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On the future and universal Propagation of Christian Knowledge.

By Dr. ROBERTSON.

"Ar the time when the disciples of Christ set out, in obedience to their Lord's commands, to teach all nations, no undertaking could appear, in the judgment of men, more wild and impracticable; but besides the blessing of God, that accompanied them wherever they went, we have discovered several circumstances in the situation of the world which contributed powerfully towards the success and facility of their enterprize. That the same effectual blessing of God still continueth to second every sincere and vigorous attempt to spread the knowledge of his name, we have good reason to believe. What powerful unknown causes may co-operate with this blessing of the Almighty, we are not permitted yet to discover: it cannot, however, be more improbable, that the influences of Christianity shall reach farther, than it once was, that they should reach so far; and after we have seen the light of the gospel penetrate into so many dark places of the earth, why doth it seem incredible that its splendor should at last fill the world, and scatter the remainder of darkness which covereth the nations?

"It is obvious to observe one circumstance, which cannot fail of introducing the gospel into distant nations with great advantage. That part of the world wherein Christianity is established, infinitely surpasses the rest, in all sciences and improvements, which raise one nation above another. 'Of this superiority the Europeans have availed themselves to the utmost, in every project for extending their empire or commerce. Now the same attainments in science or policy might be employed to good purpose on the side of Religion; and though hitherto subservient to the designs of Interest or Ambition, may we not flatter ourselves, that, at last, they shall become noble instruments in the hand of God for preparing the world to receive the gospel? This glorious prospect may be distant, but it is not imaginary. Even in a degenerate age, zealous and active spirits have arisen, and societies have been formed upon the generous plan of propagating the knowledge of Christ to nations" far off, which never heard his fame, nor have seen his glory." What they have already done encourages the most sanguine hopes of farther success; and if it shall please God to increase the number, and to strengthen the hands of such well-disposed persons, then might we expect that "the desert would blossom as the rose, and the wilderness become a fruitful ficid ;”. then might the spirit of Christianity, which languishes so visibly in those places where it hath long been planted, revive with new vigour in unknown lands, and shine with its first splendor among the people who now sit in darkness, and in the region and shadow of death.'

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A Catalogue of seasonable good Works, presented to them that are sanctified to God, and dare trust Him with their Riches, expecting the Everlasting Riches which he hath promised; and are zealous of good Works, and take it for a precious Mercy, that they may be exercised therein. RICHARD BAXTER.

By

1. ENQUIRE what persons, burdened with children, or sickness, or any such, labour under necessities, and relieve them as you are able; and still make advantage of it for the benefit of their souls, instructing, admonishing, and exhorting them as they have need.

them.

2. Bay some plain and rousing books, that tend to conversion, and are fittest for their condition; and give them to the families that most need Many have this way received much good. 3. Take the children of the poor, and apprentice them to honest trades; and be sure to choose them godiy masters, who will take care of their souls as well as their bodies.

4. In very large congregations, which have but one minister, and not able to maintain another, it is a very good work to afford some maintenance for

an assistant.

5. To settle schools in the more ignorant parts of the country, where they are not accustomed to teach their children to read, is a very good work.

6. It is one of the best works I know within the reach of a man's purse, to aid young men to prosecute their studies for the Christian ministry. Any rich man, that is willing to do good, may entrust some able godly ministers with the fittest youths, and allow them necessary maintenance. How many souls may be saved by the ministry of one of these? and, How can money be better used?

