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He so fully concurred in the propriety of being brief, that he should not violate the spirit of the observation which had been thrown out. If his speech were lengthened according to the merits of the Secretaries, it must be long indeed. But he was not accustomed to make long speeches, and it might be regarded as a testimony of the modesty of the Secretaries, that they put the speech into his hands, because they knew he would say little about it. Every person acquainted with the Secretaries must know their merits; it was therefore unnecessary for him to enlarge upon the topic any further than by saying, they must necessarily feel, and most heartily desire, that those invaluable friends whose services had been so long continued, might still be spared for many years. It would afford great joy again to meet them, should providence prolong their lives. He would not that they should ask leave to sit again, but that they should be requested to report progress and sit again. It was impossible for any man possessed of a sensitive mind to take a glance at the situation of Ireland, and not regret that she should so long have remained in a state of misery, bondage, and degradation. She was a land of superstition; Dagon, and Baal, and Moloch, and Chemosh, were all to be found there. The land was leprous; it was covered white as snow. It was a Babel of confusion. It was a melancholy fact, that though she had been connected with these islands for a period of nearly six hundred years, hitherto the inhabitants of England had done little to alleviate her miseries, or remove her distress. He could not, however, but congratulate them on the statements they had heard this morning; statements which must inevitably lead to the conclusion that Providence was about to accomplish wonders on behalf of Ireland. He loved these annual meetings; they appeared to resemble mile-stones on the road, and, as a traveller recounted the distance he had come, and reflected on the miles he had yet to travel, so these meetings should excite very solemn and tender recollections. Many who had met together at the last anniversary, were departed to the world of spirits, and many who were now assembled were meeting for the last time on earth. They ought, therefore, to exert themselves to the utmost in the cause of the Redeemer; the time was short, there was undoubtedly a great conflict approaching, and as they sometimes sung

As darkness struggles with the light
Till perfect day arise, ..
Water and fire maintain the fight,
Until the weaker dies.

The grand question to be determined now was, which was the weaker. Christians

should rejoice in the assurance that in this cause no effort was lost-the Redeemer would certainly prevail-he would vanquish all false gods, and his name would be blessed for evermore. He (Dr. N.) heartily congratulated the Society on having such worthy Secretaries, men, who would continue, as long as they lived, with all their heart and soul, and strength, to promote the cause. Mr. Ryland used to say to his boys, when they flocked around him after the vacation, and asked him how he did, “the best way of asking me how I do is by assisting me;" he thought the best way of returning thanks to the Secretaries, was to co-operate with them.

The Rev. Thomas Winter said, every attentive observer must have perceived, that the want of religion always involved men in a state of degradation, and that when they became truly pious, it raised them from that state of wretchedness into which they were naturally sunk. He begged them to remember, that the right of private judgment was sacred, and also that the principles of the Gospel, wherever they were disseminated, would prevail, so that glory would redound to God, while man was benefited; yes, he wished all men to enjoy liberty of conscience. He hoped that those who went, forth as the messengers of salvation, would go as the messengers of peace. Tell them (said the Rev. gent.), O tell them of the bleeding Lamb of God,-of the achievements of the Cross: tell them, O tell them of his willingness to save the guilty, invite them to return, to come unto him.

The Rev. Joseph Ivimey could assure the meeting, that whilst he hoped that himself and his brother Secretary were influenced by higher considerations than the mere approbation of their fellow men, yet they were not insensible to the respect which was shown to them by the motion which had been so unanimously passed.

