NAMERECOMMENDED BYE£3S. Price.B4J. Edwards.F3E. Evans.I4J. Williamson.H4T. Howard.C4J. Puntis.P4W. Yates.I3B. Price.A4S. Green.W4F. A. Cox.D3T. Thomas.B4J. Carver.W4H. W. Holmes.T3B. Thomas.C4W. Copley.P3M. Thomas.D3J. James.B4W. L. Smith.***The Widows will please to observe they cannot receive twice in the same year.IRISH CHRONICLE.JANUARY, 1835.The Rev. S. Davis, of Clonmel, will come from Ireland this month, for the purpose of collecting on behalf of the Society in the West of England. Our friends, that he may visit, especially our ministering brethren, are respectfully and earnestly requested to encourage his application to the utmost of their power; as, on the success of such efforts the continued operations of the Society greatly depends.In the Rev. Wm. Thomas’s letter will be found a grateful reference to the Committee of the Tract Society, and to a parcel which he has received from England, containing many useful articles for the children of the schools. And the Secretary begs to acknowledge the receipt of a number of “Magazines for Ireland,” from a female friend at Hammersmith.Extract of a letter fromRev.S. Davisto theSecretary.Clonmel, Nov. 21, 1834.We are in the Lord’s hands, and he will finally accomplish the purposes of his own glory, and I am persuaded we cannot do better than steadily to pursue the purpose in which we are engaged, to make the people acquainted, as far as it is in our power, with the Holy Scriptures, which will undermine the power of Antichrist, and promote happiness in proportion as they obtain an access to the heart.My son, at Ardee, recently assisted in the public examination of 400 adults in their knowledge of the Irish Scriptures, and he has given a very interesting account of the meeting in the last Quarterly Papers of the Irish Society. He was astonished and delighted to think, as I do also, that the teaching of the people in the Irish Scriptures, is one of the most important benefits that can be conferred upon the country.Our Society has had the honour to take the lead in this respect; and, however we may be looked down upon, and whatever may become of the institution, I have no doubt it has been a greater benefit to the country than words can express; it is a pity, therefore, that it should not be in more prosperous circumstances, and that your hands should not be held up more by those who have it in their power to afford us assistance; but when we have done what we could do we cannot reproach ourselves, and we must leave the event with Him who will appreciate our good intentions, and forgive all our infirmities.S. Davis.Rev.W. Thomasto theSecretary.Limerick, Nov. 21, 1834.My dear Sir,You will have the kindness to excuse the brevity of these few lines, as I have only this moment arrived after a journey of preaching and inspecting some of the schools, and it is necessary that the readers’ journals should go off by this day’s mail, which will proceed immediately. I have, I trust, some interesting things to communicate, which, please providence, I shall shortly do; and also, offer my grateful thanks to the Committee of the Tract Society, for a precious parcel of tracts, forwarded with a kind letter from their worthy Secretary; and also my very grateful acknowledgments to an excellent lady, for a very acceptable parcel for the female children in the schools; this good lady says, they are “from one who wishes well to the cause of instructing the rising generation.” The thimbles, bodkins, thread-cases, needle-books, work-bags, scissors, and five shillings, inclosed in the “old purse,” shall be judiciously distributed: the five shillings we will apply to clothing some naked creatures. May the Lord of glory clothe the dear lady’s soul with the beautiful and glorious, the spotless and eternal, robes of the Redeemer’s righteousness, which will never wax old!With the kindest wishes for you, my dear Sir, and all the dear friends of the Society, ever most affectionately yours,Wm. Thomas.Rev.J. Batesto theSecretary.Sligo, Nov. 31, 1834.Dear Sir,Through mercy I am spared to give you an outline of my imperfect labours during the month that is now past, and gone into eternity. When I think of the rapid flight of time, and view the condition of my fellow-sinners around me with regard to their religious circumstances and eternal prospects, I feel that my situation is such as should lead me to Jesus, to seek more of his mind and more of his spirit, that “whatever my hand findeth to do, I may do it with my might.”Since my last letter, I have visited several villages in the country where I never went before. Castledargin, Corringuncor, Drimnagooli, and Ballindrist. There are a few brethren in the neighbourhood of Corringuncor, and they feel rejoiced when any one pays them a visit. The congregation at that place was large and very encouraging. Mr. Berry is going on a missionary tour amongst them this next week. May the Lord bless his own word to their everlasting welfare, and his own glory!Ballindrist is an interesting little station, and, by the blessing of God, I trust good will result from the proclamation of his word; but at Drimnagooli, there exists the greatest spirit of inquiry. I have only been in that neighbourhood three times, and I am happy to say that, each time, the congregation increased. They are continually saying, “Visit us as often as you can.” The clergyman in that neighbourhood has preached against baptism; but I have lately observed, where there is the most opposition, there is the greatest spirit of inquiry, and the largest congregations.Since I have been in this superstitious island (and surely this is the place “where Satan’s seat is”), I have sometimes thought of what my affectionate pastor told me when he was living, just before I left England. Calling me by my name, he said, “Whatever others do, let it be your determination to preach Jesus; wherever you take your stand, there let the cross be erected. Dagon fell when the ark of God was set up in his presence; they set him up the second time, but behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground and broken to pieces; so if you set up Christ, with a single eye to his glory, Antichrist must fall; ‘my word shall not return unto me void.’”During the next month, if all is well, as I shall have a long journey inspecting the schools, I hope to have many opportunities of proclaiming the gospel to those that are now sitting in darkness. I pray that the Lord may command a blessing, even life for evermore.J. Bates.ToMr. Thomas.Ballycar, Nov. 13, 1834.October 29. Being asked by a Roman Catholic why I would not pray to the Saints, and implore their intercession; I replied, Because I have no authority in Scripture for it. But on the contrary, St. Paul says, “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus;” and the Saviour himself says, in John xiv. 6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me;” and he also says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, I will do it.” Now since all we ask the Father, in the name of the Son, is granted unto us, why should we address ourselves to other mediators? We also read in 1 John ii. 1: “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”Nov. 2. In Quin, entering into a conversation with two persons, on the necessity of reading the Scriptures, one of them replied, that their clergy would not permit them to read them. I asked him, which should he obey, his priest or God? He replied, God. “Therefore you should read, and not only read but search, the Scriptures; for Christ himself says, ‘Search the Scriptures;’ and again he says, ‘Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it:’ and the apostle Paul strongly commends the people of Berea for reading the Scriptures; he expressly says in Acts xvii. 11: ‘These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.’ Now if these people doubted the words of that eminent apostle, how much more should we search the Scriptures in the present day, and see if the doctrine taught us be consistent with the Scriptures or not!” After reading different passages of Scripture, and reasoning for some time on this subject with these people, they replied that it appeared consistent with truth, that men should read the Scriptures.Nov. 7. Entering into conversation with one person, on the immediate state of happiness of those who die in the Lord; he replied, that no person can enter heaven, without being purged from their sins in purgatory. I asked him, Did he not think that the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ was sufficient to cleanse him? He replied, He was confident it was, but we must also suffer for some time in this place. I read to him different passages of Scripture, to prove to him that the blood of the Lord Jesus cleanseth us from all sin, such as Isaiah i. 18, 1 John i. 7, Prov. vii. 13, 14, 15, Heb. i. 3, &c.. After reading this passage, the man took the book out of my hand, to see if the words were expressly the same as I read them; after seeing they were, from his conversation after, heseemed very much to doubt this doctrine. I read at intervals to the Major’s workmen, himself being in a delicate state of health, which renders him at different times unable to do it. He had been very ill this day or two past, but is now getting better. Sir, I remain yours,Samuel Cross.ToRev.J. Bates.Temple House, Nov. 14, 1834.Rev. Sir.—I feel happy to state to you that since my last I have been permitted to read the word of life for vast numbers of Roman Catholics and others who were ignorant of those precious truths which are revealed in it; and indeed many of them have heard the word with remarkable attention, and seemed to receive instruction.Oct. 20. In the house of widow Sweeny, where there were assembled about fifty Roman Catholics, the man of the house having got a sudden death; whilst I sat amongst them one of them said, “Let us pray for the soul of the departed.” Then they all took off their hats and prayed; this they did every half hour, and in the interval talked of consecrated ground, &c., and of the benefits of being interred in consecrated ground. I was indeed much grieved on seeing and hearing such ignorance and superstition; and, addressing myself to one of the most respectable and well informed among them, I asked, “What reason have we to believe that either consecrated burial-ground or prayers for the dead, or any other office, can help the state of the departed soul?” Two of them answered and spoke alternately. One said that no devil or evil spirit could come near consecrated ground; the other told me that they believed in the doctrine of purgatory, and that the prayers of the faithful are necessary for the relief of the souls in purgatory. I told them that it is written in the word of God, that “blessed are the dead which die in the Lord,” for they rest from their labours; that those who believe in Jesus Christ, “his blood cleanseth them from all sin,” and that consequently they need no other purgatory. I referred to the words of the Saviour in the 3rd of John, “He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life, but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” One of the men above mentioned said, that he read in the Scriptures that we are purged by fire. I showed, from 1 Peter iv., the fiery trial spoken of means persecutions and sufferings for Christ’s sake to be endured in this life. I also showed, from Acts viii. that on the death of Stephen there was not a word about consecrated burial-ground or prayer for the dead. All this time the people heard with most eager attention. I showed them from many parts of Scripture that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour, and that all who believe in him are justified from all things, &c.On the 26th, went to the house of J. Foley, where many were assembled visiting a sick person. While they talked of the uncertainty of life, and the necessity of being prepared for eternity, I endeavoured to show the need we have of a Saviour, and the blessings of being interested in him. I proposed to read for the sick person, and was permitted; I read very many of the most suitable parts of Scripture, showing that the Saviour is a sure foundation to build