was and thus to have obtained the means of extending the tracts which we proposed to publish, to every sailor in the state who would receive them; and by obtaining the establishment of similar societies in other capitals, gradually to have secured such advantages as we could, for moral and religious advancement, to all the seamen of our country. But scarcely had we commenced our operations, when the great body of our seamen scattered from our ports, and little more could be done, than to interest individuals of them in our plan; to distribute our books among them, wherever we could find them;-and through our naval commanders, to the sailors in our ships of war. But amidst all our difficulties and embarrassments, we have not doubted, with the blessing of heaven, that better prospects would open to us; and we have patiently waited for the day of peace, of commerce, and of liberty to the seamen, in which we might redouble our efforts, and ask, with confidence of obtaining it, the assistance and cooperation which we need, for the accomplishment of our objects. Indebted as we are to commerce for so much of our prosperity-depending on it so essentially in almost all the branches of trade and of the mechanic arts, and receiving from it so large a portion, not only of our luxuries, but of our comforts, it is surely due from us, as far as we can, to arrest the progress of the vices and sufferings, to which an active and extensive commerce peculiarly exposes so great a number as are immediately engaged in it. It will be considered, that very many of our sailors choose their profession, and enter upon its labors, even before the time when they are qualified to become apprentices in any business on the land;that few, or no means are possessed at sea, for regular instruction; and that vicious example spreads its dead ly influence among them, too often wholly unchecked by those, who might greatly restrain it. But it is a circumstance which gives great encourage. ment, in reflecting upon our seamen, that very many of them have early received moral and religious instruction at home; and that, almost without exception, they can read. Almost every sailor too has a bible; and if he be not improved by reading it, the cause may be, and without doubt frequently is, that he does not receive the excitement and encouragement to read it, which are received on the land from conversation, from example, and from the weekly instructions of the Sabbath. We hope therefore, by supplying those who have them not, with Bibles; by giving them tracts, which inculcate in the most interesting manner, the great principles and duties of religion, and which will assist them in understanding the Bible; and by giving them prayers, with encourage ments to use them; that good, essential good, may be produced among them. We hope, and we have great confidence in indulging the hope, that many of our masters will give us their aid, by encouraging piety and virtue in their seamen, and by discounte nancing vice; and that some-a few at least, will commence the example, at favorable times, of reading morning and evening prayers in their vessels. We may not be so happy as to reclaim many, who are already confirmed in vice; but with the divine bles sing, we may awaken the conscience which sleeps, but is not dead; we may encourage many to virtue, who become vicious, principally from a want of encouragement to resist temptation; we may strengthen and establish those, who have hitherto maintained their virtue; and be the happy instruments of guarding and defending many of the young, in the time of their greatest danger. An attempt to improve the condition of this large and very use. ful class of our fellow citizens, is the least which may be demanded of us, in return for the advantages which we derive from their peculiar exposures; and in what has been done, amidst the embarrassments of war, we have much to excite our hopes, and to an imate our exertions, now that we are blessed again with peace. During the past years, for the rea sons already given, we have not added to the number of our tracts. But we had previously published six, written expressly for the use of our seamen; and had a large number on hand, of the 12,000 copies which we had print ed. But besides supplying the ships of war, which came into our harbor, they have been sent to the shops, where articles were kept for sale, expressly for sailors, and to the towns upon the seaboard, where sailors have resided; and since the return of peace, they have been widely disseminated. Through the active zeal of Mr. Bartlett, the Secretary of the Marblehead auxiliary society, to whose interest and exertions your committee have been much indebted, they were extensively diffused even during the war; and we are happy in communicating to the society, extracts of a letter from him, bearing date the first of May, 1815. [Rev. Mr. Bartlett's letter.] "The number of seamen engaged in the gun-boat service, from this town, was between two and three hundred. They were stationed principally at Portsmouth and New York, They had but little leisure; but much of what was allowed them was spent in perusing the volumes* and tracts, with which they had been furnished. And I have been credibly informed, that they were uniformly read with eagerness, and in some instances, were productive of the happiest effects. "I have heard more particularly of those, which were distributed among such as entered on board private armed vessels. However inconsistent a desire for religious and moral books, with a disposition to privateering may appear, yet such has been the fact. Our seamen have very unwillingly sought subsistence in this way; and nothing but the sight of their suffering families could induce them to this species of enterprize. Among these persons, several tracts and volumes have been distributed; and notwith standing all the noise and merriment, common to such vessels, these books were eagerly sought for, were listened to with attention, and in many instan ces, even on board privateers, produced