not notes, bonds, deeds, &c. incomplete until they are signed and sealed? Then does not their creeds, as plainly as the others, declare that baptism is the consummating act in the work of conversion?

ANOTHER WITNESS FOR BAPTISM.

Mr. Pinkham, late Pastor of a Congregational Church, in Dracut, has been recently buried with his Lord by baptism, and, upon the occasion, gave an honest exposition of his reasons for his course. We welcome brother Pinkham into the brotherhood, and hope that now he has truth on his side, and a conscious honesty, he will use double diligence in the service of his Master. We quote the following account of brother Pink. ham's remarks:

"After considering the strong obligation which we are all under to obey and honor the Lord Jesus Christ, the writer proposes to consider the positive duty of baptism. This duty he shows should be so performed as to represent the death and burial of Christ. He alludes particularly to his own trials on the subject, arising from early prejudice, personal connexions, and the ties of professional life. Hearing of Professor Jewet's change of views respecting baptism, who was a fellow-student at Ando. ver, he commenced a prayerful examination of the subject, which resulted in his baptism. He says, page 12:

"I have been a professor of religion more than fourteen years, and have been a minister of the gospel four years, in which I have believed in the validity of other modes of baptism besides immersion-have been sincere in that belief, and have practised accordingly, and vindicated that practice by preaching. When in a regular course of theological study, I went over the usual ground of examining the subject, and was satisfied with the reasons therein adduced, to retain my previous opinion on the subject. But within a few months past, Divine Providence has led me by a favorable opportunity to examine the whole subject anew; and it is not till after a most diligent and thorough examination of it, on each side of the question, and, I may add, with great reluctance, to yield my former opinions, as well as giving myself a longer time to test the strength of my conclusions than I believe I ought; and suffering new doubts to deter me from duty after I was sufficiently convinced, that I came to my present conclusions. And however sincere I have formerly been in my belief and practice, and however so others may still be, I am now satisfied that a baptism which does not represent our being buried with Christ into his death, is not the baptism which Christ requires, and therefore does not enable us sufficiently to glory in his cross. And I am also satisfied that others would come to the same conclusion should they give the subject an impartial examination."

ATMOSPHERIC EFFECT.

WE are all aware, if the weather be damp and foggy, that a listless and languid state is produced; whilst during dry weather, however cold it may be, there is a feeling of light-heartedness and cheerfulness pervading the whole system. In the first instance the atmosphere is robbing us of our electricity, which it greedily absorbs; in the latter case, the dryness of the air is such that it leaves us in the possession of the electricity which seems to belong to us; hence the buoyancy of spirits in the frosty days of December and January, and the suicidal despondency of November; and hence the elasticity, the life, and ani

mation of the Frenchman; the sluggish, heavy movement of the Dutchman; the variable feelings of the Englishman-one day full of hope and cheerfulness-the next day at war with himself and the rest of mankind. To every one, in damp moist conditions of the atmosphere, flannel is a great comfort; but silk is the most useful covering of the body. It is by far the best friend and comforter that can be applied. We know that if a silk handkerchief be perfectly dry, lightning the most accumulated could not pass through it, so decided a non-conductor is it: hence if worn next to the skin, the air cannot absorb the electricity of the human body. Silk waistcoats, drawers, and stockings of the same material, are of the greatest service during the humid state of the winter months of this country. The hypochondriac, the nervous, will derive from them more benefit than from the most active tonic, and they will prove a more invigorating cordial than any spiritous dram; nor are the effects transient, for a buoyancy of spirits and an agreeable warmth are thus diffused over the whole frame. Patients, too, during mercurial influence, are much better wrapped in silk than even when confined to bed.-Dr. Sigmond.

News from the Churches.

Wadsworth, Ohio, January 16, 1840.

I have been proclaiming since I saw you with some success. At one meeting I immers el 12 persons (the first people in the neighborhood) in Licking county, Ohio; and organized a congregation of 20 or 23 persons. J. H. JONES. Vienna, Indiana, October 5, 1840.

Brother G. McDuffy and myself, both evangelists, travelling at our own charges; cour menced a big meeting on Blue River on the 21st of June, near Morristown; since which time we have immersed into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, about 100 persons-received from the sects 30 persons, and prospects good; but the winter will soon some on, and our age and infirmity admonish us to retire for some time.

J. SMITH.

Some Interesting church news omitted this number shall appear in the next. Some communications on other subjects have been crowded out; but shall be attended to soon.

OBITUARY.

DEPARTED this life, In hope of an eternal, on the 27th ultimo, sister NANCY CHAPMAN, of Washington co., Pa., aged 43 years. In the death of our beloved sister Chapman, dear to as in the flesh and in the Lord, we have another proof that the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, able to deliver from the fear of death, and to inspire with the high hope of heaven, all who sincerely embrace it. Partially paralyzed for almost ten years, she was experimentally taught in the school of affliction the preciousness of the gospel, and deeply inspired with the hope of immortality. She was a bright example of Christian patience and resignation. She has left a bereaved husband and a large family 10 mourn her loss, to admire her virtues, and to follow her example.-A. C.

ODE TO THE DEITY.

BY DERZHAVIN-THE RUSSIAN POET.

[CONTINUED FROM PAGE 96.]

A million torches, lighted by Thy hand,
Wander unwearied through the blue abyss.
They own Thy power, accomplish Thy command
Ail gay with life, all eloquent with bliss.

