Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

commenced. These editions were executed in the Bengalee character. An impression of the whole Testament in English and Bengalee (Roman character) has also been commenced. The missionaries have determined to attempt an improved version of the Old as well as New Testament. To this work Mr. Yates has devoted himself. He has nearly executed the Poetical and Prophetical books.

that period. Mr. Lawrence, who, with two or three native assistants, had been laboring there since the last Report was made, has recently gone with Mr. Anderson a missionary of the Parent Society, to Allahabad, contemplating the establishment of another missionary station either there or elsewhere in the Upper Provinces. At Patna, occupied by Mr. Henry Beddy, there were six baptisms the past year. A native boys' school had sixty scholars.

SERAMPORE MISSION.

We are indebted to the Feb. number of

treme distance between the stations is

Operations of the Parent Society. At Cutwa, where Mr. W. Carey is stationed with several native assistants, 11 persons have been baptized during the past year. At Birbhum, occupied by the Church Missionary Register, for the Mr. Williamson and three native assist-following general views of the Serampore ants, the number of baptisms is eight. Mission. "There are now eighteen misAt Monghyr, under the care of Mr. sion stations, and eleven out stations. Leslie and two native assistants, there The surface over which the mission exhave been two applications for baptism, tends is very large. Delhi is as distant but no addition to the church. "As it from Serampore as the capital of Sweden regards schools," Mr. Leslie writes, is from that of England; and the ex"I have but one only; but that is taught by a native Christian, and numbers more than that of Petersburgh from London. At these stations we have at least nearly fifty boys. I had, in former years, tried several times to get the children to fifty European and Asiatic laborers, attend a native Christian, but never while the number is continually, though could succeed till about six or eight gradually, on the increase. Of these months ago. The present school is, fifty, it is particularly worthy of retherefore, a great triumph in this place, mark, forty-two or forty-three have been and abundantly shows how much the turned from darkness to light on Indian prejudice against Christianity is weak- ground; and of this number not fewer ening. I believe that more good will than thirty-eight were born in India. now be done by this one school, than, Thus, if we look at the seven Europeans, by the several schools which I had who taking their lives in their hands and formerly taught by heathen school-resolving to end their days in India, have

masters.

“I am glad, also, to say that the preaching of the Gospel, in the native chapel, is in general well attended by the people and that all the native members continue to stand fast in their profession. We have had no exclusions during the year; and nothing to call for discipline. Our place of worship seats 200 at least; and it is sometimes well filled. But alas ! we mourn the absence of the Spirit of God, who alone can open the hearts of the people to the reception of Christ."

At Digah nine have been added to the church in the East India Co's regiment quartered in that vicinity, within the last two years, but there has been no addition to the native church during

devoted their strength and talents to these Eastern nations, we find that God has increased them SEVEN-FOLD. But when these fifty individuals are viewed in connection with their daily proclamation of divine truth-with the number whom they have already been successful in turning from dumb idols to serve the living God-as well as the number to whom they will be thus useful; and when with all this, we contrast its origin, forty-two years ago, surely even at this time it may be said, What hath God wrought?

Such has been the Divine Goodness with regard to a work, which is not only a prospective one, but the highest gift bestowed by the Saviour on his Church below; for such, in truth, is the gift of the MINISTRY.

OBITUARY NOTICE OF MR. ROBERT ROGERS, OF NEWPORT, R. I. Mr. Robert Rogers was born in New-, a specimen of the exercises of his mind

during the whole period of his illness, the following expressions, written down as they dropt from his lips, during a night of intense suffering, and while he was supposed to be in the article of death,

pastor had engaged in prayer for him, he lay still for a few moments and then exclaimed, "O, I will put my trust in Him, for He careth for me. O, it is a blessed thing to pass through the valley of the shadow of death calmly, and to have a good hope through grace." His pastor remarking, "What a blessing, that you have not a Saviour to seek now," he replied, "O yes, it has convinced me of the wretched, horrid situation of those who are crying out in their dying moments, Save nie! Save me! and have no hope in Christ. My hopes have long been fixed on the Lord Jesus, and though I have often strayed from the fold, yet he has brought me back again with weeping and supplication, and he will not, no, he will not forsake me now." His pastor, desirous to know what were his dying views of the person and character of the Redeemer, said, "Should you feel such a blessed hope and confidence, did you not believe that Christ is an Almighty Saviour?" He replied with more than common animation, "O no! nothing but the blood of an Almighty Saviour would give me any consolation now. If he were not God, it would be a creature making atonement for a creature, which is a paradox. He is an Almighty Saviour, and therefore he is able to save me now. Blessed be his name." At a later hour of the same night he uttered the following language: "O my God, let me not be deceived; let me not have the lamp of profession without the oil of grace.' And again, "Blessed be the Lord, he will sustain me according to his word. O the precious, precious promises of the Gospel. What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter." And then, as if fancying that his heavenly Father was calling him, "Child, come home."

