searching the Scriptures. Their wives soon united with them.-Others, who observed them thus assemble, asked, 'What are you doing? We will meet with you.' Thus persons from different villages were collected, till the room was over-crowded. These meetings were held in other adjacent villages, until there were ninety or a hundred serious persons. At length, one of the Lutheran pastors in the neighbourhood became an enlightened man, and now they all attend upon his ministry." These revivals are attributed to the esta blishment of Bible and Missionary Societies; and the work of conversion has been so rapid, especially among students in the Universities, that scores of pious youths are burning with ardour to be employed in Missionary labours, in any part of the globe. Board unanimously requested the Agent to return the fifty cents to the poor but interesting youth, who had so nobly given all his earthly substance for the blessed Book which contains the pearl of "great price," accom panying their request with silent but earnest desires that all its rich, imperishable treasures might be made his own for eternity. The Board has the unspeakable pleasure to learn that their desires have been fulfilled. The youth devoted himself with so much assiduity and diligence to the searching of the blessed volume, that in less than three months he read it through five times. He was not known to be seriously impressed with divine things before, but after he received the Bible he became so, and in the course of his reading would often make remarks, always relating to Christian experience, on important passages that arrested his attention. A little before his death, his mind became deeply impressed with the following passage in Revelations. "Behold he cometh with the clouds, and every eye shall see him." Stopping with emotion and delight, he asked his mother if those were not beautiful words. Shortly after, he terminated his earthly course in the triumphs of faith, and has doubtless gone to the enjoyment of that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. This instance, in which good has been done, by means of the Society, is an ample recompense for all the expense and trouble incurred in its establishment and operation. Collected at Month. Con. in the Rev. Mr. M'Elroy's Ch. in Cedar-st. N. Y. 11 41 Collected at the Month. Con. in Hempstead, L. I. by Rev. Mr. Webster, 8 00 Remittance from A. W. Corey, Agent, Received from a few Ladies belonging to the 110 3 25 100 Donation from the Rev. John Boyd, 5 00 3.00 From "a well wisher to Zion's prosperity," enclosed in a letter to the Domestic Sec'y. Post-marked "White House, N. J." Remitted by Mr. John L. Burnap, Agent, through R. Ralston, Esq. 2.00 30 00 40 00 From John Johnston, Esq. to constitute his two Sons, John T. Johnston, and James B. Johnston Life Members, 60 00 From the Aux. Miss. Soc. of Shawangunk, 6 00 Donation from a Lady, 139 81 5 00 From the Aux. Miss. Soc. of Pequea and Conestoga, Pa. to constitute the Rev. Amzi Babbitt a life Member, by Mr. John M.Calley, Treasurer, dolls. 998 99 Donation from several Ladies of Sodus Arms Cross-Roads, N. Y. by Rev. Wm. Stone, THE following interesting Memoir is copied from the London Evangelical Magazine and Missionary Chronicle. In presenting it to the public, the Editor remarks-"The cruel persecution of Mr. Smith, in Demarara, his condemnation to death by a Court Martial, his subsequent pardon by the King, and the notice taken of these events by the British Parliament, and by the public at large, cannot but excite a general desire to become acquainted with his true character, and the leading incidents of a life which had so, peculiar and lamentable a termination. We hasten, therefore, to lay before our readers the outlines of his history, which we are persuaded will serve to endear his memory to the religious world." MEMOIR, &c. John Smith was born at Rothwell, (or Rowell) a village in Northamptonshire, on the 27th June, 1790. His father, who was a soldier, fell in one of the battles between the English and the French, in Egypt. His mother, who was left in destitute circumstances, was unable to support the education of her son, which was therefore unhappily neglected. He obtained, however, an ability to read by attending at a Sunday School. At the age of fourteen he was put to business with a tradesman in the neighbourhood of Clerkenwell, in London, where his steadiness and good behaviour recommended him to the favour of his employer, with whom he continued after the expiration of his apprenticeship, and with whom he maintained a friendly correspondence until the time of his imprisonment, and to whom he transmitted, about that time, five pounds for the benefit of his mother. For several years Mr. Smith discovered no sense of religion, but unhappily fell into the practice of swearing, sabbath-breaking, and other vices. He was, however, fond of reading, and sometimes indulged himself by perusing some favourite book in bed,-a practice which had well nigh proved fatal to him; for on one occasion falling asleep, the VOL. V. 45 bed-clothes caught fire, and he narrowly es caped being consumed by the flames. But Mr. Smith was a 66 chosen vessel," destined to bear the gospel of salvation to the heathen; and the manner in which it pleased God to call him by his grace, and prepare him for that work, is thus detailed in his private papers. The "It pleased God, in the course of his providence, to remove me to London. charms of the metropolis, the evil insinuations of my new associates, and the wicked propensities of my depraved heart, soon almost entirely effaced the good