deemer and Heaven, where He sitteth at the right hand of the Father; whereby they may be enabled to overcome all the temptations and troubles of this life, and more especially their own innate corruptions. "That the Teachers, whom we have placed among them, are all, we have reason to believe, truly desirous of serving the Lord and doing good to their fellow-countrymen, is a matter of no small congratulation, and of much gratitude to God: we desire they may be particularly remembered in the prayers of all our Christian friends. SUTTEES. other relics of idolatry. The attention which, in justice, was paid to the grievances of the Christians by the Magistrate, became known, of course, all over this part of the District, and was, probably, one of the causes which excited many more villages to listen to Christian instruction, and to renounce idolatry; so that, in May 1825, we numbered thirty-five villages in which we had congregations. We were thus obliged to select some pious young men to go and teach them the word of God. Seven were sent for this purpose: they found a ready reception, and great willingness to hear and learn the word of God, among all, particularly the women. These young men, with We have much pleasure in acothers of our seminarists, having been stirred that an up to make known the way of salvation to quainting our readers their countrymen, had visited, in different important step has been taken todirections, the most famons places of idola-wards the abrogation of the burntry, during the time of the heathen feasts-ing of widows, and other similar discoursing, and reading and distributing tracts and gospels, to vast crowds, who used practices, in India. The subject to come together, on such occasions, from was brought forward in the Court all quarters. In about three months from of Directors on March 21, and by the time when our young men were first sent adjournment on the 28th, in a long out thus, the villages, in which new congre- and able speech of four hours and and they have now (in September 1825) a half, by John Poynder, Esq. who increased to One Hundred and Twenty-five; concluded by moving in these villages, more than a thousand families are under Christian instruction." gations had arisen, were no less than ninety; The Missionaries add some remarks, which shew that they well understand the state and dangers of the people · "How far they have advanced in true self-knowledge, in justifying faith in the Redeemer, and in the sanctifying grace of the Spirit, we cannot say but, from what we ourselves have seen, we cannot but confess, that, in all the Congregations, there are at least some who have begun to experience this work of God. We have many instances of their tractableness, of their acknowledging their faults, of their speaking the truth, of their endeavouring to suppress their evil passions, of their desire to pray, of their wishing well to their enemies, and of their keeping the Sabbath Day holy. There are, indeed, still many shades in them, but we cannot wonder at it, when we consider from what gross darkness they are emerging, and what a mass of wicked and superstitious habits they have to unlearn. "These people have endured beatings, spoliation, and wanton imprisonments, with a stedfastness which cannot but be ascribed to a reality in their Christian profession. "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 govern ment 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, consistent with all practicable attention to the feelings of the natives." The motion was seconded by Sir Charles Forbes. The Chairman, however (Sir G. A. Robinson), conceiving the motion was unnecessary, proposed an amendment, expressing the entire confidence of the Court in the solicitude of the Directors to follow up so desirable an object, and to abolish the practices alluded to, maintaining a due regard to the feelings and prejudices of the natives of India. This amendment was afterwards withdrawn (a most unusual course), under an understanding that the original motion did not imply that force should be employed in abolishing the Suttees; and Mr. Poynder's resolution was carried, in a numerous Conrt, with only four or "Thus have we arrived at a very interest-five dissentient voices. ing period. We would lean on the Holy We shall be anxious to learn what practiSpirit to help us, and to give us understand-cal effects will result from the adoption of ing and wisdom, that we may advise and this wise and humane resolution, and doubt guide and instruct these Congregations not the gentlemen who have made this aright and with power, so that their affec- auspicious commencement will continue to tions may be drawn closer toward their Re-keep the subject steadily in view. Contributions received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from March 20 to April 20, 1827, not including individual Subscriptions. FOR THE MISSION. Worcester, Collection at Silver-street Chapel, by Rev. E. Carey. Suffolk, Auxiliary Society, by Mr. Pollard; Otley.. Lewes, Collection and Subscriptions, by Rev. J. Denham.. Eastcombes, Collection, by Rev. J. O. Mitchell. .... .... Devonport, Juvenile Society, Subscriptions, &c. by Rev. T. Horton. Gloucester, collected by Mr. Rees, by Mr. G. B. Drayton £ s. d. 47 2 9 4 12 6 23 7 6 Loughton, Missionary Association, by Rev. S. Brown Monifeeth and Broughty Ferry, Society for Propagating the Gospel, by Mr. 5 9 1 5 0 0 Reading, Collection and Subscriptions (including 157. for Native School, &c.) 123 slations). ..... North Shields Broughton ... 