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On such occasions we have often | ASAHEL HOOKER, aged 49, pastor

thought how great the delight of our brethren beyond the ocean would be, could they behold this congregation gathered from among the heathen, rejoicing with heart and voice in God their Saviour.'

"The schools, which have been kept without interruption during the winter, have been well attended by diligent scholars, who make consideı able progress in reading and in writing. All these blessings, which we can only briefly touch upon, afford, both to us and you, abundant cause of the sincerest thankfulness to the Lord for past favors. We most willingly devote ourselves, with soul and body, to His service; and if we may be permitted to bring one stone (however small in comparison with His great work upon earth), to the building his Jerusalem below, how great will be our joy!"

OBITUARY.

DIED at Marlborough, (Vt.) Rev. GERSHOM C. LYMAN, aged 62, pastor of the church in said town. Yale, 1773.

At Norwich, 19th April last, Rev. 1

of the second church in that town, and late pastor of the church in Goshen. Yale, 1789.

At Topsfield (Mass.) the Rev. ASAHEL HUNTINGTON, aged 53, the worthy and beloved pastor of the church in that town. Dart. 1786.

At Waterford (N.Y.) Rev. JOHN CLOSE, aged 76.

In Philadelphia, 19th April last, of the prevailing typhus fever, BENJAMIN RUSH, Esq. M. D. aged 70; celebrated as a physician, a man of science, and philanthropy.

In Alexandria, (Va.) Rev. LASTLY MATHEWS, aged 57.

In Annapolis, (Md.) Rev. RALPH HIGGINBOTHAM.

In Derby, D. HOLBROOK, Esq. his wife, and son, all in the space of nine days.

In Switzerland, C. DE NARBONNE PELLET DE SAGAS, aged 86; he had removed to S. from England after the completion of the education of the Prince Regent and the Duke of York, to whom he was private tutor.

In Lisbon, Lt. Gen. Sir W.ERSKINE. In St. Croix, Gen. (Gov.) HAR

COURT.

1813.

Donations to the Missionary Society of Connecticut.

April 13. From Rev. Giles H. Cowles, by the hand of Rev.
Abel Flint, collected in new settlements,
From Rev. Giles H. Cowles, by the hand of Rev.
Abel Flint, a Donation,

$850

100

Received by Mr. PETER W. GALLAUDET, to be transmitted to the Treasurer of the Foreign Missionary Society.

1813.

April 5.

From P. B. Gleason & Co. from a friend to the Trans-
lations of the Scriptures, in Cayuga, (N. Y.) to-
wards repairing the loss of the Serampore Printing
Office,

$20 00

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A Missionary Sermon, delivered in the North Presbyterian Church in Hartford, on the evening of the 18th May, 1813, at the Request of the Trustees of the Missionary Society of Connecticut. By SAMUEL GOODRICH, A. M. Pastor of a Church in Berlin.

PHILIPPIANS i. 12.

"But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel."

MONG those who were early converted to the Christian spreading the knowledge of Christ, the apostle Paul appears pre-eminent. Bold and daring, though young, he was chosen and commissioned by the high priest, and rulers of the Jews to persecute the followers of Christ. Full of zeal in prosecuting his sanguinary business, behold him on the road to Damascus! See him fallen to the earth, stopped in his mad design by him who has "all power in heaven and in earth!" His heart is changed by the sovereign grace of God. Instructed in his duty, and furnished from on high for a different work, he steps forth the able advocate and defender of the Christian faith. Behold him laboring in different quarters of the world, establishing Churches, and confirming Christians. View himarraigned before Nero, at Rome, the capital of the empire. While there, he wrote several of his epistles to the Churches he had planted; in which he explains their duty, as members of Christ's body, and the doctrines of the gospel.

A faith, and voluntarily engaged in

The spread of the gospel was an object which lay near the apos tle's heart. For the honor of Christ, and the salvation of souls, VOL. VI. NO. 6.

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he willingly suffered the loss of all things. The love of Christ constrained him. Of this, in his affectionate epistle, he assures the Philippian Christians, and informs them that the things which had happened unto him, however unpropitious they might have appeared, had been over-ruled by the great Head of the Church, for the furtherance of the gospel. Events, unpropitious in human estimation, are oftentimes over-ruled by God, for the accomplishment of his glorious purposes; even those, which we think will greatly retard, if not entirely disconcert, their progress, are the means by which they are perfected. Thousands of Christians, no doubt, were greatly perplexed, at the mysterious conduct of their Lord and Saviour, in permitting Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, to be a prisoner, and in bonds at Rone; but Rome was the place, where this distinguished champion of the cross was to act the most conspicuous part of his ministry. Of this, the apos tle reminds the Christians at Philippi:-" But I would that ye should understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel."

The subject presented to our consideration, in the text, is applicable to the present occasion. I propose, therefore, to notice. I. The natural and distinguishing effects of the gospel, and the importance of making exertions for its spread.

II. The means by which the spread of the gospel is to be accomplished.

In consideration of the natural and distinguishing effects of the gospel, it may be proper to notice those effects.

