mmw ; . * 
 
 / 9e vvyi 
 
 Glad Tidings . 
 
 OR 
 
 AN ACCOUNT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 STATE OF RELIGION, 
 
 WITHIN THt BOUNDS OP THE 
 
 GENERAL ASSEMBLE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 
 IN THE 
 
 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; 
 
 AND 
 
 IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD. 
 
 TAKEN FROM THE RF PORTS OF TH EIR MEMBERS, AND THEIR 
 COMMITTEE OF MISSIONS; PUBLISHED BY THE SAID 
 COMMITTEE, WITH THE APPROBATION OF THE 
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE INFORMA- 
 TION OF THE PEOPLE UNDER 
 THEIR CARE. 
 
 Go ye into all the Ivor Id and preach the Gospel to every 
 creature . Mark xvi. 15 . 
 
 Lo ! I am with you always , even unto the end of the world , 
 
 Amen % Matt, xxviii. 20 , 
 
 Philadelphia : 
 
 FROM THE PRESS OF THE LATE R. A1TKEJT, 
 
 PRINTED BY JANE AITKEN, No. 20, NORTH THIRD 
 STREET. 
 
 I 
 
 1804. 
 

 
 
 
 * k .i 
 
 A- ■ ' - ■ ■ 
 
 
 
 
 , • 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 '' 4 . 
 
 . 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
3 
 
 The General Assembly appointed a committee to draw 
 vp a Summon/ of Information received in a free 
 Conversation on the State of Religion, who made 
 the following Report, which was adopted by the 
 Assembly. 
 
 ALTHOUGH every finccre chriftian mud lament that 
 inattention to the ordinances of religion, and the fmall impreffion 
 which its facred truths make on the hearts of men, which are vi- 
 able in many and extenfive portions of our country; yet, the As- 
 fembly have heard, with the bigheft fatisfaftion, of the prevalence- 
 and increafing influence of vital and pra<flical godlinefs throughout 
 the greater part of the Prelbyteries which compofe our body. With- 
 in thofe wide diftriefts, towards the fouth and well, from which the 
 laft Aflembly heard, with fo much pleafure, the glad tidings of the 
 great falvation manifefted there, the power of religion appears ftill 
 to prevail, with little abatement. And although through the fubtilty 
 of the adverfary of fouls, and the influence of human frailty, fomc 
 errors, extravagancies, and inftances of reproachful behaviour, have 
 taken place, which the Aflembly do fincerely regret, and nioft un- 
 equivocally difapprove and condemn; yet are they happy to learn, 
 and it is a facred duty which they owe to the churches, to announce, 
 that, notwithftanding the malignity with which the enemies of reli- 
 gion have ftudied to mifreprefent, and rejoiced to exaggerate thefe 
 undclirable events, they are chiefly confined to one diftrieft of no great 
 extent; and they are certainly very rare, confidering the immenfe 
 region, through which this work has prevailed, and the vaft variety of 
 characters who have been its fubjecls. 
 
 The Aflembly, moreover, have the unfpeakable fatisfaflion to 
 announce, that the extraordinary influences of the Divine Spirit 
 have, fince the lad year, been fpread over new and very extcuiive 
 countries, dill farther to the fouth and weft. To the north-weft 
 and north, from the river Ohio to the Lakes, (a vaft region which, 
 a few years ago, was an uninhabited wildernefs,) new churches are 
 forming with aftonifhing rapidity: and the Spirit of God feems 
 to be remarkably poured out, and to accompany the word, and or- 
 dinances of the gofpel, with the raoft folemn and afte&ing impreffions. 
 
 The fame fpirit appears to prevail through a large portion of the 
 Synod of New York and New Jerfey, and the Synod of Albany. 
 Its effefls though more fdent, feem to be not lefs deep, nor confo- 
 ling to the friends of true religion. Sinners are convinced, and 
 fincere believers comforted, ^nd eftabiiihed in the faith and hope 
 
4 
 
 of the gofpel. Trophies are continually raifcd to the grace of the 
 Redeemer; and numbers are almoil daily added to the church of 
 fuch, we trud, as fhall be faved. In the churches in which thefe 
 extraordinary influences of the Divine Spirit are not fo confpicuous, 
 the power, and the falutary effedts of the ordinances of the gofpel, 
 feem, notwithdanding, to be vifibly progrefling. That inattention 
 to the things of religion ; that neglect of its inditutions; that tenden- 
 cy to infidelity, or to fcepticifm in principle, and to diffolutenefs of 
 manners, which a few years fince, the truly pious had fo much reafon 
 to deplore, are, in mod places, evidently arreded; and the tide of 
 public fentiment has happily begun to flow in a contrary diredion. 
 Places of divine worfhip are, in general, more frequented ; the in- 
 ditutions of religion are held in higher honor, and attended with 
 greater folemnity, and apparent devotion. — The like agreeable ti- 
 dings have been received from our affociated brethren of the eadern 
 churches, who are dwelling together in peace, and in the unity and 
 faith of the bleffed gofpel. 
 
 The Affemkly have likewife heard, with uncommon fatisfadion, 
 of the increafing number of focieties for the purpofes of prayer, 
 and for the promotion of piety and good morals. It is the ordinary 
 courfe of divine providence, that, when God defigns to pour out 
 his Spirit in a remarkable manner on his churches; and to increafe 
 and extend the influence of true religion; he firfl awakens among 
 his own people a fpirit of prayer, and of fervent fupplication at the 
 throne of grace, for this bleffing. And the Aflembly do earnediy 
 recommend it to all who love the appearing of the great God, even 
 our Saviour Jefus Chrid, to meet often together; to Jl'ir one another 
 up to love and good nvorls, and to wredle in prayer with God, like 
 the faints of old, for the profperity of Zion, till the righteoufnefs 
 thereof go forth as brightnefs , and the falvafum thereof as a lamp 
 that lurncth. 
 
 It is, moreover, no fmall ground of confutation, to obferve the 
 pious difpofition manifeded, and the increafing efforts which are 
 made, more effedually to extend the knowledge of the way of 
 falvation to the unhappy and enflaved blacks in our country; and 
 to fend the inedimable blellings of the gofpel, along with the im- 
 provements of civilization, to the heathen and favage tribes in our 
 vicinity; to fave thefe wretched people from utter extermination; 
 and to raife up from the remnants of fo many dedrudlive wars, the 
 feeds of future and great nations, who fhall enlarge the kingdom 
 of the Redeemer. The reports of the AfTembly’s miffionaries in 
 the Cherokee, and Catawba nations, have rendered the profpcdls 
 of introducing among them, letters & civilization, the arts of peace, 
 and the precious lights of the gofpel, more promifmg than, at any 
 period, they have ever been. 
 
5 
 
 Finally, the AfTcmbly, rejoicing themfelves in the grace of the 
 Great Head of the Church, have again the happineis to offer to 
 the churches tinder their care, increafing caufe of thanksgiving, 
 and ptaife, to the God of all mercy and truth. And, they intreat 
 the co-opcration of their prayers, and their charity, for the promo- 
 tion of the Redeemer’s glory, and the falvation of precious and 
 immortal fouls. — And now, to God Almighty, Father, Son, and 
 Holy-Spirit, who hath given us this rcafon to rejoice, be glory and 
 honor, world without end! Amen! 
 
THE 
 
 COMMITTEE OF MISSIONS, 
 
 IN 
 
 COMPLIANCE WITH 
 
 The Requisition of the General Assembly, 
 
 NOW REPORT.— 
 
 IT is with pleafure that the committee are enabled to begin 
 this information with notice of a new Miflionary Society, having been 
 eftablifhed in New-Hampfhire, the latter end of the laft year, or the 
 beginning of the prefect — By their Conilitution it appears that they 
 are zealoufly engaged in the fame common caufe with the General 
 Affembly, having explicitly declared their defign of affociating to- 
 gether, to be “ for the increafe of knowledge and evangelical piety; 
 for the promotion of the prefect well being, and eternal falvation of 
 men, from a confideration of the great number of thofe who are in 
 danger of perilling through lack of vifion, among whom the divine 
 word and ordinances cannot be ftatedly enjoyed : from a defire that 
 grace, mercy, and peace, may be multiplied to them, through the 
 knowledge of God and of Jefus Chvift our Lord.” — This Society 
 is denominated, “the Phcataway MiJJionary Society .” In the in- 
 fancy of this 1 nflitution, four miffionaries were employed for part of 
 the firft year, who in Auguil laft repotted/* That their fervices in 
 the new fettlemects both in the diflridl of Main and in New-York, 
 were gratefully acknowledged. In fome inftances ferious impreffi- 
 ons were made, convictions produced, reformations effected, diffi- 
 culties removed, order and peace reftored, fchools were vifited, 
 examined and inftruflcd, Churches formed, and the ordinances ad- 
 miniftered, people crowded to attend lectures and conferences, and 
 to hear the word of life. They are not eafdy fatisfied with hearing, 
 but noticed with wonder and pleafure, the meafurcs which were ta- 
 ken for their beft interefts by thofe who lived fo remote from them. 
 Frequently different religious fects attended with decency upon their 
 public labors, and appeared pleafed and profited. They often affem- 
 bled even in uncomfortable places and inconvenient buildings. The 
 miffionaries penetrated through difficult and rugged ways into places 
 where none had been fent before, and were unexpected. They did 
 
I 
 
 not fpare themfelves, but labored much in the Lord ; and it is chari- 
 tably hoped that the bleflings of fouls ready to perilh red up»n them. 
 One of thefe Gentlemen gives it as his opinion, that the miflionary 
 bufinefs is of great importance if judicioufly managed. That fpecial 
 regard Ihould be had to the chara&er and experience of thole who 
 are employed. He dates feveral of the advantages as they prefented 
 themfelves to him, ariiing from a difcrcet and Heady management of 
 millions. Among which are the following, They ferve to counter- 
 ad the powerful inclination of people in a new country wholly to 
 negled the concern of their fouls, and regard nothing but procuring 
 a comfortable fublidencc. — They check the pernicious influence of 
 the immoral and unprincipled. They encourage and (Lengthen 
 the few pious characters which are to be met with, in their duty. 
 They ferve to fecure the youth from the dangers to which they are 
 expofed, and incline them to hear and regard the truth. To 
 convince of the utility of civil order, good neighbourhood and 
 friendly intercourfe. To imprefs a deep convidion of the im- 
 portance of religious inditutions and public worlhip, and the regu- 
 lar difpenfation of the word, as relating both to the prefent and fu- 
 ture life. — To work fincere regret for the precious privileges 
 which they had loft by their removal, and an ardent defire to regain 
 them. 
 
 The Society for propagating the Gospel among the 
 Indians and others: instituted at Boston, 
 
 HAVE edablilhed a fund for the regular and condant 
 progrelling in the one common caufe. The income of a part of 
 their funds, is appropriated to ameliorate the civil, moral, and re- 
 ligious condition of the Indians. They aflift in the fupport of 
 three Miflionaries, and a number of fmall Ichools for the benefit 
 of thofe deditute people, and as many more among the poor 
 inhabitants, principally of Maine and the Ifle of Shoals. — 1'hey 
 have alfo atlided in building School-Houfes, and a houfe for a 
 Minider, and have defrayed the expence of printing a catechifm 
 in the Indian language, and have diftributed a number of religious 
 Books among them. — The Society have not forgotten their own 
 poor, but thofe of the diflriCt of Maine have experienced their li- 
 berality, by which children have had the means of indnudion, and 
 perfons in more advanced life, have had the ferious iinpreffions, 
 early made upon their minds, revived and drengthened, which they 
 would otherwife have been in great danger of lofing, in places 
 where they cannot enjoy the advantage of attending upon the ordi- 
 
8 
 
 nances of the gofpel. — They further report, that the people ha vd 
 attended upon their minidrations, with great readinefs and apparent 
 fatisfa&ion. They have adminidered the ordinance of the Lord’s 
 Supper, and baptized great numbers of children and many adults. — 
 In feveral places they have gathered Churches, and in more, have 
 edablifhed habits of regard to the duties and offices of religion, 
 which were before formed. — Their difcourfes and their converfation, 
 have tended to check the progrefs of error and vice, and to confirm 
 the wavering. — Full and grateful tedimonials have been received 
 from many places on thefe fubje&s, and earnefl requeds that the 
 Society would continue attentions of this kind. 
 
 The Massachusetts Missionary Society. 
 
 HAVE alfo greatly exerted themfelves in the caufe of theif 
 Lord and Mailer. — They have given the public an account of an 
 awakening at Holies. The number of particular cafes, mentioned 
 by their correfpondent, fhows that the plentiful fhowers of divine 
 grace have reached them alfo. He concludes the recital of par- 
 ticulars in the following words; “ To the above I might add 
 one hundred relations, which I now have on hand, in which 
 the diflinguifhing grace of God is as clearly difplayed, as in 
 any of thofe particularly related.” They were not fele&ed be- 
 caufe they are more noticeable than others ; but becaufe they 
 are of the fird characters in the town. — So that it may not be 
 faid, that none but ignorant, fuperfiitious people are the apparent 
 fubjedts of fpecial grace. Two of the perfons whofe cafes have 
 been mentioned, have received a public education, and feveral 
 others are of the mod diltinguifhed abilities, and the mod in- 
 fluential among us.” 
 
 By a report of one of their Miflionaries, dated Nov. 1803, it 
 appears, that in the Society of New-Canaan there has been ex- 
 perienced a confiderablc degree of the fpecial influence of divine 
 grace. The indances of converts from tin to holinefs, were very 
 numerous. — “ Fifty-four have been added to our Church; of 
 thefe, thirty were young, unmarried people. Some families ap- 
 pear to be almod wholly taken, and others altogether left. In 
 fome cafes, only one individual was taken from a neighbour- 
 hood. One family in which there were three young men, was re- 
 markably vifited ; at fird the mind of one ot the young men was ar- 
 reded, which appeared to difleminatc through the family, till each 
 of the three, and both the parents, were hopeful fubjeCb of regene- 
 rating grace. In another family, there are five young people, four 
 fiflers and a brother, all of whom have hopefully become pious.” 
 
