would labour as diligently to enlight en and instruct them, as they do to gather them into their fold. It is their leaving them nearly as uninstructed as they find them, which forms the evil of which I complain.

Every body feels the influence of mind. Its presence is calculated to awe fanaticism and ignorance into silence and order. Its advice and directions commonly command attention. The influence of a few men of mind is felt in every church. And when such men are sanctified by divine grace, they become the guides, the counsellors, the directors of their less gifted brethren. It is of great utility to unintelligent professors of religion, to be connected in church fellowship with such men. Their views and feelings are better directed; their minds are more excited to action; in difficulties, they know where to resort for counsel; they are strengthened in faith, and guided in practice; and on account of this connexion are, in every thing, more efficient members. Many evils result from their separation. Much of the influence which the intelligent might exert, and much of the good to which the ignorant might be stimulated, is lost. The reins by which the presence of mind curbs passion, error and extravagance, are cut asunder. And when those of but little mind, and less information come together, they are like a ship upon the ocean without a helm, receiving its direction from the fickle wind. I have but little doubt, that if the large number of pious but illiterate people now attached to the Methodist church, were under the governing influence of intelligent members, they would be seven fold more efficient than they now are, in promoting the interests of the kingdom of Christ. And that Methodism, in its progress through the country, is drawing the line between two portions of the community which never ought to be sepa

rated, is, in my apprehension, one of its great evils.

[The conclusion of this paper, and of the whole discussion on the subject of Practical Methodism, with a statement and remarks of our own, were prepared for insertion in our present number; but we find ourselves compelled, for the want of space, to postpone them to the coming month.]

MEMOIR OF CAPTAIN BENJAMIN WICKES.

(Continued from page 140.)

The humble views which melancholick Christians entertain of themselves, instead of diminishing, often increase the confidence which their Christian brethren possess in their unfeigned piety, and fitness to be office bearers in the church of Christ. This was fully realized in the case of Captain Wickes. In the year 1794, not long after he had made a publick profession of religion, he was elected a ruling elder of the Third Presbyterian congregation of Philadelphia, of which the Rev. Dr. John Smith was at that time the pastor. Nor was this choice ever regretted by those who made it, or its propriety rendered at all questionable, by any thing in the conduct or character of him who was the object of it, through the whole of his subsequent life. On the contrary, it appeared that he was, in several respects, more than ordinarily qualified to bear rule in the house of God. He was sound in the faith, unusually familiar with the sacred scriptures, not slightly acquainted with systematick theology, gifted in social prayer, and always ready, when requested, to take part in its performance-deeply desirous, and ever ready, to do all in his power to promote true religion, firm and stedfast in his attachment to the doc

trines and order of the church to which he belonged, and yet remarkably Catholick and fraternal in his feelings toward all, of whatever denomination, who appeared truly to love the Lord Jesus Christ. He also possessed a kind and sympa thetick heart, and from his numerous and long continued spiritual conflicts, was able to speak experimentally to minds labouring under similar trials: and however strange it may seem, to those unacquainted with cases similar to that of Captain Wickes, he had a quick and just discernment of the true character of religious exercises-a readiness in distinguishing between the genuine and the counterfeit— in all cases except his own. He was ready, in every situation in which he could be placed, to manifest, not ostentatiously or with intrusive forwardness, but with firmness and decision, his attachment to his Saviour, his cause and people. Reproach for Christ's sake he esteemed an honour. Perhaps no one ever felt less of the fear of man in the performance of plain religious duty, than the subject of this memoir. Of him it might truly be said, that his fear of God absorbed every other fear.

