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they are not even required to believe what they thus lay up in mind, any further than it shall appear deserving of credit. But, whether they can refuse their assent to truths and facts carrying with them their own evidence, it is easy to judge. After BELIEVING the whole, however, they are still left at liberty as to REJECTING the things received from their ancestors: they may even grasp them the more firmly, if they appear worthy and their being thus at perfect liberty to retain or to reject what appears to deserve it, imparts a serene and joyous feeling to the mind, well suited to the discernment of truth in its fulness of evidence.

But, as a means of spreading just ideas on the most important subjects AMONG THOSE MORE ADVANCED IN AGE, the value of this method is great. As each Youth has to write out two books monthly, and is permitted to take them home, this opens the way for a succession of new ideas every month, to pervade every town and village in the circle wherein Schools are established. In a circle containing a Hundred Schools, therefore, if we suppose that only twenty of the Boys in each School thus write on paper, we shall have an edition of Two Thousand copies circulated monthly, of such ideas as may have been selected for this purpose; and circulated, too, by Two Thousand Youths already acquainted with them, and disposed, from their novelty and the pleasing circumstances connected with receiving them, to read them with delight to their parents and relatives. Can there be a more effectual method of diffusing ideas, of the most valuable nature, in a Heathen Country? Is it not fully worth the labour to select, with every degree of care, arrange in the most lucid order, and clothe in the most perspicuous language, ideas capable of being so widely diffused? Such, however, is the natural effect of this plan, in proportion as it is brought into full operation.

Should any still doubt, whether the encouragement of these Schools be a proper Missionary Object; since the Scriptures, though not withheld, are not forced upon them; we would point out two or three circumstances in them, which tend to prepare Youth for the cordial reception and the profitable perusal of the Scriptures, after leaving School:

1. Their being so completely familia

rized with all the combinations of their own alphabet in the PRINTED character, must exceedingly facilitate their perusal of any printed work hereafter put into their hands; and, among the rest, of the Sacred Scriptures. Every one knows, that what can be read with ease, is likely to be read often, if deemed important. To say nothing, therefore, of THE ADDITIONAL NUMBer of readers formed by those Schools, which they will probably increase in a tenfold degree; the superior knowledge acquired of their own multifarious alphabetic system, must render the perusal of printed books, throughout the whole of life, that pleasant and delightful employ which reading has never yet been to the Natives of India.

2. The knowledge which they acquire of Geography and General History, through the Compendiums put into their hands, will happily prepare them for the perusal of the Scriptures; by removing those extravagant ideas of a Chronological and Geographical Nature, on which the whole of the Hindoo System is founded. The idea of boundless ages and endless genealogies being removed, and their notions of the size and extent of the earth corrected, they will become far better prepared to understand and believe the Sacred Scriptures, than while they imagined Mount Sobmeroo to be eleven thousand yozuns high, and the whole earth to be formed of alternate continents and oceans, resembling the integuments which appear in the section of a tulip root, Hindoostan forming precisely the middle part! And their being previously familiarized with the names of persons connected with Scripture History; as Moses, David, Cyrus, Cæsar, &c. together with those of the countries and cities mentioned therein; as Egypt, Canaan, Babylon, Rome, Jerusalem, &c. must render the Scriptures far more intelligible and interesting to them than they could otherwise be.

3. The ideas which they must previously gain, too, of the principal Doctrines inculcated in Scripture, as-the Nature and Perfections of God-the Purity of the Divine Law-God's Hatred of Sin-the Equality of Men in God's Sight-the personality of the human Soul; as distinct, on the one hand, from the essence of God; and, on the other, from the spirits of the beasts that perish the falsehood and folly of the doctrine of Transmigration-the eer

tainty of dying but once, and of Judg. ment instantly succeeding the End of the World-the Resurrection of the Body-a General Judgment—an unchanging Eternity of Happiness or Misery all of which occur in the various Compendiums given them, often in the very words of Scripture, must naturally prepare their minds for the profitable perusal of the Sacred Volume. 4. Their being accustomed, for years, to cease from their common business on the Sabbath, the natural effect of our directing the masters not to attend on that day, a direction with which even their love of ease makes them readily comply, tends by no means to indispose them for the reception of the Scriptures. Although but a mere bodily rest, and that temporary, its effect on the mind hereafter, in enabling them to under stand, if not to approve what the Scriptures so fully inculcate on that subject, is not to be despised and if Schools be continued in this country-an object which we trust the Lord will stir up the hearts of His people to secure-a Brother who shall, in some future day, go into any one of these villages to make known the Word, will find, on the Sabbath, a young Congregation at leisure to hear; and, in the numerous passages of Scripture interspersed in their Compendiums, a text or theme, already treasured up in their minds.

