RELIGIOUS CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY.

It is with no ordinary feelings of gratitude, and thanksgiving to God, that, amidst all the profligacy and noisy dissipation which marks the return of our country's natal day, He has enabled us, this year, to record its celebration, in one place at least, where the eye of the Christian may rest with a pleasing hope, that the dawn of a day of better things has actually arisen.

Notwithstanding our great respect for the venerable "Sage of Quincy," we could never approve his recommendation, that the people in all our cities, towns and villages should " celebrate this day by firing squibs, guns, crackers and cannon," and indulging in joyful mirth and glee. We believe it would be far more becoming a Christian country, to spend this day in acts of solemn worship, thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, for the blessings which He has conferred upon us, by casting our lot under a "free and independent" government, which overspreads the fairest, the most rich and comely portion of the globe; one connected, fertile, wide-spreading country, blessed with a great variety of soils and productions, watered by innumerable streams for the delight and accommodation of its inhabitants. God has been pleased to give "this one connected country to one connected people, speaking the same language, professing the same religion, attached to the same principles of government," and permitted to "sit under their own vines and figtrees, with no one to molest them or make them afraid." How, then, does it become a Christian people to shut the doors of their places of worship, and devote this interesting anniversary, made sacred by the blood of the patriots of '76, and more especially by the blessing of God upon their councils and efforts, to revelling and drunkenness? If professing Christians do not mingle in these scenes, does it comport with their professions to remain silent spectators? Brethren, these things ought not to be so. Let the wicked forsake his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, on this glorious jubilee, and let him return unto the Lord his God. Let all our places of public worship be opened, that "the ringing of the bells" may no longer mock the emptiness of our rejoicing let the ministers of the Gospel, with the people, go up to the house of the Lord," and come before his presence with thanksgiving, and show ourselves glad in him with psalms." Let us "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise." Let the treasure which is usually squandered in idle, foolish, and sinful amusements, be brought as a free-will offering unto the Lord, for verily, "the people do perish for lack of knowledge."

Thanks be to God, more than one church has been open this day for hallowed purposes, and prayer has been offered up for the Holy Spirit to descend, and to dwell richly on our city, and we trust the Lord has heard, and will grant an answer of peace.

At sunrise this morning, the BETHEL FLAG was hoisted on the MARINER'S CHURCH, and the exercises commenced at half past 10 o'clock. The Rev. SAMUEL H. Cox, who had been requested by the Committee of arrangements to deliver a discourse, opened the meeting by supplicating the throne of grace for a blessing on the exercises of the day. The 100th psalm was sung, and was followed by an appropriate prayer. The

discourse was founded on Isaiah lx. 12. "For the nations and kingdoms that will not serve me shall perish.”

United General Prayer Meeting.

In the afternoon, at four o'clock, the Monthly United Prayer Meeting was held in the same place. The Rex. Mr. Ballantine (baptist) presided. He read an account of the revival of religion in Bath, N. H. Ministers of several different denominations engaged in prayer. The Rev. William Patton read the following letter, received by one of the Committee of arrangements. It is the third of a series* from the pen of an eminent Christian, who has been the honoured instrument of doing much for his Master's cause during the revival in Connecticut, and we hope it will be found as interesting and instructive to others as it has been to us.

Progress of the Revival in Connecticut.

New-Haven, June, 29, 1821.

MY DEAR SIR,-During the time which has elapsed since my letter of April 25, new instances of revivals have not occurred so frequently as they did at a former period, yet several have taken place, which have been important in their effects on the church, and animating to the hearts of christians. In most of those places where revivals began during the winter and spring, the good work still goes on; in some, with less vigour than formerly; and in others, in a most powerful manner. In this town christians have not slumbered; their prayers have been abundant, and have been offered up with faith and importunity; indications of a refreshing shower are becoming daily more visible; and a renewal of the displays of divine mercy are confidently expected by our praying people.

After an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, christians are very apt to feel as if God had done great things for them, and they ought therefore to rejoice, and be satisfied, and not be so importunate as to ask for still greater favours; forgetting that giving does not impoverish the Almighty giver, and that withholding does not enrich him. They are apt to overlook this great truth, that the glory of the Divine Being is increased in exact proportion as sinners are brought into his kingdom. With these views, they relax their efforts; they cast off fear; they restrain prayer, and the blessing no longer descends. But why should revivals stop? why should not all the people of a town be converted? Is not God still willing to be gracious? we know that he is; but we know likewise, that he will be inquired of by the house of Israel, the church of God, to do it for them. I have been informed that in one town in New-England, there has been a revival for ten years, and it still goes on. Why should it not continue until the Millennium? why should it not continue until the judgment day?

