Mr. Ephraim Abbot do.

200

Rev. Daniel Waldo

do.

200

Rev. Timothy Hilliard do.

100

Rev. John Turner

do.

150

50

Rev. Eliphalet Pearson for time and expenses of a mission of inquiry in New Hampshire, by request of the Society

Mr. William Hilliard for books and printing

Incidental Expenses

Palance in the Treasury, May 20, 1813

DIRECTORS.

25

263 31

793 67

Brought forward $153 23 ety of Litchfield County, by Uriel Holmes, Esq. the Treasurer, deposited at the Hartford Bank. From persons convened at a prayer-meeting for missionaries, in Charlestown, (Mass.)

From individuals in Dunstable (Mass.) paid to the Rev. Dr. Morse, by Deacon Zebedee Kendal.

578 75 18. From Mr. Joseph Thayer of $ 50 Barre, by Mr. S. T. Armstrong 20. From a subscriber to the Panoplist, Norfolk, (Vir.) who declined having his name publish ed; by William Maxwell Esq. for the translations.

AT the Annual Meeting of the Foreign Mission Society for the County of Litchfield, (Con.) held at Litchfield on the 9th of Feb. last, the following gentlemen were chosen officers:

His Excellency JOHN COTTON SMITH,
Esq. Pres.
Rev. LYMAN BEECHER, V. Pres.
Rev. JONATHAN MILLER, S

JAMES MORRIS, Esq. Sec.
URIEL HOLMES, Esq. Treas.
AARON SMITH, Esq. Aud.

The Rev. Jonathan Miller preached a sermon on the occasion from Luke iv, 18, 19: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

A SERMON, delivered in Boston before the Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, Sept. 15, 1813. By Thomas Prentiss, D. D. Pastor of the Congregational Church in Medfield. Andover; Flagg and Gould. 1813.

A Sermon delivered at the ordination of the Rev. Thomas Brattle Gannett to the pastoral care of the church in Cambridgeport, Jan. 19, 1814.. By Abiel Holmes, D. D. Pastor of the First Church in Cambridge. Cambridge; Hilliard and Metcalf. 1814.

A Sermon delivered at the installation of the Rev. Preserved Smith, over the church and society in Rowe, Dec. 2, 1812. By Jonathan Grout, A. M. Pastor of the church in Hawley. Greenfield; Denio and Phelps. 1814.

A Sermon on prayer; preached at Dorchester, Dec. 12, 1813. By John Codman, A. M. Pastor of the second church in Dorchester. Boston; S. T. Armstrong,

1814.

INTERESTING OCCURRENCE.

LIEUT. ASA KENDALL of Ashby, (Mass.) having reached the 80th year of his age, and having a desire to see all his descendants together at his house on his birth day, the 28th ult. gave them an invitation to attend; at which time his sons, sons-inlaw, daughters, daughters-in-law, with their offspring to the number of 102, convened, (8 of his descendants being absent.) The Rev. Cornelius Waters, the minister of the place, read the 73rd psalm, 3rd part, which was sung; after which he made a pertinent address to the aged sire and his descendants, and then addressed the throne of grace in a prayer adapted to the occasion. The company next partook of a generous repast. They were then

spread abroad, on a pleasant plat of ground according to the seniority of their families; when the father of the numerous and respectable company took his place in front, addressed them in a solemn and appro priate manner, and pronounced his bene

ction upon them. On returning to the house they sung another psalm, after which the Rev. Mr. Waters made another affectionate address and prayer. whole was conducted with order and decorum, and was highly gratifying to a number of spectators.

PLEASING FACT.

The

THE keeper of the prison in Boston givea notice, that there is not a person confined within the prison walls for debt;—a circumstance which has never before happened since his connexion with the prison.

AWFUL CALAMITY.

Extract of a letter from Smyrna.

"WE have received intelligence of a dreadful calamity having overtaken the largest caravan of the season, on its route from Mecca to Aleppo. The caravan consisted of 2000 souls; merchants and trav lers from the Red Sea and Persian Gulpb; pilgrims returning from performing their devotions at Mecca, and a numerous train of attendants, the whole escorted by 400 military. The march was in 3 columns. On the 15th of August last they entered the great Arabian Desert, in which they journeyed seven days, and were already approaching its edge; but, alas! they were not permitted to return in safety.

"On the morning of the 23rd just as they had struck their tents and commenced their march, a wind arose from the northeast, and blew with tremendous

violence. They increased the rapidity of their march to escape the threatening danger; but the fatal Kamsin had set in. On a sudden, dense elouds were observed, whose extremity obscured the horizon, and swept the face of the desert. They approached the columns and obscured the fac of march. Both men and beasts,

struck by a sense of common danger, attered loud cries. The next moment they fell beneath its pestiferous influence lifeless corpses. Of 2000 souls composing the caravan, not more than 20 escaped this calamity. They owed their safety to the swiftness of their dromedaries.'