impressions which I had received at the Sunday School. The business to which I was apprenticed is distinguished by its abuse of the Sabbath, and I was induced to employ myself in worldly business on that day during the winter, by a promise that I might do what I pleased with my time in the sum mer. "Having no restraint laid upon me, I fol lowed every sinful pleasure that my wicked heart, together with the counsels of the ungodly, could suggest. I was much addicted to theatrical amusements, and the money I gained on the Sabbath in the winter, furnished me with the means of gratifying my evil propensities during the summer. "In the spring of 1809, curiosity induced me to go and hear a preacher, then much spoken of, a Mr. Jones. On entering the place, he opened the Bible, for which I had a kind of superstitious veneration. This was a new sight to me, for I was a stranger to the interior of a place of worship. The folio Bible, the large prayer-book, together with the surplice, struck me with awe. When he read the fourth commandment, my conscience smote me, and I was at once convinced of sin. Blessed be God, that conviction never left me. "I expressed my concern about religion to a friend, who advised me to go and hear Mr. Steven, at Prescott-street. There I attended for some time, still labouring under a guilty conscience; I roamed from place to place, seeking rest, but finding none. But, in 1810, when Tonbridge Chapel, (Somers' Town) was opened, I went to see the new building, when the Rev. Mr. Leifchild, of Kensington, preached from Isaiah Iv. 6, 7, 'Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,' &c. When he commented on the following words-' He will abundantly pardon,'-it was like life from the dead; it dispelled my fears; it eased my conscience, and gave me confidence in the mercy of God." Soon after this he was visited with the small-pox. His illness, which continued eleven weeks, was so severe, that little hope was entertained of his recovery; and he was then painfully apprehensive that his offended God was about to cut him off in his anger; but he determined that if his life were spared, it should ever after be devoted to the service of God; and to this resolution he was enabled by grace firmly to adhere through the rest of his days. His mind was also happily freed from a heavy burden by hearing the Rev. Mr. Wilkins preach from these words,-"They that seek the Lord' shall not want any good thing." From this period he began to be established in the faith and hope of the gospel. He was admitted a member of the church at Tonbridge Chapel, now under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Rayson, on the 8th of Nov. 1811. He also became a teacher in the Sunday school then recently formed, and was regarded by his companions as one of the most efficient teachers. His steadiness, diligence, and prudence were so much respected, that if any difficulty occurred, the inquiry was, Where is Smith? for on his judgment and moderation much stress was laid. His exhortations to the children were so serious and impressive, that it was evident he had made a rapid progress in the acquisition of divine knowledge, and that he was forming for a scene of more extensive usefulness. In the prayer-meetings of the congregation, his petitions were observed to be truly pions and devout; and in the family where he resided he was accustomed occasionally to lead the domestic worship. Mr. Smith, earnestly desiring to be more extensively useful, began to cherish the desire of becoming a missionary. His diary records the following circumstances relating to that subject. mons. "I went to the Tabernacle to hear Mr. Jefferson, (then of Basingstoke, now of Thirsk) preach one of the Missionary serof the heathen in such a manner as I He represented the wretched state thought could not fail to excite in the heart of every attentive hearer a strong desire for their salvation; at least it had that effect on me. This sermon made a lasting impression on my mind, and although my obligation to my master as an apprentice prevented my taking any steps towards the object of my desires, yet I never lost sight of it. I read all the publications I could procure relating to missionary exertions, and looked forward to the expiration of my servitude, hoping that the Lord would condescend to employ me in his service among the heathen. "When I was out of my time, I addressed a letter to the Rev. G. Burder on the subject, to which he replied, advising me to think very seriously of the matter, and write to him again. I felt perplexed, not knowing how to proceed or how to draw back. After an interval of two years, during which I had several interviews with that gentleman, I applied in the usual manner to the directors, by whom, after due deliberation, I was accepted." The Directors of the Society placed Mr. Smith under the care of the late Rev. Saml. Newton, of Witham, in Essex, a minister of eminent learning, talents, and piety. Under his direction, he pursued with diligence his preparatory studies, and conducted himself in such a manner as to secure the esteem of Mr. and Mrs. Newton, with whom he kept up a correspondence long after he left Witham.