consecrated it in baptism and, gave it your name-five days we were permitted to enjoy it apparently in health-but where, dear sister! where is it now? Yesterday we committed the little perishable part to the grave. For a fortnight we were exercised with alternate hopes and fears, and I held it with a trembling hand, sensible I had no right to it, in any sense of the word, which in the least precluded the absolute right of God; my little seeming right, however, I trust I had given back to the Lord long before its birth; it never, I think, has been so much my desire, that it might live, as that it might be a sanctified one. Surely I have no right to complain; and I think my heart cheerfully acquiesces in the divine right to take it, and to dispose of it as seemeth good in his sight; and. the event shows that the good of his kingdom demanded that it should be taken from its mother's embrace; and should then my heart withhold it for my own private comfort? Had it been continued in life it might have proved a snare and been an occasion more and more, and yet perhaps imperceptibly, of drawing off my affections from him on whom they ought supremely to be fixed; or it might so have conducted in life, as greatly to dishonor God and bring me in a more advanced age with sorrow to the grave; at any rate I know it must be best as it is; infinite wisdom cannot err, infinite goodness must choose; and infinite power must execute what is best. "God is love," therefore nothing can take place in his system but manifestations of love, however adverse, dark and VOL. V. No. 4. gloomy, the divine conduct may appear to sinful short sighted mortals. If a little sparrow falleth not to the ground, but only pursuant to God's eternal plan of operation, then surely the exit of my babe, which was of more value than many sparrows, must have been in the wise plan of God-therefore my soul must, and will say amen. Not one pain did my poor distressed infant suffer for which I had any right to impeach either the wisdom or justice of God-trifling were the pains of the mother, however, when it was brought into life, compared to those of seeing it suffer such agonies as were inflicted; but I repeat it, that all was right. Last week our parents came over to make us a short visit, and to rejoice with us, on the birth of my first born; but alas! they found us in circumstances of affliction. Our father being obliged to return home, left mother here, who has, however, returned to day; so that I am as it were alone, and yet, blessed be God, I am not alone, for I enjoy, I hope, in some degree, the promissed comforter. How great are the consolations of the blessed gospel? What can afford quiet to the mind equal to a confidence in the rectitude of the divine government? What can ravish the heart more than a perception of the glorious, the beautiful character of God, shining through all the pages of divine Revela tion? But when we attempt to speak of the Christ of God, and the astonishing grace manifested through him to a rebellious world, we must be filled with astonishment at his condescenT sion and love. What rebellion, | she was restored to you, and therefore, for me to murmur that in mercy I trust. You against God-for what can he must, dear sister, and you will, inflict which I do not deserve ? consider your children as not Dear sister, let your prayers be your own, in any sense which in concert with mine, that this precludes the absolute right of dispensation of divine provi- him who has committed them dence may be sanctified, and to your care-a care how imabundantly made up by those portant! They are intrusted sweet consolations of God's holy with you under the sacred in. spirit which are better, yea, junction, that you should bring far better than the unsanctified them up for God. I am ready enjoyment of sons and daugh- to tremble for myself, (as I was ters; let it serve to quicken us married into the care of chilboth in the divine life, and may it dren) and for all parents in the excite you renewedly, to give up land of gospel light, especially yourself, your companion, your when I read what was said to children and your all, unreserv- them under a darker dispensaedly, and unconditionally to God; tion, when we enjoy the meridfor if with congenial hearts, we ian sun-shine of the gospel-I possess full confidence in the allude more particularly to rectitude of all the divine con- Deut. vi. and vii.-Neglect aduct, what can prevent such a rising from ignorance under dedication? Eternity is just at that dispensation, might be hand-soon will the scene of winked at with respect to many; life be closed-soon must we but ignorance under gospel light, appear at the tribunal of God betrays a heart alienated from and Oh, that we might appear on God, and must therefore be the right hand of the judge-considered wilful and inexcusa and may we find our little Sally there. He who took little children in his arms and blessed them, announcing at the same time, that of such was the kingdom of heaven, was able to wash away the original pollution of this child, renovate its nature, and clothe it in robes of his own righteousness-if such was the grace bestowed it was taken from the evil to come-has escaped all the trials, temptations and sorrows of this life, and therefore will be the happier | for the pains it endured in its short continuance here. You easily conceive of a mother's anguish, when you call to mind the distressed situation your eldest was in while an infant; but ble. O let us not, my dear sister, follow the multitude, either to do positive evil or omit known duty. I conclude you are now settled in Hd, and am much pleased that you are in so good a situation to enjoy the means of grace-and hope your worldly circumstances are eligible and sufficient for your comfortable support and usefulness in life. You will not surely expect happiness from the things of the world, for all is delusory and vain. I am affectionately yours, &c. B B. LITCHFIELD, Aug. 16, 1804. To the COMMITTEE of the TRUSTEES of the MISSIONARY SOCIETY of CONNECTICUT, GENTLEMEN, WILL you please to accept, and take the disposal of thirty-three dollars fifty-six cents, contributed by an Association of Females, in the first Society of this town. The object of the contribution is specified in the Constitution of this Association, a copy of which, we send you inclosed. It will be seen that the hint and principal part of the plan, was taken from a similar institution in the county of Hampshire, Massachusetts. Should it be thought favorable to the general promotion of the same charitable disposition, and in this way be coincident with the views of your Society, and to the advancement of the cause of our common Lord, the enclosed can, if you think proper, be submitted to the Editors for insertion in the Connecticut Evangelical Magazine. P. S. As Mrs. Eliza W. Huntington, is by the Constitution, receiver for the Female Association in Litchfield, she will be considered their agent in their transactions with your Society. THE Trustees of the Connecticut Missionary