7. Were I to speak to princes, or men so rich and potent as to be able to do so good a work, I would provoke them to do as much as the Jesuits have done, in seeking the conversion of some of the vast Pagan nations, viz. to erect a college for those whom the Spirit of God shall animate for so great a work; and to procure one or two of the natives, out of the countries whose conversion you design, to teach the students in this college their language; and when they have learned the tongues, to devote themselves to the work, whenever, by the countenance of ambassadors, attendants, or any other means, they may procure access and liberty of speech. Doubtless, God would stir up some among us to venture on such a work. If we are not better principled, disposed, and resolved to do or suffer in so good a cause than the Jesuits are, we are much to blame; and though the Mahometans are more cruel than the Heathen against any that openly speak against their superstition and deceit, yet God would persuade some, it is like, to think it worth the loss of their lives to make some prudent attempt, in some of those vast Tartarean countries, where Christianity hath had least access. As difficult works as these are, the Christian princes and people are exceedingly to blame that they have done no more in attempting them, and have not turned their private quarrels into a common agreement, for the good of the poor Heathen." Baxter's Works.

of Trenton, in

SOME years since, a Lady was on a visit to Mr. DNorth America. One day, whilst at dinner, she observed to him, that the negro-servant who waited, appeared almost too old and infirm for service. He replied, Notwithstanding his present appearance, it was not more than two years since he had purchased him from on board a ship; and, at that time, he did not appear to be more than thirty years of age, strong, healthy, and active; so much so, that he intended he should have worked in the field; but was under the necessity of changing his intention from his great falling-off in strength, without any apparent reason, not having a day's illness to his knowledge; but that he had observed he had been exceedingly dejected, till within a few months, in which he had been remarkably cheerful and happy. He told her also, that he had been of great use to him in breaking him of the habit of swearing. His method was to stand opposite to his master, whilst waiting at table; and every time he took his Maker's name in vain, the negro made a most profound bow, with great solemnity. His master asking him, why he did so? he told him, he never heard that Great Naine mentioned without his whole soul being filled with the greatest awe. — One day the lady was passing through the kitchen, and seeing none but him, she said, "What, old man, is there none but you here?" Yes, Missa,' said he, there are a great many here besides me; but yon cannot see them, they are angels!' He was so re

markably humble, that he would eat nothing but what he met with in the plates, after the rest of the family had dined; and he removed his bed into the dog-kennel, saying it was good enough for him to sleep in. Since the time he grew more cheerful, he was always singing (both the tunes and songs were of his own making); and his chorus was always the same, which was this, I shall be white, and I shall be happy!" Philadelphian Magazine.

Obituary.

GRACE BOND, Who died at St. Columb, in Cornwall, March 26, 1804, had laboured for eight years under a painful affliction, which she bore with remarkabie patience and resignation; and, at last, was enabled to kiss the rod wherewith she was chastised; being sensible of the goodness of God in thus bringing her to see her own vileness, and enabling her to say, "It was good for me that I have been afflicted !”

Jan. 11th, a friend who visited her, found her in a very suffering state of body, but comfortable in her soul, which arose from a belief that all was working together for her good; and that she was near her heavenly Father's house. She also spoke of the passage of Scripture she had chosen for her funeral text; adding, that she was a filthy worm; but that she trusted she should be found washed in the blood and clothed in the righteousness of the Saviour. On visiting her on the 17th, found her mind stayed on God, though at times a cloud darkened her sky; yet she said she hoped this would leave her before death: that she feared not the valley of the shadow of Death, since God had said his rod and staff should comfort her. "I am sometimes led," said she, "to meditate when alone; and find sweet communion with Jesus: I desire to press forward towards the mark;" and then exclaimed, “ Blessed be the Lord for all his mercies! Blessed be his holy name for all his chastenings!

"A feeble saint shall win the day, Tho' Death and Hell obstruct the way!" Christ is a full and finished salvation! I am willing to wait longer; but, 0 I am willing to go, if it is his will! I can leave my husband and children with Israel's God, who is merciful and kind!"

March 23, found her praising God that her tune of departure was so bear a hand; desiring her husband to hold the candle forward, that ber friend might see the alteration in her

countenance. "Cannot you give me," said she," some encouragement that my time is near at hand? I have been just thinking of the Conqueror's song. Do repeat those lines to me," alluding to the hymn which concludes with these words: "Tho' painful at present,

"Twill cease before long; And then, O how pleasant

The Conqueror's song!" On the 24th, she said, 66 I am now passing over Jordan: I have been praying to the Lord, not to leave me in my last moments; surely, he will not leave me now !”

