REFLECT ONS

OCCASIONED BY READING THE PREFACE IN THE PANOPLIST FOR DECEMBER 1816.

"No Christian has any excuse for being ignorant of the great things, which distinguish the present day."

-And yet how many remain ignorant. How many never look into those publications, which regularly bring tidings to gladden the Christian's heart. In this day of exertion, how many are enchained by ignorance and prejudice.

Shall we feel indifferent to the errors of members in the same church? Is it not a duty to attempt the removal of their errors? Facts pour in from every quarter of the globe to demonstrate the utility, the importance, of the various societies for doing good—and shall one Christian condemn them? Shall one remain so sadly ignorant as to be imposed upon by the strange chimeras, which, from time to time, are circulated against every society, or association for beneficent purposes?-Let the cold bosom be warmed with "a visit to Iceland." Let youthful readers turn from fiction to be affected with more interesting realities. See the tearful group, listening to the New Testament in the sweet valley of Eynfiord. But, we need not leave American shores to witness the great good effected by Bible, and other benevolent, societies.

If we duly read those periodical publications, which come enriched with religious intelligence, we shall find much to animate, much to encourage us in every exertion to do good. We shall see what has been, what, with the blessing of Heaven, may be effected.

"Eastern Java there

"Kneels with the native of the farthest west,

"And Ethiopia spreads abroad the band, and worships."

Z.

For the Panoplist.

ON GAZING IN TIME OF PUBLIC WORSHIP.

Mr. EDITOR, SIR, There is one evil practice prevailing, which I have for some time past wished to see noticed in your useful publication. It is the unbecoming habit of gazing about in time of prayer, in the house of God, and other places of worship.

Is prayer a part of divine worship in which no one but the speaker is interested? If so, why do the congregation, or family at the commencement of the service, alter their position, or rise from their seats? But can they be called worshippers, who do not join in that solemn exercise? When a person is appointed by a body of people, to represent them at any court, whether at home or in some foreign country, it is expected that he speak the voice of the people; or when a person presents a petition to court, and employs some one whom he thinks more capable than himself, to express his case, with propriety of language, it is expected that he

not only be present at the opening of the court, but that he listen attentively to know whether his case is clearly represented, and fairly stated; but should we suppose that he felt interested in the case, if he stood idly gazing at every object that came within his notice, and did not even know what the speaker was saying? When a public speaker is addressing the throne of grace, either in a public assembly, or in a family, is he not the mouth of all who are assembled on the occasion? But when they stand looking upon every trifling object around them, can we suppose that their minds, and hearts are engaged in the solemn act of addressing the heartsearching God: in confessing those sins which they have a realizing sense of having committed against the holy law of God, in praising him for those unnumbered mercies they have received from Him, and supplicating blessings for themselves and others? Any one who has watched the motions of his heart, must be sensible how liable his thoughts are to wander, when professedly engaged in acts of devotion either in public, or in private, even when the eyes are most strictly guarded from beholding surrounding objects. How then can it be expected that the thoughts can be suitably fixed and solemnly composed for the important duty of addressing the eternal Jehovah, and holding communion with Him, before whose eyes all things are naked, and open, when their eyes are gazing on every object, and turning around to see every one who passes the street?

Should these thoughts, (which have been suggested by one who has been awfully guilty of the evil, here brought into view, but entertains hope of having obtained mercy of the Lord to reform from this indecent, impious practice,) be perused by any who have indulged themselves in this unbecoming habit, may they be led seriously to consider that they are not only provoking God, but Wounding their own souls by pretending to worship a heart searching God while their eyes are, like the fool's, roving to the ends of the earth.

A Friend to decency, and solemnity in the worship of Jehovah.

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF THE REV. COTTON MATHER.

(Continued from p. 114.)

