SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE Christian Watchman contains an account of an extraordinary and highly interesting meeting of this Society, which was held in the Rev. R. Hill's chapel, on the 9th of June, in consequence of the intended departure of the Rev. Dr. Philip, accompanied by three missionaries from France, two from England, and five who were expected from Germany, for South Africa. At an early hour, the chapel was filled, and crowds of people left the doors, unable to obtain admittance. The exercises were commenced by singing one of the missionary hymns, beginning,

"The Spirit never had been sent,
Had the disciples never prayed:"-

The Rev. G. Collison then read the 67th Psalm, and prayed; after which, the Rev. J. Clayton, Jr. delivered a valedictory address to Dr. Philip, to which the Rev. Dr. made a very animated reply.

The following are some of his remarks:

I see nothing in natural or revealed religion, or in the past or present state of the world, that is not encouraging to our hopes in respect to the object for which we are this day assembled within these walls. In every proof of the Divine existence, I see an encouragement to missionary labor; and in every manifestation of the Divine perfections, in nature, and in the Scriptures of truth, I perceive a guarantee for their success. The proposition that there is a God is not more evident to me than that the God of nature is the God of the Bible; and the evidence that God is the author of the Bible is not more clearly evinced to my satisfaction, than are the reasons I have to believe that the triumphs of the Gospel are to bé co-extensive with the effects of sin. Many people have been accustomed to look upon a missionary spirit as a kind of adventitious thing, as separable from the Christian character, and as not at all entering into its essence.-They look upon it as a very good thing, and as very becoming in a missionary; but as one of those kind of things which they themselves may either cultivate or neglect with impunity. Where such a sentiment prevails, the form of godliness may exist, but its power is wanting; a name to live may be retained, but the symptoms of the Christian life no longer remain. The real spirit of missions is the very genius of the Gospel; it is the Spirit of God himself in the hearts of the people. Jesus Christ came into the world to seek and to save that which was lost, and the whole history of his life and sufferings corresponds with the views here given of the grand object of his ministry.

I look at the state of the world, and I am encouraged by the very striking manner in which the signs of the times accord with the grand outline of prophecy, and by the sentiments entertained by all the interpreters of the prophetic testimony; for it is not a little remarkable, that however the expounders of the unfulfilled predictions of Scripture may differ in their sentiments respecting the precise manner of their accomplishment, they are all agreed in this, that !! VOL. XXV.

great events are at hand, and that the time is near when Christ will take to himself his power and reign. Whether this movement of the human mind has been excited by the study of the prophecies, or by the extraordinary character of passing events, or by both, is not material for us to inquire; it is sufficient for our purpose to know that such a coincidence exists; but it is to events, more than to predictions, that my attention is now called.

The world has been long in a state of preparation for the recent occurrences which have excited so much surprise, and we can look back upon many interesting periods in the history of the church and of the world; but the events which have taken place within the last forty years, are remarkably distinguished for their number, and for their great and romantic character. In contemplating them, the mind feels all the awe and power of impression similar to what is felt on contemplating the scenery of an alpine country. Turn to which side you will, you will see nothing bordering upon mediocrity.—The virtues and crimes, the wars and revolutions, the rise and fall of empires, the elevation and depression of sovereigns, the establishment and success of our great religious societies, possess a character, and are invested with an interest, which, taken all together, is perhaps without a parallel in the history of our species.

Whatever may be said scoffingly, or in earnest, about the march of intellect, the age in which we live is more distinguished than perhaps any other by the march and triumph of enlightened, religious and moral principle. Even the world itself seems to have forebodings of an approaching change; all creatures sigh to be renewed; the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together. There is at present a restlessness and an apprehension on the public mind in relation to coming events, something resembling the uneasiness and anxiety occasioned by the atmosphere, which is sometimes the forerunner of an earthquake; like Jerusalem, when Christ entered it on his way to Calvarythe whole world seems to be moved-in short, all nature seems to sympathise with us, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, while we groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redeinption of our bodies. We have every reason to believe that we are at this moment standing on the brink of a great moral revolution. The Angel of the Apocalypse having the everlasting Gospel to preach to them that dwell in the uttermost parts of the earth, is now on the wing; the shadow of death is in many parts turned into the morning; the dawn of that day which is to renovate the dominions of darkness has arisen upon us; the delightful anticipations of former ages begin to be realized; the splendid visions of prophecy are now embodying before our eyes; and from the altar of God a fire has been kindled, which, like the last conflagration, will continue to burn, till the elements of corruption shall melt with fervent heat-till the earth, or political heavens, which are unfavorable to the progress of divine truth, shall be purified, or shall pass away with a great noisetill every idol in the heathen world shall be consumed-till the present system of things shall give place to the new heavens and the new earth,-till the celestial voice shall salute our ears, "Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and he will be their God."

