t many wretched, benighted, and abandoned heathens, we are astonished that he should have chosen such poor unworthy creatures, as we feel ourselves to be, to take share in that great work. "To the praise of his grace, we have again the satisfaction to inform you, that he has carried on his work here, at Okkak, during the year past without intermission. We have enjoyed true spiritual feasts on those days when we met to celebrate the Lord's supper, to administer the sacrament of holy baptism, as well as at confirmations, receptions into the congregation, and on other occasions, when his presence cheered our souls, and filled us with renewed courage to proceed in our labours. Those brethren who had charge of the schools, give the best testimony to the youth of both sexes, for diligence and good behaviour. When we spoke with the individuals, previous to the holy communion, or before prayer days, we had frequent opportunities to observe their growth in grace and in the knowledge of themselves. Not a few have advanced in the privileges of the Church, and the new people show much earnestness in seeking to know the way of salvation. "At the conclusion of the year 1823, the number of inhabitants at Okkak was 328: 43 more than last year; 133 adults are baptized, and of these 88 are communicants; besides whom we have 104 baptized children, and 19 candidates for baptism. The rest are new people. Since the ship left us last year, twelve adults and four children have departed this life, of whom we may truly say that they all gave full evidence of their reliance on the merits of Christ, and rejoiced in the hope of living with him for ever. Twelve children were born. From Easter 1823, to Easter 1824, nine adults were baptized, thirteen were admitted to the Lord's Supper, and five young persons, baptized as children, were received into the congregation. The Esquimaux residing at Kangertluksoak, about twenty in number, have declared their intention to move hither. May they all hear and believe, and give their hearts to our Saviour. "We feel much obliged to our dear friends at Fairfield and its vicinity, for sending us a sufficient supply of planks for benches in our new church. We ard our people beg to return them our best thanks for so valuable a gift. "In February, an epidemical dis order appeared among the Esquimaux. It was attended with a violent cold in the head, cough, and pleurisy. Many suffered severely from it; and from the 14th of April, to the 1st of July, it carried off ten adults and four children. Among the latter was Adam Frederick Kunath, about two years old, who departed on the 4th of June. Some of us were attacked, aud suffered more or less; but now, by God's mercy, we are all well in health. At Sæglek, many Esquimaux were seized, and some died of it. Those in the north, as well as our own people had no want of food. Our Esquimaux found a dead whale, fifty-six feet in length; and those of Sæglek another, of about the same size. But neither in nets, nor in kayaks, did they get any considerable number of of seals. "The cold, last winter was intense. For a long time, Fahrenheit's thermometer sunk to 20, 30, and 38 below 0. A great quantity of snow fell; and the cold weather lasted so long, that our gardens present but a poor prospect as to a good crop of vegetables." The Misionaries at Nain, in a letter, dated August 9, 1824, say, "We are truly thankful, that in the hearts of our young people, the Spirit of God has begun a good work, insomuch that we have the best hopes that they will become the property of Jesus. His blessing has also been upon our schools, which were diligently attended. Many, on hearing or reading the sacred Scriptures, were deeply affected. Twelve persons from among the heathen have come to reside here; nine were admitted candidates for baptism; seven adults and five children were baptized, and seven became partakers of the Lord's Supper. At the close of 1823, 192 persons lived at Nain, of whom 46 are communicants; 114 baptized adults and children, and the rest new people. "One of the Esquimaux was lost in the ice. An old woman, who with particular obstinacy, used to resist all instruction, and turned a deaf ear to every exhortation to consider the state of her soul, and the importance of eternal things, was at length so much astonished and overpowered, by the grace of the Lord, made manifest in the walk and conversation of those living with her in the same house, that in her last days she cried to the Lord for mercy. confessed Jesus the crucified to be her only Saviour, and died calling on his name. We thank you for your approbation of our attempts to teach our young people to perform sacred music, since many of them have so much talent for it. Brother Glitsch has been indefatigable and very successful in their instruction; and our worship has, on various occasions, been greatly enlivened by their performances. Our church-bell having last November become unserviceable, we request you to send us a new one, of somewhat larger size. "As to the external support of our people, we give thanks for the goodness of God our Heavenly Father, displayed towards them; for though last Autumn the seal catching in kayaks failed, and distress might have ensued on that account, a sufficient number of these creatures were taken in nets to prevent actual want, and a whale, about 38 feet in length, was found dead on the coast. After Easter, when there appeared again a want of food, the Esquimaux had considerable success in catching seals on the outer rim of the ice. Thus mercifully does the Lord supply the necessities