to Mr. Moore in cash, making together £155 18s. 9d. A valedictory service was held at Little Prescot Street, August the 10th, at which the Rev. Charles Stovel presided, attended by several brethren in the ministry who united in affectionately commending Mr. Moore and his family to the divine protection. They went on board the St. George, bound for Sydney, on the 17th of August. The pilot brought intelligence of the ship's arrival in the Downs on the 19th, and that they were as well as could be expected. She sailed on the same day, since which there has been no communication from the ship. N.B. The books and vouchers are with Mr. Richard Freeman, Commercial Road. YOUNG MEN'S MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION. On Tuesday evening, October 9th, the annual meeting will be held in the library of the Mission House, 33, Moorgate Street, City. The chair to be taken at half-past seven o'clock, by George T. Kemp, Esq. Revs. J. Bigwood, J. Clarke late missionary from Africa, John Curwen, William Fraser, and J. H. Hinton, A.M., have kindly promised to address the meeting. The committee have made arrangements for the delivery of a second course of lectures, in the library of the Mission House, on Wednesday evenings. Admission by tickets, free. Tickets may be obtained in the vestries of baptist chapels. COLLECTANEA. THE ENLIGHTENED CLERGYMAN'S HOME. against the young woman, her father, and her brother, for neglecting confirmation! Another clergyman has been indicted for refusing, on the same illegal grounds, to marry two parties whose banns had been published before the Board of Guardians; and his trial for misdemeanour is expected to take place at the next Liverpool Assizes. The spirit of insubordination seems to have seized upon the clergy. We may well exclaim, what next? -The Patriot. DENOMINATIONALISM IN AMERICA. Sir Charles Lyell tells us, "There are churches here of every religious denomination. Congregationalists, baptists, methodists, free-will baptists, universalists, unitarians, episcopalians, Roman catholics, and quakers, all living harmoniously together. The late governor of the state was a unitarian, and as if to prove the perfect toleration of churches the most opposed to each other, they have recently had a Roman catholic governor. To such an extent is the public mind imbued with this generous and tolerant spirit, that when travelling through a large part of the Union, immediately after the protracted presidential election of 1845-6, our author had great difficulty in learning to what denomination of Christians the two candidates, Mr. Clay and Mr. Polk, belonged."-Eclectic Review. DENOMINATIONALISM IN ENGLAND. In disreputable contrast we may mention that, on one of his voyages home from America, a British officer of rank informed our author, with much regret, that an atheist Adverting to Mr. Noel's acceptance of the had recently been appointed attorney-general pastoral charge at John Street, the Record in one of our colonies. "I told him," says says, "Thus that termination of Mr. Noel's Sir Charles, "I know the lawyer in question movements, inquiries, and wanderings, is to be a zealous baptist." On which he rereached at last, which most persons of dis- plied, "Yes, baptist, atheist, or something of crimination have regarded from the first as that sort." So undiscerning and low-minded the most natural and probable one. are the antipathies engendered by our eccleThat this is the ultimate settlement of clergy-siastical training.-Eclectic Review. men who quit the church, that the baptist community, rather than the independent or presbyterian, generally receives such seceders, must have been remarked by our readers. The causes of such a choice are not difficult of discovery, but we know not that it is needful for us now to describe or examine them." CLERICAL ASSUMPTION. The Rev. J. Brine, Vicar of Leigh, Lancashire, has for some time refused to marry or to publish the banns of marriage between unconfirmed persons! In a recent case an appeal having been made to the bishop of Manchester, his lordship directed the vicar to publish the banns, with which he has complied, but he has intimated his intention of instituting proceedings under canon lix. THE REV. JAMES PEGGS. We are extremely sorry to learn that our friend's health has so far failed, that he has been compelled to resign his pastoral engagement at Burton-upon-Trent. We understand Mr. Peggs intends removing to Wisbeach.General Baptist Repository. REV. DR. BOAZ OF CALCUTTA. A public valedictory service was held on Thursday evening, the 6th instant (September), at the Poultry chapel, on occasion of the departure of the Rev. T. Boaz, LL.D., to India. The attendance was very numerous, and a feeling of intense and affectionate interest pervaded the meeting.—The Patriot. CORRESPONDENCE. MINISTERIAL DULNESS. To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. MR. EDITOR, Allow me to make a few observations in reference to a certain minister who occupies an important post, but whose dulness in the pulpit is interfering seriously with his success. The young are deserting him. The aged appear to be chilled and paralyzed. Few new faces are seen in the place of worship. Surprise is often expressed that having such a gospel to publish he should exhibit so little animation. It is the more remarkable as a few years ago he was reputed to be a lively preacher and a pleasant companion. When he came to this place he was not deficient in constitutional vigour, though he is now so languid; and high expectations were entertained of his future usefulness. A friend mentioned the change to him delicately a short time ago, but alas! he only sighed and made some common-place remarks. books, and silver inkstands, but private and spontaneous tokens of esteem. Quite independently of the value of the articles-and this was not unimportant-these occasional indications of thoughtfulness and good-will were cheering to the spirits of men who without them might have expended their strength, as many do now, from week to week and from month to month, without knowing how acceptable their services were, and how warm a place they had in the affections of their people. Without waiting for the joint action of deacons, it is possible for an individual