Графични страници
PDF файл
ePub

MONMOUTH.

ORDINATION.

CAMBRIDGE.

OCT. 25. 1820, a new place of worship was opened at Monmouth. Sermons by Messrs. Fry of Coleford, from Matt. xviii. ON Wednesday, December 20, 1820, 20; Williams of Ryeford, Luke xv. 7; the Rev. S. Thodey, late of Homerton Hawkins of Eastcombs, Acts. xvii. 18. Academy, was ordained to the pastoral Prayers by Messrs. Horlick of Penall; office over the church and congregation, Skinners, (Independent); Rogers of Downing-street, Cambridge. The soGarraway; and Jones ofTalycoed. Both lemnities of the day were commenced places, Pen-allt and Monmouth, are sup-by the Rev. T. Towne of Royston, who plied by Mr. John Jones of Cefn-Mawr, fate student at Abergavenny.

GLASGOED CHAPEL.

read suitable portions of scripture, and engaged in prayer. Mr. Morell of St. Neot's, with much force and ability, described the nature of a gospel church. The usual questions were proposed by Nov. 21, 1820, a new Meeting-house the Rev. Mr. Hopkins of Lincoln, who was opened, called the Glasgoed Chapel, also received the confession of faith. in the parish of Llanbadock. Sermons: Mr. Chaplin of Bishop's-Stortford offerWelsh-by Messrs. Hiley, Llanwenarth, ed the ordination prayer, accompanied Prov. ix, 1-5; Evans, Penygarn, Job with the laying on of hands. An imxvii. 9-English-Thomas, Aberga-pressive charge was delivered to the mivenny, Psalm xxv. 11; Phillips, Caer-nister, by the Rev. W. B. Collyer, D.D. Icon, Psalm i. 3. Prayers, by Messrs. Jones, (Student); James, Pontrhydyrun; and Michael, Sion Chapel. Hymns, by Mr.James of Pontrhydyrun. Expense of the building, about one hundred pounds; subscription, forty-six pounds; collections at the opening of the chapel, eleven pounds remain, about fifty pounds.

RHAGLAND.

F.A.S. of Peckham. The sermon to the people, distinguished by its appropri ateness and fidelity, was preached by the Rev. W. Clayton of Saffron Walden. Mr. Drake of Green-street concluded with prayer. Mr. Dobson of Chishill announced the hymns; and Mr. Wilkinson of Saffron Walden preached the lecture in the evening.

On the preceding evening, the Rev. Dr. Collyer eloquently advocated the cause of the Cambridge Benevolent So

Drc. 13, 1820, a new Chapel was opened at Rhagland. Sermons, byciety, at Mr. Edmonds's Meeting-house Messrs. Wyke of Abergavenny, Psalm cii. 16; Phillips, Caerleon, Jer. xxxi. 23; Jones of Monmouth, 1 John ii. 1; Da vies of Hereford, Mal. iii. 16. Prayers, T. Jones, Student, W. John, ditto; and M. Jones, Talycoed.

ASSOCIATION.

CORNWALL.

ON Wednesday, December 27, 1820, the half-yearly meeting of Baptist ministers and churches of the western parts of this county, was held at Helston. Messrs. Green and Smith preached on the occasion; the former in the morning, On the ministerial character of Paul, from Gal. vi. 14; the latter in the evening, On the importance of using every means for the salvation of souls, from Prov. xxiv. 11, 12. On the preceding evening, Mr. Clarke preached, On the various hindrances to prayer, from 1 Peter iii. latter part of verse 7. Messrs. Dore, Heath, Lincoln, Green, and Clarke engaged in the devotional

services.

The next meeting will be held, God willing, at Penzance, in Easter week. Brother Lane to preach.

in St. Andrew's-street, when a handsome collection was made. On each occasion numerous and respectable auditories were assembled, and a more than common degree of devotional feeling and deep interest appeared evidently to prevail.

NOTICES.

THE next Anniversary of the Hertfordshire Union will be held at St. Alban's, on Wednesday, April 18, 1821, when the Rev. Mr. Leifchild of Kensington is expected to preach.

THE Wilts and Somerset Association will hold their next Meeting at Mr. Saunders's Meeting-house in Frome, on the Tuesday in the Easter Week, when the Brethren Edminson of Bratton, Shoveller of Melksham, and Seymour of Bradford, are expected to preach.

THE Annual Meeting of the Bedfordshire Union of Christians will be held at Bedford, on Wednesday, May 2, 1821, when the Rev. Mr. Edmonds of Cambridge, and the Rev. Mr. Anthony of Bedford, are expected to preach.

