was detected as an impostor, and went off, leaving behind him most of the money which he had collected here, and at other places in his progress through Virginia. His real name is Letters of inqui ry have been forwarded to St. Louis, the answers to which affirm that no such society exists there, nor the name of or- known. On a consultation of a committee of the different congregations in this town relative to the appropriation of the money, it was unanimously agreed that it should be transmitted by us to the bible society in Philadelphia, directing the society to disperse the bibles which the above sum may procure, among the frontier settlements. Please to acknow. ledge the receipt of this, and direct it to the secretary of the committee, Thomas Vowell, Esq. president of the bank of Potomac. With best wishes for the success of the society, we remain, sir, very respectfully, yours obediently, FRANCIS BARCLAY, Rector of the P. E. church. WILLIAM L. GIBSON, Rector of St. Paul's E. church. "Whereupon, resolved 1. That the board accept the sum of money specified in the above Jetter, and order that bibles to its full amount be purchased, and forwarded for distribution among the frontier settlements." [In several other resolutions thanks were returned to the writers of the letter, and arrangements made for collecting information, relative to those parts of the frontiers where bibles were most needed.-After which] "The corresponding secretary produced and read a letter, dated October 5th, 1810, from an anonymous writer, requesting that the society would, if practicable, forward some bibles to St. Genevieve, on the western bank of the Missisippi, below the Missouri; and containing other matters respecting the propagation of the gospel in this quarter, not within the general powers of the bible society. The good sense and spirit of piety and philanthropy apparent in this letter, together with a consideration of the singular occurrence that the sum of 546 dollars and 31 cents, this night received by the managers from Alexandria, was collected under the pretence of promoting the cause of religion in this very quarter, induced the adoption of the following resolution "Resolved, That 200 English bibles, and 50 French new testaments, be sent forward to the care of Dr. Aaron Elliott, of St. Genevieve, for the purpose of being distributed among proper objects.” Thus it appears that an impostor collected, and afterwards strangely relinquished a considerable sum of money, which was appropriated to the purchase of bibles for the frontiers of our country; that the very evening on which this money was received, an unknown correspondent stated satisfactory facts and reasons to show that the very region from which the impostor pretended to have come, was that to which bibles needed immediately to be sent; and though it does not appear on the minutes, it was communicated to the society, that two gentlemen, (one of whom is mentioned in the last resolution,) who were known to the secretary, and well qualified and circumstanced to distribute bibles in that uncultivated region, would cheerfully take charge of the concern. Leav ing these facts to originate such reflections as, without comment, they may seem calculated to suggest, we think proper to state, in this connexion, that in another instance events which at first appeared unto ward, were overruled to promote the views of the society. One of the managers was directed to write to Germany for a certain number of copies of the bible, in the German language. He did so, but the order was detained on its passage till it was believed to be lost; then a se cond, and a third order, intended as copies of the first, were given; which were long in getting to the place of their destination. Ultimately, however, all the orders were received, and each was supposed to de mand a separate answer. Accordingly three times the number of bibles expected were sent, and all were delivered in this city, at the same time. Then it was discovered that the demand for the whole of these bibles was exceedingly urgent; so that though the funds of the society did not admit of paying for more than the third originally ordered, yet the others were readily purchased, and furnished a most seasonable supply to those who could not otherwise have obtained them. The managers would not do justice to their own feelings, nor, they are persuaded, to the expectations of the society, should they close their report without communicating some information relative to the British and Foreign bible society, to which the numerous institutions of a simi lar nature which seem to be spreading over the face of Christendom, look up, as to a common parent. By the last report of that wonderful institution, it appears, that its operations are continued with unabated, if not with increased effect. They have not only obtained the printing of the holy scriptures in almost every language and dialect of modern Europe, but they have caused an astonishing number of copies to be distributed among every description of persons who needed them; not omitting in their distributions the most inveterate of their enemies, civil or religious. At the same time they have aided with their funds every institution for multiplying or circulating the scriptures, which appeared to need assistance. It is stated in their report of May last, that they were then patronizing an Arabic translation of the bible; that they were taking measures for printing an edition of the new testament in modern Greek, and one also in the Irish language; that they were carrying on inquiries for the purpose of effecting a translation of the whole scrip. tures into the Cyngalese and Tamul languages, for the island of Ceylon, that they have printed a version of the gospel of John, and have agreed also to print the gospel