Mr. T. Philips, one of the Secretaries of the Bethel Seatnen's Union, London, bas addressed a letter to the Rev. Ward Stel the sale and distribution of the bes religious tracts, have have been ford, New York,bin which he states that perto the country operations A missionary visiting the different towns must endeavour, not only to make the acquaintance, but to gain the bonfidence of the tending men and priests of the Greeks With the assistance of his new friends, the missiona the floating chapel in the Thames, a ship "The prayer meetings are held now every night on the Thames, and some nights in several ships at the same time. In the Lower Pool it is not unusual to see from 100 to 150 sailors in one ship, and to hear from 10 to 12 engage in prayer. In the Upper Pool, we have these meetings four nights in the week-two on the south and two on the north shore, and it is one of the most gratifying sights I ever bebeld, to see the seamen attend. 9 Landing of the Pilgrims-The second 1 of the everlasting Word, in a language intelligible to the people, a blessing of which those regions have been deprived for some hundreds of years. Next to the countenance of the Greeks, religious tracts, compiled from the first fathers of the Christian church, will be of the greatest service to missionaries, The Greeks highly esteem and venerate the ancient martyrs, Their writings are looked upon as oracles; but they are very scarce and unintelligible to the people as they stand in ancient Greek. In case of opposition, which sometimes happens, and of a deadly indifference, which generally prevails, tracts will be of the greatest utility in bringing forward the fathers to allay opposition, and to recommend the duty of perusing the Scriptures, as well as to awaken a spirit of piety, and inquiry after Gospel truth." Two other important parts of missionary labor remain to be entered upon. The first is Education ;--the other a translation, not of the Scriptures, for that is accomplished, but of all other goods religious books and tracts. The printing of a religious monthly publication in Modern Greek, 01 The Rev Mr. Williamson, British Chap- try, is of primary importance, and would be, in the hands of prudent conductors, of incalculable service. The extensive fields of education are not, to foreign Protestant missionaries, so easily and com bundant streams of a fount of types, which would ere long, silently water every portion of the field sowed with the word of God; and, with the divine bles sing, would render luxuriant and plentiful the Christian harvest.” wig to peep out among the Greeks from her hiding places in Turkey. Some of the best informed are acquainted with the bisbtory of the Réformation ; and will grant that Luther was a great man, sent for the benefit of the human race, though they itare at present far from desiring a like re- Mr. Williamson states that a printing esformation. Luther and those other re- tablishment, at Smyrna with Greek, Turkformers, who did not condemn and sweepish, and French types; and one at Jerusaaway episcopal superintendence, are re-lem, with Greek, Syriac and Arabic characspected by a few of the Greeks, though the ters, would be the means of much good, and majority will have nothing to do with re- he thinks that Smyrna is by far the best situation in the Levant, for a permanent formation, and know nothing about it.Besides, the Christians all around the missionary establishment on the eastern an, having a freshores of the Mediterranean, those of E- shores of the Mediterranean, b gypt, Abyssinia, Arabia, Syria, Persia, A- quent communication with all parts of the sia Minor, Russia, and Turkey in Europe, Ottoman empire; and that it is the best of whatever denomination they may be, place in those regions for learning Greek, all have their own episcopal magistrates Turkish, Italian and French, and for the in ecclesiastical affairs; and each party security and liberty, which foreigners and bas fixed laws for clergy and laity, of christians enjoy. which the violation of the most trifling, these ignorant people consider as more heinous than of the most important law of the state. -1° (Top - in 4 At the eighth anniversary meeting of the city of London Auxiliary Bible Society, which was held on the 31st of October last, two New Zealand chiefs were pres 그린 ent. The amount paid to the parent institation within the year was £980, mh king the whole sum paid to that society £12,350. The number of bibles issued during the year was 1088 bibles and 616 testaments, making a total of 24,391 copies of the Scriptures since the establishment of the society. It is stated in the report of the society that "Paris is now divided into districts, in three of which there have been collected 1157 francs from 254 families. Amsterdam is nearly coverod with associations for the like purpo: se." The other statements of the report which are derived from missionary and other statements, have already been laid betore our readers. The Lord Chancelfor, in addressing the meeting, stated that be bad “lately seen a statement in the public papers which be believed to be tolerably correct: from that statement it appeared that the Bible Societies, including the society for the propagation of christian knowledge and the Missionaries, no less a sum than £350,000, was in the year 1819, raised by public subscription in England. One of the speakers stated that the auxiliary Bible Society in Bristol, paid the Jast year £1500, to the parent society, and that of Liverpool £2000. He expressed his belief that the auxiliary society of the Metropolis would make increased exertions in future. The New-Zealand Chiefs have been at Cambridge, and Mr. Lee, the Professor of Arabic is attempting to form a grammar of their language, and hopes are entertained that these Chiefs will be able to carry to their