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Missionary Herald.

It is requested that all Communications on Missionary Business, intended for the Rev. John Dyer, may be addressed, not as heretofore to 15, Wood Street, but to 9, Wardrobe Place, Doctors' Commons, where the Meetings of the Committee will in future be held, and the Business of the Society transacted.

BAPTIST MISSION.

Home Proceedings,

Letter from Mr. Saffery to Mr. Dyer. MY DEAR BROTHER,

support the Mary-le-bone and Lake-lane Sunday-schools, at your public tea party on Tuesday last. The detail of your An nual Reports was particularly pleasing, both on account of the numbers instructed, and the assiduity of the teachers, repaid by various instances of divine mercy.With the motion put into my hand, "That the meeting highly approved of the institu tion of Missionary Societies in these schools, My late visit to Portsea occasioned the and recommended their adoption wherever following letter, addressed to our friend practicable," I felt appropriate pleasure, Mr. Ellyett, referring to the highly in-suited as it was to the work in which I teresting state of the Sunday-schools in Ahat town. Perhaps you will not deem so animating a proof of exertion in the home department, foreign to the interests of the Missionary Herald, where an insertion of the letter will probably serve to render the calculations efficient, by recommending to general attention so simple, and pleasing, and productive source of revenue.

I am, my dear brother,
Very cordially yours,

Salisbury, Dec. 7, 1829.

J. SAFFERY,

Salisbury, Nov. 20. 1820.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I was much interested with my attendance on the meeting of the friends who

VOL. XIII.

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was engaged of collecting for our Mission, and affording me an opportunity of advo cating that important cause,

During the speeches of those who preceded me, I made some hasty calculations, to show, that while you were laudably engaged in procuring from the pupils £15 per annum, to support a Native School of forty children in India, much more than this might be accomplished. I now for ward to you and Mr. Ralfs, Treasurers of the schools, a copy of these calculations, hoping that your united influence will give them permanent effect. It was ob served that one halfpenny per week from the 1323 children would amount to £143 6s, 6d. per annum-a sum which would support nine Native Schools, and leave a surplus of £816s. 6d. Or, if all these children were to give, upon an average, but one farthing per week, £71 13s. Sd,

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per annum would be produced; a provi- Formation of an Auxiliary Society,

sion more than equal to the expense of four Native Schools, leaving a surplus of £11 13s. 3d. Taking the first sum, it appears that these two Sunday-schools might daily educate 382 lindoo chil dren!

You have in your two schools 134 teachers. Now, if each of these were to collect one halfpenny per week from ten persons unconnected with the schools, for the general purposes of the Mission, which more especially require assistance, the amount would be £145 3s, 4d. which, added to the foregoing sum, would make a total of £288 9s. 10d. exclusive of annual subscriptions and collections. Thus in Portsea alone, between £300 and £400 a year might be raised for the

Mission.

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The importance of Missionary exertions has long been acknowledged by most of the churches in this neighbourhood; but, through some unknown cause, there has not been that co-operation which is so essential to render effective the benevolent designs of the well-disposed. Anxiously desirous, especially in the present state of your finances, to call forth our respective Some, perhaps, may think this an Uto- resources in aid of the Foreign Mission, pian, or an impracticable measure. a meeting was held at Taunton on Noneither. You have it already in opera- the state of the Mission, and the provember 15, " to take into consideration tion to a certain limit; extend that opera tion to its utmost boundary. Consider priety of forming an Auxiliary Society in the infinitude and blessedness of the ob- aid of its funds." The necessity of the ject; labour to have your own minds im- object was unanimously acknowledged, pressed with it, and convey, if possible, and resolutions passed recommending the the same animating impression to the immediate formation of a Society auxiliaminds of your superintendents and teach-ry to the Mission; which was accordingly ers, by such addresses and communications as are calculated to keep alive the interest, and the work will be done.

It is the opinion of some, and in that opinion I fully coincide, that not half the money which might be raised among us, has yet been collected. Not a few of our churches do nothing for the Mission; others do little; and I fear that when the above calculations are considered, not one of them all could deserve the encomium given of Mary, "She hath done what she could."

