the boys' English school being in a separate Bungalow. This anecdote may please you: Two natives were talking about religion, one, who was a Christian, asked the other, who was a heathen, how he thought the spirit of goodness, or religion, manifested itself? He answered, In clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, and doing good to the needy.' "How then does it become missionaries to magnify the religion of Christ, and win souls to it, by such works! "Your ever affectionate friend and sister, CHARLOTTE H. ROWE." FRANCE. A SAD accident is said to have occurred very lately, at the Montagnes Beaujon. M. Dufresne went in the morning, accompanied by his sister and nephew, the latter aged seven years, to the garden Beaujon; the party having got into one of the cars, it upset in its descent, and the child was thrown out, and expired the same evening; the following, the uncle closed his eyes in death, leaving a widow and thirteen children. Oh, how constantly are the most distressing consequences produced by the folly of mankind! Than this it is still more grievous to remark, the levity and unconcern with which the most instructive events are passed over by those who beheld them. Thousands of persons had witnessed the above accident, but so feverish was their childish thirst for pleasure, that the other vehicles which descend the Montagnes were immediately filled by ladies and fathers of families. So inconsiderate man, intent on present pleasures, disregards the remonstrances of conscience, and the warnings of revelation, till inexorable death drags him into the eternal fires. Instead of this, immortal creatures should sacrifice the poor, fleeting enjoyments of a transitory life of sin, and study the pages of eternal truth, and ask of God heavenly wisdom, that an interminable existence may be a constant enjoyment of the paradise of God. To be wise for a moment, (even if unholy pleasures were more delightful than those of a pious life, which we do not allow,) and then to be a fool for ever, is the utmost want of wisdom. And to be amused through the course of a short life, and then to have nothing left but existence and agonies through a cheerless, hopeless, torturing, and eternal residence in hell, as a just punishment for all this unutterable stupidity and wickedness, is to be unhappy indeed! T. G.. Domestic Religious Intelligence. BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY. Ar the fifteenth anniversary of this Society, which was held in Freemasons'hall, a most respectable body of its friends and subscribers assembled. At this meeting, His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex presided, and introduced the business of the day, by congratulating the meeting, that they were assembled to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of one of the noblest institutions which adorned this country. The Report, which was read by Mr. Foster, contained a very cheering outline of their progress. It stated, as it well might, that the Society owed much of its success to the liberality of its fun, damental principles, in embracing all denominations, without any exclusive creed, and admitting the reading of the scriptures only, without note or comment. How much offended at this the Church of Rome would be, as she believes that it is her high prerogative to give the right meaning to the divine word!! Protestant churches better understand these things. We are truly glad, however, to be informed, that, even among the Catholics, the schools of this noble Institution are, in some instances, favourably regarded. In the Jewish school in Houndsditch, under the patronage of gentlemen of that persuasion, by means of this system, within twelve months, a number of boys have been taught to read the Bible, both in Hebrew and in English. The rapidity with which they have learned, and the accuracy of their reading, have excited much admiration. In Ireland, the cause is prosperous; the Hibernian Society have, in that country, 400 schools, containing not less than 30,000 children. It is delightful to know, that the inAluence of this Society is rapidly spreading throughout the continent. Through | various parts of the Russian empire, the blessings of education are diffused; and, in France, a school has been established for the education of the Russian soldiers, which has so succeeded, that 300 have learned to read and write within a few months. A Greek is now studying at Paris, intending to introduce the British system of education into his own country. This is one of the wise men of Greece. In France, the progress has been great. A numerous and respectable meeting has been lately held in Paris, when it was found that there were as many as 400 schools in that country, upon the British system. Even in Madrid, a school has been opened; and, in other parts of Spain, others are in contemplation. In America, the knowledge of the system has been extensively spread, and a bill has been introduced into the legislature of Pennsylvania, for establishing it by law. From Hayti, encouraging accounts have been received. In one school, at Cape Henry, 