our earthly substance; but these things have been before the public, that I need not be particular. When our opposers found they could not stop the work from going on, they then began to flatter us. "Come, let us all be one, we can commune with you, why won't you commune with us:" yea, they went so far, as that three leading men in a neighbouring town, where they had no minister, came to me, to see if I would not go and be their minister; that they would give me a good salary, and I might baptize in my own way all that desired it; but that I should also sprinkle children for them that wanted it done. O my brother, how it looked to me, to be desired to sell the truth for money! how mean did all the riches and honours of this world, look to me, when compared with keeping the commands of Christ! I thought if they had felt the power of that word as I did, more than fifty years ago, "Let God be true, and every man a liar," they would not have thought of making such a proposal to me. I have no thought but that the men were honest in their own minds, and verily thought that baptism was such a non-essential thing, that any thing would do. But I think with Mr. M. "Peace on more honourable terms, or perpetual war." When I take a view of what I have gone through, and of what God hath done in my day, I can say with wonder, "what hath God wrought." My lot is now cast here in the wilderness, where I find some worthy brethren. Í have united with the third church in this town, and preach with them one half of the time; and supply two other societies, where I preach once a month each. I attended the Holland Purchase Association; had an agreeable interview; they contributed upwards of forty dollars for the missionaries, I saw a letter yesterday from Paris, dated the 22d of May, which gave an account of a great work of God in that place. I also hear of a great revival in Elicot, about 20 miles from me; there have some drops fallen here, though not any general awakening, But O! how many do I see, that appear to be careless and unconcerned about eternal things. Some preachers come along, preaching up, do, and live;" some denying our Lord's divinity; others telling the people to use water any how for baptism. It looks awful to me, to see people treat the commands of the Son of God as many do, but they must give account for themselves to God. When I take a view of my past life, how little I have done as it ought to have been done; I can only say, God be merciful to me a sinner; and all the ground of my hope of finding favour with God, is in the Saviour's infinite merits; but the cause of Christ appears precious, and the souls of men of such value, that I wish to improve my few remaining moments in that cause. I feel a necessity laid upon me to warn people to beware of the errors of the present day. I need the prayers of all God's children, for 1 view myself near the grave; but it is a comfort to me, that I have reason to believe, that God has many faithful witnesses, that will strive together for the faith once delivered to the saints. When I am laid in the grave, I have this for my consolation, that He that hath all power in heaven and on earth, is on the side of truth, and that he will maintain his own hell. To him be glory forever. Amen. cause and people, in spite of earth and From your poor unworthy brother, and fellow labourer, EBENEZER SMITH. P. S. Elder W. has been here, and said he had a letter from you for me, but supposes he left it at his own house, so that I have not seen it, and fear I never shall. I am very sorry; for a letter from you, in my lonely situation here in the wilderness, would be like cold water to a thirsty 'soul. Give my kindest love to all inquiring friends, and in particular to Elder G. I beg an interest in the prayers of all God's people, for I'm left a sojourner below, Thy praise shall be my business still, Farewell; the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. E. S. REVIVALS OF RELIGION. WE rejoice to hear that God is still graciously reviving his work in many of the churches of our Lord Jesus Christ in this land, We have not received from but a few places particular accounts of the number which has been translated from the kingdom of darkness, into the kingdom of God's dear Son. Some time in the latter part of the past winter, a work of the Spirit of God became visible in the town of Providence. It has greatly increased and spread among different denominations of Chris tians. A letter dated the sixth instant, from a friend, in that town, states as fol lows. "There is a good work of grace had been informed, that on the evening before a wonderful display of the power of God had taken place in the conviction and conversion of a wild young Sea Captain. As we went into the house, we were shewn into a room, where three young men, with about twenty young converts, were assembled together, menced