who values liveliness in the pulpit, on the discovery of the first symptom of dulness, or, better still, before it becomes perceptible, as a preventitive measure, to try whether some few kind acts of this sort would or would not have as salutary an influence now as they seem to have had in former times. Deeply impressed with the ruinous consequences of ministerial dulness-consequences which I have often witnessed-I beg to subscribe myself, Mr. Editor, yours truly, AN OLD OBSERVER. A PRACTICAL DIFFICULTY. To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine. Sir,-A few friends have thought it well to lay the following statement before you, hoping that some of your correspondents may be able to give a word of advice to the parties concerned. We are members of a baptist church in a small market-town. About three months ago, a minister came to us as a supply for one month. A majority of the church then invited him to remain with them three months longer, as a probationer, in which Now, sir, it is evident that this state of things cannot continue. Something must be done, and done speedily; and I write to you because I have a suggestion to make, which, if you print it, will prepare the way for what I think should follow. It appears to me that it would be a good thing if the deacons were to wait upon him and talk with him plainly on the subject. In a kind manner, but with a determination to ascertain the fact, I would have them inquire whether his income is adequate to the necessities of his family or not. I suspect strongly that at the root of the evil is an empty purse. It was a maxim of the old philosophy, that nature abhors a vacuum, and the pastor referred to is not the only one, I believe, in whose case an illustra-light he was not considered during the first tion of its truth might be found. I could point out a dozen dull preachers on whom I should like to see an experiment fairly made of the effect that would be produced on their ministrations by doubling their income. Let this be tried; if it fail, I shall be ready to offer some further hints; but a rather extensive acquaintance with the state of the churches in several counties leads me to say, By all means let this be tried first. My recollection of conversations which I was accustomed to hear among old people in my youth, assures me that a practice was common fifty or sixty years ago, which is likely to have conduced to the liveliness ascribed to many ministers of the last century, -I refer to occasional voluntary gifts. I do not mean public presentations of purses, month of his visit. The minister objected to so long a probation, but finally consented to stay two months, with a view to a settlement if approved. During these two months several of the members who had voted for his longer continuance, became dissatisfied with his preaching, and also lost their confidence in his qualification for church government, through intelligence which reached them of his failure in this respect elsewhere. When the time arrived for the church's decision on the matter, (which business was not, however, conducted in a regular manner) there were twenty-two members voted for him, (two of whom were not properly authorized to vote) twelve members voted against him, and five members who were known to the objectors as feeling with them, preferred remaining neuter. Two deacons were in his favour, and two against him. We pass over all the painful excitement of feeling, which any one acquainted with human nature would expect under such circumstances, and we pass over all the detail which, however interesting and important to the parties concerned, has perhaps little to do with the main facts of the case. The invitation of this small majority has been accepted, and by this means a considerable portion of the church, together with several friends communing with us, and who intended to have obtained their dismission from other churches, are placed in a very painful position. We have no feeling of unkindness in any form or degree against the minister in question; but we cannot profit by his preaching, and we are fully satisfied he does not possess the requisite qualifications for this sphere of labour. We have no wish to leave our own denomination, and worship with other bodies of Christians; and we are not strong enough, were it desirable, to form a separate cause. We should be very glad, therefore, if some of your able correspondents, who may have had experience in such matters, would give their opinion on this case. Of course, among so many dissentients, there are persons of different temperaments, and consequently disposed to different modes of action; but we hope we are all anxious to act consistently with the Christian character, and so as to promote the glory of God. We remain, Sir, EDITORIAL POSTSCRIPT. We regret to learn that the Baptist Missionary Society is about to lose the advantages it has derived for more than twenty years from the unintermitting labours of our esteemed brother, the Rev. Eustace Carey, in travelling for the promotion of its interests. In a note which we have just received from him, he says, "You will oblige me by inserting in the Magazine of the ensuing month that I design to retire from the official advocacy of the Baptist Missionary Society, and shall hope to enter upon such other sphere of ministerial labour as Providence may present to me." The information contained in our last, respecting the arrangements made for the future ministrations of the Hon. and Rev. B. W. Noel, was correct at the time, though they have been subsequently set aside by an insuperable obstacle. The place of worship occupied by Mr. Mortimer is the property, it appears, of a gentleman whose mental infirmities have caused his affairs to be consigned to the management of the court of Chancery, and the court withholds its consent from a transaction of which he might possibly disapprove if he were restored to health. The chapel will therefore be continued in connection with the episcopal church, though not in the possession of Mr. Mortimer. Mr. Noel succeeds Mr. Evans in the pastorate of the church in John Street, as is stated in a preceding page, and thither it is expected that a large portion of his former congregation at Bedford Row will follow