200 boys are instructed. In Africa, and India, the British system of education is rapidly advancing. The Baptist missionaries, at Serampore, have formed schools, in which 6,000 children are taught to read the Word of God, in the Bengalee language. Among these, are the children of Bramins, and of rich parents. Many appropriate and excellent speeches were delivered on this Occasion; and the short one of Luke Howard, Esq. merits particular atten. tion: he said, "He trusted the meeting, in now retiring, would not forget their Treasurer, nor leave him in the unpleasant situation of putting his hand in his purse, and feeling the bottom-but not the money." ABERGAVENNY ACADEMY. THE following Address will appear prefixed to the new Report of the Baptist Education Society at Abergavenny; VOL. X. "Thirty-one students from the Prin cipality have been introduced to the grammatical knowledge and use of the English language; and, hereby, to treasures of divinity and other sciences, which, but for such means, must have remained springs shut up, and fountains sealed.' Many of these are become the respectable pastors of churches in England and Wales; others are the assistants of pastors; others again, are active itinerants; and, by some, new interests are likely to be raised. Thus, by the operation of means comparatively small, something has been done, and is still doing, for that kingdom which is not of this world. Nevertheless, we must devoutly recollect, that the glorious Head of that kingdom, according to his usual plan, wisely chooses, and effici ently directs the operation of feeble means, so as to produce such benefits as we have noticed; that the excellency of the power may appear visibly to be from him; and that the glory may be ren dered to his name. "Our Society has no fund: it casts itself, from year to year, on the lap of an all-bounteous Providence. Hitherto it has acted within a very limited circle; and, even there, has made no extraordinary effort to raise contributions. A few steady friends have, by their annual gatherings, furnished a bare subsistence to our little cause, and still it lives. From these observations, however, we deduce no argument for a supine inactivity; nor can there be any reason whatever, why we should not amplify our means, if, by augmenting them, greater good can be done, by opening a wider door for the admission of students; and by sending a greater num ber of prepared labourers into the vineyard. "From the scanty receipts of the present year, we have been able to maintain three scholars only; at the same time it must be made known, that six candidates, duly recommended, have petitioned to be received; but that four of them, at least, must be denied the privilege, for the space of another year, unless an immediate effort be made to increase the income, so as to meet the enlarged expenditure which the reception of them would incur. Must they, then, remain 2 s uninstructed another twelvemonth; or be sent to England, to acquire an elementary knowledge of her language? Probably, these worthy young men may stand on the same level, in regard to knowledge, with the majority of our students, at the season of their admission; and, what is the common ground they occupy? We answer, neither capable of reading or speaking English, in any manner. Does it fall, then, within the province or design of the highly respectable establishments at Bristol, Bradford, or Stepney, to teach Welshmen the English tongue? Certainly not. But was not this the principle thing-the precise object-the leading design-the characteristic feature-the expediency of which being made to appear, before a large assembly, twelve years ago, gave birth to our CambroAnglian Institution? Yes, truly. Then, can our appeal be in vain? We want help these young ministers want immediate assistance. Friends of religion and benevolence, make yourselves acquainted with their situation. Should we not blush there is an existing impediment, though no sea divide us: the separating wall between Welshmen and Englishmen is not yet taken down; though we inhabit the same isle, are fellow-subjects of the same government, and fellow-believers of the same gospel, yet even the teachers of our common religion amongst the former, are, down to the present period, ignorant of the speech of the latter. "In our country, the chief depository of learning is the English language. It is become, indeed, a very capacious storehouse, of universal knowledge; but an access to which cannot, on any rational ground, be denied to any, much less to those whose special office it is to instruct others in the purest and most important science. The circumstances of the times, however, supply us with a very cogent argument. How truly cheering! What a bright lustre of glory is shed on the present generation! The national impetus is directed to inform youthful minds of all capacities, ranks, and sizes. Knowledge is running to and fro, fulfil ling prophetic writ; and behold the march of wisdom is becoming very rapid. Suffer not, then, any department to be neglected any corner to be passed by. Look to the Principality, and