houses, and receive in payment whalebone and blubber, which they send hither towards their expences.

By building boats we have reason to hope that one great advantage will be obtained, namely, that the Esquimaux will be delivered from the temptation of going to the south to steal boats. And by the implements and utensils made for them by the Brethren, they will be from time to time more enabled to get and increase what is necessary for their own support.

Though, by these means the outward situation of these poor savages may be greatly improved and rendered more humane, yet it is certainly of incomparably greater importance, that they be brought to Jesus Christ by the preaching of the gospel that they be sanctified by the true faith in him; and thereby, with greater certainty, be civilized and made moral human creatures.

It is this consideration that enables the missionaries and their assistants, notwithstanding their most difficult situation outwardly to hold out with chearfulness and full of faith, in that call which the Lord has given them, until the Esquimaux, in this remote part of the earth, shall see the salvation of God. Brother Layritz, on his safe arrival here with his wife on the 28th of October, assured us, as an eye witness, that this was the disposition of those Brethren and Sisters.

They had this last year, 1774, by means of a sloop, an opportunity of visiting six habitations of the Esquimaux which lie farther north; they were received in a friendly and confident manner, and most pressingly entreated by the poor savages, many of whom had never seen an European before, to come and dwell among them, and to bring them the good words of their Creator and Saviour.

Is the acquiring wealth and fortunes, which last not for ever, but pass away, allowed, every where, to be a sufficient motive for long voyages and the enduring great hardships? surely it is a more noble motive, yea, it is of infinitely greater use, if considered merely in a rational point of view, to endure hardships even the greatest, if souls, who are however our fellow creatures, are thereby saved from death, brought into a state of peace and happiness, and obtain a well grounded hope of a blessed immortality. The love of Christ, who, though he thought it no robbery to be equal with God, made himself of no reputation, took upon him the form of a servant, submitted to be despised and rejeted, and became obedient unto death, yea, to the death of the shameful cross, to redeem us,

must certainly impel the hearts of the missionaries, stimulate their zeal, and make them willing to persevere with patience in the midst of all, even the greatest hardships.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, who has not permitted the labour and trouble of our brethren among the heathens to be in vain. We have now had many years experience, that our gracious Lord has crowned the simple preaching of the gospel of his incarnation, sufferings and death, with blessing, has owned it in grace, and thereby the eyes of the heathens have been opened, and they have been turned from darkness to light, and from the power of satan to the living God. What the most just and excellent moral precepts cannot effect, what all the power of philosophy cannot produce, what all the eloquence and arguments of men cannot accomplish, is done by the word of reconciliation through the blood of Christ. Of this the heathens, who have received the faith, are a living and incontestible proof.

or

To proselyte men from from one superstition to another, from one speculative system to another, or from one sect or outward form of worship to another, whether by arguments, or outward pomp, by any other methods, is indeed no business, for the sake of which our missionaries would give themselves so much trouble and undergo such difficulties. But to be instruments to direct and bring souls to him, in whom the Gentiles shall trust, and to whom every knee shall bow, of things in heaven and things on earth, and things under the earth, it is well worth while to venture life and limb to effect this. For it is indubitable, that when men, though ever so wild and savage by nature, are brought to the knowledge of salvation in Christ Jesus, by the Holy Ghost, they will of course become good and useful subjects, and benevolent fellow citizens of the world.

Rules and Articles for the Government of the Churches of the United Brethren.

Some of these articles are so plain and inoffensive, that little need be said concerning them.

ART. I. This society is not formed in opposition to any other of the like nature, nor is it to interfere with the charities of any society whatever.

II. This society is to consist of members of the Brethren's Church, and is properly established here

in London, where they will regularly meet; yet members may also be chosen, who reside in other places of the British dominions or elsewhere.

III. But besides the aforesaid members of the society, persons who are not of the Brethren's Church, but are friends and well-wishers of the furtherance of the gospel among the Heathens, may be chosen as honorary members of this society; to whom, from time to time, accounts will be communicated of the work of our Lord among the Heathens through the Brethren's missions; and such honorary members may be admitted occasionally to the meetings of the society.

There is something in this article, at first sight, glaringly engaging. It seems to promise a large share of charity; and yet, if we attend to it strictly, we shall find that it contains both ostentation and meanness. Ostentation, in holding it forth as an honour to be admitted into their society; and meanness, in looking for subscriptions to support their cause.