our hopes on for salvation, and that there is no other. The people present were nearly all Roman Catholics; and seeing them so attentive, I continued nearly an hour reading. The sick person seemed to receive comfort from the Word, and the people of the family were extremely thankful. On the following Sabbath I again visited the same house. They told me they were rejoiced to see me enter their door. I read Acts iii. 4, showing that Peter, to whom they are in the habit of praying, directed the people to the Saviour, telling them that there is not salvation in any other, and that there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.Robert Beaty.ToRev.J. Allen.Ardnaree, Nov. 11, 1834.Rev. Sir,I am happy to inform you that many instances present themselves in this part of the country, of persons forsaking their former wicked course of living, and giving themselves to the study of the Scriptures, and that through the instrumentality of the Baptist Institution; persons who, if left to themselves, in all probability, would have lived and died ignorant of a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.On the 23rd, ult., I went to the neighbourhood of Castlebar, among our schools. In that part I read and talked to many of the inhabitants regarding the “one thing needful;” left the persons with whom I thus read and conversed, religious tracts as usual. M. MʻKelvey, with whom I had severalconversations regarding the ordinance of baptism, intends to offer himself as a candidate to the Ballina Baptist church soon.We have great cause for thankfulness that the Lord is pleased to grant us so many favourable opportunities of reading and explaining his holy word to our countrymen and fellow-sinners, being aware that if they knew the truth the truth would make them free.In the neighbourhood of Foxford, I have strove to be useful, particularly in Shrakum, had a seasonable opportunity of reading applicable portions of the Scriptures in the hearing of many persons, young and old, who answered their various questions respecting religion; we also joined in prayer. The people then present seemed to be satisfied with my answers to the questions which they asked on several occasions.There are three new places in which I frequently read the Scriptures in this neighbourhood, namely, Rakep, Caltrough, and Bunzee; in all those places I read portions both of the English and Irish Testament, diligently endeavouring to draw the serious attention of my various hearers, as usual, to the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.There is a man of the name O’Donell in Hill-street, Ballina, to whom I have given a Testament some time ago; he comes to your preaching, and does not care for either priest or pope, for so doing. On the 7th instant, went among our schools in the Tyrarough district; remained in Easkey two days; met and had conversation with many of our Christian friends there. May they daily receive all needful grace and strength out of the fulness that is in Christ Jesus!There is a man and his wife that lately came to live in this town; she is a nominal protestant, but he is a papist, they frequently come to my house for the purpose of getting religious instruction. They were with me on Saturday last, at which time I read several applicable portions of the Scriptures to them, and also answered their questions respecting religion, from the criterion of truth. They both can read. I have given them several useful tracts, and a book entitled, “The Errors of Popery.” I intend to visit them often, and they promised to attend your preaching. I hope these visits to my home, with the blessing of God, will be the means of directing them to the Saviour, who alone is able and willing to save to the uttermost all that put their trust in him.Roger Mullarky.CONTRIBUTIONS.Received by the Treasurer:—Mr. Baker’s Legacy, per J. Ivimey, Esq.10000A Friend at C., by Mr. Goddard1000Collection at the Rev. E. Steane’s, Camberwell,perW. B. Gurney, Esq.27100Collected in Surry, Essex, and Suffolk,bythe Rev. John Franks132155A small New Year’s Gift, intended asathank-offering to the Lord, to promotethefurtherance of his gospel, from S.Webb,Langley£100Omitted last month:—A Friend 1 0 0Erratum:—In the List of Contributions last monthfor“Dover,”readDown.Subscriptions received by S. Marshall, Esq., 181, High Holborn; Mr. P. Millard, Bishopsgate Street; Messrs. Burls, 56, Lothbury; Rev. G. Pritchard, 4, York Place, Pentonville, gratuitous Secretary; by Messrs. Ladbrokes and Co., Bankers, Bank Buildings; by Mr. H. D. Dickie, 13, Bank Street, and Rev. Mr. Innes, Frederick Street, Edinburgh; and P. Brown, Esq., Cardigan.LONDON: J. HADDON, PRINTER, CASTLE-STREET, FINSBURY.MISSIONARY HERALD,containing intelligence at large of theProceedings and Operationsof theBAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY.CXCIII.JANUARY, 1835.Subscriptions and Donations in aid of this Society will be thankfully received at the Baptist Mission House, No. 6, Fen Court, Fenchurch Street, London: or by any of the Ministers and Friends whose names are inserted in the Cover of the Annual Report.Death of Dr. Carey.Since the publication of the last number, the Secretary has received a communication from Mr. Jonathan Carey, announcing the fact of his venerable father’s decease, in the following terms:—Calcutta, June 14th, 1834.The Lord has been pleased to afflict us very severely, in removing from us, by death, my much esteemed and venerable father. This lamented event took place on the 9th instant, at five in the morning, and his remains were interred in the cold grave early on the following morning, in the presence of a crowded assembly of mourning friends. Much as I feel this heavy stroke, I trust I do not sorrow as those who have no hope. His was a life spent in the service of his Redeemer, and the Lord was pleased to make him an instrument of much usefulness; but notwithstanding all that he was enabled to do, he never ceased to exclaim that he was an unprofitable servant. In much humility and meekness of spirit he was zealous in the work of the Lord of Hosts, and the constant objects of his pursuits were the glory of God and the salvation of the heathen. His devotedness to the work to which he was called was evident in all his conduct. Nothing would give him more pleasure than to hear of the prosperity of Zion, and the downfall of idolatry. His heart was always much affected when speaking of the love of his dying Redeemer. Of the evil of idolatry he spoke with great warmth. He was active and faithful in the discharge of his duties as a minister and a translator; and was in his element in the study of botany and other scientific pursuits, but always humble in his views regarding his own abilities and acquirements. Although constantly employed for the last forty-one years, he possessed a vigorous constitution, excellent health, and a good flow of spirits; but the last two or three years he suffered from debility, and latterly wasted away, and at length sunk from exhaustion of strength, and his spirit took its flight to the regions of eternal bliss to enjoy the rest provided for the people of God, and the reward promised to those who endure to the end. Thus has my father finished his course, and has been removed from this scene of toil and labour. Many will have reason to bless God for what he was enabled, by his grace, to perform for the welfare of the poor heathen.The following has appeared in several of the public papers as a transcript of the Doctor’s will. Although no copy of this document has reached us direct from India, yet, as it carries internal evidence of its authenticity, and has been very widely circulated already, we do not hesitate to insert it in our pages. Our readers will especially mark, in the direction given as to his epitaph, that deep humility which was so prominent a feature in the character of this great and good man.I, William Carey, Doctor of Divinity, residing at Serampore, in the province of Bengal, being in good health, and of sound mind, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following:—First—I utterly disclaim all or any right or title to the premises at Serampore, called the Mission Premises, and every part and parcel thereof, and do hereby declare that I never had, or supposed myself to have, any such right or title.Secondly—I disclaim all right and title to the property belonging to my present wife, Grace Carey, amounting to 25,000 rupees, more or less, which was settled upon her by a particular deed, executed previously to my marriage with her.Thirdly—I give and bequeath to the College of Serampore, the whole of my museum, consisting of minerals, shells, corals, insects, and other natural curiosities, and a Hortus Siccus. Also the folio edition of Hortus Woburnensis, which was presented to me by Lord Hastings; Taylor’s Hebrew Concordance, my collection of Bibles in foreign languages, and all my books in the Italian and German languages.Fourthly—I desire that my wife, Grace Carey, will collect from my library whatever books in the English language she wishes for, and keep them for her own use.Fifthly—From the failure of funds to carry my former intentions into effect, I direct that my library, with the exceptions above made, be sold by public auction, unless it, or any part of it, can be advantageously disposed of by private sale, and that from the proceeds 1,500 rupees be paid as a legacy to my son Jabez Carey, a like sum having heretofore been paid to my sons Felix and William.Sixthly—It was my intention to have bequeathed a similar sum to my son Jonathan Carey, but GOD has so prospered him that he is in no immediate want of it. I direct that, if any thing remains, it be given to my wife, Grace Carey, to whom I also bequeath all my household furniture, wearing apparel, and whatever other effects I may possess, for her proper use and behoof.Seventhly—I direct that, before every other thing, all my lawful debts may be paid; that my funeral be as plain as possible; that I may be buried by the side of my second wife, Charlotte Emilia Carey; and that the following inscription, and nothing more, may be cut on the stone which commemorates her, either above or below, as there may be room; viz.“William Carey, born August 17th, 1761, died——“A wretched, poor, and helpless worm,On thy kind arms I fall.”Eighthly—I hereby constitute and appoint my dear friends, the Rev. William Robinson, of Calcutta, and the Rev. John Mack, of Serampore, executors to this my last will and testament, and request them to perform all therein desired and ordered by me, to the utmost of their power.Ninthly—I hereby declare this to be my last will and testament, and revoke all other wills and testaments of a date prior to this.(Signed)William Carey.(Signed)W. H. Jones, S. MʻIntosh.The following minute, in reference to this removal of Dr. Carey, has been entered on the records of the Baptist Missionary Society.“The Secretary having reported that intelligence had arrived of the death of Dr. Carey, at Serampore, on Monday, the 9th of June last, it was“Resolved,“That this Committee cordially sympathize, on this mournful occasion, with the immediate connexions of Dr. Carey, by whose death, not merely the Missionary circle with which he was most intimately associated, but the Christian world at large, has sustained no common loss. The Committee gratefully record, that this venerable and highly-esteemed servant of God had a principal share in the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society; and devoted himself, at its very commencement, to the service of the heathen, amidst complicated difficulties and discouragements, with an ardour and perseverance which nothing but Christian benevolence could inspire, and which only a strong and lively faith in God could sustain. Endowed with extraordinary talents for the acquisition of foreign languages, he delighted to consecrate them to the noble purpose of unfolding to the nations of the East the Holy Scriptures in their own tongue: a department of sacred labour in which it pleased God to honour him far beyond any predecessor or contemporary in the Missionary field. Nor was Dr. Carey less eminent for the holiness of his personal character. Throughout life he adorned the gospel of God his Saviour by the spirituality of his mind and the uprightness of his conduct; and especially, by the deep and unaffected humility which proved how largely he had imbibed the spirit of his blessed master.