The principal cause of the lamented evils may generally be traced back to the first step which led to the connexion, where it will be found that base or unworthy motives predominated. That persons destitute of a religious principle should be thus influenced, is not strange: but that those who have this principle should be swayed by a depraved inclination merely in this very important point, is most preposterous. This is doubtless one of the most difficult places in which to be disinterested; but that the Christian should be, as it respects all but the honour of God, is not to be questioned. We would not insinuate that this disinterestedness is to render any person the agreeable and suitable companion; but be assured that they who seek, more than every thing else, the wisdom from above, and submit to its divine dictates, will never be directed unsuitably. But theirs will be the most cordial and endearing union, having for its strength the love of Christ. How exceedingly deceptive are many of the fairest appearances which meet the eye! How of ten is the unwary soul caught by a bait which lies concealed under the charm of personal attractions, or the grace of external accomplishments! How often under the veil of a mind enlightened by science, with only a specious show of piety! Nor is there less frequently a baleful influence connected with the idea of respectability of family, and honourable rank in society, with many considerations of the like nature, and too numerous to be mentioned.

But though such disappointed persons should so manage as to maintain an exterior somewhat agreeable to the requirements of religion, yet they are incapacitated for enjoyment, and disqualified for usefulness, to the extent of which they might otherwise have been capable.

Another source of domestic unhappiness is neglecting the cultivation of children. How strange is the conduct of parents who bestow less labour on the intellects of their offspring, than they would acknowledge sufficient to bring forward a good production among their vegetables! They attentively watch the growth of the plant, and carefully pluck the obtruding weed that it may not undermine its roots, or cast an unseemly shade over its fair blossoms; but leave the growing mind to its own bent, or to take the course which chance may give it! These same persons are professedly tender of the cause of religion, perhaps are more active and zealous in society than others; lament the prevalence of extravagance and folly, cry out bitterly against the abominations of the times, and urge a speedy reformation, when the first steps which lead to it, are so near them as to be overlooked! Indulged or uncultivated children are generally disobedient to their parents, and unhappy among themselves; are likely to bring ruin on themselves and dis

grace upon their parents and one another. It has frequently been said that the children of good people are the worst; but where this has been comparatively the case, there has undoubt edly been a defect in their education. Perhaps the parents have lamented it and prayed for them, and in the soft language of ancient Eli have said, "Why do ye these things? it is no good report that I hear of you, ," but in most cases, from no more exertion than this, there is little reason to expect a suitable line of conduct from children.

O ye, who are intrusted with the care of immortal souls, consider the importance of your charge, and fear with trembling. Should these in the day of eternity rise up and allege, that though you bore the Christian name, you were so far from comporting with the sacred character, that your profession was the greatest obstacle to their embracing it; that your tempers and conduct were so contradictory to the spirit which the gospel enjoins, that taking you for an example they could not admit its pretended excellencies; that your indulgences had strengthened all the innate corruptions of their hearts; that your lack of seasonable and proper correction and instruction, had smoothed the way for the pursuit of carnal pleasures, and the commission of sin without fear: though your name might have stood on the list of every missionary and bible society in the world, and you have had the applause of doing more in various ways than most Christians; will you not be found guilty of neglecting your most important duties, and be condemned not only as the abettors, but as the authors of your children's misery?

We come, thirdly, to suggest some hints for improvement, which have indeed been already anticipated in the ideas which are contained under the preceding heads. We will however speak a little more positively and directly to enforce their importance. Let those whose condition are not irretrievable make the subject of a change a matter of serious importance, with which are connected consequences vast as the interests of immortal souls, and extensive as eternity itself. When the decision is made under the auspices of heaven, consider it as inviolable. Let no reflection ever be indulged that it is not for the best, but suffer whatever may come as being the Divine will. Let the purity of your affection forbid the thought of another, but duly appreciate the gift of each to each. Keep at an equal distance from that familiarity which breeds disgust, that indifference which borders upon contempt, or the reserve which savours of suspicion. So shall your most private life witness the happiness of your union, and your more public walks confer a dignity on the social relation.

Let the objects of your love be the objects of your tenderest care, their souls most especially. Make not the conduct of VOL. IV.

