Poughkeepsie, I spent a night there. A storm of rain prevented the people generally from assembling, but a few individuals present expressed their good will to the cause by a collection after meeting. The following Sabbath I was in Amenia, Dutchess County, N. Y. the place of my former residence, where I preached three times, and a casual contribution was taken up. West. Most of the ministers with whom I have conversed, and many valuable brethren, consider the field too important to be suffered to grow up with all the evils that at present abound. I have laboured in my publick addresses and private conversation to produce fixed principles in the minds of all, that may result in steady, persevering efforts, rather than a temporary excitement by appeals to the passions. It has not been On the 30th ult. I was at Troy, and though suffering under a fever, it became so much my object to raise funds, as to necessary for me to preach twice. A excite attention to Domestick Missions collection was made at the close in aid || in general, and the Western field in parof the Mission. Our brethren in the ticular, with a view to secure more perHudson River Association are awake manent patronage. and active to various benevolent Institutions. About 100 dollars was raised for these purposes during the session. The very pressing call from the Baptist Convention of the State of New York, by their Agent, Elder J. Peck, who was present and represented the embarrassments of their treasury, and the extraordinary effort made to enlarge the buildings and increase the funds of the Hamilton Institution, will prevent the brethren from furnishing much immediate aid for Western Missions; but I received assurances from a number of preachers and other brethren, that in one, or at most, two years, they would assist us liberally. A worthy brother from Vermont, who is about to officiate as Agent for the Convention in that State, gave the encouragement that considerable aid could be received from that quarter if the call was made. During my tour, I have received about 140 dollars for Mission purposes, and a little over 150 dollars for the Theological School in Illinois. My object has been to enlist preachers and other influential brethren in the cause, who would aid in their prayers, efforts, and contributions, in a more permanent way. And if I have not been greatly mistaken, such impressions have been produced in no ordinary degree. Many valuable brethren have promised to exert their influence in favour of your Society, and in favour of Missions on the frontiers of our country. Many, upon hearing the story of the great want of instruction on the part of most of the preachers of the gospel in the Western States, and the desire of some of this class to improve their minds could the means be furnished, have generously offered to aid, in future, to carry the plan of a Theological School into effect. The printed Circular, frequently accom. panied by many written remarks, has been distributed amongst a portion of the churches in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, amongst most of the churches in Connecticut, and throughout the Hudson River, Rensellaerville, Shaftsbury, and All which is respectfully submitted to part of Saratoga Associations. Copies the Board of Trustees. have been addressed to the Vermont State Convention, to several Associations in that State, and aid solicited for the Western country. Many individuals whom I could not visit have been addressed. Female Mite Societies have Boston, August 9, 1826. been called upon wherever convenient, Rev. Fathers and Brethren, Wherever I have travelled, I have found considerable interest excited in favour of more enlarged operations in the and affectionately invited to cooperate with us by enlarged efforts. Nor have 1 met with a frown from this quarter. In several churches, I hear that collections have been, or are soon to be taken for the object. On the whole, I see nothing to dishearten, but abundant reason to go forward in this work of the Lord. Is not the path of duty plain as the noonday sun? Furnish these men with the means of such education as circumstan ces admit. Establish a Theological School for the purpose. Shall this pro The great necessity of some measures to educate the preachers of the gospel inject fail for want of a few hundred dolthe Western States, and the importance lars to set it in operation? I am aware of the object, becomes more and more of having too little time to raise these deeply impressed upon my mind. In the funds. After spending a few weeks three States of Indiana, Illinois, and Mis- || longer, I must be prepared to return to souri, are not less than 250 Baptist the valley of the Mississippi. But I canpreachers. A majority of these have not bear the thought of returning, withbeen raised on the frontiers, with scarce- out this object is in a fair way to be acly the advantages of a common school complished. Permit me then to solicit, education; and not even habituated to that an appeal be made to the churches read the word of God in early life! and to individuals, for the sum necessary. Every year is adding to the number of Could the amount heretofore suggested, this