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of Biscay, and proceeded to our present | situation with a degree of celerity very seldom known, here we raise our Ebenezer, and acknowledge that hitherto God hath helped us.' In the Irish Channel we were exposed to considerable danger, the wind almost amounting to a gale; but since that, the wind has been moderate, and the weather inexpressibly beautiful. The inconveniences arising from sea-sickness having been overcome, our attendance at family prayer increases, and several of the gentlemen on board are usually present. Last Lord's-day we were unable to have any worship, the motion of the ship being very great, but we hope to have a little congregation next Sabbath-day. The captain is exceedingly obliging, and we are very happy in our companions, especially Mrs. Ward, from whom we receive every kindness.

"Assure our friends that we feel for them an affection which distance cannot obliterate."

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ment, In order to give a more correct idea of the school, I have sent a plan of it, which you will receive along with a book or two, and some papers, which will be gratifying to all persons interested in the cause of the Haytians, and zealous in spreading the blessings of edu cation.

Those gentlemen who have visited the school, have been much pleased with the order and improvement of the scholars. Some Americans lamented the want of such a system of education in America. From what I learn from them, the few schools they have in America are in rather an imperfect state, considering the time they were established; they must certainly be inferior to the schools more recently opened in England.

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I find my scholars possess great abilities; they make rapid progress in the English language. It is now six months since I commenced to qualify some monitors, and at present they are capable of teaching a class of 30 to 40 boys. They, of course, render me great assistance; they have advanced in six months to the sixth and seventh classes, and go through the first four rules of arithmetic, in English, with facility. His Majesty sees the advantages of the system, and being ever anxious for the welfare of his people, is going to have schools of the kind established throughout the kingdom; considering that the only way to insure the happiness of his subjects is by giving them education. Mr. Saunders is gone to Port-de-Paix, distant about 40 miles from Cape Henry, where he is employed also in the instruction of a number of young men."

Domestic Religious Intelligence.

BAPTIST DENOMINATION. and Marshall, with power to add to

20, Harpur-street.

Ar the General Meeting of the Baptist Denomination, held at Carter-lane, June 26, 1817, the Rev. Dr. Rippon in the chair; a letter having been read, addressed to the chairman, recommending the formation of a fund for assisting in the repairing and building meeting-houses, it was resolved: "That the subject recommended in the said letter, be referred to the consideration of a Committee, consisting of Messrs. Barber, Penny, Napier,

VOL. IX.

their number, and to take such steps as they may think proper to forward the object proposed,"

JOSEPH IVIMEY, Sec.

Address of the Loan Fund Committee, to all who are concerned for the extension of the Redeemer's kingilom, in the churches and congregations of the Baptist Denomination throughout the United Kingdom.

DEAR BRETHREN AND FRIENDS,

Feeling, as we do, the importance of the subject referred to us, we anxiously

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embrace the earliest opportunity of bringing it before you; in doing so, it may be proper to present some extracts from the letter above mentioned:

"We have been cheered and animated by every year's Report of the success of village preaching, and other exertions of our dear ministers and friends, in all directions: the consequences have been, that many rooms and houses for worship have been, and still are, wanting in various situations: while in others, enlargements became necessary to accommodate the accession of hearers. But to provide for these requires pecuniary means not yet resorted to." The writer then proposes, "That a Loan Fund be raised for the purpose of assisting any congregation to build, enlarge, or repair places of worship, who can comply with the conditions which will be indispensable: these are presumed to be, that 5 per cent. per annum interest be paid by the borrowers, and that 10 per cent. of the capital be returned annually; that security be given by the borrowers to the trustees of the fund, and that all expenses attending giving such security be paid by the borrowers.

Should this plan be well received by our ministers, by our congregations, and by opulent individuals among us, this fund would soon become a stream, that, necessarily widening in its course, would cheer and invigorate the denomination throughout the country. There can be no difficulty in raising the fund,

"Every congregation, containing one hundred persons, who will pay three pence per week to this object, is competent to receive, because to repay, a loan of 400l. and so on, more or less.".

