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MONTHLY RECORD.

RELIGIOUS.

Revivals.--The Rev. President Humphrey, of Amherst College, in a letter to the editors of the Recorder and Telegraph, gives an interesting account of a work of the Spirit in that Institution. It commenced about the middle of April, and in the few days intervening between that time and the close of the

Spring term, about 30 became hopeful subjects of grace; and 20 of these are supposed to have obtained relief in a single week.

The following extract of a letter from the Rev. Joseph Entwisle, late President of the British Conference, to his friend Mr. S. Dando, of New-York, was published in the Christian Advocate and Journal.

"BRISTOL, March 19, 1827. "It rejoices my heart to hear that the work of God is still going forward in the United States. May the little leaven, leaven the whole lump. I am happy that I can inform you, that we also are favoured with outpourings of the Spirit in various parts of our connection in England. In some places, hundreds have been called out of darkness into marvellous light. There is a great revival at Hull and its vicinity; also in Lincolnshire, some parts of Yorkshire and Cornwall, and in other places. We still apply to ourselves the words of the venerable Wesley The best of all is-God is with us.'

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pages; together with 13 Tracts, embracing 176 pages, in Spanish; and 14 Tracts, embracing 168 pages, in French. They have also commenced stereotyping in German; and have now under consideration the expediency of publishing a few Tracts in the native Indian language of our country.

The Committee have continued the

publication of the American Tract Magazine, of which 3,750 copies are now regularly published, once in two months.

Of the Christian Almanac for 1827, no less than ten distinct editions were issued, adapted to the meridian of latitude of as many different localities in various parts of the United States: viz. at Boston, Mass., New-York City, Utica, N. Y., Rochester, N. Y., Baltimore, Md., Richmond, Va., Raleigh, N. C., Augusta, Geo., Huntsville, Alab., and Edwardsville, Illinois.Whole number of copies printed at the Society's House, 71,000.

During the year ending May 1, the Society have printed, in the English language 2,629,100 Tracts; in French 14,000; in Spanish 13,000. Besides which there have been printed, of vols. I. and IV. 3000 copies each; of vol. III. 3000 copies; of vol. II. 2000; of vols. V. and VI. 1000 each; making 13,000 volumes, comprising 400,000 Tracts. Which, added to those abovementioned, give a total, during the year, of TREEE MILLION, FIFTY-SIX THOU SAND AND ONE HUNDRED TRACTS,

The American Tract Society held its comprising THIRTY FIVE MILLION, second Anniversary, May 9th. From the Secretary's Report we select the following prominent facts.

The number of Tracts stereotyped during the year, is 45; making the whole number now stereotyped and printed, two hundred; containing an aggregate of 2,476 pages. The first 194 Tracts, comprising 2,400 pages, complete a set of six volumes, which have, exclusive of the issues of Tracts in their single and unconnected form, been printed from the stereotype plates on uniform paper, for binding.

The committee have also sanctioned and sterotyped the "Boatswain's Mate," in seven parts, embracing 148

EIGHT HUNDRED AND EIGHT THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED PAGES. Whole number printed since the Society was formed, (May, 1825,) 3,754,000 comprising 43,862,000 pages; of which 1,620,000 have been covered, making 6,480,000 pages of covers, not included in the above.

The number of pages put into circulation during the year, including 6,453 bound volumes, is 24,768,232; and since the Society was formed, 28,379,732. There now remain in the General Depository 15,428,268. A large proportion of the Tracts circulated during the year have been sold at reduced prices, to Branches and Auxiliaries, or to oth

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Total, $30,413 01 Of this sum, together with $28 92 in the Treasury at the commencement of the year, there have been expended For paper, For printing, engraving, stereotyping, binding, &c. Services of Corr. Secretary, Depository, and two assistants, Services and expenses of travelling agents,

15,858 34

1,438 92

1,209 27 On the first inst. bills then due, were presented to the amount of $598 10 beyond the amount then in the Treasury; and the Society are now under obligations for stereotype plates and paper, to the amount of $9,239 93.

The whole number of Branches and Auxiliaries reported at the last anniversary as having contributed to the Society's funds was 75. The whole number which now contribute to its funds, is 340; besides which, 56 have been recognized by the Committee, making a total connected with the Society, of three hundred and ninety-six.

The American Society for meliorating the condition of the Jews held its fifth anniversary, May 11th. The following, from the New-York Observer, will show the present condition of this Society.

The Hon. Jonas Platt having resigned the Presidency some months previous, S. V. S. Wilder, Esq. the only Vice President present, was called to the chair. The records of the Board at a meeting on Tuesday preceding were read, stating, among other things, the adoption of the Annual Report. From the Treasurer's Report, which followed, it appeared that the total

receipts of the year had amounted to $1,266 40, and the expenditures to $1,572 46; and that the amount of funds at the disposal of the Society, including interest on money loaned, was $15,960. This Report was accepted.

