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Recent Letter of the Honourable Court of only description of pile which will be al Directors of the East India Company, re-lowed, and that if she escape from it she specting the Suttee.

To our Governor in Council at Bombay.

will be an outcast. The commissioner considers the impediments thus imposed to the practice of Suttee, to be more efficacious

1. Our last letter to you in this depart-than any he could suggest, and he says that ment was dated the 5th inst.

2. We now reply to paragraphs 139 to 146 of letter dated June 25, 1823; also paragraphs 6 to 15 of letter dated May 22; and paragraph 4 of letter dated Nov. 29, 1824, relative to Suttees.

3. You have here brought to our notice the occurrence of a Suttee in the southern Concan, under circumstances which, by the standing orders of government, rendered it illegal. Mr. Sparrow, the magistrate of the district, adverting to the peculiar nature of the case, and considering that the act, although contrary to the written Hindoo law, was in accordance with the custom of the Concan, applied to you for instructions, and abstained from bringing to punishment any of the parties who assisted on the occasion. We concur with you, in thinking Mr. Sparrow shewed great judgment and prudence, in forbearing to punish the offenders.

4. You have also referred us to an count of a Suttee at Poonab, in September, 1823, which was attended with circum. stances of peculiar horror and cruelty.

it is the opinion, not only of the collector, but of the natives in general, that by constructing the pile after a manner which leaves to a female, who should not have resolution to go through the sacrifice, the power of escaping, very few will have courage to undertake it.

7. There is one part of the arrangement, however, upon the effect of which we observe much difference of opinion had been expressed, and to which we can by no means extend our sanction. We cannot admit of any sort of declaration of forfeiture of caste being issued by our public officers, or under the authority of our government, in any case whatever.

8. A minute interference in the details of Suttee, such as it is the purpose of the new rules to assume, is likewise liable to the obvious objection of virtually extending the sanction of the British government to the ac-performance of the rite, when conducted in the prescribed form, We are aware, however, that as long as the burning of widows shall be tolerated under some circumstances, and prohibited in others, interference of or other cannot be altogether some kind avoided. With the exception, therefore, which we have already adverted to, we do not feel that we should be justified in prohibiting the adoption of the rule, as an experiment for checking the practice of Suttee, as every measure tending to the unfrequency of the custom must necessarily afford increased facilities towards its ultimate suppression.

5. Three of the principal offenders were brought to trial; two of them were found guilty of endeavouring forcibly to retain the woman in the fire when attempting to come from it, and of attempting to drown her; but the Shastrees declared, that the acts of which they were found guilty, were not mentioned in the Shaster as crimes, so that there could be no punishment: the accused were therefore discharged. It is deeply to be regretted that under a British government deeds of such atrocity should have been perpretrated with impunity. We observe, however, that while the former customs, or a belief in the existence of such a custom, was admitted by you to be a ground of exculpation, in this instance, it was distinctly stated to the Brahmins, and proclaimed by the authority of government, that in future every person concerned in forcing a woman to burn, should be punished as a murderer.

6. In connection with the proceedings above noticed, the collector of the district, after consulting the principal Brahmins, framed new rules for regulating the act of Suttee, which your government sanctioned, on a clear understanding that they were made with the free consent of the Brahmins. According to these rules, the pile is to be made chiefly of grass, and in such a form that the possibility of escape from it shall not be cut off, so long as there remains strength to attempt it. The woman proposing to sacrifice herself, is to be informed, that this is the

9. It is very satisfactory to observe, that in little more than two months after their introduction at Poonah, six widows were induced to give up their intention of sacrificing themselves; and that when ten months bad elapsed, your government said it was understood that no Suttee had taken place at Poonah since their adoption.

10. The zeal and humanity displayed by Captain Robertson, in his persevering endeavours to diminish the practice of selfimmolation among Hindoo widows, are entitled to our full approbation.

11. We take this opportunity of forwarding to you a copy of our dispatch of July 25, 1827, to the supreme government, on the subject of Suttee.

