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talent as may be found on the spot, adapted to the purposes of the Christian ministry among the heathen.

1. All individuals of this description, who have been received into church fellowship, should be considered eligible for instruction, whether Natives, Indians, or Europeans.

2. In some cases the students may be able, wholly or partially, to support themselves, and then nothing would be required gratis but education; but more generally they must be entirely supported, either on the Mission premises, or by allowing them a sum sufficient to live upon among their friends, and requiring their attendance at stated hours.

3. The expence must devolve entirely on the Society, but perhaps benevolent individuals may be found, in England and in India, who would be disposed each to support an individual student at their own expence; in which case, the student so supported might correspond with his patron.

4. The plan of studies should include, besides the ordinary branches of scientific information, a regular and diligent attention to theology; the English, Sanscrit, Bengalee, Arabic, Hindoostanee, Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages; and an examiuation of the Hindoo sacred literature. By the last, the students will acquire a knowledge of all the ideas of the natives on the most important subjects of religion, and of the best modes of combatting the popular arguments in favour of the Shastras, and against Christianity.

5, A select library will be required for the use of the students, and they may be engaged in useful preparatory labours among the natives, and otherwise, during the period in which they are receiving instruction.

SCHOOLS.

These necessarily divide themselves into two branches, Boys and Girls.

1. General schools:-In these religious instruction is introduced. Their numbers may be increased according to the contributions raised for them. They are most of them supported by small associations formed for the purpose in England and elsewhere. The sum furnished for each school, has been sufficient for its support, but something further is needed to meet the expense of ground rent and building, which in Calcutta are very great.

2. Central school:--A central school is to be formed on the Mission premises, in which a number of girls taken from their idolatrous connections, are to be taught more extensively, and fitted to become teachers of the general schools.

The preceding plan has been carried into active operation in most of its parts; to complete it, the following additional aid will be needed.

1. A person who can officiate as minister of the Circular Road Chapel, and as Divinity Tutor to the young men.

2. An allowance for yearly itineracies among the Natives.

3. A sum for translation sufficient to enable the Missionaries to print some important parts of the Scriptures, which might be turned into immediate use, and serve as specimens of what a complete edition would be, and what it would cost. After this, it is probable that the Bible Society might print the complete edition.

4. Support for a certain number of Students. Supposing the expense for each, taken one with another, to be the same as in England, what shall the number be, and what period of time shall they continue their

studies?

5. A small annual contribution of books to the Library.

6. Something under the head of Female Education, to support the Central school, I. Boys Schools :-These may be classed and to assist in the erection of that and under three distinct heads.

1. Common schools:- - These are supported by the Natives, and partially by the Government and the Indian public. They need no more support.

2. Christian schools :-( Of these there are

at present too few, but they may be increased, provided the religious public will encourage them.

3. Private instruction :-Some children have been given up by their idolatrous parents entirely, and educated privately under the immediate superintendence of Missionaries. This plan has been adopted with success by the American Missionaries in Ceylon; but has not yet been tried in Cal

cutta.

II. Girls' Schools --Those in Calcutta

will in future come under two heads.

others.

JAMAICA.

We informed our readers last month, that his Majesty's Government had refused their sanction to the Consolidated Slave Act, passed by the House of Assembly at Kingston. By advices just received from Jamaica, we learn that this measure has excited a most violent sensation among the Colonists. The reading of Mr. Secretary Huskisson's dispatch in the Assembly is said to have been re

tated to insert in your valuable paper, our deliberate and united sentiments on No.4. of

these resolutions.

peatedly interrupted by violent
bursts of indignation, and public
meetings have been held at King-
ston, and in various other parishes
of the island, in all of which strong
resolutions have been passed on
the subject. We observe that the
clauses infringing on religious li-
berty, which are commented upon
by Mr. Huskisson in a manner
which entitles him to the warmest
thanks of every friend of Missions,
seem peculiarly dear to the Colo-
nial Legislators, as a means of
defence from "the spurious tenets
of sectarians," and of preserving
"the religion which has been
handed down to them from their ner.

are not nor can we be, approvers of religious restrictions, however peaceably we submit to such as are imposed on us by powers unfriendly to the doctrines and precepts of the redeemer.

