spared to continue at their posts. One indeed, missionary in India, and no place of worship formerly in connection with the Society as a erected-now the state of things is altered, missionary, has been called away, but he was both the missionary and the place are here— gathered as a shock of corn fully ripe, having the bible is translated and distributed in preached the gospel forty years in this coun- almost all the languages of the country, try. With preserved life and health, the mis- children are brought under instruction, and sionaries were never generally in better spirits the souls of the perishing are saved. But to than they are at present, labouring diligently the efforts of the missionaries, the resolution in faith and hope in their Lord's service. states there are two principal opponents; first, Such vigour is of the Lord, and is a pledge of the natural heart of man. Whatever philosuccess. But no small degree of success in sophers and others may say of the nobleness conversion has been reported. It was justly and the qualities of the heart, the bible tells said by the Chairman that the conversion of us plainly man's heart is corrupt; "who can one sinner caused joy among the angels of know it!" Man in his unregenerate state God; but the Report tells not of one but of delights in all that God hates. Every Hindu eighty baptisms during the year, and eight god personifies the human heart in all its hundred communicants as connected with characteristics. Ask the Hindu why he our churches in Bengal, matters surely of much gratitude to God. We have heard too that the translation and printing of the Bengali Old Testament has just been brought to a conclusion, that considerable progress has been made in the Sanscrit version, and that two editions of the New Testament in ancient and modern Armenian have also been carried through the press. Here is then success of another nature, and occasion of much gratitude to God. Serious reverses have indeed been reported. In two of the churches many have been drawn aside by the seductive influences of anti-christian teachers, but the cloud which hung over them is not so dark as it was, for in one case many that had been led astray have been made to see their error, and to turn to their minister and church with weeping and supplication; and in the other, if report is correct, not a few are desirous of returning, being kept back only by a sense of shame. But the resolution adverts also to the success which has attended the Society's operations in other parts of the world. Mr. Pearce then gave a comprehensive view of the operations of the Society in Africa and America, and closed with an appeal for pecuniary aid. cheats, and steals, and lies, he points to his gods, and screens his conduct under their examples. He does not hate the gospel because it is bad, but because it is good and holy-because it lays open and does not screen his sinfulness. And this spirit is not only manifested among Hindus, but by all nations and people-the carnal mind is enmity to God. Many methods have been invented and used to do away with the carnality and proneness to sin; but it is only the outpouring of the Holy Ghost with his influences which can have the effect of making the heart better. The second opponent mentioned is the increasing efforts of the Romanists. When we remember the self-justificatory systems of the church of Rome-its penances, its fasts, its convents, &c., and when we look back on the cruelties of which popery has been the instigator-the abominations of the Inquisition-when we remember the efforts made by the men belonging to that church in the South Sea Islands and other parts of the world, and when we see them coming here to India with a determination to settle in every missionary station-when we think of these things we are ready at first to despair of ever meeting with success. But there is one II. That considering the natural enmity of the remedy, and one is mentioned in the resolu human heart to the gospel, and the additional opposition, the means are in our power-“ unretion now made by the advocates of popery, this meeting mitting perseverance in prayer." While, earnestly recommends to all, unremitting persever- however, we think so much and talk so much ance in praying for the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, and self-denying diligence in the glorious work of winning souls to Christ,—a work in which believers can only be engaged during the brief space of their earthly pilgrimage. of our hatred to popery, there is a vast deal of popery in our own families. We keep up Christmas, Good Friday, Palm Sunday, and we have almanacs in our places of business, Mr. MORGAN, in moving the second resolu- where it is distinctly marked, such a day is tion, spoke of the honour of being connected dedicated to such a saint, and