There are some facts which have come to my knowledge, which, perhaps, it may be interesting to relate. In a village at the distance of eight miles from this place, where our brethren have laboured from week to week, a revival commenced during the winter, and I believe still continues. Previous to the commencement of the gracious work, there were eleven brethren and sisters of the church in the village, and during its progress, twenty-six have become hopefully pious; making thirtyseven christian people, in a population which does not exceed fifty-three persons from 15 years of age and upwards.-In one of the villages of this town, there were about forty communicants a year ago; since that time as many as sixty new converts have given good evidence that they have become children of God; and the whole number of inhabitants does not exceed four hundred. This little flock feel so animated, in consequence of the abundant shower which has descended upon them, that they consider themselves strong enough by enlarging the circle, and including one hundred inore inhabitants, to build a meeting house and settle a minister; and it is probable that these good intentions will be carried into execution. The Prayer of Faith has been a subject much thought of, and often discussed at our conferences and smaller circles. Although there may be some difference of opinion among Christians on this subject, our brethren generally believe, that when temporal blessings are asked for, such as health, prosperity in business, fruitful seasons, &c. the petitions should be made in entire subordination to the divine will, and with resignation to the allotments of his providence; but when we ask for an

* See Christian Herald, vol. VII. p. 732, and p. 22 of this volume.

effusion of his Holy Spirit, and for a revival of religion among us, we are to conte boldly to the throne of grace, with no reservation, with no hesitation, for we know the will of God on this subject. He has expressly said, and with an oath, "that he has no pleasure in the death of the sinner, but would rather that he should turn and live" He has said also, "that he is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than parents are to give good gifts to their children." We feel therefore, that there is no doubt on this subject, but that we may pray for this immense blessing with full confidence that it will be granted; and we believe that it always will be granted where the prayers and the labours are accompanied with faith. Allow me to mention an instance or two, among several which have come to my knowledge, where the blessing has been given. In a town, twenty miles north of this, a small number of the members of the church awaked a few weeks since, and agreed to meet for prayer occasionally, and make an individual, who was an influential man in the town, and opposed to vital piety, the particular subject of prayer. They met accordingly, and prayed for this man from time to time, and in a short period he became a subject of deep conviction, and is now rejoicing in hope that he has become a child of God. This little circle of believers then took a second person, and prayed for him, and he too became a convert, and both are now propounded for admission to the church. A third person was then selected and prayed for, and it is understood that he is becoming uneasy in his mind, and is inquiring what he shall do. Not only has the prayer of faith, occasionally offered, been blessed, but likewise the prayer of faith when accompanied with importunity. A mechanic of my acquaintance, who is a man of ardent piety, said to his wife some time last winter, there are seven in our family, and among our journeymen and apprentices, who are still out of Christ. Why should they not be brought into the kingdom? Let us resolve that we will take one of them, and make that one a subject of prayer, and exhort him in conversation to flee from the wrath to come? The plan was determined on. They carried it into execution that very night. They spent almost the whole of the first night in prayer. In a few days the individual for whom they prayed became hopefully pious. He then united his prayers and efforts with those of the man and his wife for the salvation of a second member of the family; in a few days this one became, as they believed, an heir of the promises; then the third, and fourth, and fifth, and sixth, and one only now remains out of the ark of safety.

The view which I have given of the efficacy of faithful and importunate prayer, seems not to be confined to Christians in New-Haven. In an account, which I lately read of a revival at Bath, in New-Hampshire, as given by the minister, it is stated, that in a neighbourhood where every wife was a member of the Church, and not one of the husbands was a professing Christian, the wives agreed that they would meet together from time to time, and pray for the salvation of their husbands. They did meet and pray accordingly, and during the revival at Bath every one of those men has become a subject of the work. These facts appear to me to speak volumes. Why should not all Christians follow these examples? Why should not little circles of wives meet together by agreement, and pray for their husbands; and husbands for their wives? Why should not parents meet together and pray for their children; and children for their parents? And why should not the blessing be granted? There is but one reason, the want of faith. Unbelief is the crying sin of Christian countries. It is the crying sin of the professing people of God. It obscures the splendour of that light, which ought to be exhibited in the life and conversation of every brother and sister of the church. It prevents the blessings of heaven from descending upon the sinful family of Adam.

I am, Sir, your friend and christian brother.

REV. WILLIAM WARD.-On Friday evening, the 18th of May, a public service was held in the Eagle-street Meeting, London, for the special purpose of commending to the Divine protection and blessing our dear brother, Mr. Ward, Mrs. Mosshman and her family, and Mr. and Mrs. Mack, who were about to proceed to India, by the Abberton, Capt. Gilpin. Another meeting was appointed for Tuesday evening, the 22d, the anniversary of the Baptist Missionary Society.

Mr. Ward collected for the SERAMPORE COLLEGE, in England and Scotland, about 16,450 dollars, and nearly 10,000 dollars in the United States.

The Rev. Mr. Tyerman and Mr. Bennet, the gentlemen who compose the deputation from the London Missionary Society, to visit Otaheite, &c. with the Rev. Mr. Jones (missionary) and wife, Mr. Armitage, wife and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Blossom, embarked at Gravesend, on the 5th of May, on board the Tuscan, (a whaler.) They did not, however, leave the latter place until the 8th, when they proceeded on their voyage with a fair wind. They earnestly desire the prayers of all pious persons for their safe and prosperous voyage.