LORD'S DAY, May 25, 1712. My errands to the table of the Lord were these. First, giving thanks to the gracious God, for planting me in his house. I did what I could, with a consenting soul, that I might be united unto the glorious Jesus, as the root from whence I expected all saving influences. I then considered my Jesus, as purchasing, and as dispensing, the grace that should Cause me to flourish in the house of God. And so I went on to specify the particular articles, wherein I requested of him, and relied on him, to make me flourish there; especially, in the continual exercise of grace; and in writing those things that will be abiding fruits among his people.

Next, I beheld the blood of my glorious Jesus, as purchasing all needfigrace for me; and I discerned, that I needed abun dance of grace in regard of my relations, conditions, temptations, employments, and the services that were expected from me. 1 took the sacred cup, as a pledge of that grace; and then I sighed unto the Lord my expectations of it. But I singled out especially two points, wherein I wished that I might be supplied with it. First, grace to prosecute the religious and excellent education of my family. Secondly, grace not only to contrive exquisite methods of piety, but also to perform them; and to execute the precious resolutions, which from time to time I am led unto.

2. G. D. The next addition to the evening sacrifices in my family I propose to be, a recitation to be made by the several children of the Body of Divinity Versified. Whereof, I would still open and apply a distich at a time, till we are got through it.

3. G. D. I have some kinsmen in the Indian service, and would animate them to study and contrive all the ways imaginable for the promotion of Christianity among the Indians.

4. G. D. I may have an opportunity with the ministers of the province, at their convention, to do many services of an extended consequence. Among others, this may be one; to make them ap prised of the condition of religion, and of the church abroad in the world. Another shall be, to awaken in them a concern to rescue our frontiers from the vices that strangely grow upon them. 7. G. D. I find myself still at some times exceedingly defective in this one point; when some sort of troublesome occurrences arise, especially in the foolish and froward humors of discontented people, I cannot sufficiently preserve that sedate and serene and comfortable frame of mind, which belongs unto the "peace of God." I would fain grow more expert at the piety, whereof I find in my. self such deficiency. I would particularly thus exercise it. On any trouble that arises, I would presently find out, and fly to, a promise in the covenant of God, that may answer unto it. I would behold the blessed Jesus, as purchasing for me all the good of that promise; and as being able from the throne of God where on he sits, attended with the hosts of heaven, to accomplish it all. I would then cast upon him all the care of a good issue to the trouble; and also look up unto him to quiet and compose my mind, and give me that rest which he has promised unto them that come unto him.

May 2. 2. G. D. My children which go to school have their holidays. These holidays devoted entirely to play, have a tendency to deprave their minds and bring a sickly frame upon them. I would therefore, when these holidays arrive, take special care that they learn some good thing in the morning at home, and (such of them as are able to do it) write something that I shall assign them, for their instruction and improvement in piety.

7, G. D. As I would look back on the books I have hereto. fore published, with solicitous endeavors, that my heart and life may be conformed unto all the maxims of piety, which I inculcate

E upon other people; so whatever I now publish, I would with much * attention peruse and ponder every article of it, and coinpare myself with it, and be exceedingly solicitous that nothing I have written may prove my own condemnation.

1. G. D. My book of Pastoral Desires is now got through the press. And now, with many and ardent cries to the glorious Lord for his assistance, I would set myself to visit all the families of the numerous flock; and with all possible solemnity dispense the suitable admonitions of piety unto all sorts of persons in them; and then leave the book in each of the families, with my request, that every person therein may peruse it, and partake of his own portion in it.

2. G. D. My son Increase is now so forward, that I may maintain my daily discourse with him, wholly in the Latin tongue. Such a practice, taken up, would be of great use to both of us.

5. G. D. Some circumstances in the state of my sister A-'s health, oblige me to treat her with some singular essays of preparation for the heavenly world; which I will now endeavor accordingly.

