advent, according to the expectations of the Jews, were in vain. "In a short time after my arrival in Madras, Mr. Jarret received the gospel of Matthew in Hebrew, and commenced reprinting it. I was employed in correcting the press. Whilst occupied with this, I was led to consider it attentively. I found my mind gradually opening for the reception of Divine truth. At last Mr. J. put into my hand the kind address of Christians to Jews, by which I was convinced that God in this way had led me to realize the fulfilment of my dream. For this I praise the Lord God Almighty, 'who was, who is, and who is to come.' Considering all these things, I thought it was now my duty to acquaint my mother and brethren with the state of my mind, and my intention of becoming a Christian. I wrote to them accordingly. In a short time I received a letter from my eldest brother, Moses Surgon, in which he expressed himself thus: "We are all very sorry for receiving such an account from you. You affirin positively that the Messiah is come, and that Jesus Christ is he. But to convince me of that you must propose to me four particular questions. If I shall not be able to explain to you the principles in question, then I shall understand that you are acquainted with many books. Otherwise, if you do any thing merely because you are in that place, then you will be in risk of your soul. Or if you do it before you silence me, I shall know it is nothing but your own conceit. Besides, when you reflect on the nature of your nativity; a rod thrown into the air discovers its root in falling ;*--you will bring much guilt on yourself, and will cause to come upon your mother and brethren eminent disgrace on account of your selfishness: and, finally, you will have the name Ruca, Shaca. Wherefore, instead of acting such a kind of confusion, we desire to hear from you a better account, and at the same time desire you to forget whatever you wrote in your last letter. Write something comforting to ease our sorrowful hearts, on account of your last. Of that be thou ignorant, and have not a vain idea of thyself as one of them who speak much, but do little." "When I received this letter, I began to consider what questions I should put to him, for he is a learned man. It occurred to me I could not do better than to send him the affectionate Address to Jews, with a copy of the gospel of Matthew in Hebrew. These I sent with a letter, requesting them to be so good as to grant me permission to be baptized without delay. "Having waited a considerable time without receiving an answer, I wrote another letter; to this likewise I received no answer. I then conceived it was in vain to wait for their permission. therefore said to Mr. Jarret, Sir, I hope there is no delay to my baptism.' On this Mr. J. was so kind as to give me further instruction in the principles of the Christian religion, and how to conduct myself as a true follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. So by the grace of God I was baptized here at Madras, January 21, 1818, by the Rev. W. A. Keating, ChapJain of St. Mary's church, Fort St. George. "Blessed be the word of the Lord God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christs who hath sent redemption to his people Israel, through his word, to shew them the way of salvation. Amen." Thus ends Mr. Surgon's own account but I cannot persuade myself to dismiss the narrative without adding a few observations. To Mr. Surgon's conduct since he be came a Christian, I can bear a pleasing testimony. I have enjoyed the happiness of living in the same family with him now upwards of three months. He is pious, prudent, and every way steady. in labours assiduous. He is likewise very well versed in languages. He speaks Hebrew, a little Arabic, Hindoost'hanee, Malayalim, Tamul. Of the European languages, he speaks, reads, and writes English, French, and Portuguese. He is now employed in preparing some publications, and correcting the press of others, which Mr. Jarret is printing here for the use of the Jews in the East. In his conversations with the heathen around him, and with the Jews who occasionally visit him, Mr. Surgon discovers something like a genuine Christian spirit. He reasons boldly, and speaks like one who feels the force of what he says. May the God of all grace keep him from falling, and make him a burning and a shining light before a crooked and perverse generation. The conversion of Mr. Surgon, if by the grace of God he continues steadfast in the faith, seems likely to be the opening of an effectual door towards the en This is an Arabic proverb. They suppose that a piece of manufactured wood, (a ruler for instanec) thrown up into the air, will, in falling, discover which is its root end, the end which was nearer the root of the living tree, gravitating to the carth. The idea intended to be conveyed by the proverb here is, that Mr. Moses Surgon considering his brother's mind wavering (like a rod tossed up into the sir? imagined that it would, in subsiding again into a calm state, revert back to the religion of his fore fathers. lightening of his benighted brethren, the sons of Israel in the East. I have had the satisfaction of seeing and conversing with several Jews who have visited him. These come from the west coast of India, from Arabia, and the ancient Babel, now Bagdad. Strange to say, no Jews reside in Madras! A spirit of enquiry is excited among them it would appear, throughout all the Turkish empire. Mr. Jarret is collecting all the information he can respecting the long-lost sheep of the house of Israel in these extensive regions. In Arabia they are very numerous. From the information I have obtained from the Jews coming from that quarter, it would appear that the deluded followers of the false prophet, allow them many privileges superior to what they enjoy in some Christian countries. May the time soon come when they will enter the true sheepfold, under the one Shepherd, Christ the righteous. Amen. Yours truly, R. FLEMING. Dbituary. Mrs. HANNAH STILLMAN. Mrs. STILLMAN, relict of the late Rev. Dr. Stillman, was the daughter of Evan Morgan, Esq. of Philadelphia, a respectable merchant of that city. She was born Feb. 21, (O. S.) 1738, and was married to the late revered Pastor of the First Baptist Church in this town, May 22, 1759. This interesting connexion thus early formed, continued with unabated affection, until death deprived her of the dear partner of all her earthly comforts and cares. A numerous family was the fruit of this connexion; but of 14 children of which she was the mother, only one survives her, to mourn the loss of an affectionate parent. Often had our deceased friend been called to tread the game dreary path that leads to the chambers of death, where was deposited the remains of dear deceased children, whose deaths had followed each other in quick succession. Those who were most intimately acquainted with Madam Stillman, during these scenes of affliction, were often surprised to witness the unusual serenity and fortitude which she manifested on these trying occasions. In most of these afflictions, however, she was favoured with the assistance and sympathies of an invaluable and long endeared friend. But at length, Heaven was pleased to remove this last, and only prop of her declining years. The affectionate and faithful companion and guide of her youth, was taken from her by death, leaving her to pursue life's dreary path alone! This was an event in some respects unlooked for; and to her, than which none could have been more trying and painful. But here again the same Christian fortitude and resigna tion were manifested, which had marked her conduct on former occasions. She, indeed, felt the rod, but silently adored the hand which aimed the blow. We have not been able to learn the precise time when our deceased friend made a public profession of religion; but from some circumstances, we are led to believe, that it was at a very early period. She removed her membership from the Baptist church in Charleston, S. C. and joined the First Baptist church in Boston, Oct. 7, 1764. Dr. Stillman had been admitted a member a few days before. To the sincerity of this profession, her uniform life has borne the most ample and decided testimony. Through grace she was enabled to hold fast the profession of her faith without wavering, unto the end. To many of her friends as she advanced in life, her way appeared like that of the just, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Madam Stillman naturally possessed a strong, discriminating mind, which had been highly cultivated and embellished by early education. In her general deportment, she always appeared discreet and dignified. It is possible, however, that some may have censured her as being haughty and reserved, because she possessed a mind too elevated and improved to render her familiar with folly and impertinence. Nothing, perhaps, served more clearly to develop the enlightened and benevolent energies of her mind, than the persevering zeal and prudence which distinguished her conduct in founding the "BOSTON FEMALE ASSYLUM." To her, probably, more than to any other individ ual, that popular and excellent institution owes its existence. From her well known abilities, we presume, not less than from the peculiar interest which she had taken in establishing this charity, she was, from its first organization, called to preside. Her being continued in this office, long after her impaired state of health had led her to ask a dismission, shows in what estimation her talents and services were held by the ladies associated with her. These honourable women will not fail to mingle their sorrows with those of her other afflicted friends. Each returning anniversary will bring to their recollection, how often they have taken sweet counsel together, and then gone in company to the house of God. But these delightful seasons,so interesting to all, and especially to her, are now over and gone. We have no doubt it was with her, a subject of devout gratitude, that she could leave this institution in such able hands; who would be likely to carry forward successfully, what had been so auspiciously begun. This institution, if we may be allowed the expression, was her favourite child. She ever cherished its interests with the deepest solicitude, and regarded the children committed to its care with maternal affection and kindness. Her loss will be severely felt by all the friends of this excellent charity, but by none more deeply than by the female orphans. Some time previous to the death of Dr. Stillman, Mrs. Stillman received a stroke of the paralysis, which excited in his mind the most alarming apprehensions of her speedy dissolution. Often did we hear him express his tender solicitude for her recovery, and the deep anxiety which he felt at the prospect of being left alone. But God, in his mysterious providence, saw fit to reverse the scene! The Doctor himself was, not long after, visited with the same disorder, and suddenly removed; while Mrs. Stillman gradually recovered, and had fourteen years added to her life! The state of widowhood which succeeded, which so often presents little more than a scene of human frailty and imbecility, with her was far from being the least interesting part of her life. Though in many respects, her outward circumstances appeared to be greatly altered, yet under all the vicissitudes and trials incident to her peculiar situation, she possessed the same happy equanimity of temper as in her more prosperous days. During her last sickness, she discover ed the most exemplary patience and resignation to the will of Providence. The same unshaken confidence in God, which had sustained her all the journey of life, did not forsake her in this, trying hour. She discovered no uneasiness under her sufferings; no desire to stay longer in this vale of tears. At length, baving spent