of those that put their trust in him. From Hopedale, in Labrador, the Missionaries write, August 20, 1824, "As to the state of our Esquimaux congregation, we may declare with truth, that the doctrine of Jesus, of his incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection, has never ceased to approve itself as the power of God, to which more particularly our communicants bear witness, in their lives and conversation. A special blessing has rested upon the celebration of the festival and memorable days of our Church, of the Lord's Supper, baptismal transactions, and receptions into the congregation. The schools have likewise been abun dantly blessed, and we have the best hopes, that the good seed of the word sown in the hearts of the children, will bear fruit in due season. Last winter, five adults, and five children were baptized, seven persons were received, five admitted as candidates for the Holy Communion, and three as partakers. Our congregation consists of 59 communicants, 9 candidates, 27 baptized adults, not yet communicants, 7 candidates for baptism, and 83 children of both sexes; in all of 185 persons; six more than last year. DONATIONS TO RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. In June. To the American Education Society, $1079. To the American Board, $5342.89. To the United Foreign Missionary Society, $2743.07. ORDINATIONS AND INSTALLATIONS. June 9.-The Rev. JAMES Olmsted, as Pastor of a church in Perry county, Pennsylvania. Sermon by the Rev. Henry R. Wilson. June 17.-The Rev. JAMES WESTON was installed Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Lebanon, Me. Sermon by the Rev. C. Marsh of Sandford. June 26.-The Rev. THOMAS M. WASHINGTON, as an Evangelist. June 22.-The Rev. THOMAS JAME SON, as colleague with the Rev. Thom as Lancaster, Pastor of the Church in Scarborough, Me. Sermon by the Rev. Dr. Payson, of Portland. July 6.-The Rev. STEPHEN MORSE, over the Congregational church at Merrimack, N. H. July 6.-The Rev. JOB CUSHMAN, over the Congregational Church in Springfield, N. H. July 6.-The Rev. FRANCIS NORWOOD, over the Congregational Church at Meredith Bridge Village. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. L. D. D. came too late for a place in this number-Š. M. B. and E. X. D. are received. The writer of the article on Lyric Poetry must excuse any errors he may discover, especially in his references; his manuscript was unfortunately mislaid before the printed copy had been corrected by it. THE ANALOGY OF THE EVENTS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE. "THAT which hath been, is now," saith Solomon," and that which is to be, hath already been, and God requireth that which is past ;" that is, God requireth the present, past, and future, to be essentially alike. "The thing that hath been, is that which shall be; and that which is done, is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the sun." Ascertain an event, however singular in its appearance, and in like circumstances, you will find the same event repeated and established. There is an analogy or uniformity of the events of Divine Providence. Whilst mankind are filled with wonder at what are called new things, strange things, astonishing doctrines, &c. the fact is, that in ́general, there is a constant revolution of similar events. How unalterably fixed are the revolutions of the sun, moon, and stars, and all the hosts of heaven ! What a uniform succession of inhabitants, both men and beasts! "One generation passeth away, and another cometh; but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose." An assurance of to-morrow's sun is, that we have a sun to day. "The wind, unstable as it is, has its circuits. "The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about VOL. VII.-No. 9. unto the north: it whirleth about continually, and it returneth again, according to his circuits." Nothing entirely new takes place, with respect to the wind and weather. In the most extraordinary seasons, our fathers can recollect seasons equally extraordinary, and it is a promise of God, that "while the earth remains, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease." Hitherto, facts have confirmed the promises, and the analogy of the events of Divine Providence is confirmed. Another thing remarkably confirming the general doctrine, is this, that all things are full of labour, Man cannot utter it." Mankind take unwearied pains to rid themselves of hard labour, and incessant cares and toils. But this is opposing not only Divine Providence, but the divine decree; as it was revealed to Adam, "in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread, till thou return unto the ground; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." This denunciation of the Lord Almighty, has had its application to all the posterity of Adam. All return to their primitive dust. In this respect, the providence of God is uniform, and inexpressibly solemn. Death and dissolution have hitherto prevailed, of course they will prevail. For God is the Lord, and he changeth not; nor can any thing be found, in 56 the dealings of his providence, of which it may be said in strictness, "see, this is new." The same hath been of old time since man was upon the earth. We find the world much the same as our predecessors left it, and we shall soon leave it the same to our posterity, the same proud and vexations scene that it has been in the past and present ages; and will continue to be, down to the millennium. Many things are deemed new and wonderful through mere ignorance. "There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things