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The Rev. Dr. Cox said the last time he had the pleasure of meeting the Chairman was at the annual meeting of the Reformation Society-a society which adopted a principle of operation similar to that which was recognized in this society, and with which, after mature consideration, he most fully concurred. He meant what, for the sake of distinction, might be called the Aggressive Principle." He found that the report contained the following expressions: :-"The affecting fact, that several millions of their fellow-subjects in that country were still under the debasing iufluence of Popery, excited the sympathies, and called forth the exertions of its members. They considered the peculiar sentiments of that corrupt Christianity as injurious to the present, and dangerous to the future welfare of mankind; and were, therefore anxious to bring men to the knowledge and profession

of the Protestant faith. He fully agreed in representing Popery as debasing in its influence, and in describing it as a corrupted form of Christianity. But he would be particularly understood to state, that while he considered that we were fully justified in attacking systems, it ought not to be our intention or practice to attack men; while the one was corrupt, and should excite our opposition and resistance, the other might be worthy of our regard, and must claim our pity. He (Dr. Cox) held with the aggressive principle, therefore, which entered into contest with a corrupt system; but he held not with aggressive principle which attacked mistaken men. He wished to say, that in attacking the system of Popery, he did not give his pledge, he should be sorry to do so, to manifest any kind of hostility against individuals, or to violate in any way the principles of evangelical charity. He moved

approbation of many of the distinguished
aristocracy of Ireland, but he also found in
them zealous and active labourers and co-
operators in the work of faith and labour of
love. In looking back upon the past his-
tory of Ireland, a dark scene presented itself
to view, the people were in a state of
ignorance, the aristocracy, being involved
in pecuniary difficulties, had no influence;
and instead of appearing as goodly pillars,
they bore a greater resemblance to a petri-
fied mass. But now a delightful spectacle,
presented itself to view-the people were
instructed the aristocracy were identify-
ing themselves with the population at large,
and not merely adding by their capital to
its natural strength, but by their works of
faith, and labours of love, promoting and ad-
vancing its spiritual improvement.
He
begged to move,

VI. "That the thanks of this meeting be given to Capt. Gordon, for his kind and obliging conduct, in presiding on the present occasion."

The Rev. J. Edwards seconded the reso

V. "That the thanks of this meeting be presented to the Gentlemen who composed the Committee during the past year; and that the following Gentlemen be the Com-lution. mittee for the ensuing year, viz. :-Messrs. Gilbert Blight, Edward Buttenshaw, John Chandler, William Cozens, Job Heath, Joseph Ivimey, jun. Samuel Jackson, James Low, James Lowther, Stephen Marshall, Paul Millard, Samuel Moore, William Napier, John Neale, Richard Nichols, John Parr, Wm. Paxon, John Penny, Alexander Saunders, Joseph Sanders, Wm. L. Smith, Robert Stock, Gill Timms, Sam. Watson, George Wightman, Eliezer Wilkinson, and Charles Young; and that Messrs. Wilkin-est of the Society. In the field of Ireland, he son and Penny be the auditors.

The Rev. Joseph Kinghorn rose with great pleasure to second the motion. He would recommend, as far as he had any influence, that its agents and supporters should not abuse those persons who professed the Roman Catholic faith, but should simply state what that faith was, and the results to vhich it led.

Captain Gordon said, that on the subject of the resolution which had just been proposed, and which the meeting had so kindly adopted, he should say nothing further than express his real and conscientious feeling, that he did not consider himself deserving of the warmth of feeling with which they had received the resolution. He should be at all times most happy to contribute what little bis limited influence would admit in the way of personal exertion to promote the inter

had observed the operations of the Society, and had no hesitation in repeating what he had before said, that he regarded this institution as a valuable component part of that Christian exertion, which at the present time was transforming the moral character of that country.

CONTRIBUTIONS.

Received by Mr. Burls.

Thrapston, per Mr. Dyer
Mrs. Holland, Bristol
Mrs. Bayley, Whitchurch..
Collections in Wales, per Rev. S.
Davies

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The Rev. C. Birt, of Portsea, laid claim o the resurrection of the patience of the meeting for a few moments, while he moved the last resolution, which was identified with respect and gratitude to the Chairman. Upon the principle laid down by his Rev. friend, Dr. Cox, he was proud to see the Chairman uniting himself with this aggressive Society; and, in the dress which he wore, he was happy to see a warrior preside at the meeting. Having once met the gallant Captain before, he had watched Received by Mr. Pritchard. his course with grateful satisfaction, and was delighted at the thought, that he was a A Friend, by the Rev. M. Oddy He man raised up for a specific work. of Howorth (Mr. B.) derived both pleasure and confi- W. Shippey, Esq. by the Rev. dence from the fact, that the Chairman not W. Glanville.. only found encouragement, and met with the Mr. Phillips, by Mr. Pritchard..

