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ciety, will feel the re-action of the same
principle, and hail the labours and suc-
cess of all such Auxiliaries, until moral
and spiritual darkness shall be chased
from every part of our land, by the light
of evangelical truth.
London.

J. E.

NOTICE.

THE Annual Meeting of the Stepney Academical Institution will be held at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry, on Tuesday evening, January 16, 1821. The chair to be taken at six o'clock precisely.

Poetry.

REMEMBRANCE OF RURAL WALKS,
After a long Confinement to the Chamber of Affliction,
Written in Bed, 23d April, 1812.

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THERE, where those tiny flow'rs of brightest blue,
That help'd to form my simple nosegay, grew;
There, where the Crouch's distant banks were seen,
Array'd in various shades of beauteous green;
And Canewdon's high tow'r conspicuous rose-
'Twas there my solitary walk I chose.

To me, emerg'd from long confinement's gloom,

How sweet th' uncultur'd wild flow'r seem'd to bloom;
How sweet the distant landscape, long unseen,
The rural path-way, where I oft had been;
There Lonicera twines her fragrant bine,
And there, beset with thorns, sweet Eglantine.
The White-thorn hanging high her snowy flow'rs
All the wild store which FLORA lavish pours,
Greeting th' enraptur'd eye! I seem to see
A new creation rising suddenly.

Where am I? Is it fairy-land? There floats
On ambient air such clear mellifluous notes,
That my wrapt spirit almost seems to soar
"Where pain and sickness shall be felt no more!"

Ye feather'd choir! who, from your leafy homes,
Welcome the languid wand'rer as she roams-
Untutor'd minstrels! let my heart aspire
To hymn with you Creation's bounteous Sire.
Where'er I move, whichever way I bend,
I trace thy footsteps, my Almighty Friend!
When, from my casement, I have view'd afar
The brilliant morn, and many a radiant star ;-
When at the midnight-hour, in solemn tone,

The winds have rush'd with loud tempestuous groan;
And when, in Autumn, the dread thunders roar,
Or the pent clouds a mighty torrent pour-
In ev'ry change, terrific or serene,

Thy hand, great Sov'reign, I've admiring seen!
Burnham, Essex.

E. S. G.*

The truly interesting and pious Author of the preceding Lines, (who is now totally deprived of the use of her right side, by a third, and most severe attack of paralysis,) has a small post octavo volume of Evangelical Poetry preparing for the press, entitled" Spiritual Recreations in the Chamber of Affliction," written during thirteen years of bodily sufferings, and now publishing for her benefit. Subscriptions, 5s. common paper-superfine 7s. will be thankfully received by Mr. Haddon, 12, Tabernacle-walk, Finsbury-square; Mr. Garrington, Burnham, Essex; or Mr. Colyer, Foot's Cray, Kent,

Irish Chronicle.

THE Committee of the Baptist Irish Society have, during the past month, received fresh tokens of the interest which is felt by British Christians, in the measures which are pursued for diffusing the light of the truth among our fellow-countrymen in Ireland. They acknowledge, with devout gratitude to God, the kindness of those who have contributed to the funds of the Society. A pious Lady at Bath has, in addition to former liberal donations, sent them Fifty Pounds. The Proprietors of the "Youth's Magazine" have kindly voted Twenty-five Pounds from the profits of that pleasing and useful work, which has been paid by the Treasurer, W. B. Gurney, Esq. The Rev. Mr. Barker of Towcester has sent Four Pounds from a Penny-a-week Society; and the Rev. Mr. Winterbotham of Horsley, Three Pounds from a similar institution. They have heard also of several auxiliary Societies having been lately formed, from which assistance may be depended upon; and of other friends, who are devising liberal things" for helping forward" the work of faith, the labour of love, and the patience of hope," in which they are engaged. The Committee hope, therefore, that notwithstanding they may not be able to meet the expenses of the present quarter, yet that renewed exertions among Christians throughout the country will provide a supply for the next half year; since they feel desirous, as they have hitherto been enabled to do, of raising their supplies during the year in which their expenses are contracted. They know that "the shields of the earth belong to the Lord," that "the silver and the gold are his also;" and, therefore, while they are employing good men as their agents, and are only solicitous to make the Irish acquainted with "the scriptures of truth," they depend upon him who has said, "Him that honoureth me I will honour."