class of preachers. And there is no be raised to provide the indispensable avoiding it. accommodations, and could 150 dollars annually for five years, as a moiety of the teachers' salary be received from these States, I am confident, that with rigid economy under the divine blessing, an Institution may be built up, that will prove of great usefulness to thousands. All which is respectfully submitted. J. M. PECK, Some of these are young men who commence preaching under these disadvantages. Of both married and single preachers, there can be found not a few who possess good natural talents, who furnish substantial evidences of piety and sound- || ness in the faith, and who are desirous of obtaining some education. They urgently solicit this. What shall be done? RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. REVIVALS OF RELIGION. LETTER FROM REV. PHINEHAS BOND. Cherryfield, July 9, 1826. alteration was visible at the expiration of three months, I would leave the place. It was my great study to know what could be done to advance the cause of Christ. At the expiration of a few weeks the people became quite solemn, and regularly attended the meetings. For a few days the state of things was very fluctuating. At times the small cloud appeared visible, but again flattering prospects vanished. Great fears prevailed that our expectations were raised high only to overwhelm us with disappointment. Very dear Brother, Several months have already elapsed since I intended to have given you some particular statement of the recent revival in this place. My not complying with your wishes before this late period, has not arisen from forgetfulness or neglect; but for the want of a convenient opportunity. My first visit to this place was Jan. 26, 1825. The state of religion was then exceedingly low; even to that degree which rendered it quite difficult to In this state of things it was thought distinguish between professors of relig- expedient to observe a day of fasting and ion and the world. And not having the prayer, that the Lord would display his constant ministry of the word, the relig, grace in the quickening of his saints, and ious state of society was declining, and in the salvation of sinners. The fourth of habits contracting, which portended seri-March was appointed. The day was ous consequences. After preaching sev- quite solemn, which much excited my eral times, all things seemed discour-anticipations; and occasioned me to aging as it respected the cause of Christ. look forward to our next monthly Church My conclusions were, that if no material conference, with a degree of pleasure in two males and thirty females, sixteen of the expectation of finding christians || my charge, fifty-two persons. Twentymuch engaged. But in this I was much disappointed. This fully convinced me of the insufficiency of man, and of the necessity of that Almighty power and sovereign grace which speaks life to dead souls, being imparted to quicken and reclaim wandering saints. The night after the conference was one of peculiar trial on account of the stupidity of christians, and the great wickedness of impenitent sinners. I was fearful that God was about to abandon the place, and would visit it with judgment on account of its wickedness. In my distress I cried unto God, and agonized in soul before him in behalf of the people. It appeared to me that I could not give up the case until the Lord should give some evidence that he would show mercy. After a few hours of great distress my mind became composed, and I submitted all to God, willing that he should do as would be most pleasing to him. In gospel bonds, PHINEHAS BOND. Rev. Daniel Sharp. EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. South Berwick, (Me.) July 28, 1826. I received a letter a few days ago, from Mr. David James, in Miramichi, New Brunswick, acknowledging the receipt of a letter from you, containing an appointment of three months' mission in those destitute parts. He adds, "for which I feel myself under deep obligations to the Society, for their love to me, and their liberality to the gospel. I will send my journal to Mr. I can accomplish my Mission." as soon as The next expedient resorted to, was a meeting of the church for the purpose of relating their christian experience to one another. This took place on the 19th of March, and, in a good degree, had the desired effect. It led christians to look back to the day of their espousal to Christ, and the life they had lived since. This humbled some of them in the dust, and led them to examine the foundation of their hope and mourn over their sins. At this time tokens of divine favour became quite visible, and we were satisfied that the Lord was in the place, and about displaying the riches of his grace in the salvation of sinners. Chrisi- There has been a very general attenians began to be much revived, and to tion to religion for some time past, in feel for poor sinners; while sinners be- that part of Miramichi where brother gan to feel distressed for their souls, and James labours. It is in the same place to inquire with anxious solicitude, "What in which I myself laboured for four must we do to be saved?" In April