Sabbath. It always exhausts my strength, || and on one occasion, I was compelled to sit down, before I had finished my second discourse. Our meeting house will soon be rebuilt. There have been no additions to our numbers, since I wrote last. It has, some how or other, become customary in this country, for persons to apply for church privileges only on commu. nion occasions, and as we have had no suitable place for it, the Lord's supper has not been administered here, during the last three months. I have reason to believe, that several are waiting, for what is here considered a suitable occasion, to come out openly as the disciples of Jesus. Tract and Bible Cause. We have lately renewed our efforts in the tract cause, and hope to give a tract once a month, to every family in our township. Every destitute family has already been supplied with a bible. Our bible class is still continued. We meet on Saturday evening, and examine the pass age, which the S. S. scholars are expected to recite on Sabbath. The temperance cause is still gaining ground, though not without opposition. On the whole, when we view the prospects of the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom among us, we feel constrained to thank God and take courage. It is true, we meet with discouragements and difficulties, but he that is in the midst of us is mighty. His strength is perfected in our weakness. And although the torrent of vice and im. morality is as deep and as vehement here, as in any other part of our land, we are still encouraged to hold up the cross of Christ, as the only barrier which can check its desolating career. want of suitable teachers. There are two great evils in this town, a church in a lapsed state, and a general use of ardent spirits, either in moderate or immoderate quantities. I long to see these evils removed. A goodly number attend on the preaching of the word. From Rev. S. Bissell, Twinsburg. A FOUR DAYS' MEETING. Last week on Friday, a "four days' meeting" commenced in the adjoining town of Hudson. I was there from the beginning to the end, and such a meeting I never before attended. The Lord was there of a truth. Every one felt conscious of this. At the beginning of the meeting, there was no unusual attention to religion. The faith of some few grasp. ed at great things, but that of the many was weak. The first day of the meeting began to exhibit signs of interest; more the prayers of God's people. In the afterthan twenty impenitent sinners desired noon of the second day, some hundred or more were in the same condition, while there were a few instances of hopeful conversion. On the Sabbath, the congrega tion was very large and solemn. In the afternoon, when the proposition was made to the great congregation of impenitent sinners, (for the large Presbyterian meeting-house, was literally crowded with such, while Christians were met in the Methodist meeting-house,) if they wished to choose the Lord that day, to signify it. Some hundreds arose, as the expression of such a wish. During the day and evening, several submitted to Christ. Monday, the 4th day of the meeting, the anxiety of sinners deepened, and it was most manifest, that the meeting must be protracted, at least, another day. The decision was made by the assembly, that There was a subscription paper drawn, they all wished its coutinuance. On the to be circulated for the support of preach-fifth day, the interest was greater than ing, and so far as I could learn, would have been well filled, for that place, had it not been for the disunion of the church. I know of none that were opposed, except two brethren, who were advocates for close communion, and knew that I had practised differently. A time was fixed for the reorganization of the Sabbath school; between 40 and 50 children came with their lessons, but found none prepared to hear them. With great exertion, I prevailed upon a few to engage as teachers, but there is danger of the school's failing, for VOL. IV. A HARD FIELD. On on any previous one. The deeply anxious were multiplied, while many surrendered to Christ. At the close of this day, it was determined by the meeting, that the pentecost should still be protracted. On Wednesday, the last day of the meeting, the assembly was enlarged, and more solemn, than on any preceding day. Near the close of the meeting, those that were indulging hopes since meeting began, were requested to occupy the side pews of the house, while the deeply anxious filled the body seats. Not less than 200 were found 10 among the hoping, and these of all cha.port the stated ministrations of the word racters. The lawyer, the physician, the scholar, the merchant, &c., but most of them in the morning of life. among them. There is no special serious. ness here; still, two or three recently hope they have passed from death unto life. One family altar has been erected of late. I have found one young man of promise and hopeful piety, who has commenced his studies preparatory to entering college, with a view to the ministry. At Many interesting facts might be stated, had I time and room, but must hasten to make my report for the last quarter. Numbers of my people were at the meeting, and several we trust have become new creatures, while others are still anxious for their souls. Last evening we had ouring. first, and a most interesting meeting. Several were found in tears, while some hoped they had submitted to Christ. I trust that a great blessing is in store for this people; time must decide. Our Sabbath school is flourishing. I have a bible class of more than 20 members, most interesting. the aspect of things is encourageThe church has for years been in state. Brotherly a most lamentable love had almost ceased; meetings for prayer were neglected, and jealousies and coldness, if not hardness, abounded. Two weeks ago, it was expected the sacrament of the Lord's supper would be administered. A lecture