“In paying this brief and imperfect tribute to the memory of this great and good man, who was long their associate in Missionary exertion, and whom they have never ceased to regard with feelings of the utmost veneration and respect, it is the anxious desire of the Committee toglorify God in him. May a review of what divine grace accomplished in and by this faithful servant of the Redeemer, awaken lively gratitude, and strengthen the devout expectation that He, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, will favour his church with renewed proofs of his love and care by thrusting forth many such labourers into the harvest!”It is expected that Mr. Eustace Carey will compile, from the materials in possession of the Missionary Committee, and from the correspondence maintained by the Doctor with his relations in this country during the whole course of his residence in India, a Memoir of his venerable relative.BURMAH.By a letter from Mr. Judson to Dr. Bolles, dated Maulmein, December 31st, 1833, we learn that a Christian church has been formed at Ava; the capital of the empire, where two converts, one the wife of Kv Hʻlay, an old Rangoon disciple, and the other a respectable inhabitant of the city, were baptized in the preceding month.This prosperous Mission now comprises five churches, at Maulmein, Tavoy, Mergui, Rangoon, and Ava; and the whole number who have received baptism at these several stations, is five hundred and ninety-seven.A month afterwards, Mr. Judson was favoured to complete his translation of the whole Scriptures into the Burman language. Our readers will sympathize with the feelings which dictated the following entry made on this occasion in the journal of this devoted Missionary. We are happy to add that, although Mr. Judson has felt it his duty to construct his version on the principle adopted by our Calcutta brethren, this circumstance will not impede its circulation, the American Bible Society having rendered prompt and liberal assistance towards the printing.January 31st, 1834. Thanks be to God! I can now say, “I have attained.” I have knelt down before him, with the last leaf in my hand, and, imploring his forgiveness for all the sins which have polluted my labours in this department, and his aid in future efforts, to remove the errors and imperfections which necessarily cleave to the work, I have commended it to his mercy and grace: I have dedicated it to his glory. May he make his own inspired word, now complete in the Burman tongue, the grand instrument of filling all Burmah with songs of praises to our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen.SOUTH AFRICA.The following account of the second Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary Baptist Missionary Society, conducted by the Rev. W. Davies and his friends at Graham’s Town, is extracted from the local Newspaper, of the 28th of August last:On Monday last the second Annual Meeting of the above Society was held in the Wesleyan chapel, and we are glad to say that it passed off in the most lively and satisfactory manner. It is ever a pleasing task to trace the progress of such associations—to view their first feeble efforts—to see them gradually acquiring strength and importance, until at length we behold them spreading themselves out to the farthest extremities of the habitable globe—like a perennial stream refreshing the parched desert, and dispensing the purest blessings on every hand.A very pleasing circumstance attending these meetings is, the concord and brotherly feeling which are produced amongst the different denominations of professing Christians. Here all minor differences are merged in one united effort to promote a common cause—and that the holiest and most beneficial that can employ intelligent beings.We regret that our limited space will not permit us to give the several addresses which were made on this occasion, more especially as some of them were of a high order, and would have been perused with much interest by many of our readers. The principal speakers were, theRev. Mr. Heaviside, clergyman of the Episcopal church; Rev. Messrs. Monro and Robson (Independents); Rev. Messrs. Shrewsbury, Young, and Haddy (Wesleyans); Dr. Minto, on the military staff, who has recently returned from India, and the Rev. W. Davies and Mr. T. Nelson (Baptists).The report gives a general view of the state of the missions connected with this particular section of the Christian church; and we are glad to find that the prospect, by the emancipation of the negroes, and other causes, is particularly cheering. It was also satisfactory to find that the amount collected by this infant society—only established rather more than a year ago at Graham’s Town—has received in contributions during the past year no less a sum than nearly £146. Nothing can be more creditable than this fact to the inhabitants of this frontier, and nothing can show more distinctly that they are not entirely undeserving of that prosperity with which Providence has of late years favoured their efforts.We may add, as one symptom of the temporal prosperity thus adverted to, of this rising colony, that a great demand exists for industrious mechanics, especially of those classes employed in building. Pious individuals, especially, we are assured, would be welcomed in the district, and labour, adequately recompensed, immediately provided for them.JAMAICA.We had fully expected, by this time, to hear of the arrival of our friend Mr. Knibb, at Falmouth; but the mail, which has been due several days, is yet detained. We must therefore give a general summary of the recent intelligence from our various stations, and hope that, before this Herald leaves the press, we may be able to add a postscript, announcing intelligence which many, we know, are anxious to hear.FromKingston, under the date of September 22nd, Mr. Tinson writes: “Our congregation in town is better by far than it has been, though not overflowing; for being composed chiefly of domestics and mechanics who reside in town, it is of course less affected by country people than some others. I spent yesterday atYallahs, received five candidates, on examination, for baptism, preached in the morning, and administered the Lord’s supper to about a hundred members in the afternoon. The congregation was such as to make the heat almost insupportable. There were nearly as many outside the house as within, and many more would come, but they cannot hear without exposure to the sun all the time. This however will, I hope, be remedied in a few months, as we have now commenced the chapel, and paid the builder £100 towards it. I am begging from our people in Hanover-street, and the city generally; but they plead poverty, and I know many of them are poor indeed.”Mr. Gardner thankfully acknowledges that he has been repaid for all his exertions in visiting Port Royal, by the success with which it has pleased God to crown his labours there. “Last Sabbath week,” says he, on the 23rd of September, “at daybreak, at that place, I baptized fifteen in the sea, on a profession of their faith in Christ, and repentance towards God. Many hundreds were present, who collected soon after four in the morning. After the administration of that ordinance we repaired to the chapel, which was well attended, and had a regular service. Then I left for Kingston, as there was no brother unemployed that could assist me. Last Lord’s day I visited those friends again, and administered the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, when those who had been baptized were received into the church. It was an unusually solemn and gratifying season; many were greatly affected, and wept nearly all the time. This was to us a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. May he often grant us such seasons!”Mr. Phillippo is busily engaged in building the new school-rooms atSpanish Town, towards which he obtained some pecuniary aid while in this country. “There are to be two schools; one for boys, the other for girls. They are to hold three hundred scholars. The situation is on a range with our premises, and is in every respect eligible; between the rooms there is to be a Committee-room,so that the building will present a front of seventy-two feet in length. Several gentlemen in the town and neighbourhood have declared themselves friendly towards the object, and have promised to assist in its support. As an instance, His Honour the Custos, Member of Assembly and Island Secretary, and Price Watkis, Esq., the uncompromising advocate of negro emancipation in our Colonial Parliament, are to lay the foundation-stones on Thursday next. The Custos has moreover sent fourteen young women to the school to be educated as schoolmistresses, and to be completely under the charge of the resident schoolmistress, his intention being to employ them in the different estates for which he is attorney. This example I have reason to hope will be extensively followed.“We have still between three and four hundred children in attendance at our Sabbath-school, and the library I brought out with me is in extensive circulation. Every thing in connexion with our work appears prospering to an unexampled degree. God is indeed doing great things for us, whereof we are glad. What a change has been effected, also, on the moral aspect of society! Sunday markets abolished, and all the etceteras of evil that followed in their train!”Top Hill, near the junction of the two parishes of St. Ann’s and St. Thomas-in-the-Vale, has been the scene of one of those cruel outrages on the helpless and unoffending, which have too often stained the page of Colonial history. We give the account in the words of our Missionary brother, Mr. Clarke.“On the evening of Lord’s-day, September 14th, as nine of my people were returning to their homes from worshipping God, they were stopped and turned back by a young coloured man, who has by the death of his father come to an estate before he knows how to act for his own interest, and is fast spending it in riotous living. These friends had no sooner quietly taken their way back to go home by a more distant road, than this man set his dog upon them, and with Dr. B., a companion of his, pursued them about a half a mile.