ably to his advice, they chose one chising their children. At length, ruler of a hundred, two rulers of on a day appointed for the purpose, fifty, and ten rulers of ten, the the ministers of the neighbouring rulers standing in order, and eve-churches, assisted by interpreters, ry individual going to the one he publicly examined a considerable chose. Having adopted this form number of them concerning their of government in their little town, attainments, both in knowledge and they utterly abandoned polygamy, in grace; and notwithstanding the which had formerly prevailed a- great satisfaction they received, yet, mong them; they made severe in order that no precaution might laws against fornication, drunken- be neglected in raising them to the ness, Sabbath-breaking, and other rank of a Christian church, the immoralities; and they began, at candidates were afterwards called length, to long for the establish- to make a confession of their faith ment of the order of a Christian in Christ, and to give an account church among them. of their conversion, which declarations being taken in writing, were carefully examined by the religious people among the English, and met with their high approbation. Being in this manner approved, several of them were, at length, baptized, and in 1660 they were incorporated into a church, and had the Lord's supper administered among them. It does not appear, however, that the members were very numerous, for about ten years after, they amounted only to between forty and (To be continued.)

The churches of New-England were, at that time, remarkably rigorous in the admission of persons to Christian fellowship, and required very decided proofs of faith in Christ; but in the case of the Indians, they seemed rather to increase than abate their strictness. For some years, the converts remained under the character of catechumens, and were commonly visited by Mr. Eliot or some other min ister every week, for the sake of preaching among them, and cate-fifty.

ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS.

JOURNEY FROM B

MESSRS. EDITORS,

TO THE FALLS OF NIAGARA.

tation, which, from many tender When the following letters were writ- associations, has long been endearten, the author had not the most distant ed to us all. Having a few moexpectation, that they would ever be pub-ments of leisure, I will now, agreelished. Some of his friends, however, ably to my promise, give you some have expressed a desire, that they might account of our journey. be inserted in the American Baptist Magazine. To their wishes he has so far consented, as to submit them to your disposal. But he begs they may not occupy a place in your publication, unless you shall think they will be interesting to your readers.

After a delightful ride on Monday, we arrived at Thompson, about half past two o'clock, P. M. As we calculated to remain there until the next morning, two of my friends accompanied me to the house of the minister who preaches in that town. We had never seen each other before, but the plain and simple manners of this servant of Jesus Christ, and the warm and cordial welcome we received from the whole family,

improbable events; such a preponderance of imagination over sober reason; and so much of the kind of adventures which are common to novels and romances, that what there is of a pious tendency in this work, is more than neutralized, by the earthly feelings and extravagant hopes which it will excite in the minds of the young and inexperienced.

made us forget that we were strangers. He gave us a brief but interesting narrative of the principal events of his life, and of the rise and progress of the church with which he is connected; and he spake with much feeling on the displays of mercy which had recently been experienced among them. There is something indescribably sweet, even in the recollection of hours thus spent. While I am recording this short interview, I feel the same emotions of pleasure which I enjoyed, while under his friendly roof. On returning to our lodging, we unitedly expressed our satisfac-garb, and are more likely than any tion at the thought, that there are, no doubt, many pious and sensible ministers, who, although they dwell in comparative obscurity, are very useful and important, in the stations which Providence has assign

ed them.

The evening also passed away very pleasantly, for the public house at which we stayed, is kept by persons who are members of a Baptist church. After some religious conversation, the family were called together, a hymn was sung, and we commended ourselves for the night to the protection of Heaven.

And here allow me, my sister, to express my doubts of the utility of religious novels. It has been said, that such writings present religion in a more lovely and fascinating

other, to allure the young to tread in her footsteps. There is something plausible in these remarks, but you may depend upon it they are not just. Such writings not only degrade religion by bringing her into close alliance with fiction and folly, but they produce a distaste for the works of our most learned and judicious divines, and especially for the unadorned and solemn statements of divine revelation.

We found ourselves in Hartford, early in the afternoon. I need not say, that I immediately repaired to At 5 o'clock the next morning, the "American Asylum for the we proceeded on our journey. We Education and Instruction of the were no sooner on the road, than it Deaf and Dumb." I obtained perwas proposed by one of the party, mission for my dear A. to accompathat each gentleman in the carriage, ny me to the hotel, that she might should read aloud alternately, for see some of her very kind friends. the benefit of the rest. In this way But it grieved me to the heart to witour time was chiefly employed until ness a depression of spirits, which we arrived at Hartford. We were no kind attentions could dispel, and not, however, very fortunate in the to see her eyes occasionally suffuschoice of a book. Having read sev-ed with tears. I was assured, howeral of Mrs. Sherwood's produc-ever, that she was habitually contions with much pleasure, I had been induced to take with me a work lately published by her, but written by her reverend father, about thirty years ago. It was intended, no doubt, to promote morality and religion. But although it contains many pious and valuable sentiments well expressed, yet there is such a mixture of probable with

tented and happy. It was probably the remembrance of home, with all its endearing circumstances, which caused these feelings of melancho ly, for the next day I found her spirits cheerful and buoyant as ever.

