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not an imperfect production of man, but the book of God; not a work of controversy, but the gospel of peace, which all Christians acknowledge to be the standard by which their controversies must be judged.

This object is recommended by its great simplicity, and by the facility with which it may be accomplished. It requires no intricate arrangements. The distribution of a single book is the only thing intended. The object is so definite, as almost to exclude the possibility of misapplying the funds of the proposed association. No heavy burdens need be laid on individuals. A small annual subscription from Christians in moderate circumstances, united with the donations of the opulent, will be sufficient to distribute the Bible wherever it is wanted.

One more advantage, and a very important one, remains to be mentioned. This is an object, in which all Christians may unite. Here is a common ground, on which all denominations may meet, and join heart and hand, and forget the distinctions which keep them asunder. Let Christians of every name concur in the good end here proposed, and they can hardly help improving in that love, which is the badge of the true disciples of the Savior.

There is but one objection which can be offered to the institution here proposed, viz. that the people of this land are too well supplied with Bibles to need the aid of a Bible Society. But we must not judge of the country at large from what falls under our immediate observation. The Philadelphia Bible Society, in their address to the public, express the opinion, that one fourth of the families of this country are destitute of Bibles. If we confine ourselves to New-England, we have reason to suppose that this want is considerably felt in several parts of Rhode Island, Vermont, New-Hampshire, and the District of Maine. In many houses where the Bible is found, it is so much worn, and so wretchedly printed, that its usefulness is very much diminished. In all our towns, there are poor families to whom a neat edition of the Bible, in a good type, would be a most acceptable VOL. II. New Series.

present. In our prisons, also, there are many unhappy individuals, who peculiarly need this charity.

These are the considerations which have called forth this address. It is hoped that they will engage the seri ous attention of the friends of religion and mankind. Those persons, who feel the importance of this object, are respectfully requested to meet at the State House, in the Representatives' Room, on Thursday, the sixth day of July next, at 3 o'clock, to consider the expediency of associating for the distribution of the Bible. A general attendance of the respectable and influential part of society, and of Christians of all denominations, is desired and anticipated. Boston, June, 1809.

EXTRACT FROM THE MISSIONARY JOURNAL OF REV. THADDEUS OSGOOD, EMPLOYED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL, &c.

FROM the time of his setting out till his return to Boston, was about nine months; during which period he travelled about 3000 miles, passing through the northern parts of Vermont, Lower and Upper Canada, the western parts of New-York and Pennsylvania, the eastern part of the state of Ohio, the western part of Maryland, and closed his mission in the northern part of Virginia. He preached 265 times, administered the ordinance of the Lord's supper 4 times, baptized 26 children and adults, gathered one church, attended 2 funerals, 9 religious conferences, and visited upwards of 50 schools, and a great number of private families.

During his mission, and on his return home, he collected for charitable purposes, upwards of a thousand dollars. The donations were received in the towns and cities in the following order.

In a number of towns in Vermont, 36-In Montreal and its vicinity, 110-In Cornwall and its vicinity, 20 -In Ogdenburgh, N. York, 25-On the way to Kingston, 10-In Kingston, 40-On the way from Kingston to York, 15-In York, Upper Canada, 30--In Niagara, Queenston, and their vicinities, 36-From Buffaloe F

to Pittsburgh, 25-In Pittsburgh, 56-In Washington, 25--In Brownville, 20-In Uniontown, 18-In the eity of Alexandria, (Virginia) 86In Washington city, and Georgetown, 120-In Baltimore, 110-In Philadelphia, 130-From the Philadelphia Bible Society, 50 bibles, and 50 testaments-In the city of N.York, 105.

The amount of the above mentioned sums is 1017 dollars; out of which he paid for the printing of upwards of 50,000 small tracts, for distribution; at the expense of 365 dollars, packed up, and sent to the new set. tlements from Philadelphia and New. York, in books and tracts, to the amount of 205 dollars, (exclusive of the donation of the Bible Society;) paid for cloathing and necessary expenses by the way, 180, and has now on hand, with which he is purchasing books and small tracts for the new settlement, 250 dollars.

Mr. Osgood closes his journal in the following words: "I conceive it to be my duty to make known to my employers the cordiality with which I was received, and the hospi tality and friendship, usually manifested, during my stay in the different towns through which I travelled. I think I had evidence, that many of the people among whom I labored, had a real regard to the cause in which I was engaged. No evidence can be more satisfactory on the subject, than that with which I was favored, viz. a prompt attendance on the appointed seasons for public worship, and the becoming solemnity which usually appeared during religious exercises.

I close this journal by returning the thanks of many of the destitute inhabitants which I visited, to the society, in whose service I have been employed. And in the name, and by the particular request of a number of destitute persons, both in Canada and in the western settlements, I would respectfully, but earnestly solicit the future patronage and assistance of the society."