The sea-faring life of Captain Wickes, which he followed for about fourteen years after he was chosen to the eldership, often, it is true, removed him from the immediate service of the church and congregation to which he belonged. But it qualified him to appear with more advantage as a leader in social prayer, and in some other religious exercises, not only on board his own ship while at sea, but in the company of the pious and devout, wherever he went-of which many examples will appear in the sequel. In the mean time, his associates in the eldership supplied his lack of service when absent; and while at home, they received his active assistance, and the benefit of his countenance, counsels and prayers. It appears VOL. IX.-Ch. Adv.

that in the lowest depths of spiritual depression, and when he was ready to think that he had lost all hope, and had entered the region of black despair, there was still a secret influence on his mind, falsifying his dismal apprehensions, and not permitting him to neglect any religious duty, either personal or social. The writer of this memoir has had a striking proof of this fact, since the publication of the last number of the Christian Advocate. By turning to pages 139 and 140 of that number, it will appear from a part of Captain W.'s sea-journal for 1804, that for several days previous to the 10th of July, and in continuance to the 12th of that month, his soul was as much cast down, and in as great anguish, as he probably ever experienced. Yet the following extracts from the journal of a passenger, kept at the time, and sent (the author unknown,) to the Editor of the Advocate, proves that even then he celebrated publick worship on the Sabbath, on board his ship, and performed all the exercises himself; enfeebled as he was by disease, as well as oppressed in spirit almost beyond endurance. What a noble example this of Christian resolution and perseverance! The whole note referred to, is as follows:

REVEREND SIR,-On reading the letters of Captain Wickes in your last Advocate, wherein he gives the state of his mind in July, 1804, I was induced to turn to a journal kept on board the Benjamin Franklin, which ship he commanded at

that time, on a voyage to Batavia; wherein, I find the following remarks noted. I have extracted them for your perusal. The winds and weather from the 8th to the 17th, were the same as noted on the but not now copied. 11th, (the day he speaks of the weather,)

With great respect,

A READER of your Advocate. March 12th, 1831.

11th chapter, 27th verse, of Matthew, all things are delivered unto me of my Father, and no man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whom the

Son will reveal him.'

"Monday, July 9th.-Captain Wickes complains this forenoon of being much indisposed with a foul stomach, and extreme debility.

"Tuesday, July 10th.-This forenoon Captain Wickes is rather worse, although not confined below. Took an emetick, which operated very gently, and caused a discharge of a considerable quantity of bile,-his complaint a nervous fever.

"Wednesday, July 11th.--Captain Wickes thinks himself rather worse this morning; but towards noon felt much stronger, and considerably better than for several days past. A continual succession of squalls, with rain, and very variable winds, all these 24 hours. Took in and made sail, as needful; latitude 9° 21' north.

"Thursday, July 12th.-Captain Wickes

continues to grow better. "Friday, July 13th.--Captain Wickes something better; but not quite free from fever.

"Saturday, July 14th.-Captain Wickes continues to get better.

"Sunday, July 15th.-At 10 A. M. all hands assembled aft, as usual-Captain Wickes read the 7th chapter of Matthew -prayed-and then read Newton's sermon from 11th chapter, 28th verse of St. Matthew: Come unto me all ye that

labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'

"Thursday, July 19th.-This morning Captain Wickes very unwell, having rested ill last night."

Comparing the journal of the writer of this note with that of Captain W. during the same period, it is manifest that the state of his bodily health was in a great measure dependent on the state of his mind. When his mind was relieved and became tranquil, his bodily indisposition was soon removed. The changeableness of his feelings, from sorrow to joy, from hope to despondence, and sometimes from ecstasy to almost despair, is also remarkable. This appears to have been the general character of his religious state and feelings, during the whole period of his sea-faring life, after he made a profession of religion. We have

before us numerous letters written by him at sea, and from foreign lands, to his old and confidential friend, Eastburn, which almost uniformly exhibit a fluctuation of religious feeling truly surprising. Several of them are worthy of publication, but our limits do not permit their insertion in this memoir. Through the whole, however, no religious duty was omitted: his sorconfided only to discreet religious rows and his joys were his own, or friends: before the world, he stood uniformly as an example of emiment and zealous Christian piety, adorning the doctrine of God his Saviour, and ready to every good work.

