administered, for the first time in our new place, the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, and a most delightful season it was. Help us to pray that the Lord may now send prosperity. Appearances are very encouraging, but we know who must give the increase, and I trust we have as yet gone out in his strength. Hitherto the Lord hath blessed us beyond our expectations, and we can only say, with feelings of grateful adoration, "What bath God wrought!" prospects in the school and in the church over which I am placed, and now I intend to fulfil the promise made. On Thursday, the 21st of December, the first public examination of the children instructed in the Lancasterian Institution, was held, and to me it was one of the most delightful scenes that I ever have witnessed. About half-past nine in the morning, the children, to the number of 230, assembled at my house, all dressed exceedingly neat, and at a quarter past ten they proceeded, two and two, to the school-room, where about 300 persons were assembled as spectators, some of whom were of the first respectability. When the children were On the 25th ult. brethren Philippo, Flood, Knibb, and myself, left Kingston for Annotta Bay, and though, having taken a new route, we lost our way, and were travelling till almost midnight in the most tiresome roads, the interview with the people abundantly re-seated, I shewed to the company the compensed all the fatigue of the journey. It is now two or three years since I was at the Bay before; but my opinion of the station is by no means altered. I think it a most interesting one indeed. The morrow after we arrived Mr. Flood baptized about twenty persons. I preached in the morning, and Mr. Philippo in the afternoon, and though that part of the day was very wet, we had a full house. All that is wanted there to establish a good station is a pious, pradent, persevering man. Yesterday morning (January 7) Mr.Knibb baptized at Port-Royal, and never did I witness a service of the kind with more pleasure. There were two or three and twenty boats on the water, full of people of all classes, forming a sort of semicircle about the administrator, and from two to three hundred persons on the beach. The ser vice commenced a little before day-break by singing and prayer; and such was the stillness which prevailed, that all could distinctly hear Mr. K. addressing the candidates while administering the solemn rite. The same mail brought a letter from Mr. Knibb also, who gives a very pleasing account of the state of the school under his direction. More extended efforts for the benefit of the rising generation of Jamaica are, on many accounts, highly desirable. Mr. K. writes from Port Royal, Jan. 7. system of education that was pursued, approaching as near as possible to that of the Borough Road, London. When this was concluded, some of the elder children read a part of the Word of God, and were questioned thereon; and also some of the younger, who could read the Testament. The children then produced their specimens of writing, ciphering, and needlework: several of the ladies and gentlemen expressed their astonishment, and said that undoubtedly it was the first school in the island. These specimens I intend to send you the earliest opportunity. The prizes, consisting of medals, bibles, testaments, hymn books, &c. were then distributed to the boys by Dr. B. and to the girls by a lady. About 60 were rewarded; many more deserved rewards, but I had them not, as a box I expected from Bristol had not arrived. Each of the children partook of a feast, consisting of cakes, biscuits, raisins, oranges, &c. after which one of the Wesleyan Missionaries, the Rev. Mr. Barry, gave out the hymn," Jesus, that condescending King," which the children sung, and prayer being offered, the meeting was concluded. I am sure, my dear friend, that it would rejoice your heart could you see the children, and hear them read and sing. I often wish that more schools of this description were established in the island, as I know the good would be incalculable. If friends in England would strive to forward the instruction of the youth here, they would confer a lasting blessing on the poor. I have heard that there is a society for the aiding of the instruction of females: if you think that they would aid the work, I wish that you would communicate with them respecting this school, as for 17s. 6d. sterling a year they might educate a girl, including every expense. If you think this worth notice, I should feel a pleasure in sending This want we trust will soon be sup- accounts of any children that might be so inFlied. - ED. structed. MY DEAR SIR, In my last I promised that at an early period I would send you an account of my 207 The following is an account of the state of lowed him to the grave. He was carried the school from January to December 1826: into the school-room, and an address deBoys. Girls. Incr.livered to the children. Many of them wept exceedingly. I do not know that I ever saw such a number of persons at a funeral before. His death was improved on the next Sabbath; and may we not hope that some good may be effected by this afflictive dispensation of Providence? Received during the year..113 94 81 61 At present on the books... 