Narrative of the State of Religion, within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church, in the United States of America, and corresponding Churches. May, 1832. In reviewing the events of the past year, as detailed in the reports of the Presbyteries, we cannot fail to notice manifest interpositions of divine mercy. At the rising of the last Assembly, painful apprehensions were felt, by those who love our Zion, that times of darkness and trial were approaching. The political contentions which agitated the public mind, and the lamented controversies among ourselves, seemed to present formidable barriers against the progress of the Redeemer's cause. A dark cloud obscured the future, and we could not but justly fear the frowns of divine pleasure. An unhallowed spirit of party, so far destroyed the harmony and Christian affection, among some of our members, as to excite exultation in the ranks of the enemies of the gospel, and to clothe our church in mourning. But amid the darkness caused by these discouragements, when confidence in man had failed, and we hardly dared to hope for help from God, the Lord himself has appeared to build up Zion, in troublous times: He has stretched out his own right arm, to accomplish the purposes of his mercy, and the mountains have flowed down at his presence. So signal have been the displays of unmerited mercy, that this year, which began in gloom and discouragement, has been gloriously distinguished, by the manifested presence of the Holy Spirit, and the signal triumphs of the gospel. In the midst of deserved wrath, God has remembered mercy. Instead of inflicting upon us those spiritual judgments, which our criminal ingratitude and abuse of mercy deserved, the Great Head of the Church has displayed the riches of his grace, in order that his overpowering goodness may lead us to repent ance. And it seems a remarkable circumstance, designed to bring our whole church in the dust before God, and to banish forever the baleful spirit of sectional jealousy from our councils, that the showers of blessing have descended upon all portions of our wide extended bounds, and crowned the labours of our ministry generally, with precious tokens of divine approbation. It is thus worthy of special commemoration; that while our prospects at the beginning of the past year were darkened by uncommon discouragements, while the obstacles, to the progress of a work of grace, were never more formidable, and while our sins seemed to call for the visitations of wrath, we are called upon to record more of the loving kindness of the Lord towards our churches generally, and more of the triumphs of grace over the powers of sin, than in any other year of our history. In giving to our churches a brief narrative of the progress of religion within our bounds, since the last meeting of the Assembly, it is rendered less important to enter into particular details, by the fact, that most of this information has already been diffused, through the numerous channels, by which religious intelligence is so generally disseminated. All that can be expected, from this body, is a condensed view of the general results of the blessed revivals, which so many of the churches have enjoyed. It is our delightful privilege to report, that sixty-eight Presbyteries have been blessed with the special influences of the Holy Spirit, reviving the churches, and bringing perishing sinners to the saving knowledge of the truth. In these highly favoured Presbyteries, about seven hundred congregations are reported as having been thus visited in rich mercy. In many of these places, thus refreshed by the showers of divine grace, the displays of the power of the gospel have been glorious, almost beyond example. Several Presbyteries have had their whole territory pervaded by an heavenly influence, and every congregation has become a harvestfield for the ingathering of souls, to the fold of the good Shepherd. The following list includes those Presbyteries, which have been distinguished by a mighty prevalence of the work of God, viz. These bodies send us the animating message, that all, or nearly all their churches, have enjoyed a precious season of revival. "Never," says the report from West Hanover, "have we had the privilege of recording so many signal triumphs of Almighty grace." "The angel having the everlasting gospel in his hand, has passed through our borders, and has brought salvation to almost every house." "So powerful and extensive has been the divine influence among us, that one district is known, where not one adult could be found, unconcerned, upon the subject of religion.” “On some occasions, a whole congregation, without one exception, have been prostrate before God, anxiously inquiring for salvation." Eighteen of our congregations have been revived, and in one of them 300 hopeful conversions have taken place." "Every church within our bounds," says the report from Niagara, "has shared in the ascension gift, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit." The following Presbyteries report a very interesting work of grace, within their respective bounds, extending, however, only to a part of their congregations. Cincinnati, Athens, Tioga, New York, Thus the voice of praise and thanksgiving is heard from our most distant borders. A harmonious testimony comes from the north and the south, the east and the west, proclaiming that the past has been a year of the right hand of the Most High. In the details of these numerous revivals, we cannot fail to notice some circumstances, which distinguish the present age, and manifestly deserve particular attention. One of these is the general extension of this work of grace. Formerly, it was a prevalent opinion, that some places and some communities were so entirely occupied and strongly fortified by the enemy, that no rational hopes could be cherished, that they would ever rejoice in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. So that, in reference to the existence of a work of grace in such localities, we have been ready to say, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might -such a thing be! But these conclusions of unbelief have been put to shame, by the easy conquests which divine love has recently achieved, in the very strong holds of proud infidelity, over