Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

districts, or that they should grant to ministers already upon the field, such sums of money as might enable them to hire rooms, &c.; as well as set them free from scholastic engagements: so that by devoting the whole of their time to the work of the ministry, they might preach in villages hitherto destitute of the Gospel. In three of the above cases, it is expected that the whole amount expended, will be returned to the society by two county associations. In four others, about one-half of the probable outlay, was promised by the associations, or by various friends. In three cases, about one-fourth of the expenditure, would have been returned. And in twelve others, the only return to be expected is labour. This last, if efficent and successful, is what the Directors highly value; but it is obvious, that unless they receive something else beside, from some quarter or other, their treasury would soon be emptied, and thus the labours of devoted men be made to cease. To show how the above classification of cases, bears on the present question, the following may be given as a brief summary of the whole :-If the Directors had responded to these twenty-two applications, they would have added £1000. to the annual expenditure of the society, while only £450 would have been added to his income by the applicants, leaving, of course, a deficiency to be supplied of £550.

Such a state of things places the Directors in circumstances of difficulty, and obliges them to attend to the most necessitous districts, less than might have been desired. It is no rule of the society, to withhold missionaries from counties, which do not pledge themselves to a certain sum; but necessity has been laid on the Directors, by the want of adequate funds, to prefer those applications which were accompanied with the promise of considerable aid—especially when the districts themselves were equally destitute of the Gospel, with others situated in counties less favoured with pecuniary means. Thus a larger proportion of the society's agents are to be found, in counties which can help themselves, to some extent, than in those where no effort is made. This may be seen particularly in the case of Devonshire, Somersetshire, and the North Riding of Yorkshire. It should be stated, however, at the same time, that the society's agents are not confined to such counties. They have, in many instances, been sent freely, without pledge or promise of assistance, to places where they had to encounter many difficulties, and where the society has incurred a great expense. But as every one who reflects on the subject must perceive, this can only be done on a very limited scale.

The chief part of the society's income is derived, either from parties, who require the quid pro quo, to the full extent-or from others, who expect double the amount of their contributions, or even more than that, to be returned in local expenditure. When therefore one half of the funds of the institution comes from such quarters, it is not surprising that, comparatively, little is left for those destitute regions (and many such there are in old England) where no pecuniary resources are available, for their evangelization. It places the Directors in a painful dilemma, when they receive urgent petitions for missionaries, accompanied by the statement, that "silver and gold they have none," to offer in return. It becomes a grave and difficult question, whether the Directors can send a missionary in such circumstances ; without injustice to other counties-where two could be sent to districts equally barren-for the same expence because there half of the burden would be borne, either by individuals, or by the churches around. In such a case, they hesitate, not because a particular county gives no support to the society-but from the impracticability of meeting both the kinds of claims referred to. While, of course, it affords peculiar pleasure to co-operate with churches, able and willing to exert themselves in "building the old wastes, and raising up the former desolations,”—it is, on the other hand, most painfully distressing to refuse assistance, where such refusal seems to cut off the only hope of relief, from a state of spiritual darkness and death. And nothing would more

delight the Directors, than to possess the power of responding, readily and cheerfully, to every application on behalf of such localities. At this very moment, they

are sustaining missionaries, and granting aid to ministers, in thirteen counties, in which there are either no associations, or where, in their associated capacity, they contribute nothing to the society. But, hitherto, they have been obliged to reject many such cases; and therefore it is, that the present explanation seems called for.

If it be asked, how are the necessary funds obtained, for the labour bestowed in the thirteen counties specified? we answer, chiefly from the stations themselves, there occupied by the society's agents; and to some small extent, from individual churches in their neighbourhood. But among these thirteen counties, there are several containing churches long established, and, apparently, fiourishing-and the expenditure in these, is such as tends to cramp the society's efforts, (though greatly needed) in several others, where the churches are both feeble and few,-such as Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Hereford.