of Luke, in the Esquimaux tongue, for the use of the missionaries and their converts among that barbarous people. They likewise afford a very powerful and liberal patronage to the translations of the bible which are now making, by various religious denominations, into all the chief languages of India, or rather of Asia. They have given two thousand pounds sterling to the translators of the baptist missionary establishment at Serampore. In a word, the mighty efforts of this society appear to be employed in no less an enterprise than that of presenting the holy scriptures, in their native tongue, to every people under heaven; and the fairest prospect exists, not only of their ultimate, but of their speedy success. The annual meeting of this parent society is held on this day, and it is a pleasing and animating consideration, that in our humble sphere, our exertions are united with theirs to extend the empire of our Redeemer; an empire infinitely more glorious and durable than any which is acquired by arms and cemented with blood; an empire which the knowledge and influence of the precious truth contained in the holy scriptures is eventually to extend, till it embrace in its peaceful bosom all the empires of the world, and Jesus Christ become king of nations as he is king of saints. "Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty : And in thy majesty ride prosperously, because of truth, and meekness, and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things." WE rejoice that the Churches of our Lord begin to be awake on the subject' of disciplining baptized children. We hope that their attention to these objects of their care will increase, till some system shall be universally adopted, calculated to answer with the high responsibility of Christians, and the urgent necessity of their baptized children. Address of the Presbytery of Jersey, to the Churches under their care, on the subject of exercising a proper pastorat care over baptized children. DEAR RRETHREN, THAT baptized children are members of the visible Church of Christ, and under its pastoral care; and that the church is in duty bound to exercise a pastoral care over them, are principles taught in the word of God, and recognized in the constitution of our church. In Forms of Process, Chap. 1. Sect. 1. we read—“ Inasmuch as all baptized persons are members of the church, they are under its care, and subject to its government and discipline; and when they have arrived at the years of discretion, they are bound to perform all the duties of church-members;" and in the Directory for the worship of God, Chap. 9. Sect. 1. we find written," children born within the pale of the visible church, and dedicated to God in baptism, are under: the inspection and government of the church, and are to be taught." Hence it is clearly an acknowledged principle in our church, that baptized children are under its instructions and subject to its discipline. And undoubtedly one great end which the great Head of the Church had in view in appointing, that the seal of the covenant should be applied to children was, that they might, for their good, become the subjects of the instructions, watch, and discipline of the church. But, dear brethren, we have great reason to lament the abuse of infant baptism, and the neglect of baptized children in our churches. This solemn ordinance has been considered by many as a mere unmeaning form. Many parents have brought their children to this ordinance, without considering or knowing its nature and uses: and have lived in the violation of the most so Jemn engagements. Many parents who have claimed and received this im portant privilege for their children, have, notwithstanding, scarcely felt themselves or their children, to be connected with, or responsible to the church. Many baptized children themselves, when they have grown to years of discretion, have scarcely felt or known that they had any connexion with the church, or were any more subject to its inspection and government, or bound to perform the duties of church-members, than those who had never received the seal of God's gracious covenant. And the church itself has been criminally negligent of its duty to exercise a due pastoral care over its baptized members. The consequences of this state of things have been truly lamentable. The great ends of infant baptism have been in a considerable degree defeated. This sacred and important institution has been by many undervalued, and by some denied, because they could not see its advantages. Many baptized children have grown up in ignorance and vice, when, by a proper pastoral care, they might have been instructed and restrained. Civil society has not received that benefit from the church which it might have done. The interests of religion have suffered, and many immortal souls, we have reason to fear, have through neglect perished. These evils, many ministers and pious people of our church have long seen and deplored. At length this subject was brought before the General Assembly at their sessions in May, 1809. The Assembly, convinced that it was their duty to attempt a reformation in their churches on this subject, did, after mature deliberation, adopt the following resolution : "Whereas the book of discipline states, that children born within the pale of the visible church, and dedicated to God in baptism, are under the inspection and government of the church, and specifies various important particulars, in which that inspection and government should be exercised; es also directs the mode in which they shall be treated, if they do not perform the duties of church-members; and whereas there is reason to apprehend, that many of our congregations neglect to catechise the children that have been admitted to the sealing ordinance of baptism, and do not exercise