Subscriptions and Donations in aid of this Society will be thankfully received at the Baptist Missionary House, No. 6, Fen Court, Fenchurch Street, London: or by any of the Ministers and Friends whose names are inserted in the Cover of the Annual Report. BAPTIST MISSION. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. CALCUTTA. We have just received the quarterly account from our missionaries at this important station, which we hasten to lay before our readers. To the Committee of the Baptist Missionary Society. Calcutta, April 21, 1827. By the will of a gracious Providence we are again permitted to address you, respecting our united labours in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. Since our last communication, at the close of the past year, we have bad occasion to sing both of mercy and judgment; as our course has been marked with prosperity and adversity-with hope and disappointment. At the beginning of the year our ranks were thinned, by the de Ito their native land, a measure which seemed absolutely necessary, in consequence of the impaired state of their health, particularly in the case of brother Yates. The latter, who sailed early in January, in the Mars, is gone by way of America; and the former, at the close of the same month, in the Robarts, direct for England. In addition to these losses, we have to regret the departure of Mr. Boardman, American Missionary, to the Burman country. In consequence of its long disturbed state, he was detained in Calcutta eighteen months, during which time he endeared himself to all classes of Christians here by his pious, zealous, and affectionate conduct, and particularly to us, by the readiness with which he assisted us at the Circular-1oad chapel, in English preaching, which God has blessed to many in a striking manner. Sickness also has been permitted to visit our little circle, and increase, for a time, the weight of our respective burthens of labour. Mr. Thomas has experienced a very severe attack of bilious fever, which laid him aside from his work for nearly a month; and we cannot but consider it a kind interposition of tinued among us till brother Thomas was enabled to renew his labours, which, we are thankful to say, he has done with a greater portion of strength than might have been expected. has been established for ages, is not impreg- In directing your attention to our several spheres of labour, we regret exceedingly, that, with respect to native work, there is much that is calculated to discourage, and occasion the severest grief to our minds. Our great anxiety has been, to witness the conversion of multitudes to the Son of God, but, hitherto, the pleasure has been denied us. Thousands of persons have heard the Gospel every week in our chapels; but, for a long time (with the exception of a female, with whose piety we are well satisfied, and In directing your attention to the English who was baptised in January last), no serious departinent of labour, we feel happy that we inquirers have appeared. Added to this, the are able to present more encouraging details. conduct of several who have professed Christ To the church in the Circular-road several has, particularly of late, given us much sor- additions have been recently made, beyond row, and constrained us to separate them what we stated in our last letter, and several from the church, or suspend them, for a others are shortly expected. The chapel at time, from partaking of the Lord's Supper. Howrah, since the departure of Mr. Statham, Four others also, out of a very small number continues to be well attended, and there are of native members, have been removed, in some hopeful appearances in the congregathe allotments of Providence, to a distance tion. We are thankful to state, that the up the country, but, we hope, not out of the ladies of the Circular-road chapel have lately reach of Christian privileges. These things, formed among themselves an Auxiliary Mistherefore, have contributed greatly to lessen sionary society, and, from the spirit and zeal the numbers of the native church. The with which they have entered upon this good causes of these afflictive events lie partly in work, we are led to believe that they will the want of European superintendance; for, render essential service to the missionary before the arrival of our brethren Thomas cause. Our young friends of the Juvenile and Pearce, several of the native Christians Society are proceeding in their exertions were necessarily left almost without control. with unabated zeal. Of late, their place of Imperfect as their knowledge of Christianity meeting has been so well attended, as to must be surrounded, as they are, with the render it necessary to seek a larger place, most iniquitous examples-it could scarcely which, not being able to proenre, with the be expected that their conduct should remain advice of their friends, they have commenced unimpeachable. Nor do our discouragements a subscription, in order to build a puckha or end here of