pied four years and a half.

Mr. Bird observes, that at the time they first landed at Beyroot, they had no intention of tarrying, Jerusalem being the place of their destination; but 'every succeeding year has brought with it evidence to strengthen the impression that our remaining here was a well advised measure, for we have not yet seen reason to believe that, in any other place south of Constantinople, there has been so much eagerness to inquire after truth, united with so much safety in declaring it. The American mission to Syria has now ceased; for how long, Heaven only knows. At this pause in the work, every one interested at all in the mission will also pause, and endeavor to recal some little sketch of its history, and will ask, What good has it done? A brief reply to this question is, that it has increased our familiarity with one of the most interesting portions of the globe. It has contributed to prove the practicability of Protestant missions in Turkey. It has brought to light some important traits of Mohammedism and of Popery in their modern state, But above all, and what is worth more than all the money and all the labors that ever missionaries or missionary patrons expended, it has evidently saved immortal souls from ruin. These souls, however, though of immeasurable value, are few :-few compared with the multitudes brought to Christ at other stations; few compared with the multitudes that still remain in ignorance and sin; few compared with what they might have been, had we but uniformly prayed and labored with the zeal that became our holy office. The highest name to which we can aspire in this work, is, that of "unprofitable servants." We have planted and watered, but the increase is of Him, from whom cometh every JAN. 1829.

good and perfect gift, to whom be glory in the church, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."

Neither the Prudential Committee nor the Missionaries, consider the Mission to Syria abandoned, but only suspended, till circumstances shall permit the residence of Protestant missionaries in that country.

At the annual meeting of the American Board of Missions, in October last, it was resolved, that it is the duty of the Board to provide for the support of superanuated and infirm missionaries and their families; and that a fund be instituted for the object, to be composed of legacies and donations given to that specific object.

The Prudential Committee have appointed Mr. Anderson, one of their Assistant Secretaries, on a special mission to the Mediterranean, to confer with the missionaries, and obtain information of the most judicious measures to be pursued for the spread of the Gospel.

A letter from Mr. Bishop, a Missionary at the Sandwich Islands, states that the death of his wife, Feb. 21, had been blessed in exciting a pleasing attention to religion. The natives had beheld her peaceful death; her prayers and exhortations were solemnly remembered, and the inquiry became general, "What shall we do to be saved?" In April the number of inquirers is stated to have been two hundred.

Mr. Chamberlain, at Honoruru, March 12, also states, that very grati fying prospects are presented at the Sandwich isles. The chiefs are active, and use their influence in favor of reThe Sabbath School, which Mr. Chamligious knowledge and improvement. berlain instructs, contains from one hundred and fifty to two hundred

scholars.

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

The western world has attracted attention by the grandeur of its natural exhibitions, its lofty mountains and majestic rivers; it has also invited observation by the freedom and equality secured by its civil institutions. But not less is it to be regarded in a religious view, as exhibiting the illustrious displays of divine_grace in the conversion of sinners. In the

6

United States, it has pleased the Lord, from year to year, to grant seasons of refreshing from his presence, by the effusion of the Holy Spirit, and to bring multitudes to a happy experience of the truth. As Barnabas, when he saw the grace of God, was glad, so many, who from distant lands have visited the American churches, during the seasons of religious revival, have. joyfully borne the intelligence to other parts of the world: and thus the joy which revivals diffuse in heaven, has been widely diffused on earth. By the following extract from the London Evangelical Magazine, it appears that the subject is awakening an interest in England. 'The extraordinary accounts of the revivals of religion in many parts of the United States, demand the serious attention of all the friends of the Lord Jesus. We have nothing in Great Britain answering to them. We could wish that a deputation of ministers and laymen could be sent to America, to make an actual examination of the state of religion in that country. Perhaps the great reason why revivals are not enjoyed among us, is because they are not sought after.'

These gracious visitations in our land have excited desires for similar blessings in England, as it is stated that the Cumberland Association have set apart an hour of every Monday evening for special prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; and the ministers of the eastern district of London, appointed the 9th of July lasf, for the same object.

The two or three past years have been peculiarly distinguished by the pleasing intelligence which has been announced from almost every section of our land. It has been stated, that in Georgia alone, eight thousand persons have been baptized and added to the Baptist Churches; and the Kentucky Baptist Recorder estimates, that more than eleven thousand have been baptized and added to the Churches in Kentucky.

