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that he only maketh us to differ and sharpening their swords for from the beast, the worm and destruction. Can we view our the atom; from the most mis-happy country far disjoined from erable of the human race upon the other continent, from its polearth, from those who slumber itics, broils and wars; our peace, in the graves, and even from the our distinguished civil and relidamned in the abyss of woe, gious privileges and enjoyments ; swell and enliven our gratitude, and consider who maketh us to and impress deeply in our minds differ, and not sing, Amen, Hala sense of the duty of giving lelujah ? Beside, in Europe, thanks always, for all things, in several events claim our notice. the name of our Lord Jesus The most wonderful is the ter Christ? How happily adapted are mination of the French Revolusuch views to awaken in us the tion, in the most extensive and Editors, and in you our Christian confirmed tyranny. We witreaders, those pious feelings ness those mighty patriots, who which are suited to a New-Year's had shed the blood of millions, day, which will honor our com- destroyed their own monarch mon Benefactor and afford the and the royal family, who had divinest comfort to ourselves? plundered and banished their Which will make it indeed a princes and nobility, and sworn good day? Views and contem-eternal hatred to kings, uniting, plations like these will have a di- to a man, in the support of an rect tendency to awaken in us a usurper and despot; and emmore lively sense of our depend-ploying millions of the people's ence, of our obligations, of grat- money in creating themselves itude and joy, and to call forth princes and noblemen, and for our high praises to God through the aggrandizement of themthe whole course of our review selves and his imperial majesty. of the times and changes which All this they have done professpass over us. edly for the purpose of fulfilling the wishes of the people, and to establish liberty and equality! What is still more wonderful, we behold more than twenty millions of people making the most

so contrary to every thing, which for a course of years, they had professed and sworn. In this extraordinary event, and in the whole course of the French re

If we turn our eyes upon the vast empire of Turkey we shall view millions of people enslaved, whelmed in the most wretched ignorance of God and the divine Saviour, ruined by their effem-extravagant rejoicings at an event inacy and vices: an empire rent with internal animosities and civil wars, and under its own weight going to destruction.Can we contemplate who maketh men to differ and not exclaim,volution, divine providence has Praise ye the Lord? given to the world, one of the If we take a survey of Europe most striking instances of human we shall find it in a state of dis- deceit and wickedness, and of quiet, perplexity and fear: A the little dependence which can large proportion of its inhabi-be placed in the patriotism of tants grievously oppressed and Atheists, infidels and unprincienslaved. Some of its princi- pled men. It has exhibited in pal nations are engaged in war a strong point of light, that nei

ther honor, constitutions, coven- What joy and confidence, in the
ants nor oaths can have any divine government, should this
binding influence on such men ; give to the people of God! The
and that in such people no con- uncommon exertions of good
fidence can be placed. At the people in various parts of Eu-
same time we have an admira-rope for the propagation of the
ble instance of the instability and gospel, and for the diffusion of
inconsistence of an uninformed Christian knowledge, at home
unprincipled commonalty. Can and abroad, and especially in
we contemplate the different is-Great-Britain, and the continu-
sue of the American and French | ance and increase of the mission-
revolution, and who made the ary spirit amidst the distress and
difference, and not feel our in- vast expenses of war, and the
debtedness and mighty obliga- the success of their exertions are
tions to the supreme Ruler, and highly worthy of notice. The
not ascribe all glory and thanks- people of the British empire, of
giving to him?
various denominations, have mis-
sionaries almost in every part of
the globe, attempting to Chris-
tianize the heathen, and to spread
the gospel among all nations;
and their success in some places,
especially among the Hottentots
is extraordinary. In some oth
er places it is considerable, and
in almost all quarters the pros-
pects are brightening, and be-
coming more and more hopeful.
While the various societies for
the propagation of the gospel are
employing such exertions to
bring the perishing pagans to
the knowledge of the truth, they
are not inattentive to the poor
and ignorant among themselves.
Great pains are taken to instruct
them, and great numbers of Bi-
bles, Testaments and other books
are distributed among them.
And thus the knowledge of God
and our common Saviour are
increasing in the British domin
ions, and other parts of Europe,
as well as in numerous far dist-
ant countries. New blessings are
conveyed to men, and new hon-
ors done to the Saviour. How
should this excite our joy, enli-
ven our hopes, invigorate our
exertions, and awaken our unit-
ed thanksgivings?

