ness and sacred peace, which I believe, existed in the minds of many of our little band yesterday, from the exercise of repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ! This day has been delightful indeed; the air as mild and balmy as that of a spring morning.-The sea is less disturbed than we have seen it before. In fact we. have had one continued gale until Saturday. The Captain has sailed eleven years, and says he never before had such a succession of rough weather. You can scarce imagine the difference it makes in every thing-Whilst the gales continued, we could scarce see a stone's throw from the vessel for the monstrous green billows that were rolling in heaps around us; now we can look in any direction, to a distance of many miles, over a beautiful surface of deep blue, varigated here and there by the milk white curving of a breaking wave. Our ship must be a fine object when view. ed at a little distance; every sail is set to the breeze, and all without and within indicates prosperity a ad peace. Dec. 3d.-The last evening was one of the most interesting we have spent since the commencement of our voyage. At the beginning of our meeting we were joined by the officers of the ship; their deportment in every respect is such, as to call for our warm gratitude, and in none more than in the uniform and interested attention they give to our exercises of devotion. We sang three hymns and had two prayers, when the great bell of the ship rang for our usual evening worship, and our circle was enlarged by twelve or fifteen sailors from the main deck and forecastle. I trust that our prayers and praises were those of faith and sincerity. Feeling ourselves solemnized, and having our better thoughts awakened to a lively exercise, it was proposed that we should listen to the perusal of the instructions of the committee, publicly delivered to us by Mr. Evarts, the evening before our embarkation. They are admirable, and well calculated to produce a powerful and abiding impression upon the heart. May we so improve them, as to show by all our actions, that these counsels and admonitions have not been in vain. May we never, individually nor collectively, bring a reproach in any degree on the cause we have espoused, but may all we do redound to our own good, and to the glory of the God we profess to serve. consciences not otherwise to be secured. May the Lord bless it to their eternal good. Dec. 16.-Yesterday we commenced a prayer meeting to be held every Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, as it is inconvenient A Bible to have more than one sermon. class has also been established among the sailors. This we consider an interesting exercise. Whilst it will enlighten them on the subject important above all others, it will give an access to their hearts and Jan. 1, 1823.-I am more and more persuaded of the propriety of our entering on the work we have: if the Bible be true, I fear no evil in this measure, except that which may arise from the deceitfulness of my own heart. To me, the duty of the most de voted and persevering exertions in the missionary cause, is as clear as that the scriptures are the word of God, and that every christian who does not promote its interest to the utmost of his power, fails in his duty to God and man. It was in my power to go forth personally to the heathen, and my conscience and heart would hear to no other sacrifice. I saw the path of duty, and determined to walk in it only, and thus far I have found it the path of peace and happiness. Jan. 25.-The storm continued to rage during the day with unabating violence, and produced greater anxiety and gloom than any we have yet experienced. But although the day was one of gloom, a cir cumstance occurred in which it has giv en me more genuine satisfaction than any thing since we left America. In the edgeof the evening, whilst leaning alone against the railing of the quarter deck, feeling in my own mind something of the desolation of the scene by which I was surrounded, I felt my arm gently touched by ome one on the spars behind me; it was--. The moment I cast my eyes upon him, I knew his errand, and can scarce describe my emotions when I found it truly to be as I expected-" to know what he should do to be saved?" He had seen me alone, and stolen from his station forward to tell me, that his spirit, like the troubled sea, would find no rest, and to beg me to direct him in the way everlasting. His words were few, but his looks, whilst he acknowledged his guilt and misery, and supplicated an interest in my prayers, spoke volumes. So unexpected, and yet so desired and prayed for was this event, that I almost doubted its reality. He dated his convictions from the preceding Sabbath, at the recitation of the Bible class, and told me he had scarce eaten or slept since. Every thing manifested sincerity and contrition in his deportment, and though I would not be too sanguine, I cannot but hope that the Spirit of God has begun that good work in him, which shall be carried on till the day of Christ Jesus. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump," and should but one soul be truly converted to God before we leave this ship, ere the voyage which it has commenced is completed, through the prayers and admonitions of that man, all these sailors may be turned to the Shepherd and Bishop of their souls. Feb. 14.