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Now such a passage as this being | way, walk ye in it,'-and have impressed on my mind, while I concluded that that way which they was praying for the conversion of were thinking of at the time such one that was unconverted, coulda passage occurred to their minds, afford me no just ground to con- must be the way of duty, and so clude that God would ever convert|| have followed it, but which has such a person rather than another; often proved to be the wrong way. for, supposing the passage to con- From the same cause, I have known tain a promise that the persons Christians thrown into the utmost there spoken of should some time confusion about their state. A be stopped by the power of divine young person was under a heavy grace, it would not follow that this affliction. She had this passage, should be the case with the person (if I remember right,) at that time. for whose conversion I was con-impressed upon her mind-Set cerned. thine house in order, for thou shalt surely die'-from whence she concluded she should not recover. few days after, these words occurred to her- This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.' From hence, she must naturally conclude that they could not both be true, nor both come from God: consequently, she must be thrown into confusion about the other parts of her experience, and question whether all was not deception.

Once more: Such a passage as Jer. vii. 16, being impressed upon my mind, afforded me no just ground to conclude, that they on whose behalf I was engaged in prayer would never be converted; much less could it justify me in ceasing to pray for them; because, though there might be a particular reason why Jeremiah should not pray for those people, yet it did not follow, that the people for whom I prayed were in a similar situation, or that the same reason existed in the one case as in the other.

I could record many more such examples. All I say, is, when the truth contained in any passage of Scripture is opened to the mind, and impressed upon the heart, this is Christian experience-this is the work of the Spirit; but it is not his work to make any new revelation to the soul, of things not proveable from Scripture, which is the ease when he is supposed to reveal to us that we are the children of God, by suggesting some passage of Scripture to our minds, which expresses so much of some other person or persons, there spoken of.

I have known many ill consequences arise from a dependence on such kind of impressions. Christians have been thereby led into error and misconduct. When they have been at a loss about the path of duty in any particular case, they have had such a passage as this suggested to them This is the

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But this is not the worst. I have known great numbers of persons, whose conduct gave full proof that they were unconverted men, who nevertheless lived in hope of being saved at last, merely because some text of Scripture had been, at some part of their lives, impressed upon their minds. Indeed, I question if you could find one person in twenty, among those who have been accustomed to hear the gospel, but who could tell you that some passage of Scripture had been impressed upon their minds, and had given them comfort, at some period or other in their lives. It is thus that multitudes go down to hell with a lie in their right hand!

Do not be alarmed, my friend, as if all your experience would thus be undermined. Though you may have rested pretty much on such evidence, I trust you have much better to rest upon. For my own part, I have not been much in doubt, as to my soul's state, for

these sixteen or eighteen years. | The evidence on which I draw the favourable conclusion, is. a consciousness that I am on the Lord's side; that I love his character, his government, his gospel, his laws, his people; that, the more I know of them, the more I love them and these are things to which God has promised salvation, all through the Bible.

There have been many Scripture promises, as I said before, that have been sweet to my soul; but I am not used to make those promises mine any more than others. If I love Christ in sincerity, all the promises in the Bible, which relate to spiritual and eternal blessings, are mine; and it is upon the ground of what is promised in those which have never been particularly impressed upon the mind, that I build my hopes, as much as upon those that have: for I do not reckon a promise ever the more true, or ever the more made to me, because I have felt it. To make this plain :-A child is heir to an extensive orchard; when the fruit is ripe, he walks into it; he tastes of one tree, and another; some of the trees he likes better than others, because the fruit tastes sweeter; he calls that his tree, whereas they are all his, only all do not taste equally sweet, at the same time, to his palate; perhaps, as he grows up, his taste may change a little, and then some which he thought light of will be preferred.

I acknowledge, that to rest our hopes upon such evidence as I pro pose; that is, upon a consciousness of our being the subjects of those dispositions to which the Scriptures promise salvation, is not the way to be always happy. If we indulge in secret sin, or live in the neglect of known duty, or sink into a spirit of conformity to the world, or a spirit of Laodicean lukewarmness, or be careless as to a close walk with God, or attend on ordinances without desire after communion

with him in either of these cases, we shall, in a great degree, lose our consciousness of love to God, and consequently live in fear and bondage. Indeed, it is better that we should live so, than to go about to persuade ourselves that all is well, and so settle upon our lees, in ungrounded security. Though after all, it is not desirable to live in such bondage; and the way to be delivered from it, is, to abound in those means which tend to cherish our love to God ; for perfect love will cast out fear.

I think the above remarks may be of use to you, and contain an answer to your request, respecting my sermon on Mark ix. 2.Son, be of good cheer,' &c.