What thall we call them? Piles of crystal light-
A glorious company of golden streams-
Lamps of celestial ether burning bright-
Suns lighting systems with their joyous beams?
But Thou to these art as the noon to night,

Yes! as a drop of water in the sea,

All this magnificence in Thee is lost:

What are ten thousand worlds compared to Thee?
And what am I then? Heaven's unnumber'd host,"
Though multiplied by myriads, and arrayed
In all the glory of sublimest thought,

Is but an atom in the balance weighed
Against Thy greatness, is a cypher brought
Against infinity! What am I then? Nought!
Nought! But the effluence of Thy light divine,
Pervading worlds, hath reach'd my bosom too;
Yes! in my spirit doth Thy spirit shine

As shines the sun-beam in a drop of dew.
Nought! but I live, and on hope's pinions fly
Eager towards thy presence; for in Thee
I live, and breathe, and dwell; aspiring high,
Even to the throne of Thy divinity.

I am, O God! and surely Thou must be!

Thou art! directing, guiding all, Thou art?
Direct my understanding then to Thee;
Control iny spirit, guide my wandering heart:
Though but an atom midst immensity,
Still I am something, fashioned by Thy hand!
I hold a middle rank 'twixt heaven and earth,

On the last verge of mortal being stand,

Close to the realms where angels have their birth,

Jast on the boundaries of the spiritsland!

The chain of being is complete in me;

In me is matter's last gradation lost,

And the next step is spir-Deity!

I can command the lightning, and am dust!

A monarch, and a slave; a worm, a god!

Whence came 1 here, and how? so marvellously
Constructed and conceived? unknown! this clod
Lives surely through some higher energy;
For from itself alone it could not bel

Creator! yes! Thy wisdom and thy word
Created met Thou source of life and good!
Thou spirit of my spirit, and my Lord!
Thy light, Thy love, in their bright plenitude
Filled me with an immortal soul, to spring
Over the abyss of death, and bade it wear
The garments of eternal day, and wing
Its heavenly flight beyond this little sphere,
Even to its source-to Thee-its Author there.

O thoughts ineffable! Ovisions blest!
Though worthless our conceptions all of Thee,
Yet shall Thy shadowed image fill our breast,
And waft its homage to Thy Deity.
God! thus alone my lowly thoughts can soar;
Thus seek Thy presence-Being wise and good!
Midst thy vast works admire, obey, adore;
And when the tongue is eloquent no more,
The soul shall speak in tears of gratitude.

Olympas. THIS is the oldest battle on record; and were it not that it embraced some part of the history of Abraham and Lot, it never would have been preserved till now. Who were the belligerents, William?

William. They were Amraphel, Arioch, Chedorlaomer, and Tidal, on the one part; and the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboim, and Zoar, on the other-five kings against four.

Olympas. What was the cause of this ancient battle?

William. Tyranny on the one part, and rebellion on the other.These five kings had served Chedorlaomer for twelve years, and had rebelled in the thirteenth; and in the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and his allies attempted to reduce the rebel kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboim, and Zoar, to submission.

Olympas. How did they succeed, Reuben?

Reuben. In the first place Chedorlaomer and his allies smote the Rephaims, the Zuzims, the Emims, the Horites, the Amalekites, and the Amorites-men, as you have taught us, of gigantic stature. After these conquests the five kings went out to meet the conqueror. But they fared no better at his hand.

Olympas. Where was this battle fought?

Reuben. In the vale of Siddim, now a part of the Salt Sea.
Olympas. With what success?

Reuben. The vale of Siddim was full of slime-pits, and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain. Then Chedorlaomer and his allied sovereigns pil

laged the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and carried off all their goods and provisions; and amongst the sufferers was Lot the nephew of Abraham, whom they despoiled of his property and carried captive.

Olympas. It seems, then, that plunder and booty were quite as ancient as war; and that killing, captivating, and plundering were amongst the principal items of vengeance as understood and practised by rival kings in their conflicts with one another ever since war began. We also learn from the fortunes of Lot, that it is dangerous to pursue wealth in immoral and licentious locations. Abraham dwells safely in the plain of Mamre, and his servants, flocks, and herds are round about in health, peace, and prosperity; while Lot, for the sake of richer pastures and more profitable grazing in the vale of Siddim, is not only vexed with their licentiousness, but is despoiled of the labors of years and carried captive into the bargain. Did Abraham, Eliza, hear any thing of the disaster to his kinsman?

Eliza. Yes, he heard by one of the friends of Lot, who had escaped the general destruction, and fled to the tents of Mamre the Amorite. Now this Mamre was the brother of Eshcol and Aner, and these three were confederate with Abraham.

Olympas. How confederate?

Eliza: As shepherds, I suppose; for they lived together in the same plain, and pursued the same business; for as yet they had been engaged

in no wars.

Olympas. A confederacy, then, for mutual protection; and such were all the ancient confederacies among the shepherd kings of the first ages. But in this instance it seems to have been as much a league of friend ship and good neighborhood as any thing else. Even Abraham required some society besides his wife and family; and, therefore, consorted with these three-Mamre, Eshcol, and Aner. But what, William, did Abraham do when he heard of the capture of Lot?

William. He armed his servants and went to the rescue. Olympas. Amid his servants! He had a magazine, then! and brought cut his arms and munitions of war. But what servants were

these, James?

James. They were born in his house, and consequently his own

servants.

Olympus. How many were there of this class?

James. Three hundred and eighteen.

Olympas. These servants must have been very well used, James, else Abraham dared not to have armed them. We, in Virginia, do not like to arm our servants when an enemy approaches. Did you ever read of the Americans arming their servants when the British, or Indians, or any one else, made war upon us, Thomas?