sion is the chief thing; where, or by whom, or in connexion with what agency, is as the very dust of the balance. May I be permitted to say, further, that we sympathise with you in your sufferings, under the dangers alluded to in this resolution, which threaten your Missions in the South Seas.

As fellow-helpers of the truth, we have no language strong enough to express our regret that your stations should be exposed to the sneaking, deceptive, corrupting influence of the Romish church, strengthened, as it will be, by the aid of the secular arm. We cannot but fear that, while the civil rights of the people will be as little regarded in the government as they have been in the seizure of the island, men will creep in among them unawares, and subvert the faith of some, and by their "cunningly devised fables," adapted as they are to the corrupt tastes of human nature, will draw off many of the undecided to a demoralising superstition.

Yet in all this there is cause for joy. Not only are these aggressive movements uniting us more visibly at home - I say more visibly, for I believe that whenever we try to quarrel, we are at heart ashamed of ourselves, and in spite of all, really love one another-but more than this, these movements are always a proof that the stations at which they aim, are efficient and successful. The principle of that church has long been, not to convert the heathen, but to proselyte the Protestant; to follow in the steps of Christian Missionaries, whose goings are established, not to precede them. I rejoice that your goings are established, and that the people of Tahiti are so far Christianized as to excite the cupidity and jealousy of Rome. In the mean time, and whatever our views of this event, it becomes us to remember these churches in our prayers, to entreat that they may not be moved from their stedfastness-that they may stand as sea-lights amidst the tempest and darkness that threatens them, proving by their constancy that their flame is fed from heaven, and that they are built on the everlasting Rock. If I might go beyond my record, and add one suggestion to these remarks, it would be in reference to the future movements of all our Missionary institutions. We are all essentially one, having impressed upon us in fainter or stronger characters the same image, and being united to the same Head. We are all practically one; preaching the same Gospel, honouring and exalting the same Lord. Every one of us would infinitely prefer that the world should be true Christians of another sect, rather than nominal Christians of our own. are brethren; and since, as Mission churches multiply, their substance becomes great, and the land is not able to bear them, that

We

they may dwell together, let us at home so regulate our future fields of labour, that there may be no strife between those who are brethren, since we all serve one Master, make one family, and are going, God only can tell how speedily, to the same home. I have much pleasure in moving the resolution.

The Rev. J. B. CONDIT, from Portland, in the United States, after expressing the pleasure he felt in attending the meeting, said, I desire to direct my remarks, chiefly to the single sentiment of the resolution, and that is the expression of sympathy with our brethren in Tahiti, prefacing it, as Protestants faithful to our principles, with a protest against the offensive aggressive action of the French Government. I may be permitted here to speak somewhat in the name of the American Board. Our history has been to some extent alike, not only in successes but in tribulations. I trust, when I speak of the Sandwich Islands, I mention a spot which has a claim to the sympathy of British Christians. You know that when, a few years ago, our Missionaries went to that part of the world, the way had been previously prepared by the providence of God; the islands were opened to them, as it were, by an invisible agency from above, prompting the spirit within. The work was done in the Sandwich Islands in the most rapid manner. I have sometimes compared it to the quickness with which the barrenness of northern regions is turned into the verdure of spring; where there seems to be scarcely any interval between the frost and the flowers, so suddenly does the desert bud and blossom as the rose. We counted twenty thousand members of the Christian church in those islands. And then, just at the time when it really seemed to us as if Christians at home and Christians there had reason to rise with gratitude to God, and to stronger hope than ever, a dark cloud came over the prospect. The cannon's mouth was pointed there; demands like those made at Tahiti were there made. The demands were to some extent yielded : concession was made. The Roman Catholic priesthood found an entrance, and have now for nearly four years been acting in that region. I suppose the result of such things must be to keep the Christian church where she ought to be, down in the dust. We can bear very little success; and it is often noticed that just when we begin to think that all is open and plain, God puts an obstacle in the way, and makes us feel that our strength is not in man, but in the Lord of hosts. With respect to the intrusion of the Romish heresy and all its machinery into the Sandwich Islands, permit me to inform you, that, in a long letter received just before I left