* A missionary being wanted for the station of Le Ressouvenir, in the colony of Demerara, in consequence of the removal of Mr. Wray to the neighbouring colony of Berbice, Mr. Smith being judged a suitable person, was appointed to that station, and solemnly designated to the work, at Tonbridge Chapel, on Thursday evening, Dec. 12, 1816. Mr. Rayson informs the writer, that in the year 1820, when he was on a visit to Mr. Newton at Witham, Mr. N. said, “Our young friend Smith was a member of your church. While he was with us, his amiable temper, his diligence, and especially his unassuming piety endeared him to all, and particularly to us. We esteemed him as a son, and never did we part with a young man who had so strongly engaged our affections. I was fully persuaded be would prove a blessing where ever be went, and I am happy to find he has, by the grace of God, Justified my high opinion of him." A few days afterward, he left his native country, and sailed for Demerara, where he arrived on the 23d of February, 1817, and immediately commenced those faithful and laborious services which were rendered so great and extensive a blessing to the poor enslaved negroes of the colony. His reception, however, by his superiors, was not very cordial. In a letter to his tutor, dated April 2, 1817, he says, "Two days after our arrival, I waited upon the Governor, being introduced by Mr. Elliott. His Excellency frowned upon me. He asked me what I had come to do, and how I purposed to instruct the negroes. I answered, by teaching them to read; by teaching them Dr. Watts's Catechisms; and by preaching the Gospel in a plain manner. To which he replied, "If ever you teach a negro to read, and I hear of it, I will banish you from the colony immediately."" Mr. Smith, how ever, waited upon the Governor a second time, on the 6th of March, when his Excellency read the instructions given him by the Directors, and the certificate of his ordination; in which his Excellency said, he saw nothing objectionable. On which Mr. Smith obtained permission to preach, with the promise of the Governor's protection. Mr. Smith immediately entered upon the duties of his office, with an ardent desire to be useful. In the letter to Mr. Newton, just referred to, he says, "On the Sunday following, the people came to the house to congratulate me on my arrival. I desired them to go to the chapel-I would come to them." He then preached on 1 Peter iii. 18. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God;" and he adds, "Although it was a very wet day, the chapel was nearly full. I was much pleased with the negroes. They were more attentive than many congregations in England. 'Many, yea very many, are hungry for the bread of life. On Sundays I preach three times, and catechise the negroes. Monday, catechise. Tuesday, preach. Wednesday, catechise. Thursday, teach the negroes to sing. Friday, preach. There is a great prospect of success. suppose I have as many as a thousand ne groes attend preaching, besides white people." I Mr. Smith was not always able to engage in so many services as at first; but continued steadfastly and zealously to pursue his evangelical course to the utmost of his ability, and with a very considerable portion of success. In the Society's Report for the year 1819, it is stated, that the religious and moral effects of Mr. Smith's exertions were truly pleasing. The number of adults baptized in little more than one year, was 150. In that Report, the following extract is given from one of his letters to the Directors. "If there be any thing on this side heaven which excites in the heart of a missionary any thing like a fulness of joy, it is to behold whole families of heathens embracing the gospel, and living so as to glorify God. This joy many of your missionaries realize. This joy, too, is mine; and to hear these things will be the joy of the Missionary Society. This is noble interest for the money of British Christians, for the redemption of the soul is precious." "It affords us, it will afford the Directors, great satisfaction to learn that the religious negroes conduct themselves with great propriety. In all my inquiries among the planters concerning the behaviour of the slaves who come to the chapel, I never heard any one of them say that religion had spoiled them, although some of the planters say it will spoil them, and this is the only reason assigned for their opposition." Mr. Smith's labours appear to have been increasingly useful. The number of baptized adults in one year, as stated in the Report of 1823, amounted to 320; and the total number of communicants to 61. The total number of persons whose names had been entered into the Mission Registers, who had professedly embraced the gospel at Le Ressouvenir and the adjoining plantations, was no less than two thousand. "We behold," says he, about this time, 'every Sabbath, an overflowing congregation, behaving with praiseworthy decorum ; and we see them zealous for the spread of Christianity. They are fast abandoning their wicked practices for more regular habits of life, as is evident from the number of marriages, few of which (not as one in fifty) have hitherto been violated. A great proportion of them are furnished with Bibles, Testaments, Catechisms, and Hymn Books; and these, being their whole library, they usually bring to chapel every Sunday. The influence of religion on the conduct of the slaves was apparent, especially in their regard to the Lord's day; for though that was the market day, (O shame!) and the only season for cultivating their gardens, yet many would neither frequent the market nor work their ground on the Sabbath, and yet those very persons made the best and clean est appearance, and enjoyed most of the comforts of life; for they were more dili gent in rearing poultry, &c. which they disposed of to persons who went about the country to purchase them, and by not going to market, had fewer inducements to spend their money; and by the economy which the Bible teaches, made their money go further than others. While Mr. Smith was thus