LIST OF FOREIGN LETTERS LATELY RECEIVED. EAST INDIES....Rev. George Pearce.... Calcutta WEST INDIES.... Rev. Joseph Bourn James Mann Ditto Ditto Belize ........Falmouth ...... ..... ........ Ditto ...... .... ...... .... .... January 23, 1829. July 4, 1829. Ditto Thomas Burchell Ditto H. C. Taylor James Coultart William Knibb.... July 30, 1829. July 7, 1829. July 4, 1829. July 30, 1829. July 6, 1829. June 10, 1829. .Kingston .... Do. ........ Do. HOME PROCEEDINGS. ST. CLEMENT'S, NORWICH. On Sunday, Aug. 23, 1829, two sermons were preached in the Baptist chapel, St. Clement's, Norwich, by the Rev. Eustace Carey, on behalf of the Baptist Missionary Society; and on Monday evening, Aug. 24, 1829, was held in the same place, the first public meeting ever held in this ancient city, on behalf of the Baptist Mission. connection with this Auxiliary, that the meetings we are now about to report were held in St. Clement's chapel, Norwich. On Lord's day morning, August 23, the Rev. Eustace Carey delivered an impressive and interesting discourse from Heb. xii, 18-22; and in the evening, to a very respectable and crowded audience, from Gal. i. 4. Both services were highly gratifying to all present, and will not speedily be forgotten. On the Monday evening, Aug. 24, a public meeting was held. After singing and prayer, Mr. John Cozens of Sprowstou From a very early period after the form- Lodge, near Norwich, was called to the ation of the Society in 1792, a deep inte- chair. The Rev. J. Pantis, Secretary to rest has been taken in its objects and pro- the Auxiliary, gave a statement of the circeedings by many persons connected with cumstances which had led to this more the Baptist churches in this city, and by public appeal than had hitherto been made individuals of other denominations. A bi- in this city, on behalf of the Baptist misennial visit has been regularly made by a sion. The resolutions were moved and deputation from the Society, and consider-seconded by the Rev. Messrs. Kinghorn and able sums have been raised by the liberal contributions of those who love the Saviour's cause. Several of the churches also in the county of Norfolk have been accustomed for many years to transmit their annual contributions to the Society. It has, however, been thought by many friends of the Baptist Mission in this neighbourhood, that more might be done, in aid of its funds, by a regularly organized and active auxiliary for this district, and by an annual public appeal to the friends of missions in this city, than has ever yet been done. Fully convinced that the congregations under their care had not reached the amount of exertion which the love of Christ, when it operates as it ought, will dispose us to make, and which the spiritual interests of perishing millions require, the ministers connected with the East Norfolk Association of Baptist churches, resolved last year to attach to their annual meetings a public service on behalf of the Baptist mission, and an Auxiliary in aid of its funds. It was in Alexander, Carey and Farrar, Dyer and Innes. This large and very commodious chapel was crowded to excess at a very early hour, so that hundreds went away, not being able to obtain admittance. The riveted attention with which the audience listened to the addresses of the several speakers, shewed the deep interest that was felt in the object of the meeting. The collections at the doors, and donations announced during the meeting, amounted to 931. 7s. 4d. May this be the beginning of good days with the interests of religion in this city! May every succeeding anniversary be equally interesting and profitable ! OXFORD. J. P. During the past year, several young friends in Oxford have discovered a wish to exert themselves in aid of the Baptist Missionary Society. For that purpose boxes and cards were procured, and put in circu- |pherson of Hull, Berry of Bishop's Burton. lation. As these exertions extended, it Thompson of Halifax, and Eustace Carey, appeared desirable to bring them into a It was stated that the receipts of this Auxmore systematic form, and a meeting wasiliary for the last year (including a small held on Thursday, July 16, for the forma- legacy from the late Mrs. Cook) had been tion of a Branch Association, and a Ladies' 2141. 