American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-01-30
From the U. S. Gaxeite,


several sespor,s in our union, attempts have bee
made TO excite the attention of seamen to the trutl
OF the Gospel. IL had been noticed that few OF III
numerous class OF men ever made their appearance
at a regular church, either on account oil their b
bits, or the probability that they should not find az
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES arose determination at fir
IN England, of providing some place congenial
the habits OF seamen in which they might hear II
words OF truth This idea was Immediately caugl
on this side the Atlantic, and seamens churc
was opened in New York, another in Boston, an
one in this city.
1t is proper that the public should not view the.
undertakings in an ordinary light; they are not
dentihed with the thousand Utopian schemes
chrlstanizing Hindoos, and Indians. These ar
cur own brethren, and kinsmen according TO tn
flesh = by neglect their habits had become such a
TO separate them from the association of almost al
others OF their species, and so efectua has been tn
separation that those whose tuned only 4
prayer and praise, have scarcely been shocked a
oahs and imprecations from the mouth of sailor
because from habit they have conceived that sucI
is almost the legitimate language of seamen--an
it cannot be denied that the customs of ships ere,
have given license to this opinion. These men
capable OF, nay, generally exercising although &C
centrcally some of the noblest feelings of the hu
man heart, have been left to their own maginations
great ends OF life, have scarcely heard the name
their Redeemer, but in basphemy, have indeed If
the emphatic language OF scripture 81 lived without
Tod IN this world :''-but thanks to the exertons
oil lew individuals, il is no longer so--we are moi
capable OF Judging Of the talents which have beer
exercised Tor the good oil seamen in other places; il
IS enough that we can speak Of our own city.
Seamen ale no longer shut out by custom from
public worshp--a house has been provided for them
eSclusivey-and twice every week the word of sal
walton IS preached to the children Of the ocean in
language, level to their comprehension, by the Rev
Joseph Eastburn. In mentioning the name oil this
distinguished philanthropst, every better feeling Of
The human heart rises up to do him reverence Mr..
Eastburn, is the sailors minister; he has not gone
about to collect money to build himself mariners
Chufch--he has not published series OF lectures
and orations " Tor the cause of seamen''-no, he
mas gathered the wandering sons Of the ocean, into
lot--he has called Them into ships cabn-he
has collected them upon deck, and when their
hearts were touched by the simple eoquence Of
his aYen-taught prayer he has shown them the
narrow path, and said this is the way, walk We
in it,
Mr.. Easiburn has not left his nock when he
has spoken to them the word Of lfe-he has follow
20 them up he has watched the operation of grace
upon their unsopbisticated hearts and aided it. bv
proper distribution OF books, particularly the bible
taken care that the impression which he has made
hPon them, on shore, shall not be lost in long vow
ages amid dangerous and alluring companions.
ana What Is the consequence ?-Hundreds of
ssa'neh IN ms port who lew years ago, spent in
or weeks the hard earnings OF months, or wears,
a"o spent them too IN scenes disgusting TO every
ieehng OF decency, where the decay OF health al.
ihost sept pace with the evacuation of the purse.
now save their dearly earned GAIN for the support
OF those whom nature teaches to look to them for aid.
anu instead oil abrohel or riot they visit their little
Bethel and pour out their feelings in praise 10 Him
VINO watches all those that "go down to the sea in
ships -
70 along our wharves on the eve Of ship.s sail.
ing AID IN many, very many instances, instead OF
hlrth and rioadry, the will be greeted with the
voice OF alteration and the song Of praise-and
WIS IS the effect OF the labors Of Joseph Eas5urn.
ana should It be asked what is his reward--po
We" The tears OF regret with which seaman leaves
MN hear the prayers Of the sailor, his vile
aha children Tor peace and length of life to the good
Fnan mark those tokens of affectionate remem
orance which reach him by almost every ARRIVAL
ana above all think OF the glow OF satisfaction which
must ever animate him as he views the success of
ms laOors OF love and in that success the approval
OF Heaven Can man have richer reward ?-and
VINO IS he that would not envy the feelings and fame
81 this Apostle OF the Mariners
. ne success OF the Bethel societies is not CON
uhea 10 us consequences to those who share their
immediate Observation-Disclosures must and we b,
eVe co. eel thatit will be their interest to encour-
'Se Tue eHertion oil these societies, which promise
70 much good.
From tie Sandy Hil Times.