66

From the Rev. Josiah Wilson, Superin- | life” in Ireland. And it ought to be
tendent of the Schools in Connaught, to
Mr. Ivimey.

Ballina, Nov. 20, 1820.

MY DEAR BRother,

With this you will receive the journals of the Irish readers; some of which will be read, I am certain, with peculiar interest by the Committee. With W. M.'s journal I also inclose a note, addressed to me, which contains an interesting fact, that it should be made known to you.

I have nothing at this time to say respecting the Schools, as during the last mouth they have been nearly empty, the children being employed in getting in and storing up potatoes, the "staff of

VOL. XIII.

mentioned to the praise of him who
watcheth over the seed when it is put into
the ground, that he has not permitted
it" to abide alone" in this country, but
has graciously caused it" to bring forth
much fruit. For this the inhabitants of
this part of the kingdom should indeed
be grateful; for the effects of the scarcity
of 1816 are still extensively felt.

But neither the "goodness" nor the
"severity" of God has produced that
change of mind and of conduct, which,
by every pious person, must be devoutly

wished.

In this town and neighbourhood the small pox has been recently very preva lent and fatal: nearly one hundred and fifty children having died of it. I will

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add, in consequence of the bearing of | distributing them through the country to those who wish them, is, by giving them as premiums to the best children in the schools.

this fact on a question of very extensive and public interest, that though many of the children who died had been vaccinated, from all the inquiries I made, it did not appear that any suffered who had been vaccinated and regularly_attended by a respectable medical man. But, on the contrary, several who had been so attended, were inoculated with the matter of this very malignant pox, and it produced no effect.

I mention these circumstances, because I conceive that every thing connected with the welfare of our species must be interesting to all good men. But I have another reason for mentioning them, which is, that they are an additional confirmation of the foregoing remark, respecting the goodness and severity of

God.

In this town wickedness still most awfully prevails: neither the judgments of God, the bounties of his providence, nor the religious privileges which are afforded the inhabitants, have yet produced much effect. In my occasional preaching here I am sometimes well attended, but in general not so well as in many other places. The Methodist congregation is very fluctuating. They have now two preachers in the town. In addition to which there is an excellent, pious, and active curate here, one who watches and labours for souls; but who has to lament that none appear to be given him for his hire. Such facts are well calculated to excite the prayer, "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live."

I did not mention in my last, that 1 have again obtained the use of the Sessions-house in B. for preaching in, and it has been granted through the same channel as before-a channel through which many blessings are flowing to the poor of this part of the kingdom. Opposition to my using that house for the purpose of preaching has often and long been made from a quarter, from which it appears peculiarly ungracious, especially when it is well known that I have never preached there: but there have always been present from forty to fifty Roman Catholics, besides more than one bundred Protestants, all very attentive; and all the former have a particular aversion to attend preaching in a pri

vate house.

I should be very happy in the receipt of some Bibles: applications for them abound by many who cannot afford to purchase them; an excellent method of

Yours affectionately,

J. WILSON.

From W. M. to Mr. Wilson.

REV. SIR,

I have taken a cursory inspection of all the Schools as I came along, beginning at F. Ms.