“Dr. B. threw off his coat to enable him to run with the greater speed; an aged female who is highly respected by all around, fell: and Dr. B. immediately fixed the dog upon her, which tore her leg severely in many places. Her husband ran to lift her up, and to drive off the dog, when Dr. B., seized him and attempted to throw him over a fearful precipice into a deep chasm, where he must have been dashed to pieces; but God enabled his servant to escape from the grasp of the persecutor, and all the party came back to the house where we had so recently joined together in the worship of God. I had travelled a considerable distance during the day, had got wet, preached twice, and performed various other duties; being fatigued, and having to journey home on the morrow, I had retired to rest. As soon as I heard what had taken place I arose, had the wounds of the poor female attended to, and bound up. I then conversed with the people, read to them the first twelve verses of the fifth of Matthew, and again from the forty-third verse to the end; spoke to them on the duty of forgiveness, love to enemies, and patient suffering for Christ’s sake; prayed with them, first for the persecutors, next for themselves and for the church of God. They left me between nine and ten o’clock, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for righteousness’ sake; before they left, they besought me not to carry the matter to a magistrate, but to leave it with God; promising that they would always afterward go and return by a road that did not lead them near the house of this man. I really admired their forgiving spirit, and their patient endurance of evil, especially that of the chief sufferer, and of her husband, who had suffered with her, and had narrowly escaped death in rescuing her. Two of the nine have long been free, the others were apprentices. Had the native feelings of the human heart been indulged, how easily could these people have resisted the assaults of their persecutors, and, as they were pursued about half a mile on the road that has been a common by-path for years, they might have turned upon their adversaries, and afterwards have argued that they had a right to pass without molestation, and when molested to act on the defensive, in forcing their way to their homes; but, except a few words at first, of calm entreaty, these quiet people did nothing, and gave no impertinent language, but turned to go back in peace, and were in the act of returning when they were thus assaulted.”We mentioned, in our last number, that Mr. Coultart had encountered much annoyance in the neighbouring parish of St. Ann’s, the birth-place ofthe Colonial Church Union, and disgracefully conspicuous for the blind and furious determination shown by several of its leading men, to prevent the spread of religious instruction among the negroes. Humanly speaking, nothing but the wise, humane, and dignified conduct of the Custos, the Hon. S. M. Barrett, saved this parish from the horrors of martial law. He applied to Mr. Coultart, requesting him to use all his influence with the negroes to quell the spirit of insubordination which had begun to show itself among them; and in addition to this, met them in person at Ocho Rios, gave them an excellent and animated address, explaining to them the nature of the new law, and expostulating with them, in the warmest and kindest manner. All present were much pleased with his kindness, and promised to do all they could to allay the existing evil.Mrs. Coultart, in a subsequent letter, adverting to the same subject, remarks, “The poor things were puzzled. They were told they were free on the first of August, had a general holiday, and rejoiced at the event; and then they were called to work again as before. ‘Free, no free at all; work like before-time.’ Many said, they would not work without a proper understanding, or some pay. I was present when a poor woman in the Methodist Society made a speech to the following effect: ‘From the creation down to now we work, work, work. Now, Lord Mulgrave and the King give we free, we take free, we happy; then master come, tell we work like before-time. No, me say, better take shot at one than make we fool so.’ The minister’s wife talked to her, and explained that this work for six years was to help pay the owner what the King could not afford to do, of the money that purchased her; and she seemed quite content, and said she would go to her work. If it were possible to speak to each thus, in the tone of a friend, they would believe; but their confidence in their owners is shaken—and who can wonder?”Adverting to the necessity of additional aid to give instruction to the negroes and their children, Mrs. C. remarks to her female correspondent, “I wish you could just come some Saturday evening before the preaching Sabbath at this bay, and see the numbers who come to our house, two miles farther, after having walked twenty and twenty-five miles already, just to read their letters, or to hear a few verses out of the Bible, or Watts’s First Catechism, or something that will shed a ray of light over their benighted minds. I have about thirty-five little ragged black children who meet me in the place hired for worship on the bay at four o’clock every evening. These I try to teach for two hours, and the only member of the church who can read sometimes meets me to assist. We are going soon, I believe, to remove from this house; it is considered unhealthy, there being marshes near, and then I shall be too far off to attend to the children daily. On the sabbath, only every third, is too unfrequent for progress to be made. Could I see the means of support, I would, without loss of time, place a person at the bay to teach regularly, and then I trust some good would be done. The eagerness manifested for First Spelling Books with large alphabets is amusing and pleasing. I have purchased all I could get in Kingston, and sold them again at the same price, which is three times as dear as if I had them from England. Mr. C. has written to several English friends, to beg them to send us some, either to give away or sell. I hope they will, without loss of time, for it is distressing to be obliged to refuse such earnest requests. ‘Me want to learn, me good massa, that me may read out of the Bible for meself.’ This is just what we want for them, that they may not be led astray by every designing person, who may set himself up to instruct them.”AtPort MariaMr. Baylis had the pleasure of receivingfifty-ninepersons by baptism on the 20th of July last. He labours with great diligence, and is cheered, at each of his stations, by proofs of a divine blessing resting on his exertions.Mr. Whitehorne reports, fromMount Charles, that the same increase of congregation, and earnest desire to learn to read, exists in the several places where he maintains public worship, as at other stations; whilefromMontego Bay, andFalmouth, our brethren Abbott, Dexter, and Dendy, renew their earnest solicitations for further aid. We rejoice to learn that Mr. Burchell arrived in safety at Kingston from New York, on the 27th of October; and we trust not only to be permitted to make the same announcement, in a few days, respecting Mr. Knibb, but to witness further accession, shortly, to the number of faithful and devoted labourers in this interesting portion of the missionary field.Mr. Harjette and his family have embarked for Calcutta in the David Clarke, Capt. Rayne, and sailed from Portsmouth.A letter has been received from Mr. George Pearce, dated at sea, Sept. 6th, in N. lat. 4°, W. long. 23°. Mr. and Mrs. P. were quite well, and had received much kind attention from the Captain and their fellow-passengers.LIST OF FOREIGN LETTERS LATELY RECEIVED.
NAMERECOMMENDED BYE£3S. Price.B4J. Edwards.F3E. Evans.I4J. Williamson.H4T. Howard.C4J. Puntis.P4W. Yates.I3B. Price.A4S. Green.W4F. A. Cox.D3T. Thomas.B4J. Carver.W4H. W. Holmes.T3B. Thomas.C4W. Copley.P3M. Thomas.D3J. James.B4W. L. Smith.
***The Widows will please to observe they cannot receive twice in the same year.
JANUARY, 1835.
The Rev. S. Davis, of Clonmel, will come from Ireland this month, for the purpose of collecting on behalf of the Society in the West of England. Our friends, that he may visit, especially our ministering brethren, are respectfully and earnestly requested to encourage his application to the utmost of their power; as, on the success of such efforts the continued operations of the Society greatly depends.
In the Rev. Wm. Thomas’s letter will be found a grateful reference to the Committee of the Tract Society, and to a parcel which he has received from England, containing many useful articles for the children of the schools. And the Secretary begs to acknowledge the receipt of a number of “Magazines for Ireland,” from a female friend at Hammersmith.
Extract of a letter fromRev.S. Davisto theSecretary.
Clonmel, Nov. 21, 1834.
We are in the Lord’s hands, and he will finally accomplish the purposes of his own glory, and I am persuaded we cannot do better than steadily to pursue the purpose in which we are engaged, to make the people acquainted, as far as it is in our power, with the Holy Scriptures, which will undermine the power of Antichrist, and promote happiness in proportion as they obtain an access to the heart.
My son, at Ardee, recently assisted in the public examination of 400 adults in their knowledge of the Irish Scriptures, and he has given a very interesting account of the meeting in the last Quarterly Papers of the Irish Society. He was astonished and delighted to think, as I do also, that the teaching of the people in the Irish Scriptures, is one of the most important benefits that can be conferred upon the country.
Our Society has had the honour to take the lead in this respect; and, however we may be looked down upon, and whatever may become of the institution, I have no doubt it has been a greater benefit to the country than words can express; it is a pity, therefore, that it should not be in more prosperous circumstances, and that your hands should not be held up more by those who have it in their power to afford us assistance; but when we have done what we could do we cannot reproach ourselves, and we must leave the event with Him who will appreciate our good intentions, and forgive all our infirmities.
S. Davis.
Rev.W. Thomasto theSecretary.
Limerick, Nov. 21, 1834.
My dear Sir,
You will have the kindness to excuse the brevity of these few lines, as I have only this moment arrived after a journey of preaching and inspecting some of the schools, and it is necessary that the readers’ journals should go off by this day’s mail, which will proceed immediately. I have, I trust, some interesting things to communicate, which, please providence, I shall shortly do; and also, offer my grateful thanks to the Committee of the Tract Society, for a precious parcel of tracts, forwarded with a kind letter from their worthy Secretary; and also my very grateful acknowledgments to an excellent lady, for a very acceptable parcel for the female children in the schools; this good lady says, they are “from one who wishes well to the cause of instructing the rising generation.” The thimbles, bodkins, thread-cases, needle-books, work-bags, scissors, and five shillings, inclosed in the “old purse,” shall be judiciously distributed: the five shillings we will apply to clothing some naked creatures. May the Lord of glory clothe the dear lady’s soul with the beautiful and glorious, the spotless and eternal, robes of the Redeemer’s righteousness, which will never wax old!
With the kindest wishes for you, my dear Sir, and all the dear friends of the Society, ever most affectionately yours,
Wm. Thomas.
Rev.J. Batesto theSecretary.
Sligo, Nov. 31, 1834.
Dear Sir,
Through mercy I am spared to give you an outline of my imperfect labours during the month that is now past, and gone into eternity. When I think of the rapid flight of time, and view the condition of my fellow-sinners around me with regard to their religious circumstances and eternal prospects, I feel that my situation is such as should lead me to Jesus, to seek more of his mind and more of his spirit, that “whatever my hand findeth to do, I may do it with my might.”
Since my last letter, I have visited several villages in the country where I never went before. Castledargin, Corringuncor, Drimnagooli, and Ballindrist. There are a few brethren in the neighbourhood of Corringuncor, and they feel rejoiced when any one pays them a visit. The congregation at that place was large and very encouraging. Mr. Berry is going on a missionary tour amongst them this next week. May the Lord bless his own word to their everlasting welfare, and his own glory!
Ballindrist is an interesting little station, and, by the blessing of God, I trust good will result from the proclamation of his word; but at Drimnagooli, there exists the greatest spirit of inquiry. I have only been in that neighbourhood three times, and I am happy to say that, each time, the congregation increased. They are continually saying, “Visit us as often as you can.” The clergyman in that neighbourhood has preached against baptism; but I have lately observed, where there is the most opposition, there is the greatest spirit of inquiry, and the largest congregations.
Since I have been in this superstitious island (and surely this is the place “where Satan’s seat is”), I have sometimes thought of what my affectionate pastor told me when he was living, just before I left England. Calling me by my name, he said, “Whatever others do, let it be your determination to preach Jesus; wherever you take your stand, there let the cross be erected. Dagon fell when the ark of God was set up in his presence; they set him up the second time, but behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground and broken to pieces; so if you set up Christ, with a single eye to his glory, Antichrist must fall; ‘my word shall not return unto me void.’”
