The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1823-02-25

"
by Rev d. Nichols, in the meeting house OF the trst
parish, to crowded congregation. vote OF thanks
was passed, by the Directors and copy of the dis
course requested for publication
Whilst we express the pleasure we experienee in
reviewing what has already been done BY this Sociey
and the harmony and zeal which nave attended ia
proceedings we cannot refrain FROM reminding ma mem
ber OF the Importance Of the work il which they are
engaged.
The objects before the instruction the con-
version, and the consolation Of seamen and through
them, we trus the evangelizatOn of those beniehted
regions OF the globe, which now enyeloped Ia nor,
al darkness.
Those brave and enterprising men, who are the ad-
Inraon OF their country and Of the world, labor an
der peculiar disadvantages as respects the cultivation
Of religion. They are lamentaby exposed 10 the ayis
OF bad npany and consequently or lntempcFace of
profaneness, and OF irnpiety 1ney require a coun-
teTacting influence. Declared from the ordinary cham
nels OF moral and religious improvement they need a
medium of instruction, which will in some measure
supply the place of the others, and prompt them
nsstly TO apply TO them, whenever opportunity offers
10 do THIS Wnat can be more effectual than the bible
Whilst the human teacher is silent inaccessible it
speaks home TO the c0nscience-it pronounces ven
geance against the guilty and whispers peace
penltent; by precept and example it points out the
way to attalnabe perfection. II is able to make
wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus For all scripture is given by inspiration of God
and IS profitable for doctrine, for reproo for
80
Lord 10 perfect, converting the soul"
Apart from what has been said the individual inter-
est and happiness of sailors demand this of US. The
self denying doctrines Of the Cross are the only e
Gent checks 10 that extTavagance which impovefshes
and that nordinae indu gence In sensual pleasures,
which ruins its thousands.
Exposed to sudden and premature death, no class
OF doe the solemn adnonition. pre- se 10 meet
thy God apply more forcblyj than to seamen. The
horrors Of impending shpwreck, the agitation and bus.
ofy tho dali 81.
yer leave time for such preparation. 1t must be
made before the lightning Of heaven strikes them dead
the waters of the shroud their bodes-cr the
violence Of disease terminates their existence.
When provisions fail the object Of solicitude is
in Vanishing want of that bre ad which came Down
from heaven, more than Of the bread which peTisheh
When cast alone spon desert shore, and no human
voice can reach his ear, no human hand minister
reliehe anspeakably needs the support Of the word
which was made flesh; the that an inviss
bic hand is kindly sustaining and leading him. through
dark, narrow, and rugged path TO place of secuf-
ty OF rest and Of abundance that, although he ma
again be compelled TO pass many foods, that lift
40 their waves the Eternal God who alone spread
eth out the heavens aud Tueth the raging Of the sea-
will conduct him, in safety, to the haven where he
woud be-"
Again; the welfare Of the community at large and
of religion is involved. in this object.
There is charm in the character Of seamen, which
gains the affections of the andsman. He sees before
nm the man VINO mas halarued MS lie Tor his sake
who has escaped great Perils and endured excessive
hardshiPa He finds in him geSerosity, sociaFty and
courage. In admiration of the intrepid tar, his faults
nay bis vices, are too often dsregarded Children ant
youth assemble around him, and imbibe portion of
his spirit But if he fears God and loves and prac-
tees virtue, he may become instrumental Of doing
more good by his conduct and conversation than he
has heretofore done by his skill and eIaeTpri,e. The
influence OF the sailor is greater far greater than is
generally supposed. Into whatever port lie enters,
4 In
place. lie visits foreign countries where christianity
has before hardly been known even by name Nomin-
ally christian, is he in reality unbeliever ?Then
the religion of Jesus is presented and the name OF
the only true God basphemed by him. This, certainly
places strong barrier in the way of the propagation
Of the Gospel But let the truths OF the sacred Vol
ume be ngrafted inwardly in his heartfelt faith OPP
crate in him as an actuatng principle, and the happy
results will be visible at home and abroadnot only
in his own person. but in the salutary influence he
will exert over his comrades.
For these reasons let all be perseveringlg active in
the bible cause Convinced that its possession by mar
liners is Of the utmost importance. Let all far
practicable, persuade them TO make it the man of
their counsel" pray for blessing upon this Society
and be encouraged to 60 on IN this piouS under taking
with undiminished ardor, by the glorious promises
that he which converteth sinner from the error
of his way shall save a soul from death, and hide
multitude of siss. They that be wise shall shine as
the brightness of the armament, and they that turn
"A member of the society of Friends has re-
quested US to extract from the Raleigh Regis
ter, the following communication on the subject
Of THE MILITIA u
The sentiments contained in the following Address
are not such as we have been accustomed to hear,
but understand they are such as are entera ned by
many officers of rank and experience. Gen. Jones
had long been senior Major General OF the State
and was for several wears Adiutant General Eis
opportunities for forming correct opinions, therefore
ehtitle whatever he may advance the subject to
at least a respectful consideration. If his opinions
are correct it is important that their truth should be
established if erroneous, opportunity is offered
for exposing their fallacy Ed. Raleigh Register
To he honorable the General assembly Of the
State oCyNoTth Carolina.
GENTLEMEN--I hereby tender you my resigna-
ton of the Office of MAJOR General in the AIilita
Of North Carolina.
On this occasion beg leave to offer to your
view some considerations in regard 10 the Mill
tia, which deem of much importance to the best
interests of the community.
Exertions TO discipline the Militia have been
perseteringly made for thirty years Instruc-
tons have been given and penalties inflicted.
Laws and regulations have multiplied without
end. Every where men of zeal and talents, i'm
PEELED by the powerful motives Of public interest
and individual distinction, have Afforded their
aid---and what has been the result The Militia
are now, in point Of efficiency, exactly as they
were when these mighty efforts commenced and
thirty years more OF experience would only 90
TO prove that the proud spirit Of freemen is not
TO be broken down into the machinery which
constitutes the efficiency Of regular army
Nor is il, in my oPinion, in any point Of view
IL