Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

"A supply of English Bibles, PrayerBooks, and any other useful books, would be of the greatest benefit to us."

Appendix, No. 2, is taken from the ChristianObserver.vol.1.p. 329. Appendix No. 4, contains thoughts concerning a mission to Astracan, by the Rev. Henry Brunton, who, as appears from the next article in the appendix, has to a considerable degree, succeeded in carrying into execution his own suggestions. The account of his success is contained in a letter from that gentleman, dated Corass, Beshasaw, near Geotghieusk, January 27, 1803; an abstract of which may not be unacceptable to our readers.

"I have met with a degree of prosperity in my undertaking, that makes me afraid. Providence has enabled me to do more than ever I meditated. We have fixed ourselves in a village which separates the Tartars from the Cabordians, who inhabit a great part of Caucasus. Most of these are Mahometans; but they have been lately converted, and, on that accourt, are considered to be less tenacious of their religion than the Tartars.

"The place in which we have settled, is on the frontier of the Russian empire; but properly in the Circassian country.

"We do not conceive that we are in much danger, as the people behave to us in a fricudly way. The place is healthy. I never had better health anywhere.

"My plan for attempting the conver sion of the Tartars and other nations, situated between Europe and India, has always been to form an academy for educating youths, a somt central situation where protection might be found; that those of them who should appear most pious, sensible, and zealous, might go into their native countries and preach the Gospel. I proposed to ransom them for this purpose, as I dreaded lest those who are free could not be procured.

"I have already informed you of my being introduced to a nobleman, to whom I owe much, who is one of the Emperor's principal ministers. To him I endeavoured to explain the plan that I had meditated, and to show him, that the conversion of the Turtars to Christianity, would be highly favourable to their condition; as it would lead them to cultivate the soil, and form among themselves such relasions and institutions as bind civilized so

ciety; for, in my opinion, their wanderè ring life and Christianity, are totally in consistent with each other. I never heard of a wanderiag Christian nation.

"This benevolent and obliging nobleman was too sagations not to discern this. He explained our object to the Emperor, who allowed him to give us an open let

ter to governors, &c. &c. &c. requiring them to afford us protection and assistance and promised to further any plan for promoting our object.

"We accordingly travelled by the way of Moscow, Sarepta, Astracan, &c. &c. above 3000 versts; and at last fixed on the place where we now are. It is within a few days journey of Persia and Bokkaria, and within 50 miles of Turkey.

"After proceeding thus far, I thought it adviseable to write to the nobleman who had been so obliging, to see whether it might be possible for us to obtain the privileges that we conceived to be neces sary for the exccution of our plan. Without liberty to ransom the slaves of the people around us (particularly those of them who might become Christians) and land for those to settle on who might embrace our opinions, and security for them against the outrages of their bigotted countrymen, I saw no way in which we could hope for success.

"I ventured therefore to propose seve ral articles, to which I wished to procure the sanction of the Emperor, and which I conceived to be sufficient to lay a foundation for the liberty and safety of all who might embrace the Gospel within goo versts of us. To all which the Emperor has agreed, and has ordered land to be given us when we may want it.

"It is impossible to express how much we are obliged to the Russians.

"Although I doubt not the Society for Missions to Africa and the East have already sufficient engagements, yet may I not venture to ask, Whether they might not ransom a few Tartar youths? Should any of them prove pious, they might afterwards do much in propagating the gos pel. I humbly conceive that I could teach them any language that you would wish them to be taught. I should take care especially to teach them the Persian lauguage. You cannot conceive the respect and attention that a Tartar or Cir. cassian would meet with, who understood the Arabic, Turkish, Persian, and Tartas languages well. Should I die, there would be others of my associates to take care of them."

MISSIONARY COLLECTIONS.

£. s. d.

a

24 O

Paisley Branch of the London Mission. Society, by W. Carlile 40
The Glasgow Committee of ditto, by Mr. McKenzie
Collection at Fordham, by Rev. Mr. Harris, received May 23d 9 12

HOME INTELLIGENCE.

EDINBURGH.