V 
 
 A letter from a rcfpetfqblc chara< 5 ler in Auflinburgh dated 2gth 
 Not. 1803, alio confirms the plcafing intelligence that the divine 
 goodnefs and mercy are viliting them alfo. After the writer had at- 
 tended a facramental occafion, with thrceof his children and eight or 
 ten others, at about Jixty miles diflance, and returned home, the com- 
 pany feemed defirous that there might be an evening meeting. “ And 
 notwithflanding the Ihottnefs of the notice, God fo flirred up the 
 hearts of the people, that more than fixty attended and were much 
 impifetled. — The night was fpent in prayer. — None went from the 
 place — A folcmn night! Some loll their bodily flrength. The 
 next fabbath Mr. B. preached for us — The people were all very 
 folemft— — As the allembly Wal'difmifled and began to go out, be- 
 hold, tftree young men, each about fixteen years of age, were fallen 
 down together near the door. They were in fuch agony of mind, 
 that every beholder was muck with aflonilhment. Mr. B. imme- 
 , diately went to prayer* in a manner peculiarly adapted to the occa- 
 fion. — Few could refrain from weeping. — A number of young men 
 who had begun to boafl of infidel principles, were ftruck, and one 
 perfon fell. Three little girls walking from the place of meeting 
 with locked arms, fell on the ground and loll their bodily flrength; 
 one of whom did not recover till after midnight; which night was 
 fpent in puyer. At time?, the number of eight loft their bodily 
 ftrdjfcgth. But little was heard from them but d^ep fighs. — At a 
 meeting of our youth lafl evening, I am informed that thirteen were 
 imprefTed in this extraordinary manner, which are more than ever 
 happened at one time before. — Thefe marks of power are not limit- 
 . ed to awakened finners — Many chriflians, where the work has pre- 
 1 vailed, have alfo been thus jfFeded under a fenfe of divine truth.” — 
 
 By late accounts fijpm new Connecticut it appears, that there is a 
 very general revival tnere: that it has extended to moll of the fet- 
 tlements, and its effects are fimilar to thofe of the revival in Ken- 
 tucky and other Southern States. The harvefl there is truly great, 
 and the labourers f&v— It is hoped therefore, that the pious people 
 will pray earneflly to God to raife up and qualify fuitable labourers 
 tor that extenfive field, and that they will cheerfully contribute of 
 their earthly fubflance to enable the Truflees to fupport a compe- 
 tent number of Miflionaries there, and in other places, where they 
 are wanted. 
 
 Tiie Berkshire Missionary Society 
 
 HAVE alfo been very adtive: they have had three mifliona- 
 ries among the new fettlements 40 weeks in the whole. — In which 
 t’ time they travelled near three thoufand miles, preached two hundred 
 
 B 
 
10 
 
 awd feventy-fe.en fermons, attended 53 religious conferences, bap- 
 tized 43 perfons, and vifited 186 families &c. 'See. The Miflionarie? 
 bring back accounts of their reception and encouragement in their 
 work, which mull be animating to all who love the profperity of 
 Zion. They uniformly teftify, that the people are generally dif- 
 pofed to attend upon the preached word; and in many inflances,. 
 through the infinite mercy of a fovereign God, their hearts are 
 opened to receive in tire love of it, the truth as it is in Jefus. 
 
 The Connecticut Missionary Society 
 
 HAVE had reafon to blefs God for their fucccfs during the 
 pad year. They have had thirteen Miflionaries in the field of 
 labor; fome through the year; others for a fhorter time. The gofpel 
 has been thus preached over a va(i extent of Country. The gofpel 
 ordinances have been adminiflered to fuch as would otherwife have 
 been deftitute of them. Some have been awakened out of fecurity, 
 and feveral new churches have been formed in the wildernefs. Some 
 they have reafon to hope have been turned from fin unto God; and 
 the hearts of many chriftians have been made to rejoices 
 
 “ There is great reafon to believe, that although the efforts which 
 have been made, have not borne down every obftacle, yet that feeds 
 have been difTeminated, which will gradually fpring up, and for years 
 to come, will augment the harveft of fouls.” A letter from a Mifli- 
 onary in Vermont fays, “ refpedling the date of Zion in this Country 
 in general, I have good news to write. There has been much re- 
 ligious attention in the country within a year'f^and is much now in 
 many places. You doubtlefs have heard of the glorious revivals in 
 Pittsford, Rutland and Bennington; the attention began in thofe 
 towns, and has been very great. Since, it has been great in Dorfct, 
 and of late, very great in Benfon, probably more powerful than in 
 any part of our land. It feemed to overpower the town at once, 
 and a number of bold enemies have been cut down, and bowed to 
 almighty grace. I have feen many glorious awakenings, but hare 
 never feen a more powerful work, than in fome towns in this State- 
 It has extended to the following towns, Hubbcrton, Cadleton, Or- 
 wcl, Shoreham, Weybridgc, Bridford, Addifon. Hynefburgh, 
 Sudbury, Brandon, Duxbury, and Jericho, and I have heard of 
 late, that there is fome attention in Tinmouth, Rupert, and Sand- 
 gate. A holy fprinkling appeals in all thefe places, and in fome of 
 (hem, fhowers. It is therefore a time of the mofl gracious vifitation 
 among us. Oh ! that we had a heart to give God the glory !” 
 
'Another Gentleman writes to his father thus, concerning the awa- 
 kening in thefe towns, “My laft informed you of the good work in 
 Pittsford, Weft Rutland, and fomc other places, and the hopeful prof- 
 ped here (Hubbcrton ) At Pittsford, the number hopefully born 
 into the kingdom of grace is 200 and upwards. At Weft Rutland, 
 ] oo or more. About one month (ince, there was the found of abun- 
 dance of rain in Bcnfon, which ftill continues to pour down, and it is 
 emphatically a time ofrtfrefliing from the prefence of the Lord. 
 Converts fprino up from every quarter. The wildernefs and folitary 
 places are gladTor them; and this northern defert is made to blof- 
 fom as the Role. Saints feed on hidden manna, and join in the joy 
 of angels. I have heard lome grey headed Chriftians, exclaim in 
 extacy, 11 Lord now let thy fervant depart in peace, for mine eyet 
 have feen thy falvation.” The good Lord, is now by his fpirit, in 
 this ftpful town. A greater (baking, I never faw among dry 
 bones. O! pray for the enlargement and peace of Zion. May 
 her borders be as extenfive as the globe — her children, numerous as 
 the human family, her peace as a river, and her rig’nteoufncfs as 
 the waters of the 'Sea.” 
 
 A perfon of intelligence, who lately came from Bcnfon fays, 
 there does not appear to be a carelefs perfon in the town. It is faid 
 
 that laft fpring the people had a town meeting, and appointed a com- 
 mittee to defire their minifter to leave the town. Very loon after 
 this, tne Lord’s hand was vifible anrongft them. At Caftleton there 
 is a promifing beginning. Numbers are under deep impreflions, 
 ,and fome have obtained hopes.” — A private letter from Dorfet fays, 
 “ It is now about eighteen months fince there Grft appeared an un- 
 ufual attention to things of religion. But nothing very extraordi- 
 nary took place till laft fpring, when a folemnity awful as judgment, 
 feized the minds of almoft all clafies of people in the fociety. — 
 Since that time, we have witnefied a feene truly aftonilhing and glo- 
 rious! The mighty Redeemer has rode forth conquering and to 
 conquer. Almighty power and grace have been glorioufly trium- 
 phant — Such a day I have never before witnefied. The friends of 
 Jefus have been all life and engagednefs. 
 
 Their hearts and their mouths have been full. To them indeed 
 it has been a remarkably refrefhing time. The work has been dif- 
 tinguifiiingly ftill and regular. Nothing that an enemy could call 
 enthufiaftic has appeared. Perfons of almoft every age have been 
 the fubjeds of the work ; but the principal harveft has been among 
 the youths. In one family, fix young perfons have been hopefully 
 fnatched from the power of Satan, and united to Chrift. — Forty- 
 three have been added to our communion. Twenty-fix are pro- 
 pounded; and there are not lefsthan fixty, who have manifefted hopes, 
 but have not come forward. — There is a marvellous work at Bee? 
 
12 
 
 fon forty miles north of this; and in feveral towns in that vicinity. 
 Alfo in Sandgate, and fome hopeful beginnings in Rupert, Manclies? j 
 ter, Wenhall &c. ' 1 'hefe things will no doubt gladden your heart. — * 
 We much need your prayers that God would not take from us 
 his holy Spit it. 
 
 Another who attended a facramental meeting, writes from New 
 Connecticut December 1803. “ The facramental occafion was 
 
 the moft folemn fcene I ever witne/Ted. I (hall not, attempt the jie- 
 fcription. But could you Sir, be prefect at fuch a fcene as I there 
 law, however much you have heard, I doubt not you would have » 
 luch feelings and imprelfions as you never had before. The folem- M 
 nity, the imprelfions, the evidence of the divine prefence were fuch, 
 as are not to be told. 1 never conceived any thing which appeared fo 
 much, as fome parts of the folemnities, like the judgment day.' 
 The number of communicants was about 300. The evening meeting 
 was peculiarly folemn: a great deal of that kind of falling, which 
 has been common in the revival in this country 1 . 
 
 The meeting continued till 4 o’clock in the morning. You once 
 obferved to me, that you wilhed to have an account o£ theiwork in 
 the weilern country, from one who had been an eye witnefs,. and 
 who was acquainted with Connecticut ideas, modes , of thinking 
 and exprelfions. — This you have had in a Jetter from Mr. B. But 
 from that, and all which I had heard, I hadgot a very inadequate 
 conception. — Accounts of things at fuch a mMnce commonly are 
 general; but it is from partichlafs' that we ufually obtain accurate % 
 ideas. — I have not much knowledge of the prefent /rate ofthisi 
 work, except in Pennfylvania. — Of all the Congregations under V 
 the care of the Synod of Titt/burgh, amounting to 80 or 90, there 
 are not more than 5 or 6, which have notTrccn vifited with divine 
 grace. — I conceive this work in many refne&s to reiemble the great 
 revival of religion in New England in 1740 and 1742. — In extent 
 of territory it exceeds that. — In moll or all of the Societies which 
 arc vifited. 1 truft there is a good number delivered from the reign 
 of fin, who will adore the riches of fovereign grace forever. The 
 mini/Icrs appear to conduct with great moderation and propriety. 
 People at a dillance may lay what they will, but when they come to 
 be eye witnefies, every reafonablc man is effectually retrained from 
 declaring it to be any thing, but the mighty power of God. It is 
 proper to remai k, that this work is in many refpcCts my/Ierious and 
 extraordinary. And after the mo/I careful obfervation, long ex- 
 perience and enquiry, there are fome things which cannot be un- 
 dcr/Iood. 
 
 Is this an evidence that it is not the work of God? It is, if the 
 creation of matter from nothing, which is a my/Iery, be an evi- 
 dence that God did not make the world. But there ere tilings to bo 
 
 A 
 
13 
 
 fee a which cannot be defcribed. After all that could be told 01 
 written, ^©ui; conceptions would be far*lhort of the reality; or ot 
 what they would be, if you could be an eye witnefs. With regard 
 to the numbers who jail, my ideas are very incorredl. By far the 
 greater part of thole who are fuhjecH flf this work, fall. Ot thole 
 , who. hive been made the lubjedte of gtttce, or who have had real 
 genuine convid'ftin, ib far as J have feen, at leal! two thirds or three 
 quarters fall.^. But there are many, w ho are evidently made fubjedfs 
 of the work of the {pint, and have deep and powerful ccnvidtions, 
 who do not fill!, and arc not at all affected that way. They gene- 
 rally, fuft fall under a convidlion of fin. And they fometimes ob- 
 tain comfort the fil l! timg they fall, but not generally. I have ne- 
 ver heard of any Tailing once only. It is commonly repeated many 
 times. wit they obtain a hope, and give good evidence of a recon- 
 ciliation to^kid, they rtili continue to fall, Xjood people fall in 
 many inrtances. Several minirters have, who appear to be men of 
 piety. * Many people who have been profeffors of religion for years 
 and who have given good evidence of a chrilHan life and character, 
 have fallen. > Eiders of the Churches, ferious men, have fallen, 
 and .n fome inrtances in the exercife of public prayer. 
 
 Perlons fall ion all occalions, at public woi (hip and at their So- 
 cieties. ‘Frequently at family prayer, fometimes alone, fometimes 
 in merry company, being fuddenly ftruck by the truth. Sometimes 
 they fali when they are in their ordinary bufinefs — Perhaps if private 
 religious'meetings in Connecticut were conducted there, as they are 
 in this part of the country, and lefs for fpeculation, they would 
 find more evidence of the divine prefence. In the places where 
 the work is, there isjcarcely a time of public v. orfhin without fome 
 peifons falling. — I uTe the word fall indifcriminately. — I know of 
 no other word fo proper. But the degrees of bodily affedtion are 
 indefinitely various. — From the leaft nervous agitation, every grade 
 to the molt violent you can conceive; or to a death-like weaknefs 
 and inadtion. Some can fit who cannot rtand. — Some muft be 
 held as much as infants; fome as much as perfons in high convul- 
 lions. — The duration of the affedtion is very diverfe. In fome ca- 
 fes it is but a few minutes. In others an hour or two; and fome- 
 times twenty-four hours, or feveral days. Though they continue this 
 time without fultenance, they feel no inconvenience afterwards; 
 and on their recovery are able to attend to any bufinefs. — In their 
 affedhons, though they appear to a beholder to be in the greateft bodi- 
 ly diftrefs, they are not fenfible of any pain, or any other than mental 
 dirtrefs. There is very rarely an inftar.ee of any one being fenfible, at 
 the time or afterwards, of any injury from the fall, however fevere. 
 And when they are fo agitated, that two or threeperfons have to make 
 the greateft exertions to hold cne, and of courfe are held by violence, 
 
u 
 
 they feel no forcnefs or inconvenience whatever afterwards. The 
 Philofopher and cold profefTor may fay what they will, thefe things 
 are fads. And thefe are fome of the fads, which render this work 
 a myftery. Perfons of all ages are fubjeds of this w'ork. Old, 
 middle aged, youth and children. Some children quite young. 
 Iniidcls, Philofophers, Phyficians, many remarkable inflances of 
 lifelefs profclfors, the llupid, the thoughtlefs, and the gay. 1 The 
 great inquiry in New-England is, why do they fall? For five 
 weeks that I was in that quarter, I took great pains , to enable my- 
 felf to anlwer this enquiry. Unrenewed finners, when they fall, 
 generally are imprelTed merely with a fenfe of their fin and danger. 
 A fenfe ol the weight of fin, the wrath of God, the certainty of 
 his vengeance, and the pains of hell, when brought feelingly to their 
 view, come upon them with a load too great to be borne. They 
 fiirink and fink under its weight. Is this a matter of lurprife?^ Is 
 it not rather to be wondered at, that awakened finners can ever 
 Support themfelves? Sometimes, however, they are ltruck down, 
 as with a llroke of divine power, without much previous reflec- 
 tion Cbrifians, w'hen they are led to a feeling fenfe of the 
 
 goodnefs and mercy of God; of his long fuffering patience; of 
 their extreme ingratitude ; their great abufe of privileges; the dan- 
 ger of their being deceived in their hope; the folemn account wmch 
 they mud render to an omnifcier.t Judge; and their juftexpofure to 
 eternal death ; they find themfelves unable to fuflain the ptefiure of 
 truth; but mull yield to its weight. Sometimes a view of the glo- 
 ries of the divine character; the wonders of fovereign grace; the 
 riches of the Saviour’s love; and the glorious w'ork of nun’s redemp- 
 tion, opens to them with fuch clearncfs, that they can no more bear 
 it, than Mofcs could a fight of God’s glory. * Sometimes a confide- 
 ration of the danger of finners, their infinite hardr.cfs and Ifupiditv, 
 and the certainty of their being brought into Judgment, is more 
 than their natures can bear. Sometimes they fall inftantaneoufly. 
 However thofe who fall may be afFeded, they never lofe their fen- 
 fes. Their minds appear to be more a<5!ive than ever, and all their 
 powers feem intent upon the things of religion and the interefls of 
 eternity. They are never in fo good a lituation to receive inltruc- 
 tion. Their minds are fixed, and their memories uncommonly re- 
 tentive. Many of them fpeak in broken accents and half exprefli- 
 ons in their affcdlion, begging for mercy, deprecating wrath, groan- 
 ing under fin, calling upon perifliing finners, or giving glory to God. 
 The impulfe {cents to be irrefiltable. 
 
