Immagini della pagina
PDF
ePub

authority, and making a declaration of facts and doctrines which, if true, so intimately concern the happiness of mankind, would, more than any thing else, awaken an interest in the human heart, and command the attention of the human mind; that it would excite the mental powers into action; that it would lead them to the investigation of moral truth; and if it did so, the result could not fail to be beneficial; for whatever prompts the mind of man to diligent investigation, whatever overcomes his natural aversion to mental exercise, and makes him a thinking being, will promote his improvement, will advance his happiness. But, sir, it is unnecessary to prove by a course of abstract reasoning, what results would flow from the dissemination of the Bible; the world is not destitute of experience on this subject. Since the appearance of our Saviour upon earth, it has seen the scriptures of truth locked up from the vulgar gaze, and it has witnessed the night of mental darkness which then covered the earth; it has also seen the dawn of that reformation which has already furnished a few of the nations with these scriptures, in language intelligible to their inhabitants, and is now sending them to every quarter of the globe. To dwell upon the effects that have already been produced by this reformation is unnecessary; we are all acquainted with them; our babes can recite them ;-knowledge has unfolded her ample stores; science has advanced-liberty has been promoted. Christendom is wont to admire and eulogize the proud column of British liberty. I would ask, sir, when the principles of that liberty, which had been before partially asserted, began to be practically sustained? Not till the translated Bible was disseminated among the people. It is the testimony of the elegant historian of England, though not a believer in our faith, that the precious spark of liberty was kindled and preserved in that country, by these early readers of the Bible, and that to them alone the English owe the whole freedom of their constitution. Yes, for all that is useful in her scientific attainments, for all that is valuable in her political institutions, England is indebted to the influence of the Bible, and she is manifesting her sense of obligation by her stupendous efforts to send this invaluable book to the destitute inhabitants of the earth.

But, sir, are we less indebted than England to the influence of the Bible for the superior excellence of our institutions? Can we contemplate the privileges we enjoy; can we view those institutions which secure to us the blessings of civil liberty, in a larger measure, than were before enjoyed by any people, without being thrilled with gratitude towards those who first planted the seeds of this liberty in our soil? And who were they? Have we forgotten the pilgrims, who deserted country and home, who, in the face of difficulties the most formidable, and dangers the most appalling, sought the savage shores of America, that they might here in the wilderness plant the standard of the cross; that they might here exercise the freedom of opinion. No: the moral sublimity of their enterprise will rescue the story of these progenitors of our liberty from oblivion; but let it never be forgotten that they derived their instruction and imbibed their spirit from the Bible. Oh sir, the Christian who makes this book the guide of his faith and practice, must feel the elevation of the ground upon which he stands, when he is enabled to trace the finest effusions of genius, the mightiest efforts of the

Anniversaries.-American Bible Society.

23

human mind, and the most valuable institutions in civil society to the influence of his religion.--Yes, these are the blessings of religion, though not her boast; these are only the blessings "which she scatters by the way in her march to immortality."

Before concluding the very brief, and somewhat desultory remarks which he had to make on this occasion, Mr. K. observed that there were political considerations, applicable to ourselves, which make it peculiarly proper that this National Institution should be encouraged by those who are concerned to promote the best interests of the country. Mr. K. concluded as follows :

Let, therefore, the good, the wise, the influential men of the country, ardently cherish this institution; let them contribute of their means, let them put forth their exertions. In aiding some institutions, called charitable, we have the mortification to see that we increase the evil we would remedy; but here there is no danger of this sort; we may give freely without any apprehension that our charity will not be well directed, so long as there is an individual on the earth destitute of a Bible.

WILLIAM JAY, Esq. of Westchester.-Permit me, Mr. Chairman, to assure you, that ill health alone has prevented my reverend parent from attending in his place this day, and acknowledging, in person, the honour now paid him.

To be called to preside over this institution, an institution embracing the great, the wise, and the good of our land, consecrated by the prayers and the blessings of thousands, and devoted to the single object of advancing the glory of God, and the present and eternal welfare of his creatures, is indeed a distinction which the most ambitious might covet, but which the Christian only can truly appreciate.

To contribute in any degree which Providence may permit to the diffusion of that volume which has been the study and the guide of his life, will, I am confident, be ever regarded by him, both as a duty and a privilege; and although the infirmities of declining years may deny him the pleasure of an active co-operation in your labours, his prayers will still ascend to the Father of Mercies for a continuance of that favour and protection which this Society has hitherto so richly experienced.

(To be continued.)

NEW-YORK RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

This society celebrated its 10th anniversary on Thursday evening, the 11th ultimo, at the city hotel. The Rev. Dr. SPRING presided, and opened the meeting with prayer. JOHN R. HURD, Esq. read the annual report, from which it appeared, that at the close of the year, there were 307,960 tracts, 41,000 had been printed, and 131,331 circulated during the year: these have been distributed as follows: To the Sunday School Societies, Mariners' Church, Bethel Union, Bancker-street Church, U. S. ship Franklin 74, Osage Indians, Michigan, Lima, Pensacola, Missouri, Canada, &c. The whole number of tracts distributed by the society is, 1,135,594. The balance in the treasury at the close of the year, was only $146 55, while the demand against the Society was $950.

