OF THE

Baptist Home Missionary Society.

No. IV.

JULY, 1824.

with a view to promote the salvation of immortal souls, and especially the salvation of our fellow countrymen, we should not fail of being encouraged by the support and co-operation of all present. The cause was then advocated

ANNUAL MEETING. THE Annual Meeting of the above Society was held at the City of London Tavern, June 22, 1824. The Meeting was opened by singing a few verses of the 67th Psalm; and the Rev. Dr. New-by one of the Secretaries of the Parent man, of Stepney, engaged in prayer.

Society, (Mr. Edwards) and also by On the motion of Benjamin Shaw, various ministers and gentlemen from Esq., seconded by Mr. Burls, ROBERT the neighbourhood. This District AuxHUMPHREY MARTEN, Esq. was unani-iliary has already contributed the sum mously called to the Chair.

After an appropriate address, the Chairman called upon the Rev. John Edwards, one of the Secretaries, to read the Annual Report.

of £37. 18. 4 d. to the funds of the Parent Society; and it is earnestly hoped, that its future efficiency will correspond with its auspicious com

mencement.

On the 20th of April last, at the halfyearly Meeting of the Wilts and Somerset Association, an Auxiliary Baptist Home Missionary Society was formed for WILTSHIRE, and the parts adjacent. The Meeting was held in the Baptist Chapel, (Mr. Gough's,) at Westbury Leigh, Robert Haynes, Esq. in the Chair. The usual resolutions were proposed and carried with the greatest cordiality. Rev. S. Saunders, of Frome, and the Rev. J. Edwards, from the Parent Society, preached on the occa

The Report stated, that during the last year, eighteen Missionaries had been employed under the patronage of this Society; and although not altogether supported by its funds, yet so far dependant, that without its aid they must have relinquished many stations, which, but for their labours, would have been lamentably destitute of evangelical instruction. Besides the above Missionaries, who are entirely devoted to the work, there are upwards of eighty stated and occasional preachers of the Gospel, who are assisted in defraying|sion. Phillip Whittaker, Esq. of Bratten, the expenses of their village labours.

One very gratifying feature of the Report was, a reference to the formation of three District Auxiliary Societies, which promise considerable assistance; the account of them is in substance as follows:-

"A General Public Meeting was held at Bridgewater, the 17th of November, 1823, for the purpose of form. ing an Auxiliary Society for part of the Western District, in aid of your Society. The Chair was taken by W. Cadbury, Esq. of Rumhill House, who, in an appropriate address, stated the object of the Meeting, and expressed an assured hope, that being assembled

VOL. XVI,

was appointed Treasurer; and the Rev. R. Edminson, of Bratten, and J. Evill, Esq. of Beckington, Secretaries. Including some subscriptions which were due in that neighbourhood, this Auxiliary has already remitted £40. to the Parent Society.

At FARRINGDON, April 21st, was formed an Auxiliary Baptist Home Missionary Society for OXFORDSHIRE, and counties adjacent. A discourse was delivered at the Upper Chapel in the morning, by the Rev. F. A. Cox, one of the Secretaries of the Parent Society. In the afternoon, a public Meeting was held in the Town Hall, when the resolutions forming the basis

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of the Auxiliary were adopted, and ঠvery lively interest created, by the speeches which were made, respecting those numerous villages aud hamlets of our native country, whose inhabitants are utterly destitute of the inestimable blessings of an evangelical ministry, and of others who are very inadequately furnished with the means of religious instruction. In the evening, the Rev. J. H. Hinton urged the importance of the Society's labours, by a representation of the moral condition of men" dead in trespasses and sins." C. Smith, Esq. of Blockley, was ap pointed Treasure; and the Rev. John Kershaw, of Abingdon, and the Rev. James Hinton, of Oxford, Secretaries. The collection at Farringdon amounted to £16. 108. 8d.

The following Resolutions were the unanimously passed.

Moved by the Rev. John Birt, of Manchester; seconded by the Rev. Professor Chase, of Columbian College, North America:

"That the Report, which has now been read, and which furnishes ample reasons for the public expression of devout gratitude to God, who has graciously vouchsafed his blessing to our undertakings, be adopted and circulated under the direction of the Committee."

Moved by the Rev. Joseph Kinghorn, of Norwich; seconded by the Rev. EDaniels, of Luton:

"That the services of the various Officers of this Society during the past tion and thankfulness; and that for the year be acknowledged with approba

J.