 The Minifters uniformly inculcate the idea, that there is no re- 
 ligion in merely falling down. Indeed it appears to be nothing more 
 or lefs, than the effect of the affeftionsof the mind. Divine Pro- 
 vidence feeir.s to have Angularly ordered events in fuch a manner as 
 
15 
 
 fo confound and effectually to difappoint all attempts which have becd 
 mad^to account for this work from natural caufes. Many who have 
 made the attempt, have themfelves fallen and become fubjefts ot 
 what they before termed a delufion. I firmly believe this to be a con- 
 fpicuous and glorious work of divine grace; and that thoufands of 
 immortal fouls,* the fubjeCts of it, will adore the riches of divine 
 iTiercy to eternity. May the Lord of all grace, carry on his work 
 gjprioufly to the honor of his great name and the enlargement of 
 Zion. 
 
 The truftees of the Society, “ unite with the pious of all deno- 
 minations, in devout afcriptions of praife to the God of all mercies, 
 and fountain of divine influences, for his wonderful operations on 
 the hearts of chriflians, in the various parts of Chriftendom, in 
 difpofing them, in a manner which rarely, if ever, was exemplified 
 in any age of the world, to drive together for the falvation of their 
 fellow men.” — The miffionary labors appear to be arduous, but ufe- 
 ful, fernions are pfeached to deflitute congregations, and in places 
 where no religious ^denominations whatever have yet been formed. 
 
 Conferences are attended, many perfons young and old baptized, 
 and communicants .received into the church, children have been 
 catechifed and intruded, families vifited, the fick comforted and 
 divifions healed. The inhabitants of the frontier towns have 
 been attentive to improve every opportunity of public worfhip 
 afforded them, and treat the miffionaries with hofpitality; many 
 exprefs a high fenfe of gratitude to the Miffionary Society and the 
 people of Connecticut, for the exertions they have made for their 
 future well being. — In every town there has been occafion to thank 
 God and take courage. 
 
 The Xcie-Vor/c Missionary Society 
 
 HAVE greatly added to the zeal and faithful fervices of the 
 Heady labourers in the Lord’s vineyard. They have been en- 
 gaged in forming a plan for the introduction of the gofpel among 
 the Chickafaw Indians. — They have had an able Miffionary ir* 
 that nation, he arrived there fometime in the year 1800. — His 
 reception was very cordial, and he has preached to confiderable 
 numbers of white, red, and black people. Decent attention and 
 a dilpofition to become acquainted with the things which be- 
 long to their peace appeared to mark thefe mixed affemblies. — - 
 “ The committee fuppofed much had been gained by the peace- 
 ful admiflion of this meffenger of grace, by fcattering on Pagan 
 foil, however thinly, the feed of the living word ; and by exciting the 
 euriofity and conciliating the confidence of the heathen.” — As in- 
 cidental to their principal objeCt, they deemed the anxiety of the Irv- 
 
dians to acquire the improvements of civilized life, worthy of 
 attention, and ominous of good. — Several of the women frequented 
 the mifiionary’s family to learn from the females, reading, fewing, 
 knitting, fpinning, and other domeftic arts." Yet later experience 
 has rendered it neceffary to difeontinue the million, as the fuccefs 
 has not been equal to the expenfe. 
 
 However, being encouraged by their firll undertaking, having 
 been thus far countenanced by the Lord of the harvcll, the dire&op 
 felt it their duty to turn their eyes to fome other quarter, which 
 might invite a new million : an event which they cannot but ac- 
 count providential, pointed out the North-weftern Indians, efpe- 
 cially the Tufcororas and Senecas, as the mol! proper objects of their 
 next attempt. Having found a gentleman in every refpeft well 
 fitted for the fervice, they engaged him in it. “ All the accounts 
 which have been received from him, and of him, are Angularly 
 gratifying, his reception by the Indians has been refpe&ful and 
 alfeftionate. As an evidence of their temper, the following extract 
 from a letter, from a principal chief, diftated by himfelf and writ- 
 ten by his fon to the millionary, will be very fatisfaftory. — “ Dear 
 Brother, I am glad that the Lord our God has put it into the hearts 
 of the Americans to fend Miflionaries amongft th^Indians. < I am 
 Jikewife very thankful that the alfociation at New-York thinks of us* 
 yet, in this town. Dear Brother I beg of you, tnat, you would in- 
 form the Million Society, that I give them a thoufand thanks that ' 
 they have taken up fuch honorable work, in fending a millionary 
 among my poor benighted brethren in the wildernefs. — As they now 
 begin, I hope they will keep on that good work. — I fay good work ! 
 yes, I believe it is honorable and commendabTe, I hope and pray 
 that their endeavours to fpread the gofpel of Chrift among my hea- 
 then brethren will be bled, therefore Dear Brother, I bid you God 
 fpecd, both in your fpi ritual and temporal journey." 
 
 The Tufcororas after the arrival of the millionary, wrote to the 
 directors in New-York; an extraft of their letter follows. — “ Fa- 
 thers and Brothers — we fiiould be very glad to have our Father 
 Holmes ( the millionary ) to live among us, or fome other good 
 man that you would fend, to teach us the meaning of the beloved 
 fpeech in the good book called the Bible, for we are in darknefs, we 
 are very ignorant, we are poor, now Fathers and Brothers, you 
 have much light, you are wife and rich, we feel much forrow for 
 our children. — We alk you Fathers and Brothers, will you not 
 pity us and our poor children, and fend a fchool-malter to teach 
 our children to read and write; if you will, we will rejoice, we will 
 love him, and we will do all we can to make him happy, we are 
 poor; we cannot pay him in money, or any thing elfe. Fathers and 
 Brothers hearken! we cry to you from the wildernefs, our hearts 
 
17 
 
 ache while we fpeak to your ears, if any Indians (hould not open 
 their ears but go in the way of the evil fpirit, we pray you not to be 
 difeouraged. — Do not flop, think poor Indians muft die as well as 
 white men, we pray you therefore never to give over and leave poor 
 Indians, but follow them in dark times, and let our children find 
 you to be their fathers and friends when we are dead and no more.” 
 We and our forefathers have been long under dark clouds, no 
 friends to help us to know the wiU of the good fpirit, we will now 
 believe you to be our friends, we will open our ears to any good man 
 you may lend among us, we will ufe him kindly.” 
 
 From South Carolina your committee are alfo informed, that the 
 work of divine grace is prevailing there, by a letter from Beaufort, 
 dated the 2 i ft. October, 1 803. The writer fays “ I cannot conceal 
 from you the pleafing intelligence of a revival of religion in this 
 place, and what makes it more remarkable is, that rnoft of the fub- 
 jefis of it are perfons in the higher dalles of life, and many of them 
 of education and talents. 
 
 Many of our accomplifiied young ladies have given fuch proof; 
 of the genuinenefs of their change of heart, that they are admin . ! j 
 our communion table. This revival is unaccompanied by any ex- 
 travagance of manner. — It (hews itfslf by a rational conviction or' f.n, 
 afenfe of hardnefs of heart, an entire renunciation of felf, ’cither as 
 to righteoufnefs or dependance, and a willing fubjeClion to Chrift 
 Jefus as a prophet, prieft and king : hitherto the work has been ac- 
 companied with correfpondent fruits, as to change of manner and 
 defires after more grace and fanftification. — It (eems however at 
 this time to advance (lowly, tho’ I think (urely. It is the more 
 remarkable in this place, becaufe for a number of years there has 
 been a great negligence and coldnefs in religion, and mere formali- 
 ty at beft, except in fome few cafes. God is thus working a great 
 work in this our land. 
 
 It is with great pleafure that the committee can turn their eyes from 
 their own country and behold the faithful labours of others in the 
 one common caufe. In Great Britain chriftians are not idle, they 
 are daily (landing between the porch and the altar, crying Lord fave 
 thy people. In every part of that rich and populous lfland, are 
 Mifiionary Societies, as weil as various other religious and charitable 
 inftitutions daily arifing. Prayer meetings are held, congregations are 
 gathered — churches built, and multitudes eager to embrace the gof- 
 pel. Their periodical religious publications give many accounts of 
 the prevalence of a true fpirit of piety and unanimity among all 
 denominations of proteftants in advancing their common faith. — 
 The labors of the society in Scotland have been of late much 
 blefled in the North of Ireland, Shetland, Orkney, and the weftern 
 Jflands; and in many places where the uncorrupted golpel has not 
 
 c 
 
I 8 
 
 feeen heard for many years, the people in general received the vrfits 
 of the itinerating minifters with thankfulnefs, and eagerly folicited 
 a renewal of them. There has been a confiderable weak in Dunk- 
 field, where it is hoped that 145 perfons have experienced the 
 power of divine grace. At Aberfeldie 57 perfons profefs to have 
 experienced the fame. In the diflriCt of Kentyre, which is repre- 
 fented as having been in a deplorable fituation, the labours of the 
 miffionary, though much oppofed ; have been greatly owned. In 
 Caradil upwards of 30 have given fatisfying evidence of their con- 
 verfion to God. Public dances are generally given up, and public 
 houfes almoft forfaken. Here fome of the profefibrs were feverely 
 tried, being required to leave their farms, or renounce their new 
 connection — they readily gave up their farms, rather than their paf- 
 tor, and Providence foon appeared in their behalf : near 100 per- 
 fons became members of the church. In Dumbartonfhire, the 
 miniller who fpeaks Gtelic, has been heard with great attention and 
 apparent advantage by crowds of people. The report from which 
 this account is taken addrefies their members, “ Brethren the pre- 
 fent times are favourable to Chriffian exertions beyond any former 
 period. Civilization and Commerce have opened, enlightened and 
 conne&ed the world in a very remarkable manner. •* Say ye not 
 that there are yet four months, and then cometh harveft ? Behold 
 I fay unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields for they 
 are white already to harveft!” Now there is an opportunity of reap- 
 ing a fpiritual harvcll; and he thatreapeth, receiveth wages and ga- 
 thereth fruit unto eternal life. “ What aftonifiiing motives do the 
 Scriptures of truth every where exhibit to lead us to humble confi- 
 dence, to holy diligence and unremitted activity, in the woikof 
 the Lord.” 
 
 By the printed account of the Cor ref ponding Board in London , 
 connected with the Society for propagating chriftian knowledge in 
 the Highlands in Scotland it appears that they have nearly fixteen 
 thoufand children under iriftruCtion; and that they are engaged in 
 publifhing an edition of xoooo copies of the old Teftament in 
 Gaelic. 
 
 The London Missionary Society 
 
 WAS formed in 1795, by a number of Miniflers of all de- 
 nominations, who at their firfl meeting fubferibed, themfclves, 
 ^750 Sterling as donations, and £50 per annum. The foie ob- 
 ject of this inftitution was “ to fpread the knowledge of Chrifl 
 among the heathen, and other unenlightened nations.” After 
 holding a conference, at which a very great number of both Clergy 
 
9 
 
 and Laity attended, they obferve, “ thus concluded the folemn 
 fcrvices of the conference, long, very long to be remembered by 
 thoufands; all appearing to unite in this fentiment, it was never fa 
 feen in our Ifrael.” — Some of the miniders finding fo large an 
 Affembly pafs a refolution with cheerful unanimity, that a Mis- 
 sionary Society was desirable , could not for a time proceed, for 
 tears of joy. — The granded object that ever occupied the human 
 mind, the falvation of fouls, was prefented in fuch a variety of views, 
 and in fo (hiking a manner, by the preachers, that every lerious per- 
 fon awoke as from a dream, filled with furprife that fo noble a de- 
 fign had never before been attempted by them, and longing, by fu- 
 ture exertions, to redeem loll opportunities — Many Miniders, who 
 before doubted whether the Lord’s time for fuch an attempt were 
 come, are now completely fatisfied, and join with equal ardor in a 
 caufe, fo glorious. The great numbers who attended as delegates 
 from various parts of the Kingdom ; the multitudes who thronged 
 the larged places of worfhip in London; the countenance and libe- 
 ral donations of the wealthy; the appearance of fo many Miniders 
 in one place, and in foconfpicuousafituation; were grand and plea- 
 fing; the fuitablenefs of the Hymns, and the fervor with which 
 they were fung; and above all the mod evident and uncommon out 
 pouring of the fpirit on the Miniders in their fermons and prayers, 
 impreffed the whole congregation, with a folemnity and pleafure 
 not ufual even in religious affemblies, and condrained them all to 
 fay, This is anew Pcntccojl; nor was it a doubt with any, whether 
 the Lord was among them or not. 
 
 Another confideration, that rendered thefe feafons unfpeakably 
 delightful, was a vifible union of miniders and chridians of all de- 
 nominations; who for the firfl time forgetting their party prejudices 
 and partialities, affemblcd in the fame place; fung the fame hymns; 
 united in the fame prayers, and felt themfelves one in Chrid. — Such 
 a feene was, perhaps, never before beheld in our world, and afford- 
 ed a glorious earned of that nobler affembly, where we (hall meet 
 all the redeemed, and in the prefence, and before the throne of the 
 Lamb, (hall fing as in the bed hymn of the fervice ; crown him, 
 crown him, crown him Lord of all! 
 
