Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-01-07
NEWPORT.

II NEW IOhl.
Accounts from this place relating to the
state Of religion, as connected with the views
which are most dear to US on this subject
have, for several weeks past, afforded us much
qualification. We feel more than common
interest in that town. from early associations
with persons belonging to some OF its ancient
families; and not the least interesting Of our
"reminiscences is, that it was the birth place of
friend and classmate, clergyman of this
city, who has long filed great space in the
Church, and stood in the front rank of those
writers, whose high aim it is to elevate man
kind as moral and intellectual beings.
When the General Secretary of the Unita-
rian Association, about two months since,
spoke Of visiting Newport, we were confident
that number of persons would bid him well
come in his official relation. All beyond this
was conjecture and matter for experiment.
| His success was far beyond our most san
guine expectations. We have made dIigent
inquiries of him, Of two Of the clergy who
have preached. there since, and of leading
member of the congregation first collected by
Mr.. Briggs, the Secretary of the Unitarian
Society; and we feel il due to Mr.. B. and to
that congregation, to state some Of the prin-
cipal facts in the case. With this alone we
shall content ourselves, though we could de-
scend to particulars Of more personal kind,
highly honorable and praiseworthy to Mr..
Briggs and some Of our friends at Newport.
Mr.. Briggs after he arrived at Newport was
invited to preach in the State House, but with
little hope Of success. as the Unitarians in
the place owned pews in churches Of other
denominations, and, in general, manifested
but little interest in forming a new society,"
A hnU
the subject. to make an attempt to collect a
congregation, in which they succeeded
| Mr.. Briggs preached the first time to very
small audience, consisting of not more than
thirty or forty persons. His audience the
second time was larger by more than three
fold, and soon after the house was filled to
overnowing. He preached six times, and the
last time the house would not accommodate
all who came, and large number went away
for want of room. They listened with pro-
found attention. In the words Of one of the
hearers, "they listened to his preaching with
as intense interest, as if they were hearing
Christianity for the first time" There was
no sectaran feeling about it. The audience
was for the most part composed of persons
who had been accustomed to hear religion
represented in different light, in which il
| did not approve itself to their understandings
nor reach their hearts: and they were rejoiced
/ to find it presented in manner to do both.-
After Mr.. Briggs had been at Newport ter
days, a meeting was called at which abou,
/ $4,000 were subscribed for a church. In
| few days another thousand was added, and il
three weeks from the first Lords Day morn
ing that he commenced preaching to tha
small audience, large society, embracing
great portion Of the intelligent and respecta
Bile people Of the place, was assembled in {
church Of its own. 1t was the church ire
minding us of Calvin and Geneva) in which
| Dr. Hopkins the founder of the sect bearing
his name used to preach.
\ The Church is we'll filed; and the deep in
tercst manifested is very different from tina
sectarian spirit, which, at the present day, i,
SO common-lt is something deeper and ho
lier. Many VINO before seldom attended pub
lie worship, especially among the young, are
constant attendants there, and feel interested
in practical religion.
| II is proposed to expend three or four thou
sand dollars in new modelling the church
and II will then be a very neat and commod
Gus house.
We rejoice in the prospects Of this society
formed in place Of great resort for strangers
many Of whom embrace Christianity in wha,
we regard to be its purity and simplicity.
The town is increasing; and as the beauty
ofits scenery and bealthness of its climate
and the remarkable hospitality Of its citizen,
become more and more known, It will be re.
garded as one Of the most desirable resi-
dences, throughout the year, in New Eng.
land. In summer it is delightfully."- cool; anc
It's winter climate, from the influences of the
surrounding waters Of the ocean, Is perhaps
a. mild as the climate Of Philadelphia.
Il We also wish success, to this society, be.