improved, inspire the soul with gratitude, and the lips with praise! In the perfections of God, the believing contemplative mind will perceive much to admire and adore. The holiness, power, wisdom, and equity of Jehovah are apparent in all his dealings with us. It is a favourable symptom of future comfort from any particular possession we hold, that it first excited prayer to obtain it, and then praise when it was granted. The prostitution of holy things, and of the sacred office of the ministry, is most aggravated in the sight of God. Though reproof for sin should always be accompanied by a desire of reforming the transgressor, get it should never, from false tenderness or delicacy, be neglected, especially by those whose office it attaches to, whether in families or In the church. When we refrain from those admonitions, which the depravity of others renders it our duty to administer, we bring guilt upon our own souls; and do but expose those whom we spare to accumulated misery, if not to everlasting perdition. Fidelity is always pleasing to God, and may be serviceable to men. It is the safest rule by which invariably to act; and will eventually secure us peace and Konour.' Since the first appearance of this Work, Mr. Samuel Burder, who was sometime since minister of an Independent Congregation at St. Albans, has been ordained in the Established Church, by the Bishop of Durham. Apostolical Directions, concerning Female Education : a Sermon preached at St. Thomas's Square, 6 MR. Palmer recommends the edu cation of females by the example of the Primitive Christians, referred to in his text, 1 Tim. v. 10, Well reported of for good works, if she have brought up children,' — whe ther her own, or orphans, and other destitute children. After some re marks on the peculiar care which the first Christians exercised over the rising generation, he proceeds to observe, that (1.) The bringing up of poor children, especially poor female children, is a good work and that (2.) This is a work pecu. liarly fitted to employ the femalė sex; and that they have a more special call to engage in it. This plain, practical discourse is well-suited to the benevolent occasion; and, we hope, will prove an inducement to pious Ladies in many other places to imitate those at Hackney. LITERARY NOTICES. Essays, addressed to the Jews, on the Authority, the Scope, and the Censummation of the Law and the Prophets, written at the Request of the Missionary Society, by the Rev. Greville Ewing, of Glasgow, are now in the press; and may be expected the beginning of May. A Sequel to the Antidote to the Miseries of Human Life; containing farther Intelligence respecting Mrs. Placid, &c. by the Author of Antidote, is in the press, as are also Dr. Collyer's Lectures on the Prophecies; and a new edition of Talents Improved. SELECT LIST OF RELIGIOUS The History of Dissenters. By Vols. Short Discourses, for Families. A naw edition, 2 vols. 8vo, 18s. 2 vols. 12mo, 193 Pious Remains of the late Rev. James Moody, of Warwick, 12mo, Bible Tracts, Numbers 1 and 2; gach Id. PUBLICATIONS. Twenty-one Lelters to a near Relative at School. By the Rev. J. Newton, 12mo, 2s. The Gate opened to Learning, Morals, and Religion; being a First Book for Children in Religious Schools and Families. An Essay on the Equity of Divine Governments. Ey E. Williams, D.D. 109. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. DEMARARA. We had the pleasure of presenting to our Readers, in the last Number, a Short Account of the Success with which it has pleased God to attend the Mission at Demarara. The following, Extract of a Letter from Mr. Wray, the Missionary there, will more fully exhibit the very pleasing prospect of affairs in that quarter; and afford, we doubt not, much delight to all who feel themselves interested in the concerns of the growing kingdom of Jesus Christ : — • Le Resouvenir, Demarara, Nov. 21, 1808. 'Dear Fathers and Brethren in Christ, "I DOUBT not you have often blessed God for his goodness manifested to me, since you heard of my arrival at this place; and that you are daily offering a petition to God in my behalf, and in the behalf of the sinful inhabitants of this country. I feel thankful to the great Head of the church that I am still enabled to gladden your hearts, by informing you, That the work of the Lord prospers; and that the dear Redeemer is seeing of the travail of his soul in the conversion of the poor negroes. I have reason to believe, that more than twenty are savingly acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ, and are rejoicing in that salvation which he has obtained for sinners. It may indeed be said of many here, That they receive the word gladly!' "You will be astonished to hear that more than two hundred have learnt Dr. Watts's First Catechism, and several some parts of the Assembly's; likewise some short prayers, the Ten Commandments, and other passages of Scripture; and, had I time and strength, I could teach as many more. Indeed, they are never tired of learning. Some spend their dinner-hour in this delightful exercise; and tell me it is much better than eating. They possess great reverence for the word of God; and it is wonderful how their minds are filled with a sense of his greatness, goodness, and holiness, of which à few months ago they knew nothing. A few days since, a manager informed me, That the negroes on his estate had a funeral; and after it was over, instead of meeting together to drum and dance, as formerly, about 30 assembled together to sing hymns and pray Our new church was opened Sept. 11. About 700 people assembled together on the solemn occasion. I preached to them from Luke xix. 9, This day is salvation come to this house. The number of whites was about 50. Such a scene as this was never before beheld in this country! Truly, the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God!' I have baptized four adults and several children belonging to Mr. Post's estate. Several other adults I wish much to