BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY. language was held at the Argyll Rooms, Regent Street, on Wednesday, April 7, the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry (President,) in the Chair, who opened the business of the day by a neat and impressive address, shewing the importance of the object, and expressive of his satisfaction at the proceedings of the Society. The various motions were moved and seconded as follows: by the Right Hon. Lord Gosford, and the Rev. Dr. Hamilton; Lords Calthorpe and Rocksavage; Sir G. W. Rose, M.P., and the Rev. Hugh M'Neile, A. M.; Hon. J. Hewet, and Hon. Baptist Noel; Lord Lilford, and J. Browne, Esq. Many of the speakers addressed the Meeting on behalf of the Society, from personal acquaintance with the wants of Ireland, and the suitableness of the operations of this Society to meet those wants, as well as from personal observation of the beneficial effects produced in Ireland by its agency among more than two millions of the native Irish, who speak no other language, and will learn no other. The education which this Society offers, and the Scriptures in the native language and character, which it distributes, are, therefore, the only means presented to that mass of the Irish population, whose insubordination and impiety are in exact proportion to their utter ignorance. WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY THE Anniversary of the Wesleyan Missionary Society was held in the City Road Chapel, on Monday, May 3, Joseph Butterworth, Esq. M.P. in the Chair. The Meeting was commenced with singing and prayer, by the Rev. Henry Moore, President of the Conference; after which a short introductory address was delivered by the Chairman, and the Report was read by the Rev. R. Watson, one of the general Secretaries, giving a detailed and very encouraging account of the progress of the work of God in the various stations connected with the Society. A series of resolutions was then passed, expressive of gratitude to God for the success which has hitherto attended the labours of the Wesleyan Missionaries, and of determination to prosecute the work with increased exertion and energy; and in support of these sentiments, most eloquent and impressive addresses were delivered by Mr. Alderman Key, the Rev. R. Newton, the Rev. H. Townley, the Rev. E. Irving, the Right Hon. Sir G. H. Rose, M.P., W. Williams, Esq. M.P., the Rev. J. Anderson, and E. Phillips, Esq., with whom other highly respectable gentlemen united in support of the business of the day. 229 pears, also, that the funds of the Society have risen more than £4,000 above the contributions of the preceding year, and that, calculating upon the increasing interest taken by the religious public in the cause of Missions, the Society has in contemplation a great enlargement of its operations in various parts of the world. It was truly pleasing to see so many ministers and gentlemen of great respectability and talent, and of various denominations in the Christian world, thus laying aside peculiarities of sentiment, and of mode of worship, and uniting in the exercise of a hallowed benevolence, to promote the spread of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ throughout the world. The assembly was most respectable, and as numerous as the chapel could contain; and the Meeting, which was throughout peculiarly interesting and gratifying to the friends of Missions, was concluded by a very animated address to the throne of grace by the Rev. H. F. Burder. BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY. THE Nineteenth Anniversary Meeting of this Society was held at Freemason's Tavern, on Monday, May 10th. His Royal Highness the DUKE OF SUSSEX in the Chair. Among the personages present_on_this Milton; T. F. Buxton, Esq. M. P.; W. occasion were, Lord John Russell; Lord Evans, Esq. M. P.; W. Williams, Esq. M.P.; T. S. Rice, Esq. M. P.; Robert Owen, Esq. of New Lanark; the Greek Deputies; Dr. Morrison, from China; M. Berchet, of Milan, &c. &c. His Royal Highness opened the business of the Meeting, and called on the Rev. J. M. Cramp to read the Report. The intelligence contained in the Report was in general very encouraging. Several Auxiliary Societies have been formed during the past year. The Central Schools in the Borough Road are in a very prosperous state, and have supplied Education, since their first establishment, to 22,680 children. A public examination which took place on the 2d of April, was highly satisfactory. Twenty-two persons have learned the system since the last Annual Meeting, and fifteen Schools have been supplied with Masters. The Scripture lessons are about to be published in the Modern Greek language. In Ireland, Scriptural Education is advancing with gigantic strides. Upwards of 