Missionary Retrospect, and Foreign Intelligence. Mr. Robinson writes, as follows, from Java, Jan. 27, 1814, to Mr. Gordon, at Calcutta. "We are, through mercy, in good health, and in very comfortable circumstances. We have been provided for in this foreign land far better than could have been expected; and if you could see how well we are settled, and how comfortable we are, in all respects, you would be very thankful on our account. I think, the unhealthiness of this country, of which so much has been said, is a mere bugbear; the fact is, with respect to myself, that I have my health much better here than I had for some years in Bengal. The temperature of the air, is, I think, the reason that I have my health better here. I am sure it is not because I have less to do, for I have never been so much employed as I am now; and, may add, never so happy in my employment. I have reason to think, that could I preach in the Malay to-morrow, I should find no difficulty in filling the church, for the Dutch minister wishes me to be able to preach in it as soon as possible. I hope I shall not remain here nine months more, before the Malays will have an opportunity of hearing the word of life in their own language." unclean. Many give me hopes that they will soon join us; one or two defend the truth among their fellowidolaters. At Orissa, a tailor declares, both at his own house and abroad, I will be a Christian;' but his wife refuses. He was with me the day before yesterday, in the villages, and, holding a Testament in his hand, said, to the brahmuns, Come, and embrace this doctrine, or else you cannot be saved.' Without fear or shame, he says, 'The gods are all impure; our shastres are not true; Jesus Christ is the true Redeemer.' This he did, almost all the day, in the villages. Other Orissas say, We have so many brahmuns and pundits, none of them can answer the man at Balasore (Mr. Peter); Why? certainly it is because he speaks the truth: we are surprised at his doctrine, it must be the word of God.'” Mr.Thompson writes thus from Patna, Feb. 28th, 1814. 66 VERY DEAR PASTOR, "In my last, I mentioned Lukshmun-singha, a person of respectability, residing at Chapra, but who had come upon a visit to Patna: I am happy to add, that he has been with me the greater part of this month, reading the Persian and Hindee Scriptures, and improving his little knowledge of the English. While he sat conversing one morning, a kaist'ha came to me, from the custom-house, for a book, in Persian, containing the words of salvation; I accordingly let Since the above date, Mr. Robinson's wishes and expectations have been realized. He preaches in Malay, at the Dutch church, every Lord's day, and is well attended both by the Dutch and natives. Mr. Trowt has reached Java in safety, and intends to settle either at Mole-him have a copy of the selections nuleit, or at Samarang. He means to study the Javanese language. Mr. Peter thus writes from Balasore, in Orissa, Feb. 12th, 1814. 66 -Among the natives, many are inquiring; many are convinced that their shastres cannot be obeyed; and that they and their gods are all VOL. VII. from scripture, in Persian, and which Lukshmun-singha took of him to peruse: when he read that portion, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree," he desired to know its meaning; and, on my telling him how Christ, by being made a curse for us, has redeemed us from the curse of the law, he expressed a great desire to have the book. Luksh 2 s mun-singha professes to have no ve- | in Hindee, given to persons who neration for the devtahs, which he called. has also exemplified in his conversa-In consequence of repeated calls tion with a brahmun, who frequently from the poorer classes of the navisits me. tives, for the words of salvation, in the current Naguree character, I have got several copies of the Hindee tract in poetry, (the Sure Refuge), written in the above character; the "A young Mussulman, named Jugoo, has attended from the 13th of January, and daily reads with me two chapters of the Hindee gospels in the Persian character. He ap-expense is very trifling, viz. three pears to possess a pleasing degree of rupees a hundred, or two-pice discernment, for his age. each." Extract from a Letter, received by the "On Lord's day, the 13th, three pundits came from Kamta, a village abour twenty miles from Patna, to the south. Two months ago, these men had seen a New Testament in the hands of a brahmun, who passed through the village; and, on their expressing a wish to detain it a few days, for the purpose of copying from "Before this time, the ship Favour it, he refused, thinking it would notite, (justly a favourite with us all), be returned to him. I gave them a copy of Matthew, three tracts, and a hymn-book, in Hindee, besides ten tracts for their inquiring friends at the village. "On the 2d instant I left home, with an intention to visit a village beyond Toulsi-mundi; but, when I had reached Murhi-aphabad, I began a conversation with a kaist'ha, which, together with reading brother Chamberlain's Hindee tract, brought together such multitudes, that I was obliged to continue with them, addressing and