is worthy of remark that not an instance of any thing visionary or disorderly has been witnessed. Neither is there an individual even among the youngest converts, who does not engage in social prayer; two weekly meetings for which have been established, one for each sex. I cannot tell you, dear Sir, with how much delight and avidity the scriptures are read in family devotions. It has not been uncommon for whole families to read each their chapter by morning candle light, and perhaps in no instance have they been more generally resorted to, to see whether these things are so; or more perseveringly searched for doctrinal knowledge, and growth in grace.

A Sabbath School has been opened, (in which four have volunteered their servises as instructors,) embracing about 40 different scholars, some of which are 18 years of age, and recite several chapters at a lesson. Many parents countenance the object by personal attention.

Some friends expressing a desire to do something in the cause of missions, were presented with a constitution for a Char-, itable Society, which has obtained a respectable number of subscribers.

The male members have not wanted this evidence of genuine Christian charity; but several have attached themselves to the Society for Wor. Co. Auxilary to the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, by adopting their constitution, and also becoming regular subscribers for the American Baptist Magazine. Father Brooks alone has given 30 dols.for three different benevolent purposes.

Although this work does not compare with the extensive and powerful revivals in many places around us; yet its fruit gives true ground of rejoicing to the subjects of Christ's kingdom, which is increasing, and like the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, must increase till it becomes exceeding great, and fills the whole earth.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. WILLIAM PATTISON, HOLLAND PURCHASE, TO A FRIEND IN BOSTON, DATED APRIL 20, 1820.

"I CANNOT close without just observing, that it is a time of special refreshing from the Lord with a number of our infant churches here in the wilderness; among which, the people over whom your unworthy correspondent has the charge, are at this time experiencing the distinguishing displays of divine grace. Backsliders are returning, young converts singing, and perishing sinners groanig under their awful condition. The VOL. II.

52

work is remarkably still, but solemn as the tribunal of Jehovah. Our baptismal seasons have been hitherto remarkably owned of God for the awakening of the careless. The work is rapidly progressing; and should it continue, you will probably hear further from me."

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. D. DODGE, TO ONE OF THE EDITORS. New-Brunswick, April 22, 1820.

Rev'd. and dear Brother,

I TAKE the liberty to send you a short account of the work of God in this place; also an account of the experience and death of one of our members ;* and if you think there is any part of either worth publishing, they are at your disposal.

The first of October last, was 12 months since I moved to this place, and took the oversight of the church in Piscataway; this was the second Baptist church constituted in this State, and perhaps second to none in it, in point of wealth and respectability. A number of churches have been constituted from this, so that the country has become noted for Baptist churches. No less than eight are within 12 miles of this place.

At the time Elder Runyon died, the church gave me a pressing invitation to settle among them, but I could not see my way clear to leave Wilmington, Del. and even when I did leave, it was one of the greatest trials I ever experienced. After being with them almost 16 years, and having baptized 259 persons; it is very natural to suppose they must be dear to me; and could it have been possible to have realized previously the pain of soul I felt on the occasion, I should never have made the attempt. But the Father of mercies has not left me without witness, that it was his blessed will I should move. Soon the attention of the people was called up, and some that had obtained a hope from six to thirty years past, with some young converts, were found pressing to the gates of Zion. In the November following, twelve came and gave us a pleasing relation of what God had done for their souls, and were buried with Christ in baptism.

In January, 1819, there were six more compelled by bleeding love to follow the footsteps of Jesus; although the water was frozen, yet the day was very pleasant, and the power of the Lord was pres ent to heal and comfort. We sung

"Christians, if your hearts be warm,

Ice and snow will do no harm, &c." Many were much impressed. In March, twelve more were drawn by sovereign grace to take up their cross, and before a vast concourse of solemn and weeping * See p. 413.

spectators put on the Saviour, O how precious was the time.' The Lord bowed his heavens and came down, and made the place of his feet awful and lovely. Ten more in June gladdened our hearts by giving us a relation of what Christ had done for them. O how it melted the soul, to hear them say, 'I have been waiting for years to get better, but I grow worse and worse, and I have to come now a poor sinner, for I cannot stay any longer. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. God's time is always the best.

In September there were four baptized, and in December five, so the total number baptized since my settlement here, is 49; this is the Lord's doing, and marvellous in our eyes. Of the above number, only six or seven are young persons, but we hope to see shortly the dear youth coming home. The revival has been, we may say, among the Christians, for most that have joined us,professed to have been converted years ago. Some under the preaching of Elders Runyon, Man-, ning, Randolph, McLaughlin, &c. The two former have been dead for years, yet they speak.

There is still a considerable number under concern, and our congregations large and solemn. So that I hope the work is but just begun. There has not been a jarring note in the church since I came. O may the God of order continue us in this state.

EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM A RE

SPECTABLE CORRESPONDENT IN
VERMONT, TO ONE OF THE
EDITORS, DATED

Hartland, May 10, 1820.