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MASSACHUSETTS MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The tenth annual meeting of the Massachusetts Missionary Society

was holden at Boston, on the 30th and 31stdays of May last. The meeting was attended by a large number of ministers and other members of the Society The exercises of the day were introduced by sacred music. The throne of sovereign mercy was then addressed, in a solemn and pertinent prayer by the President; after which the following report of the Trustees was read by the Secretary. Dear Brethren,

Under the benign auspices of Him, who is Head over all things to the church, we are indulged the pleasure again to meet in this place of our annual solemnities, to reciprocate the greetings of Christian affection, and renewedly to attend to the great concerns for which we are sacredly associated. First of all,it becomes us to lift up our hearts to the throne of infinite love, in devout thanksgiving for the riches of his goodness to us hitherto, and in humble and fervent desires, for his continued favor and benedictions. Then may it be our care to animate our mutual charity, to strengthen the bonds of our union and fellowship, to quicken each other in the love of Christ, and his cause, and to forward the great object of our meeting, by a serious and brotherly and zealous attention to the business before us.

In fulfilment of enjoined duty, the Trustees for the year now closing, would respectfully submit to the Society the following report of their own transactions and of the general missionary concerns.

As the Society, at the last annual meeting, accepted the Act of Incorporation, granted by the Legislature of the Commonwealth, the Trustees made it their early care to place the funds of the Society under legal security, and to make such other arrangements, as were deemed necessary in conformity with the statute.

At the commencement of the year, six missionaries were appointed by the board; the Rev. John Sawyer and Rev. Jotham Sewall, for six months each, in the District of Maine; Mr. Nahum Fay, for six months, in the western counties of New York; Mr. David Smith, for six months, in the

north-western parts of New Hampshire; Rev. Daniel Emerson, for six months, in the destitute parts of Rhode Island; and the Rev. Joseph Badger, for the whole year, among the Wyandot tribe of Indians.

Having received the journals of only a part of our Missionaries, it is impossible to make a complete report; but from Mr. David Smith, whose mission was in the north western parts of New Hampshire, we learn, that he labored in thirty-eight towns; preached a hundred and sixty-eight sermons; visited three hundred and twenty-six families, and travelled 994 miles. He observes, that his mission, on the whole, was pleasant; "that if the missionary Society could be fully acquainted with the feelings of many pious people in the new settlements, and see and hear them express their thankfulness for missionary institutions and missionary labors, at the same time realizing their dependance on God to make these labors effectual to their salvation, that we should not give grudgingly; nor think that we were spending our strength for nought." He further observes, "that there was a general seriousness on the minds of his hearers, and that many appeared to feel sensibly the truths which were delivered to them."

A journal of several weeks labour, performed by Mr. Emerson in Rhode Island, we have received. But this good man was cut off in the midst of his labours, and called, as we hope, to receive the reward of a good and faithful servant.

From his journal it seems, that the Christian religion is little regarded in that part of our land.

In one

place, he observes, that on the Sabbath he saw people making hay, and was told that others were mowing. The Sabbath, he remarks, is not only broken with impunity, but without blushing. The ways of Zion mourn, none come to her solemn feasts.

At the semi-annual meeting of the Trustees in Nov. 1808, Mr. Sawyer was appointed to labor in the vicinity of Collegetown, in the District of Maine. Mr. Jotham Sewall was appointed to perform a mission in the region of Winipisiokee pond, in N. Hamp

shire. Mr. Williams and Mr.Rich received an appointment to be our missionaries, in Rhode Island. Mr. Fisher also received an appointment as a missionary in Maine. Mr. Waldo was appointed our missionary, in the northern parts of Vermont, and Mr. Parker in Steuben county, New York. Mr. Rich performed his mission, of twenty six weeks, in Rhode Island; in which time he preached one hundred and forty-eight sermons, and made five hundred and seventy family visits. He observes that his assemblies were small, and with few exceptions, behaved quite decently, and in general were very attentive. He found some persons distressed in view of their sinful, condemned state, and a few solitary, mourning Christians. He thinks that books might be distributed here to great advantage, and that the prospect of missionary labors is promising.

From Mr. Parker, who labored in the northern part of New-York, we are informed, that in twenty-five towns he preached one hundred and three sermons, attended nine conferences, visited about three hundred families, and rode about eighteen hundred miles. In some instances, he found special attention to the things of religion, anu considers the prospect for missionary labors as very encouraging.

From Mr. Sawyer, who labored in the District of Maine, we learn, that he spent forty-seven weeks in the service of the Society. He preached between five and six times each week; attended seven funerals, nine conferences, six church meetings, and two ecclesiastical councils. He assisted in forming one church; admitted one member into the church in Hamden, and four into the church in Dixmont. Visited seven sick per. sons; baptized one adult and six children. Visited three schools, and administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper nine times. He distributed about fifty Bibles, forty Testaments, some Psalm books and Primers, and a large number of religious tracts. In the course of his, journal Mr. Sawyer observes, “It is peculiarly interesting to discover with what affectionate and tender

emotions some will receive a Bible, while others shew a heart as unfeeling. In distributing the Primers committed to me, I have obtained a promise of the parents of the children, to whom the books were given, to teach their children the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, and engag ed the children to learn, informing them that I shall inquire, should I see them again, respecting their im provement. I have been much disappointed to find people so generally ready to receive, and teach the catechism to their children. I have engaged nearly a hundred children within a month, to attend to this subject. This will furnish some profitable employment for their parents, who while teaching their children, it is to be hoped, will gain instruction themselves. I have found a goodly number of the dear children of God scattered in our new settle.

ments, who are hungry for the bread

of life. Such I have endeavored to feed, comfort, and support-And I indulge the pleasing hope, that by the grace of God, some few sinners have been awakened, and reconciled to the gospel, and some backsliders recovered. It becomes me to add, that I have witnessed more attention, the year past, in the new settlements, than in any preceding period of my missionary labors.”