1. G. D. In visiting the families of the flock, I would particularly insist on these points of inquiry and instruction. First, the grand concern of getting into good terms with heaven, by speedy repentance, and thorough conversion. Secondly, the family sacrifice as well as the religion of the closet. Thirdly, the education of the children. Fourthly, the best way of spending the Lord's day evening. Many other subjects will occur, as I see occasion; especially this; what affliction they meet with, and what good they get by it. And I would not be discouraged by any bad usage in the flock, from going through my duty and overcoming evil with good.

2. G. D. Inculcating on my children the methods by which they are to get into good terms with heaven, I would pathetically manage this argument with them. Doubtless I am quickly to die and leave them; and I must leave them in an ungrateful and barbarous world, where my testimonies for piety have procured me many enemies: if then they have not God for their friend, if their Savior be not singularly concerned for their welfare, what will become of them?

(June 20. The author set apart a fast, as was his custom on every Friday preceding the monthly communion, in which he again specially notices the murmurs which had arisen in consequence of setting up new pews in the meeting-house, which now seem to have been very loud, and unreasonably aimed against him.)

7. G. D. This morning my mind runs much on the vast consequence of my assuring a claim to the character of an Overcomer. So I resolved on the most explicit methods of listing myself under the banner and conduct of my admirable Savior, and of obtaining his assistances for all my encounters. But it was herewithal my resolution also, to keep a watchful eye on all my sinful inclinations, and suppress and subdue them still in all their tendencies; particularly, sloth, pride, lust, wrath, envy, and worldly-minded? VOL. XIII.

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ness. And it was my resolution watchfully to mind all the temptations that may be offered me, to desert my good cause, or befriend any evil one; and to reject with abhorrence all the motions of the tempter to me. O, Captain of my salvation, do thou make me á conqueror and more than a conqueror!

1. G. D. Considering the evil frame in many of the flock, and the great want of brotherly love among them, I think I may do well to play on David's harp unto them, and preach them as engaging a sermon as I can on Rom. xii, 10. And at the same time set a winning example before them, and give a description of pastoral love unto them, in such strains, that the consciences of the hearers will tell them, it is no other than what they have seen exemplified unto them. I would also bring them unto the Lord's ta ble as a love feast; and make it an awakening occasion to throw away all sour leaven from among them.

June 30. 2. G. D. It will be a parental fidelity in me towards my children, to consider what are those errors of the wicked, and false opinions in religion, which they may be in any danger hereafter to be led away withal; and in the most exquisite methods to instruct them, and arm them, and warn them, against those paths of the destroyer. In the Saturday evenings, I may have an opportunity to go through the catalogue of the errors which are at this day prevailing in the world.

4. G. D. I would greatly unite my studies with some gentlemen to invent methods for the defending the College from corruption, and the rendering of it useful to the churches, and the instilling of good principles into the minds of the students there.

6. G. D. The godly minister of Quoboag is in mean and low circumstances. It will be a good work to comfort him in his dan gerous and difficult circumstances. I will not only myself dispense relief unto him, but also procure some from others. A young man, a stranger and a captive, is this week dying here. Not only my visits but my disbursements are needful on this occasion; and my letters of comfort unto his parents.

7. G. D. My gracious and glorious Lord, in answer to my impor tunate cries unto him, has given me a sweet satisfaction of mind in his truth, concerning three eternal Persons in his infinite Godhead; and a victory over temptations to Arianism, which have hideously assaulted and harassed my mind. By way of thankfulness to the Lord, I would now practically, more than ever, converse with that mystery, in my daily supplications and dependencies; and study ways also to strengthen my brethren.

1. G. D. I lately declared in a sermon, that God would speedily take some of our young men, and make them dreadful examples of his wrath, and hang them up in chains for all the congregation of Israel to tremble at. And the last Lord's day I declared, that I lived in a daily and a trembling expectation of what the Lord would speedily do upon some among them. And lo, this last week, it is come to pass. A knot of our poor young men, are detected in horrid burglaries. They are brought out, and are become examples of sin and punishment. I would make this an