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On the 25th, she said to a friend, "Do you not perceive I am dying?" To which the friend replied, Yes; but I trust that Death is no King of Terrors to you.'"O no," said she, "he is a kind messenger, to take me home to my Father's house;" and on her friend leaving her, she said, "The Lord bless you! I shall get safe over Jordan !" Just before she died, on being asked to take a little wine, she said, "I shall soon drink at the fountain head. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!" She was then asked, If the Lord was still with her? "O yes," said she, "Jesus is precious, God is good!" and in a few minutes before she departed, she cried out, " I shall soon drink at the fountain head; I shall soon be clothed in white robes. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!" On which she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. Her funeral sermon was preached at St. Columb Chapel, from Rev. vii. 14, 15, by J. Davey, one of the Cornwall itinerant ministers. J. D.

DAVID HORNE

DIED at Preston, March 20, 1806, at the advanced age of eighty-six. He was born in Scotland; and in his youth served as a private in the army. Being dismissed from the service, he married, and had a family of seven children. All these years, however, were spent in sin and folly; but when he was about forty, it pleased God to awaken him

to a serious concern for the salvation of his soul, chiefly by means of Some awful providences. One of these was as follows: Being at a fair, he called at a public-house for refreshment. There he observed a young man, of dissolute character, who was drinking with others. This unhappy man, who had then a severe cold, being about to step out at the front door, one of the company, the day being snowy, called to him to put on his hat, or he would catch more cold. To this he replied, with a dreadful oath, "I shall be hot enough in the north corner of Hell by to-morrow." The next day he died. 66 Verily, there is a God that judgeth in the earth." So thought David Horne; and his mind became deeply impressed with the thought, "What, if I were thus called away to meet the holy and the just God !" From that time he found no peace, till, by divine grace, he was enabled to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. The people of God, however, have often to pass through the fire and the water in their way to their Father's house; and so he found it. After some years, a season of deep distress commenced. His comforts were gone, he was assaulted with the most dreadful temptations, and particularly urged to destroy himself. Fortwo years he continued in this state; and yet a ray of light shone through all the gloom: "He was cast down, but not forsaken." "That gracious word," said he," Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved," still followed me: it never left me. Some time after this, he was deprived of his wife and five of his children. heavy trial! which gave him such a distate to the place of his abode, that he left it, and became a kind of wanderer on the face of the earth, working here and there at various kinds of labour, till his strength failed him. In his old age, friendless, and in want of some one to minister to his necessities, he married a woman past the middle of life, who, though she did not appear to understand the gospel, yet entertained gral veneration for him on account of his piety. Old age and infiriniupw pressed heavy on him ;-he

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could not work, he had no place of settlement, to beg he was not ashamed. His wife made laces and shirt-buttons; and by this, together with the alms of charitable persons, he was supported for some years, being literally a pilgrim and a stranger on the earth; but during all this time, it appears that he walked closely with God, and enjoyed much of his supporting presence. But now his end drew near: he came to Preston, and was taken ill. For some days he languished till he was reduced to extreme went; but that' promise, "the Lord will provide," was still his support; and the truth of it was manifested in his own ex

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perience. He lodged in the house of a woman who was a Papist; yet,“ by the over-ruling providence of God, she was the means of introducing to him a friend, whose happiness it was to minister to him both in spiritual and temporal things. David Horne had lodged there twice before; and his whole deportment, so different from that of any other lodger she had ever entertained, had strongly impressed her mind. this moment of extremity, instead of attempting to introduce a priest, a thing very usual with the Catholics, she herself, having enquired of him to what denomination he belonged, proposed to send for a minister of the gospel, whose name and place of abode she happened to know. this he assented; and the interview was highly satisfactory. A collection was immediately made for his support; the sole use of the apartment in which he lay was secured to him; and, through the kindness of fricuds, every comfort was provided. The minister visited him almost daily for three weeks; at the expiration of which he departed to glory. In frequeat conversations he discovered an intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures, and clear views of the gospel. He knew who had made him to differ, and delighted to describe all the praise to free grace. How often did he adore that distinguishing love, "which," he said, " plucked me, a vile sinner, like a brand out of the burning! Being one day asked What he now thought of sin ?-he said, "I`have all my sins in abhor

