sionary in the Gospel, who was then at Philadelphia, but about retiring to the country for his health, addressed a letter, inviting him to come and spend some time with us. He accepted the invitation, and immediately repaired to this place. He began his work immediately; labouring almost night and day-visiting from house to house-conversing with individuals, as he had an opportunity-preach ing three or four times in a week-besides instituting and attending anxious meetings every two weeks. Thus did he continue with us for more than three months. The Lord greatly blessed his labours. The Holy Ghost, for whose presence some had been ardently praying, was indeed in the midst of us. It is now evident, that many souls had been under more or less conviction, for years past. This conviction, however, on the death of Mr. Vredenburgh, was brought more powerfully to their consciences. It continued, more or less, through the past winter and spring. This appears to have been the state of the congregation, when Mr. Osborn first came among us. As soon as he began preaching and visiting among the people, copious showers of the DIVINE INFLUENCE descended upon them, not indeed "like a mighty rushing wind," but more like " a still small voice," which melted and moulded them down, into Gospel principles, at the foot of the cross. Many of them appeared to be driven, at once,out of themselves, out of every dependance on their prayers-their tears -their repentance, as a ground of justification before God, to apply to the atoning blood of Christ,as the only means of cleansing their consciences; and to his perfect righteousness, as their only plea before the “ mercy seat," and the only safe refuge from the devouring, all consuming wrath of an avenging God. But the exercises of the most were gradual. Some continued from one to five and six weeks, without obtaining any comfort-sometimes between hope and despair, till they had no where to flee for help, but to the Lord Jesus Christ. To such, the Saviour appeared every way suitable and desirable: "the chief est among ten thousand, and altogether lovely." Most of them gave strong evidence of their hatred of sin, and their desire of deliverance from it, as being committed against a holy and just God. To expect, where the excitement has been so general, that the work will prove all pure and unalloyed, would be to expect more than happened, even in the days of our Saviour and his Apostles. In the family of Christ there was a Judas. In the churches of Corinth and Galatia, there were found many unworthy communicants; and in the seven churches of Asia were many unfaithful members. There will doubtless, be some among the wheat." The work, in its origin and progress, is, however, undoubtedly of God. He will, by and by, roughly purge his floor, and gather the wheat into his garner," whie the "chaff, He will burn with unquenchable fire." But here is the consolation of the Christian: "the Lord knoweth them that are his." "chaff "tho At the first communion after the arrival of Mr. Osborn, sixty-one were examined by the Consistory, and admitted to the privileges of the Church. Before our communion, in October, four days were appropriated to receive applications. The Consistory, with several ministers in their turn to assist them in this solemn transaction,examined with great caution,on both doctrinal and experimental religion, and received to that ordinance one hundred and forty-five; which, with the sixty-one before admitted, makes, in the aggregate, two hundred and six; among whom were about sixty of the Ethiopian the advancement and glory of the Redeemer's kingdom, exceedingly rejoice! Let them say, as we trust we can, with truth, "this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." Signed by order of the Consistory. Somerville, N. J. Nov. 21, 1822. REVIVAL IN THE COLLEGE AT CARLISLE. [From the Religious Remembrancer.] Extract of a letter from a Student in Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., to a friend in this city, dated Dickinson College, Dec. 8, 1822. DEAR H, Perhaps it will be no violation of the Sabbath to devote a few of its sacred moments in comunicating to you the delightful prospects of religion in this Institution. A few days since Dr. Mason lost one of his sons, an amiable and intelligent youth, about 20 years of age. He completed his classical studies and graduated at the last commencement, in June. He entered upon life with a remarkable degree of health, and elated , with the prospect of honour and happiness. But in the moment of expectation, on a sudden his hopes were blasted and all his honours prostrated by the pitiless hand of the Destroyer! He has gone! But O! his very death has made his memory sacred to the hearts of nis companions. Loving and beloved, his loss was deeply deplored by many whose tears are now turned to rejoicing. This call of Heaven, awful, yet tender; alarming, yet touching, penetrated the souls of all who knew him; for all who knew him loved him. These impressions, in numerous instances, have proved genuine and lasting--the work of the Almighty. Several of the students soon communicated their feelings to those of us who were professing Christians; and we soon conveyed the precious news to Mr.Duffield. He immediately appointed an anxious meeting, which was attended by about seven or eight. Another meeting was appointed; and in the mean time, the Spirit of the Lord moved powerfully among us, awakening others to a sense of their con dition. The anxious meeting then increased to fourteen. Soon after, the glorious work was discovered to have been progressing among the inhabitants of Carlisle, and a general invitation was given to all who felt concerned for their souls, to meet on a certain evening. Bless the Lord, there were about fifty