OBITUARY. A Brief Account of the Melancholy Event, which lately occurred at Rochester Bridge, (on the River Medway, England.) ON Friday, the 13th of September, 1816, Thomas, son of the late Mr. Gilbert, of Chatham, having attained his twenty-first year, a party was formed to enjoy the pleasure of a fine afternoon in a water excursion: it consisted of a gentleman, his wife and child, and 12 other young persons, from 6 to 21 years of age. The party walked to Rochester about three o'clock, and took the water above bridge, from whence they proceeded up the river, and went as far as Halling, where they passed the afternoon, in the most social and harmless hilarity; little anticipating the fatal doom which so speedily awaited them; and, after taking tea, reentered their boat, in order to return. On leaving Halling, they passed away the time, and amused themselves by singing hymns, as the boat glided down the stream. On approaching Rochester Bridge, many persons were arrested in their progress, and stopped. to listen to the joyous harmony of the happy party, rendered more. melodious by the serenity of the evening. It was particularly remarked, that the hymn they were singing, as they approached the fatal spot, was that interesting piece which concludes with the following verse: "The hour is near, consign'd to death, I own the just decree; Saviour! with my last parting breath, I'll cry remember me. This was their theme when they approached the bridge. The boat shot under the arch with the velocity of lightning, the tide being about half ebb, at which time it dashes through the arches of the bridge with immense force, and the deepest fall of about four feet. In a moment a sudden crash was heard, and one general heart-piercing shriek of agony announced to the trembling passengers above, the dreadful work of desolation. A beam, at that time about a foot under water, against which the boat had struck, was the cause of the accident. On looking over the balustrades, thing was seen but the boat driving impetuously over the boiling surges, with its keel upwards, and a little dog which was fastened to it by a string. Nothing was heard but the roaring of the waters. Thus, in a moment, were engulphed fifteen persons, who, in the innocent enjoyment of that pleasure which youth, health, and religion bestows, were suddenly consigned to a watery grave. Not one was saved-every soul instantaneously perished. The arch which they entered was under repair; and the workmen, on the morning of that day, had placed a piece of fir-timber, about twelve inches square, from one starling to the other; and secured it with cleets and chains. As the tide rose it was hid from sight, and the waterman had gone over it in the afternoon in going up the river, without perceiving it. To attempt to describe the agonizing feelings of the families and friends of the unfortunate sufferers would be as vain, as the tearless agony of parental affection, searching all night in a solitary boat to discover the remains of a beloved daughter. The breathless anxiety for hoped-for intelligence, but too frequently disappointed, together with the despair produced by the certainty of their fate, may be conceived, but defies description. The bereaved Mrs. Gilbert, aged 64, is by this afflictive dispensation deprived of ALL her family!-two daughters, her son, granddaughter, and son-in-law,-all that remained to console her widowed heart-all-all is lost. To expatiate at length upon the characters of the individuals who were so fatally and so prematurely lost to society, would be to castigate the feelings of the reader. They were all respectable, chaste, worthy, and devout members of the community-and the remembrance of their virtues will be cherished by their friends, as long as "memory holds its seat." holds its seat." But we cannot dismiss this notification without alluding most particularly to Mr. Mills; who united every qualification which adorns the Christian and the man. He was alike pious, humane, philanthropic, and generous ;-but expressions of our feelings or regrets, will not reduce the calamity: -we only hope that the Divine lesson it teaches, will have a pro fitaole influence upon mankind: for a Divine lesson it may truly be called !-It piously refreshens the remembrance of what we are all too apt to forget the mutability of human life. It forcibly awakens our recollection of the very frail tenure upon which we hold our existence in this world; it has the most powerful claims upon our best feelings and strongest affections; and whilst it affords an additional proof of the uncertainty of worldly things, we hope it will also prove a salutary beacon--that mankind, not knowing how soon they may be snatched from this world, may ever be prepared to depart from it; that those unfortunate schisms which so frequently embroil society, may be averted; and that the differences which so often tear asunder the closest ties of relations, families, and friends, may be healed or prevented, by a constant recollection of Rochester Bridge! NEW BIBLE SOCIETIES. A Bible Society was some time since formed in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and another in Delaware County, Pa. auxiliary to the Bible Society of Philadelphia. A Bible Society was also formed in December at Somerville, N. Jersey, Auxiliary to the New-Jersey Bible Society. A Bible Society was formed in November last at Detroit, (Michigan Territory) Auxiliary to the American Bible Society.-Governour Lewis Cass is President, and Rev. John Monteath Corresponding Secretary. A Bible Society was likewise formed at Bardstown, (Kentucky) auxiliary to the National Society. The Female Bible Society of Rahway, (N. J.) has also recently declared itself Auxiliary to the same. These make the number of Auxiliaries-70. CHRISTIAN HERALD. VOL. II.] Saturday, January 11, 1817. [No. 16. AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR EVANGELIZING THE JEWS. In one of our preceding Numbers we led our readers to expect, at no distant period, an account of the measures which have been pursued in this place for some time past, to devise a plan for engaging Christian zeal and benevolence in the important work of attempting to evangelize the Israelites dwelling among us. We have thought it adviseable to defer the publication of the steps which were taken from time to time on this subject, until they should assume a systematic and settled form. These proceedings having lately resulted in the organization of an Institution for the purpose of prosecuting the object