preach the gospel to thirty persons. 6th, Lord's-day. In the morning we had a meeting for prayer in the chapel, at Nomain, at 8 o'clock; I preached to a very large number of persons from Gen. ii. 18-20. In the afternoon I went to Teintiguies the place in which we met was quite full of persons from different villages; and I had the joy of remarking, in general, an attention which indicate the great value they set upon the word of God. In the evening I preached at Aix, in a small dissenting chapel, where many young people were present, to whom I addressed a serious exhortation upon the necessity of leaving the world, and becoming disciples of Christ.

7th. There is always something to be done in the field of the Lord. Yesterday evening I was extremely fatigued; I had walked twelve miles in bad weather, and much wished to rest myself, but the Lord who gives strength to the weary, Ps. xxviii. 14, had arranged otherwise; I was sent for to visit a young woman dangerously ill. I went, and found round her bed many persons who heard me with pleasure. I spoke to the invalid, who, I trust, is a daughter of Abraham. When I asked her upon what she rested her hopes of salvation, she answered me in a very satisfactory manner, and showed that she had clear views of the expiatory sacrifice of Christ. I hope God has made application of it to her soul. She manifested great patience in her affliction, 2 Pet. i. 5, 6, and her parents told me that they had never remarked in her, during her long illness, any signs of impatience. Upon leaving this house, I went to Orchies, and there met a lady who had heard me preach the day before. After the usual salutations, she offered to take me to several houses whose inhabitants were desirous of hearing the gospel. I consented to her proposal, and had the pleasure of visiting several interesting families. The following is my plan in these visits. On entering the house I open my Testament, and explain some verses. I then question the inhabitants as to the state of their souls, and give counsel or encouragement from the gospel, and finish with prayer. I left this good lady the same day, as I had to preach at a missionary meeting in a neighbouring village in the evening. My text was Isa. ii. 1-5.

8th. I intended leaving to-day, but the young woman whom had visited had died, and brother Thieffry begged me to preach the funeral discourse, as strangers have frequently the most influence. The interment took place in the afternoon, and I preached for more than an hour

and a half in the Catholic cemetery. There was a crowd of persons; nearly all from the neighbouring villages attended.

9th. Le Rosee. I left our good brother Thieffry this morning, and arrived at the house of a Protestant family, in which I had a good opportunity of making known the gospel. We have had several serious conversations upon the hidden life in Christ, Col. iii. 3; and I hope my visit will be useful. After reading some portions of the word of God, I requested to go to prayer. These poor people were much astonished that I asked to pray without having a book; they do not know that prayer is the life of a Christiau. In the evening I had the boldness to present myself at the house of the unconverted pastor who lives in the town. I was surprised at the cordial welcome he gave me, for he constrained me to remain the night with him. We conversed on several religious topics, and at night he asked me to pray at family worship. 10th. I left this morning to go to the house of a friend. He invited me to take a place in his chaise; this gave me an excellent opportunity to preach the gospel to him, which I embraced. I cannot give you all the particulars of our interesting conversation, as it lasted several hours, but

I will give you the summary. I addressed him in this 46 way: Do you not think that religion is the only necessary thing?" Yes; but every one cannot be religious, especially in a world so corrupt as that in which we live." The first thing I enforced and argued with him was, that since religion is necessary to man, and a duty imposed by God, there is no exception to the rule. I then showed him some of the advantages of a religious life, and read a hymn which beautifully expresses the happiness of the pious soul. My friend was quite struck with the persuasive principles, the sincerity and energy of thought, expressed by the writer, and confessed that they proved the source whence they flowed. He mentioned among other things the doctrine of election, and endeavoured to draw from it the conclusion that it would be useless to lead a religious life to obtain salvation, since perhaps the eternal decrees of God irrevocably excluded him. I cited in answer to this opinion a series of Scripture passages, which prevented his raising any more objections. As we approached the town, I assured him that I had not the least idea of blaming his religious sentiments, but felt the desire speak to him of the things relating to the

to

salvation of the soul. He said, that nothing I had uttered could offend him, and said it would give him pleasure to offer me his chaise at any time. May the voice which speaks to the heart, without which mine is nothing, make itself heard by this poor soul now wandering in the labyrinth of this world, that it may soon be drawn to the fold of Christ!

AMERICA.

BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.

The following Extract from a letter addressed to the Rev. J. A. James, Birmingham, supplies information which cannot fail to interest our readers.