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ence; and though I cannot remem ber them all, yet I desire to repent of them all before God; and yet," he added, "I feel I cannot live without sin whilst I am here; but glory be to God for a precious Saviour!" How often did he exclaim, " O, he is a precious Saviour to me!" One day, when the minister was speaking of passing through the dark valley, he said, "O what comfortable words are those," Rey. i. 18! It being once observed, Satan would fain worry those whom he cannot devour,' he said, “Yes; he would be accusing us to our own consciences, and even before the throne of God; but when he comes there to accuse his people, Jesus frowns him away, and says, 66 Satan, I have shed my blood for these!" He often desired to have the Scriptures read to him; was much cheered with the precious promises they contain, especially with that passage, "Fear thou not, for I am with thee." He was much in

prayer; and during а painful struggle, which lasted twenty-four hours, he seemed to be engaged in prayer nearly the whole time. His thankfulness for every temporal mercy was very great. "Did not 1 tell you," he would say. to his wife, "that the Lord would never suffer me to want?” He blessed God that, amidst all his poverty, he had been enabled to hold fast his integrity. "The way of sinners," he said, "I hated; and with the scornful I could not sit." He manifested much concern for the spread of the gospel, often expressing his ardent wishes for a blessing on the ministers of Christ. He sometimes lamented the state of the world at large; and would say,

Why did the Lord pitch on me?” His patience was most exemplary; there was no appearance of murmuring, though his sufferings were severe. "Iain content," he said," to bear this; my sins have deserved Hell!" He saw plainly that all he endured was inflicted by a Father's hand, and was persuaded it would work for good: influenced by this, he frequently repeated, “Let him smite, and spare not!" It being observed to him one day, You are in very miserable circumstances now?' "Yes," he said; but this is only

for a little while; and then I shall have a long eternity to enjoy God in!" He enjoyed, during the whole of his sickness, a peculiarly happy frame of mind. Never," said he to the minister, "did I enjoy such uninterrupted pleasure in religion as since I lay down on this bed, so free from darkness and temptations; but the enemy is chained, . he cannot touch me. Glory be to God for it!” Shortly before his death, he had a most lively exercise of soul in prayer, by which his confidence was greatly strengthened. "The Lord hath assured me," he said, "that I shall have the victory over all my enemies! I shall praise my Redeemer for ever. I want to see him face to face! I am longing to be gone," was his frequent salutation to the minister when he entered the room: "but," he would add, “ I will wait, I will wait!" At times, his heart appeared to be full of adoring gratitude to his God and Saviour. Whilst any one was speaking to him of divine things, he would frequently cry out, "Glory to God! Glory to my Redeemer !" Indeed, he struck an awe upon all who beheld him, even though not serious characters themselves. As he drew near his end, he took up, apparently with much holy joy and triumph, the Christian Conqueror's song: "O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?" And thus he glorified his God and Saviour till the day before he died, when he became delirious, and continued so till he departed. "God hath chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath prepared for them that love him."

W. M: W.

MRS. GUMMER.

DIED, NOV. 24, at Ely Place, St. George's Fields, aged sixty-two, Mrs. Gummer, wife of the Rev. Joseph Gummer, Dissenting Minister. Blessed with the privilege of a pious education, she early imbibed the principles of evangelical religion, by which her deportment was habitually governed; aud from which she derived support and consolation under long and successive afflictive trials.

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