R. By, B. S-y, F. M'D-h, M. D-d, G-n, D—n, F―n, H~s, B—n, I. D-d, sen. and jun. and M'N-a: the latter has a night school well attended, and it is useless to make any remarks at present on any of them, for they are all alike. Every scholar that is able to do any thing is employed about the potatoes; and it cannot be expected otherwise: so in every school there is no attendance, except by the primer children. There is no opposition any where; but it is useless to expect attendance until the end of this month:

then I am certain there will be thronged schools. Yesterday, I hope, was one of the most useful days I ever spent. Richard M. urged me to go with him to a Deist; he told me he did not live more than three miles off, but it was more than double that distance, through bogs, sloughs, decayed walls, deep ditches, &c.; a greater wonder I never saw: a very poor weaver, in, I may say, a wilderness; the best Irish reader I ever heard; a great historian; and, as all Deists are, undaunted. He is well instructed, and able to defend "Paine's

Rights of Man" equal to any man I ever met with. But I plainly see the Lord is searching, and will find out his scattered sheep in the dark and cloudy day. Richard had made a small breach on him before, and gave him his Irish Bible, the doctrines of which he strenuously opposed: but we did not part until we experienced his love to the Bible and to ourselves. He came two miles with us, and promised he would frequently attend Richard's reading, and requested that any time I would come to let him know. We parted in the greatest love.

Yours, in true gospel love.

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viour, whose blood cleanseth from all
sins..

Blessed be the Lord! he is showing
his power in this long neglected coun-
try; for those that never had read a
word are now able to contend for the
faith once delivered to the saints.

There is a young boy in this neighbourhood, who never read a word, but had heard the Irish Testament read by me and others; he has committed a great deal of it to heart, so that he can give a proof from scripture for what he He was says concerning the scriptores. a few days ago where he met with some opposition. The people asked him, What did he get for changing his reli-" gion? He told them, that it was a great deal, for that he had a promise of a kingdom, and a crown that fadeth not away. They asked him, How did he know? He answered, that he took God at his word, who lieth not. They asked him, Where did God speak to him? He told them, that he was talking to him every day that he heard his words read. This indeed is almost a miracle to hear a boy, who never read a word, making such answers; but blessed be the Lord, who has hid these things from the wise and prudent, and has revealed them unto babes, &c.

From R. M- -Yo

In the course of this month I travelled about as usual, reading and explaining the word of life in every place, when I could get an opportunity. The Sd instant I went to a funeral, knowing that I would meet the people together, to converse with them, and direct their attention to the one thing needful. As soon as I came there, they all gathered about me; not, I believe, with an intention to make any contra diction, but listened with the greatest attention. While I read to them, it gave me great consolation to see those who hated the name of a Testament some time ago, now so much inclined to hear it read. Blessed be the name of the Lord, who is able out of evil to bring good. He is able also to convey his word with power to those who sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death. The greater part of them seemed to be much affected, and made several remarks on the extortion of the priests, which were very pleasing. I read and explained in a village called Stonepark, where I had a good many hearers: they all paid the greatest attention to what I read, I endeavoured to show them the love of the Saviour, in offering himself, the just for the unjust, that he might bring them to God. They asked me, Cannot a man be saved by good works?" No, (said 1,) for no mau can do no good works if he has not a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; for the scriptures tell us, that without faith it is impossible to please God. We are told also, that it is by grace we are saved, through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God," &c. They all listened attentively, and seemed to see their own inability and nothingness, and to acknowledge the all-sufficiency of the Saviour. A few nights ago I went to a gentleman's house. As soon as I came into the hall, the servants gathered about me, hoping that they might be able to confute me, with a Roman Catholic sermon-book. There was not one word of the gospel in it: the doctrine was, work or perish. I asked them "Were they keeping up the duties which that book enjoined on them?" They readily agreed that they were not, nor did their pastor. Then I had an opening to show them, from the scriptures, that by the deeds of the law there shall I had a conversation with some of the no flesh be justified, &c.; and on the people afterwards, that had confessed to other hand, the all-sufficiency of the Sa-him that day, and when I endeavoured

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Ardnaree, November 19, 1820,

REV. SIR,

Although I did not travel this month, I trust I have not spent my time amiss, as there was not a day from the commencement of it, that I had not a favourable opportunity of meeting with many people that are very desirous of hearing the contents of the sacred volume read and explained. On the 11th instant the priest of this parish was hearing confessions in a neighbouring house, Before he began to receive the money for absolving the people, he remarked that they were not as attentive as usual; therefore he sent his clerk to assemble them, by ringing a small bell in the street. Some of the neighbours asked the clerk, Is the priest inviting us in to breakfast? though they were well aware of what he was about. When the priest heard this, he inquired diligently what were the names of the people that refused attending his mass; also, if they were in the habit of resorting to my house.