Rev. Mr. Weare, Enfield

......

41

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MISSIONARY HERALD.

BAPTIST MISSION.

ANNUAL MEETING.

RESOLUTIONS of the General Meeting, held on Thursday, June 19, 1828, at Spa Fields Chapel :

W. B. GURNEY, Esq. in the Chair.

Moved by the Rev. ISAIAH BIRT of Hackney, seconded by the Rev. F. A. Cox, LL.D.:

I. That the Report now read be adopted, and circulated under the direction of the Committee; and that while this Meeting gratefully acknowledges the Divine goodness, in the degree of success which has been granted to the efforts of the Society, from the period of its formation, it cherishes a humble confidence that events apparently adverse, as well as those of a pleasing character, will, in the providence of God, concur to promote the cause of Christ in the world.

Moved by the Rev. W. H. MURCH, Theological Tutor of the Stepney Academical Institution, seconded by the Rev. EUSTACE CAREY: II. That this Meeting sincerely rejoices in all the tokens of his gracious approbation with which God has been pleased to honour the exertions of kindred Institutions, and desires ever to cherish unfeigned affection and regard for all who are engaged in an enterprize, at once so arduous and so honourable.

Moved by the Rev. EBENEZER HENDERSON, D.D. President of the Missionary College, Hoxton, seconded by the Rev. WILLIAM YATES, from Calcutta:

III. That the proceedings of the Gentlemen who have conducted the business of the Society for the past year are cordially approved; and that the following be the list of Officers and Committee for the next year, with power to fill up such vacancies as may occur :—

Treasurer-John Broadley Wilson, Esq.

Secretary-Rev. J. Dyer.

Auditors-Messrs. J. Danford, W. Burls, jun. and P. Millard.

GENERAL COMMITTEE.

Rev. J. Acworth, Leeds

C. Anderson, Edinburgh

W. H. Angas

G. Barclay, Irvine

J. Birt, Manchester

T. Blundell, Camberwell

T. Coles, Bourton

E. Clarke, Truro
T. S. Crisp, Bristol
M. Fisher, Liverpool

S. Green, Bluntisham
R. Hall, Bristol

Rev. C. Hardcastle, Waterford
W. Hawkins, Derby
J. Hoby, Weymouth
R. Hogg, Kimbolton
R. Horsey, Wellington
T. Horton, Devonport
W. Innes, Edinburgh
J. Jarman, Nottingham
J. Kershaw, Abingdon
S. Kilpin, Exeter
J. Lister, Liverpool
J. Millard, Lymington

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Moved by the Rev. JOHN BLACKBURN, one of the Secretaries of the London Christian Instruction Society, seconded by the Rev. THOMAS MORGAN, of Birmingham :

IV. That the thanks of this Meeting are especially due to the Ministers who have travelled and advocated the cause of the Mission; as also to the Auxiliary Societies, Ladies' Associations, and all other friends who have kindly aided the Society :—that they be requested to continue their exertions, and to connect with them fervent prayer that the supply of the Spirit of God may render them increasingly beneficial.

Moved by the Rev. ISAAC MANN, of London, seconded by the Rev. JOHN STEPHENSON, Wesleyan Missionary from Barbadoes: V. That the respectful acknowledgements of the Society be presented to the Trustees of this Chapel; to the Rev. Rowland Hill and the Trustees of Surrey Chapel; and to the Rev. J. H. Evans, for the obliging loan of their respective places of worship on the present occasion.

Moved by the Rev. SAMUEL NICHOLSON, of Plymouth, seconded by the Rev. DANIEL CLARABUT, of Tring:

VI. That the next Annual Meeting of the Society be held in London, on Thursday, June 18, 1829.

Moved by JOHN BROADLEY WILSON, Esq. Treasurer to the Society, seconded by the Rev. JOHN DYER, Secretary :

VII. That the Chairman, W. B. Gurney, Esq. be requested to accept our respectful thanks for his kindness in presiding over the proceedings of this day.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

CALCUTTA.