1. As they respect individuals.

The law of God, being an expression of the holiness and purity of his nature, affords no remedy for the pardon of sin, or hope of acceptance with God; for "by the law is the knowledge of sin." The clearer discoveries any one may have of the character of God, and of the nature and extent of his government, without the gospel; the more certain will be the evidence and conviction of his inevitable ruin. All the divine attributes are pledged to maintain the governing justice of God. This is fully revealed in the method of pardon and recovery by Jesus Christ. The sinful and guilty creature, arraigned at the bar of his Creator, is cut off from hope. Under a full conviction, and even an acknowledgment of his rebellion. guilt, and folly, he perceives the holy law of God armed against him. But the religion of Jesus reveals the mercy and benevolence of God; it brings relief and hope to the despairing criminal. Provision is made in the plan of salvation, for the honor and establishment of the divine authority. The folly and unreasonableness of sin are declared; justification is freely dispensed; and eternal life given. A way is provided for the acceptance of the rebel to favor, upon his submission. Through the power of the gospel, his heart of stone is taken away, and a new and divine principle implanted. Reconciled to God, he approves of the divine character, and law, in condemning sin; and his holy determination to punish impenitent transgressors. What happy tidings and good news are declared in the gospel by Jesus Christ! If we accept the offered salvation, all cause of fear and dread, on account of sin, is removed. "Herein is the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory," that is salvation.

The sinner, when he discovers the admirable wisdom and benevolence of God, in constituting Jesus Christ his own Son to be a Mediator, feels a confidence in his promises. By the grace of God, he is resolved to live a holy and obedient life; and, "being made free from sin, and having become a servant of God, he has his fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."

Whenever, therefore, any one of the fallen race of Adam is recovered from a state of enmity to friendship; from condemnation and wrath to justification and salvation; then, as they respect individuals, are exhibited the distinguishing effects of the gospel.

2. The distinguishing effects of the gospel are exhibited in the increasing numbers, and the exemplary lives and conversation of its professors.

The religion of Christ is designed and calculated to promote peace and felicity, among men; it breathes a spirit of universal benevolence, and brings glory to God.

The influence of Christianity, on human societies, has been but partially tested. Its full effects, in all its benignity, on the hearts and lives of every individual, in any large community, have never yet been experienced. Though the law of the gospel is love, and the command of Christ is, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them;" yet, it often happens, that in the practice of this excellent rule, our reason is clouded by prejudice, and our conscience over-ruled and warped by self interest; so shat, while we are disposed to insist on a rigid regard to the rule, in our fellow men, we too often neglect it ourselves. Where Christianity has been published, and sincerely embraced and practised; though the number of its professors be comparatively small; yet it has had a desirable and happy influence. Believers have been the salt, which has preserved the moral world from universal decay-the ten righteous who have saved the city. When, then, God is pleased to send the gospel to a people-to clothe it with power, by the influence of his Spirit, and individuals are converted to the faith, and walk with God; vice is restrained -industry promoted-the laws respected, and the happiness of man greatly advanced. How extensively is this happiness spread and increased, when individuals, for the love of Christ, are constrained to profess his name, and when parents and children walk in the fear of God, and in obedience to the commandments of the Saviour! What a season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, when believers have one heart, and walk in one way, continuing steadfast in the apostle's doctrine, in fellowship, in breaking bread, and in prayer !

3. The effects of the gospel, as it respects mankind in general, if less visible, are also highly important.

The commission of Christ is, "Go, teach, or disciple, all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." In fulfilment of this command, the apostles visited most parts of the known world, proclaiming the knowledge of Christ, and him crucified, and calling upon men every where to repent, and turn to God; the Lord working with them. The success of their exertions far exceeded what could have been anticipated. Notwithstanding the opposition they had to encounter, their zeal was unabated, and their resolution confirmed; being encouraged and supported, in their arduous work, by the promise of Christ, "Lo! I am with you.The number of the disciples was multiplied, who eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people; and the Lord added to the Church, daily, such as should be saved."

The rapid spread of the gospel against the opposition by the Jews is demonstration of its excellence. A few weeks only after the crucifixion of Christ, eight thousand were added to the Church. "The number of the disciples multiplied greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." But the success was not confined to Judea. Its effects astonished all classes of men. It is observed that in little more than half a century, Christianity had made incredible progress, and in remote heathen countries had become the prevailing persuasion: many of all ages, sexes, and of every rank, not only in cities, but in villages, and in the country, embraced the Christian faith. The pagan temples were deserted, and the sacrifices were neglected."

A wonderful reformation in manners is the effect of Christianity, wherever it has been embraced. The picture, which the apostle has drawn of the Gentile world, however shocking, is too just, even at this day, respecting the pagans. The vices to which they are addicted, are the most abominable. But where " Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God," men have become pious, just, charitable, chaste, meek, and humble minded.

If such are its natural and distinguishing effects, it is evidently important that exertions should be made to spread the knowledge of a Saviour.

As the gospel is the revelation of God's gracious dispensation of mercy, in the recovery of fallen man by a Mediator; no subject can be presented to our contemplation so important, and so deeply affecting our present, or future felicity.

This will appear from the manner in which it was introduced, the subject on which it treats, and its benevolent design.

Before the foundation of the world, the plan was laid in the wisdom and benevolence of God; revealed immediately after the

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