Narrative of the State of Religion. 329 been some very special revivals. Ma- formed of a powerful revival in Nat ny of our churches have been greatly chez, in the Presbytery of Mississippi, refreshed. Seasons of peculiar sweet- and in Washington, in the Presbytery ness have been enjoyed by some of Orange, and in Mahoning, Derry churches, who are not included in the and Buffaloe, in the Presbytery of list of those who have been distinguish- Northumberland. From those parts ed as the 'highly favored of the Lord,' of the church where revivals were enand whose blessings have been so pe-joyed in previous years, we learn that culiar as to become subjects of general interest to the church. their subjects are generally steadfast, and are walking worthy of their profession. The Monthly Concert for prayer is generally mentioned. We are happy to learn that increasexertions are made in behalf of seamen. The society in New-York is flourishing, and a new and commodi ous church is now erecting in Philadelphia, for their accommodation. Pleasing evidence has been presented of the great benefit with which the efforts in their favor have been followed, many of them have been hopefully converted, and give good evidence that a work of effectual grace has been wrought in their hearts. The Bethel flag is a new and blessed sign of the times. It floats over the decks of many of our vessels as they go forth on the bosom of the deep. It is seen in The special influence of the Spirit of the Lord have been poured out upon the congregations of Augusta, Schenandoa and Oneida, in the Pres-ing interest is felt and that vigorous bytery of Oneida,-upon the first church in Lenox, in the second church in Sullivan, in the first church in Pombey, in the Presbytery in Onondaga,-upon the church of Ellisburg in the Presbytery of St. Lawrence, upon Esperance, the church at Saratoga Springs, Mayfield, Ballston and Moreau, in the Presbytery of Albany. One of the most extensive works of the Spirit that has been known in our country, has occurred in Moreau, and has spread with astonishing power through the surrounding country. In its vicinity several hundred persons, it is believed, have been brought to a saving knowledge of the truth. The Lord has turned again and revived his work in the churches of Salem, West Granville, in Kingsbury and Queensbury, in the Presbytery of Troy -In Middletown and Forrestburg, in the Presbytery of Hudson,-In the church in Rutger's street, in the Presbytery of New-York,-In the second church in Newark, Elizabethtown, and Patterson-in the Presbytery of Jersey,-In Flemington in the Presbytery of Newton,-In one of the churches of Baltimore,-In Jefferson college in the Presbytery of Ohio,- The board of education is earnestIn Mount Pleasant, New Salem, inly engaged, and it is well supported the Presbytery of Hartford. Bethel by several auxiliary societies. every part of the world, and is the pledge of the season when our mer. chandise and hire shall be holiness unto the Lord. Most of our Presbyteries are paying attention to the education of youth for the ministry. Many pious young men are in train, in various stages of their education.Notwithstanding the church is every year rousing to greater exertions, much more must be done before her duty is accomplished, or her wants supplied. in the Presbytery of Lexington,-In The pious females in our commuFredericksburgh in the Presbytery of nion, are still devoting themselves to Winchester,-In Rippley, in the Pres-the promotion of all the charities of bytery of Chillicothe. It is with pe- the day. The exertions of women culiar pleasure that we have been in- "who thus labor in the gospel, are a 330 A Narrative of the State of Religion. mong the most blessed and efficient we view these bereavements as a sothat the church enjoys. lemn warning to us all; they admonThe Theological Seminary at Prince-ish the churches to improve the meston, is every year becoming more and sages of grace, which are falling from more important. Its present condi- dying lips, and to honor God for the tion is flourishing. The number of its treasure which is contained in earthpupils is greater than at any former ern vessels. period; and it promises to be a favored and powerful instrument of dis-od of the world. This is an age of seminating the gospel through the great activity. To the church in this earth. day are committed great and precari We live in a most interesting peri The Theological Seminary at Au-ous interests. burn is rising into importance. It is How careful should we be to stand enjoying the patronage of the church, with our loins girded about with truth. and will soon be endowed and extend In an age of such wonders, of such its blessings throughout the interest-energy and enterprise, the church has ing country in which it is located. the delicate and difficult duty of aThe new, but most promising insti-voiding on the one hand, the spirit of tution at Hampden Sidney, is advanc-bold innovation, which is sometimes ing; the friends of religion are anticipating great benefits from it, especially to the southern country. allied to zealous and delicate efforts, and on the other, to prompt and cherish the ardor which promises to promote the highest good of the world. May the God of knowledge own and bless all the means of instruction Let us be up and doing. If we stuthat the earth may be full of his truth dy diligently the holy oracles, which and his praise. are our only infallible guide, if we reThe Assembly have heard withly upon the direction of the Spirit; if pleasure of the state of the churches, we possess a holy desire to bless the in Associations of New England. The world and exalt God; then our liberty Lord is in the midst of them for good; will not sink into licentiousness-our they are going forward in the order zeal will not destroy--the spirit of inand peace of the gospel, and with that quiry will not become a spirit of speczeal which should ever distinguish|ulation and philosophy, falsely so callthe favored of the Lord. We are ed. But truth shall triumph-charity happy to hear, also, that the Theolo-shall fill every bosom and bless every gical Seminary at Andover, is in a object-and the Lord alone shall be flourishing and prosperous condition. exalted. -Its numbers are annually increasing, and its friends are cheered with the belief that its usefulness is continually extending. We record with feelings of painful solemnity, the names of many of our dear brethren, who have been called from their labors the past year.