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On the whole, beloved brethren, we see no cause to be discouraged; the fields are white for the harvest, and a thousand reasons urge us to persevere in this good work of the Lord.

The Society, having heard and accepted the report of the Trustees, proceeded to their annual business.

The officers of the Society, elected for the present year, are

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The public exercises of the occasion were attended on the evening of the first day of the meeting, at the Old South meeting house. The sermon by the Rev. Mr. Worcester of Salem was sentimental, elegant, appropriate, solemn, and highly interesting; the assembly was large and solemnly attentive; and the contribution to aid the benevolent object of the Society more liberal, than on any preceding similar occasion.

The

Rev.

first preacher, for the next annual meeting, is Rey. Jacob Norton of Weymouth, the second Rev. Timothy Dickinson of Holliston. The follow ing missionaries have been appointed by the board of Trustees; Rev. Jo seph Badger for the year, among the Wyandot tribe of Indians; John Sawyer, for the year, between Kennebeck and Penobscot rivers? Mr. Thaddeus Osgood, for the year, north-western parts of New York, and borders of Canada; Rev. Jotham Sewall, six months, destitute parts of Rhode Island; Mr. Kellogg

and Mr. Eliphalet B. Coleman, six months, in the counties of Steuben, Ontario, and Genesee ; Mr. Hardy, six months, lake Champlain, and St. Lawrence ; and Mr. Greely, six months, Nova Scotia.

An account of the funds of the So

Rev. Nathanael Emmons, D. D. Presi- ciety and list of donations in our

dent.

next.

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1809.] General Association.... Bible Society....Intelligence.

to the professor elect, and by him repeated and subscribed; after which he was invested with the privileges and honors of his office, by the president of the board of trustees. The professor then pronounced his inaugural oration; which was followed by a prayer by the Rev. Mr. Dana. At intervals, during the preceding exercises, appropriate psalms were sung, and in the conclusion, an anthem; all which were performed in a style of superior excellence. The benediction by Dr. Griffin.

The day was singularly propitious. The occasion was honored by a numerous collection of people, among whom were a large body of the clergy, and many ladies and gentlemen of distinguished character.

The services being ended, the trustees, visitors, professors, clergy, musicians, and gentlemen in public office, preceded by the students of the Theological Institution, walked in procession from the church to the hall of the academy, where with social and cheerful feelings, they partook of the bounties of Providence.

We understand that the sermon and oration, delivered on this occasion, both of which were excellent in their kind, have beeen requested for the press.

GENERAL ASSOCIATION.

45

THE General Association of Congre gational ministers in Massachusetts, met at Newburyport on the 27th of June, Delegates from the General Associa tions in Connecticut and New Hamps shire, were admitted to sit and act with them. The Rev. Dr. Austin deliv ered the appropriate sermon, to large assembly of the clergy and laity, The transactions of this body will be given at large in our next number.

BIBLE SOCIETY.

We are happy to announce to our readers, that the citizens of Massachusetts, such of them as can make it convenient to attend, are invited to meet at the Representatives' chamber, in Boston, on the 6th of July, at 3 o'clock, P. M. "to consider the expediency of associating for the distribution of the Bible." We hope to be able to favor our readers with a pleasing account of the result of this meeting in our next number.

We have received from an obliging correspondent the fifth Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society, which we shall publish next month.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

WE have received from one of our
medical correspondents, the fol-
lowing remarks on a publication,
which has lately appeared, enti-
tled, "Experiments and observa-
tions on Cutaneous Absorption by
Reuben D. Mussey, M. D. of Mas-
sachusetts. From the Medical and
Physical Journal conducted by Pro-
fessor Barton. Philadelphia, from
the
press of T. & G. Palmer. 1809."

We publish these remarks for the benefit of that respectable class of our readers, who may be gratified and profit ed by them.

The author of this treatise commences by glancing at the objections, which had been raised to the doctrine of cutaneous absorption, by M. Seguin of Paris, and by Drs. Rousseau,

Klapp, and Daingerfield of Philadelphia. After touching upon the motives which led him to the course of experimenting that he had pursued, he proceeds with a detail of the experiments, he had made with an infusion of the rubia tinctorum, or madder, applied to the external surface of the human body. In the first experiment he remained immersed "in a pretty strong watery infusion of the rubia tinctorum two hours and forty five minutes." The urine he voided three hours after he

left the bath, "was slightly tinged with red, and treated with a solution of the common sulphat of iron, it gave a tinge of a purplish brown." In the second experiment, "I continued three hours in the madder bath. The portion discharged five hours af

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