In the present Number, we can present only the following statements: Rev. Mr. Mott, of Keene, under date of Dec. 4, 1828, writes us thus:

I HAVE just returned from a visit to the town of Saranac; and am happy to inform you that it is a precious season with the people in that place. The good work of God which begun some time last summer, I hope is not yet

subsided. Shortly after the commencement of the work, seventeen persons followed their Lord and Master in the ordinance of baptism. This number, together with six or seven members of the Baptist church in Jay, whose lot God had cast in this wilderness, were constituted a church on the 30th of September. The ordination of brother Story, in Plattsburgh, was attended Oct. 1. The Sabbath school, together with the labors of brother Story, have been the principal means of promoting the revival. While I was with them last Lord's day, I was happy to learn that the Sabbath school is still continued with much interest. It may truly be said of the town of Saranac, both in a literal and spiritual sense, "the wilderness has budded and blossomed like the rose, and springs of water have broken out in the desert." This church, being the first constituted in the town, looks like a little flock in the wilderness, without a shepherd. They truly need the guardian care of the great Head of the church.

On my return, I learned that the Lord is beginning a good work in Plattsburgh. Four were added to the church by baptism last Sabbath, and others are inquiring what they shall do to be saved. And at Keeseville, also, the prospect is flattering that the Lord is about to visit the people with a shower of divine grace. Four or five miles from the village, twelve or thirteen were baptized by the Methodists a few Sabbaths since, and the work is still progressing. May the Lord continue his gracious work, until all these regions are watered with the dew of heaven.

I have lately had pleasing intelligence of the good fruits of the late revivals of religion in the county of St. Lawrence. Great additions have been made to nearly or quite all the Baptist churches in that county, and with a few exceptions; they appear to be walking in obedience to their Divine Lord and Master, "standing fast in the libberty wherewith he has made them free."

I gave you some account of the commencement of the revival in this town in 1827. Since that time, I have baptized twenty-two, and there are five or six others, who have not yet obtained sufficient confidence to follow their Lord and Master.

The wonderful display which God is making in our day of his power and grace, appear to be pleasing indications

of the speedy approach of Zion's King to destroy the man of sin, and establish his own kingdom.

Pray for me, that the Lord may give me wisdom to instruct the lambs of the flock. EBENEZER MOTT.

Mr. M. Warder, Russellville, gives the following pleasing intelligence to the Editor of the Kentucky Baptist Recorder: Oct. 8, 1828, I have just returned from the Bethel Association.

It was the most interesting season I ever witnessed. It was affecting to behold the youth of twelve years of age, up to the man whose locks are white, bowing prostrate on the earth, while the cry was heard, Lord, save, or we perish. Fifty-seven persons have been baptized and united to the church at Little West Forke. We have also a refreshing work in a part of this county. Perhaps twenty or thirty have found Christ precious to their souls, and have joined the church,'

The Kentucky Baptist Recorder, Nov. 17, states, that a visit from brethren S. M. Noel, and J. Vardeman, had been blessed with the happiest effects in a revival of religion in Broomfield, Kentucky. During their stay, one hundred and twenty-three were added to the Baptist Church on a profession of faith, and submission to the ordinance of baptism. In several places also in the neighborhood, a number were baptized, making in the whole one hundred and seventy. It is also stated, that since the middle of Oct. about eighty have been baptized and added to the church at New Castle, Henry Co. Ken. and pleasing seasons are enjoyed in various other places.

A letter from Cincinnati, to the editor of the N. Y. Baptist Register, states, that one hundred and sixty-five were added to the Baptist Church in that city, during the revival the last sum

mer.

Rev. Peter Latimer, Brookfield, N. Y. states, that several churches have been visited with revivals since January last, and that he has baptized seventy, who have united with the church in that place.

REVIVAL AT SEA.

Extract of a Letter from H. Bingham, to one of the Editors of the New York Observer.

My dear Brother,

From the isles of the sea, I am again permitted to address you. The fact

which I proposed to mention is, that of a semi-weekly prayer and conference meeting on board of a whale ship, both in port and at sea.

Such a meeting was established on board the ship Enterprise, about six months ago, on the indication of special The Lord was pleased, as we have seriousness in two or three individuals. with the influences of his Spirit, and good reason to believe, to visit them a large portion of the crew had a new song put into their mouths.'

THE SABBATH.

It gives us great pleasure to state; that memorials are in circulation in some of our cities, and arrangements are making in others, to petition Congress to discontinue the transportation of the Mail, and the opening of Post Offices on the Lord's day. Few inconveniences can result from discontinuing the practice, and many advantages may be secured. Great numbers who are now prevented from a due observance of the day, might then mingle in the services of the sanctuary. The multitude of stage drivers would suspend their labors; post-masters would be excused from attending the ir offices; public houses might enjoy more stillness; and in many other respects the elevated, delightful, and appropriate services of the Christian Sabbath would be more extensively enjoyed. The subject cannot fail deeply to interest the professed disciples of Christ, as individual happiness and the welfare of the nation are indissolubly connected with obedience to the divine command. We trust a very general expression of the public mind, will be called forth in favor of the memorial.