IV. The design of this society being to assist those missionaries and their helpers, whom the directors of the missions of the Brethren's Church may send to the Heathens in different parts of the world, we will not confine our assistance of those missionaries to gifts and contributions only, but it will be our great pleasure to promote this amiable work with our best services, in all respects, by entertaining them during their abode in England, and also supplying them with all necessaries for their passage to the places of their destination, and during their residence at those places.

V. Although our chief aim is to further the gospel, and assist the missionaries in the British dominions in America, and other parts of the world, yet we are also desirous to give all possible aid the Brethren's missions among the Heathens in other countries.

VI. And whereas the United Brethren, for many years successively, have appointed deputies, and committed unto them the care of the Heathen missions and the management of the contributions, which, for the unavoidable expences attending this work of God, are given freely, from time to time, by the Brethren's congregations and by others; we will therefore act in connection and fellowship with these deputies; on which account our secretary and other brethren of the committee are to cultivate a constant correspondence with them, that we may be informed of the occasions requiring our assistance, and be ready to assist.

VII. And whereas the aforesaid deputies of the Brethren's Church have always a corresponding No. 34

agent, who resides in London, to execute their commissions, we will always be ready to give him all the assistance we can therein.

VIII. Every one of us is willing to add his mite to those free gifts made at stated times, in the Brethren's congregations, for the service of the missions among the Heathens. But besides this, a box shall be placed in the room where we meet, into which every member of the society may put at any time what he thinks proper; all which is to be employed for the use of the said missions. The committee is to take an account of this money as well as what may come in by way of donation, legacy, or otherwise, and also how it is expended; and this account is to be laid before the society once in three months.

It is remarkable, that the gospel was propagated at first without the assistance of power, money, or, indeed, any encouragement from men. And yet the tender plant grew, and spread far and wide. Whereas, in modern times, thousands and ten thousands of pounds, are collected to propagate the gospel, and yet few converts are made. For this there must be some reason, but whatever we may imagine it to be, we shall leave the reader to form his own judgment.

IX. If this society, or one or more members thereof, should be appointed trustees of any lands, for a settlement among the Heathens; in that case we engage to be faithful to our trust, and not claim for ourselves, at any time, what shall be settled upon

us in trust.

X. The ordinary meeting of the society to be once a month, at a time and place to be determined upon by the society, and as soon as can conveniently be after the day, on which accounts of the progress of the gospel, especially among the Heathens, are usually read in the Brethren's chapel.

XI. The society is to chuse a committee, consisting of six members, a secretary and one or two servants; one of the committee is to be appointed treasurer; and all the ordained ministers of the brethren's church present in London, are to be looked upon as members of the committee and each of them to have a vote.

XII. The members of the committee are to act as deputies of the society, and are to meet onde a week, or as often as may be thought needful for the dispatch of business, and four of the committee are impowered to do business.

XIII. The committee may call an extraordinary meeting of the society when business requires.

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XIV. The

or contract debts of any sum not exceeding fifty pounds.

We cannot approve of these money affairs in religion. There is some reason to imagine, that the passions of men, influenced by corrupt nature, have too much effect on modern religion. We are convinced, that God once gave his blessing on means of a different nature; and history tells us, that as the same means have not been used since the time of the emperor Constantine the Great, so the same ends have not been found.

XV. At the first meeting of the society in every year, the six members of the committee, the secretary and the servants are either to be continued in their offices, or others elected in their places.

This article has been copied from one of those belonging to a benefit society. There officers are very rich and greatly esteemed, otherwise they would not be eagerly sought after. All officers, court pride, and human passions will be as much gratified in a club of common mechanics, as in the first lord of the treasury, or the high chancellor of England. "The reason is plain, learning aud knowledge, improved by virtue and adorned by piety, lift the characters, as it were, above every thing human.

XVI. Upon the decease or removal of any member of the committee, or any other incident requiring a new choice, the committee is to propose such person or persons to the society whom they think proper for the office.

XVII. Such persons ought to be members of the Brethren's congregation, of a good capacity and a good character among the Brethren as well as among their fellow subjects.

XVIII. Persons proposed by the committee to the Society, for members of the committee, are to be chosen by the majority of the members of the society present.

XIX. Whenever any new member or members are to be proposed to the society, the committee is first to consider whether such person or persons may be of use to the society in carrying on the above-mentioned purposes: And if the persons proposed by the committee are approved of by the unanimous choice of the society, by ballot, then such person or persons are to be admitted members.