to come, with those that shall come after." Men generally are not aware that the same truths have been known and taught, the same errors contended for, the same objects pursued, in former ages as in this. The critical inquirer into ancient history, finds that there is no scheme of religion, amidst the almost infinite variety at the present day, which does not essentially coincide with some former scheme, and that on the whole, the same scenes, civil and religious, are exhibited over and over again; so that no room is left for novelty, no chance to say concerning any event, see, this is new.' It hath been already of old time which was before us." Thus we are taught that the providential government of God, is, to a remarkable degree, uniform and regular. From this brief view of the general subject we derive a few reflections. And first, we are led to realize that God's providential care extends to all his creatures and to all their actions. "The whole creation is his charge." We need not live in drukness and distress about the future. From what God has done, we may infer what he will do. His great plan of operation is, like himself, invariable. He acts not with indifference, but according to an infinitely wise and good design, and nothing can affect the stability of his purpose. "I know that whatsoever God doth, it shall be for ever, nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it; and God doth it that men should fear before him." It is on his immutable decree that the uniformity of God's providence rests. Reject this, and every event is involved in darkness. Again; since God is uniform in his operations, we may depend on his fulfilment of all his promises. His promises to Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets and patriarchs of ancient times, have been fulfilled. Not one thing hath failed of all the goodness and mercy promised to the fathers. And he has introduced no new course of events; but with a steady and undeviating hand, has proceeded from year to year, to fulfil his exceedingly great and precious promises. From this we safely infer, that all the promises which remain will be fulfilled in their due time; there is no danger that one will fail. Thirdly, we learn that God will fulfil all his threatenings. Although mankind are easily convinced, that God will fulfil his promises, yet too many cherish the hope, that he will not be very strict in the execution of his threatenings. Many profess to believe the doctrine of Satan, "Ye shall not surely die." But has not God already fulfilled ten thousand threatenings? And if it were inconsistent with the goodness and mercy of God, to execute the threatenings of his holy law, why did he begin to execute? and why did he persevere ? And now, since he has executed the threatening on the old world, on Sodom and Gomorrah, and on Egypt and Canaan ; on all the nations of his enemies, as well as on millions of individuals; and since he is still executing vengeance on the enemies of his kingdom; it has become habitual with him to execute the penalty of his law; and to fulfil his threatenings. Fourthly From the analogy of Divine Providence, we have abun : For the Christian Spectator. A SERMON. sent leanness into their soul. THE facts here alluded to, are dant evidence of the safety, protec- And he gave them their request, but tion, and final triumph of the church of Christ. The present church of Christ is the same body of believers, essentially, which constituted the church of God, in all the ancient ages of the world. This church existed before the flood, and was continued through the flood, and established in the family of Abraham. And of Abraham it was said, "I know him that he will command his children, and household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord." During the life of Abraham, the church was prosperous, and acquired great additional strength. Abraham was strong in faith, giving glory to God. Thus, instead of failing, the church increased, and became, in a measure, triumphant. Abraham inherited promises, spiritual and temporal, far exceeding any other who had gone before him that, in him, and in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Thus evidently is the church of Christ perpetuated, in the face of all opposition; and no weapon formed against it can prosper. All the powers of earth and hell have been frequently excited for the overthrow of the kingdom of Christ; but all in vain. n; Finally; The uniformity of the events of Providence, leads us to an assurance of death and the judgement. Death is made sure by the short argument before us; The thing that hath been, is that which shall be." The awful scenes of the judgement lie further from our view; but are almost equally certain from analogy. "Verily, there is a God who judgeth in the earth! Verily, there is a reward for the righteous, and a strange punishment for the workers of iniquity." A. B. C. "And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord smote the people with a very great plague." He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. The very blessing which they desired proved the occasion of their destruction. The text contains this sentiment ; The gratification of sinful or unreasonable desires, is connected with ruinous consequences. Scarcely do we open our eyes on the light of this world and become capable of distinguishing one object from another, ere we begin to manifest a desire for every pleasing object which comes within our reach. Untaught by experience to distinguish what is good from what is |