that to another, with a Society that had been of such great and so on. Then there is the education of use as that for the advancement of which our children by the Jesuits. Children of they had met that night,-a Society which protestant parents are sent to the institutions had been instrumental in putting a stop to of the Jesuits under the impression that exterminating wars, which were being enacted nothing is to be done to turn the minds of the in some parts of their missionary field pre- children with regard to religion-but this vious to the arrival of the missionaries. cannot be; the dazzle and display of scenery Through its means slavery had been abo-around them, if there was nothing more, lished, and the once poor slave is now a free must have their effect. The second way of man. There was a time, and that not many meeting the opposition of the Jesuits, by years back, when there was not a single the translation and free circulation of the 2Q 2 bible. The man of sin dreads the bible, for if the bible be true it will be discovered that the popish system is false. They have taken every means to suppress the bible, but they have not succeeded. The bible has been and must be translated, and to make the translated copies of any use there must be bible distributors-these distributors must have supporters. The support is demanded from each of us. We have largely received from India all that she can afford, she in return requires from us the bible. But in giving our support, the resolution reminds us we must exercise self-denial; there must be no interested motives, no pride, no selfishness in our gifts; as we have freely received so we should freely give. We shall never lose by giving of the abundance with which God has favoured each of us. We should remember the great responsibility that attaches to us, and that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. We have met with much success in the past year, let us go forward and unfold the standard of our Lord-victory will crown all our labours. The Rev. A. SUTTON, of Cuttack, seconded the resolution. The speaker referred to the glorious nature of the work-the winning souls to Christ. One soul is above all price. If this earth were solid gold, and the seas molten silver, it would not purchase a single soul; had one soul been saved during the past twelve months there would be cause for rejoicing, but the Report informs us that eighty souls have been brought into the bosom of the Christian church during the past year. He would notice that the saving of souls was the peculiar work of believers. None but believers can sympathize in the work; it is their support and assistance therefore which is wanted to carry on the work. Look abroad upon the multitudes of benighted heathen, without one to come to their rescue, and be instrumental in saving them from perdition. This Society felt for them, and came to relieve them. They have taught us to feel the gloriousness of the gospel. We are told that there is much opposition;-who ever attempted this work without having much opposition to encounter? But God is able to overcome all difficulties and obstacles, and enable us in the end to triumph over all our enemies. All that Satan can, he will do. Christ knew that such would be, but still he said to the primitive church, "Go, teach all nations." He will support us in the hour of our need. I believe all the opposition of the present day will result in the good of the church at large. Let us not despair, but be grateful for the success we have had in the midst of so much opposition, and take courage. One reason for congratulation is that, considering the weakness of native converts in general, a larger number have not gone over to the ranks of the enemy than have. The speaker urged upon all the duty of prayer, constant prayer, to help forward the cause of the Society; and then proceeded to notice some interesting circumstances concerning the state of missionary work in Cuttack, where he has long laboured. A great portion of the word of God has been already translated into the Orissa language: the whole, it is hoped, will be completed during the present year. The distribution of the parts which have been published, Mr. Sutton believes, has not been in vain. He related one pleasing instance of conversion, out of many. It was that of a native teacher, who, from the perusal of the Gospel of Mark, was brought to seek for mercy at the cross of Christ. This man, Mr. Sutton expects on his return to ordain for the ministry. With reference to education, a school was commenced eight years ago for the purpose of instructing orphan children and the children of converts; subsequently it was opened for the reception of children rescued from the Khunds, who had kidnapped them for sacrifice to the gods for rich harvests. There have been more than 