This was his language after a life of assiduous labour in the ser. vice of God. Fuller died in a similar spirit, expressing his reliance on the mercy of God, and the merits of Christ. Let us cherish this spirit; let us be self-subdued and self-renouncing; let us gird up the loins of our minds; let us augment our labours and multiply our missionaries, not doubting of the divine blessing. Serampore, and all other literary institu- purposes of Christ's death should be identitions, will have a favourable aspect on fied with human agency. The most sucmissionary exertions. We consider them cessful instruments employed in this work as auxiliary to the cause, and as such, we will feel something like what the apostle felt regard them with good will. Besides the when he called himself less than the least Serampore college, there are several other of all saints. This experience and temper institutions with kindred objects. There is of mind has been eminently preserved by the Calcutta School Book Society, for print- Dr. Carey. About four or five years ago, ing and circulating books of useful instruc- when he was apparently within an hour or tion in the native languages; the Calcutta two of dissolution, he said to Dr. Marshman, School Society, for the introduction, exten- "If you preach a funeral sermon, let it consion, and improvement of the system of tain no laboured eulogium. Let your text education; the Bengal college, for the lite-be-Have mercy upon me, O God, according rary and scientific education of natives and to thy loving kindness: according unto the Europeans; and the Diocesan college. All multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my these we hail, as fraught with great advan-transgressions." tages to the natives of India. Yet with the committee, the more simple and spiritual their plans and operations are, the more saccess may be expected. We should not forget that the intelligence of the people of India may be resuscitated, and they may rest in infidelity. It is not merely the march of intellect that we are desirous of seeing, bat the progress of Christ and bis cause in the East and in the West. Literature has its The Rev. John Statham, from Calcutta, pleasures, but Christianity has higher plea- expressed peculiar satisfaction in the prosures still. We might have taught the ceedings of this day. When the report and Hindoos to read, and to reason too, without resolutions of the meeting reach the friends introducing the doctrines of revelation. But of the Mission in India, that confidence in we aim at a nobler object. God forbid that the Society, which has sustained some dimiwe should glory, except in the cross of our nution, I have no doubt, said Mr. Statham, Lord Jesus Christ! And the unsearchable will be completely restored. I am just riches of Christ are never preached for any returned from that country, and can safely long time with earnestness and zeal, without assure you that there has never been a considerable success. Some of the natives better prospect of abundant success than at have lived fifteen, others twenty, or twenty-this time, for labourers going forth in the five-years after their conversion; their lives strength of the Lord. Just before my dehave been exemplary, and they have died parture I attended the baptism of some the death of the righteous. This holy liv-natives, and the impression made on the ing and happy dying has been the result of the labours of this Institution, and I cannot but congratulate its friends on having been instrumental in sustaining such a blessed agency. Those parts of the report which are painful are more than relieved by the statements in other parts. It is too frequently said that little, if any thing, has been effected; but this is a mistake. At a meeting held a few months ago at Calcutta, at which my dear and venerated uncle, Dr. Carey, presided, he made the following remark:-"You junior brethren are often lamenting the want of success; but I have been in this country two or three and thirty years, and when I compare the state of India now with what it was then, I find abundant reason to bless God and take courage." And if this was his language and feeling in India, surely we have no reason to despond at home, with persevering, spiritual exertion, and humility in pursuing our labours. God hath said, Mercy shall be bailt up for ever. But it may well excite our wonder, and deepest humility, that the spectators was evidently great. One who saw a Mussulman baptized was convinced and converted: he was a Moonshee, or man of learning, whose renunciation of caste and profession of Christianity made a deep and lasting impression on many of his idolatrous neighbours. The preaching of the gospel to the natives is continued with great assiduity. Many young men have been raised up to preach salvation to their countrymen. These young men frequently meet together to encourage one another in the work. I visited them just before I sailed, and was delighted with what I heard. Their prayers for this Society were very servent. They often go into the streets with the New Testament in their hands, which they read to companies of persons that collect around them. In this way Mr. Kirkpatrick was raised up, who preaches with great fervour and eloquence. The prejudices of the natives, wherever Missionaries are stationed, are much diminished. Time was when Christian preachers could hardly go forth without personal danger; now the natives encourage them. Not long ago I was called to visit a poor old native convert. Upon inquiring what were her expectations for eternity, and what hope she had beyond the grave, she answered, "I have Christ in my heart, I want no more:" and she desired me to make her will, bequeathing her house and ground about it to the Missionary Society. Schools are established at every station; and many of the natives, who at first thought there must be some sinister design in them, and therefore refused to let their daughters attend, now wish them to be admitted. But I must urge the necessity of continued exertion. Oh! could you have seen and heard, what my dear brother who spoke last and myself have