lect for this object after this year, as it is strongly hoped that the proposed plan, if adopted by all the churches, will in three years liquidate all our debt. XI. That a meeting be held at Merthyr Tydvil, on the 9th of September next, for the purpose of considering what measures may be best adapted to secure the establishment of penny per week societies in all the churches of the Association: and that the following ministers be nominated as a Committee, while other ministers and deacons who can make it convenient are requested to attend. J. Jones, J. Evans, R. Edwards, J. Jenkins, D. Phillips, J. James, J. Edmunds, B. Williams, E. Jones, C. Evans, W. Jones, J. Roberts, F. Hiley, J. P. Davies, D. D. Evans, T. Morris, D. Saunders, M. Jones, A. Jones, J. Jones, who it is carnestly hoped will not fail of being present. It is respectfully requested also, that all the churches in the Association which have debts remaining on their places of worship, would send the amount of the same to the meeting at Merthyr, the above time. XII. That the next Association be held at Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, the first Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in June 1830. Brethren, J. Williams, D. Rees, F. Hiley, D. Davies, and C. Evans, are expected to preach. at Hook Norton, Oxon, on Monday and Tuesday the 8th and 9th of June. On the Monday evening, brother J. Price of Alcester read the Scriptures and prayed. The letters from the churches were read, which were calculated to excite deep humility, on account of the apparently little progress of the cause of truth and righteousness; yet they were by no means destitute of cheering tidings, to justify the hope, that the morning of a general revival has already dawned, which the Lord the Spirit alone, can advance into a glorious day. Although there is not much increase the present year, yet several of the churches are in immediate expectation of pleasing additions, which we humbly hope will prove to be of the Lord, and will be recorded hereafter to his glory. It is recommended to the churches to "continue in prayer" for the outpouring of the Spirit, on all common and special occasions in their power, and that the second sabbath in August (wheresoever convenient) be particularly appropriated to united and fervent prayer for that supremely important blessing. Brother Smith of Ashwood delivered a very impressive and affectionate address, and closed with prayer. At On the Tuesday morning, at half-past six, several brethren engaged in prayer. half-past ten, brother Taylor of Shipston, commenced the service by reading and prayer. Brother Smith of Ashwood preach150 ed from 2 Cor. iv. 7.; brother Coles preached 154 to youth from 2 Chron. xxxiv. 3.; aud bro. 7ther Harvey of Banbury, (Independent), concluded in prayer. J. ROBERTS, Moderator. J. JONES, Secretary. 311 P.S. At the time of the Association at Cowbridge, the new and commodious Chapel erected by the Baptist Church in that town, was opened; the erection of which was rendered necessary, owing to the former place of worship being much too small to afford accommodation for the increasing congregation that attended. The church, and friends in the town and neighbourhood of Cowbridge have exerted themselves much to their credit in their contributions towards the building of the above chapel, but a heavy debt yet remains, to liquidate which the aid of the Christian public is respectfully solicited. OXFORDSHIRE. The Association of Baptist Churches in Oxfordshire and the adjacent counties, met After dinner, it was resolved that it be strongly recommended to all the churches, to make an annual collection for the Bristol Education Society, as having, from its intrinsic importance and improved state, a most powerful claim on the whole denomination. In the evening, after brother Hinton of Oxford had read and prayed, brother Copley of Oxford preached from Zech. ix. 11. Brother Catton of Chipping Norton, closed with prayer a series of services which had evidently excited great interest, and yielded much pleasure to the numerous congregations which had attended them. T. COLES, Sec. SOUTHERN, (WELSH.) The Lord has done great things for us; we have baptized 132 within the last 12 months; and in our Association there were 1133 baptized; restored, 235; died, 150; excluded, 154; received by letters, 29; dismissed by letters, 7; clear increase, 1086. The Western Association has nearly the same number of churches, (which is 77,) and they have baptized, 1328; restored, 286; excluded, 198; died, 173; clear increase, 1243, which makes the whole 2461. The account of the Northern Association is not known to me yet. May our churches increase in grace, and gifts, and exertions for the furtherance of the cause of Christ, as well as in number. ORDINATIONS, &c. LLANGEFNI. On Christmas day, Dec. 25, 1828,* the Rev. W. Jones, formerly of Bradford Academy, and afterwards of the Glasgow College, was set apart for the ministry, over the Baptist Church at Llangefni, in the island of Anglesea. The service commenced at 10 o'clock A.M. with prayer by the Rev. H. Williams of Amlwch. The Rev. W. Morgans of Holyhead, stated the nature of a gospel church, asked the usual questions, received the minister's confession of faith, the call of the church to him, and his determination to accept of it. The