His Residence in New-York, and His Exertions in Behalf of the Poor and Ignorant in That City

Few men knew better how to gather up the Imments of time than Mr. Mills. “Wist yc not that I must be about my father’s business?” appeared incessantly to be his motto. He was seldom at a loss to know how to “fill up life well;” and it was no difficult task to a mind like his, to create opportunities of usetuluess, where he did not them ready to his hand. While some of his plans were ripening for execution, he spent the summer and autumn of 18 IG in the city of New-York, where he devoted himself to inquiries into the moral condition of the poor, with a particular view to supply them with Bibles and Tracts.

The true condition of our large cities, in respect of moral instruction, it is lamentable to state, has been little thought of, even by those who, in other departments of duty, manifest a commendable zeal in promoting the best interests of their fellow men. This “New Missionary Field,” as it has been

justly styled, discloses a picture of pollution and misery which we little expected to behold. From an interesting document* not long since submitted to the public, it appears, that not less than 60,000 persons in the city of New-York, 18,000 in the town of Boston, upwards of 50,000 in the city of Philadelphia, between 30 and 10,000 in Baltimore, and upwards of 10,000 in Charleston, are literally destitute of the privileges of the gospel, and in a state of sottish ignorance and deep impiety. Upwards oi 700,000 also in London, and 80,000 in Liverpool, arc in the same deplorable ignorance; ‘^ while in Great Britain and on the continent, most other cities are in no better, and many of them are in a much worse condition.” What must be thought of that community, where, in one section, “out of twenty families adjoining each other, sixteen are destitute of the Bible; in another, out of one hundred and fifteen families, adjoining each other, seventy are destitute; in another, out of thirty-two, twenty-one are destitute; and in another, out of thirty, twenty-seven are destitute” — and that in this Christian land? Little do we know what heathenism is to be found in our most enlightened and privileged cities. Corroborative of these remarks, and as indicative of the extent and success of Mr. Mills’ eflforts for the relief of this class of people, a few facts will be presented from his own journal.

“June 20. Mr. S and myself called at a house

on Manhattan Island. The first person we saw was

* A Report to the Female Missionary Society, for the Poor of Ncw-Yoik and its vicinity, published in 1817, by the Rev. Ward Stafford.

1 lO MIi:MOin,S OF TilK LATI,

a married woman, about 30 years of” age. Alter a few introductory observations, we inquired of her whether she had a Bible in her family. ‘■ A Bible,’ said she, with an expression of some surprise, ’ what do you do with the Bible?’ We told her that the Bible was the Word of the living God, and ought to be attentively perused by everyone; that we all needed its instructions, and the consolations which its doctrines and precepts were able to give, when received in the love of them. Her countenance soon became more solemn, and she listened attentively to the serious admonition which was given her. We gave her a religious Tract, and addressed ourselves to another woman who came in. She was 35 or 40 years of age. She appeared a sensible woman, and we had reason to hope before we left the house that she was a pious person. She informed us, that she had entertained a hope that she was a Christian for more than twelve years. Her circumstances had been such, that she had not made a public profession of religion, though she had often wished for the privilege of doing so. It appeared that the reason of her delaying this duty, had been owing principally to the want of evidence with respect to her good estate. Her attachments were in favour of the Presbyterian Church — the greater part of the time we were conversing with this woman, there was present a young lady, who appeared very solemn. We entered into conversation with her, and found that tor some months past she had been the subject of very serious impressions, and still continued so. She spoke of her guilt as very great, and expressed her fears that there was no mercy for her. She had lately come to the island, from a place in Connecticut, where there had been a revival of religion. Her case excited in us a peculiar interest. We addressed her as we thought was proper to address one, whose nnnd was awakened to serious concern by the influences of the Holy Spirit. After we left the house, we remarked to each other on the variety in the characters of those who resided under the same roof

“It seemed that the woman with whom we first conversed, had been entirely neglectful of tho concerns of her soul, and chose to continue in that state.

“The second expressed a humble hope that she had been born again, and that she belonged to Christ,

“The third seemed to feel herself a guilty condemned sinner, and feared lest she had sinned away the day of grace, and must perish for ever.

•’ Visited another family. The w oman professed to belong to the Methodist Church. She said that: her husband once belonged to the same connexion, but did not at that time belong to any church. While we were conversing serifpusly with the w oman, her husband came in. Some observations of a religious nature were addressed to him. He said he knew all about these things. He said he had once been a Christian himself, but had fallen from grace, and his circumstances were such, that he could not reform at that time. He said he knew that he was in the snare of the devil, and that if he should then die he should be damned, and perish with a greatly aggravated condemnation. He remarked, that notwithstanding this conviction, which haunted him day and night.