I feel myself encouraged in my labors as a

38

to them from Christian nations. The indispensable duty of an immediate, vigorous, and united effort to discharge this debt, the preacher urges upon his brethren in a clear and powerful manner. Our limits do not allow us to speak particularly of the merits of this discourse; nor have we room for more than a single extract.

In reply to the objection, that the time for the conversion of the heathen has not come, the author says:

Who will say that the time for the illumination of the nations has not come; that they are not yet prepared to receive or to comprehend the Gospel! that they must wait! And is this so? What! when God himself declares that the fulness of time has come; when he decided eighteen hundred years ago, that the world was ripe for the glad tidings of redemption, shall we profess ourselves wiser than him! Now that such improvements have been made in the arts and sciences; now that facilities for extending the knowledge, and securing the reception of the Bible have been so multiplied; now that the art of printing enables us to flood the world with the words of eternal life; now that navigation is opening to us new and unexplored regions, and almost annihilating the distance which divides them from us; now that the human mind seems stirred by some mighty impulse, and instead of being wedded to old systems of government or religion, looks abroad and talks of coming change is this no time? The apostles, in face of the Roman power, in defiance of an idolatry more inveterate than the world ever saw; destitute of numbers, or talents, or influence; aided only by the gift of tongues, and the power of miracles, could go forth, and in 300 years win the whole civilized world to Christ! And shall we, with the power of acquiring all tongues; with the record of those same miracles to authenticate (which was all that the miracles themselves could do,) the divinity of our commission; assisted, too, by so many, and such peculiar advantages-shall we stand, and parley, and say it is not time? Not time! when paganism seems smitten with infirmity, and tottering under the imbecility of old age! Not time! when the people of the saints of the Most High, seem going forth in serious carnest, to take possession of the kingdom and dominion and greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven! Not time! when on every side we have proof positive, and occular, of the practicability, and the success of their enterprise! when the notes of Christian praise are heard from the cliffs of the north, and the isles of the south; from the shores of the east, and the wilderness of the west; when whole villages of Asia are seen subverting their idol temples, and tribes of Africa are heard calling out for "good men and good books;" when the power and efficacy of Christian truth are witnessed in the renovated lives and happy deaths of many a pagan disciple; when from the dying lips of a Karaimoku, a Keopuolani, a Catharine Brown, there are heard almost at this moment, the accents of Christian peace and hope; is this not a time?-When, in God's name, will be the time? Are we to wait till more generations shall have descended into eternity? Are we to wait till God, wearied with our sloth, shall work some

miracle to reproach our unbelief, and supersede our labors! Are we to wait, till in literal truth, an angel of heaven shall come forth; come to perform our duty; come to publish, in our stead, the everlasting Gospel unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people?

REV. DR. SHARP'S MISSIONARY SERMON.

Obligations of Christians to the Heathen: A Sermon preached before the Baptist General Convention, in Philadelphia, April 29, 1829. By Daniel Sharp, Pastor of the Charles Street Baptist Church, Boston.-Boston: Lincoln and Edmands.

This sermon is a simple and impressive enforcement of the duty enjoined in the mandate, "GO AND TEACH ALL NATIONS." It is the author's aim to show, "that zealous, systematic, and persevering measures should be pursued for the conversion of the heathen to Christianity." This point is urged with much good sense, earnestness, and solemnity; and in a manner that can hardly have failed to produce a deep impression in favor of the cause of missions on the mind of every hearer.

The sentiments expressed in the following extract from the concluding part of the discourse, deserve the solemn consideration of every professed friend to the missionary cause.

If we would be efficient coadjutors to our missionaries, we must feel the power of religion in our own hearts. We often hear it said in relation to foreign missions, that charity should begin at home. One thing is certain-piety must begin and prevail there, before we shall feel much solicitude for its diffusion. We should therefore cherish in our own minds a conviction of the worth of immortal souls, and of the value of that Gospel which we profess to believe and love. Frequent meditation on the guilt and misery of man's condition in this world, and of the fearful doom that awaits him, without an interest in Christ, in the world to come, will excite cur commiseration.

