ter, Ricasoli, announces, notwith- tians to posts of great trust. He has standing prevalent rumours about the but one wife, does not kill his sons, cession of Sardinia to France, that does not smoke-think of that for a Italy will not part with another inch of Turk!-is a teetotaller, which all good her soil. We sincerely hope not. If Mahommedans ought to be, so says the France gets Sardinia, her power in Koran-is an expert rider, and a crack shot. America is more warlike than the Mediterranean will be greatly inever. The President's message is come. creased, and the old threat come true. He asks in it for 400,000,000 dollars But the Emperor will hesitate. Lord and 400,000 men. Taxes are to be John Russell says that if Sardinia be imposed to raise part of the money and ceded to France, our alliance with her America may yet have a great national ceases, and war is certain. The poor debt. The whole line of the Federal army old Pope has recovered and his playing has advanced on the South. Trade is the host to the ex-King of Naples and stagnant, and some of the commercial suite. Brigandism is rife in the Papal classes are beginning to complain. territory. More than 500 banditti No negotiations, however, are now are massed at one point. Spain is possible, unless the South lays down threatened with another revolution. her arms, or the North gains a decisive The conspiracy is far more general victory, One would think that the than was at first supposed. Austria South must fall, if only from sheer It is certain, has yet to make her peace with paucity of fighting men. Hungary. Russia is suffering from whatever strength in numbers the great commercial depression. Turkey North may possess that the South has has lost Abdul Medjid, and Abdul all the best generals. Colonel Taylor Aziz Khan reigns in his stead. He is has arrived at New York, with a flag of truce. It is reported that the dea thorough reformer, intends to retrieve the shattered finances of the Ottoman spatch was frivolous, and the visit a ruse to gain information. empire, and has appointed two Chris Marriages and Deaths. MARRIAGES. ten years a member of the General As an active June 25th, at the General Baptist intelligent Sunday school teacher, her Baptist Church, Fleet. chapel, Wood-gate, Loughborough, Mr. Thomas Vickers, to Miss M. A. Bas-loss is deeply felt by the teachers and ford, both of Hatheru. scholars. July 3rd, at Workingham, J. H. Sale, third son of Rev. J. Sale, of Calcutta. July 3rd, at Regent's-park chapel, James Andrews, M.D., to Ada CollingJuly 7th, suddenly, of English cholera, wood, youngest daughter of E. B. Mr. Alfred Butler, of Nottingham, Underhill, Esq., Secretary of the Bap-aged 60. He was a deacon of the tist Missionary Society. July 16th, at the General Baptist chapel, at Bourne, Mr. W. Sharp Bains, coach-manufacturer, Derby, to Mary, daughter of Mr. T. Pick, miller, Bourne. DEATHS. May 5th, at Clenchwarton, of Phthisis, Elizabeth Sharrard, aged 28. She was Stoney-street church, and had been many years a member. He was the father of our missionary sister Miss Butler. Recently at Florence, Mrs. Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Her name will live will be heard no more. when many now oftenest on the lip Missionary Observer. THE ANNUAL MEETING. THE Annual Meeting of the General | cutta for Orissa, is recalled to my Baptist Foreign Mission was held in the Temperance Hall, Leicester, June 26th, 1861, G. F. COCKBURN, Esq., Her Majesty's Commissioner of Cuttack, Orissa, East Indies, presiding. The large hall was crowded. The proceedings commenced by singing part of the hymn, "Jesus shall reign where'er the sun Doth his successive journeys run." After prayer by the Rev. E. Stevenson, of Loughborough, : mind. In bidding him farewell I asked his advice as to the course I should pursue in regard to the missionaries at Cuttack. Had his reply been different to what I expected I should not have followed it; but he had no hesitation in the matter, and advised me to help them as much as lay in my power. I only regret that this help has been so imperfectly rendered. In my connection with Orissa I acknowledge the mercy and providence of God. It was fully The CHAIRMAN rose and said:- understood that I was to take a post We are assembled here to-night to in an entirely different part of the receive the report from the com- country, and I had completed my mittee of the General Baptist Mis- arrangements for departure, when, sionary Society of the proceedings in concurrence with the alterations of the past year. I am anxious to made by the Government, I went to take up as little of your time as Cuttack in 1856, and remained in possible, for I feel that the report, the province till August last, when with the addresses of the gentlemen my health compelled me to leave. around me, will be far more profit- I have had unusual advantages for able than anything I can say. Still, making myself well acquainted with you have a right to expect something the results of the missionary work more than a mere perfunctory dis- in Orissa, and my testimony is encharge of the duties of my office- tirely favourable. The field is large an office I feel it a great honour to and very important, second to none fill; but, doubtless, owing in some in this respect. Much has been measure to the official position I done in the past-much is doing have held in the province of Orissa, now; and I think the prospects for and the deep interest I take in your the future are bright and encouragmission. I must claim your kind ing. I have not known any part of indulgence for any shortcomings of Bengal where more christian zeal mine, inasmuch as Indian officials and earnestness have been manifested are wholly unaccustomed to speaking than by your missionaries, and canbefore a vast assembly like this. I not forbear to give my testimony to do indeed rejoice when denomina- them. It is, however, of small imtional differences are merged in one portance that they have gained my common movement for the salvation respect and affection; but the Lord of souls. It is as servants of one of the harvest has been pleased to God and followers of His dear Son, bless their labours. Independently that we associate to help on this of many who have