preparatory was appointed. But at that meeting the impression was so deeply fastened on my mind, that the church were not prepared for that solemn season, I told them, perhaps, we had better postpone the sacrament for two weeks. I stated my reasons for thinking so. Some of the members appeared deeply affected. Last Sabbath was an interesting day. The members of the church appeared One was humble, penitent and tender. admitted to the communion of the church by profession. There is a better state of things in that church, than perhaps there Family religion has ever was before. been revived; in families where worship was attended but once a day, now morning and evening prayers ascend to the father of mercies. Meetings for prayer are better attended, and a deeper interest felt on the subject of religion generally. S. schools and bible classes, at both places, are in successful operation. Character and prospects of the country. This is, on the whole, the most moral, industrious, and hospitable settlement I have found in the territory. It is far more promising than some of the older places. Temperance, industry, and sound morals, A "conference of the churches" has prevail generally. In some of the older been recently established in this vicinity. settlements, intemperance, profaneness, We have had but one. It was a season of and Sabbath-breaking, are crying sins.-deep interest. Members of differentdeno. This section of country possesses some minations of Christians attended, and many superior advantages. The soil is rich and of them resolved to spend a few minutes deep; the country is well watered, and every day, between sun-set and dark, to there is timber sufficient for the purpose of pray for the prosperity of religion in the building and fences. It is very healthy. territory, and also for ministers of the I never lived so long in a place, contain- gospel, that they may feel the awful reing so many inhabitants, where there was sponsibility of their office, and the worth so little sickness. The tide of emigration of souls. It was also resolved, to establish is rolling on north and east of us. One weekly meetings for prayer in the respechundred lots, I am told, have already this tive neighbourhoods, and to make efforts spring been taken up on one road east. to render them profitable. MAINE. From Rev. Stephen A. Loper, Hampden, M. The prospect, in this place, for good institutions, is promising. A good degree of harmony prevails, and unless division should occur, we may hope that, in the course of twelve or eighteen months, this In my last report, I intimated that our people can and will, of themselves, sup-religious prospects were beginning to AN AWAKENING. brighten, and expressed the hope, that [] mission to God before that meeting closed. From that day to the present time, the work has been going on. I cannot give an exact account of the number of converts. There are about fifty in the district of Arcade, who have recently expressed hope, and most of the remainder of the inhabitants, over 10 years old, are anxious. The work is also going on in the region around, in China, Freedom, and Yorkshire; and has commenced in Sardinia. Most of the Sabbath school teachers, who were not professors, have become hopefully pious:-likewise a number of the scholars. The revival appears to have swept away hard feelings, and Backsliders have been reclaimed, and in some instances, old hopes given up, and new ones entertained. The proud are humbled, and the worldly-minded have be. came devoted to God. The work has every appearance of being deep and powerful. For some weeks past, I have held meetings for religious inquiry, which are attended by a small number; and some others, who have not attended, have been, and still are, more or less seriously impressed. A few interesting cases of hopeful conversion have occurred; and, although some unfavourable symptoms have recently appeared, I cannot but cherish From Rev. W. Williams, Victory, N. Y. the hope, that God is about to make more signal and glorious displays of his saving power, in the midst of this people, than we have ever yet witnessed. Gratitude expressed. In the name and behalf of the church and people to whom I minister, I thank the "American Home Missionary Society," for the assistance which it has liberally granted us for the last two years; and we do humbly trust, it will finally appear, that the funds appropriated to this purpose, were far from being lost. And permit us to express our deep solicitude for the prosperity of a society, which has already accomplished so much good, and which, we believe, is destined to confer the most valuable and lasting blessings upon our country. NEW-YORK. From Rev. E. Ingalls, Arcade, N. Y. REVIVAL. About the first of March, the church held a fast. Christians felt for sinners, and we have reason to believe, that some of us had more than ordinary faith. The assembly was solemn, and the Lord was evidently with us. One expressed sub AWAKENING. When we attempted the formation of a temperate society, we hoped it was the beginning of better times. The progress of the society, notwithstanding the opposition, and the impulse which was given to it at the commencement of the present year, encouraged the hope, that Jehovah had further good in store for this place; and we have not been hoping in vain. The spirit of the Lord has been poured out here, and we trust there are more than twenty hopeful converts to Christ Jesus our Lord, beside a number whose old hopes have been revived. There is some of the best feeling, in some of the members of this church, also in the Baptist church. I think I never witnessed more of a spirit of prayer, than has been manifest in some instances. There has been some cases of the most pungent conviction, and in some instances, the clearest discoveries of the depravity of the human heart, and of the matchless grace and goodness of God, in the renovation of