Poetry..... Extract of a Letter from Rev. Mr. Jones. Oh! was it not thine own command And shall they now forsaken be, And magnify thy sovereign sway. Praise for the Deliverance of the Missionaries at Ava. O THOU, that hearest prayer! to thee Ten thousand hearts thy name adore. In every place and age the same; Of darkness, on their labours shed As life sprung breathing from the dead. DOMESTICK MISSION. 1 341 EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM REV. EVAN JONES, TO REV. DR. BOLLES. Rev. and dear Brother, Valley Towns, Sept. 23, 1826. I hasten to inform you of the arrival || tained an inventory or letter, I cannot acknowledge their receipt, and express our thanks to the Societies, separately of seven boxes from various friends in the North. As only one of them con These articles have lain at Augusta, || of our pious friends and helpers in the gospel, will not discourage them. We need their aid very much at this time. Our stock of clothing was entirely exhausted when these arrived, and the children's clothes were so much worn and patched, that the supply will be almost all taken up to furnish them afresh. nearly two years, for want of opportunity to convey them hither. I have known of their being at Augusta a long time, and some of our brethren there have taken the trouble to have them opened and aired, so that very little damage has been sustained. I have now made some temporary arrangements with a waggoner, who trades from the Nation to Au gusta, to bring our things whenever they arrive. Our school goes on pretty well. I have just engaged a pious man, a member of the Baptist church in Tennessee, to take the lead in the farming work, which I hope will be advantageous to I learn by marks on some of the boxes, that part of the things came from Fram-the business, and also give me a little ingham, Worcester, and Newton. I more time to attend to the great object shall feel obliged if you can devise some of the mission, the preaching of the gosmeans to thank these kind friends, inpel of the grace of God to the adjacent our name and that of our little Cherokees. I hope the delays which have occurred in the transportation of the contributions towns. I am, dear Sir, Your obedient servant in the gospel, RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. NEWTON THEOLOGICAL INSTI- definite nature proposed and recommend TUTION. Newton, Sept. 14, 1826. At the annual meeting of the Corporation of Newton Theological Institution, held this day at the Seminary, it || was resolved, that Rev. Mr. Jackson, of Charlestown, and Rev. Mr. Knowles, of Boston, be a Committee to address the Christian publick, in behalf of this Institution, and solicit their aid, that its important objects may be carried into im mediate execution. Attest, LEVI FARWELL, Secretary pro. tem. Pursuant to the preceding resolution, the undersigned beg leave to present to the Christian publick a brief statement of the condition and prospects of this Institution. They will first state a few facts concerning its origin and progress, drawn from a Circular Letter, published in the American Baptist Magazine for July, 1826, to which the reader is referred. For a number of years an Institution of this kind has been contemplated, but not until May, 1825, was any thing of a ed. Immediately, the Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Baptist Ed||ucation Society, at the request of a large number of ministers and private brethren, assumed the execution of this trust, and adopted such measures as the providence of God seemed to direct, and the attainment of the object necessarily to require. The Rev. Irah Chase was appointed Professor of Biblical Theology. A site was purchased in Newton, about 8 miles from Boston, containing eightyfive acres, on elevated ground, and commanding one of the most delightful prospects in this vicinity. A large mansion house, situated on the premises, has been enlarged and repaired. This is designed for the temporary residence of the Professors and Students. An expense of $8,000, including the purchase money, has been thus incurred. This sum has been subscribed by a few individuals in Boston and its vicinity, and at the annual meeting the whole premises were presented to the Trustees, unincumbered with debt. In addition to this liberal aid, the ladies in this vicinity have subscribed sufficient sums to furnish several rooms for the students, and a few gentlemen in Boston have presented for the library several valuable books. The Committee deem it unnecessary to recapitulate and justify the motives which led to the establishment of this || they doubt that there are sufficient Seminary. The principle, that the funds, at the disposal of the friends of ministers of the gospel ought to receive ministerial education. If 8,000 dollars as thorough an education as possible, is have been promptly subscribed by a few now settled; and the person who ques- || individuals in this neighbourhood, what tions it, has fallen behind the age. sum might not be collected throughout those parts of our country to which they may rightfully look for aid? The Institution is not designed for Massachusetts only-but for New-Englandfor the whole country It is open for all who possess the qualifications already specified. Large sums will be needed to fulfil its designs. Two Professorships, at least, must be endowed; suitable buildings must be erected; a library must be obtained; and funds for the support of beneficiaries must be raised. For these they appeal with confidence to the piety and benevolence of every friend to religion and improve The simple object which the Trustees have in view, is to aid individuals, whom God has called to the ministry, in acquiring a solid education. adapted to render them the more useful as Ministers of Christ. The course of study is fitted to this end. The regulations which have been adopted, provide every possible security against the admission of any pupil, whose call to the ministry, or character, or motives, are in the least degree questionable. Having this object solely in view, the Institution commenced its operations