-The weather would not ad mit of any service on the Sabbath, except evening prayers. This was regretted, particularly under the encouraging appearance of the crew. I was greatly gratified, however, to find, that notwithstanding the rest of the night had been broken in both watches, and the morning had been one of labour, that still one half of my Bible class had prepared their recitation. - has manifested much seriousness of late. I have had several conversations with him, and every successive one has been more interesting than the preceding. On Monday morning came to me with a very animated countenance, and said he had great hopes of ; that he was very much troubled, had "knocked off swearing,' and was all the time "overhauling his Bible," "He always swears when reefing in a gale, but on Saturday night we were on the lee-yard arm of the main-topsail together for half an hour, and though it blew a hurricane, and we could do nothing with the sail, he never swore a word. If he'll only cut cable and swing from the fellows in his watch, I shall not fear for him." Thus we have reason to hope that another immortal spirit is ready to exclaim "men and brethren, what shall I do to be saved!" 99 March 17.-Nothing new to communicate this morning except an account of a "real Sabbath at sea-such a Sabbath as I once feared I would never see on board the Thames. Preparations for it were made early on Saturday evening among the sailors by washing, shaving, &c.; all seemed to be looking forward to it with pleasure and hope. And never on sea or land was there a more lovely day. The temperature was that of the finest June weather. The stillness of death reigned over the ship, whilst all, cleanly drest, employed their time in reading, meditation and prayer. We had an excellent sermon from Mr. Bishop, and at the close of the day, every one was compelled to remark its quiet and solemnity. March 24-When I look around me this morning and see every one cheerfully and industriously employed,-observe the neatness and pleasantness of every thing in the cabin and on deck, and feel myself, and know others to do the same, as perfectly at home and contented, as I have ever been in any situation, I can scarce credit that our present is the state so long dreaded by ourselves and friends as one devoid of enjoyment or even comfort March 6. is rejoicing in the possession of a Christian's hope. He requested an interview with me last night on the first watch. As soon as I approached him, he threw his arms around me and fell on my neck with emotions that seem ed to deny him the power of utterance. It was some time before he could tell me of the hope that had become as an anchor to his soul, and of the peace an joy that filled his bosom. So great and entire a change had taken place in his views and feelings, that he felt compelled to believe, that old things had unto him passed away, and all things become new, and that he was a new creature in Christ Jesus. 1 had a most interesting conversation with him, and left him as I found him rejoicing with joy unspeakable, and full of glory; and hoping in my own heart, that the inexpressible emotions that throbbed within his manly breast, were only the feeble commencement of that holy joy, which, in the world to come, would rise" immeasurably high." March 10-I can again speak of the mercy and loving kindness of God towards ns, now floating on the mighty bosom of the Pacific. Appearances have never been as encouraging as they now are. There is a seriousness from the fore-castle to the quarter deck, that forces itself on the observation of every one. The change in has produced a very visible effect on his friends. and Their countenances and whole appearance are altered. Vol. VI. No. 7. 49 can hardly realize the truth that we have been confined upwards of four months on board this ship, and yet are so little sensible of any privation, and so little desirous of any change. For a long time after entering the Pacific, we thought the appropriateness of its name might very justly be questioned, but the experience of the last fortnight has satisfied us on that point. The perfect smoothness of the ocean is almost incredi ble: we have scarce seen a wave with "crested head" in that time, and but for the deep blue colour of the surface, might fancy ourselves sailing on the placid bosom of your lake. We have all been forcibly struck with the great beauty of the sky and clouds in these latitudes; especially towards sunset and early in the evening. They are unrivalled by any I have ever seen, and are literally indescribable; we have seen clouds of almost every colour in different parts of the sky, at the same time; some of colours I never saw in the heavens before, and often in the strongest tints; for instance, of a rich and perfect green, beautiful amber, crimson--while the whole western hemisphere has been in one blaze of glory. Last night the colour of the ocean added greatly to the scene: it was of a most perfect blood colour, occasioned by the reflection of a fleecy veil of crimson clouds, covering the whole heavens; the the appearance was so extremely singular, as to make us almost shrink from it as something supernatural. Our religious state continues the same. and have expressed no hope of their conversion, though deeply interes ted in securing it.-Four more are under convictions of sin of greater or less pungency-and seem fully determined on turning to God with all their hearts. expression of countenance is naturally I never saw a Sabbath on land such as Not a sound was yesterday was here. heard, from the opening of the morning till the close of the day, but the rippling of the water as we sailed on the deep, or the voice of worship as we bowed before our God. Every one seemed to feel as well as know, that the day was sacred to its Maker; and most of our number, I believe, rejoiced in it.