1100 Schools are connected with the Society for promoting the Education of the Poor in Ireland, and they contain 79,287 scholars. It appears that this Missionary Society From France and Spain the accounts are already occupies upwards of 120 stations, unfavourable. In the Netherlands, Denon which 167 Missionaries are employed, mark, Sweden, Russia, Malta, and the besides subordinate agents, aud where Ionian Islands, the British System is rapidabove 31,000 persons are now in religiously proceeding. It is in contemplation to communion with them, admitted after such send a Master shortly to Greece. instruction and probation as to ascertain, as far as possible, their sincerity. It ap Successful efforts have been made to communicate the blessings of Education te the Colonial possessions of this country, particularly the Isle of France, the Cape of Good Hope, Nova Scotia, and Canada. The British System is also extensively spreading in the United States of North America. In the South American Provinces it is patronized and supported by the existing Governments, and numerous Schools have been established in Buenos Ayres, Columbia, Chili, and Peru, in which the Scripture lessons of this Society are used. Thirty years have not yet elapsed since the System of Mutual Instruction was first promulgated by Joseph Lancaster. Within this period, it is supposed that several millions of children have received the benefits of a Scriptural Education. WILLIAM ALLEN, Esq. the Treasurer, then made some observations on the state of the finances of the Society. JOSEPH FOSTER, Esq. read the accounts, from which it appeared that the receipts of the year 1823 had nearly covered the expenditure, and that the debt of the Society was reduced to about £3000., those Gentlemen who had respectively advanced £250. having generously relinquished £100. each, besides three years' interest on the whole sum. LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The first devotional service of this An The Meeting was addressed by Lord John Russel-Thomas Fowell BuxtonWilliam Evans, Esq.-Joseph John Gur-niversary commenced, as usual, in this ney, Esq.-Lord Viscount Milton-Dr. Morrison, of China-Thomas Spring Rice, and several other Gentlemen. The following extract from the speech of Mr. T. F. Buxton is all that we can find room for. The Honourable Gentleman proceeded to observe that "he had greatly doubted whether this Society gave the most important instruction. Mere education, without religious instruction, appeared to him to be of little use. He had certainly thought that the British and Foreign School Society did not give religious instruction. He long remained of that opinion, and, like all prejudiced persons, made no inquiry, but rested satisfied with what he had heard. In that state of mind he would have probably continued till the present moment, had not some friends of the Society requested him to attend the public examination of the children, and to ascertain for himself whether or not they were properly instructed. He had now to state the result of that visit. It was not only most gratifying, but most astonishing. Important questions, on several religious subjects were proposed to the children; and so marvellously well did they answer, that he confessed his only anxiety was lest the tables should be turned, and the children become the examiners. He was now fully satisfied that this Institution combines a religious with a general education; and that in supporting the British and Foreign School Society, he was advancing the great cause of Christianity throughout the world. Yet, feeling the highest degree of satisfaction at what had been done, it was impossible to forget that much remained to be accomplished. Not only among barbarous nations, but even in favoured Europe, there are tens of thousands uninstructed. Not only in Europe, but in England itself; and even within a few miles of the place of meeting, thousands of individuals, capable of receiving heavenly truth, yet remain ignorant. On these grounds, therefore, he urged the necessity of more strenuous exertions, and expressed his hope that the Society would continue to prosper and prevail." place, when the Rev. Rowland Hill read the prayers of the Established Church; after which, Dr. Morrison, lately returned from China, where he had spent about seventeen years, prayed in the pulpit. The Rev. Henry Townley, who had been a Missionary in Bengal for about seven years, preached a very impressive sermon on Proverbs xxiv. 11, 12. "If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not be that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?" This text was considered as Descriptive and Imperative. First, as Descriptiveexhibiting a correct and most affecting representation of the heathen, who are indeed "drawn unto death, and ready to be slain." This was shown to be applicable to many of them, as it respects the present world; and to most, if not all of them, as it respects the world to come. The text was, secondly considered as Imperative, enjoining Christians to exert themselves for the deliverance of the heathen. In this part of the discourse the preacher adverted: first, to the Duty itself; and, second, to the threatening by which that duty is enforced. He closed, by urging with great energy and affection, the importance of promptitude in obeying the Divine mandate. TABERNACLE. A great congregation being early assembled, the Rev. Mr. Roberts prayed; and the Rev. Thomas Smith, of Sheffield, Classical Tutor of Rotherham College, preached on Matt. xiii. 33. "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." The preacher considered this parable as a picture of the progress of the Gospelthat this progress was Gradual, Invisible, and Irresistible; and that, on many ac counts, it was most desirable that its progress should be Universal. All these particulars were illustrated in a suitable CHAPEL OPENED.-LITERARY NOTICE. manner, and applied to the grand object the Missionary Society has in view. TOTTENHAM COURT CHAPEL. This immense edifice was extremely crowded at an unusual early hour, notwithstanding the continued and heavy rain. Numbers in vain sought admission. The service began an hour before the time appointed. The prayers of the Established Church were read by the Rev. Mr. Geary. After which the Rev. Mr. Sloper of Beccles, prayed before sermon. The Rev. Mr. Irving then preached on Matt. x. 7. and following verses. "Go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass, your purses: nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves," &c. in The preacher, after a copious exordium, first expounded the passage as containing our Lord's Instructions to the twelve apostles. In the second place, he endeavoured to prove that these instructions were intended to be of perpetual use and obligation in all future missions. He then pointed out the great advantages which would be derived both at home and abroad, from a close observation of such instructions; and, lastly, shewed the use of Missionary Societies in carrying the whole into effect, and with a particular reference to the Society before whom he delivered this discourse. CHRIST CHURCH. The use of this spacious and elegant edifice was kindly granted by the Rev. Mr. Crowther, the Vicar of the parish, and the Churchwardens. Mr. Crowther read prayers. The Rev. William Pryce, perpetual Curate of Loudwater, near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, preached from Psalm xxii. 27, 28. "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the Lord's: and he is the governor among the nations." The preacher, after a suitable introduction, proposed: First, To consider the Event predicted; Secondly, The Reason and Certainty of its accomplishment; and, Thirdly, Deduce from the subject, Motives and Encouragements for Missionary exertions. In the close of the discourse, he said:"And now, my beloved brethren, having in a very humble measure discharged my embassy, I bid you Farewell in the name of the Lord. We shall shortly be numbered with the dead, and our puny efforts will soon be terminated; but the work of our God shall not cease with us. The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. Let us, therefore, look beyond the appointed period of our service on earth, and exult in the thought that glorious times are approaching, times of great prosperity and enlargement to the Church of Christ, when "all the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord," &c. CHAPELS OPENED. 231 On Monday, March 29, the foundation stone of a new Baptist Chapel was laid in the very popu lous town of Barnstaple. North Devon. church arose from the following circumstance:About the year 1814, Mr. and Mrs. Ferris, then This Members of the Baptist Church at Folkestone, Kent, were sent by Government to Barnstaple, in the Barrack departinent. There were, at that time, not above two or three Baptisis in the town, and no preaching, unless a minister came by and gave them a Sermon. Mr. Ferris invited Mr. Harris, (a Baptist minister who was labouring in some parts of North Devon, as an Itinerant,) to tained a room for that purpose. It was impossible preach in Barnstaple, and with great difficulty obthat Mr. Harris could regularly supply Barnstaple, consistently with his other engagements; but this lack of service was supplied by Mr. Ferris, in eaurging prayer meetings and reading Sermons. Under these circumstances they were obliged to move from room to room; but their efforts were blessed, so that on November 19, 1817, (See New Evangelical Magazine, vol. vii. p. 