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DOMESTIC RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

ADDRESS

Of the Baptist Society, established in London, 1814, For promoting the Gospel in Ireland,-establishing Schools for teaching the Irish Language,-circulating Bibles, Tracts, &c. &c.

Thogh the Society from which this Address emanates, has a denominative epithet, nothing further is intended by it, than to designate the principles of the persons by whom its affairs are conducted. Experience has confirmed the propriety of a Resolution adopted at the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society, 1792, viz. That as in the present divided state of Christendom, it seems that each denomination of Christians, by acting separately, may best promote the objects of a Mission, resolved, that this Society be called, The Baptist Missionary Society, for-&c.

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Intending to act upon the principles of that Society, the Committee of the Baptist Society for Ireland, hope to prove that they are influenced by far higher than sectarian motives: that they wish to unite with other Christians to exterminate ignorance, superstition, and depravity, and that they will use no other means than the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

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Notwithstanding the attempts which are now made to furnish the people of Ireland with the means of instruction, yet we apprehend it cannot be denied," that there is very much land to be possessed." It is the intention, therefore of this Society to enter with others this field of honourable warfare, for which purpose they have already employed several ministers to itinerate through the towns and villages of this dark land; as also others to read and explain the Scriptures in Irish to the poor in their cabbins, &c. They are happy to say, that promising appearances of success already attend these labours. To carry on this part of their plan, they look for support principally to persons of their own denomination in England and Ireland, who have given proof that they are willing to contribute towards it.

As it respects the establishment of Schools for teaching the Irish language, they indulge the hope that all persons who wish to promote the education of the poor in Ireland will unite with them. May they not calculate, with some degree of confidence, on the co-operation of the respectable Society of "Friends," whose zeal and liberality for educating poor children in that country have been so prominently and successfully employed? What reason can be assigned why the Aborigines of Ireland should be neglected any longer? Why should they not read in their vernacular tongue, to which they are passionately attached, "the wonderful works of God."

On this subject the Committee avails itself of the practical information of the Rev. Daniel Dewar, in his "Observations on Ireland," published in London, 1812.-"The number of people who speak this language is much greater than is generally sup posed. It is spoken throughout the whole province of Connaught by all the lower orders, a great part of whom scarcely understand any English: and some of those who do, understand it only so as to conduct business; they are incapable of receiving moral and religious instruction through its medium. The Irish is spoken very generally through the other three provinces, except among the descendants of the Scotch in the north. It cannot be supposed that calculations on this subject should be perfectly accurate, but it has been concluded on good grounds, that there are about two millions of people in Ireland who are incapable of understanding a continued discourse in English. Stokes, of Trinity College, Dublin, who has written a pamphlet on the necessity of publishing the Scriptures in the Irish language, merely mentions the counties in which it is the prevailing speech. He states, indeed that about two thousand Irish catechisms are sold annually; and concludes from this circumstance, that there must be about twenty thousand persons in Ireland who have made

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some attempt at reading their native Janguage. The number of those who read the Irish language has of late years greatly increased; but supposing my calculation (continues Mr. Dewar) to be overrated by half a million, there remains a million and a half; a number that is five times greater than all the inhabitants of the Highlands of Scotland."

The necessity for establishing Schools for teaching the native language appears from the inadequacy of the numerous free schools which, from the reign of James the First, have existed in Ireland. These are all protestant schools, formed for the avowed purpose of proselyting as well as instructing the children of the poor catholics. From a recent Report of the Commissioners of the Board of Education in Ireland, it appears they say, "from the general returns from all the dioceses, it is evident that a large proportion of the children attending the parish schools are of the Roman catholic religion;" but says Mr. Dewar, "in some parts there seems to be a general determination on the part of the Roman catholics not to send their children to protestant schools. In addition to the prejudices which exist against schools when the protestant catechism makes a part of the system of education, there is also a strong prejudice among the Roman catholics in general against the English Language; their hostility to protestantism they transfer to the only tongue they have ever heard protestants use; and they are confirmed in their hostility by the insinuations of their priests, who uniformly address them in the endeared language of their fathers. We might expeet, therefore, (continues Mr. D) a priori, that they would discover some prejudice against a mere English school; that all their prepossessions as to catholicism, and all their fears as to heresy, would be awakened. This accordingly has been tried: and the result confirms the truth of this opinion. It certainly, however, appears,' say the Commissioners, from our returns, that religious prejudices in too many parts of this country, but more particularly in the south and west, have operated against

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the attendance on the parish schools!' Now, the south and west of Ireland are those very parts in which the Irish is chiefly spoken, and where comparatively there are but few protestants."