I passed the night at the Asylum, and feel myself much indebted to the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. P. At six o'clock on Wednesday morn

ing, I breakfasted with all the pu- || Gallaudet, the teachers, and pupils, for family worship. This was to me, one of the most interesting seasons of devotion I ever witnessed. On a very large slate in the

pils. They have good, wholesome food, and appeared contented with their situation. From breakfast till nine o'clock, most of the young men are engaged in some mechan-room, a passage of scripture was ical business. This is an excellent written, which was explained by plan, as it not only answers the pur- the tutor whose duty it was to offipose of bodily exercise, but is preciate that morning. You will find paring them for some useful avocation when they shall have left the Asylum. I was about giving you a description of my visit with one of the Teachers to see their skill in manual operations, but I find the last "Report" will give you a sat-pity is shewn to them; and in isfactory account.

the words in Prov. xix. 17. "He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again." In illustrating this passage he described the poor; the way in which

what way the Almighty by the dispensations of his providence will pay us again. Although this ex

"Two neat and commodious brick work-shops have been erected near the Asylum. An ingenious and skilful me-planation was given by signs, I chanic, himself a cabinet-maker, has been could comprehend the substance of employed to oversee this department of what he communicated. He then the Institution. He resides with the pupils; the better to become familiar with prayed by signs. I could not intheir language of signs, and to be able to deed understand all his prayerdischarge the duties of his station. Tools but I knew when he was adoring and other necessary accommodations have God, making confession of sin, and been provided, and, although it is vacation, a considerable number of the pupils humbly asking blessings from are at work, while others are expecting to above. And I acknowledge I was join them, on their return. Six are now affected to tears when I looked aengaged in learning the trade of a cabinetround on 60 pupils and could not maker or joiner; and another who had acquired considerable skill in this branch perceive, one indifferent spectator. before he came to the Asylum, aids in in- The eyes of all were fastened upon structing them. One who understands him. I could almost have blushed the cooper's business, is at work. In one for one of our worshipping assemof the shops, a forge is erected, at which a very ingenious blacksmith and cutler is blies, when I contrasted their listemployed, while three of the pupils, unlessness with the anxious and fixed der his instruction, are learning the same gaze of these unfortunate mutes on trade. Six shoemakers are at work; two their teacher, while he was adof whom had previously made considerable proficiency, and another, a first rate dressing the God and Father of our workman, gives instructions to the rest. Lord Jesus Christ. Several of the female pupils are employed in binding the shoes. It is hoped, that those who wished to be tailors will soon

be placed at work; much effort has been made to find a suitable person to instruct them, but, as yet, without success. In the present state of the Institution, it was impossible to make provision for the six

pu

When these morning devotions are over, each class goes to its respective room and is employed in studies till noon. In company with my dear friends we visited each class and were surprised at the pils who wished to be printers; three of proficiency which they manifested them, however, have begun to learn the in grammar, geography and general trade of a cabinet-maker, and two others history. Some of the most diffiwill join them at the end of vacation.cult rules of grammar were illusSome of the articles, already made by the pupils, evince much skill, and command a ready sale; the patronage and custom of the friends of the Institution, in this department, are respectfully solicited."

At nine o'clock I met with Mr.

trated by the older scholars with a readiness and precision which would have done honour to any school in New England. It is a very inadequate expression of my feelings, to

say that I think this is a very important Institution. It is a very gratifying consideration that so many of those who have the management of the Institution entrusted to them, are persons of unblemished morals and undoubted piety. I leave my dear child with perfect confidence, believing that every attention will be paid to her comfort and improvement, which can be expected in a public institution.

the captain durst give to his steam was insufficient to propel the vessel forward. We however consoled ourselves with the consideration, that our detention gave us a good opportunity of minutely surveying the remarkable eddies, and varying currents of this far famed place.

I am your affectionate brother.

REMARKABLE CONVERSION. We are indebted to a friend for the following interesting narrative of a remark|| able conversion. We give it with pleasure to our readers, to whom we are con

vinced it will furnish many delightful topics of reflection.

EDS.

For the American Baptist Magazine. SOME ACCOUNT OF MR. LUKE SHORT, WHO DIED AT MIDDLEBOROUGH, MASS.