giving them tracts. After some men had taken tracts, others forcibly took them out of their hands, which induced the former to contend with the parties; but, in some instances, to no purpose. Owing to the eager reception of the tracts, I cannot say how many were given away here. "In a garden, near the Daoodbigha, I gave a tract, in the current Naguree, to a gardener, who got me to read it through before I left him: the one in Deva-Naguree, which he had before obtained, a brahmun took, alleging it was of no use to him, it being in the brahmun's cha racter. will have arrived in England, bring+ ing to you the ratified treaty of peace. This desirable event has excited a general joy throughout the country. England, who were reluctantly dragThe people, in most parts of New ged into hostilities, hailed the return of peace with delight; and, for the first few days, nothing was heard but the ringing of bells, the discharge of class of citizens, brilliant illuminacannon, the congratulations of every tions, balls, &c. &c. The celebra→ tions in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, surpassed any thing ever witnessed in our country; the genial influence of peace seeming to revive, and give new life and vigour to all. In England, no doubt, you rejoiced at the termination of hostilities, though not in an equal degree with us. The public mind, here, was exceedingly depressed at the gloomy aspect of affairs: many had already began to anticipate the summer, them from their dwellings; a large when a powerful foe would drive of the union, and the prospect of a army threatening an important part long continuance of war; but the intelligence of peace dispelled every care from the countenance of the “Exclusive of the above, twenty-most desponding. I will only add eight tracts in Hindee, and two in Bengalee, have been distributed during my walks; and one New Testament, a copy of John's gospel, twelve tracts, and two hymn-books, my wish, that the olive branch may of the peace with Great Britain, I permanently flourish with us; and, will say, esto perpetua.” Domestic Religious Intelligence. ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE BAPTIST DENOMINATION THREE years ago, we recorded the opinion, expressed by the pastors of sixty-one of our churches," that a more general union of the particular (or Calvinistic) Baptist churches, in the United Kingdom, is very desirable." Those who have attended the meetings in London, during the present month, have beheld, and enjoyed the delightful effects resulting from the attempts, which have been since made to attain so important an object. The meetings, which were numerously attended, exhibited strong proofs that a UNION OF HEART was felt by a greater number of our ministers, and persons of our different congregations, both in town and country, than have, perhaps, met together in London for a hundred and twenty years. A remarkable spirit of devotion pervaded these assemblies. All the brethren who were engaged, either in preaching or in praying, gave evidence that their minds were deeply imbued with the constraining love of Christ, impelling them to an entire consecration of heart and life to his service; and the pleasurable feelings which were, by these means, excited in the minds of those assembled, would lead to the conclusion, that they were all of "one accord in one place;"-that they were, indeed," of one heart, and of one soul." We proceed to give an account of the various meetings, in as full and detailed a manner as the limits of our work will allow. The first meeting for prayer, and an address, was held on Tuesday evening, the 20th of June, at Carter Lane meeting. Dr. Ryland, of Bristol, preached from Psalm cxxxvii. 6, "If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." Brethren Anderson, of Dunstable, Steadman of Bradford, and Ivimey, of London, engaged in prayer. BAPTIST ITINERANT SOCIETY. A NUMEROUS meeting of the subscribers and friends to this society, was held at the New London Tavern, Cheapside, on Wednesday morning, June 21st, at half-past six o'clock. A report of the proceedings and success of the society in the past year, was read. The several resolutions were moved and seconded by the Rev. Messrs. Dyer, Shenston, Palmer, Steadman, Innes, Hoby, Upton, and Pritchard; who, in a very eloquent and impressive manner, expressed their conviction of the importance and utility of the institution, not only from the report then read, but also from their own personal experience and observation. It was unanimously resolved, 1. That, in the opinion of this meet. ing, "the Baptist Society, in London, for Itinerant and Village preaching," is eminently entitled to encouragement and support, its design being, to confer the greatest benefits on our own countrymen, by diffusing the knowledge and influence of evangelical truth in Great Britain, and the means it employs being calculated, under the blessing of God, to ac complish these great and benevolent objects. 2. That the thanks of this meeting be given to James Pritt, Esq. the treasurer; Mr. William Gale, the secretary; and the gentlemen who compose the committee, for their attention to the concerns of this society. 