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To obviate the objections the poor Irish catholics may feel from both these causes; the Committee, while they teach the Irish language, will exclude every kind of catechisra: and, with the exception of elementary books, make selections from Scriptures and the Irish_Testament the only school books. This principle of teaching the catholic children to read the Scriptures ALONE, leaving them to attend the place of worship their parents prefer, has been tried with complete success in the St. Giles's Catholic Charity Schools, London, under the care of a respectable native of Ireland; and all the schools established by this Society in Ireland will be formed on precisely the same model.

The Committee are fully aware that many objections will be raised against that part of their plan which relates to teaching the Irish language direct, without first teaching English. But it may be asked, could the populace of England derive any benefit from being taught to read French, in order to read the Bible in the English language? The task would be so arduous as to make its accomplishment hopeless, and if not hopeless, it would be nearly useless.

"The case (says

Mr. Dewar) is very nearly the same with that part of the population to which I refer, with this difference it may be, that the English populace. would be probably furnished with dictionaries, were they obliged to read the Bible only in the French language; whereas the poor Irish, in learning to read English, learn merely to read it without understanding it. For the practicability of teaching Irish effectually, it is only necessary to mention the success which has attended teaching the Welsh in Wales, and the Gaelic in the Highlands. But, perhaps, it will be said, that to teach the Irish language will be to perpetuate the barbarism which in some dark counties, is said to prevail. Is it not much more evident that all

the evils which may have existed an encouragement for this design to among the lower orders of the Irish instruct them, their benevolent mind, have arisen from their want of educa- their openness and generosity, their tion; and not from speaking their warmth of heart, their strong family own language? Let it too be recol- attachments, their thirst after knowlected that when they have obtained ledge, and capacity for receiving and a knowledge of their own language, retaining it!. In conclusion, it may so as to taste the sweets of informa- be added, that (to a believer in the tion by reading: that they are furnish- Son of God, whose hope is founded ed with a key, by which they may on his atoning blood, and who is unlock the treasures of wisdom which impressed with the truth that "there are to be found in the English is no other name given under heaven writings. The importance of under- among men, whereby we can be standing English they will be daily saved,") there is something most convinced of, by finding it is the only affecting in the towns, cities, and language of commerce, citizenship, country of Ireland, particularly of the and promotion. It is a pleasing con- south and west. Can the traveller, sideration, that of late considerable in looking round him, suppress the attention has been paid to this sub- deep sigh of commiseration and symject. The New Testament has been pathy? Can he forbear to exclaim, printed in the Irish language by the And is this a part of my native counBritish and Foreign Bible Society; try, which as a whole, has been so and there is no doubt but the Old long united under the blessings of Testament might be supplied through divine mercy and goodness? Are the same means, when it can be there within the United Kingdom, proved that there is a necessity for spots so dark, and so utterly void its use. A dictionary of the Irish of spiritual and saving light? Are and English languages has been com- there indeed districts of more than piled and published by a competent fifty miles long, in various counties, Irish scholar in Dublin. The book of where a protestant church is not to Proverbs also is preparing by a gen- be found-where there are many tleman in Ireland for the same purthousands who have never seen such pose. The Baptist Society has in the a book as the Bible, and who, alas! press a small elementary book upon could not read it, were it put into the same plan. They have procured their hand? Is it possible that among several Masters already, and have my own countrymen there are thouascertained that there is no difficulty sands who are still bowing down to in obtaining many more, if their stocks, and stones, and trees, perfunds should be sufficient to enable forming stations and pilgrimages to them to form Schools in all places particular wells, and particular mounwhich open for the purpose. The tains? All these are sad realities. whole county of Roscommon, and It is surely high time for us to enquire the Achill, and other populous islands what can be the reason why Christion the western coast of Ireland, are anity has not yet appeared to the naare at present destitute of Schools for tive Irish in its own glory and simteaching to read the Scriptures, and,plicity in a shape sufficiently kind and the Society would be happy to pay particular attention to those large districts.