4s. 4d. Branch Association, in connection with the Auxiliary Society already long in operation in Oxfordshire and the adjacent counties. At this meeting the Rev. Dr. Steadman of Bradford kindly presided, and powerfully urged the claims of the heathen world on our zealous and persevering exertions. An animating and harmonious spirit pervaded the assembly. Our readers will have perceived that the Extra Subscriptions to the Mission, announced in our two preceding Numbers, have reached the sum of £4800. Such an exSamuel Collingwood, Esq. has kindly conpression of Christian devotedsented to become treasurer to the newly ness, proceeding, as it does, from formed Association, and the Rev. W. Cop- a small part only of the friends ley fills the office of secretary. Ladies' Association, Mrs. Hicks is treaOf the of the Society, demands sincere surer, and Mrs. Copley secretary. Several and cordial acknowledgment, first, young friends of both sexes have cheerfully to the bounteous Lord of all, who tendered their services as collectors. May their exertions be characterized by diligence, constancy, and simplicity of aim; then may it be hoped that they will prove, under the divine blessing, truly efficient, and that their own souls will realize the fulfilment of the declaration, "He that wstereth, shall be watered himself of God." HULL. The Ninth Anniversary of the Hull and East Riding Auxiliary Society was held in George-street chapel on Monday, Sept. 7, and was numerously attended. The chair was filled, with much kindness and ability, by the Rev. Joseph Fox, pastor of the large Independent church over which the venerable Mr. Lambert formerly presided. After an opening speech by the Chairman, the meeting was addressed, in support of its interesting object, by the Rev. Messrs. Harness of Bridlington, Daniels of, Mac people to offer so willingly after hath put it into the hearts of his this sort, and then to the generous contributors themselves. Nor would we overlook, in discharging this pleasing part of our duty, the kindness of those friends who have signified their intention to augment their annual subscriptions, and thus afford increased aid to the funds of the mission in a regular and permanent, and therefore the most desirable form. N. B. It is respectfully requested, that the few Extra Contributions not yet paid, may be remitted as early as convenient to the Mission House. Contributions received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from August 20, to September 20, 1829, not including individual Subscriptions. Legacy of the late Mr. Redburn Tomkins (duty paid by the Executor, Mr. Wm. Johnson)... North of England Auxiliary, by Rev. R. Pengilly. Allerdean, Baptist Church, by Mr. Paxton.... East Norfolk Auxiliary, by John Cozens, Esq. Treasurer: Norwich, St. Clements, Collected after Sermons and Public Meeting, £ S. d. 48 0 0 4 10 0 2 0 0 August 24 Dereham... Collected by Rev. John Dyer .... 15 4 6 108 11 10 Buchan, Bible Society, for distributing the Scriptures in India... Female Bible and Missionary Society .... 15 0 5 11 Norfolk and Norwich Society in aid of Missions, by Thos. Brightwell, Esq. 15 0 ....... Monmouth.. Chepstow Lydbrook 2 0 40 0 4 0 13 15 5 5 0 1 16 8 0 15 6 1 14 0 1 10 8 11 8 1 10 67 West Middlesex Missionary Union :-Chelsea, Collection, by Mr. Tinson.. Lately published, the Report of the Baptist Missionary Society for the year ending June 1, 1829, with an Appendix, List of Contributions, &c. Price, to Non-subscribers, One Shilling. N. B. Some readers of the Appendix may observe that various places, from whence contributions have been received, are not placed under the counties to which they respectively belong. The reason is, that several of the Auxiliaries extend over more than one county-the Birmingham, for instance, includes places in five different counties, which are thus all classed under the head of Warwickshire. The arrangement is, undoubtedly, awkward; but there would be some inconvenience in altering it. A parcel of Evangelical Magazines has been received from a Lady, by — Wigney, Esq. of Brighton; and also Volumes I. II. and III. of the Periodical Accounts, from Mr. John Fell. At the suggestion of a valued Correspondent, we specify in detail the proposed arrangements of Mr. Carey's Missionary services for the present month : Oct. 1. Ramsey, Huntingdonshire. 2. St. Ives. 4. Huntingdon. 6. Colchester. 8. Braintree. 11. Laugham. Oct. 13. Maidstone. 15. New Mill, near Tring. 18. Manchester. 21. Northampton. 28. Bristol. Littlewood & Co., Printers, Old Bailey. BAPTIST MAGAZINE. NOVEMBER, 1829. MEMOIR OF MR. JOHN JOSEPH STE- | yard under his management. He VENSON. gained the confidence and esteem of his uncle, by whose attachment and promises to him, according to all human appearances, he was provided for: but these fair pros JOHN JOSEPH STEVENSON, the were blasted, and John was thrown entirely upon his own resources for support. Offence was somehow given to his uncle, which in the mind of the youth rendered bis situation uncertain and dependant; to avoid which, at the age of twenty, with the small savings he had effected, he bound himself apprentice to a currier at Thrapston. Here the prejudices and mistakes of his early education became the means of preserving him from vice and folly; his strong attachment