the clergy throughout the country, are, therefore, earnestly requested to exert their influence in behalf of the work. Any individual, who will procure eight subscribers, and forward the amount of subscription, will be furnished with an additional copy. There is not, it is believed, a village to be found, in which, on personal application, a greater number than this could not easily be obtained. Indeed, a Layman in the interior of Virginia has already transmitted the names of thirty Subscribers, and a Clergyman in the interior of this State, thirty-two and several other Clergymen and Laymen have procured from ten to twenty in their respective villages. The ladies and gentlemen who have already interested themselves in behalf of the publication, are entitled to the thanks of the board and it is hoped that many others will make a cheerful sacrifice of the requisite time and trouble in a cause so worthy of their countenance and support. LETTER FROM A COUNTRY DRAPER. In the London Missionary Chronicle for January last, we find the following letter addressed by a gentleman who styles himself "a country draper," to one of the secretaries of the London Missionary Society. The sug. gestions of the writer are worthy of notice; and if the particular plan he has mentioned cannot be made equally productive in this country, yet the reader may be led "to inquire what (other) new scheme can with propriety be brought into action for raising the necessary means for evangelizing the world:" Dear Sir,-At a time like the present, when you are called upon for funds to a large amount, as appears by the accounts presented to the society at the last anniversary, when it was stated that the expenditure has far exceeded the income, and unless some greater exertions are made, you will not only be obliged to refuse the pressing calls for missionaries to new and important stations, but be compelled to lessen your expenditure even in those already established, and where so much good has been done, it is certainly the indispensable duty of every person to do whatever he can to help forward the great work. To hear that you are at all embarrassed in your operations is painful to every one who has felt his heart warmed by a Saviour's love, and has been cheered with the delightful tidings of the extension of the Redeemer's king dom in heathen lands, where idols have been cast down-idolatry destroyed-temples of superstition turned into houses of prayer, and many of the idolaters have been led to renounce their false hopes, and embrace the gospel of the Son of God. Some, no doubt have been roused by these considerations, to inquire what new scheme can with propriety be brought into action for raising necessary means for evangelizing the world. There is one method which I submit to your attention, and when generally known I think may be of great advantage to the society. There are many linen drapers who are pious, active, generous friends of the society; they have also apprentices and shopmen who wish well to the cause, and do what they can towards its support; but perhaps the following plan has not engaged their attention. At there is a strip of gold which, in many parts the ends of book, mull, and jaconet muslins, of the country is considered of no value, on account of its being free of cost to the tradesman; many might probably be induced to give these gold ends in addition to their forsubscribe more largely, but cannot, owing to mer subscriptions; and others, who wish to the pressure of the times, would no doubt use every exertion to collect and stimulate those in their employment to take care of all they can for the Missionary Society. I understand there are purchasers in London and its vicinity, who give from 6d. to 2s. per dozen for those gold ends; but in the country we have not so good a market given or thrown away. Now, if the whole for them. Indeed, they are most generally of these were collected by persons employed in the shop, as circumstances might suit, and presented to the secretary or treasurer of the auxiliary society in the neighbourhood, who should, at suitable times, transmit them to the missionary rooms in London, I have no doubt raised for the Missionary Society. I suppose, but a very respectable sum would be annually on a fair calculation, there may be thirty thousand drapers in the kingdom, and if only half of them could be induced to give to the society what they could collect, say five shillings, on an average, annually, this would amount to no less a sum than three thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds per annum!!! OLD SHOPKEEPERS. The following suggestions, from the Missionary Chronicle, may be considered as appropriate in New-York, as in London-in the United States, as in Great Britain : It frequently happens that tradesmen, on "taking stock," find some kinds of goods which have long been known by them as "old shopkeepers," consisting of articles which have been either damaged, faded, or gone so entirely out of fashion, that they can scarcely be sold for any thing; and to use the well known expression, "They are neither fit for sale, nor to be given away." Articles of this kind, however inferior or unsaleable, in plain or printed cottons, coloured bombazins, stuffs, ginghams, woolen cloths, flannels, druggets, ribands, &c. &c would be very acceptable for some of the missionary stations abroad, and would be thankfully received by the directors. ZEALOUS ATTACHMENT TO THE MISSIONARY CAUSE. A minister in England, having formed a juvenile auxiliary missionary society, writes to the parent institution as follows: "The seal of these poor children to come forward in this good and great cause quite gratified and affected me. I took an oppor tunity in the most familiar manner of describing to them the object which the society had in view, and the use which would be made of their money; their attention and subsequent conduct convinced me that they understood what was said. As an encouragement to juvenile societies, I think it right to name to you one pleasing fact which came under my notice -Two little boys who came to hear the address, presented me, at the close of it, with 6d. each. I asked them if they knew for what purpose they were giving their money, "Ó yes." they replied, "that heathen children might be taught to read the Bible as well as ourselves." The tears