Page images
PDF
EPUB

treated upon, literally kept over two thousand people for two hours rivetted in attention-breathless attention to every word he said. It has been our lot to attend missionary meetings under very favourable circumstances. We have heard William Knibb in his best-and blessed be God they were all best with Knibb, -Burchell, Phillippo, and our best men from the East; we have heard John Williams, the martyr of Erromonga, Robert Moffat, and Dr. Livingstone; and Thomas Evans of Delhi stands in the first rank with these noble Christian heroes. We can only recall one meeting to compare with that of Calforia, Aberdare, on Christmas night, that was the ever-memorable meeting when Knibb made his noble speech in Exeter Hall. We were there, young and ardent. We shall never forget that meeting-and we venture to say that the Aberdare meeting was equally interesting. There are hundreds who will never forget this meeting. The two hundred children who sang "Who will go?" and the hearty responses from their young lips and hearts, "WE WILL GO," will never forget the visit of the missionary to Aberdare.

On the Lord's day, Dec. 28, 1863, Mr. Evans preached morning and evening for Dr. Price, and in the afternoon there was a special meeting for the children of the Sabbath School. The schools of Calforia, Ynyslwyd and Gadlys met in Calforia Chapel, they and their friends number nearly 2500 souls. After a short address by Mr. John, Mr. Evans addressed the children, the subject being, "The Gods of India!" The lecture was illustrated by the means of idols, representing the household gods of the Hindoo, and by a great number of pictures. The meeting was a highly interesting one.-On Monday evening a public meeting was held in Aberamon Chapel. Mr. Nickolas, the minister, presided. Mr. Evans the missionary took for his subject, " The Claims of India upon the Christians of Great Britain." Here again the chapel was completely filled, and the meeting in every sense a complete success. On the Tuesday night a public meeting was held in Mill-street Chapel, which was crowded with an attentive audience, Mr. Harris the minister presiding. Address, "The mutiny of 1857-its causes-its progress, and its results." This was a masterly disquisition upon the late war, the missionary combining the view of the statesman and the Christian. On the evening following we went to Herwaun, on the extreme North-where the Independent Chapel, being larger than that of the Baptist, was kindly lent for the meeting, and the Rev. William Williams, the congregational minister, presiding-the whole of this meeting was given up to the missionary, the subject being, "The Manners and Customs of the Hindoos." This was a most interesting address upon household customs, the social habits, and the religious practices of the Hindoos. The following evening we met in the Welsh Chapel, Mountainash-one of the largest in the country, Mr. Williams the pastor presiding. Mr. John and Dr. Price very briefly addressed the meeting, and then gave place to the missionary, who spoke for two hours and a half to an immense congregation, on "The Missionary and his work!" Here Mr. Evans gave us a very interesting description of the Christian missionary-his difficulties and encouragements-his fears and his hopes, together with his unflinching faith in the ultimate success of the Gospel. This closed the series of meetings in Aberdare. Oh! what a glorious week we had of it. We shall never forget it. Our dear brother gave us a fresh lecture every evening. Many of the people followed the whole course, indeed everybody had to give way,everything put on side. We should mention that public collections were made at the close of each service, and these collections are to be considered special, and not in any way to interfere with the regular annual collection.

We heartily thank the Committee of the Baptist Missionary Society for allowing Mr. Evans to spend nearly the whole of his time amongst the Welsh churches. This is an opportunity that may not occur again for twenty years-to have an active missionary who can address the Welsh people in their native tongue.

We are glad to know that our friends in Merthyr and Dowlais have had a similar series of meetings to those held in Aberdare, and we happen to know that Mr. Evans's time is nearly if not fully arranged for up to the end of March. We venture to predict that Mr. Evans's visit will ultimately nearly double the contributions from Wales-that is, if his present visit is properly followed up, this will be the result.

MISSIONARY MOVEMENTS.

CALCUTTA.

We have been grieved to hear that our esteemed and venerable missionary, the Rev. A. Leslie, has been seriously indisposed. By the last mail we learn that, by the blessing of God, he has so far recovered as to be again able to reoccupy his pulpit.

LALL BAZAAR, CALCUTTA.

Our dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. Sale, Mr. Allen, and Mrs. Anderson, arrived safely in Calcutta on the 18th November. The voyage was a pleasant one, but not without some danger from storms. Mr. Allen immediately proceeded to his station at Sewry. Mr. Sale has resumed, at the pressing desire of the people, his pastorate at Lall Bazaar. He sees there many proofs that the earnest labours of Mr. Kerry have not been in vain.