to the Church, and his high confidence in the benefit of a regular attendance on its services, made him proverbially constant kindness of wealthier relatives; and punctilious. All this time, and soon afterwards his mother however, he was deplorably ignoremoved with her children to Da-rant of his own character and situventry, in Northamptonshire, the ation as a sinner, and of the way residence of her friends. Here of salvation exhibited in the Gosthe mind of her son John derived pel. At this period a few religious considerable religious information, and a decided impression in favour dissenting church in the town. A persons were attempting to form a of its truths, from the catechetical meeting-house had been opened for lectures of the Rev. Thomas Bel-preaching a few years before, and sham.* At a proper age, the subject of this memoir was received by an uncle into a large tan yard at Stamford, where he so conducted himself as to have, in a very short time, the principal business of the * Now of Essex-street Chapel, London; at that time an orthodox minister. VOL. IV. 3d Series. the present venerable Mr. Hogg, as minister, was engaged in season and out of season in aiding these attempts. Every friend of the design was zealous and active, endeavouring to extend the knowledge of Christ, and to bring his friends and acquaintances to hear On the Gospel in the meeting. young Stevenson, a friend and ac S$ quaintance at length so far pre- | few friends referred to above were vailed, as to induce him to attend crowned with success. Nine perone evening service, when the sons, of whom John Stevenson was doors of the church were closed. one, were formed into a Christian The preacher had chosen for his church, of which Mr. Hogg was text on that occasion Romans v. chosen pastor; and those of this 18, 19. and while expounding the little company who yet survive, great doctrine of justification by will well remember the grateful the righteousness of Christ, his new pleasure and affectionate zeal with hearer began to see the fallacy of which the subject of this memoir all the hopes he had entertained, endeavoured to promote the proswhich obliged him to renounce his perity of the infant society. He unseriptural and false confidence, was but young, yet he had even and to rejoice in the all-sufficiency then imbibed so strong a detestof that method of justification ation of religious inactivity, and which the preacher described. was so careful of those portions From this time he never again of his time which he was allowed attended at the church, where he to employ as he chose, as to renhad been so constant and regular. der him one of its most valuable On the gallery stairs of the meeting-members. house, he has said, he often stood, Soon after the expiration of his comparatively unknown and unno- voluntary apprenticeship, he reticed, drinking in the streams of moved to Colchester in search of love and mercy which it was the preacher's delight to present. The change in his habits was great and remarkable, and it very soon exposed him to opposition on the one hand, and affected scorn and obloquy on the other. He was only led, however, to examine his new principles more closely: their hold on his mind was thus strengthened, and that tone of firmness and decision of character was induced, for which he was distinguished to the day of his death. A company of young inquirers after truth were then in the habit of meeting at Mr. Hogg's house for religious improvement, to whom our young friend was soon attached, and the regularity, diligence, and success of his inquiries, soon commended him to the esteem of his minister, and the affectionate regards of his companions. Of these exercises he has often spoken, as very useful in forming his judgment, and deepening his impressions of divine truth. Early in 1797, the efforts of the work. There, for about twelve months, he attended the ministry of the late Mr. Stevens, and engaged heart and soul in every means devised or fostered by that excellent man for the improvement of the junior members of his flock. Having entered into the marriage state, he removed back to Thrapston, where he commenced business on his own account. Ever since he had had the means of earning his own livelihood, he was distinguished by a very tender and affectionate solicitude about the wants of his widowed mother and his sisters; and when religion occupied his heart, this solicitude was deepened by the influence of new motives. It received also the addition of a very deep and affectionate anxiety for their spiritual welfare. Often has he deprived himself of the comforts, and even necessaries of life, that he might contribute to relieve their wants. To a favourite sister, God had made him the honoured instrument of good, and among his |