We are your loving friends, (Signed by sixteen Directors.) London, Dec. 13, 1827.

At the anniversary of the Baptist Irish Society, held at the City of Lon

don tavern on Friday, June 19,* the Rev. Gentleman whose name is affixed to the above article was called upon to

second one of the resolutions. This

was just what Mr. Peggs wished for, and he gladly availed himself of the opportunity it afforded, of introducing to that large and respectable assembly a subject on which he felt so deep an interest. Mr. P. spoke with considerable feeling; and the object of his address was, to arouse the dormant sensibilities of the Christian public, in relation to those horrid immolations and destructive rites, of which he had been a painful spectator. He observed

take their advice. He would read extracts from two letters, one written by Randall Jackson, Esq. and the other by T. Poynder, Esq. upon the subject. One of these gentlemen said, With regard to the Suttee question, I believe I expressed to you my despair of any material alterations in that horrid practice for many years to come, unless the religious part of the public shall come forward, in a manner so decided as to induce attention from his Majesty's government and from the House of Commons. They seem ignorant, notwithstanding the papers printed by Parliament, that the average of these murders has been for many years from 40 to 50 per month! I fear little more can be done in the General Court.' The other gentleman said, I hope much from congregational supplications at the throne of grace, as likely to bring down the "The bearing of these things upon their promised blessing on united prayer, and as missionary exertions was obvious, as he presenting an open recognition of national thought, and imperatively called upon us to sin for past negligence, and a stimulant to stand forward for the purpose of procuring the dormant apathy, as well as a reproach to their suppression. If much were not done the infidel opposition of multitudes who call by the religious part of the British public, themselves Christians.' This shewed the the blood of their fellow-subjects in India imperious duty of Christians with reference would lie at the doors of their churches and to this matter. But he would read another chapels, and would be seen upon their plat-letter, of a most encouraging character, with forms. He firmly believed that it was in reference to this crying evil. It was from consequence of the indifference which we the private secretary of Lord William Benhad shown to the prevalence of these prac tinck, and was dated Government House, tices, that God had withheld those special Calcutta, Dec. 22, 1827.' It was as folblessings for which we had been looking, upon lows:-'Sir, I am directed to acknowledge our missionary undertakings. When we the receipt of your letter to the Governor, approached him in prayer to seek this, were dated the 7th of April last. His Lordship we not reminded that our hands were full desires me at the same time to present to of blood, and that therefore all our offerings you his best thanks, for the copies of your were vain? But it was said, What can we pamphlets which accompanied it, and to asdo? We could do much. Two highly re- sure you that the one on the Suttee question spectable East India proprietors had told us relates to a subject which has engaged his what we could do, and he hoped we should particular attention.' He (Mr.P.) would only add a very few remarks. He had been much struck with the great difficulty of arousing the London public upon this subject. He had written and applied personally, again and again, but no progress had been made. In Coventry they had got an infant Society, and he would be most happy to transfer his infant to London, if the friends of humanity there would adopt it, and bring it up, and endow it. He requested, however-nay, he begged that something might be done, if it were ouly half a dozen or half a score of individuals, and surely that number might be found in London, who were sufficiently impressed with the nature of the subject to come forward to the work. Their religious Societies, he repeated, would never prosper, while innocent blood was crying against them. Let a Society be formed, and next year, instead of sending into Parliament 50 petitions on the subject, they would send in 500, and if that were not sufficient, they would have 5000,

For the particulars of this meeting, and those of the Baptist Missionary Society, whose Report was read at Spa Fields Chapel the preceding day, we refer our readers to the Irish Chronicle and Missionary Herald of our present Number; only observing, that the accounts of the lively interest excited on those occasions, and of the unparalleled contributions which were poured into the funds of our Foreign Mission, to meet the pecuniary necessities of the Society, will, we doubt not, be read with unusual interest, and we trust stimulate others to similar acts of Christian zeal and munificence. A full report of the public meetings of our denomination will be found in "The World" Newspaper for Monday, June 22.