baptize; but I do not know whether their masters will permit it or not: I have some hope that they will. I baptize none but those who appear to possess Repentance towards God, and Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and who have, for a considerable time, evidenced their sincerity by an upright walk and holy conversation. Indeed, none but such are received as candidates for baptism; and they are then instructed for several weeks in the principles of Christianity. I have written a little Catechism for them to learn; containing an Ao The count of the State of Man by Nature, his Recovery by Jesus Christ, The Work of the Spirit upon the Heart, The Necessity of seeking Divine Grace in those Means which God has appointed in his Church, Nature of Baptism, and The Obligations of baptized Persons; which, I trust, through the blessing of God, will be useful to them. You will rejoice to hear that the prejudices of the people are, in a great measure, done away; and, I trust, the enemies of the gospel will soon be come its friends. The white people, who attend preaching, and even some who have not yet been at the church, have subscribed near £200 towards the Missionary Cause; and several of the poor slaves have cast in their mite. There is a prospect of being permitted to instruct the slaves of another estate in the neighbourhood.. In We have reason to believe it will be under the management of a very serious man. that case, a congregation of 6 or 700 people will be obtained. without difficulty. If I have met with some very serious coloured and black people in town, whom the Lord has been pleased to call by his grace in the islands. They come almost every Sabbath to hear. There are five in one family, true lovers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Had I time to send you an extract of my Journal, you would form some idea of their character as Christians, from the conversation which I have had with them, but this I cannot de till you send another Missionary; for I have not one moment to spare. one be not on his way, I hope and trust you will send one as soon as this letter arrives. Do not say, We cannot spare one; for I am sure you would, if you only were to spend one Sabbath in Demarara, and see the people come eight miles each way to hear the gospel, and how desirous they are to learn the Catechism. We will be content with one, for two or three months, and then we will beg for more. Dear brethren, contemplate for a moment the many thousands that loudly cry by their misery, Come over and help us; come and teach us the way to Heaven. We have long been in darkness, and no man cared for our souls. Unless another person be sent, the work of the Lord must be neglected, and my own health impaired. Were another Missionary here now,. I could preach up the coast to a great number of people, once or twice every week, and catechize as many more on this plantation. You will easily conceive that teaching the people the Catechism is a. very laborious task, when I tell you that I have, in general, the answer to repeat near a hundred times before many of them are able to remember it, especially those who speak Dutch; and every time to explain it in the plainest manner. About 20 adults, who belong to Mr. Post, learn to read, and likewise a great number of children; but I have not liberty to teach those who come from other plantations. You will do me a great favour to send me some useful books to lend out; such as Baxter's Call, Doddridge's Rise and Progress, &c.; and a good many Tracts, such as Dr. Watts's Golden Rule, and On the Sabbath, I have met with a very serious man of the name of B———, a member of the Scots Church, who employs himself, as much as possible, in cate chizing the people on the estate where he lives. Pray for me, that I may be useful to my fellow creatures; that God would deliver me from all unreasonable men, and keep me from giving way to the temptations which daily surround me. I assure you, I have need, every moment, of Paul's promise and Joseph's resolution. The people in England are entirely unacquainted with the temptations of this country; but, I trust, the Lord will be with me, and give me grace and strength according to my day. I am,' &c. [Mr. Davies, another Missionary, was sent to Demarara, sometime ago; and it may be hoped, is already there. Two more are going shortlys. Bogether with the intended wives of Mr. Wray and Mr. Davies.] Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Dr. Vanderkemp, BETHELSDORP gradually flourishes more and more. It contains be tween 60 and 70 houses, each, upon an average, having 10 inhabitants, whose industry likewise increases; and the work of God's converting grace manifests itself from time to time among our people. Nor are we disturbed by hostile invasions. In short, the Institution has, after six years labour, attained such a degree of solidity, that it may be committed to the care of another Missionary, which will enable me to proceed in the work of the Lord, and to devote some subsequent days of my far advanced age to his service, among some other nation hitherto unacquainted with the way to everlasting happiness! The first object which presented itself to our view, as calling for our succour, is the long-neglected island of Madagascar: but before we undertake this voyage, we think it our duty to request permission of the Governor to make an excursion out of this colony, by land, in a north-easterly direction, leaving Kaffre-laud on our right hand, with a view to extend the chain of Missionary Settlements along the east coast of Africa; and, first, to attempt to establish a Mission among the Mathimbas (commonly called Tambookees) or, as an alternative, to proceed towards the north, to explore the nations which may be found near the meridian of Algoa Bay. Should the Governor decline our petition, we intend, by the first opportanity, to sail for Madagascar. As my three breihren, Read, Ulbricht, and Smith, wish to accompany me in this Mission, my first object is to pray to God to point out to the Directors a proper person to superintend the Institution at Bethelsdorp; and we earnestly request, that if such a one can he found, he may be immediately sent, accompanied by two or three associates, to take upon him that work during my absence, which may be for life, should our projected journey to Madagascar or to the Tambookees terminate in an established Mission. 