CELEBRATION OF THE 4th of JULY. A pleasing feature of the present age is exhibited in the manner of celebrating the political birth day of our nation. It has of late occurred to Christians, that as the inestimable blessings enjoyed in this free and happy land, called especially for devout thanksgivings to the Giver of every blessing, it would be appropriate annually to spend a portion of the nation's birth day, in public devotional exercises. The day has now for several years been celebrated by religious services among different denominations, in various sections of the country, and these services appear to be attended with increasingly happy effects. The late anniversary was observed by various religious societies in Bos ton. The Sabbath Schools attached to the Baptist societies in Boston, assembled with their teachers at the Baptist Meeting House in Federal Street, at 9 o'clock, A. M. when an address was delivered by Rev. Mr Malcom, the pastor of the church. In a familiar and captivating style, calculated deeply to interest the children, he exhibited the religious and estimable character of our ancestors, recapitulated the prominent points of our national history, and stated the reasons which led to the observance of the day. A crowded congregation witnessed with pleasing emotions, an assemblage of nearly one thousand children, who attentively listened to instruction, instead of de. voting the whole day to amusement. At 4 o'clock, P. M. the Baptist churches and societies assembled at the Baptist meeting house in Charles Street. An impressive and appropriate address was delivered by Rev. Dr Sharp, in which the rich blessing of religious liberty was eloquently depicted, and a just tribute of respect paid to the memory of Roger Williams, who shone with lustre in a dark period, as an able and successful advocate of this natural and inalienable right. A religious meeting was also held at Park Street meeting house, by the Evangelical Congregational churches, and by the Methodists at the meeting house in Bromfield Street. These services are so happily adapted to keep alive a sense of obligation to God for our civil and religious blessings, it is fervently hoped that they may long be continued. The following note, received by the Treasurer of the Baptist Missionary Society of Massachusetts, also exhibits a commendable observance of the day. July 4th, 1829. Dear Sir, I send you enclosed $12, for the Baptist Missionary Society of Massachusetts, it being one dollar per month from July 4, 1828, to this day. A friend to Missions in Roxbury. Interesting Resolve. The American Bible Society have Resolved, That this Society, with a humble dependence on divine aid, will endeavor to supply all the destitute families in the United States with the Holy Scriptures, that may be willing to purchase or receive them, within the space of two years, provided means be furnished by its Auxiliaries and benevolent individuals, in season to enable the Board of Managers to carry this resolution into effect. This resolution has awaked a deep interest through the United States, and called multitudes to an effort corresponding with the magnitude of the object. At the meetings of State Bible Societies, increased zeal and ardor for the circulation of the Bible have been apparent, and it is not doubted but that means will be furnished to carry the resolution into effect. The city of New York has given a noble example. A public meeting was called, and the last accounts stated that about fourteen thousand dollars had been raised for the purpose. TEMPERANCE. The Rev. Mr. Hewit, agent of the Temperance Society, has spent a few weeks in Boston, and in strains of eloquence addressed numerous congregations on the important objects of his agency. An awakened attention exists on the subject. When considering the imminent danger to which all classes of society have been exposed in past years from the practice of temperately drinking ardent spirits, each one who has escaped their fatal infection, may with admiring gratitude raise thanksgivings to the Almighty for preserving him from so tremendous an evil. As the subject has now awakened a just anxiety on the public mind, they who do not banish this enemy of human happiness from their habitations, must incur a degree of guilt much increased by the light which is beaming on the community. A high and responsible duty devolves on the ministers of the gospel, in relation to this subject. Constantly mingling with the people of their charge, and addressing them in public and private on the most interesting subjects, they may successfully raise the warning voice against this arch fiend. The preposterous opinion that ardent spirits are necessary for public speakers, to restore the system after the exhaustion of public labors, is now, we trust, exploded by the ministers of Christ. To them, and to the churches generally, the public will look for examples of total abstinence, which is obviously the only mode of attacking successfully one of the most potent foes to the welfare of man. MATERNAL SOCIETIES. In a number of instances, pious mothers have associated for the interesting object of mutual instruction, in relation to religious education, and for ascertaining the most successful means of awakening in their children a proper solicitude for their eternal interests. Maternal affection is calculated to awaken in a pious mind a holy zeal on this subject: and we have heard of several instances where happy effects followed these associations, in the awakening and conversion of the young. Although no Christian