We trust these remarks will not be misunderstood, as if they went to lower the value, of a connection between our society and the county associations-or as if it would be equally beneficial for the more vigorous associations, now in connection with the society, to manage the whole business themselves. It is obviously important, and in accordance with congregational principles, that the society should, as far as practicable, act in harmony with, and through the medium of the existing churches. But more than this, the connexion is found to be mutually beneficial. A greater amount is thus secured for Home Missionary purposes, than would be contributed for circumscribed and limited efforts. The movements of both parties are also thus happily combined. Local knowledge is made available, and a salutary superintendence is exercised. Regular reports are furnished to the society, accredited by those who are competent to judge of their correctness. The agents are encouraged in their labours, by the countenance of neighbouring ministers. Suitable missionaries are more likely to be obtained; while sectional feelings and partialities are less likely to exert an undue degree of influence. And again, there is a greater facility for making known to the public, through the pages of the Chronicle of British Missions, what the efforts of the churches are, FOR PROMOTING THE WORD OF GOD AT HOME. This tends to diffuse the home missionary spirit, and stimulates to increased exertion. The frequent appeals thus made to all the churches-the particulars furnished from time to time--and the view which the Directors are enabled to give, of the comparative darkness and destitution in certain districts-all these are calculated to enlarge the comprehensiveness of Christian zeal, to produce sympathy between the churches in every part of England, and to make them embrace within their efforts, their contributions, and their prayers, the whole of their country!

But, again, the question returns-On what resources can the Directors depend, while they incur the responsibility of meeting increased demands! We feel this question to be most important, and we press it on the attention of those who are the society's warmest friends-because the fact is, that according to the present scale and manner of contribution, the worst parts of England, (in a spiritual sense) those parts where there are the fewest Scriptural churches, to bear witness for the truth-will remain the longest, without adequate means of Christian instruction.

Let us state some further particulars connected with the subject of meeting the expenditure in question. The sums contributed by the London churches and auxiliaries to the society, have materially aided the Directors, in sending the gospel to the places most destitute of local resources. The same may be said of annual subscriptions, and liberal donations, from various and zealous friends. But had it not been for the legacies left to the society, from time to time, their free and liberal efforts in the darker parts of England, would long ago have been checked. The uncertainty

of this source of income, however, must be evident to all. The funds derived from it, would not justify an equal amount of increased expenditure. Since the last annual meeting, one plan has been proposed, which the Directors have hailed with feelings of hope and pleasure-we refer to the proposal of an annual collection for British Missions, by all the Congregational churches, at a fixed and stated period; the whole, amount or a proportion of it, to be unconditionally presented to the society, for the benefit of the country at large. The attempt was novel, and the extent to which it has as yet been made, has been but limited. Yet the Directors have abundant reason to rejoice in the result. It has already justified them, in adopting some new stations, where no promise of aid was given; and others where a certain portion only was guaranteed. In the hope that this plan will be yet more fully carried out, they anticipate the dawn of a brighter day for our country. The value and importance of these unrestricted accessions to the means at our disposal from such counties as Lancashire, and Essex, and from London, must be obvious to all our friends. And when the plan of the annual collections shall come also to be adopted, and the proceeds generously thrown into the society's general fund, in those counties which now confine their pecuniary assistance, to a certain promised amount-when all the proceeds of New Year's Gift Cards shall be likewise given freely for the general benefit, instead of being kept to make up the stipulated sum— then may the Directors hope, that a supply will be obtained, if not enabling them to respond in every case, to the beseeching cry, "Come over and help us," yet permitting them to do so much, more frequently, and with greater confidence, then they can venture on at present.