started from the eyes of one of them while he spoke When inquiry was made of their parents, it was ascertained that the sum they gave was a gift, which they had received at Christmas, with permission to do what they pleased with it. "It is certainly pleasing to witness such instances of early benevolence. I am happy to inform you that our Society keeps up (owing to the perseverance of the Ladies) remarkably well; there is scarcely a falling off among the poorest of the people. If at any time a week or two should pass before any of them are called upon, several have deposited in a small box their pence, lest they should be tempted to use it for any other purpose. Others will bring their money to meeting when the weather is bad, to save the Ladies the inconvenience of the walk. Examples, these, worthy of being generally imitated." Another says:-"I am attempting to do a little more among a very poor people here, and I trust no exertion will be wanting on my part in a cause which has appeared of the first magnitude from the commencement of the Missionary Society, and is seen to be more important every year. "I am inducing very poor people to dedicate something to the great work at their marriages, and to devote an offering to the glorious cause whenever they dedicate a child to God in baptism, nor have these efforts been in vain. We will beg from door to door, rather than not do something more for you." A Minister in Wales writes thus:-"In consideration of the greatness of the expenses that are always inseparably connected with the important work of sending Missionaries to the dark regions of the world, and that the defraying of such expenses does in a great measure depend on our faithfulness in contributing our mites, and also in soliciting the help of our friends and the public at large, I, and my friends here, feel a desire of entering into covenant with each other for a more mutual co-operation and diligence in the work of soliciting weekly and quarterly collections towards the Missionary cause.' Thus (says the Editor of the London Mismissionary Chronicle) to see the principle of obligation to support the cause of Missions, recognised by the friends of Christ, and extending its commanding influence in different ranks of society, is very gratifying to the Directors: for it is only as this principle is felt and acknowledged, and prevails, that they can calculate on their continued liberality, permanent co-operation and acceptable services in the great work of evangelizing the world. PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE. The Rev. Mr. Thompson, one of the Missionaries under the care of the Church Missionary Society in London, embarked at Portsmouth on the 16th of October, on his return to Madras. The ship, before she left the channel, met with a providential escape, which is thus related by Mr. Thompson, in a letter of the 23d, from Falmouth : After beating about in the channel in very severe weather, but with little injury, we were obliged to put back, and got into Falmouth on Sunday afternoon, the 20th. Friday and Saturday nights were fearful-complete storm, with some tremendous thunder and lightning. The ship, however, sailed admirably; and we weathered it all with little more damage than shivering one of our smaller sails. The close was marked with one of those striking providential deliverances, of which you hear occasionally; and which should never be suffered to pass unnoticed, without special praise and thanksgiving to an everwatchful and gracious Protector. Through Saturday night the weather was very hazy, with a perpetual drizzling rain. Toward the morning a light from the shore was distinctly observed, and all were satisfied it was the Eddystone; and we steered accordingly. Soon after day-break the haze cleared considerably; and to the terror of all on deck, we were found running ashore, as fast as we could, on the Lizard! Ten minutes more of the haze, the captain told me, would in all probability have made us an awful wreck! All hands were instantly on the alert; the ship readily obeyed the helin, and we were safe again, and on a straight course into this fine, sheltered harbour. Oh that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness. and declare the wonders that he doeth for the children of men ! CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 1.00 10.00 For educating an Osage youth, by the name of 2.00 13 13 From Fem. Aux Soc. of do. by do. Collected at the Monthly Concert in the Presb. 25 89 750 From Aux. Society of Lancaster, Pa. by William Kirkpatrick, Esq. 38 75 By Miss Eliza Calkin, of do. by do. 1 00 From a society of boys in the academy of do. who Collected at Monthly Concert in Presb. Church of Lancaster, Pa. by ditto. 11 25 50 10 00 Collected at Monthly Concert in the 2d Reformed Dutch Church in Phila. by A. Henry, Esq. Collected at Monthly Concert in the 6th Presb. Ch. in Phila. by ditto, 5 71 7 46 Donation from Mr. John McMullen, by ditto, 5 00 15 75 10 15 25 From a friend of the society at Princeton, N. J. S 00 23 50 5.00 4 50 12.50 Collected at the Monthly Concert in the 3d Pres. Church in Philadelphia, by Rev. Dr. Ely, From Aux. Society of Coxsackie, N. Y. by T. A. Hallenbeck, Sect. 8 00 20 00 From children in Sabbath school in do. by do. Donation from R. Swan in do. by do. Do. from G. Beal in do. by do. 21 74 72 1 00 1.00 From Aux. Society of Blooming Grove, Renssellaer Co. N. Y. by E. Van Allen, Sect. and Treas. 