MAY 1827. The Committee of the Baptist Society for Ireland have appointed the Rev. Stephen Davis, of Clonmel, to solicit contributions in behalf of the Society in London and its vicinity. All communications for Mr. Davis are requested to be sent to No. 2, Gray's Inn Lane, Holborn. Contributions are also received by the Treasurer, Wm. Burls, Esq. 56, Lothbury; and the Secretaries, the Rev. Joseph Ivimey, 7, Heathcote-street, Mecklenburgh-square; and the Rev. G. Pritchard, 16, Thornhaugh-street. At this time, when a conviction generally prevails among the Protestants in Ireland, that the reading of the Scriptures has produced the Reformation now so happily begun, and that no plan is so well adapted to promote the welfare of its inhabitants, as the employment of well-informed Irishmen to read the Scriptures; it may not be unsuitable to reprint a letter of the late Rev. Thomas Scott, of Aston Sandford, the celebrated Commentator. Mr. Scott had read the Second Annual Report of the Baptist Irish Society, which mentioned that two serious men, Messrs. William Moore and Con Hart, had been engaged as Itinerant Readers of the Irish Scriptures, and also that some Sunday Readers had been employed. The letter referred to, was published in the Third Annual Report, and is dated, "November 4, 1816," addressed to the late Joseph Butterworth, Esq.-" Dear Sir, I am so well pleased with the plans and proceedings of the Baptist Society for attempting the instruction of the Irish, especially the reading of the Scriptures in Irish, to those who understand no other language, that I wish to become a subscriber to it. I have always thought that the only effectual plan for civilizing that rude people was to teach them christianity, and bring them acquainted with the sacred Scriptures; and that a number of zealous and simple teachers of the grand outlines of our common religion, if they could get access to the lower orders of the people, would effect more than either Acts of Parliament, or the wisest plans of any other kind, devised by the most sagacious politicians; and though the present attempt be made by those from whom I differ on some points of inferior importance, yet it promises fair to lead the way to attempts of more extensive range, and of more enlarged success. I wish, therefore, to cast in my mite, as an annual subscriber of one guinea." 66 It is worthy of observation, that the sentiments of this excellent clergyman, expressed more than ten years ago, are now fully realized. In a letter of Mr. William Moore, given below, the writer states, Major O. Ha has lately said, the Baptist plan [employing Irish Readers] for propagating the gospel, was the only plan to follow; as it is now evident whatever civilization is produced, it must be effected by the gospel." THE following Extracts from the last Month's Letters of Correspondence, will show the usefulness of the labours of the Scripture Irish Readers. The number employed by the Society is thirty six. Were the funds sufficient, it is very desirable they should be increased. From the Rev. John West, of Dublin. Dublin, March 27, 1827. Through the kind providence of God, Mr. Davis and myself are returned from collecting in the North of Ireland. well attended, notwithstanding the continued opposition of the priests. The Reformation is extending through all One priest and seven lay parts of Ireland. Catholics read their recantation publicly on ultimo, in this city. I have no thousands more will follow their By great exertions we have obtained the 18th enough, with the 2501. from Mr. Borls, to doubt but carry us through this quarter. I hope we example. shall get more money in Ireland than in any former year. Yours respectfully, Our Society is thought well of in every part of the country which I have visited; From the Rev. Stephen Davis, of Clonmell. and now that the fruits of our labours, and that of other Societies, begin to appear, the people more cheerfully contribute to their support. I am glad to find that the Schools are Dublin, March 28, 1827. I REACHED this city yesterday evening, after encountering extremely severe weather during six weeks in the North. We were never better received in, the North of Ireland than on this journey. We | in the houses of some of the most respectaobtained 747., and more is promised by five or six congregations, who could not admit of collections at present: they are to make them, and send the respective amounts to Dublin. The Protestants are rousing themselves on every hand to promote the Reformation. I shall have some pleasing information to give on this subject when I arrive in London for the purpose of collecting for the Society. Yours, &c. STEPHEN DAVIS. From the Rev. Josiah Wilson, of Boyle. Boyle, February 16, 1827. ABOUT three months ago I stated, "that if any period in the history of Ireland was more interesting than another, that period was the present." Subsequent events have, I think, fally justified the observation; although those to which I particularly refer, are no more than the first fruits of an abundant harvest. You are aware that I allude to the breaking of those chains by which the minds of multitudes in this country have been so long and so awfully