ties, on the cold earth, his bed of death. No sympathizing friend partakes in his misery, no filial hand is stretched out for his relief. The wife of his youth has forsaken him; his daughters are carried captive; his sons have been slain in battle. Exhausted with sufferings, and weary of life, he turns his eye upon the grave. But the grave to him is dark and silent. Not a whisper of comfort is heard from its caverns, or a beam of light glitters on its gloom. Here the curtain drops, time ceases, eternity begins: Mighty God, how awful is the scene which follows! But I dare not attempt to lift the veil that covers it. A moment since, and this immortal soul was within the reach of prayer: now its destiny is fixed, and just, eternal Sovereign! are thy decisions." p. 28, 29.

Again;

"Can it be that the tender mercies of such an auditory are exhausted? Have you then nothing more to lend to Jesus Christ? Have you no longer any alms to bestow on your suffering brethren, and shall I tell them you have not shall I recall the missionaries you have sent them, and extinguish the hopes which your former charities have inspired? Shall I pronounce on the savages their doom, shall I say to the pagan just emerging from the gloom of nature and directing his steps towards the hill of life, Go back into your forest, cover again your altar with victims, mutter your nightly orisons to the stars, and be

satisfied with the vain hope of the country beyond the hills? Are these the sentiments of Christians; Christians whose hearts have been softened by redeeming love, whose immortal hopes rest on sovereign mercy, and whose unceasing song, through eternal ages, will be, grace, rich grace?" p. 37, 38.

The Hurt that Sin doth to Believers; to which is added, a word of entreaty to all those, that name the name of Christ, "to depart from iniquity. By NATHANIEL MCINTIRE. Boston. Belcher and Armstrong. 1806. pp. 41.

THIS little pamphlet, the production of a layman in a humble walk of life, bears the marks of piety and good sense. The author seems to possess an inti. mate acquaintance with the Scriptures. Some little, inaccuracies must be expected, but they are readily overlooked by those, who wish for a plain representation of important truth, and who prefer a pious sentiment to an elegant period.

UNITED STATES. REGULAR intercourse has for some years past subsisted between the General Assembly of the Presbyte rian church, and the General Association of the State of Connecticut. Lately the Convention of the State of Vermont have been received into the connexion. Delegates from each of these representative bodies attend and act at their respective an, nual meetings, and communicate in formation concerning the state of re

ligion, within their several jurisdictions, and confer together, with a view to devise measures best adapted to preserve the harmony and advance the prosperity of the churches. Much advantage to the cause of our common Christianity has already been the result; & it is earnestly hoped that the Congregational churches in Massachusetts and New Hampshire will speedily make the necessary arrangements for joining in this useful intercourse.

The General Assembly, at their meeting in May last, received the following report from the Rev. Gershom Williams, their delegate to the Convention of Vermont ;'

"That agreeably to appointment, he attended during the whole of their sessions, which were held at Pitts ford that he was received and treat. ed in a manner, which discovered high respect for the General Assem. bly; that no very important business except the common concerns of their church, came before them-that very agreeable accounts were received of the revival of religion in various parts of the State-that the churches in that quarter appear to be dwelling together in harmony, and that with in the term of three years past, a very great change, favourable to the cause of religion, has taken placethat it has been a time of refreshing, in which the visible church has been greatly increased-that they have come into more regular order; and are combining their councils in exercising the discipline of the church: that they appear cordially desirous, that the intercourse, now begun be tween them and the General Assembly may be continued."

