Will "Onward" favour us by stating how a letter must be directed in order to reach him? His £20 has been received, and £15 of it has been appropriated as he requests. Subscriptions and Donations in aid of the Baptist Missionary Society will be thankfully received by William Brodie Gurney, Esq., and Samuel Morton Peto, Esq., M.P., Treasurers, or the Rev. Joseph Angus, M.A., Secretary, at the Mission House, 33, Moorgate Street, LONDON: in EDINBURGH, by the Rev. Christopher Anderson, the Rev. Jonathan Watson and John Macandrew, Esq.; in GLASGOW, by Robert Kettle, Esq.; in DUBLIN, by John Purser, Esq., Rathmines Castle; in CALCUTTA, by the Rev. James Thomas, Baptist Mission Press; and at NEW YORK, United States, by W. Colgate, Esq. Contributions can also be paid in at the Bank of England to the account of "W. B. Gurney and others." A WORD OR TWO ON SEVERAL THINGS. OUR readers will be gratified to hear that the Rev. S. Green has returned in safety from the sister island. During rather more than a month's journey, he visited Parsons-town, Moate, Athlone, Ballina, Banbridge, Conlig, and Belfast. His report as to the state of the mission in these stations is very encouraging. He also speaks highly of Messrs. M'Namara and Moriarty, both of whom he saw, the latter having met him at Parsons-town, and the former at Ballina. The committee have resolved to engage Mr. M'Namara for six months, hoping by that time to have such an increase of funds as to justify his permanent engagement. It is with regret that we announce that a similar step could not be taken with Mr. Moriarty, owing to the want of means; yet he will not be lost sight of. We appeal to our friends in Scotland to help us in this matter. The report which Mr. Green presented respecting the condition and management of the farm near Ballina, supported out of the RELIEF FUND, was satisfactory to the committee, there being every probability, judging from present appearances, of all expences being repaid by the crops, even for the first year. Mr. Green was present when the labourers were paid a week's wages, and they appeared contented and truly grateful for the relief which the work on the farm afforded them. We are very glad to find that the proposal for prayer for Ireland, suggested by the treasurer, and which has been communicated to most of the churches by circular, as well as to many private friends, has been so cordially approved, and so cheerfully responded to. We hail this as an omen for great good, As this is the season when persons possessing means usually seek for renewed health and vigour, by relaxation from the cares of business, by journies to the continent, or sea-side, we beg to put in a word for Ireland. The disturbed state of Europe renders travelling on the continent unsafe. Now why not try Ireland, where scenery of all kinds, and almost inexhaustible, may be found. The North Western Railway Company engages to convey first class travellers in their from London to Killarney and back, for £6., and second class for £4, giving a fortnight for the journey, and from Birmingham and Manchester for proportionably less fares. By availing themselves of this arrangement, our friends could really benefit their afflicted fellow subjects in Ireland. They might spend a Lord's day or two, at some of the stations occupied by our missionaries, and cheer them by their presence and sympathy. The money spent in the journey would give employment to many industrious poor, and some kindly feelings would be called into play, while their own minds would more thoroughly sympathize with the condition of the people. We throw out this suggestion as one worthy of consideration, and shall be glad to furnish any friend who will ask, whatever information we possess, respecting the route, and the best way of seeing most in the least time. Mr. YOUNG is prosecuting his work at Cork with many encouraging tokens of success. There have been several additions to the church, and the attendance increases. He wishes insertion for the following statement. AS IT SHOULD BE. The tale of the good Samaritan is placed on record for our imitation as well as admiration. That we might not expend all our thought and feeling in admiring the generous deed, there has been appended the practical exhortation, "Go and do likewise." May I be allowed, through the Chronicle, to place before our friends the liberal conduct of two ladies towards Ireland, not for eulogy, but for imitation. In a late number I expressed a wish to employ as a reader a good man whom I had baptized. These ladies, who wish their names to be veiled, have offered to support this person to labour in this city, and he is now actively employed in his work of faith. Ireland lies prostrate and groaning under the oppression of superstition and sin. What can so effectually assuage her griefs, and heal her maladies as the gospel of Christ. And in con junction with other agency, how useful in diffusing the gospel are such men, who go from house to house to make it known. These friends have generously given me such a help, without cost to the society. Who will "go and do likewise ?" Mr. BATES and his friends are taking steps to carry out their long cherished desire for a place of worship, which we believe has been commenced. It will be seen from the acknowledgments in the previous Chronicle that kind friends in England have liberally helped. On account of my absence from home for so many months during my late visit to America, the out stations have not been visited with the accustomed regularity; but at Banbridge the usual services have been kept up. Notwithstanding the depression of trade, the distress which prevails all around, and my protracted absence, we have had nine added to us during the year, and our clear increase is seven. The Sunday-school which had somewhat declined from a variety of causes, is beginning to look up again, and we have now one hundred in the roll. Mr. WILSHERE, who is supported by the late Mr. Boyce's fund, and who occupies the society's chapel at