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Last Sabbath week he preached his first sermon. I may call it a comment on the first epistle of St. Juhn, 1st chapter, particularly the seventh verse in that chapter; and the, second verse in the second chapter, "Christ the Propitiation." It was a very solemn sight to see the church crowded within and without. Mr.Mason, with a psalin, called on all things to praise God, and then offered up a very solemn prayer; and when he spoke to his church and people, it was very affecting indeed; and all seemed much impressed. I can, speak for one, it was a refreshment from the Lord's presence."

The Conversion of a Jew.

To the Editor.

SIR, Desirous of communicating to the religious public an event calculated to display the efficacy of divine grace, and to gratify devout and fervent wellwishers to the cause of Christ, we transmit to you the following short narrative:George Paul, Abraham Muling,} Deacons.

Bury St. Edmunds,
March 12, 1803.

THE gospel of late, in this place, has been attended with great success. Accessions to our church have been numerous, and the sweet influence of vital religion increasingly felt by us all. Among other instances, is a Prussian Jew, of the name of Solomon Joseph, who has been in this kingdom upwards of thirty years, and, three or four of them, a resident in this town.

From the earnest and repeated entreaties of his wife, who is a serious Christian, he was induced, near twelve months ago, to hear among us the glorious gospel of God our Saviour. The subject to which our esteemed Pastor (the Rev. Charles Dewhirst) was providentially directed at that time, was founded on Heb. xiii. 10-13. After his first attendance, he began to suspect his own religion, and was influenced to pray that God Almighty would lead him into what was truth.". From that time he omitted no opportunity of attendance. The light

he gained into Christianity was rapid; especially as our beloved of the Apostles. Hearing a disminister was expounding the Acts course, in the month of January, her public profession of Christiupon the conversion of Lydia, and hirst the following day, to declare anity, he waited upon Mr. Dewwhat God had done for his soul, and express his desire of being bap

tized.

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and affecting; the account he gave The interview was pleasing of his conversion was simple, clear, and striking. After this he was waited upon by a number of Christian friends at different times, who were more than satisfied with the account he gave. On the first Sabbath in March he was baptized, when, before a very numerous and conducted in the following manner crowded audience, the service was after singing, Mr. Dewhirst offered up a solemn prayer;ed an introductory discourse,-after -then deliverwhich the following questions were proposed: "Solomon Joseph, as your parents were Jews, and as you were educated in the Jewish principles, what induced you to embrace the Christian faith? What are your reasons for believing that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God?As you know that you are a guilty condemned sinner according to the the law of Moses, how do you expect to be saved?

To these he made very satisfactory replies, and was then baptized according to the mode used in the independent churches. Immediately after his baptism, he was unanimously admitted a member of the church; and then Mr. Dew hirst addressed him upon his public profession of Christianity,-the church of which he had become a member,and the surrounding audience; concluding by prayer for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. Thro' the whole of the service, which was near two hours, solemnity filled. the place; and at particular seasons, the whole congregation was much affected.

In the evening an appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev. William Hickman, of Wattisfield from John xx. 29.

Colonel Despard.

THE trial and execution of Col. Despard for high treason, have been reported to the public through so many channels, that it is scarcely necessary for us to mention them; nor should we take any further notice of him, but on account of the spirit of infidelity by which he seem. ed to be actuated, living and dying.

This unhappy man, atter having thrown away his life, by making proposals, to a set of ignorant fellows in an ale-house, to murder his Majesty, and overturn the present system of government (in which it is hard to say, whether weakness or wickedness had the greatest share) appeared to be totally insensible of his guilt, and avoided the very means of conviction, When the. Rev. Mr. Winkworth, an evange lical clergyman, and who is Chap lain to the Surrey Gaol, kindly of. fered his services, he declined them, and refused to enter in any religious conversation. He also declined reading Dr. Doddridge's Evidences of Christianity, saying to Mr. Winkworth, Sir, I might with equal propriety request you to read this book," shewing him a Treatise on Logic which he had before him.

Being again pressed on the same subject, he said, "I have fetters on my legs; do not endeavour to put fetters on my inind." He also ob served that he had ftudied Theology a great deal, had attended al! sorts of places of worship, and, had many years ago made up his mind on that subject, adding, that he did not be, lieve the truth of religion. He seems to have persisted to the end in the same irreligious state, justj. fying his political conduct with his last breath, and rejecting the Sa viour of the world. To such awful hardness of heart may men attain, who have forsaken God, and who may therefore justly leave them to strong delusion, that they may be, lieve a lie, because they receive not the love of the truth,

Bedford Union.

"THE seventh general meeting of the Union of Christians formed at Bedford, is expected to be held on Wednesday, the 27th of April. The Rev. Rowland Hill, A.M. has engaged (God willing) to preach on the occasion, at Bedford, in the forenoon of that day."

ORDINATIONS.