in Newport, Warren, Barring singing, and praising the dear Redeem ton, and some other places. ers. In South Reading and Malden, God is also graciously granting reviving showWe hope hereafter to be able to lay before our friends a more particular account of this good work. EXTRACT OF A LETTER TO THE REV. Rev. and dear Sir, Bristol, (R. I.) April 7, 1820. I WROTE you a letter about a month ago, giving you an account of the commencement of a refreshing shower of divine grace in this place. Presuming that you may wish to hear how the good work goes on, it is with great pleasure that I can inform you, that it has been gradually increasing from that time untill the present. Christians of all denominations seem to be united in this one cry,-"O Lord, have mercy upon sinners," and in warning them to flee from the wrath to come. And O the mighty power of God that has been, and is now manifested all around us.It is a day of Pentecost in deed and in truth. If I had an angel's tongue, I could not describe to you this wonderful work of the Lord in the conviction and conversion of lost and perishing sinners. Old and young, black and white, rich and poor, bond and free; bold blasphemers, scoffers, infidels, drunkards, and even moralists, who thought themselves good enough before, have all been brought to bow down at the foot of the cross, crying, "God be merciful to us sinners."-In the agony of their souls, some at least have been almost in despair: but when Jesus spoke, they were seen sitting at his feet, and in their right mind, clothed with the best robe, even the robe of Christ's righteousness; and have been by grace enabled to declare how great things God had done for their souls, in plucking them as brands from the burning. At some metings it appeared as though all that Caristians had to do, was to "stand still and see the salvation of God." I will now try to state a particular case which took place on Saturday last. As one of the brethren with myself were going from house to house, we called into a certain house where we er. There was but one person present, In the course of an hour, he was seen prostrate, begging for mercy, it it were possible that mercy could reach such a guilty sinner. And before night we have reason to hope his soul was set at liberty. He was then praising the blessed Saviour for redeeming grace and dying love. On the same evening he rose up in the midst of a great congregation, assembled in the meeting house, and told what great things God had done for his soul.-Were I to attempt to tell you the number of young converts, who in a judgment of charity, have been brought out of darkness into God's marvellous light, it would be utterly impossible. The facts above stated are known to the whole town of Bristol. The good work seems to be increasing. There are as many as four or five crowded meetings at once, at almost every hour in the day, from an early hour in the morning, until late at night. And even at the corners of our streets, you will scarcely see two or three persons together, but the great concern of the salvation of the soul is the subject of their conversation. The mouths of gainsayers are stopped.-Righteousness inay be said literally to run down our streets. Ye children of the Most High God, of every denomination, are ye not, too many of you, at least, asleep, the wise and the foolish virgins together? Do you not hear the cry, Behold the Bride groom cometh! go ye out to meet him! Have you oil in your vessels, and are your lamps trimmed and burning? Say not there are four months and then cometh the harvest. Are not the fields already white for the harvest? Look at the Missionary exertions and the united efforts of Christians of all denominations to diffuse the word of life far and wide. Is not the hand of God displayed in this? Will not he bless those exertions which he hath inspired them to perform? Now look around to the east, west, north and south, and see how the great Head of the Church is most wonderfully pouring out his blessed Spirit, convincing the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come. Yours with affection and esteem, L W. B SABBATH SCHOOLS. THESE institutions, the diffusive and invaluable benefits of which have been tested by nearly forty years' experience, and demonstrated in the case of thousands of pious individuals, who have been rescued from ignorance and vice, by the instrumentality of Sabbath Schools, have been established, in vast and increasing numbers, in various parts of the world. In this town, several flourishing Schools were maintained last year, and will doubtless be revived. Two have been already commenced, in the Episcopal and First Baptist Churches, under the most flattering auspices. The African Sabbath School will commence in the Town-House, on Sunday next at one o'clock, P. M. The aid and co-operation of parents, masters and others, will