Sept. 8th. 1803. The Associate Synod (or General Assembly of Burgher Seceders) met at Edinburgh, and agreed that the following Address should be read from the Pulpit by all the Ministers under their inspection, on the third or fourth Sabbath of September: which was done accordingly.

Dearly beloved Brethren,

IN the course of divine Providence, these kingdoms are again involved in the calamities of war, and are contending for their existence against that ambitious and overgrown power which has subdued or humbled the other nations of Europe. We deem it fit, in the exercise of our pastoral care, to call on you to consider seriously the important duties, which you are re. quired by this awful dispensation to perforin. Under this impression, we have resolved to embrace an early opportunity of assembling with our several congregations, to humble ourselves before God, to supplicate his mercy, to deprecate impending judgments, and to be seech him, that he would speedily turn war into peace to the ends of the earth.

Brethren, our enemy, while he is practised in all the arts of cruelty and deceit, is daring in enterprise, brave and skilful in war; and the iron despotism of his government favours him in the secrecy of his designs, and the suddenness of their execution. Envious of our pros. perity, and regarding us with malignant jealousy, as the chief obstacle to his scheme of aggrandisement and dominion, he comes to overthrow our constitution, to destroy our commerce, to plunder our wealth, and to reduce us to a state of abject dependence on his imperious will. In the ruin of our civil privileges, our religion, which is dearer to us than them all, would be involved; for tlus man, by turns an Infidel, a Mahometan, and a

Roman Catholic, has avowed, in the face of the sun, his contempt for all religion, and wishes to es tablish an uncontrouled jurisdiction over the consciences, as well as the bodies of men.

To provide for those of his own household, and by consequence to defend them, is a duty which our religion enjoins upon every man who professes it. A nation is a society of families, united for mutual security and comfort. It is, therefore, not less incumbent upon us as Christians than as men, to join together for the detence of our coun try, and of those manifold privileges, civil and religious, which a free constitution has transmitted through past generations, in a degree of unrivalled excellence.

Bre

The country, which is now in danger, is endeared to us as the land of our nativity, and the depository of the ashes of our fathers and our kindred. It is hallowed by the or dinances of our God, and is become venerable in our eyes, as the place in which we have received spiritual blessings, the earnest and foretaste of the happiness of Heaven. thren, could you endure to behold such a country invaded and laid desolate by the insulting foe, whilst you possess the means of repelling the aggression? As Dissenters, you enjoy the most valuable privi leges, under the mild and equitable law of toleration. And are you not ready to testify your gratitude, by contributing to the defence of that excellent government, by which they are secured? It is known to many of you, that your fathers in the secession-church distinguished themselves, in a former national struggle, by their loyalty and their courage; and we trust that you will convince the world, that you are worthy to inherit their name, and to occupy their post of honour.

We exhort and beseech you to stand fast in the evil day; to acquit yourselves like men, and to be strong. Expect not, that in an swer to your prayers for protection

earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters there. of roar, and be troubled; though the mountains shake with the swell. ing thereof. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, the shall not be moved; God shall help her, and that right early."

Signed by our appointment, in our name and our presence, by DONALD FRASER, Moderator,

and deliverance, miracles will be wrought-it is your duty, in humble dependence on the Almighty, to employ the human means of de. fence with which you are provided, and to look for his blessing on your vigorous exertions. And never were men called upon to think more seriously on the deep stake which depends on the issue of the contest. We must shield from destruction that venerable fabric which our fathers framed by their wisdom, and cemented with their blood. We must even struggle for our exist ence as a nation, and as individuals against a foe, whose progress has AUG. 3. been hitherto marked with murder tist Church was formed at Luton, A new particular Bap and desolation. Interest, Patriotism, Bedfordshire, by thirty-nine who Religion, command us to resist, even have withdrawn from the old con unto blood, in this mighty conflict. gregation of that denomination in Are you resolved to obey this the same place. On the 9th a command? Let the fear of God, and confidence in his protection, three public services. Mr. Sleap new meeting-house was opened by give solemnity to this resolution. of Chesham, preached from Exod. Life is not to be exposed, nor assaulted, with light or frivolous from Ps. cxxii. 7.; and Mr. Hunt XX. 24.; Mr. Button, of London, feelings. In every age, the most devout men have been the bravest (from Ridgemont) delivered a lec soldiers; and still, the people of St Alban'; Illidge, of London; ture in the evening: Messrs Harris, that know their God will be strong, Grocer, of Watford; and Finney, and do exploits." The faith of the gospel, and the hope of in-gaged in prayer and other parts of (of the Westlean connexion)`enmortality, will inspire you with invincible courage, and prepare you for the worst. Then, "if you live, you will live unto the Lord; if you die, you will die unto the Lord; and, whether living or dying, you will be the Lord's."