178 104 65 142 274 The total received since the commencement of the institution is 407. I think that this is correct; but the Report, written by a slave, will show when it arrives. I do not know that you are aware that many of the children who were educated in the school are now members of the church; several are also probationers, and I hope truly pious. This is an encouragement, and one too of the highest kind. At Port Royal we have, I think, reason to bless God as a church, for his abundant goodness to us. During the last six months, 34 have been added to us, I trust of such as shall be everlastingly saved. I have been as cautious as possible, and if they are deceived they have deceived themselves. I hope that the set time to favour Zion is come, and that our blessed Jesus will take to himself his great power and reign. More A day or two after Mr. Coultart sailed, labourers are needed. Oh! that God would one of the children, who had left the school, put it in the heart of many holy devoted men and was a Sabbath school teacher, died sud- to come to this needy spot. The missionary denly. He had very lately taken a ticket as has his difficulties, but he has his joys too, a follower, and I hope that God had visited which cheer the mind, and animate bis zeal him with his mercy. His name was John in the service of his Lord. Oh, it is a gloMarshall, and he was one of the best boys rious work, and it must advance till all nathat ever I had. Most of the children fol- tions shall feel and taste his love! HOME PROCEEDINGS. NOTICE. Fen Court, March 23, 1827. SEVERAL years ago * it was officially announced, that, as the Missionaries at Serampore had been enabled so far to exceed the expectations of their first supporters, as largely to promote the propagation of the Gospel, by funds which they had themselves originated, a material change had resulted in their relation to the Society from which they sprang; in consequence of which, the brethren at that station acted independently in the management of all their concerns. Subsequent experience has shewn that the continued operation of the cause alluded to in the preceding statement, has occasioned considerable embarrassment in the practical arrangements of the Society and their brethren at Serampore. The means of obviating this difficulty have been fully and seriously considered, in a special meeting of the Committee assembled to confer with Dr. Marshman on the subject, which has terminated in the full conviction that, under present circumstances, it is most expedient that henceforward the Society at home and the Missionaries at Serampore should be publicly understood to constitute two distinct and independent Missionary bodies. Under these circumstances, they wish their mutual friends to understand that they feel united, of course, respecting the general advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom, and only desire that their respective efforts may be so conducted as that the blessing of God may rest upon them. On behalf of the Committee of the JOHN DYER. (Signed) On behalf of the Serampore Brethren, * Preface to Periodical Accounts of the Serampore Mission. No. ix. Oct. 1822. A Meeting in aid of the Missionary Society, in the church and congregation under the pastoral and the Rev. Thomas Price, was care of the Rev. Timothy Thomas held on Wednesday evening, Feb. 28; Newton Bosworth, Esq., in the Chair. Biggleswade.-On Lord's Day, March 5, the Rev. Eustace Carey preached a preparatory sermon, and on Monday a meeting. The various resolutions were moved and was held, and a Missionary Association regularly formed. After prayer had been seconded by the Rev. Messrs. Ivimey, Edoffered by the Rev. E. Daniel, of Luton, wards, Dyer, Drayton, Mann, Carey, HawJohn Foster, Esq. was requested to take the kins, Price, and Dr. Cox, with Messrs. Sachair. The Rev. Messrs. Carey, Brockle-muel Summers and Paul Millard. The obhurst (Wesleyan), Daniel, Day, Wayne,ject of this Society is to encourage not only Manning, Middleditch, and Mr. Blyth Fos- the exertions of the Baptist Mission among ter, severally addressed the meeting. These the heathen, but those of the Baptist Irish services were very numerously attended, and and Home Missionary Societies also; and rendered peculiarly interesting by the kind we trust that the pledge thus kindly given of and able assistance of Mr. Carey, whose la-a determination to promote the extension of bours on this occasion have excited a zeal the Gospel abroad may be followed by many in the cause of missions before unknown, a cheering indication of its growing success and the fruit of which, it is hoped, will be seen for years to come. The collection at the doors amounted to upwards of 201. Bedford. On Wednesday evening Mr. Carey preached at Bedford on behalf of the Mission. The congregation assembled at the Rev. T. King's chapel; but before the service commenced it was found necessary to adjourn to a more commodious place. The old meeting-house was kindly offered by the Rev. S. Hillyard, and was nearly filled: 13. 