5. But the manner in which these Schools ENDEAR the European Character to both Children and Parents, must open a way to their hearts, in a degree unknown before. A Doctrine, which differs from all their former ideas, coming from a strange countenance, and exciting doubts as to the motives from which it is brought to their ears, must involve a combination of unpleasant circumstances relative to the Word of Life, on the reception of which their eternal happiness is suspended, which it would be desirable to lessen, if possible. This is done by these Schools. In addition to these Youths having grown up, in some small degree, acquainted with the Gospel, their being led to contemplate with pleasure, as approving and rewarding them, the countenance of the messenger of peace, and to form a favourable idea of him as engaged in promoting their happiness in a way which they themselves deem meritorious, must create a prepossession, relative to his motives and the purport of the message which he Feb. 1819.

brings, of no small value in the recep tion of the Gospel.

6. When we add to all, the INCREASED NUMBER OF READERS created by these Schools, few methods will appear likely to be more effectual in preparing the way, in a Heathen Country, for that faith which cometh by reading and examining the Word of God.

We cannot, therefore, but adore the goodness of God in inclining the hearts of the Natives so fully to welcome these Schools, without which the whole plan must have been nipped in the bud; since, if the Natives had not cheerfully sent their Children, every thing else would have been useless. But the earnestness, with which they have sought these Schools, exceeds every thing that we had previously expected. Nor has the desire yet ceased. We are still constantly importuned for more Schools, although we have long gone beyond the extent of our funds. Indeed, respecting the supplies for the present year, we have to rely immediately on that Almighty Friend on whom Professor Franck drew continually; for as yet we scarcely see how half the funds will be provided, this year, for the Hundred Schools already established around us. But this we know, that the Lord is able to provide, and that none who trust in Him shall be put to shame. The encouragement, indeed, which we have received from our generous Countrymen throughout India, demands our warmest gratitude; and we are almost astonished to see how the Natives themselves have come forward to spread light in the midst of their own country. Although their subscriptions, as yet, are not very large, in the List of Benefactors the view of one-fourth being Native Names awakens sensations of joy and hope which we once never expected to realize. It will not, however, appear strange, that India should not, as yet, be able to supply its own wants relative to Native Schools; and we are persuaded, that those generous minds which have so fully provided the Scriptures for India will not be backward in stretching forth the helping hand to Schools: which, as to the number of readers, will increase the efficiency of the Scriptures in a tenfold degree; and, with reference to their being perused with understanding, in a degree almost beyond belief. Meanwhile, the liberality of the friends of religion in Britain and America will

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henceforth produce a re-action on the minds of the Natives themselves, while tney witness the generous care SO unequivocally manifested for their happiness by Foreigners, distant from them so many thousand miles: a re-action, valuable, indeed, in a pecuniary point of view; but effective, beyond all calculation, in diffusing light and knowledge through the whole country. We entreat

you, therefore, Beloved Brethren, to bring this object before our highlyvalued friends in Britain as fully as possible; and to assure them, that whatever may be contributed to the Institution for Native Schools, we will sacredly devote to that object, as we have hitherto done relative to the funds subscribed for Translations.

CONCLUSION.

Thus, then, Dearly Beloved Brethren, we have given you a brief sketch of the present state of things relative to the Mission. The number of persons baptized on a Profession of Faith in these three years, including the Brethren in the various regiments, somewhat exceeds Four Hundred. These, added to the number baptized previously, Seven Hundred and Fifty-six, will bring the whole number baptized, of all nations in these seventeen years, to nearly One Thousand Two Hundred; a number for which we cannot be sufficiently thankful, when we consider their value in India, and their situation as scattered over so great an extent of country. They comprise fourteen or fifteen different nations, including those from the various nations of Europe brought to the knowledge of the truth in India. Their being of different nations seems far more likely to advance the Cause in this country, than though they had been all Europeans or all Natives of India.