parent can in private repair to a throne of grace, without bearing the case of children in fervent supplication, yet the same reasons exist for associating in united prayer on this subject, as in concerts of prayer for revivals of religion in general, and for the success of Missionary efforts. Christians do not limit their prayers for these objects to the periods when uniting with others; but it may be hoped, that these united seasons rather impress the subject with greater weight on the mind, and increase the fervency of private devotion. In the same manner, Maternal Societies will be calculated, not only to call forth at their meetings united prayers for the conversion of children, but will also fan the heavenly flame at the domestic altar, and in the retirement of the closet. We are therefore pleased to learn that societies of this character are multiplying; and we present the Constitution and Report of the Society in the Federal Street Baptist Church in Boston, as they may give encouragement and aid to others who wish to form similar associations. CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL STREET BAPTIST MATERNAL SOCIETY. Preamble. Deeply impressed with the importance of bringing up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, we, the subscribers, in reference to a judgment to come, and the eternal well-being of our beloved offspring, agree to associate for the purpose of devising and adopting such measures as may seem best calculated to assist us in the right performance of this duty. With a view to promote this object, we agree to adopt the following rules. the money to be appropriated to the formation of a select library, for the use of the members, and such other purposes as may be necessary to the promotion of our object. RULE 8. When any member is removed by death, it shall be the duty of the Association to pay as particular attention to her children, in furnishing them with books, bringing them to the quarterly meetings, &c. as circumstances may render proper. RULE 9. The officers of this Association, shall be a First and Second Directress, Corresponding and Recording Secretary, Librarian and Treasur er. The duties of First and Second Directress, shall be the same as in make such minutes at every meeting, similar Societies. The Secretary shall as the Association think proper. The RULE 1. This Association shall meet on the first Thursday of every month, at three o'clock, P. M. RULE 2. Every meeting shall be Librarian, to take care of the books, opened and closed with prayer. RULE 3. The time allotted to the monthly meetings, shall be spent in reading select portions of Scripture, and of the most valuable works on the subject of education; in conversing on the subject, and in prayer for Divine assistance, and a blessing upon our exertions, especially that God would accept of the prayerful dedication of our children to him, and teach them by his Holy Spirit, and qualify them for future usefulness in his church. RULE 4. The members of this Association shall have the privilege of bringing to the place of meeting their children, male or female, alternately, once in three months-males not over the age of twelve years. RULE 5. Every member of this Association shall be considered as sacredly bound to pray for her children daily, and with them, as often as convenience will permit, and to give them from time to time, the best relig ious instructions of which she is capable. RULE 6. It shall also be considered the indispensable duty of every member, to qualify herself by prayer, and as opportunity may allow, by reading, for performing the arduous duties of a Christian mother; and to suggest to her sister members such hints as her own experience may furnish, or circumstances seem to render neces sary. RULE 7. The sum of fifty cents per annum, shall constitute a member; and the Treasurer, to take charge of No order to be presented to the Treasthe money belonging to the Association. the Directress. urer, except bearing the signature of RULE 10. No person shall be admitted to this Association, without the consent of two-thirds of the members, having been previously proposed. RULE 11. It is recommended to the members, to spend the anniversary of the birth of each child, in fasting and prayer, with particular reference to that child. RULE 12. No alteration shall be made in the above articles, except at the Annual Meeting. May he who "giveth liberally, and upbraideth not," ever preside in our meetings, and grant each of us a teachable, affectionate and humble temper, that no root of bitterness may spring up, to prevent our improvement, or interrupt our usefulness. his own spirit, so that our children may May Christ enable us to shine with never have occasion to say to us, do ye more than others ?" OFFICERS. "what ternal Society, your Board have to remark the goodness of God manifested particularly in preserving the lives of all our members and of all their chil dren. In the review of the operations of the Society, we find cause for gratitude to God, for the success which has attended our efforts. Commencing with a desire for mutual improvement and instruction, we trust our labor has not been in vain. Our members have generally been punctual in their attendance, and an increasing interest has been manifested in the objects of the Society. The requirements of the Constitution to which we have pledged our names, have had a happy tendency in arousing the slumbering energies of our hearts, and in awakening within us a spirit of prayerfulness. We have been permitted to take sweet counsel