countrymen a Bible printed in their own language. From the Narrative of the state of religion within the bounds of the Synod of Virginia, it uppears that the aggregate increase of their church-members may be estimated at near a thousaud.' "They observe with pleasure the establishment of several new, and the laudable perseverance of several old bible and tract societies, Bible Classes, and Sunday Schools." REVIVALS OF EELIGION. One hundred and twenty-three persons are propounded for admission into the two Congregational churches in his city. In our next number we intend giving a more particular account of the remarkable out-pouring of the Spirit in this place. It is pleasant to learn that an unusual attention to religion has been lately manifested in Wethersfield; a large number, especially of the youth, appear deeply impressed with their lost and helpless state, and several have obtained comfortable hope through the grace of the Lord Jesus. A good attention also appears in the place; more than 30 persons have been added to the Baptist Church within six months, and a considerable number to the Presbyterian Church. A Methodist Society also has been formed, and a number have been added to that denomination of christians.-Times, We learn that a revival of religion has commenced, within a few weeks past, in Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, and several of the neighbouring towns, and that the work is still progressing. Boston Recorder. REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN PITTSFIELD, MASS To the Editor of the Christian Spectator: SIB, I berewith submit to your disposal a concise account of the late revival of religion in this town, together with a few brief remarks interspersed and appended, which! hope will not be unacceptable to the christian public. Yours, &c. H. HUMPHREY Pittsfield, Dec. 4, 1820. 1 Since my installation over the Congre gational church in this town, which took place in the fall of 1817, there bave been, from time to time, flattering indications of seriousness among the people. Particu larly in the Spring of 1818, a number of persons were suddenly and deeply impressed, insomuch that we began to feel as if a revival had actually commenced; but these little clouds soon passed away, distilling but a few drops upon the dry and parched land. The church was not a wake, though her sleep was often interrupted by the voice of conscience; and then she would half open her eyes upon the moral desolation around her; would lament her own drowsiness and stupidity; and would resolve to arise and shake off her sloth at once; but alas! would directly sink down again and slumber on! In the month of Oct. 1819, a very unhappy rencounter took place between a few United States recruits, and some of the coloured people of the town, in which one of the latter lost his life. This sudden and violent death afforded a good opportunity to address the blacks in an earnest and si fectionate manner, upon the uncertainty of life, and the infinite importance of a speedy preparation for another world. As many of them were found to have a hearing ear, stated meetings were appojuted for their instruction and benefit, which were better attended than we had dared to "hope, for the space of two or three months, and some precious fruits of which, it is believed, are now ripening for heaven. And here let me ask whether this unfortunate class of our fellow beings has not been too much neglected by the ministers and churches of New England? Might not a great deal be done, in places where they are considerably numerous, by establishing separate meetings for them, and giving them such instructions and encourage ment, as are adapted to their peculiar cirCoumstances? Notwithstanding this little gleam of light in the fall, our prospects grew darker through the winter. Vital religion manifestly declined in the church, and stupidity reigned throughout the congregation. A Sabbath evening conference of many years standing, was almost forsaken. Weekly lectures prolonged but a precarious existence. Our monthly prayer meeting was indeed kept up, and often was the church heard to acknowledge her backslidings; but with the distressing consciousness, that she was continually making progress in spiritual declension." About the first of March last, a revival commenced in the adjoining town of Richmond. The news of what God was doing there, enforced by the question, Do you wish for an awakening here? was evidently blessed to some of our members. With a few there were great 'searchings of heart. The great Physician was curing the spiritual maladies of our neighbours. With us sinners were perishing in great numbers, for want of his help, and as he was never known to discourage an application from the most unworthy creature, why should we not immediately invite him to come and heal us? Such were the mingled emotions of fear and encourage. ment, in here and there a christian bosom ; and as it was a case which admitted of no -delay, it was agreed, though at first in a whisper, that "something must be done." Christians were exhorted to visit the town thus favoured, and take their children with them, hoping that such a course would be attended with benefit. The breaking up - of winter, however, was a great hindrance 40 this kind of intercourse; bat it was evidently blessed to some, who were favoured with it; and here I wish to suggest a few thoughts on this very point, which have lately struck my own mind with great force Revivals, it is well known, are often confined within town and parish limits. All upon one side is seriousness, and all upon the other stupidity. Now, is there not a cause?" I am satisfied It there is. God works by means, as well in spiritual as temporal things. We are so made that the eye affects the heart. Not only is our sympathy excited by seeing our friends and companions in distress, but when that distress arises from a sense of guilt and danger, we can scarely help asking ourselves, whether we have not equal, or even greater cause for alarm.