XX. But if, on the ballot, there should be any negative to the choice of the person proposed, the member or members objecting, are to mention his or their objection to some member of the committee, when the case is to be reconsidered; and if the ob

objector, such person or persons may be proposed a second time to the society; and if no new negative appears upon the ballot, he or they are to be then

admitted members.

XXI. No member of the society is to acquaint any one, eitheir of his being proposed or chosen a member of the society, for this is to be done by the secretary, or some other member of the committee appointed for it, as circumstances require.

XXII. No person once admitted into this society is to be removed out of it, but after mature consideration of the committee, and with the consent of the majority of the society; and a person thus removed,. not to be re-admitted but by ballot.

XXIII. When any new members are admitted,. the rules of the society are to be read to them, and each new member is to subscribe them.

XXIV. The society may form new articles, whichare consistent with the tenor of the above articles and the well-being of the society, as circumstances may hereafter require.

XXV. The above rules are not to be altered but on mature deliberation, and in a meeting of the society, and by a majority of votes; and previous to any alteration a month's notice shall be given, expressing the nature and design of the alteration proposed to be made..

Upon the whole, these articles are of a very carnal nature. They point out much of worldly wis dom, but little of that which is from above. We could wish there was nothing human in religion but just the common outwards means, and we sincerely believe, that the real servants of God are frequently to be among those who are reputed to have no reli gion at all.

Account of all those Societies which the United: Brethren have in different parts of the world.

It is very remarkable, that these people, although. not much known in England, yet are extremely numerous. Of this we shall have occasion to take notice afterwards, so as to endeavour to account for that secrecy, which prevails among them.

The places where the congregations of the Brethren are at present settled, are of different kinds, and many of these congregations are not very numerous. Some have been settled by the Brethren on spots which are not at all inhabited before, merely with this intent, that only members of the congregation.

congregation shall dwell there, and that they might be entirely unmixed with others. These places are called in the strictest sense Congregation-places: for example, Hernhuth, Guadenfrey, Fulneck, Bethlehem, Salem, Sarepta, &c.

Farther, the Brethren have built their place of worship and the dwelling-houses of the members of the congregation, contiguous to some towns and villages inhabited by other people, yet in such a manner, that their buildings stand together on one spot, or in the same street, and are, as much as circumstances will admit, some more and some less separated from the rest of the public or private buildings of the town or village. These are called in a more extensive sense Congregation-places; such as Neusalze, Neuwied, Ochkbrook, &c.

Again there are other congregations of the Brethren, the members of which do not dwell together, but are scattered in the cities, or towns, or in the country round about; they however assemble in the same place of worship, and their regulations are suited to their circumstances. These are called City and Country Congregations, for instance, London, Amsterdam, Philadelphia, &c.

The same distinction is to be made with regard to the missions of the Brethren among the Heathens. Some of the congregations, gathered together by the gospel from the Heathens, dwell together in one place; for instance, New Hernhuth and Lichtenfels in Greenland, at Langentoutenunk, that is, the city of peace, in North America; also at Sharon on the Samarica in Surinam. These may be properly called Town-Congregations of the converted Heathens. Others of the Heathens, who have been brought to Christ by the ministry of the Brethren, live dispersed, as the negroes in the West-India islands, and the Indians on the Gorentyn in Surinam; but they come to the preaching and to partake of the sacraments, to the church or meeting house, which the missionaries have built near their own dwellings: These may be called in the most proper sense, MissionSettlements. By this discription every reader will be able to determine, to which of these classes each congregation or mission of the Brethren belongs. Now they shall be mentioned according to the countries and governments under which they dwell.

1. In the empire of Germany, and first under the elector of Saxony..

Hernhuth in Upper Lasatia, on the high road between Lebau and Zittau, upon the manner of Berthelsdorf, lately the domain of count Zinzendorf,

and now of baroness de Wattewille. This place was begun in the year 1722, and this congregation received afterwards a confirmation of its orders and regulations from government.

Niesky also in Upper Lusatia, upon the manor of Trebus, twelve miles from Goerlitz. This place was begun in the year 1742, by exiles from Bohemia. Here is at present the Pedagogium of the Unity of the Brethren.

Klein Welke, also in Upper Lusatia, about threemiles from Budissin on the road to Berlin, was begun in 1756, and is built very near the old village of the same name. Most of the members of this congregation are of the Vandal nation.

