Convention has been in operation into periods | the title of the Cross and Journal, now mainof four years each, the receipts of each period tains itself, has a weekly circulation in Ohio have been as follows : 1st period, $1212; 2d, of about 1300 copies, * and the weekly amount $1540 ; 3d, $2863 ; 4th, $8091. Missionary of original matter, in intelligence and essays, operations have been carried on in the last 6 has at some periods averaged over eight or 8 years with more or less efficiency in sev.

columns. eral of the Associations. For the year ending

To promote Ministerial Education, previous May 1836, the receipts of all these were put to 1831, nothing had been done. _Now, we down at $1000. For the next five years, the have the "Granville Literary and Theological average annual amount is estimated at $500. Institution,” with an acknowledged able corps for the present year $2500. Include these of Teachers ;-with 130 Students now preswith the receipts of the Convention, and the ent, (a larger number than ever before,) of receipts of Domestic Mission funds in Ohio whom 65 are members of Baptist churches, for the four periods will be-1st period $1,212; and 15 of other churches ; and of the 65 Bap2d, $1,640 ; 3d, $4,863 ; 4th, $12,091.

tist professors of religion, it is understood In the report of the Baptist Board of Foreign that over 40 have the ministry distinctly in Missions for 1831, I find only ten dollars and view. Instruction was commenced in Dec. fifty cents credited to Ohio, and that from a 1831 by Prof. J. Pratt. Embarrassment in its brother, the fruits of reading Mrs. Judson's finances, and eminent success in other resMemoir. I suppose some few and small con- pects, have marked its history, and charactertributions had been made previously. During ize its present condition. Donations to its the Conventional year ending May 1837, the funds have been about $24,000, of which amount of contributions for Foreign Missions about $10,000 have been from citizens of was about $500 ; during the last two years, Granville and vicinity, about $7,000 from the annual amount was about $1,500. To the other parts of Ohio, and about $7,000 from Am. and Foreign Bible Society during the year the East. Its present property is valued at ending May 1837, the contributions were over $20,000. Its debt last August, was about $1,500—the combined results of nov- $10,228. Several of its students with differelty, indignant feeling at the course of the ent degrees of education are already in the American Bible Society, and the efficient gospel field. The Ohio Baptist Education agency of Rev. A. Maclay, added to the in- Society organized in 1831, under whose austrinsic merit of the cause. Average annual pices the Granville Institution was establishamount for the last two or three years estim-ed, has in the last three years began to do ated to be about $5 Thus the differ- something for the direct aid of beneficiaries, ence in contributions to spread the Gospel having received and expended over $300. among the heathen, between now and ten The difference between 1831 and the presyears ago appears as 200 to 1.

ent time, in a summary view, will be as folFor the Diffusion of Religious Intelligence, lows : previous to 1831, a small monthly pamphlet In 1831. Chs. 260. ord. min. 130. no. of mem. 9800. had been published three or four years, with a

23638. very limited circulation; and a very few In 1831, about one-third of our whole Ņumcopies of eastern religious papers were also ber is supposed to have been opposed to mistaken. In July, 1831, the Baptist Weekly sions, one third neutral, and one third ready Journal was commenced in Cincinnati. It to act. Now, the absolute number of the antihad a circulation of various extent in other mission class is in some degree decreased, States at different times. I speak only of its while those favorable to missions have rapidrelation to Ohio. Its whole circulation for the ly increased, so as to form more than fivefirst six months did not rise above 600 copies. sixths of the whole number. The difference In Ohio, by special effort, it was increased in the number of supported pastors is as 15 to in two or three years to 1000 copies, which, 1; in the amount of ministerial support as 81 on an average, with some variation above and to l; in the value of property in meeting below, it maintained till its removal to Colum- houses nearly as 7 to l; in the amount of bus in July 1838. During its first six months, Sunday school instruction, probably as the the whole amount of contributed matter, number of supported pastors 15 to 1; in the which was inserted, was less than a weekly amount done for domestic missions, about the average of two-thirds of a column. The ex. same 15 to 1. And what is now done for the penses of publishing it the first year exceed- spread of the gospel abroad ($2,000 per an. ed the receipts by $2000; and for the next six num,) in the cause of education by means of years, the annual excess of expense over in- an institution with a good Faculty, and 130 come was nearly $1000. The same paper students of whom more than 10 are preparing published at Columbus since July 1838, under 'for the ministry, and in the diffusion of reli

Now

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gious intelligence by means of a good weekly

Missionary. paper maintaining itself, as almost all gain. - Am. Board, (Cong'l) I think it not much below the truth to say American Baptist,

1840-41 $235,189

56,918 that the Baptist cause in Ohio is now moving American Episcopal,

23,864 on with ten times the momentum it had ten American Methodist,

141,363 years ago. The hand of God is in all this, to American Presbyterian,

67,775 Him be the praise.