together, and to derive fresh aid and encouragement from our combined exertions, and mutual sympathy in the discharge of our pleasing but solemn duties. Entire harmony and good feeling have pervaded our meetings. Mutual instruction, we believe, has been attained, and while our feelings have been more awakened to the responsible duties of a Christian mother, the books we peruse on this subject at our meetings, and the concentration of experience we then enjoy, has in no small degree informed our understandings on this momentous subject. The duty of social prayer with and for our children, we trust will not be forgotten; as we value their immortal souls, we shall pray for them; as we regard their future character and respectability, we shall instruct them; as we would wish for their usefulness and our happiness, so should we labor with them, that they may be nurtured in the Lord, and become as plants around our board, and as pillars in the church of God. In conclusion, we would express our confidence in the great Head of the church, that he will bless the feeblest efforts of his children; and hope that another year will bring brighter evidence of good resulting from this Association; and still more cheering facts to encourage us. ORDINATIONS, &c. April 16, A Baptist Church was constituted at Arkwright Village, R. I. and C. S. Weaver ordained Pastor. Sermon by Rev. Mr Warne. The new Baptist Meeting House in Danvers was opened with appropriate religious services on the 3d of June. Introductory prayer by Rev. Dr. Sharp of Boston. Selections of Scripture were read by Rev. Mr Babcock. Dedicatory Prayer by Dr Bolles. Sermon by Rev. Mr Drinkwater, Ps. 96, 8, 9. Concluding prayer by the Rev. Mr Bramin, of the North Congrega tional church in Danvers. June 4, Mr Israel Robards was ordained at Milford, Otsego Co. N. Y. Sermon by Elder Chamberlain. June 10, The new and elegant Meeting House belonging to the Baptist Church in Deposit, N. Y. was opened for religious worship. June 10, Mr Levi Tucker was ordained to the pastoral charge of the Baptist Church at Deposit, N. Y. Sermon by Rev. S. P. Griswold. June 10, Mr Joseph Thacher was ordained at Plainfield, Vt. Sermon by Rev. E. J Boardman. June 18, A Baptist Church was constituted at Tonawanda, N. Y. consisting of 21 members, 6 white persons and 15 natives. Two more natives offered themselves for baptism, and were received. The prospects at the station are pleasing. June 23, Mr. Norman Atwood was ordained to the Christian ministry at Litchfield S. Farms, Conn. Sermon by Rev. Lyman Birch. June 26, A Baptist Church was constituted in No. 8, Hancock Co. Me. Sermon by Elder John Roundy. July 5, A new Baptist Meeting House was opened at West Meredith, N. Y. Sermon by Rev. Mr Chamberlain. July 8, A neat and commodious Meeting House was opened by the Baptist Church in Northampton, Mass. Sermon by Prof. Chase of the Newton Theological Institution. A Baptist Meeting House is now building in the southern section of Boston, and will shortly be completed. At Hingham, fourteen miles from Boston, where preaching has been maintained by the Baptists for several years, a meeting house is to be immediately erected in the centre of the town, on a beautiful site, the foundaP. H. FORBES, Secretary. tion of which is laid. In behalf of the Board, To the Editors of the American Baptist Magazine. Providence, August, 1829. As this month is the anniversary period of the decease of our greatly lamented Rev. Dr GANO, whose praise may truly be said to be in all the Baptist churches, you are requested to register an inscription which was prepared for his tombstone, as recording an event deeply afflictive to the churches in this town and vicinity, while it gives some traits in the character of the deceased, and shows how consoling the gospel proved, during a long confinement previous to the solemn and final event. His memory is cherished with respectful and affectionate remembrance by none more than N. B. En Memory of the REV. STEPHEN GANO, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in this Town. He was Son of the Rev. JOHN GANO, of New York, and was ordained in that City in 1786, under a Sermon preached by his Uncle, the Rev. JAMES MANNING, then President of Rhode Island College. Dr GANO removed to this Town in 1792, to preach to the ancient Baptist Society, and continued his faithful and affectionate Labors to the time of his death, nearly thirty-six Years. His Soul was devoted to the cause of his DIVINE MASTER, and Preaching was his great delight, enforcing in the most pathetic and affectionate manner the great Doctrine of the DIVINITY OF THE SAVIOUR and his ATONING SACRIFICE as the theme of his Ministry; and during a tedious and distressing Indisposition, he frequently stated that the Doctrines he had preached were his only Hope of Acceptance with GOD. He was naturally of a robust Constitution, and often travelled among his extensive Acquaintance, and his unwearied Faithfulness as a Minister of the Gospel has produced lasting Impressions on many Hearts. His conciliating Manners and Advice, his sound Judgment and Fidelity in Friendship, endeared him greatly to his own Denomination, by whom he was often consulted as a Father. In the War of the Revolution, Dr GANO was attached to the Medical Staff, and shared in the toils and struggles of his Countrymen at that eventful period. His disorder was an affection of the Heart, and he died on the 18th of August, 1828, in the 66th year of his age, and forty-second of his Ministry. "THE MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED." |