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came pastor. And at the time of Heaven. He was one of the first his funeral solemnities, it was said, to unite in forming the Salisbury the most perfect harmony had sub- Association; and one of the first sisted in the society from its organ- in forming the Baptist Dom. Misization to that day; both among sionary Society of New-Hampshire. themselves, and with their lament- And when, by the resignation of ed minister. The church also was the Rev. C. O. Kimball, the office the abode of peace; inasmuch as of Corresponding Secretary was its members found in their pastor, rendered vacant, Mr. Veazey was a wise counsellor and a faithful unanimously chosen to fill the friend. And such was his pru- place. In this office he continued dence, that although there remain- to the day of his death, the impored in town some Baptists not con- tant duties of which he discharged nected with him in church-fellow- to the entire satisfaction of the Soship, and some of the Congregation-ciety. al order, he shared in the esteem and good will of all: at least, none could find in his conduct, any just ground of offence.

I shall now close this memoir of our departed brother, by noticing, more particularly, his education, his standing as a minister, and the circumstances of his death.

We are now brought to the closing scene. Having attended a very interesting meeting of the Missionary Society at New Boston, in which every heart tasted the sweetness of brotherly love, in returning home, he rode in the rain, and took a severe cold. This brought on a hoarseness, which soon became exceedingly troublesome. He continued, however, his usual labours, probably under an impression, that as it was but a cold, he should soon enjoy his wonted

As to his education, he was, in a manner, self-taught; or, to speak with greater truth, taught of God. At that day, a classical education was not so much valued as at the present; and on this account, per-health. haps, more than any other, Mr. Veazey found it necessary, after having commenced his ministerial labours, to improve every hour that could be spared from more pressing duties, in seeking knowledge. Nor were his efforts without success. For in his riper years, his language was chaste and correct; and as weight of character was one of his excellencies, so his pulpit discourses were solid, spiritual, and practical.

As to his standing, Mr. Veazey was beloved and esteemed, both among his own people, and wherever he was known. His aim was, to be useful, rather than shining. He knew how to blend the wisdom of the serpent, with the harmlessness of the dove; the humility of the child, with the firmness of the man; yea, all the kindness of a spiritual father, with the unwavering fidelity of the ambassador of

But this he was not permitted to realize; for his lungs soon became weakened, and his whole frame affected. Medical aid, though at times seemingly beneficial, was in vain. His illness commenced in June, 1824, and on the 4th of April, 1825, the earthly house of his tabernacle was dissolved, and he entered a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

During his sickness, he possessed much calmness and serenity of mind, and manifested a cordial submission to the disposing will of his gracious Lord. The word and promises of the gospel were his support and consolation. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace." We cannot but add, "O the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom, and the knowledge of God! How un

searchable are his judgments.". Whether we consider the deceased as a husband, a father, or a Christian Minister, every thing seemed to say, let him live. For by his death, a beloved wife, whose welfare he sought with more than common tenderness, and eight children, all of them young, and one, an infant of about three weeks, were deprived of their best earthly friend, and greatest earthly support. By his death, a church, planted, watered, and built up by his instrumentality, is deprived of

a faithful and affectionate pastor; and the Society, yea, the town, of one who never failed to seek their good, and in whom they could place the utmost confidence. And by his death, the Zion of God was called to mourning. He was a good man. His character and standing were such, as promised increasing usefulness. He was in the meridian of life; or, to speak with more propriety, his sun had scarcely reached its meridian, when it set prematurely in the night of the grave.

RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATIONS.

STYLE OF SINGING ON PUBLIC OCCASIONS.

in the name, or on account of Christ, they would meet to express their faith in him as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the only Saviour of the world-to render to him di

I attended yesterday at the dedication of a neat and commodious Congregational meeting-house, lately erected in Hanover street, Boston. The services were appropri-vine homage-to avow their love to ate and interesting.

him-and to shew their readiness
These
to obey his commands.
views and feelings he considered
as constituent parts of Christian
character, without which, no body
of men can justly claim the dis-
tinctive appellation of Christians.
But, possessing these, when they
assemble together, they may expect
that Christ will grant them his
presence and blessing. This is
only an imperfect outline of a truly
evangelical sermon. I hope it will

The sermon, by Professor Stuart of Andover, was heard with profound attention, and produced a deep and solemn impression on the minds of the audience. It was founded on the promise of Christ; Matt. xviii. 20. "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." His object was to shew, that there are some truths to be believed, and some duties to be practised, which are peculiar to Chris-be tianity; and that men who do not believe the one, nor practise the other can have no right to the Christian name.