A COUNCIL was called by the church in Bethel, on the 2d of May last, to examine into the validity of Brother Benjamin Putnam's ordination. He joined the Baptist Church, in Topsham, when young; but after a season, he went to the communion of the Freewillers, and at length joined them. After which Topsham Church excluded him. He soon began to preach, and was at length ordained. When the Christian denomination arose in those parts, Mr. Putnam and all his church went over to them. In this connexion he has continued to preach until within about three months.

When the council came together, he related his Christian experience, which was very satisfactory. He stated the principal exercises of his mind, from fourteen years old, (the time he joined Topsham Church,) to the present time. After preaching among the Christian denoinination a number of years, and be

ing instrumental of building a number of Churches in that order, it came into his mind, that there was not an agreement between his prayers and preaching. He preached to sinners as though they had got to convert themselves, but when he prayed, his supplications were, that God would effect the work.

Not far from this time he was led to query, what authority he had for administering the Lord's Supper to persons unbaptized, and of such a variety of opinions? The more he studied, the greater was his difficulty in both cases. He soon began to query whether he had given that honour to Christ which is his due. On the whole, his Arminian, Arian, and Socinian structure, which he had been labouring to build, began to totter; till at length he was placed in such difficulty, that he knew not which way to turn. The scriptures would keep coming to mind, to shake his foundation, and to build up the Calvinistic system, which he had been striving to pull down. He kept his trials to himself nearly a year; at length, he invited his Brethren in the Ministry in a private manner, to meet at his house; when he related his trials to them; but getting no relief, he made his mind known, and immediately sent appointments to his different places, that he should be there on such a day, and retract the sentiments he had been preaching to them. People flocked together in multitudes; he first related the exercises of his mind at large, and then preached a Sermon in each place. He then returned to Topsham, retracted his errors, and was restored to their fellowship. He preached to the Church to their satisfaction, and received a letter of recommendation to Bethel Church.

He had resided for a number of years within the limits of this church while preaching amongst the Christians. All orders of professors, and indeed all people, both saints and sinners, agree, that his moral character has been fair from his first professing religion. He appears to be a man of respectable talents, and great solemnity and candour. The council were well satisfied with the deportment of the man, but not with his ordination. The Church were for having the council proceed immediately to ordain him, if they thought expedient, but were cheerful in submitting the propriety of the measure to them. After consulting, it was agreed to postpone the ordination. Mr. Putnam was then called in and asked whether his former ordination answered his own mind? his reply was, that it did not. He was then asked whether it was his mind to be ordained anew; he said that he had shifted so much, that he thought it would be most for the hon

FOURTH ANNIVERSARY.

ON Thursday morning at 9 o'clock, the Board of Managers, and Officers of the Society, met at the New York Institution, and proceeded in procession to the City Hotel. At 10 o'clock the venerable President, the Hon. ELIAS BOUDINOT, took the chair, and the meeting was opened by the reading of the 89th Psalm, by the Rev. Dr. Richards, of Newark. The President then deputed the Rev. Dr. Romeyn to read his address.

The Annual Report of the Managers was read by the Rev. Doctor Milnor, Secretary of Domestic Correspondence.

This highly interesting document, "having been ordered to be published, it will not be necessary to say much more than that it gratified and delighted a highly respectable, numerous and attentive audience, by the deeply interesting detail of the proceedings of the board for the past year, and by the information which it contained of the magnificent operations of kindred institutions abroad, and especially of that wonder of the age the British and Foreign Bible Society. It may, however, be proper to notice a few prominent facts which it contains, and which will shew to the public the great and growing usefulness, importance, and respectability of the Society."

"Since the establishment of the Society, there have been printed at its Depository and by its instrumentality, or otherwise obtained distribution, one hundred and seventy-three thousand, seven hundred and fifty-two Bibles and Testaments; there have been issued from the Depository, during the year past, 41,192 Bibles and Testaments; and since the establishment of the Society, 97,230. Of the number issued during the past year, 18,637 Bibles and Testaments have been gratuitously disposed of, and sent generally to auxiliaries, and those principally in the new states at the south and west.

"The number of Auxiliary Societies, officially known and recognized by the Society, is two hundred and two. The other various information contained in the Report, will, we are persuaded, great ly interest the public when it shall be laid before them, and carry to their hearts and their consciences the strongest conviction of the usefulness, unlimited and impartial benevolence of the Society."

"The Society were highly gratified on this occasion, by the presence of an unusual number of highly respectable characters from different parts of the Union, as well as from this city. Although the day was unpromisiug, and a part of the time rainy and uncomfortable, the assembly convened was larger than has ever attended before on any similar occasion, but of the most respectable character; and among them it was pecuuliarly pleasing to see, notwitstanding the inclemency of the weather, a numerous collection of ladies. The growing attention to this solemn and interesting anniversary, shows the increasing attachment of the public to the object and labours of the Society. As the means for executing their extensive plans increase, the field of their labours enlarges; and nothing is wanting to enable them to extend their benevolence to every corner of the continent, but adequate contributions from the charitable and the wealthy. And it cannot fail to gratify all denominations of Christians to learn, from unquestionable facts, that the most cordial and entholic spirit pervades the Society, as well as its executive officers-that the interests and necessities of every class of men, and every section of country, are alike, the objects of their parental solicitude and bounty.

