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modern times, both within and without the Establishment, especially by the valuable productions of the Rev. Mr. Simeon. We cannot but conceive this volume well calculated for usefulness; and though differing on some points from the Author, who writes especially for preachers not belonging to the Establishment, we apprehend the perusal of his conversations may be highly beneficial to young ministers among ourselves.

The two other publications are especially intended for the use of lay preachers, and contain in the whole eight volumes nearly four hundred sketches of sermons. The first volume of The Preacher is introduced by an essay on the composition of a sermon from the pen of the late pious and judicious Andrew Fuller, from which, did our limits allow, we should be disposed to extract largely, and which is well worthy of being printed in a detached form. Several of the sketches in these four volumes display the hand of a master, and we should not be surprised if some of them proceeded from the same pen by which the Essay was written. There is not, however, by any means, either in The Preacher or in the Sketches of Sermons, that accuracy of division, and that clear and lucid arrangement, which are so striking in the valuable Helps and Hora Homileticæ of Mr. Simeon. At the same time, it is scarcely possible that so numerous an assemblage of discourses could be collected without containing many valuable sketches, which may be filled up into admirable and useful discourses.

It may, however, admit of a doubt, how far the persons for whose use these volumes are especially published are competent to such an undertaking. We are inclined to think that young preachers, usually speaking, succeed better at abridgment than expansion. We remember one eminently a

master in Israel, advising a youthful minister to take such a book as Baxter's Call to the Unconverted, and to abridge it so as to form one or at most two sermons from it; and if those who are newly entering upon the ministerial work were thus to employ their time in abridging, and modernizing, and arranging for themselves sketches and skeletons of sermons from the works of our elder divines, they would much sooner become good stewards of the manifold mysteries of God than they possibly can be by attempting to fill up the outlines of others; which, after all their exertions, will often assume a lean and barren appearance.

Such an employment will indeed require labour and exertion: but no man has a right to be idle; and of all the idle beings upon earth, none is so contemptible and so criminal as the idle minister, and none will have so awful an account to render at that day when preachers and hearers shall together appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. Nor are those who undertake to teach in any way, whether as stated or occasional ministers, or as lay preachers, exempt from a solemn responsibility. While the general diffusion of religious knowledge is increased, it is of the utmost importance to take care that its quality be not deteriorated; and few things tend more to lower the standard of true religion, than the crude, and partial, and imperfect effusions which are sometimes dignified with the name of sermons. We say not that this is the case with the discourses of lay or occasional preachers, for of them we have no opportunity of judging; but some expressions in the Preface to these Sketches of Sermons lead us to fear, that the persons by whom lay preaching is, generally speaking, encouraged, are not sufficiently aware of the rapid deterioration to which that system is necessarily exposed.

RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

ANNUAL SERMON BEFORE THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

A MORE interesting and exhilarating spectacle was scarcely ever witnessed than that which was exhibited at Christ Church, Newgate Street, on Monday evening, May 5. The whole of that vast fabric was filled with the numerous assemblage collected from every quarter, to unite in fervent prayer and listen to the Anniversary Sermon before the Church Missionary Society. The service was read with the utmost devotion and solemnity by the highly esteemed Vicar, the Rev. S. Crowther, M. A.; and the sermon, as our readers will anticipate, was preached by the Rev. J. W. Cunningham, M. A. Vicar of Harrow. The text selected on this occasion was John, xii. 31, 32. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out; and I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. Mr. C. commenced his discourse by noticing the conclusions of human reason as to the existence of other classes of intellectual beings besides ourselves, and referring to the opinions of Socrates and the wiser heathens on the subject of dæmons, the importance as well as the correctness of which statements admit of considerable doubt. Mr. C. then proceeded to notice the empire of Satan upon earth, and the destruction of that empire by the power of the Son of God. In illustrating the empire of Satan, Mr. C. adverted to the scriptural account of this great enemy as the god and prince of this world; to the agents he employs, and the means by which he carries on his work of destruction. He then defined with precision the peculiar features by which the government of Satan is distinguished, as an empire of falsehood, error, cruelty, and sensuality. He noticed the extent of this dominion, which might be considered as visible or invisible. The empire of Satan is visible where the true God is not known; invisible where the soul is subject to sinful lusts, though outwardly belonging to the visible church. After making this distinction, he noticed the extent of Satan's empire under various heads, as the imposture of Mahomet-the obduracy of the Jewsthe corruptions of Popery-the fundamental errors of some nominal Protestants, as

Socinians, who deny the Lord that bought them-the want of love and charity prevailing among others; and then especially enlarged on the universal prevalence of the empire of Satan in the heathen world, as alike displayed in the corrupt systems of ancient philosophy, or the barbarous practices of the New Zealanders; remarking in striking terms, that idolatry in every shape was the worship of devils, and that the features and character of idolatry were falsehood end licentiousness. Mr. C. then glanced at the widely extended horrors of the slave-trade, and closed the whole of this part of the subject by adverting to the assaults of Satan on the true believer.