 Thus commenced this important fociety, and their fruits have 
 been in fome meafure agreeable to fo fair a beginning. — They have 
 fince been deeply impreffed with the affedting obfervations of the 
 converted among the heathen, upon their attempts to carry the gof- 
 pel among them. A Hottentot woman who had been effectually 
 called to the falvation of Jefus, obfevved to the Miflionary ‘‘that it 
 was a great pity and a great fin, that they who fo long enjoyed great 
 plenty of the bread of life, did not give one crumb to the poor hea- 
 then ; but that God was very good, who had forgiven this great firr- 
 
20 
 
 and had bleffed the little bit they had lately giren, fo much; and 
 row (he hoped that chridians would fin no longer againd God, in 
 withholding the bread of life, but would abound in giving it more and 
 more.” The Society therefore confidered themfelves as they did 
 every chridian, called upon to aft their part ; and that they could not 
 without criminality, withhold their exertions towards procuring obe- 
 dience to the command of Chrid, who fays “ go ye into all the 
 world and preach the gofpel to every creature.” In 1799 they ob- 
 tained the aid of three Miffionarics — who arrived at the Cape of Good 
 Hope, juft as a deputation of three bofchemen, the mod favagc and fe- 
 rocious of the heathen of that country, arrived, earneftlv requcding 
 that fome good men might be fent to indrudt them. The Miffion- 
 ary confidered this as a call of God to vifit the poor Hottentots, 
 and, furprifing to tell, two of them travelled 500 Miles North Ead 
 of the Cape into the wildernefs, to Zaak river, paffing mountains that 
 appeared almod inacceffible, and being fometimes 7 days without fee- 
 ing a human face but their own company, and expofed to Lions 
 and Tigers which infefl the woods of that country, from whofe de- 
 vouring Jaws they were feveral times mod providentially preferred. 
 Suffice it to fay, that they were receiv ed by thefe wretched heathen 
 with joy. They found them living among the rocks, where they dig 
 a fmall round den, about 3 feet deep, which they cover with reeds. 
 Here they flcep away their time till roufed by hunger, when they 
 filly forth to hunt wild beads, and when unfuccefsful, they fubfid on 
 fn.ikes, mice and wild onions. The Miffionary, at fit fl, was obliged 
 to te ptthe people, at large, to attend him by giving them tobacco 
 which they are very fond of. He began by preaching fydematically 
 to them, but he found it in vain. He then followed the example 
 of the Moravians, fimpiy preaching the love, and death of Jefus 
 Chrid, and inviting them to come to him that they might have life. 
 His labors were foon bleffcd. His fird fruit was a mod notorious 
 offender This man was convifted of fin, convinced of his lod 
 date and found mercy. He lived but 6 months after, but his 
 experience was wonderful. His heart was wholly taken up with 
 the love of Chrid, fo that he could fcarcely bear to fpeak of 
 worldly things, and he died rejoicing in the Lord, faying to 
 his teacher, “ I die depending on the blood and righteous- 
 nefs of Chrid: I go to heaven, and there I will wait for you.” His 
 fon who came a great didance to fee his dying father, was alfo con 
 verted, and became a fchoolmadcr. The Mifiionary foon after be- 
 gan to have his fpirits much elated when he would walk in the fields, 
 and find, fcattered here and there prodrate on the ground, feveral 
 of his congregation; and fome with a child in each hand, pouring 
 out their fouls to God in the mod lively and copious drains. — .When 
 he had been with them about four years, he vilitcd his friends in 
 
21 
 
 Europe ; at which time. “ he had baptized about 34. adult perfons 
 and 50 children. He had a ftated congregation of about 600 per- 
 fons, in a great meafure civilized and dwelling together. The peo- 
 ple are univcrfally changed and have become, literally as well as fpi- 
 ritua lly new creatures. They who were fo filthy that a civilized 
 perfon could fcarccly approach them, are now clean ; in (lead of be- 
 ing naked, or only covered with a dirty fltceplkin, they are now de- 
 cently cloathed; and thofe who knew not there was a God, are be- 
 come devout worlhippers of God, and fervent lovers of Jefus Chrift; 
 indullrious and obliging, bringing up their children in the fear of 
 the Lord.” 
 
 Three of this congregation went to London with the Millionary, 
 and on a careful examination, gave great fatisfaftion to the fociety. 
 They lang a Hymn before a large congregation, the literal tranllation 
 of which in prole follows. “ O Zion’s king! Thou fon of God, 
 exalted on the father’s throne ! I cart myfelf down before thee, and 
 pray for (pirit and for life, for thy church and dear bride, living 
 here on earth, at a dirtance from her divine lover, her head, her 
 comfort, the prince of life; for whom flie ever and forever longs. 
 Oh ! that I now might find thee. 
 
 Moll of all, O king of Zion! I implore thee for fo many dead 
 fouls! Oil! make thy people to fall down before thee by thy fpirit. 
 By thy power draw all thofe unto thee, for whom thou did ft fay, 
 “ it is finilhed!” make the deaf ear to hear the voice of thy power 
 and of thy glory, that it may be faid of Zion “ this and that man 
 was born there.” 
 
 Fountain of life! almighty God ! it is the fpirit’s influence we crave! 
 Oh! exert the power of thy love upon the hearts of many men! 
 Bring Tyrians, Philiftines, and Moors by the word and the fpirit 
 into the right way, and let hell tremble at thy work! Refcue by 
 thy divine power the veflels of grace from fatan’s might, and bid the 
 dead to live!” 
 
 It is eafier to conceive than to deferibe the facred pleafure which 
 filled the minds of a large aflembly of Chriftians, when they thus 
 beheld “ Ethiopia ftretching forth her hands to God,” and 
 heard fome of Afric’s tawny race finging the praifes of our common 
 Lord.” 
 
 The following is an extract of a letter from a Bofcheman woman, 
 to the Miffionary in London ; “ moreover I take the liberty of telling 
 you that the Lord converts many people atRodezand ; which proves 
 the greateft comfort and fupport, as it feems here, that the time is now 
 come when the Lord fhall pour out his bleffing over the whole world 
 and draw all poor finners unto himfelf.” 
 
 Through the inrtrumentality of the London Miffionary Society 
 many thoufands of the heathen in Africa are now liftening te the 
 
22 
 
 joyful found of the gofpel ; and more than a few who were 
 afar off, are brought near by the blood of Chrid. On a full view of 
 what this Society has done, it appears, that they have fent out 
 about ioo preachers, 98 of whom have received education for the 
 miniflry, by whom the glad tidings of falvation are announced in 
 many places, where the being of a God was not known, or even 
 heard of. 
 
 Even France has not been forgotten. During two years the Lon- 
 don Miffionary Society have been endeavouring to build on the ru- 
 ins of the papacy there , the divine edifice of pure chridianity; and 
 as the mod powerful means for that purpofe within their reach was 
 the circulation of the holy fcriptures, they determined to confecratc 
 a part of their funds to this object. — Reflecting alfo on the awful ef- 
 fects of infidelity, they judged it might be of great ufe, to connect 
 with the fcriptures, a vindication of their divine authority. This im- 
 portant fervice has been atchieved in the mod fatisfaCtory manner 
 by one of their highly refpeCted members. The Society went far- 
 ther, and fent a deputation to France, to difperfe thefe books, and 
 to know the real fituation of that numerous people. The impor- 
 tance of this bufinefs was manifed, from the deputation having found 
 it difficult to procure a Angle copy of the French Bible in Paris ; 
 and they were informed, this was equally the cafe in Italy. Great 
 effects throughout France are likely to arife from having a protes- 
 tant minidry there. At Befan^on in the fouth, and at Arras in the 
 North, where, dll lately, no protedants were to be found, applica- 
 tions for protedant minifters and churches have been made and fign- 
 ed by 12,000 perfons at the former place, and near as many at the 
 latter. And although many churches have already been given to 
 the protedants, 900 congregations are dill deditutc, both of church- 
 es and paftors. Even in Belgium, the fame difpofition appears. 
 
 On opening a Protedant chapel at Abbey Ardennis in Normandy, 
 previous to the publication of the concordat between the Pope and 
 Buonaparte, a very refpe&able congregation attended. The increafe 
 lince, has exceeded the mod fanguine expectations. And no fooner 
 was the Concordat publiffied, than the chapel was fo much over 
 crowded, that more than 200 perfons were obliged to dand dur- 
 ing tire fervice, the feats being all filled. In many parts of the re- 
 public, and particularly in the fouth, large bodies ofthe Inhabitants 
 have publicly demanded of the prefects of their refpeCtive depart- 
 ments, to be provided with a church and Protedant miniders. 
 Thefe are good figns of the times, and may tend to oblige all de- 
 nominations of chridians tcv greater purity of conduCt, and more at- 
 tention to the effential principles of the gofpel. Our informant adds, 
 “Great and marvellous are the events of our days. A believer in the 
 prophecies cannot but feel himfclf more and more intereded in the 
 
great fcenes, which are evidently introducing that new era, we arc 
 taught to expert lhall immediately commence — all concur in afford- 
 ing delightful animation to the mind, that with an eye of faith, con- 
 templates the wifdom and goodnefs of the divine being, who is con- 
 ducting the univerfal family of mankind to improvement and happi- 
 nefs; and fitting them for everlafting glory hereafter.” 
 
 “ There is nothing, it is faid, which more furprifes a Granger at 
 the prefent moment in France, than the rage for religious publica- 
 tions of every defeription. The prefs literally groans with books of 
 devotion. The Secpticifm of the revolution has loft its charms, 
 aDd even the /*•/// mailre is fighing for the pleafure of devotion.” 
 The report above mentioned concludes thus: “with fincere fatif- 
 faiftion, they recognize the zeal and fucccfsof other Societies aiming 
 at the fame ftupendous object, earneftly uniting their common fup- 
 plications with the chriftian world at large, that the bleffmg of hea- 
 ven may attend them all. They cherilh the hope that thefe arc all 
 effects of a divine impulfcon the mind, and part of the arrangements 
 of an infinitely wife and unerring plan, which has determined the 
 ultimate renovation of the world after a long feafon of darknefs, de- 
 pravity and diforder, and is now introducing the dawn of that glo- 
 rious period which is the favourite theme of prophecy and the grand 
 confolation of the chriftian church. While they endeavour to pro- 
 mote the approach of this defirable feafon by every means in their 
 power, we chearfully refer the event to him who has referved the 
 times and the feafons in his own hands; who preGdes over the vaft 
 concerns of the univerfe, and who can command all its powers, in- 
 .telle&ual or material, to accomplilh his pleafure, and fulfil his word.” 
 Among other inftances of joyful converfion of finners to God in 
 London, the Committee mud mention that of Mr. Frey, a Jew, now 
 preparing for Miffionary labours. He preached a fermon to the 
 Jews, on 1 3 May 1803, at Sion chapel, from Gen. xiii. 8. “ And 
 Abraham faid unto Lot, let there be no ftrife I pray thee, between 
 me and thee:” and a prodigious congregation were colle&ed, among 
 whom were about 200 of the children of Abraham according to the 
 flelh. They feemed well pleafed. 
 
 The Baptist Association, or Missionary Society, 
 
 HAVE been alfo very fuccefsful in their labors of love, ef- 
 pecially in India; where they have united with other denominations 
 in carrying the gofpel to that numerous, fuperftitious, and idolatrous 
 people. — To give fomo idea of the work of God carrying on there 
 by their means, the following extracts of letters received by a wor- 
 thy gentleman of this City, and fome others in Europe, from that 
 country, tho’ lengthy, are inferted. 
 
24 
 
 Dinsgepore March ijth, 1803. 
 
 “ The Rev. Mr. Gerickc, a Mifiionary upon the coaft of Ma- 
 labar, writes to a friend in Calcutta, that he has lately baptized 2700 
 perfons on the coaft. This is indeed the Lord’s doings, and it is 
 marvellous in our eyes. The Million at Serampore is not without 
 fuccefs, for our little Church is by the divine blefiing increafing. 
 Mr. Carey has lately baptized two Hindoos, one of them a Brah- 
 min, the firft of that call: that has embraced the gofpel. 
 
 Calcutta Aug 31, 1802. 
 
 From Mr. Carey a principal Miffionary in India. 
 
 A mod encouraging circumftance has lately occurred, and which 
 has much ftrengthened our hands. About 3 months ago, three 
 mufliilmen came from a diftance to heat the gofpel, and requefted 
 that one of us wouia pay them a vilit; which we promifed them to 
 do after the rainy fealon, when the pafiages by water would be open. 
 About fix weeks fince, one of them deputed by the reft, came 
 again, to condudit any of us who would go. Brother Marfhman was 
 the only one who could undertake fo long a journey, and a better 
 could not have been chofen for the purpofe. 
 
 The place where they live, is in the diftridl of Je fibre near the 
 river Jsamuty. On his arrival he found about 200 perfons who 
 have for feveral years rejected their call. They arc Mufiulmen and 
 Hindoos, formerly of various calls. They were convinced of the 
 folly and wickednefs of both the Hindoo and Muflulman faith, but 
 confefied that they were ignorant of what was right; and hearing of 
 us, they were very defirous ofknowing the gofpel. Brother Marlh- 
 man’s reception among them exceeded all expectation. Many were 
 gathered together, ready to hear the word when he arrived, having 
 had previous notice; and they did it with a kind of pleafure and 
 eagernefs feldom feen in this country. They defired us to write to 
 them and to vifit them — promiling to vifit us when they can. In 
 Ihort a hopeful profpe <51 prefents itfelf. In returning home, Brother 
 Marfhman got intelligence of another body of Hindoo diflenters 
 whom he determined to vifit. He did fo ; and found that at another 
 place about a day ’s journey nearer home, there are at leaft 2000 per- 
 fons who have publicly renounced their call. They received him 
 with great pleafure, and were dclirous of feeing him again. 
 
 The late opening in the Eaftern part of the country more than 
 balances all our diftrefles. They have a Society of upwards of 200 
 perfons, who have rejcdlcd all worfiiip of Idols, and all honor to 
 Mahomet; and what is more, they rejeCt many of the vices which 
 
25 
 
 other natives praiflicc with an unblufhing countenance. Since they 
 have known us, the whole body of this people have received the 
 Bible as the word of God: They meet together to read it and to 
 pi ay ; and intend to ered a place for themfelves where they can meet 
 tor worfhip. They now alfo call themfelves chriftians and efteeni 
 us as their brethren. We really hope that fome of them are truly 
 converted; and all of them whom I have feen, appear to be feri- 
 oufly inclined. I trull that e’er long they will have a golpel church 
 formed among them. I was furpriled to fee with what facility they 
 could turn to any place of feripture: they did not feem to be more 
 at a lofs to lind a pafTage, than a perfon would, who had been ac- 
 cultomcd to the Bible all his days. The doflrine of the Trinity is 
 peculiarly abhorred by the Muflulmen ; and thefe people held a coun- 
 cil, which lulled three days, to conlider whether this dodrine could 
 be admitted or not. It ended with an univerfal acknowledgment 
 of it; yet leaving it as a myltery, in the fame manner as chriflians 
 do in general.” 
 
 Another from the same. 
 
 Calcutta, Odobcr 6, 1803. 
 
