hymns, or of catechisms, j obtain instruction explanatory, either of ! passages, or of subjects, taken from the j Bible. The practice of learning memoriter |j* not necessarily discontinued in such a tela**; but it is expected that the meaning jof the passage, its connexion with other ! parts of the Scripture, the intruction which it coulains, and the practical use to he mode of it, will he the subject of particular attention. In some cases the instruction i* given by the superintendent or teacher in the form of a lecture. It i* generally pre sered to have the members of the class in ! vesbo-ate the subject for themselves at their (leisure, with what assistance they can com mand from concordances, commentaries, and otfi“r books which are intended to tie of use in such an investigation. It they can be induced to commit the result of their researches to writing, it is always to be preferred, both on account of the facility which they thereby acquire of re ducing their thoughts to order, and ot the more thorough investigation which they are led by it so make. The teacher then gives his views of the subject, explaining and illustrating it as he think* proper. The whole exercise is to be viewed a havir.c- an immediate connexion with prac tice, and the moral obligations resulting from it enforced to the greatest possible extent. Variations from the plan here stu ted obtain in different places, but this, it i~ believed, describes the general practice. In t>Tip eoro|KU*m of roli^inua doctrine is used ; in other*, a doctrinal cat echi*m containing references to prove text*. —All these varieties have their use, hut it i* perhaps most useful, where it t practicable, to employ the ingenuity anti in dustry cf the individuals who compose the da**, assisting it where it is inadequate to a thorough investigation of the topickswhic.fi come under their consideration And it is only those classes in which the Bible i* the principal stibjpct of inquiry and research, that can wi.h propriety be called Bible C‘a*es. The writer referred to. o(Tt rs as reasons for the universal formation of such as*o cialions, several arguments of which the following i’ an abstract. At the age at which children usually Ip.ivp the sihhath school, they are incapa Ide of profiting very greatly by pulpit dis courses, which are composed for persons of mature age and sound jodgement. Hence their minds are vacant of moral knowledge ; the seed which was sown in the xahbaih i* neglecteif, and withers, or ft devoured by (be fowls of the air, whose numhers and the evil they do, sufficiently explain the metaphor, or it-is blasted by those passions, which at that age begin to exert their most dangerous power. By receiving them into a Btblp Class, idleness, that prolifick par ent ofevil is excluded, the moral powers are kept in vigorous exercise, and employ ed in the most useful manner. The habit of searching for divine wisdom, will, it may be expected, be carried with them through life, anil, by the blessing of God, secure them against every species of error. From such classes, also, may be taken tlie teach ers of common sabbath schools, and thus a deficiency be supplied which is often felt, of competent persons for that depart ment. This subject is by no means a novel one. Writer® in <bff-rent religious papers have come forward in support of such institu tion* ; and if we are not mistaken, the Gen eral Association of Massachusetts have for malty recommended them to the ministers in their connexion.—All experience attests their utility. Facts are stated in more than one paper, which leave no doubt of their subservience (o the highest purposes of religious instruction. Our own observa lion satisfies us that while the spirit of God is the efficient agent in regeneration, and the preaching of the gospel the appointed means, this gopei i scarcely inculcated in a mariner better calculated to secure the agency of the Spirit than in circles like thee. We have not known the instance in which their establishment has not been followed by effects visibly beneficial. Baptist Literary and Theological Semina ry at Hamilton. —From the Report of the Baptist Education Society, of the State of Nw Yoik, madp at their Annual Meeting on the first of June, it appear* that $3335:22 I have been paid into the Treasury during the last yenr, and more than this sunTbas been expended in promoting the objects ot the Society. The school appears to be in a very flourishing state. At the commence ment of the year, there were thirty-one members, twenty seven of whom were ben eficiaries; and nineteen have been added since. The price of board and washing has been reduced by n new arrangement from one dollar a week to 8G cents! The Executive Committee acknowledge the receipt of a dsnation from Messrs. June* & Cobb, of Boston, of S2OO, and express their thanks for (he “ permanent aid afford ed by the Education Society of the city ot New York, and by individuals, who have endowed scholarships.”'