In considering the predicted overthrow of this empire, Mr. C. referred to the prophecies concerning Christ as the seed of the woman, &c. and then proceeded to point out the degree in which this victory had already been accomplished; what is now doing, and what shall hereafter be effected. He noticed the triumphs of religion in three quarters of the globe-the quality of that religion which was communicated-not a spurious Christianity, not a nominal outward profession, but a religion which exhibited the purest spirit of the Gospel of Christ. He then dwelt upon the advantages of this country for the promotion of the work of missions, in that true religion was professed among us, and that we possessed the most important stations throughout the world, and had the means, through our extended commerce, of visiting these stations with effect. He adverted to the progress of education-the universal attachment to missionary efforts-the growth of true religion among ourselves— and the prevalence of prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He then adverted to the completion of the overthrow which we were authorized to anticipate, and called upon his hearers not to be discouraged by obstacles, but to arouse them-selves to efforts commensurate with the magnitude of the object in which they were engaged, and especially to exalt the cross of Christ as that which should most effectually destroy the works of the devil.

ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. EVERY part of Freemasons' Hall was fully occupied with a numerous and highly respectable assembly, when the President, Lord Gambier, took the chair at the usual hour of twelve o'clock on Tuesday, May 6. His Lordship opened the business of the day by reminding the assembly, that they were met together in a holy cause, and should therefore lift up their hearts in thankful praise, and be joyful in the God

of their salvation. His Lordship expressed the delight with which he witnessed so many excellent men and pious women assembled in support of the great cause of the Missionary Society; while at the same time it was a deeply affecting consideration, that since last they met together some millions of immortal beings were removed from the earth without the knowledge of the true God; and still more affecting, that many

millions yet remained who had never heard his name. The conclusion from this was, that we should renew our exertions. Largely we have received, let us largely give.

His Lordship then called upon the Rev. Mr. Pratt to read the Report.

This commenced with an expression of gratitude to different friends for their assistance in visiting the various auxiliary societies during the past year. It noticed the vast increase of the Society's funds and exertions. During the first thirteen years, the gross amount of its receipts only amounted to 22,000.; in the last year alone they had received upwards of 32,000l. It stated, that the most promising fields of usefulness were opening on every side; that the missions to Africa and India might be extended with the utmost facility and success; and that had the Society one hundred more missionaries, and funds equal to their support, they might be advantage ously placed and employed. The Report then adverted to the increasing number of missionaries. In the tenth year of the SoIciety they had only nine missionaries employed, not one of whom was an English clergyman; they had now more than NINETY European missionaries, of whom TWENTY-TWO are English clergymen. No less than nineteen labourers had been sent out to their respective destinations during the past year. The offers for missionary service were very numerous, and the Committee endeavoured to use the utmost care in the selection of those which were accepted. Fifty-seven persons had offered their services during the past year, of whom eighteen had been accepted, twenty-seven declined, and twelve were still under consideration. Twenty-two students were now preparing at the Society's expense for future service.

The Society have now no less than Two HUNDRED AND THIRTY native labourers of various descriptions; many most intelligent, assiduous, and devoted characters. The Society need only refer to the names of Abdool Messee, and Mr. Bowley, as examples, whose steady course proves that native teachers are every way competent to form and instruct Christian churches. Nor is the African mission destitute of similar characters, who undergo a degree of exertion which no European can sustain, and of whom our missionaries state that they teach schools, distribute rations, plan buildings, and superintend their erection, visit the sick, and, in short, as Mr. Johnson expresses it, do any thing and every > thing, so that he can never sufficiently praise God for such assistance. With these examples before us, what should discourage us from hoping, that God will raise up sufficient teachers from among themselves to supply the wants of the pe

rishing heathen? Nothing is wanting to effect this but the divine blessing on our exertions. Already nearly twenty African youths are preparing for instructors of their countrymen. Meanwhile, from every part of the world, and especially from the East, from Calcutta, Cotym, &c. more assistance is earnestly required. They call for more devoted missionaries; and if such can be found who have been well instructed in our own universities, they might be most advantageously employed in training up future pastors to the heathen, who might prove of incalculable benefit to succeeding generations. The urgency of the case, and the indispensable necessity of communicating a more appropriate instruction to the missionaries sent forth by this Society, have determined the Committee, after much deliberation, to form a seminary under their own immediate inspection; and they have in consequence purchased suitable premises at Islington, consisting of a house, offices, and garden, &c.; in addition to which they are about to erect a plain substantial building for the accommodation of twenty students, confidently trusting that the liberality of the Christian public will enable them to complete this important object without encroaching on the regular annual income of the Society, which is barely equal to the current expenditure. The expense of the purchase, buildings and necessary furniture, will amount to the sum of ten thousand pounds, which the Committee hope may be raised by a separate subscription. The Committee express their full conviction, that the proposed plan will not only be found most effectual in the preparation of suitable missionaries, but that it will eventually prove, in a pecuniary point of view, the most economical.