the heart The work, we trust, is not at an end. Feeling is rising in our church; faith is strengthening; hopes are reviving; and we look for a more powerful manifestation of divine goodness, than has yet been realized. Appointments of the Executive Committee of the A. H. M, S. from June 15th, to July 15th, 1831. Missonaries re-appointed. Rev. J. B. Plumstead, Pleasant Plains, Dutchess Co., N. Y. Rev. Ferris Fitch, Belfast, Maine. Rev. L. Brewster, De Kaib and Russell, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. Rev. A. Taylor, West Stockholm and Pierpont, Do. Rev. Geo. Freeman, Shenandoah, Oneida, Castleton, and Wampsville, N. Y. Rev. W. Goodell, Russia, Herkimer Co., N. Y. Rev. Reuel Kimball, West Leyden and Branting. ham, Lewis Co., N. Y. Rev. Lucius Foote, to labour a part of the time, in destitute places, under direction of the Central Agency, N. Y. Rev. Moses Raymond, Chatham, Columbia Co., N. Y. Rev. Moses Parmele, Chateaugay, N. Y. [one third of the time in Cataraugus Co, N. Y.] Rev. D. D.Gregory, Fredonia, Chautauque Co., N. Y. Rev. A. Caldwell, Hunt's Hollow, Alleghany Co., N. Y. Rev. Richard Dunning, North Penfield, Monroe Co., N. Y. Rev. Edmund Ingalls, South China and Freedom, Rev. Thos. R. Durfee,, Missouri. Missionaries not in Commission last year. Rev. Solomon J. Tracy, West Nassau, N. Y. Rev. Hiram Smith, Collins, Erie Co., N. Y. Hartford, N. Y. Aux. per J. L. Harris, Jamaica, L. I. a Lady, 32 16 11 60 The Treasurer of the American Home Missionary Society acknowledges the Receipt of the following sums, from June 15th to July 15th, 1831. Baldwinsville, N. Y., Dr. C. Baldwin, Bristol, Ct. Estate of T. Wilcox, deceased, per R. Ely to const. Rev. A. J. Leavenworth of Bristol, and Rev. J. Burt of Canton, life members, Brooklyn, N. Y. Fem. Miss. Soc. of 1st Do. Mrs. Fisk and L. Jackson per Mr. Zabriskie, 4.00 10 00 Keene, N. H. Mon. Con. coll. per A Kingsbury, 7 19 Lisbon, Ct. Mon. Con. coll. to const. Rev. Barnabas Phinney, Life Member, per D. J. Cutler, Miller's Place, L. I. Fem Cent. Soc. 30.00 14 00 Riceborough, Ga. Mrs. Jane Dunwoody. Skaneateles, N. Y. Rev. S. W. Brace, South Hero and Grand Isle, Vt. coll. per A. Hall, 5.00 10.00 8 20 J. Salter, 19 New-York, Bowery assoc. D. M'Arthur, per G. Zabriskin, 5.72 Do. Rutgers-st. eh. Mon. con. coll, per S. Sturger, 34 22 AMERICAN PASTOR'S JOURNAL, OR, ORIGINAL SKETCHES OF REAL CHARACTERS, CONVERSATIONS, AND STRIKING FACTS, FURNISHED CHIEFLY BY CLERGYMEN. THE STOCKBRIDGE. EVERY one, who has read the lives of Brainard and Edwards, cannot but feel a deep interest in the history of the Stockbridge Indians. tance with God. This was a trying providence. She felt that submission would have been much easier, if her husband had given evidence of piety. But as it was, she did not murmur. She went forward with a steadfast mind, to the responsibilities which were now to devolve on her. By her industry, frugality, and perseverance, she has been enabled to provide for herself and her children. She feels very thankful to God, that he so or been detained in this country, where she has found the Saviour, while her father and other friends, (having emigrated to Green Bay,) are removed almost beyond the reach of revival influences. One of this tribe, a woman, together with her family, now reside in one of the counties of New-York, which some of her nation have occupied from time immemorial. About a year since, Rachel, for that is her name, was led to attend religious meetings in her neighbourhood, where there was some-dained in his providence, that she has thing of a revival. Divine truth, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, found its way to her heart. By comparing her feelings and conduct with the law of God, she saw that she had sinned; she felt that she had nothing to recommend her to God. Her heart was penetrated with remorse, in view of her past life. Wherever she turned, all was darkness and sorrow. Days of anxiety, and nights of tears passed, and her soul found no rest. The great inquiry was, "What shall I do to be saved?" Frequently did she ask the prayers of God's people. She was ready to give up all for lost. After some days of anguish and wo, and after despairing of help from any other quarter, she cast herself at the foot of the cross, crying, "Here, Lord, I give myself away, 'Tis all that I can do." And here she found by joyful experience, that this entire surrender of herself to God, was all that he required her to do. Light broke into her mind. Joy swelled her bosom. Thanks giving to God was the burden of her song. Jesus now seemed just such a Saviour as she needed; Christians she felt to be her best friends, and the bible was her choice treasure. Soon after this happy change, Rachel was called to part with her husband, who died depending on his morality, and not on Christ, for accep She attends to the instruction of her children, and daily reads to them the word of God, and prays with them at the family altar. She makes conscience of faithfully discharging every known duty. When in the house of God, she is not a forgetful hearer of the word. Sometimes she can repeat verbatim, very much of the practical parts of the sermon. are said in a discourse, which reprove her conduct, she remembers them, not to find fault with the preacher, but to let them have an influence on her future life. If through ignorance or inadvertancy, she has done wrong, she is ready to confess her faults and reform her conduct. When things To illustrate her firmness, in whatever her conscience tells her is right, the following incident is related. Some months since, Rachel united with the temperance society. A neighbour, who was not very fond of cold water, told her that if she would take her name from the temperance paper, he would build a house near his, which she might occupy free of charge, as long as she lived. The temptation, though strong to a widow with seven little children |