In the month of May, 1799, Captain Wickes had the gratification of carrying out to the East Indies, the first considerable reinforcement of Baptist missionaries, sent to the assistance of the Rev. Messrs. Carey and Thomas, the pioneers of the glorious and successful enterprise of that denomination in the eastern world. A Mr. Fountain only, had joined them before. In the ship Criterion, Captain W. had undertaken a voyage, first to London and thence to Calcutta. He had no expectation, it appears, of carrying out missionaries; nor did he even know that any were desirous to go in the ship which he commanded, till their passage had actually been contracted for, by the supercargo of his vessel. It will presently be seen, with what pleasure he received this information; and the cordial manner in which he voluntarily expressed to the Baptist Committee for Missions, his readiness to receive their missionaries, and to assure them that every thing should be done for their accommodation on the voyage. But before this, we must insert a letter which he had previously addressed to his friend Eastburn; giving an account of the first acquaintance which he formed with that eminent minister of Christ,

London, April 10th, 1799. My precious Friend and Brother in Christ Jesus,-My heart, at this moment, embraces you in the bonds, I do hope, of everlasting love. I do feel it cleave unto you, and all my precious brethren in Christ at Philadelphia. Oh shall I ever be again permitted to see you in the flesh! Blessed Saviour of sinners! grant me true resignation to thy blessed will. But is it not thine own command, that we should love one another? Oh grant more and more of this precious grace, and shed abroad thine own love in all our hearts, that we may all join in love supreme to thy blessed self. Truly, my friend, I do a little fear that you are something of an idol to my heart; but if so in an undue sense, it shall be corrected. The promise

is sure to that effect.

We arrived here after a passage of thirty-two days of very tempestuous weather. One gale we had, which very nearly overwhelmed us. The ship was hove on her beam ends, and many things swept off the deck: happily, no lives were lost, but one man got a small bone, near his kneepan, broke; he is now able to walk-We are now unloading the ship, and preparing her for our voyage to India. It is intended we shall leave this place in about a month.

Now, my friend, I know that the language on the top of this sheet, excites a desire to know the grounds of it; and perhaps an attempt to satisfy you may not be satisfactory, for I will tell you I am not satisfied myself, being something like the man in the gospel that was born blind, and had his eyes opened to see-One thing he knew, that whereas he was blind, now he could see. So also I can say, that at present my heart has more love to God, and his people, and his church, and his cause on the earth, and more peace of conscience, than I have had these many days and months. You already know my state of mind when I left New York: the gloom continued, yea, rather increased on my passage; so that, when I arrived here, I cannot say that I had any hope left; and seemed careless, in a measure, of what became of me here: but waiting, as it were, with "a fearful looking for of judg

ment, and fiery indignation," which should destroy me, the Sabbath approaching, I made it my business to inquire for Mr. Newton's church, which I heard of, but could not learn whether he was alive or dead. However, I went there in the morning, and stood in the great aisle, (no one opening a pew for me) when I saw a

middle aged man in the reading desk, reading the morning service. The pulpit

was then empty; but when the reading service was nearly ended, I saw a little old man go into the pulpit. He made a short prayer, opened the Bible, took a text from Hebrews the ninth, and two last verses. The man spoke bold and clear gospel, in my judgment; and before he was done, I was pretty sure it was Newton himself: and although he spoke not a word of comfort to me, yet I had a strong desire to speak to him; and when church was over, I waited for him, and stopped him at the door, and asked an opportunity to have some conversation with him: he readily appointed Tuesday morning, gave me his address, and invited me to breakfast with him. On Tuesday morning I awoke with as deep a sense of my lost condition as I had ever known, though not so piercing. I seemed so lost, not, and was in a degree sorry I had this that I was careless whether I prayed or appointment-fearing that when I should enter into conversation, as I intended to

speak the truth, he would really abhor me, and put me out of his house. I did but thought he would show his aversion not suppose he would use any violence; in such a way as would tend to the same thing. breakfast, he took me up stairs, and very soon knew me, I hope, better than I did myself; for he entered into my difficulties at once, and gave such clear knowledge of them, evidenced by my own experience, that my heart began to receive a gleam of hope; since which time, I have experienced an increasing degree of light and knowledge of the person, and the love of Christ to his people; and have, I humbly hope, been in some degree willing to commit my soul and all my concerns into his hands. Oh my friend! could I but once be able to make him a

However, I went; and after

full surrender, my soul would then be satisfied. The paper is full-FarewellGive my love to Mrs. Eastburn, &c.