late, the enemies of missions brick chapel, and have met with considerseem to have received a fresh impulse of able encouragement. It was peculiarly graenmity and zeal against the promulgation of tifying to witness their last annual meeting, the Gospel: every false report, every discre- held in the beginning of February: the room pancy of character, whether in European or was completely filled; and several of our native Christians, that can be found, and young friends on that occasion delivered abundance of unkind and base insinua- addresses, the seriousness, good sense, and tions are, by means of the public journals, scriptural sentiment of which, forcibly evinced laid before the public; so that we can the beneficial effects of the society. The scarcely take up a newspaper in which we Benevolent Institution continues to prosper, do not find something designed to injure the under the care of brother and sister Penney, missionary cause. Notwithstanding, how- scarcely a month passing away without some ever, we are thus constrained to sow in tears, pleasing evidence being given of the power it is not without hope that we or our succes- of religion among the elder boys of the school. sors shall reap in joy. We are indeed Among other incidents that we might menpressed on every side, yet not distressed; tion, the conduct of some Hindeo youths perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, gives us unfeigned pleasure. Two or three yet not forsaken; cast down, but not de- of these lads, who have acquired a tolerable stroyed. Our hope and confidence rest on knowledge of English, are in the habit of the power and promise of Christ; he must meeting every Lord's day, with brother Penreign, till he hath put all his enemies under ney, for the purpose of reading the scriphis feet. India, of all countries, is the tures, and three of them frequently attend strong hold of Satan; and yet, at the present to hear the word, at the Circular-road period, we have abundant and satisfactory | chapel. brother W. H. Pearce, continues to be in- to the Garrow mountains, inhabited by a race creasingly active, either in sending forth of people the most abject that can be conworks, which contribute to augment the ceived. This gentleman assures us that the fands of the mission, or in preparing books Government will wholly support him, and for its immediate use. Among the new pub- allow him to prosecute his own measures for lications which have been printed since the the improvement of their civil and spiritual commencement of the year, we notice with condition. Mr. F. has written to us, regreat satisfaction a work on the comparative questing counsel; and we, upon the assurexcellency of the Christian and Hindoo sys- ance that he will derive his support wholly tems, as it regards their nature, tendency, from Government, have rather encouraged and evidence, by Mr. Mundy, of Chinsurah. him to comply, especially as his present siIt was at first intended to print it only in the tuation is by no means a propitious one for native language; but it has since been preaching the Gospel. Brother Carapiet thought that a work of this kind, for the C. Aratoon has his time fully occupied in European youth and others in this country, supplying the native chapels in the city, and is greatly needed; an edition, therefore, has in visiting the native Christians. Brother been printed in English. With a design to C. has had with him lately a promising inrender the press a useful auxiliary in mis- quirer from the upper provinces, who is of sionary work, 500 copies of a sheet tract, a respectable family, and appears desirous of designed particularly for distribution after instruction. Some time, however, must addresses to the natives, have also been elapse, before we can be satisfied respecting printed every month since the beginning of his sincerity. the year, and will be regularly continued. This mode of circulating information is cal-at culated to excite attention, from its novelty; and, from its comparative cheapness, can be more extensively distributed, while the sheet contains a sufficient quantity of matter fally to occupy the attention of a Hindoo at one time. Brother George Pearce is now residing Chitpore, where he is engaged in prosecuting the acquisition of the Bengalee language, and occasionally in accompanying the native brother stationed there in his excursions among the surrounding villages, to preach the Gospel of Christ. He preaches twice ot Howrah on the Sabbath, when bro visit Chitpore, as before, to carry on worship for the benefit of the native Christians residing there. We have now taken a review of the several parts of our united labour. Much there was, we said at the commencement, that is calculated to discourage, and much there is to balance this feeling. Our discouragements, you perceive, arise not a little from the want of labourers; work is multiplying upon us, while we are not sufficiently strong to do what already engages our hands. We have had