And when we consider the expedient which Infinite Wisdom has devised for the recovery of sinners; the peace which it imparts to believers; its power in creating men anew in Christ Jesus unto good works; and the hopes with which it gilds life's latest hour; all terminating in an "eternal weight of glory," we shall feel anxious that the great Redeciner's name may be made known to the nations. Nothing will make us such steadfast and unwearied friends to missions, as high and admiring views of the Gospel, and a deep feeling of piety in our own hearts.

It is possible, without much religion, to step forward on great and public occasions, as the able and eloquent advocates of missions; but it is also possible, that our services may end when we leave the platform to which we had attracted every eye. The hallowed fire of personal piety must animate us, or our zeal will only occasionally manifest itself, without imparting a steady heat and light.

TAWS.

FROM a communication of Mr. Williams to the Corresponding Secretary, dated Ai-ik-hun-na, July 20th 1829, the following is extracted:

"Last week we held a meeting in the woods, about eight miles east of this station, which commenced on Thursday, and was continued 24 hours, with but short intermissions for refreshments. It had been appointed by two pious captains, who were to meet with their people on middle ground, for the worship of God. Some of my brethren, with myself, were requested to meet and lead them in the exercises, and to preach to them the way of salvation. It was, however, so ordered in divine providence, that I was the only white person present. There were not more than about 70 souls together; and of this number, 15 were praying people. The Lord in mercy prepared a way for himself by shedding down upon his people a spirit of prayer, and heartfelt compassion for sinners: and I can truly say that the place became as the house of God, and the gate of heaven to many in the assembly.

"There was, from the commencement, an apparent solemnity on the minds of some individuals, who had been considered very thoughtless. It increased. Christians were encouraged to pray more fervently, and they did not ask in vain. On Friday, I felt it a duty to set apart a seat, and invite to it "all such as now feeling themselves lost, are determined from this time forth to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus." Then was there a trial of hearts:-then was manifest a conflict between light and darkThe malice, skill, and strength of the prince of darkness were exerted to retain his prey. But a stronger than he had appeared,

ness.

semble. Some left home before the sun rose, and walked ten miles: others six or eight miles, bringing their families with them. They came with solemn and inquiring countenances. Yes, some of the hitherto most wicked in the neighborhood expressed in words their earnest desire to hear more of the way of salvation.

"Before the stated hour of public worship, the females crowded into a room, and for the first time in this settlement, held a prayer meeting by themselves; while the men sat down in a large circle on the green grass, and had a pleasant solemn season of prayer and praise. It was by much the most interesting Sabbath that I ever spent in this place. Our meeting house was filled to overflowing, with solemn and attentive hearers; and seven more persons, all adults came forward to the anxious seat. Verily, what hath God wrought! O what a change! Now, in prayer time, multitudes quickly kneel, who never would kneel before. Now, almost every tongue is loosed to sing, and every ear opened to hear. Until their hearts were touched they could not be persuaded to sing Christian songs. Though many of them do it with heavy hearts, yet they feel that they must in this way also serve God.

but one,

"To-day, one of the inquirers called upon me for more instruction. He asked me, among other questions, "Do white people who can read the good book have bad hearts too?" Also, "Do all men before they become Christians, have a season of distress in their hearts?" One thing is very noticeable; these people seem to dread the idea of hypocrisy. In conversation and in prayer, they express the strongest desire to become true Christians."

CHICKASAWS.

"Yesterday, the Sabbath, we had much additional evidence of its being God's own work. Very early in the morning the people began to as

The letter also contains the gratifying intelligence that considerable seriousness has for some time existed in the neighborhood of Tokshish. Several, who have not connected themselves with the church, give good evidence of piety. The conversion of one of these, whose

name is William H. Barr, is mentioned as calling for peculiar gratitude. Of this youth, who is a full Chickasaw, Mr. Holmes says, "He is a young man of good mind; he reads fluently, and writes with considerable facility, but does not speak English. We furnished him with the Choctaw translations, which he read with avidity, and which, under God, became the instrument in his conversion. He has taken a very decided stand in religious matters. This, in connexion with the fact that he is the nephew of the principal chief in our district, and will probably, if he survives him, be his successor in office, inspires the hope that he is raised up as an instrument of good to his people."-This young man, with another whose history very much resembles his own, teaches a Sabbath school in an Indian settlement a few miles distant from Tokshish, designed exclusively for the full Indians, who are taught in their own language.