Having disclaimed the authority of all creeds and catechisms over the consciences of men, and asserted the Protestant principle, that the Bible is the only rule of faith and practice, he proceeded in a plain but cogent manner, to prove from the scriptures, that if the worshippers in that house met together

printed, and that every soberminded person in the community will peruse it attentively.

What added much to the satisfaction which the other services imparted, was the Christian simplicity with which the singing was conducted. There was nothing which had the least appearance of display; and there was no monopoly of this delightful part of the worship of God. Three solemn and appropriate hymns were given out, and the tunes in which they were sung,

ren.

I will not allow myself to suppose that as a body, singers are regardless either of the feelings of their ministers, or those of decided

were familiar to the ears of the congregation, and calculated to excite a tender and devotional spirit. I left this new house of worship with feelings of unmingled pleas-ly pious Christians. They desire to ure. I was glad to see such an in- please them, and to treat them with dication of consistent and elevated respect. And this no doubt is one piety in my Congregational breth- object they have in view in their seTheir praiseworthy example lection of musick on public occain this instance, deeply affected me, sions. It is therefore proper they and I resolved on returning home should know, that for the most to recommend this subject to the part, the introduction of anthems serious consideration of the readers at these times, is a source of unof your Magazine. feigned regret, and a topic of priThere are indeed, some difficul-vate lamentation among the ministies to surmount in effecting a reformation of what I think is a serious evil in many of our Societies. But let not those to whom Christ has entrusted the direction and control of his worship, be too easily discouraged. A kind, prudent, and firm course of measures, will do much to correct any errors of this nature where they have pre-emn truths they may have uttered, vailed. and whatever serious impressions may have been made on the minds of their hearers-the symphonies

ters of Christ. They do not indeed complain very loudly, because they wish, if possible, to avoid giving offence. But it is one of the things over which they sigh in secret.Why is this? Do they envy the enjoyment or distinction of those who sing? Not at all. It is because they are fearful, that whatever sol

with which they are entertained at the close of public worship, will completely erase these impressions, and cause them to forget the truths which they have heard. That these are the unhappy consequences, at least to a great extent, is evident, from what constitutes the chief topic of conversation with many when returning from these services. It is the excellence of the music, and not the important truths of the discourse on which they expatiate. And how distressing must be the idea to a conscientious minister, that sacred music, which was intended to raise the affections to God, should be so arranged and managed, as to operate like an evil charm, in expelling every serious thought from the human breast.

But it will be said that on public occasions, singing choirs wish to perform something rather better-solos-duets--and chorusses,than usual, and although it is a matter of regret, yet they must be gratified. I would shew a disposition to gratify them in every thing that is reasonable and scriptural. But beyond this, it should always be plainly understood that they will be expected to regard the views of the Pastor and the Church. Should some of the influential members state to them in a discreet and affectionate manner, that the performance of anthems is in their judgment, not in accordance with the nature and design of social worship, but on the contrary, productive of many unhappy effects on the worshippers generally, it is believed that they would not be greatly offended. They might perhaps at first, have some feelings of disappointment; but a little reflection, it is hoped, would convince them that they had lost sight of the purpose for which this part of divine worship was instituted.

It is also an enquiry which ought not to be treated with levity; “in what estimation does the Being we profess to worship hold these performances?" Few will dare to ex

press it as their conviction, that the Almighty listens with approbation, and considers himself honoured by such kind of praise. Even real Christians themselves, who join in these performances, are so anxious lest they should sing incorrectly,and so desirous of performing their part well, that I leave it to their recollections to say whether on these occasions, they had the sweet consciousness that they were worshipping God in spirit and in truth.Of many others it is not necessary to say,that their general appearance would lead no one to suppose, that they were making melody in their hearts to the Lord.

Ministers of the gospel ought not to lord it over God's heritage. But it does appear to me that they ought to exert a directing influence in relation to matters of religious worship among their own people. And I would respectfully suggest to them whether, from motives of fear, they have not too quietly submitted to an evil of frequent recurrence; and whether a consideration of its tendency should not cause them, in concert with their brethren, to employ gentle, gradual, but effectual means for its removal? March 2, 1826.