3. That the thanks of this meeting are due, and are hereby presented to the ministers who are engaged, under the patronage of this society, in itinerant and village preaching. 4. That the situation of the inhabitants of the Scilly Islands peculiarly demands the benevolent attention of their fellowsubjects in England; and this meeting earnestly entreat the friends of religion in general, and the Baptist Denomination in particular, to enable the society, by their pecuniary aid, to carry on the exertions that are now making in the Scilly Islands, as well as in other parts of Great Britain. 5. That the thanks of this meeting are due to the Rev. Messrs. Upton and Keeble, and their congregations, for the collections made by them on behalf of this society, who have thereby set an example, which, it is hoped, will be generally followed by the ministers and congregations in our denomination. 6. That the thanks of this meeting are due to the ministers, who have addressed this meeting, for the interesting communications made by them, respecting the advantages that have resulted, and are likely to result, from the exertions of this society. BAPTIST MAGAZINE. Ar the same hour, the Proprietors of the Baptist Magazine met to breakfast at the Ship Tavern, Leadenhall-street. The report of the proceedings of the committee, for the past year, was read and unanimously approved; and, from the present state of the work, both as it relates to its execution and the increase of its sale, greater assistance, it is expected, will in future be afforded to the widows of the deceased ministers than they have hitherto obtained; and, from the many expressions of approbation given us by country ministers who attended the General Meetings, we are confident that they will use their utmost exertions to procure for the work a still more extended circulation. of this Society. They were lovely_and pleasant in their lives, and in their deaths they were not (long) divided.” The report was arranged under the following heads, 1st. Missionary Stations. 2d. Native Preachers. 3d. Schools. 4th. Translations of the Scriptures. 5th. Pious Soldiers. The appearance of things at Serampore and Calcutta is that of a well cultivated garden. Those who were acquainted with the state of religion and morals in Calcutta thirty years ago, cannot fail to observe, how very different is the condition of that city since the esta blishment of the Baptist Mission. We can do no more than give the following extracts: The progress the gospel has made in the capital of British India, the Emporium of the East and the seat of Oriental Literature, is highly gratifying. BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Missionaries say, "To take a general man THE services commenced on the same day, at 11 o'clock, at Spa-fields chapel. Brother Hinton, of Oxford, preached from Revelations, iii. 7, 8; "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." Brother Cox, of Hackney, brother Lister, of Liverpool, and the Rev. Mr. Briant, of Nottingham (now supplying the chapel) engaged in prayer. view of Calcutta, at the present day, and look back, merely to the short period of two years, who can help wondering at the vast progress which the gospel has made amongst all ranks, from the very highest to the lowest orders. It is no novelty now to see a Bible upon a European's table, or for a Hindoo or Mussulman to read and admire that blessed book; or for the praises of God to be sung, and the voice of prayer to be heard, in the families of the great. "At Calcutta," (they add)"much has, this year, (1814) occurred of an encouraging nature. From what has already been said, you will perceive, that it is the scene of the labours of several of our native brethren. Sebukrama, Bhagvut, Neeloo, and Kanta, labour constantly In the evening, at six o'clock, the con- there in Bengalee, and our brother gregation again assembled at Sion cha- Leonard preaches in English at the Fort, pel. Brother Birt, of Birmingham, and occasionally at other places. Meetpreached from Ephesians, iv. 13, Tillings for prayer, in various parts of the we all come in the unity of the faith." capital, or for more public worship, ocBrother Innes, of Edinburgh, and bro-cupy every night in the week; and, withther Fisher, of Liverpool, engaged in prayer. The hymns were read by Dr. Rippon, Shenstone, Waters, Ivimey, and Brooksbank. The report of the present state of the missions, read by Dr. Ryland after each of the sermons, was of a very encouraging nature. The introductory statement of the origin and progress of the Society, contained an allusion to the death of some of its first and firmest friends. During the last year, and since the last Annual Meeting, the Society has been deeply afflicted by the death of two of its most able friends and directors. The names of Sutcliff and Fuller were long associated in conducting the affairs in the last two or three months, brother Leonard has been called to preach on Wednesday evenings, at a house on the opposite side of the river. The number added by baptism, this year, to the united churches of Serampore and Calcutta is sixty-one, and we have much reason