During the next month, if all is well, as I shall have a long journey inspecting the schools, I hope to have many opportunities of proclaiming the gospel to those that are now sitting in darkness. I pray that the Lord may command a blessing, even life for evermore.
J. Bates.
ToMr. Thomas.
Ballycar, Nov. 13, 1834.
October 29. Being asked by a Roman Catholic why I would not pray to the Saints, and implore their intercession; I replied, Because I have no authority in Scripture for it. But on the contrary, St. Paul says, “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus;” and the Saviour himself says, in John xiv. 6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me;” and he also says, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, I will do it.” Now since all we ask the Father, in the name of the Son, is granted unto us, why should we address ourselves to other mediators? We also read in 1 John ii. 1: “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Nov. 2. In Quin, entering into a conversation with two persons, on the necessity of reading the Scriptures, one of them replied, that their clergy would not permit them to read them. I asked him, which should he obey, his priest or God? He replied, God. “Therefore you should read, and not only read but search, the Scriptures; for Christ himself says, ‘Search the Scriptures;’ and again he says, ‘Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it:’ and the apostle Paul strongly commends the people of Berea for reading the Scriptures; he expressly says in Acts xvii. 11: ‘These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.’ Now if these people doubted the words of that eminent apostle, how much more should we search the Scriptures in the present day, and see if the doctrine taught us be consistent with the Scriptures or not!” After reading different passages of Scripture, and reasoning for some time on this subject with these people, they replied that it appeared consistent with truth, that men should read the Scriptures.
Nov. 7. Entering into conversation with one person, on the immediate state of happiness of those who die in the Lord; he replied, that no person can enter heaven, without being purged from their sins in purgatory. I asked him, Did he not think that the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ was sufficient to cleanse him? He replied, He was confident it was, but we must also suffer for some time in this place. I read to him different passages of Scripture, to prove to him that the blood of the Lord Jesus cleanseth us from all sin, such as Isaiah i. 18, 1 John i. 7, Prov. vii. 13, 14, 15, Heb. i. 3, &c.. After reading this passage, the man took the book out of my hand, to see if the words were expressly the same as I read them; after seeing they were, from his conversation after, heseemed very much to doubt this doctrine. I read at intervals to the Major’s workmen, himself being in a delicate state of health, which renders him at different times unable to do it. He had been very ill this day or two past, but is now getting better. Sir, I remain yours,
Samuel Cross.
ToRev.J. Bates.
Temple House, Nov. 14, 1834.
Rev. Sir.—I feel happy to state to you that since my last I have been permitted to read the word of life for vast numbers of Roman Catholics and others who were ignorant of those precious truths which are revealed in it; and indeed many of them have heard the word with remarkable attention, and seemed to receive instruction.
Oct. 20. In the house of widow Sweeny, where there were assembled about fifty Roman Catholics, the man of the house having got a sudden death; whilst I sat amongst them one of them said, “Let us pray for the soul of the departed.” Then they all took off their hats and prayed; this they did every half hour, and in the interval talked of consecrated ground, &c., and of the benefits of being interred in consecrated ground. I was indeed much grieved on seeing and hearing such ignorance and superstition; and, addressing myself to one of the most respectable and well informed among them, I asked, “What reason have we to believe that either consecrated burial-ground or prayers for the dead, or any other office, can help the state of the departed soul?” Two of them answered and spoke alternately. One said that no devil or evil spirit could come near consecrated ground; the other told me that they believed in the doctrine of purgatory, and that the prayers of the faithful are necessary for the relief of the souls in purgatory. I told them that it is written in the word of God, that “blessed are the dead which die in the Lord,” for they rest from their labours; that those who believe in Jesus Christ, “his blood cleanseth them from all sin,” and that consequently they need no other purgatory. I referred to the words of the Saviour in the 3rd of John, “He that believeth on the Son bath everlasting life, but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” One of the men above mentioned said, that he read in the Scriptures that we are purged by fire. I showed, from 1 Peter iv., the fiery trial spoken of means persecutions and sufferings for Christ’s sake to be endured in this life. I also showed, from Acts viii. that on the death of Stephen there was not a word about consecrated burial-ground or prayer for the dead. All this time the people heard with most eager attention. I showed them from many parts of Scripture that Jesus is an all-sufficient Saviour, and that all who believe in him are justified from all things, &c.
On the 26th, went to the house of J. Foley, where many were assembled visiting a sick person. While they talked of the uncertainty of life, and the necessity of being prepared for eternity, I endeavoured to show the need we have of a Saviour, and the blessings of being interested in him. I proposed to read for the sick person, and was permitted; I read very many of the most suitable parts of Scripture, showing that the Saviour is a sure foundation to build our hopes on for salvation, and that there is no other. The people present were nearly all Roman Catholics; and seeing them so attentive, I continued nearly an hour reading. The sick person seemed to receive comfort from the Word, and the people of the family were extremely thankful. On the following Sabbath I again visited the same house. They told me they were rejoiced to see me enter their door. I read Acts iii. 4, showing that Peter, to whom they are in the habit of praying, directed the people to the Saviour, telling them that there is not salvation in any other, and that there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.
Robert Beaty.
ToRev.J. Allen.
Ardnaree, Nov. 11, 1834.
Rev. Sir,
I am happy to inform you that many instances present themselves in this part of the country, of persons forsaking their former wicked course of living, and giving themselves to the study of the Scriptures, and that through the instrumentality of the Baptist Institution; persons who, if left to themselves, in all probability, would have lived and died ignorant of a saving knowledge of Christ Jesus.
On the 23rd, ult., I went to the neighbourhood of Castlebar, among our schools. In that part I read and talked to many of the inhabitants regarding the “one thing needful;” left the persons with whom I thus read and conversed, religious tracts as usual. M. MʻKelvey, with whom I had severalconversations regarding the ordinance of baptism, intends to offer himself as a candidate to the Ballina Baptist church soon.
We have great cause for thankfulness that the Lord is pleased to grant us so many favourable opportunities of reading and explaining his holy word to our countrymen and fellow-sinners, being aware that if they knew the truth the truth would make them free.
In the neighbourhood of Foxford, I have strove to be useful, particularly in Shrakum, had a seasonable opportunity of reading applicable portions of the Scriptures in the hearing of many persons, young and old, who answered their various questions respecting religion; we also joined in prayer. The people then present seemed to be satisfied with my answers to the questions which they asked on several occasions.
There are three new places in which I frequently read the Scriptures in this neighbourhood, namely, Rakep, Caltrough, and Bunzee; in all those places I read portions both of the English and Irish Testament, diligently endeavouring to draw the serious attention of my various hearers, as usual, to the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
There is a man of the name O’Donell in Hill-street, Ballina, to whom I have given a Testament some time ago; he comes to your preaching, and does not care for either priest or pope, for so doing. On the 7th instant, went among our schools in the Tyrarough district; remained in Easkey two days; met and had conversation with many of our Christian friends there. May they daily receive all needful grace and strength out of the fulness that is in Christ Jesus!
There is a man and his wife that lately came to live in this town; she is a nominal protestant, but he is a papist, they frequently come to my house for the purpose of getting religious instruction. They were with me on Saturday last, at which time I read several applicable portions of the Scriptures to them, and also answered their questions respecting religion, from the criterion of truth. They both can read. I have given them several useful tracts, and a book entitled, “The Errors of Popery.” I intend to visit them often, and they promised to attend your preaching. I hope these visits to my home, with the blessing of God, will be the means of directing them to the Saviour, who alone is able and willing to save to the uttermost all that put their trust in him.
Roger Mullarky.
Received by the Treasurer:—
Mr. Baker’s Legacy, per J. Ivimey, Esq.10000A Friend at C., by Mr. Goddard1000Collection at the Rev. E. Steane’s, Camberwell,perW. B. Gurney, Esq.27100Collected in Surry, Essex, and Suffolk,bythe Rev. John Franks132155A small New Year’s Gift, intended asathank-offering to the Lord, to promotethefurtherance of his gospel, from S.Webb,Langley£100
Omitted last month:—A Friend 1 0 0
Erratum:—In the List of Contributions last monthfor“Dover,”readDown.
Subscriptions received by S. Marshall, Esq., 181, High Holborn; Mr. P. Millard, Bishopsgate Street; Messrs. Burls, 56, Lothbury; Rev. G. Pritchard, 4, York Place, Pentonville, gratuitous Secretary; by Messrs. Ladbrokes and Co., Bankers, Bank Buildings; by Mr. H. D. Dickie, 13, Bank Street, and Rev. Mr. Innes, Frederick Street, Edinburgh; and P. Brown, Esq., Cardigan.
LONDON: J. HADDON, PRINTER, CASTLE-STREET, FINSBURY.
containing intelligence at large of the
Proceedings and Operations
of the
CXCIII.JANUARY, 1835.
CXCIII.JANUARY, 1835.
CXCIII.JANUARY, 1835.
Subscriptions and Donations in aid of this Society will be thankfully received at the Baptist Mission House, No. 6, Fen Court, Fenchurch Street, London: or by any of the Ministers and Friends whose names are inserted in the Cover of the Annual Report.
Death of Dr. Carey.
Since the publication of the last number, the Secretary has received a communication from Mr. Jonathan Carey, announcing the fact of his venerable father’s decease, in the following terms:—
Calcutta, June 14th, 1834.