JULY 15, 1802, Rev.D. Jones, late student at Wrexham, was solemnly set apart by the imposition of hands, to the pastoral office in the inde pendent congregation at Holywell. The service was introduced by Mr. D. Davies, of Welchpool; Mr. T. Jones, of Newmarket, read a portion of the Scriptures; Mr. G. Lewis, of Llanuwchllyn, delivered a discourse on the nature of a church, pertinent on the occasion, and asked the usual questions, to which satisfactory answers were given; Mr. W. Brown, of Wrexham, then prayed the ordination prayer, Mr. J. Lewis, of Wrexham (his tutor) addressed the minister, from 1 Cor. ii. 13.; and Mr. B. Jones, of Pwll.

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Fisher signified his acceptance, and gave a confession of his faith; Mr. Phillimore, of Kingston, prayed the ordination prayer; Mr. Upton, of Blackfryars, delivered the charge, from 1 Tim.vi.11—14. j Mr. Hutchings, of Unicorn - yard, preached to the church, from 1 Cor. xvi. 10; Mr. Torlin, of Harlington, concluded with prayer, The congre

gation was numerous and attentive; and solemnity inarked the whole of the service.

The members of this church gratefully acknowledge the kindness of the friends in Mr. Wesley's connexion, who afforded them the use of their chapel in Old Brentford, for the occasion,

CHAPELS OPENED.

DEC. 27, 1802, a small chapel was opened at Verwood, Dorset, situated in a most dreary part of the Old Forest, about seven miles from Fordingbridge. Though the popu lation of the neighbourhood is small, the mental darkness of the inhabitants is extreme, and justifies the benevolent zeal of the Christian friend who stepped forward to rear this little tabernacle for God. Mr.Lewis, of Ringwood, explained the advantages of public worship, from Psalm xlii. 2.; Mr. Button, of Downton, prayed; and Mr. Loader preached, from Ezek. xxxiv. For some years, two or three plain Christians, and occasionally regular ministers, have held forth the word of life to the people, not without some tokens of success. Greater hopes are now entertained from a Sunday-school, which is to be formed on one half of the Lord's Day. Hitherto, whole families have lived and died without being able to read the Scriptures,-which alone ⚫ are able to make us wise unto salvation.

11, 12.

FEB. 23, 1803, was opened, a new chapel in Bagell, near Holywell, Flintshire, under the pastoral care of the Rev. D. Jones. The service was introduced by Mr. J Jones, of Liverpool; Mr. W. Brown, of Wrexham, preached from Is. xxv, 6; and Mr. T. Jones, of Beaumaris from 2 Chron. vi. 20. — In the afternoon, the service was begun

by Mr. D. Davies, of Welchpool, who also dropped a few hints on the privileges of Dissenters, to cau

tion

against persecution; Mr. White, of Chester, preached from Acts xvii. 30; Mr. J. Lewis, of Wrexham, from Prov. viii. 31. and concluded by prayer.

We are happy to hear that the town of West Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, which, in the summer season has long been a place of fashionable resort, possesses now, what will be deemed by the serious families who may be disposed to visit it, one great advantage, -a stated ministry of the gospel. Mr. Styles, when preaching some months at Newport (at the request of Mr. Walker, who sometimes preached a lecture on a Lord's Day evening) visited Cowes occasionally; and," on quitting that scene of his labours, by the unanimous wish of the people, undertook to preach statedly at Cowes. The progress of the gospel has been great during the last six months. The place occupied for divine worship (which is a storehouse fitted up for the purpose) is not by any means large enough to contain those who are willing to attend, and to contribute to the support of the cause. A commodious meeting-house, therefore, is now being erected, and it is hoped, it will be completed about the time when the company visit this watering-place.

Having received many complaints of the Abridgment of this Department, through the late Arrival of Intelligence, we are happy, this Month, to give an Additional Page, by way of Compensation.

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Mysterious are his ways, whose pow'r Brings forth that unexpected hour,— When minds that never met before, Shall meet, unite, and part no, more! It is th' allotinent of the skies, The hand of the supremely wise, That guides and governs our affections, And plans and orders our connexions: Thus when we settl'd where you found us, Peasants and children all around us, Not dreaming of so dear a friend, Deep in th' abyss of Silver-end Thus Martha, e'en against her will, Perch'd on the top of yonder hill; And you, tho' you must needs prefer The fairer scenes of sweet Sancerre, Are come from distant Loire + to chuse A cottage on the banks of Ouse,

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;

This of Providence quite new,
And now just op'ning on our view,
Emplays o our present thoughts and pains,
To spell and guess what it contains!
But day by day, and year by year,
Will make the dark ænigma clear,
And furnish us perhaps at last,
Like other scenes already past,
With proof that we, and our affairs,
Are part of great Jehovah's cares:
For God unfolds, by slow degrees,
The purport of his deep decrees;
Sheds ev'ry hour a clearer light,
In aid of our defective sight;
And spreads at length, before the soul,
A beautiful and perfect whole,
Which busy man's inventive brain
Toils to anticipate in vain.

