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flatter you.
country, and I love my country. Your
project of promoting the benefit of Ire-
land, by cultivating the language, has
at least a romantic appearance.
But
Wales and Ireland are not similar-
Wales had a prejudice against the lan-
guage; this was wisely consulted: but
this is not the case with Ireland; her
population has no jealousy of you and
your language!
Establish English
schools! send English Bibles! let them
learn to speak the language of the se-
nate and the throne. Learning is a mate-
rial object of ambition. It is a grand
and romantic plan, but I do not think it
just. Make not Wales your example:
check not the spirit of a rising nation.

is not good. Pardon me if I do not | I congratulate you on what God hath Every man for his own wrought. At one time, a clergyman could not read. If a Bible was found in an archbishop's palace, he could not read it. The archbishop of Mentz found a Bible; "I confess," said he, "I do not know what book it is, but it is all against us." Now it is found in the cabins of the Irish. I advert to the great object the society has in view. In the reign of Edward VI. [1549,] a great rebellion in Devonshire-they were longing for abbey religion again; 10,000 of them went into the fields with priests and a crucifix. "We will have the Bible in English called in again," said they, "otherwise the priests will not long confound the heretics." In his late bull, Pope Pius VII. flatly contradicts Pius VI. who recommended the scriptures to be read by the people. These cannot both be infallible !!

J. Taylor, Esq an Irish barrister.--Two years ago I addressed you; then no interruption took place from dissent as to the propriety of the means employed by this society. I have now a painful duty to perform, but before I proceed to answer my countryman, let me make some remarks on the general subject-Why is Ireland different from this country? Is it not the same constitution which protects us, and the same sovereign to whom we swear allegiance? The gentleman who spoke last, has not been in the south and west as I have;-had he been there instead of the east and north, he would have thought differently. He knew it was the privilege of an Irishman to speak twice in England, and he had no doubt, if his friends permitted, he would retract all he had said.

[This eloquent speech, which fully answered all objections, must be deferred.]

Mr. Burls returned thanks, accepted the nomination of Treasurer, and hoped the company would give him employnient. Had received 25l. annual interest of a bequest of 500l.; Edinburgh Bible Society, 50l.; Irvine, 5l.; West Linton, 10l. and many other sums. Letter from Dr. Rippon, stating he could not attend, but said, "allow me to congratulate you, and receive 51. 5s.”

Mr. Shenston communicated a letter from Sunday-school children, with a do

nation.

Rev. Dr.Newman moved that the thanks of the society be given to the Secretary, and requested him to continue his services for the next year. A very few words shall suffice. When I think of Popish superstition, I think of the Augean stable; thirty-nine years, they said, it would take to cleanse it. The fabled Hercules did it by turning a river through it. Let us turn a river through Ireland-a pure river of water of life!

The Rev. Mr. Ivimey was quite willing to accept the office for another year. He said, whenever the Society could find another to do better, he would resign his commission, and let another man take his office.

Rev. Mr. Uppadine had hearkened to the reason, argument, and eloquence recited, till almost paralized; but hoped that faith and love and patience would yet hold out. How different the prospect of this society from that of which our Lord was the centre, when he looked down, and said, "Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often," &c.

Rev. Mr. Finch, of Lynn, seconded a motion, in a very animating and serious

manner.

on

The Rev. Mr. Winterbotham was too much exhausted by felicity to go long, but begged to be allowed to express his feelings. He never expected much till women were raised to their proper rank, and came forward in works of benevolence. Go on, lovely woman, in the career which nature has marked out for you. He said, he had never assisted the cause, but now presented a donation of 51.

J. Gutteridge, Esq. would not detain them long at so late an hour. He would just read a motion-thanks to the chairman. With great propriety he might expatiate on the virtues of the worthy chairman. It was unnecessary to remind the company of his benevolence and sincere piety. We are honoured when members of the British legislature lay aside more public duties, and exemplify the text

My kingdom is not of this world.” A Christian is the highest style of man, In the Report we find lions and beasts of savage name, put on the nature of

the Lamb." This, and similar societies, | are leading to the glorious consummation, when the kingdoms of the Lord shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.

Dr. Moore, an Irish physician, seconded the motion, and expressed his hope that the glory of God would be the great object of this meeting, and this evinced by liberal donations.

J. Butterworth, Esq. in returning thanks, related an anecdote of a priest; who, in order to get a collection from his flock, told them the bridge out of purgatory was broken down. "Father," said they, "what must be done?" To which he replied, A good collection must be made to repair it." Mr. B. intimated, how much more beneficial the subscription would be employed by this society.

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The meeting concluded by singing, "Praise God from whom all," &c.