the congregated forces of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Some sterile regions, where scarcely a plant of righteousness was ever seen, have become like the garden of the Lord. And in some communities, heretofore distin guished by the triumphant dominion of worldliness and impiety, the transformation produced by the influence of the gospel, is so great, as to force all men to exclaim, "What hath God wrought!" It is another distinguishing characteristick of the recent revivals, that so many of the subjects of renewing grace have been found in those classes of society, in which instances of conversion have usually been of very rare occurrence. We have been accustomed to consider men of wealth and political eminence, whose characters were already formed under an unholy influence, as far removed from all probability of conversion, and almost beyond the reach of the means of grace. But we have lately been most impressively taught, not thus to limit the Holy One of Israel. In many places, the most numerous instances of conversion have been found among the most active and influential members of society. And in several instances, the leading persons in the community, consisting of professional men, men of wealth, talents, and high political standing, have been subdued to the obedience of faith, and led willingly to renounce forever all glory, excepting that which is found in the cross of Christ. One more distinctive trait in the work of grace, with which our churches have been so extensively blessed, is found in the resistless energy which has accompanied it. Several of our reports recount such triumphs of grace, over all opposition, as have rarely been witnessed. So overpowering have been the manifestations of the divine presence in some places, that hardly a single adult, in a whole community, remained unaffected. Large congregations have been brought by the mighty power of God, anxiously to inquire with one united voice, what must we do to be saved? Often, and in places far distant from each other, has the thrilling spectacle been presented, before angels and men, of the wealthy and the learned, the eminent and high-minded, falling prostrate at the footstool of mercy and prayer. The barriers of pride, the fortresses of false religion, and the strong holds of infidelity and licentiousness, have been utterly demolished, by the manifested presence of the Holy One. Bitter party contentions have been forgotten, and deadly foes have come hand in hand, bathed in tears of contrition, to the Saviour's feet. We cannot omit to mention the extraordinary extension of this gracious influence. From the shores of the northern lakes to the plains of Florida; from the Atlantic border, to the banks of Missouri, we hear one united testimony, that the Lord hath appeared to build up Zion. In the crowded city, and the forest wild-in the halls of legislation, and the cottages of the poor-in the circles of refined elegance, and the cabins of servitude-among men of letters, and savages of the forest, there has been one pervading influence, one indiscriminate transformation of character. They do all speak in our own language the wonderful works of God. It is a very interesting and gratifying circumstance, that the same reports, which announce these revivals, so wholly unexampled in number and extent, generally contain direct testimony as to the means which have been blessed to their production and promotion. From these authentic sources, the Assembly has collected some valuable information upon a subject so vitally important, as to commend it to the special attention of all the churches. In examining the narratives, which the most highly favoured Presbyteries have given, of the gracious operations of the Spirit of God within their bounds, there is the clearest evidence, that the blessings bestowed, have been in proportion to the appropriate means employed. A spirit of fervent prayer, deep humiliation, and active effort in the churches, and a course of devoted, persevering, and judicious labours on the part of the ministry, uniformly preceded the displays of pardoning mercy. And in these spiritual harvests the amount of good actually accomplished, has appeared to depend upon the diligence and fidelity with which the field has been cultivated; insomuch that in several cases, the reports distinctly state, that the work of grace extended to every place where an active and faithful ministry was enjoyed. The heart-searching appeal, which this statement addresses to all our members and ministers, needs no argu ment to enforce it. Upon another subject of deep interest, there is a general unbroken testimony from all parts of the church, which have been blessed with a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. We refer to the rich and precious blessings which have attended the numerous protracted meetings which have been held throughout our borders. Whatever honest difference of opinion there may have been, as to the utility of such convocations, whatever fears may have been cherished as to their tendency, the question now seems decided, that the Lord has signally owned and abundantly blessed them, and that the seal of divine approbation is visibly and indelibly fixed upon them. From all portions of the church we hear the language of praise, for the great things God has done by means of protracted meetings, and of the glorious displays of converting grace which have rendered them eminently seasons of mercy. Among the means which the Lord has graciously owned and blessed during this year of jubilee, many of your reports specially commemorate the influence of temperance societies. It is now a well established fact, that the common use of strong drink, however moderate, has been a fatal, soul-destroying barrier against the influence of the gospel. Consequently, wherever total abstinence is practised, a powerful instrument of resisting the Holy Spirit is removed, and a new avenue of access to the hearts of men opened to the power of truth. Thus, in numerous instances, and in various places, during the past year, the temperance reformation has been a harbinger, preparing the way of the Lord; and the banishment of that liquid poison, which kills both soul and body, has made way for the immediate entrance of the