Page images
PDF
EPUB

ment it is thought desirable once more to draw attention to it.

THE second Quarterly Meeting of the Subscribers to this Institution was held at No. 6, Fen-court, on Tuesday, July 26, 1825, when the following sums were voted;-namely to

£100

pay £10 each per annum with them; and upwards of a hundred churches offered their support by Collections, &c. That W. S. the chole Denomination should have been Any communication will be gladly simultaneously set in motion, would have received by the Editors. been strange indeed; but certainly the above indicated a good, and tolerably general feeling towards a new object, which had been but little discussed, and London Baptist Building Fund. imperfectly understood. Objections may be raised against bringing such a measure forward, while there are so many calls upon the public liberality. It may be said, though the object be desirable, it is not practicable. But are the calls upon public benevolence likely to diminish? Surely, while Christianity lives in the world, while it reigns in the heart, ap. peals to the benevolent, will increase till the wants of the whole world shall be supplied. It is, however, the intention of this short paper, not to anticipate objections, but once more to call the attention of the Baptist Denomination to an Establishment, which the Catholics, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Moravians, Methodists, Quakers, Independents, and Lady Huntingdon's Connexion have, but which we have not! And it is believed, that it will be found, on inquiry, that the last mentioned Denomination has projected and established their school within the last two years!

It will not be denied, that it would be very gratifying to ministers, and the Denomination in general, could it be said, -we have a school where the children of ministers, who can afford them a liberal education, may have it at a moderate expense; where the circumstances of any may be met; where the orphan of the pastor at home, or the missionary abroad, may find an asylum! The Rev. J. Hart nall, whose Obituary appeared in your last Number, would gladly have sent his children, had there been an opportunity during his life, and according to what his circumstances appear to have been, proposed, in his reply to the Circular above mentioned, to pay to the very extent of his ability; and with his friends was willing to assist the object by collection. How pleasing would have been the prospect, at his death, could he have known that his children would have been taken into the arms of the Denomination, and educated by its liberality.

Might not a Committee be formed in London, to take into consideration the practicability of establishing a School for the Education of the Children of Ministers of the Baptist Denomination?

The information which has been already obtained is considered highly favourable, and with so much encourage

Aldborough, Suffolk......
Axbridge, Somerset.
Great Brickhill, Bedford
Ravensthorpe, Northampton...

80

80

90

The next Quarterly Meeting will be held on the fourth Tuesday in October, when it is desired that as many of the Subscribers as can make it convenient will attend, for the purpose of disposing of the funds they have raised; and also of taking into consideration the propriety of a REPORT being prepared, and a list of the subscribers annexed and published at the termination of the year. The Committee are anxious not to do any thing without the concurrence and sanction of the Society. Objections may be urged against giving publicity to the names of subscribers, yet it seems desirable that some method should be adopted to secure the contributors to this Fund an exemption from the pressing importunity of those who may still visit London, and persevere in the mode of personal application.

The Society have relieved eight Cases the first half-year, with sums beyond what the churches could have reasonably expected to realize upon the former plan. But it must not be concealed, that in the grants already made, the Society have exceeded the proportion warranted by the annual amount of their income. It remains with those of the Christian public, who have not yet come forward to the support of the Society, to determine whether they shall increase or diminish the amount of their exhibitions the two succeeding Quarters. The Society exercise confidence in the benevolence of the Christian community of London; and they are not aware that in any cause worthy of their support, such confidence has ever been exercised in vain.

The Committee take this opportunity of informing all the churches who apply for relief, that the Cases which were in the hands of the former Committee, have claimed their first attention that the succeeding ones are read and examined

in rotation as received that the greatest care and impartiality are exercised in deciding upon their respective merits-that they regret their inability to relieve Cases as speedily as they come to hand; and that, when a majority of the Committee see reason to decline recommending any Case for assistance by the Society, it gives them sensible pain to pass the Resolution.

J. HARGREAVES, Secretary.

The following extract from a speech of Sir James Mackintosh, may give a better idea of the general extent and importance of the Spanish American states.

"Spanish America reaches on the western coast from the northern point of New California to the utmost limit of cultivation towards Cape Horn. On the eastern it extends from the mouth of the Mississippi to that of Oronoco; and, after the immense exception of Guiana and Brazil, from the Rio de la Plata, to the southern footsteps of civilized man. The

The Spanish Translation Society. prodigious varieties of its elevation ex

THE great object of this Society is the religious improvement of the rapidly augmenting population of Spanish Americaof sixteen or eighteen millions of our fellow-men, professing Christianity indeed, but strangers in a great degree to its real nature and effects.