—*V. Y. Obs. THE AWFULNESS OF THE PULPIT A few years ago a learned gentleman of the bar, in Vermont, was appointed to de liver an Oration on the 4th of July, and ac cordingly accepted the appointment. This gentleman was eminently calculat ed to perform this honourable task ; having received a refined education, and having served *ome time in (he revolutionary war, and since that he has taken an important part in oor nation’s councils. He prepared for the day with uncommon lab'our; and his Oration may truly be said to contain the richest materials, arranged with peculiar beauty of thought and elegance of diction The time ariived—ihe community had very raised expectations, knowing the ability of the orator —the procession was formed, and the orator look h;s place by ihe assignment of the committee, at the side of the Cler gyman of the Dan, —they entered the ’ house of God accompanied by a large con course ol people to celebrate (be national independence—he, with the Clergyman as Cended the pulpit. After the Clergyman had addressed the Throne ofGrare, ‘he or ator commenced with an oration before him, that would do honour to oor best Legtsla tors; but to the astonishment and roortifica tion of the audience he was dnuntpd, and hesitated. He, however, at length, pro ceeded, but with difficult!, and in such a manner that beauty and force were entirely lost On descending from the pulpit, his friends were anxious to know the cause of his disquietude ; be said You know I have I stood undaunted in many battles. I have faced the cannon’s mouth—and this left arm has been borne away by a shot from the enemy, anil I was fearless. I have stood hi the publick lialis of my country and advo cated the cause of freedom and of equal rights, in the mids’ of thousands, without a nerve unstrung; but when I stood m that awful place where the ambassador of Jpsus Christ is pleading ihe cause of sinners, and where eternity and the judgement are mat ters treated on, as amazing realities, I am. as you see, unmanned. To stand in that sacred desk, that awful place where God t so near, is too much for me, I cannot endure it What a lesson does this give the on l-ulhful minisier, who with the cold heart of a Seneca, can preach about religion f r months and years, without ever preaching one Gospel Sermon. And hoiv can such an one feel, who does not realize the immen si’y of his respun-ibility, when he stands as it were bet ween the sinner exposed to au eternal hell and the Divine presence. [The above, from the Religious Advo cate, is not a solitary instance One of the most distinguished lawyers in another state, who ha* been a member of Congress, and has on other occasions manifested little or no regard for religion, was affected in a similar manner, when about to deliver a fourth of July Oration from the sacred desk. The awfulness of the place, the presence of the ambassador of Christ, the praypr, the song of praise, forced upon his mind so ma ny solemn associations, as to deprive him of that freedom of expression and action, for which bp was distinguished, and which hold so important a place in the finished orator In relating the circumstance, he aid it was not in the powpr of man to conceive ol his misery immediately preceding, and during his performance ; and he knew of no con “ideration which would induce him to pass through the same scene ] — Fain Vis. PHENOMENON OF MIND. In a tour which Dr. M lately made in company wiih his pupil, Mr. 8., along the shores of the Mediterranean,.says the Jour nal of Letters, hey slppt one night at the little town Bonaparte landed, and in Vhe very room b which he reposed, on hi* return from Elba. About day break Mr. B. heard his companion thus speaking in an audible, distinct, ind deliberate tone ‘Took upon himself the form of a *ervani —oof Lord JesusCbrist took upon himself the form of a servant. —Now every crea tore is, by the men fact of his creation . ‘he servant of his Maker. Not so of our Lord Jesus Christ—for he took upon himself the form of a seraanfr-therelore he is—he can be, no creature—therefore is he the Creator— 'herefore is he “God over all blessed for ever.” And then followed, in expressions of the deepest fjrvour, and the most eleva ted sublimity, a most solemn dedication to this Lord Jesus Christ, as his Maker, Re deemer, and ever blessed God end Portion —a most solemn dedication of himself—ol his person—of hi* ministry—of his all and every thing. Mr. B. was electrified—ri vetted—but he thought it to be the mom | ing meditation of his revered companion, unconsciously uttered aloud: and would not intrude on so hallowed an exercise. A* they rode along, however, in the course of ! the day, he could not refrain from saying— ‘ 1 was deeply interested, Sir, in your re flections this morning.’—‘What reflections?’ asked the doc to tv-’ ‘ The reflections you , uttered before yoS rose to-day’— ‘ I remem 1 ber none ; what were they?’ Mr. B re peated them. Ast he was doing so, the mind of his frienf) seemed caught by the novelty of the conception, and powerfully struck also by the weight and conclusive nees of it. ‘ Perfectly new !’ he exclaimed. ‘I passage in tliafTigTitT>*- fore. It is ligiilfcfd stroke :it cuts them up, (the Arians,) it cuts them up root and hraWm. Bull remember noth ing of the morning ’ Mr. Frey.