'ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

AT the close of another of those interesting occasions which annually draw together such numbers of our Christian friends from various parts of the country, we shall attempt to supply a hasty narrative of the proceedings. This account, we are aware, will be expected by our readers with more than usual interest; and it is with grateful joy we state generally, that in the concurrent opinion of many who were present, the various meetings were peculiarly distinguished by the spirit of harmony and devotion.

As it was anticipated that a larger number of ministers than usual would be present, the open meeting of the general committee was held on Tuesday morning, June 19, at the place of worship in Devonshire-square, instead of the Missionary House. About three hours were spent in communicating information on the affairs of the Society, especially in reference to the questions lately discussed between the Committee and Dr. Marshman. This information, which had been anxiously desired by many, but which could not, of course, have been given with propriety till the discussions were closed, was received with unequivocal marks of approbation.

On Wednesday morning, an immense congregation assembled at Great Queenstreet chapel, when the Rev. Robert Hall, A.M. of Bristol, preached from 1 Pet. ii. 21. "Leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps." The necessity of imitating the example of Christ was enforced by the eloquent preacher by a variety of arguments, stated with all the clearness, and urged with all the fervent pathos, by which he is distinguished. At the commencement of this service the Scriptures were read by the Rev. Dr. Cox, of Hackney; prayer was offered, before sermon, by the Rev. C. E. Birt, A.M. of Portsea; and at its close, by the Rev. Dr. Henderson, President of the Missionary College, Hoxton. As many more flocked to the chapel than could find admission, another sermon was preached at the same time at Little Wild-street chapel, by the Rev. John Statham, lately arrived from Calcutta. His text was 1 Cor. xiii. 8. "Charity never faileth."

In the evening, the friends of the Society met at Surrey Chapel. The Rev. Isaac Mann, A.M. of Maze Pond, Southwark, read a portion of Scripture and engaged in prayer; after which a very able and impressive discourse was delivered by the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, A.M. of Stepney, founded on 1 John v. 19. “And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness"-language which was considered, 1st. as implying a conviction of the truth and divinity of the Gospel; and 2dly, as exhibiting an affecting view of the condition of the world. After illustrating each of these particulars at considerable length, the preacher, in conclusion, enforced the necessity of Missionary operations, and the imperative obligations devolving on the Christian public to support them; reminding his. hearers, at the same time, of the duty of each individual to examine his heart as to his own interest in the blessings of salvation. This admirable discourse was closed with a fervent exhortation to humility, zeal, and prayer, in the prosecution of Missionary labours, connected with a brilliant exhibition of the promises and encouragements by which success is rendered certain and triumphaut. The Rev. Thomas Finch, of Harlow, closed the service in prayer.

On Thursday morning, at Eagle-street meeting, Messrs. Edwards of Watford, Nicholson of Plymouth, and Welsh of Newbury, engaged in prayer; and the address was delivered by the Rev. Moses Fisher of Liverpool.

At eleven, the Annual Meeting, for receiving the Report of the committee and transacting the business of the Society, was held at the chapel in Great Queenstreet, when there was a very numerous and respectable attendance. The 117th psalm, S. M. by Dr. Watts, was sung, and prayer for the divine blessing was offered by the Rev. James Acworth, M.A. of Leeds. Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. M.P. who had kindly undertaken to preside upon this occasion, having been prevented from attending, Joseph Gutteridge, Esq. was called to the chair, and began by expressing his regret at the unavoidable absence of the worthy Baronet, from whom he read a letter, giving assurances of his cordial attachment to the Society, and enclosing a draft for twenty pounds. The Chairman then, after briefly observing that some of the statements to be laid before the Meeting would be found of a painful nature, but that others would be pleasing, as exhibiting the triumphs of the Cross, called on the Secretary to read the Report.

[In order to communicate the information contained in the Report as early as possible to our distant friends, we deviate from the usual plan, by inserting it at once; though it anay render it necessary to curtail the account of subsequent proceedings.]