HOWRAH.

The health of Mr. Morgan has been so far re-established that he has been able for the last six months to resume all his useful labours. The congregation is steadily increasing in numbers and regularity. At the weekly prayer meeting many of the railway men attend. Preaching in the streets is well received by the natives, but on one occasion Mr. Morgan was interrupted by the police. Some native youth interfered, and said they had known the Sahib preach there from their childhood.

MONGHYR.

The new chapel was opened on the 25th October last. During the year four persons have been baptized, one of whom is studying for mission work at Serampore College. Four members have died, one was the native preacher, Bandhu. Mr. Edwards tells us that there are in all twelve schools in the town, containing 430 boys. One is a government school, nine are heathen schools, and two belong to the Mission, which contain 110 boys. All have been visited by the missionary, and portions of Holy Scripture distributed in them.

MORLAIX, BRITTANY.

The chapel at Tremel is finished, and is a convenient and pleasant place of worship. The authorization to open it is, however, delayed. Meanwhile divine worship is held in the house, and the work is truly encouraging. Mr. Bouhon has removed to Guingamp, and commenced his labours there with hopeful prospects of success.

NORWAY.

In reviewing the year, Mr. Hubert refers with gratitude to the fact that, through his humble labours, twenty persons have been converted to God, and baptized, in various places. There are more and more who evince a desire to learn the truth as it is in Jesus. One of the four persons lately baptized at Krageroi had come 105 miles to obey Christ's ordinance.

AFRICA, CAMEROONS.

Mr. Smith writes that he had visited Victoria, where he found things in an encouraging state. The meeting-house was filled to overflowing. He found in the Bible class forty children who could read the Scriptures very well; twenty others were not so advanced. Mr. Pinnock was hoping to baptize some promising candidates early in the new year.

WEST INDIES, TURK'S ISLANDS.

Mr. D. Kerr writes that forty-five inquirers have come forward during the year, many of whom will shortly be baptized. In the unsettled state of St. Domingo, it is thought best by Mr. Rycroft that Mr. Kerr should await the conclusion of the war at Salt Cay, where there is a church in connection with that at Grand Cay.

JAMAICA.

Through petitions from the people, the grants for "Church" purposes are being discussed in the House of Assembly, with some hope of good results. These grants add largely to the taxation of the island. The cultivation of cotton is attracting much attention among the people, but they need greater facilities for the profitable disposal of their crops. In a terrific earthquake which lately occurred, the Calabar College buildings were somewhat damaged.

HOME PROCEEDINGS.

The meetings held during the past month have not been numerous as far as we have been informed. The Revs. C. Vince, J. P. Mursell, and Geo. Pearce, attended a meeting in Commercial Street, Whitechapel, the pastor, Rev. C. Stovel, presiding. Rev. A. Saker has visited Waltham Abbey and Cottage Green. Meetings have also been held at Cardiff, when the Rev. J. Penny, of Clifton, represented the Society, and at Newport, Stow Hill, and Charles Street and Temple Chapels, and at Pillgwenlly, Monmouthshire, when the claims of the mission were advocated by Rev. T. Evans, of Delhi.

While these sheets were passing through the press, tidings reached us of the safe arrival of Mr. and Mrs. McMechan, at Shanghae, Dec. 5, after a long passage of 133 days. They received a cordial welcome from the Rev. Mr. Muirhead, of the London Mission, whose kind assistance in helping them on their way, was most valuable to them.

JAMAICA JUBILEE.

The question as to what was to be done in connexion with the observance of the Jubilee of the Jamaica Mission, was taken into consideration at the Quarterly Meeting of the Committee. It was generally felt that any appeal to our friends now, would be unwise; as the Churches have before them the pecuniary claims of the Mission. The further consideration of the subject was deferred till the meetings in April, when probably some means may be devised of securing help to our honoured brethren in Jamaica, who have had, and still have many difficulties and discouragements to contend with. Affectionate sympathy they are sure to have from all the Churches, and we trust a large place in their prayers for the Divine blessing.

RESULT OF MISSION WORK IN INDIA.

By the kindness of Messrs. Nisbet and Co., a number of copies, at a very reduced price, of Dr. Mullen's admirable book on the above subject, has been placed in the hands of the Committee. It affords most ample and reliable information. Any minister or friend wishing for a copy can have one by post on sending 2s. 2d. in stamps, or for 2s. if applied for at the Mission House.

DEPARTURE OF A MISSIONARY.