— The most false and shame ful accusations, says the Freeman’s Jour nal, have been hinted or openly thrown out, against the object ot the Rev. Mr. Frev, in collecting lands for the Society I >r meliorating the condition ol the Jews. Having on a former occasion vindicated the Society from the malevolent attacks ot its ignorant opponents, we will say, in regard to this gentleman, its Agent, that his con duct, claims, and credentials, are such that ■ hey Cannot lie honestly attacked with any thing like proof. AH that has been writ ten in his abuse, consists of poor innuen does, which shield their authors from the prosecution they may well dread, by their guarded expressions. Mr. Noah i* not de ficient in this trait of Judaism ; we observe in his paper an indecently implied aecosa lion against Mr. Frey, of falsehood am! theft, which he cannot openly avow, be cause he knows it his own invention. It is with great regret that we have seen the National Intelligencer , assist in circulating one of these paragraphs. We are tar from supposing (hat every religious mendi cant is of course honest or worthy ot pat ronage ; hut we notice the criminations ot tMr. Frey, because we know them to be malicious and false, and destitute even ot the appearance of foundation. THE SHAKERS. In certain judicial proceedings lately had in Massachusetts, relating to the discipline and virtue of the sect of Shakers located (here, evidence was given by some ol the persuasion themselves, ot the . pernicious and immoral practices which prevailed among them, and ihe evil tendency of ‘heir doctrines. It this be true to any extent, the feeling of sufferance with which rational men have been hitherto willing to regard these most singular worshippers, will be changed into one o| a harsher denomination. Every thing about these people is, in truth, anomalous. They form in ihe midst ol a *'ate an imperium in imperio ; a society fenced in from the general jurisdiction, where a state of celibacy is enjoined, in volving its own destruction, and looking tor ihe supply of it members to the enthusiasm of the young whom iheir mysteci-m may captivate, and the inducements which the idle may discover to join them in partner ship in their common stock. It is one of their doctrines, that you cannot love your neighbour as youiself, unless you divide with him your earning*; and with this talse idea of religion and philanthropy, they make the industrious tributary to the indo lent. Their mode of worship is any thing hiit what a rational roan, who has never *cen it, would imagine. An oblique roiv of men on one side, with their coats off and ‘heir sleeves tied up with ribbons; an ob lujue row of wotnen on the opposite side, with iheir bonnets off, but white caps that took like innocence, and remind you of death, dancing and singing at each other— now three paces lo the front —then three to the rear —now three to the right —then three to the left, performing Iheir evolu lions with military accuracy, and to the mu sick of a ma-qoerade, jumping to and (ro with a zeal, which, ever and anon, requires intervals of repose—such is a correct pic mre of the Sabbath ceremonies of the Sha kers. Now, strange as these things may appear, yet modes ol religious faith and worship belong only to the conscience, and all that can be required is, that they be consistent with morals and virtue. The law ol celib acy imposed upon ibis promiscuous commu nity is one at war with social existence and *ubversive of its welfare ; and if this ap pearance of uncommon sanctity he but a cloak for improper practices, it matters not whether the Shakers make belter cheese, or better cider, or bettor baskets than their neighbours. — Char. Cour. THE FIG. The Warrenton (North Carolina) Re porter contains the following information relative to the culture of this delicious fruit:— The Fig may he seen in perfection in more than one Garden in Warrenton. It is a delicious Iruit, wholesome and nutritious. The Fig with us grows upon a bush, which will he larger or smaller according to care and situation. Even here, in a favourable year like the present, it begins to ripen be fore the peach, and continues to bear until frost. In Florida it becomes a tree larger than the Damson. An intelligent gentle man from Georgia observes, that there it comes to great perfection, and with the same or perhaps a little more attention, it might be brought to equal maturity here. It is a greal bearer; but a slight frost not only destroys the young fruit and the leaves, but a large portion of the wood. A lew fig hushes will afford enough for a family. Be fore the approach of lr"st, makp of rails a pen around the bush, and cover it well with straw: during the cold weather, the straw will keep the tender limb*, and even the young fruit of the Fig from injury. In the Spring, after all danger from Irost is over, remove the covering—the little fruit will immediately begin to grow, and before the expiration of the month of June, and from then to the first of October, you will be sure to have that sacred fruit which our Heaveo ly Father planted in Paradise, as fine as the Fig of Judea. j Died at New Ptockbridge, Angnt 3d, Solomon U- Hendrick, son ol Hendrick An paumult, and one ofthe chiefs of the Stock bridge Indians, aged 29 years. Tbi-young chief was a person of snperiour powers of mind, improved by a good Engli-n Educa tion. He posseefed uncommon dignity of manners, and themWr inflexible integrity of character. lie Wag tmlfced the glory of Ins nation, and might have been highly re spectable in ary society. But like many of the Indians, he was the victim of intem perance. This vicious and baneful habit greatly diminished his usefulness.by degrees impaired his health nnd laid the foundation of that disease which at length brought him to a premature grave. In his last sickness he declared his full belief in the Christian religion, and mani fested a faint hope that he was a subject of true repentance and faith in Christ. He very affectionately warned his brother and sisters not to put off repentance and pre paration for death to a sick bed, as he had done. Before his death he was for consid erable iime almost constantly engaged in prayer. He pleaded with God, tor Cnrtst’s sakp, to have mercy on