There is a peculiarity in the character of the Home Missionary Society, as compared with institutions having foreign objects in view, which has not perhaps been duly considered. And yet, without such consideration, no correct judgment can be formed, either as to its hindrances or its capabilities. When foreign missionary societies obtain pecuniary support, it is all free, and, with few exceptions, no return is sought, but the success of missionaries, sent to any part of the world, where souls are perishing. The whole amount, therefore, of annual contributions, is available, for those fields where the harvest is most plenteous, or most promising. But the Home Missionary Society finds, that the greatest part of its income is fixed for spending in certain localities; while only a fourth or a fifth part is left, wherewith to meet urgent entreaties on behalf of other districts. It is not therefore merely the amount of income that is to be considered; but the expectations, of those who furnish that income, are to be taken into the account. This is stated, in order to show the very pressing necessity for liberality, in the views of those who assist the society. Those who contribute a third, or a half, of the sum required to sustain missionaries in their own localities, do well-those who defray the whole expense do better-and those who freely give, "hoping for nothing again," do best of all; especially, if at the same time, they watch over the spiritual interests of their immediate neighbourhoodconvinced, that while "the one ought to be done, the other must not be left undone.” In discussing such a subject as the one before us, the greatest care should be taken to avoid an unkind or an uncharitable tone, in speaking of brethren. In these matters, all have a right to act, as conscience, enlightened by the word of truth, shall dictate. In what we have said, we trust censure is neither expressed nor implied. Sweeping remarks against others, because they do not see their duty in the very same light as we do, would be generally unwise, and frequently unjust. Much here must be left to a sense of honour, among the members of our churches. Our polity does not recognize dictation, and neither our principles nor our feelings could endure it for a moment. There is perfect liberty to give, or to withhold from a particular scheme of benevolence. Every such scheme must win its way to the enlightened attachment and confidence of the people, before it can, to an adequate extent, secure their

assistance. It is with a view to gain this hold, on the convictions and the affections of the denomination, that the above explanations, and undisguised statements, have been given. Some time may elapse before we can accomplish all that we desire, but we are anxious to hasten the period onwards. Our hope is, that as the churches of the congregational order, become more considerate of the paramount claims of home (not in a restricted sense, but regarding Britain as their home) all that addition to the Society's income, which is really required, will be furnished to it. There is good ground for believing that the missionary spirit, which is neither more nor less than the spirit of Christ, is both diffusing itself more widely, and operating more powerfully, throughout our own country. While there is much to discourage, there is much also to excite devout thanksgiving unto God. There are serious difficulties to be overcome-there are drags on the chariot-wheels of truth-but there are also principles at work which ere long will shake them off, "like the chaff of the summer threshing-floor." Let faith and patience have their perfect work; but they must be accompanied by a firm determination, to do justice to the claims of truth and righteousness-to assert these to the world, and to maintain them at all hazards whether amidst friends or foes-and victory is certain, FOR THE CAUSE IS NOT OURS, BUT GOD'S.

IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY.

EXTRACTS FROM THE REV. JAMES GODKIN'S JOURNAL.

Nov. 10.-Addressed a temperance meeting in Newry, composed almost entirely of Roman Catholics. The court-house was densely crowded, and as I had so recently lectured in the town, and as the bishop had spoken against me publicly, it was feared by some that they would mob me. But the very reverse was the case, for they cheered me enthusiastically through a long speech. I mention this as a remarkable fact, showing that religious bigotry is fast yielding to patriotic and liberal feelings in the Catholic mind of this country.

Nov. 15.-Preached in the Presbyterian church in Hilltown, and afterwards explained the object and spirit of my mission. A good impression was produced on a large congregation. It had got abroad, that I was to lecture in Rathfriland in the evening, but the house would not be given for the present. However, I went there as a hearer, and saw a splendid congregation, that should have been my audience, addressed by a young probationer.

Nov. 22. According to announcement, I attended this day in Drogheda. My lectures were to be in the court-house, the worst place possible in a town composed almost entirely of Roman Catholics. At two o'clock, P. M. I was followed into the place by a large number of Roman Catholics. Indeed, it was soon filled. They kept on their hats, and I saw by various symptoms that they were not disposed to be friendly. They had been worked upon by the priests and their malicious tools. I therefore endeavoured to remove all wrong impressions from their minds, and should have succeeded, only that a regular plan was laid to put me down. A poor creature named Sheil, who had been a Protestant for two years, and imposed on some good people in England, was put forward to challenge me. I declined his challenge, but agreed to give him half an hour on Monday night, provided I got a fair hearing that evening at seven o'clock. This was promised, and I succeeded in addressing the people, amidst some interruptions, for about an hour. At seven the court was crowded to suffocation. No election scene could surpass it, and not one in twenty of the dense mass were Protestants. Sheil did not, or could not, keep his word. I was stopped repeatedly by all sorts of noises. When I proposed prayer, and the people took off their hats, a fierce fellow in the gallery cried, "Hats on." He was obeyed by very few-the majority were most anxious to give me a fair hearing. But the ringleaders, dispersed through the house, were true to their vow, and whenever