'I have received a letter from a soldier of the 931 regiment, stationed at Stellenbosch, whom I knew by report as a young man of singular piety and of good parts, signifying his earnest desire to become a Missionary to the Heathen. He is leader of a society of pious soldiers, and an eminently zealous preacher, of good character, and one who enjoyed the privilege of a liberal education. Should you be inclined to accept him, when discharged, as a Missionary assistant, I should think it my privilege to be associated with him. 6 Could my dear Brother Read be prevailed upon to take the direction of Bethelsdorp, at least, till another brother, comm:ssioned by you, should arrive, I should be at liberty immediately to proceed on the work to which I think Providence calls me; and all my apprehe..sions for the safety of the people would be at an end.' The Directors, willing to comply with the Doctor's request, have agreed to send out Messrs. Wimmer and Pacalt (two German brethren, who have been about three years at Gosport) to assist in the work at Bethelsdorp; but accompanied with the expressions of their carnest desire that Mr. Read would continue, for the present, at that place, as they, with Dr. Vanderkemp, have the fullest confidence in his piety, prudence, and faithfulness. Ordination of Missionaries. On Thursday, January 26, SEVEN MISSIONARIES were ordained at Silver Street Chapel, London: Mr. Pritchett, Mr. Brain, and Mr. Hands for ne Birman country, and other paris of the east; Mr. Wimmer and Mr. Pacalt (originally from Germany) for Bethelsdorp, in South Africa; and Mr. Adam and Mr. Purkis for Demarara and the West Indies. Rev. Messrs. Greig, Burder, Platt, Hyatt, Buck, and Steinkopff, engaged in the solema service. May the prayers of our numerous roade.s succeed The those of the great congregation which assembled on that interesting occasion, that the blessing of God may protect the Missionaries to the several places of their destination, and open effectual doors for them among the Heathen! Since the last Annual Meeting, Nine brethren have been sent forth to different parts of the world; beside Three sisters, the wives of the Missionaries. The very considerable increase of expenditure, occasioned by the education, equipment, voyages, and salaries of so many persons, will, we confidently hope, call forth the energies of Christian generosity in aid of the funds of a Society, so actively and extensively employed in promoting the cause of our adorable Redeemer, AMERICA. We are exceedingly rejoiced to learn that a Bible Society has lately been commenced at Philadelphia; which, considering the state of commercial affairs in that country, does infinite honour to the piety and liberality of its members; and shews that God still builds the walls of his spiritual Jerusalem in troublous times. The preamble to the Plan of the Society (dated Dec. 12, 1808) is thus expressed : The subscribers having taken into consideration the inestimable value of the revelation, which it pleased God to make to our world, of his existence, character, will, works, and grace in Jesus Christ, in the Bible, and of the great benefits to be expected from the distribution of it among persons who are unable, or not disposed to purchase it, have agreed to form theinselves into a Society for that purpose, to be called The Bible Society.' We are glad to find that the Bible proves, in this instance, as in many others, the grand centre of union, in which Christians of various names consent to meet; for this establishment already embraces seven different religious denominations, or, as one of the members expresses it, • Draws together the different religious Societies in Philadelphia (how well suited to its name!) in a spirit of fraternal love, and certainly by the bands of unmingled truth.” The British and Foreign Bible Society in London, whose commendable example gave occasion for the formation of that at Philadelphia, has, according to their wonted generosity, voted £200 for the encouragement of the infant cause; and has encouraged them to expect fur ther aid, in proportion as they are enabled to extend the sphere of their operations. JAMAICA. THE Cruel law made in this island, forbidding the religious instruction of the slaves by the Methodists and Dissenters, is as impolitic as it is unjust; for nothing can so effectually render servants obedient to their masters, and faithful to their trust, as a belief of the truth and an expe rience of its power. We are told that the enemies of the gospel have gone so far as to give a challenge in the public newspapers of the island, to produce a single instance of any good being done by the preachers. The following recent fact will speak for itself : Massa, God Al- A Merchant of the Hebrew nation had three negroes, very bad characters, who frequently got drunk and robbed him. Observing a sudden change in their conduct, he enquired into the cause. One of the poor fellows replied, mighty in a top!' ed, "Was not God Almighty in a top (that is, above) when you got drunk and robbed me?" . Yes, Massa,' he replied; but we no savy then' (savy, is to know). He then asked them, How they came to know. They answered, Massa, we been gona chapel, and preacher tell we so; and now we fraid to get drunk and rob, like fore time. God will see, and he will be angry. H:m Him savy every thing.' see, The Jewish master was well pleas ed with the good effect of the Christian instructions; and recommended it to them to continue to go to the chapel whenever there was preachjog, and he would take care to pay |