Page images
PDF
EPUB

have been extensively blighted. So far as accurate details can at present be gathered, it seems that Mr. Birt, of Peel Town, has been driven from his station, and all that he had is carried away or destroyed, to say nothing of his hopes being cut off from a promising sphere of extended usefulness. Mr. Kayser, of Knapps Hope, has also fled. He remained up to the last moment under the protection of the Chief, but at length fled for his life. Such of the Mission Stations as have been able, have armed the native residents, and joined the ranks of the colonists against the common foe. It is to be feared that this is but the beginning of sorrows. A singular incident comes out with respect to a Moravian Station which was attacked by the Kaffirs; the party, after several being wounded and ten killed, fled for refuge, as a last resort, to their little chapel-a step by which they providentially escaped from the hands of their enemies. Many of our readers are aware that the sonin-law of the venerable Dr. Philip, Mr. Fairbairn, to whom the colonists are so deeply indebted for his many and manifold struggles for their rights and liberties, has arrived in this country to further the interest of the Colony. They are likewise apprized of the letter addressed to Earl Grey, as head of the Colonial Office, by the Rev. J. J. Freeman-a document that throws much light upon the entire question, and must prove of signal service in illuminating and correcting public opinion; and there is no reason to doubt that it has most materially sustained the advocates of humanity in the House of Commons. Mr. Adderley, a devoted friend of the Cape, and of liberty, moved for a Commissionthe very thing suggested by Mr. Freeman-to proceed to the Cape, to institute an inquiry into the whole subject. Lord John Russell opposed this, but compromised the matter by granting a committee to inquire in London. The result, therefore, will be the summoning of witnesses from the Cape to give evidence in the metropolis of England. This we call a compromise; good will doubtless come out of it, but it will by no means be so satisfactory or effective as if a commission had repaired to the Cape, since the number of witnesses that can be brought hither must be small; whereas there, the Commission

ers might have examined men by the hundred and by the thousand, and might even have had the bulk of the chiefs, as well as the more intelligent of their people, brought before them to state their grievances. As it is, however, the friends of Missions have reason to be thankful, and to congratulate Mr. Freeman on the success which has attended his philanthropic endeavours.

We observe also, that services have been held on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the arrival in the colony of our venerable friend, the Rev. James Read, of the Kat River. This patriarchal and devoted Missionary has just attained his 73rd year, fifty of which, as we have seen, have been poured out on the Mission field of Africa; and, notwithstanding his numerous and arduous labours, the effects of climate, and so forth-a staunch Teetotaler-he still retains a good degree of health and strength, and the full possession of his mental faculties.

AUSTRALIA.From Australia we learn that Mr. Stephens, the spirited Editor and Proprietor of two Adelaide Journals, had departed this life. His loss will be greatly felt where journalists are so few and so feeble. Mining operations in South Australia were prospering, and the aspect of affairs on the whole was cheering. The wonders of the interior-a mighty and mysterious region of boundless parks untrodden by the foot of the white man-bids fair to become a source of increasing interest. Its soil, productions, animals, vegetables, minerals, inhabitants, and geographical features, are still, to a large extent, unknown, and present a most interesting field for the genius of exploration. A settler and one of the Aborigines lately penetrated far into the interior in search of strayed horses and cattle, when they suddenly stumbled on a number of kernels, which, on inspection, proved to be nutmegs of " a very fair size, strongly aromatic, and fully equal to the commercial article." On further inquiry of the Aborigines, it turns out that they may be found in great numbers in the scrubs of the interior. Here, then, is another source of wealth and prosperity to the incipient nations of Australia. The tamarind also has been found in wild luxuriance. The natives dislike it, and this may, perhaps, account for the fact of its existence never having been communicated.

Religious Entelligence.

ROTHERHAM COLLEGE.

THIS is now the oldest of academical institutions for the training of Congregational Dissenting ministers. Referring back to its original foundation, it has existed nearly 100 years, and has sent out more than 250 ministers, of various attainments and qualifications, for the preaching of the Gospel. Its tutors, and some of its students, have ranked among the most eminent divines and scholars of which the century can boast. It has always enjoyed a high reputation as a school of sound, yet advanced views in Theology and Literature. Nevertheless it has partaken of the common lot of voluntarily supported institutions, and has often struggled for existence.

