continued united in the faith and order of the gospel. Several of our vacant societies have, by the settlement of ministers, been supplied with the stated ministration of the word and ordinances of God; we have had pleasing evidence of the continued efficiency of the Domestic Missionary Society, in building up the waste places of our Zion; and but few of the ambassadors of Christ, within our limits, have, by death or otherwise, been removed from the scene of their labours The various charitable institutions, by which our times are distinguished, continue to possess their hold on the affections and the patronage of the community, and we are happy in cherishing the belief, that with regard to them the people of this state are generally becoming more and more disposed to devise liberal things. Sabbath schools are generally maintained in our religious societies, and we trust, that the import ance of teaching the principles of religion and morality to the rising generation is in a good measure realized. At a spirit of prayer, or felt more deeply their dependence on Him, with whom is the residue of the Spirit. Though some things appear dark and discouraging, still we believe, that at no former period has there been among us a fairer prospect of support, and the increasing, happy influence, in years to come, of those institutions, which have for their object the divine glory and the happiness of man. The past year has not been destitute of evidence, that the Most High delights to bless and to build up his church. The General Association cannot, indeed, tell of those extensive effusions of special divine influence, since their last meeting, which they were permitted to mention two years ago; God has by no means left himself without witness. Revivals of religion have been considerably numerous, and have been marked with signal displays of the power and grace of Zion's King In the county of Fairfield, the towns of Greenwich, New-Canaan, Norwalk, Fairfield, and Reading, have shared in the special influence of the The Foreign Mission School at Cornwall Holy Spirit, and about two hundred and fifty continues in a flourishing state; and we con- have been united to the visible people of God. sider that the confidence of the christian com- In the county of Litchfield, the town of Sharon munity in this institution as a powerful means has been visited by a revival of uncommon of diffusing the savour of Jesus' name through- power and extent. One hundred and twelve out the world, is from year to year increasing. have already made a public profession of faith At no time since its establishment has Yale in the Redeemer, and the work still continues. College been in a more highly prosperous But the most interesting display of the grace state. At no time have its friends been more which brings salvation, during the past year, numerous, or their attachment stronger. have been witnessed in a little cluster of towns no time the system of government and instruc- in the counties of Windham and Toiland, tion there administered more efficient and suc- where the meeting of the General Association, cessful, or the number of pupils greater. The in June last, evidently had considerable influattempt to enlarge the means of theological ence in preparing the minds of the people for education in that seminary has succeeded to the attention to their spiritual interests, which an extent equal to what its friends presumed has been experienced. From Tolland the to hope. Means have been provided, in part, good work spread during the subsequent seafor the establishment of a new professorship son of autumn, winter, and spring, embracing in divinity; a professor has been appointed, in its progress both societies in each of the has entered on the duties of his office, and a towns of Coventry and Mansfield, and the first class of young men have commenced a regular society in Lebanon. In all these places the course of study, preparatory to the work of work has been about equally extensive, and the ministry. The generous patronage of the apparently productive of about equal good to christian public only is wanting, in order that the souls of men. In some of them it has been a theological seminary may soon rise in our attended with a degree of rapidity and power state, in connection with our college, with the which has hardly been before known within fairest prospect of extensive usefulness, and our limits. The progress of salvation was we cherish the hope that such patronage will truly wonderful and glorious. As the devout not long be withheld. In some parts of the state we have to deplore the prevalence of vice in various forms; still, we regard the disposition, which we believe extensively diffused, to counteract its contagious and deadly influence, as an omen for good. At no former period in our history have the friends of God and righteousness been more active in doing good, or possessed more of beholder witnessed the manner in which the conquests of the Redeemer were multiplied, it was strongly impressed on his mind, that all which men could do was to stand still and see the salvation of God. Though the work of conviction and