present. At the next meeting the number had increased to seventy; thirty students, and the remainder from the town. The Rev. Mr. M'Carty was with us for a time, labouring with much zeal and to much effect. His style of preaching, you know, is remarkably animated, and calculated to arouse the sinner, as well as to encourage the seeking soul. He was necessarily obliged to leave this place in the midst of this heart-cheering season, with great regret to himself and the people. Mr. Duffield, however, receives continual assistance from the exertions of Professor M'Clelland, whose feelings are much excited, and whose superior abilities as a minister of the Gospel, render him highly serviceable at this interesting period in furthering the blessed cause. How astonishing the revolution produced in the college within a few days! In the rooms of the ungodly,—of those very persons who were remarkable for their impiety; yes, even of those whom Satan employed as instruments of ridicule against the religion of Jesus, the altar of prayer and praise is erected. The number of returning prodigals amounts to about thirty, most of whom are rejoicing in the privileges of their Father's family; and others still inquiring What they must do to be saved? The good work is still advancing, and we hope will not cease, until every one among us shall obtain that wisdom which shall survive the grave, and shall not only be treading the path of science, but pilgrims for heaven. The original number of professors in College was ten,--few, indeed, but affectionate; some intelligent and active. Who could be inactive when so much calls for exertion?—and who could be prayerless when so much encouragement is given to faith? The hearts of God's people are greatly revived, and all are anxious to see the prosperity of Zion. The subject-matter of Christian conversation is "The prosperity of Zion.” O that God would continue the operations of his Spirit, and add numbers more to the church "of such as shall be saved." Speaking of God's people being revived, reminds me of the different feelings and views manifested by the professors of religion, just previous to this visitation of love. On our return to College this session, there was evidently an increase of zeal among us. At our conference meeting, we conversed frequently of the importance of being actively engaged. We considered it our duty to converse with our fellow students on the subject of religion, but after frequent considerations of the duty, no one seemed yet to have actually performed it. So at last we made a regulation, that each of us should report at the meetings, with whom he had conversed during the week. The consequence was, almost every one fulfilled his duty; and to our great happiness, we found that several were seriously impress ed; and from that time, God came to us on a visit. O that he may prolong his stay until every soul shall have a view of his glory. Thus the Almighty is pleased to work by means. His Providence called in the voice of Death. His Spirit opened the ears and penetrated the hearts of sinners. His children were instrumental in leading to obedience. And behold! the deaf hear, the blind see, and the dead live. REVIVALS IN VIRGINIA. The Rev. J. H. Van Court to the Editor of the Religious Remembrancer. Salem, Va. Dec 2, 1822. After some prefatory remarks, Mr. Van Court says The work commenced in and about Lexington, in the months of August and September. The Lord first visited them with judgments. He sent sickness among them, and many were removed from the land of the living. These judgments of the Lord were blest to the survivors. An unusual spirit of supplication and prayer commenced among the pious, and a deep concern and trembling anxiety among the careless. The places of worship, in which but few were formerly seen, were now well filled. Meetings for religious conversation were appointed. The subjects introduced and discussed at these meetings by ministers and others, were calculated to enlighten the minds of the anxious. Before the meeting of the Synod, more than two hundred persons were admitted into communion of the churches under the pastoral care of Dr. Baxter, Mr. Ruffner, and Mr. Davidson. In the latter part of October, the Synod of Virginia met at Staunton, and the Spirit and power of the Lord was with them. In other congregations belonging to the Synod, there were likewise revivals of religion. The hearts of the ministers were warm, and their faith strong. The church in Staunton was in a lukewarm state; yet frequent meetings for public worship were appointed. During most of the time they had prayer meetings at sunrise, a sermon in the forenoon, another in the afternoon, and a third in the evening. After which they met in little companies in different parts of the town, and spent an hour in prayer and in praise. A considerable addition was made to the church at their communion. has progressed with rapidity and power. Since the rising of the Synod, the work I arrived in Staunton on the 19th of November, and continued there several days. I preached for them, and attended several of their social meetings. Professors of religion were indeed revived, marked with deep solemnity. and the countenances of nearly all were Some were rejoicing in hope, others still remaining in deep distress. Understanding that the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper would be administered on the next Sabbath, (Nov. 24,) at the church in New-Providence, under the pastoral charge of Mr. Morrison, I determined to be present with them. I arrived in the neighbourhood on Saturday evening, and was informed that two sermons had been delivered in the church on that day, and two the day before. On Sabbath morning we repaired to the church. The exercises were to commence at