already entered work. I heartily concur with the heaven, the number of converts canlate excellent Bishop of Calcutta in not be less than 800. True, this saying, "We no longer maintain number is few compared with the the fatal mistake that christians can- vast masses of the population who not unite and co-operate till they are still idolaters; but if we conagree in everything." And, in sider that both the men and the mentioning his name, an interview means available have been very I had with him before leaving Cal-limited, and that the difficulties to be overcome are very great-to all human appearance insuperable-the only wonder is, not that so few, but that so many have been brought under the influence of christian truth. We are constrained to say it is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. I think there is abundant evidence that the blessing of God has been vouchsafed in a much greater degree than the feeble efforts put forth have seemed to deserve. I believe that in Orissa a brighter era is about to dawn. The facilities for disseminating the truths of the gospel are greater than ever, and the opposition to them is considerably less active; while in some parts, the fabric of hindooism is tottering to its base. Nevertheless, some of the heathen cling to their idolatry with fearful tenacity; and the efforts of your society and of its sister institution from the Free Will Baptists of America, must not be for a moment relaxed, nay, rather, they ought to be increased tenfold, looking to God, the Father of us all, and praying Him to pour out upon the people a much larger portion of His Holy Spirit than hitherto. I have said that the agency and means employed have been very limited. This will be readily conceded when I tell you that the number of missionaries employed has seldom been more than six or eight. Any one acquainted with the Orissa Mission in particular, will know how inadequate this number is to the work to be performed. I am happy to say that England is much more alive now to her responsibility with respect to her Eastern subjects (which have been committed to her charge, not for aggrandisement simply, but in mercy to the people of India,) than she has ever been before. I think it is the duty of this society to advance. A stationary mission is a misnomer. Orissa has been occupied for a long time, and other stations ought to be occupied. There are regions where the people live and die without ever hearing the gospel sound. They know nothing of Jesus. Surely this should not be so. I allude particularly to the Khond hills. They are a very extensive and mountainous district, and at some seasons extremely unhealthy, so much so that no European can reside there the whole year. I have traversed these hills, and would not recommend any one to stay amongst them more than three months at a time. Russell Condah is a place in the neighbourhood to which the Khond tribes come down constantly from the hills, and I am of opinion that a mission might be opened there with every prospect of success. Very little, however, is at present known of the Khonds, and that little is nothing to their credit. At certain season of the year their intoxication surpasses description. As we at this seasons of the year are apt to indulge in strawberries, so they indulge in a drink made from a certain tree, and all the inhabitants, male and female, are for many days in a horrible state of intoxication. They have also the Meriah sacrifices, in which human victims are offered. Much has been done by Government to put a stop to them, but if they were once to relax their endeavours there is every season to fear that these cruel and murderous rites would prevail as extensively as ever. I think, therefore, a mission should be established as soon as possible, for the benefit of the Khond tribes. There is also Sumbhulpore, 160 miles in the interior of the country, a region quite neglected. I am aware that in former days missionaries tried to establish themselves here but failed; but I am convinced that no insurmountable obstacles are in the way. It is occupied by Government officers, and I should expect a greater or less amount of support from them as the case may be. I fear I have trespassed too long on your time-but one other thing I have to mention. I wish to convey to your committee, on my own behalf, and on the behalf of the European residents in Orissa, our heartfelt thanks for the presence of your missionaries amongst us. They preach the gospel in all its purity from Sabbath to Sabbath, Their the favourable openings now presented for the establishment of a mission among the Providence is calling upon this society to Khonds, this meeting considers that Divine extend its operations to that cruel and longneglected people." services are always ready in times of sickness and affliction, and I have received from them in my own hour of trial an amount of christian sympathy and kindness which I can never forget. I have always taken a deep interest in the prosperity of He said the part of the resolution of this mission-and I have been repaid which he was to speak was the retenfold. I rejoice to meet Messrs. port, and that others who were well Stubbins and Brooks here; it is a acquainted with the claims of the pleasure I little expected a year ago. scene of labour in Orissa, would They have laboured successfully, take up the question respecting the and I trust may long be spared to new field for operations now opened carry on the work. I have only to up. He had no doubt but that all add, after a long experience in India, had heard with gratification the remy conviction that he is the truest port, and there could not be two friend to India who helps on the opinions as to printing it. It was missionary cause there. Statesmen one which should create in us a new may go out to rule and improve it; interest in the society, and greater the country may be spanned by rail- thankfulness to God for His blessing. ways and girded by telegraphs; We are too apt to look only to the education may advance, and charit- living for results-to the number of able institutions abound; but he is living men and women connected the true friend who helps on the with us. The report speaks of those missionary work. Your