+ Mr. Peggs was formerly a missionary in the East Indies, and for some time occupied a station at Orissa, in the immediate vicinity of one of the temples of Jugger

naut.

As soon as this gentleman had sat down The Rev. Mr. Griffin rose and said, that he could not suffer a moment to transpire without answering the appeal of Mr. Peggs, and offering himself as one towards the formation of a committee for effecting the purpose which had just been so powerfully urged upon their consciences.

Several other gentlemen followed Mr. Griffin's example, and a committee of twelve or fourteen persons was almost instantly

formed.

with suitable weather, the multitude repaired to a field, where from a waggon the ministers each read a letter reporting the state of their churches, which afforded ample materials for the illustrations of that heavenly precept to "Weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that do rejoice."

In the afternoon while the ministers and messengers were transacting the business of the Association, the congregation again assembled beneath the canopy of heaven, when two sermons were preached, the one by brother Corney the highly esteemed Independent minister of Cratfield, and the other by brother Payne of Diss.

When the immediate business of the morning was concluded, it was suggested that a meeting for a few minutes might be held, after that part of the audience had retired who were desirous to do so, for the On the Wednesday morning, at half-past purpose of passing some resolutions upon six, a sermon was preached by brother the subject which had been so impressively Roper of Kenninghall; and at ten o'clock in brought before them by the Rev. Mr. Peggs. the morning, and two in the afternoon, the In consequence of this announcement, about Association sermons were preached to the 150 persons remained in the room. Dr. assembled thousands who came from various Newman having been called to the Chair, parts to witness our solemnities, and to two or three resolutions were passed, pledg-promote the important objects of our union. ing the persons present to the formation of a The sermon in the morning was preached Society; and the Committee previously ap- by brother Cole of Ottley, from Acts xvi. pointed, with some additional names, were 9, 10, and the devotional exercises conrequested to take the necessary steps for ducted by brethren, Reynolds of Wattisconvening a public meeting as early as pos- ham, and Collins of Grundisburgh. sible. Several of the gentlemen who took sermon in the afternoon was preached by part in the proceedings, expressed a hope brother Elven of Bury, from Isa. lii. 1. and that it would not be conceived, that because the devotional parts of the service conducted the measure bad been accidentally originated by brethren Sprigg of Ipswich, and Harvey at the Baptist Irish Society, there was the of Horsham, and the sum of 221. was this remotest intention or wish to make it a sec-day collected in the field, which when it is tarian object. The Committee were instructed to invite the co-operation of all classes of persons, without distinction, it being a truly British object.

ASSOCIATIONS.

SUFFOLK.

The meeting of the above Association of Baptist Churches took place at Stradbrooke in the said county, on Tuesday and Wednesday the 2d and 3d of June 1829, and it was truly delightful to witness the intense interest excited in the various services of this Association, clearly indicating that the Baptist churches in this county are not unmoved amid the general concern which is awakened among the churches of Jesus Christ throughout the world to be the honoured instruments of accelerating the triumphs of redeeming grace, and promoting the universality of that "kingdom which cannot be moved."

The concourse of persons assembled on the Tuesday morning, precluded the idea of meeting in any accustomed place of worship, and divine providence favouring us

The

considered as coming chiefly from persons who in their respective congregations, had previously contributed to the fund, affords matter for thankfulness and encouragement.

From the various interesting particulars furnished by the various letters, the following are selected :—

This association embraces twenty-four churches.

The number of members in which is 2658.

The number of villages preached in, exclusive of the stated places of worship, is sixty-six.

The number of children under Sunday school instruction is 2293.

The leading objects of this Association. are to afford assistance to those churches who are unable to support their ministers, and to extend the preaching of the gospel to those parts of the country that are yet destitute of the means of grace, disavowing the most remote design of interfering with the labours of our beloved brethren of other denominations, choosing rather after the example of Paul, "To preach the gospel where Christ is not named, lest we should build on another man's foundation." For those objects upwards of a hundred pounds was voted, and it is hoped from the

feeling evinced at this association, that ano- | work manufactured by the females! For the ther year we shall be furnished with in- remainder, the respected pastor, (the Rev. creased means of meeting the urgent claims J. Payne), is now appealing to public benewhich are made from poor churches, and voleuce. from destitute parts, crying, "Come over and help us."