Society, at their last meeting, passed a vote of thanks to the Female Association in the first Society in the town of Litchfield, for the generous collection, which is mentioned in the preceding letter. PLAN of a FEMALE ASSOCIA A TION. Ta time when eminent and successful exertions are making in the world, to spread the knowledge of our dear Redeemer; it would be pleasing to observe that sex, who have formerly distinguished themselves as his firmest friends, now more generally among the foremost to honor him. Benevolent and devout women ministered to our Lord's necessities, when he was here upon earth-great was their faith in his promises, after his death. Many such there now are, who minister to him, tho' in heaven, by ministering to the spiritual and temporal necessities of his disciples and friends; and who look forward, with faith and joy to that happy period, when the knowledge and glory of the Lord, shall fill the earth. Whatever is done by them, either to hasten his coming and kingdom, or to relieve or comfort his needy followers, he receives and rewards as a kindness done to himself. It is believed that his cause would obtain material aid if the liberal and pious women of our towns, would more generally u nite among themselves, if only to raise a small sum, annually, to be employed, in sending the truths of his life-giving word where at present there is an unhappy destitution. To give the good women of the town of - an opportunity of thus knowing the Lord with their substance, in a way too, which will be very little burdenproposed-believing that the apsome, to most, a plan is here probation of their own consciences, and the tender mercies of our blessed Redeemer, will be A PLAN of a FEMALE Asso- for❘ the purpose of an annual contribution, for the purchase, and charitable distribution of the HoLr BIBLE, and other pious, Christian writings, among the needy inhabitants of the new settlements, in the United States. left, to the Treasurer of the son or persons, with whom it is All monies so paid, shall be Connecticut Missionary Society. sacredly appropriated to the sole purpose of purchasing copies of the Holy Bible, and other pious, Christian writings, according to the best discretion of the Trustees, or their Committee, and by them be distributed amongst the needy and least informed inhabitants of the new settlements of the United States. berty to discontinue her subIV. Each subscriber is at li scription, at the end of each year, by notifying the receiver of their contributions, of such discontinuance; and is to be sociation, until such discontinuance is regularly notified. We the subscribers, animated by the successful exertions of many benevolent persons in our own country, and in other parts of the Christian world, to spread the knowledge of the "bloodbought salvation," through the earth; tenderly affected with the spiritual embarrasments and perishing necessities of multi-considered a member of the Astudes of our fellow-immortals, in the remote, destitute settlements of our own country; and desirous of casting our mite into our Lord's treasury, for the furtherance of his gospel-Do associate together for the purpose of mutual assistance and encouragement, in pursuing measures for the extensive distribution of the Holy Scriptures, and other pious writings of Christ's faithful servants. We unite ourselves by the name of the Charitable Female Association of under the following articles : I. This Association shall consist of women, either married or single, who shall subscribe our articles. II. Each subscriber shall pay to some suitable person or persons, belonging to the Society, one cent every week, or fifty cents by the year; the year to end with the month of September. III. All monies, thus contributed, shall be sent by the per by the members of the Associ- Relying on the guidance and Religious Intelligence. Mr. KICHERER'S Mission to the T HIS distinguished servant been prepared, in a peculiar of God appears to have At an early period of life, he manner for missionary labors. happened to read Cook's Voy ages his mind was then led to contemplate the miserable condition of the human race sitting in the region and shadow of death. His soul longed for their salvation; and he eagerly desired, if possible, to be instrumental thereto. But he had no conception of any means whereby this could be accomplished, nor did he know there was a missionary in the world. For many years, however, the ardent where Mr. Voss was then minister. Here they met a hearty welcome, and were set apart to the work of the ministry. On the 25th of June they left Rodezand, laden with the presents from their friends. Their journey sometimes lay through very difficult passes of the mountains, so that it was necessary to add fourteen oxen to their own, in order to climb the steep ascents. Sometimes they desire of evangelizing the Heath-travelled for many days without was en dwelt on his mind. At length the Missionary Society formed; when, being one afternoon at the house of a friend, a Dutch minister first informed him that British Christians were devising means to send the gospel to the Heathen. It is impossible to express the joy afforded him by this intelligence. From this moment, Mr. K. exulted in hope that he should one day gratify the dearest wish of his heart, in becoming the messenger of Jesus to the benighted world. Application was soon made to the Society; and he was accepted as one of their missionaries. On the 5th of December, 1798, Mr. Kicherer, together with Dr. Vanderkemp, Mr. Edmond and Mr. Edwards, embarked for the Cape of Good Hope, where they arrived in March, 1799. At the very time of their arrival, a deputation of three Boschemen came thither, earnestly desiring that some good men might be sent to instruct them. The missionaries considered this as a clear call to visit the poor wild Hottentots. Messrs. Kicherer and Edwards were appointed to this work; and leaving Cape Town, May 22, they proceeded to Rodezand, the sight of a human being, surrounded only by steinbocks and ostriches. Here and there they found a cultivated spot; and were hospitably entertained by the farmers, who occasionally gave them sheep and other stores. At other times they slept in the open desart, exposed to the danger of lions and tigers, which greatly abound in that country. The narrative, which will shortly be published, contains an account of some special deliverances from the attacks of lions, which were wonderfully providential. About the end of July they passed the last inhabited house of Rockfield, and found the country almost without a blade of grass. The eggs of the ostriches, however, contributed to their comfortable support. After travelling seven days without meeting a human creature, they arrived at a place where a few Boschemen resided, three of whom came to them. Next day they were visited by about twenty more. At length they reached the spot intended for their abode, which they called Happy Prospect Fountain, and immediately began to build a house and plant a garden. Here they commenced their |