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given up on account of a reduction of salary, or from a failure in the funds.*

Mr. O'Driscoll states, that the Society "6 practises and professes proselytism generally;" and that "an apprehension on the part of the priests that such efforts would be made, has been the cause of their opposition to the schools." He afterwards explains his meaning to be, that it is not to make converts to their peculiar principles as Baptists, but " to convert from Catholicism to Protestantism generally."

We cannot better reply to these statements than by copying part of the last Annual Report, which relates to similar charges. Referring to opposition from a few Roman Catholic priests in the county of Clare, it is said, "The Committee would not have mentioned these painful proofs of the hostility made to the holy scriptures by persons calling themselves ministers of the Christian religion, had it not been necessary for the vindication of men whose characters have been malignantly traduced, and to repel the charge that the object of the Society was proselytism, and not the good of the Irish peasantry. If by proselytism be intended, attempts to bring persons over to their own sect, they indignantly deny the allegation; for, without undervaluing their own distinguishing sentiments, their only wish has been to make the Irish acquainted with the doctrines of the scriptures, in order that they may become genuine Christians. But, if employing suitable means for making them Bible-Christians be called proselytism, they admit the accusation to be just;—and, if this be to be vile, they hope the Society will become yet more vile, and that still larger accessions will be made to the church of Christ in Ireland by the humble labours of this Institution. They have not so learned Christ as to think lightly of the doctrines of the Reformation, nor of its political influence on the civil and religious liberties of their native country; and they most ardently pray that the Society may never cease to propagate those scriptural and evangelical sentiments, which were so successfully taught and defended by Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley, and Knox; as laying the only solid foundation for a sinner's hope in the righteousness and forgiving mercy of the Saviour alone, and not in human merit, or

When the Society was first established, the schoolmasters in Connaught received twenty pounds per year for a short time: they were then reduced to sixteen, and this, unless the school is small, is still the salary,

the absolution of the priest. Surely those Christians who owe all their scriptural knowledge, and all their liberties to the Reformation from Popery, will never be negligent in using that liberty to impart the knowledge of salvation, to enlighten those who sit in darkness, and the shadow of death, and to turn their feet into the way of peace. Never may this, nor any similar Society, relax in its efforts to make known the light of the glorious gospel of Christ in Ireland, till all its inhabitants are emancipated from that most degrading and dangerous of all slavery→→ the bondage of the mind."

We do not attribute the replies of Mr. O'Driscoll to a spirit of hostility, while we lament he should have made statements which are likely to excite prejudices, both in Ireland and in England, against the Society. We wish the learned gentleman had recollected a letter, sent to him in November, 1820, by the Rev. Mr. Keen, of Cork, at that time the Superintendent of the Society's Schools, written for the purpose of correcting some mistakes which he had made respecting the Baptist Society, in a pamphlet on the "Education of the Peasantry of Ireland." Had not the Committee concluded, from the answer of Mr. O'Driscoll to Mr. Keen's letter, that he was fully convinced he had misrepresented the Society, they would then have published a reply to the erroneous statements of that pamphlet.

The increasing liberality evinced this year, by gentlemen in Ireland contributing towards the funds of the Society, especially by persons in Connaught, where the schools are chiefly situated, affords the best practical evidence, that the agents of the Society have not used any improper means for "converting the children in the schools to Protestantism:" if insisting, however, that the New Testament be. used in the schools, and encouraging the children to commit portions of it to memory, subject them to that charge, they consider that, as Protestants, they could not do less; and, as Protestant Dissenters, they have no wish to do more. It is their anxious desire to assist in raising the moral and religious character of the peasantry of Ireland, and for this purpose to lay, as the basis, a scriptural education: and, they have no doubt, should the blessing of God follow the labours of the Baptists, and other similar institutions, that, in a few years, a superstructure of personal religion, domestic comfort, and loyal obedience, will be raised upon it.

We shall feel obliged, Mr. Editor, if you will find room for an early insertion

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which we had not been before, very little was obtained: but the operations of the Society are now known, and the way is opened for future success.