his soul, with the most earnest import unity. Not long before he expired, be was heard to pray nearly in these words : “O Lord, thou art able to *ave —thou didst delivered I*rael put of Egypt—wilt thou have mercy on uie and mv people.” His dying moments, then appear to have been wisely spent: and though his death was painful and fearful, it was not entirely hopeless; for whosoev er shall in truth and sincerity call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. F:om the AVi e-York Statesman, J PRIESTCRAFT, ROYALTY AND BLASHIE'- MY COMBINED. We hardly know whether we shall he excused for inserting the following extract from a London paper, of a letter from Spain, giving an account of the most outrageous act of blasphemous villany ever heard of, committed by an impudent Fran ciscan, clothed in sacerdotal robes. The blas phemous presumption it exhibits, chills the blood at the bare recital, and fills Ihe mind with unut terable horror, <•; the wretch who planned and executed such an infamous scheme, to practice upon the superstitious bigotry and ignorance o>f men who aie slaves to the iron hearted despot i-mj of a wiak, pusillanimous, and cruel monarch, drunk with power, and dead to all sent'inents of liberality A- justice, slaves also to the mosl impious deceptions of abandoned priests, practised in (he name of the Almighty, in order to uphold the blood-stained throne of the tyrant! Who but must feel for the wretched condition of a people thus goaded by unrelenting despotism, and cheated and deceived continually hy the a bominations of a corrupt priesthood, who plun der fiotn them in the name of religion whatso ever (hey covet? And who will not breathe fervent aspirations to (tint Almighty Bring who is thus impiously insulted, that he w ill he.*,i n the time of their deliveiance, and send among them the pure light of religion and liberty? Hi* Holiness the Pope has lately pronoun ced the beatification of a Spanish Francis can, named Jubein. Amongst thenoniber- Ipss miracles attributed lo this holy monk, is one of having resuscilaled several couple of half roasted fowls, which at hi3 coat maud took wing from the spit, and flew away with most miraculous velocity. The age of miracles may be over in other countries, but not in Spain, for it was no longer ago than last year that the following very re markable one took place, and which is firm ly believed by all white (bianco's) Spaniards. During the great drought ol last Summer, prayers were offered up in all the churches for rain, and amongst others in that of the village of La* Cabrzan de San Juan, in An dalusia, where the unfortunate Riego pro claimed the Constitution. But it was in vain that the patron Saint Nicholas was worried with prayers—he was, it seems, not a wet ; saint, for not a drop of rain fell—however, lon a Sunday, as the faithful were at their devotions in his church, they perceived a letter in the hand of the saint. Some of (ho most devout approached to lake it ; but though Saint Nicholas de las Cgbezas de San Juan i of no more yielding material than wood, yet he raised the hand in which lie held Ihe letter, which was taken as an unequivocal sign that he was unwilling to deliver it. The Pare, being informed of the circumstance,came in full canonicals to the saint and prayed him humbly to give him the letter, which the saint by lowering his hand, acceded to, and the Cure took the mission and read it to the congregation, to their infinite edification—-it was couched in the follow ing terms: . “ Abodes of the EUssed, May 1, 1C24. “My beloved Nicholas, — I have heard your continual prayers to me to send down ram upon your country : you have no doubt lorgotten the crimes with which your rebel village is stained, and which are (he cause of Ihe drought which now afflicts unfortu nate Spain. It is in vain that you ask for water—at present it is impossible for me to oblige you. Except rain, ask any thing else you wish, from “ Your ever affectionate, (Signed) “THE ETERNAL FATHER. This miracle was ol public notoriety and made a considerable noise, not only io An dalusia, but all over Spain. Even at pre sent, should any ooe be imprudent enough to express any doubt of it before the brave inhabitants of Las Cabezas de San Juan, he would run considerable risk of broken bones if not los9 of life. , THF. BROTHERS. Died, lately, at Ludgvan, in Cornwall, Walter Tresize, aged 71; and Moses Ttesize, aged 69, two brothers of very singular habits. They had been brought up from their infancy as miners, liv ed together in the same cottage, worked in the same mines, were both born in the same room in which they died, and resided in it together for 60 years. They were bachelors, occupied the saint bed, and were never known to have slept apart, or to have disagreed in a singled instance; they attended to their domestic concerns, without the aid of a female, yet their cottage would vie with any of their neighbors in point of neatness and cleanness. Having been conspicuous for hones ■ ‘J\ sobriety, and industry, in their youth, they saved a scanty pittance from their earnings, which was nearly exhausted at their decease.— Nature began to fail them at the same time.—A bout one week ago they were taken ill, and since that time, have laid side by side in the same bed, each apparently feeling more for his companion’s infirmity thun his own. One died about thirty hour- before the other, and they were buried side by side’ in the same grave. Upwards of 2000 persons attended the funeral.—[London pap.