The Mission is in great pecuniary difficulties, and it will be a reproach to the denomination if it be suffered to continue 80. Very generally at least, the rich the poor-the_young-night do more much more. From the exertions of the latter, a great deal is to be hoped for. Let us enlist all their energies, supply materials for their glowing zeal, and animate their enthusiasm in the good cause. This, probably, will arouse others to exertion, and the embarrassment we complain of will vanish.

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carried into execution. Twelve or thirteen churches have already united with us, amongst which are Exeter, Wellington, Taunton, Tiverton, Collumpton, &c. &c. The Society has been denominated, “The Auxiliary Baptist Mission Society, for part of the Western District.”

In order to give publicity to our design, as well as to engage the attention of our churches, we should be happy to be furnished by you with the "necessary papeis" specified in your circular, in order to their distribution, previous to the first meeting of the Society, which is appoint ed to be held in Taunton about May.

I am, dear Sir, on behalf of the Con mittee, respectfully and affectionately yours, JOHN SINGLETON, Sec.

Accounts have also been received of the establishment of an Auxiliary Society, in connexion with the Baptist Church at Dartmouth, now under the pastoral care of the Rev. Philip House.

REV. WILLIAM WARD.

WE have great pleasure in announcing, that Mr. Ward arrived

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DEAR BROTHER LAWSON,

You wished to be made acquainted with interesting circumstances relative to the Mission. If you think the following wor thy of notice, you may make use of it.

Last night I went to visit one of the native sisters, who is very ill, and to whom our brother Johns has shown much kind attention, in administering to her relief. I asked the poor woman, "Well, how is your mind? I see your body is weak." She replied, "All is well. I have no fear of death. Jesus Christ has suffered for me. All my trust is in him." Thinking she was thirsty, I asked her if she wanted water, She said, "I have living water within, which my Saviour has given me the same that was given to the woman of Samaria. You know you read the chap. ter to us the other day." After this she went to sleep. I have not heard how she is to-day. Yours, &c.

From Mr. Sutton, Moorshedabad, to Mr.

Adam.

June 29, 1819. My heart has been peculiarly delighted during the last week with the appearances of things around me. I know appearances are often very deceptive, and the native character difficult to be understood; but I have now three, who, I think, are sincerely seeking after Zion. Two of them have been brought, through a Testament I gave away, and some conversation I had with them immediately after my arrival ;

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My dear Brother,

I have been busying myself these last two years in trying to compose a few Ma lay hymns, and have at last, after much painful study, brought my little work to a conclusion, and prepared a fair copy for the press. The parcel 1 send you contains these hymns, which I wish to get printed as soon as possible, hoping that when they are put into circulation, they will, through a divine blessing, be the means of some good. We have no native converts to make hymns for us here, as you have in Bengal; and, judging from appearances, we shall not have any for many years to come. To this day the greater part of the people sing the Dutch psalms, when I preach in Malay; for there are very few of in Malay, the style being too high for them capable of understanding the version them. From hence you can judge that a few hymns, conveying gospel ideas in a familiar style, are very desirable. We always sing these hymns at our Monday evening prayer meeting, and on the Sab bath morning; and those who possess ma nuscript copies, sing them in their houses. I have introduced English tunes, and I find the people like them as well as the Dutch tunes, if not better; and many of the children are masters of several Eng lish tunes, so as to be able to sing them without any assistance. So far all is well; but if you ask how many souls have been saved by my means, I have but a poor account to give. I cultivate a barren soil, which produces only here and there a halfgrown shrub. Plants of luxuriant growth are not to be found here. I often feel much distressed, but the Lord enables me to go on, though I often feel as if I could preach

no more.

I fear that I shall have but very few at last to be my joy and crown of rejoicing: but pray for me, that I may yet be useful. I do not forget you, and my other brethren, and am always happy to hear of your success.