The usual resolutions were offered, and the Rev. Messrs. Bruen, of this city, and Somers, late of Troy, Divie Bethune, Esq. and the Rev. Dr. McCauley, of Union College, addressed the meeting. The collections and donations, amounted to about $300; and about $600 were loaned by different individuals, for one or two years, without interest. We regret that we have not room for a sketch of the interesting addresses delivered on this occasion. We trust they will have a due effect on the respectable and numerous audience which heard them.

UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

On Wednesday the 8th Inst. this Society held its anniversary at the City Hotel. The Hon. STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER, President, took the chair at 11 o'clock, and the meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. DAVID PORTER, D. D. of Catskill, N. Y. ZECHARIAH LEWIS, Esq. Domestic Secretary, read the Annual Report, which gave a detailed account of the important missions under the care of the Society. The balance in the treasury at the close of last year, was $1,253 35, which added to the receipts since that time ($10,695 23,) amounts to $11,948 58. The expenditure during the same period, was $12,448 36, leaving a balance due to the Treasurer, of $499 78.

Ön motion by the Rev. ALEXANDER PROUDFIT, D. D. of Salem, N. Y. seconded by the Rev. E. W. BALDWIN, of this city, it was then

Resolved, That the report now read be accepted, and that it be printed under the direction of the board of managers.

On motion by the Rev. THOMAS DE WITT, of Dutchess County, seconded by the Rev. STEPHEN N. ROWAN of this city, it was

Resolved, That the thanks of this society, be presented to Auxiliaries, to Congregations who have made their ministers members for life and made collections at the monthly concert of prayer, and all others, who, by contributions in money, or articles for the support and comfort of the Mission families, have aided the operations of the Society.

These gentlemen followed their motions with appropriate addresses, but we have not room at present, to notice them farther. We are sorry to say that though the weather was pleasant, the house was wretchedly thin, and what rendered the whole concern most disagreeable, was the continual egress which was emptying the room, until the little remnant felt forsaken and alone. It is notfair, perhaps, to impute the thinness of the assembly to any fault in the arrangements; as the meeting was thin from the beginning. The report seemed to us too much in detail, but certainly it left sufficient time, and should have left sufficient patience for the addresses which were about to be delivered: but so it was, that there seemed but little disposition to hear addresses far superior to those commonly delivered at the anniversaries of our religious societies. We cannot but think, after all, that our community still takes a very undecided interest in that important body "The United Foreign Missionary Society;" and that the former symptoms of a contrary disposition have resulted from occasional excitement. Were it otherwise, of the crowds who thronged the Churches at the departure of the Missionaries, and of the two thousand congregations immediately connected with the Society; there would have appeared more than a a dozen dozen individuals to celebrate its anniversary.

In the evening, the annual sermon was preached in the Presbyterian Church, in Cedar-street, by the Rev. Dr. Romeyn, and a collection taken up for the society.

SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION SOCIETY.

The schools under the care of this society, assembled at the New-York Hospital on Tuesday the 7th inst. at half past 3 o'clock, and preceded by the officers, moved in procession to the Park, in front of the City Hall, where the Rev. J. M. MATHEWS, delivered an address, accompanied with other appropriate religious exercises. The number of scholars present, was estimated at 3000. After the exercises were concluded, the scholars, led by the Superintendents and Teachers, retired by the East and West gates, where each received a small cake for the customary annual reward. It was an afternoon of deep interest to the schools, and they exhibited a decency of appearance and order, which, considering

Anniversaries. Female Bible Society.

25

The great number, was truly astonishing. The friends of this institution, and every christian and every patriot, must be of the number, will rejoice in the prospects of this excellecnt institution, and give it renewed support.

The Annual Meeting of the Society, was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church in John-street, at 6 o'clock; the venerable President, Col. RICHARD VARICK, in the chair. The Annual Report was read, and the officers and committee were elected for the ensuing year.

The Report stated, that there are now under the patronage of the Society, fortytwo schools in this city, conducted by 540 superintendents, teachers and visiters, and comprising 4055 learners, mostly boys under fourteen years of age. The Committee strongly recommend the plan of visiting, called the local system, to be adopted by the conductors of each school, and urge the necessity of each church and congregation taking the schools connected with them, under their own special superintendence and care.

EDUCATION SOCIETY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Annual meeting of this society was held on Monday the 6th inst. and the Sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Cox, on the preceding evening, in Dr. Ro meyn's Church.

METHODIST AUXILIARY MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

On Monday, 21st April, the Young Men's Missionary Society in New-York, Auxiliary to the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, celebrated its third anniversary in the John-street Church. The Rev. JOHN SUMMERFIELD, President, in the Chair. After singing and prayer, the Annual Report was read by the Rev. Henry Chase. The usual resolutions were offered and adopted, and the Rev. W. Ross, and Messrs. W. M. Willet, W. C. Mead, and E. F. Moore, addressed the meeting: the president also, made some remarks. The collection amounted to $87 25.