-When I viewed the neatness and order of every thing about our beautiful ship, and witnessed the peace and quiet and solemnity that prevailed, I could not help fancying that I saw "holiness to the Lord" inscribed on the cloud of canvass she spread to the breeze. Our services were delightful, and what Christian could not feel them to be so when at them, he could see the tear of sacred rapture start in the bright eye of some, and that of penitence and sorrow from that of others: both of whom till late "cared for none of these things." is one of the happiest of beings, and can scarce contain the joy of his heart. He very active with his companions, and has already been a blessing to them. All that he says is worth twice its real value from the manner in which he communicates it. He related to me the substance of a conversation had with came to a few days since. him full of trouble; with a spirit that could find no rest, and wished to know how he obtained the light and liberty, the peace and joy that filled his bosom, adding, "I believe the Bible to be true, and every word in it to be of God. Í know that I can be saved only by the righteousnesss of Jesus Christ-I feel my wretchedness and misery without it-I believe every thing-but how am I to believe, so as to be saved I want faith, and how am I to get it." L -g told him he felt just so once, he did not know what faith was or how to obtain it; but he knew now what it was, and believed he possessed it; but, "I do not know that I can tell you what it is, or how to obtain it. I know what it is not-I know it is not knocking off swearing and drinking and the like; and it is not reading the Biblenor praying-nor being good-it is not that for even if these would do for the time to come, what are you to do with the old score? how are you to get clear of that? It is not any thing you have done or can do. It is only believing and trusting to what Christ has done: it is having your sins pardoned and soul saved, because he died and shed his blood for sin, and it is nothing else.' A doctor of divinity might bave given the poor fellow a more technical and polished answer, but not one more simple or satisfactory. 99 -'s April 3.-The state of spiritual things is still encouraging and delightful. Two more of the common sailors have expressed a hope of salvation. Last night, while walking the deck, I happened to cast my eyes into the steerage and could not refrain from wishing, that some of the pious hearts interested for the salvation of seamen, and active in their exertions to promote it, could stand behind me for a moment. But one pe: son was there, and for the time I wished to see no other; The it was reading his Bible. lamp was suspended from the ceiling, at too great a height to admit of reading with ease, when seated on the floor, and being too tired to stand, he was knelling and reading partly aloud, with an attenion and solemnity that seemed to absorb, every thought and feeling; his attitude countenance, and whole appearance, gave strong testimony that he was searching the scriptures, that he might in them find the words of eternal life. He did not change his position in the least till the bell rang for evening prayers a full half hour after I first observed him. April 8.-We have at length bid adieu ́ to the southern hemisphere, and that We recrossed most probably for ever. the line on Saturday night, the 5th inst, precisely three months to an hour after having crossed it in the Atlantic. Our Sabbath, the day after, was uninterruptedly pleasant and solemn. Mr. Richards preached from the words “the harvest past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." Five only of the crew were absent: about that number have shown the most determined opposition to the seriousness prevailing, and have spoken and behaved with an effrontery and wickedness almost incredible. They scarce ever attend any of the religious services, and even insult those who go to them in their retreat of wickedness the forecastle. When witnessing their behaviour, and hearing their wilful profaneness and blasphemy, we pity and deplore their folly and madness: and whilst we sincerely exclaim, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do," we cannot but add in the sight of their awful and gratuitous iniquity," How can you escape the damnation of hell?" Another event has occurred to make me far less anxious for the termination of our voyage than I otherwise would have been, and one, that, to you, and all our friends, I am satisfied, has been, and is, of the deepest interest-it is the safe and uncommonly favourable confinement of our beloved Harriet. We had constantly hoped to have reached the island before this should have taken place, but the wise providence of God ordered otherwise; and we have great reason already to rejoice in it, as a dispensation of visible and marked goodness and tenderness to us. The circumstance has given much joy to the captain, officers and crew: Harriet is a great and universal favourite, and herself and child are the chief objects of solicitude and attention. They were determined that the young stranger should be an American: the captain immediately ordered the ensign hoisted, and master Charles first saw the light under the proud wavings of our national banner. I have seldom known the gleaming of its stars and stripes to give more animation and apparent joy; and am sure, that, in my eyes, they never looked half so lovely. April 25.-It is even so I write to you now, my dear M. with the snowy summit os Mouakiah on the one hand, and the rugged heights of Mowee on the other. After tea, the first tumult of feeling having subsided, while all the family except H. were assembled at the gunwale of the ship April 22.-The Rev. NATHAN WILDMAN, in the First Baptist Church in Lyme, Con. nearest the land, to gaze on it still, as we feelings never known before, the sweet gently pursued our course, we sung, with and appropriate hymn April 25.--The Rev. CHARLES D. MALLORY, Over the Baptist Church in Columbia, S. C. May 1.-The Rev. CHAUNCEY EDDY, as an Evangelist, at Morgantown, N. C. May 20.-The Rev. HORATIO A. PARSONS, over the Congregational Church and Society in Manchester, Vt. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Proudfit, of Salem, N. Y. May 26.-The Rev. DANIEL G. SPRAGUE, (installed) over the Congrega. tional Church in Hampton, Con. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Dow, of Thompson. June 2.-The Rev. JOHN ALLEN, over the Baptist Church in Wrentham. Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Hall, of Attleborough. June 4.