The Lord has been pleased to afflict us very severely, in removing from us, by death, my much esteemed and venerable father. This lamented event took place on the 9th instant, at five in the morning, and his remains were interred in the cold grave early on the following morning, in the presence of a crowded assembly of mourning friends. Much as I feel this heavy stroke, I trust I do not sorrow as those who have no hope. His was a life spent in the service of his Redeemer, and the Lord was pleased to make him an instrument of much usefulness; but notwithstanding all that he was enabled to do, he never ceased to exclaim that he was an unprofitable servant. In much humility and meekness of spirit he was zealous in the work of the Lord of Hosts, and the constant objects of his pursuits were the glory of God and the salvation of the heathen. His devotedness to the work to which he was called was evident in all his conduct. Nothing would give him more pleasure than to hear of the prosperity of Zion, and the downfall of idolatry. His heart was always much affected when speaking of the love of his dying Redeemer. Of the evil of idolatry he spoke with great warmth. He was active and faithful in the discharge of his duties as a minister and a translator; and was in his element in the study of botany and other scientific pursuits, but always humble in his views regarding his own abilities and acquirements. Although constantly employed for the last forty-one years, he possessed a vigorous constitution, excellent health, and a good flow of spirits; but the last two or three years he suffered from debility, and latterly wasted away, and at length sunk from exhaustion of strength, and his spirit took its flight to the regions of eternal bliss to enjoy the rest provided for the people of God, and the reward promised to those who endure to the end. Thus has my father finished his course, and has been removed from this scene of toil and labour. Many will have reason to bless God for what he was enabled, by his grace, to perform for the welfare of the poor heathen.
The Lord has been pleased to afflict us very severely, in removing from us, by death, my much esteemed and venerable father. This lamented event took place on the 9th instant, at five in the morning, and his remains were interred in the cold grave early on the following morning, in the presence of a crowded assembly of mourning friends. Much as I feel this heavy stroke, I trust I do not sorrow as those who have no hope. His was a life spent in the service of his Redeemer, and the Lord was pleased to make him an instrument of much usefulness; but notwithstanding all that he was enabled to do, he never ceased to exclaim that he was an unprofitable servant. In much humility and meekness of spirit he was zealous in the work of the Lord of Hosts, and the constant objects of his pursuits were the glory of God and the salvation of the heathen. His devotedness to the work to which he was called was evident in all his conduct. Nothing would give him more pleasure than to hear of the prosperity of Zion, and the downfall of idolatry. His heart was always much affected when speaking of the love of his dying Redeemer. Of the evil of idolatry he spoke with great warmth. He was active and faithful in the discharge of his duties as a minister and a translator; and was in his element in the study of botany and other scientific pursuits, but always humble in his views regarding his own abilities and acquirements. Although constantly employed for the last forty-one years, he possessed a vigorous constitution, excellent health, and a good flow of spirits; but the last two or three years he suffered from debility, and latterly wasted away, and at length sunk from exhaustion of strength, and his spirit took its flight to the regions of eternal bliss to enjoy the rest provided for the people of God, and the reward promised to those who endure to the end. Thus has my father finished his course, and has been removed from this scene of toil and labour. Many will have reason to bless God for what he was enabled, by his grace, to perform for the welfare of the poor heathen.
The following has appeared in several of the public papers as a transcript of the Doctor’s will. Although no copy of this document has reached us direct from India, yet, as it carries internal evidence of its authenticity, and has been very widely circulated already, we do not hesitate to insert it in our pages. Our readers will especially mark, in the direction given as to his epitaph, that deep humility which was so prominent a feature in the character of this great and good man.
I, William Carey, Doctor of Divinity, residing at Serampore, in the province of Bengal, being in good health, and of sound mind, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following:—First—I utterly disclaim all or any right or title to the premises at Serampore, called the Mission Premises, and every part and parcel thereof, and do hereby declare that I never had, or supposed myself to have, any such right or title.Secondly—I disclaim all right and title to the property belonging to my present wife, Grace Carey, amounting to 25,000 rupees, more or less, which was settled upon her by a particular deed, executed previously to my marriage with her.Thirdly—I give and bequeath to the College of Serampore, the whole of my museum, consisting of minerals, shells, corals, insects, and other natural curiosities, and a Hortus Siccus. Also the folio edition of Hortus Woburnensis, which was presented to me by Lord Hastings; Taylor’s Hebrew Concordance, my collection of Bibles in foreign languages, and all my books in the Italian and German languages.Fourthly—I desire that my wife, Grace Carey, will collect from my library whatever books in the English language she wishes for, and keep them for her own use.Fifthly—From the failure of funds to carry my former intentions into effect, I direct that my library, with the exceptions above made, be sold by public auction, unless it, or any part of it, can be advantageously disposed of by private sale, and that from the proceeds 1,500 rupees be paid as a legacy to my son Jabez Carey, a like sum having heretofore been paid to my sons Felix and William.Sixthly—It was my intention to have bequeathed a similar sum to my son Jonathan Carey, but GOD has so prospered him that he is in no immediate want of it. I direct that, if any thing remains, it be given to my wife, Grace Carey, to whom I also bequeath all my household furniture, wearing apparel, and whatever other effects I may possess, for her proper use and behoof.Seventhly—I direct that, before every other thing, all my lawful debts may be paid; that my funeral be as plain as possible; that I may be buried by the side of my second wife, Charlotte Emilia Carey; and that the following inscription, and nothing more, may be cut on the stone which commemorates her, either above or below, as there may be room; viz.“William Carey, born August 17th, 1761, died——“A wretched, poor, and helpless worm,On thy kind arms I fall.”Eighthly—I hereby constitute and appoint my dear friends, the Rev. William Robinson, of Calcutta, and the Rev. John Mack, of Serampore, executors to this my last will and testament, and request them to perform all therein desired and ordered by me, to the utmost of their power.Ninthly—I hereby declare this to be my last will and testament, and revoke all other wills and testaments of a date prior to this.
I, William Carey, Doctor of Divinity, residing at Serampore, in the province of Bengal, being in good health, and of sound mind, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following:—
First—I utterly disclaim all or any right or title to the premises at Serampore, called the Mission Premises, and every part and parcel thereof, and do hereby declare that I never had, or supposed myself to have, any such right or title.
Secondly—I disclaim all right and title to the property belonging to my present wife, Grace Carey, amounting to 25,000 rupees, more or less, which was settled upon her by a particular deed, executed previously to my marriage with her.
Thirdly—I give and bequeath to the College of Serampore, the whole of my museum, consisting of minerals, shells, corals, insects, and other natural curiosities, and a Hortus Siccus. Also the folio edition of Hortus Woburnensis, which was presented to me by Lord Hastings; Taylor’s Hebrew Concordance, my collection of Bibles in foreign languages, and all my books in the Italian and German languages.
Fourthly—I desire that my wife, Grace Carey, will collect from my library whatever books in the English language she wishes for, and keep them for her own use.
Fifthly—From the failure of funds to carry my former intentions into effect, I direct that my library, with the exceptions above made, be sold by public auction, unless it, or any part of it, can be advantageously disposed of by private sale, and that from the proceeds 1,500 rupees be paid as a legacy to my son Jabez Carey, a like sum having heretofore been paid to my sons Felix and William.
Sixthly—It was my intention to have bequeathed a similar sum to my son Jonathan Carey, but GOD has so prospered him that he is in no immediate want of it. I direct that, if any thing remains, it be given to my wife, Grace Carey, to whom I also bequeath all my household furniture, wearing apparel, and whatever other effects I may possess, for her proper use and behoof.
Seventhly—I direct that, before every other thing, all my lawful debts may be paid; that my funeral be as plain as possible; that I may be buried by the side of my second wife, Charlotte Emilia Carey; and that the following inscription, and nothing more, may be cut on the stone which commemorates her, either above or below, as there may be room; viz.
“William Carey, born August 17th, 1761, died——
“A wretched, poor, and helpless worm,On thy kind arms I fall.”
Eighthly—I hereby constitute and appoint my dear friends, the Rev. William Robinson, of Calcutta, and the Rev. John Mack, of Serampore, executors to this my last will and testament, and request them to perform all therein desired and ordered by me, to the utmost of their power.
Ninthly—I hereby declare this to be my last will and testament, and revoke all other wills and testaments of a date prior to this.
(Signed)William Carey.(Signed)W. H. Jones, S. MʻIntosh.
The following minute, in reference to this removal of Dr. Carey, has been entered on the records of the Baptist Missionary Society.
“The Secretary having reported that intelligence had arrived of the death of Dr. Carey, at Serampore, on Monday, the 9th of June last, it was
“Resolved,
“That this Committee cordially sympathize, on this mournful occasion, with the immediate connexions of Dr. Carey, by whose death, not merely the Missionary circle with which he was most intimately associated, but the Christian world at large, has sustained no common loss. The Committee gratefully record, that this venerable and highly-esteemed servant of God had a principal share in the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society; and devoted himself, at its very commencement, to the service of the heathen, amidst complicated difficulties and discouragements, with an ardour and perseverance which nothing but Christian benevolence could inspire, and which only a strong and lively faith in God could sustain. Endowed with extraordinary talents for the acquisition of foreign languages, he delighted to consecrate them to the noble purpose of unfolding to the nations of the East the Holy Scriptures in their own tongue: a department of sacred labour in which it pleased God to honour him far beyond any predecessor or contemporary in the Missionary field. Nor was Dr. Carey less eminent for the holiness of his personal character. Throughout life he adorned the gospel of God his Saviour by the spirituality of his mind and the uprightness of his conduct; and especially, by the deep and unaffected humility which proved how largely he had imbibed the spirit of his blessed master.“In paying this brief and imperfect tribute to the memory of this great and good man, who was long their associate in Missionary exertion, and whom they have never ceased to regard with feelings of the utmost veneration and respect, it is the anxious desire of the Committee toglorify God in him. May a review of what divine grace accomplished in and by this faithful servant of the Redeemer, awaken lively gratitude, and strengthen the devout expectation that He, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, will favour his church with renewed proofs of his love and care by thrusting forth many such labourers into the harvest!”
