either never have been brought forward at all, or would have been attended with no success. As it was, the motion in question was carried by the proprietors, in exclusion of an amendment proposed upon it by the directors, and the following is à copy of such motion: "Resolved, that this court, taking into consideration the continuance of human sacrifices in India, is of opinion, that in the case of all rites or ceremonies involving the destruction of life, it is the duty of a paternal government to interpose for their prevention, and therefore recommends to the Honourable Court of Directors to transmit such instructions to India as that court may deem most expedient for accomplishing this object, consistently with all practicable attention to the feelings of the natives." It may not be generally known, that in consequence of this motion of the general proprietary, the court of directors, however defeated in their opposition to it, were honestly desirous, as became them, of transmitting such resolution to India; but on submitting, as was necessary, their letter of instructions containing it to the late board of controul, that board determined that this resolution, adopted, as it had been, after two days' solemn discussion, and guarded as it was from every imputation of precipitance and intemperance, should not be sent to India: in consequence of which, the solemn expression of opinion thus recorded at the India house, has not, to this hour, officially found its way to our Indian empire; and half a dozen individuals have thus thought it their duty to array themselves against the recorded vote of the great body of East India proprietors, and to contract the deep and dangerous responsibility of withholding from an entire empire one of the greatest boons which could have been conferred upon it, in answer to the wishes and prayers of every friend of religion and humanity abroad and at home. from our own enlightened population*, and in the hope of contributing to the better understanding of so important a question among ourselves; and, above all, to provoke such increased exertions on the part of all, who call themselves Christians," to cleanse our beloved country from the guilt of blood, we shall now add a few further observations, having more especial reference to the practice of SUTTEE, as apprehending that in the moment that so flagrant an evil as that of widow-burning shall fall before the ark of the living God, the other dagons of infanticide, burying alive, exposure of the sick, and destruction of the dying, &c. will equally fall, in their turn, before the earnest prayers, and well directed efforts of our Christian population. 1. It appears from the papers published by order of Parliament, from the official returns of the East India Company, that the sanguinary and revolting practice of burning living widows with the bodies of their deceased husbands, under pretext of religion, amounted to not less than the number of 6572 in ten years, viz. from 1815 to 1824 inclusive, being an average of 657 per annum. 2. That of these sacrifices, it appears from the same source, that the number of 5997 took place during the period in question, in the single presidency of Bengal alone; demonstrating that the evil, however great where it prevails, is not generally diffused over India, but is of a local character, being confined to a comparatively small portion of that immense empire, and having, therefore, no such connection with the general religious principles or feelings of India at large, as has been industriously reported. 3. That it is evident, from the most accurate translations of the sacred books of the Hindoos, that the practice in question, however sanctioned by long usage, and supported by a corrupt and interested priesthood, is no where expressly commanded or enjoined, as an essential part of the Hindoo Since the above motion was carried by the Court of East India proprietors (now nearly three years past), nothing has trans-religion, but is merely permitted by it, while pired at the India house beyond an occa- the best interpreters of the sacred books are sional enquiry by different proprietors at the decidedly opposed even to the permission of general courts, whether any further informa- the rite. tion had been received, and whether any hopes might be entertained that either the Indian government abroad or at home, were any nearer to the suppression of the many atrocious and now recorded cruelties of the Hindoo idolatry. To these enquiries only the most general, and of course unsatisfactory, answers have been obtained from the directors, and thus the matter at present stands. Under these circumstances, we hail, with no little joy, the increased attention which the deeply interesting subject of human sacrifices in India appears to be receiving 4. That all late attempts on the part of the Indian government to prohibit such sa. crifices as were understood to be contrary to the native regulations (such, for instance, as the cases of the employment of force; the burning, in time of pregnancy; and when under the influence of intoxicating drugs, or below the age of sixteen), have * We understand that a public meeting, in the city of London, is very shortly intended to be held, for the purpose of petitioning Parliament on the subject. To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. 