MENNONITES.

LETTER, No. VI.

Hoorn, Sept. 24, 1820. I HAD the pleasure of addressing you last from Alkmaar, and, since then, have visited the Mennonite Baptist Church in this place. It stands under the pastoral care of a Mr. Pol, who received me in a very friendly and hospitable manner, offering his table and his roof. Hoorn was formerly a place of considerable commercial consequence; but, like most other towns on the Zuider Zee, fell into decline as Amsterdam rose. The late war also gave it a mortal blow. In its better days there was a population of twenty to thirty thousand, and out of this there were two very flourishing Baptist Charches: ten to twelve thousand in habitants are now the utmost extent. The two Baptist interests becoming so considerably reduced in numbers, they united. This way of closing the ranks, has been adopted by other churches in Holland, where the same causes have operated.

After dining with Mr. Pol, he, agree ably to the object of my visit, sent a circular notice to call a meeting of bis deacons, at his house, for the evening. Six of them attended, and appeared to enter upon the subject of the Mission with more than common interest. They had been previously apprised of it, also of my coming, by the printed circular. The evening passed away very agreeably, and not unprofitably, I hope, for the Mission. After giving the friends all the information I could, I left the whole matter with them, to concert with their brethren such measures as they thought best adapted to the fur

Mr. Ris, a most interesting Christian, from all accounts, and a truly zealous servant of Christ. He took an uncommon interest in the Moravian Missions, the only ones existing in Holland at his time: ten pounds a year was his regular subscription to them, as I have understood. Besides this, he stood in correspondence to the fast with some of the most devoted Christians and Misssionary spirits of that body. Somel time after his death, a collection of his letters was published by a pious clergyman of the reformed church. They breathe a very sweet spirit, and are interesting for the naivette of their style, and the depth of their piety. A copy of them was presented ine, by one of the Mennonite brethren at Zeist. U that the spirit of this excellent man were to be found in every one of his surviving brethren! Having heard and read so much of Mr. Ris, it was natural that I should call on his widow, before I left Hoorn. In this venerable sister I could not help imagining that I was speaking with the deceased, as he seemed to live and move and speak in her.

Mr. Pol took me also to see their place of worship. It is a plain building, and particularly neat and clean. Though the church does not consist of more than seventy or eighty members, the place would seat from five to six hundred, without being crowded. We afterwards made a call upon the deacons, and others of Mr. Pol's flock, who had not been with us the preceding evening. I proceed next to Enkhuisen, whence I hope soon to write to you. In the meantime I am,

Yours truly,

W. H. ANGAS.

prayer meeting for the spread of the gospel, is held, in its turn, I find, in their church, in connection with the Rotterdam Missionary Society, a circumstance I thought favourable, rather than otherwise, to the object of my érrand.

The predecessor of Mr. Pol was a

Writings.

No. VI.

1 THESS. V. 18.“ In every thing give thanks."

There is a tradition, that in the planting of New England, the first

settlers met with many difficulties and hardships, as is generally the case when a civilized people attempt establishing themselves in a wilderness country. Being men of piety, they sought relief from Heaven, by laying their wants and distresses before the Lord in frequent set days of fasting and prayer. Constant meditation and discourse on their difficulties kept their minds gloomy and discontented; and, like the children of Israel, there were many disposed to return to that Egypt, which persecution had induced them to abandon. At length, when it was proposed in one of their assemblies to proclaim a fast, a farmer, of plain sense, rose, and remarked, that the inconveniences they suffered, and concerning which they had so often wearied Heaven with their complaints, were not so great as they might have expected; and were diminishing every day as the colony strengthened; that the earth began to reward their toil, and to furnish liberally for their subsistence; that the seas and rivers were full of fish, the air sweet, the climate healthy, and, above all, that they were in the full enjoyment of their civil and religious liberty; he, therefore, thought, that reflecting and conversing on these subjects would be more comfortable, as tending more to make them contented with their situation; and that it would be more becoming the gratitude they owed to the Divine Being, if, instead of a fast, they should appoint a thanksgiving. His advice was taken, and from that day to this, they have, in every year, observed circumstances of public felicity sufficient to furnish cause for a thanksgiving day; which is, therefore, constantly ordered, and religiously observed.