At Baiby, in the county of the same name, twenty-four miles from Magdeburg, a congregation of the Brethren has been gathered ever since the year 1748, after the government had given the palace and bailiwick to count Henry the 28th Reuss, and others on a lease, and had granted the chapel of the palace to the congregation of the Brethren for their Divine worship. The theological seminary of the Unity is in this place; in this seminary or college, students are prepared for future service among Christians or Heathens.

Gnadau, on the electoral domain Doeben, six miles from Barby, and eighteen from Magdeburg. In the year 1765, the government gave the palace of Barby, with its appurtenances, and the domainDoeben, to count Henry the 25th Reuss, upon a perpetual lease, with a view that a settlement might be made here, after the manner of the Brethren's Congregation-places; whereupon a beginning was made to build such a place in the year 1767, not› far from Daeben.

2. Under the government of the king of Prussia.

Gnadenberg, in the principality of Jauer in Silesia, on the manor called Gross Krausche, three miles from Bunzlau, was begun in the year 1743, after having received a special royal grant for it.

Gnadenfrey, in the principality of Schweidniz in Silesia, about nine miles from Reichenbach, on the manor of Oberpeilau, was also begun in the year 1743. This congregation is at present the largest of the Brethren's congregations in Silesia.

Neusalz, is a new built place which the Brethrenbegan to erect in 1745, near the town of Neusalze on the Order. This settlement of the Brethren was, by order of the king, laid out in a regular manner in the year 1744, and was in a very flourishing con

dition

dition before the last war in Silesia. But in the year 1749 it was plundered in a cruel manner and totally reduced to ashes. The loss of the Brethren sustained hereby in worldly goods was great, but all the Brethren and Sisters, lying-in women, the sick and children, escaped from the flames, and after many and various difficulties, they arrived in the neighbouring congregations, in Silesia and Upper Lusatia, safe and well. In 1763, the rebuilding of this place was taken in hand by the desire of government, and a congregation of the Brethren has been again settled there since that time.

These Silesian congregations have their own bishop, who resides in Silesia.

In Berlin, a Bohemian congregation of the Brethren, adhering to the Augustin confession, has been gathered together ever since the year 1744, and they declared their sentiments before a royal commission in the year 1747. They have a public Congregation-House, in which they have Divine worship agreeable to the constitution of the Brethren's congregation.

Also in Rixdorff, three miles from Berlin, in the year 1737, a congregation of the Brethren of the Bohemian nation were collected, and have built a Congregation-House and place for Divine worship. The congregation here was plundered in a very severe manner in the year 1760, but at the same time experienced from the hands of God a gracious preservation of their persons.

At Nordean in East-Friesland is also a congregation of the Brethren. They have a public place of worship, and enjoy undisturbed liberty. This congregation was begun under the government of the last prince of the East-Friesland.

3. Under the government of the duke of
Saxe-Gotha.

Neudietendorff, fifteen miles from Gotha and six from Erfuth. In the year 1742, a considerable number of the Brethren of the Lutheran troops came together here. After many difficulties they have been in a more prosperous state since the year 1753, and received in 1764 a grant from the government. Since then the congregation has increased considerably in the number of their members and in their buildings.

4. Under the government of Count Reuss, Ebersdorf in Voigtland. There has been in this place since the end of the former century, an Eccle

At Neuwied, a congregation of French reformed Brethren and Sisters, who emigrated from Hernhaag, was begun. The reigning count gave them a grant of the necessary privileges in the year 1751, and renewed the said grant in a more ample manner in the year 1756. The brethren were put in possession of a square of the city, for the use of the congregation, to erect on it their place of worship and Congregation-House, and other necessary buildings for the choirs and families; and since then a pretty numerous congregation is collected here. The greatest part of the congregation-members are French reformed, yet as several Germans moted thither from time to time, Divine worship is performed there in both these languages alternately.

6. In the United Provinces.

In Zeyst, in the Province of Utrecht, a beginning was made in 1748 to build a congregation-place in two squares between the palace and the village. The congregation has built in the year 1768, a new Congregation-house and place of worship, and enjoy compleat church-liberty under the government of the states of Utrecht. The preaching of the gospel here, both in the German and Dutch languages, is attended by many from other places.

In Amsterdam there has been a congregation of the Brethren ever since the year 1738. They have had a place of worship there these many years past, and live quiet and undisturbed.

In Haerlem is also a small congregation of the Brethren, who have also a public worship.

The United Brethren have also several missions in the province of Surinam in South America, they are the following:

In Paramaribo is a small House-Congregation, who dwell there to receive the missionaries from Europe, to forward them to their posts among the heathens,