* While *The Rev. Joel Bradley, of the presbytery of Onondaga. Rev. Henry Chapman, of the presbytery of Otsego. Kev. James N. Austin, of the presbytery of Albany. Rev. John R. Coe, and Edward Rositer, of the presbytery of Troy. Published by order of the General Assembly, Rev. John M'Knight, D. D. of the presby tery of Carlisle. Rev. Joseph R. Lapsley, of the presbytery of Muhlenburg. Rev. Prescott B. Smith, of the presbytery of Lancaster. Rev. Samuel Prince Robbins, & Rev. Wm. Boies, of the presbytery of Athens, Rev. Joseph S. Hughs, of the presbytery of Columbus. Rev. Dr. Thomas Reid, of the presbytery of New-Castle. Rev. Dr. Benjamin R. Montgomery, of the presbytery of Harmony. Rev. George Lukey, of the presbytery of New-Castle. [ Philadelphia, May, 1824 Melancholy Occurrence.-Albany S. Union.-Early Instruction. 331 MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE. coming more useful and interesting from the increased experience of those who have the management of them; it being no uncommon circumstance to find in almost all, some of the same teachers with whom the schools ori ducted by 10 principals, 9 superintendents, 5 secretaries, 112 teachers, 91 of whom are professors; about 1127 scholars are enrolled on the registers of the different schools, but on account of various circumstances, the average attendance is not more than 634, who have recited during the past year 260,974 verses of scripture One of the greatest disasters which it has ever been our duty to record, took place on Saturday last, on board the steam-boat Etna. This vessel was on its passage from New-Brunswick, N. J. to the city of New-York,ginated. The schools have been conwhen, at a distance of four or five miles from the latter city, the boiler burst by means of which a number of persons were killed, and several scalded, or injured by pieces of the boiler. At the time of the explosion there were thirty-four persons on board the Ætna, of whom fifteen belonged to the boat. Ten persons have died, and seven others were scalded, The schools consist of almost all the only one of whom is mentioned as not various denominations of christians. being in a dangerous condition. We-There are, 2 Presbyterians, 2 Relearn that ten of the passengers escapformed Dutch, 1 Episcopal, 1 Baptist, ed without injury. A son of one of 1 Lutheran, 1 Methodist, and 2 Inthe passengers escaped in a remarka-dependent-each steadfastly proseble manner. He was sleeping on thecuting, with christian feelings, their covering of the boiler, was thrown up own labors, and at the same time well by the explosion, and fell, without be-wishers of their sister schools, by ing injured, in the place previously whatever names they may be called. occupied by the machinery. steam-boat United States, Captain Beecher, which was also on its passage from New Brunswick to N. Y. came along side the Etna, took out some of those who were scalded, and towed the Etna to New-York. The The scene on board the Etna was affecting beyond measure. The bodily distress of some, and the mental anguish of others of the sufferers, will never be forgotten by those who were present Rel. Intelligencer. EARLY INSTRUCTION OF CHILDREN. That very young children are incapable of receiving religious instruction, is a supposition more often resorted to, as an excuse for neglect, we believe, than founded on any knowledge derived from experience. The fact is established by many examples, that most children, from three to five years of age, are capable of receiving truths that are important to their eternal welfare. The Guardian contains an example directly in point. West. Rec. "The Reverend pastor of one of the New-England villages, had labored successfully in the vineyard of his master, till his head was silvered, and his tottering limbs could scarcely sustain him. He entered the graveyard just as the sun was sinking in the west. The man of God was softly pressing beneath his feet the sods which covered many of his beloved where, who beholds all things at one view, and who knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. He led him to his place of residence, calmed his agitated mind, and determined to adopt him as his child. But God's ways were different. The good old man was soon after removed by death, into the world of spirits, and the little boy was the second time left an orphan, and cast upon the wide world. But God took care of him through the various changes and trials he was JUNE. side parishoners, when he arrived at the spot where lay his companion, and three beautiful daughters. As he bent over their graves, he was startled by hearing at a little distance, the sobs of a child. He turned and beheld a lovely little boy who was kneeling and weeping over the recent grave of his father. The good man, excited by compassion, approached and sat down beside the grave, pressed the weeping orphan to his bosom. "O sir," said the child "they have put my father in this hole; he told me, Omade to endure. At the age of sixI do remember it, he told me I should teen the Holy Spirit visited him; he never have a father any more, and thought of the good clergyman, his stroked my hair with his sick