I brought out a powerful argument, I was cut short by a tempest of noises. I reasoned, pleaded, and appealed to every generous feeling in vain. A monk-like person at the door whispered, that my liberal professions were blarney and hypocrisy. I waited till the noise subsided; sometimes sat down in the judge's chair, to listen to a senseless harangue on the other side, and thus for about two hours laboured to obtain a hearing. At last I gave it up, telling them that they were disgraced by the result, not I. Next day they got up a placard, pretending that I had agreed to a public discussion. In consequence of this, thousands assembled in the streets at night, but the mayor ordered the court to be shut. I then obtained the Presbyterian church, but the committee got afraid and retracted, to the painful disappointment of many, who felt deeply that freedom of speech should be put down in such a manner, owing to the want of proper spirit among Protestants. As I was passing through the streets next day, a man said to his companion, "There's the fellow was drav from the Tholsel last night." Another said, "There's the divil." In the meeting, a young reprobate cxclaimed, "I wish the divil had you." I told him I would reverse the prayer, and wish the devil hadn't him. But we must not judge of the whole from these specimens. The worst men in every society generally make the greatest noise, and too often give a character to the community to whom their connexion is a curse. As I have already remarked, the majority were anxious to hear me, and cried “shame" at the way in which I was treated. One man looked at me with a good-natured expression, and said, "Indeed, Sir, you have great patience!" It should also be observed, that they were less rude to me than to some very respectable gentlemen of the town, who kindly exerted themselves to maintain order. In the midst of this mass of excited bigotry, I had not a friend to stand by me, but two or three respect. able ladies, who had the courage to remain on the bench beside me. I passed out through the crowd alone, and was hissed by the rabble in the street, while a constable kindly followed me to my lodging; but I felt that there was no danger. Still let it not be thought that I had no friends in Drogheda. There were several, truly kind and hospitable in private; but, alas! they are wanting in public spirit, and like many more of their creed and country, they will not risk giving offence to Roman Catholics, except where the object is political. They are willing to be confessors for party, but not for scriptural Protestantism. Had the ministers stood publicly by me, as Mr. Boyle did at Kilkeel-had they given me a place of worship, immense numbers of serious and inquiring Roman Catholics would have attended, and an impulse might, through the divine blessing, have been given to the cause of truth in that town, which would be felt many a year to come.

However, under these circumstance, I did what I could. I wrote a letter to the Roman Catholic clergy of the town, describing the manner in which I had been treated, and earnestly calling on them to appoint one of their number to meet me in public discussion, as the only means of removing the blot that had been brought on their church and party. This was offered to their own journal, and refused insertion as an advertisement; however, two hundred copies were printed and posted through the town. I also addressed a copy to each of the ten priests, and one to the Roman Catholic primate, Dr. Crolly, their diocesan. I am not without hope that an opening will yet be obtained in Drogheda, and that Providence will overrule what has been done and suffered, to the furtherance of the Gospel.

Dec. 29.-Lectured in Armagh, on Puseyism. The Tabernacle was crowded. There was a second lecture the following evening, when the place was thronged to excess. There never was such a meeting in it since my own ordination. A modified Puseyism prevails there, though Dr. Miller has written against the more Popish opinions and practices of the Oxford divines. I availed myself of that gentleman's letter to Dr. Pusey. The interest excited was very great, as was proved by so large

[blocks in formation]
« AnteriorContinuar »