well known to the government of the country, although, perhaps, not equally well known to their Lordships. It was perfectly true that they had no corporate capacity-that they possessed no corporate or legal existence; it was likewise true, that they held no actual office of emolument or trust under his Majesty's government, and that they had no right to claim any authority, save such as their piety, their learning, and their moral lives gave them in the respective congregations over which they presided,

he required any authority to induce him to support that cause-the authority of such men would weigh more with him, than thet of almost any other body of men in the kingdom. He had, moreover, to mention, that this petition was not open to an objection which had been made to one on a former evening. This petition had been adopted in pursuance of a resolution, which had been agreed to before the intentions of his Majesty's government had been made known. That resolution was adopted at a very full meeting, and the majority in its favour was not less than three to one, bearing nearly the same proportion as those who signed did to those who had not signed this petition.

He was sure their Lordships would give a favourable consideration to the petition of such men, who counted amongst their body such distinguished names as Watts, Doddridge, and Lardner.

The petition was then presented, and read at length.

LIVERPOOL SOCIETY IN AID OF THE OPE-
RATIONS OF THE SERAMPORE MISSION-
ARIES.

Moved by Dr. Steadman, and seconded by Nicholas Hurry, Esq. :

Though he was sure they would be the last in the world to wish him to ascribe to them any power or authority with which they were not legally invested, and though none, he believed, were more remarkable for the exercise of manifold virtues, he thought it but right to observe, that these petitioners had, as a body, been long recognized by the government of this country, and that they were the successors and representatives of those men who negotiated, through no less a man then the great Mr. Locke, with the government, the Toleration Act, the cornerstone of that great and glorious edifice which he trusted would be now fully completed they were the descendants and representatives of such men, and they had A public meeting was held at Great been uniformly remarkable for their devotion | George-street Chapel, Liverpool, on the 20th to the cause of civil and religious liberty, of January, 1829, the Rev. Dr. Raffles in and their loyal attachment to the throne. the Chair. After the Rev. Moses Fisher Without resorting to any invidious compa- had engaged in prayer, the following resorisons, were the Noble and Right Reverend lutions were unanimously adopted. Lords who sat on the opposite benches present in the House, they would allow him to say, that there was no class of men in this country to whom his Majesty's family were more deeply indebted, than those Protestant Dissenters; and so strongly was that felt, that every Prince of the House of Brunswick, on his accession to the throne, received upon the throne an address from these Protestant Dissenters. It was quite true that they were not invested with any corporate capacity, but these petitioners were intimately connected, he believed, with all the old Protestant Dissenters in England, consisting of not less than 3,500,000, exclusive of the Wesleyan and other Methodists. They were, as he had remarked, distinguished for their attachment to the reigning family-they were decidedly opposed to the errors of the Church of Rome-they had always been keen in detecting any thing like an approach to civil or ecclesiastical tyranny, and the first to expose and defeat the attempt. Such were the men who now approached their Lordships, praying them to extend the principles of civil and religious liberty to all classes of his Majesty's subjects.

He would confess, that if he required any new fact to render him favourable to the great measure of Catholic emancipation-if

1. That a Society be now formed, in aid of the Translations, the Missionary Stations, the Native Schools, and the College, conducted by the Serampore Brethren.

Moved by Dr. Marshman, and seconded
by Edward Baines, jun. Esq. :
2. That the following Gentlemen be a
Committee for the present year, for carrying
the preceding resolution into effect; viz.
Rev. Dr. Raffles,

Samuel Hope,
M. Fisher,
William Hope,
Dr. Stewart,
Nicholas Hurry,
James Cropper, Chris. Hird Jones,
James Heyworth,
William Kay,
Laurence Heyworth, William Laird,
George K. Holden, John Priestley,
Adam Hodgson, A. Wedgwood,
David Hodgson,
Esquires.
and that Messrs. William Hope and C.H.
Jones be requested to act as Secretaries,
and S. Hope, Esq. as Treasurer.