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others your standard in this point, but let conscience, let religion, let the word of God say what will acquit you. Be particularly careful not to overlook, or behold with indifference what many call small things in their temper and conduct. Inure them to industry. Suffer them never to have time to lavish upon trifles, or waste in idleness. And as domestic economy is indispensably necessary to the happiness of a family, it should ever hold a distinguishing place there. As this part most naturally and properly devolves upon the mistress, to her I would address myself, and say "look well to the ways of your household." Are you in affluence and think it unnecessary for yourself and family to be particular in your management and expenditures? Remember that your possessions are held upon a precarious tenure, and that you may be suddenly and unexpectedly reduced to a situation in which labour will be necessary, or poverty and misery unavoidable. But though neither you nor your children should ever know the want of the necessaries of life, yet you want happiness, which you cannot have in vacant unimproved time. Activity and employment are as necessary to the present enjoyment of the mind, as to the acquisition of wealth. sides, the poor have always a claim upon you, and the various wants of your fellow creatures require that all your time and substance be devoted to the Lord; by which you will always be ready to administer to the necessities of others, either temporally or spiritualty as occasion demands.

Be

Mothers have greatly the advantage for imbuing the minds of their children with knowledge and piety, and those who feel their care as they ought, will make innumerable, and frequently very minute circumstances subservient to the end, where an indifferent one will see no opportunity. To mix useful instruction and innocent amusement, to turn the various incidents of life into lessons of profit and improvement, is not perhaps the happy talent of every mother; but she whose breast swells with pious emotions for the true happiness of her child, will not be found destitute of ability to communicate what, with the promised blessing of God, will do good through the lapse of life. Let none think to free themselves from the obligation which they owe to God and their children, by "I am not calcu lated for such duties." God never placed you in a station without offering you assistance to fill it answerably. This subject, full of importance to all Christians, should be deeply considered by the ministers of the gospel in particular, as the influence of their families is more extensive. To them the world look for an occasion to evade the force of divine precepts, and exultingly triumph when they discover any thing turn to their advantage. From them the church of God have a right to expect more than from other families, inasmuch as they are set for example, as well as instruction and correction.

It is devoutly hoped that individuals and families will enter into the spirit and practice of these sentiments so far as they are agreeable to truth, and though there be but little said to what the subject opens, yet it is humbly believed that a radical attention thereto will remove the greatest obstacles to the spread of universal holiness.

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Religious and Missionary Intelligence.

ACCOUNT OF THE WORK OF GOD IN WELLFLEET CIRCUIT, IN A LETTER FROM REV. EDWARD HYDE TO REV. T. MERRITT

DEAR BROTHer,

Wellfleet, Mass. Aug. 28, 1821. AGREEABLY to your request I now send you an account of the work of God on this circuit in 1820, and which continues to the present time.

When I arrived at my appointment in July, 1320, I found that religion was at a low ebb on the circuit; but few had been converted for some time. My mind was much exercised on account of the situation of the people; I had been travelling where multitudes had turned to the Lord; and now to find none inquiring the way to Zion affected me much. My only refuge was in the Lord; and to him I often carried the case of the people, and soon found it not in vain. I endeavoured to impress the minds of the brethren with the importance of a revival. In the different classes we entered into a covenant to pray twice a day for two weeks, for God to revive his work. Before the time bad expired the work began. Several were deeply awakened, and believers were quickened. Our camp-meeting came on about this time in this town, which gave a new spring to the work. Some account of which is published in the Magazine for February, 1821. After this the work spread in every direction, and hath continued to progress till the present time.

This circuit comprises three towns, each of which has shared in the glorious work. For many years our preachers have laboured in this town with but little success. Many were the difficulties they had to struggle with, but now an answer to their prayers has been realized, and the glory of the Lord displayed. One means of helping on this work has been urging on believers the necessity of going on to perfection. The work has spread to all parts of the town, even to the isles of the sea: On one island scarcely an adult is left unconverted, and not a single family but some of which have found a pardoning God. Eastham has had a large share of the glorious revival. For about twenty-five years our preachers have regularly passed through this town, and not a solitary individual would receive them, or bid them "God speed;" but ignorance of God and pure religion, very generally prevailed. At the first campmeeting held in Wellfleeet, August, 1819, some out of curiosity attended. The power of the Lord was displayed among the people. This to them was a new thing. Two who were looking on to see the strange sight, were arrested by the Spirit, and went home deeply wounded. Their feelings were such that they could not conceal them. After mourning in deep distress for several days, the Lord set their souls at liberty. They now thirsted for the salvation of their neighbours, and began to tell them what the Lord had done for them; but their words were as idle tales to many, whilst others thought they were deluded for saying that their sins were forgiven. Soon, however, others began to inquire what these things meant, and sought, and found the same blessing. From this the work spread to different parts of the town, and some began to inquire for the preachers who had been instrumental in the hand of God of beginning such a work. Accordingly, a message was sent to brother Wiley, the stationed preacher on Wellfleet circuit, to come and help them. He embraced the opportunity and went;-And now their houses and hearts were opened to receive him as a messenger of God. A small class was formed, which has continued to increase till we have now about one hundred in society, most of whom yet stand fast in the liberty of the gospel, and a number have been subjects of a deeper work of grace; others are yet groaning for full re