Irish Chronicle.

THE Conductors of the Baptist Irish Society are left not only without funds, but, for the first time since its commencement, are in considerable arrears to their Treasurer; besides that another bill, amounting to £350, has been accepted for payment. Conscious, however, that they have no other ends to promote in Ireland, but to "work the work of God," and by means which HE has promised to render effectual, they cannot but hope that the pecuniary supplies will be provided. It is very encouraging to the Committee to know, that the plan and pursuits of the Society meet with the approbation of those who are peculiarly competent to form an nubiassed opinion. An instance of this kind appears in the sentiments of Mr. John Marshman of Serampore, (eldest son of the Rev. Dr. Marshman,); who, our readers know, has been much employed in promoting schools for the natives of India.

Extract of a Letter from Mr. John Marshman, to the Secretary, dated

Serampore, October 30, 1820. "I feel peculiar pleasure in say ing how greatly we have felt encourage ment from the success which has attended the labours of your Society in Ireland, while engaged in a work similar to that in which we have now embarked for more than four years. The state of society

among

the lower orders in both countries seems to have a considerable degree of affinity; and as it is the influence of these efforts in the renovation of character which forms the chief object of ultimate hope, the progress which has been made by the Irish Society towards the acconiplishment of this object, is calculated to afford high encouragement to those engaged in similar undertakings. That these efforts will finally be crowned with success there can be no doubt; the simultaneous exertions now making wherever ignorance is to be found, is a pledge of the most pleasing nature; while every blow aimed at ignorance and vice in one country, produces a powerful reaction on all other countries on which the light of knowledge is now dawning."

Mr. Marshman proceeds to give an account of the College at Serampore," to

| train up native Christian youth in the literature of the East, and the science of the West." They have made considerable progress in the buildings: the centre building covers a third of an acre, and contains the library, examination halls, and side rooms for the exhibition of exercises. They have forty Christian youths under instruction in the Sanscrit language, (the learned language of the East,) many of whom are making rapid progress; and the first scholar, who is a member of the church, and who walks consistently, has made so remarkable a proficiency as to have astonished the native pundits.

From the Rev. Josiah Wilson to the
Secretary.

Ballina, Feb. 17, 1821.

MY DEAR BROTHER,

Almost every day since my last has been spent among the schools. And though it might be expected that the similarity of character, &c. that prevails in the teachers and in the scholars, and the identity of the objects pursued, would occasion a want of interest; or that the persevering opposition of those who are hostile te

those objects, would produce discourage. | but I believe that they were actuated by ment; yet nothing of this seems to prevail. On the contrary, the interest and confidence of old friends seem to be increased, and new friends are occasionally appearing, who manifest a lively interest, aed exert a commanding influence. Of the truth of these remarks you will have unequivocal evidence in the return that will be made of the schools for the current quarter. The inspection is not yet completed, but hitherto, in most cases it has been truly gratifying.

spirit more noble and divine. The remainder of the week I was very unwell for two days, but Providence blessing suitable means, I was enabled to resume my labours.

I say thus much now, because efforts the most unparalleled have been made to suppress the schools entirely in many places; and artifices, some the most puerile, others the most diabolical, have been resorted to, to intimidate the children and the parents, but with very little success.

The advantages of a scriptural education are daily manifested, and increasingly felt; and I feel assured that nothing but | the establishment of a similar system, will prevent the successful operation of that at present in existence. The gentlemen of the country show that they now appreciate the advantages enjoyed by the poor, by their increased exertions to aid the cause; and the peasantry, by their determination to send their children to the schools; of which determination, amongst others that have been expressed, I will mention one. A priest asked one of his flock to subscribe a penny per week in aid of a school to be established. He refused. He was pressed hard, but to no purpose. He was threatened. Still he was firm, and assured the Father Confessor, that " until the Pope handed largely out of his own coffers, and was imitated by the bishops, and this was followed up by the subscriptions of the priests, so that a good foundation might be laid, not one penny of his money should be given to such an object, while there were freeschools at hand."

Extracts from the Journal of the Rev.

Isaac McCarthy.