Finally, Brethren, let us trust in the Lord our God, and continue incessant in prayer. His perfections and his promises assure us of what he is able and willing to do for those who rely on his mercy and his power; and the frequent interpositions of his providence, in behalf of our country, encourage us to hope, that he will yet stretch out his arm for our salvation. "Our fathers trusted in God; they trusted, and he did deliver them. They cried unto him, and were delivered: they trusted in him, and were not confounded." Let their children say," God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble; therefore will not we fear, tho' the

the service.

THE Sixth annual meeting of the Evangelical Society for spreading the gospel by an itinerant ministry in the villages of the four northern counties, was held at Reeth, August 9th-11th. On the evening of the 9th, Mr. Graham preached from Heb. vi. 18.; and Mr. Carnson, from Psalm x1, 2, and concluded. Aug. 10, in the morning, Mr. Ruston preached from Rev. ii. 29.; and in the evening. Mr. Kay from Isai. liii. 1.; and Mr. C. Whitfield from Luke xv. 7.

The members of this Society met in Mr. Cook's vestry, Aug. 1o; when Mr. Graham was requested to continue his labours four months longer in the same places, with liberty to settle a congregational church in a central situation. The next meeting to be at Kendal, the second Wednesday in Aug. 1804; Mr. Hill and Mr. Berry to preach,

SEPT. 2. A large room was opened for preaching the gospel, at Bishopstone, near Salisbury, which had been fitted up at the expence of a private gentleman. Mr. Roberts (from Mr. Saffery's church) preached from Ps. Ixxiv. 22. The service was well attended, though the gospel has been very lately introduced into this dark village.

was exe

soon

Saturday, Sept. 3, cuted at Carlisle, Hatfield, the notorious impostor and swindler. He was born at Mertram, in Cheshire, in the year 1759. He married a lady of good family; but squandered away her fortune, and left her, with three children, to depend on the precarious charity of her relations. He afterwards travelled in Ireland and America. In 1792 he figured away in Scarboro' pretending to great connections; but was arrested for debt, and confined eight years; when a lady (his former wife being dead) took him from prison, and gave him her hand in marriage.

After this, he entered into partnership with some merchants, got a clergyman to accept his drafts, to a great amount, and made a splendid appearance in London; he even proceeded to canvas the borough of Queenbo. rough as a candidate, previous to the last general election. Being obliged to retire from the indig nation of his creditors, he soon after appeared under the assumed name of Colonel Hope, in the north of England, where he married Mary of Buttermere. He was, however, soon suspected, and once

more

obliged to decamp; but at length

was apprehended, tried for forgery, and has made the forfeit of his life to the justice of his country..

We cannot observe the abuse of talent and address for such infamous purposes without a sigh, lamenting the prostitution of abilities, which, under the direction of grace, might have rendered the possessor respectable and useful. His awful end, however, like that of similar adventurers, should deter young men of spirit and enterprize from those temporary deceptions, which may dazzle and succeed for a short

season, but generally terminate in disgrace and death.

:

SEPT. 6th.. The Independent mię nisters of Glou estershire, and others, met in association at Uley. A double lecture was preached in the morning, Mr. Hyatt, of Frome, from Isa. vi. 13.; and Mr. Lowell, of Bristol, from Rev. ii. 17. The afternoon was employed in settling the business of the association and mission and particularly of the Independent Benevolent Society, which has now in the funds about 3zol. for the aid of the widows and or. phans of ministers. An evening lecture was preached by Mr Browning, Sabine, minister of the place, closed of Bristol, from Rom. v. 8.; Mr. the services of the day in prayer. at Tewksbury, in the spring of 1804. The next association will be holden

[ocr errors]

SEPT. 7th, was opened a meeting-house at West Cowes, in the Isle of Wight; Mr. Davies (a student at Gosport) introduced the service in the morning by prayer and reading; Mr. Winter, of New. Fareham, preached; Mr. Hopkins port, also prayed; Mr. Cox, of concluded.