The Report concluded by expressing regret, "that a Society so long established, and of such acknowledged uti-year ensuing, WILLIAM DAY, Esq. be requested to continue Treasurer; the lity, should not have hitherto been sup- Rev. F. A. Cox, A.M. and the Rev. ported with a zeal and liberality more JOHN EDWARDS, Secretaries; and the commensurate with the claims of our following Ministers and Gentlemen the kindred, and the necessities of our Committee, with power to add to their countrymen. Besides a balance due to numbers :-Rev. R. Davis, East-lane, the Treasurer of £220. 12s. 7d. up- Walworth; John Dyer, Fen-court; J. wards of TWENTY new applications, H. Evans, Hampstead; Wm. Newman, well recommended, on behalf of at least D.D. Bromley; J. Upton, BrunswickONE HUNDRED destitute villages, are now waiting the result of this Annual street, Blackfriars; C., Woolacott, Westminster.-Messrs. Beatson, PanMeeting. Whether your increased licrass-lane, Cheapside; James Bennett, berality will justify the Committee Park-place, Walworth; N. Bosworth, about to be elected, in extending the operations of the Society by increasing Tower-hill; J. Brown, 137, Bishopsgate-street; R. Buckland, Hackney; the number of its Missionaries; or E. Buttenshaw, Holborn-bridge; J. whether the disappointed applicants Dann, Hackney; W. Dunn, Ditto; shall be permitted to sink down again J. Farr, 252, High Holborn; W. B. into that state of apathy, from which, Gurney, Essex-street; J. Hadden, perhaps, the visits of your messengers, Castle-street, Finsbury-square; or the reports of your exertions, had but recently aroused them-it must be Hanson, 99, Newgate-street; J. Heath, Blackman-street, Borough; J. Jessop, left with this Meeting and the religi- Minories; W. Johnson, 75, Bishopsous public to determine. Shall not the gate-street; P. Hillard, 49, Ditto; W. fear of losing the things which we have wrought" forbid-shall not the Napier, Grand Junction Wharf, Mr. hope of winning souls to the Redeemer Poole, Lincoln's-inn; T. Roots, 97, Blackman-street, Borough; S. Salter, forbid-shall not our grateful sense of Newgate-street; T. Thompson, Long obligation to Him, "who hath made us to differ," forbid-that we should Annuity Office: J. B. Wilson, Clapwithhold or delay a contribution, that might be the means of converting sinners from the error of their ways, saving souls from death, and covering a multitude of sins! O Christians! be entreated to remember how much you Lowe to Him, who sacrificed his life to save you; and that he from whom all talents and means of usefulness are derived, hath said, "Occupy till I come;-blessed is that servant whom, when his Lord cometh, he shall find so doing."

ham Common."

Auditors-Messrs. Beatson, Marshall and Pritt.

Moved by the Rev. Mr. Carlisle, of Chelmsford; seconded by the Rev. James Payne, of Ipswich.

"That the claims of our own country upon the attention and capacities of every one who possesses an enlightened mind are so obvious, that this Meeting feels it incumbent to express a determination ever to cherish a primary concern for HOME, and not to relax in

effort, till there shall no longer remain British village unvisited, or a British mind untaught."

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Shine, mighty God, on Britain shine.” We are assembled here to-night to promote the purpose for which we have Moved by the Rev. James Hinton, been praying, that God may shine on of Oxford; seconded by the Rev. John Britain; and I am deeply convinced, Saffery, of Salisbury: that it will cause the greatest degree That the thanks of this Meeting are of splendour and glory to rest upon an especially due, and are hereby pre-empire, when the light of the glorious sented to those ministers and friends, who have exerted themselves during the past year in the formation of Auxiliary Societies; assured that such Societies are eminently conducive to the great purposes of this Institution, by diffusing its influence, and extending its usefulness; and that the establishment of such Auxiliaries in every part of the kingdom, would prove highly beneficial both to the Society, and to the localities where they might be arranged by maintaining between themselves and the Parent Institution. a reciprocity of interest-by communicating and receiving information and supplies and by more fully systematizing those operations which are conducted for the universal benefit."

Moved by the Rev. Dr. Steadman, of Bradford; seconded by the Rev. Moses Fisher, of Liverpool:

"That the kind services of those who have taken journies for this Society, and the effective assistance of Juvenile Institutions and individual Collectors, be hereby gratefully acknowledged, as they are highly appreciated."

Moved by the Rev. Mr. Elliott, of Demarara; seconded by Benjamin Shaw. Esq.

“That this Meeting feels indebted to R. H. MARTEN, Esq. for obligingly taking the Chair, and superintending the proceedings of the evening."

Gospel shines upon it, and wherever ministers may declare the glad tidings of salvation. I am happy to see so many young persons present; I am persuaded parents cannot do better than bring their children to such meetings as these, that they may see the way in which they ought to walk. It is my warmest wish, that all the parents here present, may live to see their children grow up to be more useful than themselves. I will only add, that at the meeting of this Society last year this room filled; how many who were present then have been called to appear before God! How many who are now here, will be called away before the return of this day twelvemonths! Under these impressions let us attend to the duties before us.

