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accession of foreign emigrants. The progress of the New England colonies in wealth, exceeded that of any of the colonies which now constitute the United States. As the greater part of the property of the original

with infant colonies, than their | New England, by natural indiscouragement, their removal, crease, notwithstanding all their and their return to their native poverty and weakness, was doucountry. The people possessed bled about once in twenty-six as great a share of civil liberty years. The population of the as has been enjoyed by any oth- United States, from the year er. Justice was administered 1790, to 1810, increased in a rawith vigor, and the laws were tio which would double in about obeyed. I find no account of twenty-one years. This was a any forcible opposition to the period of profound peace-of exlaws, or any internal commotion, traordinary national prosperity; in which any blood was shed, for while the population was increaone hundred and fifty years. sed, in the middle and western Their external peace was occa-states especially, by an immense sionally interrupted by war, but their wars were generally short, and they had a much greater portion of peace than has been common in civilized countries. They were prospered with a great increase. In the year 1640, on account of the change in the af-planters was consumed in a few 'fairs of the English nation, the emigration to New England generaily ceased. From that time to the American Revolution, it was believed that as many peo-was true of most of the other Aple went from New England to the mother country, as came from thence to the colonies. Those who were best acquainted with the subject, calculated that the number of settlers which arrived in New England by the year 1640, including men, women and children, were 21,200.* The settlement of New Eng. From the year 1640, to the year | land is an important event as it 1775, the commencement of the has shown what description of American war, the population of a public community may expect the divine blessing. But this remark, it is hardly necessary to add, since such men, pursuing such an object, by such means, always will experience the special approbation and favor of Heaven. This was a noble effort to extend the cause of the

of the former years of the settlement, and as the colonies received no aid from opulent proprietors in the mother country, which

merican colonies-this increase was the natural result of industry and frugality. With regard to our present state of society, it becomes us to speak with diffidence; but such as it is, it is an inheritance derived from the institutions of our Fathers.

* I here wish to correct a mistake which was made in our fifth Number. It is there stated, "The number of planters which came to New England, from the commencement of the settlement to the year 1640, was computed at four thou-divine Redeemer among men.--sand." It should have been, four thousand families.

Complacent angels leaned over
Heaven's battlements to witness

the scene; the King of glory removed the enemy, and dissipated every danger.

Our next Number will take a particular view of the Christian character of these venerable fathers.

(To be continued.)

Memoirs of the Rev. Joseph Warren Crossman, late pastor of the Church of Christ, Salisbubury, (Con.)

TH

HE REV. JOSEPH WARREN CROSSMAN was born at Taunton, (Mass.) Aug. 7, 1775, of religious and respectable parents. His father, Col. Crossman, was for many years deacon of the church in that place. His birth happening about the time of the battle of Bunkerhill, he received the name of the illustrious WARREN who fell in the cause of his country.

At an early age the subject of this memoir manifested an ardent desire to obtain a public education, with a view, as he then said, of being a minister. Having obtained the consent of his parents, he joined the Grammar school in his native town, where he pursued his studies, preparatory to his admission into College. He was educated at Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated 1795, at the age of twenty. He commenced the study of Theology immediately after, with the Rev. Ephraim Judson of Sheffield.

dious; observing, with the strict. est punctuality. the regulations of College. His uniform application was such, as to secure the affections of the faculty, and the reputation of a sound scholar. It was not, however, till after he commenced the study of Theology, that he obtained that evidence of a change of heart, enter into the holy ministry. which would authorize him to He studied the system of divine truth with particular application

to himself. His former convictions of sin returned upon him, from which he found no relief, till he was brought, as he hoped, to dedicate himself wholly to God, and trust in his sovereign grace, through the Saviour. His duty now appeared to him plain. The object of his wishes, had now become the delight of his heart.

When he had completed a course of preparatory studies, he was approbated, by the Berkshire Association, and began to preach the gospel, as a candidate for the ministry, June, 1796.After continuing a candidate about a year, which term he spent, principally, at Salisbury, (Con.); he was ordained over the Church and Society in that town, June 28, 1797. The Society committed to his pastoral care, was large, and having been for several years destitute of a settled minister, was in a divided situation. Under such circumstances, he took the charge of that people in the 22d year of -From his childhood, Mr. his age, and united their discor Crossman was moral and dis- dant interests, concentrated their creet. He gave evidence of the affections, and conducted their good effects of an early, pious ecclesiastical concerns, with the education. During his collegi-prudence and judgment of riper ate life, he was orderly and stu-years.

On the 14th of Jan. 1798, | it to his wife, he calmly observhe was married to Miss Lucy ed, "I expect to fall a victim to Strong, daughter of Benajah this disease; and when death Strong, Esq. of Coventry, by approaches, I wish to have nothwhom he had five children, all ing to do but to die." of whom survive him.

From this period, till near the close of his ministry, there were few events in his life, which particularly demand our notice, except an uniform and persevering diligence in his ministerial duties, the happy effects of which will long be felt in his Society, and wherever he was called to labor in the vineyard.

He was providentially carried through that scene of distress. But, by almost daily preaching funeral sermons in private houses, a vigorous constitution was undermined, and in his own opinion, as well as in the opinion of his friends, he laid the foundation of the disorder which terminated his life. Near the close of the sickness among his people, he publicly informed them, that he was worn down with his labors, and that they must no longer call upon him to preach in private houses. But the caution was too late. He continued: through the summer gradually. to decline, yet without any. alarming symptoms, till a short time before his death.

It will readily occur to every judicious observer, that in the ordinary and more useful departments of life, there is comparatively little to claim the notice of the biographer. This remark especially applies to the faithful minister. His efforts to do good are uniform and unwearied. The history of a whole year is often the repetition of the duties of a single week; and though he may have promoted, to an eminent degree, the temporal and spiritual wel-known the want of health and fare of mankind, it has been done by means, gradual and unwearied.