Yours affectionately,

W. ROBINSON.

The following paragraph (writes Mr. Lawson,) is from the Calcutta Journal of last month. I insert it here, as it may be interesting to English friends to read such an evident proof that very considerable revolutions are taking place in the minds of the Hindoos.

CALCUTTA. The Monotheistical doctrine of religion so readily reconciles itself to every mind capable of reflection, and the puerility of the contrary system is so apparent to those who have the courage and independence to think for themselves, that the number of Hindoos who openly profess the Vedantic doctrines, increases in a very rapid progression, amongst that class especially whom birth, education, and station in life, as well as intellectual endowments, entitle to the term, respectable. With the slavish system of idolatry, such a liost of prejudices, inimical to the best interests of society, at once vanish, that the philanthropist cannot but partake of the pleasure with which we note the occurrences which indicate its approaching overthrow. Amongst these, the most ob. vious, perhaps, is the frequency with which the professors of the purer doctrine meet together, with the view of promoting

free discussion as the readiest means of strengthening themselves in the maintenance of what they have come to consider as truth. We have heard of another of these meetings, held at Kidderpore, on Sunday the 30th ultimo, at the house of Motu Chundru, a near relation of the Raja of Burdwan, and a Divan in the Salt department. This gentleman having closely studied the Vedantic system, and investigated the arguments advanced against it, has warmly embraced its doc trines; and to manifest the sincerity of his opinions, invited a number of his friends to a meeting, similar to those we have already had occasion to describe, but from the rank and character of the convoker, more numerously attended than usual, by Hindoos of the first respectability and learning. The following translation may serve as a specimen both of the poetry composed for this occasion, and of the opinions professed by the audience.

See Time's destroying hand efface
Each form that vision's power can trace:
Think you then human sight extends
To Him on whom e'ent Time depends?
That soul if no one can pourtray,
Which animates our mortal clay;
Say, how can human eye embrace
The Mind that fills all nature's space?",

THE following is an extract from a soldier at Cuttack, to one of our brethren at Bale Gunge, and is copied here that our friends in England may know with what

real pleasure and gratitude religious tracts are received. The account, in the Baptist Magazine, of Temperance Pascoe, was printed in the form of a tract by our Auxiliary Society, and sent to our brethren in different regiments. DEAR BROTHER,

July 21, 1819. books by the bearer of this. I never met With many thanks we received the with any thing more enlivening to our is another addition to our belief, that we faith than the Conversion of Timme. This works of righteousness, but by divine are not in any respect justified by our own mercy, which is overflowing and immea! surable; for we find where sin bath abounded like a flood, divine mercy abounds like an ocean. God is immensely rich; it accomplishes The grace of all its blessed ends. Who can declare the forth half his praise? but as long as we noble acts of our blessed Lord, or show are permitted to lisp his holy name, may it be the delight of all our hearts. It gives us great joy to hear that you are all well, and that the good work of our Master is flourishing among you. What can I say? and grant you a still greater measure of Why, may the Lord bless your endeavours, the out-pourings of his Holy Spirit. May you see still more of the light of his glorious gospel, and enter into the unsearch able riches of Christ, and continue to hold on to the end, true disciples of our Redeemer, and ornaments unto his church and people!

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Chamber lain to Mr. Yates, dated

July 31, 1819. "For the last fortnight I have been gains ing strength gradually, but slowly, and have been enabled to do a little at my work. During the two or three last days I have been in better spirits than usual; and I have been better every way bodily. I feel grateful, but not to that degree I ought, certainly. I am anxious to finish this letter for fear another attack should commence before it is finished. discouraged in my work. Had I any one in prospect to take what I have accomplished, I should feel easier. However, on this head I feel more at rest than I have done."

I am

"We are almost in statu quo here. The native brethren are very active. We have two schools, which, according to report, contain 40 boys; and one shop in a bazar where many people hear the word read 3 but as yet, neither amongst Europeans or natives, do any appear to be converted. Let us hope, however, that things are approximating towards the manifestation of the glory of divine grace."

MOORSHEDABAD.