Another event of great consequence, of which we have been certified, by the Magazines and papers received the last year from Europe, is a more general visibility of religion in that country, than in times past, and a much greater attention to inculcate and diffuse moral principles among the inhabitants of most of its kingdoms. The dread effects of infidelity and want of principle which those countries have experienced, that incalculable waste of blood and treasure, that perfidy, inhumanity and violence, appears to have spread a general alarm, and given deep conviction, that religion and moral principles are of indispensable necessity to the safety of king's and subjects, to the peace and safety of every kingdom, commonwealth and community.Hence not only for conscience sake, but from principles of policy and self preservation, they treat religion and good morals with greater attention, and reverence. Thus the supreme ruler, in his all-governing and wonder-working providence brings good out of evil, and causes even the earth to help the woman!!!

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our Lord. The flourishing state of our college, schools and of literature in general; the preservation of the lives, health and usefulness of all our principal gentlemen in the civil department,-the general tranquillity, the fruitfulness of the season, the prosperity attending our industry, commerce and useful employments, are happy occurrents of the past year, and highly challenge our religious acknowledgements.

In the West-Indies a New Empire has appeared. The condition of the people of St. Domingo, who have so long been oppressed, plundered, and murdered, seems, at present, to be happily ameliorated. The war between Great Britain and France rendered it impracticable for the latter to recruit and support her armies in the West-Indies. This has enabled the people of Hayti to drive them from the Island, to assert their liberty, and to found the Haytian Empire.Thus when the case of the oppressed appears desperate, God in his providence, by events to them wholly unforeseen, and in which they have no influence, casts the mighty down, disap-rested from their labors the year pointeth the devices of the crafty and grants them unexpected deliverence.

The affairs of America, and the United States are nearly the same as they were the last year. General peace, health and prosperity have pervaded the United States. Our inestimable privileges civil and religious have been continued. The peace and order of the churches in general are pleasing.

Notwithstanding the general health of the year past, the mortality among the clergy has been greater than usual. We have been called to mourn, That six of our Reverend brethren have

past.* While with sorrow we contemplate their exit, and condole with their afflicted families and flocks, we desire with holy wonder and lively gratitude to view the divine patience and goodness towards us. Numbers of us are far advanced in life, yet have we all been spared another year, while some of our younger brethren have been discharged from their labors. We desire seriously to bring the apostles inquiry home to ourselves, Who maketh thee to differ from another? Why are we not in the

*The Rev. Robert Robbins of Col

In Connecticut the year past has been distinguished by uncommon health in general. Yet there have been many sudden deaths, and many deaths of aged and infirm people, with very lit-chester, February 13th, in the 63d tle or no sickness. The bills of mortality, it is believed stand nearly at a medium with other years. In this respect it hath been an uncommon year. Death hath arrested men at an hour of which they have not been aware, and stolen away life almost insensibly; teaching the vast necessity of watching always, and being ready for the coming of

year of his age. The Rev. John Staples of Canterbury, February 15th, in the 62d year of his age. The Rev. Stephen Hawley of Woodbridge, July 17th, in the 66th year of his age: The Rev. Solomon Morgan of Canaan. The Rev. Lynde Huntington of Branford, September 19th, in the 38th year of his age, and in the 9th Judson of Ashford, in the 56th year of his ministry. The Rev. Andrew of his age, and in the 26th of his ministry.