Having at one time been buoyant in prosperity, it has, after a while, fallen into poverty, and has been threatened with extinction. But, phoenix-like, it has ever risen to

revived freshness and power. Just a year ago, it seemed as if it must be abandoned. An investment of its principal funds which had promised at the time to be advantageous, and was rendered necessary by the urgent circumstances of the institution, proved unfortunate, and the energies of its managers and supporters were almost paralysed. Many anxious meetings were held in Leeds and elsewhere, to consider how the threatened catastrophe might be averted, or turned to the best account. Proposals were made for a union with Airedale College, so as to form of the two institutions one Independent College for Yorkshire, a scheme which was deemed highly desirable, as securing a more complete course of instruction, by a much more economical arrangement than was possible upon the separate foundations. The effecting of such

a union was, however, beset with many practical difficulties, and the idea was finally

abandoned.

At this juncture some more ardent spirits, possessing greater confidence than their older colleagues in the management of Rotherham College, came to the rescue, and resolved to make a bold effort. They pledged themselves to carry on the institution at Rotherham, and to pay off the debt of nearly £1,000, without diminishing the funds; and undertook such new arrangements as the circumstances of the college might require, keeping in view the great object of giving the fullest possible effect to the intentions of its founders. Operations were commenced in Sheffield and Rotherham. The sum of £500 was in a short time raised there, which by further contributions from other towns has since been raised to more than £700; and the continued support of the college has been further insured by a considerable increase of the annual subscriptions. These revivalists, if they will allow the designation, evinced their just appreciation of the claims of this and similar institutions, and of their great importance to the churches, by rising above the hackneyed practice of single guinea subscriptions, and have subscribed their three, four, five, and ten guineas a year. This example is worthy of general imitation. We are very sure that there are no institutions of more essential, and at the same time richly compensating value, than are these Theological training colleges to the churches to which they belong.

At the close of the last session of Rotherham College, Midsummer, 1850, the Rev. Thomas Smith, A.M., completed his career of thirtythree years, as the classical tutor, and resigned office: In the course of the autumn the theological tutor, the Rev. Dr. Stowell, was invited to the presidency of Cheshunt College, near London. This appointment Dr. Stowell accepted, and thus at Christmas, Rotherham College was left without a tutor. The committee, however, promptly met the emergency, and engaged the Rev. F. J. Falding, M. A., (who after completing his course of study in this college several years ago, had pursued his studies at Glasgow University, during three sessions, and gained high distinctions there), to undertake the duties of the tutorship provisionally.

Mr. Falding has discharged those duties so entirely to the satisfaction of the committee, and for the improvement of the students, that we understand he will be recommended to the constituents, at their next annual meeting, for permanent engagement as classical and mathe

matical tutor. The post of president and divinity tutor is yet vacant, but the committee are in correspondence for a successor to the eminent men who have heretofore filled this office, and we hope they will soon secure the services of a gentleman whose qualifications, both moral and intellectual, may raise the venerated institution to a position that shall rival, if not surpass, the most flourishing period of its former existence. It is a further satisfaction to know that its funds are much improved. Arrangements are in progress for placing the investment which had proved so disappointing, on an unobjectionable security, without loss to the institution. Rotherham College may most confidently be recommended to the liberal encouragement and support of all enlightened Congregationalists.

MONUMENT TO THE LATE DR.
HAMILTON.

Erected in the Leeds General Cemetery.

IN memory of RICHARD WINTER HAMILTON, LL.D., DD, thirty-four years pastor of the Independent Church, assembling in Albion and Belgrave Chapels, Leeds. He died July 18, 1848, aged 54 years. His rare talents, extensive learning, and fervid eloquence, were consecrated to the glory of God and the highest interests of man. As a minister and pastor, he

was earnest, affectionate, and faithful; as a divine, zealous for sound theology and evangelical truth. Honoured and beloved for his genuine piety and high principle, the warmth and openness of his heart, his ardent patriotism and love of freedom, this monument, erected by his townsmen, testifies that they mourned his death and cherish his memory.

MISSIONARY ORDINATION.

THE Rev. George Hall, B. A., of Cheshunt College, was ordained at the new Edmonton and Tottenham Chapel on April 7th, for Jamaica, in connection with the London Missionary Society. The Rev. J. De Kewer Williams opened the service. The Rev. Wm. Slatyer gave a general account of the island and of the particular charge. The Rev. E. Prout asked the usual questions. The Rev. Dr. Stowell delivered the Ordination prayer, and the Rev. Dr. Harris the Charge; both having been tutors of Mr. Hall at Cheshunt. The Rev. R. Wallace (Baptist), Thomas Hill, of Cheshunt, and George Wilkins, of London, took part in the interesting and edify. ing service.

[blocks in formation]

No human beings ever lived
There by that silent shore-
No living voice it's echoes woke,
Saving the panther's roar;

Or, when the stalwart Indian

Met on the battle shock,

Utter'd the dread war-whoop, and threw
The deadly tomahawk!

