the Hampshire Education Society, to be placed in the permanent fund. May many blessings from heaven be shed upon the evening of his days. Northampton Gazette. WORTHY OF IMITATION. A benevolent gentleman in Georgia has made a donation, to the American Education Society, of thirty-five Shares in the Bank of the United States, through their Agent, the Rev. Richard S. Storrs. ON THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. The establishment of the christian religion among men is the greatest of all miracles. In spite of all the power of Rome; in spite of all the passions, interests, and prejudices of so many nations, so many philosophers, so many different religions, twelve poor fishermen, without art, without eloquence, without power, publish and spread their doctrine throughout the world. In spite of persecution of three centuries, which seemed every moment ready to extinguish it; in spite of continued and innumerable martyrdoms of persons of all conditions, sexes, and countries; the truth, in the end, triumphs over error, pursuant to the predictions both of the old and new law. Let any one show some other religion which has the same marks of a divine protection. A powerful conqueror may establish, by his arms, the belief of a religion which flatters the sensuality of men; a wise legislator may gain himself attention and respect by the usefulness of his laws; a sect in credit, and supported by the civil power, may abuse the credulity of the people; all this is possible-but what could victorious, learned, and superstitious nations see, to induce them so readily to follow Jesus Christ, who promised them nothing in this world but persecutions and sufferings, who proposed to them the practice of a morality to which all darling passions must be sacrificed. Is not the conversion of the world to such a religion, without miracles, a greater and more credible one, than even the greatest of those which some refuse to believe? FENELON. THE ITALIAN BISHOP. A certain Italian Bishop was remarkable for his happy and contented disposition. He met with much opposition, and encountered many difficulties in his journey through life; but it was observed, that he never repined at his condition, or betrayed the least degree of impatience. An intimate friend of his, who highly admired the virtue which he thought it impossible to imitate, one day asked the Prelate if he could communicate the secret of being always satisfied, "Yes," replied the good old man, "I can teach you my secret, and with great facility. It consists in nothing more than in making a right use of "Most wilmy eyes." His friend begged him to explain himself. lingly," returned the Bishop, "In whatever state I am, I first of all look up to heaven, and reflect that my principal business here is to get there. I then look down upon the earth, and call to mind that, when I am dead, I shall occupy but a small space in it. I then look abroad into the world, and observe what multitudes there are who in every respect are less favoured than myself. Thus I learn where true happiness is placed, where all our cares must end, and how very little reason I have to repine, or to complain." ANECDOTE. "I die daily." 1 Cor. xv. 31. The late eminent Mr. Durham, in his last illness, which was long and lingering, was visited by a minister who said to him, "Sir, I hope you have set all in order, and that you have nothing else to do but to die." "I bless God," replied Mr. Durham, "I have not had that to do neither, these many years." ENEMIES. C. "Enemies are sharp-sighted to spy out our faults, and so may, through the Divine blessing, prove monitors to us, both with respect to sin and duty." W. The subscribers to the Christian Herald are respectfully and earnestly requested to pay whatever balance may be due on the Herald, to the several Agents; and the Agents will be so good as to transmit all monies received, to Mrs. Hannah Caldwell, sole executrix of Mr. John E. Caldwell, deceased. New-York, 26th March, 1819. NOTICE. The Christian Herald will in future be published by JOHN GRAY, from No. 8 Murray-street. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF MR. JOHN E. CALDWELL. [The writer of this article has prepared it at the suggestion of friends, who thought that an imperfect sketch of the life and character of the Editor, rather than none, ought to be inserted in the last number of the Christian Herald, published under his direction.] Mr. John Edwards Caldwell was born the 2d day of February, in the year 1769. He was the eldest son of the Rev. James Caldwell and Hannah Ogden. His father was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Elizabethtown, New-Jersey. Both father and mother being eminently pious and devoted to the service and honour of the Lord Jesus, trained up their children in the way in which they should go. Though they were cut off at an early period during the late revolutionary war, yet the fruits of their in structions and prayers appeared long after they slept in Jesus, in the blessing of God upon the most of their children. And who can tell but God will make every one of them his own before they go hence and be no more? The subject of this sketch was 13 years of age when his last surviving parent was taken from him. After this mournful event, but at what time is not known, he was placed under the care of the late Dr. Mc Whorter, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Newark. Here he experienced religious impressions, which, however, were like the morning cloud and the early dew. An event soon occurred to prove that what he then felt was not the genuine work of the Spirit of God. The Marquis de la Fayette had become acquainted with his father, to whom he was warmly attached, and after his death interested himself in behalf of this son. Dr. Boudinot, the President of the American Bible Society, one of his father's elders, and his bosom friend, was the guardian of the children. He, with the approbation of other friends of the father of Mr. Caldwell, yielded to the solicitation of the Marquis, and gave him up to his care. At the age of 14 he embarked with the Marquis for France, where he received a liberal education. During his residence in Paris he became a convert to the Roman Catholic religion. This circumstance, together with the horrors of the French Revolution, and the solicitations of his friends in this country, induced him to return to his native land in the year 1791, cherishing, to the day of his death, the warmest affection for the Marquis and Marchioness. He was then placed under the care of the Rev. Doctors Witherspoon and Smith. These able and celebrated Theologians convinced him of the errors of popery, after which, by a very natural process, he became a Skeptick. In this state of mind and feeling, so far as revealed religion is concerned, until 1809, when the illness and christian support of his step