15 00 From Aux. Soc. of Lamington, N. J. by Corne- 24 50 26 00 15 00 THE CONCERT OF PRAYER. [FROM THE LONDON MONTHLY CHRONICLE.] "Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant." Say, what are those columns of smoke which arise; These pillars of smoke, thus ascending above, From the four winds of heaven these odours ascend; In the vials of heaven, all happily blend, But numbers, alas! who profess to believe, In the blessings and comforts that Christians receive Missionary Register. VOL. IV. APRIL, 1823. Biography. OBITUARY OF MRS. SUSAN POOR, WIFE OF THE REV. DANIEL POOR, ONE OF THE AMERICAN WHO DIED AT TILLIPALLY, MAY 7, 1821. No. 4 A minute account of the sickness and death of Mrs. Poor, communicated by her surviving partner, was published in the Missionary Herald for the months of March and April last. It was our intention to publish this account at full length; but as we have not found room for so long an article, we have now endeavoured to compress the most interesting circumstances into a narrower compass. In doing this, we have preserved, as far as practicable, both the connection of the narrative, and the language of its author. Mrs. Poor's last illness commenced on Monday evening, the 23d of April. On Tuesday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding came to our assistance, and continued with us. As Mrs. Poor continued ill, and medical advice appeared necessary, we sent, on Wednesday morning, for Dr. Scudder. On his arrival, he found that her symptoms were, in some degree, alarming. Powerful remedies were used for several days, without any favourable issue. During this time she was affected with severe pain. On Thursday, in consequence of some unusual sensations of body, and more especially of some peculiar exercises of her mind that morning, she apprehended that the time of her departure was at hand. Under this impression, she began to address me. Having freely spoken of the strong consolations God had given her, she stated to me the views and feelings she had recently had, concerning the family and station. morning, to make a formal and an entire surrender of husband and children, and of all the affairs of the station, into the hands of God. The strong desires, which I have heretofore had, for continuing a few years longer, have been so entirely taken away, that even my beloved husband and children cease to be ties that bind me to the earth. Every cord is now broken. This is a victory that I have scarcely dared to hope for, and it is, to my mind, a sure indication that I shall not long be continued with you." She then spoke of our past intercourse with each other, and of God's gracious dealings with us since we were united, especially in the work of the mission; and expressed a confident belief, that God would be with me, and comfort me in my solitary state, and bless my labours among the heathen. She appeared to take firm hold of the promises respecting the children of believers. She expressed strong confidence in the belief, that, "I have been enabled," said she, "this though her children were left motherless VOL. IV. 13 in a land of idolaters, God would be their Protector, and would raise up such friends as were necessary to watch over them. She urged the propriety of this belief, from the views she entertained of that covenant, which is well ordered in all things, and sure, and which she thought had been established with our house. She expressed her thoughts concerning God's designs of mercy towards the heathen. The substance of her remarks on this subject was, that in view of what he had already done, and of the present indications of his Providence, she believed he would soon come down by his Spirit like rain upon the mown grass, and gather a people to the praise of the glory of his grace. The earnest and confident manner in which she spoke on the two last mention ed subjects, was new and unexpected. Formerly, the idea of leaving her children in this land of moral darkness, was extremely painful to her. Although she had been abundant in her labours and fervent in her prayers to promote the salvation of the heathen, she was ever fearful and doubtful, as to what God would do for those of the present generation; but now her language was that of triumphant hope, and joyful anticipation. She continued in a quiet state of mind, speaking often of the great goodness of God, in entirely weaning her affections from her family, and in giving her strong desires to depart and be with Christ. "For some weeks past," said she, "I have dwelt with much interest upon the word IMMANUEL, as applied to Christ. But within a few days my thoughts have turned to him with peculiar delight, as bearing the name JESUS." She many times quoted the passage, And his name shall be called Jesus ; for he shall save his people from their sins. On reviewing her conduct for several months previous to her late illness, I now discover many reasons for believing that the Lord was, in a special manner, pre paring her by his grace for this season of trial. One of the many circumstances to which I here refer, was, that several weeks before her death, she proposed that we should regard every Friday as a season of special prayer. As I stood by her bed side with a Bible in my hand, while she lay in a suffering state, she took the Bible, and directed me to the 118th Psalm, 14th verse and onward, as expressing her feelings. On Friday we continued the active use of powerful medicines with much hope of her recovery. About 4 o'clock, an unfavourable change took place, which she considered a sure indication of the approach of death, and a special call to her to set her house in order. After speaking of the quietude and peace of mind she felt, she began to address me as from the borders of the eternal state. She repeated, with some additions, the same sentiments she expressed on the morning of the preceding day. She commended me to the kindness of the brethren and sisters in the mission, and to God; and rejoiced in the prospect of our being soon united in the mansions above. She then spoke of her own life and conduct; of her numerous offences; how unfaithful she had served her God and Saviour; and how undeserving she was of the numerous blessings he had bestowed upon her; but that, notwithstanding her guilt and unworthiness, she indulged confident hopes of pardon and acceptance with God, through the blood of Christ. She expressed a lively sense of God's goodness in manifesting himself to her in a special manner, at this hour of extremity; in his taking away the sting of death; in giving her peace of mind; and in filling her soul with precious foretastes of the joys of heaven. It did indeed appear, from her observations, especially from the manner in which they were made, that her fellowship was with the Father and with the Son Jesus Christ. She begged us to be faithful with her in that critical hour, if we perceived that she was in danger of deceiving herself. After a short interval, she spoke of those dear babes she was about to leave. She adverted, with expressions of gratitude, to the exercises of her mind concerning them, on the preceding day; and observed, that she had committed them into the hands of God, and had no desire to see them again. She then pointed out |