enslaved; and to the effects of that event on most of the respectable part of the community. The seeds of the Reformation which, for the last few years, have been sown by various labourers in this country, are now springing up most evidently, aud more extensively than ever; though those who have been thus employed, have long seen some fruit of their labours. I would also observe, that you are not to infer that the accounts you have in the public papers are to the full extent of the work of Reformation in this country, for many have left the Roman Catholic Church who have never "read their recantation." The effects of this event, on the respectable part of the community,' to which I alluded, are a general conviction of the importance of employing Scripture Readers, and an effort on their part to multiply the number of these useful agents. In several parts of the country, Protestant gentlemen have formed themselves into Societies for this purpose, and I doubt not but they will soon be amply rewarded for their exertions; for my opinion, which I have repeatedly and publicly stated, is unchanged, respecting that class of agents, viz. " that they are the most useful men in this kingdom." Speaking of this class of labourers, I cannot avoid renewing my expressions of thankfulness to God, for his continued blessing on the exertions of that tried and faithful agent of our Society, William Moore. His labours are abundant among all classes of society, and they are very successful. For a long time past, he has been constantly employed ble gentlemen in this part of the country, some of whom were, with their families, until very lately, quite careless as to religious subjects, both in reference to themselves and others, and they have been much benefited by his instructions. It is customary for them to invite the poor people about them to come to their houses to hear W. M. read and explain the Scriptures, and for several successive evenings this has lately been the practice. But I here state, once for all, that as far as my knowledge extends, no bribe is held out, nor any threat made, to induce the attendance of any one; and, in fact, such is the extension of a spirit of inquiry, that many are seeking every opportunity to obtain instruction in the Scriptures. Yours sincerely, From the same. J. WILSON. Boyle, March 26, 1827. I HAVE just returned from Dublin, where I collected the annual subscriptions for the Society, and have succeeded in procuring about the usual sum in that city. Several gentlemen, who are regular subscribers, said that it was far too small from such a place, for such an object. I had previously collected in my Connaught district, and am happy to say that there has been again an addition to the amount of the preceding year; so that since the year of asking for subscriptions to the Society, in the immediate neighbourhood of the schools, they have continued to increase. One gentleman doubled his subscription voluntarily, stating his reasons for so doing, to be, that "no object more important than that pursued by the Society, could claim the attention of the real friends of Ireland.” In reference to Subscriptions, therefore, we have reason to "thank God, and take courage ;" and the same may be said respecting public opinion, for the more our ob jects and operations are known, the more highly I find them appreciated; nor have we any reason to evince a different spirit with regard to success, which HE, in whose cause we are engaged, is giving to our exertions. The Schools have been well attended, and a similar spirit evinced in them, to that which I had occasion to notice at the close of the last quarterly inspection; more premiums have been merited than, in the same number of Schools, in any one quarter since I have been in the country: and more of the highest premiums [Bibles] in the two last quarters, than in any preceding year, such is the anxiety evinced, both by parents and children, to possess the Scriptures. Nor are the Bibles thus obtained, speaking generally (for I do not undertake to prove it in every instance) permitted to lie by covered with dast, nor to be thrown into the fire, nor to be borne away by a spiritual tyrant: each of which has heretofore been the case with some copies of the Scriptures, belonging to the poor people. They are now preserved for use by their owners, sometimes indeed, by artifice, sometimes by muscular strength, and sometimes by good arguments, substantiated by an appeal to facts, as to their beneficial effects, and connected with a challenge to those who oppose Scriptural instruction, to prove their baneful influence. These events may all be considered as important" signs of the times;" they are certainly new events in Ireland, and certain indications of such a revolution as the friends of peace, truth, and good order, have most earnestly desired. I may observe, also, of the Evening Schools for Adults, which are now closed for the season, that they have been very useful to many adults, who could not enjoy the advantages of the day schools. Many have learned to read in them during the past winter; others, who could read, have been attentively reading the word of God; and some are rejoicing in the knowledge