port, R. I. on the 18th of April, 1758. He became a subject of divine grace at the age of 16, and soon after united with the 1st Baptist church in Providence. The following year he was graduated at Brown University, of which he was sub-will be read with interest. After his sequently Trustee and Fellow for nearly 49 years. On leaving College, he immediately joined the armies of his country, just commencing her arduous struggle for freedom, and honorably sustained the post assigned him, as a lieutenant in the R. I. Line. On retiring from the army, he devoted himself to literary pursuits, and for many years conducted a classical school in his native town with distinguished ability and success. For 20 years he was also Secretary, Treasurer, and Librarian, of the Ancient Redwood Library. In the year 1826, Mr. R. became a member of the 1st Baptist church in Newport, now under the pastoral care of Rev. John Dowling, and in 1830 was chosen clerk of the same, the duties of which relation he discharged acceptably till the commencement of his last illness. This fatal sickness, protracted through several months of extreme suffering, began in April last. The first four or five weeks of it he filled up with almost constant exhortations, addressed to the numerous relations and friends who called to see him, and characterized by pungency, fidelity and affection. At a later period, supposing his departure to be nigh at haud, he would frequently summon the members of his family around his bed, and in the most touching manner, give them his parting blessing, commend them to God, and bid them farewell. He also addressed his pastor in terms of warm affection and respect, exhorting him to seek the peace and prosperity of that "dear church," a designation habitually on his lips, and invoking the blessing of God on his faithful ministrations. During the last two months of his sickness, his resignation to the will of God was strikingly conspicuous. Instead of murmuring at his severe, and protracted sufferings, he frequently expressed his gratitude, that God had permitted him to remain long enough to give his dying testimony to the value of religion, and to make some efforts for the best interests of those who were nearest his heart. As

Son, be of good cheer, thy sins are all blotted out." "Last day-O what an assembly-clothed in white robes of righteousness." • Jesus, come—Jesus, master, O Lord Jesus, come quickly." On Wednesday, the 5th of August, it

..

was manifest that the hour of his dissolution was rapidly drawing nigh. But his faith did not fail. To one of the officers of the church, he said, “O I am happy, perfectly happy-God is love. I could have wished to live a little longer for the sake of my family and the church,

but not my will but thine, O Lord, be done." For the last hour of his life, he was almost constantly engaged in prayer, and just as the clock struck 12, with the accents of prayer quivering on his lips, he peacefully fell asleep. Communicated.

Account of Moneys received in Donations, by the Treasurer of the General Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the United States for Foreign Missions, from July 15 to August 15, 1835.

From New York city, Oliver St. For. Miss. Soc., for African Mission,
to be expended under the supervision of Rev. E. Skinner,
by Rev. S. H. Cone,

Pawtucket, R. I. Hon. Oliver Starkweather, his bequest to the
Convention,-by his son, Hon. James C. Starkweather, Ex'r.,
Providence, R. I. 4th Bap. Ch. Fem. Miss. Soc., to ed. Bur.
females,--by Mr. R. Morey,

Richmond, Va. 2d Bap. ch. the donation of Mary Dorsett,-
by Rev. J. B. Taylor,

Am. Beneficent Soc. Rev. Luther Rice, Treas. and Agent,

Harriet Anderson, 1; J. T. Anderson, 2; Pine Pleasant, col.
10,56; Augusta, col. 13,76; Horeb, col. 8,25; Macon, col.
30,07; Elim, Ala. col. 9,00; Mrs. Mays, 4; Rev. O. B. Brown,
10; Dr. W. H. Turpin, 10; Rev. L. Rice, 1,36; (of which,
for Bur. Bible, 3; Bur. Miss., 4; Gen. Purposes, 71,64;
Fund for supporting Cor. Sec. 21,36;)

Haverhill, Ms. Master G. W. Harris, his bequest for print. Bible
for Bur. children, by Rev. E. N. Harris,

Rev. Alfred Bennett, Ag't of Board, sundry collections,
Saratoga, N. Y. Bap. Assoc. Dea. J. A. Waterbury, Treas., 99,28
Burnt Hills, N. Y. Fem. Mite Soc., for Bur. schools,
by J. A. Waterbury,

$200,00

500,

6,25

50,

100,

5,

150,

16,25-115,53

Hudson Riv. N. Y. Bap. Assoc., to be appropriated at discretion

of the Board, by Rev S. H. Cone,

124,08

Troy, N. Y. 1st Bap. Ch. Fem. Bur. Miss. Soc., for sup.
Nat. Preacher,

60,

Troy, 1st Bap. Ch. for Bur. Miss., by Rev. B. M. Hill,

40,

Stamford, N. Y., T. Pugsley, to be approp'd by Mr. Judson, 100,

[blocks in formation]

239,10 10,30

Transmitted by William Colgate, Esq., N. Y.
Hamilton, N. Y. sundry individuals, by Rev. N. Kendrick, D. D.
Mr. Eli H. Lide, 100; Mrs. E. Williams, 40; Salem Ch. 1;
Piedmont Ch. 4,13; Calvary, col. 11,75; Fellowship, col. 6;
Hopewell, col. 4; Moriah, col. 7,12; Mr. J. C. Strange, 5;
Mr. L. B. Davis, 4; Mr. E. Pringle, 5; Mrs. R. F. Pringle,
5; Rev. J. Du Pre, 5; Mrs. C. Fort, 2;
by Rev. Jesse Hartwell, Agent of Board,

Boston, a Friend, for For. Miss.