successfully proceeding in his sacred work, an event took place of the most disastrous kind, and which in a short time terminated his life and labours, The British Parliament, wisely considering the state of the slaves in the West India colonies, determined upon measures which might meliorate their condition, afford them instruction, and prepare them for that gradual emancipation which the great majority of the British nation wished they might enjoy. The regulations agreed upon were transmitted to the several colonies, and among the rest to Demerara. They were received by the Governor on the 7th of July. Imperfect rumours of their arrival, originating in a servant of the Governor, got abroad, and as all good news is eagerly spread, readily believed, and frequently exaggerated, the slaves took up an opinion that the King and Parliament of England had made them free; and they were surprised and grieved that no official information of this joyful event had been made by their superiors. Whilst in this painful suspense, they found their burdens rather increased than diminished, and they were particularly aggrieved by the restrictions lately laid upon them, especially on the negroes on the east coast, with regard to their going to chapel on the Lord's Day; for the Governor had recently ordered that they should not go to worship without passes from their masters, which were with difficulty obtained, and sometimes refused. An overseer was also sent with them, as a spy on them and on their minis ter. Some of Mr. Smith's hearers applied to him to know about "the new law," (as they termed it,) and whether their freedom had come out. Mr. Smith assured them that their freedom had not come out, but that something was come out for their good, and advised them patiently to wait till the Governor should see fit to make it known. The uneasiness of the negroes continued to increase, and their impatience to manifest itself more and more. Mr. Smith therefore proposed to declare from the pulpit what the new regulations actually were; but this proposal was unhappily rejected.* At length, on Sunday, Aug. 17, 1823, after the noon service, two or three of the negroes who had been at chapel, came into Mr. Smith's house, as they had been accustomed to do, to bid him "good bye." Two of them, named Quamina and Seaton, were talking together in a low tone of voice, and Mr. S. heard the words "manager" and "the new law." Mr. Smith rebuked them for talking about such things. Quamina then said, 'O, it is nothing particular, Sir; we were only saying it would be good to send our managers to town to fetch up the This measure was wisely adopted in Berbice, where Mr. Wray, by desire of the Governor, explained the matter to the slaves from the pulpit, and all was quiet. Had this prudential measure been pursued în Demerara, all the confusion and bloodshed that ensured, would, in all probability, have been prevented. new law." Mr. S. immediately replied, that such conversation was improper; that they would be fools to say any thing to the managers about it, for they were not the law-makers; that if there was any thing for them they would soon hear of it; but that if they behaved insolently to their managers they would lose their religious character, and would provoke the Governer here and the Government at home. Quamina replied. "Very well, Sir, we will say nothing about it, for we should be very sorry to vex the king and the people at home." Mr. S. had not then the least idea of a revolt, nor had he till Monday evening, when he received a note from a slave named Jackey, which brought to his recollection what had passed on Sunday, and obliged him then to fear that some mischief was designed. This note came to hand as Mr. and Mrs. Smith were taking a walk about six o'clock. It having been reported (as we are informed) to the Governor on Monday morning that an insurrection was likely to take place, Quamina and Jack were taken into custody, but rescued by the negroes; but Mr. Smith knew nothing of this. When he and Mrs. Smith were approaching towards the manager's house at La Ressouvenir, they heard a tumultuous noise, and upon inquiry, found that the slaves had attacked the house of Mr. Hamilton, the manager, demanding fire-arms. Mr. S. immediately went up to them and entreated them to desist and depart peaceably, but they appeared to be furious and determined, behaved very rudely to him, and desired him to return to his own house. Before he departed, however, he prevailed upon them to refrain from hurting Mr. Hamilton, whom they were about to put into the stocks. Mr. H. thanked him for his friendly interposition. The insurgents then, increasing in numbers, proceeded to many acts of violence, deeply to be deplored, in which, however, less sanguinary measures were adopted than had been previously known on similar occasions. And to the peaceable principles of the Gospel, which Mr. Smith had inculcated this moderation must be ascribed; for they declared that as they could not give life, they would not take it away-their religion forbade them to do it. And thus were the lives of those very men preserved who were eager to destroy, under the colour of law, the life of Mr. Smith. Unable to quell the riotous proceedings of the negroes, Mr. Smith returned to his own house, where he remained quiet until Thursday afternoon, when he was arrested by a party of the militia in a most brutal and ferocious manner, and obliged, with Mrs. Smith, to leave their habitation and become their prisoners. They were allowed only a few minutes to prepare for their removal, the captain told him martial law was proclaimed, |