they have obtained of its contents. You will learn from the journals of the Readers, that, in their department also, much good is doing, particularly from that of Wm. Moore, who, though in consequence of his advanced age, &c. writes rather incoherently, has stated some interesting facts. The funeral scene which he describes, occurred in a district where, but for schools, and the circulation of the Scriptures, and the employment of Scripture Readers, rebellion, with all its attendant evils, might have been expected to prevail. Yours affectionately, J. WILSON. From Mr. Wm. Moore, mentioned by the Rec. J. Wilson (dated Foxford, March 10, 1827). THE fruits of the Society's labours are visible here. Guided by unerring wisdom, they first adopted the plan of appointing Readers of the Scriptures, and this it was that first broke the spell, and will be, and is, the means of destroying the kingdom of the Beast; yes, reading the Scriptures to my countrymen in their own native language, will, I am persuaded, totally consume the Man of Sin in Ireland. I have often remarked the importance of reading the Scriptures in Irish, though nothing more had been effected by it than making those who have heard them loyal subjects; as there is not one, though no more than a hearer of the Scriptures, that can be charged with rebellious principles or conduct. Several gentlemen, of the county of Sligo, have lately with one heart, entered into resolutions to have Scripture Readers appointed is every part of that county. Col. P. sent for me-I could not imagine what an honourable gentleman, to whom I had never spoken, could want with me. For three weeks I was tossed about between Col. P., Mr. W., and Mr. D., employed every night in reading the Scriptures in Irish, and then going over the same passages in English. In some places there were sometimes three, and at other times four ministers belonging to the established church; not one of them giving me the least check, but listening as meek as lambs. From what is now visible, what was at first like the grain of mustard seed is becoming a great tree. I beg leave to bring to recollection, that when the Rev. Messrs. Ivimey and Anderson, in 1814, took their tour through Connaught, they employed Pat Feeley as a Scripture Reader at Toburreurry.* Soon after, I was engaged to labour between that place and Easky; then I could only find three persons who could read the Scriptures in Irish, now I know upwards of three hundred; in short, I scarcely know a village in which an Irish Testament may not be found. Major O. Ha has lately said, the Baptist plan for propagating the gospel was the only plan to follow; as it is now evident whatever civilization is produced, must be effected by the gospel. My heavenly Father has so instructed me, that I never have nor will know any thing but Christ, and him crucified, convinced that whosoever believeth shall be saved: this gospel, as simple and plain as in my power, I always bring to their understandings, and the blessing has attended the plan. I will now relate an event which has just happened in this part of the country, to which I came from Sligo, at the pressing invitation of many old friends, who said that there never had been so great a desire for hearing the tion. Scriptures, though there was great opposi- | ples of what religious education can effect. was informed by Mr. R. and Mr. H. that The day before I came to Foxford, there before our schools were established in those was a funeral. As is the custom with Conplaces, public scenes of wretchedness Hart, Pat, and Tully Haran, they attended abounded, but now how great is the change: it. As soon as they made their appearance, the children are no longer running to behold the people got around them, about three profaneness, but are seen clean and orderly hundred men and women, pushing and striv- going and returning from school, and in the ing who could get the nearest. A man, who evenings sitting at their doors committing is an inquirer, began the conversation by their Scripture tasks to memory for the next asking a question of the Protestants. Pat day. The parents, who thus hear the Bible Haran took the lead, and most ably ex- read, will not believe that the book which plained the Scripture plan of salvation, con- imparts a light to their own understanding, trasting it with the errors of Popery, being will injure their offspring, (by turning them, well up to all its abominations. as they express it); but, on the contrary, many of these parents, who have tasted of the word, wish their children to be liberated from a yoke, which neither they, nor their fathers were able to bear. When Pat was nearly exhausted, Con Hart said, "" Neighbours, I will bring it to a short issue, and put the matter to your consciences. Respecting what you call the Sacrament, when the priest gives you the wafer, does he not tell you that if any receives that wafer clear and free from sin, it is eternal salvation to him; if not, it is to his eternal damnation. Now search your consciences, and dare any man, or any priest, to lay his hand upon his breast, and say that he is free from sin? The priest, therefore, gives it you at your peril, and you, not being free