no compromise with its opposers, any more than it could with the several classes of idol worshippers of old.-What concord hath Christ with Belial? What part hath he that believeth with an infidel? The very infidel will first come with the song of mutual forbearance in his mouth. Thris.cant frequently gains ground in public opinion, by the consideration that different sects of professed christians have frequently exercised too little forbearance towards one another. In avoiding one extreme it is natural to run into another. This cant when coming from the mouth of an infidel, means more than is expressed. It is used merely as a decoy to gain time and strength, that he may obtain the greater advantage against the whole. What kind of toleration christianity may expect, when infidelity is completely triumphant, has been exemplified in France during the bloody era of the republic. They began with the soft, deceptive language of charity and forbearance. But how soon was the tone changed to that of violence and blood! Christianity in every form of it was proscribed; the churches either shut up, or appropriated to the most profane uses; the christian sabbath abolished, and the ministers of religion, without any regard to sect or denomination, either massacred, proscribed, or driven into banishment. This was precisely what Voltaire, the arch apostle of infidelity, wanted. While he was daily chanting in public the soft melifluous strain of toleration, he could tell his confidential friends, that, if he had one hundred thousand men at his command, he would know what to do. The unwearied endeavors to render christianity odious and contemptible, by uttering, publishing, and often repeating the blackest calumnies, are only prefatory to harsher means to suppress it, should ever power and expediency unite in the measure. I cannot therefore but view the contempt shown to christianity by the national government itself, and the treachery to the cause of religion, discovered in the encouragement given to infidelity, by the elevation of men of such sentiments and correspondent practices, to some of the most important places of public trust, as one of the national abominations of the present day, for which we have reason to apprehend that God will visit us. He has severely visited other nations for similar crimes, and can we expect to escape?

It is an observation, of late frequently, and probably justly made, in relation to the calamities which have overspread so large a portion of Europe, that they have hitherto fallen most heavily on Roman Catholic countries. These calamities have not been confined to the civil and political, but have extended to the ecclesiastical state of these countries. There infidelity has made the most rapid strides, and the earthly head of that church has been deprived of all power to protect himself.-This among other things is an evidence that we are approaching to the latter times, or towards the close of the twelve hundred and sixty prophetic days; at the end of which, mystical Babylon is to be cast into the sea, as a mighty millstone, to be heard no more at all. But although catholic countries have, as yet, drunk most deeply of the cup of indignation, those nominally protestant, have not escaped. It is however observable, that among pro

testant countries, those which have imbibed most largely of the spirit of infidelity, especially those states where it has been the most countenanced by the government, and in that way become by way of eminence, a national sin, who have been the greatest sufferers. Holland for instance was a protestant country, and she has been made to drink deep of the bitter cup. But may we not read the national sin of Holland in her punishment? Holland, infatuated Holland, by means of her licentious and polluted presses, gave currency and publicity to the atheistical blasphemies of Voltaire, D'Alembert, Diderot, and their associates, which have had such a powerful, and in many places fatal influence, in disorganizing societies, demoralizing the world, and even sapping the foundation of social and domestic happiness. She is now reaping the natural and bitter fruits of these principles. She has long been bleeding at every pore, been stript of her wealth and national consequence, and is now suffering the extreme of an unfeeling, unrelenting despotism. But Holland was the advocate for the free and unlimited toleration, and unrestrained circulation of all opinions for or against religion. Papist and protestant, infidel and atheist, were all placed on an equal footing. If there was any difference, it was in favor of elevating irreligion and blasphemy, to the prejudice of the christian religion. Prussia was also nominally a protestant country, but her principles, both religious and moral, had been grealty debased. The deistical principles of the great Frederick, and the loose and corrupt system of morals, countenanced by his court, did more to debase the character of the nation, than ever the splendor of his victories did to promote its political elevation. Now Prussia is almost obliterated from the list of independent nations. Even that shadow of independence which she possesses, is absolutely dependent on the nod of Napoleon. Whenever he considers it for his interest, he can annihilate it with a breath. Should ever like causes predominate in the United States, similar effects may be expected as the result. And as our advantages, both religious, moral and political, have been greater than those of either Holland or Prussia, have we not reason to apprehend a catastrophe still more dreadful, unless averted by repentance and reformation?

REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN STOCKBRIDGE,
(MASSACHUSETTS.)

IT appears, that God, in his great mercy, had been preparing the way, for some time past, for the great work, which he has of late been carrying on amongst us. For two or three years past, he has been graciously pleased to excite the minds of some of the people to unusual concern respecting the things of religion: And several had been, hopefully, brought out of darkness into the light. A rather uncommon spirit of prayer seemed to have been given to God's people, particularly, as I have reason to suppose, to the female Society in this place instituted for prayer, animating them to peculiar earnest

ness, in their supplication for an increasing revival of his own glorious work. In the fall of the year our assemblies, on the Sabbath, were large, and peculiarly solemn and attentive. On the first sabbath in January, thirteen were received into the church: to three of them baptism was administered at the time. The scene was affecting; and it seemed as it were, to strike the smoking flax into a flame. From that time forward the awakening, and attention to the concerns of their souls increased among the people, beyond any thing we have before known-an almost universal solemnity prevailed. Soon numbers were found to be under deep and pungent conviction: And hopeful conversion presently began to take place, and to increase. A divine and supernatural power and agency were so visible, that very few mouths were opened against the blessed work.-This good work continued without interruption, and the number of converts almost daily increased. None of these made a public profession, until the last Sabbath in June. Early in that month the church had meetings, and spent two afternoons in examining into the qualifications of such as offered themselves for communion with the church. Accordingly, the next Lord's day, Seventy were propounded for admission into the church. Sixty-seven only, were, however, receivedtwo or three feeble persons being then too unwell to come out. Twenty-eight of these received baptism at the time. The scene was exceedingly solemn and affecting. Amongst those, who were received into the church, there were of all ages, from fourteen to seventy-some few of these were persons, who hoped they had experienced religion, some for one, and some for several years before.

