been formed and organized, and many auxiliaries.

In addition to the many Bible Societies, an almost innumerable multitude of other religious and benevolent Institutions are now in operation in various parts of the world, for the diffusion of useful knowledge, for the conversion of the Heathens, the Jews and the Indians, for relieving the wants of the needy, for humanizing the minds of men and improving their condition and their morals, for abolishing sanguinary laws and customs, and for cultivating the principles of humanity, benevolence and peace. The combined influence of these various Institutions, under the direction and smiles of our heavenly Father, cannot fail to hasten the period when light and truth, love and peace, shall overspread the world; when the savage customs, which have filled the world with vice and misery, shall be regarded with horrour, and when it shall no longer be problematical, whether "the Son of man came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them."

Is it a pleasant dream, resulting from an enthusiastick desire for such a season, or is it a fact that the baleful comet of contention among Christians, has passed the meridian, and is now going down to rise no more? Is it not a fact, that in our region, Christians of different opinions have become more aware, that the fruits of the spirit of Christ, are not "hatred, variance, wrath, strife, sedition, and reviling;" but "love, joy, peace, long

suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance ?” Such a state of things is certainly desirable, and we cannot but indulge the hope, that such a day has already commenced. "Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."

It is moreover believed, that the virulence of party spirit in politicks has abated, and that newspapers are conducted in a less exceptionable manner, than they were in former years. Every judicious observer of events must have been convinced, that a thirst for the honours and emoluments of office, has been the principal source of the bickerings and calumnies, by which society has been agitated, and the minds of our citizens alienated one from another. If all the writers for newspapers, and for the various periodical works, would unitedly lay aside party passions, and study the things which belong to their own peace and the peace of society, the benefits would be incalculable.

But notwithstanding all the encouraging appearances of reformation, and all the efforts which have been made to better the state of society, we aware that there is still much room for reform, and that much remains to be done. We often

are

hear the phrase "this enlightened age," and we admit the propriety of the language, in comparison with former ages; but it is not improbable, that future generations will regard the people of the present time, as having but just emerged from a state of

barbarism. They will perhaps, discover so much errour in the popular opinions and customs of this age, so much inconsistency between our practice and the religion we profess, that they will wonder how we could consider Ourselves an enlightened people. Our benevolent Institutions will probably stand as the best monuments in our favour; but these will appear associated with much "wood, hay, and stubble," and as cotemporaries with some of the most barbarous customs and practices, which ever disgraced the name of man.

We are also aware, that there may be serious interruptions to the progress of improvement, and that success in the most laudable exertions depends on the pleasure and blessing of Him with whom "is the residue of the spirit," and who superintends in all the revolutions of the natural and moral world. Without him we can do nothing. But when we consider him as the benevolent Father of the human race, we cannot but believe, that he looks down with the smile of approbation, to behold the efforts of his friends in promoting the general welfare of the family. Nor can we doubt that he will give effect to benevolent exertions, and crown them with glorious success.

As the close of the year is approaching, let every reader seriously consider, what God has done, what he is doing, and what there is reason to suppose he will

do, to advance the happiness of mankind. Let every one also consider, what part he has taken in regard to the great works of benevolence and mercy, which have originated in the present age; whether he has done any thing on which he could reflect with pleasure, in the prospect that his life will close with the present year; whether he has done any thing on which his posterity will reflect with gratitude.

A multitude of our fellowbeings have this year closed their eyes in death; among whom were some who were an honour to human nature, and who served their generation by the will of God.

But, alas! how many have left the stage, who lived as without God in the world; and who died without having given any evidence that they had not lived in vain, as to any solid advantage to themselves, to their children, or to the communities of which they were members! Let survivors take warning by such melancholy events, lest they experience the doom of the unprofitable servant.

This is not our rest; and this year may yet prove the last to many who are now alive. It may to the writer; it may to thee, O reader! Let us then so live, that we may be ever ready for the awful summons; that whether we live, we may live to the Lord, and whether we die, we may die to the Lord; and that whether we live, or die, we may be the Lord's.

THE following sketch of the character of Judge Cranch, is abridged from a sermon, delivered at his funeral, by the Rev. Peter Whitney, of Quincy.