We respectfully state to all concerned, that we are fully sensible of every kindness shown to us or our mission, by gentlemen of influence and respectability in different parts of the Island, and that we highly appreciate all such kindness. That we have ever evinced great anxiety to avoid obtruding ourselves on the public attention by engaging in discussions not within our province have studiously kept aloof from all interas Christian ministers, and to this day we ference with every party in politics, whether here or at home. We have corresponded with no such party, nor has any such party corresponded with us. We have confined ourselves, as the public must know, to teaching the doctrines and precepts of Christianity, in the most simple and unsophisticated manforefathers, and which is the key-being designedly and unjustly made a party We therefore feel ourselves aggrieved by stone of their religious, civil, and in politics, as in the 4th resolution. We political liberties." The fourth resolution passed at the Kingston meeting, states, "That it has ever been our most anxious desire to promote, by every possible means, the moral and religious improvement of our slave population;" and immediately subjoins, "yet we are convinced, from our own experience, as well as from the testimony of the sectarian ministers themselves, that the restrictions contained in our Slave law, with respect to Dissenters, are indis-fied, pensable." On what shadow of a foundation the most extraordinary strictions in the New Slave Law respecting We are decidedly of opinion, that the reclause we have marked in Italics dissenters are not " indispensable," that they can rest, we are not fully informed; are not calculated to promote the welfare of but all our brethren on the island the colony, and that they are strongly ophave united in publishing the follow-posed to the equitable and peaceable doctrines of Christianity, to the liberties of good ing advertisement in the Jamaica and loyal subjects, and to the rights of ChrisCourant of Dec. 3,which sufficiently tians. explains their views on the subject. A similar article, from Messrs. Barry and Kerr, Wesleyan Missi-ing dissenters, contained in that law. onaries, appeared in the preceding number of the same Journal.

November 30, 1827.

Having seen the resolutions passed at a meeting convened by his Honor the Mayor of Kingston, for the purpose of taking into consideration the rejection of the Slave Law by his Majesty's Ministers, we feel necessi

We firmly assert that none feel more anxious than ourselves to promote the best interests of the colony, and of all its inhabitants, and that our religion teaches us to feel, and act as shall most conduce to the welfare of the government under which we live.

We individually disapprove of every practhat can be judged, by discerning and litice among slaves and others in our churches, beral men, to be inconsistent with the digniequitable, and peaceable doctrines taught by the Saviour.

We therefore feel ourselves under increased obligations to his Majesty's ministers, for disallowing the restrictions respect

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JAMES COULTART,
JOSHUA TINSON,
JAMES PHILLIPPO,
THOS. BURCHELL,
WILLIAM KNIBB,
JAMES FLOOD,
JAMES MANN,
EDWARD BAYLIS,
JOSEPH BURTON,

Baptist Missionaries.

Just as the letters were dispatch-of causes; the God whom they ed from the island, our Mission-serve will not forsake them, and aries were officially summoned to we are fully assured the British the bar of the House of Assembly, Government will not allow them to then and there to answer such in- be the victims of a blind indignaterrogatories as might be addressed tion, stirred up by the line of policy to them. What the result may be, which that Government has adoptin the present inflamed state of that ed, and which will secure for its body, it is somewhat painful to advisers the respect and admiration conjecture. Our beloved friends of every true friend of his country are engaged, however, in the best and of the human race.

Contributions received on account of the Baptist Missionary Society, from December 20, 1827, to January 20, 1828, not including individual Subscriptions.

FOR THE MISSION.

Tooting, for a Female School in India, by Mrs. Thomas..
Jersey and Guernsey, Collected by Rev. P. Saffery and C. Evans..
Bridgnorth, Collection and Subscriptions, by Rev. Thomas Morgan..
Hebden Bridge, Female Association (and Subscription £1 1 0), by Rev.

J. Jackson

£ S. d.

20 0

34 1

24 11

7 7

5 0

3 5

Falkirk, Society for diffusing Religious Knowledge, by Rev. D. B. M'Kenzie
Dundee, Chapelshade Association, by Mr. Easson, for Female Education..
Paisley, Youth's Society for Religious Purposes, by Mr. Brough (Translations) 10 0
Middle Parish, Female Bible Association, for Bibles

...........

Otley, Penny Subscriptions, &c. by Mr. Alfred Catt
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Balance of Auxiliary Society, by Mr. Cowell.
Wigan, Female Association, by Mrs. Brown (for Translations)...
Nairnshire Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, by Rev. W. Barclay
Ross, Contributions for Female Education, &c. by Mr. Lewis..
Oxford, Female School, by Samuel Collingwood, Esq. Treasurer.
Leeds and West Riding Auxiliary Society, by Rev. James Acworth, M.A.:

Bramley.

Preston

7 0

5 14

6

6 0

040

6009

5 0 0 12 14 6

17 10 0

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1 15 0

3 10 0

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Salome, "part of a ring sold," by Do.

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The thanks of the Committee are presented to Robert Wigney, Esq. of Brighton, and to Miss Russell, of Lant-street, Borough, for several volumes of Magazines, &c.

Our esteemed Correspondent, W. H. A. is perfectly correct in the remark he has made on our notice of his communication in the Herald for October.

Persons who write in the spirit of Ps, need not conceal themselves by an anonymous signature; which, of course, precludes all direct and personal reply.

Littlewood & Co., Printers, 15, Old Bailey.

BAPTIST MAGAZINE.

MARCH, 1828.

Letters of the LATE REV. ANDREW errors concerning this plain book

FULLER.

To the Editor of the Baptist Magazine.