Am. Baptist Home, 1841

43,903 Such is a glance at our progress, and our Baptist,

1840-41 129,285 preparations for future advancement. Baptist (General),

11,011 It should perhaps be added, to prevent a Berlin,

1839—40 13,656 wrong impression either at home or abroad in Church,

1840—41

443,638 regard to the present ability of our churches Church of Scotland,

40,329 for objects of general effort, that many of our Dresden,

1839-40 5,573 churches are deeply in debt for their meeting French Protestant, 1840–41 1,724 houses, which in some cases will require German Evangelical, 1839-40 23,910 years of exertion to clear off; and generally, Glasgow African, 1840-41 7,997 that the ablest churches and those most liber- Gospel Propagation, 1840

321,135 ally disposed, are exerting themselves to the Hamburgh,

1839–40 3,199 utmost to sustain themselves at home; this Lausanne,

3,616 is the case with most of those which have London,

1840–41 388,488 good pastors, while the rest are for the most Netherlands,

1839-40 33,950 part small and feeble, and too generally in- Scottish,

1840-41 13,317 different both to their own good and the United Brethren,

71,715 cause at large.

Wesleyan,

1840-41 437,384

Seamen's.

Am. Seamen's Friend, 1840-41 41,982 ANNUAL RECEIPTS OF BENEVOLENT Brit. and For. Sailors',

12,850 SOCIETIES. Destitute Sailors' Asylum,

4,651 The following table is taken from the Lon

Home,

29,909 Episcopal Floating Church,

1,794 don Missionary Register, with some correc

Tract and Book. tions by the Editor of the Baptist Missionary

American Tract,

1840-41 99,994 Magazine :

Am. Baptist Publication, 1841 10,667
Year. Income. American Boston Tract, 1840–41 28,696
Bibie.
Church of Eng. Tract,

2,077 American,

French Protestant Tract, 1840-41 120,098

4,788 Am. and For. (Baptist,)

Irish Tract and Book, 1839-40 26,578

14,666 British and Foreign,

491,413

Prayer-Book and Homily,1840—41 13,971 Edinburgh,

14,105
Religious Tract,

280,429 French Protestant,

4,404

Anti-Slavery. French and Foreign,

20,256 British and Foreign, 1840-41 19,550 Hibernian,

22,046

Miscellaneous. Merchant Seamen's,

3,737 Naval and Military,

16,062

Aborigines' Protection, 1840—41 1,940 Trinitarian,

1839
African Civilization,
12,885

5,067
American Colonization, 1840–41 59,094
Education:
Brit. & For. Temperance,

2,693 American, 1840-41 63,771 | Christian Instruction,

6,172 Am. Presbyterian Board, 19,984 Christian Knowledge,

425,325 Northern Baptist, 1841 6,440 Church Pastoral Aid,

95,379 Am. Sunday School, 1840-41 70,492 Clerical Aid,

37,717 Brit. and For. School,

27,816
Colonial Church,

8,428 Eastern Female Education,“ 8,098 District Visiting,

2,229 Home and Col. Inf. School,“ 9,241 Foreign Aid,

6,197 Irish Sunday School, 1,316 Hibernian, (London,)

45,677 Ladies' Hiber. Fem. School, 10,619 Irish Soc. of Lon. and Dub. “

20,015 Ladies' Negro-child Ed. 7,883 Irish Scripture Readers',

12,368 National Education, 1839–40 91,329 London City Mission,

24,3 Newfoundland School, 1840-41 20,119 Lord's Day Observance,

4,140 Sunday School Union,

52,465
New Brit. & For. Temp.

15,959 N. Eng. S. Sch'l Union, 1841

7,660 Reformation,

8,462 Jews'. Suppression of Intemperance,

3,971 London,

1840—41 118,382 Church of Scotland, 17,411

$5,174,700

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8,914 Peace,

LITERARY.

REVIEWS.

Elder of the Vermont District. In this office, The Life of Wilbur Fisk, D. D., first Presi- too, he seems to have won the highest com

dent of the Wesleyan University.' By Joseph mendation. Two years after this, he was apHoldich. New York: Harper and Bro. pointed, by the Conference, Principal of the thers. 1842.