“That this Committee cordially sympathize, on this mournful occasion, with the immediate connexions of Dr. Carey, by whose death, not merely the Missionary circle with which he was most intimately associated, but the Christian world at large, has sustained no common loss. The Committee gratefully record, that this venerable and highly-esteemed servant of God had a principal share in the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society; and devoted himself, at its very commencement, to the service of the heathen, amidst complicated difficulties and discouragements, with an ardour and perseverance which nothing but Christian benevolence could inspire, and which only a strong and lively faith in God could sustain. Endowed with extraordinary talents for the acquisition of foreign languages, he delighted to consecrate them to the noble purpose of unfolding to the nations of the East the Holy Scriptures in their own tongue: a department of sacred labour in which it pleased God to honour him far beyond any predecessor or contemporary in the Missionary field. Nor was Dr. Carey less eminent for the holiness of his personal character. Throughout life he adorned the gospel of God his Saviour by the spirituality of his mind and the uprightness of his conduct; and especially, by the deep and unaffected humility which proved how largely he had imbibed the spirit of his blessed master.
“In paying this brief and imperfect tribute to the memory of this great and good man, who was long their associate in Missionary exertion, and whom they have never ceased to regard with feelings of the utmost veneration and respect, it is the anxious desire of the Committee toglorify God in him. May a review of what divine grace accomplished in and by this faithful servant of the Redeemer, awaken lively gratitude, and strengthen the devout expectation that He, with whom is the residue of the Spirit, will favour his church with renewed proofs of his love and care by thrusting forth many such labourers into the harvest!”
It is expected that Mr. Eustace Carey will compile, from the materials in possession of the Missionary Committee, and from the correspondence maintained by the Doctor with his relations in this country during the whole course of his residence in India, a Memoir of his venerable relative.
BURMAH.
By a letter from Mr. Judson to Dr. Bolles, dated Maulmein, December 31st, 1833, we learn that a Christian church has been formed at Ava; the capital of the empire, where two converts, one the wife of Kv Hʻlay, an old Rangoon disciple, and the other a respectable inhabitant of the city, were baptized in the preceding month.
This prosperous Mission now comprises five churches, at Maulmein, Tavoy, Mergui, Rangoon, and Ava; and the whole number who have received baptism at these several stations, is five hundred and ninety-seven.
A month afterwards, Mr. Judson was favoured to complete his translation of the whole Scriptures into the Burman language. Our readers will sympathize with the feelings which dictated the following entry made on this occasion in the journal of this devoted Missionary. We are happy to add that, although Mr. Judson has felt it his duty to construct his version on the principle adopted by our Calcutta brethren, this circumstance will not impede its circulation, the American Bible Society having rendered prompt and liberal assistance towards the printing.
January 31st, 1834. Thanks be to God! I can now say, “I have attained.” I have knelt down before him, with the last leaf in my hand, and, imploring his forgiveness for all the sins which have polluted my labours in this department, and his aid in future efforts, to remove the errors and imperfections which necessarily cleave to the work, I have commended it to his mercy and grace: I have dedicated it to his glory. May he make his own inspired word, now complete in the Burman tongue, the grand instrument of filling all Burmah with songs of praises to our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen.
January 31st, 1834. Thanks be to God! I can now say, “I have attained.” I have knelt down before him, with the last leaf in my hand, and, imploring his forgiveness for all the sins which have polluted my labours in this department, and his aid in future efforts, to remove the errors and imperfections which necessarily cleave to the work, I have commended it to his mercy and grace: I have dedicated it to his glory. May he make his own inspired word, now complete in the Burman tongue, the grand instrument of filling all Burmah with songs of praises to our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen.
SOUTH AFRICA.
The following account of the second Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary Baptist Missionary Society, conducted by the Rev. W. Davies and his friends at Graham’s Town, is extracted from the local Newspaper, of the 28th of August last:
On Monday last the second Annual Meeting of the above Society was held in the Wesleyan chapel, and we are glad to say that it passed off in the most lively and satisfactory manner. It is ever a pleasing task to trace the progress of such associations—to view their first feeble efforts—to see them gradually acquiring strength and importance, until at length we behold them spreading themselves out to the farthest extremities of the habitable globe—like a perennial stream refreshing the parched desert, and dispensing the purest blessings on every hand.A very pleasing circumstance attending these meetings is, the concord and brotherly feeling which are produced amongst the different denominations of professing Christians. Here all minor differences are merged in one united effort to promote a common cause—and that the holiest and most beneficial that can employ intelligent beings.We regret that our limited space will not permit us to give the several addresses which were made on this occasion, more especially as some of them were of a high order, and would have been perused with much interest by many of our readers. The principal speakers were, theRev. Mr. Heaviside, clergyman of the Episcopal church; Rev. Messrs. Monro and Robson (Independents); Rev. Messrs. Shrewsbury, Young, and Haddy (Wesleyans); Dr. Minto, on the military staff, who has recently returned from India, and the Rev. W. Davies and Mr. T. Nelson (Baptists).The report gives a general view of the state of the missions connected with this particular section of the Christian church; and we are glad to find that the prospect, by the emancipation of the negroes, and other causes, is particularly cheering. It was also satisfactory to find that the amount collected by this infant society—only established rather more than a year ago at Graham’s Town—has received in contributions during the past year no less a sum than nearly £146. Nothing can be more creditable than this fact to the inhabitants of this frontier, and nothing can show more distinctly that they are not entirely undeserving of that prosperity with which Providence has of late years favoured their efforts.
On Monday last the second Annual Meeting of the above Society was held in the Wesleyan chapel, and we are glad to say that it passed off in the most lively and satisfactory manner. It is ever a pleasing task to trace the progress of such associations—to view their first feeble efforts—to see them gradually acquiring strength and importance, until at length we behold them spreading themselves out to the farthest extremities of the habitable globe—like a perennial stream refreshing the parched desert, and dispensing the purest blessings on every hand.
A very pleasing circumstance attending these meetings is, the concord and brotherly feeling which are produced amongst the different denominations of professing Christians. Here all minor differences are merged in one united effort to promote a common cause—and that the holiest and most beneficial that can employ intelligent beings.
We regret that our limited space will not permit us to give the several addresses which were made on this occasion, more especially as some of them were of a high order, and would have been perused with much interest by many of our readers. The principal speakers were, theRev. Mr. Heaviside, clergyman of the Episcopal church; Rev. Messrs. Monro and Robson (Independents); Rev. Messrs. Shrewsbury, Young, and Haddy (Wesleyans); Dr. Minto, on the military staff, who has recently returned from India, and the Rev. W. Davies and Mr. T. Nelson (Baptists).
The report gives a general view of the state of the missions connected with this particular section of the Christian church; and we are glad to find that the prospect, by the emancipation of the negroes, and other causes, is particularly cheering. It was also satisfactory to find that the amount collected by this infant society—only established rather more than a year ago at Graham’s Town—has received in contributions during the past year no less a sum than nearly £146. Nothing can be more creditable than this fact to the inhabitants of this frontier, and nothing can show more distinctly that they are not entirely undeserving of that prosperity with which Providence has of late years favoured their efforts.
We may add, as one symptom of the temporal prosperity thus adverted to, of this rising colony, that a great demand exists for industrious mechanics, especially of those classes employed in building. Pious individuals, especially, we are assured, would be welcomed in the district, and labour, adequately recompensed, immediately provided for them.
JAMAICA.
We had fully expected, by this time, to hear of the arrival of our friend Mr. Knibb, at Falmouth; but the mail, which has been due several days, is yet detained. We must therefore give a general summary of the recent intelligence from our various stations, and hope that, before this Herald leaves the press, we may be able to add a postscript, announcing intelligence which many, we know, are anxious to hear.
FromKingston, under the date of September 22nd, Mr. Tinson writes: “Our congregation in town is better by far than it has been, though not overflowing; for being composed chiefly of domestics and mechanics who reside in town, it is of course less affected by country people than some others. I spent yesterday atYallahs, received five candidates, on examination, for baptism, preached in the morning, and administered the Lord’s supper to about a hundred members in the afternoon. The congregation was such as to make the heat almost insupportable. There were nearly as many outside the house as within, and many more would come, but they cannot hear without exposure to the sun all the time. This however will, I hope, be remedied in a few months, as we have now commenced the chapel, and paid the builder £100 towards it. I am begging from our people in Hanover-street, and the city generally; but they plead poverty, and I know many of them are poor indeed.”
Mr. Gardner thankfully acknowledges that he has been repaid for all his exertions in visiting Port Royal, by the success with which it has pleased God to crown his labours there. “Last Sabbath week,” says he, on the 23rd of September, “at daybreak, at that place, I baptized fifteen in the sea, on a profession of their faith in Christ, and repentance towards God. Many hundreds were present, who collected soon after four in the morning. After the administration of that ordinance we repaired to the chapel, which was well attended, and had a regular service. Then I left for Kingston, as there was no brother unemployed that could assist me. Last Lord’s day I visited those friends again, and administered the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper, when those who had been baptized were received into the church. It was an unusually solemn and gratifying season; many were greatly affected, and wept nearly all the time. This was to us a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. May he often grant us such seasons!”
Mr. Phillippo is busily engaged in building the new school-rooms atSpanish Town, towards which he obtained some pecuniary aid while in this country. “There are to be two schools; one for boys, the other for girls. They are to hold three hundred scholars. The situation is on a range with our premises, and is in every respect eligible; between the rooms there is to be a Committee-room,so that the building will present a front of seventy-two feet in length. Several gentlemen in the town and neighbourhood have declared themselves friendly towards the object, and have promised to assist in its support. As an instance, His Honour the Custos, Member of Assembly and Island Secretary, and Price Watkis, Esq., the uncompromising advocate of negro emancipation in our Colonial Parliament, are to lay the foundation-stones on Thursday next. The Custos has moreover sent fourteen young women to the school to be educated as schoolmistresses, and to be completely under the charge of the resident schoolmistress, his intention being to employ them in the different estates for which he is attorney. This example I have reason to hope will be extensively followed.
