MISS LOIS HAMLIN. DIED on Saturday morning, Oct. 2nd. 1819, Miss Lois Hamlin, aged 24 years. This amiable young woman was the daughter of Dea. Timothy Hamlin, of Vassalboro' (Me) Nothing remarkable marked her early years. She was strictly moral, and always avoided the company of those whose morals were doubtful. She was obedient to her parents, and tender of their feelings. Being fond of reading, she perused many books. When at the age of 17, there was a revival of religion in Vassalborough ; and one of her brothers was hopefully brought to the knowledge of the truth. This circumstance very much affected her mind. The impressions she received, however, were soon effaced, and nothing more appeared to affect her mind, until the spring before her death. At this time it pleased the Lord to visit her with a severe sickness. She was seized with a violent pain in her side, which, after a time, was partially removed, but continued to afflict her during most of the summer, and caused her life to be despair. ed of. From a letter written at this time, it appears that her thoughts were much on death, judgment and eternity, and that she viewed her time short, In this letter she says, "Is the idea that we shall soon part, solemn? But what is it, compared with parting at the bar of God, for eternity?" In September her complaints became more alarming, and medical aid was sought in vain. At this time, a visiting friend remarked, that her own daughter was under serious impressions. This remark called up the attention of Miss Hamlin, and affected her heart. She now realized her lost condition as a sinner. She felt desirous that her father should pray for her, but durst not ask him. All she felt able to say, was, 64 God be merciful to me a sinner." On the 17th of Oct. the distress of her body was great, and her "sins." as she remarked, "were like mountains, and reached up to heaven." She often said, "God deals with me in a manner perfectly right," "And if my soul is sent to hell, His righteous law approves it well." At other times she exclaimed, "My soul and body wounded too, On Friday 17th, about 3 o'clock, P. M. there appeared to be an alteration in her. A number of friends visited her, as she was supposed to be rear her end. As it was thought her dis solution approached, her parents. who were out of the room, were called in to witness the solemn scene. But af ter lying in this situation about two or three minutes, she revived, and began to address those around her; her tongue was loosed, and she spake plain. ly. After noticing God's goodness to her soul, she sung a verse with which those present were unacquainted father said, "from whence doth this union arise?" And she immediately added, Her "Oh why then so loth now to part, Since we shall ere long meet again." She then desired a hymn might be read and sung; accordingly, one of Watts' was chosen, beginning, "Why do we mourn departing friends." In the singing of which she readily joined. All present were affected. Saints rejoiced, while others stood weeping. 16 On Lord's day, though her distress ed that inward peace with which a of body was great, yet she experiencstranger intermeddleth not." She was often engaged in prayer; and sometimes said, "where are old christians?" Her father said, "You wonder why old saints don't sing, And make the heavenly arches ring." She added, "Ring with melodious, joyful sound, To think a prodigal is found." Being told that speaking so much would injure her, she remarked, twenty-four years I have done nothing for God, I must improve the few moments left in speaking to his glory, and trying to benefit those around me. At one time in great distress she said, “Oh that I may have patience! What a wonder it is that God has had mercy on me, a poor sinner!" She continued about a week in a similar frame of mind The next Lord's day she was remarkably happy. She was entirely reconciled to the will of the Lord; and remarked, I am happy in the thought of living or dying. At some times she appeared bewildered; but generally, enjoyed the possession of her reason, and was conversing upon God's goodness. She possessed a strong evidence of her adoption, and was never heard to complain, except twice, in the course of her sickness, At one time she said, "My mind is in darkness;" at another, "I do not know but I am de ceived" On Thursday she appeared to be going, and her reason seemed to leave her; but on Friday night she recovered her reason; and being asked if "she was going," answered yes; when asked "if she was willing," she answered yes. She said no more. There appeared no alteration until 9 o'clock on Saturday morning, when she fell asleep in Jesus. On Monday her funeral was attended; at which time the occasion of her death was improved by Mr. Nelson, member of the Theological Seminary at Waterville. "Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire ?" MISS MOLLY SLACK. MISS SLACK was born in Attlebor ough, (Mass.) October 30, 1751, and died in New-London, (N. H) of a consumption, Nov 30, 1818. She hopefully experienced, at the age of seven years, the renewing influence of efficacious grace upon her heart, but did not make a public profession of her faith until she was sixteen years of age, when she was baptized, and joined the church in Attleborough, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Job Seamans. Through grace she was enabled to walk worthy of her profession, and to adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour. Her pilgrimage through this vale of tears was remarkable for sufferings, self denial, and piety. In 1794, she removed to New-London, where she continued to exhibit, until her dismission from time, a bright pattern of meekness, uniform piety, fervent devotion, and placid resignation to the will of her heavenly Father. She was a constant and devout attendant on public worship. She would often walk a mile on foot, at an inclement season of the year, and under great bodily indisposition, to reach the place where the Lord's honour dwelleth. The ministration of the word was her meat and drink, whether it proclaimed the promises of the gospel, or the requisitions of divine authority. She was well established in the divine doctrines of the christian religion. Conscious of the deep rooted depravity of her nature, and of the unavailable. ness of her own righteousness, she gloried in the distinguishing doctrines of free sovereign grace, as the only ground of her hope for pardon and salvation. She was ever scrupulously attached to the particular sentiments of the Bap tists, yet she retained an affectionate regard for those of other denominations, who gave evidence of genuine piety. Upon the late revival of religion in New-London, she could cheerfully adopt the language of ancient Simeon, "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation." The disorder which terminated her mortal life, began to assume an unfavourable appearance in the spring of 1818, which continued to increase until her death, the 30th of Nov following. In the death of Miss Slack, her friends and relations have sustained a great loss; yet they all unite in believing that the day of her death was better to her than the day of her birth, and that their loss consists in her eternal gain. REV. DAVID JONES. Rev. DAVID JONES, senior pastor of the Baptist church, Tredyffrin township, Chester county, Pennsylvania, departed this transitory life, on Saturday, the 5th Feb 1820, aged 83 years and 9 months, wanting one week. "He sat like the sun, nor cloud possess'd." His remains were interred the following Monday, in the cemetery appertaining to the same congregation, attended,considering the inclemency of the day, by an unusual number of sympathizing friends, neighbours and mourn ing relatives, where the rites were performed by the Rev. Messrs. Roberts, Ashton, and W Latta. A discourse appropriate to the solemn event, was delivered on the succeeding Lord's Day, to a crowded and attentive assembly, by the Rev. Dr. RoGERS, of Philadelphia, from Psalm 90th, 10th verse. Mr. Jones was born in the now State of Delaware, May 12th, 1736: and became a licenciate in divinity in 1761, at the age of 25 years, and soon after was ordained pastor of one of the churches in connexion with the Baptists. In our struggle for American liberty and independence, against the tyranny and oppression of Great Britain, he took an early and decided part. He obtained his classical education at Hopewell, N. J. in the then excellent and flourishing academy, under the superintendence of the Rev. ISAAC EATON, A. M. In the year 1774, he was honored with the degree of A. M. by the fel lowship of Rhode Island College, now Brown University, the Rev. Dr. James MANNING, a brother student of Mr. Jones, being then the president of that popular and literary institution. Mr. Jones was the author of several pieces, political, moral, and religious. With truth it may be said of him, that he was the indulgent husband, the tender parent, the kind master, the good neighbour, the faithful minister, the inflexible patriot, the improving and pleasant companion, and the REAL christian, which, as Dr. Young judiciously observes, is the "highest style of man." As a minister of religion, he was strictly Calvinistical, contending "earnestly" for the faith, the ordinances, and the primitive simplicity of the gospel. The sensibilities of his mind were acknowledged by all who knew him well, to be naturally pleasing, and his "end was peace"-and to his praise be it recorded, that with the apostle of the Gentiles, he counted "all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, his Lord." {Watchman. DEA. THOMAS SHIELDS. THOMAS SHIELDS, Esq. was a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania. His