Moved by the Rev. M. Fisher, and se-
conded by L. Heyworth, Esq.
3. That convinced of the infallibility of
the divine promises, which declare that the
knowledge of the Lord shall cover the whole
earth; and aware of the very limited de-
grees in which these predictions are as yet
fulfilled; this meeting deems it an impera-

tive duty to seek the influences of the Holy him. Another engages with much piety and Spirit, on behalf not only of the Serampore fervour at our prayer meetings. There is Brethren, but of all, at home and abroad, of also an aged woman, who has been confined every denomination, who are engaged in for some time by affliction; and to a friend diffusing the light of the Gospel. who visited her last week she said, "Before Mr. H. came to Thorpe to preach, I was unconcerned about my soul and eternal things; but now these occupy the whole of my atten tion. I hope for salvation through the merits of Jesus Christ; and if I could be assured of my interest in him, I would gladly leave this world to be with him for ever." I might mention other instances equally pleasing.

Moved by the Rev. Dr. Stewart, and
seconded by Mr. C. H. Jones:
4. That in the prospect of Dr. Marsh-
man's immediate departure, with the view
of his resuming labours at Serampore, this
meeting commends him, and those who may
accompany him, to the providential guidance
and blessing of God; and prays for the con-
tinued prosperity of the cause to which be
and his valued colleagues have so long and
so disinterestedly devoted themselves.

Moved by John Priestley, Esq. and se-
conded by S. Hope, Esq.

5. That the thanks of this meeting be presented to the Chairman, for the friendly regard he has ever evinced towards the objects and proceedings of the Serampore brethren, and for his kind aid on the present occasion.

We have inserted the above simply as an article of intelligence: individuals, in such cases, of course do as they think proper. Our readers must be fully aware, from what has appeared in preceding Numbers of this work, that we are identified in opinion with the Committee of the Baptist Missionary Society.

EDITORS.

NORTH SURRY AND MIDDLESEX MISSION.

Of the efforts made in this direction by the Berks and West London Association, a pleasing idea may be formed by the following simple communication from one of its agents.

To the Rev. J. H. Hinton, Reading,
Staines, Jan. 9, 1829.

Monday evening. Preached at Englefield Green, Egham. I have now obtained a room in this destitute and depraved place. At my first and second visits very few attended, but this evening there were about 30 present, which nearly fills the room, as it is small. One of our members conducts service here on Sabbath afternoons and evenings.

Tuesday evening. Preached at Wraysbury: present from 80 to 100. On the Sabbath evening there are frequently 150, or more; aud the Sabbath-school contains from 40 to 50 children, though it has been considerably lessened by church influence. Prayer-meetings are also held, and tracts distributed on the loan plan; and by the blessing of God, we hope the seed sown will spring up to his glory. A new place of worship is much needed in this village; a few friends have commenced subscribing to the object, and subscriptions and donations will be thankfully received by Mr. W. Bucklaud.

Wednesday evening. Preached at Staines. Thursday evening. Preached at Halifax : present 25. Here much opposition is experienced from a person of influence, in a very responsible station, who declares that those who attend the meeting shall not partake of the church-gifts, so that the number, though small, is nevertheless gratifying, under present circumstances. A small Sunday. school has been established, and is conducted by two respectable friends in the neighbourhood.

MY DEAR SIR, I am happy to inform you that the village stations in which I labour, wear a very gratifying and encouraging aspect. There is a greater disposition to hear, and a more de- Friday evening. Preached at Harmondsvout attention paid to the gospel generally worth: present between 50 and 60. This is than I have before seen; and I think there a very encouraging station. Here is a Sunare greater proofs, that in most of the vil-day-school of 50 children; prayer-meetings lages the Lord is blessing his word to the souls of the people. I herewith send you the journal of a week, with a few particulars relating to each of the stations: as it regards the number of bearers, it must, however, be remembered that the weather occasions a considerable variation, as many of them come from a distance.