1 SIR. not only entirely failed of accomplishing their | MINISTERIAL SUPPORT; A TIMELY HINT. professed object, owing to the inefficiency and corruption of the native police, and the absence of all adequate penalties for disabedience, but have tended greatly to increase and aggravate the existing evil, by favouring the belief, that in all other cases, except those expressly prohibited, the sanotion of the British government was intended to be given to the sacrifice; an impression very naturally encouraged by the painful and humiliating fact, that the written order of a resident British magistrate is now, in all cases, directed to be given before the sacrifice takes place; the effect of which has been to legalize an act, which before was of questionable authority, and virtually to make the government itself a party to the destruction of its most defenceless subjects. 5. That although in the course of the voluminous evidence collected upon this subject by Parliament, a very few instances may be found in which opinions are recorded, which are in some degree unfavourable to our interference for the suppression of this evil, yet, that the great, and almost entire current of testimony, runs in a totally opposite direction; and that the most abundant and numerous statements from the bighest civil officers, judges, magistrates, collectors, and other functionaries of the East India Company, concur in establishing, in the fullest and most satisfactory manner, the perfect safety with which the prohibition of this unnatural practice would be attended; while it is further observable, that these are not merely the opinions of such persons as have quitted India, and would not be personally affected by the consequences of an erroneous judgment, but of accredited agents, now holding the most public and prominent situations, and actually residing in the midst of the people. 6. That the whole course of British policy in India has been invariably opposed to the authority and influence of the priesthood, whenever it was found necessary for the general security; and that the Bramins are daily made amenable, both in their persons and property, to the criminal code; while the well known and recorded triumphs of our Christian government over the sanguinary sacrifices of idolatry at Saugor, Juanpore, and Guzzerat, afford so many practical evidences of successful interference on our part, in the suppression of bloodshed and crime, rendering it equally certain that while the natives have invariably acquiesced in the protection afforded by government to so many defenceless members of society, they will, with equal readiness, submit to any enactment which shall have the further effect of contributing to the preservation of human life. and Christian benevolence; but while much We live in an age of moral improvement has been done for the temporal and spiritual benefit of mankind, there remains yet much deal has been written and said in favour of more that might be performed. A great ministerial support; but it is not enough to talk and write, we must act, for "whilst the grass is growing the steed is starving." The season is near at hand, when many people feel it their duty to bestow Christmas gifts on those around them, as a token the world to seek and to save that which of their gratitude to Him who "came into was lost." The ministers of Christ should not be forgotten at this season of the year. Every Christian congregation would do well to make a private collection when they meet the friendly circle, and send it to their minister who employs his time, talent, health, and sometimes sacrifices his life in their service, and for their everlasting interest. Many congregations have adopted this plan, and annually forward to their pastors done with pleasure to the congregation, and valuable presents. This has been often received with gratitude by the minister, who therefore is often obliged to weep alone. I cannot so well plead his own cause, and wish all congregations would go and do likewise; for it would have a tendency to wipe the tear from his eye, and comfort that heart which so often aches when his people know it not. of building, enlarging, and repairing their Meeting houses. 2. That a Society be now formed, to be designated The College Street Building Fund Society, its operations to be conducted by a committee, treasurer, and secretary. hamlets are in a state of deplorable darkness. May this effort to promote the spread of the gospel at home be owned and blessed by the great Head of the Church; the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few may the Lord of the harvest send forth labourers into his harvest. Subscriptions and donations will be thankfully re 3. That, from a conviction, many and serious evils arise from the usual practice of personal application, it is our determina-ceived by Mr. Doughty of Lincoln, Treation as a Society, to give assistance only to surer; the Rev. S. Marston of Grimsby, such cases as are sent by letter, to be laid Secretary; the Rev. J. Craps of Lincoln before the committee for their consider- and the Rev. J. Blackburn of Carlton. Doation. nations of books and religious tracts will be very acceptable for distribution in the villages. 