Spirit and the word, the glorious train of the Redeemer. Signally efficacious also in promoting this glorious work of grace, have been those institutions which afford religious instruction to the young-which convey the messages of salvation to children, before they are steeled against them by pride and prejudice-which apply the balm to their diseased hearts before the malady becomes inveterate, and which present the overtures of a Saviour's love to those who are on the threshold of life, and not yet fully enlisted under the banners of Satan. The discovery seems to have been reserved to bless this age of the world, that the fairest and most promising field of religious effort, is afforded by early childhood-that it is not wise to wait until the enemy is entrenched and fortified, before the attempt is made to dislodge him-and that there is a method of preaching the gospel, most effectually, to a whole generation of children. Sunday schools and Bible classes accomplish this most benevolent object. And the history of the Holy Spirit's operations during the past year, in blessing so many hundreds of our churches, and calling so many thousands of sinners to repentance, affords a full and cheering testimony upon this subject. Sunday schools have proved the nurseries of revivals; their teachers have been found efficient, devoted labourers in gathering souls to Christ, and their pupils have come in lovely bands at the gospel call, clustered round the cross, given up their young hearts to God, and sung hosannah to the Son of David: blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. We notice only one thing more in the reports of revivals, and that is the mighty power with which the simple truths of the gospel have been attended. We have been too prone to believe, that the champions of infidelity were only to be encountered by subtle and skilful argumentation that the pride of unsanctified intellect was only to be humbled by triumphant reasoning; and that the fortresses of highminded.impenitence were only to be successfully assailed, by the combined forces of learning and eloquence. But the experience of the past year has made us wiser. We have had a practical comment upon that inspired declaration-not by might nor power, but my Spirit, saith the Lord. While the high places of Satan's kingdom have been invaded by the power of the gospel, while many of the conquests of redeeming mercy have been achieved among those who were considered beyond the reach of any gracious influence, while a mighty host of men, high-minded, talented men, have laid their honours down at the Saviour's feet; these wonderful events are not to be ascribed to any new energy of human means. No prophet has arisen, clothed with miraculous powers, to overwhelm opposers with resistless demonstration; no new messages from heaven have furnished with mightier weapons the soldiers of the cross. On the contrary, the word has been preached with greater plainness and simplicity than ever. And the solemn inculcation of the doctrines of the cross, and earnest, urgent appeals to the understandings and consciences of men, have been the means, rendered mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong holds, and subduing proud hearts to the obedience of faith. Who can estimate the precious influence which must be exerted by these 700 renovated churches, upon the whole population of our country-upon present and future generations? What energy of moral power is thus imparted to the cause of truth? How many fountains of salvation are thus opened to gladden the dry and thirsty land? The fruits of this astonishing work of grace are valuable to the church and the world, beyond all human computation. In numerous communities, the predominating influence is now consecrated to the cause of God. How many mothers have been prepared by grace, to train up their children for the kingdom of heaven? And what a noble army of young men has renounced the honours of the world, and devoted themselves to the cause of the Redeemer? Never, until the destinies of eternity are unfolded, can be known the full amount of blessings bestowed in these dispensations of mercy. Verily the Lord hath done great things for us, let us be glad and rejoice in his sal vation. Every minister and member in our communion, should be encouraged and animated, by such rich experience of Divine goodness, to more entire devotedness, and untiring diligence in the Master's cause. The most affecting motives are presented, to lay aside all distinctions of party, and let the only strife be who shall be most humble, devoted, and self-denying. The past year has been distinguished, by the flourishing condition and evident progress of our benevolent institutions. That noble enterprise, which is conveying the waters of life to every family in the land, continues to be prosecuted with undiminished zeal and encouraging success. Several whole states, and large portions of other states, are reported as fully supplied with the word of life; and the friends of this blessed cause are pressing forward, towards the accomplishment of their great purpose, to put a Bible in every human habitation where it will be received. The American Tract Society is successfully engaged in extending its operations, and the Divine blessing evidently rests upon them. Its numerous branches and agencies are fountains of spiritual health and life, opened in every portion of the land. They send their precious messages of grace, to persons and places inaccessible to the living heralds of salvation; and thus extensively employ an instrumentality, which the Holy Spirit often uses in rousing slumbering consciences, and subduing rebellious hearts. The monthly distribution, wherever it has been enjoyed, has proved a powerful auxiliary in diffusing the influence of vital godliness, and has been attended with decided tokens of Divine approbation. The system of Sunday school and Bible class instruction has been more extensively adopted, and followed with richer blessings to the church, than in any former year. In most of the congregations in our connexion, these nurseries of early piety are established, and have been generally honoured by the special smiles of the Great Head of the church. In almost every report which brings the glad tidings of the