ON PRAYING FOR THE STUDENTS IN OUR COLLEGES.

Ir is generally known, that a day was lately set apart by a large and repectable body of Christians for the purpose of unitedly supplicating the blessing of God on all our Literary Institutions. From this circumstance my own attention was more particularly directed to a consideration of the duty of special prayer for those who are pursuing Academical or Collegiate studies. A little reflection convinced me that I had not been sufficiently impressed with the importance of the subject. I was conscious that I had not remembered them at a

throne of grace with that deep' and intense interest, which is demanded by their present character and future prospects. This may be the case with other Christians. Although they esteem it both their duty and privilege to pray, yet they may have devoted no special seasons in beseeching the Lord that he would pour out his Spirit on our Colleges. To such I would address a few thoughts, which, if I am not deceived, have had a happy influence on my own mind.'

The duty of special prayer for Students will appear important if we consider the stations which they are destined to occupy in society. It is true, indeed, that the salvation of any individual, however illiterate, or however poor, should be an object of earnest desire; for the soul even of the most degraded human being is of more value than a world. Nevertheless, so far as the influence of men in the community is concerned, it is peculiarly desirable that Collegians should become truly religious. From them will be selected our future statesmen, judges, advocates at the Bar, and medical practitioners, and to them will generally be entrusted the education of our chil dren. Now when we consider the vast influence which these offices and professions enable men to exert over the minds and characters of others; how important does it seem that the possessors of them should be truly pious! The power of example in such persons is as.. tonishingly great. If in addition to his learning, an individual has also the authority of office, he is revered as the oracle of the neighbourhood. If he be an infidel in his sentiments, regardless of the Sabbath, or dissipated in his habits, the influence which he will exert cannot fail to be bad. It will only be a repetition of what has taken place, should the people be persuaded that they can do without a minister, and that they had better

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spend the Sabbath in visiting, or in the cultivation of their farms. But when learning and official authority are associated with Christian virtyes, it is impossible to describe all the benefits which such a person confers on society. You witness some of these benefits in the orderly and comfortable appearance of the villagers; in the neat and commodious house erected for the public worship of God; in the rest and silence of the Sabbath; and in the throng of spiritual worshippers, who delight to keep holy day. Inquire the cause of what you see and hear, and you will find that learning and office, sanctified by piety, have produced this happy state of things.

We have also a powerful inducement to pray for the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit on our Colleges, because, should these be granted, then we might hope that many of the Students, feeling the worth of immortal souls, and convinced of the truth and excellence of Christianity, would consecrate their talents and learning to the work of the ministry. And surely no enlightened Christian can reflect for a moment on the state of our country, without feeling that this would be a desirable event. "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

out the United States, render it very important that ministers of the gospel should possess respectable information. Their lips should keep knowledge.

It is undoubtedly true, that with few advantages of a literary nature, many pious ministers have been eminently honoured as instruments in turning sinners from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. Such faithful labourers will probably always find sufficient, and, we trust, successful employment. But still it must be acknowledged by every candid and judicious Christian, that, other things being equal, he who possesses the most information will be the most useful. A person who is comparatively ignorant, however pious he may be, cannot generally command the attention, nor exert an influence over men of superior and enlightened minds. How very important then, that our young men, whose minds are expanding under the genial rays of literature and science, should feel the vivifying influences of that Spirit, which will excite them, with untiring zeal, to dedicate themselves, with all their advantages, to Christ and his church.

The effects of one genuine Revival of Religion in a College, are beyond all calculation. As the fruit of such a work in one of our Colleges many years ago, seventyfive young men devoted themselves to the work of the ministry. And most of these were blessed with the wonderful displays of God's grace in their respective congregations.

It is a fact, which so far from being concealed ought to be proclaimed from one end of the country to the other, that we not only want labourers, but we want a greater number of intelligent laFrom the conversion of one young bourers. We want men who have Student, multitudes may eventualenjoyed the advantages of educa-ly be brought to an acknowledgtion. The improved state of soci- ment of the truth. It would be ety demands, that they who teach delightful to trace the effects of should be taught themselves. The such a work in a College, and to increasing interest which the pub- observe the entire change it prolic feel in our Common Schools, duces in the character and purand the Legislative patronage suits of those who are the subjects which is extended to them through of it,--the moral and religious influ

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