venerable H. Williams, sen. offered the ordination prayer, and the Rev. J. Davies of Crohymedd, gave the charge from Acts xx. 24.; and the Rev. H. Williams, jun. of Amlwch addressed the church from 1 Thes. v. 12, 13. In the evening the Rev. A. Jones of Bangor preached to the people at large, on their duty towards ministers, of which the inhabitants of this part of the world seem to have but a very imperfect idea. prayer. Service commenced on Friday morning at half-past nine, when Mr. T. E. Thomas of Ffynon prayed; Mr. S. Evans of Milford, delivered an appropriate introductory address on the constitution of a gospel church; Mr. J. H. Thomas of Moleston, after asking the usual questions, received the confession of faith, offered up the ordination prayer, and gave the charge to the newly ordained minister from 2 Tim. iv. 5. Mr. H. Davies to the church from Heb. xiii. 22, and Mr. of Llangloffen, delivered a suitable discourse T. Williams, (Independent,) of Pembroke Dock, concluded by prayer. The attendance was more than the chapel could contain. The church at Llangefni was honoured with the ministry of the Rev. Christmas Evans for upwards of thirty years. He did not, indeed, labour statedly in one place, but he resided at Llangefni, and preached In the afternoon a very interesting conmore frequently for the congregation meet- ference was held, when Mr. D. Owens of ing there, than for any other single congre- Chapel Hill, prayed; and Mr. J. H. Thomas gation. The interest has, at different times, of Moleston was chosen Moderator, who experienced many vicissitudes, at some seasons there has been an increase, at mutual duties of members of a Christian proposed two subjects for discussion-the others a falling off. Soon after the de-church—and the necessity and importance parture of Mr. Evans, the cause presented of family prayer; both of which were ably a very unlovely appearance. A worldly illustrated and enforced. Mr. H. Edwards spirit governed some of the members in of Castlemartin concluded by prayer. their choice of a minister, and a person was by Mr. T. E. Thomas of Ffynon from 2 Cor. In the evening two sermons were preached v. 6, and Mr. S. Daniel of Marloes from Sol. Song ii. 4. At the same time two of Mr. D. Owens of Chapel Hill from Psalm our brethren preached in Tabernacle (Ind.) cxxxiii. 1. and Mr. J. Lawrence of Myrtt forced upon the church and congregation, who very soon brought the interest to the verge of destruction. But through unremitting exertions and attention, and by the blessing of Jehovah, order has been restored; union and brotherly love cement the society together, and now a pleasing prospect pre-itwy, from Rom. xvi. 7. The congregations sents itself. Still this interest, like others in this part of the country, has to contend The above account has but just come into the Editor's hands. services. The meeting must have been fixed were very large during the whole of the upon that day to give those connected with the Dockyard an opportunity of attending, no other holiday being allowed them for some time before or after. NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT. man of Yeovil, in a luminous address stated On the 22nd of April, Mr. Eliel Davies, late of Stepney Academy, was ordained pastor over the Baptist Church of this place. The service was commenced by the Rev. T. Tilly of Portsea, with reading the Scriptures and prayer; the Rev. B. H. Draper of Southampton, delivered the introductory discourse, and received from Mr. Davies the account of his experience, and his confession of faith, &c. The Rev. J. Clay of Portsea offered the ordination prayer; the Rev. J. Ivimey of London, delivered some Mr. Stevens is labouring under the sancadvice to the pastor, who had been a member of the church under his care, founded tion of the Home Missionary Society. The upon 1 Tim. iv. 6. Rev. J. Bishop of New-neighbourhood of Highbridge much needs evangelical instruction; and it is fervently port, (Independent,) concluded the morning desired and hoped that the labours of Mr. S. may be greatly blessed of God. service. The evening service was begun with read. ing the Scriptures and prayer by the Rev. T. Binney of Newport, (Independent.) The Rev. W. H. Murch, Theological Tutor of Stepney Academy, preached to the church from Phil. i. 27. The Rev. W. Read of Wellow concluded. The hymns were read by the Rev. C. Cakebread of Portsea, and the Rev. J. Watts of Yarmouth. STOKE, WILTS. On Thursday, April 23, 1829, Mr. William Huntley was set apart to the pastoral office over the Baptist Church at Stoke, Wilts. Mr. Walton of Trowbridge gave a brief statement of the nature of a gospel church, asked the usual questions, and received Mr. Huntley's confession of faith. Mr. Rodway of Bradford, offered the ordination prayer; after which Mr. Walton addressed the minister from 1 Cor. iv. 2. and Mr. Rodway preached to the people from Deut. i. 38. Brother Huntley has been a member of the church at Stoke ever since its formation in the year 1820; having with some others been dismissed from the church at Bath for that purpose. Its members at present are thirty in number. HIGHBRIDGE. Mr. Stevens, recently engaged in conducting a School at Exeter, under the direction of the Rev. S. Kilpin, was ordained pastor of the Baptist Church at Highbridge, near Bridgwater, Somerset, June II, 1829. The