father was a respectable farmer. While yet a young man, he was introduced into the office of a deacon. To every thing like party spirit he was conscientiously averse. His wisdom and prudence rendered his advice desirable; and few that valued the counsels of age, experience and integ rity, regretted adopting those of Thomas Shields. Not only among private friends, but among the churches of Christ, he aspired at the character of a healer of breaches. His prudence and his zeal as Vice-President of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, will be long and gratefully remembered. During the last six months his health gradually declined. The taper of life burnt itself out. He came down to his grave full of days, and as a shock of corn completely ripened. Amid his final affliction his mind was greatly supported. He would often say, I have lived and I must die a beggar at the throne of mercy.' The statements of his views of the doctrine of grace were lucid and powerful. He would frequently observe, "I come to the Father in the name of the Son, and by the help of the Holy Ghost, for life and salvation-I have nothing on my own behalf to plead; I am a sinner; I can be saved by no righteousness of mine-My only refuge is grace-grace -free and sovereign grace-I know whom I have believed, and that he is able to keep that which I have committed into his hands until that day; I know my Redeemer liveth." It was asked, an evening or two before he died, if he wished a funeral sermon delivered, and if so, what text he would suggest as the foundation of the observations that should be made. The night before his departure, turning himself gently round, "By grace are ye sav. ed-won't that text do? Yes, it will !” Early on Wednesday morning the 8th of December last, without a sigh or struggle he fell asleep. [Lum. Gov. WILLIAM RABUN. His Excellency WILLIAM RABUN, Esq. Governor of the State of Georgia, and honorary member of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, closed his eyes on mortal scenes, on Sabbath day, October 24, 1819, between three and four o'clock in the morning, at his residence in Hancock county, in the 49th year of his age. On Monday his friends committed his perishable remains to the grave, in hopes of a future resurrection to immortal glory. He has left behind him an afflicted wife and seven children, and a grateful and generous public, long to feel and deplore the loss which has been sustaindeath. ed in this sudden and unexpected [Lum. Rev. EDMUND BOTSFORD. DIED on Sunday, December 26th, 1819, in the 75th year of his age, Rev. EDMUND BOTSFORD, pastor of the Baptist church in Georgetown, S. C. Believing that the character of this good man will shortly be given to the public, by one who had an acquaintance with him from an early period of his life, we shall forbear saying any thing more of him than that he was a pious, faithful minister of Christ, and highly respected for his correct, exemplary conduct-for many years, a few short intervals only excepted, sub. ject to the most excruciating pains and severe sufferings, under which, after uniformly manifesting great pa tience and entire resignation to the will of God, he finally sunk. "So sinks the day-star in the ocean bed, REV. STEPHEN PARSONS. A Correspondent at Henderson, (N. Y.) writes, "The churches of this Association are called to put on sackcloth. That venerable and worthy minister of Christ, Elder Stephen Parsons, is no more. He was called from the field of labour, Jan. 6, 1820. He had preached from home the Lord's day before, and on his arrival at Denmark (the place of his residence,) his daughter proposed to send a boy to take care of his horse; but he objected and went himself Mr. Parsons entered the barn, and is supposed to have climbed upon the beams of the barn for hay, and to have fallen from thence. He lived until Thursday, but he could give no account of this painful event, as he was deprived both of speech and reason. He was 70 years of age. Thus one of the mighty in Israel is fallen. "The memory of the just is blessed." Ordinations, &c. AT Grafton, N. H. October 6, 1819, Elder Stephen K. Wescot, was set apart to the work of the Gospel ministry. Introductory prayer and sermon, by Elder Otis Robinson, from Mark vi. 12. "And they went out, and preached, that men should repent." Ordaining prayer, and right hand of fellowship, by Elder Job Seamans. The charge by Elder Otis Robinson, and the concluding prayer by the candidate. The services were peculiarly solemn, and interesting, and witnessed by a respectable audience. AT Northwest, in the county of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, a new Baptist meeting house was opened on Saturday, the 14th of August last. Elder T. S. Harding of Horton, preached on the occasion, from 2 Chron. vi. 18. At 3, P. M. Brother Davis preached from Eph. i. 7. On Lord's day morning, Elder D. Harris of Cornwallis preached from 1819. Dec. 23. 