Such is the simplicity of the design, that it will not be necessary to attempt any farther elucidation of it, and we trust that its importance will be also manifest; perhaps it may become more so to some persons, when they are informed that the Committee in London, for recommending cases, have seen it necessary to admit one every month; that besides these cases, there are very many of our own denomination, and also of others, in constant course of application. And that thus the painful service of our country brethren, in these appli cations, is rendered still more painful, more expensive, and less productive: it should be considered too, that we have reason to hope, demands of this nature will be constantly increasing, unless provided for on a system more honourable, pleasant, and economical. Let us, then, dear brethren, invite your most serious attention to this subject. We shall be happy to receive the communication of the ideas of individuals, or bodies of Christians, and to receive their subscription; we are also ready to receive the applications of congregations for loans upon the above plan.

Signed, by order of the Committee,
JOHN MARSHALL, Chairman.

SCHOOLS.

if it is entered into with zeal: a compa- THE ADVANTAGES OF SABBATH ratively small sum would make a good commencement; for instance, 1,200l. would afford an immediate supply for three cases wanting 400l. each; and sup posing (what we will not suppose but for illustration,) that no additions were made to this original sum, the second year would put the trustees in a condition to attend to another case of 300l. and so on progressively. It is not necessary to point out the operation of the fund more minutely, as all will see at a glance, that fourteen years would thus double the fund, on the above inadmissible supposition; but when it shall be constantly increasing by other means than its own operation, what must be the result! But that by kind and seasonable assistance our churches will be enabled to help themselves, and that thus religious mendicity (indispensable at present) will be gradually super. seded." The writer subsequently proceeds, to show the practicability of the measure, as it respects our different communities:

Ar the village of Ascott, by Whichwood, a little distance from ChippingNorton, Oxon, a small, plain, but convenient place of worship has been erected, and was opened on Lord's-day, December 29, 1816. Mr. Bradley, of Naunton, preached, from Haggai, ii. 9; and Mr. Gray, of Chipping-Norton, from Luke, xiii. 29. The village of Ascott is deeply poor, and painfully profligate; several years since an attempt was made to introduce the gospel, but not succeeding, it was given up. In the year 1815, an active and benevolent youth, a member of the church at Chipping-Norton, pitying the sad condition of the children of the poor, began a Sabbathschool, and the prosperous nature of that attempt, prepared the way for the preaching of the gospel, first in a cottage, but this proving far too small, the present place has been built, and with the greatest regard to economy, has cost

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in connection with that notice, though hostile to it, was no arrangement of mine.

were

Perhaps the friends of that society concluded otherwise, and thus mistaking my design of promoting a more efficient and liberal attention to their own object, have rejected the amendment suggested. It seems, however, that they alarmed; that they mustered an extra meeting of their Committee, and ordered their Secretary, J. P. Porter, to issue their proclamation of warfare. Whether this attack was honestly provoked by the paper adverted to-whether their champion has acquitted himself in the spirit of meekness; or whether the objections quietly proposed to the limitations of their plan are satisfactorily | answered, the impartial reader must determine.

I am anxious only to clear myself from the charge of misrepresentation, to which a quotation unintentionally and slightly incorrect, has exposed me. After all, the thing objected to is confessed. It stands on their records "that no beneficiary member shall be entitled to the benefits of that society, unless he APPEARS to be PERMANENTLY incapaeitated to exercise the pastoral, or ministerial office, by reason of age, or infirmity."

But the friends of this society feel anxious that its beneficiary members may continue in circumstances to claim the immunities of superannuation, and are very solicitous that none of their ministers should "appear, even once in their lives, before them as paupers seeking an alms;" yet by their "hints to poor ministers," given in a note, they

would send them once a week as paupers, to four of their own members to solicit an alms of one penny, to make good their subscription of a guinea a year! So much for the boasted" arrangements of a society, which professes to unite impartial justice with liberality; and the tenderest benevolence with independence!" How well these poor ministers are likely to succeed in following up the hint they have received from the Committee at Bath, while some of them can only obtain 20 or 301. per annum, and many of them not more than 50 or 60l. for the support of themselves and families, is easily predicted.

Much more might be observed, but I forbear, having no wish to offend the Bath society, or occupy your pages on the subject. I am happy to learn that tion a more liberal institution, which will there are those who have in contemplaprobably render the interference of the general meeting in London unnecessary. tion to trouble you with any farther However that may be, I have no intenremarks, even should Mr. Porter sub

scribe another paper in reply to this, by order of the Bath Committee.

ONESIMUS.

ASSOCIATIONS.

WILTS AND SOMERSET.