additions, it is true; but our reductions. more than balance them and our strength is now less than was twelve months ago. Since, four missionaries have departed, including the American brethren, who greatly helped us, while two only have arrived. During the annual association of mission-ther Carapiet and W. H. Pearce alternately aries in Calcutta and vicinity, in February last, we were indulged with the gratifying sight of the designation of a missionary. The church in the Circular-road having called Mr. Kirkpatrick to the work of the ministry, it was thought desirable, on many accounts, that he should be publicly set apart to the work in which he had been encouraged, by the committee. In this service two of our Serampore brethren kindly engaged (Dr. Carey and Mr. Swan), the latter of whom delivered the introductory address, and the former gave the charge; the designation prayer, with the imposition of hands, was offered by Mr. Boardman, American missionary. The great interest excited on this occasion was evinced by the numbers assembled to witness it, composed of missionaries and all denominations of Christians in Calcutta. Some who were present remarked that they felt as though they had been suddenly transported to their native land, so much did the scene resemble those delightful services in Britain which you are permitted so often to enjoy. Mr. Kirkpatrick, from the commencement of the year, has been wholly employed at Howrah, and has occasionally assisted brother George Pearce in English preaching, with acceptance to his congregation. Mr. Fenwick, who formerly resided at Howrah, has recently removed to Silhet, by an appointment of Government. Since his residence there, he has been requested, by a person in authority, to undertake a mission You will therefore feel, dear brethren, the necessity of sending us help as soon as possible. We hope that the discouraging circumstances which fidelity induces us to disclose, will not cause your hands to hang down, although we have to contend with them every day, and many others, which are only known to ourselves; yet we by no means despair of the final success of these exertions, and would on no account leave the field of labour, so long as we have health and strength to work therein. We remain, dear Brethren, Yours, affectionately, JAMES PENNEY. J. THOMAS. JAMAICA. persons, who were all I could find giving our members, in an unwatchful hour was IN our last Number, we intimated the probability that the Consolidated Slave Act, passed in December 1826, would not receive the sanction of government at home. We have now the pleasure to state that these anticipations were well founded; and that, soon after our December Herald left the press, the Secretary received an official communication from the Colonial office, apprizing him that his Majesty in Council had been pleased to disallow of the act in question. a degree; for several days I scarcely saw a Our readers will see, in this grati-pensive gloom told the sad news to all smile upon the countenance of one, but a fying termination of our anxieties on this subject, new reason to acknowledge the watchful superintending care of the Supreme Ruler of the world; nor will they fail to appreciate the wisdom and liberality of the British government, to whom, on behalf of the Society, it has been necessary on several occasions to appeal; and, hitherto, never in vain. We redeem the pledge, given last month, to insert extracts from various letters lately received from this island. From Montego Bay, Mr. Burchell writes thus, under date of June 4th: that a brother was fallen.' Several came to me in tears, and asked me if I knew what mended to them the advice of the Apostle : had happened; and after a few days enquired "How to act respecting the enlargement "Last week I took down every partition in our chapel, and enlarged it as much as it is capable of, -so that it now measures 65 feet by 37. But this place, which is filled with benches as thickly as they can be placed, was crowded yesterday morning at our six o'clock prayer meeting, so that it is easy for you to conceive how we were cir-nies and the United States, from which we cumstanced at our 10 o'clock service: not were formerly supplied with lumber, &c.;a spot of ground unoccupied, and it was dis- so that I now am purchasing pitch pine tressing to see so many go away for want of boards at 30l. per 1000 feet, which I could room. The spirit for hearing manifested by procure before for 181. To venture, therethe poor people really astonishes me, and fore, upon an enlargement at such an exwere it not for the excessive fatigue I expence, with my present very limited means, perience, my Sabbaths would be a perfect treat. I often wish I could but transport the sight of our crowded prayer meetings and public services to our Christian friends in England; I am sure they would all unite in pleasing astonishment to exclaim, What has God wrought!' Three years ago I and the illegality of receiving any