a sobriety and decency of behaviour, which even the strict discipline of national ships cannot always effect. It has been the fate of almost every one, that has entered on board private armed ships from this town, to have been captured. They have been carried to various prisons in Eng land, Halifax, W. Indies, Bermuda, &c. In one prison only in England, there were 250 inhabitants of this town prisoners at one time. In these prisons, the tracts of the society, and the sermons were introduced; and I am credibly informed, that the officers and sailors from this town found in them not only occupation for many of their leisure hours, but also deriv ed the greatest benefit from the instruction which they afforded. "Another circumstance may be worthy of notice. Some of our seamen, when captured by his Majesty's ships, were careful to carry their books with them, and while they were de tained on board, they found in reading them, not only a relief from the unpleasantness of their situation, but such consolations and advice, as noth ing but religion can afford. When some of our townsmen were prisoners in the St. Domingo, Admiral Warren's ship, some of the officers noticing the seriousness of one of our men, and observing him to be frequently engaged in reading the books which he carried with him, requested the loan of them. This was readily granted; and so pleased were they with the perti. nent advice, and judicious counsels, which they found in them, they de sired to possess them for the benefit of themselves, and of those under their command. The books were left with them, and the man from whom they were received, set at liberty. In justice however to the character of the officers and crew of this ship, this person informed me, that they were constantly in the habit of attending divine service on the Sabbath." Your committee avail themselves of this opportunity, of making their ac knowledgments to H. A. S. Dear born Esq. for his cheerful, active, and *Sermons for seamen, by the Rev. Mr. Abbot of Beverly. very useful services, in promoting the objects of the society. Very soon after the restoration of peace, a letter was addressed by your committee to Mr. Dearborn, requesting his assistance, in furnishing with tracts the vessels, which received clearances at the Custom House-They have received two letters from him, in the last of which he requests an additional supply of books, and renews his expressions of interest in our design. They communicate his first letter, which they are confident will be heard by the society with the gratification, with which it was read by your committee. Boston March 13, 1815. Gentlemen-Your communication of the 9th inst. has been received, and be assured, it affords me great pleasure to learn, that the officers of the society for the moral and religious improvement of seamen, are taking measures to advance the commendable objects of that institution. I shall cheerfully aid the society, as far as is in my power; and will take charge of such books for distribution as may be furnished me, and dispose of them to such persons and in such manner, as will best comport with the wishes of the society. With great respect, I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, H. A. S. DEARBORN, Collector. To the executive committee of the Boston Society for the religious and moral improvement of seamen. Your committee would also inform the Society, that a small collection of prayers is made, and will directly be put to the press, intended both for social, and for private use, in our vessels; with an address to masters, so lieiting their concurrence in this part of our design, both by reading prayers themselves at favorable times, and by distributing them among their seamen. We are happy to know that, in some instances, social prayer has been practised in our vessels; and we can. not but hope, that when provided with short and simple forms of devotion, that others will use them. Such examples, with a correspondent conduct, cannot fail of producing important consequences. Aware of the magnitude of their object-of its difficulties and discourage. ments, your committee have not looked for effects of their efforts, which would be great and imposing. But aware too, that the most important results, in exertions for religious and moral improvement, are often the most unostentatious, they would have committed their design and endeavors with confidence to God, even if they had not yet been assured of any vis ible, and beneficial consequences. But with the facts before us, which have been detailed in our former reports, and those which we have now the pleasure of presenting, with the increased advantages which we ob tain from the return of peace, our prospects are bright, and our excite ments strong to increasing exertion. We therefore confidently indulge the hope, that in a cause so interesting, our solicitations for & share of public beneficence, will not be made in vain. G. BRADFORD, R. SULLIVAN, J. TUCKERMAN, W. E. CHANNING, C. LOWELL, G. G. LEE, W. ROPES. Exec. Committee. Humane Society of Massachusetts. THIS Society celebrated its anniversary on Tuesday, the 16th ult. An address was delivered before the So ciety by the Rev. Mr. Holley. The following are the officers for the ensuing year: A. DEXTER, M. D. President. G. G. LEE, F sq. Corres. Secretary. S. PARKMAN, Esq. Trustees. FRAGMENTS OF ANCIENT MANNERS. "THE ancient Scandinavians, who, like other savages, were intemperate in eating and drinking, swallowed large cups in honor of their gods, and to such of their oountrymen as had fallen in battle. We learn from the 25th fable of their Edda, which was their sacred book, that to hold much liquor was reputed a heroic virtue." "Anciently people fed but once a day, a fashion that continued even after luxury was indulged in other respects -Plato held the Tyrrhenians to be gluttons for having two meals a day -In the reign of Henry VI, the people of England fed but twice a day. Hector Boyes in his History of Scotland, exclaiming against his cotemporaries, says