Wesleyan Academy in Wilbraham, MassachuMore than three years have elapsed since setts. In this new and very responsible stathe death of the esteemed individual whose tion, where almost every thing depended on biography is here presented to the public. Not his wisdom, enterprise, and perseverance, he a few of the pomponsly great, who try to fill a developed some of the most valuable traits of large space in the public eye, would in that his character. In the five years that his serlength of time be forgotten. But no such ob- vices were continued in that institution, he livion will cover the name of Wilbur Fisk.

was cheered by most encouraging success. He “left his mark” upon the tablets of our

In his closing address, he says : “At the passing history, in too deep and indelible cha- opening of this school we had seven scholars, racters to be soon erased. We love to refresh since which time we have entered upon our our hearts by the perusal of a volume like this ; books one thousand one hundred and fifty difand a full conviction that our slight personal ferent scholars." Near the close of the year intercourse with him, and a sympathy awak- 1830, he was transferred to the Presidency of ened in us by a similarity of engagements, the Wesleyan University, at Middletown, have not made that welcome to us which will Connecticut, an office whose high and ardube indifferent to our readers generally, embol

ous duties he performed with distinguished dens us to introduce this work to their notice. success to the close of his life. Though found in another communion, we are

As the successful pioneer in the establishsatisfied that there is an enlargedness of ment of Seminaries of learning, and the geneChristian affection which will prompt most of ral interests of higher education among his us to desire and delight in the companionship own religious connection, Dr. Fisk stands of such a character.

pre-eminent. He seems to have combined Wilbur Fisk was born of reputable parents, those mental and moral qualities, and those from the genuine pilgrim stock, in Brattlebo- habits of conciliatory perseverance, which rough, Vermont, in 1792. He appears to have may well make his life a profitable study, been trained up in the way he should go, and especially to those who would benefit their very early exhibited traits of those excellen- own generation and the world by spreading cies, moral and intellectual, which distin- | the influence of efficient instruction. Without guished him in after life.

uncommon brilliancy, he had sufficient attracHe graduated at Brown University, in 1815, tiveness to awaken and enchain the interest with distinguished honor. After spending a of the community in whatever he engaged. considerable period in the study of law, and a | But the disinterested integrity of his characshorter time as a teacher, in Maryland, his ter, his sterling good sense, and the practical mind was directed to the Christian ministry. views which he took, and made others take He was licensed to preach the gospel early in also, of his various projects, gave him an unthe year 1818. At that period, very few of common power over the minds of those asso. the ministers of Methodist connection had ciated with him. With very infirm general enjoyed the full advantages of education with health, and frequently entirely prostrated by which he had been favored. He rose rapidly disease, he still performed an amount of intelin public estimation, in the several circuits lectual and physical labor truly herculean. where he was stationed in Vermont and Mas- To recruit his exhausted physical energies, sachusetts, and in 1824 he was made Presiding | as well as to promote in various ways the in

terests of the University, he made the tour of tute a large and very interesting portion of Europe in 1835—6, and subsequently pub- this volume. The biographer has judiciously lished, in a large octavo volume, his travels.interwoven them with his narrative ; and has This work, whatever may be thought of its generally performed his work in an acceptable defects and its comparative merits, has had an manner. If he would follow the simplicity of immense sale, having reached, in a short time, his subject, he would not write mundane for a seventh edition.

worldly, or concatenated for connected, or syThe active benevolence of Dr. Fisk led him harite for voluptuary. But these are only to exercise a lively sympathy with the princi- spots on the sun. pal enterprizes of a denominational or more general character, which have been brought Sermons and Sketches of SERMONS BY THE before the public. The Missionary cause, the Rev. John SUMMERFIELD, A. M.-with an circulation of the Scriptures, the promotion of Introduction, by Rev. Thos. E. BOND, M. D. Temperance, and in fine every object which

The sermons and sketches of the pious, the he thought adapted to honor God and bless eloquent Summerfield, will readily be prohis fellow men, found in him an ardent and nounced, by every one who ever heard him devoted advocate. In several of these topics, preach, as well worth a perusal : and, it must he took a prominent part at a time when many be confessed that they contain many excelleno of his own church stood aloof from them.

cies. With good reason, therefore, he came event.

The discourses were preached from a preually to be looked up to as a leader, and in this way vastly increased his toils and his in viously prepared skeleton, and written out af

ter they had been delivered. They manifestly fluence. These in the end proved too much for a frame which was never robust, and he came from a heart deeply imbued with the broke down under the accumulated load of re- spirit of Christ and love to men, and appear sponsible services, at the meridian age of to be aimed at a single object--the good of

the hearers. They contain no gaudy trapforty-seven.