THE REPORT.

Before your committee proceed to narrate as usual, the foreign operations of the Society, they deem it proper to refer to certain occurrences at home, in which the friends of the mission have felt a lively interest, and on which they may justly claim full and explicit information.

dressed by the late Mr. Ward to Mr. Buris. Though bearing the signature of Mr. Ward only, it was written avowedly in the names of the three Serampore brethren. It stated that these brethren, "aware of the uncertainty of life, and at the same time of the great importance and necessity of providing for the future carrying on of the mission station at Serampore," and securing "the immense property" in land and moveables there, had agreed upon certain "principles of the last importance to the preservation of the cause." Among these principles the proprietorship of the Society was expressly recognized; but as the plan had not been finally digested, it was to be again revised, and sent to the Society "for their opinion, and if approved, for their ratification."

A notice has already been published, stating that thenceforward the Society at home and the missionaries at Serampore would constitute two distinct and independent bodies. In a measure so much at variance with the hopes and inclinations of the committee, they did not hastily concur; not have they failed to use all such means to avoid it, as in their deliberate judgment appeared consistent with their duty to those for whom This important document was considered they acted. In the new and difficult circum-at a meeting of the commmittee held at Birstances in which they have been placed, they mingham in Oct. 1816: and about two months have earnestly desired to maintain a con- afterwards, by the sub-committee then asscience void of offence both towards God sembled at Oxford. At the last of these and man; and in appealing, as they now do, meetings, the committee felt disposed to to the body by whom they were appointed, adopt the suggestion of a professional genthey feel it incumbent upon them to state tleman from Calcutta, at that time in Lonthe circumstances which have led to the re-don, who had recommended that the Sosult alluded to. ciety's property in India should be vested

It is well known that soon after Dr. Carey in trustees, some resident there, and others was joined, in the year 1799, by the brethren in England. The names of eight gentlemen Marshman and Ward, a way was opened were then mentioned, who might be requestin Providence for such an employment of ed to act as trustees, subject to the approval their respective talents, as without materi- of the general committee, who were to be ally interfering with missionary labours, summoned finally to adjust the points, whenproved a source of considerable and increas- ever the revised plan should arrive from Seing emolument. To obviate the danger of a rampore. secularizing spirit, they mutually stipulated that no individual among them should appropriate any part of the proceeds of his labours to his own private use, but that all should constitute a common fund, conse crated, after supplying their own necessary demands, to the service of God and the propagation of the gospel around them

Till June 1818, a period of a year and a half, no further steps were taken by the committee, because this expected document had not reached them from Serampore. But at that time a letter of great length was received from the missionaries there, the contents of which filled the committee with surprise and concern.

In the course of years the missionary pre- It appeared that the proposal to invest the mises at Serampore were purchased, and premises at Serampore in the hands of Trusother property acquired at that station. tees appointed by the Society, (a proposal What degree of information was possessed which, though suggested, had never been by the conductors of the mission at home, actually adopted) was regarded as unjustifirespecting the property thus accumulated is able in itself, and as indicating a distrustful uncertain; but there appears reason to be- and unfriendly spirit. It was affirmed that lieve that it was purchased with the joint the property in question, though devoted funds of the missionaries at Serampore and to the cause of God, had never been given the Society, and it was fully understood, to the Society; and to guard themselves upon the most convincing evidence, that it belonged clearly and unequivocally to the Society, and was held by the resident missionaries in trust for the Society, of which they formed a part.

against any inconvenience which might follow a claim of this nature on the part of the Society, they executed a legal instrument formally excluding from any "title to the property or administration of the premises," all persons belonging to the Baptist Missionary Society, unless elected as trustees by the Serampore Missionaries themselves.