The Hon. Richard Cranch was born at Kingsbridge, in England, in October, 1726. He was descended from reputable parents, who were of that class of Christians, called Puritans. The religious sentiments of his parents were of a more rigid cast than to meet his cordial reception: but their piety and sincere attachment to what they conceived to be truth, were always the subject of his admiration. At the age of nineteen he embarked for America. Upon his arrival, he resided several years in Boston. In 1750, he removed from Boston to the North Parish in Braintree, now Quincy. Circumstances soon led him to remove to Weymouth, where he formed a conjugal relation, which was, through a long life, a source of much happiness. In a few years he returned again to Quincy, where he spent the greater part of the residue of his days. Here he died, October 16th, 1811. His amiable wife died the next day, and they were both buried at the same time. They had lived together nearly half a century.

The mind of Mr. Cranch was naturally vigorous and compreprehensive, thoughtful and inquisitive. His friendship was sought by the wise and virtuous, and in their society he laid a foundation for an honourable and

useful career. Though he was not favoured with an early classical education; yet, by unwearied application, he soon acquired a competent knowledge of those languages which are taught in the University.

Christian theology arrested his first regard. The study of the scriptures was his most delightful employment. With the truth of the Christian religion, founded upon the prophecies of scripture, he was forcibly impressed; and this led him to a course of reading, which might throw light on this interesting portion of the Bible.

His talents and his virtues soon recommended him to the confidence of the people. He was repeatedly chosen to represent the united parishes of Braintree in the General Assembly of this state. He frequently received the suffrages of the people as a senator; and was appointed a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in the county of Suffolk. Impressed with a conviction of his merits, the University at Cambridge conferred upon him an honorary degree.

Among all his excellencies, his piety perhaps was the most prominent. A profound veneration for the Supreme Jehovah pervaded his life. He felt in his actions, that he was in the presence of God, and accountable at his tribunal. In his family devotions, he was uncommonly fervent; and in his life, were as few aberrations from the strictest

integrity, as have, perhaps, ever marked the character of man. On the publick offices of religion he was, until prevented by infirmity, a constant and serious attendant; and, as a professor of Christianity, he adorned the doctrines of the Saviour. With him vice could find no shelter; but was frowned from his presence. Though pleasant and cheerful as a companion, his cheerfulness never degenerated into levity, nor in the moments of greatest relaxation did he forget his character as a Christian. His conversation was entertaining, and replete with the richest fund of intelligence. The wise delighted to associate with him, and could always find some addition to their own treasures from the full stores of his mind. With the clergy he was in high estimation. Having devoted a considerable portion of his life to the study of theology, he might, with propriety, be denominated a sound divine. Few, even of the clerical profession, have surpassed him in their knowledge of Christian theology.

Of his enlarged mind, catholicism was a natural consequence. He beheld in every different shade of the Christian faith, men of sincerity and real virtue. Apprized of his own imperfections, he never erected himself into a standard for others; but was willing to believe, that however widely Christians differ in their conceptions of the less important articles of their faith, there might be in them all that honesty and fidelity in their in

quiries, which would recommend them to God; and he delighted to look forward to that period, when the upright of every country and every religion, would meet together in heaven.

In his last interview with the minister who delivered the discourse, from which this sketch is extracted, the good man observed, "For more than sixty years, I have felt the value of early religion, and of an early profession of Christianity. At a period when no worldly considerations could be supposed to influence my conduct, I made a publick profession of religion. I have never found reason to lament this part of my conduct. It has always given me pleasure on reflection, and brightens my prospects into futurity."

In the domestick relations he displayed every desirable virtue. While his loss is therefore most sensibly felt in his own family, it is a consoling reflection, that the virtues which endeared him to their affections on earth, are the surest ground of hope, that he is now united to pure and happy spirits in heaven.

All his faculties, except that of hearing, he retained in great perfection, till the Saturday preceding his decease. He was then seized with a lethargy. But while his relations had reason to lament, that they were deprived of his useful instructions on the bed of death, they were comforted by the consideration that his illness was short, and that, without much distress, he “fell asleep in Jesus."