Athlone, in his summary of the proceedings of the past year observes: We have not met with such fierce opposition as formerly. Still various influences are at work very powerfully to frustrate our aims. We have been enabled to establish a Sunday-school which is wel! at tended-we have got up a lending library, which is much prized, and the books are eagerly sought for, both by the scholars in the school, and the members of the congregation, and the attendance on the Lord's days and on the week evenings, is very encouraging, while several thousands of tracts have been distributed, and hundreds of families visited in the barracks, the town, and villages about, by the scripture reader. This is the sowing time, and we must go on with the work, and wait until the time for reaping shall come. It is the conviction of all persons, having any means of forming a correct judgment, that the Irish mind is undergoing a great change. The deputation from Ireland to the assembly of the free church entered fully into this matter. We wish we had room for the Rev. Mr. Kirkpatrick's statement. But we select an example from BRENNAN's journal which will illustrate THE CHANGE GOING ON. man met me on the road, who said he was glad to see me, for he was going to my house. I asked him what was his business. He told me he was very unhappy for some time past. I inquired the reason. He said, "I have not confessed to my priest for two years." What keeps you from going to your priest?" "I see he is not living like a Christian himself, "But and he cannot be of any use to me!" do you not believe that whatever the conduct of the priest may be, that by his office he could forgive sin." "Yes, I did, but you will not find many of that mind now." Being struck with this, I asked him whether he knew of any that did not believe in the power of the priest to forgive sin? "Yes, I know thirty and more that believe he has no more power to forgive sins than you have!" I then inquired did he know that any of the people had a bible or a testament?" "Yes, you gave I. B. a testament, and he reads it for a good many." Did you hear him read it?" "Yes I did, and it was the first time that I heard it; and then I heard P. S. reading some little books that you gave him, and that is the reason why I was wishing to see you." I told him of the sufferings and death of Christ. While I was speaking his eyes were fastened upon me, and when we parted I promised to visit him. I state this to show that we have reason to hope that the spell of priestcraft is giving way. Mr. BERRY writing May 3rd, has occafact is a different one, and that is all the sion to refer to the same subject. The better, but it is equally satisfactory. Of the reality and extent of the change we have spoken of, we give it as, ANOTHER PROOF. The change which has taken place in this country is indeed great. I am living here about ten years. The first month of the first year, I went to preach at a funeral. Every Romanist man and woman walked away, and left me with a few protestants On Tuesday last I was invited to preach at a very large funeral. The majority of the people were Every one remained. Not a paid almost breathless attention. whisper was heard. All were silent, solemn, and seemed deeply impressed. Is not this contrast cheering! Romanists. They We need frequent examples to impress upon our minds great facts, the reality of which we have been disposed to question. From the midland district, the following extract from J. MONAGHAN'S journal, conducts us into the far West, and there we gather, SOME FRESH EVIDENCE. My engagements in this neighbourhood all tend to show that the people are becoming On my way to the county of Sligo, a poor more and more alive to inquiry which the Lord will, I trust, sanctify to the full dis-esting account of a visit paid to his covery of the truth as it is in Jesus. station by the Rev. G. M'NAMARA, who is now an agent of the society. In passing through D, I entered a house where I found two men, one holding an Irish testament in his hand, the other a small book called, "The ground of the Catholic doctrine." They were comparing these together, to see how the doctrines set forth in the latter agreed with those of the former. They said they were glad at my timely appearance, and told me what they were about, and that purgatory was the subject of their present inquiry. I then took the testament and read all the passages which were referred to in support of the doctrine, and showed that neither penance, nor any corporeal punishment, could take away sin and render us just in the sight of God; and then by other portions of scripture proving that it is by faith alone in the all sufficient atonement of Christ, that a sinner can be justified. They listened patiently, and agreed that purgatory was an invention to swindle them out of their money. Yes, I replied, and out of your salvation too! That is a fact, said a third person who was present, and they do it without scruple. On some occasions when calling at their houses, I find the people assembled in batches reading the scriptures, and comparing the doctrines of their church with their sacred contents. We have easier access to the people now than ever. A NEW THING. During the time Mr. Hamilton was in London, Mr. M'Kee and Mr. M'Namara preached in Tully. The visit of the latter, for the first time as a preacher of the gospel, caused a little stir among the Romanists; for only a few years before they saw him, in the same parish, a sacrificing priest. They were very anxious to hear him, and were expecting that his sermon would consist of a tirade of abuse against the pope, and the blessed virgin. To their great surprise he ridiculed neither of the above personages, but directly led them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. After the service was over, a woman, who had never heard the gospel before, desired her husband to ask Mr. M'Namara whether he had still the power to forgive sins. He replied, "If any earthly priest can forgive sins, so can I; but