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THE annual sermon was preached at St. Bride's-church, by the Rev. Daniel Wilson, on May the 6th. After which, the Society assembled at Freemasons'hall, Lord Gambier in the chair. This was the seventeenth anniversary; and the Report stated, amongst other interesting particulars, that the income of the Society had this year increased 3000l. Their receipts amounting to 18,000l.; of which 15,000l. had been received from Auxiliary Societies: but that in consequence of the great calls on the Society from abroad, they had this year exceeded the last year's expenditure 2,000l. a third of which had been -expended on Western Africa.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rev. Messrs, Patterson, Thorpe, Bickersteth, Cunningham, Burn, and others, addressed the meeting. An anecdote of Mr. Bickersteth, who has visited the Society's schools and missions in Africa, is worth recording. He was disposed to try what effect the objection made by some to send the gospel to uncivilized barbarians would produce on the mind of a native; and therefore walking one night with a man named Richard, he said "Richard, people in England

say, it is no use to send the gospel to such as you;" to which he replied, "O yes, massa, me walk here in the darkme fall down-me break my arm-mis sionary come, put a candle in my hand, me walk down, and get home safely."

ASSOCIATION.

OXFORDSHIRE.

THIS Association was held at Burford, May 27 and 28, 1817. The meetings took place in the following order:

Tuesday Evening, half-past five o'clock.-Mr. S. Taylor read the scriptures, and prayed. Mr. Coles made some observations, introductory to the reading of the letters to the Association. Their contents were such as powerfully to excite emotions both of sympathy and gratitude, in every friend to Zion. Several of the churches have received pleasing accessions to their numbers; and in most of those which have not been so favoured, during the past year, expectations are entertained that, ere long, the desirable blessing will be afforded. The general tenor of these communications strongly enforces frequent and fervent prayer for the revival of religion in the hearts of its professors, and for the conversion of sinners. It is the earnest wish of the representatives of the churches, that all their brethren would keep these objects in view, in a more special manner, in all their secret and social prayers, as well as in the more public services of the sanctuary.

Mr. Hinton, after impressively urging some considerations derived from the letters, and from the present state of the church of Christ, in the increasing efforts employed for the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, both at home and abroad, closed the interesting service by prayer.

Half-past eight.-Ministers and messengers met in the vestry. Application was made from the Baptist church at Cheltenham, for admission into the Association, and it was agreed to comply with the request.

Messrs. Coles and Gray made a report relative to the better regulation of the business of the Association, on which some Resolutions were passed, which were ordered to be inserted in the minutes of the Association.

Wednesday morning, half-past six.Messrs. Herbert, of Boddicot; Wheeler, of Ensham; G. M. Smith, of Chipping

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Half-past ten. Mr. Cook began the service by reading and prayer. Mr. Hinton offered the general prayer. Mr. Price preached from 1 Kings, xx. 11. Mr. Gray preached from Psalm cxxii. 9. Mr. Bicheno, of Coate, concluded in prayer.

After dinner.-Mr. Hinton called the attention of the company to the state of the Association fund, the collections of the present year having fallen short of the usual amount, and more numerous applications calling for renewed exertions on its behalf. The deficiencies were partly made up by liberal contributions, so as to permit nearly the usual sums to be sent to the most necessitous

cases.

Evening, five o'clock.-Mr. H. H. Williams, of Cheltenham, prayed. Mr. J. Thomas, of Oxford, preached from Hebrews, ii. 10. Mr. Hinton communicated the most recent intelligence from our brethren in India, and closed in prayer.

Thursday morning, nine o'clock.-The circular letter, written by Mr. Bradley, was read, approved, and ordered to be. printed after which, the brethren who were able to stay, spent an hour in conversation and prayer.

:

The next circular letter to be drawn up by Mr. Price: subject, "The obligation and practical uses of Baptism and the Lord's-supper."

The Auxiliary Missionary Society will be held at Fairford, in September next, of which due notice will be given; and the Double Lecture will be at Eatington, on Easter Tuesday, 1818.

The next Association will be held at Alcester, on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Whitsun week, 1818. Messrs. Taylor and Hinton to preach. or, in case of failure, Mr. Howlett. Put up at the Angel.

STATE OF THE CHURCHES. Dismissed..... 6 12

Received on a profession of faith....... 51 by letter 3

Dead Excluded

541 Increase 27.

9

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We have received some of the Association Letters, and request that all of them may be sent us.

NOTICES.

THE annual meeting of the York and Lancaster assistant Baptist Missionary Society, which was intended to be held at Leeds, on the first Wednesday in August, is postponed till Thursday the 28th of that month.

The annual meeting of the Baptist mission will be held at Oxford on Wednesday, October 1. The Committee will meet at three o'clock the preceding day.

The quarterly meeting of the Hants and Wilts Association will be held at Romsey, on the 16th of July, instead of the 23d, as first appointed.

LIBERAL PROPOSALS. AGREEABLY to the "LIBERAL PROPOSALS" of the "Mission House Correspondent," in the Magazine for the present month, two ladies have put into my hands" ten pounds" each, to be handed over to the Treasurer of the

Baptist Missionary Society, as soon as it shall appear probable that forty-seven others have followed, or will follow, the worthy example set before them, for accomplishing the object proposed.

To be able to add to the above, either

singly, or by several sums jointly, and that others may be encouraged to do likewise, will be no small gratifica

tion to

TIMOTHY THOMAS.
Islington, June 24, 1817.

N. B. Another person has presented 101. for this object, since the above date,

IMPOSTOR!