a life of virtuous usefulness, which had been pre longed even to a good old age, she gradually sunk under the weight of years and infirmities into the gentle slumbers of the tomb. Her remains were deposited in the family vault, there to mingle with the dust of her dear departed friends, until the arch-angel's trump shall waken into life the sleeping dust of all the saints, whose deaths were precious in the sight of the Lord. On the Lord's day following, her death was improved, in a funeral discoure de livered by Dr. Baldwin, founded on Psa cxvi. 15, preached before the church and congregation, of which she had for more half a century been a distinguished mem 1309, she became a member of the Baptist church in Portland, of which she continued an exemplary member until her decease. Mrs. Boyd was endowed with an excellent understanding, and enjoyed in early life the culture of a good education, Much might be written respecting the soundness of her judgment, the strength of her memory, the quickness of her perceptions, and the ease and propriety of her conversation. But it is on her reli gious character that her Christian friends love to dwell. From the time that she first tasted and saw that the Lord was gracious," to the end of life, she gave evidence that she had been with Jesus. She was a living "epistle known and read of all" who were acquainted with her. Simplicity and godly sincerity adorned her character. The reality of her Christian friendship was displayed by that most rare and difficult attestation of it, faithfulness in admonition. The word of reproof from her lips was an excellent oil, which did not break the head. She possessed true humility, arising from a deep impression of the sinfulness of her heart, and an habitual view of the purity of the Divine Being. The grace of God rendered her poor in spirit. Her religious sentiments were peculiarly clear, accurate, and strictly evangelical. The gospel was to her apprehension a symmetrical whole-There was nothing distorted or mutilated in her views of truth. Doctrines were not dissevered from duties, nor privileges from obligations. One truth was not so exclusively contemplated as to lead her to neglect others equally important. The doctrine of Christ had possession of her heart, as well as of her understanding She knew that it was from God, for she felt its support ing, consoling, and sanctifying power. She lived and died a firm believer in the Deity of Christ, and in the atonement, by the shedding of his blood. God her Saviour, for the great things he had done for her sister. They could not see each other on earth, but how cheering must have been the hope of soon meeting never to part, in the world above. A visit from Mr. Ward, the Missionary from India, a short time before she died, was exceedingly gratifying to her. The season was an interesting one. In conversation with him she remarked, that it was one thing to submit to God because we could not resist, and quite another, willingly to acquiesce in his dispensations, believing him to be infinitely wise, just, and merciful. Mr. Ward made some feeling remarks on the deaths of those converted Hindoos he had witnessed, and on the happiness connected with meeting them in glory. He prayed with her before he left the room; and we could in truth say, "This is the house of God, this is the gate of heaven." A few days before her death, her husband enquired how she felt; she replied, Much as usual." Afterwards, to a similar question, she said, "Happy, happy-rejoice-Godmy." She was unable to finish the sentence, but her meaning was obvious. She was rejoicing in God her Saviour. She grew weaker and weaker until Sabbath, Jan. 28, when she entered, we confidently believe, on the enjoyment of that rest which remaineth for the people of God. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." Her last sickness was a lingering consumption. In August of the last year, she returned from a journey, (undertaken to promote her health) convinced that she should not recover. She partook of the Lord's supper, the first sabbath in September, with the expectation of never again sitting down to that ordinance. During her long sickness, she spake with the utmost calmness respecting death. She was enabled to give up her numerous family into the hands of God with submission and acquiescence. She believed that He was infinite in wisdom; that her times were in his hands; and that although it might appear to us Farewell, dear friend, we mourn thy important and desirable that she should absence, but we mourn not as those that recover for the sake of her children, nine have no hope. May we be excited to of whom are under twelve years of age, follow thee, even as thou didst follow yet what He had determined to do re-Christ; and may we be prepared to meet specting her, would be infinitely for the thee in heaven, where there is no more best. Here she found quietness and re- sorrow, separation or death, and where pose. The divine perfections and the the Lord God shall wipe away all tears promises of God to his people were "sol- from off all faces. id rock," on which she rested. With what tranquillity and holy composure did she speak on this subject! "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." Through her sickness she was favoured with strong confidence in Christ. No distressing doubts troubled her respecting her acceptance in the Beloved. She knew whom she had believed, and was persuaded that He was able to keep that which she had committed to him until that day. While she was gradually wasting away, a sister of hers, Mrs. Smith, was hastening more rapidly to the grave than herself. This sister, after a period of great mental distress, found that peace which the Saviour gives to all that believe in him. With joy and gratitude did Mrs. B. receive the tidings. Her soul magnifred the Lord, and her spirit rejoiced in Some extracts from a letter written to a friend, who requested an