REV. J. BIRT.-There are circumstances which would have rendered me altogether unwilling to accept the appointment of moving the first resolution, as I should have felt great difficulty in presenting myself before you so early, being comparatively a stranger; but I think it right to give as little trouble as possible to the persons who conduct the business on these occasions. In the Report, allusion is made to the recent visit of my friend, Mr. Edwards, to Lancashire. We rejoiced to see him, although we regretted local circumstances were so pressing for the moment, that the contributions were far below what we wished them to be; the next time we are vi

We regret that our narrow limits will only allow us to insert the follow-sited, I hope we shall prove that this ing short extracts from the speeches delivered on this occasion.

R. H. MARTEN, Esq. the Chairman.— I appear here at the request of many of my esteemed Christian Baptist friends, and shall feel great pleasure in witnessing what will be brought before us, and I doubt not you will receive the same gratification. I was much struck with the first expression of the prayer which we have just been offering upthat it might please God to be present here. I trust every one will remember that the eye of Almighty God is upon us, and that in a peculiar manner, though not in a temple dedicated to his praise. I was struck too with the first line of the hymn which has been sung,

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regret was sincere. With the exception of the circumstance of appearing so early in the business of the evening, it may be considered an advantage to have to move the adoption of such a Report as that which we have just heard, because it supersedes the necessity of much argument to convince you, that it ought to be adopted. Indeed, so far from feeling any appréhensions that I should fail to convince the Meeting that it ought to be adopted and circulated, my only fear is lest I should weaken the impression which is already made upon you. I am not in the least surprised to find that you have so large and respectable an assembly this evening; nor am I surprised to see so many marks of lively

first and the only subject; as sɑon is our collections are over for that, then nothing is like the Jews' Society; and as soon as that is over, then we are all for the Bible Society, and nothing is heard of but the Bible Society.""Well, (said she,) but what do you do when you have dismissed these"" Then, Madam, (said he,) we are ready to welcome the first good cause that comes;" and this, I trust, will be uni versally the case.

interest in the subject now presented | to you; for certainly whatever there may be of argument or interest connected with preaching the Gospel to those who are perishing for lack of knowledge, must be concentrated on such an occasion as the present. There is nothing by which our minds are con vinced of the duty of sending the Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, but must come upon us with peculiar conviction, and much higher excitement, when we think of those who are petish. PROFESSOR CHASE. My thoughts are ing for lack of knowledge before our borne back to that most interesting eyes, and within the reach of our hands. part of my life, devoted to the service Surely if we feel, and we ought to feel of a Home Missionary Society in my the necessity of sending the Gospel to native land. It is with joy and grati the most distant parts of the globe, tude that I remember the forests and where the inhabitants are crying mountains that were traversed in the “Come over and help us," we cannot Western border of the United States, but experience still more lively eme and the hamlets and the cottages that tions, when we know that in our high were visited. They are amongst my ly favoured land, where we possess dearest remembrances, and they are the means of grace in such abundance, reflections on which, in the hour of that there are yet so many districts, serious contemplation, I love to dwell; the inhabitants of which have, perhaps, and they are never thought of, but never heard a Gospel sermon: but are with a deep impression of the utility still living as if there were no God of efforts like those in which this Soabove them, and no eternity before ciety is engaged, and in whose labours, them. When we consider that these as well as on a thousand other occa things are near us and around us, it is sions, the opportunity has been preno wonder that occasions like this sented of seeing, how important for a should be marked by peculiar and live Society of this kind, is the circulation ly interest. But we are not called upon of such facts as are in the Report. Who, to assign a preference to any one of the Sir, here present, that has devolving Societies, whose object it is to promote on him the duties of a pastor, but has the glory of God by the preaching of felt a deep interest whilst listening to the Gospel. On the contrary, it is im the Report? and who has not felt a be possible for us to take a lively interest nefit to his own soul? What pastor, in sending the Gospel abroad, but we while listening to it, has not felt afresh must feel for men at home; and if we that he is placed in the centre of a feel for the souls of men at home, the sphere, in which are comprehended the very same operation of feeling will ex- duties and obligations of a Pastor and tend to men abroad; and, therefore, it a Missionary? and who has not had his is no longer strange that all these so- own heart awakened afresh to those cieties, if they have not come into exertions which he may make in the existence at one time, have yet grown character which he sustains-exertions up together; and that, as they have a similar to those which devolve on a universality with respect to their ob- Missionary in his excursions? and how Ject and design, so they have a perfect many who may not have been present reciprocity of operations and influence, will feel a similar excitement? How I am here reminded of a remark, made many pastors, officers, members of not long ago by an excellent clergy-churches, and such as have had their man, with whom I was in company, hearts touched with the grace of God, when a lady said to him, "Sir, there is will be awakened from their slumbers, a dispute amongst us which we cannot to exert themselves in this cause, till settle, and we shall be glad if you can every pastor, every Christian, every do it for us: we cannot tell whether one who hopes that his soul will be the Church Missionary Society, or the found at last among the redeemed, Society for Promoting Christianity shall be awakened to those holy ef among the Jews, be the best Society, forts, which must be put forth, before and most dserving of assistance." He the knowledge of the Lord shall cover replied, "Madam, I will tell you how the earth? we do in the town where I reside; when the year begins, there is nothing like the Missionary Society, it is the