18s. 6d. was collected at the doors. Leighton Buzzard. - On Thursday, a meeting was held, and a Missionary Association formed, in the Rev. T. Wake's congregation. The Rev. T. Middleditch commenced with prayer. John Foster, Esq. was called to the chair. The Rev. Mr. Baker (Wesleyan), Wake, Daniel, Castleden, Carey, Middleditch, Brooks, &c. moved and seconded the resolutions, and in the evening Mr. Carey preached to a very crowded congregation. We trust we shall have to record similar meetings in other congregations in this country. NOTICE. The sixth anniversary of the Bedfordshire Missionary Society will be held at Luton on at home. ST. ALBANS. AN Auxiliary Society to the Mission has existed for some years at St. Albans, and on Monday evening, Feb. 26, a public meeting was held in the Baptist Chapel, with a view to its encouragement and increase. The Rev. John Harris, Rector of the Independent church in the town, commenced with prayer; James Smith, Esq. of Watford was called to the chair, and suitable addresses were delivered by the Rev. Messrs. Daniell of Luton, Edwards of Watford, Upton, Harris, and Cooper, of St. Alban's; Eustace Carey, John Dyer, and Mr. Biddle. The congregation appeared much interested in the proceedings of the evening; and it is hoped the result may be seen in a permanently cordial and zealous attachment to the cause which the meeting was intended to pro mote. Contributions received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from February 20 to March 20, 1827, not including individual Subscriptions. FOR THE MISSION. Legacy of Thomas Bonville, Esq. late of Bristol, by John Hart, Esq. 50%. West Middlesex Missionary Union, viz. duty 51. 45 00 Coleford, Collection, Donation, &c. by Rev. J. Fry ...... Greenock Auxiliary Missionary Society, by R. D. Ker, Esq........ ..... Hebden Bridge Penny Society, by Mrs. Foster, Treasurer Bilderston, Suffolk, collected by Mr. Osborn...... Dartmouth, Collection and Auxiliary Society, by Mr. Larwill Norwich and Norfolk Society in aid of Missions ...... ... 10 0 5 13 6 2 14 0 4 4 9 2 4 0 10 4 6 BAPTIST MAGAZINE. MAY, 1827. MEMOIR OF THE REV. THOMAS HUT- which would otherwise have been CHINGS, LATE PASTOR OF THE BAP-given. TIST CHURCH IN UNICORN YARD, The Rev. T. Hutchings, who was SOUTHWARK. upwards of thirty-one years pastor "REMEMBER (saith an apostle) of the Church in Unicorn Yard, them which have the rule over you, was born at Portsea, Hants. on the who have spoken unto you the 13th of March, 1768, of respectword of God." The measure of able and pious parents. From respectful remembrance due to a collateral circumstances it appears, departed servant of Christ, is to be that till about the age of twentyestimated, and determined, not by one, he followed the employment the proportion of human popularity of his father, to whom he was apand applause that may have at-prenticed, as sail maker in His tended him during his ministerial Majesty's Dock Yard at Portscareer, but by his intrinsic and mouth." moral worth; by the piety of his He was the happy subject of principles; by the consistency of early, and of serious impressions. his conduct; by the exemplariness He was one who "feared the Lord of his character; by the amiable-from his youth." With him (as is ness of his disposition; by the not unfrequently the case with purity of his doctrines; by the dis- those who have been blessed with interestedness of his motives; and pious parents), the work of grace by the success of his toils. And upon the heart was imperceptible if there should be a due proportion as to its commencement: so that between the degree of respect no specific date can be assigned, cherished for the memory of those when his religious impressions "who have laboured in the word began. To no particular sermon and doctrine," and the eminence of could he refer, to no peculiar event their Christian character, and offi- could he point as the instrument cial usefulness, then, who more of his conversion: and to use his justly entitled to the highest degree own scriptural expression," he of fondly cherished esteem, than was drawn with the cords of love." the subject of the present memoir? The grace, however, which he thus His character-his talents his imperceptibly received, was not in attainments, and his usefulnesss, vain; for both the certainty of its all substantiate his claim to that possession, and the reality of its perpetuated esteem, which Paul, growth, were proved by the effects the aged enjoined when he said, of which it was productive. It "Let the elders that rule well be was known by its fruits. counted worthy of double honour." His views were directed' to the The absence of sufficient and work of the Christian ministry, authentic materials, must neces-long before the period when he sarily abridge the present memoir, entered upon the actual discharge and prevent that minute detail of its hallowed functions. VOL. II. 3d Series. P Why |