The Assembly, at their meeting in May, 1805, submitted to the consideration of the several Presbyteries, in their connexion, "an Overture respecting the education of pious youth for the ministry. In May, 1806, the Assembly resumed this impor tant subject, and having been made acquainted with the opinions of the sev eral Presbyteries, which happily were in unison, they "determined, that the part of the overture, which relates to the selection and education of paning men of piety and talents for the gospel ministry, presents a plan, which they consider as well deserving their countenance and support. It is, in deed, an obvious and melancholy fact, that the candidates for the gospel ministry, within the bounds of the Presbyterian church, at present, is greatly disproportionate to the demand, which is made for their services; and that the rapid increase of vacant congregations, taken in dou nexion with the youth, who are study ing for the ministry, presents a most gloomy prospect of what is likely to be the state of our church in a few

years, if prompt and effectual measures be not taken to furnish a supply of ministers, much greater than the existing state of things is likely to produce. The Assembly were, indeed, deeply affected by the view, which they had taken of this subject, and were extremely solicitous to adopt the most efficient measures, which circumstances permit, to remedy the evil, which exists, and to prevent its augmentation. But, as the Presbyteries of which the Assembly. have the oversight, are scattered over a wide extent of country, and their circumstances are known to be extremely various, it occurred, that an absolute injunction on all the Pres. byteries immediately to enter on the execution of the plan proposed, might bear hard on some, if not be entirely incapable of execution. On the other hand, merely to recommend an attention to the plan, without attaching any responsibility to the neglect of the recommendation, appeared to the Assembly incompatible with the high importance of the subject, and with their own duty as the guardians of the church, Bound especially to provide for their people a supply of the word of life. It was therefore determined to take a middle coursé between these extremes, so as, if possible, to avoid the inconvenience of both. With this in view, it was resolved to recommend, and the Assembly do hereby most earnestly recom mend, to every Presbytery under their care, to use their utmost endeavours to increase, by all suitable means in their power, the number of promising candidates for the boly ministry to press it upon the parents of pious youth to educate them for the church, and on the youth themselves, to devote their talents and their lives to this sacred callingto make vigorous exertions to raise funds to assist all the youth, who may need assistance to be careful that the youth whom they take on their funds, give such evidence as the nature of the case admits, that they possess both talents and piety to inspect the education, of these youth during the course both of their acarlemical and theological studies, choosing for them such schools, seminaries, and teachers, as each Presbytery may judge most proper and

advantageous, so as eventually to bring them into the ministry, well furnished for their work-and the Assembly do hereby order, that every Presbytery under their care, make, annually, a report to the Assembly, stating particularly what they have done in this concern, or why (if the case so shall be) they have done nothing in it; and the Assembly will, when these reports are received, consider each distinctly, and decide by vote, whether the Presbyteries severally shall be considered as having discharged, or neglected their duty, in this important business.

"The Assembly called upon the synods, which manage the missionary business in a separate capacity, to report their diligence and success in this work.

"A report on this subject was presented by Mr. Matthews, in behalf of the synod of the Carolinas. From this, it appeared, that in the course of the year preceding the last meeting of synod, they had two missionaries employed for about nine months each, at the Natchez, and parts adjacent; and that the reports received from the missionaries gave great hopes of continued success, in the mission to that quarter:-that one other missionary had spent one month in missionary labour, in the North Western parts of the State of North Carolina: that some of the missionaries appointed by the synod, had been prevented from fulfilling their appointments; and that the sy nod have directed the Presbytery of Orange to ordain Mr. James Smilie, with a view to his returning as a missionary to the Natchez.

"The synod of Pittsburg did not make a formal report on this subject; but a letter to the chairman of the Committee of Missions, from the Board of Trust, which has the immediate direction of the missionary business in that synod, was laid before the Assembly and read.

"From this it appeared that the synod of Pittsburg, with a commendable zeal and flattering prospects of success are attempting the instruction and civilization of the Wyandot Indians, residing at, and near Sandusky; that the synod sent three missionaries thither last summer, each of whom spent two months or more

in the service, and were well received by the Indians: that the Indians, having expressed a strong desire to have the gospel established in the. nation, a school for the education of their children and the arts of civil life introduced among them; the synod, encouraged by these favourable appearances, had made the greatest efforts to follow the leadings of divine Providence in this case.