4. That every subscriber of not less than ten shillings shall belong to the Committee. 5. That the funds of this Society be raised by annual subscriptions and donations and a public collection once a year. 6. That suitable persons be appointed by the committee, to collect and receive the subscriptions and donations, who shall pay the same to the treasurer, as the committee shall appoint. ORDINATIONS, &c. ; SHEPHERD'S BURTON, FROME. On Thursday morning, Sept. 3, the Rev. W. Jones, formerly of Stepney and since at 7. That the appropriation of money be Edinburgh, was ordained pastor over the made twice in the year, in the months of Baptist church in Shepherd's Burton, Frome. June and December: that the proportion of The Rev. P. J. Saffery of Salisbury delimoney voted to cases, be regulated by cir-vered the introductory discourse, proposed cumstances attendant thereon, together with the usual questions, and received from Mr. the state of the finances of the Society, of Jones a most interesting relation of his reliwhich the committee for the time being gious experience, and of his views and feelshall decide, seven of whom shall be pre-iugs in reference to the Christian ministry; sent, in other meetings of the committee, to the Rev. J. Viney of Beckington, offered up be held in the last week of March and Sep- the ordination prayer; after which the Rev, tember, five shall form a quorum. J. Hoby of Weymouth delivered an impres sive and animated charge. 8. That the contributors to this Society, shall have power to alter and add to the rules at their annual meeting. 9. The subscriptions to be considered as beginning at Midsummer next. 10. That Mr. W. Rice be requested to be Treasurer, and Mr. T. Bumpus, jun. Secretary, to whom, or to the Rev. W. Gray, all communications are to be addressed (post paid.) LINCOLNSHIRE HOME MISSIONARY SO- In the evening, the Rev. W. Murch, Theological Tutor of Stepney Academy, preached to the people a sermon of great power and interest. It was consolatory and delightful to observe a church so cordially united in the choice of a minister, whose ordination was only twelve months distant from that of his beloved, and lamented, and valuable predecessor, the late excellent Rev. E. Daniel. FORD, BUCKS. On the 6th inst. the Rev. Samuel Diprose On Tuesday, Aug. 25, a Public Meeting was ordained pastor over the ancient Genewas held in the Baptist Chapel, Lincoln, ral Baptist Church, at Ford, Bucks, when for the purpose of forming a Home Mis- Mr. Terry of Princes Risborough, delivered sionary Society for the county. The Rev. J. the introductory discourse; Mr. Hobbs of Craps, minister of the place, was called to Berkhamstead, (Mr. D.'s father-in-law) the chair, and the resolutions were moved proposed the questions to the church and and seconded by the Rev. Messrs. Marston minister, and offered up the ordination prayer of Grimsby; Gladstone of Lincoln, (Indep.) with laying on of hands; Mr. Sexton of Blackburn, of Carlton; Clegg, of Lincoln, Chesham, delivered the charge from John (Wesleyan); Thomas of Gainsborough; xv. 5, last clause; Mr. Tyler of HaddenWall of Lincoln, (Indep.); Pope of Sutham, preached to the people from 1 Thess. ton: and Kingsford of Lincoln, (Gen. Bap.) From the statements which were made by the different speakers, it appears that the number of Baptist churches in Lincolnshire is very small, and many of the villages and v. 25; Mr. Brooks, Fenny Stratford, preached in the evening from Rev. xxi.6. Messrs. Field, Gunn, Jones, Brockley, Adey, Brooks, Butcher, Tyler, and Diprose engaged in other parts of the service. During the day the attendance was very numerous and respectable, and we doubt not it was a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. SALISBURY. On Wednesday, the 16th of September, the new Baptist chapel in Salisbury was opened for divine worship, on which occasion sermons were preached, in the morning by the Rev. F. A. Cox, LL.D.; in the afternoon by the Hon. and Rev. G. H. R. Curzon; and in the evening by the Rev. C. E. Birt, JA.M. The Rev. W. Copley of Oxford preached on the preceding evening, in a chapel with which the congregation have been kindly accommodated, during the erection of their own, by their Wesleyan friends. The collections amounted to 1661. 12s. Between 7001. and 8001, were raised, in addition to this sum, before the end of the week, making the amount of contributions in the congregation, to this object alone, upwards of 20001, during the past year. ATCH LENCH. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, 1829, a neat and commodious Baptist chapel was opened in the village of Atch Lench, near Evesham, Worcestershire, and the Rev. B. Wheeler, late a student of Bradford Academy, was ordained pastor over the church formed there, June 8, 1825. The Rev. W. Liddell, of Alcester, commenced the services by reading and prayer; the Rev. J. Price, of Alcester, explained the nature of a Gospel church, and asked the usual questions; the Rev. D. Davies, of Evesham, gave the charge; and the Rev. J. Smith, of Astwood, offered the ordination prayer. In the afternoon, the Rev. W. Downes, of Evesham, engaged in prayer, and the Rev. W. Copley, of Oxford, preached to the people. The Gospel was introduced into this vi!lage nearly a century ago, and was long fostered by the late venerable Mr. Romford, who bequeathed the ground and a house for the minister. His sons, residing in the village, have carried the wishes of their father into effect, by erecting this place of worship, and subscribing liberally towards it. The whole of the services were truly solemn and interesting, and lively feelings were excited for the welfare of this hill of Zion. May the little one become a thou sand! HEMPLAND, STOURBRIDGE. raising a second Baptist interest in this town. It was opened on Monday, February 9, 1829, when two sermons were preached. hy the Rev. Messrs. Morgan and Swan of Birmingnam. Messrs. Smith, Matthews, Rogers of Dudley, Maurice, Wheeler (now of Atch Lench), Dorney, and Brindley, took part in the services of the day. On Monday, September 14th, a Baptist church was formed in the above place, consisting of 18 members. The services commenced at halfpast three P.M., the Rev. W. Maurice (supplying at Providence, near Dudley) read the 12th chapter of Romans, and prayed. The Rev. H. Smith, M. A. of Kidderminster, delivered a concise, but impressive address, on the design of the meeting, and the nature of a Christian church. He then read over the names of the brethren and sisters who were about to form the union, and who had received letters of dismission for that purpose from the churches of Brettle lane and Cradley; after which, Mr. S. requested them to hold up their right hands, in token of their desire to unite; and also in the appointment of two of their brethren, whom they had selected as deacons. And Mr. S. having given them the right hand of fellowship, the Rev. S. H. W. Miles, supplying at Brettle-lane, closed the service by prayer. The Rev. T. Matthews of Cradley delivered an interesting discourse in the evening. considerable; the place is well attended; The population of Stourbridge is very the prospects are encouraging; some brethren have already joined them, and several others will obtain dismissions from their respective churches for the same purpose. Sept. 26th, 1829. NOTICES. We are requested to state, that on Lord's day, December 13th, the Rev. Eustace Carey will preach on behalf of the Baptist Missionary Society, at the Rev. O. Clarke's chapel, in Somerset-street, Bath. The Rev, John Leifchild, of Bristol, has kindly cousented to advocate the cause in the same place on Monday evening, the 14th; and a public meeting will be held there in the following evening when several ministers, together with Mr. Carey, are expected to attend. We are authorised to state, that in order to secure an equivalent for the freehold of the alms-houses adjoining Dr. Rippon's meeting-house, in Carter-lane, which will shortly be taken down, on account of the A commodious place, originally used as a approaches to the New London Bridge, the school-room, but since occupied as a Bap- sum of 1500l. 4 per cents, has been transtist chapel, in Hempland, Stourbridge, hav-ferred at the Bank of England, into the ing become void (by the removal of the existing society to their new place), was taken by some friends, for the purpose of xames of the Deacons of the Church, in Carter-lane, in connexion with that of a respectable Minister of our denomination. Camas, near Bruff, Oct. 19, 1829. MY DEAR FRIENDS, tural instructions to several persons that ntion while I answered all their Scriptures for a sick LARKY. (not disgrace the in the Baptist Mag deal from this you blessing. He has a gre After arriving here on Wednesday night, I am anxious that the goul.. I explained a chapter in the family. preached twice on Thursday, twice on Fri- give him a trial for a few outba Imittee would employ him day, twice on Saturday, twice yesterday, finished his education as athe Lord's day, and again this morning. scholar. I trust he will be Shall preach again, please Providence, this and that the Lord's people will evening, and to-morrow morning, if I am the committee to employ let go there. How pleased you would be, His name is Michae my dear Sir, and all the friends of the So- second time I ciety, to see such numbers hearing atten letter, arʼshun. tively, some with many tears, the word of the. life, which is the power of God to salva-hich tion. There was a large congregation ten o'clock yesterday morning. I superstition expect to see so many, as I ate which Thanks to my Go truth Beam me would have gone to mass.. to see E. H. late the Ill any that wetore. When I asked him but from what was revealed promises of the gospel he knew that if tabernacle were his ea |