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Monthly Chronicle.

BREMEN.

Extracts from the Journal of Mr. Koeving, during the year 1840.

"FEAR NOT,-only believe."

These precious words I selected for my motto, at the beginning of this year, and they have often refreshed me in the circumstances in which I have been placed, when the enemy assailed me from without. The whole of the past year proved important to me, and its commencement was painful, as it regards my domestic circumstances. But even here I perceived that the Lord's hand is not shortened. graciously assisted me, like a good shepherd, and bade me not to fear. Wicked men, the adversary's instruments often assaulted me, and endeavoured in their rage to destroy my faith; but the gentle voice of my compassionate Redeemer was still heard saying, "Fear not,-only believe !"

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February 2nd. I, this day, paid my first visit to the 'Olters,' trusting that the Lord would bless my labours for the good of souls. I distributed tracts amongst the crew, and conversed with two of them on the salvation of their souls.

One of them seemed to take much pleasure in hearing of the way of salvation, and I pointed out to him, as the Lord enabled me,—

First, the indifference which was universally manifested towards the Saviour, and, secondly, the infinite love of the Lord Jesus. May this weak attempt yield much fruit to the glory of God!

4th. I was not able to-day to say much on board the vessels I visited, but in the evening there was a numerous

assemblage of sailors at my house, and we spent and edifying season in preaching and praying.

7th. A number of carpenters, seamen, and watermen assembled, to whom I spake from Luke xi. 11—13.

9th. I distributed tracts on board the 'Ludewig,' and one New Testament. I also went on board the 'Ferdinand,' where I likewise distributed tracts and a New Testament. In the evening I preached from Ephesians vi. 18, to a numerous assembly. Preached on the 11th, 14th, 16th, 18th, and 21st of this month.

23rd. Conversed seriously with the crew of the on the necessity of feeling assured that Jesus was their Saviour, and would blot out their sins; and they eagerly received tracts and New Testaments. I also conversed with the mates of another vessel, on the importance of attending to the word of God. I distributed many English and German tracts on board other vessels. Six sailors followed me home desiring tracts. Finding them very ignorant, I endeavoured to impress upon them the word of truth. I preached in the evening upon Luke xviii. 33-40.

25th. The meeting this day was numerously attended by seamen. May the Lord give his blessing to the word spoken.

28th. I conversed with Capt. P—, upon the life of a true christian; after

wards with two sailors on board the 'Hanover,' very confidentially upon the grace of God, which had hitherto guided them, and now sought to bring them to his rest. In the evening I was visited by a waterman and his wife, both inquirers after truth, and the man in particular seemed to be under the influence of divine grace.

March 1st. Several persons of both sexes assembled this evening, and I spoke from Luke xviii. 31–43. There were also some sailors present, and I felt much liberty in testifying of the grace of God.

10th. From thirty to forty people, amongst whom were many sailors, assembled in my house. I spoke to them from the words-' He was wounded for our sins,' and I trust with some effect, -for the next day a ship's carpenter of the name of Muller, came to me with penitential tears, whether such a reprobate as he could be reclaimed; if not, he must eternally perish. I showed him from the Bible, how he might obtain mercy through Christ, and prayed with him. Surely of him it may be said there was 'joy in heaven' at his repentance. The vessel to which he belongs, is on the eve of its departure.

15th. I distributed tracts on board an English and a Spanish ship. I also visited several German vessels, and spoke with the sailors on the salvation of their souls. I was also called upon by three emigrants, whom I instructed from the word of God, and gave them tracts, etc. A ship's carpenter, likewise, with whom I conversed on the salvation of his soul, listened very attentively.

The wind being favourable, many vessels left the harbour to-day, which was probably the reason why the meeting this evening was thinly attended. Two seamen were moved to tears, and entreated me to pray for them.

16th. I distributed tracts amongst

the crew of the 'Otto,' and spoke seriously to the captain, who was in bed, in consequence of having been in liquor. He afterwards sent for me, and told me I had touched his conscience by what I had said, and asked if such an accursed reprobate as he could be saved? I directed him to the Lamb that was slain on Golgotha for sinners, even for those who hasten to Jesus with contrite hearts. I further observed, that, thro' divine grace, he must come to the knowledge of himself; that in his present vicious course of life, he would eternally perish; and that, in order to be saved, he must thoroughly repent of his sins, and flee to Him who alone can deliver from the chains of satan, and communicate pardon and peace. At the close, I prayed with him at his request, during which he begged me to cease, and to come again the next day.

17th. This day the vessel left the harbour, and I have since heard nothing more of it.

20th. Distributed a bible and testament gratuitously on board a Spanish brig.

21st. Distributed 200 tracts and one bible on board several German vessels, and amongst emigrants; and held a meeting in the evening, at which a number of seamen were present.

22nd. Distributed several tracts on board an East-Indiaman. Towards the close, one of the sailors expressed himself in a contemptuous manner respecting them. I spoke to him and those that stood near, on the danger of such a state of mind. The mate and the rest of the crew were attentive, but the man continued his abuse and objections, which I refuted from the word of God. May the Lord bless what was said to the good of his soul!