We are happy to announce that the health of our beloved brother, the Rev. Jas. Allen, has been so far improved, as to enable his medical advisers to recommend his immediate return to Ceylon. The Palestine, in which his passage was taken, was appointed to sail on the 23rd ult., and we trust that he, with his son who accompanies him, will have a safe and prosperous passage, and a happy reunion with Mrs. Allen and his numerous family, to whom his absence in this country, in such ill health, must have been a cause of deep anxiety. We ask our friends to remember this "messenger of the Churches," in their prayers, as we are sure he will be followed with their cordial sympathy and respect.

£ s. d.

[blocks in formation]

CONTRIBUTIONS,

Received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from Dec. 21st, 1863, to Jan. 20th, 1864.

W. & O. denotes that the Contribution is for Widows and Orphans; N. P. for Native Preachers; T. for Translations.

Extra Collections and Contributions towards the expected Deficiency, are marked Special.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS.

Carter, Mr. J., Crayford Davies, Mr. Jas., Bromyard

Deane and Co., Messrs.

Gingell, J., Esq.

Graham, T., Esq.

Hewett, Rev. J. H.,
Lessness Heath
Keyte, Mr. T., Rugeley
Maliphant, Mr. G.

Olney and Sons, Messrs.
Overbury, Mr. B.
Pardon, Mr. B.

Peek Brothers, Messrs.
Potter, Mrs.

Price, Rev. Dr.

Smith, R., Esq., Dalston
Taylor, J., Esq.
Tipping, Mr. Richmond
Thompson, Mr. J..
Walkden, J., Esq..
Wheeler, Mr. D.
Whitehorne, Mr. J..

DONATIONS.

A. B.. Special..

Gouldsmith, the late
Mrs. Mary, of Clerk-
enwell
Liddell, the late Mr.,
Balance of Legacy, by
Messrs. Harwood and
Pattison..

Robson, the late W. C.,
Esq., of Castlegate,
Berwick-on-Tweed,

[blocks in formation]

Collection for W. & O. 470

180 0 0

Contributions

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

97 17 6 Staines

[blocks in formation]

Balance of Legacy.. 60 0 0 Tottenham

LONDON AND MIDDLESEX.

Collection for W. & O. 1 10 0

Contribs. on acc. .... 47 6
Do. for China......

Collection for W. & 0. 250 Regent's Park

Collection for W. & 0. 16 0 0 Walworth, Lion Street

..

Contribs., Balance 21 0 5
Westbourne Grove-

Collection for W. & 0. 12 14 8
Contribs. on acc. 23 0 0

....

BEDFORDSHIRE.

Collection for W. & 0. 0 16 6 Luton, Wellington St.

5

1 1

0

Do. for Serampore.. 1 5

0

[blocks in formation]

Cranfield 2nd Church

0

Collection for W. & 0. 223

0

Riseley

050

Collection for W. & 0. 0 12 0 Stotfold

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

Collection for W. & O. 0 10 0 Thurleigh

Collection for W. & O. 0 10 0

Cottage Green

Collection for W. & 0. 110

BERKSHIRE.

[blocks in formation]

Denmark Place-
Collection for W. & O. 11 0 2
Contribs. on acc. 40 15 4
Do. by Y. M. M. A. 30 0 0
Camden Road-

Newbury

Collection for W. & 0. 1 10 0

Reading

Wokingham

Butterworth, Rev. J.C.,

[blocks in formation]

Contributions, Special Commercial Road, Devonport Street

3 3 0

Special.

100

Dendy, Mr. S., Caversham, for Debt

Collec. for W. & 0.
Eldon Street, Welsh-

0 56

200

[blocks in formation]

Collection for W. & 0. 1.10 6
Hackney, Mare Street-

Collection, Special.... 51 30
Hackney Road, Provi-
dence Chapel-

Contribs. Juvenile,

by Y. M. M. A... 2 13 9
Hammersmith-

Contribs. on acc.
Hampstead, Heath St.-

Collection for W. & O.
Donation for

Collection
Do. for W. & O.....

Haddenham

Collection for W. & 0. 0 11 0

Little Kingshill-
Contributions

Do. Sun. School

8 17 11 167

10 4 6 046

10 0 0

Collection for W. & 0. 0 10 0

Collection for W. & 0. 500

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small]

Colnbrook

..........

1 17 7

0 17 0

.....

[ocr errors]

Less expenses

....

Long Crendon

Great Marlow

1 0 0

2 6

[blocks in formation]

470

211 10 4
300

[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]
« EelmineJätka »