account of her conversion, may be interesting and profitable to your readers. It is dated Feb. 28, 1801. "About fifteen months since, God was pleased in his infinite mercy, to visit me with a severe fit of sickness, in which he brought me to view myself for many days on the brink of the grave, and for four months kept me with scarce a shadow of hope of life: neither did I wish for life on any other condition, than that I might live for him. These hours, my friend, were to me as the refiner's fire. Such anguish as then racked my tortured soul passes description. Thoroughly convinced of the sinfulness of my past life, I was brought to throw myself, with all the weapons which I had used against him, at the feet of Jesus, and with deep be mility and contrition plead for mercy. There are hours, doubtless, known to Christians, when the Spirit makes intercession for them in distress too great for words to express. This was my case, perhaps in the extreme; for I was in the valley of the shadow of death, lighted by nothing but a glimmering hope, which abounding iniquity had almost extinguish ed. Sometimes I could speak, but oftener conviction and despair sealed my mouth. At this time the vanity and error of the pursuits and pleasures of the world were so forcibly impressed on my mind, that I often pray, that I may never be suffered to lose sight of my then present sentiments. The world and all it could afford, appeared as nothing, and less than nothing, compared with the love of God in Christ Jesus: and I was made willing to forsake that and my father's house in faith and practice (as Ruth did of old) and take up my cross daily, and follow Jesus, if I could but know the way. I no longer differed wholly with the outward cause of sin, but strove to bring into subjection that natural depravity of heart from which proceeds all evil, and which grace alone can subdue. These resolutions of living to God, and seeking his favour, as more precious than life, continued with me as my health was confirmed. From this time to that period, in which the free grace of God was magnified in bringing me into the light and liberty of the gospel, and giving me to taste of the freedom of his Son, my distress of mind was such, that I secluded myself almost entirely from society. Seeing all following after vanity, and finding no one that felt like me, I thought myself alone, and uncharitably feared all were gone out of the way of life, and no one sought after the truth, and wished my self in some remote corner entirely se cluded from the world and its snares. "After this, my mind was exercised about baptism, and I still feel myself unsettled as to denomination, which often draws me to fervent prayer to God to lead me by his Spirit into the truth in its original purity. "When I look back on the five last years of my life, and see what a gradual work God has wrought upon me, without my knowledge, how do I reproach that unbelief which still lurks within. Wonderfully has he fulfilled his promise to me. "All things shall work together for good to them that love God, who are the called according to his purpose." Those very things on account of which I murmured against him, and resisted his will, Subsequently to the date of this letter, Mrs. B. became a meinber of the 1st Congregational Church in Port and. Afterwards she was fully convinced of the truth of the baptism of believers only. he has made instrumental in bringing me to himself. Sin was permitted surprisingly to have dominion over me for a season, that grace might reign more abundantly through righteousness unto eternal life by Christ Jesus. Thus has God overruled the malice of Satan, and caused even my aggravated transgressions to work for my lasting peace. For by these did he out off all hope of justification by the law. and brought me to realize the purity and spirituality of it. "Thus, my friend, was I emptied of self, made to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and brought to lie at the feet of Jesus, and plead for pardon, justification, sanctification, and redemption through him; often much distressed, and without any human arm to comfort or help me. This drove me prayerfully to read the scriptures, seeking knowledge and comfort from Him in whom dwells all fulness, and who is ever near them that humbly seek him. For more than twelve months was I permitted to mourn, humbled to the dust, over that mountain of indwelling iniquity which separated me from the comforting presence of my God. But blessed be his name, in his own appointed time, after thoroughly convincing me of being lost and undone in myself, he manifested himself a pardoning, prayer-hearing, justifying God, in and through the Son of his love. The 5th of Dec. last, one of our good people, with whom I had no acquaintance, called to see me. In the course of conversation, he manifested his surprise that one who had, as he thought, so many and great evidences of being born again, found no joy or peace in believing. Í could not believe he meant as he said for I had never yet believed a work of grace was begun in my soul. He left me, but returned in a few minutes, and brought me Pike and Hayward's Cases of Conscience; and the following evening in prayerfully reading the Touchstone of saving faith in this volume, the hidden iniquity of my heart, in seeking a preparation which the gospel does not require, was made to appear. Christ was manifested to my soul, in all his fulness and freeness, to save to the uttermost all who come unto him; and in spite of doubts and fears, the glad tidings of deliverance to the captive took possession of my soul. Since that hour, my friend, I trust I have tasted more or less joy and peace in believing. Adored be the dying love of my God, which alone could procure this unspeakable blessing. I can now yield unto him, the willing, cheerful obedience of faith and love. I feel myself no longer under the condemnation of the law, which requires perfect |