28th. On a voyage to Elsfleth, I

spoke with eight individuals who were anxious for the salvation of their souls; and soon after my arrival, they again called upon me.

29th. I was sent for by a shoemaker, who lives a couple of miles from this place, to visit him on my return. I did so; and found with him a young man from Pyrmont, who, with grief, confessed that he could not possibly be saved. I showed him from the word of God, that he was labouring under a delusion; and what was requisite in order to be assured of his salvation. On reaching home, I held a meeting, and spoke from Matt. xxvii. 11-26.

30th. After having offered bibles and testaments for sale, on board of several vessels, I was waited on by two sailors, who were seeking after truth, and attentively listened to me, whilst I pointed out to them the way of salvation.

April 1st. One of the sailors called again upon me, and I conversed further with him on the salvation of his soul. He seems in reality to feel the need of a Saviour.

3rd. Spoke on important subjects with a passenger by the Europa, who bought several books, and seemed very fond of the tracts. Held a meeting in the evening.

5th. Went again to Elsfleth, and held a meeting. The young man to whom I had previously spoken, when he was seeking the way to life, was now rejoicing at having found the Saviour. The whole auditory was much affected by the confession which this young man made. I remained there

another day, and conversed particularly with three persons, who were concerned for their salvation, and whom I directed to Him who alone is able to give rest to the weary soul. I spoke in particular, upon the fall of man, and the promise of the Messiah-of His appearing-and of the redemption which may be obtained through His blood.

7th and 10th. Held my usual meetings.

12th. I sold on board the 'Republic,' five testaments, and distributed about fifty tracts; also a similar number on board an English brig, and a bible and testament on board a Spanish one, Besides these, I distributed tracts amongst the crews of German and Swedish vessels. The meeting in the evening was numerously attended.

Numbers also assembled during the passion week, when I preached on Thursday, Friday, and Easter Sunday and Monday. As likewise on the following Lord's-day.

21st. I conversed with four passengers by different vessels on the salvation of their souls. One of them was a Jew, who possessed some knowledge of the prophecies of the old testament. I endeavoured to refute his objections from the word of God.

I distributed tracts among the emigrants on board of three Bremen vessels, and spoke between deck in one of them, to the passengers on the indifference so generally manifested towards the Saviour. I concluded by calling upon them to repent.

(To be continued)

Maddox, Printer, Dockhead, Bermondsey.

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It would appear that the first man kept his children and other descendants about him as long as possible, and exercised paternal authority over them. The first who left his father's family, was Cain; and to this step he was impelled, no doubt, through fear of punishment for the death of his brother. Others, however, may be supposed to have followed his example, with a view to their own future settlement and possession. Thus, in the course of time, there arose separate families ;-the existence of these families led to the construction of certain compacts for their common defence. These compacts were confirmed by all the sacredness of an oath; and, generally speaking, secured all the ends for which they were formed. But, as men multiplied, these first principles of society were gradually strengthened, improved, and enlarged, by other compacts and laws, either expressly enacted, or tacitly admitted. The most ancient law under which men at first lived, referred only to marriage-private property-the punishment of transgressors-and the duties of religion but as individuals endeavoured to increase their property -to lighten their labours-to attain more of comfort and enjoyment,-it is obvious that their internal regulations must have kept pace with their increase, their growing strength, and their improved circumstances. And on this gradual scale of social and civil improvement did the race continue to advance, till the legation of Moses, when another economy was introduced, and a new constitution was established, on a broader and deeper

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VOL. VII.

foundation. Notwithstanding the multiplied changes and modifications to which it was subject, (and such changes and modifications are connected with every thing temporary,) the patriarchal economy was continued till the time of Moses, and gave place only to something better adapted to the altered condition and circumstances of the race.

During this protracted period, there appeared on the stage of human life, a group of most distinguished and exalted characters, On the foreground stands in full relief, the great progenitor of our race, who was created, "not prone and brute, as other creatures, but endued

"With sanctity of reason, might erect his stature-
And upright, with front serene,

Govern the rest-self-knowing;—and from thence,
Magnanimous to correspond with heaven :”—

and who, even after he had fallen from his lofty eminence, is seen returning to his offended Maker, through the medium of sacrificial blood,-humble, penitent, and believing. Near him is his second-born-Abel the righteous-in the act of presenting an offering for sin, and during that solemn act, called to seal his faith with his blood. Next appears Enoch, the seventh from Adam, conspicuous for the simplicity and the fervour of his piety, the man who to the last

"Preserved a lowly mind; and to his God,

Feeling the sense of his own littleness,
Was as a child in meek simplicity."

He walked with God in closer, holier, and still more intimate communion, till he was translated to the purer fellowship of the skies. Then arises his great descendant, Noah, who among the faithless, faithful stood. At no great distance from him, Job is introduced the great exemplar of patience, fortitude, and submission, and the force of whose trials was only equalled by the strength and power of his piety. Near to this great character, stands the father of the faithful, with his hand and his eye uplifted to heaven, and with the radiance of ten thousand virtues placidly sitting upon his brow. Next to him, is Isaac his son

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