grave with our brethren? Why | as acting from motives in him

was our dust formed into men, rather than into beasts, worms and atoms? Why were we made perfect in our kind, in our bodies and intellectual powers? Why were we not babes who never saw the sun? Who never embraced a parent? Why was our birth and education in Emmanuel's land? Why have we been accounted worthy and put into the ministry? Why have we been able to think a good thought, or to speak a good word? Can we answer these inquiries but in the words of our Saviour? Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. If we have any grace or usefulness, what have we that we have not received? Who but God hath wrought all our work in us? In these views we desire, in the language of the church, to give all glory to him. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.

self, and communicating all life, holiness and happiness to angels and men, in the most sovereign, free and glorious manner. You will see all the gifts, holiness and happiness in the universe, in timeand eternity depending on his good pleasure, and be led to love, and adore him as the uncreated, independent fountain of all life, being and blessedness.

Practical contemplations of these points have the happiest tendency to destroy every root of pride, and to prevent all glorying in self or in creatures : For if God maketh us to differ from others, and we have nothing, but what we have received, what ground is there for pride? For glorying in ourselves, or in man? The apostle therefore maketh this demand, Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? If we consider that we have not only received all, but that we have misimproved and abused all which we have received, what occasion shall we have for shame, and to be clothed with humility?

While we return thanks to you, generous readers, who have so long supported this Magazine; and especially to those of you who have supplied us with so many instructive and pious com- Further, these contemplations positions, and wish that every will lead to clear and affecting blessing may rest on you and views of our entire dependence your families, we greatly desire on God, and beget trust in him deeply to engage your contem-only, for all things for time and plations on the general subject before us.

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eternity; for life and all its comforts for another year, or for all the time we are yet to live upon the earth. He only can add a year, a day, or a moment to our life. Our contemplations on the subject, who maketh us to differ from another, and what we have that we have not received, will have a direct tendency, to bring us to cast all our care upon God, and trust in him for the preservation and mercies of another year, for ourselves, for our fam

of God:-To prepare us for all the events and duties before us in the year we are now commencing, and for a happy eternity when time and years shall be no more.

ilies and friends, and the church | pressed by haughty tyrants, and enquire who maketh us to differ? Look again on the halt, the maimed, the blind, the deaf, the dumb, the distracted, the sick, the dying and the dead, and consider who maketh us to differ from these? Let us take a survey of our numerous enjoyments and consider what we have which we did not receive. Thus let us proceed from one view to another, until our hearts are all on fire, and our tongues break forth in the language of the psalmist, Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works unto the children of men. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and all that is within us, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget not all his benefits.

Again, in these contemplations we shall be led to direct and impressive views of our obligations and immense indebtedness to God: That we are not our own but his : That our time, our talents, our opportunities and enjoyments are his. They are all our master's goods to be employed for his glory and the good of his kingdom. We must account for them all, and if much has been given the more will be required.

In a word, in these contemplations we may behold, in a strong, affecting point of light, the glory and goodness of God, and seeing and feeling that of Him, and through him, and to him are all things, we shall, with the holy apostle, ascribe glory to him for ever. Deeply impressed with these practical views and feelings we pray that we may begin this New Year; and that we may sincerely and fervently express them in our closets and families. At the same time we ask the same divine happiness for our readers? What a happy New-Year's day should we then enjoy? What a sweet foretaste of heaven? What a preparation for it?

"On earth join all ye creatures to ex-
tol

"Him first, Him last, Him midst,
and without end."
AMEN.

Thoughts on that knowledge of the truth of Christianity, which is peculiar to Christians.

TS Christianity of God, or is it

IS

an invention of man? A more important inquiry cannot easily be proposed: For if Christianity be of God, it is obvious, that the most interesting consequences conceivable depend upon our receiving or rejecting it.-To satisfy us in relation to this interesting subject, our Saviour has been pleased to furnish us with a never failing test: "If any man," says he, " will do his [the Father's] will, he shall know of the doctrine, whe ther it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." In these words it is evi

To enliven these feelings let us view the countless multitudes of creatures and things below ourselves, and consider who hath made us to differ. Let us look on the millions who sit in the region and shadow of death, thousands who are sold into cruel bondage, and those who are op-dently asserted, that whoever

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