its wants, and say, "shall these be last of all regarded?" No, no: let the sons of Albion, without delay, unite with the sons of Cambria, to remove every material of the separating wall, and assist in con | ducting such of the latter as thirst for knowledge to the nearest stream: The spot is well known, it is aptly situated, the way is short and plain, and to attain the object is far from being expensive. We are much obliged by the steady assistance afforded us, now for many years, from a few of our brethren in London, Birmingham, Middleton Chiney, and other places: nor must we forget to acknowledge the contributions from Oxford and Norwich, the last year, which were so seasonably forwarded: yet the paucity of our friends is a theme of regret. Whilst, then, we feel grateful to you for past favours, and hope for a continuance of them, allow us to prevail on you to recommend, in your respective circles, the object which you have learn ed correctly to appreciate. It is a pleasing feature in the character of the present age, that makes a delightful im pression on every mind improved by religious virtue, that although the claims on Christian benevolence are so multifarious, Christian benevolence, with daily renewed strengtli, at all times unimpaired and unexhausted, keeps pace. with those claims. It resembles the sun, which daily ministers its blessings, and yet wastes none of its vigour. And, again, like that bright orb of day, whose rays are divergent and diffusive, it enlivens and refreshes every spot within its sphere. Such considerations, while they prove its nature to be divine, encourage us with cheerful boldness, to solicit an integral portion of its offerings. But there are some professionally incorporated amongst the friends of Christ, whose character is not here delineated.* They possess no grace that impels them Bre: BAPTIST IRISH SOCIETY. Extract from the Journal of Mr. J. M'Carthey, Lord's Day, Feb. 1, 1818. When my congregation were collected, I mounted on a chair, when a gentleman said, "As the day is so inclement, you may come into my house, and I will accommodate your hearers in the best manner I can." We had the place soon filled, and had a memorable time. In the evening, I preached at Mr. F.-'s, near the Poor Man's Bridge, in the county of Tipperary. The next evening, Monday, I preached at Mr. C-.'s, at the Island, where people came for two and three miles round to hear the Word of God. On the 4th, I baptized a young woman, R. S. in the river, and though the snow was several inches deep, yet there were crowds who were anxious to hear and see, as the ordinance of Baptism had never been administered in that part of the country. As there were many Roman Catholics, I considered it necessary to set Christ before them as the only hope of the sinner; and endeavoured to convince them, that we did not place our dependance on baptism for salvation, but alone upon the righteousness of Jesus. I afterwards preached within doors, from Acts, ii. 41, 42, and discoursed on the nature and constitution of a Christian church: though a large place, it was filled; the people seemed astonished, and many were bathed in tears, Thursday, 5. I baptized Mrs. D. F. who has a large family, of 10 or 12 children, one of whom I had previously baptized. I had a very numerous congregation upon the banks of the river, most of them Roman Catholics. O what a fine opportunity to preach Christ to poor perishing sinners. I then formed the three persons into a church, and administered to them the Lord's Supper. The house was so full that it could scarce contain the hearers; I never remember a more vivifying time in my life. The hearts of the people were softened under the sermon, and not one went away until all was over. We cannot expect this to be a large church, as the field for cultivation, in this part of the country, is not very extensive; nevertheless, there is reason to expect, more will be added to it shortly, and the things which may seem unlikely to men, are possible to God. Friday, 6. Preached at Templemore, and bad more to hear than usual, Saturday, 7, Preached at Castleotway; most extensive mountains, surrounded by the towns of Roscrea, Thurles, Temple more,and Nenagh. Lord's-day,8. Freached to the poor mountaineers, and have reason to believe that good was done. A young woman, after sermon, wished to be baptized; and while I sat by the fire, reading the Word of God, she was shedding tears all the time For about an hour I aimed to point them to the Lord Jesus; but though the young woman was very anxious for baptism, I deferred it till my next visit. ASSOCIATIONS. ALCESTER. Breviates of the Association of Baptist Congregational Churches, in Oxfordshire, and the adjacent Counties, assembled at Alcester, Warwickshire, on the 12th and 13 of May, 1818. Alcester, Tuesday afternoon, 3 o'clock.