conversion was thus rapid, it was evidently genuine. The many hundred converts who have become its subjects, after a lapse of several months, with very few excep tions, appear to stand fast in the liberty of the gospel. In Somers and. Tolland about two hundred and twenty have already been united to the congregational church. In many of the instances above mentioned, the revival of religion has put a new aspect on the face of society. It has a most auspicious bearing on the future interest of the Redeemer's kingdom, from the fact that the subjects are principally among the rising generation. The change recently witnessed in this class of the community, is surprisingly great. In these congregations most of those who are esteem. ed the flower of the youth, the first in education and in influence, may be seen sitting together in heavenly places in Christ. Those who, a short time since, were accustomed to meet for vain amusements, now meet for prayer and religious conversation, and to sing praises to God. Several of our pastors and churches may well unite with joyful acclamations in saying, "the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." In a few other places besides the above, in different parts of the state, a degree of special religious excitement has existed, and partial accessions have been made to the church. In some, revivals are now in progress, or hopefully commencing. Among these may be numbered the town of Kent, the first society in Chatham, and the society of Ridgebury. From the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church we learn, that while this extensive section of the Redeemer's kingdom has still to deplore the wide-spread moral wastes within its borders; while many regions of great fertility and extent, and rapidly increasing in population, are wholly destitute of the word and ordinances of God, still it has, during the year past, experienced much which must afford joy to the friends of Zion. Many instances are related of the revival of religion in the middle, southern, and western parts of the Union, marked with distinguished exhibitions of Jehovah's goodness and mercy. The theological seminary at Princeton still flourishes, and from that fountain increasing streams continue to issue, and to make glad the city of our God. The operations of numerous missionary, bible, and other benevolent societies, have been increasing both in extent and influence. Associations are gradually forming in different parts, to provide for the regular support of the institutions of our holy religion. Many societies are waiting only that labourers may be sent to them, in order to their providing themselves with the stated ministration of the word. In view of these facts, we would cherish the hope, that as the tide of our population rolls on to the south and the west, our country may not exhibit a still wider spread of moral desolation. From the General Association of Massachusetts we learn, that for some months past God has been pouring out his Spirit in Boston; that the revival of religion in that city has been highly interesting, and that it is still in progress-also, that several other towns in different parts of that state have, during the past year, experienced the same gracious visitation from on high; that a work of revival seeins to be commencing in some places, and to be advancing in others. We also learn, that there has recently been a powerfu! work of grace in the Collegiate Institution at Amherst; and that of the hundred students in that seminary, about six-sevenths are hopefully the subjects of saving grace. We are happy to learn, that the theological seminary at Andover flourishes more and more By our brethren from Vermont and New Hampshire we are informed, that while they have cause to lament the extensive prevalence of lukewarmness and indifference on the great subject of religion, and to mourn that so many of their towns are destitute of the stated means of grace, still God has not left them without some tokens for good. In those states there have been, within the past year, numerous interesting revivals, which have now generally subsided, though in some instances they still continue. Many precious fruits of these revivals have been' gathered into the kingdom of Immanuel. In these states, it is believed, there are not a few, who are accustomed to cry earnestly to God for the enlargement of Zion. In both these are means in operation, which, we trust, under the divine blessing, will, at no distant day, cause the church there to rise and shine in the beauty of the Lord. By the intelligence received from Rhode Island, it appears that there is an increasing zeal and harmony among the consociated ministers and churches in that state, and that the prospects of the future prosperity and enlargement of Zion is encouraging. Surely no intelligent Christian can contemplate the present state of the world, and not feel his bosom swell with emotion. From the word of prophecy, and from "the signs of the times," we feel assured, that the God of all grace has in store for lost men more extensive blessings than what have yet been experienced. Among the tokens for good, and