The residence in this country of many expatriated Spaniards of great talents and acquirements, affords at the present moment peculiar facilities for such an undertaking, which it would be ungrateful not to acknowledge, and which it would be criminal to neglect. Other circumstances may be mentioned, as affording the strongest encouragement to the adoption of the proposed plan, such as the tolerant spirit which has been manifested by the different governments of Spanish America; the reform already begun in the affairs of the church; the rapid extension of education among the people; the eager thirst for knowledge which has been excited among them; and the fact, that wherever either the Holy Scriptures or religious books have been accessible, they have been sought with an eagerness, and received with a gratitude, which afford pledges of the most important and beneficial results.

The Society, however, though directing its views chiefly to Spanish America, would by no means overlook the spiritual interests of Old Spain, which, it is obvious, may be essentially promoted by the same means which are calculated to benefit her former dependencies.

Having thus explained the Society's object, and the means by which they propose to effect it, they would earnestly entreat the concurrent exertions and the liberal contributions of all British Christians. Closely connected as we are with Spanish America by commercial ties, and therefore deeply interested in the stability of her institutions and her general prosperity, in what way can we so effectually contribute to these ends, as by promoting her moral and religious improvement?

hibit, in the same parallel of latitude, all the climates and products of the globe. It is the only abundant source of the metals justly called precious; the most generally and permanently useful of all commodities, except those which are necessary to the preservation of human life. It is unequally and most scantily peopled by sixteen or eighteen millions; whose numbers, freedom of industry and security of property, must quadruple in a century. Its length on the Pacific coast is equal to that of the whole continent of Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Straits of Gibraltar. It is more extensive than the vast possessions of Russia or of Great Britain in Asia. The Spanish language is spoken over a line of nearly six thousand miles. The state of Mexico alone is five times larger than European Spain. A single communication cut through these territories, between the Atlantic and Pacific, would bring China six thousand miles nearer to Europe; and the Republic of Columbia, or that of Mexico, may open and command that new road for the commerce of the world." -Parliamentary Debates, New Series, for the year 1824, vol. xi. p. 1374.

LANGUAGE INSTITUTION
IN AID OF THE

PROPAGATION OF CHRISTIANITY.

ON Tuesday, June 14, a meeting of the friends of Missions, of various societies and denominations, was held at the City of London Tavern; when an Institution was formed for the purpose specified in the following address. Laws and regulations have also been agreed upon, which, together with the names of the gentlemen of the Committee, and the officers of the Institution, will be given in our next.

We have no doubt that the plan will meet the warmest approbation and generous support of the religious public, and be productive of most important advan tages.

ADDRESS.

THE Commission which Christ gave to his disciples, when about to ascend to his throne, extended to the whole world "Go ye, and teach all nations." In order that they might be qualified to act under this commission with promptitude and effect, all the difficulties arising from diversity of language were miraculously removed; and, by the gift of tongues, they were empowered to enter at once, in this respect, on the work of Mission aries in any country to which they might be sent.

Although this supernatural qualification is not now to be obtained, yet the injunction of the Redeemer is still in force; and the knowledge of heathen languages is still as indispensably requisite as it was in the days of the apostles. It is the want of this knowledge which constitutes, at the present day, one of the most formidable impediments to the Propagation of the gospel. It is the want of this knowledge, and of the facilities for acquiring it, which deters many devoted servants of Christ from entering on the engagements of a Missionary life; while the delay and difficulty in acquiring the language of the country in which he has arrived, oppress, more than any other obstacle, the heart of a Missionary, who finds himself surrounded by affecting displays of ignorance which he cannot remove, and of wretchedness which he can not alleviate. The anguish of heart, the eagerness of solicitude, the closeness of application to the study of the language, and the effects of a tropical climate, have, in some instances, brought to an early grave, Missionaries whose estimable qualities gave the fairest promise of eminent usefulness.

But is it necessary, is it unavoidable, that with these difficulties, in all their appalling magnitude, the Missionary should have to struggle on his arrival in a heathen land? May not the elements of the language be acquired before he leaves his own country, and has to contend with the debilitating influence of a vertical sun? Would not the knowledge even of the rudiments of the language, enable him to pursue the study with great advantage during his long voyage, and greatly accelerate the arrival of the day, when his career of active and efficient service may commence ?

But have we, it will be asked, the means of imparting, in this country, the requisite instruction to those who are destined to Missionary service? Able tuition in several important languages of the East may be secured: a considerable number might be mentioned, in which

competent Instructors may at once be obtained.

