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all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." That promise, then, though gloriously verified on the day of Pentecost, was only in part fulfilled: and a more copious and extended effusion of regenerating and sanctifying influences is reserved for a pe riod not yet arrived-not now far distant; so that the three thousand souls, then added to the church, were only the pledge of the addition of millions more! The present population of the world exhibits, it is true, a dreary waste of moral desolation, but it shall only continue, "until the Spirit" in copious effusion "be poured out from on high; and then "the wilderness shall be as a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be counted for forest." Then, "instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree, and instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle-tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."-"I will pour water," saith Jehovah, "upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my Spirit on thy seed, and my blessing upon thy offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water-courses. One shall say, I am the Lord's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob, and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel." So fertilizing and refreshing, yet so gentle and insinuating, is sometimes the influence of heavenly grace, that it is compared to the unseen but innumerable drops of the gently descending dew-"I will be as the dew unto Israel." Sometimes its descent is more distinctly apparent, and it is represented as coming down "like rain upon the mown grass, like showers which water the earth." But more bold is the figurative language of this interesting passage, and more aptly does it denote, a communication in the highest degree copious and abundant :-" I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." It shall resemble not so much the evening dew, or the falling shower, such as descended on the land of Israel; it shall resemble more the wide-spreading and fertilizing inundation of the river of Egypt, producing with the rapidity which astonishes, a beauty and verdure and richness of vegetation, under other circumstances almost unknown. And when this promise shall be extensively fulfilled, Oh what scenes of moral beauty and grandeur shall the church exhibit!-Her ministers shall be clothed with salvation--her people shall shout aloud for joy.-In her sanctuaries how joyous shall be the concourse-how elevated and how rapturous the songs of praise ;-her ordinances how greatly blessed; with the means of grace what efficiency shall be connected! "For," saith Jehovah, "as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

The encouragement to expect a more copious effusion of divine influences, arises, also, from the appearance of such indications as may be expected to precede that effusion.

Of these indications may be specified

1st. The employment of those means, on an extended scale, with which the influence of the Holy Spirit is usually connected.

The time is not come for the conversion of the heathen, said many in the years which are recently passed; and this gratuitous assertion was deemed by those who made it, a sufficient apology for declining any active exertions in their favour. At present, said they, the aspect of the world affords but little encouragement to expect success. It must be the work of God, and in his own good time; and by some extraordinary interposition, he will plead his own cause. They forgot that we are in possession of a clearer rule of duty, and a more explicit directory of conduct, than any which can be derived from our calculations of the probability of success. We have received from our Lord and Master a charge which is in full force-" Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Great is the cause of joy and gratitude that this charge is now more generally understood; and that in pursuance of its re

quirements, societies have been organized, funds obtained, and missionaries sent forth. Can we doubt, then, whether this be a prognostic of approaching prosperity-a precursor of a glorious day of heavenly grace? Did not he who gave the command-"Go into all the world," give also the assurance-"Lo, I am with you always;" and is not this, in effect, an assurance that with the employment of the means he has prescribed, he will connect the requisite influences of the Holy Spirit?

2dly, An increasing persuasion of the necessity of divine influences to secure the efficacy of the means employed.

The necessity of this influence is no new doctrine in our system-no new article in our creed; yet, although it may retain only the same place in our creed, it may occupy more of our thoughts, it may be more deeply impressed upon our minds, it may give excitement to more frequent and more fervent desires. It is one thing to admit, even with full conviction, the correctness of a doctrine, and another to yield the heart habitually to its powerful and guiding influence. On first awaking from the slumbers of inactivity and supineness, the Christian world was roused to the consideration of the duty of accomplishing all that was practicable by human instrumentality. It was not presumed or imagined, that human agency was itself sufficient to secure the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. And yet never perhaps was there felt, either among ministers or churches, so deep and vivid an impression on this subject, as since they have received from the pens and from the lips of missionaries their touching and faithful descriptions of the state of the heathen world. The feelings awakened by an actual inspection of the degraded and debased character of the human mind, under the darkness of paganism, have been, in some degree, propagated in the hearts of Christians at home: convictions of the necessity of divine influences, to give success to missionary efforts, have been greatly deepened, and desires after a copious effusion of those influences have been enkindled to greater ardour. Is not this a token for good? When the blessed God is about to confer a favour of peculiar value, does he not frequently awaken in the minds of his people a consideration of its importance and a desire of its attainment; and is not the very desire to be traced to that influence, of a more copious effusion, of which it is the precursor and the pledge?

3dly, A disposition to unite in fervent prayer for this promised blessing. To united prayer is attached a peculiar efficacy. It was our Advocate with the Father who said-"If two of you shall agree on earth, touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my father who is in heaven." The union of many for the purpose of prayer is represented in the prophecy of Zechariah, as an indication of the approaching glory of the latter day. "Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities; and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of Hosts: I will go also."