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I am your affectionate pastor,
A. FULLER.

For the Am. Bap. Magazine.

JOURNEY TO THE FALLS OF NIAGARA.

LETTER III.

Canal Boat, 60 miles above Albany, July 23, 1824.

My dear D—

WE left Saratoga Springs yesterday morning, after having spent a few days there, very pleasantly. As there was a ball on Wednesday evening, at the house where some of our party stayed, they gladly accepted an invitation to take tea with our kind friends. We had also the additional gratification of a visit the same evening from Mr. B. and his lady. That direction was given to the conversation,which made it both instructive and delightful. Mr. B. gave us several anecdotes concerning Mr. Wilberforce, Lord Teignmouth, and other distinguished patrons of the "British and Foreign Bible Society," which were illustrative not only of their personal piety, but of their open and decided attachment to the measures which are in operation for the evangelizing of the world. We

seemed almost to feel a new affection for these men, and were happy while listening to the statements of one who had been honoured with a personal acquaintance with them. We could hear the sound of the music from the neighbouring hall; and although many who were enjoying themselves in the mazes of the dance, would probably have affected to despise our taste, and pity us as a class of mopish beings, yet I am satisfied that our enjoyments were more pure, exalted, and lasting than theirs. I often thought|| during the evening, that they were the objects of pity, and lamented that immortal beings were so prodigal of time.

We had an agreeable ride yesterday morning, from the Springs to Schenectady. The weather was fine, and except when there was something in the face of the country around us to attract our attention, we were occupied in reading, the whole of the way. After we had dined, we went up to the college. President Nott received us very politely, and Dr. Yates, one of the professors, accompanied us through the college buildings. As it will be commencement next week, and Dr. Nott has to deliver an Address before the Phi Beta Kappa Society on the day preceding, I did not allow myself to trespass on his time, although he kindly invited us to take tea with him.

I think "Brown University" is beautifully situated; but with all my partialities, I must confess that for charming prospects, the scite on which this Institution is located, possesses superior advantages. The College buildings stand on a fine rising ground, about a mile eastward of the town, and command a view of one of the loveliest landscapes I have ever beheld. Standing in front of them, you see the rich valley of the Mohawk spread out like a map before you. The river and the Canal are full in sight, and beyond them the rich intervale rises, as it were, step by step, until the distant hills are lost in the verge of the horizon. To the right is the ancient city with its old fashioned buildings; here and there a steeple is seen, and still farther off the fine bridge over the river. I should suppose, that few places in this country, enjoy so fine a setting sun as the College Hill at Schenectady.

The course of studies in this Institution, is the same with that of the oldest Colleges in New-England; and the officers intend to make the prosecution of it as thorough. Its President has long stood at the head of his profession in this country. The professors are devoted to their several departments, and I have reason to believe, that in no College in our country, are young men more successfully taught to think, or made more accurately or more extensively acquainted with the various branches of a liberal education.

Schenectady is remarkably well adapted for the seat of a literary seminary. The great Erie Canal passes directly through it, and thus opens a communication between it One thing perhaps I ought not and the vast regions of the west. to omit. It is that boarding is It is only fifteen miles from the cheaper here than I had any reason Hudson, on which steam boats are to expect. It is afforded to stuplying from New-York to Albany dents at about $1.25 a week. The every day in the week, and thus it|| rates of tuition and room rent are easy of access for all the Atlan- low, and for them no charge whattic States. The habits of the citi-ever is made to the indigent. About zens are plain almost to a proverb, and present fewer temptations to dissipation, than perhaps any place of its size in the state. APRIL, 1825.

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one third of the usual number of students, receive their education gratis. This liberality is equally extended to young men of every

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persuasion. Indeed, the College is was killed by mere carelessness, founded on the principles of exten- in not keeping out of the way when sive Christian liberality. Its priv-passing under the bridges which ileges and honours are alike offered to all. The students attend public worship in the city, where there are a Dutch Reformed, a Presbyterian, an Episcopalian, a Methodist, and a Baptist Church. Every student is obliged to attend service twice on the Sabbath; but each is allowed to worship with the congregation which he prefers.

are erected over the Canal.—I had almost forgot to mention that our boat is drawn by three horses, and we proceed at the rate of about four miles an hour. It is furnished with a small library, and when we are tired of reading, of sitting in the cabin, or being on deck, we can easily get on shore, and amuse ourselves by walking along the banks of the Canal.