The Seaman's Magazine.

They that go down to the sea in ships, that de business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep - They cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.-Psalms.

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING THE GOSPEL AMONG SEAMEN IN THE PORT OF NEW-YORK.

Annual Report, Presented June, 1821.

(Concluded from page 125.)

WITH SO important a field of usefulness in view, it is a matter of regret, that the pecuniary embarrassments of the society are such as essentially to retard its proceedings. The Treasurer's account, herewith presented, will exhibit the state of the funds of the association; by this it will be perceived that the church cost $16,000, land and building included, which, together with incidental expenses, including the rent of the room first made use of, renders the aggregate expenditure, since the formation of the institution, $17,500; of this sum, $10,500, have been raised by subscriptions, donations and collections in the church; $6,000 have been obtained from one of the Insurance Offices, at an interest of seven per cent. per annum, secured by a mortgage on the land and building; and there is beside, a floating debt of $1,000, for which the individual responsibility of some of the members of the board has been given. The interest on the total debt of the Church amounts to nearly $500 per annum, which, together with necessary expenses, such as the pay of the visiting pastor, of the chorister and attendant, lights, fuel, &c. makes the annual disbursements of the society not less than $1,100. To meet this, the institution has no other provision than the collections taken up after the several services in the Church, and these do not exceed on an average, $500 per annum. By a provision of the constitution, annual subscribers were to pay five dollars yearly to entitle them to membership, but by another provision, all who paid $50 and upwards, were entitled to membership for life. But few annual subscribers were obtained in the first instance, and most of these, afterwards becoming members for life, by paying the sum required, could not be subjected to further payments. The amount of the life subscriptions having been wholly swallowed up in the erection of the church, the society is now left without any income to be calculated upon. The weekly contributions being so insufficient for the current purposes of the year, it is evident, that the institution must not only be without a settled preacher, but the hazard is also incurred of having all the efforts hitherto made rendered abortive, by the necessity of foreclosing the mortgage for the payment of the principal and interest.

The Directors trust, that with these circumstances before them, the friends of the institution will fully appreciate both its usefulness and its wants, and that there may be found some who will afford the assistance so much required.

VOL. VIII.

20

The Port of London Society, whose objects are precisely similar to those of this body, received from the London Assurance Company, and from the Royal Exchange Assurance Company, a donation of 50 guineas each, from the East India Company 100 guineas, from the Bank of England, £100, from the Company of Drapers, £50, besides smaller donations from other mercantile societies; so well were these associations convinced, that the moral improvement of seamen is a desirable object, even in a commercial point of view. In the hope that the same object would be surveyed in as favourable a light on this side the Atlantic, an application was made to the several Insurance Companies of this city; hitherto nothing has been realized from this quarter, although your board are not without hope, that the subject will meet hereafter with the consideration it deserves. An application has likewise been made to the state legislature for some assistance, this has not yet been successful, and the directors are under the necessity of appealing to the liberality of the friends of the institution, and to the benevolence of the public, as the only resources now left them.

Amidst the difficulties attending the efforts of this association, it has been no small encouragement to the directors to behold a spirit of zeal and activity in the same cause excited in other parts of the United States, as well as in Europe. Your board early opened a correspondence with the Society in London for promoting the religious instruction of seamen, and several very interesting communications have been received from that body. Before entering, however, into any detail of the operations of foreign institutions, it is proper, in the order of this report, to notice what has been effected in other ports of the United States. At Boston, a place of public worship for seamen was opened on the 9th August, 1818, in a hall conveniently situated in the centre of a large range of stores, on one of the principal wharves of that town. The rent is generously given by the proprietors of the building, and the meeting is conducted under the patronage of the "Boston Society for the religious and moral instruction of the poor." A flag, presented by "several female friends to the welfare of seamen," is hoisted over the place during the hours of service, which is usually well attended. The room is capable of containing about 400, and is frequented principally by seafaring persons. The Rev. Mr. Jenks, under whose care the establishment has been placed, remarks respecting it, " Profanity is more discountenanced and prevails less amongst our sailors. The thoughtless extravagance and boisterous merriment, heretofore so characteristic of their deportment, are in a considerable degree checked; the sabbath exhibits, along our wharves, a different appearance from former scenes, and, in some instances, evidence has been afforded of very serious religious impressions on the heart.".

The example of New-York and Boston did not pass unheeded in Philadelphia. In the summer of 1819, an institution for the religious improvement of seamen was contemplated in that city, and on the 17th October, of the same year, a place of worship was opened in a large sail loft, capable of containing about 700 persons. Here divine service has been ever since regularly attended by seafaring persons and their families, under the ministry of the Rev. Joseph Eastburn, who also avails himself of the opportunity for distributing amongst the seamen such religious tracts as are best calculated for their instruction. The