Say, Anna, had you never known
The beauty of a rose full blown,
Could you, though luminous your eye,
By looking on the bud descry ;
Or guess, with a prophetic pow'r,
The future splendor of the flow'r ?
Just so, th' Omnipotent, who turns
The system of the world's concerns;
From mere minutiae can adduce
Events of most important use,
And bid a dawning sky display
The blaze of a meridian day !

The works of man tend, one and all,
As needs they must, from great to small;
And Vanity absorbs, at length,
The monuments of human strength;
But who can tell how vast the plan
Which this day's incident began?
Too small perhaps the slight occasion
For our diminish'd observation;
It pass'd unnoticed, like the bird
That cleaves the yielding air unheard;
And yet may prove, when understood,
An harbinger of endless good!
Not that I deem, or mean to call
Friendship a blessing, cheap or small;
But merely to remark, that ours,
Like some of Nature's sweetest flow'rs,
Rose from a seed of tiny size,
Which seem'd to promise no such prize.
A transient visit intervening,
And made almost without a meaning;
Hardly th' effect of inclination,
Much less of pleasing expectation,
Produc'd a friendship thus begun,
That has cemented us in one;
And plac'd it in our pow'r to prove,
By long fidelity and love,

That Solomon has wisely spoken,
"A threefold cord is not soon broken."

FOR THE MISSIONARY MEETINGS
ETERNAL Saviour, Prince of Peace,
Thy gospel send from shore to shore ;
To guilty souls it brings release,

And makes the sinner thee adore.

The mountains level, vallies raise, And give it universal spread; Let it inspire our souls with praise,

And raise to life the sinners dead.

Bid, Lord, this conq'ring word go on;

Bless who the gospel message bear;
Let it destroy the tempter's throne,

And Nations in its blessings share.
Our brethren bless in southern isles;
Success to ev'ry effort give;
Let them enjoy thy gracious smiles,
And bid th' untutor'd heathen live.

Let those abroad, and these at home,
Be useful to the souls of nien:
Through them to Chrift may sinners come,
Let all the people add Amen!
Bodborough.

The place where Mr. Cowper then resided.
The Lady had recently returned from France.

O. A. J.

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With dreadful fury on the sea-skirt shore; At other times, the gentle zephyrs play, And the unruffled stream pursues its way: 'Tis thus, methinks, passes in my soul, One day the weather's fair, another foul. Now tempest tost with various doubts and fears,

My heart o'erwhelin'd with woe, my eye with tears,

Impending clouds of darkness o'er me spread,

And in the paths of Hell I seem to tread ; My ways all strew'd with thorns, while black Despair

Would fill the measure of my days with

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He orders light where darkness reign'd before,

And bids me disbelieve his love no more. At his command my hope once more appears,

And flow'rs of Eden deck this vale of tears;

To Zion bound, refresh'd, I speed my way, And travel on by night, as well as day.

At times I sing, but oft my harp's unstrung,

Or set to notes which captive Israel sung When they the Babylonian streams explor'd,

And Zion's loss in plaintive strains deplor'd.

Yet if my anchor's cast within the vale, Tho' now oppos'd by many a boift'rous gale,

My little vessel shall the storm outride, Nor fear a wreck, for Jesus is its guide. How oft has he been better than my fears, And with a promise check'd my flowing tears,

Met my request, prevented my desire, And turn'd to songs of praise my mournful lyre!

But oh, what base returns my heart has made!

How oft his love by coldness has been paid!

How oft I've slighted, turn'd away my face

From all the invitations of his grace】

Yet still the same, he wooes this heart of stone,

And makes his love by countless mercies known!

What can I say, dear Lord, to love so strange?

To love that all my rebel acts can change? Language here fails; an angel can't explore!

Be hush'd then, Muse, and silently adore! Or if some zephyr breathe upon thy strings,

Or passing angels touch thee with their wings,

Let thy best notes resound my Saviour's praise !

And all thy theme be his redeeming grace! That shall employ in Heav'n my better pow'rs!

That shall on earth solace my captive hours!

That shall my chartér be to worlds above!
And then no Heav'n I'll ask but Jesus'
love !
G. R.

THE DEW-DROP.
MARK the resplendent orb of day,
Early diffuse his orient ray,

Enliv'ning all around!
The dew, soft trembling, then is seen
On ev'ry beauteous spire of green
That decorates the ground,
As, if the op'ning scene invite
To hail his mild returning light,

Each drop refulgence gains;
The prism's diverging colours too,
On ev'ry humid ball we view,

That clothes the verdant plains.
But should the sun his glory shroud
In some opaque obtruding cloud,

Soon is their beauty lost :
So Christians, if their Lord remove,
The sudden loss of comfort prove,
Nor longer beauty boast.
Warn'd by the dew-drop's transient show,
All self-dependence I forego,

Jesus! to thee my soul would fly,
Nor trust my treach'rous heart.
Thou Son of righteousness on high,

Thy quick'ning beams impart !
The smallest drop throughout the field
Will somewhat of sweet radiance yield,
Cheer'd by the rising day;

So I, the meanest of thine own, Dear Lord! would dwell before thy throne,

And shine with borrow'd ray.

ANNETTS.

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