MIMOIR OF THE REV. SAMUEL NILES OF

YEAR OF HIS AGE.

THIS worthy minister of Christ, a son of the late Hon. Samuel Niles, of Braintree, was educated at the College in Princeton, (N. J.) In the early part of life, he discovered no particular sobriety; but was, on the contrary, unusually thoughtless and trifing. It was while a member of College, that he became a subject of those religious impressions, which issued in his hopeful reconciliation to divine truth He was consecrated to the pastoral office in Abington, July 1771; where he continued to discharge the duties of his orice, until prevented by a paralytic shock, which took place a little more than two years before his death. From that shock he so far recovered, that he was able to ride, and several times attended public worship; but, he was a silent hearer in the midst of that numerous assembly, which he had so often, and with such deep solemnity, addressed on the momentous concerns of eternity. He perfectly recollected all his acquaintances, who visited him during his last sickness; rejoiced to see them; evidently understood and took a deep interest in their conversation, especially on religious subjects; but was unable to articulate more than a few words himself. When his particular friends in the ministry inquired of hi respecting the state of his mind, during his last illness, he gave them to understand that he was happily resigned to the dispensations of divine Providence, and enjoyed the consolations of that religion, which he had so many years preached to others. Being asked a short ume before his death, whether he should preach the same religious sentiments he Bad done, should he return to active life again, he answered with peculiar empha sis in the affirmative. Though frequently exercised with great bodily pain, he was remarkably patient, meek, and humble, and sensible that he was treated with unmerited kindness by his heavenly Father. The following sentences, with refercuce

of his heart. With such a submissive, quiet spirit, he close his sufferings on earth. The passage of Scripture, which was chosen as the foundation of the ser mon preached at his funeral, and which was thought to be peculiarly pertinent on that occasion, was the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, (2 Epistle, iv, 7, and 8;) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The object of the discourse was to exhibit the trials, duties, and rewards of a faithful minister of Christ. From such trials our deceased friend was not exempt ed: for he preached those doctrines, which are calculated to awaken the resentment of the human heart, and set in motion the tongue of slander. "But none of these things moved him, neither counted he his life dear unto himself, so that he might finish his course with joy, and the ministry which he had received of the Lord Jesus to testify the Gospel of the grace of God." The various trials incident to the Christian ministry he endured with exemplary meekness and for titude. He ran with patience the race set before him; looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of his faith. That be, as well as the rest of his brethren, was a subject of much indwelling corrup tion, he was deeply sensibie of, and often lamented. Though he was a burning and a shining light in the golden candlestick in which he was placed, and eminently useful as a minister of Christ, yet he often bewailed his own barrenness and unfruitfulness. He had an affecting sense of the evil nature of sin, and ardently strove to gain a conquest over it in his own heart, and to rescue others from its awful dominion. He was always ready to instruct the ignorant; to comfort the disconsolate, and to preach the Gospel to those who de

aired it. His services, on the Lord's day, did not constitute the whole of his ministerial labors. He preached abundantly on other occasions, especially during revivals of religion in his own, and neighboring societies. He was instant in season, and out of season; he reproved, rebuked, exhorted with all long suffering and doctrine.

Among the doctrines, which he preached, the following held a conspicuous place. God from eternity adopted and unalterably fixed a plan of government, which, in its operations, will aford the brightest display of his own character, and bring into existence the highest possible good of the intelligent system. All scripture is given by inspiration of God. Jesus Christ, in his highest character, is the JEHOVAH of the Bible; co-equal and co-eternal with the Father.* The whole human race, in their fallen state, are totally depraved, and must have eternally perished without an atonement. The atonement made by Jesus Christ, though sufficient for the salvation of the whole world, does not render the situation of a single individual safe, until he becomes interested in it by that repentance and faith which the Gospel requires. To these conditions of salvation sinners are utterly opposed, and will never comply with them unless rade willing by the irresistible influences of the Holy Spirit. All true religion consists in a principle of disinterested benevolence, and its corresponding fruits. A definite number of the human family were given to Jesus Christ in the covenant of redemption, and, before the foundation of the world, predestinated to everlasting glory. Not one of this number will eventually be lost. But all, who are not included in this number, Infallibly abuse the incans of insuction, they enjoy, and finally be doomed to a state of endless punishment; to whop all the means of moral instruction they enjoyed in a state of probation will be a savor of death unto death.

These doctrines, in their various connexions and consequences, he well understood, and illustrated and defended with irresistible force of argument. His manner of preaching was peculiarly plain, lu minous, solemn and impressive. By the friends of truth he was loved and admired.

*In a charge, he gave at the ordination of a minister in the County of Plymouth, we meet with these words: "The foliowing dilemmu is unavoidable.