1 12 lUr-.MOlRS OF THE LATt,

he felt no disposition to attempt a reform at that time. He said he was far gone in iniquity, and nothing we could say would awake him; still at times he had a hope that he should see better days. OV.. ing our conversation with him, he more than once reverted to his circumstances, as unfavourable to his entering again upon a life of piety and devotedness to God; and observed, that if he was in some remote solitary situation, he would change his course of conduct, and reform. We expressed to him our surprise, if he really believed this to be the fact, that he should remain a moment where he then was. We inquired of him why he did not tlee with his fomily from the place where he then was, in as great haste as if the house were on fire over his head. But we could not move him. During our conversation with him, we gave him to understand, that we did not think he had ever experienced religion, and that he had always been the enemy of God. He replied, that “he knew not what we could believe, if we might not give credit to our own feelings and convictions. No one could convince him that he had not previously been a Christian.” Nothing that we could say seemed to have much effect upon him. He generally acknowledged all we said and censured himself severely, but seemed determined to remain where he was. He appeared to us one of the most hopeless characters we had ever seen; possessed of a certain fearful looking-for of judgment, and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries.

“Called upon some other families. Found two women and a man, who had formerly belonged to either Presbyterian or Congregational Churches. They were anxious to enjoy the like privileges again.”

“July 10, 1816. I have been engaged some weeks past, in searching out those poor people in the city who are destitute of the sacred Scriptures. The

Rev. Jllr. S d, Mr. H — , Mr. C, Mr. W,

and Mr. L, have occasionally accompanied me.

We find very many destitute of the Bible; and in many families, not an individual can be found who is able to read.

“Generally the people are very ignorant. Ask them if they hope they are Christians, they answer “yes, they have no doubt of that.” Ask them whether they have ever been born again — explain to them the nature of regeneration, and you will ascertain they know nothing of the subject. Press upon them the necessity of a change of heart, and describe their awfully exposed condition — tell them thou art the man, and in some instances they appear solemn and affected to tears. Where we leave Bibles with persons of this character, we obtain their solemn promise to read them with attention. The great mass of these people are fitly represented by Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones. Come, O breath, from the four winds, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live!

‘• July 12. Have been conversing with some captains of vessels and others, in company with Mr. S,

on the expediency of forming a Alarine Bible Society. The prospect is favourable. Mr. S — — and myself

P have supplicated the Throne of Grace for direction in this business.

“July 19. Distributed Bibles in Skinner-street,

Mr. S in company. We had a number of serious

conversations with the persons we called on. One Irish woman seemed much afTected. She acknowledged she had done nothing but sin against God all her days; and she considered her sins greatly aggravated, because committed against great light.

“July 20. Conversed with Dr. F — , of South-Carolina, on the subject of an Institution for the purpose of educating the blacks. He is much in favour of the contemplated measures. He thinks if the way is not at present prepared for the introduction of teachers of colour into the Southern States, it is fast- ly preparing. It is a common thing for the blacks to manifest a great desire to learn to read, and to hear the Gospel preached.

“July 21, Sahhath. — RevA Dr. C, Mr. M,

and Mr, S. My indisposition rather increases

than abates. Perhaps the Lord has little more for me to do in this world. He has made me an instrument in his hand of doing some good; but what have been the motives which have actuated me, are best known to himself I many times fear I shall ye.i be dashed to pieces, as a vessel in which the Master has no pleasure.

“July 23.. Occupied part of the day in giving out Bibles. My inquiries were made to-day in Firststreet. Began at No. 1, and left off at 100. Found twelve families destitute. 1 called at one house which had Ifvtely been afflicted: the mother had lost a young child. It lay a corpse in the room. Her feelings were very tender. Upon conversing with her, I found that she did not think herself a Christian. After conversation, I inquired if she belonged to any church.’^ She said she did not, nor had she been visited by any Minister during the sickness of her child. I proposed praying with her, to which she assented. It was a solemn season.

‘• I have lately received a letter from the Rev. Mr. Gloucester, of Philadelphia (a man of colour.) He states, that the Augustan Hall was opened on the first of June, for the purpose of giving the iVfrican youth a liberal education, at which time five very promising youths were received. Others were waiting to enter the School as soon as support could be provided for them. He states, that a few people belonging to his Church, have contributed to support these young men the first quarter, hoping that God would open the hearts and hands of the friends of these poor Africans, to aid in the great and good work.”

In this letter to Mr. Mills, Mr. Gloucester says, “O my worthy friend to our suffering race, for God’s sake take up your pen, and ask the public on our behalf, if we shall turn away our promising sons from school at the close of the quarter, for the want of that help which he has put it in their power to give? Or shall we add to their number? May all that pray, thy kingdom come embrace this opportunity in imparting their substance to aid this long-forgotten people. Please write soon, and advise what shall be done in this matter, which lies very near my heart.”

“July 30. Requested Dr. G to write to Dr.

R, expressing his sentiments on the importance

of callins: the attention of the Manag;ers of the American Bible Society, to an edition of the Spanish Bible for South America.

‘-’’Jius. 1. Distributed Bibles.

“Jlu<y. 3. Visited a number of poor families in Lombardy, Bancker, and Ilarman Streets, whom we had before supplied with Bibles. Some had read them with attention, and I hope with profit, and appeared to value them highly. Called in the course of the day on about twenty families in Cross-street — twelve of them destitute of Bibles.