the things which we would earnestly recommend to the friends of truth and righteousness, we will not neglect to mention the Sabbath morning concert of prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit on the colleges in our country. That the members of those societies "be all taught of God," we deem of vital importance to the future prosperity and glory of the Redeemer's cause And we would urge upon all the members of our churches, and all others who love the Lord Jesus Christ, that they fervently supplicate the God of all grace, that he would pour out his Spirit more and more copiously throughout the world; that in the praying circle, in the family, and in the closet, they would give him no rest, till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. PENOBSCOT INDIANS. The following information in relation to this tribe of Indians is copied from the Boston Daily Advertiser : A society has been formed at Bangor, consisting principally of gentlemen of that town and Hampden, for the laudable object of promoting the civilization, and the moral and religious improvement of the Penobscot Indians. The Rev. Professor Smith is president of the society. They have already established a school at Oldtown Island, the principal Indian village, about 12 miles from Bangor, and have employed Mr. Josiah Brewer, a graduate of Yale College, as instructer. There are already thirty children in the school, and it is stated that if there were means of clothing and supporting them, there would be as many more. The tribe consists of about three hundred persons. Mr. Brewer, in addition to his labours in the school, encourages and instructs the Indians in their agricultural pursuits. From the Auxiliary Society of New-Paltz, Ul- From J. B. Montgomery, 11 50 From Benjamin Marshall, From Robert M'Dermut, 25 50 From Peter I. Nevius, From a number of Ladies in Perth Amboy, accompanying a box of goods, by Mrs. Mary Cook, From "a few Ladies of the Rev. Dr. Richards' congregation in Newark, N. J. to educate a child of the Seneca Nation, by the name of James Richards, under the care of Rev. Mr. Harris," by Miss J. M. Stewart, From Mr. Charles Starr, to constitute himself a member for life, From the Young Men of the first Presbyterian church in New-York, to constitute their pastor, the Rev. P. M. Whelpley, a member for life, From the Auxiliary Society of Bridgeport, Con. by S. Hawley, Secretary, A FARMER AND A BLACKSMITH WANTED. The Managers of the United Foreign Missionary society are desirous to send, as soon as practicable, an additional Farmer to Union, and a Blacksmith to Harmony. They should be men well skilled in their respective Occupations; in communion with some Christian Church; and able to furnish satisfactory recommendations. It is also desirable that they should be married men, as female assistance is wanted at each station. Application, for either, may be made to Z. LEWIS, Domestic Sec. and Tr. of the U. F. M. S. New-York. selaer Co. N. Y. by Rev. James Romeyn, Freas. 200 From a friend to Missions, 10 00 Collected at the monthly concert in the Presbyterian church in Lancaster, Pa. by the Rev. Mr. Ashmead, 13 30 From the Presbyterian congregation in Leacock, 35 00 50 00 From the Female Society of Briar Creek, Columbia County, Pa. by Mrs. Elizabeth Kennedy, 3 06 Total, $809 94 AMERICAN Missionary Begister. VOL. IV. SEPTEMBER, 1823. Biography. MEMOIR OF THE REV. JAMES RICHARDS, ONE OF THE AMERICAN MISSIONARIES IN CEYLON, No. 9. THE following account of the life, death, and character of Mr. Richards is copied from the last number of the Boston Missionary Herald. It was compiled, by the Editor of that work, from a Memoir furnished by the surviving Missionaries at Ceylon. Mr. RICHARDS was born in Abington, Mass. February 23, 1784. He was the second son of James Richards, Esq. While quite young, his parents removed to Plainfield, in the same state. His early education was strictly religious, and during a season of special seriousness, under the ministry of the Rev. Moses Hallock, the pastor of that church, he became a hopeful subject of Divine grace. He was then about thirteen years of age; but he did not unite himself with the visible church until six years after this time. The following paragraphs are extracted from the memoir : "Being a young man of respectable talents and ardent piety, he was early desirous of obtaining a liberal education, that he might be prepared to preach the Gospel of reconciliation. But his father, having a family of seven children, did not feel himself able to dispense with the services of James, who was then his eldest son, (an elder brother having died in infancy,) and to give him a public education. In these circumstances, his desires to devote his time to the studies preparatory to a collegiate education, could not be gratified, till he was nearly twenty years of age. At the age of twenty-two, he became a member of Williams ColVOL. IV. lege. During the whole course of his education, such were his pecuniary circumstances, that he was under the necessity of submitting to many privations. These reflect honour upon his Christian character, as he submitted to them from a