→ Mr. J. Smith read the scriptures, and prayed. The letters from the churches were read. The contents of these letters were calculated to inspire gratitude and hope, as to most of the Societies united in the Association; there were, however, two or three painful exceptions. The ministers and messengers cannot omit the opportunity, of expressing their earnest request to all the members of the general body, that they would set apart some special seasons for more immediately addressing the throne of grace for the spiri tual welfare, prosperity, and enlargement of that portion of Zion, in which the great Head of the church has placed them. Mr. Gray suggested the improvement of the contents of the letters, and concluded in prayer. Evening, quarter before 7-Mr. S. Taylor prayed. Mr. Walton preached from Luke xii. 31, and closed the service. Half past 8. The ministers and messengers met in the vestry. The circular letter, written by Mr. Price, was submitted to the consideration of the brethren, and approved. Wednesday morning, half-past 6.Mr. G. M. Smith, of Chipping Norton; Patrick, of Sibford: Beetham, and Cook, led the devotional exercises of the morning on which, there was a pleasing at tendance, notwithstanding very unfa vourable weather. Eight o'clock. The ministers and messengers settled the accounts of the Association fund, and distributed the sums voted to the several applications; so as to leave no balance in the Trea surer's hands. They beg leave to recommend the fund, with renewed energy, to the attention of all the churches, as -possessing powerful claims on their most liberal support and encouragement. Eleven o'clock.-Mr. E. Smith began the service, by reading the scriptures and prayer. Mr. Howlett preached from Titus, ii. 14. Mr. Hinton preached from Ephes. iv. 21; and concluded in prayer. Quarter before 6.-Mr. Gray commenced the service by prayer; Mr. Coles preached from Romans, x. 4; and Mr. Price concluded. Thursday morning, 7 o'clock.-Such of the associated brethren, as were able to stay, communicated to each other some of the principal events of the past year, in their respective connections; and engaged in affectionate intercession for each other, for all their brethren, and for the whole Israel of God. The next circular letter to be written by Mr. Howlett, on the best Means of recommending Religion to those around us. The Auxiliary Missionary Society will be held at Campden, in the autumn; of which due notice will be given. The double lecture to be at Hook Norton, on Easter Tuesday, 1819. It is expected that application be made to the ministers, who are requested to preach, one month before the time. The next Association to be held at Bourton-on-the-Water, on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Whitsun-week, 1819. Mr. James Smith to preach; and, in case of failure, Mr. S. Taylor. The second preacher is chosen by the church, where the Association is held. STATE OF THE CHURCHES. Received, on a proDismissed fession of faith 43 at North Shields, Northumberland, May 12 and 13, 1818. Met at 7 o'clock, the preceding evening, when the Rev. Mr. Fisher, Rev. R. Pengilly, and Rev. C. Whitfield, prayed. Tuesday morning, May 12.-Met at 7 o'clock, when Mr. Lightfoot, messenger, from Stockton; W. Hartly, jun. and Rev. W. Hartly, sen. prayed. Met again, quarter-past 10 o'clock.Rev. C. Whitfield prayed; after which, the letters were read from the different churches, the state of which is the following: Cold Rowley, none added, one dead; 29 members. Hamsterly, four added, one dead; 90 members. Newcastle, 13 added, one dead; 90 members. North Shields, 19 added, one excluded, one dead; 60 members. Stockton, one added, one excluded; 24 members; in all 37 added, two excluded, and four dead, leaving an increase of 31; num ber of members, 293. It was then una nimously agreed, that the next Associa tion be held at Hamsterly, Durham, on Tuesday and Wednesday in Whitsun week, 1819. The Report of the Northern Baptist Itinerant Society, was then read by the Secretary, Rev. C. Whitfield, when it was resolved 'unanimously 1. That the proceedings of the Itine rant Society have the decided approba tion of this meeting. 2. That the officers of the Society be requested to continue their services ano ther year; which was agreed to, with the exception of the assistant Secretary, who was under the necessity of declining the 2 office, in consequence of other engage ments, of a public nature, pressing upon his time and attention. 16 24 3. That the Rev. J. Williamson be requested to take the office of Assistant Secretary; which he accepted. 4. That this meeting do request the Secretary, to apply to Dr. Steadman, of Bradford, for one of his pupils to spend the approaching vacation in South Shields, and its neighbourhood; and if there be any prospect of raising a congregation there, that the ministers and messengers present, will do all that lies in their power to forward the object be yond that time. 5. That each congregation make a collection for the Northern Baptist Itinerant Society, to defray the expenses that may be incurred by the foregoing resolution; and that the amount, so collected, be transmitted to the Treasurer forthwith. Rev. R. Pengilly concluded the meeting by prayer. Met again at a quarterpast 2 o'clock, when one of the members of the church was ordained to the office of deacon. Rev. C. Whitfield prayed, |