Sunday evening. Preached at Thorpe; present about 100; was much pleased with the conversation of a young man, to whom I have not before adverted, who expressed his love to the Saviour, and his desire to follow

are also held, and the place, which will hold about 100 persons, is not large enough for the Sabbath evening congregation. Thus the blessing of the Lord has attended the exertions made for the benefit of immortal souls, and the promotion of his glory in this village, which, but two years ago, was destitute of the gospel, and it is hoped that angels have rejoiced over sinners brought to repentance.

Though I have finished my week's journal, there is another village I must not forget to mention; St. Ann's Heath. Here from 40

On Thursday, Jan. 15, 1829, the Rev. John Davis, late of Bradford Academy, Yorkshire, was set apart to the office of copastor over the church meeting in Ebenezer Chapel, Portsea. The Rev. T. Tilly commenced the service in the morning by read-" ing suitable portions of Scripture and prayer; the Rev. John Neave delivered a discourse on the nature and constitution of a Gospel

APRIL, 1829.

AMIDST various causes of gratitude, the friends of the Baptist Irish Society have had much occasion for thankfulness, not only for the direction of divine Providence, as to the selection of suitable agents to carry forward its benevolent intentions, but also for the continued preservation of their lives. We are now, however, called upon submissively to record the death of one of our most pious, zealous, and persevering Scripture readers, Thomas Bushe. The journals of this worthy man's exertions from month to month, fully testified the earnestness of his mind in the cause in which he was engaged; and the statements of Mr. Thomas entirely confirmed these communications. As to his departure from this world, we refer our readers to the present number of the Chronicle, in which they will find upon what a firm foundation he rested his immortal hopes, and what substantial support he derived thence. He has left behind, we lament to add, a widow and six children, in circumstances of destitution, to mourn his loss. We sincerely hope they will be enabled to look to Him who is the husband of the widow, and the father of the fatherless; and that many instances of effective sympathy will be afforded to alleviate the severity, and diminish the bitterness of their distress.

From the Rev. J.P. Briscoe to the Secretaries. I settlement of a church in this country,

Ballina, 19th Jan. 1829.

formed on scriptural principles, is in reality of more importance, and more directly calculated to promote the objects of our Society than may appear on the first view of the circumstance.

MY DEAR BRETHREN, FROM the Journals of the inspectors which I now forward, you will ascertain how, and with what success they have been employed I am sorry to inform you that the Hamduring the last month. It is encouraging mersmith school, (No. 1. in my return,) is to observe, that notwithstanding the con- considerably reduced in point of numbers, tinued and determined opposition with which through the determined and systematic opwe meet, there is some little good resulting position with which, for some time past it from our endeavours. The letters of B. has had to contend. I mention this in order and C. will, I think, afford you pleasure on if possible to induce the friends at Hammerperusal, as they will shew you that there is smith to make a little extra exertion on its a spirit of enquiry excited, and without this behalf. If they could raise three or four we cannot expect to succeed; but when pounds, to be laid out in articles of clothing, there appears to be a practical regard paid I am sure it would be productive of much to the admonition of the Lord, "Stand ye good. Mrs, B. would gladly superintend in the ways, and see, and ask for the old the making of the different articles, and the paths, where is the good way, and walk distribution of them. therein, then there is reason to hope that I remain, those who were wearied in the greatness of Dear brethren, their way will find rest for their souls. Yours affectionately, J. P. BRISCOE.

Since I last addressed you I have been engaged amongst the schools, and in preaching in different places, and generally to good congregations. In Ballina my congregations continue respectable in point of numbers, and I would humbly hope that some good impressions have been made. May the Lord strengthen and perpetuate them. I recently spent a Sabbath in Sligo, and preached for the Independents there, who, at that time, were destitute of a minister. About a fortnight or three weeks ago, I baptized three persons in Mountain River, who are added to our little church, which now consists of fourteen members, and we have still the prospect of an increase. The

From the Rev. J. Wilson to the Secretaries.
Sligo, Feb. 17th, 1829.