The

The evening service mington; Mr. R. Adams, of Winwas begun by Mr. Murrell, of LyRomsey, preached; Mr. Frey (a chester, prayed; Mr. Bennet, of converted Jew) concluded. prospects in this place are very ennumbers to hear the gospel. Mr. couraging; people flock in great Styles, who, under God, was the means of introducing a stated .mi

nistry here, has engaged to labour
constantly in this
this congregation.

SEPT. 8. Mr. D. Trotman, late a student at Bristol, was ordained pastor of the Baptist church at Tewksbury, in Gloucestershire. Mr. H. Williams, of Cheltenham, began the service, with reading and prayer; Mr. L.' Butterworth, delivered the discourse, and after Mr. Trotman's confession of faith, prayed the ordination prayer; Dr. Ryland gave the charge from Eph. iv. 15.; Mr. Morgan, of Birmingham, preached to the people from Rom. xv. 29.; and Mr. Osborne, of Worcester, closed in prayer.

LONDON.

WHILE the dependence of Britons should rest alone on the Lord of Hosts, it is matter of thankful

66

ness that our means of defence are so ample. The regular force in our island is said to be not less than 100,000 men; the militia nearly the same number, and the volunteers full half a million: but, what is still better, we trust there are more than 100,000 praying Christians! and we are sure that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." The 19th ult. was cbserved by many congregations, both in town and country, as a day of prayer and humiliation. But this observance was certainly less general than it would have been, on account of government having a few days before this occurred, issued a proclamation for a general national fast to be observed the 19th instant, which we hope will be particularly attended to by serious Christians of every denomination.

By a late act of parliament, it is made a punishable offence to conceal the birth of a child. In consequence of this wise and salutary law, several women have already been convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment. Thus, while the cruel destroyers of their bastard offspring may escape the punishment of death, due to murder. ers; and which, through a studied secrecy, can seldom be brought home to them, the legislature has judiciously contrived that they may be put to shame, and that their im prisonment may operate as a warn ing against the same crimes in other

[blocks in formation]

on Tuesday the 5th of Sept. ap. pointed on the King's guard; bine being kept back by his officer, on that day and the next, on account of some little imperfections in his dress, he retired to his chamber, and shot himself with a horse-pistol. His head was nearly taken off; and a large fragment of his skull, driven through the window, was picked up in the street by a boy. Such is the pride and the sorrow of the world, which work death!

AUG. 23. Being exactly seven years since he first addressed that people, the Rev. W. Cooper preached to a considerable number of Jews and a very crowded auditory at Sion Chapel, from Isa. ix. 16. For the leaders of this people 'cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” After an introduction, calculated to engage their serious and candid attention, he shewed, that in many lamentable instances, this people had been fatally misled, and therefrom exhort. ed them to cease from man," and to search their own scriptures for themselves. He then endeavoured to shew them that their leaders still cause them to err, by exhibiting a concise but comprehensive sketch of the evidences for Christianity, and the divine authority of the New Testament; with distinct answers to the principal objections made to both, by Jews and infidels. In the close of the discourse, they were directed to look forward to a period when their nation will be converted, and the Jews brought into the Christian fold, together with the fulness of the Gentiles.

THE Congregation at Edmonton being considerably increased since the settlement of Mr. Fowler, the chapel has been enlarged, and was re-opened for public worship, Sept. 7th. In the morning a sermon was, preached by Mr. Griffin, of Portsea, from Isa ix. 7. ; and another in the evening, by Mr John Cooke, of Maidenhead, from Ps. cxviii. 25. The services of the day were opened by Mr. Williams, of Stepney; Messrs. Thomas, of Enfield; Gould and Collison engaged in prayer.

« AnteriorContinuar »