“We have still between three and four hundred children in attendance at our Sabbath-school, and the library I brought out with me is in extensive circulation. Every thing in connexion with our work appears prospering to an unexampled degree. God is indeed doing great things for us, whereof we are glad. What a change has been effected, also, on the moral aspect of society! Sunday markets abolished, and all the etceteras of evil that followed in their train!”
Top Hill, near the junction of the two parishes of St. Ann’s and St. Thomas-in-the-Vale, has been the scene of one of those cruel outrages on the helpless and unoffending, which have too often stained the page of Colonial history. We give the account in the words of our Missionary brother, Mr. Clarke.
“On the evening of Lord’s-day, September 14th, as nine of my people were returning to their homes from worshipping God, they were stopped and turned back by a young coloured man, who has by the death of his father come to an estate before he knows how to act for his own interest, and is fast spending it in riotous living. These friends had no sooner quietly taken their way back to go home by a more distant road, than this man set his dog upon them, and with Dr. B., a companion of his, pursued them about a half a mile.“Dr. B. threw off his coat to enable him to run with the greater speed; an aged female who is highly respected by all around, fell: and Dr. B. immediately fixed the dog upon her, which tore her leg severely in many places. Her husband ran to lift her up, and to drive off the dog, when Dr. B., seized him and attempted to throw him over a fearful precipice into a deep chasm, where he must have been dashed to pieces; but God enabled his servant to escape from the grasp of the persecutor, and all the party came back to the house where we had so recently joined together in the worship of God. I had travelled a considerable distance during the day, had got wet, preached twice, and performed various other duties; being fatigued, and having to journey home on the morrow, I had retired to rest. As soon as I heard what had taken place I arose, had the wounds of the poor female attended to, and bound up. I then conversed with the people, read to them the first twelve verses of the fifth of Matthew, and again from the forty-third verse to the end; spoke to them on the duty of forgiveness, love to enemies, and patient suffering for Christ’s sake; prayed with them, first for the persecutors, next for themselves and for the church of God. They left me between nine and ten o’clock, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for righteousness’ sake; before they left, they besought me not to carry the matter to a magistrate, but to leave it with God; promising that they would always afterward go and return by a road that did not lead them near the house of this man. I really admired their forgiving spirit, and their patient endurance of evil, especially that of the chief sufferer, and of her husband, who had suffered with her, and had narrowly escaped death in rescuing her. Two of the nine have long been free, the others were apprentices. Had the native feelings of the human heart been indulged, how easily could these people have resisted the assaults of their persecutors, and, as they were pursued about half a mile on the road that has been a common by-path for years, they might have turned upon their adversaries, and afterwards have argued that they had a right to pass without molestation, and when molested to act on the defensive, in forcing their way to their homes; but, except a few words at first, of calm entreaty, these quiet people did nothing, and gave no impertinent language, but turned to go back in peace, and were in the act of returning when they were thus assaulted.”
“On the evening of Lord’s-day, September 14th, as nine of my people were returning to their homes from worshipping God, they were stopped and turned back by a young coloured man, who has by the death of his father come to an estate before he knows how to act for his own interest, and is fast spending it in riotous living. These friends had no sooner quietly taken their way back to go home by a more distant road, than this man set his dog upon them, and with Dr. B., a companion of his, pursued them about a half a mile.
“Dr. B. threw off his coat to enable him to run with the greater speed; an aged female who is highly respected by all around, fell: and Dr. B. immediately fixed the dog upon her, which tore her leg severely in many places. Her husband ran to lift her up, and to drive off the dog, when Dr. B., seized him and attempted to throw him over a fearful precipice into a deep chasm, where he must have been dashed to pieces; but God enabled his servant to escape from the grasp of the persecutor, and all the party came back to the house where we had so recently joined together in the worship of God. I had travelled a considerable distance during the day, had got wet, preached twice, and performed various other duties; being fatigued, and having to journey home on the morrow, I had retired to rest. As soon as I heard what had taken place I arose, had the wounds of the poor female attended to, and bound up. I then conversed with the people, read to them the first twelve verses of the fifth of Matthew, and again from the forty-third verse to the end; spoke to them on the duty of forgiveness, love to enemies, and patient suffering for Christ’s sake; prayed with them, first for the persecutors, next for themselves and for the church of God. They left me between nine and ten o’clock, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer for righteousness’ sake; before they left, they besought me not to carry the matter to a magistrate, but to leave it with God; promising that they would always afterward go and return by a road that did not lead them near the house of this man. I really admired their forgiving spirit, and their patient endurance of evil, especially that of the chief sufferer, and of her husband, who had suffered with her, and had narrowly escaped death in rescuing her. Two of the nine have long been free, the others were apprentices. Had the native feelings of the human heart been indulged, how easily could these people have resisted the assaults of their persecutors, and, as they were pursued about half a mile on the road that has been a common by-path for years, they might have turned upon their adversaries, and afterwards have argued that they had a right to pass without molestation, and when molested to act on the defensive, in forcing their way to their homes; but, except a few words at first, of calm entreaty, these quiet people did nothing, and gave no impertinent language, but turned to go back in peace, and were in the act of returning when they were thus assaulted.”
We mentioned, in our last number, that Mr. Coultart had encountered much annoyance in the neighbouring parish of St. Ann’s, the birth-place ofthe Colonial Church Union, and disgracefully conspicuous for the blind and furious determination shown by several of its leading men, to prevent the spread of religious instruction among the negroes. Humanly speaking, nothing but the wise, humane, and dignified conduct of the Custos, the Hon. S. M. Barrett, saved this parish from the horrors of martial law. He applied to Mr. Coultart, requesting him to use all his influence with the negroes to quell the spirit of insubordination which had begun to show itself among them; and in addition to this, met them in person at Ocho Rios, gave them an excellent and animated address, explaining to them the nature of the new law, and expostulating with them, in the warmest and kindest manner. All present were much pleased with his kindness, and promised to do all they could to allay the existing evil.
Mrs. Coultart, in a subsequent letter, adverting to the same subject, remarks, “The poor things were puzzled. They were told they were free on the first of August, had a general holiday, and rejoiced at the event; and then they were called to work again as before. ‘Free, no free at all; work like before-time.’ Many said, they would not work without a proper understanding, or some pay. I was present when a poor woman in the Methodist Society made a speech to the following effect: ‘From the creation down to now we work, work, work. Now, Lord Mulgrave and the King give we free, we take free, we happy; then master come, tell we work like before-time. No, me say, better take shot at one than make we fool so.’ The minister’s wife talked to her, and explained that this work for six years was to help pay the owner what the King could not afford to do, of the money that purchased her; and she seemed quite content, and said she would go to her work. If it were possible to speak to each thus, in the tone of a friend, they would believe; but their confidence in their owners is shaken—and who can wonder?”
Adverting to the necessity of additional aid to give instruction to the negroes and their children, Mrs. C. remarks to her female correspondent, “I wish you could just come some Saturday evening before the preaching Sabbath at this bay, and see the numbers who come to our house, two miles farther, after having walked twenty and twenty-five miles already, just to read their letters, or to hear a few verses out of the Bible, or Watts’s First Catechism, or something that will shed a ray of light over their benighted minds. I have about thirty-five little ragged black children who meet me in the place hired for worship on the bay at four o’clock every evening. These I try to teach for two hours, and the only member of the church who can read sometimes meets me to assist. We are going soon, I believe, to remove from this house; it is considered unhealthy, there being marshes near, and then I shall be too far off to attend to the children daily. On the sabbath, only every third, is too unfrequent for progress to be made. Could I see the means of support, I would, without loss of time, place a person at the bay to teach regularly, and then I trust some good would be done. The eagerness manifested for First Spelling Books with large alphabets is amusing and pleasing. I have purchased all I could get in Kingston, and sold them again at the same price, which is three times as dear as if I had them from England. Mr. C. has written to several English friends, to beg them to send us some, either to give away or sell. I hope they will, without loss of time, for it is distressing to be obliged to refuse such earnest requests. ‘Me want to learn, me good massa, that me may read out of the Bible for meself.’ This is just what we want for them, that they may not be led astray by every designing person, who may set himself up to instruct them.”
AtPort MariaMr. Baylis had the pleasure of receivingfifty-ninepersons by baptism on the 20th of July last. He labours with great diligence, and is cheered, at each of his stations, by proofs of a divine blessing resting on his exertions.
Mr. Whitehorne reports, fromMount Charles, that the same increase of congregation, and earnest desire to learn to read, exists in the several places where he maintains public worship, as at other stations; whilefromMontego Bay, andFalmouth, our brethren Abbott, Dexter, and Dendy, renew their earnest solicitations for further aid. We rejoice to learn that Mr. Burchell arrived in safety at Kingston from New York, on the 27th of October; and we trust not only to be permitted to make the same announcement, in a few days, respecting Mr. Knibb, but to witness further accession, shortly, to the number of faithful and devoted labourers in this interesting portion of the missionary field.
Mr. Harjette and his family have embarked for Calcutta in the David Clarke, Capt. Rayne, and sailed from Portsmouth.
A letter has been received from Mr. George Pearce, dated at sea, Sept. 6th, in N. lat. 4°, W. long. 23°. Mr. and Mrs. P. were quite well, and had received much kind attention from the Captain and their fellow-passengers.
LIST OF FOREIGN LETTERS LATELY RECEIVED.