my native shores, from one of the Missionaries, I learned that the Romish church was a very little too late; that the press in these islands had circulated so many Bibles-one edition of ten thousand exhausted, and another going on-that the Missionaries had reason to believe that Romanism could not achieve its victories there. The success which has attended the Roman Catholic priesthood has been in two departments. A number of persons had been dismissed for bad conduct from the Christian churches; chafed in spirit, some of them have fallen into the arms of Romanism. In those sections of the island where Bibles have not reached, and Christian schools have not been planted, they have found some success; but repeated cases are recorded in which persons who had been previously instructed in the Gospel have gone into the Romish chapels, and looked round the walls, and when they have come out have exclaimed, "Why, this is our system of idolatry over again, and we cannot have it." There is one fact from which hope may be derived. One of the chiefs of the Sandwich Islands, in connexion with the Rev. Mr. Richards, has been lately upon the American shores, and has addressed a letter to the American government, asking a recognition of the independence of the Sandwich government, &c., that the people of these islands may be in some degree protected henceforth from any such invasion as that which has been recently made upon Tahiti. To that application a favourable answer was given, and I heard that they were going to France on a similar mission; but how they are likely to succeed there I cannot tell.

The Rev. A. TIDMAN: France has consented to it.

The Rev. R. B. CONDIT. I was not aware of that fact. It is the remark of Milner, that "to believe, to suffer, and to love, was the primitive taste." The Missionary, in the exercise of faith, leaves his native land, goes to the destitute, and plants among them the standard of the cross. Nothing else will sustain him in his work. There is faith, but there is hope too; in the horizon, in the distance, it shines bright, and beckons us onward. I cannot give up hope. Whatever may cause other minds to yield to alarm, hope is still left, and let us cling to it. But a greater than these is love. I do feel that we have not yet known the full power of love, though I admit that love has presided at all your meetings which I have attended. It is love that can touch misery and handle wretchedness. Love will go out and embrace the object about which faith and hope are exercised. Faith and hope have no tears, but love can weep. Love is the very heart, the vital element of

your enterprise, and let it be infused more and more into all your operations. The resolution proposes that you should give the testimony of your sympathy with your brethren in their afflictions. How shall we testify it? Oh, my dear friends, it is very easy to shed tears here, but let us remember that our brethren want something more than tears. I remember that when that venerable man, who is now almost become a patriarch in our history, the Rev. Daniel Temple, after returning home some years ago to bring his children back and to leave them in America, was about to bid them farewell, one of them, a little son nine years old, said to him, "Father, why do you go away and leave us here?" My son," said he, " 'my duty calls me to go.' "Father," said the child, "can't you bring your duty here?" Oh, my friends, I hope you have settled this matter conscientiously; and if you can bring your duty here, I pray you to take care that you do it at home. It was your own Fuller who said, that after some have gone into the mine, we must remember that it is our duty to hold fast the rope. Let us take care that we do really feel for our brethren; let us make such a manifestation of feeling as shall reach the spirits of our brethren, and convince them that we do really sympathise with them in all their trials.

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The resolution was then carried unanimously.

The Rev. J. SHERMAN briefly moved"That Thomas Wilson, Esq., be the treasurer: that the Rev. Arthur Tidman and the Rev. Joseph John Freeman, be the foreign secretaries; and the Rev. John Arundel be the home secretary, for the ensuing year. That the Directors, who are eligible, be re-appointed; and that the gentlemen whose names will be read be chosen to fill up the places of those who retire; and that the Directors have power to fill up vacancies. Also, that the most respectful and cordial acknowledgments of this meeting be presented to the Right Hon. Sir George Grey, Bart, M.P., for his obliging services in presiding on this occasion, and conducting the business of the day."