daughter, Miss Eliza Van Wyck, led him to serious reflection about his own character, and a deliberate examination of the nature and claims of true religion, which terminated in his conversion unto God. During the whole period of his religious impressions until his public profession, he appeared afraid of ostentation. His examination of true religion was private, not seen of men: and in that examination he found benefit from the recollection of the instruction with which parental piety had furnished him; as also the course of reading which Doctors Witherspoon and Smith had prescribed to convince him of the fallacy of Roman Catholic pretensions. In the month of Nov. 1809, he made a public profession of faith in Christ, and obedience to his commandments; and such was the confidence reposed in this profession, that in 1811 he was elected an elder of the Presbyterian Church in Cedar-street. After he gave himself up to the Lord in the bonds of his covenant he actively engaged in every scheme for the promotion of true religion. His name was enrolled as a member of the various societies established in this city to extend the kingdom of Christ. In performing his duties as a member he laboured abundantly, without sparing himself, and so far as we can judge, he laboured successfully. But his usefulness was not fully known until the formation of the American Bible Society. Of this Institution he was from the beginning a warm and decided advocate. At an early period after its organization he was elected chairman of the standing committee, and so soon as the interests of the Society required it, their agent. In the performance of the duties of this office he was indefatigable, prompt, intelligent, and successful. He never spared himself; and at last fell a victim to his fidelity. On Thursday the 25th of February he exposed himself to very unpleasant and unhealthy weather, to finish a contract which he had made for paper, on account of the Society. In the course of that day he became very unwell, and the next day was confined to his house, from whence he never went out again. He died on the 9th day of March, without a struggle or a groan, in the 50th year of his age. Such was the nature of his complaint and the suddenness of his death, that his friends can furnish the christian public with little to satisfy their laudable curiosity. Suffice it to say, that throughout his sickness his mind was solemnly affected; and notwithstanding his extreme pain, until three days before his death he attended to the business of the agency, and editorship, together with the performance of family worship. His conversation throughout the whole period of his confinement, was, though not that of a dying christian, yet that of a confirmed believer. On the morning of the day before be died, he directed the 23d Psalm to be read for him, and when finished expressed his satisfaction in its contents. During that day he dictated the additional notice contained in the last number, which announced his relinquishment of the Christian Herald after this number. To the agency of the American Bible Society he had determined to devote all his talents and time, not required by the church of which he was an elder, or by his family. But a righteous and holy God has called him hence that he might enjoy the gracious rewards of his master. He rests from his labours, but his works do follow him! His character may be summed in the following particulars, viz. an extreme caution in examining every thing that presented itself to his view with the most minute attention and the most faithful diligence; solidity of judgment when the examination was completed to his own satisfaction; an uncommon degree of self-possession; invincible firmness in defence of the opinions which he embraced, connected with the polished courtesy of a man of the world, and the forbearance of a christian. Few, if any, laymen were better acquainted with the system of truth as contained in the scriptures, or more engaged in promoting plans for ensuring its extensive circulation, and its triumph over sin and error. In this age of religious exertion, he eminently combined increase of christian knowledge with increase of christian activity. The cast of his mind, whilst it kept him from enthusiasm, caused him to advance steadfastly and surely in his measures for the advancement of Christ's kingdom. He entered fully into all plans for the prosperity of Christ's kingdom; not only those which are general, but those which are particular. As a member of the Presbyterian Church, he approved of, and patronized, the Theological Seminary established at Princeton. He was also a member of the Direction of the African School formed and supported by the Synod of New-York and New-Jersey. As a member of the different judicatories of the denomination with which he was connected, he displayed powers of mind, and chastened feelings, which made him useful in an eminent degree. Very few men understood so well as he did the principles of enlarged christian policy, as incorporated in the constitution of the Presbyterian Church, and defended them with so much success against his opponents; and yet fewer men displayed so much self-controul and regard to the Ecclesiastical standing of those with whom he came in direct collision. May the mantle of this departed christian descend upon one qualified to succeed him in the different relations which he sustained to the church of God, and fill up the chasm which his death has occasioned. FOR THE CHRISTIAN HERALD. On the death of J. E. Caldwell Esq. Agent of the American Bible Society. How sweetly does the real Christian rest From all his labours and from all his cares! How richly are his earthly labours blest When his rapt spirit leaves this vale of tears. When once releas'd from sorrow and from wo, Where all is pure and everlasting bliss. CALDWELL, unweari'd servant of the Cross! Long must that sacred INSTITUTION feel Its plans to second, and the world to bless. Active thine efforts steadfast was thine aim, Oh! who can recollect thine ardent zeal To give the Sacred Volume to the poor, And not the loss of so much worth deplore. Servant of God, thou'st run thy heav'nly race [fight; Thine is the rich reward-the sacred feast FOR THE CHRISTIAN HERALD. Lamented Caldwell! to the Christian dear, Yet 'twas not always so: the black'ning cloud "Go, turn that soul from darkness unto light; He felt the power; he saw the heavenly light; Love in his soul maintain'd her sacred fire: His heart came burning to his kindling eye, Lodg'd with his treasure in the world on high; Not the half-love that, clinging to the soil, Devotes, for golden dust, long hours of toil; He gave his heart to his redeeming Lord, God's fear his treasure, and his hope His word: No more he covets mortal man's applause, a Go," said the Lord, and cloth'd the word with But spends his life to serve the Bible cause. [might; |