to bless God, for the spirit of harmony and christian love which seems to pervade the whole body." "On January 22nd, at Serampore, was baptized Jabez Carey, the third son of Dr. Carey, and, on the 30th, at Calcutta, Raya-muni, Rama Govinda Choudhooree, Jugu-Mohuna, Dasa Kalee-Churuna, Dasa Rama Nidhigosha, Lala-Muhumuda, aud Mrs. Scott. The first four are Hindoos of pretty high cast: Raya- | muni's ancestors were honoured by several Mussulmen nabobs with titles of dignity, and had large jaghires of land assigned them." There are meetings every night in the week at Calcutta, at the chapel, and at the houses of friends in different parts of the city. Dr. Carey, in addition to his labours as professor of four languages in the college; compiling grammars, or dictionaries, in five languages; translating the scriptures into several; and preaching in his turn at the chapel on Lord's days; conducts a conference on Tuesday evening, and receives enquirers, and gives advice to any members of the church who wish to call upon him on a Thursday evening. After stating the advance of the native preachers in the knowledge of the gospel, and in that conduct which adorns it, it says of those who reside at Calcutta: "The labours of the native preachers are indefatigable. It would take a whole day to do justice to a week's work of these men. Sebukrama preaches in twenty different places during the week, some of which are seven miles distant. He crosses and recrosses the river every day. Bhagvet preaches at eleven, in and about the town. Neeloo, at about ten; and Manik at six. The brethren Jahans, Carthano,and Petruse, speak occasionally in other quarters of the city. The first four brethren preach regularly during the week in forty-seven different houses, and are invited to many more, but their time does not admit of their accepting these invitations.". The effects produced by the Holy Scriptures on some persons of the Writer cast, who, by reading the Bible alone, without the instruction of any missionary, had embraced christianity, are truly astonishing. Three of these, out of six, who were baptized, have nobly sustained all opposition for Christ from their connections, who are highly respectable in the opinion of the world. The others, not able to stand against the reproaches of the world, have gone back to idolatry, yet, of these, one was secretly returning, and visiting his brethren. The first three, who are men of superior information, labour, in a still and quiet manner, to make known the gospel to their countrymen. Tarachund, who lives at Chinsurah, says, "I have here four men who learn and hear the word of our Lord, one or more are desirous of baptism.-I have house here ready for a church, where I wish to receive the ordinance of the Lord's Supper with the brethren:" and, speaking of the bearer of his letter, who was an excluded member, he adds, "try him, exhort him, and be indulgent towards him, for the sake of our Saviour." The Schools in Bengal amount to about twenty. Mr. Jabez Carey, who is gone to Amboyna, has the superintendance of forty-two schools. The missionaries have determined to pay increased attention to schools for natives, and have adopted some excellent regulations for conducting and superintending them. They say, "So much does the utility of schools seem to have commended them to the minds of men in general, that many who do not warmly support missions, would gladly encourage schools." The number of pious Soldiers increase. In the fort at Calcutta, through the indulgence of the Colonel, Adjutant, and Serjeant Major, the 24th Regiment have a place set apart in the public barracks, in which they hold meetings for worship every morning and evening throughout the whole week. The church consists of near ninety members. They say, "Religion may truly be said to flourish where Satan once ruled without the shadow of opposition, and where the vilest prac tices were carried on in the face of open day without a blush." This regiment has lately removed to Digah, where the brethren have erected a place of worship with bamboos and rushes, capable of containing 300 persons, for eight pounds. There is a church also in the 14th Regiment at Berhampore, and several young men in the 66th Regiment, at Calcutta, are under serious impressions, and it is expected a church in this Regiment will soon be formed. The congregations were unusually large and attentive, and the collections amounted to £336. BAPTIST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. ON Thursday morning, at 7 o'clock, the ministers, messengers, and other brethren belonging to our churches, met at the Vestry of Eagle-Street Meeting. The chair was taken by Dr. Ryland, at 8 o'clock, and, after prayer by brother Upton, the minutes of the last year were read and confirmed. Brethren from the country related many highly gratifying circumstances, of the state of religion in the churches and associations, from which it appeared, that there was a considerable increase of members during the past year. The London ministers present, at the request of their country brethren, made a similar statement, which afforded much information and pleasure, |