The sums collected in the North amount to £93, and we expect about £20 to be sent us in a few weeks.

Mr. Davis and I met with kind attention from our Presbyterian brethren. Some to whom we applied for a collection, informed us they had recently collected for other Societies, but if we would visit

From the Rev. J. West, of Dublin, to the them next year, they would be happy to

Secretaries.

Dublin, May 10, 1825.

MY DEAR SIRS,
Through the kind providence of God
Mr. Davis and I came safe to Dublin.
We left this for the north of Ireland near
the end of March, and went to Castle
blany, where I preached Lord's-day the
3rd of April, and Mr. Davis at Ballybay.
We met the following Monday at Mo-
naghan, where Mr. Davis left me, and
proceeded to Moneymore and Cookstown,
where he preached the 10th instant. I
visited Clonas during the week, preached
in the Methodist house there, and re-
turned to Monaghan for the Sabbath.
We met at Amagh on Monday, the 11th;
Mr. Davis gave an exhortation in the
evening. Tuesday we went to London-
derry, where Mr. Davis preached on the
14th. On that evening I left Derry, and
went to Newtown, Limavady, where I
preached the Lord's-day, the 17th. Mr.
Davis baptized five persons at Derry, and
preached on the above Sabbath at Letter-
kenny, and returned to Colerain, where
he preached at Mr. Whiteside's and Mr.
M'Calder's meeting-houses, the 14th. I
left Newtown, Limavady, on the 25th,
and preached at the Methodist meeting,
Ballimena; from thence I went to An-
trim, and preached Lord's-day, the 24th.
We met by appointment in Belfast, where
I preached on Thursday, the 28th. Col-
lected subscriptions, and made arrange-
ments for Mr. Davis to preach at the Rev.
Mr. Carr's meeting, on Sabbath evening,
the 1st of May. I left Belfast on Satur-
day, and proceeded to Tulleleah. I
preached at the Rev. Mr. Johnson's meet-
ing, in the morning, and at Tanderagee,
and at the Methodist house, in the even-
ing. Mr. Davis left Belfast on the 3rd,
and went to Saintfield, where he preach
ed two sermons; and from thence he
proceeded to Killeleagh, where he preach-
ed on the Sabbath morning, and at Down-
patrick in the evening. I left Tande-
ragee and came to Newry, and preached
there Monday evening, and from thence
to Dublin. We collected at the places
where we preached; at those places to

assist our Society.

I preached in a number of places belonging to the Methodists, who, with much christian candour, granted the use of their places of worship. We were at Belfast at the Academical Institution, during the examination of the students, which was conducted with very great propriety, and gave us a high opinion of that seminary. The ministers and gentlemen of the Com. mittee, in a very friendly manner, invited Mr. Davis and I to dine with them, which we accepted.

I am yours respectfully,

J. WEST.

From Mr. Davis, of Clonmel, to the
Secretaries.

MY DEAR SIRS,

Dublin, May 11, 1825.

Through the good providence of GodMr. West and myself have been returned in safety to this city, after our third annual tour through the North of Ireland. We have experienced increasing favour from all denominations of Protestants, and particularly from the Presbyterians, who happily abound in those parts of the country; and we have been generally encouraged to expect a continuance of as-" sistance in future years in promoting the objects of the Society. It was very delightful upon the Sabbath days to see from 600 to 800, and in some places over 1000 people collected for the worship of God; and I felt constrained to acknow. ledge to them, upon several occasions, that if our respected friends, who originated the Baptist Irish Society, had confined their attention to the North of Ireland, the Society would never have been instituted; for the lines have fallen to them in pleasant places, and they possess a goodly heritage.