 The number of our church members is now 39, and we are in 
 hopes of receiving another native by baptifm before long. Of this 
 number 25 are natives. — The fure promifes of the word, the all 
 fufficiency of the divine power, the energetic zeal of the Lord of 
 Holts, and his ulual way in providence feem to encourage our hopes, 
 and excite us to perfevere in the work. — This country is extremely 
 populous, the valt numbers of perfons in Calcutta alone, mult ex- 
 ceed your ideas. I fuppofe that few ftreets in London are fuller, 
 if fo full of people, as the ftreets of this town; yet in all this place, 
 and indeed in the country, I fear the number of truly converted 
 perfons will fcaicely exceed ioo It is truly a melancholy thing, 
 to go along the Itreets and meet thoufands of people, without being 
 able to indulge the hope that fome of them may be converted peo- 
 ple. Here the harveft is great and the labourers are few indeed. 
 O may the Lord of the harveft fpeedily fend labourers into this 
 harveft. — Surely it is not too much to hope that God will raife up 
 gifts among the converted natives, and among the youths who are 
 educated under us, and who are likely to fpend their days in this 
 country. We hope in, and bend our attention to, this defired ob- 
 ject; but muft wait till the allwife God give the blefling. We 
 have a fecond edition of the Bengalee New Teftament in the Prefs. 
 The firft edition will, in all probability, be difpofed of before this 
 is printed off. I think we have given away about 40 copies a month 
 ever fince it has been pubiillied. — The accounts from America have 
 
26 
 
 gladdened our hearts; and not only encouraged us, but other Evan- 
 gelical Minifters in this country; and we have fome times hoped 
 that the fpirit may thus be poured out upon India, or rather this part 
 of India, for a work fomewhat fimilar was carried on upon the coal! 
 (of Malabar) lad year, under the minidry of the Rev. Mr. Gerike 
 and fome native laborers in thofe parts. — Some thoufands rejected 
 heathenifm, broke and dedroyed their Idols, fitted up the old Tem- 
 ples for chridian worfhip, and were formed into gofpel Churches. 
 They have (ince had great perfecution ; but the Lord has preferved 
 them faithful to himfelf.” 
 
 Alfo from Mr. Carey. 
 
 Calcutta, Odtober 25 1805. 
 
 “ Yederday I had thepleafure to baptize a Brahman who is from 
 Adam, and is the fird fruits of that country to the Lord. This 
 is the 26th perl'on whom we have baptized from among the heathen; 
 and we have reafon to fay, that with the exception of two perfons, 
 all of them give us pleafure in a greater or lefs degree ; and are ac- 
 counted by us as the excellent ones of Bengal. Of thefc perfons 
 two have been removed by death. The fird was murdered, fuppo- 
 fed by thieves — but the other, left a fweet favour behind him : I 
 never recoiled to have feen more of the chiidian exhibited on a death 
 bed, than in the cafe of this man — his deady hope in Chrid — the 
 chearfulnefs of his mind till the lad, and the favour of evangelical 
 truth, which he condantly difeovered in his talk, through an illnefs 
 of near three months, have left a deep impredion upon the minds of 
 all thofe who furvived him. His name was Gokool.* 
 
 It is time now to be up and doing. The time is fliort. Souls 
 are precious — opportunities multiply, and every opportunity of doing 
 good to others, either by fpeaking or writing, or by any other rae- 
 
 * By another letter dated 17 Odtober Mr. Carey fays. Gokool died of a 
 lingering difeafe, a hectic fevc r, and we h.sd many opportunities to fee his 
 whole carriage during his afllidlion, and in the article of death, which was 
 highly futisfadlory, and beautifully marked with a calm and firm reliance on 
 Chrift. Gokool was by nature a man of the molt violent paflions and noted 
 for turbulence and every thing hateful, before his converkon. If any thing 
 could mark the efficacy of divine grace, I think the latter part of his life did, 
 and efpecially his death. We had purchafed a burying ground, but a few days 
 before, in which he was interred. A vaft number of people attended, and 
 wc have reafon to hope that the impreflion made on them was not unfavoura- 
 ble to the gofpel. There are two more Hindoos, concerning whom we hope 
 well. I expedt to baptize one of them next Lords day, who is a Brahman 
 from the extreme part of Bengal, or rather belonging to an independant Raj ill 
 on the North Eaft of Bengal, 
 
27 
 
 fhod, has a loud voice to us all. May we be enabled to make ufc 
 of thefc feafons, to the honor and glory of our God-’’ 
 
 Seram pore, November 17, 1803. 
 
 “ God, I believe will carry on his work in this country ; the lea- 
 ven is already at work. Many are thinking and fome are convert- 
 ed. Succefs indeed at prefent is not greatly apparent, but we trull 
 that Jehovah willarife fpcedily.and build up Zion, and appear in his 
 glory.*’ 
 
 The following is an Extrail of a Letter , from Mr. Gerike himself, 
 elated Vaparry , Jan. 1 8th, 1803. 
 
 I wrote to you lad from Seringapatam ; fince that time 1 have 
 experienced great hardfliips, and alfo lingular mercies. When in 
 my journey, I came near to the extremity of the peninfulas, I found 
 whole villages waiting anxioufly for my coming, to be further indrudt- 
 ed and baptized. They had got acquainted whith our native pried 
 in that country, and the catechids and chridians ; and had learned, 
 from them, the catechifm, which thofe who could wiite copied, to 
 learn it themfelves, at their leifure. 
 
 When they heard of my coming, they broke their Idols to pieces, 
 and converted their temples into chridian churches; in which Iin- 
 drudted and baptized them; in fome about zoo, in others near goo; 
 formed them into chridian congregations; procured for them Cate- 
 chids and fchool-maders; and made them choofe, in each place, 
 four elders. Thefe examples awakened the whole country ; and 
 when I was about to leave it, the inhabitants of many more villages 
 fent meflages to me, begging me to remain a couple of months longer 
 in their country ; and to do in their villages, the good work I had 
 done in thofe of their neighbours. Since that, there have been in- 
 drudled and baptized 2700 people more, and '18 congregations 
 more have been formed. Among thefe new converts, are feveral 
 'Chiefs, all very zealous; and one of them travels about, preaching 
 thegofpel. — Since my return, fome of the heathen of that country, 
 xrld enemies, have dirred up a perfecution againd them. By a let- 
 ter Cnee, from that country, I am informed of the good news, that 
 the perfecution had abated in feveral places ; and that the chridians 
 who had been confined, had been honorably acquitted.” 
 
23 
 
 Serampore Oct. u. 1803. 
 
 “ There has not been any great work apparent here, but yet it 
 has been evidently progrefling. Since our arrival 1 r natives have 
 made a profeffion of chriftianity by baptifm. Among whom are three 
 Brahmans. Thefe have been colledlcd not by our endeavours; but 
 evidently by the gracious providence of God. Some have heard 
 from others — others have obtained information from papers; and 
 others have accidentally called, as they paffed by and heard the 
 words of life from our brethren ; and thus have been led to enquiry, 
 which we hope has ended in their thorough converfion to God It 
 rouft be remarked that not one of thefe people belonged to Serampore, 
 but all came from a diftance, and fome widely a part from each 
 other. From the Eaft and from the Weft — and from the North 
 and from the South will God gather in his eledl, and drew that it 
 is not by might nor by power, nor by an arm of flefh, but by his 
 own fpirit, that his work is to be accompliflied. Brother Krilhno is 
 perhaps the moft ufeful in this way. Inquirers are entertained at 
 his houfe and he fpends much of his time in converfing with them, 
 for which he is eminently qualified. He is an experienced chrifti- 
 an, and a very valuable and ufeful man. He is the firft Brahman 
 who was baptized. He is gone with brother W — to Dinagepore. 
 Brother W — writes fome very pleafmg things concerning him — one 
 is, his proficiency in fpeaking and difputing with the natives. God 
 has been pleafed to remove our brother Gokool by death, from the 
 church militant, to the church triumph at ; of this he gave abundant 
 teftimony both during a lingering illnefs and in the article oi death. 
 His hope was W'holly in Chrift and fupported by this he pafled 
 through the valley of the fliadow of death and feared no evil. We 
 have been vifited by fome people from a place about 500 miles dis- 
 tant called Lockfeel, who have given us great hope. They had been 
 here before ; and our brethren have at different times vifited them. 
 They are intelligent people, much above the common rank. They 
 read well and try to underftand all they read, are devoted enemies to 
 Hindooilm and Mahometanifm, and very great adepts in difputation 
 on thefe points. They fay that their minds are made up refpedting 
 chriftianity — they are fure that it is the true and right way ; and 
 in it alone, they expedl pardon, and depend wholly on the death of 
 Chrift for falvation. Some thing of a worldly nature hinders them 
 from making a public profelTion by baptifm, which gives us forrow 
 and damps our riling expeditions.'’ 
 
 Schools are inftituting in many parts of the country for Englifli, 
 Portuguese and Hindoo childtcn, and the Bible, with many other pi- 
 ous Books, is printed in the Bengalee, Ilindoftanee, Perfian and 
 Maharata languages. 
 
29 
 
 In Ceylon, an 1 (land containing more than loopro Inhabitants, 
 a great work is alfo carrying on. The britifh pofleflions are divi- 
 ded into 4 diffriifts — thefe are divided into counties, which are fub- 
 divided into parilhes. In every parifh is a protcffant fchool, where 
 the youth are inftnnfled in reading and writing their own language, 
 and in the piinciples of chriflianity. Over every io fchools is ap- 
 pointed one catechiff, whofc bufinefs it is to perform a vifitation one* 
 a month to enquire into the conduft of the teachers ; to examine 
 the progrefs made by the fcholars, and to exhort them to induftry 
 and diligence. In each of the lefler diftrifts is effablifhed a native 
 officiating preacher, who has been examined, and performs divine 
 fervice in one of the churches or fchools every Sunday &c. In 
 each of the principal diftriiffs are one, two or three clergymen who 
 have been ordained in Europe. Each has the iuperintending charge 
 of a certain number of fchools, to which he performs a vifitation 
 once a year, and adminiffers the no! y communion. Some of the na- 
 tive preachers and catechifls ; re really men of principle and abilities, 
 and are extremely ufeful. By the lull returns, there were nearly 
 170 fchools and upwards of 4200.''. profefling proteffant chriffians. 
 The number of chriffians profefling the religion or the church of 
 Rome was very great. There are 15 pieffs on the Iffand, who 
 are indefatigable in their labors, and are daily making profelytes. 
 The doctrines of thole who have been educated by the Dutch are 
 purely calviniffic and their fermons evangelical. 
 
 A Britifh Millionary has alfo, in a great meafurc, fuccecdcd in 
 eftabfiflfing a million in Affracan in Perfia. He writes from Corafs 
 Befhnaw near Geotghieufk under date of 27 January 1803. “ I 
 
 have met with a degree of profperity in my undertaking, that makes 
 me afraid — Providence has enabled me to do more than ever I me- 
 ditated. We have fixed ourfelves in a village, which feparates the 
 Tartars from the Cabordians who inhabit a great part of Caucafus. 
 This place in which we are fettled, is on the frontier of the Ruffian 
 empire, but properly in the Circaflian country. We travelled, un- 
 der the favour of an open letter from the emperor of Rufiia to his go- 
 vernors &c. by the way of Mofcow, Sarepta Affracan &c. about 3000 
 Verfts to the place where we now are. It is within a few days 
 journey of Perfia and Bokkaria and within 50 miles of Turkey. 
 Although I doubt not the Society for Millions to Africa and the 
 Eaff, have already fufficient engagements, yet may I not venture to 
 afk, whether they might not ranfom a few Tartar youths ? fnould 
 any of them prove pious, they might afterwards do much in propa- 
 gating the gofpel — you cannot conceive the refpeft and attention a 
 Tartar or Circaflian would meet with, who underffood the Arabic, 
 Turkifh, Perfian and Tartar languages well.” 
 
30 
 
 The Church of the United Brethren, 
 
 Commonly called Moravians, have alfo ffiewn a zeal and ac- 
 tivity in their reader’s fervice, that deferves well of every friend to 
 the falvation of men. They have had greater fuccefs among the 
 heathen of various denominations, and particularly among the 
 Northern Indians, than any other proteftant fe<d of Chriftians what- 
 ever. 
 
 The number of perfons employed by them in millions to various 
 parts of the world, Hood thus in 1802, 
 
 In the Danilh Weft India Settlements. Miflionaries. 
 
 Illands, they have 6 32 
 
 In Antigua 3 17 
 
 In St. Kitts . * . . 1 4 
 
 In Jamaica. 3 8 
 
 In Barbadoes. ........ 1 2 
 
 In Tobago. . 2 
 
 In Greenland 3 1 6 
 
 In Labrador 3 25 
 
 In Quebec and Newfoundland. . . 3 3 
 
 Among the Indians in North America. 3 1 9 
 
 In South America 4 24 
 
 Among the Hottentots, at the 1 
 
 Cape of Good Hope. j • • 4 
 
 In the Ruffian part of Afia. . . . 1 2 
 
 Near Tranquebai in the Eaft Indies. . 1 2 
 
 37 166 
 
 At the clofe of the year 1800, the -Congregation of native Indi- 
 ans at Hoop in Surinam, in South America, confided of 208 per- 
 fons, 169 baptized, 84 communicants, 39 not yet baptized; alfo 
 at New Bombay in the fame country 49 free Negroes, 1 7 of whom 
 are communicants. 
 
 The lad letters from Surinam fay, “ The work of God proceeds, 
 though not rapidly, yet with a manifed bleffing upon the labors of 
 our brethren. In all the four fettlements they arc carneftly and di- 
 ligently engaged in inviting poor lod finners, to hear and believe the 
 gofpel of their redeemer. At Paramaribo 1 6 adult negro flaves had 
 Been baptized from January to the end of September 1802. This 
 year the believing negroes in the three Iflands of St. Thomas, St. 
 Croix and St. Jan confided of 10,276 fouls. One of the brethren 
 
31 
 
 writes from Jamaica under date of January 1803. “ I went to brother 
 Letter to Ifland, where on the laft day of the year, I had the plea- 
 fure in the evening to meet about 40 negroes, who were ranged in 
 great order on the floor of the Hall, and littened very attentively to 
 my difcourfe. May our Lord grant that this new year may prove a 
 period of renewed grace and mercy both for us and our negroes, that 
 a true hunger and third after him and his word may be occitcd in 
 their hearts. 
 