"Among the many gratifications experienced by the Society on this occusion, was that of the presence of their honourable and venerable President. Advanced to his eightieth year, and labouring under infirmity of body which had confined him to his house for many months, he was still able to undertake a journey of seventy miles, and found himself so far invigorated by it, and by the interest which he took in the meeting, that he was able to attend and preside during the transactions of the day. His address at the opening of the meeting, was a faithful delineation of his feelings, his piety, and his sacred joy and it was apparent from the deep interest that he took in the various performances, and the heartfelt satisfaction that he experienced at the prosperity of the institution, that he was ready with the ancient servant of God to say-" Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation."

"After the exercises of the day were finished, the Society proceeeded to the appointment of Managers to supply the places of those whose time of service, by the Constitution, had expired at the close of the year; upon which, a resolution was unanimously passed, thanking Mr. Jennings for the use of his spacious and elegant room; and the meeting was adjourned.

AT Vinalhaven, (Me.) on Wednesday, the 28th of June, 1820, to the work of an evangelist, the Rev. Samuel Macomber. Introductory prayer and sermon, by Rev. Isaac Case, from Rom. i. 11; consecrating prayer by Rev. Daniel Ricker; charge by the Rev. Phineas Pillsbury, of Nobleborough; Rev. John Wakefield, of Thomaston, gave the right hand of fellowship; concluding prayer, by Rev. Benjamin Eames, of St. George. The interview was solemn, interesting, and delightful.

-ON Wednesday, July 26, 1820, Rev. Ebenezer Nelson, jun. to the pastoral care of the Baptist Church in Lynn. Introductory prayer, by Rev.

Mr. Grafton, of Newton; Sermon, by Rev. Mr. Sharp, from 1 Cor. i. 23, 24, "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." Ordaining prayer, by Rev. Dr. Baldwin; charge, by Rev. Mr. Nelson, of Malden, father of the candidate; right hand of fellowship,by Rev. B. C. Grafton, of West-Cambridge; concluding prayer, by Rev. Mr. Bolles, of Salem. The services, which were highly pleasing to a numerous assembly, were performed in the Meeting-House of the Methodists, which they generously offered for the purpose.

MRS. PRUDENCE STILLE, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Stille, and granddaughter of Elder Stille, former pastor of this church, (whose descendants are numerous and respectable,) was born in Piscataway, New-Jersey, A. D. 1792, and like other young people, was much engaged in the vain pursuits and pleasures of this world. Although very worldly minded, yet at times she had solemn checks of conscience, and knew all was not well with her soul. One eve ning as she was returning from a singing school, all at once eternal things irresistibly rushed into her mind. In a moment all earthly glory was tarnished in her view, and she felt herself under the curse of the divine law, and exposed to the wrath of an angry judge. But these feelings in a measure wore off, and she again became careless; yet at times, they would return. Her convictions were by no means as great as many have experienced; yet she was fully convinced of sin, of righteousness, and a judgment to come, and was brought to see that she was poor, miserable, blind and naked; justly condemned by God's law, and if ever saved, it must be by grace. At last it pleased God to reveal his Son in her, the hope of glory. In relating her experience, she said, that Christ was revealed to the eyes of her understanding, as hanging, bleeding, groaning, and dying on the cross for her, as plainly as ever she saw any thing with her natural eyes. She viewed his blood shed for her sins, his righteousness wrought out to cover her poor naked soul, and it was in all points, such a robe as she stood in per

ishing need of. This view drew her souf out in ardent love to the Saviour, and filled her heart with divine and unutterable joy. She felt as in a new world. This was her delightful frame of mind, when she, with eleven others, related to the church the work of grace on her soul. She made an open profession in November, 1818, and truly went on her way rejoicing.

At times, (yea, almost constantly) her soul drank such large draughts of holy delight, that she was filled with such raptures, that she scarcely knew whether she was in the body or out of the body. When engaged in the publick exercises of religion, her spirit was on the wing. It appeared to be her meat and drink to converse on the preciousness of this sermon, of that hymn, &c. And when pursuing her domestic concerns, she often had such views of the transcendent beauty, the unwasting fullness of Christ, and the glory of the world above, that her bodily powers could scarcely support under it; and what is very remarkable, these soul-exhilarating views were not transient, but continued without scarcely any interruption, till the day of her death.

From these peculiar exercises, I was convinced she was not long for this world, but fast ripening for immortal glory.

In the spring of 1819, she was seized with a violent cold, which in a short time terminated in a pulmonary complaint. Medical aid was sought, but to no purpose; she rapidly sunk under the power of this fatal disease. During her illness, the power of articulation