with method, permanency, and efficiency; and the following statement of the origin and formation of that Society, together with its Constitution, and an address to Christian brethren on the subject, having been ordered to be published, we embrace with much pleasure the opportunity of realizing the expectations, and, we trust, `re joicing the hearts of many of our readers, by now presenting them with these particulars. Statement of facts respecting the origin and formation of the In stitution. WHILST Societies have recently been organized in Britain, with auxiliaries in other parts of Europe for the conversion of the Jews, the Church of Jesus Christ on this side the Atlantic, has hitherto done nothing, or next to nothing, to recover and restore to the fold of its Saviour that once distinguished, now dispersed, but still wonderful people. A solemn statement of these facts was laid before the Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church in the city of New-York by one of its members, on December 2d, 1813; which being duly considered, it was Resolved," That this object is worthy, in the opinion of the Consistory, of the attention of the Church, and that it be recommended to the Rev. Classis of New-York to take the subject into their serious consideration, and by the appointment of monthly lectures, or in such other mode as to them may seem meet, endeavour to promote the conversion of the Jews, provided the measure appears to be proper, seasonable, or in any degree attainable." At an ordinary meeting of the Classis of New-York, held in the city of New-York, October 13, 1814, the following minute was entered on their records, namely, "the resolution of the Consistory of New-York brought forward at the last ordinary meeting on the state of the Jews having been considered, Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to inquire whether any, and if any, what extra means can be adopted by Classis, to effect the great object contemplated in that resolution, and That said Committee be empowered to devisc and mature a plan on that subject, to be laid before Classis, as soon as may ticable, for their approbation." be pracThat Committee was accordingly appointed, and directed their attention to this subject without delay. The first objects of that Committee were to ascertain The number of Jews now residing in this city: The disposition manifested by them toward their own religious institutions, and toward Christians: Whether they were willing to receive religious instruction: What were the first steps taken for their conversion by the Society instituted for that purpose in London. When they had obtained all the information they could procure on these points, a sub-committee was appointed to draft a report to be laid before Classis; owing, however, to the discouragement arising out of the inquiries of the General Committee in relation to the Jews, to the occasional absence of its members from the city, and other causes, the report above mentioned was not presented until the 18th of Sept. 1816. Mr. Joseph Samuel C. F. Frey, who had lately been connected with the Society for the conversion of the Jews in London, and had recently and unexpectedly arrived in this country, was providentially present at that meeting. The report submitted to the General Committee, and which embraced several plans for the conversion of the Jews, was approved, and ordered to be laid before Classis at their next ordinary meeting, which was accordingly done; and the same having been received, and entered upon the minutes of Classis, it was resolved, to adopt the first plan proposed in that report, the substance of which was to attempt the conversion of the Jews by instituting a Society for that purpose, embracing the whole Evangelical interest of this city. The Committee of Classis was then enlarged, and directed to use their influence without delay, for carrying that plan into effect. At a meeting of a number of persons of different religious denominations convened, in pursuance of public notice, at No. 10 Garden-street, in the city of New-York, on Wednesday the 6th day of November, 1816, for the purpose of considering the expediency of forming a Society for evangelizing the Jews, it was unanimously Resolved, That it is expedient to form a Society for that end. A Committee was then appointed to draft a Constitution and an Address to the public. At a meeting publicly called by that Committee the 30th of December, 1816, the Society was regularly organized, and the following Constitution and Address were adopted, and ordered to be published. CONSTITUTION. 1. This Society shall be known by the name of The American Society for evangelizing the Jews. Its sole object shall be to make every possible and proper exertion, in dependence on the blessing of the God of Abraham, to bring the Jews to the acknowledgment of Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the true Messiah, and to the experience of the power of his grace. II. Any person paying three dollars annually, shall be a member of the Society, or thirty dollars at one time, shall be a member for life. III. The Society shall meet annually in the city of New-York, on the last Monday in December, at 10 A. M.-Fifteen members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. IV. At the annual meeting there shall be chosen by the Society, a Board of Managers, consisting of a President, a Vice-President, a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, a Treasurer, and seven others: any five of whom shall be a quorum. V. The Board of Managers shall conduct the business of the Society, enact their own By-laws, call special meetings, dispose of the funds, and fill vacancies in their own Board. They shall meet statedly the third Thursday of every other month, beginning with the month of January, at such place as they shall adjourn to from time to time, in the city of New-York. VI. The President, or in case of his absence, the Vice-President, at the request of any two Managers, may call a special meeting of the Board. VII. This Constitution may be altered by the vote of two thirds of the Members present at an annual meeting of the Society, on the recommendation of the Board of Managers. OFFICERS. Rev. Dr. Philip Milledoler, D.D. President. Mr. John E. Caldwell, Corresponding Secretary. Mr. Thomas Storm, Treasurer. Other Managers. Rev. John Williams, Rev. J. M. Matthews, Rev. R. B. E. M'Leod, Rev. John Knox, Mr. Isaac Sebring, Mr. Matthias Bruen, Mr. John Nitchie. [The Address will be given in our next.] |