and years. When I found it to be my duty to the former part of May the revival was leave the place, the church consisted of 60 quite powerful and very general. O my members. They had few, or no addear brother, we then experienced scenes ditions, for more than two years followat which angels could not be silent spec- ing. They, however, retained their old tators, nor mortals look on with indiffer- number. The dreadful fire that broke ence. The hearts of stubborn sinners out in that place last fall, was the means melted like wax, and their rebellious of calling up the attention of many to the wills bowed to the reign of sovereign one thing needful.' The Lord presergrace. The revival was unusually still, ved the members of the church, as well and all things conspired to bespeak that as their property, almost miraculously it was the work of God. May 25, at the from the devouring element. None of request of the church and society, I was them suffered in person, and but little of ordained their pastor. May 29, I baptiz- their property was injured. This, doubted twelve persons. June 12, I baptized less, had much effect upon themselves six persons. June 26, baptized eight. as well as upon others. The result July 10, baptized eight July 24, bap- shows, that God has sanctified the tized one person. July 31, baptized two. dreadful visitation to them all. A revival Aug. 14, baptized four. Aug. 21, baptizin the church immediately took place; ed five. Sept. 11, baptized four. Sept. and in a short time, they had many 18, baptized one. Dec. baptized one, applications for baptism. At the date and some as yet stand candidates. Thus, of brother James' letter, (May 23d.) 42 my dear brother, you perceive that I have had been added by baptism, and 6 otherhad the privilege of baptizing and receiv-wise. The work was still going on, and ing to the fellowship of the church under the Macedonian cry was every where 6 which had continued for years, it was the pleasure of God about eight months ago, to visit them by the quickening influences of his Holy Spirit. Christians became truly zealous for the honour of the Lord of Hosts, and manifested a deep concern for the salvation of their fellow creatures. Conversions began to be multiplied, and the Congregational Society of which Rev. A. Bond is pastor, also participated in these blessings. It is believed, that "one hundred souls within the boundaries of the town have been brought to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. In South We are happy to hear that the Bap-bridge the number is thought to be from tist church at Sturbridge, under the pas-fifty to sixty. It is expected that many toral care of the Rev. Zenas L. Leonard, more will make a profession ere long.' has been favoured with a special work of We trust the Almighty will continue to God's grace. After a long wintry state, "be gracious unto them. 47 Account of Moneys received by the Treas. of the General Convention for Foreign Missions, &c. 1826. June 23. By cash from Benjamin Kingsbury, by Hon. S. Hubbard, 10,00 from individuals of the Bap. Church in Sturbridge, 8,00 from York Baptist Association, A. Smith, jr. Treas. received of the Baptist Female Mite Society in 9,40 as follows, viz. from Buxton Fem. Soc. for Burman Mission, 4,50 Limington Female Soc. for Foreign Missions, 4,82 9,10 5,00 1,00 1,00 do. three female friends in Buxton, 1 dollar each, 3,00 female friend in Buxton, ,50 28,92 159,00 1,00 Mary Buckman, Lexington, 3,00 from the Middlesex Bap. For. Mission Society, re- 55,49 received from the Saratoga Association, through 100,00 from the Treasury Department of the U. S. being For the Withington.Creek By cash from the Canaan, Columbia County, N. Y. For. C. J. Cauldwell, New York, 100,00 Aug. 25. By cash a legacy from Joseph Anderson, jr. Fayette, 2,00 3,65 Mission Box, collected at the Prayer Meeting, Danvers, 4,25 from two female friends in Franklin County, for Carey Station, 8,00 60,00 from Mr. Day, Treas. of the Damariscotta Mrs. Mayhew's Miss. Box, for Carey Station, 5,00 from Rev. H. J. Ripley, being amount collected HEMAN LINCOLN, Treas. Account of Monies &c. received for the Carey Territory, by Leonard Slater, Agent for the during the months of June and July last. Boston. 74,90 7,13 12,77 1292,11 Mission Station in Michigan Cambridge. shoes,' 6,69 S. Beal, 5,00 A. Wilbur, 2,00 Charlestown. Hard ware, 6,17 Shoes, 2,00 Clothing, 1,28 W. Arnold, Shoes, 3.33 6,75 G. Piper, Hard ware, 22,00 Hard ware, 5,75 A friend to Missions, Clothing, 2,50 2,00 0,50 21,74 W. & G. Tuckerman, S. Beals, W. Lamboard, 8,00 Friends, Tin ware, 2,46 Mr. Haynes, Tin ware, 4,50 7,12 A. M. Pulsifer, 2,76 S. Kidder, & Co. I marble mortar and pestle, 4,25 J. Clap, C. Goddard, W. Dyke, M. Mellen, & Co. Cotton thread, 1,22 A friend to Missions, Silk thread, 3,50 Memb. of the 2d. Bap. Ch. in Charlestown, cash, 12,52 Shoes, 2,62 J. Carter, Hard ware, 7,00 Crockery ware, 4,CO 66,59 Atkins & Homer, 5,00 J. Mellen, D. Beal, J. & J. Waldron, J. Clap, J. Sullivan, N. S. Simpkins, 6,23 Woburn. 2,50 I Wheel head, ,62 Dea. Tidd, 18,00 J. & J. Cummins, 3,50 Lincoln & Edmands, 3,00 3,00 5,50 1,50 10,00 David R. Griggs, Maynard & Noyes, 2,10 W. Blasland, |