less than a year since, in Newton, under favourable auspices. The annual examination took place on the 14th of September, and gave ample proof of the proficiency of the students, and of the ability and zeal of the Professor. The thoughts, feelings, and hopes, inspired on that occasion, will never be obliterated. The Trustees returned, with a deeper conviction of the necessity of devoting their influence and making personal exertions for the prosperity of the institution. They felt, that the success which God had granted to their limited efforts, within a single year, was a pledge of his approbation, and an encouragement to proceed in the execution of their purposes. The present state of the Institution is far more prosperous than could have been expected. Rev. Henry J. Ripley, of Riceborough, (Geo.) was appointed, at the annual meeting, Professor of Biblical Literature and Pastoral Duties. Two Professors, therefore, are now attached to the Seminary. A valuable estate, with a house sufficient for the residence of the Professors, Students, and Steward, the ensuing season, is now the property of the Trustees. A few young men are now, and a number more are expected to become students at the opening of the next term, the 27th inst. The Trustees feel that they ought to "thank God and take courage." They regard the Institution as now claiming the patronage of the publick, not as an experiment, but as an undertaking, on which the Lord has graciously smiled, and which gives every promise of extensive benefit to our churches. They are persuaded, that the publick mind is prepared to receive with favour an appeal for efficient aid. Nor can ment. Brethren in the ministry, we appeal to you. There is no minister who may not contribute to the interests of the Institution. If we have not personal funds, we may influence those who have them, or at least we may bestow our prayers. Let these be fervent. Let us remember the Institution frequently in our private, family, and publick devotions-and let all our friends know, that we not only feel a concern for its welfare, but wish others also to be deeply interested. We To the members of the churches we appeal. Here is an opportunity for you to aid in fulfilling the commission of our divine Lord, as he ascended on high. You can do much. The smallest sums will add to the funds. hope that you will favourably receive the agents who may be sent forth,— and that you will give them strong evidence of your general and individual interest in this Seminary. To the friends of the publick good, and of whatever is beneficial to mankind, we appeal. Upon other occasions, and for other purposes, we have done so before, and have not been disappointed. We could easily multiply considerations which entitle this object to your favourable regard; but we forbear, believing that you will be prompt to aid, whenever requested. To procure the funds requisite for the most pressing wants of the institution, immediate application will be made to the publick. A Committee of finance has been appointed, consisting of Dea. L. Farwell, of Cambridge, Mr. N. R. Cobb, Dea. H. Lincoln, and Rev. Mr. Sharp, of Boston, and Rev. Dr. Bolles, of Salem from which a Sub-Commit the permanent establishment of the Baptist interests A. D. 1802. Within the last eight years the house of worship has been removed to a more eligible location, and enlarged; the Society has been greatly multiplied; and ninety six persons have been received to the fellowship of the Church. Seven tee has been appointed for the purpose || The present is the fourth revival since of employing agents, consisting of Deacons Farwell and Lincoln. To either of these gentlemen, it is proper for persons who wish to become agents to ap ply. The Committee have agreed for the present, to ask aid for two of the before mentioned objects, viz. the endowment of the Professorship of Biblical Theology, and for the general pur-years ago this autumn, a work of grace poses of the Institution. An oppor tunity will be afforded, however, to give to any object, which the donors may designate. Rev. B. C. Grafton, of Plymouth, has been appointed an agent, and has commenced his duties. It is confidently hoped, that the churches will duly realize the claims of this Institution on their prayers and assistance. There are young men, whom God has called to the ministry, who need the education which they might here receive. Shall they be indebted to other denominations for instruction, or shall they go forth without it? Shall this Institution be retarded in its operations for want of funds? It must not. Let every individual, who wishes for himself and his children the advantages of an enlightened ministry, yield what aid he can, 66 as God has prospered him." We will say no more.-We trust that God has prompted the friends of the Newton, Theological Institution to undertake the arduous office of establishing and fostering it. He has granted them unexpected success. May He graciously prosper all their future efforts In behalf of the Trustees, HENRY JACKSON, October 10, 1826. commenced in this town, of which an account may be seen, in the American Baptist Magazine, Vol II. Page 448. As the fruits of that work thirty six were added to the Church under my pastoral care, and thirty-one to the Congregational Church. It has been objected to revivals of religion that the subjects of sudden change during such seasons of great excitement are apt soon to fall away from their religious profession. As an answer to such an objection, and to the praise of divine grace be it recorded, that but one of those added to us in that revival has as yet by immorality of conduct, dishonoured the christian name, and that one has been mercifully reclaimed, and restored to the bosom of the church And it was peculiarly encouraging to find many of them among the earliest and most active promoters of the present gracious work of the Lord. Previous to the commencement of the revival of which I am now to give a detailed account, it must be acknowledged christians in general had become very cold in their affections, and inactive in