There are now, I believe, not less than sixty more in the town, who hope they have experienced a work of saving grace; and will, probably, most, or all of them, ere long, make a public professionAnd, through the sovereign, wonderful mercy of God, the number is constantly increasing. Sometime in May, the good work seemed rather on the decline; but of late, God has been graciously pleased, again, much to revive it: And it is thought there are nearly as many under special and, many of them, deep impressions, as there have been at any particular time since this blessed work has been graciously begun amongst us. Instances of apparent conversions are now frequent. God grant that the gracious influence, which produces such happy effects, may still be continued. The number of praying persons and praying families is much increased: And such as make mention of the Lord, it is hoped, will not keep silence, nor give him rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. Not less, probably, than a hundred and twenty have been the subjects of divine saving influence, (as we hope,) since the first Sabbath in January:-And God is still carrying on, as we trust, his own gracious and glorious work. My own labors, and those of Mr. Swift, my worthy colleague, have been greatly increased-his have been abundant; much beyond what I was able to go through, at my advanced age. I esteem it a great blessing, that I have had, and still have his assistance. But God's grace does all.

It may, perhaps, be useful to mention some particular instances, in which the hand and power of God were more peculiarly visible, than in others. A man of upwards of seventy years of age, came, within two or three years past, to live amongst us. He is a man of peculiar ingenuity in the business which he follows-of better mental abilities than common-has travelled-been in England and France—and, while in France, took lodging in the same house with the noted Thomas Paine. There he imbibed the religious, or rather irreligious sentiments of Mr. Paine, and became a thorough and established infidel. With these sentiments he came into this town. Some time in the winter past he fell sick-Soon his confidence in his infidel principles began to be shaken. Expecting that he should not probably survive that sickness, he soon fell into trouble of mind—his distress became exceedingly great.-Some religious people, who visited him, thought it exceeded any thing they had before seen. In this painful state of mind he continued for some time-But at length divine sovereign mercy and grace interposed, as we have reason to hope, and brought him relief. An uncommon change seemed to have been wrought in him; and he professed to have hope in God, and peace and joy in believing. Knowing his former character, Christian people were, for some time diffident; and dared not conclude that he had experienced a radical change. His conduct, however, since, and his apparent engagedness in religion, have gained him the charity of Christians and others: And he now takes much delight in the society of Christians.-When, after this, he first opened the New-Testament to read in it, he could hardly persuade himself, that this was the book, which he had read in younger life-And the truths he read were so new and different from what he had ever apprehended before, that it seemed to him he had never heard them before. The character of the Lord Jesus and the atonement he made for sin appeared to him so wise, so perfect and glorious, that his heart was filled with delight—And his hope and joy in this glorious Savior still continue.-He derives no other ground of hope.

The convictions which have been wrought in the minds of those, who have been the subjects of this blessed work, have, in general, been deep and pungent. They have, in most instances, had a clear and distressing view of the total opposition of their hearts to God and holiness; and felt an entire disrelish of the character of Christ. In some instances, the opposition they felt to Christ and to his cause, was such, that they openly expressed their wishes never to see a Christian, and never to have one enter their doors. In one instance a female, after being relieved from her distresses by the power of divine grace, (as we trust,) mentioned before the church, when she was examined for admission, that her enmity against God rose to such a height, that she could have consented herself to go to hell, could she but carry God into hell with her. Surely the heart is, and must be desperately wicked!

No visible disorder has taken place amongst us through the whole of the time in which God has been working so mightily by his power and grace: Nor have there been any of those enthusiastic flights,

which often occasion reproach to be cast on a work of God's Spirit In our public meetings and assemblies nothing more than an uncommon solemnity has been observable; unless it were, in some instanoes, the tears of those, whose minds have been affected.

We have great reason of thankfulness, that good order and regularity have been observed, notwithstanding so much emotion and agitation of mind as have been excited among the people.-And that, amidst the political dissentions so prevalent at the present day, a spirit of harmony and unanimity respecting this glorious work has been very apparent. In the manifestation of his saving love and mercy, God has made no distinction between the different parties in politics, there are amongst us: But he shows himself to be sovereign ; having mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will, hardening.

We feel, though in a far less degree than we ought, our obligations of eternal thankfulness and praise to the great God and Savior for his great and very wonderful mercies to us. And such as are indeed the children of God, will bless his glorious name, to eternity, for the rich and undeserved mercies he has graciously bestowed upon us.

That this brief narrative of God's glorious work, and the great things he has done, and is still doing for us, may be for the glory of God, the edification and quickening of all the good people into whose hands it may fall-And that it may awaken the attention of sinners,. and be the mean of convincing them of the need they stand in of being the subjects of a saving work of the Spirit of God-And, also, that it may excite the gratitude and praise of Zion's friends, and be the occasion of many thanksgivings to God, is the desire and prayer, Of their Friend and Servant,

STEPHEN WEST.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE (LONDON) MISSIONARY SOCIETY, MAY 13, 1813.

(Continued from page 240.)

INDIA.

THE Directors now beg leave to lead your attention to that part of the habitable globe which has lately, more than ever, interested the feelings of the religious world-British India-a country said to contain sixty millions of the human race, most of whom are in a deplorable state of moral degradation, in consequence of that ystem of gross error and horrible superstition which prevails among them, and from which it has been the highest ambition of this Society, in commɔn with similar associations of their fellow-christians, to labour to deliver them.

How far it may please the great Ruler of the world to influence the Legislature of this country in removing the present obstructions to the labours of Missionaries, and to facilitate their future operations,