that some persons were so gluttonous as to have three meals every day.” "Leland mentions a feast given by the archbishop of York at his installation, in the reign of Edward VI. The following is a specimen: 300 quarters of wheat, 300 tons of ale, 100 tons of wine, 1000 sheep, 104 oxen, 304 calves, 304 swine, 2000 geese, 1000 capons, 2000 pigs, 400 swans, 104 peacocks, 1500 hct venison pasties, 4000 cold, 5000 custards hot and cold." Hollingshed who wrote in the reign of Queen Elizabeth says-"the length. and sumptuousness of feasts are not totally left off in England, notwithstanding that it proveth very beneficial to the physicians who most abound, where most excess and misgovernment of our bodies do appear." RECENT REVOLUTION IN FRANCE. On the 28th of February, Napoleon Bonaparte, having escaped. from Elba, arrived at Frejus in France -On the 20th of March he arrived at Paris without resistance-Louis XVIII hav. ing left the city. A more unexpected and extraordinary event, than we have now recorded, has not occurred in this age of wonders; nor one that has excited more alarm in the christian world. Prior to this event a hope had been entertained, that after having suffered for many years the horrors of war, the nations of christendom were about to enjoy a state of general tranquillity and peace. But while the nations were thus rejoicing in hope, they were suddenly aroused from this pleasing dream, as with the shock of an earthquake, by the return of the exiled emperor to Paris. tions of Europe, during the rise and fall of Napoleon, together with the recent establishment of peace in consequence of his exile to Elba-and the pleasing prospects which thence resulted; we cannot wonder that his sudden and unmolested return to the capital of France should fill the world with consternation and dread. Like the Chaldean monarch, Napoleon had been the "Hammer" of the Lord, the instrument of divine anger, to punish, and to break in pieces the nations. Although he had recently experienced a terrible reverse in his prospects; yet perhaps his work as a destroyer was not completed. According to the accounts which have been given in the public papers, the loss of lives in the Napoleon wars exceeds FIVE MILLIONS. This may be an exaggerated account; yet there is no It is indeed remarkable that it should reason to doubt that the number of be in the power of any one mortal man, persons who have perished in his wars, thus to interrupt the joys and excite is more than double the number of the fears of a hundred millions of his all the men in the United States, befellow beings; and to derange the tween eighteen and sixty years of plans and blast the prospects of con- age. If, however, the French nation federated nations. But when we re- should be united, and determined to flect on the almost unparalleled dis- support him as their emperor, and the tress and carnage, suffered by the ma- allied powers should be united and determined on his overthrow; the slaughter which must ensue, will probably exceed every thing which has yet been known in the days of Napoleon. We are shocked at the pros pect of such a scene of carnage, desolation, and woe: and we sincerely hope and pray that God may avert such tremendous destruction of human life. Napoleon, and all the rulers in Europe are in God's hand, and it is possible with him to dispel the dark cloud which has so suddenly made its appearance. He can remove the fears which have been excited, or he can augment them. Perhaps more terrific scenes than have yet been witnessed are necessary, to open the eyes of christian nations to the antichristian character of war. Considering the restless nature of war ambition and war habits, God may view it as necessary to permanent peace among the nations, that there should be a general destruction of men, who delight in war and blood. It is possible that Napoleon's return to France may be preparatory to such an awful scene in Europe, a scene in which he and millions of others shall perish by the very custom in which they glory. We, however, do not hazard even a conjecture, as to the consequences of the unexpected event. We barely state what may be regard ed as possible. But if this possible event be comprized in the divine, unerring purpose, who shall live when God doth this! When such a day of his wrath shall come, who will be able to stand? Obituary. DIED, in England, Feb. 19, Rev. CLAUDIUS BUCHANAN, D. D. whose eminent services in the cause of christianity in India entitled him to the respect of the christian world; and whose name will be had in affectionate remembrance, as long as distinguished talents and benevolent exertions shall be esteemed among mankind. At the time of his death he was in England for the purpose of superintending an edition of the scriptures, for the use of the Syrian christians. In Providence, Hon. JABEZ BOWEN, L L. D. Chancellor of Brown University, in the 76th year of his age. In Haverhill May 15, Dr. NATHANIEL SALTONSTALL, aged 69. In Scotland, JOHN DAVIS, aged 108. He used to walk six miles ev. ery Saturday to be shaved, until with. in a few days of his death, In Barrington N. H. Rev. BENJAMIN BALCH, aged 74. He died suddenly, while walking in the road. In Atkinson Mrs. ELIZABETH PEABODY, wife of the Rev. Mr. Peabody of that place-Some notice of her character may probably appear in a future Number. In Charleston, S. C. Dr. David RAMSAY. Ordination. May 17th, Rev. CALVIN PARK, was ordained at Franklin as an evangelist-Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Judson of Uxbridge; Sermon by Rev. Dr. Crane of Northbridge, from Thess. v. 25; Ordaining prayer by Rev. Mr. Howe of Hopkinton; Charge by Rev. Dr. Emmons of Franklin; Right hand by Rev. Mr. Wood of Upton; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Fiske of Wrentham. Candidates for the ministry in Cambridge and its vicinity. Mr. Cyrus Pierce, Cambridge Mr. David Reed, Mr. Joseph Allen, do. do. Mr. Jonathan P. Dabney, do. Mr. Samuel Gilman, Boston. Mr. Thomas Prentiss, Cambridge. Mr. Rufus Hurlbut, do. |