-The Rev. ORSON DOUGLAS, "O'er the hills of gloomy darkness, Look, my soul, be still and gaze." Ordinations and Installations. We had scarce finished the first line, before our little band was encircled by the officers and crew, with a seriousness and solemnity highly gratifying. I doubt not, some of their hearts throbbed with emotions known only to the pious mind. Whilst singing, the last rays of a glorious sun were falling on us from the west, and the silver beams of a full orbed moon from the east. The hazy atmosphere suddenly cleared up, leaving a cloudless sky, without a trace of the gloom which had an hour before overshadowed us, except a light drapery of silver clouds, concealing the highest points of the mountains. The change was too instantaneous and too great not to be noticed, and I could not help hoping and praying, that the spiritual gloom of the land might as speedily flee away beneath the mild light of the gospel of peace. DONATIONS TO RELIGIOUS AND CHAR (In the month of May.) To the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, (from April 13 to May 12 inclusive) $2,539 92, To the United Foreign Missionary Society $2,289 21. To the American Education Society $582 59. View of Public Hffairs. PORTUGAL. An event occurred on the 30th of May, which filled the capital of this kingdom with consternation:-At break of day, the public surprise was excited by a report that the great square of Lisbon was filled with troops; that the Infant Don Miguel was at their head; that in the night an attempt had been made to assassinate the king; that many persons were implicated in the plot formed for that purpose; and that Pamplona, Count de Parato, Count Villaflor, and other distinguished persons who enjoyed the royal confidence, and had been declared partisans of the Court, had been apprehended as conspirators. Early in the morning the Infant Don Miguel had arrived by the palace of the Regency; he called a council of war-he despatched patrols to different parts of the city to apprehend a number of suspected persons, and immediately appointed a new Minister of Police who paraded the streets, followed by two gendarmes, and barred all approach to the Royal Palace, except to such as were provided with a passport from the Prince.' This order of the Infant the foreign ministers disputed, and insisted on seeing the king, whom they found in an unhappy state of mind, and ignorant of the true state of things. They earnestly request ed that an order should immediately be sent in the king's name for the dispersion of the troops, to which his Majesty timidly or reluctantly consented. The troops however did not see fit to separate till 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Numerous arrests followed, and the latest accounts state that more than 800 persons were thrown into prison. Of the precise motives of the insurrection no distinct account is given. The general impression seems to be, that it was a concerted plot between the queen and the Infant, to depose the king, and make the Infant regent. GREECE. An event highly interesting to Greece, and to the literary world, has occurred in the death of Lord Byron, which took place at Missolonghi, on the 19th of April. This event was publicly announced in a proclamation by the gov ernment; in which it was ordered that on the following morning at sun-rise, thirty seven minute guns, (equal to the number of years the deceased had lived,) should be fired from all the batteries,-that all business, official and private, and all sorts of festivities, should cease for three days, that a general mourning should take place for twenty-one days, and that funeral ceremonies should be performed in all the churches. The splendid talents of this most singular mau, were not wholly unassociated with amiable qualities; yet in the estimation of virtuous minds, he has left, on the whole, an unenviable reputation. Unhappily for himself and for the world, his works will remain no less a monument of his corruption than of his genius. SPAIN Serious disturbances continue to exist in various parts of Spain. By a letter from Saragossa, it appears that, on the 28th of April, the royalist volenteers paraded the streets, threatening assassination to all the Constitutionalists; and that two persons were killed, and twelve wounded. A similar scene had been witnessed at Vienna. Most of the clergy attached to the Constitutional cause were in prison. EGYPT.-Our last number mentioned a rumor that the viceroy of Egypt had declared himself independent of the Grand Seignior. This rumor was rendered credible by the well known fact, that the viceroy has, for some time past, been forming large magazines of gunpowder and other military stores at Grand Cairo, professedly for the purpose of equipping an army to act against the Christians in the Morea, but more probably with a view of asserting the independence of his own government. Whatever may have been the real designs of the viceroy, the Greeks, it seems, have fresh occasion to rejoice in the good providence of God, which has prevented him from wasting his ample means in their destruction.Advices from Alexandria, state that these magazines had been destroyed by fire,and that three thousand Egyptian soldiers had perished in the explosion. The value of the property destroyed was estimated at no less than ten millions of Spanish dollars, and one of the effects of this event will probably be the abandonment of the expedition from Alexandria into the Morea, if his Highness, the Egyptian Pacha, ever seriously intended to waste his resourses in a cause so entirely hopeless as the rejunction of Greece to the Ottoman yoke of barbarism. His Highness the Captain Pacha had arrived at Alexandria with a part of the Turkish fleet, and the remainder of his naval force was expected soon to join him at that place. It was at Alexandria that the fourth expedition of the Turks against the Christians was to have been fitted out, for at Constanti |
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