On the lamented decease of Mr. Fuller (which occurred in May 1815) the affairs of the mission devolved upon those who were but very partially acquainted with the To this unexpected communication a reply details of its history, or the circumstances was sent, dated June 26, 1818. In it the in which it stood. It became therefore ob- brethren were implored to consider the naviously needful to make inquiries on these ture and consequences of the step which subjects. Though it was understood gene- they had taken. They were assured that, rally that the Society had considerable pos- so far from regarding them with suspicion sessions in India, not an individual knew or distrust, the committee felt such confithe tenure by which they were held, or the dence in their wisdom and faithfulness, as manner in which they were secured. Such to be willing, as far as they were personally information it was felt desirable to obtain; concerned, to resign every thing to their sole and a letter which arrived soon afterwards management; but that, in the measures then from Serampore brought the subject dis-adopted, they could not acquiesce without tinctly and forcibly before the committee. surrendering the interests confided to their This letter, dated March 1816, was ad- care,

In a more numerous meeting of the com- Since the date of that memorandum, no mittee, held at Birmingham in the following information has been received on the subAugust, the subject was again considered, ject; nor has it been formally resumed, and several resolutions were passed, record- though the committee have subsequently ing the conviction of the committee, that deemed it right to intimate that their opithey were responsible to the public for the nion on the case has undergone no alteradue application of the Serampore premises, tion. and earnestly recommending the missionaries there, so to secure them as to meet the approbation of the Christian public in Britain.

While these discusions were in progress, another subject was brought forward, which eventually affected, in an equal degree, the connexion between the Society and the misWhen our late friend Mr. Ward arrived sionaries at Serampore. This was the esin England, in May 1819, it soon appeared tablishment of the Serampore College, in that he felt as much anxiety as ever respect- 1818. Upon this undertaking the advice of ing the settlement of the property at Seram- the committee was not solicited, nor was it pore, and was wholly dissatisfied with the arrangements then existing. Anxious to bring the matter to a final termination, the committee conversed repeatedly with Mr. Ward, and embodied their own views in a series of resolutions, dated Dec. 31, 1819. These re-asserted the sentiments previously adopted at Birmingham, in more full and explicit language; and having been communicated to Mr. Ward, he, without pledging his brethren at Serampore to similar views, declared his own concurrence in them.

ever considered as connected with the Society; but the expense thus incurred absorbed the funds which had been previously devoted by the Serampore brethren to missionary efforts, and it became necessary for them to solicit British aid even for the maintenance of the college itself. Application being made to the committee for this object, although they could not consider the funds entrusted to them as generally available for such a purpose, yet in order to meet the wishes of their brethren, as far as they could Soon after these resolutions reached Se- with propriety, they engaged to relieve them rampore, the brethren then at that station from the expenses attending the preparation answered them by others, dated July 14, of pious natives for the Christian ministry. 1820, expressing their regret that it should Six months afterwards, Mr. John Marshhave been supposed that they entertained man applied for pecuniary aid towards the any wish to alienate the property from the missionary stations also, the support of which Society, and their willingness to make, if it the Serampore brethren had formerly taken were practicable, such alterations in the upon themselves, and which they now redeeds as might render them unexceptionable. garded as their own, exclusive of the SoHad measures been taken to effect this ob-ciety, but which, for the reason already ject, the discussion would, of course, have stated, they were no longer able to maintain. been brought to an immediate and agreeable Upon this occasion it was resolved, "That termination. Subsequent letters, however, on being furnished with a statement of the did not fulfil such an expectation; but, on stations and missionaries, for whom support the contrary, indicated unabated dissatis- was needed, the committee would take such faction with the proceedings of the com- part of the same on themselves as their mittee. With a view to dissipate this im- resources would allow." Without waiting, pression, and set the whole question at rest, however, for a formal reply, a grant of 10007. a full explanatory letter was drawn up in was voted, and two other donations, each April 1821, in which the assurance was re- of an equal amount, have since been made. peated, that the committee had been actua- In addition to this, at the request of their ted by no design towards their Serampore Serampore brethren, Mr. Robinson, still brethren but that of protecting their repu- supported by the Society, was permitted to tation, while, at the same time, they had been constrained to fulfil their own duty to the public. It was added, that having done all that appeared practicable, they must close the correspondence by again declaring that the mode in which the property was still settled, was not satisfactory.