"That they have employed the Rev. Mr. Joseph Badger as a stated missionary for one year; two white men as labourers, of whom one to be eventually employed as a schoolmaster; one black man (acquainted with their language, and hopefully pious) and his wife: they have also purchased sundry live stock, household furniture, implements of husbandry, a boat for transportation, &c. all of which were to be forwarded to Sandusky, about the first of April last; that the synod, animated with a noble zeal in this glorious cause, are ex. tending their views to the Seneca Indians, settled on the Alleghany river, and devising means for bringing them "out of darkness into marvellous light."-On the whole, the Assembly were highly gratified by the prospects opened to them by the synod of Pittsburg; and only regret the want of means to realize the blessings they present.

"The following letter having been read before the Assembly, they agreed to recommend, and do hereby recommend it to the attention of all their Presbyteries, and the youth concerned:

The

"THE College of New-Jersey was originally founded with a particular view to promote the interests of religion, as well as learning, by training up men of piety and talents for the ministry of the gospel. Trustees of the institution have ever been attentive to this great object, and have made the most generous provision for the support and instruc tion of theological students. As the encouragements here offered to such students are but little known, the Faculty take the liberty of mentioning them to you, and requesting you to co-operate with them in carrying into effect the benevolent designs of the trustees, by sending hither any young men with whom you are acquainted,

who may need the advantages that are here to be enjoyed.

"All persons who are actually en. gaged in the study of theology, at whatever institution they may have received the preliminary parts of their education, may, on producing proper testimonials of their character, pursue their farther studies here at the moderate charge of one dollar a week for board, and enjoy the assistance of the President and Professor of Theology, without any fee for instruction. This professor gives lectures to the Theological Students twice in the week; and at each succeeding meeting examines them strictly on the subject of the preceding lecture.

His course of Lectures embraces Divinity, Ecclesiastical History, Church Government, Christian and Jewish Antiquities, and the Duties of the pastoral Office. He instructs those who desire it, in the Hebrew language, so useful, and almost indispensable to a good divine.

"At every meeting, one or more of his pupils submits to his criticism and remarks, an essay or a sermon on a subject previously assigned. The Professor, together with the President of the College, holds a Theological society once in the week for the discussion of important questions, immediately relative to the science of Divinity.

"The emulation and encouragement communicated by a variety of fellow students, the opportunity of cultivating any branch of science, and an access, at all times, to a large and well selected Theological Library, are other advantages of no small consequence.

In behalf of the Faculty, SAMUEL S. SMITH, President."

We add a half sheet to the present Number to admit entire the following

Report of the Trustees of the Hamp shire Missionary Society, made at their Annual Meeting in Northampton, the last Thursday in August, 1806. THE Trustees inform the Society, that the missionaries, employed the last year, completed their respective Missions without any special incon

venience, with honour to themselves, and advantage and success to the

common cause.

Rev. Messrs. Payson Williston and Thomas H. Wood, laboured in the counties of Onondago and Chenango; each of them fifteen weeks. Mr. Wood rode 1400 miles, preached 70 sermons, administered the Lord's supper once, baptism 15 times, visited 11 schools and about 300 families, attended several conferences and distributed the Society's books, as he had opportunity, and found there was need.

Mr. Williston was not less active, laborious and faithful in performing the several parts of his mission.

Rev. Royal Phelps performed a mission to the westward of only & weeks. From his journal it appears that he had a truly missionary spirit, and laboured without ceasing, and to much effect. These missionaries, who have entirely approved them selves to the Trustees, assure you of the respect with which they were commonly treated: of the readiness shewn to hear the word preached; to receive more private instruction and attend conferences for religious conversation. Their services were gratefully acknowledged. A repetition of similar ones earnestly requested, missionary institutions highly es timated, and their benevolent exertions almost every where thankfully owned. Often it was difficult for the people to utter all they wished and experienced. In divers places an hearing ear was granted. The hear ers hung on the lips of the animated speaker; eager to hear, desirous to improve, slow to depart and ready to return. Impressions were made by the truth, faithfully and powerfully preached, which, it is hoped, will be permanent. The Holy Spirit working effectually with the word: renewing the heart and reforming the life. They state that such is the destitute and helpless condition of many of the new settlements that they still greatly, and probably will long need all, which the funds of this society, and other societies, will be able to do for their relief. Many of the infant plantations are small and scattered: some of them are divided in their religious opinions, and some are broken by sharp and unchristian contentions. Messrs. Williston and Wood had a