In reviewing the nine missions of the Society, the Report commences with the most uncivilized part, the NORTH-WEST AMERICAN MISSION, of which there is as yet little to communicate. The Rev. Mr. West is expected shortly in this country to take out his family; and the Rev. Mr. Jones has recently been ordained to go out as an assistant to this station. The Committee are, however, strongly encouraged to the cultivation of this important and extensive field, by the representations of that zealous and enterprising traveller Capt. Franklin

The Report next adverts to the NEW ZEALAND MISSION. The difficulties arising from the conduct of Shunghee were noticed in the last Report. His object in coming to this country is now clearly ascertained to have been, that of procuring arms and ammunition; and in addition to those he by various means procured here, on his arrival at Port Jackson he sold the valuable presents which had been given him by the Society, and by many benevo

lent individuals, and purchased a formidable number of military weapons for the gratification of his corrupt dispositions. The grace of God, however, encourages his servants to hope, that their labours and sacrifices shall not be in vain. Had all who have been employed in their service maintained their Christian integrity, the Committee would have had no fear of the result; but they are compelled to record, that they have been under the painful necessity of separating two members from the Society's service on account of their misconduct. There are, however, still seventeen persons engaged in this mission. Notwithstanding every discouragement, it has produced very beneficial effects; and while the late events call loudly for the exercise of faith and patience, the missionaries need not look far to derive encouragement under the most trying circumstances. "I had," says Mr. Marsden, "a hard battle to fight for several years, on account of some unprincipled men who came out as missionaries from the London Society. The Directors of that Institution, after spending several thousand pounds, feared that they should be compelled to give all up. I never had but one opinion, namely, that they would eventually succeed, and God has abundantly blessed their exertions in Taheite, &c." This Society has but, indeed, to read its own proceedings for encouragement, and especially those relating to

The WEST AFRICAN MISSION. In commencing this mission, the colony of Sierra Leone was not primarily contemplated.

Unforeseen circumstances have collected on that spot 17,000 inhabitants, of whom 15,000 are negroes, and nearly 10,000 liberated slaves. The Society have here twenty-eight European labourers, assisted by a great number of native teachers. Captain Sabine, of the Royal Engineers, after spending six weeks in the colony, states, that the representation of the improved condition of the negroes is perfectly true; and that he is persuaded there is not to be seen in the world a community so large and so irreproachable. This community, the Committee remark, is founded on the word. of God, which renders other laws almost unnecessary, of which some pleasing instances were related.

From the MEDITERRANEAN MISSION, the Committee report, that it acquires increasing importance from year to year. Mr. Jowett, who has recently returned to Malta, states, that he has received authority to establish a printing-press, under certain regulations, which authorize him to do more than he is at present able to effect.

In adverting to INDIA, and referring to the Bishop's College at Calcutta, the Committee record their deep feeling of the loss sustained by the removal of Bishop Mid

dleton, a loss under which they derive great consolation from the appointment of his successor, whose past services in the missionary cause afford the most indisputable pledge of his future exertions. The Report then notices the good effect produced by the native schools, and quotes Mr. Corrie's testimony to the order, attention, and quickness with which the scholars mutually corrected their mistakes in a late examination of the schools at Burdwha, a result the more surprising when contrasted with the apathy of the native character.

Similar reports are received from the Society's missions in MADRAS, TRANQUEBAR, &c. The number of children in the schools is between 3 and 4000, and many who have been educated there have from various causes left. The exertions of the Society on behalf of the Syrian churches are at present carried on under the sanction and with the assistance of the Honourable Company's resident, Col. Newhall. The Rev. Mr. Hough states, that the wants of India are beyond calculation; that they cannot hope to be supplied from Europe, but their best dependence must be fixed on the countryborn descendants of Europeans. The Roman Catholics have for some time used this class for the service of their missions; but in order to render them available, the instructions of well-educated men are indispensable.