1820. Matt. xxii. 42. Dimock, from Num. xxiii. 23. EveP. M. Elder Joseph ning, Elder George Dimock addressed the people from 1 Tim. iii. 16. Monday 16, Rev. Robert Davis was ordained to the work of the ministry. Elder T. S. Harding preached from 2 Tim. iv. 2. and asked the usual questions. Elder Joseph Dimock offered the consecrating prayer, and gave the charge. Elder David Harris gave the right hand of fellowship; and 'offered the concluding prayer. The whole was attended with a pleasing solemnity. concluding prayers and valedictory adThe glow of affection excited by the dresses, from both German and Enpressed. glish, can be easier conceived than exwill not be known until the sound of The full effect produced the last trumpet shall silence that of the gospel. Donations for Foreign Missions. By Miss N. Brainerd, Female Cent Society, Tolland Ct. Jan. 3. By January quarter interest on public stock, 31. By Mrs. L. Shepherd, Female Cent Society, Catskill, Feb. 9. By Rev. L. Rice, agent, $15,00 12,00 314,23 20,00 200,00 2,831,46 CAULDWELL, Treas. Erratum.-The sum of $43,25, placed to the credit of Rev Joy Handy, in our last No. was received from the Holland Purchase Association. The Treasurer of the Massachusetts Baptist Education Society has received 50 dollars from Mr. E. LINCOLN, being the amount presented by females in the Sd Baptist Church and Society, Boston, to constitute him a Trustee for life, of the Education Society. TO CORRESPONDENTS. The remarks of T. B. R. came too late for insertion in the present Number. A communication has been received from IMLAC. G. K. is under consideration. A continuance of favours is solicited. Our Magazine for this month announces the decease of a number of distinguished individuals, among whom are two highly esteemed Vice-Presidents of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, the Hon. Judge It is also our painful task to record the death of the deeply and deservedly Tallmadge and Dea. Shields. lamented Rev. JAMES MANNING WINCHELL, A. M. aged 28 years, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Boston, one of the Editors of this Magazine, and son of Col. Martin E. Winchell of the State of New York, who departed this life Feb. 22, 1820. We shall give a Metnoir of him in a future No. MR. WINCHELL, in 1808, entered Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. On account of his sentiments as a Baptist, and by the consent In the early of President Nott, he removed his connexions to Brown University, Providence, R. 1. in 1811, and graduated the next year. part of his College life, Mr. W. experienced the power of the gospel In 1813, the Baptist Church in Bristol, R. 1. invited him on his heart to supply their pulpit one year: and in June he was there solemnly ordained to the work of an Evangelist. At the expiration of this engagement, he received an invitation from the First Baptist Church in Boston to preach for them: and, on the 30th of March, 1814, he was installed as their pastor. God has been pleased to approbate this union, by the increase of the Christian graces in the hearts of his people, and by many additions to the Church. We are taught by the death of this worthy minister of Christ, that nothing amiable in manners, excellent in talents, or fervent in piety, can, for a moment, secure our continuance in this world. In July last, Mr.W. was arrested from his various duties, by that disease which terminated his earthly existence. During his confinement, by a lingering consumption, he was blessed with a calm and submissive mind; and died in the faith of that gospel he had so faithfully preached to others. By this afflictive dispensation, society has lost a valuable member-the learned, an interesting associate a wife, one of the best of husbands-three small children, an affectionate father-the stranger and acquaintance, an hospitable friend—a beloved church and society, a dear pastor—and Zion, an able advocate. On Friday his remains were respectfully entombed, followed by a long train of mourning relatives and friends. The procession moved from the late dwelling house of the deceased to the Meeting House, where public services were performed in the following order. 1. Anthem, by the choir. 3. Hymn, by the choir. 5. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Sharp. 6. Anthem, by the choir. 2. Prayer by Rev. Mr. Grafton. 7. Benediction. After which the procession was resumed in the following order : Males of the Congregation, the youngest first. Female members of the Church. Rev. Mr. Davis. Rev. Mr. Sharp. Rev.Mr. Grafton. Body, Rev. Mr. Dwight. Rev. Mr. Bolles. Rev. Dr. Gano. Mourners. Female members of the Rev. Dr. Baldwin's and Rev. Mr. Sharp's Male members of the Rev. Dr. Baldwin's and Rev. Mr. Sharp's Churches and Congregations. |