half past ten o'clock, but at ten the house was quite full. They engaged in singing several appropriate hymns. Their strains of music were sweet and animated, flowing from hearts filled with love to Jesus, and glowing with gratitude to God for his unspeakable gift. It reminded me of the representation in Scripture of the saints above, singing the new song, and joining in full chorus"Thou art worthy-for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation, and hast made us kings and priests to our God." At half past ten o'clock the ministers ascended the pulpit, and the regular exercises commenced. Dr. Baxter, President of Washington College, preached an impressive discourse from Heb. vii. 26. A solemn stillness reigned. After sermon, a large number of adults were baptized, and the Lord's Supper administered. Upwards of sixty sat down to commemorate the death of our Lord, for the first time. It was a season both solemn and delightful. A feast of love-of holy gratitude and joy How refreshing and strengthening to the soul. It was good to be there. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. From Mr. Abijah Fisher, annual subscription, Collection in first Pres. Ch. in Lansing, Tompkins county, N. Y. by the Rev. Mr. Bascom, From the Aux. Soc. of Northumberland, Penn. including seventeen dollars collected in the Rev. Mr. Bryson's congregation in that vicinity, by James P. Sanderson, Treasurer, From the Female Aux. Soc. of Warwick, Orange county, N. Y. by Miss Ann Maria Austin, Trea surer, For one copy of the Christian Remembrancer, For educating an Osage youth by the name of William C. Brownlee, (first payment,) collected by Miss Ann Finley, For educating an Osage youth by the name of Robert Finley, (first payment,) collected by Mrs. Ludlow, From the Female Benevolent Society of Bristol, Ulster county, N. Y. by Mrs. Flora Isham, Treasurer, From the Georgetown Female Missionary Society, for educating an Osage youth by the name of Robert Munroe, (second payment,) by Mrs. Anu Searle, 30 00 A box of clothing from Vernon, N. V. for the Great Osage Mission-valued at 15 18 25 00 Collection at the Monthly Concert in the Ref. 18 00 50 00 3 62 67 68 A package containing twenty-one yards of flannel, and four pairs of socks, from a few ladies in Carlton, Saratoga county, N. Y. A box of domestic goods and clothing for the A box of bed clothing and wearing apparel for Forty-one yards of flannel, from the Female Be- 21 87 20 50 From the Aux. Soc. of Graham's church, Orange county, N. Y. by Thomas Clark, Treasurer, Collected in the Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, N. Y. by the Rev. Mr. Clark, 11 00 A box of clothing from a Society of ladies in Lowville, N. Y. valued at 20 00 A shirt from a lady in Bethlehem, Orange county, N. Y. 14 25 Collected by the Rev. Peter Kanouse on his tour through the western part of the State of NewYork, A box of bed clothing and wearing apparel, from a few ladies in Peekskill, N. Y. by Mrs. Ann Concklin. 152 00 ERRATA. page In Mr. Cox's address, page 235, line 14th from the beginning, for love of ages, read, lore of ages. In 236, 10th line from the bottom of the first column, for it was named, read, Christ was named. In the same page, and the first line of the second column, for earthly, read, earthy. Missionary Register. VOL. IV. FEBRUARY, 1823. Biography. CHARACTER AND OBITUARY OF MRS. WILSON, From the London Missionary Register. No. 2. FROM a letter of Mr. Wilson to the Secretary of the Church Missionary Society, dated Tranquebar, Feb. 14, 1822, we extract some account of the devout character and triumphant death of his departed wife. Mrs. Wilson's career of service was soon closed: but she appears to have been remarkably prepared for her great change; and affords an example of Missionary devotedness, which will prove, we trust, a blessing to those of her own sex in particular, who are engaged in this service. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson arrived at Madras but about three months before her death, and were preparing themselves at Tranquebar for the work of the Mission. It has pleased the Lord to call away the spirit of my dear wife to His eternal glory! She was exercised with a severe six weeks' illness, which baffled all the skill of medicine. We arrived here on the 11th of October, after a passage of three days from Madras. We soon got our house arranged, and then commenced the study of Tamul. About ten days after our arrival, my wife complained of being rather unwell. In a few days, however, she was again comparatively well; and pursued her studies with close application and much plea sure. On Thursday, Oct. 25th, she was seized with a slight degree of fever, which continued to increase until the evening. The physician administered some medicine. On the following day she appeared worse. The complaint now assumed all the symptoms of a putrid fever. VOL. IV. 5 For about a week her pains were most excruciating. By the blessing of God, the alarming appearances were subdued, and we had strong hopes that all would soon be well. We had, however, scarcely begun to comfort ourselves with this prospect, when a bilious fever came on: this required large doses of calomel, as every other means failed. Premature labour came on; and she was delivered of a daughter on the 29th of November, which, to the surprise of all, was a living child: it survived, however, but a few hours, and then went to its rest. After Mrs. Wilson's confinement, she grew weaker every day: calomel was again administered, but without effect. My beloved wife calmly fell asleep in Jesus, in the triumph of faith, on the 11th of December--leaving us a legacy which her whole life, and particularly the close of it, had rendered of inestimable value. We had no sooner commenced our |