demption in the blood of the Lamb. The most powerful and rapid work we had among us has been in Truro. This commenced in February last. In about one week upwards of one hundred could testify that the Lord had power on earth to forgive sins. About forty in twenty-four hours were set at liberty. For several days the cries of the distressed and wounded were such that we could not preach to them. As soon as an opportunity presented for mourners to come forward to be prayed for, in every direction they would present themselves in crowds. Sometimes one hundred and fifty or two hundred might be seen, in deep distress, on their knees, crying, "God be merciful to me a sianer;" then one after another rising and praising God for delivering grace. This blessed work still continues, though not so powerful as when it first began. Our Congregational brethren have shared largely in this work. It bas spread among them in this town.

Out of about four hundred that have been brought into liberty two hundred and thirty-six have joined our society, most of whom yet stand firm in the faith of the gospel.

The sacred flame has spread among all descriptions of people by sea and by land. One man whilst engaged in the fishing business on the coast was arrested by the Divine Spirit. The crew were all strangers to God, and knew not what was the cause of his distress. Being deprived of his strength whilst engaged in fishing he was carried below: when his strength returned he began to cry aloud for mercy. His companions were so alarmed that they quit fishing, and went to a harbour, supposing him to be sick. A physician was sent for but no relief could be given. His case seemed desperate. The minister of the place concluded to go and visit him. When he came along side he inquired for the sick man; but to his great joy he found him well, walking the deck, happy in God! In this frame of mind he came home, and has since given evidence that the work was of God. Another particular instance of God's work I will notice. A man who had long been an advocate for the doctrine of Universal salvation, and had strove to convince others that it was true, became alarmed about the state of his soul. Before his awakening he vainly supposed that no person was able to hold an argument with him against his favourite system. He boasted that he could overcome all the professors of religion in his neighbourhood, and did his utmost to gain proselytes to his opinion. Hearing of the revival in Provincetown, he went to see for himself: and while some were happy in God, and others crying for mercy, he endeavoured to instil his doctrine into the minds of the young converts. Brother Kelley, the stationed preacher, hearing his conversation, replied to his arguments. The consequence was, that he became convinced of his error, and shortly after was pow. erfully awakened and converted to God; and he is now striving to build up that which he strove to destroy. After his conversion, he was called to take charge of a vessel, and having shipped his crew, he called them together, and, to their astonishment, prayed with them. Soon after sailing he established prayer meetings on board his vessel, and continued them regularly during the whole voyage. The Lord soon began to work, and before he returned they were all converted to God. The work did not stop here; for he and the mate gave clear evidences of having experienced a full salvation from sin They gave me an account of their exercises previous to their finding this inestimable blessing. Having met, as usual, below for prayer meeting, they had such a sense of their vileness and impurity, together with a view of the holiness of God, and spirituality of the law, that they knew not what to do. They had no experienced Christian to consult, nor had they any clear understanding of the doctrine of sanctification; but in their distress they cried to the Lord, and he delivered them, and they both returned in the enjoyment of perfect love.

Much more might be added; but I must close by observing, that our late camp-meeting has been a blessing to many on this circuit. We have several witnesses of perfect love. Oh that the work of holiness may spread! REV. T. MERRITT. Affectionately, EDWARD HYDE.

SUMMARY OF RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

AMONG other objects which have excited the attention of the Christian world, the Seamen, that useful class of our fellow men, have not been forgotten. A house of worship, expressly for their benefit, has been erected in this city, where, besides stated worship on Sabbath, a union prayer-meeting is held once in every month, in which all denominations assist. In addition to this,