A remarkable change seems to have been effected among the Chickasaws, with respect to temperance. "I am informed," says Mr. H., "that it is very common for the full Indians to purchase coffee, sugar, and flour, in the stores on the borders of the nation, and no whiskey. This last article appears by common consent to have been banished from the nation. We have not seen an intoxicated Indian during the past

year.

In a subsequent letter, dated July 18th, Mr. Holmes describes a very interesting four days meeting, or religious council, which was held at Tokshish on the 3d, 4th, 5th, and 6th of July. A large number of people assembled, some of whom had come from the distance of 60 miles. Several missionaries from the Choctaw nation, and two of the Choctaw converts, were present, and assisted in the exercises. "Tahoka, one of these converts, exhorted and prayed with great fervency; and his labors were evidently attended with the blessing of God."

The public exercises commenced on Thursday evening, and closed on Monday morning. On the Sabbath, the Lord's supper was administered to nearly a hundred of his professed followers, in the presence of a multitude of heathens; and seven persons, four Chickasaws and three black people, were received into the church. On Sabbath afternoon, about thirty persons, principally black people, appeared as anxious inquirers; and on Monday morning a number more came forward to the "anxious seats," among whom were 15 Chickasaws. At this last meeting, which continued two hours, there was much solemnity, and evidences of the special presence of the Holy Spirit. "It has been," says Mr. H., a "solemn and delightful season; and our hearts rejoice and bless God

for what we have been permitted to see of his wonderful works among the heathen.

"Since the meeting, several new cases of awakening have come to our knowledge. The cloud of mercy increases, and we think even now there is the sound of abundance of rain.

"The chiefs who were present expressed their decided approbation of all they saw and heard."

ORDINATION OF MISSIONARIES.

THE Rev. Harrison G. O. Dwight was ordained as a missionary, at Great Barrington, Ms. on the 15th of July. The sermon was preached by the Rev. N. S. S. Beman, of Troy, N. Y., from Phil. ii. 20; the consecrating prayer was made by the Rev. Mr. Field, of Stockbridge; the charge was given by the Rev. Dr. Hyde, of Lee; and the right hand of fellowship by the Rev. Mr. Bradford, of Sheffield.

On the 5th of August, the Rev. George B. Whiting was ordained as a missionary, at Richmond, Ms. The introductory prayer was of fered by the Rev. T. Woodbridge, of Green River; the sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Cox, of New York, from Rom. xvi. 25-27; the ordaining prayer was by the Rev. S. Woodbridge, of Greenville, N. Y.; the charge by the Rev. Dr. Porter, of Catskill; and the concluding prayer by the Rev. Mr. Burt, of Great Barrington.

ANNIVERSARIES OF AUXILIARIES.

MASSACHUSETTS. The annual meeting of the Palestine Missionary Society, was held at Abington, on Wednesday, the 17th of June. The Hon. Mr. Webb, of Weymouth, presided. A sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Gay, of East Bridgewater; after which the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Mr. Temple, who was present as a Deputation from the Board.

It appeared from the Report, that during the past year a larger sum had been collected, than in any preceding year.

The Auxiliary of Barnstable West, held its annual meeting at Falmouth, on Friday, June 19th. The annual Report was read by the Rev. Mr. Woodbury, the Secretary; and an address delivered by the Rev. Mr. Temple, who attended as a Deputation from the Board. Rev. Mr. Pratt, President, Rev. D. L. Hunn, Treasurer; Rev. Benjamin Woodbury, Secretary.

VERMONT. The Auxiliary of Franklin County, held its anniversary meeting at Berkshire, on the 23d of June. After the reading of the annual Report, addresses, were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Kinsley, of Highgate, and by Mr. Hollis Read, an Agent of the Board. Rev. Benjamin Wooster, of Fairfield, President; Horace Janes, of St. Albans, Secretary and Treasurer.

EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT OF THE AUXILIARY OF MERRIMAC COUNTY, NEW

HAMPSHIRE.

-"And now, Christian brethren, as we behold these millions of heathen living in sin and