Page images
PDF
EPUB

MR. PILGRIM,

REVIVALS OF RELIGION.

repen

IT is written, "there is joy in heaven over one sinner that teth," and if the repentance of one poor sinner is the cause of joy amongst the glorified family above, how much more should it produce the same sensations among the redeemed who are yet sojourning in this vale of tears, when not one only, but many are brought to bow to the peaceful sceptre of the Prince Immanuel.

Believing that all who love our Lord Jesus Christ delight to hear of the accession of souls to his cause and kingdom, I will give you a short account of the operation of his Holy Spirit in the town of South Salem, in New York, for three months past.

A servant* of God, in the execution of his commission, proclaimed to that people the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of his vengeance; offering at the same time in the name of Jesus, life and salvation to all who would repent and believe; with the promise of being made kings and priests, and the privilege of serving him day and night, forever and ever. The word which he spake was made effectual in the hearts of a few at first; from twelve to twenty perhaps: afterwards it spread, and in the course of three months a large number were the trophies of the victorious power of sovereign grace. The first Sabbath in September was the day in which seventy-two of them came forward and united themselves to the church of God, covenanting to be for him and for none else. The day was a solemn one;-the house of worship was filled to overflowing, and all the windows and doors were full of spectators; a respectful silence reigned in the assembly, whilst the ordinances were administered. About thirty were baptized, among whom were three sisters, one of which had a son and two daughters, who were baptized and made a profession of their faith at the same time with herself. Another of them had one son and daughter, who united with the church also. Fifteen or twenty were heads of families, in one of which were five children who were hopeful subjects of grace, and four of them made Two brothers also, one about a profession of their faith on this day. fifty years of age, and the other still older. Amongst others, the wife of the minister was baptized and added to the church. The ingathering of this day was but the first fruits of the revival; and it may be expected that a considerable number more will be received to the fellowship and communion of the church at a future day. A SPECTATOR. September 7, 1822.

IN Somers, S. Wilbraham and Tolland, the revival still continues. The work in that vicinity has been so peculiarly interesting, both as it respects the power with which it advanced, and the opposition it excited, that we should be highly gratified to give a particular statement. But for the present, we can only say, briefly, that in Somers, a good number of converts have made a public profes

* Rev. Charles F. Butler.

sion of their faith; and between 30 and 40 now stand propounded for admission into the church, on next Lord's day. We understand there are as many as 50 who are yet without hope, and anxious for their souls. In S. Wilbraham, 60 or more were to be admitted to the church last Sabbath. Others are convinced of their lost condition, and are seeking an interest in the blood of Christ. Opposition has not been silent. Drunkards, the profane, the self-righteous, and the wicked of every description, have been alarmed. In some of the places above mentioned, and in others in the vicinity, they have been led by a strong influence, and as the willing servants of him who worketh in the children of disobedience, they have opposed the work.

The following statement and remarks, in regard to this melancholy circumstance, are extracted from the Religious Intelligencer. "It would be doing injustice to the opposers of religion, not to mention in this place, that they acted their part well. Slanderous reports and insinuations of every kind were current against the man whom they considered the probable instrument of desolating the little kingdom of wickedness in S. W. Says one, "I had rather sickness would visit my family than N." Says another, "If he visits this place we shall have a famine," &c. &c. Others of more influence than religion, seemed to say, "Now this excitement sha'n't be; we'll put a stop to it. It is really becoming a serious evil. When business gets to this pass, it is time that we should interfere." Had the smallest living atom proposed creating a world, it would not have appeared more ridiculous than did these anti-religious reasoners, stopping a revival in a dignified manner. But as in a moment they found their refuge of lies swept away by the powerful influences of God's Spirit. Satan now mustered all his forces. Not a drunkard, profane person or sabbath-breaker, I presume, in the place, who was not candid in saying he was very much alarmed at this growing evil-a revival; and that he thought it intolerable to have such an ado about religion, and he felt it his duty to discountenance it. The reader may be ready to inquire, "Where was Mr. N. at this time" 1 might reply, so far as his health would permit, he was rallying the conscience of one and another as he had opportunity, to subjects of greater moment than of opposition to religion. On this as on every other occasion, so far as I can learn, he remained perfectly calm, while, to many, the heavenly prospect was filled with angry threatening clouds."

Answers to Correspondents.

SENEX; T. Z. D. ; *W.* D.*; and a communication from the author of "Christian Admonition," are received, and will be duly attended to. It is requested that communications for the next number may be forwarded as soon as convenient.

NOTICE. We regret to say, that we were disappointed of our cut for the present number. It shall, however, be sent with the next, so that the set shall be complete for the volume.

[graphic]

"This people draweth near me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.-In vain do they worship me."-Matth. xv. 8, 9.

No. 6.]

The Pilgrim.

"ON BENIGN COMMISSIONS BENT."

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1822.

[Vol. I.

THE DISCOVERY OF THE PRESENT AGE.

THOSE who have narrowly watched the events of the present day, can scarcely fail of being surprised at the almost numberless variety of inventions, discoveries, and improvements by which our age is so peculiarly distinguished. In almost every department of the arts and sciences, the energies of all countries seem to be actively called forth, and to promise a luminous page in the annals of the future historian. The poets of our times are scattering their Parnassian flowerets in the wildest profusion :-novel writers have thrown open the flood-gates of fiction, and, by innumerable streams, are deluging the world. The journals of Law and Medicine are pouring light upon their departments, and reducing to system the intricacies of law, and the still more complicated parts of the human system. Reviews are so very common, that an author must be contemptibly insignificant indeed not to receive either praise or censure. The journals of the Arts and Sciences are receiving a new and important character by the accuracy of their investigations; and even such humble magazines as the Pilgrim are strewed around on every side, with an abundance so magnificent as almost to create astonishment. We view all these as so many sources of light, which are to be multiplied and poured upon the world in still broader streams, ere the darkness in which it is enveloped shall be dispelled.

But we have not yet mentioned the grand discovery which characterizes the present day, and to which we now wish to call the attention of our readers-the discovery how to do good. We are not so uncharitable as to suppose that christians in all ages of the church, even the darkest, have not in a degree felt the value of the soul, and in the same proportion wished to do good to others.

« PreviousContinue »