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After some just remarks on the gratitude and encouragement which past success should awaken, the Report thus closes :

The present state of things requires further, that, in conducting Missions, energy should be combined with GODLY WISDOM; that the great work of evangelizing the Heathen World may be attempted in a way, at once the most effectual and speedy. Herein, let Christians act toward one another in that honourable and generous spirit so often

seen and so much approved in the dealings of worldly men ; and the work may be carried on, by the various Denominations of Christians, in the most harmonious as well as efficient manner. The command of God, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature, renders the Christian World debtors to EVERY Nation; and it is evident, that to all the Nations now without the Gospel, it must be carried by Foreign Missionaries. Nor is it scarcely less evident, that, while none are excluded from the blessings of Redemption, there are none sunk so low as to be incapable of receiving them. This has been evinced, in the fullest manner, by the Moravian Brethren, who, by devoting themselves to the lowest of mankind in the scale of knowledge, Greenlanders, Esquimaux, &c. have set a glorious example to the Church of God, and demonstrated the practicability of carrying the Gospel to all above these in the scale of civilization-and, hence, to all mankind. Aud, if a wise, enlarged, and apostolic course of operation be pursued in con

ducting Missions, and all determined to

seek out scenes of labour where Christ has not been named, till none such can be found, rather than build on other men's foundation, and boast of things made ready to their hand; we may soon hope, under the Divine Blessing, to see the greater part of the Heathen World illuminated by the Divine Word; and the next age may possibly behold nearly the whole earth filled with the knowledge of God, as the waters cover the sea.

Home Proceedings.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE
SOCIETY,

MONTHLY EXTRACTS.

THE Committee of the Hibernian Bible Society reprint, for circula

tion in Ireland, the Monthly Extracts of Correspondence published by the British and Foreign Bible Society. The Committee justly expect much benefit to result

from the circulation of these Extracts. We rejoice in this additional measure for diffusing information throughout Ireland.

DOMESTIC BENEFITS OF The society.

Ladies' Associations are rapidly increasing; and are becoming very efficient Auxiliaries, both to the funds of the Institution and to its moral influence on the mass of the people.

At pp. 283 and 472 of our last Volume, we gave some account of the formation and progress of the Manchester Ladies' Association; and at pp. 176, 502, and 503, of another at Liverpool. From recent documents we extract the following statements respecting these and some other similar Associations.

The Manchester Ladies' Bible Society had already obtained, (at the beginning of September,) 3696 Subscribers, and collected 4691. 17s. 1 d. The Duchess of Kent has accepted the office of Patroness of that Institution.

The Liverpool Ladies' Bible Society, up to the 26th of August, exhibited the following results of seven months' persevering attention on the part of these benevolent Ladies, viz.

....

456

Total number of Collectors...
Total number of Districts.
334
Total number of Subscribers.... 8834
Bibles and Testaments distributed, 1397
Total amount collected, 1889. 15s. 7d.

The consequences are traced in those habits of cleanliness, economy, sobriety, and decorum, which are progressively extending throughout the bulk of the population; in an increasing attention to the duties of religion; and in an evident extension of those great principles of moral order, which attach the lower classes of society to their superiors, and cement more firmly the whole mass of the community.

The Ladies of the Association just established at Douglas, Isle of Man, have collected, in their first month, 341. 16s. 4d.; and a second Ladies' Association has been formed in that Island.

The total amount, collected by the Southampton Ladies' Association, from Oct. 1816, to July 1818, is 6801. 8s. 3d.; and the total number of Bibles and Testaments distributed, 1103.,

The Exeter Ladies' Association is under the patronage of the Duchess of Bedford, Countess Fortescue, Lady Ebrington, and many other distinguished individuals. The city is divided into 53 districts, to each of which Collectors Committee exhibited a most animating are appointed. The first Meeting of the proof of the efficiency of these Institutions, and of the benefit of system, although established only FOUR WEEKS. Reports were presented from every one of the fifty-three Districts; and the aggregate result, within this short space of time, has been

Free Subscribers
Subscribers for Bibles

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This is a result unexampled, under similar circumstances, in the history of the Bible Society. The Reports bore which existed for such an Institution; conclusive testimony to the necessity and to the highly beneficial effects, direct and collateral, which may be confidently anticipated: while they evinced the influence of that wisdom and prudence, on the part of those concerned, which are the best and surest guides to success.