14 16 6 75 1 Hamsterly.... Wilts and East Somerset Auxiliary Society, by Benjamin Anstie, Esq. Treasurer : 104 Devizes.... Chippenham Melksham Corsham. 21 1 0 77 11 6 Hitchin, collected by Miss Bradley.... St. Alban's, Auxiliary Society, by Rev. W. Upton Romsey, Collection and Subscriptions, by Rev. W. Yarnold. Mr. Robert Dyer, Bideford Mr. Collins, Sun street (West India Fund) FOR THE TRANSLATIONS. Clapham Society in aid of Missions, by Rev. Geo. Browne TO CORRESPONDENTS. During the last month we have received, from Female Friends in different parts of the country, several valuable presents of articles fo. the benefit of the Female Schools in Calcutta, viz. from Mrs. Colman and Mrs. F. Bignold, Norwich. | Friends at St. Alban's. Miss Keed, Lynn. Mrs. Chamberlain and Miss U.Sibly, Ipswich. Mrs. R. Bartram and Miss E. Bumpus, Northampton. We are requested to add, that articles of this kind may be sent to the care of Mr.W. L. Smith, James-street, Covent-Garden, or Mrs. Gouldsmith, Hackney, as well as to Fencourt; and that whatever is intended for this benevolent purpose must be sent before the 31st instant. Thanks are returned to Messrs. Fauntleroy and Burton, for a quantity of Watts's Hymns, Catechisms, &c.;- Mr. Bayman, of Harlow; Mr. Hotham, of Moulton; and a Friend to the Society, for Magazines, &c. Littlewood and Green, Printers, 15 Old Bailey. BAPTIST MAGAZINE. JUNE, 1827. MEMOIR OF WILLIAM Fox, Esq. Founder of the Sunday School Society. curred in the village, the usual exclamation was, "Go to Mrs. Fox." The farm again, with the same scanty portion of learning, occupied him till he was nearly sixteen; when one of his brothers, who had written, insisted upon his being removed to a more advantageous situation. Being himself settled in Oxford, he placed him with a Mr. R—, a draper and mercer in that city. Here, his conduct was such as might have formed a model for young men in similar situations; and verified the remark made by a Clergyman, when speaking of Mr. Smith of Watford, that "character is power:"* for he was very soon placed at the MR. FOX was born in the year 1736, at the village of Clapton, in Gloucestershire; and was the youngest of eight children. His happened to see some verses he father dying when he was only two years old, his amiable and pious mother found it difficult to bring up so large a family in the comfortable way they had been accustomed to live. She rented the Manor Estate, and her eldest and youngest sons were early employed about the farm in consequence of which, Mr. Fox's advantages for learning were very slender; this he lamented even in childhood, and when occasionally favoured with a little school-head of the business; and two ing, he endeavoured to supply the years before he was out of his deficiency by remaining at his time, his master gave up to him books while the rest of the boys his house, his shop, and his whole were at play. In proof of his stock of goods, to the amount of abilities and general good conduct between three and four thousand at this early period, he was selected pounds. This was the more exfrom the other children, and re-traordinary, as Mr. R. was a man commended by his master to a of miserly habits, and placed no brother of his, who lived at Abingdon, and who was in want of an apprentice. Elated at the idea of going out into the world, he cheerfully entered upon his new employ, but the work being too hard for a delicate child of ten years of age, he was glad to return home at the expiration of six months, to his beloved mother, who had very reluctantly consented to his going. Of her character, some estimation may be formed, when it is remarked, that whatever advice was wanted, or whatever disaster ocVOL. II. 3d Series. confidence in either of his nephews, who were both older than Mr. Fox, and fellow apprentices with him. Another circumstance added to the surprize which this step excited, was, that with regard to his ideas of business (and indeed of almost every thing else), Mr. Fox was the very reverse of his master. The latter made no scruple of serving on the sabbath, or of * See An Address by the Rev. John Foster, M.A. Rector of Serratt, in our Magazine for the year 1822, p. 326. S asking more than he intended to take, and as Mr. Fox plainly told him that he should pursue a different plan, it seemed natural to suppose that Mr. R. would be alarmed at the thought of entrusting his money to one who entertained notions so different from his own: for he had said to him in reply, "that if he did not serve on Sundays, as well as on other days, he would lose all his business." So far, however, was this from being the case, that it greatly increased : and in a very few years he paid back the whole amount. re a Grave! the guardian of her dust, Rests in hope again to rise.'" Before Mr. Fox was out of his time, he, and one of his sisters joined the church at Burton-on-theWater, then under the pastoral care of the Rev. Benjamin Beddome. The only serious book in his master's possession (except the Bible), proved the means of his conversion. The want of religious About seven Enjoying now an unsullied putation, and an encreasing busi-privileges at Oxford, previous