The Rev. A. F. LACROIX, in seconding the resolution, and taking leave of the meeting, prior to his departure for India, spoke to the following effect:-I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without expressing my heartfelt gratitude for the kindness with which you have received me. Nothing can be more gratifying to my feelings than that my feeble endeavours have, I hope, in some measure, tended to increase the interest which is felt in this country for India. If this has been effected, the fondest wish of my heart has been realized. My heart was full of India-full of its claims; and you know that from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Therefore, whenever an opportunity was afforded I spoke about it, not only in this country, and in Scotland, but in my own

native land, in Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, Holland. Wherever I went, India held the uppermost place in my thoughts. While, however, I have constantly held forth India as a most promising sphere of missionary operations, I cannot conceal the fact, that there does exist in that country numerous and very formidable obstacles, that will require the persevering efforts of British Christians to overcome. Your Thames Tunnel was not completed in a few days, as a road over a meadow of the same length would have been. Why? Because of the numerous obstacles that were to be surmounted; they were so great that many thought the undertaking absolutely chimerical; still, by arduous and persevering efforts, they were all surmounted, and now that work, in its finished state, attracts the admiration of all, and forms a splendid memorial of British enterprise and perseverance. Let British Christians but manifest the same unflinching exertion in reference to India, and I doubt not that in his own good time the Lord will cause the stupendous work of the conversion of the myriads of its inhabitants to be accomplished.

I will not trespass further on your time, but sit down commending myself and my dear brethren of the Indian mission to your most earnest and fervent prayers and re

membrances. I cannot tell you how consoling it is to your Missionaries in heathen lands, amidst all the trials to which they are exposed, to enjoy your sympathies, and to be remembered by you at a throne of grace. We also shall pray for you and sympathise with you. You may stand in need of our prayers. Times are becoming critical in Europe. From what I have observed during my late travels through this country, and in various parts of the continent, I feel that a mighty struggle between light and darkness is at hand. Oh! may you all, when it arrives, acquit yourselves of your duty manfully and faithfully, as it behoves Christians to do. And what shall

I say more? I will only add, let us then all pray for each other; you, for us in heathen lands, and we for you in Europe; and let us all in the strength of God believe, that, wherever we may be placed, and whatever be the spheres which the Lord has appointed to us, we will be faithful to him to the end. We will fight the good fight, keep the faith in the firm hope that his kingdom will soon be established, and that when the conflict is past, truth, holiness, and happiness will fill that world which too long has been the seat of error, sin, and

woe.

The resolution was then put, and carried, and the meeting adjourned.

The

The CHAIRMAN then rose and said :-In adverting to any peculiar encouragements during the past year, in reference to this Society, I shall do so more with the desire of eliciting the opinions of our beloved and esteemed missionary friends present, than with a view of expressing my own. two well-known facts which have awakened so much interest in the Christian world, (for the interest is not confined to this Society, but extends to all who love our Lord and Saviour,) have reference to China and Tahiti. These occurrences are very different in their nature, and bear a different aspect; the one being an occasion of much joy and gratitude, the other of deep regret. With respect to China, it behoves us to see the over-ruling hand of Providence, which guides and directs the affairs of nations as well as of men, in working out means for the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ. It now rests upon the Christian church to avail themselves of the opening which has thus been presented to them. With regard

to Tahiti, the labours of the Society, carried on during forty years, appear to have been blighted; and the events which have taken place are distressing to the Christian mind, and appear to be destructive to Christian hopes. But they should guide us to look up to God in this case as well as in others, entreating him to lead us to the adoption of those means by which his own glory shall be extended, and the power of his Gospel more decidedly felt.

The Rev. J. J. FREEMAN read a brief abstract of the Report, of which a few of the leading features have already been given.

The Rev. S. THODEY, of Cambridge, then rose to move

"That the Report, of which an abstract has been read, be approved, printed, and circulated. That this meeting, in receiving the cheering intelligence contained in the Report from the various scenes of the Society's labours, and in the efficiency of its diversified means of operation, feels constrained to present its humble tribute of gratitude to Almighty God, to whose love and power all real success in Christian Missions ought exclusively to be ascribed; and while this meeting would regard every instance

of success both as an encouragement and a claim for extended effort, it would also cherish increasingly a deep and prayerful sense of dependence on the energy and grace of the Holy Spirit as equally essential to the acceptance and efficiency of Missionary labours."