At CEYLON, the Society report they have eleven European labourers and twentythree native assistants. Their schools contain 500 children, of whom about one eighth are girls. The mention of female children leads to a subject of incalculable importance; wherever boys' schools are instituted, the natives begin to expect girls' schools also. This is joyful intelligence to those who know that the degraded state of the females tends even more than caste itself to retard the progress of Christianity. Miss Cooke speaks of the success she has met with in the female schools at Calcutta, but declares it impossible to be satisfied while so many are perishing in ignorance. A hope is expressed, that at the approaching examination twenty young persons may be recommended to some principal natives, as qualified to become teachers in their families. The Committee express their earnest desire, that the ladies who have united to encourage the education of the natives may double their exertions, and thus effectually terminate the horrid practice of self-immolation.

In closing the Report, the Committee advert to the progress the Society has made. At the end of the first ten years the Society had only about 200 scholars, they have now 11,000. They had not more than twenty hearers, they have now many thousands;

they had not one single convert, they have now above a thousand stated communicants; and while they are thus successful, their coadjutors in all other missionary societies meet with similar prosperity. An interest in the conversion of the heathen is common to all. An union in prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit generally prevails. The sum now annually raised is magnificent compared with the former penury, however small in comparison of the magnitude of the object. More than one thousand pounds is daily raised for the evangelizing of the world The Society possesses great local advantages in the stations it occupies; it meets with considerable favour from persons in power both at home and abroad; four heads of colleges in our universities have been added to the list of its Vice-Presidents during the past year, besides various other persons distinguished for rank or station. But great as are our trophies, far more remains yet to be done; and longcontinued and strenuous exertions must be used before the divine promises are fulfilled, and that manifestation of the divine glory takes place in which we are encouraged to hope.

After the Report was read, John Thornton, Esq. the Treasurer of the Society, presented the annual statement of the accounts, which he prefaced by a few remarks. He especially attributed the rapid increase in the Society's funds during the last few years to the result of the question which arose in 1808, as to the practicability and duty of converting the Hindoos, which was at that time confidently denied. At the renewal of the East India Company's Charter, however, it was solemnly and deliberately determined, that the Hindoos might and ought to be converted, and the information thus communicated had aroused the public to redoubled exertions.

The Bishop of Gloucester moved the adoption of the Report. "In that Report, we had heard with delight of increase of funds, of patronage, and of the progress made. Let us then look to the cause of these successes. The Lord Jesus had told us, Without me ye can do nothing;' that is, without my power and influence exerted to give efficacy to your labours. Here then was the cause. What had induced so many to spare their money, and even to save that they might spare it, for this object? What but faith in the promises of God, that genuine faith which aboundeth in love? And what is it that gives us able and devoted missionaries? What can preserve those missionaries in their manifold temptations? What can carry them through all their trials and labours? What but faith and full reliance on the support of that God, whose cause they are endeavouring to serve?

"Suppose that our funds were to be considered ample, our missionaries faithful and laborious-but can either funds or missionaries convert one single soul? Can they cast down a single barrier of the powers of darkness? What then is it that must be invoked, as the only means of destroying the kingdom of Satan? What but that operation of the Holy Spirit, which will put spiritual weapons into the hands of our labourers, and will out of their weakness perfect strength?

"Since we can humbly but confidently trust, that this Holy Spirit has been vouchsafed to us, and has dwelt upon the labours of our missionaries, we may surely be encouraged to persevere in faith and prayer for a larger portion of his blessing, which in his own good time will assuredly be granted."

Lord Calthorpe seconded the motion in a brief address.

Major Mackworth, on moving the second Resolution, expressive of satisfaction at the progress of missions in India and Ceylon, particularly in the establishment of female schools, begged to offer a few observations which occurred to him during a visit to several of the Society's stations in the South of India. The general character of the mission in that part of the world was that of great promise. A hold was beginning to be obtained on the affections of the people. A youth who had been brought up in one of the Society's schools, refused an offer of an employment which would have yielded him above six pounds per month, preferring to take the usual stipend of eight shillings per month as a reader and instructor among bis poor benighted fellowcountrymen. Major M. recalled with much pleasure the recollection of his visit to the Syrian Christians. He was present at the first sermon ever preached to these interesting people in their own tongue, by Mr. Fenn, one of the Society's most valuable servants. He also saw much of the reverend Metropolitan, and rarely could be found a more humble Christian, or one more entirely devoted to the care of those intrusted to his charge. The conduct of the missionaries was most exemplary. It was impossible to conceive of three brethren more united in zeal and devotion to the great work in which they are engaged.

The Earl of Gosford briefly seconded this Resolution.

W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. in moving the third Resolution, "That the discouragements attendant on the New Zealand mission should stimulate to more fervent prayer," remarked, that the Report did not at all gloss over, or keep back, any of the discouragements or disappointments received in the course of the Society's labours.

When the state of the heathen world

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