New York, May 12th, 1834. We have just closed our Anniversaries, and have fresh occasion of thanksgiving to our heavenly Father. Notwithstanding the year has been one of unprecedented pecuniary embarrassment in our commercial affairs, still all our bene volent Societies have recorded an increase of receipts. American Tract Society, 66,485 dollars; increase, 4,000 dollars. American Home Missionary Society, employed, last year, 672 Missionaries, receipts, 78,911 dollars; increase, 10,284 dollars. Bible Society, receipts 88,600 dollars. Education Society (i. e., for educating young men for the ministry) assisted during the year 912, in 159 different literary and theological institutions. There were received of new beneficiaries dur. ing the year, 280. Sixty of our beneficiaries have entered the ministry during the year; receipts 57,122 dollars. The young men, in various ways, during the vacations, have raised towards their own support 26,174 dollars. Since the commencement of the Society, 18 years, we have aided 1,964 young men. The first year 4, the last 912. Rising 600 have already entered the ministry, having passed through a course of classical and theological study. More than 200 have been employed as Home Missionaries; 40 are preaching the Gospel among the heathen; 46 are employed as editors of literary and religious publications, or as instructors in our seminaries of learning and theology; the remainder are settled as pastors. Already has the Society powerfully aided the cause of our dear Redeemer. One-sixth of all the ordinations of ministers in our land, during the past year, were beneficiaries of this Society. The pressure is but just beginning to be felt, that unless the education cause is sustained, all the other benevolent Societies will be retarded. I am

sure the churches never felt so deeply their obligations. I confidently expect to see, ere five years are gone, 5,000 men in training for the ministry. Powerful influences are at work, which will develope mighty results. The benevolence of our churches is increasing regu larly; it is becoming more and more a matter of principle, and less of impassioned appeal. It appears to me that God, in a wonderful manner, is martialling for conflict all the mighty moral elements, and that soon wonderful developments will be made. Never did such a wave of excitement roll over this land, and never were the most staid and wellbalanced Christian minds more roused to attempt and expect great things. The desire for the speedy conversion of the world is gaining ground rapidly. Much prayer is offered-many hearts are enlarged-much, very much, wealth will roll into the Lord's treasury. Many of the rising ministers are devoted to the work, and ready to go forth anywhere. My heart is glad in God. I may yet, on earth, see my own land supplied with an efficient ministry, and a great company of Missionaries in every heathen country. I feel a deepening anxiety that England and America should be more closely united in the work of the world's conversion.

DOMESTIC.

REVIVAL MEETINGS.

W. P.

I have been requested by some of my brethren to forward you the account of a series of revival meetings that have just been held in the city of Lincoln. As I fully concur with my brethren in the opinion, that a concise and faithful report of the meetings will prove interesting to many of your readers, and may tend to advance the Redeemer's kingdom, I very cheerfully comply with their request. Being fully aware, that a very strong feeling exists in the minds of some good men against such meetings, I am not certain that the report will meet with your entire sympathy; but I am willing to believe, that whatever doubt you may entertain as to the propriety of our proceedings, you will allow the report to appear in your pages, that your readers may have an opportunity of judging for themselves, whether such meetings be adapted to promote the glory of God, and the good of immortal souls. I shall, first, give the exact plan of our services, and then

state their result, so far as it can be ascertained.

We had twenty-one successive services, which commenced on Sabbath morning, October 26, 1834, and ended on the following Friday morning. These services were all previously arranged, and were as follows: Sabbath morning, at seven o'clock, a prayer-meeting; at half-past ten, a sermon on "The nature of a religious revival," by brother Margerum, of Spalding; at half-past two, a sermon on The necessity of a religious revival," by brother Moore, student at Bradford; at six in the evening, a sermon on "The source and means of a religious revival," by brother Stovel, of Little Prescot-street, London, whose connexion with the meetings proved a gratification to all the parties concerned, though it was not anticipated by any of them, being, as to all human arrangements, perfectly casual. The services of the Sabbath were closed by two or three of the members of the church offering solemn prayer to God.

Monday morning, at seven o'clock, a prayer-meeting; at half-past ten, a sermon on "The nature, the necessity, and the efficacy of prayer," by brother Dawson, of Newark; after this and all the other sermons, except those preached on the Sabbath, one or two short addresses were delivered. At half-past two, a sermon on "The nature and necessity of evangelical repentance," by brother Jones, of Horncastle. At halfpast six, a public meeting, subject, "The obligation of Christians to seek the salvation of sinners, and the means they should employ for its attainment."

on

Tuesday morning, at seven, a prayermeeting. At half-past ten, a sermon, "Religious decision," by brother Stovel. At half-past two, a public meeting, subject, "Scripture questions;" Prov. xx. 9; Acts xvi. 30; James ii. 14; Heb. ii. 3; Matt. xx. 6; Matt. v. 47. At half past six, a public meeting, subject, "The vast importance of immediately seeking the salvation of the soul."

Wednesday morning, at seven, a prayermeeting. At half-past ten, a sermon to young people, by brother Margerum. At half-past two, a public meeting, subject, "Scripture truths;" 1 Cor. iii. 7; 1 Tim. vi. 6; John v. 40; 2 Cor. v. 10; Gal. vi 7; Prov. xiii. 4. At half-past six, a public meeting, subject, The inestimable advantages of early piety."

Thursday morning, at seven, a prayermeeting. At half-past ten, a sermon to the aged, by brother Rowe, of Cillingholme. At half-past two, a public

meeting, subject, "Scripture exhortations;" Isa. i. 18; Matt. xxvi. 41; Gen. xix. 17; Isa. lv. 6; Eccles. ix. 10; Matt. v. 16. At half-past six, a public meeting, subject, Addresses to

different characters :-the careless sinner

the serious inquirer-the true Christian-the religious formalist-the backslider. This meeting was commenced with a brief exposition of the twelfth chapter of Romans, by brother Stovel.