303,) a church was formed, consisting of twelve members. In 1818 they obtained the old Methodist Meeting, at a yearly rent, and opened it for worship on small and inconvenient, being in a back street, Feb. 22, of the same year. This place was very and hid from public view. The church has graduelly increased in number-some have joined by baptism, others by letter,so that the present number is twenty-eight, with the prospect of additions. In October last they purchased a spot of ground, dimensions 40 feet by 30, with a gallery, vestry, where a new place of worship is building; the and burying-ground. The estimated expence is about £500. beside the purchase money, which is 240., towards which they have obtained about £200. As Mr. Ferris has kindly offered to take the case to the religious public, to solicit subscriptions, and is now engaged in the work, the church think it their duty in this public manner to recom inend him, as in every respect worthy of the trust reposed in him. The whole premises are regularly vested in the hands of Trustees for the the only freehold premises belonging to the Bapuse of the Baptist denomination for ever-and are tists in any of the large towns in North Devon, THE Baptist Chapel in Silver Street, Taunton, having been shut up for the erection of three gal leries, was re-opened on Whit Monday, June 7th, when three appropriate Sermons were preached by Messrs. Kilpin, of Exeter; Winton, of Bishop's of the Chapel being closed, the congregation asHull; and Saunders, of Frome. During the period sembled for worship in the Taunton Assize Hall; this commodious place having been, with great liberality, granted for their use by the Magistrates Mr. O. Clarke, the Pastor of the church. of the County of Somerset, upon the application of LITERARY NOTICE. In the Press, and publishing by Subscription, handsomely printed in one vol. 12mo. price 58. boards. (To be paid for on delivery.) THINGS WORTH THINKING ON: or, BEAUTIES OF THEOLOGY. Work will be appropriated to the erection of a where it is greatly needed. Several ministers in place of worship in a populous country village **The profits arising from the sale of this town and country have given their names as subscribers, and it is hoped that the friends of the mote the welfare of immortal souls, by becoming Redeemer in general will aid this attempt to prosubscribers to the Work. Their names will be gratefully received by the Publisher, Mr. F. Westley, Stationers' Court. 232 Original Poetry. ON THE DEATH OF LORD BYRON. HARK! 'tis a groan long-drawn and deep, As tho' some Spirit lost would weep, But tears refus'd to flow, Would weep a flood--as ocean vast To extinguish being, and at last Nor pain nor bliss would know. But vain the wish, the effort vain, Omnipotent in death; Only suspends our breath. Hark! yet again, 'tis BYRON's groan, Fresh woe our ears assail. Rising from Grecian shores.-In tears Which murd'ring bands induce Forgets her fears;-in sorrow drown'd Peasant and heads with honour crown'd, Comfort alike refuse. Commerce holds in her reins-her car Exclaim, Oh! Byron's dead! Well may ye weep, and round that heart Your fondness craves, nor knows to part, Ever, yes, ever weep; His own great foe-your steady friend Who can restrain the tear, or who Who can forbear to feel-when mind Seem pigmies at his feet- O had that mind for greatness form'd Against the alien foes, how bright His aid was needed not.-That pow'r Could nerve with pow'r an infant's hand, The prince and slave of lies. ON HEARING OF A BOY WHO DIED HAPPY AND is he gone? and is your child no more? Ah Yes! he's gone, his spirit fled away, And now you morn his loss in ceaseless tears. How oft you've listen'd with a tearful joy, Thro' Jesus and the merits of his blood. Then why those mournful looks? where he is gone Farewell's a note that never meets the ear; There sighs and sad adieus are all unknown, No painful sound shall e'er find entrance there. Dry up your tears, my friends, dry up your tears, And think on what a change your son has made; Freed from this world of shame, he now appears, With a bright crown of glory on his head Bears in his hands a harp of purest gold, To sound the praise of Jesus and his love; While thro' eternal ages yet untold, He lives with seraphs bright in heav'n above. There cloth'd in white, wasb'd in his Saviour's blood, Before his throne on high he stands confess'd An heir of glory; his redeeming God Has wip'd his tears, and made his spirit blest. Then sorrow not as those who have no hope, Think on his pure spirit that's gone to its rest, And pace o'er the cold stone in sadness and gloom, And prepare you to meet him in heav'n 'mong the blest. Then midst the wreck of burning worlds you're safe, Tho' scorners sneer, and haughty fools may laugh! Edinburgh, March, 1824. |