DR. B. FRANKLIN.

MATT. XIII. 21. "By and by he is offended."

A Hint to Church Members. in these words, a "By and by he is offended."-I see of a man's hand :"—an ox-eye cloud— "little cloud, the size a brooding storm-a tempest-a hurricane-a moral tornado! By and by he is offended." And what then? Then he changes countenance-tben he frowns-then his voice alters, it becomes harsh-then his words differ, become offensive-then he absents himself from private fellowship meetings-then he withdraws, occasionally, from the public means-then from the Lord's-table-then for good and all. So much, and more, is contained independ on no present smiles-confide “By and by he is offended.” My soul in no present professions, however solemnly averred.

CONG. MAG.

DEUT. XXIX. 12. "That thou shouldGod." These words in the original est entér into covenant with the Lord thy have a peculiar energy, and signify &c. Interpreters think that they refer "that thou shouldest pass into covenant,” to a ceremony formerly practised in contracting covenants. On immolating the victims, they divided the flesh into two parts, placing the one opposite to the other; the contracting parties then passed each other in the open space consent to be slaughtered, as those between them; thereby testifying their victims were, if they did not religiously confirm the covenant entered into in so solemn a manner. The 15th of Genesis affords an example of this nature.

MRS. LENNY.

DIED, at Worlingbam, near Beccles, Mrs. Lenny, wife of Mr. S. G. Lenny, on the 14th of March, 1824.

Mrs. Lenny, in her early days, entered on the stage of life by a fancied

enjoyment of those pleasures and amusements peculiar to her age and situation; but was happily preserved from conduct which too often stains the fair fame of the rising generation. About sixteen years ago she attended the preaching of the gospel at Lax

field. She appears to have been gradually brought to a knowledge of her state by nature under the word, aud, also, to some degree of enjoyment of the blessings of the gospel; she united with the Baptist Society at Laxfield in 1812.-For some time she continued to enjoy the word of God, and his ordinances, but she had often doubts respecting her spiritual state, because she had not felt those strong convictions which accompany the conversion of some Christians. It, however, pleased God afterwards to give her such views of her own unworthiness, and the purity of his holy law-as made her exclaim in the language of holy writ, "I abhor myself, and repent in dust and asbes." During her pilgrimage she had to encounter many fiery trials. The enemy of souls would assail her mind with principles of infidelity; so that she was sometimes tempted to doubt not only her possession of Christianity, but the truth of Christianity itself, and even the existence of a Supreme Being. These trials brought her with more earnestness to a throne of grace, where she poured out her soul before God in the name of Christ; and not unfrequently found her burdens removed, and her mind stayed on the divine promises. These, and other painful circumstances, caused ber graces to take deeper root, and fixed her faith more firmly on the Rock of Ages. After it was known that she was about to leave Laxfield, to reside at Worlingham, her mind was peculiarly tried; the idea of taking a Jarger business, and the depression of the times, filled her mind with strange forebodings; and her language in prayer was, If thy presence go not with us, suffer us not to go up hence." After repeatedly wrestling with God, the following passage was consoling to her mind; "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." With this promise in her heart, she went to Worlingham; but God, whose ways are in the sea, and whose footsteps we cannot trace, wisely concealed from her view the rugged and thorny path in which he was about to lead her. About March, 1823, she was seriously indisposed, and medical aid was procured. After a short time the medical gentleman who attended her apprehended that her complaint was

incurable, and it was thought advisable that other opinions should be taken. A consultation took place, and it was the unanimous opinion that no effectual relief could be afforded, and all that could be done would only make her dying pillow more soft and easy. After the gentlemen had retired, Mr. Lenny entered her room. With a degree of anxiety, she thus addressed him: "What is the doctors' opinion of me?" He hesitated to tell her. "You need not be afraid to tell me," she said; "I am prepared for the worst." He stated their opinion. "Well," said she, "I should like to have lived to see my children brought up, and settled in life; but as God has determined otherwise, his holy will be done.” She then made arrangements for her funeral, and advised respecting the future management of her family with mach composure. Sometimes tears would steal silently down her pale cheeks; and when we inquired the reason, she would say, "I feel no anxiety on my own account, but it is hard work for nature to surrender my husband, and my dear children.”