 The Committee are forry to fay, that fince the mod promifing ap- 
 pearances in favour of the people of colour in this Ifland, laws have 
 been made, making it highly criminal for any but minitters licenced 
 according to law to preach to the blacks, and as much lo, for the blacks 
 to Lar; which has put a flop to this glorious work for the prefent ” 
 
 The brethren in their account of Millions fay, that their fimple 
 motive in fending Miflionaries todiftant nations was, and remains, an 
 ardent defire to promote the falvation of their fellow men, by making 
 known to them the gofpel of our faviour Jefus Chrift They were 
 grieved to hear of fo many thoufands and millions of the human race 
 fitting in darknefs and groaning beneath the yoke of fin and the tyran- 
 ny of fatan ; and believing the glorious promifes in the word of God, 
 that the heathen Ihould become the reward of the bufferings and death 
 of Jefus; they confidered his commandments to go into all the world 
 and preach the gofpel to every creature, as given to all his followers ; 
 they were filled with confident hopes, that if they alfo went forth in 
 obedience unto, and believing in his word, their labor would not be 
 in vain in the Lord. They accordingly went forth in the ttrength of 
 their God, and he has wrought wondeis in their behalf. From 
 very fmall beginnings, the miflions of the brethren have encreafed to 
 above thirty fettlements in different parts of the earth, in which 
 about x6o Miflionaries are employed, who have the care of upwards 
 of 24000 converts from among the heathen.” 
 
 The Million among the Hottentots at the Cape of Good Hope, 
 was begun by a man remarkable for his zeal and courage, who labored 
 fuccefsfully, till he had formed a fmall congregation of believers. 
 When the Miflionaries firft arrived in the country, at the place called 
 Bavians Kloof in 1792, it was a barren uninhabited place. There 
 were in the year 1 800, five married Miflionaries refiding there, and 
 1300 Hottentots of the congregation. 
 
 At Cape Town the number of the converted heathens is ccnfi- 
 derable, who raanifeft the power of the fpirit, not only in the pub- 
 lic worfhip but in their intercourfe among themfelves ; fo that while 
 the declenfion of zeal for the caufe of Jefus among many profeflors 
 is lamented, his holy name is daily mere and more adored among 
 the Heathen. 
 
32 
 
 At Stillenbock about 20 miles from cape Town, feveral poor hea- 
 then have joyfully embraced the Saviour of finners, and manifefted in 
 their experience the genuine marks of a divine work ; and one of 
 them on the near expe&ation of her departure into the eternal Hate, 
 expreffed the moft comfortable perfuafion of her perfonal intereft in 
 the love of Jefus, and the redemption procured by his death. The 
 Miffionary has alio opened a fchool here for the children of the Hot- 
 tentots, in which he has about 30 children. 
 
 At another ftation in Waggonmakers valley, after much oppofi- 
 tion from perfons calling themfelves chriftians, by the aid of Gov. 
 Dundas, who greatly countenanced the undertaking, a fettlement 
 has been effected, and the Miffionary expreffies his hope that he be- 
 gins to fee the work of the holy fpirit. He fays “ that at their 
 rnonthlv prayer meetings, when we bow our knees before the throne 
 of grace, the Hottentots cry out, we thank God that you are come 
 to us. Many of the flaves exprefs a great reverence for the gofpcl, 
 and rejoice that they hear of a crucified Saviour, Twenty of them 
 are now learning the alphabet. Thirty can fpell, and five can read, 
 and are learning the catechifm. There are feveral other ftations 
 occupied by Miffionaries. One of them is atZaak River, which is about 
 19 days journey (or 3CO miles) from the Cape, where the gofpel 
 is attended with confiderable effect. Another is at Graff Reinet 
 near the limits of the Colony towards Caffraria, where a confiderable 
 number of heathen are hearing the word of life. About three years 
 ago a Miffionary arrived in Africa, when a deputation from a people 
 called the Corannas, who live about five weeks journey on the 
 great Orange River, arrived at Cape Town, earnellly defiring that 
 fome good man might be fent to inftruft them. This the Miffion- 
 aries confidered as a plain call to vifit the poor wild Hottentots. — 
 They accordingly fet off, and with incredible labor and fatigue 
 reached the place, having travelled feven days, through a country 
 almoft without a blade of grafs, living on Off rich eggs, and with- 
 out feeing a human creature. 
 
 Here they began, among the Hottentots, Corannas and Briquas; 
 but afterwards, on the invitation of a confiderable number of Hot- 
 tentots, they removed eight days journey lower down the River. 
 They were met half way by the heathen, to their mutual joy, and 
 found among them a general defue for inffrudtion. The Millionary 
 has about 800 under his care, and lias been gratuitoufly fupplied 
 with as much provifions as were neceffiiry. He has been but about 
 fix months with them, yet 20 of them had began to read, fomc 
 could fpell and others were learning the alphabet. Spiritual impres- 
 fions feem to have been alfo made on fomc of them ; and great hopes 
 are entertained, that thefe meafures will prove the moft powerful 
 means of civilizing the natives and tranquillizing the Colony. 
 
33 
 
 Another Miffionary, who is a native of Mozambique, and had 
 been fold as a Have and carried into the Cape, had been awakened 
 by the preaching of the gofpel by one of our Miflionaries, fo as to 
 render it effedtual to his falvation. This young man, already free 
 in the Lord Jefus, the Society redeemed from civil bondage, and is 
 preparing to be fent to the extenfive region of Mozambique. The 
 Society has the llronged reafon to believe that many thoufand hea- 
 thens in Africa are now hearing the gofpel of falvation from the lips 
 of thofe Miflionaries who have been fent out by the Society. 
 Among many of the chridians, they obferve an energy unknown and 
 unexerted before; a time of refrelhing from the prefence of the Lord, 
 the effefts of which are felt to the extremities of the Colony. 
 
 Sarepta near Czarina on the Wolga in Ruffian Alia, was built 
 chiefly with a view to bring the gofpel to the Calmuck Tartars and 
 other heathen tribes in thofe vad regions. Hitherto little or no fuc- 
 cefs has attended the brethrens labors, though their exertions have 
 been great and perfevering ; and equal to thofe of any of our Mis- 
 fionaries in other countries. Some brethren even refided with them, 
 conforming to their manner of living in tents, and accompanying 
 them wherever they moved their camps. They omitted no opportu- 
 nity of preaching unto them Jefus, and direfling them from their 
 numberlefs Idols and wretched fuperllition, to the only true God, 
 and the way of life and happinefs : but though they were heard and 
 treated with civility, no impreffion could be made upon the hearts 
 of thefe heathen : but the German Colonids on the Wolga received 
 them; they formed Societies amongd them, and fo anfwered a very 
 beneficial purpofe. 
 
 The Society alfo have a Million in Newfoundland, of which a 
 Miffionary lays, “ The Lord has bleffed his efforts in a degree that 
 has feldom been heard of in a fimilar fituation. Twenty-eight per- 
 fons have been formed into a church of Chrid — fourteen others, 
 chiefly young men, joined datedly in public prayer together, and at 
 lead half that number of young women are apparently under fpiri- 
 tual concern. 
 
 Two Millions have been alfo edablilhed at Quebec and the Bay 
 Chaleur. Much oppolition has been met with here from thofe who 
 bear the chridian name, and yet both Millions feem to be attended 
 with beneficial effedts. Theprincipal Miffionarywrites. “that there are 
 fome precious fouls, whom charity and their pious conduft and devout 
 breathings, oblige him to believe that they have been brought out 
 of nature’s daiknefs, into the marvellous light of the gofpel — and 
 that he has great hopes a good work is going forward among them. 
 
 The mod flourilhing Millions, at prefent, are thofe in Greenland, 
 Antigua, Saint Kitts, the Danilh Wed India Illands, and the Cape 
 of good Hope. A new awakening has appeared of late among the 
 
 8 
 
34 
 
 Arrowwacks and free negroes in South America. The Efquimaux 
 on the coaft of Labrador, and in Barbadoes — and the lateft accounts 
 give the mod pleafing hopes in thofe parts. Several attempts to 
 carry the gofpel into other parts of the earth, made by the brethren, 
 have not fucceeded — as to the Laplanders and Samojedes — on 
 the coaft of Guinea — to the flaves in Algiers — to Perfia — to Egypt. 
 Indeed in upper Egypt there was a profped of being ufeful among 
 the Copts, who have been vifited for fome years. 
 
 The brethrens’ general pradice is, to preach the gofpel to all 
 heathen to whom they have accefs, and every foul is invited to be 
 reconciled to God through the atonement made by Jefus Chrift. 
 Befides the public telfimony of the gofpel, the Mifiionaries are di- 
 ligently employed in vifiting and converfing with the heathen in their 
 dwellings. If they are awakened to a fenfe of their undone Hate 
 by nature, and of their want of a Saviour, and apply for further in- 
 ftrudion, giving us their names, they are called New People, and 
 fpecial attention is paid to them. If they continue in their earneft 
 defire to be faved from the power of fin, and to be initiated into 
 the chriftian churches by holy baptifm, they are confidered as can- 
 didates for baptifm ; and after previous inllrudion, and a conveni- 
 ent time of probation, they are baptized. If they then prove by 
 their walk and converfaticn that they have not received the grace of 
 God in vain, and defire to be admitted to the holy communion, 
 they are firll admitted to be present as fpedlators, and then confi- 
 dered as candidates for the communion, and after fome time become 
 communicants. A free man or (lave who ads contrary to the mo- 
 ral precepts contained in the Bible, is excluded either from the 
 Lord’s supper or the meetings of the baptized, or even, in certain 
 cafes, from all fellowfhip with the congregation; for no fituation, 
 or prevalency of cuftom, can fandion a pretext for any kind of dis- 
 obedience to the rule of Chrift. Such are not readmitted until 
 they have given fatisfadory proofs of true repentance. .Millions of 
 late have been uncommonly expenfive, from feveral concurring cau- 
 fes, and their funds reduced, but as God, whofc work it is, has 
 never failed to fupport it, a grateful fenfe of his favour produces 
 faith and confidence in him. As to the manner of preaching the 
 gofpel to the heathen, the brethren have by long experience found, 
 that the word of the crofs is the power of God unto falvation, to 
 all men that believe. They therefore immediately preach Jefus and 
 him crucified ; lowing the word in tears, with patience and cou- 
 rage, knowing that they lhall hereafter reap with joy. 
 
 The Committee are indebted to the various perodical publica- 
 tions of the different Inllitutions, for thefe accounts ; on wnofe 
 veracity, and chiefly in whofe words, they have made this fliort 
 abflrad. 
 
35 
 
 An affedting account of the fuccefs of the united brethren among 
 the fable children of Africa, is clofed by the authors of the evange- 
 lical magazine, with this addrefs, which is thought worthy of repeti- 
 tion. “ What chriftian can pcrufe this affedling narrative without 
 blefiing God, who to our black brethren hath vouchfafed this abun- 
 dant grace? And who can refrain from blefling God. who excited 
 the Moravian church to thefe labours of love; and who hath fo won- 
 derfully fucceeded their apoftolic efforts? Who that hath tailed 
 that the Lord is gracious, will refufe the aid of his heart, his hand 
 and his purfe in promoting miflionary exertions, fo honored of our 
 God and Saviour? 
 
 Ext rads from tivo letters from the Rev d. Gideon Blackburn, 
 
 ( ading under the authority of the General AJfembly of the Presbyte- 
 rian church in the United States, as a Miffionary to the Chero- 
 kee Indians, J to the Revd. Dr. Alhbel Green, Chairman of the 
 Committee of Mijfons. 
 
 Maryville, Nov. 2, 1803, 
 
 Revd. Sir, 
 
 YOU have no doubt been waiting with confiderable anxiety 
 to hear from me on the fubjedt of my million. I did not wilh to 
 write until I Ihould have it in my power to fay fomething decifive 
 on the fubjedt. Immediately on my return to Tennefiee I took every 
 oppoitunity of converfation with the leading charadters of the nation 
 on their vifits to our fettlement, and ffated to them my wilhes. 
 Some, I could not fee, I addrefled by letter, in order to prepare their 
 minds for giving the propofals publicity. By information from Col. 
 Meigs I found there was to be a general meeting of the nation on 
 the 15th Sept, near fouth weft point, about forty miles from this 
 place. I attended, but the Indians hadpoftponed the meeting to 
 the 15th Odt. Finding it wmuld give dignity andrefpedt to the in- 
 ftitution to have the fenfe of the nation on the fubjedt, I wrote a 
 circular letter, requefting an anfwer on that head at their meeting. 
 At the time propofed I again attended, and met a general alfem- 
 bly of the chiefs, and a confiderable number of the people, in all 
 near 2000. The council w r as held in a grove, on the Indians land, 
 on the fouth of Tenneffee river. 1 made my propofal in an ad- 
 
 drefs: on the 20th the Indians took it into ferious confideration 
 that evening and night, and in full council the next day rendered 
 their anfwer in the following words, viz. “ We approve of a fchool 
 being eftablifhed in our nation under the fuperintendance of the Revd. 
 
36 
 
 Mr Blackburn, and hope much good will be done by it to cur peo- 
 ple: two years are allowed in the firft place, that we may have an 
 opportunity to fee what progrefs our children make under the in- 
 druftion of the teachers, and we will fend fome of our children to 
 the fchool,” 
 
 THE GLASS. 
 
 Speaker for the Nation. 
 
 Atted, 
 
 RETURN J. MEIGS. 
 
 A place was agreed on. The place chofen by the chiefs as mod 
 fuitable to their convenience, is near a town called Highwaflee. 
 near forty -five miles in the Nation. I have procured a teacher, of 
 refpeftable charafter, approved morals, and drift piety. 
 
 The didance of the fchool from the fcttlement made it necedary 
 for the teacher to live in the Nation : I therefore preferred one with 
 a family : — one is obtained, who has a decent companion, and one 
 child : — he has entered into bond, and given fufficicnt fecurity for 
 his performance. 
 
 The fchool will be attended with confrderable expence, and im- 
 menfe trouble and labor ; but 1 hope God will direft to refources, and 
 enable to bear the fatigue. The advantage to the Nation, and the 
 caufe of God, will, 1 trud, fully repay every exertion to promote 
 the inditution. To fee thoufands of immortals, capable, by improve- 
 ment, to vie witlr a Boyle, a Bacon , and a Newton, buried in the 
 fhades of favage ignorance, and cleditute of the means of enlighten- 
 ing, would infpire the mod doical mind (if religious) with apodo- 
 lic defires to refeue them front their native ignorance and favage wild- 
 nefs. However I am fully p^rfuaded there is not a Nation of In- 
 dians on the Continent, which promifes fairer to reward the pious 
 exertions of generous benefaftors, than the Cherokee Nation. 
 
 Befor e Chridmafs, I flatter myfelf, every thing will be ready to 
 begin the fchool. One of the great obdacles to be fit mounted will 
 be the wild and didant difpofition of the young Indians : this mud 
 be engaged by allurements: perhaps a few fmall books, to be given 
 to them, might be of ufe. — Should this defideratum be fupplied, and 
 a few others fuited to the undertaking be forwarded, it would evident- 
 ly materially ferve the Million. 
 
 I red aflured we have your mod ardent prayers, and thofe of your 
 Society for our fuccels and will expeft your friendly communications 
 toaflid in the difeharge of the inportant trud. 
 