It may, however, be asked, Can these languages be efficiently taught by Europeans? It is replied, with the confidence founded on experience, that to those who are beginning to learn an oriental language, the tuition of an English instructor, who has attained a correct knowledge of the language, is even preferable to that of a native, and will enable the learner to make much more rapid progress. The reason it is not difficult to assign. The teacher of a language is but imperfectly qualified for his office, unless, in addition to his knowledge of that language, he be acquainted with a language familiar to the pupil, so as to be in possession of a medium of intercourse, by which ideas and explanations may be clearly conveyed. The want of such a medium has been painfully felt by Missionaries in the East, whose dependence was placed on the aid of native instructors. If, on the contrary, an Englishman, who has felt and overcome the difficulty of the acquisition, engage in the work of instructing one of his own country, he is able to point out to his pupil, in the simplest and the clearest terms, not only the meaning of words, but also the peculiar structure of the language, with its characteristic idioms.

In carrying the proposed plan into effect, great and valuable assistance may be expected from those Missionaries who have acquired the language of the heathen by long residence among them, and who may have returned to their native land. The efficiency of this assistance has been already found, in the rapid progress which Missionaries, proceeding to the East, have made under the instruction of others, who had returned from that quarter. It may be added, that the principle itself has not only been approved, but adopted by the Honourable the East India Company, who, for a considerable number of years, have given elementary instruction in the languages of India, at Haileybury College. It is not, however, intended by these remarks to represent the aid of native teachers as unimportant. When the elements of a language have been acquired, their assistance may prove of the greatest value; and their services it would be highly desirable to engage, whenever suitably qualified individuals can be obtained, and pecuniary resources, equal to the undertaking, can be provided.

The importance of acquiring the languages of the heathen has been hitherto under consideration; but, in other respects, very much may be done in preparing Missionaries appropriately for

their work, before they leave their own country. Such a body of information may, by degrees, be collected, relative to the manners, customs, and opinions of the heathen, in all parts of the world, as may prepare the Missionary-especially when communicated to him in lectures by living instructors, who have themselves witnessed what they describe-to enter on his work with a degree of intelligence which he could not otherwise have acquired, and which may both preserve him from mistakes, and greatly facilitate his progress.

With these views, a Society has been formed, to which the name of the "Language Institution in Aid of the Propagation of Christianity" has been given.

It is obvious that the great object in view will be obtained, both more efficient. ly and at a less expense, by one Institution concentrating all its efforts to this one point, than it could be by the separate exertions of the different societies engaged in carrying the gospel to the heathen.

The Committee of the Institution appeal, with confidence, on the grounds which have been stated in this Address, to all who are anxious for the success of Missions among the heathen. The object in view is evidently most important; nor can it be fully attained, but by means of an institution appropriated to this purpose. If liberally supported, the Com. mittee have no doubt but that, under the blessing of God, it will ultimately bestow incalculable benefits on the Missionary cause, by the most efficient preparation of those who are sent forth to carry the glad tidings of salvation to the perishing heathen.

The main purpose of the Founders of this Institution, is to afford to those benevolent persons, who leave their country with the view of imparting to the heathen the knowledge of Christianity, every degree of assistance which can be rendered to them before they quit their native shores. It may indeed appear, in the course of the trial to which such persons will subject themselves, of endeavouring Prospectus of the London University.

to acquire in this country a knowledge of the language which must be indispensable to them in their future labours, that they have such a natural inaptitude to the acquisition of a new language, as to disqualify them for the course of labour to which they have turned their thoughts: but it is obviously of great advantage, that this discovery should be made at a time when, such persons may be saved from the error of abandoning a useful station in their own country, for one which will become an occasion of unceasing regret both to themselves, and to those who employ them. Instances of this nature have already occurred, sufficient to put all parties on their guard.

But, while the Institution is formed chiefly with a view to its subserviency to the direct promotion of Christianity, its advantages will be afforded, under due regulations, to all persons who concur in its object, and wish to avail themselves of those advantages. It may also be expected, that the operations of Bible, Tract, and Foreign-Education Societies, will be facilitated by this Institution.

The "Language Institution," has been formed on the principle of the co-operation of all sincere Christians. Points of doctrine or discipline will never come into question. A knowledge of the languages, habits, and opinions of the heathen, is all that will be communicated by the Institution: whatever else may relate to the due preparation of a Missionary, will be entirely left to the body to which he may belong.