MR. PRYCE, of Falmouth, wishes us to say, thai a man begging about the country, with his name to attest his case, is an impostor. This man has also been in London, and among other names we remember that of the Rev. Mr. Dyer, of Reading.

TO OUR READERS.

THE Proprietors of the Magazine regret having to state, that, notwithstanding the increase of their readers, they find it necessary to discontinue the gift of a Portrait every month. They had hoped that the profits would have equalled the advanced expense; but as this has not been realized, they trust that their numerous readers will confide in the discretion of the Proprietors, to give a Portrait so often as they can do it withont injury to the widows for whom the funds are exclusively provided. They intend to present them with a Portrait of the Rev. Mr, Ward, of Serampore, in the Magazine for September next, engraved by Branwhite, from an original painting.

London: Printed by J. BARFIELD, 91, Wardour-Street, Soho.

THE

Baptist Magazine.

AUGUST, 1817.

SPEECH OF THE REV. DR. CHALMERS OF GLASGOW,

AT THE INSTITUTION OF THE

FIFE AND KILROSS BIBLE SOCIETY.

I DEPRECATE the idea of the home supply of Bibles, as a great or prominent object of this institution. If the home supply be the main object of our Society, I contend, that in a country like Scotland, it may do incalculable mischief. I may say of Scotland that with the great mass of its population, the habit of purchasing Bibles for themselves is already established. Shall we do any thing to unsettle this habit, and to substitute in its place the officious and misplaced bounty of a society? Every society has an obvious interest in giving itself as important and as business like an air as possible. It must give importance to its own principle -It must do justice to its own peculiar style of proceeding-It must prove that the devious track into which it has entered, leads to an object worthy of the deviation it has made. Let us accumulate funds. Let us assume the title, and give ourselves all the wealth and consequence of a great and useful society. Let us show the world that it was not for nothing that this object was proposed. Collect all for this object, and spend all, or as much

VOL. IX.

as we ean, upon it. Give to the people at home, and prove by the extent of our distribution, and the multitude of Bibles dispersed among them, that we have not been idle. I maintain, that in a country like ours, where the people have got into the habit of purchasing Bibles for themselves, the operation of a society like this is most mischievous. The people of Scotland look upon the Bible as a necessary of life. They count it worth the sacrifice of the money paid for it. Our security that the Bible is possessed and valued by our people is, that it is bought by them; and shall this security be transferred from the deeply seated principle of their own hearts, to the exertions of a society, irregular in its movement, and uncertain in its duration? If I take a survey of my parish, with the view of ascertaining the number of Bibles, and find there is not a single house or a single family without one, to what am I to ascribe this cheering phenomenon? To the fact, that the value of the Bible is a principle rooted in the hearts of my people, and that they count it worthy of its price. This forms a strong

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and perpetual security, and must be left to its own undisturbed operation. It is not enough that they count the Bible worthy of a sacrifice. The sacrifice they should be left to make. It is too fine a principle for us to repress or to extinguish; and if in the spirit of an injudicious charity, I were to come forward with a fingering interference of my own, and teach them to look no longer to themselves, but to a public repository, I would destroy a habit which forms the glory and the security of our country. Teach them to look to such a repository as this for a Bible, and not to their own individual sentiment of its worth and its importance to them; let this habit be persisted in for years, and substituted in the place of that respectable habit of purchasing for themselves, which now completely established among them:-do this, and you place the religion of our people at the mercy of every capricious element in the human character. A breath of wind may blow this repository into atoms. The vote of one of our meetings may annihilate it. The faith and religious knowledge of our people, instead of depending on habits which are now in full operation amongst them, are made to depend upon us and our fluctuating majorities. In the course of years the repository is voted down, and the habit of purchasing is extinguished, and this Society of ours, like the institution of the poor rates, leaves the people of the land in greater want, and poverty, and nakedness than ever.

Leave a well educated people, like the peasantry of Scotland, to themselves. There may be cases of aged, poor, who stand in need of a larger copy, or of poor in large and manufacturing towns,

who are genuine objects of such a charity. These cases can be provided for as they occur. But the great objection to home supplies forming a main or. systematic part of our proceedings, is, that the limit which bounds this species of charity is so narrow and so hazardous, that the moment you transgress it, you are sure to do mischief. People must see the injurious tendency of overdoing these home supplies. If they subscribe at all, they will be very sparing and very moderate in their subscriptions. A languor and a heartlessness are sure to hang over the operations of a society, the object of which is so very ticklish and so very questionable. It may go through all the liveless forms of a public body, but it is quite impossible there can be that enthusiasm in its members, and that cordiality in its supporters, which you see exemplified to such an animating degree in the British and Foreign Society. Connect yourself with the great and sublime objects of the parent institution, and you lift off the dead weight which fettered and restrained you. You see that in their magnificent designs there is an extent which gives you room to expatiate. You cannot push your liberality to extravagance. You feel no limit on the amount of your subseriptions. The considerations which make you hesitate as to the peasantry of Scotland, do not apply to England and Ireland, and the mass of their uneducated populations. There you interfere with no habit: the habit is yet to form. Bibles are not bought; and the experiment which the Society in London is making at this moment is where Bibles are not bought, let Bibles be given. Give them the book,

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