service was introduced by Mr. Whitby of Yeovil, who read and prayed; Mr. Chap Crook of Crewkerne, from 1 Thess. v. 12. and 13. HERNE BAY. The friends of evangelical religion are, perhaps, not generally aware, that the gospel has been recently introduced at this hitherto unenlightened place; and that much good has already been accomplished by the preaching of the gospel, and the education of the poor. As, however, there are now no wealthy persons residing on the spot, the two principal benefactors of the cause having been recently removed by death, the support of the interest depends chiefly upon the liberality of the visitors in the summer season. A Sunday school of nearly one hundred children, and a Lancasterian day school of about forty children, have been established, and a convenient chapel and school room have been erected, and nearly the whole expence defrayed. The Christian public who are in the habit of visiting the coast, and are desirous of combining usefulness with recreation, are earnestly recommended to visit this retired and delightfully rural bathing place. NOTICE. The tenth anniversary of the Baptist church, Rye-lane, Peckham, will be held (by divine permission) on Wednesday, August 12, when three sermons will be preached; that in the morning, at eleven o'clock, by Mr. Reece, of Crown-street chapel; that in the afternoon, at three o'clock, by Mr. Smith of Ilford; and in the evening, at half-past six o'clock, by Mr. Chin, of Walworth.-After each service a collection will be made. AUGUST, 1829. THE Committee of the Baptist Irish Society express their grateful thanks, first to "the God of all grace," and then to the kind and constant friends of the Institution, that they have been enabled to meet the expenditure of the past year. They, however, respectfully urge it upon the consideration of the pastors of the churches especially, whether an extra exertion cannot now be made on behalf of its funds, that the minds of the Secretaries might be relieved from the burden which they have usually felt, on account of the difficulties which the Society has struggled with on that subject. The Treasurer has not sufficient money in hand by a considerable sum, to meet the expenditure for the present quarter; the Secretaries will therefore be very thankful to any of their brethren who will render the Society assistance, by collecting or by giving them the opportunity of sending some Ministers to collect for it. From the Rev. J. Wilson to the Secretaries. was endeavouring to justify his conduct, not only as a means of support for himself, his wife, and children, but because of the excellent character and influence of the Bible, said, "True, the Bible contains some good things; but if you had a loaf made of first flour, and you knew that there was arsenic in it, would you eat it? There is poison in the Bible, and it is dangerous to touch it." DEAR BRETHREN, Mr. Franks, who has been for some time travelling with brother Briscoe, visiting the schools in his district, is now with me for the same purpose, and as far as we have hitherto gone, he has been highly gratified. Indeed it must gladden the heart of every In another part of my district, as stated friend of humanity, morality, and religion, in one of the journals which accompany this, to observe the advantages derived by the opposition has been raised, where we have children in the schools. They are greater heretofore enjoyed tranquillity. A priest, in number, and more important in their cha- who is one of the honourable exceptions to racter, than a stranger or a mere casual the general rule, of their being opposers of spectator is in the habit of supposing. And the Bible schools, and whom I have always when these advantages are contrasted with been anxious to notice as such, has now been the peculiar disadvantages under which the uneducated poor of this country labour, a feeling somewhat stronger than pity and censure is excited, in reference to those who oppose the extension of these advantages. obliged to denounce them, in consequence of the command of a superior. He declares that he sees no harm in the Insti. tution," and his conduct has corresponded with this declaration, for we have generally had two or three good schools in his parish, yet the three that were recently there, have within the last ten days been nearly broken up. When we speak of a mercenary man, we mean a person who is so anxious to secure good things for himself, as that he is not solicitous for the welfare of others. And And in the journal of a reader resident in could we conceive of a man being so weak another part of my district, you will perand vain, as to attempt to withhold the light ceive that opposition of a formidable chaand heat of the natural sun from our world, racter is prevailing; yet many of the schools we should suppose him to be one of the are prosperous; many copies of the Bible worst of our species. But he is a worse are in demand, and many applications are character than either of these, who endea- made by individuals, publicly and secretly, vours to withhold the light of divine truth to have that book read for them, which, to from the mind, and the soul-cheering warmth use their own reiterated expression, is "the that is derived from its rays. Yet, with only comfort they have." such a class of persons this unhappy land