THE object of the Institution is to bring the means of a complete Scientific and Literary Education home to the doors of the inhabitants of the Metropolis, so that they may be enabled to educate their sons at a very moderate expense, and under their own immediate and constant super. intendence. It is known that a young man cannot be maintained and instructed at Oxford or Cambridge under £200 or ₤250 a year, while the expenses of many very far exceed this sum; and the Vacations last about five months in the year. The whole expense of Education at the London University will not exceed £25 or £30 a year,* including the sums paid to the General Fund; and there will not be more than ten weeks Vacation in the year.

A suitable piece of ground for the buildings and walks, and in a central situation, is now in treaty for; and it is expected that the structure will be completed in August, 1826, and the Classes opened in October following. A fort. night's Vacation will be allowed at Christmas and Easter, and six weeks from the middle of August to the end of September.

This supposes a Student to attend five or six of the general classes; but the medical education is necessarily more expensive from the costs of the anatomical department.

The money being raised by Shares and Contributions, each holder of a £100 Share will receive interest on the same at a rate not exceeding four per cent. pay able half-yearly, and be entitled to send one Student to the University. The Shares will be transferable by sale and bequest: and they will descend to the holder's representatives in case of intestacy. The money due on them will be paid by instalments, as it may be required; but it is calculated that only two-thirds will be called for; and the remaining 33 per cent. will be considered as a Fund of Reserve, in case of any extension of the plan, or other unfavourable exigencies. No person can hold more than ten shares. Each contributor of 50 will have all the privileges of shareholders during his life, except that of receiving interest, and transferring his rights.

The interest will be paid out of the revenues of the Institution, and the year. ly produce of the sums received from time to time beyond what is required for current expenses. Each Student is to pay Five Guineas a year to this general income, beside One Guinea to the Library, Museum, and collection of Maps, Charts, Drawings, and Models.

The Rules of the Establishment will be submitted to a General Meeting of Shareholders; but it is expected that the general opinion will be in favour of vesting the whole government of the Institution in a Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, and nineteen ordinary Members of Coun. cil, chosen by the Shareholders by ballot, voting if they please by proxy, a certain number of the Council to go out every year. It is also understood that the emoluments of the Professors will be made to depend on the fees received from Students, with the addition of very mo

derate salaries.

Names may be entered for Shares and Contributions at the following houses: Messrs. Smith, Payne, and Smith, Mansion-house-place; Sir J. Perring, Shaw, and Co.; Messrs. Ladbroke and Co.; Coutts and Co. Strand; Hammersley and Co. Pall Mall; Ransom, Morland, and Co. Pall Mall East; Bouverie and Antrobus, Craven-street; or any Members of the Provisional Committee.

Society for the Promotion of Religious

Knowledge among the Poor. WE are apprehensive that this valuable Institution, though long since established, is not sufficiently known and appreciated. The publications it supplies to

its Subscribers, in addition to Bibles and Hymn-books, are by authors of eminent piety and acknowledged ability, whose writings are read with edification by the truly pious of every denomination. The Society has lately considerably augmented the list of its publications, many of which are admirably adapted for distribution among those persons whose moral and spiritual condition ought ever to awaken the feelings of Christian commiseration.

Once in two years subscribers receive books, chosen by themselves from the Society's Depository, to the amount of nearly their entire subscription, to apply in whatever way they approve; and they are also entitled to purchase, at pleasure, the works issued by the Society, at the extremely low prices marked in their printed statements, which may be obtained, with any farther information that may be desired, at 12, King's-arms-yard, Coleman-street.

MILL-HILL SCHOOL.

was laid of the new edifice for the ProOn the 16th of June, 1825, the first stone testant Dissenters' Grammar-school, in the parish of Hendon, Middlesex. founded in January, 1808, at Mill Hill,

of prizes, and the other usual services of After the recitations, the distribution the annual public day, the Treasurer, Samuel Favell, Esq. attended by the Committee, the masters and pupils, and and ladies, proceeded to the ground, a very numerous company of gentlemen where the preparations and accommodations had been made with the greatest precision and convenience, under the di

rection of the architect.

The Rev. John Townsend directed the singing of a part of the 67th Psalm-the eloquent speech-a solemn and approTreasurer addressed the company in an Waugh-and after singing a doxology, priate prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. the company, consisting of nearly five hundred persons, retired.

New Meeting-house opened at Camberwell.

On Wednesday, June 29, 1825, a new chapel was opened at Camberwell, erected by the church and congregation under the ministry of Mr. Steane. Two sermons

were delivered on the occasion. In the morning the Rev. Robert Hall, of Leicester, preached, from John xv. 26; and in the evening the Rev. Dr. Waugh, of Wellsstreet, from Isaiah 1xiv. 1. The devo

« PreviousContinue »