seen and heard, your hearts would be more powerfully drawn forth to compassionate the poor Hindoos. Much has been done, but more still remains to be done. Where the Gospel has not reached, there is the same cruelty and superstition as ever. Oh! send out more Missionaries, faithful men. There should be two or three at each station; then more work would be done, and the illness or death of an individual would not interrupt it. The Rev. Dr. Winter. I feel no small pleasure in attending and addressing this meeting. The pleasure, indeed, is alloyed with some regret; but considering the whole hearing of the circumstances stated in the report, I trust the effect will be advantageous. When Christians fall out by the way on minor points, they have a fine opportunity for exemplifying the spirit of Christianity, the temper displayed by the divine author of our dispensation. Could we carry that temper into all our proceedings, we might cherish a confidence that our labour would not be in vain. I have always been pleased with the calm simplicity which, from the beginning, has uniformly characterized this respectable, and now large, so ciety. The Christian public, and the practical men of other societies, feel an increasing interest in it. And some time ago, when I was travelling in Scotland for another society, I observed among many Padobaptist congregations, a very high degree of respect prevailing for the pure Christian principle which has directed the proceedings of this Society. I rejoice in the prosperity of this and all Missionary institutions. These meetings excite a glowing zeal in the cause; but it is one thing to feel excitement on this occasion, and to rely on the promises that the day of triumph will come; - and another thing to go away, and feel and act as individually required to cooperate in the work. The feeling excited to-day will not do the business. Our chief dependence must be on the Spirit of God; but we must add our fervent prayers and vigorous exertions if we would succeed. In a manuscript sermon which I have seen, by the excellent Philip Henry, on Thy kingdom come, he has a remark particularly applicable to our present subject. "That which we pray for earnestly, we should labour for diligently." And there was much of the Missionary spirit among the early non-conformists, but the circumstances of the times were unfavourable to such undertakings. Let us be thankful that we live in happier days. But Missionary societies are in danger of sinking into inactivity and decrepitude, if the exertions of the Christian public are not continually called forth. Hence the great utility of Auxiliary Societies. The Bible Society and all religious societies are supported in a great degree by such institutions. Exert yourselves to form them where they do not yet exist; and where they are already formed, to quicken their energies and extend their efforts. Societies begun with zeal may decline: let us stimulate one another to continued and increased zeal and exertion, that the kingdom of Christ may be extended more and more till it shall fill the whole world. The Rev. Caleb Birt, of Portsea. Meetings like the present exhibit the Christian church at its highest point of elevation. Hence it appears like Mount Zion, where treasures are laid up for a ruined world. The proper business of these meetings is to promote a spirit of labour and patient perseverance. Our confidence is in heaven, our chief resources are on high; but success is to be looked for in the exertions of the churches. The world is promised to Christ; but the church is to conquer that world for their Lord. Such being the object to be attained, enlarged and increased exertion appears necessary. Missionaries are the vanguard of the Christian army, who go forth relying on the assurances of the divine word, that the faith of Christ shall at last universally prevail. The warfare is against error and misery. Christianity, and that only, must rectify the disorders in the moral constitution of the world. A disturbing force has been introduced by sin; but this disturbing force shall be destroyed by the power of Christ. In the early stage of the mission, when all was hope, but all was untried, it needed the characters of Fuller and others to commend it to the public patronage; but now, after what has been accomplished, after what we have heard from Missionaries themselves, what more can be necessary to ensure its continued support? The aid of Auxiliary Societies is invaluable. They form the very sinews of the Institution itself, and there ought to be one in every church of the denomination. The field of labour is large, - extensive enough to call forth the energies | writ, The path of the just is as the shinof the whole denomination, which, when ing light, which shineth more and more unto fully exerted may accomplish much. Such the perfect day. meetings as this are beneficial to London, and similar benefits will attend the establishment of Auxiliary Societies every where. The interests of this Society will be best promoted by forming auxiliaries. They will promote and preserve a missionary spirit; and when this becomes general, we shall be restored to the spirit of the primitive church, and shall attain primitive enjoyments. In the meantime all the efforts and sacrifices that we make will have their own reward, while we know that we are pouring consolations into the sorrows, and endeavoaring to heal the maladies of an afflicted and guilty world. The Rev. Thomas Winter, of Bristol. I do not regret that the question has been put to rest. I hope we shall all retire to day, grateful to God that the Committee have been enabled to keep disticntly in view the object of the Society, the promotion of that kingdom which is not of this world, the salvation of immortal souls. We wish the Serampore Missionaries a large supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ, and abundant success in their labours. We know the cause of Christ must advance; he must reign. Let us go on with increasing vigour of mind; let us make greater exertions; especially unite in fervent supplications for the outThe Rev. John Birt, of