He was blessed, by the Author of his existence. with a firm constitution and almost uninterrupted health. He scarcely had

strength to obey the calls of distress, and discharge his duty, on all occasions. It is, probably, owing to this, that he did not sooner yield to his disorder, and remit his labors. He preached his last discourse on the day of.

In the spring of 1812, the town of Salisbury, was visited with the Epidemic, which has, of late, prevailed in various parts of our country. It was at-public Thanksgiving. From that tended with a series of distress and mortality, which that people had never before experienced. They looked to their minister for consolation. He was, day and night, among the sick and dying. During this period, he reduced to writing an accurate statement of all his temporal concerns, and arrangements for his family; and committing

time, he was almost wholly confined to his house. He continued rapidly to decline, and on Sabbath morning, December 13, 1812, he resigned up his spirit, and fell asleep, in the 38th year of his life, and the 16th of his ministry.

No man, of his age, was ever more sincerely respected and beloved by his people; and sel

apeared to despise and avoid the

66

theatric stare," and that arti ficial and distorted elocution,. which are only fashionable tricks, for popularity; but threaten the simplicity of the gospel, and the success of pure and undefiled religion.

His talents as a preacher were rather sound than brilliant ; hence he uniformly grew in the, estimation of his hearers, the longer they enjoyed, his instruc tions. Few men made greater. improvement, or established a ministerial character on a more

dom has a church and congre- ances, he was chaste, perspicugation or the public, experienced ous and forcible. He ever apa heavier loss in the death of a minister. He sustained all the relations, and discharged all the duties of public and private life to the universal: approbation of the wise and the good. An ar miable disposition, a calm and even temper, and a steady and resolute prosecution of his, designs, were eminently the traits of his character. He was hap pily qualified to discharge the private and social duties. He was a faithful and an affectionate husband, a tender parent, and a cordial friend. Feace and hospitality dwelt in his habita-permanent foundation. tion. The social and virtuous In his theological sentiments, circle was always made more Mr. Crossman was sound and dishappy by his presence. Where criminating. The peculiar docis the family that did not rejoice trines of the Cross of Christ, he to receive him at their fire-side? tully and successfully preached. In his visits among his people, Those who have statedly atten he was instructive and endearded upon his ministry can testi ing. He possessed an unaffect-fy, that he shunned not to deed dignity in his manner, which could not fail to commanderespect. And yet he was easy of access to all, and beloved by old and young. 1

To his Christian character those who knew him best, and to whom he freely opened his heart, can bear an honorable testimony. Without the affectation of sanctity, his life was ever such as becometh godlines. What he was in public, he was ever found to be in private. An uniformity of character, he always main tained.

With such qualifications, we might expect to find Mr. Cross, man, what he really was, a sound and useful minister of the New Testament. He was favored with a clear and distinct elocution, and in his public perform

clare the whole counsel of God; and yet, he prudently divided; the word of truth, giving to eve-¿ ry one a portion in due season..!

Few men are more firm and inflexible in the performance of duty, and with this he unted, uncommon prudence in the exe cution. He made no man his. enemy, because be differed rom him, and yet he firmly main tained the truth.

Such was the excellent man in whose lite were exemplified the Christian graces and ministerial faithfulness, and whose memory is embalmed with many tears.

We have seen him in health: It now remains to visit his sick and dying bed.

In the course of his sickness, he repeatedly manifested an un

shaken hope and confidence in the Saviour. As he lay upon his bed in extreme weakness, he remarked to a friend: "God's government is a good one. The way of salvation through Christ, is a good one. It is all glorious." Being asked, by another, how he felt under his weakness and confinement—he answered: "I wish to have nothing altered. If, by lifting my finger, I could alter God's purposes, I would not do it." Remarkable submission was manifest in every period of his sickness. The excellency of the divine government appeared to fill his soul with joy.

The Friday before his death, he failed very rapidly, and could converse but with difficulty. To a member of the church, he said: "Tell the Church to be firm and united, and follow the example of their Lord and Master." To a member of the society, he observed: "I wish to have my people informed that the doctrines I have preached to them in health, I preach to them in sickness and in death; and am willing to enter upon them into eternity." In the course of the day, he addressed his wife and children, and took an affectionate leave of them,till they should meet in eternity. He addressed each of them in a calm and affectionate manner, and urged the importance of religion. To each of the elder children, he gave such advice as was suited to their age. To one about six years of 66 he said: age, Egbert, you are a little boy, but not too young to lose your father. Be a good child; say your prayers." He concluded with charging them all to be sure to obey their mother.

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A few days previous to his death, he had mentioned to a friend that he wished to make some arrangement of his temporal concerns before he died, but would defer it till his mind was clearer. He was now reminded of his wish, and that perhaps it would be best then to attend to it. He replied, "Why, do you think I am dying?" He was answered, No; but there is some alteration, and delays were dangerous. “Then, raise me up,' he said, with the greatest composure," and I will attend to it." Having made the desired arrangements, and given directions respecting his family, he added, "Now I have done. Lay me down, and let me die."

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After disposing of his temporal affairs, the question was again! asked him respecting his future prospects. After a short pause, he replied: "I die in the firm. hope of a glorious immortality, resting upon the Lord Jesus, my Saviour."

Observing his wife to be in tears, he said: "Lucy, you and I have talked these things over before, and you must refrain from tears, and at the funeral, conduct rationally, like a Christian, and lead a holy life, that you may come home to glory.”

On Saturday, he was able to articulate, but with difficulty. He was repeatedly asked, "Does your faith hold out ?” "O yes, may faith is as unshaken as the hills." In the course of the day, he several times repeated, “Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,"

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