Bright wild flowers grew abundantly,
Most curious fruits were there,
And many odorous plants diffused
A perfume rich and rare.

All wore a wild and savage look,
Far as the eye could scan,
And yet it seem'd as fitted well
For the abode of man.

The azure sky all cloudless beam'd
Benignantly o'er head,
While the departing orb of day
Tinged it with deepest red.

Then, from the shore, there might be seen
In the horizon rise,

A looming object, which look'd like
A dark speck in the skies.

Larger and larger grew the speck;
Nearer it's form uprear'd,
Until at length above the waves
A goodly ship appear'd.

Nearer and nearer came the craft,
Steering her easy way,
Until she safely anchored
Secure within the bay.

A little boat then left her side,
Fill'd with a hardy band;
The shore was speedy gain'd, and all
Leap'd out upon the strand.

They in a circle stood, and soon
The echoing wild wood rung,
As each with joyful heart and voice
A grateful anthem sung.
Why came they thus mysteriously
To such a savage shore?
Was it the hope of conquest, or
The hidden treasure's store?

No hope of teeming wealth had led
Them on the trackless wave-
No thought of empty fame had made
Them many dangers brave.

Far in an island of the sea

They left a pleasant home,
And o'er a stormy path they now
To foreign shores had come.

For, in the land from whence they came,
Grim persecution spread

Her gloomy shade around, and stalk'd
Abroad with bloody tread !

They might not worship God as they

Thought He should worshipp'd be ;
But they must worship Him as said
A tyrant's stern decree.

Then sail'd they out from England
Upon the heaving main;
Full many look'd upon the land
They ne'er would see again.
Among that goodly company
Was neither song nor mirth,

As they look'd with yearning hearts upon
The country of their birth.

But they knew the God they trusted
Was faithful, and would keep
His watch upon their progress,
While on the mighty deep.

And the thought it gave them courage,
Hope beam'd in every eye,

And the grieving heart beat lightly,
Unburthen'd by a sigh.

They left their homes, and sail'd away
Across the deep blue sea,
And now were safely landed-

From dire oppression free!

They rais'd a House to worship God
In their own simple form-
To worship Him in peace, nor fear
Dark persecution's storm.

They planted fields, built houses,
And from them sprang a race,
Who, in the world's history, hold
A high distinguish'd place!
Glasgow.

ROBERT FRAME.

British Missions.

CHRONICLE OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES: OF THE BOARD FOR GENERAL EDUCATION: AND OF THE THREE SOCIETIES FOR BRITISH MISSIONS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE UNION.

THE ORGAN OF THE UNION AND THE SOCIETIES.

HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

A Sketch of Mission Labours.

I will endeavour, as I promised, to give you some idea of our operations, state, and prospects. The view will, in some respects, be necessarily incomplete, but you will form an idea, correct so far as it goes, of the position which I occupy, and the work I have to do or oversee.

Preaching is conducted at M▬▬▬ morning and evening of Lord's day; at L-, afternoon and

evening of ditto; B- evening of ditto; E- evening of ditto. On week days, service at L- and E. Wednesday, at

M

Prayer Meetings.-Sunday morning at seven. Afternoon, by teachers, at three. Evening, after sermon. Monday evening, at seven, in the following order; 1st, Monday, Foreign Missions. 2nd, The prosperity of our own church, and the success of its labours. 3rd, British Missions and our country. 4th, The young. There is a

female prayer-meeting on Tuesday evenings. Maternal Association meets, for prayer and other purposes, alternate Wednesdays.

Bible Classes (all distinct from the Sundayschools).-Sunday morning and afternoon; the first for males, the second for females, conducted by members. There were classes of teachers, and male and female adults; but these three were found to demand too much of my time and strength, so I have merged them into one general Bible-class, to which all are admitted who choose to attend. This class meets on Monday evenings, at eight o'clock. I also meet a preacher's class, on Wednesday evenings, at eight.

Sunday schools.-Twice every Lord's day, including department for infants. A separate service is held for the younger in the morning. Besides those at M, there is a school at L-, which is, I trust, like the others, looking up. Want of teachers is our great difficulty, as we admit only members.

Bible Circulation.-During the past year I have circulated perhaps 120 Bibles and Testaments here, and in the neighbourhood.

Tract Distribution.-This is carried on in about eight different villages and hamlets. The tracts are exchanged alternate weeks, and there are in circulation about 800 covers, two tracts at least on an average in each; making a total of about 1,600 tracts.