The next Annual Meeting of this Association to be held at Ottley, on the first Tuesday and Wednesday in June 1830.

BEDFORDSHIRE.

The Fourteenth Auniversary of the Bedfordshire Association of Baptist Churches, was held at Blunham, on Wednesday the 6th of May, 1829. Brother Cuttress of Ridgmount, preached in the morning from Psa. lxxxv. 6.; and brother Hindes of Sharnbrook, from 2 Cor. iii. 1. In the evening, brother Vorley of Carlton from John xvii. 1. The brethren engaged in the other services, were Messrs. Holloway, Knight, Such, and Adey. Brother Holloway was appointed moderator. The letters from the different churches were read. The Circular Letter by brother Hindes was then read, approved, and ordered to be printed. The Circular Letter for the next year to be prepared by brother Cuttress. On "the tendency of zeal for the prosperity of the cause of Christ, to promote the spiritual

welfare of the individual."

The next Association to be held at Biggleswade on the first Tuesday in May 1830. Brethren Knight and Fordham to preach.

KENT AND SUSSEX.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Kent and Sussex Association, was held at Ashford, on Tuesday and Wednesday, May the 26th and 27th. Sermons were preached by the brethren, Bowes of Woolwich, (Matt. iii. 7.) T. Cramp of St. Peters, (Col. ii. 1, 2.) and Shirley of Sevenoaks, (2 Cor. iv. 6.) The brethren, Payne of Ashford, Shirley, Garner of Rattle, Paine of Eythorne, Denham of Margate, Metters (Missionary in Romney Marsh), Smith of Rye, Stace, Rogers of Eynsford, Hadlow (of the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion), Giles of Chatham, and Crambrook of Dover, engaged in the devotional exercises. Baptized during the year, 130; clear increase, 65. Circular Letter by brother J. M. Cramp, On the Signs of the Times.

The Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel was kindly lent on this occasion, as the Baptist Meeting is now rebuilding on an enlarged scale, in consequence of the gratifying increase of the congregation. The church and congregation have contributed half the expenses of the erection, one hundred pounds of which is the proceeds of fancy

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

The Buckinghamshire Association of Baptist Churches, held their Annual Meeting at Amersham, May 14, 1829, when two sermons were preached in the morning by Messrs. Clarabut and Tyler, from Col. i. 29, and Eccles. iv. 9. first clause. Evening sermon by brother Terry from Heb. vii. 25. Devotional services by Messrs. Terry, Statham, and Ivimey. The subject of the Circular Letter was, The obligation of acting in religious matters according to our conviction. Baptized in the churches, 129; clear increase, ninety-seven.

YORKSHIRE AND LANCASHIRE.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the 10th and 11th of June 1829, the Churches forming the Yorkshire and Lancashire Association, held their Annua! Meeting at Halifax. Brother Thompson (Minister of the place) was chosen moderator. The brethren Fisher,

Larom, Saunders, (of Liverpool) and Stephens preached. The brethren, Steadman

and S. Saunders delivered addresses on be

half of the Itinerant Societies for their counties, after which collections were made. The brethren, Steadman, Thompson, Stepheus, M. Saunders, Jackson, Acworth, Allison, Calcroft, Holroyd, Nichols, aud Yeardon, conducted the devotional exercises. Brother Scott read the Circular Letter, which he had prepared, and which is to be printed.

The various services were very namerously attended, and it is hoped that the good feelings which were excited will have a permanent influence. There are forty-five churches in this Association, many of whom have been favoured with considerable prosperity.

The next Association will be held at Shipley in Whitsun week, 1830.