“^^ng, — . Some time since 1 called at a house in

. street, and inquired of the woman if she had

a Bible. She said, she had none, nor did she wish for one. I conversed with her seriou-rly a little while on the importance of having a Bible and reading it daily. She observed, it was not necessary for me to continue my ’ preachment’ any longer, for she would not receive a Bible. As I was leaving the house, her husband came in. and I addressed myself to him. He expressed the same sentiments with his wife. Both appeared to be determined not to receive the Bible.

“Aug- — . Called upon a sick woman in Market-street. She appeared to be inquiring with some anxiety what she should do to be saved? She, however, had but very inadequate ideas of her sinfulness, and seemed to think that she was by no means the chief of sinners. I endeavoured to show her her lost condition, and point her to Christ as the only way of reconciliation with God.

“Aug. — . Mr. S d and myself called to see the

sick woman. She appeared to be much more deeply impressed with a sense of her ruined state without an interest in Christ. She said, she could not find any rest, but lay awake all the preceding night, praying to God that he would have mercy on her soul. We entreated her to come to Christ without delay — to repent of her sins, and exercise faith in this Saviour now. We supplied her with a Bible. She wished us to pray with her. it was a solemn time.

“Aug. — . Mr. S called on this poor woman,

and was led to hope she had become a child of God.

“Aug. — . To-day called on about fifty families on the left side of Orange-street. A third part of the whole number of families cannot read! One woman said she wanted none of my Bibles, and if I gave her one, she would burn it up.”

As this period of Mr. Mills’ residence in New- York was a season of comparative leisure, it afforded him the opportunity of writing a number of letters to his particular friends. The following communication to the companion of his labours, on the last tour to the South and West, the, Rev. Mr. Smith, of Natchez, developcs much of Mr. Mills’ true character.

JYewark^Jan. 6, 18lG.
” Dear Brother,

“I received your letter, dated October 19th, while at Torriiigford. I have heard nothing from you since. I conclude a kind providence has preserved your life, and carried you to the desired haven. If so, you will feel, I doubt not, that you have more cause than ever to exclaim, Bless the Lord, O my soul! The dangers we have passed together ought ever to keep alive in our hearts a spirit of gratitude to God.

“You say in your letter, ‘I go forward with a cheerful heart — I hope the Lord is with me.’ It is always safe trusting in the Lord. We who have experienced so much of his kindness, ought surely not to be faithless, but believing. You have gone to a dark portion of our country; but we hope it is soon to be illuminated by the light of the everlasting Gospel. Sooner or later it is to be a province of the Redeemer’s Kingdom; and the sooner the seed is sown, the sooner shall we expect the harvest. Many prayers are offered up by the good people you have left behind, for your safety and success; therefore be strono in the Lord.

“I have hardly heard from the neighbourhood of

Boston since you left the city. Mr. E declined

going on to New-Orleans this season. I should hope you would give that vacant people a part of your time. Revivals of religion have been experienced in a number of towns in Connecticut. In more or less the good work still continues. The Holy Spirit seems still to attend the labours of Mr. N in

S. It is believed one hundred and i’orty persons

have become subjects of the work. In Morristovvn and Springfield, in this State, there is much more than usual attention.

“When you virite to me, give me all the information you can relative to the Western Country. The Report we made out of our Western Tour I have the satisfaction to believe is highly approved; so much so, that perhaps we may be in danger of becoming proud of it — but I hope not. There can be no doubt that it has been the means of interesting a great many persons of influence and wealth in favour of our destitute country; and if those in the districts of country described do not feel themselves under any obligations to us now, they will at some future period.

“You say, you wish for my advice. As to this, I have not much to say. The Word of God, your particular circumstances, and your past experience, must be your guide. I have thought it very desirable that you should make it a part of your business to aid in the distribution of the Bibles which have been sent on to New-Orleans. I received a letter in November last from Andover, informing me that a pious young man, and much devoted to the Missionary cause, had gone on to New-Orleans for his health, and expected to spend the winter there, and that he wished to be employed in the distribution of Bibles and Testaments, in hopes of obtaining in this way part of his support. Perhaps you will find him of service to you in carrying your plans into effect. Do not fail to write to him. I hope you will be able to obtain some contributions for the Bible Societies, and that they will soon begin to purchase Bibles for themselves.

‘• Might you not, in giving out the Tracts, aid in the formation of Tract Societies in some of the most important places? It is very much to be desired that the people should acrpiire the habit of supporting religious and charitable institutions. It seems desirable you should return to New-England the next summer. You should delay entering on your tour as late as circumstances will permit. Your cirvices must be very much needed where you are.

“Looking into a newspaper lately, I observed a paragraph, which stated that a Spanish Minister had arrived in New-Orleans from Old Mexico. Would it not be a good thing to ascertain from him the state of that portion of the country, with a view of sending Bibles there, as soon as an opportunity shall present? Do obtain all the information you can. Remember me aifectionately to my friends at Natchez, Let the good people at New-Orleans know that I have not forgotten them. Pray for me, that I may be directed in the path of duty, and saved from injuring the cause I profess to love.

“Your affectionate brother in the Lord,

“SAMUEL J. MILLS.

■’ Rev. Daniel Smith.”