BENJAMIN WICKES.

From the printed Baptist periodical accounts, for 1799, we now extract the following account of the agreement made for the passage of their missionaries to India. The missionaries were the Rev. Messrs.

Marshman, Ward, Brunsdon, and Grant, with their wives and children; and a single lady, a Miss Tidd; nine adults, and several children. The extract is as follows:

"In the month of April, brethren Fuller and Ward were in London, and agreed with Mr. F, supercargo of an American ship, the Criterion, for a passage. She was expected to sail about the middle of May. The master of the ship, Captain Wickes, was not present at the agreement, but on being informed of it by the supercargo, he wrote to one of the committee as follows-When I was informed by Mr. F. that the passengers we are to take out were Christian Missionaries, truly my heart rejoiced. It brought strongly to my mind a desire which I had felt some years past, when this business was much talked of, that I might have the command of a ship that should convey some of these messengers of peace to the heathen. And now it seems God is about to grant me my desire. I am the master of the Criterion, sir, and am not ashamed to confess myself a lover of the gospel, and of them that preach it, provided they preach not themselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, of whatever denomination they may be. I have been several days preparing the ship for the reception of those passengers, but little thought who they were. Tell them I will have every thing as comfortable as possible, and that they may be entirely separate from every other person of the ship, if they choose it, except myself and two mates, who will be in the same apart

ment.'

"We could not but consider it as a favourable providence, and bless the Lord for it, that the Captain was a friend of Christ. We learned afterwards that he was an elder of the Presbyterian church at Philadelphia, of which Dr. Smith is pastor."

The following additional extract from the periodical accounts is worthy of notice, as recording a merciful interposition of Providence, in behalf of Captain Wickes and the missionaries; but for which, the rapacity of wicked men would have deprived him of his vessel and cargo, and frustrated, for a season at least, perhaps forever, the benevolent designs of the holy and devoted company, who were carrying the glad tidings of salvation to the pagans of India. But "the Lord

regineth, let the earth rejoice." The extract also bears testimony to the active and decided piety of Captain W. and his readiness to favour and assist the missionaries, in making his ship a Bethel, while it was passing to the far-distant port of its destination.

"About three weeks after their departure, we received letters by the Lisbon packet, dated June 14, off Cape Finisterre, in which they speak of being all well and happy: but relate their having met with much boisterous weather in the channel, and being chased by a French privateer, from which they escaped by the darkness of the night. When sailing by Plymouth, they felt very strong sensations on the situation of dear brother Pearce. O that I could adopt one of his children, (says brother Ward) and provide for it as my own!'

"They intimate that the captain joined with them in morning and evening prayer, and in his turn engaged; also that on the Lord's day they had publick wor ship on deck, where one of the brethren preached to the ship's company, after the captain had first addressed them on the subject, and recommended the acknowledging and worshipping of God in their voyage."

The voyage to Calcutta, after passing the English channel, appears to have been prosperous, and on the whole, remarkably pleasant

It was accomplished in 140 days, or twenty weeks. On two or three occasions some alarms were experienced, but they were of short duration, and only served to excite trust in God while they continued, and more lively gratitude to him for protection and deliverance, after they were over. The greatest alarm of all, as frequently happens, proved to be entirely groundlessoccasioned by mistaking a friend for an enemy. In the Periodical Accounts, to which we have already referred, there are extracts from three journals kept on the voyage, by Messrs. Ward, Marshman, and Grant. From these we shall quote a few passages, illustrative of the character of Captain Wickes, the manner in which he treated the missionaries, and the