SOUTHERN.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 10th and 11th of June, was held the Annual Meeting of this Association, at Whitchurch, Hants. Brother Bulgin of Poole preached on Tuesday evening, from Rom. v. 1, 2. Brother Crossman of Anmore engaged in prayer. At half-past six o'clock on Wednesday morning, a prayer-meeting was held, when the brethren, Fletcher, Clay, Blandy, Morris, Wiswell, and Davies, engaged. At nine o'clock the ministers and messengers met to hear the Circular Letter, drawn up

short introductory discourse, proposed the usual questions, and received a satisfactory statement on the part of the church from Mr. Carter, with a very ample, comprehensive, and judicious declaration of his faith from Mr. Hargreaves. Mr. Mann addressed both the pastor and the church from 1 Thes. v. 12, 13, And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you," &c. Mr. Upton delivered an address prior to a collection being made, and concluded in prayer.

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by brother Neave of Portsea, and to receive | church. Mr. Bligh commenced with readthe letters sent from the several churches, ing and prayer; Dr. Newman delivered a giving an account of their present state and circumstances. At half-past ten o'clock the public service was commenced in prayer by brother J. Davis of Southsea, Portsea. Brother Tilly of Foxton read and prayed; brother Birt of Portsea preached from Matt. vi. 6, on secret prayer, and brother Morris of Portsea concluded. At half-past two o'clock the ministers and messengers met for business, when several new churches were admitted into the Association. During the dispatch of business, brother Jefferson of Andover (Independent) preached from Ps. Ix. 4. In the evening an excellent sermon was preached by brother E. Davis of Newport, Isle of Wight, from Gal. vi. 14. Brethren Whitewood of Andover, Welsh of Newbury, and George of Romsey took part in several services, which were more than usually interesting.

ORDINATIONS, &c.

EYTHORNE, KENT.

FRANCE.

On Wednesday, the 3d of December, 1828, an intelligent and pious young man, a native of France, was ordained to the work of the Christian Ministry in that interesting country, at the Poultry Chapel, London. Prayer and reading the Scriptures by the Rev. John Thomas; introductory discourse by the Rev. Dr. Cox, who also asked the usual questions, to which satisfactory answers were given; ordination prayer by the Rev. George Collison; charge and concluding prayer by the Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith.

It will be gratifying to those who are concerned for the extension of the Redeem

In

er's kingdom to learu, that the agents of this important Institution are favoured with an encouraging measure of success. various places an earnest desire is evinced to listen to the preaching of the Gospel, and to many it has recently been made the power of God unto salvation.

This excellent individual, who is strongly On Thursday, June 11, the Rev. William recommended, will be employed under the Paine was publicly recognized pastor of the auspices of the Continental Society, in preachancient church at Eythorne, where the lateing the Gospel in a district where his labours Rev. John Giles laboured with such eminent are much needed. success upwards of thirty-five years. This interesting solemnity was witnessed by a very crowded congregation, numbers of whom came from places many miles dis. tant. The Rev. D. Crambrook of Dover, commenced by reading and prayer; the Rev. J. Belcher of Folkestone, delivered an introductory discourse, and asked the usual questions of the church and minister. The ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. A. Smith of Rye. The charge was given by the Rev. J. Cramp of St. Peter's, from Acts xx. 28. The sermon to the people was preached by the Rev. J. Payne of Ashford, from Deut. i. 38. "Encourage him." A serion was preached in the evening, by the Rev. J. M. Cramp of St. Peters, from 2 Thess. iii. 1. The devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Messrs. Gurtem of Canterbury (Independent), Exall of Tenterden, Vincent of Deal (Independent), and Edminson of Canterbury.

WALTHAM ABBEY.

On Monday, May 4, the Rev. James Hargreaves, (late of Wild Street) was publicly recognized as the pastor of this ancient

Several additional labourers have within a short period been engaged by the Continental Society, to dispense the word of life to multitudes who are as sheep having no shepherd, amongst whom not a few appear to be hungering and thirsting after righte

ousness.

RELIEF OF WIDOWS.

AMICUS.

The following cases of Widows approved by the Committee have been relieved :—

M. R.
s. W...

.£4

H. M.

.£4

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