strong desire to promote the best interests of his fellow men. "While a member of college, his classical acquirements were respectable, and, in the mathematics, he excelled. But it is less on account of his attainments in literary and scientific knowledge that he is deserving of esteem, than for his love of order, his correct deportment, and the bright example which he set before his fellow-students. During his residence in college, a revival of religion took place. He laboured among the students with diligence, prudence, and zeal, and became the instrument of good to many of them. It was in college that he became acquainted with the beloved and lamented Samuel J. Mills, who was his classmate. A very intimate and endeared friendship was early formed between these kindred spirits; a friendship which continued through life, and which, it is believed, has been resumed, and is to be perpetuated, in heaven. 33 "It is already known to many, that Mr. Richards was among the first in his native land who sacredly devoted themselves to the cause of missions among the heathen. This he did at a time when the subject of foreign missions had excited little attention in America; and before any, except that little band of brethren, (of whom he was one,) mentioned in the life of the Rev. Samuel J. Mills, had thought of making it a personal concern. It was here that they examined the subject together. It was here that they so often retired from the sight of the world to some consecrated spot for fasting and prayer, that they might seek Divine direction, and find a door of entrance among the heathen. From that time he steadily pursued his object, amidst many delays and discouragements, which would have diverted any less devoted mind from its object. "In 1809 he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and the same year became a member of the Theological Seminary at Andover. Here he laboured with diligence and success in concert with Mills, and several others of his brethren, in promoting a spirit of missions among the students in the Seminary; and, also, in the Christian public, by the distribution of many books and pamphlets on the subject of missions. "In June, 1810, Mr. Richards was one of that little company, five in number, who presented to the General Association of ministers in Massachusetts, the Memorial on the subject of missions, that led to the formation of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. As Mr. Richards' name, however, does not appear in the Minutes of the General Association, it may be proper to state the reason of its omission. The subject of foreign missions being comparatively new, at that time, in America, it was thought by the members of the Association, that four was a sufficient number to be presented, in the first instance, before the Christian public, as devoted to that cause. Mr. Richards' name was, therefore, erased, because the others, with the exception of Mills, were his seniors in the Theological Seminary, and would be sooner prepared to leave their country on a foreign mission. But although their junior in his collegiate standing, he was second only to Mills in having solemnly devoted himself to this great and glorious object. His heart was much set upon it. As a proof of this, it may be proper to mention, that, for several years after he had formed the resolution of becoming a missionary to the heathen, he had no other prospect of accomplishing his object, than that of working his passage to some part of the gentile world, and of casting his lot among the heathen. This he fully intended to do, in case there was no other mode of accomplishing his object. "As an evidence of his strong attachment to this cause, the following brief extracts are selected from his journals :-' I feel that I owe ten thousand talents, and have nothing to pay. The heathen have souls as precious as my own. If Jesus was willing to leave the bosom of his Father, and expose himself to such suffering here below, for the sake of them and me, with what cheerfulness should I quit the pleasures of refined society, and forsake father and mother, brothers and sisters, to carry the news of his love to far distant lands; let me never consider any thing too great to suffer, or any thing too dear to part with, when the glory of God and the salvation of men require it.' Again: 'I hope to use my feeble efforts in disseminating the word of eternal life in the benighted regions of the east. But I feel a deep conviction of my own weakness and dependence on God, and the importance of being qualified for this great work. May the Lord give me strength and grace! I feel as though I should be greatly disappointed, if I should not be permitted to preach Christ to the poor pagans.' At another time he writes, There is some prospect that peace may soon be restored to our country, and I hope ere long to join my missionary brethren in the east. My heart leaps with joy at the thought. I long to preach Christ to the heathen. But the burden of my prayer of late has been, that I may be prepared to act the part assigned me.' In September, 1812, Mr. Richards finished his theological studies at Andover, |