grace which alone could help in such a time of need. By this time the evening grew late, and proposals were made to retire. But the scholars, unaniinously, were unwilling to leave the house, or separate from each other. The impression which seized their minds seemed to be, that it would be departing from the immediate presence of Jehovah. The exclamation of holy Jacob was indeed strikingly verified: "And he was afraid, and said, how dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, this is the gate of heaven." After much intreaty, they were, however, persuaded to go home to their respective families. Next morning, information being received of what had taken place, a conference was appointed at a house near the school-house at 1 o'clock, P. M. Here was a spectacle presented which must have excited the admiration of angels. Each scholar holding in his hand the Bible, Testament, or Watts's psalms and hymns, and searching for his life for that spiritual bread which if a man eat, he shall live forever. The assembly was great. During this meeting many of those who attended became convinced of their lost condition, and began to think it high time to awake out of sleep, and call on God before they perished. On this melting occasion, the stoutest heart of oak dissolved like wax. And none were present who did not appear to be looking to Zion, with their faces thitherward. The Friday evening following, the weekly conference returned in the center district. Here at an early hour, was presented the little band, literally clad in the armor of the Gospel; holding in their hands the sure directory to eternal life. It may well be supposed, the assembly was crowded. It was proposed that each scholar should read from the psalm book, with which, as well as the Bible they had been very conversant since their first excitement, a psalm or ifymn descriptive of the state of his mind. Some by this time were delivered from the burden of sin, which had so heavily pressed them down, and that hope which brings comfort to every true believer in Jesus, had begun to irradiate the soul. This was known from the subject read. To hearts like these, the sentiments contained in the 126th psalm, C. M. were found to be in perfect unison, as were those of the 51st psalm to many others, who seemed overwhelmed by the waves of contrition; whose tremulous voices faltered as they read, and often before the subject was ended, died away in the silence of grief. It must be confessed, that the Christian spectator needed a moment's reflection, to determine whether the ground on which he stood was purely earthly. It was evident that the Holy Spirit was there. Many, while the school were reading, received for the first time in their hearts a pointed arrow from the quiver of the Almighty, and like their fellow-sufferers on the day of Pentecost, were led to cry out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" At the close of this meeting, the number of those, who know what sore convictions mean, was considerably increased. Next morning, Saturday, another school in the east part of the town assembled for their usual school exercises; and it was soon discovered that the master was completely incapacitated to proceed with his ordinary instructions, on account of the weight of conviction which lay on his mind. Immediately, fifteen of his oldest scholars were in a similar situation, and in a short time the neighbors were called in, and the school transformed into a religious conference; and continued thus until night, when the instructor for the first time dismissed his school with prayer. For some time after this not a day returned, which brought not the joyful tidings that some one was convicted, or some one made happy beneath the smiles of a reconciled Savior. In the first mentioned school, religious books were substituted exclusively, and religious instruction the sole business for weeks. The school-house became a Bethel, where God was worshipped morning, noon, and night. But a few weeks elapsed, before the major part were enabled to sing of mercy, and when viewing what God had wrought for them, were lost in wonder, love, and praise. The work has appeared to be genuine in nearly every instance; and all these who have publicly professed to love the Lord Jesus Christ, as yet appear to walk agreeably to their vocation. And most of the number have for some time been members of Christ's visible kingdom. The same remarks apply to the master and scholars of the other school. In the course of the 4 winter some drops of mercy fell into two other schools, and individuals were taken from them into the school of Christ. The revival had now become pretty extensive through the society, and was principally confined to the rising generation, but not wholly. Several in middle life have been led to consider, among all their attainments, one thing is needful, and appear to have wisely chosen that better part, which cannot be taken from them. The work has continued through the summer, and now there are some hopeful appearances, that God has not left us. Seventy-eight have united with the church, and in the judgment of charity thirty or forty more are fit subjects for the fellowship of the saints. The doctrines delivered from the pulpit, and discussed in the conference room, were those which are well known under the title, doctrines of grace. And it is believed that not one of the late subjects of the work can be found,' Is who would not cordially subscribe to God's absolute