CHARLESTON BAPTIST ASSOCIA TION.

FROM the Minutes of the Charleston Baptist Association, we learn that this ancient and respectable body held its seventy-eighth anniversary at the Bethel church, Sumter District, S. C. Nov. 1, 1828. During the past year, seasons of refreshing have been granted to the churches, and seven hundred and twenty-six have been added by baptism. Efforts for promoting education, for advancing the interests of missions, and for the circulation of religious tracts; are prominent items in their proceed

ings. Grateful for the effusion of the Holy Spirit in the conversion of sinners during the past year, the first Sabbath in April next was appointed as a day of thanksgiving for the grace which has been bestowed, and of ardent prayer for the continuance and increase of these gracious visitations,

THE NEW YORK STATE CONVEN

TION,

Met at Troy, Oct. 15. Sermon by Rev. Spencer H. Cone. Mr. Cone was chosen Moderator, and J. Smitzer, Clerk. The Report states, that the General Agent has received in donations the last year, 2873 dollars, and the systematic plan, recommended the year previous, that each member of the churches should contribute at least 18 3-4 cents, annually, has been adopted by fifteen Associations, embracing more than twenty-five thousand members. Several Indian Stations and schools are under the direction of the Convention. The Tonnewanda station presents particular encouragement. Two Indian converts have recently been baptized, one of whom had entertained a hope in Christ, and maintained family worship for three years previous; the other, who is the interpreter, and is son-inlaw to Little Bear, the most influential chief of the Christian party, has recently passed from death unto life. Thomas Jameson, their former interpreter, also professes a hope in Christ, and has requested to join the native brethren at Tonnewanda. He has received a good education, has completed a course of medical studies, and is praetising among the natives and whites, The Board state, that they have sent into the field about thirty missionaries the past year. Appropriations were also made to several churches, to aid them in procuring preaching. Rev, Elon Galusha was chosen President of the Convention, and C. G. Carpenter, Secretary, for the ensuing year.

ORDINATIONS, &c,

Mr. Joel Peck, student of the Hamilton Theological Institution, was ordained as an Evangelist, in Jay, N, Y, March 8, 1827. Sermon, by Elder Samuel Churchill; Ordaining Prayer, by Elder Abel Wood,

Oct. 8, Mr. Levi Kneeland, of Canterbury, Con. was ordained as an Evangelist; Sermon, by J. S. Swan, Mr. Willard Judd was ordained at Salisbury, N. Y. Oct. 22. Sermon, by C. G. Carpenter, of Fairfield.

Mr. John Goodall was ordained in

Hampton, Vir. Oct. 10. Sermon, by Rev. Mr. Woodson, of Portsmouth.

Mr. Jeremiah Kelley was ordained at Brewster, Mass. Oct. 2. Sermon, by Rev. William Bowen, of Martha's Vineyard.

Mr. Calvin Newton was ordained at Bellingham, Mass. Oct. 22. Sermon, by Rev. Professor Ripley.

Mr. Nicholas Medbury, was ordained Pastor of the Central Baptist Church, Middleboro', Nov. 12. Sermon, by Rev. E. W. Freeman, of Lowell.

Nov. 13, Mr. Erastus Denison was ordained at Groton, Con. Sermon, by Rev. Mr. Palmer.

Nov. 27, Mr. C. B. Keyes was or. dained Pastor of the Baptist Church, North Adams, Mass. Sermon, by Rev. J. Matteson.

Rev. Timothy P. Ropes was installed Pastor of the Baptist Church in Seabrook, N. H. Dec, 2.

Dec. 18, Mr. Henry F. Baldwin was ordained at Bennington, Vt. Sermon, by Rev. Leland Howard, Troy,

Mr. E. Thresher was ordained at

Portland, Dec. 18. Prayer, by Mr. Flanders; Reading the Scriptures, by Mr. Tinson; Sermon, by Dr. Sharp; Prayer, by Mr. Nutter; Charge, by Mr. Butler; Right Hand of Fellowship, by Mr. King; Address, by Mr. Stow; Concluding Prayer, by Mr. Clark.

MEETING-HOUSES OPENED.

At Hillsboro, N. H. Nov. 5, a beautiful Baptist Meeting-house, 65 feet by 45, was opened with religious services, Sermon, by Rev. Joseph Elliot.

Nov. 5, the brick Meeting-house, erected for the Baptist Church and Society in Brentwood, N. H. was opened for religious worship. Sermon, by Rev. B, Stow, of Portsmouth.

CHURCHES CONSTITUTED. Nov. 28, a Baptist Church was con stituted at Willimancit, Mass. consisting of about 40 members, to whom 20 more are expected soon to be added.

Dec. 2. a Baptist Church was recog nized at Sea-Brook, N. H.