24

Carlisle Sabbath School Association.

It

mighty barrier to the progress of our || the fatigues of regular teachers. schools, has been, that want of in-is true, that when to be a Sabbath terest, manifested by the people of school teacher was in fashion, numGod, in its prosperity. From Sabbath,bers flocked to the standard; but as to Sabbath, and from year to year, the soon as their curiosity was satisfied, teachers are permitted to pursue their their zeal like the morning cloud, dislonely work unnoticed and unassisted. appeared. Sabbath school teaching Nota praver is heard on behalf of is dry work to those, who are stran the school, nor a word spoken to the gers to a life of holiness; and no wonchildren on the concerns of their souls, der, for the carnal mind is enmity but what comes from the well known against God. Where the blind lead lips of their anxious instructors. the blind, both will fall into the ditch. Not even an occasional visit is ever We fondly hope, that those who are paid us, unless from a passing stran-interested in the work, will lay the ger, and with the exception of one or matter seriously to heart; and to all two individuals, to animate the teach-such, we sincerely say, "come over ers to their duty, and show them that and help us." there are some concerned for their A third source of discouragement, success. Is not this strange? Does has been the want of funds. In order such conduct evince those tender sen- to secure the great objects of a Sabsibilities, which oft vent themselves bath school, a variety of books are nein deep felt sighs over perishing souls? cessary. Of these, many of the chilor is it in the spirit of the resolution, dren are entirely destitute; and have "for Zion's sake I will not hold my no means of procuring them; and the peace?" But why do you complain, only resource, which the teachers may some one say? what have others have had of supplying such, has been to do with your school? We reply, a small subscription of about twenty that Sabbath schools are the property subscribers. This circumstance has of the church; and if so, should not been exceedingly embarrassing, and the members of the church, and partic-rendered it almost, impossible to ularly the fathers in Israel, and all secure the general welfare of the those who know the value of the soul school. and the difficulties attending its conversion, cherish a tender solicitude for their prosperity? If this concern was cherished it would soon appear in the conduct; and until it does so, we are disposed to doubt its existence. And notwithstanding all this, there are not wanting ENQUIRERS, who in a true We have resolved to establish a Liphilanthropic spirit, ask "what we are brary, which shall be considered as doing." If such would occasionally the permanent property of the school. "come and see," they would be sav-The library shall be under the care of ed the trouble of asking. Another cause in the way of our prosperity has been a want of teachers. This may appear strange to many; but yet it is no more strange than true. There are at present, and have been for years past, but very few, who are willing to make the sacrifices, and endure

The two first of these obstacles, we know can, and, we trust will be, shortly removed; and to remedy the last we have adopted the following plan, which we lay before all who are friendly to the cause, and earnestly request their concurrence.

one of the teachers; whose duty it shall be to preserve all the books, belonging to the society, and at stated periods give them out to such members of the school, as shall be authorised by the teachers to receive them.

To this library all the members of the school shall have access, and on

Young Men's Missionary Society.

25

advocate, with whose sentiments G. has favored us, will not have to blush for having espoused their cause. The pious young men will doubtless contribute, both of their time and substance, to such a benevolent object as that of sending the gospel to the perishing heathen. I do not know that I would be justifiable in enter

presenting a ticket from their respective teachers, shall receive, for a limited time such books, as they may think proper. By thus having a variety of books, suited to the different capacities of the children, and of which all the members of the school may have the privilege of reading, a fund of information will be diffused throughout the school, which other-taining a doubt with respect to them, wise could not be obtained. For the establishment of this library, we are dependent entirely on the benevolence of the friends of the institution: and we therefore earnestly solicit their assistance.

For surely if they have been brought to see the value of their own souls, and feel a concern for their salvation, they must be anxious to rescue from perdition such as are perishing in every direction around them. It is All donations in money shall be the veriest absurdity to suppose the thankfully received, and will greatly contrary. They must be actuated facilitate the teachers in securing the by love if they are christians, and love object in view: and such persons, as too for the souls of men. They proshall present to the librar, books cal- fess to love God, but I cannot underculated to lead the youthful enquirer stand how they can love God and not to the hope of the gospel, or store his the souls of men-how they can love mind with useful information, will do the blessed Saviour and not endeavor much to help on this labor of love. to promote his cause. Their good A committee, in the course of a few wishes, nay, their prayers cannot be weeks, will wait on the respective withheld, but what sort of benevofamilies, residing in the different parts lence must it be if it stops here? It of the town, to receive contributions is that sort of love which says to the either in money or books, from all such unhappy sufferer, "Be thou warmed, as may favor the plan proposed: and be thou clothed, be thou fed," and should our hopes be realised, and the contributes nothing but words to his plan suggested, meet with approba-relief. If there is love there will be tion, we hope that our school, through the blessing of God, shall prove a fountain of health both to the church, and the community at large. PETER B. SMITH, JOHN HOLMES AGNEW, DANIEL M'KINLEY.

Commit

tee.

YOUNG MEN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Messrs. Editors,-I have read with much interest your own remarks and those of your correspondent G., on the subject of forming in this place a Young Men's Missionary Society. I must confess that my own opinion of the young men of our borough was that of your friend. I hope that have been deceived, and that their

effort, and therefore as I am bound to believe from their professions, that many young men of our place are truly born again, I feel persuaded that an appeal to the benevolence of their hearts with regard to the heathen will not be made in vain. All that is wanting I should think, is for one to lead the way; many will follow, and many too, I hope, of those who have not yet professed the religion of Christ, I cannot think that even they are altogether deaf to the cry of the poor heathen and savage for help. There is more of public spirit among the young men of this place, than among the fathers and grand fathers. I am a young man myself, and it has often

26

Influence of Revivals of Religion.

grieved me to see with what apparent || ulated to excite lively emotions of joy unconcern and indifference measures in the hearts of christians, and to

cause abundant thanksgiving to the God of all grace. In the detailed accounts, however, of these revivals of

as no small defect, that scarce any notice is ever taken of the salutary effects, which such events produce on the morals of the happy subjects; of their influence to promote the interest of morality, of truth, of justice, and of honesty. Will it be regarded

the

of public utility are contemplated by the more advanced and influential men among us. There appears to be no concern, nothing like unanimity a-religion, it may perhaps be considered mong them, and therefore nothing is, and nothing can be done by them. By far the greatest part of them must be individually conspicuous and important actors in any and every plan proposed for the public weal, or they will oppose it. I hear that in some of the congregations the same spirit pre-as a mark of illiberal jealousy and vails and that their interests have con- suspicion, to suppose that among sequently languished. I do not think multitudes who, in these revivals, that there is such a spirit of pride and have experienced a gracious change, such a mighty effort after a sort of there were some, if not many, who nobility-standing and influence, a-made little conscience of speaking the mong the young men of the place as truth, of acting uprightly in their prevails among their fathers. What dealings with others or regulating ever other cause may prevent co-ope- their conduct by the golden rule, "all ration and union, in this matter a- things whatsoever ye would, that men mong the young men, I do not think should do to you, do ye also to them," that this baneful spirit, which frus- not to mention other immoral charactrates so much good, will operate. Iters? And will not the conversion of feel anxious for my own part, that such be productive of, and manifestsomething should be done, and thated by, a practical reformation in these without delay, and hope very shortly things? so that the question, said to to hear of some measures having been be put by an eminent man on receivtaken for the formation of a Younging a report of a remarkable revival Men's Missionary Society, in the bo-in some section of the country seems rough of Carlisle.

For the Miscellany.

H.

ON THE INFLUENCE OF REVIVALS OF

RELIGION.

far more impertinent. "Are the people become more honest? Are they more careful to pay their debts?"

To depreciate, or to represent as of little moment, the feelings, the exerMESSRS. EDITORS,-We are often fa- cises, the professions, commonly statvored with accounts of revivals. Fewed in the accounts of revivals, would weeks pass without one or more be- entirely betray too great indifference ing reported. In the late narrative or disregard to religious appearances. of the state of religion within the For persons to be awakened to a deep bounds of the general assembly of sense of their sinful and miserable the Presbyterian church in the Unit-state by nature, to feel a distressing ed States, we have a very encourag-anxiety to be delivered from it by an ing report of revivals in a number of interest in the Saviour, to see their congregations in almost every one of need of him for salvation, to have a near 30 Presbyteries. Considering || joyful hope in him, to be inclined to these as bearing the marks of a gen-pray, to read the Bible, to attend uine work of grace, they are well cal-meetings for prayer and conference, and public ordinances, and, as the re

Influence of Revivals of Religion.

27

cessity of bringing suits to recover money due. It may be impossible in the present state of society, for persons to avoid being occasionally in debt; but surely nothing less can be

professing christians should consider themselves indispensably bound to discharge all just debts without reluctance or needless delay, nay, with great punctuality. And to enable them to do so, they ought to avoid all superfluous expense, and not think themselves at liberty, when at any time they have it in their power to pay what they know they owe to others, to neglect doing so; for, contrary to the laws of love, this would be doing ill to their neighbors.