Tullamore, Feb. 18, 1821. JANUARY 1, 1821.-Rode ten miles, and preached at Rahue Meeting-house at ten o'clock, and was exceedingly well attended. I had my fears that they were influenced by an old superstitious notion, which prevails in other countries as well as poor Ireland, that unless the first day of the new year is commenced well, ill fuck will attend them the remainder of it,

Monday, the 8th. - Inspected the school there. About fifty children give regular attendance now, and the new re peaters, being eight in number, had committed to memory eleven chapters since the last inspection. The remainder of the week preached at my own cottage, and in the neighbourhood. Saturday, I rode about twenty miles, and preached at Curnomuch, in the county of Longford, in the evening. While sitting at the fire, be fore sermon, an old man, who has been clerk of the church about thirty years, said, "Sir, I wish very much to have the words of Christ explained to me, 'He that believeth on me, hath everlasting life.”” This led me to meet his wishes, not only by unfolding that salutary doctrine of an unconditional salvation, through the righteousness of Christ, but by preaching from that momentous question: "What must 1 do to be saved?" which seemed to arrest the attention of all present.

Brother Barnett, the man I baptized some years ago, is now zealously engaged in spreading the knowledge of the truth every moment he can spare from his business. He reads and expounds the word of life gratis at Curnomuch, and in his own neighbourhood, in my absence; and his willing labours I hope will be followed by much good.-Monday, 15, I inspected the school there, and found forty. two children present.

I rode to Longford. Was sorry to find I could not preach in the sessions'-house. Was informed by the schoolmaster that a gentleman had called on him, who was exceedingly anxious to see me. When the congregation was dismissed, this gentleman made himself known to me. I invited him to my lodging. On the way he said, "About three years ago, I heard you preach in the town of K- from those precious words: Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy;' which sermon (said he,) under the Divine influence, was made the power of God to my salvation. Since that period, the doctrine of imputed righteousness, with its accompanying doctrines, is peculiarly precious to my soul. I have long earnestly desired to see you, to let you know that you were the instrument of my conversion. I am a student in the college of Dublin: I mean to take my degrees for the ministry, and if it please God to spare my

life, to make known that glorious gospel to others, which you made known to me." He repeated the principal part of a controversy which I had with a gentleman the same evening, on the subject of an unconditional salvation through the righteousness of Jesus; which he said was so imprinted on his mind, that he would remember it through all the changing scenes of life, and so fixed his principles, that he was never since disposed to doubt of their truth. This instance of usefulness lifted my poor sinking head above the wave, and convinced me more than ever of the utility of itinerant preaching. I have opened two doors this time between Longford and Boyle, where I have made appointments to preach, on my return.

Thursday, the 18th.-Inspected the Longford School. There are sixty-three children on the list, who attend remarkably well. I found sixty-six present, fifteen of whom had committed twenty-four chapters to memory since the 30th of last November. I preached in Kanagh in the evening. Some opposition is manifested here; nevertheless, I was very well attended, and I think we had a profitable

time.

Friday, the 19th, I inspected the school. There are sixty-four names on the list, and I counted sixty-two present; fourteen of whom had committed to memory fortyeight chapters in the New Testament, from the 1st of December, 1820, to the 19th of January, 1821. I continued in the school from eleven o'clock until some time after the candles were lighted.

Sunday, 21, preached twice at Ferbane. We had a happy time at communion, and am rejoiced to say, that the church is still, with the exception of one or two members, going on well. I had a long and pleasing conversation with the Catholic girl, who is inquiring after divine truth, and I have no doubt but she has abandoned every dependence on the merit of human works for her salvation. She said that her sister, through her means, is now beginning to see the marvellous light of the gospel. Our God is working in our day, and who can let him?.

and

sure the injury done will not be easily repaired.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, (the 4th of February,) Monday, and Tuesday, I preached in Abbeyleix and its vicinity. Wednesday preached to about two hundred persons in the market-town, Mountroth; Saturday at my own cot, and on Sunday, (the 11th), at Rahue.

JOURNAL.

SUNDAY, December 31.-Preached today in Tallow to about thirty people. In the evening my subject was a solemn one -the rapid flight of time.--May it make a deep and lasting impression on my own mind, as well as on the minds of those who heard it! I sometimes think, if we could have the same views and feelings all through life, which we are likely to have at its closing hour, they would infuse into our public services a peculiar seriousness, solemnity, and ardour.

Monday, January 1.-Preached this morning also in Tallow. A considerable share of obloquy attaches itself even to the circumstance of attending preaching in this barren and wicked spot. The very sight of a Bible is sufficient to excite the displeasure, and draw forth the sarcasms of the devotees of Rome. Passing along the street this morning, from the place of meeting, a little boy was carrying home the Bible under his arm, who was thus accosted by a man standing at his door: "Is that the Bible you have got under your arm, Bob" It is what you have not got," replied the youthful bearer of the sacred treasure. That is a droll thing you have got," rejoined the reviler of God's most holy word. The remark was evidently made to raise a laugh against Blessed Jesus!

us.