occupy the station at the Lall Bazar chapel in Calcutta. Mr. Williamson, also, another European labourer, was, on a similar application, taken on its funds. By these two arrangements an expenditure of nearly 6007. per annum was transferred from the Serampore missionaries to the Society.

In August, 1822, Mr. John Marshman ar- On the arrival of Dr. Marsliman, the subrived, and soon after held repeated confer-ject of pecuniary contribution was again ences with the committee on this point. A urged on the committee, with a view to renmemorandum was afterwards prepared, sti- der the arrangement as permanent as the pulating, on the part of the Serampore mis- nature of the Society would admit. It was sionaries, that they should yet frame their felt objectionable, indeed, that the stations plan "for securing the establishment there had been, and all their contemplated misto the great objects for which it was insti- sionary efforts were to remain, identified tuted, so as to avail themselves of the aid, with the college; but waiving this, it was co-operation, and interference of the Society agreed, at the proposal of Dr. Marshman, at home, if necessary"-an arrangement in that one tenth of the general receipts of the which the committee were induced to acqui-Society should be remitted to Seramporeesce, rather than prolong discussions which promised no beneficial result.

it being stipulated at the same time, on the part of the committee, that regular information should be given of the mode in which the money so voted was expended. * See an account of this meeting, and a In less than three months, Dr. Marshman circular issued from it in the periodical ac-informed the committee that the expenses of .counts, vol. vi. p. 340. the Soramnore stations had materially in

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creased, and requested that a special meeting might be convened, to consider of allowing to Serampore a sixth part of the Society's income; intimating also that even a larger sum might hereafter be solicited. A few days before the committee met to consider this question, which was delayed, to suit Dr. Marshman's convenience, till the 15th of March last, a paper, intitled a Confidential Statement, was forwarded by him to every member of the committee. It contained a new proposal. On the ground that 2400!. per annum was indispensably necessary for the missionary eforts either made or contemplated at Serampore, Dr. Marshman relinquished his intention of asking for any definite proportion of the Society's funds, and wished to learn what sum the committee would engage to remit annually, that he might supply any deficiency by bringing before the public a distinct claim for the remainder.

On the day already mentioned, a very numerous attendance of the committee took place, when Dr. Marshman laid this document before them. It was followed by the introduction of a letter, which had just arrived from Dr. Carey and Mr. J. Marshman, stating that in consequence of the inadequacy of their resources, they had placed upon the funds of the Society four of the stations, for which aid had been required, the cost of which would be nearly 600l. per annum.

appeal to the public by a a seperate agencywhose demands were continually risingand for the support of stations which were to be governed by the irresponsible council of a college.

While the committee are conscious of having fulfilled the trust reposed in them with the utmost tenderness towards their brethren at Serampore, they entertain no doubt that their constituents will feel the force of the reasons under which they have acted. May it please God to overrule this event, however undesirable in itself, to the furtherance of the Gospel of his Son!

Full particulars respecting the Serampore stations have lately reached us, which we shall insert without abridgment in the Appendix, as they would occupy too much room in the body of the Report. We shall now proceed to notice the principal events in connexion with the various stations more immediately united with the Society.

At Calcutta, the congregation in Lall Bazar Chapel, under the care of Mr. Robinson, has been gradually increasing, and nine persons have been added to the church, five of whom are natives. Chodron and Gorachund, the native itinerants, continue to labour as usual, nor are their endeavours without effect.