Plymouth and its immediate vicinity, including a population of more than Eighty Thousand souls, constitute a scene of peculiar interest. EIGHT ASSOciations have been already established, conducted by more than THREE HUNDRED LADIES of the highest respectability in these towns; and several others are in contemplation.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATH

ASSOCIATION.

PREPARATORY to the First Annual Meeting of this Association, Sermons were preached, on Sunday, January the 3d, by the Rev. Archdeacon Digby and the Rev. Jonn Richards.

On Tuesday, the 5th, the Public Meeting was held at the Guildhall; the Vice-Patron of the Association,

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the Right Hon. Lord Gwydir, in the Chair. The Meeting was very numerous, and highly respectable. Between forty and fifty Clergymen were present. The recollection of the extraordinary circumstances attending the first establishment of the Association probably contributed to increase the attendance. The Assembly was, however, composed of the various classes of Society: some worthy persons, from warm affection to the great objects of the Institution, are known to have walked many miles in order to participate in the sacred pleasure which usually accompanies such Meetings; and which was, in truth, eminently manifested on this occasion.

The Noble Chairman, in addressing the Meeting, adverted, with great effect, and in a truly Christian Spirit, to the circumstances which had occurred. This Address cannot but give pleasure to every Christian Reader. We, therefore, insert it at large :

The great object of our Parent Society has been so often and so eloquently explained, that it is quite unnecessary that I should trouble you, at any length, on so important a topic.

Nevertheless, in the lamented absence of our Right Reverend and much respected President, I may perhaps be permitted, in this our infant state, to make a few observations on our own particular views.

We meet this day to record our First Anniversary, and to report our earliest proceedings.

We do not meet to discuss controversial points of Doctrine, or legal questions of the Common or the Civil Law; nor to make any comment on the conduct of other Protestant Societies, having the same pure and pious objects as ourselves.

We rejoice that such Societies exist. We admire their zeal, and sincerely wish

them success.

It is out of my power to enumerate the Institutions which appear in this most charitable City, to anticipate the wants of almost every human misery:

We have added another most important link to that extended charitable chain. Long, long may the whole shine-a

noble emblem of good-will to all men.

We have been reproached with want of dignity in our proceedings, from our attempting to embark with us the Poor and the Humble in one common cause. Dignity to ourselves makes no part of our object. Our object is the fulfilment

of a great Christian Duty; and, where Christian Duty is concerned, deep bumility should be its leading feature.

The high, the low, the rich, the poor, all are equal in the eye of God. Nay,

the contributions of the Poor are held be held less in the eyes of man! superior: God forbid that they should

To the Messengers sent by John, our Blessed Saviour gave as the last great proof of his own Divine Mission-To the Poor, the Gospel is preached. Who, by a Christian Mind, can be considered poor, if those are not so considered, who have long continued and still exist in utter ignorance of God? Let it be remembered, that it is not the fleeting interests of mere worldly concerns that are here at stake: it is the eternal interests of the world to come-everlasting life or death, it may be, to millions that now exist, and millions yet unborn!

If the Bible be true, if Truth be the day-star of the Christian Religion, the Gospel must at some period be preached to every nation and people of the earth.

From the precepts, mercies, and promises, held out by that Religion, we may, with trembling hope, conclude, that it will be happy for that Nation which may be found most zealous in this great work of Faith; and that the exertions of the poorest individual in so holy a cause, will stand recorded by Infinite Goodness.

Let us therefore proceed in this great work, in the humble hope that our children, and our children's children, may persevere to the end; when, assuredly, the triumphant banner of our Lord shall be fully displayed on the ruins of Idolatry.

From the Report, which was read by the Rev. John Richards, it appeared that upward of 500/.had been raised by the Association, in the course of the year.

Major-General

Sir William Cockburn, Bart. one of the VicePresidents, having moved the adoption of the Report, was seconded by the Secretary of the Parent Institution, who enlarged on prospects of the Society as cɔn

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