Was there ever seen upon earth a union for prayer-prayer for the propagation of the gospel-prayer for the effusion of the Holy Spirit, so extensive as that which now takes place, on a fixed day and hour, in the commencement of every month? And is it not to be presumed as well as desired, that at Missionary prayer-meetings, both at home and abroad, petitions for the effusion of divine influences will be presented with increasing copiousness and increasing fervour? Not one blessing is there attached to the covenant of grace, which the Father of mercies is more ready to bestow, than this, in answer to the united supplications of his children-"If ye, being evil," said the Saviour, "know how to give good gifts to your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him."

4thly, A conviction, by indubitable evidence, that an increased effusion of divine influences is, in some parts of the world, actually taking place.

Let the reports of Missionary transactions be duly examined, and it will be found impossible to resist the conclusion, that among the most degraded and wretched idolaters there are numerous instances of conversion to God-that in some regions of the heathen world, the mass of the population have with one consent, renounced and destroyed their gods; and that not a few native teachers

have been sent forth from newly-formed churches, well qualified to publish the glad tidings of salvation to their heathen neighbours.-What are these undoubted facts, but satisfactory and delightful evidences of the agency of the Divine Spirit, in countries over which, till lately, the prince of darkness reigned with undisputed and undisturbed dominion. The throne of Satan seems now shaken to its very basis; and even populous regions which are still the habitations of cruelty, because the scene of abominable idolatry, afford cheering indications of an approaching change. The idols are sinking gradually into contempt, and soon the idols shall be utterly abolished.

And in some parts of the Christian world have there not been of late, remarkable effusions of heavenly influences? How deeply interesting have been some of the statements received from different denominations of our trans-atlantic brethren! From the latest intelligence it appears, that an abundant communication of divine influences continues to be enjoyed by many of the American churches, which have been for a considerable time thus highly favoured, and that many other congregations have been recently visited by copious showers of blessings. From the most authentic documents we have the happiness to learn, that during the past year, the effect of this effusion has been not only the elevation of the standard of religious character among those who had believed through grace, but also the conversion of many thousands who were living without God and without Christ. What hath God wrought!

[Evangelical (London) Magazine.

Brief Account of a Revival of Religion in the First Presbyterian Congregation in the Northern Liberties, Philadelphia.

About the beginning of March last, professors began to feel sensibly that they were too cold and inactive; that sinners were perishing all around; and that something must be done. At the close of our Wednesday-evening lecture, all those who felt that they were sighing for the abominations of the land and griev ing for the afflictions of Joseph, were invited to remain after the congregation was dismissed to see what could be done. It was then resolved, with one consent, that we ought to humble ourselves before God; and a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer was appointed; the notice was given from the pulpit, on the succeeding Sabbath, with some remarks calling up the attention of the congregation generally. The day was observed by a large portion of the congregation; Christians were unusually solemn. And here we desire to record the faithfulness of God to his promises, that even while we were yet praying the Spirit was sent down; and on that very evening, some dated their first conviction, which in a few days after issued in hopeful conversion. This encouraged Christians to pray; and such was the spirit of prayer, that, by some, whole nights were spent in wrestling with God for the conversion of sinners. One case only shall be mentioned here, out of many that might be noticed, for the encouragement of believing parents to pray for their children. By an agree ment of husband and wife, a night was set apart to be spent in prayer for a thoughtless child, obstinately living, contrary to the parents' will, in a wicked place. And on that very night, even while they were praying, that child, though then at the distance of some miles, was brought under most pungent conviction; so much so, that to use her own words, "I was obliged to rise up, get out of bed and try to pray; then, after a while, I went to bed again-lay a little while, and my distress was so great, I was obliged to get up again; for I thought I would certainly die before morning and go to hell: and I spent the night till near morning, when I lay down and got into a little doze." She immediately left the place; came home to her father's house in deep distress. This case has issued in hopeful conversion.

This spirit of prayer seemed to increase for about two weeks; and during that same space of time some hundreds of souls were brought under conviction; meetings were held every night; and on some evenings, after the congreVOL. II.-Presb. Mag.

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gation was dismissed, Christians were requested to retire to an upper room, and spend a few minutes in prayer; and all those that were anxious about their souls were requested to remain behind and we would converse personally with them; and sometimes more than two hundred remained.

It is here worthy of remark, that convictions appeared to multiply, just in proportion, as that peculiar spirit of prayer continued to increase.

About sixty have come to our knowledge, who have obtained a hope of having passed from death to life; and others, we have heard of, belonging to other congregations.

In some cases convictions issued speedily in hopeful conversion; in others persons were distressed for many days: but, generally, this fact appeared, that they were brought out sooner or later, just in proportion, as immediate submis sion to God was pressed.

And as in the days of Christ, when Andrew had found Him: he immediately went in search of his "own brother Simon, and said unto him, we have found the Messias." So it was here; a woman when she had found Christ, went and brought her sister; and, as soon as the second sister obtained a hope, she went and brought a third sister to the meetings.