THE twenty-second meeting of the Wilts and Somerset Association was held at Bath, on Tuesday, the 15th of April. Mr. Mitchell, of Warminster, preached in the morning, from 1 John, iii. 8. Mr. Seymour, of Bradford, in the afternoon, from Eccles. viii. 12. Mr. Gough, of Westbury Leigh, in the evening, from Isaiah, lxiii. 1. Messrs. Stennett, of Calne; Saunders, of Frome; Holloway, of Bristol; and Winter, of Beckington, engaged in the devotional services of the day.

The next meeting to be held at Bradford, on the first Wednesday in October, 1817. Mr. Phillips, of Penknap, is expected to preach.

BEDFORDSHIRE.

THIS Association was held on Wednesday, April 30, 1817, at Ridgmount, Bedfordshire.

Met at half-past ten o'clock, a. M. Mr. Brown, of Keysoe, read appropriate scriptures and prayed. Mr. Knight, of Little Staughton, preached, from Zech. xiv. 6, 7, and Mr. Upton, from London,

preached from Isaiah, li. 3. Mr. Wake, of Leighton, concluded in prayer.

Met at three o'clock, P. Mr. Such, of Steventon, began in prayer. Appointed Mr. Keely, of Ridgmount, Moderator. Read the letters from the different churches. Transacted the business of the Association Fund. Read the Circular Letter drawn up by Mr. Wake, approved, and ordered to be printed. Appointed the next Association to be held at Steventon, on the second Wednesday in May, 1818. Messrs. Wake and Keely to preach. Mr. Knight to draw up the next Circular Letter. Subject, "The influence of regular scripturai discipline upon the internal prosperity of the churches."

Met at six o'clock in the evening. Mr. Harris, of Cranfield, prayed. Mr. Peacock, of Rushden, preached, from Matt. xvi. 26, last clause. Mr. Such closed the service of the day in prayer.

Collected at the doors, for the Baptist Mission in the East, 8l. 18s.

The meeting was well attended, and we trust, it was "a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord."

NORFOLK.

ON Wednesday, May 28, 1817, the churches in this Association held their annual meeting at Great Ellingham. In the morning, the Rev. Jonathan Carver, of Necton, preached, from Heb. ix. 28. In the afternoon, the Rev. Samuel Green, of East Dereham, preached, from Isaiah, lv. 10, 11. In the evening, the Rev. L. Ellington, of West-row, Mildenhall, Suffolk, being present, was requested to preach, and very obligingly consenting, delivered an animated dis. course from Matt. xxviii. 19, 20. The presence and blessing of the great Head of the church made the services of the day both pleasing and profitable to many.

The next annual meeting will be held at East Dereham, on the Wednesday in Whitsun-week, when Messrs. Carver and Hatcher are expected to preach.

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the Association, having assembled at the meeting-house, Mr. Tyrrell, of the church at Rayleigh, began in prayer. The letters from the churches were then read; and truly pleasing were the accounts, (with very few exceptions) which were contained in them. Mr. Payne con. cluded in prayer.

Tuesday evening, half-past six.-Mr. Hoddy, of Clare, began in prayer. Mr. Miller, of Braintree, preached, from Nahum, i. 2. The ministers and mes. sengers were, in the mean time, engaged

in the business of the Association.

Wednesday morning, seven o'clock.Mr. Eveleigh prayed; Mr. Wilson preached, from Dan. ii 44.

Wednesday morning, half-past ten.The use of the Independent meetinghouse having been kindly granted, Mr. King, of Halstead, prayed; Mr. Wil kinson, of Saffron Walden, preached, from 1 Cor. iii. 6, 7; Mr. Pilkington, of Rayleigh, from Eph. iv. 9, 10. The Rev. J. Fielding, the Independent minister, whom, with the greatest cordiality, we can denominate brother, concluded in prayer.

Tuesday evening, and Wednesday morning. The ministers and messengers having met to transact business, it was moved, seconded, and resolved unanimously:

I. That the minutes of the last Association be read and confirmed.

II. That Mr. Wilson be continued as our itinerant for the next six months, and be allowed 401. for the same, with incidental expenses; that he be employed at Heybridge, and the neighbouring villages, during that time.