Female Friend, a bequest, (avails of a gold ring,)

Am. Bible Soc. for print. and circulat. Scriptures in Burmah,
Utica, N. Y., sundry individuals, of which, for Bur. Miss.,
19,50; Karen Miss., 13,73; Mr. Wade's school, 25,94;
General Purposes, 254,97; by P. Townsend, Esq.
East Jersey, N. J. Miss. Soc.-per J. Osborn, Jr. Esq., Treas.
Mrs. Eliza Jameson, Newton Upper Falls, Mass., 5th payment
to educate Burman child named Ann Mary Bartlett,

200,

5,

1,50

5000,

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

A THIRD element of scriptural piety, which should not be overlooked in our particular view, is faith. This term is sometimes employed in a restricted sense, to denote that first act of believing in which an individual makes the transition from a state of condemnation to a state of acceptance before God. But I here use it in a wider import, as expressing a general habit of confiding in God, and of relying on the truth of all which he has spoken. No one will deny that faith, in this larger view of it, is an essential part of that which constitutes one a Christian. This ingredient of a scriptural piety is also, like those which have already been considered, found in a high or a low degree, in a condition of comparative strength or feebleness, correspondently with the general state of religion in the soul. The symmetry of the Christian character is not often seen impaired by a fair and full developement of one of its parts, while the others can barely be said to exist. The doctrinal views which nurture the various pious feelings, are closely allied. It is scarcely possible that a part of these views should dwell in the mind in a state of entire insulation and separateness from the rest. It seems, therefore, to be the law of spiritual progress, that there shall be a simultaneous and nearly proportional growth of all the constituents of piety.

But whether this connexion between the virtues of religion is admitted or denied, is a matter of no importance to my more special object. It is enough for my purpose, if an enlarged measure of faith can be shown to be necessary to the vigorous prosecution of the missionary undertaking. I am aware that much has recently been said on this subject; but this is no reason why I should not briefly express my own views, without either studiously conforming them to what others have said, or carefully avoiding such coincidence.

A firm confidence in God and an unshaken reliance on his promises will lead the church to form bold and generous plans for the spread of the Gospel. There is nothing of narrowness in the views which genuine faith takes. She measures her schemes of good to mankind by no cautiously rigorous estimates of what may be done by a given quantity of effort, regarded simply as so much human instrumentality. She looks to the large and liberal promises which God has given the church. She believes that the kingdom of Christ will infallibly come to have a universal prevalence. She knows that the power of God is adequate to accomplish this. She also knows that human agency is the grand channel through which the divine blessing usually, passes to reach men. Hence faith, when it shall be sufliciently strong and general in the church, will lead Christians to form wide and energetic plans for the diffusion of Christianity.

Infidels and men of the world may laugh at such projects as foolish and chimerical; but the Christian, who puts his trust in the Lord, knows that an undertaking may seem rash to worldly men, who judge of it by mere worldly rules, while yet it is in itself wise, and fraught with unspeakable blessings to the souls of

men.

The value of faith in prosecuting the missionary work may further be seen in its power to sustain the laborers in this enterprize, under all the discouragements which they may meet. He is but little acquainted with the history of the propagation of the Gospel in the world, and very imperfedly aware of the nature of the opposition with which Christianity win hove to contend before she can make the conquest of ce pre ot heathen nations, who does not see that many of the famicis, the pioneers especially, in this service, will be called to cheater severe hardships and discouraging reverses. Now, what is 15 nstein these first adventurers under their complicated trials? What i to preserve them from becoming inconstant in their purpose, and remiss in their efforts? What shall inspire them with Chegy and perseverance in the prosecution of plans involvig frequent and painful sacrifices of ease and safety? I know not that there is a single principle which imparts vigor to the conduct of worldly men in trying emergencies, of sufficient power to sustain the missionary in the midst of his toils and dangers. The p culicuity of his situation cuts him off from the sympathies of all conthly piits, and deprives him of the invigoration which might be derived from any worldly principle. But, in the confidence which he reposes in God, he experiences a support incomparably more powerful and steadfast than any man, not a Christian, ever devived in any conjuncture from an inferior source. It is in the nature of faith to keep the soul from sinking, when nothing else can. It imparts a decision and fortitude, which no circumstances of danger nor aspects of death can weaken. And this principle, which is of such unfailing efficacy in the breast of the missionary, is equally powerful to sustain the church amidst discouragements and reverses. A body of Chris

« AnteriorContinuar »