With regard to the sentiments expressed in the resolution, we confidently believe that the statements of the Report furnish alike an encouragement to, and a claim upon, Christians for increased exertions. May I remind you of the importance of missions, and our encouragement to promote them by the progress of society within the last three centuries. During that period the process of preparation has been going on introductory to the wide diffusion of the word of Christ throughout the world. As certain as the downfall of the four great nations of antiquity was preparing for the march of the Prince of Peace, so certainly you may trace the hand of God in now making way for the introduction of the Gospel throughout the world; and in the same space of time, the noblest and most distinguished men have arisen to adorn and grace society. Providence has provided, step by step, the means of arousing the intellect of the world, thus preparing the way for the triumphs of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

If Great Britain be true to the expectations of the world concerning hertrue to the designs of the providence of God in her elevation, I venture to say that she will write her history in the annals of the world in characters of light; but if she were now to withdraw from the enterprise-like Judea, she would be blotted from the map of the nations, because she knew not the day of her visitation. We call upon you, therefore, to yield yourselves to all that God demands, and all that a devout mind would prompt. We do not meet in the spirit of rivalry, but to carry on the work of God. May I urge on your consideration that the London Missionary Society has a peculiar claim-it arises not only from the events recorded in the Reportnot only from the success with which God has been pleased to crown it, but also from the recollections of what the Society has originated. It has given birth to other objects-it has encouraged a kindling and a kindred spirit: every Missionary Society under heaven has been better for its example and its great success.

The Rev. W. STALLYBRASS, Missionary from Siberia, rose to second the resolution. Having offered a few introductory remarks, he said-It is now twenty-six years since I first left my native land; twenty-four of which have been spent in actual service, in different departments of Missionary labour, among the heathen in that part of the world. Siberia is peopled by two classes

of inhabitants. It is a land of banishment and exile, but none except ourselves have ever been banished from it. The aborigines are of the Mongolian race, and to them our efforts were directed; they are the votaries of Buddhism, and have gods innumerable. I laboured there for sixteen years without seeing any fruit of my ministry; but one day, a little boy had a frame round his neck, in which there was his god-he had learned that portion of Scripture, "The gods of the heathen are no gods"—and he applied this to his own. When surrounded by his school-fellows he said to them, I do not believe this is a god, I shall throw it in the fire, and if it will burn it is not God." His companions trembled; they expected the god would jump out of the fire and devour them; nevertheless, curiosity led them to witness the carrying into effect of his determination; he threw in the god, and it was burnt. This is a delightful proof of the effect of simple instruction from the word of God.

The resolution was put and carried, and The Rev. J. ALEXANDER, of Norwich,

rose to move

"That this meeting congratulates the Directors of the Society on the very gratifying Report presented by the Rev. J. J. Freeman, of the state and prospects of the Society's Missions in British Guiana and the island of Jamaica, from which the strongest hope may be entertained that the Mission churches in those colonies will, for the greater part, be shortly self-supported, and that in their future zeal and liberality valuable assistance to the cause of Missions may also be anticipated."

The resolution refers to the Report delivered this morning, and that Report, I am happy to say, is entirely satisfactory and gratifying. We know that our brother Freeman has been long and efficiently connected with our cause. He laboured in Madagascar; then he came to be connected with the Society at home; he has visited the West India Missions, and has returned in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace. It appears from the Report which has been read this evening, and from that verbally given by Mr. Freeman this morning, that much has been done in the cause of Missions-much of labour-much of pecuniary expenditure-much of success-but we are not yet perfect. We believe that men living without Christ are living without hope, and are perishing for lack of knowledge. Believing that, there ought to be a corresponding practice, and every one ought to put forth increased energy and determination to pluck men as brands from the burning. If we really believe the truths of the everlasting Gospel, we should pay more attention than has ever yet been done to our Redeemer's authority, and to the command, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.'