Manchester. pouring of the Spirit. This God has proAfter so much instruction and pleasure as mised, and he will not suffer us to labour we have enjoyed during the services of this without success. While we deplore the and the preceding day, the time is now millions still in darkness, let us not forget come to discharge the debt of respect and that God has already given a few small gratitude to those persons by whose kind- pledges of what he will ultimately do for ness and liberality we have been furnished the world. I feel pleasure in thinking of with the means of that enjoyment; I mean the efforts of other denominations. The the trustees of the chapels in which we have christian principle is expansive, and embeen permitted to hold our meetings. The braces all that love our Lord Jesus Christ trustees of the chapel in which we are now in sincerity. I rejoice in the success of assembled, have, for a series of years, prov- those whose chapel we are privileged to ed the constancy of their kindness; and occupy to day; I congratulate them on their both to them, and to the trustees of Surrey missionary labours among the heathens; and Chapel, we are called upon, not only to pre-esteeming each as a brother in Christ, I sent, but to renew, our grateful acknowledg- say, Grace be with them all. ments. The terms of the resolution, I am convinced, are so correspondent with the sentiments and feelings of all present, that it would display bad taste on my part, and be quite superfluous with respect to the meeting, were I to offer any thing by way of argument or persuasion, to induce them to adopt it. There is one name, however, by which the resolution is adorned, to which I must beg for a moment to advert, the name of the Rev. Rowland Hill; than whom there is no man more known, more esteemed, or more beloved; a man, who through a long course of years has been distinguished for benevolence and piety, even among the benevolent and pious. Mr. Hill is one of the few remaining links which connect the Christiaus of the present generation with those of a former period; and it appears as if he were spared until now in order to be an example to us of the high qualifications of those who had been his contemporaries. And who that beholds him, though at present in the decline of life, and witnesses the ardour of his mind, the energy of his delivery, and the intenseness of his zeal in the cause of God and truth, but must be convinced that "there were giants in those days!" Indeed to few, to very few is it given, so completely and so strikingly to exemplify that beautiful passage of holy The Rev. Dr. Townley, one of the Ministers connected with the chapel, assured the Meeting that his brethren felt great pleasure in the accommodation they had been able to afford. For more than thirty years, said Dr. Townley, I have been interested in the Baptist Missionary Society. I rejoice in the good it has effected, and is still effecting. God has evidently been with its Missionaries. Before the invention of the art of printing, all the versions of the Scriptures that had ever been made did not amount to forty. It is matter of astonishment and gratitude to observe the number that have been made within a few years by the Baptist Missionaries alone, and some of these into languages before deemed the most abstruse and difficult of attainment, particularly the Sanscrit and Chinese. They have also been the instruments of winning souls to Christ, and turning many from the power of sin and satan unto God. They have raised the character of Christian Missionaries, who are now regarded throughout India in a very different light from what they were thirty years ago. Their efforts for the circulation of religious knowledge among the natives have been unwearied. The time will come when the early Baptist Missionaries will be remembered and revered as the greatest friends of human kind: their names are already recorded on high. Let them go on in their work, and we cordially wish them good luck in the name of the Lord. The various speeches were received with indications of great satisfaction. One sentiment appeared to animate the whole as sembly. The other gentlemen merely moved and seconded the different resolutions without any speeches, or with only a few words. The Chairman briefly acknowledged the vote of thanks to himself; and the Meeting was closed by singing," Praise God from whom all blessings flow," &c. Contributions received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from May 20 to June 26, 1827, not including individual Subscriptions. Keynsham, Collection and Subscriptions, by Rev. Thos. Ayres... Do. Sheffield, including £9. from Wincobank, by Mr. James Wheatley Western District, Kent, Auxiliary Society, .... ....... by Rev. Richard Horsey FOR THE MISSION. Hartley Row, Auxiliary Society, by £ 3. d. 7 0 0 by Rev. J. Cousins 55 8 8 0 0 Baptist Free School, Took's Court, Chancery Lane, by Mr. Kendrick Shrewsbury, Collection and Subscriptions, Rochdale, Auxiliary Society, by Mr, Kelsall Hammersmith, Collected by Mr. S. Mundy .. Edinburgh Association of Theological Students in aid of the diffusion of Chris St. Andrews University, Missionary Society, by Do.... Bessel's Green, (including 12s. 9d. from Sunday School) by Mr. Fletcher.. 3 17 0 2 0 0 4 14 9 46 06 3 10 0 18 12 9 Greenwich, Baptist Church, Rev. W. Belcher, by Mr. Tosswill Aston Clinton, Collection and Subscriptions, Fetter Lane, London, Collected by Mrs. Elvey Norwich, St. Mary's Auxiliary Society, &c. by Mr. James Cozens Muswell Hill, Collected by Miss Gurney... by Mr. John Pendered. by Rev. P. Tyler.. ..... Bedfordshire Auxiliary Society, by John Foster, Esq. ...... Keppel Street, Auxiliary Society, by John Marshall, Esq. Treasurer.... 1 15 0 30 0 0 Bucks Association,..... ... ... Stroud, Subscriptions,........ by Mr. H. Hawkins, jun. Part of a Collection at Peckham Rye, by Rev. T. Powell Newcastle, New Court Chapel Auxiliary, by Rev. Geo. Sample ...... 21 7 1 by Mrs. Levett, Wardrobe Place, Amersham, Penny Society and Subscriptions, by Rev. R. May ...... Norwich St. Clements, Penny Society, (and Sunday School, Sprowstan Lodge,) 110 13 0 24 6 0 |