sovereignty, the total depravity of the natural heart, the agency of the Holy Spirit in regeneration, personal election, the underived divinity of Christ, and the final perseverance sof the saints. The language of one and all is-"I care not how much I am abased, if Christ be but exalted." I cannot persuade myself to close this narration, without inculcating on all who may read it, the importance of imparting religious instruction to youth. The blessing which God has been pleased to bestow on such instruction in our schools has been wonderful; and to his Great Name be all the glory. The connexion between the means and their sanctification has been strikingly visible. I will give one instance among many. The question given out was, "When is the most proper, and perhaps the only time to begin a life of religion?" In searching for the answer, the scholars observed, the Scriptures every where spoke of this season only in the present tense. "Now is the ac cepted time," &c. "To day if ye will hear his voice," &c.; and that they could find no promise of tomorrow. This circumstance alarmed several; and under God was the beginning of that conviction which led to a saving repentance. Are not these things sufficient encouragement to induce all instructors. of youth to seize every favorable opportunity to instil into the minds of their pupils the fundamental principles of our holy religion? And will not parents feel the importance of selecting pious instructors for their children? those who are no strangers themselves to the teachings of the Holy Spirit? Surely the above account proves the importance of such qualifications in teachers, beyond a doubt. May God add his blessing to this humble attempt to publish his unspeakable goodness, and thus gain fresh honors to that glorious Name, which ere long will be revered by every tongue. PHINEHAS COOKE. Acworth, Oct. 9, 1817. DONATIONS TO THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. OCT. 1. From the Female Foreign Mission Society of Fairfield, (Con.) by From the Society in Cummington for promoting Christian Knowledge, by From an association of Females in New Haven, (Con.) the avails of their industry, by Miss W. A. Daggett, 2. From a young lady in Salem, by the Rev. Dr. Worcester, From the Newell Society in the north parish of Bridgewater, by Mrs. Charity From the Female Cent Society in Wardsboro', (Ver.) by Mr. Jonathan From the Plympton Branch of the Heathen's Friend Society, by Mrs. Mary 61 86 21 31 22 22. 560 1 25 1.00 Carried forward, $155 87 From friends of missions in Marcellus, (N. Y.) by the Rev. Levi Parsons, 2 From Mrs. Adams, of Charlestown, From subscribers in Wilton, (N. H.) by Mr. Jonathan Haskel, Brought forward, $155 87 From the Female Cent Society in Danby, (N. Y.) by Mrs. Jerusha Parker, From a lady in Hopkinton, (N. H.) 18. From a female friend in Medfield, by Mr. Artemas Woodward, From the Female Cent Society at St. Albans, (Ver.) by Mrs. Jemima Hoyt, From a lady in Hadley, by the Rev. Dr. Lyman, 22. From the Female Missionary Society of Carlisle, (N. Y.) by Mr. Cornelius Marshall, 11 S6 1.00 5 00 23 71 10 00 5.00 44 87 25 00 From the Female Foreign Mission Society in Cornish, (N. H.) by Mrs. Rowell, 11 75 23. From the Newell Society in North Woodstock, (Con,) by Miss Henrietta May, Treasurer, forwarded by Mr. James Porter, From the society of the Rev. Mr. Woodward, of Norwich, (Ver.) by Mr. 24. From the Female Reading Society, Walnut Hill, (Maine,) by Miss Lucy Loring, Treasurer, & 51 7 50 27. From the Walton Female Society for promoting foreign missions of 21 58 85 50 From the Beneficent Society of young ladies in Newburyport, by Miss Mary 21 61 28. From the Female Cent Society of Windsor, (Mass.) by Mrs. M. Dorrance, Treasurer, 29 75 From subscribers in Hillsborough, (N. H.) remitted by Mr. George Dascome, by the hand of Mr. Jonathan Gove, From the Heathen's Friend Society in Rochester, by Miss Hope Haskel, 9 00 7. 00 30. From a friend in Hubbardston, by Mr. S. T. Armstrong, From Elnathan Strong, Esq. of Hardwick, (Ver.) From collections at the monthly concert of prayer, in Hardwick, Greensboro' From the Female Cent Society in Vernon, (N. ¥.) remitted to the Rev. Dr. From several ladies of Providence, (R. 1.) by Mr. Abner Morse, From the Female Cent Society of Bridport, (Ver.) by the Rev. Dr. Davis, From individuals in Sunbury, (Georgia,) by the Rev. Wm. M'Whir, remitted to the Rev. Dr. Porter, From the Female Charitable Society in South Salem, (N. Y.) From Josiah Gilbert, S6. From Miss Mary Gilbert $2, Froin Thomas Mead, From the Auxiliary Juvenile Society of Troy, (N. Y.) by L. Coming, Treasurer, remitted to Messrs. Dodge and Sayre, 5.00 5.00 9 31 28.00 7:00 1575 100 00 7.00 8.00 5 00 $5.00 $738 69 SCHOOL FUND. Oct. 1. From female members of the Rev. Dr. Morse's church, for the edu $21 90 23.00 $17 28 From the Young Men's Society in the same town for the same object, by John Chase, jun. From the Heathen School Society in Cummington, by Mr. Amos Cobb, Treas arer, 2. From children in the North parish of Bridgewater, by the Rev. Daniel Huntington, From the same, their own earnings, From a friend in Salem, for a child to be educated in the families of Messrs. 