"Respecting the church in the Circular Road," say our junior brethren, in a letter As this measure precisely coincided with lately received, "we are happy to state that the arrangement proposed so long before by since the death of brother Lawson, we have the committee, and as it appeared likely to have experienced a gracious revival. The restore unity in our missionary operations, Spirit of God has evidently been poured out the committee readily agreed to it, and pro- on the congregation. We have reason to posed to Dr. Marshman to extend the same believe that it commenced with the dying principle, so as to include the remaining sta- breath of our beloved brother. His solemntions, on account of which expense was in-ly affectionate admonitions to some of the curred by their Serampore brethren. To young people proved effectual to their conprovide for their management, it was sug-version. The firmness and happy frame of gested that the whole of the Missionary mind with which he encountered the last brethren in Bengal might form a corresponding committee, under the presidency of Dr. Carey; and, as the latter part of this arrangement appeared objectionable to Dr. Marshman, it was subsequently proposed to leave the superintendance of the stations to Drs. Carey and Marshman during their lives, reserving to the Society only the nomination of their successors.

The consideration of this proposal, and of the general subject, occupied several days of most anxious deliberation, and repeated efforts were made to prevent the painful issue to which the discussions were apparently tending. But as every proposal made by the committee was declined by Dr. Marshman, upon grounds which he declared to be imperative, they were constrained to yield to a separation, which their present communications with Dr. M. convinced them had actually been made, and which it was manifestly determined to maintain.

In admitting the conviction that it had become expedient for the Society and the SeTampore brethren henceforth to act altogether separately, the committee were fully aware of the unfavourable impression which might be produced, and deeply sympathized in the painful feelings which the event might occasion; but they also felt that they could not consistently continue to vote the funds with which they were entrusted, to a body asserting entire independence-who would still

enemy, were greatly sanctified in reviving the drooping graces of several of his friends. He died as the patriarchs, leaving a blessing behind him. His funeral sermon, preached by brother Yates, was also blessed to several, so that during the last year, thirty have been added to the church, most of whom are young people from the age of thirteen to twenty. Several of these are Portuguese young men, who speak the Bengalee language, and who perform, to a certain extent, the work of Missionaries among the heathen, both by their example and faithful addresses. We are hence led to hope that through their instrumentality the circle will be widened, and that the English church in this city will prove one of the most extensive and lasting blessings to the native population here, and be the means of spreading the word of life to more distant parts. The members of it are a light shining in a dark place, the epistles of Christ read and known of all men. 'When in addition to this you consider the contributions they make towards missionary objects, and the means they possess of spreading the Gospel in this idolatrous country, we trust you will not object to one of your Missionaries giving the chief part of his time to so important a field of labour. What the church of Antioch was in the days of the apostles, that we hope the church here will prove to the present race of the heathens."

From the Annual Report of the Calcutta

Auxiliary Baptist Missionary Society, which is reason to hope that effects far more pleaswas held in August last, when our venerable ing have been produced. Two brothers, who friend, Dr. Carey, filled the chair, we learn had been educated in the institution, died that there are four native places of worship lately, testifying their faith in the Son of occupied by the Society, situated in the most God, and praying for their relations, teacher, public places in the city, and generally at- and the whole world. Nor must it be fortended by many hearers. Mr. Kirkpatrick gotten that the Calcutta Juvenile Society, and Mr. Carapict are principally engaged in who are zealously engaged in conducting this service, which not only affords them an prayer meetings from house to house, disopportunity of preaching the gospel to thou-tributing tracts, and establishing Sabbath sands, but also of distributing great numbers schools, is composed of young men who have of tracts, gospels, and other portions of the been educated here. It is gratifying to add, scriptures. On an average, it is estimated that the value of this institution is evidently that not less than twenty native services are appreciated by the public and the governheld every week in these Bungalow chapels, nent. For several years past a highly reand frequently the whole day is spent in spectable lady has presented each girl with a them, either in conducting public worship, garment, on condition of her making it heror conversing familiarly, during the intervals, self. The government have also made a with those that remain for that purpose. generous donation of 13,000 rupees during Three members had been admitted into the the last year, in order to liquidate the debts, native church; a fourth was proposed for and repair the school-room of the institution. baptism, but was soon afterwards removed The printing office, conducted by Mr. by death. The present number in connexion Pearce, is becoming more and more importwith this native society is fifteen. Our ant as a means of diffusing intellectual, brethren in this great city have been much moral, and religious truth. Beside many