DEAR SIR,

THE following is the first of five Letters, written by my father to a highly-esteemed Christian friend now deceased, in refutation of some of the leading sentiments of the ingenious, and in many respects estimable, ROBERT ROBINSON. If you think they will be acceptable to your readers, the other four shall be forwarded in due course.

I am, dear Sir,
Yours sincerely,
J. G. FULLER.

Bristol, Jan. 1828.

LETTER I.

are altogether innocent.*

I agree with Mr. R. in believing that, upon the whole, the Bible is a plain book, adapted to the common understandings of mankind; and that men in general may understand all they are required to understand, if their hearts are rightly disposed. At the same time, there are things revealed in the Scriptures which must be to us incomprehensible; as the incarnation of the Son of God, which even an inspired apostle declares to be a great mystery." There are some things also in the prophe

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The New Testament is a book so plain, and the religion of it so easy, that any man of common sense might understand it if he would." A person who has examined a Scripture doctrine, "and cannot obtain evidence of the truth of it, is indeed

The Criminality of Mental Error. in a state in which bis knowledge is imper

MY DEAR FRIEND, ONE main article in Mr. Robinson's creed is, that the Bible knows nothing of mystery, but is a plain book; so plain as to be level with the common sense of mankind. Whether the Scriptures contain any thing mysterious, or not, it appears to me altogether a mystery, that any man of common sense should maintain two such opposite positions as the simplicity of the Scriptures, and the innocence of mental error: asserting that the Bible is so plain a book, that nobody, without either neglecting, or doing violence to common sense, can mistake its meaning; and yet that even a thousand VOL. III. 3d Series.

fect; but his imperfection is innocent, because he hath exercised all the ability and virtue he has, and his ignorance is involuntary; yea, perbaps he may have exercised ten times more industry and application, though without success, than many others

who have obtained evidence."-General

Doctrine of Toleration, &c.

"Any man of common sense might understand it if he would; and yet many such and all their virtue, and yet not obtain evimen may examine it, with all their ability dence!" This is a mystery, let what will be plain. And such a man's imperfection is innocent, because he hath exercised all the ability and virtue he has! If our obligations are to be measured by the degree of

virtue we possess, the way to get clear of all obligation is to become totally abandoned to vice. Far be it from me to attach to others more blame than I would acknowledge belongs to myself, if I continue in error. We are all imperfect; but let us not call our imperfections innocent.

H

tic writings, which can never be and proposed their being made fully understood till their accom-free by the knowledge of the truth. plishment. But then our not com- With a haughty, contemptuous air, prehending these things is not they spurn the proposal; replying, criminal, though the little attention" We be Abraham's seed, and were we devote to them may be.

never in bondage to any man: how In proportion, however, as the sayest thou, Ye shall be made Scriptures are plain, and easy to free?" Their prejudice in favour be understood, must be our crimi- of their old religion hardened them nality, if we be endowed with against conviction, and their love common sense, in not understand-of sin set them against that Gospel ing them. If the way of salvation which laid the axe at the root of is so plain, that "a wayfaring that evil tree. Our Lord, in effect, man, though a fool, shall not err told them so. "Ye are of your therein," then the errors of men father, the devil, and the deeds of concerning it cannot be innocent. your father ye will do." As if he And the same is true of the pre-had said, You would rather conceptive parts of Scripture. If tinue slaves to Satan, than that the error arise not from the obscurity Son should make you free!

of Scripture, from its being be- There seems to be a beautiful yond the capacity of men in gene-propriety in our Lord's parable of ral, it must arise from other causes; the sower. It is observable, that and what these can be besides indifference, indolence, carelessness, prejudice, pride, or aversion, I

know not.

"Why do ye not understand my speech?" said our Lord to the Jews. Was it because it was not important enough to demand their attention, or because it was not plain enough to meet their capacities? No. Mark the answer. Why? "Because ye cannot hear my word." What, then, were they naturally deaf? No. That had been their felicity. Better have no ears, than ears and hear not. Their deafness was like that of the adder, that "will not hear the voice of the charmer, charm he never so wisely." Then would they not listen to his discourses? This does not appear. But they could not receive his doctrine. This is the import of the answer. And why could they not receive it? Evidently because of their pride, prejudice, and love of sin. The pride of their hearts could not bear the doctrine which represented them as slaves to ignorauce and sin,

of the four sorts of ground, only one received the seed so as to bring forth fruit; and that one is explained of persons who have "good and honest hearts:" plainly implying, that if men's hearts were but honest, they would be sure to embrace the word of God. Indeed, the nature of divine revelation is such, that its rejection implies a dishonest heart. For instance, does the word of God set forth the rights of Deity, and human obligation? This is what an honest heart loves. That heart cannot be honest, which does not rejoice in every one having his due, and consequently in God's having his. Does it represent man as having forfeited all claim to the goodness of God? An honest heart will acquiesce in this, and be willing to receive all as a free donation. Does it exhibit such a way of salvation as provides for the honour of injured Majesty? This is sure to be embraced by an honest heart: such a mind could not bear the thought of being saved at the expence of righteousness. To

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