Errata. In No. 66, in the Ordination of Dr. Henry Bath, Madina County, Ohio. contribute very essentially to the prosperity of the School. [Providence pa NEW MEETING-HOUSES. THE Corner stone of a new Baptist Meeting House was laid at Augusta, (Geo) February 12, 1820. The religious services were performed by Rev. W. T. Brantley, Pastor of the church in that place. The building is to be of Brick, 73 feet by 50. PROVIDENCE, April 12. Yesterday the corner stone of a new Baptist Church about to be erected at the South end of this town, was laid under the most flattering auspices. The Rev. Dr. Gano addressed the throne of grace in prayer, on the occasion. LIBERALITY. The Pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Boston, acknowledges with pleasure the receipt of Three Hundred Dollars, from the Executor of the ing a donation from her for the educa will of the late Mrs. Mary Hoffman, betion of pious young men designed for the ministry. ORDINATIONS. ORDAINED-At China, Maine, on Thursday the 16th of March, 1820, to the work of an Evangelist, the Rev. ISAAC S. SMITH. Introductory prayer, by Rev. Mr. Briggs, Professor of the Languages in the Maine Literary and Theological Institution; sermon, by Rev. Professor Chaplin, from Proverbs xxvii. 13. "He that waiteth on his master shall be honoured ;"--consecrating prayer, by Rev. Phineas Pilsbury, of Nobleborough; charge, by Rev. Professor Briggs; Rev. Coker Marble, of Vassalboro', gave the right hand of fellowship; concluding prayer, by Rev. Jabez Lewis, of China, followed by an anthem composed for the occasion"Arise, shine, for thy light is come,&c." ORDAINED, at Thomaston, Maine, March 1, 1820, the Rev. JOHN WAKEFIELD, to the office of an Evangelist.The introductory prayer by the Rev. Elisha Snow, of Thomaston; sermon, by Rev. Daniel Ricker, of Warren; by Rev. Silas Stearns, of Bath; charge, right hand of fellowship by Rev. Benjaprayer by Rev. Mr. Wakefield. The min Ames, of St. George; concluding services were performed in the Congregational meeting-house in which the Rev. John H. Ingraham officiates, whose church, in a very friendly manner, accommodated their Baptist brethren with their place of worship. Hudson, of Union, Madine County, Penn read of ON THE DEATH OF THE REV. JAMES M. WINCHELL, A. M. WHILE bending o'er the tomb where Lazarus slept, And shall the muse deny her minstrelsey, Long will Society thy loss deplore, And Friendship sigh that WINCHELL is no more ; O thou wast mild, affectionate and kind, For thirst of knowledge, and for love of truth; Thus didst thou pass this darksome vale of tears, But in the midst of life and usefulness, L MEMOIR OF THE REV. JAMES M. WINCHELL, A. M. LATE PASTOR OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, BOSTON. THE subject of this Memoir was born at North East, Duchess County, State of New-York, September 8, 1791. From a child, he was of an amiable and lovely disposition. At an early period, his thirst for knowledge, and the promising indications which he gave of a fertile mind, induced his parents to afford him the means of obtaining a liberal education. He commenced his academical studies in the autumn of 1806, under the immediate care of the Rev. Daniel Parker, of Sharon, Connecticut. While under the tuition of Mr. Parker, nothing occurred deserving particular notice, until the month of March, 1808, when he visited his friends at North East. A short time before this visit, the work of God had prevailed very extensive ly in his native town. Many of his relatives, and former associates had become the hopeful subjects of divine grace. The change which was visible in their principles and conduct, deeply affected him; and his own mind became seriously impressed with the importance and necessity of religion. Under the anxieties of an awakened con 44 science, he was led to inquire how he might obtain salvation; and God, who is rich in mercy, was pleased to make known to him the way of life through Christ Jesus. Shortly afterwards, he was baptized on a profession of his faith, and was united with the church, of which his father, and many of his relatives were also members, Having finished his preparatory studies, Mr. Winchell was entered at Union College, Schenectady, N.Y. in the year 1808. In this respectable seat of learning he continued three years, when, with the advice and consent of President Nott, he removed his connexion to Brown University, Providence, R. L. from which he graduated in the year 1812. His removal from Schenectady was not occasioned by any feelings of dissatisfaction with the government of the College, or by a love of change, but by a hope that it would enlarge his acquaintance, with the friends of his own denomination, and might introduce him to a greater sphere of usefulness as a minister of Christ. On calling to remembrance the events to which this removal gave rise, we can have |