from sin, receive it to your damnation. Living then, and dying, in the belief of that error, you cannot be saved." During the whole of this conversation there was not a murmur heard, nor a frown seen on any countenance. Let it not be forgotten, that these three men, at one time, would have thought they would have done God service by murdering any one who had so spoken to them; and also, that none but well known neighbours would have been thus borne with. Had gospel ministers thus addressed an uncivilized assembly, they had certainly been stoned. Depend on it, the only effectual plan to civilize and Christianize Ireland, is to multiply Irish Readers of the Scriptures; none but such men can get access to their rude and popish neighbours. I cannot find room for half that I have to relate, but looking to what has been already accomplished, I say, "who hath despised Hoping and the day of small things?" praying the long-promised and long-prayed for kingdom will shortly come, I am, &c. &o. WILLIAM MOORE. By these means, there are two more added to the number of avowed converts, in that vicinity, since the commencement of the present month, viz. Lacky O'Niel's cousin, and James Currins. These men had lived in the depths of ignorance and superstition, but have been led to discern the import of the gospel, and to feel its power; they are now labouring with their fellowconverts to bring others to be partakers of like precious faith. The young man mentioned in my last, to whom I read the Scriptures, applied the parable of the barren Fig-tree to himself. I have taught him to read the Irish Scriptures, and explained them so as for him to understand their meaning. The instructions I bestowed upon him were not in vain; he appears to have felt the power of divine truth, has renounced Popery, and, I trust, has become a sincere Bible Christian." NOTICE. THE Treasurers of Auxiliary Societies, and other friends who may have Monies in hand on account of the Society, are respectfully reminded that the Treasurer's account for the year will close on the 1st of June, which renders it necessary that all payments intended to appear in the Appendix to the next Report, should be made in the course of the present month. It is requested that the respective accounts may be sent properly balanced to the Secretary, No. 6, Fen Court, Fenchurch Street, accompanied by the lists of Subscribers, &c. in alphabetical order. Due attention to this Notice will prevent delay in the closing of the Society's accounts, and consequently facilitate the early publication of the Report. N.B. Payments and Receipts on account of the Missionaries at Serampore will proceed as usual, till further notice be given. The Rev. ROBERT HALL, A. M., of Bristol, and the Rev. JOSEPH FLETCHER, A. M., of Stepney, have kindly engaged to preach the Annual Sermons, Providence permitting, on Wednesday, June 20th. Full particulars of the respective Services will be given in our next Number. BAPTIST MISSION. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. CALCUTTA. "It is necessary to see idolatry, to be fully sensible of its mischievous effects on the human mind. But of all idolatries which I have ever read or heard of, the religion of the Hindoos, in which I have taken some pains to inform myself, really appears to me INTELLIGENCE has been received the worst, both in the degrading notions of the safe arrival of our Mission-which it gives of the Deity; in the endless ary brethren, Messrs. Thomas and Pearce, at this city, on the 22d October last, but no communications have as yet reached us from our friends themselves. - round of its burthensome ceremonies, which occupy the time and distract the thoughts, without either instructing or interesting its votaries; in the filthy acts of uncleanness and cruelty not only permitted but enjoined, and inseparably interwoven with those ceremonies; in the system of castes, a system Some letters have lately been which tends, more than any thing else the published, addressed to an intimate devil has invented, to destroy the feelings of friend in this country, by the late general benevolence, and to make ninelamented Bishop of Calcutta. In tenths of mankind the hopeless slaves of the one of them he expresses his views remainder; and in the total absence of any popular system of morals, or any single lesof idolatry as existing among the sou, which the people at large ever hear, to Hindoos -of the moral state of live virtuously and do good to each other. the Mussulmans, the second great I do not say, indeed, that there are not class into which the inhabitants of found in their ancient books; but those India are divided-and of the efforts books are neither accessible to the people at made to introduce among them large, nor are these last permitted to read both the knowledge and belief of them; and, in general, all the sins which a the gospel, in a manner so just and Sudra is taught to fear, are, killing a cow, offending a Brahmin, or neglecting one of so lucid, that we are persuaded it the many frivolous rites by which their will gratify our readers to peruse deities are supposed to be conciliated. Acthe extract for themselves. some scattered lessons of this kind to be |