The Annual Report as adopted by the Board was then read; and on motion to accept and print it a very desultory debate ensued; in the course of which, allusion was often made to past transactions, and to the general subject of attempting to colonize Jews in the United States. On this point, it was plain there was a radical difference of opinion. In respect to the Report, it was urged by some, that it gave an inaccurate representation of the Society's concerns; and that as the Report of the previous year was rejected, it ought to have included a history of the proceedings for that year. Others contended that it was perfectly correct, and contained information which the Christian public, and especially the donors to the funds, had a right to possess. The Report was rejected.

Rev. Drs. Spring and McAuley, at the close of a few remarks in approbation of the Report, and before the vote on the question of its acceptance, signified their intention to resign their places as members of the Board and of the Society. S. V. S. Wilder, Esq. on leaving the chair, which he filled with great impartiality and candour, also resigned, both as Vice President and member.

Among other remarks of Mr. Frey, it was stated that of 400 auxilliaries nominally connected with the Society. not five were living. He however attributed this, not to any disaffection on their part in relation to the object or management of the Society, but to an impression, which at present was correct, that no more funds were needed.

POLITICAL.

ENGLAND.-The London papers bring us accounts of great commotions in the English Cabinet. They have arisen in consequence of the appointment of Mr. Canning to succeed the Earl of Liverpool as first Lord of the Treasury. This measure has been displeasing to several Members of the Cabinet, who have sent in their resignations. These were, The Lord Chancellor, The Duke of Wellington, Earl

Bathurst, Mr. Peel, the Earl of Westmoreland, Lord Bexley, and Lord Lowther. The King is said to have acted with great decision in this exigency, and his measures are generally approved.

Catholic Emancipation.-The Christian Observer of March, speaking of the late decision in the House of Commons, respecting the question of Catholic Emancipation, says:

The debate lasted two nights; in the course of which most of the leading speakers, and various other members particularly interested in this subject, addressed the House. We can

not undertake to give even an outline of these protracted discussions, which resulted in a rejection of the motion by a majority of four: no fewer than 548 members voting,; 272 for, and 276 against the motion. The subject is, however, far from being set at rest; and frequent conversations are occur ring respecting it in both Houses, especially the House of Lords. We much fear lest it should prove a source of greater discords than ever; for never, in the opinion of persons of all parties, has the state of Ireland been less a subject of more serious uneasiness than at present."

ORDINATIONS AND INSTALLATIONS.

Feb. 28.-The Rev. HEMAN HUмHHREY, D. D. was installed Pastor of the Church in Amherst College. The College Chapel was dedicated the same day. The Sermon was preached by President Humphrey.

March 7.-The Rev. PETER HOLT, over the Presbyterian Church in Peterborough and Greenfield, N. H. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Bradford, of New-Boston.

March 14.-Rev. ABNER P. CLARK, over the Presbyterian Church in Preble, N. Y. Sermon by Rev. Mr.

Mills, of Peterborough.

March 15.-The Rev. ISAAC CUMMINGS, Over the Congregational Church in Dover, Vt. Sermon by the Rev. Chandler Bates, of Newfane.

March 21.--The Rev. SAMUEL SPRING, over the North Ecclesiastical Church in Hartford. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Spring of New-York.

March 28. The Rev. ALONZO HILL, as Colleague with the Rev. Dr. Bancroft, over the Second Congregational Society in Worcester, Mass. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Brazer.

April 1.-Rev. SAMUEL WILSON, over the Presbyterian Church in Shiloh, Ohio. Sermon by Rev. John Howe.

April 5.--Rev. W. G. MILLER,

over the Baptist Church in Orange. Street, New-York. Sermon by the Rev. A. Perkins.

April 8.-Rev. NATHANIEL A. PRATT, over the Presbyterian Church in Darien, Ga. Sermon by Rev. Horace Pratt, of St. Mary s.

April 22.-Rev. GEORGE F. ADAMS, over the Central Baptist Church of Washington City.

April 25.-Rev. DANIEL S. SOUTHMAYD, over the Trinitarian Church in Concord, Mass. Sermon by Professor Murdock, of Andover.

April 25.-Rev. JOSEPH H. BRECK, over the Church in Andover, Ohio. Sermon by Rev. H. Coe.

May 3.--Rev. HENRY B. HOOKER, over the Congregational Church in Lanesborough, Mass. Sermon by the Rev. Charles Walker, of Rutland, Vt.

May 16.-Rev. JOHN E. BRAY, over the Congregational Church in Prospect. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Talcott, of Warren.

May 16.-Rev. ETHAN SMITH, was installed over the Congregational Society in Hanover, Mass. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Storrs, of Braintree.

May 20.-Rev. HERVEY HAYES, at Boston Mass. as an Evangelist and Chaplain in the United States Navy. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Beccher.

ERRATA.-Page 316, column 2, line 30 from top, for sons, read sins: Page 317, column 1, line 20 from top, for Aufidus, read Aufidius.