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to make them sensible of the danger that attended such an abominable practice as kneeling to a fellow sinner, with an intention of receiving pardon from him for their sins, as that prerogative. belongs to God only: they replied, We all know that it is not for our good; but if we omit going regularly to confessions, and pay him money twice a year, he will aunounce a station at our houses, the expense of which would be very considerable; and if we do not use him well, he will cry us out from the altar, so that it is for peace sake. Most of the people of this part of Ireland (they said) paid their priests money, not for the sake of religion. I besought them not to be any longer led astray by error, but to lay hold of the promises of God, which were calculated to afford then consolation in this world, and real happiness in the world to come. There are four descriptions of people in this country, that hate the proceedings of the Baptist Institution, viz. the priests, the pilgrims, the dancing masters, and the pipers: the people who profess these different occupations are well aware that if the preaching of the gospel, and reading and explaining the scriptures, he continued a few years longer, they will have to learn some other craft or scheme for their support; therefore each of the above parties as an aversion to the circulation of the scriptures, particularly the priests, who are using all the means in their power to extinguish the glorious light of the gospel, lest their legerdemain should be made known unto all men. The pilgrims get their living from ignorant peo ple, on account of invoking saints and angels on their behalf. The dancingmasters and pipers get their living by breaking the Sabbath. Neither the one nor the other of these practices is sanctioned in the Bible; therefore the Bible is considered as a nuisance by such characters. But, thanks be to Almighty God, there is more good done at present than ever can be extirpated. I remain, Rev. Sir,

REV. SIR,

Yours, very sincerely.

From R. P.

November 21, 1820.

On my tour through Liny, I met with young man at Frenchford, I hope the

Lord has opened his heart to receive his word. I spent several hours explaining the scriptures to him. At Maglaugh I spent a night and part of two days at a Mr. P- -'s, both arguing with and ex- j plaining the scriptures to a Roman Catholic. At our parting, he told me he never got a satisfactory explanation of the scriptures before-and that he was convinced that I was right, and that he himself was wrong.

The night following I preached at Kilmattigue, to a small congregation: part of them were Roman Catholics. Some of them stopped after preaching, and I had a conversation with them on the plan of salvation.

I still continue to preach in Ardwoley, and I hope the Lord is blessing his word. I was much delighted (the last Sabbath) to hear many of them thank God that their eyes were opened to see the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, and that their Sabbaths were now spent in the service of God, and not in the service of the Devil, as they were in time past.

I often have a prayer meeting in Lacarnaveaugh, seldom fewer than twenty or thirty persons attend.

Some of the neighbouring Roman Catholics come to hear me explain the scriptures in my own house. I often have a conversation with a young man, (his parents are Roman Catholics;) he was taught to read the Testament at a free school, and by this means he was convinced of the errors of Popery: he has not joined any religious congrega tion of people as yet. He often asks me, "Which is the true religion?" as he says he is determined to join those who profess it, whatsoever name they may go by. I desire him to search the scripstill on the inquiry, and I hope he will tures, and to judge for himself: he isfind that Jesus Christ is "the way, the truth, and the life."

There are many in this neighbourhood who are convinced of the errors of Popery; but I fear they see not further at present. I hope that the Sun of righteousness will arise upon their mind, and will carry on that glorious work he has begun, and enable them who now “see men as trees walking," shortly to see things as they really are.

Subscriptions and Donations received by W. BURLS, Esq. Treasurer, 56, Lothbury; or the Rev. JOSEPH IYIMEY, Secretary, 20, Harpur Street, London. Any Person wishing a Copy of the last Annual Report may be supplied by Application to the Secretary.

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