You

must admit the real and proper Deity of Jesus Christ; or that the first Christian martyr died in an act of gross idolatry. If the former be admitted, you cannot ful to preach it. If the latter, keep nuthing back"

And no person could hear him with indifference. His object was to search the consciences and hearts of his hearers, and to make them feel in some measure, as they will, when standing before the tribunal of their final Judge. Nor did he always fail of success. The profound silence and deep solemnity frequently discovered by his audience evinced, that impressions were made, which could not easily be effaced. His labors were manifestly accompanied with the influences of the Holy Spirit, and unquestionably instrumental of the salvation of many souls. He had the unspeakable pleasure to witness four or five remarkable revivals of religion among the people of his charge; the good fruits of which are yet visible.

With respect to his prayers, it may with strict propriety be said, they were uncommonly full of thoughts, pertinent, comprehensive, fervent, solemn, and im pressive, and often produced a powerful effect on those, who had opportunity to unite with him before the throne of mercy. At such seasons, he sometimes appeared to be raised above all earthly scenes, and permitted to look within the vail.

Among other things, he was remarka bly wise in council. Hence his advice and assistance were often sought in the settlement of ecclesiastical difficulties. On such occasions, it is well known to his surviving acquaintances, he was preeminently useful

To the preceding observations, respecting the character of Mr. Niles, the following may with propriety be subjoined. As a man he was peculiarly interesting and agreeable. In conversation, he was pleasant without levity, facetious without malignity, and serious without austerity. He was thoroughly acquainted with the principles of human nature, and quick to discern the motives by which different characters in society are governed. As a friend, he was distinguished for confi dence and fidelity. His heart was a cabinet, in which the secrets of others might be locked as safely, as in their own. Though not affluent, yet his house was a mansion of hospitality. No man better enjoyed his friends, nor more sincerely sought to make them comfortable and happy. Although, owing to particular circumstances, he was not a man of the most extensive reading, yet he possessed very superior powers of mind. Very few better understood the art of thinking, or profited more by it. His ideas were clear in his own mind, and were generally expressed with uncommon perspicuity. A fair specimen of his talents may be seen in a work which he had nearly com pleted for the press, when arrested with the paralytic shock before mentioned.

This work has since been published. It is entitled, "Remarks on a sermon preached before the Association of Ministers, in the third congregational society in Middleborough, September 26, 1810, by John Reed, D. D. Pastor of the first church and congregation in Bridgewater." In these remarks the talents of the author for metaphysical discussion, are strikingly displayed. It is believed, that no candid reader, after examining them, will hesi tate to acknowledge, that he was thoroughly conversant with the abstruser parts of theology. Sinee such was the character of our deceased friend, it is obvious that society has sustained a great loss on his removal, and that the church of Christ is deprived of one of its ornaments. But the afflictive dispensation, which has deprived them of such a blessing, has, it is hoped, isued in his personal benefit. Since he fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith, he has undoubtedly gone to receive a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will gave to all his faithful ministers at the last great day, and not to them only but uuto all others also, that love his appearing. A voice from heaven has said, they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. What our Lord said to the angel or minister of the church of Smyrna, he says to each of his true ministers. Fear none of those things, which thou shalt suf fer. Be thou faithful unto death, and 1 will give thee a crown of life. A similar honor is reserved for all his sincere followers. To all such in presence of the assembled universe he will ere long say, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. There all sin and suffering will be done away.

There

they will live and reign with Christ forever and ever; and make an endless progression in knowledge, holiness and happiness. What powerful motives present themselves to the view of Christ's ministers and to all others, to be faithful in his service! Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord; for they rest from their, labors and their works do follow them.

DIED, at Paris, Col, CHARLES LOUIS PREVOST DE Borssy, an officer of Bonaparte's legion of honor, shot as a spy.

At Woburn (Mass.) on the 23rd ult. of an apoplexy, the Rev. THOMAS WATERMAN, pastor of the Baptist church i that town, aged 39.

At Princeton, (N. J.) Mrs. CHRISTIANA GREEN, wife of the Rev. Dr. Green, President of Princeton College.

At Belchertown, (Mass.) the Rev. JUSTUS FORWARD, Senior Pastor of the Congregational church in that place, aged

83.

At Lexington, (Vir.) the Rev. DANIEL BLAIN, Professor of languages in Washington College, aged 42.

In Maryland, the Hon. WM. M'CREERY, Esq. formerly member of Congress from that state.

At New Haven, (Con.) JESSE ATWATER, Esq. postmaster, aged 45.

At Concord, (Mass.) the Hon. Ephraim WooD, Esq. formerly a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, aged 81.

At Providence, Amos TROOP, Esq. President of the Exchange Bank.

At Taunton, Mrs. ELIZABETH HOPKINS, widow of the late Rev. Dr. Hopkins of Newport, aged 75.

At St. Johns, (N. B.) the Rev. MATHER BYLES, D. D. late rector of that city, aged 80. He was son of the celebrated Dr. Byles, who was for many years pastor of Hollis Street Church in Boston.