WE have lately received from Mr. Sutton, our Missionary at this important station, a copy of his Journals for December and January last. We shall select a few extracts, which will sufficiently prove that he is diligently employed in the service of his Divine Master.

mind? It has not had a greater effect than a drop of pure water would in being thrown into a sea full of filth.

Dec. 9. Spent the morning with my Hind oostanee Pundit; and afterwards read

the history of one of the Hindoo gods. In the evening spoke to several of the natives concerning him who came to be a light to the Gentiles.

Dec. 11. To-day Sister Marshman gave me a call. I received a visit also from a

native, who had before heard the gospel, and wished to embrace it. When I saw him about two months since, I did not approve of his disposition; but he now appears more humble, spiritual, and holy. From a letter also received from Mr. Hwhom I lately baptized, it appears he is exerting himself to make known to his servants and neighbours that truth which has brought holiness and peace to his soul.

Dec. 5, 1819. At Berhampore. Early this morning 1 baptized seven persons. Preached in the afternoon from 1 Cor. xi. 24. This do in remembrance of me, and administered the Lord's Supper to 46 persons. In the evening preached again, from Rom. viii. 6. To be spiritually minded is life and peace. To-day has been one in which I have had much spiritual enDec. 12. Went early to Berhampore. largement and joy; and I think those who Preached from John v. 39, Search the have heard the word have found the Spirit scriptures. In the afternoon visited the of God with them, solemnizing and pre-hospital, and preached to several of the paring their hearts for the reception of his truths.

Dec 7. Rode home this morning in the midst of the heat of the sun, and was afterwards fearful of the consequences; but the Lord has protected me hitherto from the sun by day, as well as from enemies by night. No adequate idea can be formed in Britain of the exceeding great heat of the sun in tropical climates. On my return home found my native Brother Kureem very ill. May the Giver of life restore him. In the evening had worship in Bengalee.

Dec. 8. There has been for some months much illness near me. Have administered medicine several times this morning, and with it spoke of the neces sity of seeking for that medicine which can heal the diseases of the soul. Gratitude is but little exercised among Christians, but among heathens it is scarcely discoverable. When medicine is given they seldom return the second time for it, if it does not completely succeed at first; and if it does succeed in healing them, it is an extraordinary thing for a native to return and acknowledge his obligation. In looking at the state of human nature among the heathen, we may justly say, How are the mighty fallen! How different from man in his primeval state! and there is nothing that can in any way restore him but that gospel which has brought light and immortality into the world. I believe some of the Hindoo books have endeavoured to inculcate a principle of morality; some of their writers have been as great as any of the philosophiers of Greece or Rome. But what has ever philosophy done for the renovation of the human

patients. In the afternoon preached again to a very attentive audience from 1 Kings xviii. 21; How long halt ye between two opinions. After worship conversed with the brethren concerning the proper means to promote the spirituality and peace of the church.

Dec. 14. Went with the Brethren Kureem and Kangalee to Kattra market, where many heard with attention; after wards retired to the shade of a large tree, where many assembled and heard. Towards the conclusion several of the poor natives came, and requested I would ac quaint the magistrate with the exceeding dearness of provisions. I answered, Thongh I much pitied their circumstances, yet I had not power to interfere; I could only give them the bread of life, which was free to all, and would last for ever.

Dec. 17. Have been much distressed lately at not seeing more fruit from my labours among the natives; but the labour is mine, and the blessing belongs to the Lord of the harvest. He knows well when to cause his sun to shine, and his rain to descend; and no doubt in due time, if I faint not, an abundant harvest will be reaped. But the hearts of the Hindoos appear greatly steeled against spiritual objects. In other countries a Felix will often tremble under the sound of the gospel, though his mind may not be changed; but here Satan has so managed his devices, that the arrows of God appear to fly off without entering. Death, eternity, and judgment, are words of no solenin meaning to them. Kangalee left this morning for Cutwa: he has been out preaching conti nually since he has been with me, and the word of life has been widely soùnded forth.

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