III. That a Committee be held at Heybridge, before the 29th of September next, (the day of meeting to be fixed by the Secretary,) to transact the business of the Association, and that Mr. Wilkin son preach on the occasion. In case of failure, Mr. Eveleigh.

IV. That the Circular Letter on "The importance of truth in our dealings with one another," prepared by Mr. Wilkinson, be adopted and printed.

V. That the subject of the next Circular Letter be," The duty of Christians in reference to the spread of the gospel," and that Mr. Trivett be requested to draw it up.

VI. That in future the ministers to preach at the annual meeting be appointed as follows, viz. one by the church

where the Association is to be held, and the other to come in rotation. The one that follows to preach in case of failure.

VII. That in consequence of the very

reduced state of our funds, our churches be requested to do as much as they conveniently can, by a public collection, between this and the meeting at Heybridge, and that the respective ministers or messengers communicate the same to the Treasurer on that occasion.

VIII. That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Treasurer and Secretary for their past services, and that they be requested to continue them for the ensuing year.

IX. That the next Association be held at Braintree, the last Tuesday in May, and the following day, 1818. Messrs. Eveleigh and Trivett to preach. In case of failure Mr. Bain.-To put up at the Horse and Groom.

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Tuesday evening, at six o'clock.-Mr. Holloway prayed, and Mr. Page of Bristol, preached from Luke, xxiii. 39-43.

Wednesday morning, eleven o'clock. -The members of the society for the benefit of the widows and orphans of ministers held their annual meeting.

Afternoon, half-past two.-Mr. Tyso prayed; Mr. Winterbotham was chosen Moderator; the preliminaries and letters from the churches were read, and Mr. Giles concluded in prayer.

Evening, seven o'clock.-Mr. Nicholson, of Kingsbridge prayed; Mr. Saffery preached from 1 Cor. ix. 12. Mr. Singleton, of Tiverton, concluded. After the public service, four or five letters were read to the ministers and messengers, which had been deferred in the morning.

Resolved-That the Association earnestly recommend the urgent case of the church at Newport, in the Isle of Wight, and hope that Mr. Franks will be encouraged in his applications on its

behalf.

Thursday morning, six o'clock.— Messrs. Chandler, Toms, Franks, Bulgin, and Humphrey, of Collumpton, engaged in prayer. The ministers and messengers then received and distributed the collections for the fund, amounting to 176l. 28. 9 d. and received 19t. 7s. 8d. for letters; with subscriptions from most of the churches toward the expense of the Association.

N. B. All the churches are desired to be mindful of the fund next year, and it

is expected they will not neglect to send each of them a small sum for necessary expenses also.

Half-past ten. Our Independent brethren kindly granted us the use of their large place of worship for the following services:-Mr. Porter began in prayer, and Mr. Winterbotham preached from 2 Cor. v. 14, 15; Mr. Stennett read the General Letter, and Mr. Kilpin concluded in prayer. Met for business in St. Austle, and Salt Ash, the churches at the vestry, when letters were read from which places were received into the Associations.

Three o'clock. Mr. Cherry prayed, and Mr. Saunders preached, from Psalm xix. 12; Mr. Robert Tozer, who is assist ant to his father, the minister of the place, concluded in prayer.

Stayed for business, when the General Letter was approved and signed by the Moderator. Application was made from churches newly formed, at Honiton, Crediton, and Perriton, in the parish of Minehead. The Association rejoice in the prospect of success at each of these places, but deferred receiving the churches into the Association till next year.

Evening, six o'clock.-Mr. Davis prayed; Mr. Roberts preached from Heb. xi. 24-27. Dr. Ryland concluded in prayer.

After the public service, met in the vestry.

Agreed to hold the next Association at Shortwood; Messrs. Ryland and Davis to preach; in case of failure, Messrs. Page and Saffery.

Mr. Wilcox to draw up the General Letter.

The Moderator concluded prayer.

YORK AND LANCASTER.

with

THIS Association was held at Blackburn, May 28 and 29, 1817.

At half-past ten o'clock in the morning, the ministers and messengers met the Association. for the arrangement of the business of

In the afternoon at two,. Dr. Steadman prayed, Mr. Hargreaves was chosen Moderator, the letters from the churches were read, from which it appeared that the churches were in peace, that most of them had had some additions, several of them considerable, and that they, upon the whole, exhibited symptoms of a revival. Dr. Steadman then gave a brief statement of the exertions and

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