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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE PULPIT.

DURING the first two centuries, religious instruction was given to those who were looking forward to the ministry, by lectures; and to the people mostly in private houses. Every distinguished presbyter and bishop had a catechetical lecture which all who chose, attended. The method of preaching on the sabbath, so far as we can ascertain, was rather that of expounding. Considerable portions of scripture were read and explained. The stateliness and formality of pulpit instruction were not then known. Cecil thinks arch-bishop Leighton's commentary on Peter is the best specimen we have of primitive preaching. Origen, who flourished in the 3d century, was the first who introduced the practice of selecting a single text as the subject of a discourse. He dealt much in abstract and philosophical disquisitions. With him a text was little more than a starting point; for he wandered much in the mazes of speculation. Houses for public worship were not generally erected till the fourth century. From the middle of the third century, vital religion began visibly to decline, special seasons of the out-pouring of the Spirit became less frequent. In the east, this was owing in a great measure to the spread of error, occasioned by the prevalence of a false philosophy. In the west, prosperVOL. I No. VII.

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ity operated upon the corruption of the heart, discipline was relaxed, and the purity of the church was lost in proportion to its splendour. Persecutions also were frequent and violent, so that the prominent bishops and presbyters were ployed in refuting error, or defending the oppressed. This gave a character of bitterness as well to their preaching, as their writings. From the 5th, to the 16th, century there are few materials from which we can derive any authentic history of the pulpit. Preaching degenerated into cold metaphysical disquisitions. The subtleties of the school-men supplanted the simple truths of the gospel. The gloom and ignorance of monasterism quenched the light and chilled the fervor of piety. This long period of time for want of good writers may be compared to desolate wilds, in crossing which, the weary traveller is doomed to spend whole days, without meeting one object attractive enough to relieve the unvarying picture of lonesomeness and sterility. It has often been justly observed, that no literary loss is more hopeless than that of historical records. At the Reformation, the pulpit became the seat of truth and holiness. The thunders of one world shook the very centre of the other: the deep sleep of error and superstition was effectually broken; and the arrows of the Spirit, which are the truths of the gospel, became

sharp in the hearts of the king's enemies. The pulpit in Germany, France and England, was occupied by men who wielded a mighty influence-a power went out from it that shook the foundations of spiritual and political tyranny. Since the Reformation, the pulpit has been regarded as an engine of immense power. The more unpretending and humble its occupants, the stronger is its hold upon the public mind, and the wider is its influence over the community. "An enlightened, holy, and powerful ministry," says an able writer in a London Review," is one of the greatest blessings that can enrich the Christian church. It is the best security against error, and a spirit of delusion it annihilates sectarian prcjudices where they exist; and keeps them at a happy distance where they have never been indulged. By its mighty operation, good principles are widely diffused and luminously displayed in the consistent and blameless deportment of those who are brought under their influence."

Further light will be thrown upon this subject by giving the character of the different preachers in the several eras of the church.

The Apostles enjoyed advantages in the miraculous gifts and powers which were peculiar to themselves. Their preaching was accompanied with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. Their immediate successors were men of great simplicity and surpassing excellence. If we may judge from what are termed the epistles of Ignatius, Polycarp, Clement, and others, we should say the character of their preaching was hortatory rather than argumentative. They made a very free use of the language of scripture, so that their sermons must have been pervaded with deep piety and a heavenly "onction."

During the first centuries the church was so entirely one, so uni

ted in interest, so kept together by persecutions and the surrounding darkness, that prominent men gave a character to the age in which they lived. If therefore, we can ascertain what was peculiar and distinguishing in a few eminent preachers we can judge of all the rest. We shall mention some who stand out to notice in the 2nd century.

Justin Martyr, was educated a Platonist. That he was an able preacher is proved by his Apologies. He is rather known as a controversialist, than as a pastor and divine.

Irenæus, was sound and judicious. He had more of the spirit of the Apostles. He laboured sometime as a missionary among the Gauls. He was located at Lyons, and exerted a wide influence. To a mind of a high order, was added an extensive acquaintance with the scriptures, as is proved by his book against Heresies. He seems to have been intent upon building up the kingdom of Christ.

Tertullian, the first Latin Father, was a profound scholar. He had a most inquisitive mind. He travelled extensively to glean from every source all possible knowledge of the "traditions" of the Apostles. We are indebted to him for much valuable information respecting the first usages of the church. He lacked in evangelical spirit. He secularized religion. His writings had rather a stoical, than a Christian appearance. His influence was salutary, though not wholly unexceptionable.

Clemens Alexandrinus, was of a philosophical cast. He corrupted some of the doctrines of the gospel. He was one of Origen's instruct

ers.

The three last mentioned Fathers were men of great research, and of deep study. They had an influence in blending philosophy with religion. What the church gained in erudition by their labours, it lost in simplicity and moral power. Their preaching was with the enticing words of man's wisdom, the

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