200 thus rescued and instructed in the eight years, of whom upwards of forty have been savingly converted. and Committee of this Auxiliary Society for the III. That the following gentlemen be the officers ensuing year: Secretaries-Rev. Treasurer-I. B. Biss, Esq. Messrs. Evans and Wenger. Committee-Rev. Messrs. Aratoon, Denham, Leslie, Morgan, Page, Carrau, P. H. Holmes, F. De Monte, J. Sykes, W. Pearce, Thomas, Yates. Messrs. J. S. Biss, J. L. Thomas, and S. G. Wyatt. The Rev. J. H. PARKER, in moving the third resolution, offered some appropriate observations on the nature and influence of true Christian union. Mr. Parker referred to the cheering influence on his own mind of that spirit of brotherly love and kindness which he had witnessed amongst Christians of every denomination since his arrival at, and residence in, Calcutta. The efforts to effect a closer union amongst the people of God at home, at this time, he looked upon as especially auspicious. The Rev. J. PARSONS seconded the resolution, and spoke of the responsible station in which members of the Committee were placed : and in the discharge of their duties they required our confidence, our sympathy, our gratitude, and our prayers. He desired the prayers of the church on behalf of one class of men tco often forgotten by Christians in their prayers, namely, the translators. And concluded by begging each of those before him to ask themselves the question, "How much have I denied myself for the missionary cause?" The collection amounted to Rs. 148 in cash, and about 220 in cards. In our most recent letter from Calcutta, Mr. Thomas says, "Dr. Yates is now pretty well. Mrs. Pearce has been very ill, but is improving. children ill with fever, the rest are in tolerable health." I have one of my AFRICA. FERNANDO PO. From this island advices have been received to the 8th of March. Mr. Saker, who had just returned from the Continent in ill health, says, "Our dear brother Clarke, I find, is absent on a visit to the Boobie Towns. Dr. Prince is well, returned with me to-day from Bimbia, having in great kindness to me, hearing I was sick, come to visit and relieve me. I have left dear brother Merrick and his family tolerably well; but he suffers from a temporary lameness. I am very pleased to find our brother Fuller so much better than when I left." WEST INDIES. TABULAR VIEW OF THE CHURCHES AND STATIONS IN CONNEXION WITH "THE JAMAICA BAPTIST WESTERN UNION," FOR 1844. BAHAMAS. A letter from Mr. Littlewood, dated Grand Cay, April 9th, gives a detailed account of sufferings which he, Mrs. Littlewood, and their child, had experienced in a recent voyage from Turks Island. The vessel was lost, but the passengers reached land in a boat. 46 This," says Mr. Littlewood, "is the fourth time that I have been shipwrecked in less than four years. In three of them my beloved has shared with me; but none exceeded this in severity, and the mercy of God was never more abundant towards us." HOME PROCEEDINGS. Since the Herald for June was sent to press, the following sums have been promised towards the grant to Jamaica. A Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday evening, July 1st, at Finsbury Chapel, on the occasion of Mr. Knibb's returning to Jamaica. Service to commence at half-past six. FOREIGN LETTERS RECEIVED. AFRICA ...........AT SEA ..................... Milbourn, T. .....One letter, no date, received CLARENCE April 28. ............Clarke, J...........Dec. 8 & 21, Jan. 6, 14, 15, & 24, Feb. 6, 14, and 24, March 6, 7, 8, and 19. Gallimore, M.....March 7. Merrick, J.........Jan. 8 and 21. Norman, W. A... February 14. Prince, G. K...... .........Belcher, J......... April 2. Pryor, J............May 1. MONTREAL.................. Cramp, J. M......March 26, April 26 and 28 BRITTANY........MORLAIX.... HONDURAS.......BELIZE ...... Heinig, A..........March 4. ...Brückner, G......Oct. 9. ..Marshman, J. .....March 19. Wenger, J. ......... Feb. 6. ...Saunders, J. Jan. 2. ...Littlewood, W....Jan. 25, April 9 and 12. .Capern, H.........March 11 & 25, April 12. Lindsey, S., & ors. May 12. Rycroft, W. K... Jan. 21, March 14, 16, & 25, April 14, May 12. ......Jenkins, J.........March 25, April 10, May 22. Jones, J............ April 1. Buttfield, J. P....Jan. 17 and 20, March 28. JAMAICA .........ANNOTTA BAY .............Lloyd, W..........March 21. BETHANY Lloyd, E. A.......April 4. ...Dutton, H. J..... April 20. BROWN'S TOWN............ CALABAR...................... FALMOUTH..... FLINT RIVER..... GUY'S HILL........ JERICHO KINGSTON 5 and 19, May 5. .Knibb, W.......... March 7, April ......... Feb. 5, March 8. Oughton, S........April 22. Whitehorne, S....Feb 21. Wood, J. H.. .Feb. 5, March 11, April 22. MONTEGO BAY.............. Cornford, P. H... Feb. 5, April 4. MOUNT CAREY.............. Burchell, T.......March 8 & 21, April 5, May 3. |