to the settlement of Mr. Hinton there, ness, fully adequate to the support of a family, he began seriously to was, as may be supposed, a source listen to the solicitations of his of much anxiety and concern. friends, who had frequently urged For some time he attended the ministry of Dr. Haweis; but being him to marry. With regard to an event of this nature, there were a Dissenter from principle, he three things which he resolved not wished to unite with those whose to do. He would not marry views were entirely accordant with person who was not pious: he his own, and therefore resolved on would not have a wife until he quitting Oxford. could well maintain her :- and he years after his marriage, he put would not marry any woman with- this resolution in practice, and out her father's consent. To these went up to London. But at his first settling there he met with resolutions he adhered, and he was singularly happy in his choice of some discouragement. The busiMiss Tabor, daughter of Mr. ness did not answer his expectaJonathan Tabor, a merchant in tion, and he was seized with a Essex. * The sincerity of her dis- violent fever, which was feared position; her cheerful piety, and unaffected kindness, will long be remembered by those who knew her; and as a mother, she will ever live in the tender recollection of her surviving children. Her nephew, since deceased (Mr. I. C. Tabor), when informed of her death, made the following pleasing mention of her, in a letter to one of the family: "Here is another ripe Mr. Tabor was a man very highly esteemed for his integrity and eminent piety; and it is much to be regretted that no memoir of him has been preserved. would terminate in his death. On this trying occasion, his father-inlaw, Mr. Tabor, called his friends together (as his custom was upon all emergencies), and they united in earnest supplication for his recovery. Immediately as prayer was ended, one of the company, a man of extraordinary piety said, "Mr. Fox will live." + And certain it is, that from that time he * Alluding to a genealogical tree of the family. That such impressions have been often felt, and often been made good, cannot be contradicted. Edit. began to amend. Business by degrees improved; he went entirely into the wholesale, and at length into the mercantile line, and prospered beyond all expectation. 串 being willing to forward the proposed design, it was agreed to call a meeting on the 16th of August at the same place, and an address for this purpose was accordingly sent round to the clergy and principal inhabitants of London. Between the first and second meetings, the Sunday School system was suggested to Mr. Fox. This method of religious instruction afforded at once the prospect of realizing his intentions, and occasioned his correspondence with Mr. Raikes, the father of that system. * The following letter from Mr. R was in consequence of Mr. Fox's expressing a wish for a further account of his plan. Mr. Raikes to Mr. Fox. He had now the happiness of Mr. Booth's ministry and acquaintance; and was chosen a deacon of the Church in Prescot Street: He enjoyed Mr. Booth's friendship, with that of other valuable characters, whose friendship was a source of much delight to him. Useful and respected at this period in no common degree he, in later years, looked back upon the time with regret, and called those days his halcyon days. As a proof of his benevolence, it might be mentioned that he clothed all the poor of his native village, men, women and children, and set up a daily school for the instruction of as many as were willing to attend it. In the midst of his commercial concerns, his mind dwelt You may justly suppose that an on the idea of Universal Instruc- apology was utterly unnecessary tion. He expressed to several of for a letter like yours. I am full his friends, not only a wish that of admiration at the great, the every poor person in the kingdom noble design of the society you might be taught to read, but perse-speak of as forming. If it were veringly recommended the establish- possible that my poor abilities ment of a society, equal to the sup- could be rendered in any degree port of so important an undertak- useful to you, point out the obing. The design, however, was ject, and you will find me not inconsidered by most as impractica-active. ble, and no one would venture to undertake it. It was not till May 1785 that he made his views public, and this was done at a meeting called for another purpose, at the King's Head Tavern in the Poultry; when he introduced the subject in a speech, which appeared in the Christian Instructor for January, 1820. The gentlemen then present Neither the Editor of the Congregational Magazine in 1820, nor the Author of the Life of Mr. Raikes, have mentioned that Mr. Fox was of the Baptist denomination. SIR, Gloucester, June 20, 1785. Allow me to refer you to a letter I wrote about a week ago to Jonas Hanway, Esq. upon the subject of Sunday Schools; if you ask him for a sight of it, I dare say he will send it to you. With respect to the possibility of teaching children, by the attendance they give upon the Sunday, I thought with you, at my first onset, that little was to be gained; Mr. Raikes does not appear to have expected that his system would be generally adopted. Mr. Fox has the honour of giving universality to Sunday Schools. |