Periodicals, &c.-Some idea may be formed of what is accomplished in this department, if I give the number circulated during the last three months, which is a fair average (rather under that of the year), viz, 1,060, this includes publications of all sorts. Besides which, there have been, 1,560 new tracts, and thirty Scriptures.

Day and Infant Schools.-Twice every day, except Saturdays.

Subscriptions, for Missions, &c., of various

kinds.

Besides the above, there are, of course, deacons' meetings, church meetings, &c.-A society for mutual improvement has been started about two months, and includes seventy members or more, belonging to all classes, and consisting of Churchmen and Dissenters. Of course this is suspected by a certain party, who must have all or none. This may, as I said, give you some idea of our operations. But what is our state?

Our institutions never, since I have been here, were more flourishing, outwardly, as I could show by comparative statements. The numbers, especially, who attend the preaching is very considerable. But in other respects I have not so much to say. We have had removals, deaths, and cases of discipline, and but few accessions to our numbers. Labour has not been feared or avoided; and, for myself, I am apprehensive it will prove too much for me, although constitutionally powerful. I may say, that from October 6th, 1850, to January the 6th, 1851, I attended 139 meetings, or nearly eleven per week. This I have done for some time, but must now rather reduce that number. I believe there is more feeling in the church, that not a few are secretly-more or less so--anxious for their souls; but still we sigh over the few who come forth, and, scorning worldly considerations, declare themselves to be on the Lord's side. have had our share of the Papal agitation, and I expect shall have more. At B, but eight miles hence, the Romanists have a monastic establishment, which is, I believe, intended for

We

a large and important station. The numbers there, at present, are about thirty-four, but I hear they have a grant from the Society De Propaganda of £20,000. Eight miles on the other side Papists also prevail. The intermediate district is poor, ignorant, depraved, and priestridden to a large extent. The clergy are generally either fox-hunters and wordly men, or semiPapists-certainly the rivals of Rome in assumption. As an illustration, take the following quotation, from the annual printed address of one of these soi-disant successors of the apostles, located in an adjoining parish: "Remember, then, that you should not listen to any Dissenting teachers, whatever they may call themselves. I, however unworthy I may be of so high a privilege, am God's messenger to you; the pastor whom He has appointed to feed His sheep in this parish; and the Church, of which I am a minister, is the only true Church of Christ in this land. If once you leave that, you are no longer safe. Beware, then, of all false teachers, who may come to you, calling themselves ministers of Christ's Gospel," &c. And yet it would appear, from the reverend gentleman's own statistics, that in a population of 575, of fourteen baptisms in 1850, two were of " baseborn children;" and of three marriages in the same year, two "were anything but respectable," which is explained to mean that the parties had not been virtuous. Such are the visible effects of such teachers' labours !

Of our prospects, I need say little; they are full of hope, just in proportion as we have faith, But, I doubt not, three great works must be done; 1. Reformation principles must be anew and powerfully exhibited and enforced. 2. Various forms of error must be exploded. 3. As a means to these, as well as other aids, light and knowledge must be diligently disseminated. The Church must be kept awake and active; the unconverted must be aroused; and generally, there must be more prayer to God, and a more distinct recognition of the Holy Spirit.

The School and Clergy.

I have only to say, that the congregations and schools upon this station are very encouraging. The Lord has opened a wide and effectual door. In the seven services I take in the course of a week, I have the pleasure to address about one thousand souls. In each preaching station we have full congregations. Our three Sundayschools and two day-schools are also well attended. I wish I could say more as to the revival of religion, and the increase of conversions to God. Success is not at our command. Labour, faith, prayer, dependence upon the Holy Spirit, these are ours. We have much here to contend with, in a rich Tractarian band of Clergy, with Sisters of Mercy, all denouncing us, and most profuse in their benevolence to those who attend their schools, &c. For instance, the day-school here, built two years since, has provided for every child a dinner, twice a week. All the children in the National School one mile from here, have a dinner twice a week. All the children of the National School at W, have a dinner every day, and clothed! And these schools are all in the vicinity of ours. To me it is astonishing that we have any children in our schools, yet we number three hundred and fifty! I am, however, fearing we must give up one school, as in our denomination we have no

Society to help poor schools. I have been, hitherto, wonderfully helped, but am now on the borders of bankruptcy. Where to look for help, or what steps to take to obtain funds, I cannot divine. To lay our case before Government is opposed to our principles; to take the money exacted by the magistrates we deem a bad doctrine; but to carry on schools as ours are, always dreading the return of the quarter, never able to meet it for want of a gratuity of some £15 a year for the two schools,-these are painful matters. Many letters I have written to no profit. But enough, you say, of one thing.