sult, to make a public profession of religion, by going to the communion table; surely these things are not to be spoken against; they deserve to be held in due respect. Nevertheless, unless they be accompanied by a prac-included in the rule quoted, than that tical regard to the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith, or fidelity in performing promises, they cannot be viewed as decisive, unequivocal evidences of a saving change of heart. "What does the Lord thy God require of thee, but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God." Even a public profession of religion by partaking of the Lord's supper, which seems to be regarded by many, as the test or proof of the gracious character of those religious movements, distinguished by the name of revivals, cannot justly be considered as of itself, entitled to the honor assigned to it. For the Amen, the faithful and true witness, has assured us, that the plea of those for admission into the kingdom of heaven, who could say, we have eaten and drank in thy presence, will not be sustained. That the disciples of Christ should honor him by a pro-violate the confidence placed in them, fessed subjection to all his laws and no such stigma attaches as did then, institutions does not admit of a doubt. But be this as it may, can those be To refuse to do so, is an implied con- said to live godly, who are not contempt of his authority. But let none cerned to do justly alway. The intrust in a public profession, as a suf-terests of morality and religion are ficient evidence, that they know the inseperable. At least we may say, grace of God in truth, except this that though there may be a species of grace teach them effectually, "to de-morality, without religion, as ny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, may be found strictly honest, just and and to live soberly, righteously, and honorable in their worldly transacgodly." tions, men of integrity in that respcct, who neglect the duties of piety and devotion, yet religion cannot exist without morality. Love to God. which is the animating principle of

It has been remarked by some who remember how it was in this country 30 or 40 years ago, that the principles of honor and honesty, which should influence men in their social intercourse and dealings with one an other, appear to be much less regarded in the present time than at the period referred to; that to such as run in debt, defraud their neighbors, and

men

Very general complaints are made of the little sense of moral obligation apparent among many professors of christianity; how little conscience they make of fulfilling their engage-true religion, is always productive of ments, of acting up to their promises, or paying their subscriptions; how little regard is shewn to the plain rule of duty, "owe no man any thing, but love one another." Hence the ne

love to man. Without the last it is vain to pretend to the first. Godliness and honesty are connected in the description of the christian life. "That," says Paul, "you may lead

in this world; in which view it is a kind of earnest, a pledge of that future applause, which the truly virtuous and pious may one day expect from the mouth of him who is unerring in judgment and decisive in his

The object of these remarks is not by any means to disparage revivals of religion, and the good effects of which they are productive in leading their subjects to a more serious and regu-sentence. But, as a regard of this lar attention to religious duties, per good reputation may sometimes lead sonal, family, and public, out to us into error by mistaking the great elicit information, when it can truly end of it, or expecting it from the be given of their influence on the re- wrong object, it may be proper to formation of manners and the ad-shew what a good reputation truly is; vancement of the interests of morali-how far a regard to it is useful and ty. To cultivate the moral virtues, and to practice the social and moral duties, are necessary to the christian profession.

Carlisle, July 22, 1823.

For the Miscellany.

REPUTATION.

F.

necessary, and what is the proper behavior when it is falsely and injuriously treated: while we show, on the other side, what dreadful consequences, follow from a disregard to it and from a loss of it, through ill behavior, and what in such a case, is the proper

conduct.

The value of reputation, and the First, then, let us consider what a high price men are used to set upon it, good reputation is. Now a good repis evidently seen by that care and cau-utation is, for the most, the consetion, by that disregard to toil, and vol-quence of a good and proper behavior untary endurance of the greatest la-in life. There are, it is certain, some bor and fatigue, which is frequently exempt cases; actions may be misresubmitted to with cheerfulness, to ob- presented or misunderstood, especialtain and secure it. We have many ly the actions of those who are in highinstances, to shew, that health, and er spheres and whose motives for actlife, and friends, and fortune, haveing can neither easily be discovered not been deemed so valuable; have nor made known with safety. But, been readily given up for the preserin the general men are just to each vation of that good name, which is other and an unblameable conduct rather to be chosen than great riches, will, for the most part produce a good and which is better than precious oint-name. But then let us remember ment. And indeed as reputation is that a good name or reputation which the grand cement of all worldly trans- hath respect only to man, is not that actions, one cannot wonder at a re- which the scripture means. God is gard being cherished for it, the most the judge of our conduct as well as the high and venerable; since it is this author of our being, and preserver of which gives us credit and esteem in our existence. Man cannot discern the general, and particularly endears the spring of our actions or the mous to those with whom we are more tives of our undertakings, and thereintimately connected. It is valuable fore may be much mistaken in their too on another account, as it is for the judgment of the goodness or badness most, the genuine fruit of our own of them; which they may denomgood and proper conduct, and there-inate according to its external fore the source of true joy to our con- tendency; while God, who judgeth science, witnessing to the sincerity according to the intention, may perand uprightness of our conversation | haps, determine it far differently.