Mr. Luke Short was born in Dartmouth, County of Devon, England, where he lived until he was about 16 years of age. He recollected to have seen Oliver Cromwell, witnessed some of his most memorable achievements, and was present at the beheading of Charles Ì. in 1649.

At noon we left Hartford in the Steam Boat Oliver Ellsworth." Before we went on board, I was so fortunate as to be introduced to a clergyman who accompanied us to Saybrook. The weather was peculiarly fine, and the prospect on each side the Connecticut river surpassed in beauty any thing I had anticipated. My interest was increased on being informed that in some of the towns which we passed, there had lately been a general attention to religion, and many had given evidence of a work of grace in their hearts. With my clerical friend, although of another denomination, as we walked the deck together I enjoyed much communion. In fact, just such communion in its nature, as I expect saints will enjoy in heaven. It consisted in an unreserved interchange of thoughts and feelings on subjects connected with the glory of God, the salvation of the soul and the prosperity of the Redeemer's kingdom. For this "communion of saints," I am not conscious of having ever felt a moment's reluctance since I have had a hope in Christ, and I am sure that without this any occasional form of fellowship would be vain. Having left some of our passen-chusetts. gers at Saybrook, we proceeded on our course and arrived in this City at 1 o'clock yesterday. We should have been here at least two hours sooner, had we not been detained at Hurl Gate. The tide which had set in against us was so rapid and powerful, that for a long time, the highest pressure which

Shortly after this time he became a seaman, sailed to America, and fixed upon Marblehead as the place of his residence. There he married, and was blessed with a family of children.

From Marblehead Mr. Short sailed regularly in the merchant service, until being advanced in life, some change of employment became necessary. He then removed from that place and settled in Middleborough, Plymouth Co. Massa

Here he resided until

the day of his death.

When an hundred years old, his strength was sufficient to enable him to work on his farm, and his mental faculties were but little impaired. At this advanced age, he was sitting down one day in his field, and calling to mind some of the most remarkable events of his life, par

ticularly of his youth. His memo- || labors. Duty is ours, the event must be left to God. We are to preach the word with plainness, with affection, in simplicity of heart, and God will direct it where and when he pleases. He has promised that his word shall not return unto

ry fastened especially upon the following fact. When quite a boy, he had heard the venerable John Flavel, whose praise has long been in the churches, preach from the words, "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be ana-him void, but shall accomplish that thema maranatha." He recollected a considerable part of the discourse which was exceedingly pungent and solemn, particularly the explanation of the words anathema maranatha, "cursed with a curse, cursed of God with a bitter and grievous

curse."

which he shall please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto he hath sent it. Where we expect the most good to be done, there may be done the least, and where we utterly despair, it may be a time of the right hand of the Most High. And it may be that long Connected with the delivery of after we have descended to our fathe sermon was one event, which at thers, the seed which we have the time made a deep impression sown may spring up into an abunon the minds of the audience, and dant harvest; souls may, through which was now called to recollec-our word, be turned from darkness tion by Mr. Short. When Mr. Flavel arose to pronounce the benediction he paused and said, "How shall I bless this whole assembly, when every person in it who loveth not the Lord Jesus Christ is anathema maranatha?" A baronet who happened to be present, fell to the floor, overwhelmed with the solemn conviction which this question carried home to his bosom.

to light, who shall be our crown of
rejoicing before the throne of God
and of the Lamb.

"Though seed lie buried long in dust,
It sha'nt deceive our hope;
The precious grain can ne'er be lost,
For grace ensures the crop."

The narrative also presents much matter of encouragement to Christians of all classes who are labouring in the cause of God. Specially The recollection of this sermon, should it encourage teachers in and of the circumstances attending Sabbath schools to abound in the it, were the means used by the work of the Lord. We behold in Spirit of God to awaken Mr. S.'s the case before us an instance in attention to the subject of religion which seed lay buried for 85 years, at this advanced age. He obtained before it sprang up and brought mercy through the merits of a cru- forth fruit unto everlasting life. cified Saviour, joined the 1st Con-You are, my young friends, instillgregational church in Middleborough, and to the day of his death, which took place in his 116th year, gave pleasing evidence of piety. God, who in answer to prayer, added 15 years to the life of Hezekiah, added 16 years to that of this venerable man, after he had been born when he was old.

This brief narrative naturally gives rise to several interesting reflections.

1. It should serve to encourage ministers of the Gospel, who at present witness no fruit from their FEB. 1825.

ing into the tender minds of children, doctrines and principles which they can never forget, but which will often check them in the hour of temptation, and alarm them in the hour of solitude, and which, whether they be converted or not, cannot fail to have its effect on all

their subsequent life. You are casting seed upon the waters; you know not whither the current may waft it, or on what bank it may spring up, but it will spring up somewhere, and you shall find it after many days.

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