Friday morning, at seven, a prayermeeting, to commend our brethren to God, and implore a divine blessing to attend the services.

I have thus stated the particulars of our services, because several of my brethren wish to be in possession of them; and also, because it is impossible for others to form a correct opinion of the meetings, if they do not know the plan we adopt. It is right, however, tö observe, that the arrangement is left entirely to the pastor of the church; and that the above is, in several respects, different from that which has been adopted in other places.

The meetings are not at all sectarian, but devotional and practical; orthodox Christians of all denominations may unite in them without any offence to their sectarian prejudices; and this union was happily seen in our meetings. Neither are the meetings at all secular; no collections are made. travelling expenses of the ministers, and the expenses of printing, are defrayed by a private subscription among the members of the church.

The

There is one feature of the meetings which I deem particularly important to be stated, as there is reason to fear many who have not had an opportunity of attending them are much mistaken on that point. A strict attention is paid to the apostolical injunction," Let all things be done decently and in order." The speeches are characterized by deep solemnity and tender affection; equally remote from a dull prosing formality on the one hand, and a ranting vehement declamation on the other. The whole services are conducted with so much seriousness and decorum, as to give no offence to a sincere Christian of the correctest taste and soundest judgment. It is true, there is frequently considerable excitement produced, but it is just that kind of excitement which every sober-minded Christian loves to behold; the softening, melting influence of divine truth on the heart, prostrating the whole soul before God in deep selfabasement.

In speaking of the results of the

meetings, it may be proper, first, to remark on the attendance. It was supposed by many, that it would be impossible to raise congregations for so many services in immediate succession; the result, however, proved that this fear was not well founded. The congregations were larger than any had ventured to anticipate. Each service was more numerously attended than that of the same hour on the preceding day. The last morning prayer-meeting was, at least, six times as large as the first, although the first was held on the Sabbath morning, and the last on the morning of the market-day. And the general opinion is, that the meetings might have been protracted for several more days, without any fear of diminution, could the ministers have continued with us.

One result of our meetings was, an unusual degree of spiritual enjoyment amongst the people of God. Several Christians, of different denominations, and of considerable standing in the church, have, with tears in their eyes, declared to me, that they never before experienced so much delight in the service of God. One of our members said to me,

"I have been a professor of religion for twenty-four years, but I never experienced any enjoyment in the ways of God equal to that I have felt during these meetings." And in this feeling our brother Stovel appeared fully to participate, for in his last address he very pathetically and devoutly expressed his gratitude to God, for having afforded him the unanticipated pleasure of attending the meetings. Indeed, the unusual seriousness of the meetings, the fixedness of the attention, and the profusion of tears, bespoke the presence of God, and the delight of his people.

Another important result of the meetings is, a very visible improvement in the professors of religion-in their tender regard for the welfare of immortal souls in the spirituality, fervour, and appropriateness of their prayers—and in their desire to promote the glory of God, by their individual efforts to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer.

Another important result is, that deep impressions have been made on the minds of many who were living in the total neglect of religion; several instances of which might be mentioned, were it expedient.

A fear of extending this report to too great a length for your pages, has led me to be as brief as possible. Should any of our churches be induced, from this very scanty report, to adopt similar meetings, and find them as profitable as

it has been our happiness to experience them, it is my sincere desire, that all the glory may be given to Him to whom it is due. J. CRAPS. Lincoln.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PROPOSED ENACTMENTS RELATIVE TO THE OBSERVANCE OF THE SABBATH.

The motion of Sir Andrew Agnew, Bart., supported by Mr. Evans, "That a select Committee be appointed" to inquire into the laws and practices relating to the observance of the Lord's day," was introduced into the House of Commons and passed July 3rd, 1832. The Report which resulted from this inquiry ought to be carefully perused by every minister of the gospel, and every influential Christian throughout the British Empire. Nor will it be possible, we apprehend, to rise from the perusal without the painful conviction,that in this nominally Christian country the desecration of the sacred day has alarmingly increased. When it is considered the connexion which subsists between the profanation of the Sabbath, and the moral character of a nation; between contempt for the divine authority and claims, and a disregard of all the rights and obligations of social and civilized life; the evil must be regarded as of an awfully portentous character. Without involving the question, as to the adaptation or safety of legislative interference in such matters; or of determining, in an article simply historical, what other mode would be best adapted to stem the course of this evil; it is impossible that any friend to his country, and to the souls of his fellow-men, can witness it, without the most painful solicitude, and a determination to employ every legitimate means within his power to counteract its progress.

March 19th, 1833. The above Report was brought under the notice of the new parliament, and subsequently Sir Andrew obtained leave to bring in a bill

to amend the laws relating to the Sabbath-day." This bill was intended to prohibit all the labour of artisans and manufacturers, all engagements in secular concerns that were at all avoidable, and all buying and selling on the Sabbath; and to manage the payment of workmen so, beforehand, that traffic on the Lord's day might be rendered quite unnecessary, and the intemperance and lewdness inseparable from the present system, thereby prevented. The provisions of this bill were