It would be easy to dwell on the dark side of the picture as it relates to Ireland; but this has been frequently and abundantly done by other Societies. Many of our countrymen have both seen and heard of the superstitions which reign over the minds of the Irish peasantry their strong prejudices-their impatience and impetuosity;-but who has not remarked with equal truth, as

attractive. Pure and undefiled religion they have not yet seen to be capable of association with poverty and the poor man's cottage, nor powerful enough to produce a conscientious walk, a contented and pious mind, with habits of cleanliness and good management. The Christianity of the first age, while it was spiritual, it came home to the senses and feelings of man, to his business, and to his bosom. It visited the sick, clothed the naked, and relieved the poor; it was gentle unto all men, and reckon

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ed itself a debtor to all; it suffered long and was kind. Among those who were the subjects of great and dangerous, nay, fatal prejudices, it shone forth by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, and by love unfeigned."

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The Missionary spirit has been darting out in almost every direction towards foreign climes; and in consequence of the attempts of modern times, both in India and Africa, it may be said, "The people who sat in darkness saw great light; and to them who sat in the region, and shadow of death, light is sprung up." All this is delightful; but let us not be inconsistent; let us take care lest we be found guilty of neglecting any part of our own land. Many in it, alas! are living without God; and many are only worshipping those gods which guilt makes necessary. Considering the sigual privileges we enjoy, it would be truly thelancholy, if, as a nation, we had any reason to confess," Mine own vineyard have I not kept."

The Committee strongly urge upon their brethren in Ireland to exert themselves to the utmost in forward ́ing the objects of the Society. They expect that the benevolent ardour of the Irish character will be again expressed in this good work. It can not be denied, while no censure is intended to be imputed by the assertion, that as it respects universal education, Ireland is far behind any other part of the UNITED KINGDOM, This has not arisen from the want of capacity to obtain learning, which, perhaps, far exceeds that of the children of any other country. Let these superior intellectual endowments be cultivated; and no longer, like the soil in some parts of the country, be impoverished, in consequence of an unwise and penurious policy. To carry this design into full effect, sufficient funds must be procured; suitable agents must be employed; aud above all, the blessing must be implored to give the desired success. All these things, however, may be expected. The time is come when“ many run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. -For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so

the Lord God shall cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations."

Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in Ireland, to his brother in London, Conmell March 9th. 1815. We have had one of your Missionaries here, Mr. M'Carthy. He preached in our house twice, [the Methodist Meeting,] on last Sunday morning, and on the Wednesday evening following: when he spent the evening with my family. His sermons were very good; he seems to be a man well acquainted with the Scriptures; many of our friends approved of his preaching. I heard yesterday that he baptized two men not many miles from this town. He is expected here again in about a month. If he does not obtain the Court-house; he will preach in the street. Street preaching is the most suitable for this country. The Priests will not let their flock go into any house of worship; but in the street they will often hear with the greatest attention, and you may see the tears flowing from the eyes of these poor deluded people. The fields are white for harvest; pray ye the Lord of the Harvest that he may send more labourers into the Harvest. The good, Missionaries may do in this country is beyond calculation. You can have but a very imperfect idea of the way in which the Priest's lord it over God s Heritage: I could tell you numerous instances.

PUBLIC MEETINGS.

The Churches which form the Hants and Wilts assistant Society, in aid of the Mission, held their Easter-Meet-· ing at Lockerly, March 29. Mr. Bulgin preached in the morning on humility from Acts xx. 19. and Mr. Giles in the afternoon from Hebrews iv. 2. The devotional parts of the worship were conducted by the brethren Saffery, Yarnold, Millard and George. Mr. Millard preached at Frenchmore in the evening, and Mr. Saffery at Romsey.