abounds; and if their number be not increasing, the violence of their opposition, where it is possible, is abounding! Within the last fortnight, one of this number, when reproving a teacher of the Society for keeping a Bible school, and be I therefore repeat my reiterated phrase to British Christians, on behalf of Ireland's spiritual welfare, Persevere, persevere, persevere and the God of truth and love will succeed your efforts. Yours sincerely, J. WILSON. H H Shigo, June 29, 1829. To the Committee of the Baptist Irish Society. GENTLEMEN, I spent a month with Mr. Briscoe, and accompanied him in an inspection of the schools under his superintendence, a report of which I now send you. School at Carrapadan-The children spell and read well; several of them committed five, and others twelve chapters to memory, in the last quarter. School at Rathlee-In a general good state; one of the boys, ten years old, commenced reading only four months ago, and can now repeat ten chapters. Woolwich School-Numerous and flourishing; scholars 225, several of them from 16 to 20 years old; writing, 80; in arithmetic, 30. Hackney School-Is also large, and well conducted. From opposition, comparatively few of the children attended the inspection, but those present gave evident proofs of their own and the master's diligence, and there is reason to believe that the opposition will soon cease. School at Mallafary-Many of the children have made great progress in reading, writing, and arithmetic, committed to memory large portions of Scripture, and repeated from five to twelve chapters each for the last quarter. The master lately joined the church at Ballina, and is employed as a Sabbath reader, for which he is in every respect well qualified. Hammersmith School-Was formerly prosperous, but from recent opposition has been greatly injured; is well conducted, and by steady perseverance and a little necessary management, the opposition will no doubt be overcome. The mistress is encouraged and assisted in her work by her pious, afflicted, and I might say greatly persecuted husband, and who, though they have nothing to support them but her small salary, gratuitously devotes his time in reading the Scriptures to his neighbours, and teaching them to read them in the native language. School at Carrantrella-Gave some pleasing proofs of diligence, but has at present some difficulties to contend with. Devonshire-square School - Excellently conducted by a respectable mistress, to whom the needlework and knitting of the girls is said by proper judges to do much credit. School at Gurteenamuck-Established 1828. Most of the children when they first attended did not know the alphabet, but can all now spell well, and many of them read and repeat several chapters. School at Ballybeg-The spelling and reading of the children are good, and some of them have made considerable proficiency in writing and arithmetic. This School at Creeves-Commenced about two years ago, and from the first met with great opposition; but patience and perseverance have at length triumphed, the children now attend well, and their parents say they will continue to send them. change has been effected in the parents by the zealous and active labours of the master in reading the Scriptures to them. The children having been often kept away on inspection days, he visited their parents the day before Mr. B. and I went, to ask if they would send them to the inspection, and found them willing and determined to do so. Henrietta School-In a good state, the children spell and read well. The master is an interesting and diligent young man, who frequently before and after school hours goes to the houses of the children to bear them their lessons, and to read the Scriptares to them and their parents. He, with his mother and sister, were brought to a knowledge of the truth, and a decided renunciation of popery, by the labours of Richard Moore, one of your Society's oldest Scripture readers, and who has been the instrument of the conversion of very many, and with several of whom I have had an opportunity of conversing. School at Burnhill-Is in a neighbourhood where the blessings of a scriptural education are greatly needed; was formerly much opposed, but without effect; the pa rents continued, and still do, to send their children; 116 are in attendance. School at Karrow keel-Has in it a greater number of scholars than the preceding one, is in good order, and speaks well for the master. School at Foghill-In so good a state that there was scarcely a mistake made by any one of the children in spelling, reading, or repeating the Scriptures. School at Palmer's Town-Established in April last; present number of scholars 117. The master is a promising young man, educated in the Karrowkeel school. School at Creevagh-An interesting sight, there being in it several youths and young men, some of them just beginning to spell words of two syllables, and others who have learned to read well. The attendance is numerous. School at Shraheen-Is conducted by one of the first masters employed by your Society, and as a proof of its excellent state, I give the number of chapters fourteen of the children committed to memory in the last quarter, and we heard them repeat. Four repeated eight chapters; two, five chapters; six, twelve chapters; two of them, not more than eight years old, and a |