His religious views, though in general har-pings,or far-fetched and highly.wrought figures mony with the more intelligent Wesleyans in

to attract the gaze, and gain the applause of

men. But, like one who feels that he has an this country and in England, have seemed to

important message to deliver, and whose time both as we heard them from his lips, and

is short, the preacher comes immediately to as they are here set forth, an encouraging the subject-matter in hand, lets his hearers inodification or incipient improvement towards those sentiments which the Scriptures in what he has to deliver, and then presses

distinctly understand his object, their interest declare, rather than the wild errors into

the truth home upon their consciences, makwhich so many of those with more zeal for Methodism, than knowledge of the Bible, are which they cannot reject without injury to

ing them to feel that he has a message to them, apt to run. For instance, the perfection which

themselves. he seems to have advocated, as illustrated by his own frequent and humble confessions of In the main, the sentiments expressed in imperfection, loses its most repulsive fea. these discourses and sketches are decidedly tures. If he did not formally admit, as we hold evangelical, and are sustained by frequent and it, the doctrine of the saints' perseverance, he appropriate scripture quotations—a virtue for still declares most unequivocally “the regene- which our Methodist brethren are not suffi

ate cannot be lost.” This last declaration is ciently distinguished. Occasionally, however, found in a very able letter addressed by him we find a sentiment at variance with our while in Rome, to an American clergyman, views of divine truth. On the whole, we beone in danger of embracing the Catholic faith. lieve that this book is calculated to be useful, We regard that letter as containing a very and especially to the denomination of which triumphant refutation of the assumption of the lamented author was an ornament. ConRomish supremacy, and would gladly trans- sidering the circumstances under which the fer it to our columns, could we afford the sermons were written, they exhibit an unuspace for it. The letters of Dr. Fisk consti- sual degree of industry, an apt and ready

us,

mind, and a reputable share of learning and talent. H.

THE HOLY SPIRIT: A Discourse at the Ordination of George Knox. By Z. BRADFORD, Pastor of the Baptist Church, North Yarmouth, Maine.

The means to be used in obtaining the Spirit's influence forms the theme of this discourse, founded on Zechariah, iv. 6. The character and office-work of the Holy Spirit have not, we fear, assumed that elevation in the Christian's heart, which is its just meed. While drawn by the magnetism of the cross, to look upon Jesus as the great author of our salvation, we unconsciously lose thought of the Spirit's power to move, his influence to affect.

In the introduction, allusion is made to the historical context, the building of the second temple, and the circumstances prompting the language of the prophet. The words are equally applicable to the spiritual temple. "The Holy Ghost is the princely architect in laying up the precious stones of this edifice; so that the builder and the built are spiritual." The idea presented, that "the Holy Ghost is the great agent in the conversion and salvation of men," will not dim the lustre of that crown which rested on the brow of the expiring Nazarene; "whatever value is attached to the office-work and blessings of the Spirit, must be primarily ascribed to Christ. So far from diminishing our obligations to our Redeemer, a just view of the subject will show they are more general, multiplied, and important, than could be known aside from the Spirit." The vital presence of the Spirit is of such importance, "that if we would profit from his ministrations, we should venerate his character, respect his office, pray much for his influence, and walk according to his dictates."

In the discussion and explication of these topics, the author has avoided questions contentious and perplexing in their character, and enforced his subject with thought of that practical nature which cannot fail to benefit. Particularly happy are his thought and illustrations in regard to respect due the office of the Spirit. As "paintings of genius and rare execution require a softened and peculiar angle of light to do them justice," so, if the Spirit's light is estimated by the subject it re

66

veals," "how transcendant, how ineffable his illuminations! By Him, the author and economy of saving grace are revealed to us in so penetrating and transforming a manner, that by his vital influence we are "born of God," "born of the Spirit."

Notwithstanding a certain prurient eccentricity of style, the discourse is well worthy attentive perusal. It is adapted to the capacities of all. The sentiment is naturally suggested from the subject, and will find a ready response in the heart of Christian experience. And in this age of action, when the all-engrossing object is the extension and application of means, let it be remembered that he is the most efficient, "who has a beaten and much trod path to the throne of grace," and that without the office-work of that Spirit who comes forth with the hallowed fire of heaven's altar, to touch and purify the hearts of men, means, the conveyances of His influence, will be powerless. Realize this, and then we may unite in the thrilling language of the prophet, "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord." P.

NOTICES.

WRITINGS OF REV. W. B. HOMER, with a Memoir by Edwards A. Park. New York: Dayton & Newman. 1842.

Mr. Homer was a young minister of the Congregational Church, who was cut down almost immediately upon his entrance on the ministry; his mind was naturally of a high order, and his attainments quite superior to those which are usually made by the students for the ministry at so early a period. Some of his sermons strike us as having far more maturity of thought and greater promise than any similar productions we have lately seen.

AM I A CHRISTIAN? By James Loring. Bos-
1842.
ton: James Loring.

It is with great pleasure that we meet with this valuable little work from the pen of our venerable friend. We rejoice to see him at his advanced age, and amid the infirmities of a period to which Revelation has assigned as its portion, "labor and sorrow," still conferring benefits upon the church by the use of his pen and press. Deacon Loring, as an editor, has done much for our church in New England; his situation on the walls of Zion has