society has who have died in the Lord in hope done this, and may with truth be of a glorious immortality; and oh! called "The Friend of India." when we think of these results, Knowing as I have done the past ought we not to be encouraged to history and present position of the go on? The signal words of Engmission, I would speak to you with land and America were very charall earnestness and affection. You acteristic. England's was "All who have hitherto supported it I right! America's "Go-a-head! hope will largely increase your sub- He liked being "All right," but scriptions; and if there are any thought it would be well to attach here who have not done so I hope to it the American motto " Go-athey will do it now. The mission-head." He did not think the time aries, the converts, and the children was come when we could dispense in the schools, all need your prayers with missionary meetings. Did they and your sympathies. Do not with- not serve to remind us of the great hold them. Show by your liberality command of our Saviour, "Go ye that you are sincere in your desire into all the world, and preach the for the salvation of the heathen, and gospel to every creature? We they will bless you, and God will should feel our personal responsibless you in time and through bility in this matter. Delegation is eternity. the great curse of these times. Christians delegate the work they ought to perform to their ministers and deacons, and are too ready to devolve on them the whole responsibility of carrying on the work of Christ. This was too much the way. with respect to missions. Now let us look at the missionary work, and ask ourselves what we have done personally towards carrying out the command of our Lord? Every christian ought to have a missionary's heart, and do a missionary's work, The Rev. J. C. PIKE then read an abstract of the report, and the treasurer, ROBERT PEGG, Esq., read the financial statement for the year. The Rev. H. ASHBERY, of Sheffield, then rose to move the first resolution, which was as follows: "That the report, an abstract of which has now been read, be received and printed; and that having regard to the geographical position of the field occupied by the society, to the interest taken for years in the rescued Meriah victims placed under its care, and to He ought in some way or other to seek practically the salvation of souls. We have the world before us, and it is not to be converted merely by paying missionaries; it is to be converted by the church becoming missionary; and till we rouse our churches to feel this responsibility we shall never reach the grand consummation. At a recent missionary conference in Liverpool, the word failure was a very prominent one; and the reverend brethren had to deliberate on the question of failure. But they looked to the north, and south, and east, and west, but no case of failure could be found. There has been no failure. As far as our mission is concerned it has been a glorious success. We hear much now-a-days of union, and he felt great pleasure in seeing the chairman, as a member of another denomination, connected with them that evening. He did not know how it was, but these meetings always resolved themselves into informal Evangelical Alliance meetings, which he liked much better than the formal ones-in which he had but little faith; but in these informal ones he had the greatest. He thought there was more unity among christians than some people imagined. Let us cherish that deep love of man which sent the great Carey forth to India -that deep love of man which overleaps all external distinctions, and which is the great motive power of our missionary societies. This will do more for union among christians, spite of all their differences, than anything else, and then, indeed, will they be banded together to reclaim a discordant and ruined world. The Rev. I. STUBBINS, from India, seconded the resolution. He said he could not express his emotion at meeting so many christian friends, and two of his fellow-labourers in the land of their adoption on that occasion. He had never met with a more warm and devoted friend to the mission than their worthy chairman. When he first met Mr. Cockburn they were anxious to establish a new station near Cuttack, but could not for want of the necessary funds, and he very kindly and liberally advanced the whole sum needed, viz. 400 rupees, £40, for that object; and on many other occasions he could mention he had shown the same liberality, but from regard to his feelings he would not further allude to them. With reference to the poor Khonds and their degradation, he felt he could say much and say it with sighs and tears. There they had lived age after age in gross darkness, and no man had cared for their souls. They had been enacting their cruel sacrificial rites and no man had directed them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. But he rejoiced with a joy unspeakable to know that it had been decided that day to send out Mr. Thomas Bailey as a missionary for the purpose of establishing a mission among them. Mr. Bailey would go out to reside with a dear friend of his, Mr. John Orissa Goadby, for a season. He believed God would bless them, and that they would succeed in establishing a station in those jungles, and mountain fastnesses, where the gospel had never yet been heard. He then earnestly commended the mission for the Khond tribes to the warmest sympathies of the meeting. The Rev. H. WILKINSON, of Norwich, supported the resolution, and remarked that the natives in India said he always kept his eyes open. He said he should like to take them to a missionary factory, to see the extent of it, the raw material, the agencies employed, the work in progress, almost finished, and lastly the finished work. Our missionary factory is a very large one, it covers a large part of the globe, but he would take them to Juggernath to see the masses assembled to worship that heathen god, and when they heard the shout, as the people got a view of the idol, and saw the forest of hands held up, he would tell them that was some of the raw material. They would then go to Russell Condah. These people have an idea that they are sinners, and that God is angry with them, therefore they |