 The Prcfident, the Agent, and all the officers of government are 
 much pleafed with the defign, and engaged to promote the underta- 
 king by every kind office in their power, — but unlefs God build the 
 houfe the workmen will drive in vain. — May God grant his aid, af- 
 ford his affidance, and receive entirely the ptaife!” 
 
37 
 
 Maryville, April 12, 1804.’’ 
 
 After immcnfc labour and fatigue I got all things ready for open- 
 ing the Indian fchool on the 21ft February. The mailer had been 
 under pay from December; and had been at the place, making ne- 
 celfary arrangements — obtaining an acquaintance with the language, 
 and familiarizing himfelf with the children. On the full day there 
 came eleven fcholars; on the 8th of March there •werejixfeen ; on 
 the 27th there were twenty ; and feveral more are cxpeCtcd in a few 
 days, — as foon as I can get clothing ready for them. 
 
 The children behave pall expectation ; and I am perfuaded that 
 by a difeipline well balanced by inducements and well timed autho- 
 rity, they can be kept in as good order as any fehoul on the conti- 
 nent. 
 
 Their proficiency is very remarkable: the fir fl day feveral of them 
 could dillinCtly pronounce half of the alphabet; by the 8th of March 
 all of them could fay their letters, backward and forward . and could 
 cafily know them w'herevcr they could fee them; and three could 
 fay their ab. They continue their progrefs; and I flatter myfelf 
 that their proficiency will exceed the moll fanguine expectations. 
 Two boys who have been taught in the feitlement, are now at fchool, 
 and are beginning to write. 
 
 The activity, attention, and care of the mailer delerve the high- 
 ell notice. 
 
 I have fpent three months in clofe fervicc to the inllitution, be- 
 fides numberlefs attentions I am obliged to pay to it at home. 
 The interell I feel in carrying this bufinefs into efifeCt would fecure 
 my exertions, Ihould I receive no pecuniary returns from any perfon 
 on earth. I have pledged myfelf to the nation, and my property is 
 at Hake on the iflue of the undertaking. 
 
 I found it necefiary to engage in the bufinefs on a large fcale, 
 which involves confiderably more expence than at firfl I had calcu- 
 lated: — the cloathing and boarding I found unavoidable: without 
 this they could not eafily be weaned from favage, and introduced 
 into civilized habits ; nor could they have been continued at fchool, 
 had they been boarded in Indian families. The Indians were not 
 fafficiendy fenfible of the advantages, to fubmit to the expence? of 
 the inllitution. I have therefore raifed a tolerable large houfe with 
 two fires, in which they are both boarded and taught, and thus are 
 conllantly under the eye of the mailer. 
 
 Enclofed are the moll material directions which I have given to 
 the teacher.* 
 
 In every converfation I have had with the chiefs, I have inculcated 
 the ideas of fettling in farms and cultivating the foil: I think a very 
 fhort period will bring this about. 
 
 * Theie immediately follow this letter. 
 
38 
 
 The exigence of a fuprcme being is almod univerfally acknowledg- 
 ed, and they admit his agency in matters of importance. 
 
 They are remakably fond of hidorical fketches ; and in this way 
 might eafily be indru&ed in the hidory of the Bible. Should a nui-i- 
 ber of gentlemen of talents and leifure publifh a work in the form 
 of a magazine to anfwer this end, and devote it to the ufe of the 
 fchool, I am perfuaded it would ferve the caufe of God. 
 
 The chiefs of the Nation are pleafed with the thought, that their 
 children fhould be taught to do bufinefs like the white people. 
 
 A few days ago I received a very earned requed from the princi- 
 pal chiefs of the lower diflri<ft of the Nation for a fchool to be edablifh- 
 ed among them. This would be attended with lefs expence, as a 
 few refpedlable white men live near that place who would board the 
 fcholars free, and contribute confiderably for fchooling their own chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Shall it be faid by future writers of the hidory of America, that 
 once there exilted a Nation of Indians, confiding of upwards of eight 
 thoufand fouls; but they are funk to ruin for want of information, 
 though begging for the means of civilization from a rich, an enlight- 
 ened, and a chridianized republic. Shall not the fame ardor fire 
 our breads, which adluates the merchant, while, in the purfuit of 
 wealth, he traverfes the globe, or faces death upon the mighty waters! 
 He is not daunted by the horror of the tempeds, or the changes of 
 climate, until he arrives in Nootka found in qued of a few Otter Jkins ; 
 and diall the falvation of fouls be of lefs confequence in our view, or 
 fhall we be apathetic in our exertions to refcue them from favage ig- 
 norance and barbarity. 
 
 I wifn to be fully informed of the wifhes and defigns of the com- 
 mittee on this fubjedt, and how far they will carry the attempt to ci- 
 vilize this Nation ; alfo what funds they will appropriate to that end. 
 Should the funds be inadequate, rather than the defign fhould mifcar- 
 ry, I would chearfully commit the care of my family and congrega- 
 tions to divine providence, and, pleading the caufe of my poor red 
 neighbours and brethren, I would endeavor, by reprefenting their 
 cries for relief, to excite a generous public to contribution. 
 
 Were the date of the fchool and its wants known to the Merchants 
 and Bookfellers of Philadelphia, I am perfuaded that blankets, cloth- 
 ing, and books, together with an abundance of fmall articles which 
 would ferve as prefents, and inducements to the children might ea- 
 fily be obtained. Thefe would be of great fervicc; and indeed with- 
 out them the fchool cannot go on. All the prefents I have yet given 
 them are at my own expence, as I was very defirous to make the 
 bed I could of the funds on hand. 
 
 I need not fpecify the kinds of books which will be wanted ; you 
 are all judges of thofe things, and, having it in your power to feledt 
 from a great variety, you can do it to the bed advantage. 
 
39 
 
 Oh, fir, if I had the wealth of a Croefus, the ambition of an Alex- 
 ander, and the wifdom of Solomon, aided by the zeal of a Paul . or 
 an Elliot, they Ihould all be employed to carry on this delign. 
 
 I hope this earth never makes one revolution on its axis without 
 finding you with your hands fpread, and your hearts raifed to the di- 
 vine throne for my afliftance. — May your prayers be fuccefsful, and 
 you reap a rich harvelt to your own fouls! 
 
 'I he Nations are (baking, the temple is filling with the glory of 
 the Lord, and the poor heathen will foon rejoice in the light of the 
 fun of righteoufnefs. May we who already enjoy the light of the 
 golpel be indeed the fait of the earth !” 
 
 Instructions given by the Rev. Gideon Blartlurn, Mif- 
 fionary to the Cberohees , to the mafter of the fchool inftituted for 
 the education of their children. 
 
 1. The teacher will always keep in view that the objetf of the 
 Inftitution is to moralize and civilize the Indians, as well as to 
 teach them the Rudiments of the Englilh Language ; and there- 
 fore his conduft in all cafes will be fuch as will tend to thofe ends. 
 
 2. Each morning, in the prefence of the fcholars, he will begin 
 the exercifes of the day, by finging a few verfes of an hymn, and 
 by addrelling a prayer to the Deity ; and in the evening will clofe 
 the fchool in the fame manner: — taking opportunities, at as early a 
 period as polTible, to teach the pupils the delign of this conduit, and 
 of impreffing their minds with the propriety of filence, folemnity, 
 and compofure, during the exercifes. 
 
 3. The fabbath will always be carefully fpent in religious duties; 
 and as foon as the fcholars can underftand the nature of the cafe, 
 they mud be catechifed on the firft principles of religion ; and as their 
 capacity encreafes, advanced towards the knowledge of religion in 
 general. 
 
 On thofe days, (hould any of the Nation vifit the teacher, he will 
 carefully avoid converfations on worldly topics, and in a family way 
 introduce things relative to God &c. and the firft principles of re- 
 ligion and morality ; always retaining a grave and folemn manner 
 during fuch converfation, in order to imprefs the hearers with the 
 importance of thofe fubjeds. 
 
 4. In all interviews with the Indians, the teacher will take care to 
 (hew a refpe&ful attention to them, that they may fee, that as men, 
 they are viewed as his equals ; and that fuperior inflru&ion does not 
 make men proud, but more humble and polite. 
 
 5. He will carefully avoid adopting their manners and habits, 
 and ftudioufly keep up the charafteriftic of fuperior civilization. 
 Thus he will lead them into our cuftoms. 
 
40 
 
 6. In the government of the fchool all fevcrity will be avoided, 
 at leafl until the fcholars are brought to love their new employ ; but 
 ingenious penalties and well chofen inducements mull be adopted. 
 In the whole bulinefs care will be taken always to /hew difapproba- 
 tion of vice. 
 
 7. In the hours of amufement, the mailer will do well to direft 
 them to fuch exercifes and plays, as are pra&ifed among the white 
 people ; thereby eventually to change the diverlions of the nation. 
 
 8. The teacher will, in all cafes, avoid entering into the difputes 
 of the nation, or becoming a party in their politics ; and thus main- 
 tain his influence with the whole. 
 
 9. He mull ufe his bell endeavors to form a vocabulary of the lan- 
 guage of the nation. 
 
 10. Colled as much as poflible, from the bell attelled fads, an 
 hiltoryof the nation. 
 
 11. Keep a record of the fcholars names; exhibiting carefully, 
 every month, the progrefs of each, and marking thofe who efpeciai- 
 ly excel. 
 
 THE HYMN TO JESUS. 
 
 Tranjlated from the Hottentot Language and verjijied in Englijh It 
 
 luas Jung by the three Hottentots. — Vide page 21. 
 
 O Zion’s king ! Thou Son of God, 
 
 Exalted on thy Father’s throne! 
 
 Behold the purchafc of thy blood, 
 
 On thy dear bride look gently down. 
 
 Far from thy felf, her head, her Lord, 
 
 Her life, her love, for thee Ihe longs! 
 
 Oh, come and fpeak fome cheering word } 
 
 And foon her (ighs fliall turn to fongs! 
 
 Forget not fouls Hill dead in fin, 
 
 For whom thy precious blood was Hied : 
 
 Oh, let them feel a life divine, 
 
 Thy mighty power can raife the dead ! 
 
 Now let thy glory be difplay’d, 
 
 Now caufe the deaf thy voice to hear ; 
 
 That it of Zion may be faid, 
 
 “ This and that man was born in her.” 
 
41 
 
 Fountain oflife! Almighty God 1 
 Thy fpirit’s influence impart ! 
 
 Oh fhed thy precious love abroad, 
 
 And let it foften ev’ry heart. 
 
 Bring Tyrians, Philiflines and Moors, 
 
 In the right way thy face to feek ; 
 
 Let Satan fall, while heav’n adores. 
 
 And the whole earth thy praife fhall fpeak! 
 
 < » >< » > !♦ > 
 
 The Hottentots in London. 
 
 Ev. Mag January 1804. 
 
 T he Gentiles Jhall come unto thee from the ends of the earth , [ffc. 
 
 Jer. xvi. 19. 
 
 Jehovah fpake, and truth attends his word, 
 
 “ The Gentile nations fhall confefs their Lord ; 
 
 “ Mefliah’s reign fhall o’er the world extend ; 
 
 “ And his firm throne endure till time fhall end !” 
 
 Each palling age the promife bleft reveals; 
 
 Each diftant clime the fpreading conqueft feels ; 
 
 Each diff’rent tribe fhall by the crofs be won; 
 
 And all the Kingdoms be in Jefus one ! 
 
 Europe, once pagan, barbarous, and blind, 
 
 Now civilized, enlightened, and refin’d, 
 
 Avows the chriftian faith ; while thoufands fhare 
 Its bleflings, who difgrace the name they Dear ! 
 
 Yet Europe hath its righteous fouls, who aim 
 To fpread around the world a faviour’s name; 
 
 O’er Seas and defarts, bold they perfevere ; 
 
 And Lo ! at length, the firfl ripe fruits appear ! 
 
 Who are thefe of olive hue, 
 
 Varied forms of human race, 
 
 Uttering language harfh and new, 
 
 Strangers from fome diftant place ? 
 
 Children thefe of nature rude, 
 
 In a land of darknefs born ; 
 
 By oppreflion’s rod fubdu’d, 
 
 Europe’s ridicule and fcorn. 
 
 F 
 
42 
 
 Knowing not their maker’s name ; 
 Having not the means to know ; 
 
 Void of decency or fhame, 
 
 And unconfcious of their woe, — 
 
 Life with them was but a ftate, 
 
 To be wretched, and to die ; 
 
 And their everlafiing fate 
 Waken'd not an anxious figh ! 
 
 What a change in thefe is wrought ! 
 Trophies rich of grace divine ; 
 
 From death’s gloomy fhadows brought, 
 Humbie lights for God, to Ihine 1 
 What could break old habits force, 
 Stem the hold of fin, fecure. 
 
 Turn corrupted nature’s courfe, 
 
 Into channels clean and pure ? 
 
 Mark them ! — Savage once, and wild 
 Now adorn’d, with fmiles ferene, 
 Gentle, teachable and mild, 
 
 Decent look and pious mien. 
 
 Hark ! religion joy doth bring. 
 
 Tuning grateful, cheerful praife ; 
 Sweetly Jefus love they fing 
 In their native Ample lays! 
 
 Hail thou blefled gofpel hail ! 
 
 Where thy faithful heralds run. 
 
 Peace and love, and joy prevail,-— 
 Glory is on earth begun ! 
 
 Slaves of fin releas’d by thee, 
 
 Jefu’s friends and fervants are, 
 
 Form on earth his family, 
 
 And his heavenly kingdom fhare ! — 
 
 Say boafiing infidel, can all your fchemes 
 To civilize the world, fuch converts find ! 
 Could vain philofophy’s delufive dreams. 
 
 Or reafon’s morals thus renew the mind ? 
 Would your philanthrophy the work delign,— . 
 To feek the wretched of the human race ; 
 
 ‘ Mid Iceland’s fnows, or Afric’s burning line. 
 To fpread the knowledge of a faviour’s grace ? 
 
43 
 
 God work’s by means that prove his fov'rcign handj 
 Infpires the humble to confound the wife; 
 
 Effefts by fimple agents, movements grand ; 
 
 Marks out the track, and ready ftrength fupplies ! 
 
 Nor wealth nor fame attend the arduous deed ; 
 
 But toils and dangers llrew the rugged way ; 
 
 Unbought they labor, and unarm’d fucceed ; — 
 
 Their fword is truth, and fouls renew’d their pay 1 
 
 O ye, who mourn a world in error dead, 
 
 Whofe fpirits cry,” Lord let thy kingdom come !— 
 
 Who long to fee the glorious gofpel fpread, 
 
 And pant towelcome wand’ring Tinners home, — 
 
 Rejoice! your pray’rs have reached the throne above ! 
 
 Go on ; the word hath reach’d remote!! lands ! 
 
 Your work of faith, and labor fweet of love. 
 