REV. E. DANIELS. The present is a day of great and extended benevolence, but the greatest of all benevolence to

man is the diffusion of the glorious | concern to promote the great and inGospel to all mankind-it meets their teresting cause. I feel therefore per miseries, and is calculated to heal their suaded, that when you retire from this spiritual maladies and lives; but alas! room, your interest in the cause will not it is not adapted to their taste: it is cease, but that you will carry in your therefore necessary for us to take it to hearts, and into your families and sothem, to go where they live, and excite cial circles, those feelings that will in them, if possible, an appetite for bring us larger contributions, aud not this spiritual food. Now the great de- only preserve the cause from languish. sign of the Home Missionary Society is ing, but give it new energy every year to offer this remedy to the souls of our and every day. perishing fellow-countrymen. But the chief subscribers to this cause are our poor Ministers and poor Missionaries. You contribute a guinea a year, and when the subscription is given, the work is over; no great exertion has been made, and no privation endured; but your Ministers and Missionaries go in the midst of difficulties and persecutions, and wants of privation, expending the energies both of body and mind in promoting the great cause.

REV. MR. CARLISLE.-Mr. Chairman, I will not make a speech, but commence with an anecdote, I feel a love to this Society, for I may be a Home Mission ary, though a stated Pastor, and every stated Minister ought to be a Home Missionary. Methinks that one of the objects that your Society ought to have in view, is to take up the cause of poor gypsies, knowing that there are 18,000 of immortal souls who go under the name of gypsies, in England. If there REV. MR. Cox. In accepting the be any Home Missionaries here, I can office of Joint Secretary, assigned me tell them they will never do any good by your kindness, I feel very deeply with gypsies, until they gain their con the responsibility of such an office. Ifidence gain their confidence, and have accepted I hope with deliberation they will lay down their lives for you. and seriousness, and with a determi- (Here the speaker related many par nation to fulfil all the important, and It!culars of a visit which he paid to a feel them to be important, duties of such gypsey camp, which we have not room a situation. I accept it with the public to detail. The following extract will pledge to do so, and with the strong be found interesting.) On one occasion and deep feeling of increasing interest I described the Saviour's merits and in this Society, which indeed I have sufferings," O Sir, (said one of them,) cherished for years past, but which I what a pity that such a good being more than ever cherish at this moment should suffer !" I then shewed them from an investigation of some parts of the absolute necessity of God's justice our country. I ought not, however, with being satisfied; then I saw the gypgentlemen around me, whom you are sey's tear, but Jeper Shesheh, (the anxious to hear to go into a detailed king of the camp,) could not see into account of the operations of this So- the idea of a substitute; now, as we ciety, they are indeed before you; as must be very particular with gypsies, to its principles you appreciate them, I fell on this plan. "Now (said I,) if your presence shows that you appre- your son here should kill a man, that is ciate and feel the importance of such a a capital crime, and he would be taken Society as this which possesses no séc- to Chelmsford, and tried for his life, tarian feeling or principles, but desires and sentenced to die, now what would to extend to the utmost extent the you think if I were to say this young knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord, man shall not die, though he has comand Sir, as I am surrounded by gentle- mitted a capital crime; but if blood men, distinguished from their exertions must be shed, I will die for him, here on behalf of Foreign Missions, I feel I am." "I see it, Sir, I see it." "What happy that in proportion as we encou- do you see?” "I see Jesus Christ, rage a Society like this, we are pro-getting between God and us, and dymoting Christianity in different parts of the world, for we shall raise up warm er feelings in a greater number of hearts who will come with their labours, and their money, and above all with their prayers, to promote the knowledge of Christianity in Britain, in India, in the universal world. I trust, Sir, that it is not a mere momentary excitement that pervades our minds, but a sincere and influential

ing for us." It rejoiced my heart that here the great plan of salvation was broken up to them, for it cannot be understood by any, except they have an idea of the Saviour getting in between God and the sinner. When I was about to leave them, they said, "Will you come to-morrow morning, Sir!" I agreed, and I went again at seven' o'clock, and preached the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit of God to