[ocr errors]

"If on my face, for thy dear name,
Shame and reproaches be;
I'll hail reproach, and welcome shame,
If thou remember me."

Sunday, 14.-Preached to my in MidOn Saturday the 3d, at nine o'clock in dleton, to about fifty hearers, and enjoyed the morning, called on Lord Da pleasant, and I trust a profitable, oppor obtained his promise of five pounds totunity. Here are two or three warm wards building a meeting-house at Abbey- Christian friends, with whom it is refreshleix. His lordship has given an eligible ing and delightful to associate. Heard lot of land for the chapel, and five pounds the clergyman of the parish preach an exper annum for the general purposes of the cellent gospel sermon, and was much Society. I know not where his equal is to pleased to find some of the people readbe found. Other gentlemen in the neighing the most interesting works; such as bourhood, influenced by the example of Romaine's Sermons on the Law and the his lordship, subscribed towards the object. Gospel. I hope the Lord has a work to If the building does not go on now, I am accomplish in this place.

[ocr errors]

A

Sunday, the 28th.-Preached to-day in Tallow. The congregation moderately large, and very attentive and serious. young man from Youghall being present, we held a prayer meeting after the evening's service, and implored the blessing of God on the preaching of his own word. Lord, hear our prayers, and give the increase.

Friday, February 9.-Preached this evening in Tallow to about twenty-four hearers, who heard the word with apparent seriousness, attention, and satisfaction. May they indeed enjoy the blessed. ness of the people who know the joyful

sound!

Sunday, the 11th.-Spent this day in Fermoy, and upon the whole was kindly received. Consulted with Mr. Bruce, the Methodist preacher, respecting their hours of worship, which I found to be ten in the morning, and seven in the evening. I proposed preaching at eight and five; but Mr, Bruce told me, I should not have a congregation at eight in the morning. He therefore proposed my preaching for him at ten, which I gladly embraced, and intimated my intention of preaching in the Court-house at five o'clock; but being told by Mr. Bruce, I might as well Occupy their house at five, as it did not interfere with their hour, I gladly availed myself of the very friendly offer, and preached at five to about sixty people.

I was very kindly received by a Mr. Whitney, and others, from whom I received some accounts of Brother Thomas, highly gratifying, and frem which we may be led to hope his labours have not been altogether in vain. William Bearden, a man who goes round the country reading the Irish Testament, travelled with me, and greatly opened the way for me. After the morning's service, without saying a word to me of his intention, he went to Bathcormuck, a village between three and four miles from Fermoy, and brought two people to the afternoon's service, to whom he introduced me, and who warmly invited me to visit them next day.

Monday, the 12th.-Went accordingly to Bathcormack, which place we reached about twelve o'clock. Having given out

|

that I would preach in Tallow in the even ing, I could not stop with them more than two hours. I mentioned to them, that if a few people could be collected at once, I should endeavour to speak a few words to them. At such an unseasonable hour, I hardly expected any person would attend; but, to my astonishment, in a few minutes they came dropping in, till we had a congregation of between thirty and forty people. A most interesting congregation they proved to be: they received the word with gladness, and evident marks of the most lively satisfaction. I spent a most delightful and happy hour; seemed elevated to the very gate of heaven, and found it good to wait upon God. I was warmly solicited to visit them on a Sabbath, and I should delight to do so; but the distance is great-twenty-two long miles from this. After preaching at this place, I walked eleven long Irish miles to Tallow, where I arrived, weary and fatigued in body, but greatly refreshed in spirit. The people were assembling, and, weary as I was, I went immediately to preach, and enjoyed another precious season. About forty people attended, and what was better, I hope the Lord was amongst us of a truth; a very marked attention was visible, and a pleasing solemnity seemed to sit on every countenance, while I testified unto them the gospel of the grace of God. I am sure you will join with me in praying that the "God of all grace may give testimony to the word of his grace."

Upon the whole, I think this has been one of the most delightful days I ever spent. Oh that it may be a token for good to some precious souls!

I met with a steady looking young man, who seems very much attached to Baptist principles. He introduced the subject, and remarked, that he thought reason itself was sufficient to teach a man, that the time when he was brought to the knowledge of the truth was the proper time to receive Baptism. This young man was brought up a Roman Catholic, and can speak the Irish language. I hope to become better acquainted with him. JOHN HAMILTON.

The Rev. Mr. Morgan of Birmingham has the best thanks of the Secretary, for having obtained for the Society's use Twenty Testaments. These were presented by the CHIL DREN of a family, in consequence of Mr. Morgan having represented in a sermon “ the deplorable state of the people of Ireland.”

« ПредишнаНапред »