him, the distance between the two places being less than a quarter of a mile. An impostor has been traversing the country from Scotland to Southampton during the year, and by plausible tales of shipwreck, and references to our missionaries in Africa and Jamaica, replenishing his purse at the expense of benevolent listeners. Mr. Clarke addressed a letter on the subject to the Patriot, which was printed; but as he learns that the black mail continues to be levied, he wishes a cautionary paragraph to be inserted here. The Christian Times, a paper which is distinguished for the excellence of its continental religious information, announces the refusal of the Inquisition at Rome to release Dr. Achilli, who has been imprisoned for his exertions in distributing the scriptures during the time of the republic. The French government, at the instigation of our own, has demanded his restoration to liberty; but the ecclesiastical power which they have re-established is one which the experience of past centuries ought to have taught them it is easier to set up than to regulate. Two ministers in London having recently changed their residences, it may be convenient to their friends to know the direct mode of addressing them in their new locations. The Rev. G. W. Fishbourne has removed to 9, Coborn Street, Bow Road; and the Rev. W. Fraser, whose health we are happy to say is improving, to 17, Cobourg Place, Kennington Lane. The widow of the late Rev. Thomas Burchell expects to embark for Jamaica in the early part of this month. She will be obliged if friends who are preparing articles of clothing, or other contributions towards the promotion of negro education there, will forward them to No. 3, Durham Place, Lambeth Road, on or before the sixth instant. ASIA. NATIVE AGENCY AND CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION IN INDIA. We have been favoured by Dr. STEANE with the perusal of a letter from Mr. DENHAM, dated Serampore, 15th of January, which contains a view so enlightened and forcible of the importance of providing instruction founded on Christian principles for native youth, that we feel it our duty to impress it on the cousideration of our readers. It is satisfactory to know that all the excellent men connected with Christian missions in India concur in this view, and that provision is made by them for it. The Church Missionary Society has its Missionary College at Calcutta in connexion with "Bishop's College." The schools and classes connected with the Free Church of Scotland under the superintendence of Dr. Duff have been productive of great good; and we have pleasure in learning that Dr. Boaz, to whom we were indebted for a very interesting address at our last public meeting, has succeeded in the object of his visit to England, having raised the £5000 which he solicited, and being now on his return to India to found a college in connexion with the London Missionary Society. We have much pleasure in inserting the following extracts. If an earnest consideration of the means to be employed for the effectual training of young men for the work of the ministry be needed in England among youth nurtured under the influences of Christianity, how much more fully must this apply to our native and East Indian youth in this country? Be assured, if a course of training be required for effective labour at home-and what thinking man questions it?-then, unless we intend to suffer disappointment after disappointment, native and East Indian young men must have what they have never yet had, a thorough course of mental and moral training in India. In the department of my work I am almost alone. It is true that educating is not, in the strictest sense, preaching, yet there is such an intimation in the New Testament as "preaching and teaching," and the time appears to be come when we must really educate; besides, we can plant truth in the Hindoo mind while teaching them to be good citizens and good men. Our brahman pupils freely admit that their systems cannot stand if the light of a Christian education be brought to bear upon them. With the arguments their own Bhaskar Acharjya (the Newton of India) supplies, young men are in a situation to meet and refute the pundits, however learned they may be in their own lore, and put them to utter confusion. There are numbers of willing youth in India in our missionary institutions, who listen to the truths of the gospel day by day, whose good feelings and attention have, in the first instance, been won by the information imparted to them in their exercises; and may we not hope to see God's hand and his blessing in due time upon our work, as it has in due time been vouchsafed to labourers of other ages and other climes? The natives of India possess, through the efforts of missionaries and British munificence, rare advantages. At the government colleges a first rate secular education is imparted to all castes without distinction. Religion, however, is forbidden to be taught. Hence numbers of young men leave those institutions every year, who necessarily entertain a profound contempt for idolatry, and a no less disregard for the truths of Christianity; "Heady, high-minded young men, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God." Frequently have aged Hindoos said to us, "We shall die Hindoos, our children perhaps may, but the next generation? Every thing about us tends to confirm the worst of such suspicions." The days of Hindooism are numbered as surely as the days of former systems when struggling for existence against the Christian teachers of the first and second centuries, and with an open door before us, shall we not follow up our opportunities as they did theirs? In the open field, knowledge and truth have nothing to fear from ignorance and falsehood. "Greater is He who is with us, than he who is with the world.” Forgive me, my dear sir, for trespassing upon you, but I feel deeply, very deeply, for the young men of India. On their account I venture to urge on you the interests of the rising institution to which I have directed what energies I may possess during the past year. The divine blessing has smiled upon the first part of our plan. We now possess spacious and suitable accommodations for children and native students. Five young men |