— Thousands have been awakened, by associating with persons already under conviction; by attending the same meetings; by hearing the same exhortations; and, in a word, by being much in the same religious atmosphere. Not that the most powerful means can have any saving effect, without the special agency of the Spirit. But they are to be diligently used, because God has appointed them, and because he seldom works without them. is an unquestionable fact, that the Holy Spirit often employs one awakened sinner or new convert, as the instrument of awakening many of his companions. Many a revival has most obviously spread from house to house, and from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, till a whole parish has been shaken, by means of that constant and familiar intercourse in religious matters which exists among members of the same congregation. And where revivals have spread from town to town, the work of God has often been carried on in the same way. Ministers and private christians have been surprisingly quickened by visiting neighbouring societies, and have carried back the sacred fire to their own. Sinners too, in hundreds and hundreds of instances, have had their attention arrested in the same way, and even a casual visit has not unfrequently been the commencement of a great revival. Without laying any unwarrantable stress upon means, therefore, may we not safely presume, that a more familiar intercourse between contiguous parishes, when a revival makes its appearance in any one of them, would, by the blessing of God, greatly promote and extend the work. Hardly a doubt exists in my own mind, that if professors of religion would make a point of going often to the meetings of their brethren in other towns, where God is carrying on a special work of grace, and taking their children with them, revivals would spread much faster, and much farther than they generally do. But to return from this digression. The excitement in a few minds, which I have already mentioned, increasing, a private meeting was agreed on by three or four pious young men, in the latter part of March, the express object of which was prayer, for the out-pouring of the Spirit upon this church and people. In this meeting, which for some time was attended almost every evening, these young brethren found themselves greatly strengthen. ed in the resolution which they early formed, that for Zion's sake they would not hold their peace, and for Jerusalem's sake they would not rest, butil the right eousness thereof should go forth as bright. ness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. Other meetings, both male and female, were soon formed on the same plan, and were equally blessed to the souls of those who attended them. Their hearts were much enlarged in prayer, and the hope that God was about to appear in his glory and build up Zion, which trembled and wavered for a time, now daily gathered new strength. This state of feeling, however, was by no means general in the churcb. But few, compara tively, as yet, manifested what I should call a revival spirit. Some were even more faithless than usual. They had seen hopeful appearances often, but had always been disappointed. gress very slowly in the first weeks of May. This was a trying time with those who had been waiting for the "salvation of God," He might justly blast our fondest hopes, and what reason had we to fear that he would, after all, leave us to greater stupidity than ever. We trembled in awful super se between life and death! But it was profitable. It made christians feel the dependance, and lift up their hearts more fervently in prayer. He wo never "said to the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain," heard the voice of their supplications. Here and there a new instance of conviction gladdened their hearts; and as the shadow moves up on the dial, so did the Spirit of God move upon the people, for days and weeks together. We could not, by gress; but by comparing the past with the present, at short intervals, we could plainly perceive a steady advancemeat, It was a still small voice” that we heard, and not the rushing of the wind Thus they reasoned. But God "dealt not with us after our sins, nor reward-looking steadfastly on, see its proed us according to our iniquities.” The sacred fire gradually extended itself on every side, warming one heart after another, till it was manifest that a reviyal bad really begun in the church. Such confessions of unfruitfulness; such desire for the salvation of sinners; such "strong cryings and so many tears," could not be mistaken. During the month of April, there were also some encouraging appearances in the congregation. Our assemblies on the Lord's day, and at other seasons, gradually increased in numbers and solemnity and before the close of the month it was known to a few, that two or three individuals were beginning to ask what they should do to be saved.' During the latter part of May, our prospects brightened apace. Numbers were awakened to a sense of their guilt and danger, and some began to rejoice in hope. Early in June, the church appointed a day of fasting and prayer for the more copious effusion of the Holy Spirit. It was a solemu day. A spirit of prayer was evidently poured out upon christians. Great numbers of the congregation attended the public exercises, and the "thoughts of many hearts were revealed." From this time (June 9th) for three or four weeks, the work rapidly in creased. The cloud which had beer hovering over us ever since April, and from which a few scattered drops had fallen, now began to refresh us with a copious shower. "The heavens