About seventy persons are employed, in various capacities in the office, among whom are several native Christians, thus comfortably supported by their own labour. A service is held for the benefit of all the office servants, twice or thrice a week, which, it is hoped, may lead many of them to an acquaintance with the truth of the Gospel; and eventually, under the divine blessing, to an experience of its power.

cheered by the arrival of the additional Mis- thousand tracts and school books, in various sionaries sent out last year. Their aid had languages, and other miscellaneous works of become the more necessary, since the Amer- a larger size, there have issued from it a ican brethren, Wade and Boardman, who Commentary on the Romans in Bengalee, had for some time usefully and acceptably by brother Eustace Carey; a work on Geoco-operated with them in the work of God, graphy, with other small publications in the were about to proceed to Burmah; in addi- same language, by brother Pearce; with a tion to which, our respected friends, Mr. Harmony of the Gospels, in Hindosthanee, Yates and Mr. Statham, have been compelled a new Translation of the Psalms, and an to intermit their labours for a time, and seek, Epitome of Natural History, with various by revisiting their native land, for a renewal other works in Bengalee, by brother Yates. of that vigour which long continued exertions had materially impaired. During the absence of Mr. Statham, the services he has hitherto conducted will be chiefly maintained by Mr. George Pearce, who will reside at Doorgapore. Mr. James Thomas will render assistance at the English chapel, while his principal attention will be devoted to the Mussulman population of Calcutta, who are computed at 10,000 souls, without any Missionary expressly engaged for their benefit. Mr. Thomas was prepared for this branch of service by his acquaintance with the Hindosthanee, acquired before he left this country. Mr. Pearce had also made considerable proficiency in the Bengalee; and the superior advantage thus possessed by these brethren, who last entered on the missionary field, has been so evident and considerable, as to entitle the Language Institution, formed with the express design of thus qualifying Missionaries to enter much more speedily on their important work, to the patronage and support of the Christian public.

It may not be improper to add, that the expense to the Society of the various missionary operations at Calcutta which have now been described, is, compared with their extent and importance, extremely moderate; and that our brethren there have lately been engaged in erecting premises for the Society, which, when completed, will relieve the station from the heavy burden of house rent. The estimated cost of these buildings is 50007. of which sum the Missionaries themselves hope to furnish a moiety.

À letter, lately received from Mr. George Pearce, will furnish an appropriate close to The Benevolent Institution, conducted by our account of this station. It has struck Mr. and Mrs. Penney, continues to be a me, from what I have observed, during the source of much benefit to the indigent youth short time I have been in this country that of Calcutta. The present number of pupils is much more is doing here than the generality 258, among whom are to be found Europeans, of people in England are aware of. I have Hindoos, Mussulmans, Portuguese, Indo- heard some of them use a kind of despondBritons, Chinese, Africans, Armenians and ing language in reference to India, as though Jews. Since the establishment of this insti- what had already been accomplished was not tution, upwards of 1000 children have been a sufficient return for the money and labour fostered under its benevolent wing, who bestowed. But could such persons see what would otherwise, in all probability, have is now visible in India-the removal of Eubeen doomed to a life of ignorance, wretch-ropean prejudice-the number of European edness, and vice. Instead of this, many of Christians-the readiness with which this them are now filling respectable stations in part of the community aid the cause of chrislife, with honour to themselves, and satisfac-tian benevolence in every form could they tion to their employers; while in some there see the natives crowding to hear the word of