hand, advice, his prayers, his wishes, and and told me when he was buried in was led to dedicate himself to God. the ground, that I must be a good boy The hand of charity sought him out, and love God." The good Pastor, and supported him in a public educaunable to suppress his feelings, had tion. This orphan may hereafter be already wet the silken hair of the or-known in some heathen land, where phan with his tears. Having com- he has determined to spend his days." posed himself, his first object was to gain the confidence of the child, and then to direct him to One who had Clear the door yards, on every promised to be his father, and would of your house, of every thing that will never forsake him. He explained to make manure, and put it in your comhim how that death was a long sleep, post. (See manure, August.) It is and that it was the consequence of better for health, pleasure, and profit, sin, but that the voice of God would to clean your woodyard, every year. one day awake even the dead. He Plant cucumbers for pickling. Calenforced upon his mind the natural culate this year to make some improvedepravity of the heart, the awful dis-ments in husbandry. Get Reports parity between us and God. He next of Agricultural Societies, and purendeavored to set before him 'the chief chase, if you can afford it, the New end of man,' as revealed in the gospel, England Farmer, a Dictionary of all and concluded by wishing he might the terms used in farming, by Samuel be not only a good boy, and live so as Deane, D. D. price, bound, about two to meet his good father in heaven, but dollars and fifty cents; or the Farthat he would spend his life in doing mer's Assistant, by John Nicholson, good to others. Then taking this Esq. of the state of New-York, price lamb of his flock by the hand, he one dollar and fifty cents. Mark knelt with him on the grave, and your cattle with a branding iron, near commended him to the Great Shep-the top of the horn, and your sheep on herd of Israel. It was now dark ex- the ear, and have the marks recorded. cept what light the stars afforded. As "Always have work prepared for a ne left the grave-yard he directed the rainy day," as General Washington attention of the little orphan to the said to the man who conducted his starry firmament as the handy work farm. Put your barns, carts, sythes of that God whose presence is every ||rakes, forks, every thing, in perfect Dickinson College-Prospectus of the Adviser, 333 In the preceding pages we have inserted the Narrative of the state of Religion within the bounds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church in the United States, it must be interesting to christians generally.. The Survey of Missionary Stations through out the World which we have been publish❤ ing, has proved more lengthy than we antici pated; it is however, interesting to those who are desirous of hearing of the great and extensive missionary exertions that are in successful operation, throughout the world. This survey will be completed in a few numbers. order for haying and harvest. Burn | bill of expenses which will probably be officibrimstone under the caterpillars on ally made known. your fruit trees. Rise early, and hear It is better the music of the birds. for land, to plough it and hoe it while the dew is on, than later in the day. Do not calculate to get the weeds out of your gardens and cornfields, but keep them out. Be in the field with your sons, whenever it is practicable, not to rule them with the rod of a tyrant, but to cheer and encourage them, and to show them that you are willing to share in their labors. Talk with them as if your farm was common property to them and you, do not always say my oxen, my horses; but our oxen, our horses, and tell them your plans respecting the management of your farm. Ask their advice, that you may bring their minds to be active, as well as their bodies. By tyrannizing over them, and keeping them in ignorance, you will fit them only to be ignorant, and shiftless, as long as they live.--Christian Almanac. several additional Trustees. The meeting the Board was numerous, and their proceed. PROPOSALS By W. F. Geddes, Carlisle, Pa. for publish- Religious & Literary Miscellany. THIS paper of the Religious Miscellany. It is designed to communicate such information with respect to the great interests of the church of God and the success and operations of different Benevolent Institutions now existing, or which shall hereafter be formed, as may be thought interesting to those who desire the improvement of Public morals, the prosperity of Religion and the melioration of the world. Matters of general importance shall will be but a new series ings very unanimous. The Rev. Alexander always have the preference in making selections from foreign sources. Those M'Clelland, Professor of the Philosophy of things which more nearly concern Mind and of Belles Lettres, was elected Christians of this country and this state, shall receive more minute and particular attention. The efforts of Christians of every denomination shall be entitled to such particularity of notice as may be thought profitable to the general cause of Truth and Right son, Principal of the College, in the room of Dr. J. M. Mason resigned. The hon. J. B. Gib. Esq. was elected President of the Board in the room of the hon. Jas. Armstrong, Esq. resigned; and the following gentlemen were added to the number of trustees. The Rev. B. Keller of this place, the Rev. J. F. Grier of Reading, Michael Ege, Esq. of this county, and James Hamilton, Esq. late secretary of the Board. We understand that some important changes have been resolved upon by the Board in the police of the College and the eousness. Some columns of the paper shall be appropriated to Reviews and Original Essays, but in this department nothing can be admitted but what shall be |