 Shall profper in the great redeemer’s hands! 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 ANY Perfon furnifhing the committee of Millions, or either of 
 them, with 33 dollars 33, cents, will be the means of fupplying a 
 Miflionary to preach the glad tidings of falvation to fomc dcllitute 
 part of the country for one month. 
 
 Blankets, coarfe woollens, cottons, books, or any other com- 
 modity proper for the cloathing or inftrudlion of the Indian boyi 
 at the fchool in the Cherokee Nation of Indians, will be thankfully 
 received by the committee, or either of them, and forwarded ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 The form of a drone or bequest for Missionary purposes. 
 
 I A. B. Do give, devife and bequeath to the truftees of the 
 General Aflembly of the Prelbyterian Church in the United States 
 
 of America and their fuccefibrs for ever. — All that, &c. fop 
 
 the ufes of their Incorporation. 
 
 The names of the Committee of Millions for the prelent year. 
 
 ASHBEL GREEN, Chairman. 
 
 The Rev, Dr. Samuel Blair, Elias Boudinot, 
 
 Philip Milledoler, Ebenezer Hazard, 
 
 Jacob Janeway, Robert Smith. 
 
44 
 
 The editor has taken the liberty to add to this colleSion the following co- 
 py of a letter received from the <wejlern country , Jlate of Tenne/7e t 
 written by a Rev. gentleman well known , and on wlrcft knowledge 
 and Jlritt veracity great reliance may be placed. 
 
 Maryville, January % o , 1804. 
 
 Rev. and dear Sir, 
 
 The wonderful appearances attendant on the revival in the Hate 
 of Tenneffee has arrefted the attention of both the friends and ene- 
 mies of religion. The bodily exercife has affumed fuch a variety of 
 drapes as to render it a truly herculian talk to give an intelligent ft ate - 
 ment ofit to any perfon who has never feen it. However, I do not 
 hefitate to fay that it is evidently the Lord’s work though marvellous 
 in our eyes. 
 
 Since my return to the date of Tenneffee I have attended eight fa- 
 oranrents, and thefe in different parts of the country. From 1000 to 
 3500 have been aflembled together — of courfe, cohered from confi- 
 derablc didances. I have converfed particularly with upwards of 800 
 perfons on their exercifes, views, feelings &c. and I am condrain- 
 ed to fay, that I have difcovered far lefs extravagance, diforder and 
 irregularity, than could have poflibly been expe&ed in fo extraordina- 
 ry an awakening, efpecially when part ofit took place among perfons 
 fettled in the back parts and entirely deditute of the means of grace. 
 If crouded audiences, earned praying — practical preaching — and ani- 
 mated finging, may be confidered irregular, there is a great deal of ir- 
 regularity. If crying out for mercy. If diouting glory to God for 
 falvation, are diforderly ? then there is fome diforder, but I prefume 
 not more than there was at the day of Pentecod. 
 
 The only thing with us, which can be condrued into diforder or 
 extravagance, is the motions of the body under the exercife. Thefe 
 I will attempt to defcribc. Ln a number of indances, the fird fymp- 
 tom-fit, is a violent trembling throughout the fydem — a difficulty of 
 breathing and a predure about the heart as if the diffolution of nature 
 was fad approaching; and often the perfon fin faifl) believes that it 
 is jud at hand. Sometimes they fall and lye motionlefs for fome 
 time — the length of the time is very irregular. Some do not fall, 
 but a jerking takes place in the nerves, which has every fymptomof 
 the diongelt convulfion and produces motions prccifely of the fame 
 kind. — The head will be fometimes jerked forward and fometimes 
 backwards, with fuch violence you would fuppofc it would fly off 
 the ffioulders. .At other times the arms will be proje&ed — the fills 
 clinched .and the finews fo drong, that it is impoflible to bend them 
 and lo of every other part of the body, on which the influence lights. 
 'I he mufcles, about the brain and jaws fometimes become affefled — 
 then the perfon will laugh in the mod extraordinary manner, though 
 
45 
 
 it is altogether involuntary, as indeed all the bodily exercifes are; 
 I have frequently feen perfons who would forely lament, after it was 
 over, faying they felt more difpofed to cry, than laugh, but they 
 could not avoid it. In a few minutes the fame perfon will break 
 into a flood of tears and be in the utmoll diffrefs, but it is only when 
 affedted in this way, they can flied tears while in the bodily excrcife, 
 which appears evidently to take the place of and fupercede them al- 
 together. If at any time tears break forth in an aflembly, the bodi- 
 ly exercife ceafes, at times, almoff entirely. Sometimes the tongue 
 will be fo affedled that though the perfon is walking about in perfedt 
 health and quite fenfible, yet he cannot fpeak a word for hours. 
 The eyes will alio be frequently affcdled in the fame way. The whole 
 fyftem is often fo influenced, that in whatever poffure the perfon is, 
 whether Handing or fetting, when taken, he will remain motionlefs 
 and as ftiff" as if dead for feveral hours; during which period you can 
 fcarcely difeern the motion of the pulfe, and the extremities will 
 grow completely cold. In this Hate they are ufually infenfible to 
 any thing pafling around them, but the mind is in full employ, and 
 they can clearly recolledt their meditations. — Frequently the effedt 
 falls on the nerves of the thighs and legs, and then the perfons will 
 be fo difpofed to run, that if you hold them (which has been 
 attempted) it nearly takes their life. If let alone, they will run 
 from 20 to ico yards through the thickeft woods, with their eyes 
 fltut, with a molt aftonifhing velocity, and then drop motionlefs as 
 if fliot ; and what is very remarkable, few cafes have ever happened, 
 where the fubjedt of any exercife has done themfelves any injury. 
 In mod of the cafes, when the paroxifm begins to go off, the fub- 
 jedl feels the flrongelt defire for prayer, and frequently exprefles him- 
 felf in the moll pathetic, fluent and pertinent manner I ever heard. 
 Children of 5 or 6 and perfons who before appeared grofsly ignorant 
 exprefs themfelves in fitch a mann,* — form their petitions fo judici- 
 oufly and introduce feripture fo pertinently, that I queftion, if the 
 greatelt Dodlor of divinity in America would notblulh in the view 
 of his own inferiority. A number of the bodily exercifes immitate 
 pieces of conduct, which are known by common names, and from 
 that circumltance are denominated; and thus, with thofe who are 
 not eye witnefles, has all the odium of the pradticein common ufe, 
 attached to it — but a perfon who candidly views the whole affair, 
 will fee fuch a difference, that though, from hearfay, he has imbi- 
 bed prejudices, he will change his opinion, and admire the power 
 of God. Of this kind, are thofe motions call dancing , pointing, fight- 
 ing See. Under the exercife, fometimes the feet and hands will 
 move fomething like dancing and if they are fo confined that they 
 cannot rife, the motion will continue; and if you hold the particu- 
 lar part, fuch convuliions will feize the whole frame as you would 
 
46 
 
 fuppofc would tear it in pieces — yet in all the convulfions and exer- 
 cifes, there is no pain, but the mod pleafing fenfations, except when 
 ftrft fcized, or what rifes from the diftrefs of mind. The dancing 
 (as it is called) is one of the moft folemn appearances I ever have 
 feen. The eyes are fliut. The countenance brightened with joy 
 and the motions of the body, a kind of leaping or dancing very expref- 
 (ive of their feelings. This exercife is ufually attended with a tune, 
 which is uniformly the fame, in tkofe who fing at all, and is very 
 melodious. Some ufe words which are defcriptive of their train of 
 thought — fuch as “ come Lord Jefus — Oh come lovely Jefus” — 
 or Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord of Hoffs! & c. See” I have feen 
 children, who I am fure never danced a flep in their lives, nor ever 
 faw any body dancing, rife and have the fame motions with thofe, 
 who might be fuppofed to have done it from practice, or from immi- 
 tation ! Old men of 60, who have fupported an unblemifhed cha- 
 racter for religion, for 30 years and who held dancing in the moft 
 perfeft abhorrence, have notwithftanding been brought to the exer- 
 cife (fo called) though the moft againft their inclination. It has fer- 
 ved as an effectual check to carnal dancing in this part of the world 
 — fuch a thing can fcarcely be heard of in the circle of an acquain- 
 tance. When the arm is ffrung, and railed horizontally with the 
 forefinger projected, it is called pointing ; this often takes place, 
 though the eyes are {hut, and they hare no defign in the cafe — alfo 
 when the fift is clinched in one of thofe convulfions, the perfon will 
 ftrike any thing indiferiminately, as well a tree, or a (lump, as a man ; 
 this however is called fighting. And the fame obfervations, are ap- 
 plicable to all the bodily exercifes which appear. The fubjeCts of 
 thofe exercifes are found in all claffes, ranks and degrees. The per- 
 fon of 80 and the child of 4 — the mafter in affluence and the flave 
 in bondage. The clergy in the pulpit and the laity in the pews. 
 The man of long religious (landing, thofe of a recent date and many 
 who have no religion at all. It is univerfally agreed that there is no 
 religion in the bodily exercife; yet it is thought to be a very folemn, 
 external call — is well calculated to imprefs the mind, and ought to be 
 improved. It never can be accounted for, from fympathy , nor is it 
 always increafed by thinking — numbers have taken it. when a fleep, 
 or at their work, or in thoughtlcfs mirth; tho’ having never attended 
 to any means of grace for years pafl, and after they felt it, they 
 fought againft it for fevcral days, and attempted to banifh it by drink- 
 ing or diverfions, till at laft conquered, they were forced to acknow- 
 ledge it was the hand of God. 
 
 Should the folution be attempted on the ground of fympathy, 
 we muft not only fuppofe a fir pretender to bring it into motion, but 
 alfo fuch to be regularly afling in concert in every worfhipping af- 
 fcmbly to carry on the farce; and how we flrould account tor the 
 
47 
 
 individuals in the woods taking of it, I know not, feeing that they 
 have it more violent in private devotion, than in company. In Ihort, 
 I have not only heard of it, and feen it, but have felt it, and am 
 perfuaded that it is only to be effetted by the immediate finger of 
 God. There are fome impodors — there are fome extravagancies, 
 but thefe make no charatteridic feature of the work, and arc held 
 in abfolute aborrence by the fimple and pious. The belt evidence 
 of a revival is the fruit produced. — To this we lhall attend — a full 
 enumeration of this would fwell my long letter to a volume. The 
 infidel of many years Handing, is often i’een laying down his wea- 
 pons at the foot of the crofs ; and heard crying out, “ 't here is a 
 Jefus — I enjoy more fweetnefs in a moment, than I have done for 
 years, &c.” Thefe things I have feen anil heard. They have alfo 
 declared, that men and books could never have fo efFedually con- 
 vinced them of the truth, as the bodily cxcrcife has done. Thofc 
 of the fame clafs, who arc not convinced, are completely filcnced, 
 and have obtained their tie plus ultra. The Ball Room, tipling 
 fhops, and taverns, have, in a number of indances, been thrown 
 open to the pious, and converted into places of prayer and praife 
 in focial exercife. The molt loofe and profane fettlements, where 
 religion was not known, or the name of God mentioned, only in 
 blafphemy, are regularly formed into focieties, and meet weekly 
 for focial prayer. The very caves of the mountains where a few of 
 the more indifferent had crowded, are now founding with praife to 
 God. Praying focieties may be attended every day or every nigh: 
 in the week, by a ride of a few miles. — In thefe, boys of 1 2 or 1 5 
 will chearfullv take their part, when called upon. In all thefe fo- 
 cieties, there is one appointed to prefide, who reads the Scriptures— 
 choofes and points out the hymns, and calls on perfons to pray as 
 he choofes, and thus all is conduced with decency and order. — It 
 is not uncommon on Sabbath evenings and frequently in the week, 
 to find 20 or more children alTociated in a filent grove, none of 
 them more than 12 years old, and engaged in the mod folemn 
 prayer. 
 
 1 have under covert, drawn near them, and feen and heard won- 
 ders indifcribable. Some crying to Jefus for mercy — fome fliout- 
 ing,” glory to God for falvation.” Others, praying for their own 
 fouls — their brothers, fillers, fathers, mothers, friends, minillers — 
 praying for the church — the heathen — yea for the world at large. O ! 
 fir nothing but the Hofanna’s of the children on the entry of Chrift 
 into Jerufalem, could equal the praifesof thofe infants. Nor is this 
 a hally flafh, but continues, while they are evidently become both more 
 dutiful and docile. Their defire, as foon as they take the bodily ex- 
 ercife, for indru&ion and for the means of grace, is pad conception, 
 The poor black flaves, are much reformed — they are more dutiful, 
 
48 
 
 faithful and upright; and many of their nights, after days of fatigue, 
 
 are fpent in focial prayer. In a word the chrillian is animated the 
 
 hypocrite alarmed and finners tremble. The dottrines of the crofs are 
 thirlted after and more fully underllood, than they would have been, 
 
 in a common way, in 10 years regular attention — total depravity 
 
 free grace -inexcufablc rebellion, and infinite mercy, are favourite 
 topics — The great objeift appears to be, to defpife felf, and exalt the 
 redeemer. The finner ceafes to make terms with his creator, and 
 furrenders in entire, unconditional fubmiilion. The love of Chris- 
 tians for each other, has increafed at lead tenfold, efpecially with 
 thofe who have been the fubje&s of the bodily exercifes (for it is to 
 be remarked, that all chrilbians are not the fubjefts of it) and the 
 zeal for the interclb of Zion has had a proportionate increafe. Pray- 
 er, praife and religious converfation, are clearly the order of the day ; 
 and this practice, palling through the common circles of fociety, has 
 bettered their Hate and fweetened the relations oflife. 
 
 Thefe are fome of the effefts produced, and while fuch is the 
 ruit of the moral tree, I lhall confider the root good, and the 
 aufe producing it divine. I ought to have remarked, that the 
 odily exercife, is not the effedt of the weaknefs of the nervous 
 ylbem, for the weak hylberical female, will often remain unmoved, 
 hile the Ibout and rturdy veteran, will fink and fall by her fide — 
 As foon as any perfon who has been the fubjedb of the exercifes has 
 been attacked by ficknefs, the exercife leaves him entirely, until he 
 again recovers llrength, when it returns with force, proportionate 
 to his returning llrength. After all I have faid, you will not be 
 table to form an accurate judgment of the thing without beingalpec- 
 tator yourfelf, nor can it be fully deferibed by any man on earth. 1 
 have limply Hated fads fo far as I have gone, not any by hearty, 
 but what I have feen myfelf. — Should the bodily exercife produce 
 as good fruits in Philadelphia, as it has done here, I fitould fincerely 
 wifli to hear of it making its appearance in that city. When per- 
 fons are under the bodily exercile, they can think and exprefs them- 
 felves beyond their common level very confiderably, and of this I 
 am convinced by experience. 
 
 I am, See. 
 
 QZhThc profits arising from the sale of this pam- 
 phlet, are to be applied toivards defraying the c.i- 
 pcncc of Missions.