suităble discipline over them; therefore, "Resolved, That the different Presbyteries within our bounds, are hereby directed to inquire of the different Sessions, whether a proper pastoral care be exercised over baptized children in their congregations, and that said Presbyteries do direct all Sessions that are delinquent in this respect, to attend to it carefully and without delay." Agreeably to the above resolution of the Assembly, this Presbytery did, a short time since, resolve to inquire aunually, of the different church-sessions, within their bounds, whether they exercised a proper pastoral care over their baptized children, and, on inquiry, finding that this business was too much neglected in most of the churches, did enjoin upon Sessions, delinquent in this respect, to pay more careful attention to it in future. The motives, dear brethren, which have governed the Presbytery in call. ing your attention to this subject, are, that both the word of God, and the constitution of the Presbyterian church, clearly make it the duty of church. es to exercise a pastoral care over their baptized members-and that the good of the church and of civil society, and the best interests of the rising generation require it. And with such weighty motives recommending the object in view, may we not confidently look for the cheerful concurrence of our churches? To the Ministers and Ruling Elders, composing the Sessions, our constitution commits the immediate spiritual government of the particular churches ¦ with which you are connected. Your charge is great and important. ́ On your diligence and faithfulness, in a great measure, depends the prosperity of the churches. Be exhorted to faithfulness, feed and take care of the lambs of Christ's flock. Be not slothful; but diligent in the discharge of your duty towards them, Often bear them on your hearts at the throne of grace. Sue that they are frequently catechised. Watch over parents who have dedicated their children, and see that they perform their duty. Take opportunities frequently to see the children of the church in their own families, and to administer suitable instruction to them. Follow those who are going astray, and endeavour with all tenderness to restore them, and prevent their wandering. When necessary, with prudence and patience, reprove and rebuke. Dear brethren, we pray that the great Head of the Church may be with you, strengthen you in the performance of your duty, and follow your exertions for the promotion of his kingdom with his blessing; and we trust that you will be encouraged and supported by the prayers of all the pious among you. Parents, who have dedicated your children to God, in the ordinance of baptism, permit us to remind you of your duty. Cheerfully submit your children to the instruction, the watch, and discipline of the church. By offering them for baptism, you have engaged to do this; for such engagement is implied in the very act of offering them; and by refusing to submit them to the care of the church, you would deprive your children of a very important privilege, and defeat one great end of their baptism. Be careful to bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. You have vowed unto the Lord to do this. Be careful to pray with them and for them. Diligently teach them the principles of religion; restrain them from vicious practices; and set an example of piety before them. To this you are urged, by your solemn vows when you offered them, by a regard to your own welfare; for great is the guilt of unfaithful parents; by the interest of your dear children; for while, unfaithfulness in the parent may issue in the eternal ruin of the child, God has given much encouragement to parental fidelity; and by a regard to the prosperity of the church, which much depends on the manner in which the rising generation is educated. May the Lord deeply impress upon your minds a sense of your duty to your children -excite you to the faithful performance of it-and add his blessing, by pouring out his Spirit upon your seed, and making them the subjects of his special and saving grace. Baptized children, we affectionately exhort you to consider your peculiar privileges and duties. Remember that the seal of the covenant has been put upon you, that you have been solemnly dedicated by your parents to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and that you bear a relation to the visible church of Christ. You have hereby become the subjects of peculiar privileges. Your parents are under vows for your religious education, and we hope they do and will fulfil these vows. You make a part of the church, for which prayers are continually offered up. The particular church, with which you are connected, is bound to see that you are instructed, and to watch over you with parental care and solicitude. Much is given to you, and much will be required of you. And if you should perish after all these advantages, peculiarly dreadful will be your doom. Improve, therefore, we beseech you, your privileges. Carefully submit to the pious advice, instruction, and government of your parents and the church. Feel that these are privilegesprofit by them-know the God of your Fathers-avouch Him to be your God-abstain from the ways of sin— and remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Finally, brethren, farewell. May the Lord make you all faithful in your several stations and relations; may he in answer to your faithfulness, as we have great reason to hope he will, pour out his Spirit upon your seed, and his blessing upon your offspring; cause them to spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses-and make Zion to look forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Signed by order of the Presbytery, SAMUEL WHELPLEY, Moderator. STEPHEN THOMPSON, Clerk. Orange, April 25, 1811. |