1 24 1 50---2 74 13.00 51 80 Carried forward $138 61 From a Society in the second parish of Reading, for the support of sehools among the heathen, by Daniel Chute, Esq. Brought forward $138 61 100 From the children of the Rev. J. P. Fisher of Boothbay, (Me.) for educating children in India, 14. From subscribers in Lyndeborough, (N. H.) by the Rev. Nathaniel From Romeo Hoyt, a child at St. Albans, (Ver.) for a child to be named 22. From the Female Association in Cornish, (N. H.) by Miss Betsey Cum- ́ From the Female Charitable Society of Windsor, (Ver.) for educating heathen 25. From the School Fund Society in New Bedford, by Miss Agnes Ayres, From a charity-box in Windsor, From several children in Byfield, by the Rev. Dr. Parish, 15 01 15.00 10 76 26 23 15.00 26 40 225 2 12 30 00 for a child to be educated in the family of the American missionaries, to be named WARREN FAY, out of respect to their pastor, 50. From the Female Society in South Salem, (N. Y.) From Mrs. Molly Mead, 28 55 13 25 By the Rev. Elias Cornelius between July 28, and Sept. 15, for the missions and schools among the Cherokees, the following sums, viz. From contributions in Montgomery Court-house, (Md.) From do. in the Presbyterian church in Leesburgh, (Va.) From Young Ladies society for educating heathen youth, From contributions in the Presbyterian church in Winchester, From contributions in the Presbyterian church in Tinkling Spring, From Mr. Williamson and others, From Hon. Jacob Sworpe, From contributions in the Presbyterian church in Bethel, From do. in Timber-Ridge church, From do. in the Presbyterian church in New Providence, From do. in the Presbyterian church in Lexington, From do. in the Presbyterian church in Fincastle, From do. in High Ridge Presbyterian church, From do. in Salem, From do, in the Presbyterian Society near Fort Chissel, From do. in the Presbyterian church in Knoxville, (Ten) From the following individuals in Knoxville, viz. Rev. D. A. Sherman, Dr. J. C. Strong, Mr. C. Morgan $10; Mr. J. Park 10; R. Morgan $10; J. Campbell $10; D. Reller $10; J. Crosier $10; Mrs. Humes $5; Miss M. R Cowan $5, Mr. J. Craighead $5; D. Bell $5, Dr. King $5; Rev. T. H. Nelson $5, A friend $5; Mr. Fryar $3, Mr. Sutherland $3; Mrs. E. Formwolt $3, Other individuals, From contributions in Marysville, 10.00 10 00 8.00 6.00 368 50.00 6 40 From do. in the Shunem congregation, Avails of jewelry sold at Knoxville, which had been contributed in the northern states principally for the heathen in India, 70 00-$733 81 By the Rev. Ard Hoyt, for missions and schools among the Cherokee Indians, as follows; viz. Collected on his tour to Philadelphia, in May last, Collections in Wilkesbarre and the Vicinity, Do. on the way to Harrisburgh, Do., at Harrisburgh, Total donations received in October, $3,417 27. 14.00 86 39 44 75 96 38 98 50 104 81-1,618 66 $2,678 65 N. B. When no name of a state is mentioned, it will be understood that the place is in Massachusetts Proper. JOURNAL OF THE BOMBAY MISSION, CONTINUED FROM P. 474. AUGUST 31, 1816.-Yesterday and to-day the heathen have been engaged in one of their annual religious ceremonies. It is the worship of Gauri, one of the names of Parvate, or Luxumme, the goddess of wealth, and mother of Gunputtee. An image of the goddess is fitted up, clothed, ornamented, decked with flowers, and set in an armed chair, in such families as are able to have one, and the poorest people are obliged to accommodate their goddess with a piece of board, or a basket. Yesterday the image was made ready in their houses; and in the afternoon and evening there was, particularly among the lower sorts of people, abundance of music and dancing; males and females engaging in an indecent manner, and all accompanied with many instances of intoxication. This evening the images were carried in procession, with music and dancing, to the sea shore, and a great multitude of them being seated upon the beach, the people, with redoubled violence, by music, singing and dancing, performed their closing worship of the goddess. The processions were for a long time coming and going; and each company, after worshipping their image for the last time, stripped it of every thing which was of any value, and threw the remainder into the sea. Thus closed a childish, absurd, degrading ceremony, which the deluded multitude believe to be pleasing to the Deity, and surely conducive to their temporal happiness. O that the day-spring from on high might visit them, and give them light, and guide their feet into the way of peace. Sept. 3d. The Brahmin brought a farewell note from Mr. W., who was on the point of embarking for Calcutta. We had hoped to make some further inquiries of him about Persia; but he leaves sooner than we expected. In addition to what has before been inserted, we have learnt from him the following particulars. In Persia there are at present eight principalities: Eight of the king's sons are governors in these principalities. But he has a much greater number of sons. Tehraun is at present the royal residence, and the seat of government. Fabriez is the capital of the first principality, and the residence of the Prince Regent, who is an enterprising man. He sent to England for a printing press, which may prove a powerful engine in enlightening Persia. He is disciplining a large force, and will probably succeed to the throne. Hermanshaw is the second principality, and the Prince, (in whose employ was Mr. W.) is elder brother of the Prince Regent; but the former is the king's son by a concubine, and the latter by a lawful wife. Mr. W. thinks that a spirit of general improvement is increasing in Persia. He said a prime minister lately inquired of an English officer, what would be the expense of translating the British Encyclopedia into Persian? |