subscrip- "At Falmouth our prospects are highly suring about 40 feet by 37, is crowded on the Lord's day morning and afternoon. We have formed a church, consisting of about fifty members, chiefly dismissed from Crooked Spring, and we might increase the number at once to 200, or more, but we are disposed rather to see their conduct first. Above 500 are received on our list as enquirers, and many others exhibit a pleasing concern to be instructed in the things pertaining to God. Every sermon seems to be attended with the divine blessing, and it is affecting to witness the feelings of the poor negroes, whilst listening to the tidings of mercy: 1 trust a glorious harvest of immortal souls awaits us in that town and parish. The people have long been beseeching us to come and help them, and now a door being open before us, may the Lord accompany and bless our efforts for his glory." then scattered, though for a time apparently lost, has been silently and imperceptibly springing up, though under many disadvantages, and we trust that it will bring forth fruit unto eternal glory. "Last week I visited Westmoreland, and obtained licence to preach at Ridgeland, which I purpose visiting occasionally. Considerable difficulty, however, lies in our way in the supply of this station. The distance from Falmouth is sixty miles, and it is forty miles from Montego Bay. Under such circumstances, and with three other stations on ́ our hands, the supply which we can afford must be scanty, and that at considerable labour." "A spirit of bitter opposition to the spread of the gospel exists here, as in other parishes of the island. One of our members is to stand his trial at the quarter sessions: last week two other persons connected with us had their houses levelled with the ground, Mr. Mann, the coadjutor of Mr. Burchell, communicates the follow-their feet made fast in the stocks, and are ing information respecting Falmouth, &c. His Letter is dated July 20th: wheim." now sent to the workhouse in chains-and God of Heaven. However, greater is he all for the enormous crime of praying to the who is with us than all they who can be against us the gospel shall finally be vic"Since I last wrote you I have been torious, and all enemies shall be put under visited by a slight attack of fever, but am feet.' Lo I am with you,' furnishes everyhappy to inform you that the Lord was mer-thing, and ought to cheer us when the clouds cifully pleased to bless the means which blacken around, and threaten to overwere used for recovery, so that the fever was overcome in a few hours. I have much cause for gratitude to the Father of Mercies, for continued bealth and strength since I came hither: my health has been equally as good as ever it was when in England. This, however affords but little security for the continuance of these blessings, particularly in a tropical climate, where the stoutest are frequently the first persons who fall. May I be enabled to be found watching unto prayer! In a subsequent letter from the same friend, dated August 28th, after referring to the vexatious enactments' now repealed, he proceeds to remark: Though we have been at times a little cast down, we are not altogether discou"Shortly after I last wrote you, we com-raged, but would desire to look to the God menced our operations at Falmouth, under encouraging prospects of success. The supply of that station bas, to a considerable extent, devolved upon me, in which I have felt much pleasure, and have had much to encourage me. The congregations continue numerous and attentive, and we have reason to believe that, since we commenced preaching there, we have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. "It will be gratifying to you to learn, that, after the number of years which have elapsed since this station was partially commenced by our lamented brother Mr. Rowe, we were still able to trace the effects of bis instructions. "Some we found whom we have good reason to believe are subjects of divine grace, and who have since been baptised, who dated their first serious impressions to Mr. Rowe's teaching. The seed which was of all grace that these things may have the effect of leading us to greater zeal, and more vigilant watchfulness over every department of our conduct, that we may give no occasion for the ministry to be blamed, nor for the enemies of the cross to triumph. At present the poor people are suffering many trials and discouragements. The long drooght which we experienced this season has been much felt by the provision grounds, so that scarcity prevailed to such an extent that many of the poor negroes had almost nothing to eat; and, to complete their misfortunes, about ten days ago we were visited by a severe storm, which has made areadful havoc among what was coming forward, and on which they were looking with earnest expectation for a plentiful supply. Besides, many of them are called to sustain much opposition and trouble, for their attachment to the cause of Jesus. It is, however, |