The next Association is to be at Downton, July 19th. The brethren Giles, Russell, Miall, and Bulgin to preach. The morning Sermon by Mr. Russell on Christian forbearance.

On Thursday March 23, 1815, the

first half-yearly meeting of the Baptist-Itinerant-Society for the countries of York and Lancaster, was held at Ackrington.

Messrs. Fisher of Liverpool and Steadman of Bradford preached on the occasion; the former from Rom. X. 15, and the latter from Acts xvi. 9. After the Sermous Mr. Littlewood of Rochdale being called to the chair, the following resolutions werc unanimously passed.

1. That Itinerant exertions are still greatly needed in various parts of the countries of York and Lancaster.

2. That such exertions have been made very useful, as appears from the reports of the society, especially the last two years.

3. That settled Ministers be requested to renew their exertions in this cause.

4. That it is the duty of our churches to look out for suitable Itinerants, and places where they may be regularly employed.

5. That Messrs. Edwards of Ackrington and M'Farlane of Rawden be requested to visit the churches with a view to stir up their attention to the objects of this Society, and obtain contributions for its support.

Mr. Steadman then favoured us with an interesting account of his first itinerant labours in some of the southern counties of this kingdom; and a few remarks on the best method of conducting such exertions. A collection was made amounting to seven pounds to aid the funds of the Society.

Donations and subscriptions for this Society are received in Lancashire by the Treasurer, Rev. T. Littlewood, Rochdale, the Secretary, Rev. J. Edwards, Ackrington; and in Yorkshire by Rev. W. Steadman, Bradford, and Rev. P. M'Farlane, Rawden.

ORDINATIONS.

On Wednesday March 29th. Mr. John Mack (who had been for some time pursuing his studies at Bristol) having been chosen to the pastoral office was ordained at Clipstone. Mr. Jarman of Nottingham introduced the service, Mr. Franklin of Coventry prayed. Mr Hall of Leicester delivered the charge from 1 Tim. iv. 16. "Take heed unto thyself &c." Mr.

* See the Account in Palmer's

Fuller of Kettering addressed the Church from 3 John 8.

Since Mr. Mack has been at Clipstone his labors have been rendered very successful and the Congregation is now in a very prosperous and happy condition.

April 6th. The Rev. Arthur Tidman was set apart to the Pastoral office over the Independent Church, Endless Street, Sarum. Rev. Mr. Griffin delivered the introductory discourse &c. Rev. Mr. Sloper prayed, Rev. Mr. Jay preached from 2 Cor. 2 chap. ver, 14,15. Rev. Mr. Collinson closed. The whole of the service was strikingly appropriate and interesting. Mr. East preached in the evening.

April 6th. The Rev. J. Kershaw was ordained to the Pastorate of the Baptist Church at Abingdon. Rev. J Bicheno delivered the introductory discourse and asked the usual questions ;--T. Coles offered the ordination prayer;--J. Hughes delivered a most interesting charge to the pastor from Lev. x. 3. " I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me." &c. and J. Hinton addressed the Church and congregation from Phil. ii. 29. " Receive him therefore in the Lord."

The devotional parts of the service were conducted by Rev. W. Wilkins, W. Gray, R. Fletcher, and W. Welch; and Rev. J. Dyer preached in the evening from Isa. xxxii 15. Until the Spirit be poured from on high and the wilderness be a fruitful field.

NEW CHAPELS OPENED.

On Tuesday, March 28, a new Baptist Chapel was, opened at Kinfare, Staffordshire.

Mr. Griffin of Kidderminster introduced the morning service, by reading the Scriptures and prayer. Rev. J. Birt of Birmingham, preached from Acts xiii. 38. and concluded in prayer. In the evening the Rev. John Poole of Bilston read and prayed. Rev. Thomas Griffin of Kidderminster preached from Phil. iv. 19. Mr. F. A. Waldron concluded.

Kinfare is a village that contains a population of seventeen hundred souls. It has been destitute of the glorious light of the gospel since the Act of Uniformity in 1662 ejected the Rev. Richard Moreton, M. D.* Eve

Noncon, Mem. Vol. iii. p. 235.

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