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 Eusame 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 contempiate the different is- Great-Britain, and the continusue of the American and French ance and increase of the missionrevolution, 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 missionaries almost in every part of the globe, attempting to Christianize the heathen, and to spread the gospel among all nations;

especially among the Hottentots is extraordinary. In some oth er places it is considerable, and in almost all quarters the prospects are brightening, and becoming 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

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 visi-and their success in some places, bility 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 convic-and ignorant among themselves. tion, that religion and moral principles are of indispensable necessity to the safety of kings 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 ru-ors done to the Saviour. How ler, in his all-governing and won- should this excite our joy, enlider-working providence brings ven our hopes, invigorate our good out of evil, and causes even exertions, and awaken our unitthe earth to help the woman!!!ed thanksgivings?

Great pains are taken to instruct' them, and great numbers of Bibles, Testaments and other books are distributed among them. And thus the knowledge of God and our common Saviour are increasing in the British dominions, and other parts of Europe, as well as in numerous far distant countries. New blessings are conveyed to men, and new hon

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 occur. rents 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.

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

The affairs of America, and the United States are nearly the same as they were the last year. General peace, health and pros-goodness towards us. Numbers perity 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.

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

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 The Rev. Robert Robbins of Coland infirm people, with very lit-chester, February 13th, in the 63d tle or no sickness. The bills of year of his age. The Rev. John Stamortality, it is believed stand ples of Canterbury, February 15th, in nearly at a medium with other the 62 year of his age. The Rev. Stephen Hawley of Woodbridge, Juyears. In this respect it hathy 17th, in the 66th year of his age: 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

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.

as acting from motives in himself, 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 time and 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.

grave with our brethren? Why 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 un-receive it, why dost thou glory to us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.

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

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.

In suitable contemplations on the apostle's questions, you will every where meet with the most convincing evidence of the divine sovereignty in all the works of creation and providence, silencing all cavils and reasonings against that glorious attribute, and filling you with the most reverent and adoring apprehensions of the Deity, as entirely above, and independent of all creatures;

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 preser vation and mercies of another year, for ourselves, for our fam

ilies and friends, and the church | pressed by haughty tyrants, and

doth the will of God, may know, whether the doctrine, which our Saviour taught, or, (which is the same thing) that scheme of doctrines contained in the bible, and usually called the Christian system, is of God, or of man.-To illustrate and confirm the truth of this assertion is my present design.

To accomplish this design, it is necessary in the first place to show what it is to do the will of God; and then point out the connection between thus doing his will, and knowing that Christianity is of God.

that it consists essentially in introducing the love of God into the heart, and in preparing it to obey his holy and righteous law. And if this be admitted, it is all, that is thought necessary, in prosecuting the design of the present essay.

The particular object now in view is to point out the connection between being born again, and knowing that Christianity is of God.-This we shall do by pointing out in several particulars the peculiar manner, in which the real Christian is led to contemplate this interesting subject.

1. The man who is born of God, and thus does his will, is in a great measure freed from the influence of certain prejudices against a variety of things contained in the scriptures, by which the judgments of others are often greatly biassed. There are many things in the scriptures, which appear like foolishness to those, who have never passed from death unto life. These things give an air of incredibility to the whole, and thus render it absolutely impossible for that faith, which is "the sub

Mankind, being by nature possessed of a carnal mind, which is enmity against God, cannot be supposed to do his will until they become new creatures, or are born of his Spirit. The commands of God being all holy, and summarily comprised in exercises of holy love, cannot be supposed to be obeyed by those whose hearts are sinful only, and in whom there is no good thing. Hence, every command addressed to mankind in a natural state must include in it this; "repent and be converted;" for without obedience to this, there can be no such thing as acceptable obe-stance of things hoped for and dience to any other. The man, the evidence of things not seen," therefore, who is born of the to exist.-To illustrate the idea Spirit of God, is the man who is we will advert to a few particuprepared to know that the doc- lars.-The important and leadtrines taught in the sacred ora-ing doctrine of redemption thro' cles are not of man, but of God. the blood of the Son of God, is a It is not proposed in this essay doctrine, against which the preto enter very particularly into judices of a carnal mind naturthe Christian character, by de-ally arise. Unaccustomed, as scribing the new birth, or stating mankind usually are, to consider minutely wherein the real Chris- themselves as very deeply intian is made to differ from oth-volved in sin and guilt, and at ers: For, it is presumed, it will the same time totally insensible generally be granted, that re- of the insufficiency of their own generation is not only an impor- works, they can hardly believe ant, but also a great change, and it real, that the Son of God came VOL. V. No. 7. G g