poured down righteousness!" We had gathered the "first fruits," and were now favoured with the harvest. Ou large house of worship was crowded on the Sabbath, and many of our oerasional meetings were literally thronged in neighbourhoods, where, but two months before, not twenty persons could have been collected. Our Tec ture room, which will conveniently atcommodate about four hundred, was filled to overflowing, two evenings at least in a week; and at length, becom As our regular communion season approached, the church appeared to look forward to it with an interest, which many had rarely, if ever felt before, and which they could hardly ac count for. At length the first Sabbath in May arrived, and it was truly a precious season to the friends of Christ. They sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to their taste." It was also a day of very nousual interest and sotemnity in the congregation at large; and it afterwards appeared that some were deeply impressed by divine truth. From that day, strong hopes were cherished, that God was about to make his power known," in a general revival of his work. But he evidently designed to try the faith of his people; for although all our meetings, publicing "too strait for us," we left it, to and private, were better and better at tended, the good work seemed to pro months, or more, and convened in the meeting-house. Every Sabbath morn ing there was a public prayer meeting, and another during the intermission. Besides these, there were conferences and prayer meetings in different parts of the town, almost every day and evening, and we met for prayer every Tuesday and Friday morning, at five o'clock, in the lecture room, So anxious were people to hear the word, that neither heat nor rain, nor the fatigues of haying and harvest, could prevent their assembling; and in one district, the school-house being filled with females, temporary seats were prepared for the males upon the outside, which they occupied every Thursday evening for a number of weeks in Succession, so eager were they for religious instruction. Such exposures, it may be thought, were extremely im prudent, and must have produced more cases of sickness than usual at that season of the year. Indeed we had our fears on this score, and would fain have persuaded some to be more careful. But the fact is, that the people were never more healthy. In our congregation, containing from fifteen to eighteen hundred souls, there was not a single death from the 22d of May to the 8th of August; and but one, and that a young child, in about four months and a half. For more than three months, I was not called to visit so much as one sick person, among my own people. So extraordinary was the health of the town, that every body took notice of it; and indeed it seemed as if God was saying to the king of terrours,' stand back,' and to the whole army of diseases, withdraw yourselves, that this people may have no excuse, nothing to divert their attention from the one thing needful, or to hinder them from enjoying the means of grace. Let them alone till Ishall see what improvement they will make of this precious harvest season.' I believe our case in this particular, is by no means singular. Unusual health has been often noticed, in seasons of the special outpouring of the Spirit; and revivals very rarely take place in times of prevailing sickness, As if, besides what is suggested above, God intended to show mankind that the awakened are not frightened into religion by the loss of friends, or the immediate fear of death; but that it is his Spirit alone, who convicts and converts sinners. 1991 During the period of which I have just been speaking, the revival was at its height and cases of awakening were continually increasing, and hardly a day passed without some addition to the number that were rejoicing in hope.We have reason to believe, that in one week, no less than twelve or fifteen were brought out of darkness into marvellous light; and about that time it seemed as if the greater part of the people were coming into the kingdom. Then it was, that those who had been praying and striving for the blessing, were ready to greet one another every where in the language of the prophet; Lo this is our God, we have wailed for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord, we have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. In the latter part of July, and through the whole month of August, there was little or no visible abatement of religious attention among the people. The meetings were very full and solemo. New instances of awakening and hopeful conversion were frequent, and christians were still much engaged in prayer for the continuance of the revival. The first sabbath in September was our stated communion season, at which ten or twelve persons were to be received into the church, as the "first fruits" of the Spirit in this glorious work. On the day of the preparatory lecture, the church kept another fast, and before they separated, united, male and female, in a solemn request, that I would as soon as convenient, in their name, earnestly and affectionately invite the whole congregation, to go along with them to "a better country, even an heavenly," from the memorable words of Moses to Hobab. Num. 10. 29. place of which the Lord said, I will give We are journeying unto the it you come thou with us and we will do thee good; for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel. I addressed the congregation from the words the next sabbath morning, before the communion; and the visible effect of this unexpected invitation from the church, was very great.. The whole assembly was moved and we have reason to believe, that some will remember that day, with peculiar emotions of gratitude, throughout eternity. For a time, the work appeared to have, received a |