The Rev. J. J. FREEMAN then rose and detailed a few of the leading facts connected with his visit to the West Indies, as delivered at Exeter-hall in the morning.

came to me

The Rev. S. HAYWOOD, from Berbice, in seconding the resolution, said;-I have come from a land, where I have had many difficulties to encounter; but there is no trial which we ought not to be willing to endure if we can but carry a cup of cold water to the meanest disciple of the blessed Redeemer. The first sermon that I preached at my present station was on the blessed and glorious day of negro freedom. You may well imagine what my emotions were on that occasion. I stood in the midst of 6,000 black people, and I felt that the fields were fast ripening unto the harvest. At that period not one of the people could read, not one was married, not one was baptized, and none knew anything of the Gospel except what they had heard from the people on the estates of New Amsterdam or Demerara. While I was preaching the most important truths, such was their inattention, that they went round to each other with wooden bows filled with water, that they might drink. But, after a short time, one and another began to listen, and to look to Christ for mercy. A man and said, "I cannot get away from the story you have told. I tried to walk, and he kept by me; I ran, but he kept close; I went to bed, put my hand on my eyes, 'go to sleep,' but my eyes still open, and story come again. When the story come so fast, I said, now, boy, (a term they use when speaking of any thing,) to-morrow there is my shovel and my cutlass, I will go into the field, and I will pass you then. I go into the fields, and begin to work, and I find the story go into the ground as fast as the shovel." I inquired what was the end of his story, and he replied, "I feel that I must love the blessed Redeemer; that I must be married, instead of living as I now do; that I must be baptized, and give my heart to Christ." Multitudes thus came forward. God made himself known among the people, and it appeared as if a nation were being born in a day. When laws were passed at the time of freedom, every Dis. senting minister was allowed to marry those connected with his own congregation, and numbers came to me to have this rite performed. Some of the congregation then said, "We must have a chapel." I inquired where they would get the money; to which they replied, "Never mind that; we will put up bit by bit, till we get it." The building was ultimately erected, and cost 1,0007. We formed a church consisting of fourteen persons, that continued to increase, and for the last three or four years

we have had from 300 to 350 people in Christian fellowship. I cannot tell you their gratitude to the Christian people in England for the kindness shown them. During the last year we have refunded to the London Missionary Society every farthing that we have received. We held meetings in Berbice; but we reverse the plan adopted by you; we make a collection before the speeches are delivered, and I have known 2007. deposited at one meeting. The resolution was then put and agreed to. The Rev. W. BUYERS then rose to move

"That this meeting cherishes powerful and most affectionate sympathy with the Christian church of Madagascar under the prolonged and aggravated sufferings of its persecuted members; while it feels devoutly thankful that the Saviour, for whom they are counted worthy to suffer, has sustained them amidst fiery trials, and kept them faithful even unto death."

We surely ought to cherish feelings of interest in our persecuted and afflicted brethren in Madagascar. We have heard that they have exhibited the faith and patience of the martyrs of primitive times; and we may rest confident that in Madagascar, as in other lands, the blood of the martyrs will prove the seed of the church. As I am about to leave England in a few days, I have simply to bid farewell to the Christian friends present. I have received, since I have been in this country, much kindness, much Christian sympathy and hospitality from many now present, from many who are absent, and especially from the Directors and officers of this Society, and I wish thus publicly to testify my thanks for it. I came to this country for the restoration of my health, and to print the word of God, and other works, for the benefit of India. These ends having been accomplished, I shall return in a few days to the interesting scenes of my former labours. I do not consider it as a hardship to proceed to India, but, on the contrary, I look forward to it with delight; and I shall rejoice, the day that I reach her shores, to preach that Gospel which can alone cheer and animate us in time, and point us to a blessed eternity beyond the grave.

The Rev. J. ARUNDEL briefly seconded the resolution, which was then put and agreed to.

The Rev. G. CHRISTIE moved, and the Rev. G. GOGERLY seconded

"That the most respectful and cordial thanks of this meeting be presented to Frederick Smith, Esq., for his kindness in presiding on this occasion, and conducting the business of the evening."

The resolution having been put, and carried by acclamation, the Chairman briefly replied, and the meeting separated.