UNION PRAYER MEETINGS.

These meetings, which are held for the express purpose of praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on our Churches and congregations, continue to be interesting and well attended. On Monday evening the 21st April, the Union Prayer Meeting was held in the Dutch Reformed Church, in Market-street. The Monday following, it was held in the Murray-street Church. Rev. Robert McCartee, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Orange-street, presided. The Rev. Messrs. R. B. E. McLeod, H. Chase, Somers and Knox, engaged in prayer, and the Rev. Dr. Romeyn delivered an address.

The 17th monthly Union Prayer Meeting, was held in the Mariner's Church, on the first Monday in this mouth, in the afternoon. The Rev. Mr. Somers, of the South Baptist Church, presided, and read the 104 Psalm. The Rev. Messrs. Barnes of this city and Fay of Charlstown, Mass. addressed the meeting. Mr. Fay stated that Union Prayer Meetings had been established within a few weeks at Salem, Boston and Beverly, Mass. At the former place, the first meeting was held by a few persons in a private house; the next meeting, two rooms were filled; the third was removed to the school house; the fourth met in a large vestry room, and the fifth a large church was full and crowded. In Newburyport, six Churches have united, and in Portland, large meetings have been held and a revival of religion commenced. The meeting was well attended, although not by as many persons as usual. Last Monday a meeting was held in the South Baptist Church, Rev. Mr Frey presided, and several ministers of different denominations from the country, took a part in the exercises. We hope the important object of these meetings will more and more engage the attention of Christians throughout our country, and throughout the world: God will give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him.

NEW YORK AUXILIARY FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETY.

The sixth anniversary of this Society, was celebrated on the 25th of April, at the City Hotel. Gen. M. Clarkson, Vice President of the American Bible Society presided, VOL. IX.

4

and the Rev. S. S. Woodhull, read the 72d Psalm. The Rev. Dr. Milnor read the Annual Report, and also the report of the “Juvenile Female Bible Association," which united in the celebration. The report stated that seven associations had been formed during the last year, on the plan of those in Liverpool; that 180 Ladies have been engaged in visiting the districts allotted to them; that 780 Bibles and 100 Testaments had been distributed; and that the receipts had been $893 62 being $200 more than the receipts of last year: of this sum $63 was paid by the Juvenile Association. Upwards of $700 had been paid to the American Bible Society. The Appendix contained extracts from correspondence, and reports of the visiters, which were of a highly interesting character.

The Rev. William McMurray delivered an appropriate address, after which, Dr. M. read the names of the proposed Managers, and the gentlemen retired. There was present a large number of Ladies, whose successful labours will afford them every encouragement to proceed in their good work with renewed zeal and activity.

FREE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

At the monthly concert of prayer, held in the Lecture Room of St. George's Church, on the first Monday in this month, the plan of a free Episcopal Church, to be erect ed at Corlaer's Hook, was laid before the meeting for their consideration. And the gentlemen offered some remarks on the importance of doing something for the Spiritual necessities of a large population in that quarter of the city, who are not provided with church room, and the meeting concurred fully in the proposed plan,* which has received the approbation of the Bishop, and Clergy of the city. Books being provided for procuring subscriptions, some of the persons present engaged to solicit donations. We trust others will be found ready to engage in the same good work; and that an object so desirable and so important as sending the Gospel to the destitute of our own city, will not want friends to give it an immediate accomplish

ment.

UNITED DOMESTIC MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

A Society bearing the above designation has just been formed, under circumstances the most auspicuous for the cause of home missions. It is not our design at present to enter into particulars, as a committee of the Board have it in charge to prepare some suitable communications on the subject, which will be ready for our next number.

Delegates from most of the Missionary Societies in the State, convened on Friday afternoon the 10th inst. in the Session Room of the Brick Church, the Rev. Dr PROUDFIT, of Salem, N. Y. was elected President, and JOHN D. KEESE, Esq. was appointed Secretary.

DEDICATION.

The Central Presbyterian Church in Broome-street, was solemnly dedicated to the service of Almighty God, on Sunday the 5th inst. The Rev. Dr. Romeyn preached in the morning, from Ps. lxxxi. 1. 2. the Rev. Mr. Rowan in the afternoon, from Eccl. v. 1. and in the evening, the Rev. Dr. Spring, from Matt. v. 16.

This Church, is a plain neat edifice, built of brick, 75 feet long by 60 feet wide. On Tuesday evening the Rev. Presbytery of New-York met at the above Church, pursuant to adjournment, and installed the Rev. Willian Patton, Pastor. The Rev Mr. Cox preached the sermon, the Rev. Mr. delivered the charge to the Pastor,

and the Rev. Mr. Baldwin, the charge to the people.

The Rev. THOMAS MACAULEY, L. L. D. Professor in the Union College, has been invited to the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian Church in Rutgers-street, and has accepted the call.

The Trustees of Princeton College, met on the 10th of April, and conferred the degree of Doctor in Divinity, on the Rev. WILLIAM WARD, of Serampore, E. I

* See " Plan of a Free Church," in No. 198, and No. 199, Christian Herald.

« IndietroContinua »