none can, for God only can forgive sins. He was asked by another, how soon he would come again, or when he would preach in the Irish language for them. These and other questions were asked by Romanists, and I cannot but hope that he will be very useful among his benighted fellow countrymen. RICHARD MOORE's journal states a fact, which shows that a feeling is growing Mr. M'KEE gives a short, but interest-up of scorn for priestly denunciation. ing summary of a journey through a part Formerly it excited the strongest terror of his district. Evidences of the fact -now, in many cases, it only provokes already dwelt upon, come out inci- a smile dentally, but they are not the less valuable. A PREACHING TOUR. I have just returned from a preaching tour through the lower part of Sligo, and a part of Roscommon. During a fortnight I have addressed congregations in Doorish, Clara, Boyle, Castlesea, Clogher, Achowry, Sugawarry, &c. Many heard the word with pleasure and with profit. We have had some Romanists to hear, who listened attentively, and expressed themselves much interested in what they heard respecting the message of mercy. I had the pleasure of speaking to about three hundred children, during the past week or two, on the subject of their eternal welfare. The state of the schools, is on the whole satisfactory. Sometimes I think that the pupils should have made greater progress in scriptural knowledge. But then I remember that most of them receive no religious instruction whatever, except what they obtain in the schools, so that I see no ground of complaint against the teachers. LIGHT GIVES COURAGE. "I got last week into the wilder part of the the country around C, where the priest has been cursing me, and all who come to hear me. But the more he denounces us, the more we prosper; for the Lord is blessing When the people saw me crossing the bogs, our number. our labours, and adding to some ran to meet me. I said to one of them, as he walked with me. The priest will curse you next Sunday.' He replied, 'When he is tired of that, he must stop, for I am sure the Lord will not answer him."" Mr. WILSON'S labours at Kilcooley Hills are blessed to the good of souls. ENEAS M'DONNELL gives a very inter- His reader, Mr. Hayden, has been struck "I am sorry to say that several of our most worthy members are about to emigrate. This is trying, but we must not be unduly discouraged. We shall have some baptisms shortly. On the whole good is done. "Our preaching stations are going on well; and from these stations I generally observe nearly twenty persons attending Lord's day evening at the chapel. I have one station in a very poor part of the town, where the attendance is generally about fifty, and scarcely three of these have any other means of religious instruction. Another extract from J. JUDGE's journal, will show the utter darkness which Romanism throws over the mind, and when a poor sinner sees the way of salvation by Jesus, it is truly coming "into marvellous light." "Read in the house of T. concerned about his soul. I., who is much Before I had visited and instructed him, some time ago, he said he did not know what Christ had done for sinners, or how a sinner could be saved by his blood. He came to hear Mr. Hamilton. and now greatly delights in his preaching He is able to remember what he hears, and tells it to his family at home. And he added, Before I attended the chapel, I believed the priest could forgive my sins, and being anointed, my soul would go to heaven. But Christ can save me.' now I know this to be false, and none but This man comes six miles every Lord's day to the service.” The state of trade in the North has been so depressed as to affect the church at Conlig severely. Matters are someletter give some idea of the case. what improving; but Mr. MULHERN'S "We have just been favoured by our expected visit from our beloved ex-secretary Mr. Green, by which we have been cheered. He preached excellently, and spoke affecthe church; tionately and feelingly to and his visit will be long gratefully remembered by the brethren at Conlig. We have had no additions recently to the church; still we labour, and pray, and hope. Sickness, removals, and emigration, have in some measure thinned our church and congregation; but all this is the Lord's will, and to his will we desire cheerfully to submit. My own health has not been for the last few months quite so good as usual; but still, blessed be the Lord, I have been enabled to continue my usual labours. I preach regularly five and our congregations on week days are times a week, and occasionally oftenerat present I think rather better than ever they were. Our daily schools are well attended, and in a flourishing state, and about forty children attend our sabbath school." POSTSCRIPT. The circular which has been addressed to the churches on a "proposal of prayer for Ireland," has induced many friends to correspond on the subject. The spirit and tone of the letters have been most gratifying. It is an appeal to which all devout minds will cheerfully respond; and it is quite certain that where the spirit of prayer exists, those who feel its power, will not be found wanting in the spirit of giving. May these prayers be heard, and may the Missionary spirit more deeply and widely pervade all our churches! CONTRIBUTIONS SINCE OUR LAST. London, Battersea-Collection...... £ 8. d. 4 17 2 L. M........ ......... £ . d. 50 0 0 1 10 9 Park Street-for Irish School for 1847...... 5 0 0 Bewdley-by Rev. G Pritchard... Walworth, Lion Street................ 11 0 0 Haverfordwest-Contributions. 11 1 0 М. Н.. 200 Kingsbridge-Mr. Balkwill..................... 110 FOR DEBT. S. M. Peto, Esq.....................................105 0 0| Tritton, Mrs................ Subscriptions and Donations thankfully received by the Treasurer, JOSEPH TRITTON, Esq., Lombard Street; and by the Secretary, Mr. FREDERICK TRESTRAIL, and Rev. JOSEPH ANGUS, at the Mission House, Moorgate Street; and by the pastors of the churches throughout the Kingdom. |