The following letter has lately been received from Mr. Robinson, the pastor of the Lal Bazar Church in this city.

Calcutta, Jan. 23, 1828.

"In my last, I informed you that seven persons had been baptized this year, and that we expected another. In this we were not disappointed; the person alluded to was baptized on the last Sabbath in December. Since I wrote last, we have lost three members by death. One of them came to her end by her clothes catching fire. She was alone when the accident occurred; and being a paralytic, she was unable to help herself. When the persons with whom she lived entered the room, she appeared to have been dead some hours. Another, a country-born man, who was in the army, died at Burdwan. I have not heard any particulars; but from his general character, there is every reason to hope well of him. Another, one of our oldest members, (she having been baptized full twenty years,) did not give us much pleasure in her end. She had for many years been a woman of some repute in the church; but it seems, that the enemy was permitted to gain some advantage over her at last, and to bring a dark cloud over the closing scene. Another old woman, the first member who died last year, made a very happy exit. As often as I visited her, she appeared patient under her sufferings; resigned to the will of God; simply, but firmly trusting in Jesus, and even wishing to depart. We have also lost another, whose end was attended with some interesting circumstances. He was one of those whose names were entered on the church book as missing. Perhaps this statement needs an explanation. When I took charge of the church, it was not possible to ascertain the precise number of members; as there had been no regular entry of their names. I made out, therefore, a list of names in the best manner I could ; but when I came to read it over to the church, and to inquire for the persons, it appeared, that some were dead, and that others had disappeared, and no one could tell where they were, or whether they were dead or alive. It was therefore agreed, that they should be entered as missing. Of this class were John de Sylva and his wife. Nothing had been heard of them for a long time; but a few months ago, I received a letter from Mr. Fenwick containing an interesting account of our poor brother's death. It seems,

that he and his wife had. retired to Sylhet, which, I believe, was their native place; where they entered into the service of an English gentleman, with whom they lived till poor John was called away. Mr. Fenwick knew nothing of them till he received a note from the gentleman, requesting his attendance at the funeral of a native Chris tian. Then he discovered who they were, and learned from John's wife, such particulars as fully authorize the conclusion, that he both lived and died like a Christian. The gentleman also with whom they lived, has given them a very excellent character. All this is very encouraging, and shows, that native Christians, though often weak and needing the superintendence of their more established brethren, can sometimes stand alone, and even adorn the Christian character in these circumstances. It says much for the piety of this poor couple, that though under the eye of no pastor, absent from all the means of grace, and enjoying the company of no Christian friends, they not only acted as it becomes Christians, but even maintained a spiritual frame of mind. Poor John was personally known to me when Í ̧ was in Bengal before. He bore a Portuguese name, because he had, previously to his joining us, become a Roman Catholic; but he was a native of Bengal, and, I believe, born in the district of Sylhet. About the year 1815, our Serampore brethren sent several native brethren to preach the gospel in Sylhet. John, though not much of a preacher, accompanied them; natural for him to wish to visit his native place under such circumstances. They met with considerable encouragement, and several natives were baptized; but as the native brethren did not permanently settle there, the converts were of course left to themselves, and there is too much reason to fear, they have fallen away. One of them, however, has been discovered by Mr. Fenwick, who writes concerning him, that he has hitherto lived a life of blamelessness and good repute." There is then encouragement to scatter the good seed, even where it cannot afterwards be attended with all the care which could be wished; for that which is thus left to itself, is not always lost. One cannot but regret, however, that a part of the country, where success was obtained with so little labour, should have remained so long uncultivated.

as it was

The number of members in the Lal Ba zar church, including all who are absent, was at the end of last year one hundred and two, of whom only five, besides myself, are Europeans. Our members are all poor; there is not one among us who can be called a person of property; there is not one who receives a genteel salary, or who makes a genteel appearance. Not less than seven

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