their efforts to promote the cause of the Redeemer. Though peace and harmony prevailed in the Church to a good degree, there was a lamentable destitution of fervency and devotion. Our tuneless harps were hung upon the willows, and each was ready to exclaim, "How can I sing the Lord's song in a strange land!" The impeni REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN SOUTH tent grew bolder and more hardened in READING. South Reading, Oct. 17, 1826. Messrs. Editors, Agreeably to your request, I now proceed to give the publick, through the medium of your valuable publication, some account of the present revival of religion among the dear people of my charge. their sinful career, and the most fearful apprehensions were indulged respecting the fatal effects of their increasing impiety. We had abundant reason to look for the judgments of an offended God, whose long suffering had been abused, and whose tender mercies had been so long disregarded. Perpetual praises be given to him who "has not dealt with us after our sins, rewarded us according to our iniquities." nor It may not be improper, however, to premise a few things, preparatory to such an account. The Baptist the first omens of good were Church in this town has, in many re About the middle of last February, seen. There had been for a considerable spects, been blessed from the beginning. || length of time a revival in the West Parish of Reading, about two miles distant, under the ministry of Rev. Jared Reed, and some of us were hoping and praying that the good work might be extended from that place to this; but God's "thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are his ways our ways." The first convert, one of our principal singers, and at the time one of my scholars, resided in the south-east extremity of this town and directly op posite to the favoured parish in Reading. The conversion of this individual,|| connected with some other circumstances, gave to my own mind and to the minds of a few others who were ardently desiring a different state of things, an unusual degree of religious activity. We had the fullest conviction that it was our duty to arise and shine, the light of a blessed day having come, and the glory of the Lord having actually arisen upon us. The confidence expressed in relation to the commencement of a revival was thought by some of the members to be bordering on presumption; for they were not generally aroused to the subject. It has been confidently said, that|| in order to a special work of grace, the church must be generally engaged. This may be, for aught I know, the usual method of divine procedure; but for the encouragement of some who may be alive in the cause of Christ, and fear because others are not so, they may not reasonably hope to see a revival, I would remark, that it was not so in this case. We rather seized the promise, "If two of you shall agree on earth, as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven," nor were we disappointed. Sinners began to be impressed, instances of conversion were multiplied, and, as the work progressed, christians one after another awoke from their criminal slumbers, confessed their backslidings, and poured forth their fervent supplications to God, until the excitement became very general. Meetings for conference and prayer, even on the evenings of working days, were so fully attended, that we were obliged to remove from a private room, where for two or three years we had met without being crowded, to the school-house, and from thence to the meeting-house, for the accommodation of the people. Profound solemnity pervaded our religious assemblies, and nearly all were in some measure attentive to the pungent appeals made to the conscience and the heart. In the month of April, I left town with reluctance to attend the General Convention in New York. But the good work, in the hands of that powerful Agent by whom it had been undertaken, progressed during my absence; and, on my return, I had the unspeakable happiness of hailing as the hopeful "heirs of salvation," eight or ten persons whom I left"in the gall of bitterness, and bonds of iniquity." Not having received the intelligence of their hopeful conversion, my joy was unexpected, and the occasion absolutely overwhelming! The revival has continued its delightful progress to the present hour, and we pray that it may be perpetual in its blessed operations. About 50 have been led to fix their hope in the crucified Redeemer, and to rejoice in his salvation. "But they have not all obeyed." Thirty-six only have been baptized in obedience to the Head of the church, though others are expected soon to follow the Lamb, in the example which he set before them when he had said, "Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness" or to ratify every institution. Of these fourteen are heads of families. On the general character of the work it may be proper to make some remarks. There have been but few, say four or five, under pungent conviction at any one time These have had a deep sense of their guilt as sinners against a holy God-as violaters of a law perfectly reasonable and equitable in all its demands They have invariably complained of the hardness of their hearts; and the vain excuses arising from inability, divine sovereignty, &c. by which they had endeavoured to justify their continuance in unbelief, fled apace, while they felt the powerful impressions of divine truth, urging them to flee without delay to the refuge which the hope of the gospel presents to the trembling sinner. And when they have been relieved from distress, they have been able to give a calm, deliberate, and rational account of their views of sin, and of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. Nothing like unnecessary noise, confusion, or fanaticism has, in any instance, been witnessed. The converts have given a son of the hope that is in them with meekness and fear." Religion with them is a sober reality, a reasonable service." 66 rea The means by which this revival has been carried on, are various. In some instances the preaching of the gospel |