visitations of the Holy Spirit, there is a cordial testimony to the efficient aid of this instrumentality. Indeed it would seem, in very many instances, that the prosperity of Zion, and the ingathering of souls to Christ, have been proportionate to the wise and faithful labours which have been employed in this department of Christian exertion. The American Sunday School Union, is still extending the sphere of its vast operations, and prosecuting the noble design of planting these seminaries of Christian instruction coextensively with our country's population. Superior to all sectarian distinction, that excellent society pursues the single grand object, of giving the knowledge of the Bible to the children of our land; and the wide extended fields of its labours, on either side of the Alleghany, are becoming fruitful as the garden of the Lord. Such a plan of benevolence, sustained by seventy thou sand teachers who are engaged in leading nearly six hundred thousand young immortals, to the saving knowledge of the Redeemer, cannot be contemplated by Christians without emotions of wonder and gratitude. Surely it is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. The cause of temperance continues to extend and multiply its triumphs, notwithstanding the machinations of Satan, and the madness of the multitudes, who are striving to demolish the only barrier which can secure them from destruction. The testimony of our churches, as to the signal success which has crowned the efforts of the friends of this cause, the astonishing effect which has thus been produced upon public sentiment, and upon the habits and customs of the higher classes, and especially as to the unquestionable connexion between total abstinence from ardent spirits and the success of the gospel, is of the most decided and gratifying character. The formation of a temperance association in each congregation, has taken place extensively, with the happiest results. While, therefore, in view of these things, the friends of temperance are called upon to thank God and take courage, let them remember that much, very much, remains to be done. Let them not remit their vigilance and activity, for their foes never slumber. All the powers and resources of the kingdom of darkness are vigorously employed in opposition. Much indeed has been done in staying this plague among the more intelligent and elevated orders of society: but all the energies of Christian benevolence are demanded, to stem the torrent which is spreading misery, and guilt, and ruin, through the dwellings of labour and poverty. A great work is still to be effected in the church. The sons of Levi must be purified. The accursed thing must be removed from the camp of the Lord. While professing Christians continue to exhibit the baleful example of tasting the drunkard's poison, or, by a sacrilegious traffick, to make it their employment to degrade and destroy their fellow-men, those who love the Lord must not keep silence, but must lift their warning voice, and use all lawful efforts to remove this withering reproach from the house of God. Let all our congregations become efficient temperance associations, let all our ministers and elders be united, consistent, and persevering in this cause, and we may derive from experience a full persuasion, that the ravages of the direful foe will be arrested; that the rising race will be rescued from his deadly grasp, and thus a most formidable obstacle to the success of the gospel, will at last be removed. The records of the past year afford cheering evidence of the steady progress Ch. Adv.-VOL. X. and extended influence of Christian Missions. The host of the Lord, enlisted under these banners, has received a great increase in strength and numbers. Every revival forms a centre of missionary influence, and every renewed heart glows with ardent desire for the spread of the gospel. To this precious cause, much of talents, influence and property has been recently consecrated. Churches which have been blessed by the effusions of the Spirit, are usually liberal in furnishing the means of sending the treasures of salvation to the destitute and the perishing. Your reports furnish examples of this sort worthy of particular notice. Two of the churches, which have lately enjoyed a season of revival, have contributed, one six thousand dollars, and the other four thousand, exclusively to the missionary cause. The subject of foreign missions excites a much deeper interest than formerly. Students in theology are directing their views anxiously towards this field of labour; and a number of young men of high promise, have recently devoted themselves to carry the gospel to distant heathen lands. The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, continues to enjoy the favour of the Great Head of the Church, in the increasing success and extent of their vast operations. It must af ford a lively joy to every pious heart to reflect, that every quarter of the globe receives spiritual blessings through this noble institution of our own land, which is connected with our own church, and which seems destined to exert a very important influence in producing the final triumph of the cross, and in causing the kingdoms of this world to become the kingdoms of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Assembly would hail with pleasure, the appearance of a deeper interest in the subject of Foreign Missions, recently manifested in the churches of the West, by the establishment of a Western Foreign Missionary Society. We would that all our churches might have a strong sense of their obligation to send the gospel "to every creature," and afford fairer evidence of the sincerity of their daily prayer, "thy kingdom come.' The Assembly's Board of Missions reports a gratifying amount of labour and success. The whole number of missionaries employed during the past year, is 256. The ministerial labour performed, is equal to 154 years. The congregations and stations supplied, are about 400. The missionaries employed by that Board, have reported about 600 Sabbath schools, and 300 catechetical and Bible classes. All the benevolent institutions of the day are attended to by the missionaries. The number of temperance societies, either formed or promoted by them, is estimated at 350, 2 M |