Having satisfied our curiosity by a view of the town, and acquiring I scarcely need remark, that this what information we could, con- internal navigation must be a source cerning its past history and future of immense wealth to the great prospects, at 7 o'clock, P. M. we and flourishing state of New-York. came on board the Canal boat, When a junction shall be formed "Samuel Young," bound for Utica. || between the waters of the Hudson There are twenty-eight passengers and Lake Erie, it will afford facilon board. On her last trip, I am ities to the merchants and farmers, told she had not less than eighty and indeed to all the classes of citpassengers. The boat is narrow, izens, not only in New-York and but it is fitted up with taste and the western States, but also to the elegance, and the accommodations southern part of the British provare very good. There is a cabin for inces, beyond any thing that the the ladies, and another for gentle- most ardent imagination could have men, and the arrangements which anticipated. He who first planned, must govern the conduct of passen- and then assisted by the energies gers are similar to those which are of his active and powerful mind in observed in the steam boats. The carrying this mighty project into greatest inconvenience to which a execution, ought to be revered and traveller like myself is subjected, honoured as one of the greatest is experienced in the night. The benefactors to his native State. sound of a French horn giving no- Utica,July 24.-We arrived here tice of our approach to other boats, about half past nine o'clock last and to those who have the charge evening. I walked out early this of the locks, and the noise occa- morning, for the purpose of having sioned by the water rushing through a good view of the city. I must the gates, deprived me of sleep. confess I had no expectation of seeI am pleased, however, with this ing so many spacious stores, and elmode of conveyance in the day egant private dwellings. The town time, for although it may be more is handsomely laid out, and there tedious than some others, yet is every indication that the inhabthere are no dangers to apprehend. itants have been enterprising and We have no fears of being upset, successful in trade. It is situated as we might have in a stage; we in a fertile country, and for many have no steam boiler to blow us up; years has been the commercial capand were the boat to sink, we could ital of the western part of the state. not be drowned, as the water in the Although I see no reason why busCanal is only about four feet deepiness should not continue to flourIt may perhaps be proper to state, ish in this place, yet it is more than that some persons have been seri- probable, that Rochester will, from ously bruised, and one individual its local advantages, secure to itself

a considerable portion of the trade || interests of our denomination. I that has hitherto been so beneficial do not mean to convey any thing to Utica. like censure in my remarks. There may be weighty reasons for sending forth the Register into the world, of which I am not apprized. My observations are altogether of a general nature, and are not intended to have any particular application.

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As I trust I do not feel indifferent to the religious condition of any part of the United States; my first inquiries were directed to this subject; and I was happy to learn that there are several places of worship where the gospel is preached. I called on my friend, who is the pastor of the Baptist Church, and was favoured with a personal interview of about an hour. There is nothing interesting as to the state of religion among his people; but Mr. W. does not confine his exertions to his own congregation, and I trust the good effects of his labours are experienced in many destitutediate direction it is committed. The places in this region.

We have engaged a carriage, in which we shall start in a few moments for Hamilton, where we hope to spend the Sabbath. I have long felt a deep interest in the Theological Seminary at that place, and am now almost impatient for the hour, when I shall have the pleasure of forming a personal acquaintance with the gentlemen to whose imme

knowledge which I may obtain of its rise and progress, of the present number of students, or of what constitutes the peculiar character of this Institution, will be communi

I am yours, &c.

We had much conversation together on the state of our Foreign Missions, and on the most judicious means of exciting and preserving a missionary spirit amongst our peo-cated in my next letter. ple. Our sentiments on these sub jects exactly coincided; and it was peculiarly gratifying to me, to be assured that in their general views and feelings, there was the most perfect harmony between the ministers in the western part of this State, and New-England. If I am not greatly mistaken, union of action in relation to any great object is not more desirable, than it is easy of attain ment. And I am willing at least to continue mistaken, until the experiment is tried and fails.

MRS. FRY, THE PHILANTHROPIST.

Messrs. Editors,

I send you a letter from a lady in Glasgow to a friend in Edinburgh, giving an account of Mrs. FRY's visit to a prison in the former place. If you think it would be interesting to your readers, it is at your service.

MRS. FRY'S manner and voice is Under the auspices of Mr. W. delightful, and her communication and some other good brethren, a free and unembarrassed. She met religious newspaper is published, by appointment, several of the magwhich, I believe, bears the name of istrates, Mrs. Ewing, and a number the "Utica Register." I cordially of ladies at Bridewell. She told approve of their motives and their them with much simplicity, what zeal, but it is much to be regretted had been done at Newgate, and that the talents we have amongst proposed something similar, if it us, are not more combined in the should be found practicable, at Glassupport of a smaller number of pub-gow. She entered into very pleaslications. Were this the case, our periodical works would be more respectable. They would have a more extensive circulation, and would more essentially subserve the best

ant conversation with every one. All were delighted when she offered to speak a little to the poor women; but the keeper of Bridewell said he feared it was a danger

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