friendly interview with the NewStockbridge Indians, under the immediate care of the Rev. Mr. SERGEANT. Something was said relative to a mission among some remote tribes of Indians; particularly the Miami and Delaware. Though at present your funds are small, and though few are qualified, and inclined to undertake such a mission, and though yet little is doing, the friends of souls are earnestly looking for the time when a wider door may be opened to preach to the natives the everlasting gospel of the blessed God and our Saviour.

Rev. Messrs. Joseph Field, Samuel Sewall and John Dutton fulfilled a mission, in the whole, of fifty-four weeks, in the counties of Oxford and Kennebec in the District of Maine. Mr. Field preached 83 times; 35 on the Lord's day, and 48 on other days; administered the Lord's supper four times, and seven baptisms, inspected schools and attended funerals. Mr. Sewall rode nearly 1400 miles, preached 133 sermons, visited private families, attended conferences, and performed other missionary labours.

They

Mr. Dutton was equally disposed and enabled to discharge the important trust committed to him. rendered useful services to the Society; their labours were gratefully received and crowned with success. All your missionaries agree in the utility and necessity of continuing these missions, of increasing the number of labourers, and contracting the field of labour.

The labourers being few and their harvest plenteous, and desirous of doing more good, the field of labour may be improperly extended and the proposed effect diminished. Every thing cannot be effected, and should not be attempted, by a few persons in a short time, embracing a large extent of territory in their commission. Fearing lest they should not do what is expected and allotted them, they are induced to pass rapidly from place to place, and lessen their ministerial services. They cannot do what they would. Could three objects be gained; an increase of missionaries, a contraction of their limits, and a lengthening of their missions, much greater good would be effected. At present necessity restrains your operations. Providence may in time remove these difNo. 5. Vol. II.

ficulties, brighten your prospects, enlarge your funds, and furnish suffi cient numbers to preach in remote parts the unsearchable riches of CHRIST, to the instruction, conver sion and salvation of many thousands of precious and immortal souls. Larger contributions have been made to the funds in the new settlements the last year, than before.

The Trustees at their last annual meeting appropriated for the present year, for missions, a sum not exceeding 900 dollars, and for books the sum of 400 dollars. You have now five missionaries in your employmentRev. Messrs. Joseph Blodget, David H. Williston, John Dutton, Royal Phelps and Nathaniel Dutton. Messrs. Blodget, Williston and John Dutton, are employed in Oxford and Kennebec counties, for fifty weeks in the whole. Messrs. Phelps and Nathaniel Dutton, are employed in Onondago and Chenango counties and on the Black river, for fifty-two weeks, making in the whole 102 weeks' service for 856 dollars.

As yet but a few communications have been received from the missionaries; these are of an encouraging and pleasing nature. As in former years the Trustees have attended to the distribution of books. They conceive that this object justly claims much attention, and must claim it in future. In this way continual and rich instruction is easily, cheaply, and extensively diffused. The books which have been sent this year to be distributed will appear by document (A) as will those which are now on hand.

Availing themselves of a large impression of Vincent's Explanation of the Assembly's Catechism, a very valuable work, made at the desire of sev eral Associations, the Trustees have taken for the Society's benefit 700 copies at a very reasonable price; one hundred and sixty of which have been exchanged for 2,000 sheets of Tracts and other works proper for distribution. Bound with Vincent, is a well written address on the subject of prayer and family religion, by Rev. Dr. Trumbull. The neat profits of a good work, called the Panoplist, arising from the sales in this county, have been offered by the Editors for your benefit; and will add between