This revival differs in some respects from that remarkable work of grace with which this congregation was blest in 1816. In this, there is an unusual stillness; little or no animal feeling; and convictions have sooner issued in hopeful conversions; though the fruits of this revival, for the time, do not seem so great; for, in that, near two hundred souls were hopefully brought into the kingdom, in the space of three months.

It seems that the Holy Spirit has prepared the minds of the people, in an unusual manner, to receive the gospel; and nothing we believe, is wanting, but a faithful and believing use of Bible means, to produce a great and extensive work of grace.

For what we have seen we desire to give thanks to God, and be greatly humbled under a sense of our barrenness. JAMES PATTERSON.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MELIORATING THE CONDITION OF

THE JEWS.

Nearly two years have passed, since this society was incorporated by the Legislature of this (N. Y.) state. To the present time, the directors have been principally occupied in opening a correspondence, and preparing the way for future operations. A circumstance, under the direction of Providence, has unexpectedly occurred, which, it is hoped, will give a powerful impulse to the exertions of the Board, and excite in all classes of the Christian community a lively interest in the concerns of the institution. We allude to the recent arrival of Mr. Jadownisky, a converted Jew, as a special agent from a benevolent nobleman in Germany who is devoting his property and his life to the great object for which the society was formed.

Soon after his arrival, Mr. Jadownisky attended a special meeting of the directors, and laid before them the following documents:-1st. A letter from Adelberdt, Count Von der Recke, dated "Overdyck, Germany, September 12, 1820," introducing Mr. Jadownisky to the Rev. Mr. Frey.-2d. A letter from the same gentleman, under the same date, to the Hon. Elias Boudinot, late president of the society.-3d. An address from the same gentleman to the directors, announcing the efforts he is now making in behalf of converted Jews, and soliciting the countenance and co-operation of the Board.—And 4th. An address by Mr. Jadownisky.

Count Von der Recke to the Rev. Mr. Frey.

Beloved Brother in Christ

The deep and sacred concern of my heart for the salvation of Israel, has induced me to send to you my beloved brother Jadownisky, who is of the house of Israel, and has been translated from darkness into the marvellous light of the gospel.

Oh! I beseech you most cordially, for Christ's sake, receive him in love; be unto him, dear friend in the Lord, counsellor and friend: please to conduct and direct the important concern of his mission, which he will lay before you.

Oh! assist by exertion and by prayer, that it may be accomplished to the honour and praise of the dear Redeemer, and the salvation of this poor, persecuted, and forsaken people.

May the blood and sufferings of Jesus, by which we are healed, intercede for me; and through the same I feel myself cordially united,

And remain, &c. &c.

Your friend and brother, ADELBERDT, COUNT VON DER RECKE, Von Vollmarstein.

Count Von der Recke to the Hon. Elias Boudinot.

Beloved Brother in Christ

With the deepest emotions of heart I have read of your love to the dear Redeemer, manifested in your benevolence to the people of Israel; and you will perceive by my address to your society, that through the grace of Christ my heart is also warmly affected towards this great and sacred cause.

Oh! I beseech you, for Christ's sake, do not reject my humble application. Let not, dear sir, my solicitation from a far country, for help, be in vain.

Please to receive affectionately my faithful brother and messenger, Jadownisky, and gladden his heart by the prospect, that, through your assistance, my faith will be strengthened, and the work already commenced, advanced.

The Lord reward your labour of love, and comfort you with the same consolation you may show to me.

May the abundant grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ strengthen us to persevere in love, and to work by faith, till we shall see him as he is. I have the honour to be,

Yours, &c. &c.

ADELBERDT, COUNT VON DER RECKE,
Von Vollmarstein.

Address to the Board by Count Von der Recke.

[Translated by the Rev Mr. Shaeffer.]

Beloved Brethren in Christ Jesus.

Blessed be the Lord and praised be his holy name, that he has moved your hearts also, to consider with love and care the forsaken house of Israel, and to publish the comforting gospel unto those, who for more than 1800 years have been destitute, like erring sheep, without priest and without ephod.

It elevated my heart with joyful gratitude, when I learnt the object of your society: that you had founded an asylum for the wandering people of promise.

For some years past I have also been constrained by the love of Christ, to labour among the Jews, and, though not without obstacles and afflicting experiences, the scorn and obloquy of the world, yet, thank God! not entirely without success.

Amid my various attempts to promote a more rapid extension of Christianity among the Jews, one and the same difficulty continually opposed me: "Cast out by Jews, and not received by Christians, how shall we support ourselves after our conversion ?"

Many consequently resolved, in their hearts to be Christians, and yet to abide by the external profession of the Jews, until a more favourable opportunity should offer itself to them. But in this situation, fraught with danger, in which they could as little avail themselves of the Christian means of grace unto the strengthening and quickening of their faith, as of the intercourse with true Christians, many had their bark of faith wrecked, and they sunk again into their former indifference towards the state of their souls. Should these unfortunate persons, however, be delivered from this ocean abounding with dangerous

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