How Puseyism Works.

Puseyism runs rampant in the poor rural districts around me. The poor people are oppressed by the clergy and the lords of the soil. They cannot say that their souls are their own.

They seem to have a new plan just now, in this neighbourhood at least. They creep quietly into the houses of the poor, and say," Well, you are going to Chapel, it seems." "Yes, Sir," said a member of the little church at H-"Well," continued the clergyman, "if the Chapel is right, the Church must be wrong." "Are you prepared," said his reverence again," to say that the Church of England is wrong, eh? Answer me that, will you? And, beside, poor as you are, would it not be much better for you to come to Church? for you cannot expect Miss --to visit you, as she does, always with something in her hand for you and your sick daughter, if you persist in going to Chapel. But, if you give up your Dissent, you will see what will be done for you and your family."

Another Puseyite clergyman, on the St. A side, went to a poor widow's house, who was dangerously ill, and, indeed, died in a few days. "No wonder," said the great man," at all that you are in such a miserable state; you left the true church and went to the Dissenters, and now the Lord is chastising you for it."

The old woman attended the first service I held at St. A-, and continued steadfast to her end; and I am happy to say, died, being upwards of eighty years of age, triumphing in Christ.

Despite of all opposition from mistaken men, and all that the devil can do by the hands of wicked men, I fervently hope some good is doing.

Domiciliary Missions.

We have recently adopted the plan of holding meetings for prayer in the cottages, both in 0- and P ---and I rejoice to say that we have induced many persons to open their houses for that purpose. Under the Divine blessing, such meetings cannot but be productive of good to souls. Your agent has thus an opportunity to deliver a short address, or to explain a few verses of Scripture to many persons who have hitherto neglected the means of grace. Some have been thus led to attend the house of God. Indeed, my heart is often much encouraged, amid the difficulties which surround me, when I listen to the fervent and affectionate prayers of the brethren, poured forth on the behalf and in presence of the parents and children who dwell in these abodes, too many of whom, we have reason to believe, have been strangers to prayer at home. May we not reasonably anticipate that some families, at least, will be led to erect an altar to the Lord, and that some parents

[ocr errors]

may thus be constrained to say, with Joshua, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"? Another advantage of these meetings is that of bringing together neighbouring families, under the same roof, to engage together in the best of all exercises; thus tending to heal petty jealousies and differences that may exist among them. Other ends are secured by this plan, such as allowing an opportunity for mothers of families to join in the exercises of religion, whose circumstances keep them from the sanctuary. Such persons are thus brought under the sound of the Gospel; besides this, as the people here are much scattered, and as these meetings are held widely apart, they form so many district-meetings, or out-stations, in the different groups of houses. In illustration, it may be stated, that in P-- district alone, there are two meetings held, nearly three miles apart. We have nine houses in this district, and four in A-, already open to us. May the Spirit, in his power, succeed our efforts, then the ark of the Lord will be gladly received, and the people will obtain the blessing!

IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY. SUGGESTIONS FOR IRISH EVANGELIZATION. IN 1841, the census of Ireland presented a population of more than eight millions of human, immortal souls. Six of these millions were, in that year, subject to O'Connell and the priests of the Church of Rome. One of these dominant powers has passed away. O'Connell is dead, and his name is the shade of departed greatness. But the priests-are they dead? A new census has now been taken; and what the result has been is yet to be told. It has been affirmed, however, by some, that a million of people have migrated to other lands; and that 500,000 more than the usual mortality, have been the victims of famine and disease. If this dark representation be reality, it will not be safe for the ends of truth to estimate the Irish nation as in a condition to verify the original Divine benediction. We must reckon them as suffering diminution rather than "fruitfully multiplying;" and as subject to a special judgment rather than enjoying the common lot of the human family. This reversal of nature's laws must be traced to some cause. Misgovernment or domestic criminality must be found a violator of the great Creator's commandment. To the national polity or the religious economy must be ascribed the deadly woe which pervades the land; and either the philanthropist or the "royal priesthood" is required to interpose between the living and the dead.

Till sufficient authority attests any material reduction, we shall deal with Ireland as the home of eight millions of immortal and responsible fellow-subjects; whose habitations are at out-doors, and whose best interests are identified with our national welfare and the prosperity of the Church of God. For these multitudes it would be murderous selfishness to refuse to recognise a brother's relationship and obligation; and the recusant might anticipate the brand of offended displeasure under the government of a righteous God. The more reckless their wickedness and debased their moral character, so much the more dismal is their prospect for both worlds, and so much the

« PreviousContinue »