DEAR BRETHREN,
THE journals of the Readers which accom-
pany this, will with few exceptions, be read
with great pleasure, as they satisfactorily
shew, that notwithstanding all the agitation
that prevails in the country, and all the op-
position that is given to our operations, the
work is going on. Many continue to hear
the word of truth read and preached, and
the hearts of some are opened to receive it,

P

and at the risk of their lives, they act in to all appearance at the point of dissolution, conformity to it so far as discovered. and as you by more than seven years' expeThere are individuals within my know-rience know, has been a tried, decided and ledge at the present moment, who not many months ago, were in what is considered here comfortable circumstances, but are now living exclusively on potatoes, and have neither sheet, blanket, nor any other article to cover them at night, save the rags that bang on them by day.

I have the pleasure to inform you, that I have received instructions from Scotland to employ another Sabbath Reader, at the expense of a few friends there. As these are agents who are effecting the emancipation of Ireland, at least whom I conceive to be the most useful in that glorious work, this is cause of gratitude.

And I had previously become acquainted with a man whom I considered to be decidedly pious, but did not venture to employ him, even at the small salary of four pounds a year, because of the very low state of the funds of the society.

valuable servant of the Society; and for my part I lose a brother in tribulation, who never since his conversion, (which he states to have been in Tomgrany sitting under one of your sermons on election and free grace,) swerved a moment, but was on every occasion, at least foremost with the foremost, in dissipating darkness and disseminating the torch of Gospel light both by word and example. It may be said of him in verity, that he was instant in season and out of season.

wife and six children to him who has promised to be a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the widow, but above all, com

I said joy, because if the Society and you Sir, with every true follower of the Lamb, who prize and know the real worth of souls, were to witness the patience and resignation of this second Job, (as he was often called by his bitterest enemies,) they and yon could not fail of being much refreshed. I say if you were to hear him blessing the day his feet were directed to hear that soul This is cause of deep regret, and certain cheering portion of the word of God exI am, that the religious public in England plained, "Being justified freely by his are, either not fully acquainted with the real grace,' Rom. iii., renouncing the flesh, state of this country, or that it has not been despising this transitory world and its perduly considered by them. Here are ignor-ishable and fleeting vanities, committing his auce, and error, and wretchedness in every possible shape, and though it cannot be strictly said by the people "no one careth for our souls," yet there are such multi-mitting his soul to God as to a faithful tudes here who care not, if we may judge from their conduct, for their own souls, that it becomes the duty of Christians to "seek them out ;" and if we cannot get at those who are shielded in their own imagined security, we should assuredly persevere in our efforts to rescue the rising generation from plunging into these fastnesses of satan. It will, however, afford you pleasure to learn that the interest felt on these subjects is not decreasing here, for those who are able to contribute to further the objects of the society, are continuing or adding to the subscriptions, and I hope my list of subscribers will be again a little increased.

I am at present fully occupied in visiting and inspecting my schools, and collecting the subscriptions in my district; that I may have these completed in time to go to the north. Several of the schools are still most violently opposed, but others are doing as well as ever.

Yours affectionately,
J. WILSON.

Creator through the merits and mediation of the crucified Redeemer, whose blood cleanseth from all sin. I say in my mind, it would be a cause of joy and consolation to every member of the Baptist Irish Society, that ever they were instrumental in sending the Gospel to this benighted land.

And to you Sir, who are the instrument under a gracious and good God, of bringing him, me, and many others out of gross darkness which enveloped our understandings, into the marvellous light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the image of God. I remain, Rev. Sir, your obedient and sincere servant in the last and greatest cause, STEPHEN RYAN.

From Stephen Ryan to the Rev. W. Thomas.
Mount Shannon, Feb. 12th, 1829.
REV. SIR,

You are already aware that I have lost a
brother, who has always proved himself so.
Of his decision, principle and character, I

From Stephen Ryan, to the Rev. W. Thomas. need say nothing to you Sir, who I may say

REV. SIR,

I SIT down to address you on a subject mixed with melancholy and joy. I say melancholy, because the character (Thomas Bushe) of whom I would write, is now

knew his heart; and though highly you esteemed and valued him, it was not equal to his merits, for you scarcely could know a quarter of his attachment to the Baptist Irish Society and the cause of Christ in which he was warmly embarked. He was a Christian