Shortly after Mrs. Lenny knew the opinion of the doctors, she said to a female friend, who was much with her, "You remember the promise I have often mentioned to you, which so consoled my mind before we left Laxfield; I trust I have at times enjoyed the PRESENCE of the Lord, but hitherto I have not been able to see in what way he would give me REST; now I know what that rest will be; it will be an eternal rest; a rest that will never be broken by pains, sorrows, or trials." At another time she said, "I feel it indeed a heavy trial to part with my family. Oh! if I could indulge the hope that they would all follow me, how much it would lessen my sorrow at leaving them; but the Lord is all-sufficient: he can turn their hearts, as well as supply all their wants, spiritual and temporal; and should I never live to see that happy change, it may please God to work it in their hearts after I am gone; how often is the death of one made the life of others." She would often have her children with her alone, to speak to them respecting their temporal and eternal interests.

After she became so weak that it was fatiguing for her to be dressed, she

would, after a few minutes rest, spend a short time in prayer: and at such seasons, her supplications for her busband and children were so earnest and affectionate, that the heart must have boon bard indeed which could refuse to sympathize with her. When the seventh chapter of Revelations was read to her, after hearing that verse, "These are they which came out of great tribulation," &c. she said, "Ah! when shall I be one of that number? but I would patiently wait the Lord's time. I have long felt assured that there is a white robe for ME, and when he sees fit, I shall stand before his throne, clothed in it." At one time, when she was about to take some lau

danum, the friend who gave it to her said, "This is a bitter draught." "Yes," she replied, "but this is not the worst bitter I have; yet, blessed be God, there is no wrath mixed with

it.

"Asham'd of Jesus, that dear friend,
On whom my hopes of heaven depend:
Asham'd of Jesus! yes, I may
When I've no sins to wash away.'

I wish to sow the seed; who can tell but God will perfect the harvest when I am dead."

On the morning of the 14th instant she was taken worse, and to those about her she appeared to be dying; but she revived again, so as to be able to give her sorrowing partner and friends an assurance of the peace and comfort she then felt. She was sensible that her end was fast approaching, and as soon as she could speak, said, "Lord Jesus, into thy hands I commend my spirit-Come, Lord-come quickly." She continued in prayer

for some time; but from extreme weakness was not able to speak long so as those around her could distinguish what she said. Shortly after, Mr. Lenny said to her, “You have been praying, I think." She replied, "Yes." He then said, "Did you pray for me?" "Yes; for all:" was her reply. When it was said that her trials and sufferings had been very great, and that nothing but the power of Divine grace could have supported her mind as it had been; to the surprise of all present, who knew not that she was listening to them, or was con scious of what they were saying, she joined the conversation, and said,

"Grace all the work performs.”” She then inquired if it were not Sabbath morning, and was informed it was. It was then said to her, "Perhaps you will this day begin an eternal Sabbath," she said, "I pray God, I may: I think so." When asked how she felt her mind, she replied, "Comfortable;" and to the question whether it was still fixed on the Rock of Ages! she answered," Blessed be God, it is.' A friend coming into the room, inquired if Christ were still precious to her; she answered, "Yes," and scarcely spoke after. Though she appeared to wish to take her leave of those present, she could only give them ber hand; and by an affectionate look, took her last farewell of them till time shall be no more. She expired almost immediately; and nearly without a struggle, her happy spirit took its fight to realms of everlasting blessedness.

In conclusion: it is to be remarked that her experience during her affliction may justly be compared to that beautiful prediction of Zachariah, 14th chapter, 6th and 7th verses: "And it shall come to pass in that day, (of af fliction) that the light shall not be clear nor dark: but it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day nor might: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light." Her death was improved at Beccles by the Rev. Mr. Wright; and also at her request by the Rev. R. Robinson, of Cratfield, (Independent,) from 2 Cor. v. 1, a passage chosen by herself.

May we be enabled to follow those who, through faith and patience, in-' herit the promises.