Mr. West's health is so much improved, and the introductions we received were so numerous, that we were separated from each other nearly the whole time. We preached and collected in upwards of twenty different towns and villages. The particulars we shall reserve for the Ap

pendix to the next Report, especially as some of the collections have not yet been received. But we brought with us upwards of £90, and expect about £20 more. We are particularly indebted, and the Society also, to the union of the Dublin ministers of the several denominations, for a general introduction to the respective churches in their connection throughout the country; and the respect shown to us by the ministers in Belfast, and the "Faculty of the Academical Institution," demands our warmest acknowledgments. The year before last I preached and collected at the Rev. Dr. Hanna's; last year at the Rev. Mr. M'Ewen's; this year at the Rev. Mr. Carr's; and Mr. West preached and collected at the Wesleyan chapel. There appears, indeed, to be a general sentiment in our favour among the friends of the Bible, of every persuasion; and the accounts which were given of the origin and operations of the Society, were universally acknowledged to be highly satisfactory. On the subject of proselytism I remarked, that it appeared to me quite sufficient to answer all the cavils that have been made upon that subject, to state, that half the masters in our schools (and the Hibernian Society's also) are themselves Roman Catholics! therefore, if any of the agents of the Societies overstep the bounds, (as will sometimes be the case in every large society,) it would be highly improper to visit the sins of such persons upon the whole body, when the fact which I have stated, is so abundantly sufficient to show the principles by which the Society is actuated. We are not afraid to commit the scriptures without note or comment, and without any explanation, of our peculiar principles into the hands of the children, and adults; and, therefore, we feel that we may call, with confidence, particularly upon the whole body of Protestants, and also upon all those Roman Catholics who acknowledge the Bible to be the word of God, to give us light in the road to heaven, to unite with the Society in its benevolent exertions; and, we have no doubt, that, as God hath "magnified his word above all his name," he will continue to magnify it until "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.'

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It would appear almost invidious to mention names where kindness has been universally shown; but we feel ourselves under particular obligations to the Moderator (the Rev. Mr. Cooke), and a considerable number of the ministers of the synod of Ulster, and the ministers of the Presbyterian synod of Ireland, known by the name of Seceders; also to a number

of excellent ministers of the Established Church, and many of the Independents, and the Societies of Methodists; and, it' the amounts collected at the various places should appear small, it is to be recollected, that the great majority of the congregations are poor, and are only accustomed to give copper on any occasion; besides which, the people were necessarily taken by surprise in various places, and, therefore, were unprepared to give more than the usual weekly contribution. But we were heard with the greatest attention, and received with cordial good will; and, I have no doubt, that a way is now opened for us upon future opportunities, which, I trust, we shall not fail to improve.

I regret to be absent from my own congregations so long, but I am happy that my son is enabled to supply my lack of service, to the comfort of the people, and, I trust, their edification also. I returned from Belfast yesterday, and hope to be with my dear family at Clonmel by the middle of next week.

Earnestly desiring the prosperity of the Society, I am your devoted servant in the gospel, STEPHEN DAVIS.

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Missionary Herald.

BAPTIST MISSION.

THE Friends to this Mission are respectfully informed, that the ANNUAL MEETINGS of the SOCIETY will be held in LONDON, in the course of the present Month, according to the following arrangement:

TUESDAY, JUNE 21.

MORNING, 11.—An open Meeting of the Committee of the Baptist Missionary Society, at the Missionary Rooms, 6, Fen-court, Fenchurch-street, at which the Company of such Ministers as may be in Town is particularly requested, especially the Members of the Corresponding Committee.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22.

MORNING, 11.-Sermon for the Baptist Missionary Society, at Great Queen-street Chapel, Lincoln's-inn-fields, by the Rev. EUSTACE CAREY, from Calcutta. (Should Mr. Carey, who is expected to arrive from America in a few days, not reach London in time, or be otherwise prevented, the Rev. SAMUEL SAUNDERS, of Frome, has kindly com plied with the wish of the Committee to supply his place.)

EVENING, 6.-Sermon for the Baptist Missionary Society, at Surry Chapel, Blackfriars-road, by the Rev. THOMAS GRIFFIN, ef Prescot-street, London.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23.

MORNING, 9.-Prayer Meeting for the Mission, at Eagle-street Meeting House. Some Minister from the Country is expected to deliver an Address. 11.-Annual Meeting of the Baptist Missionary Society, at Great Queen-street Chapel, Lincoln's-inn-fields; BENJAMIN SHAW, Esq. in the Chair.

Home Proceedings.

SEVENOAKS.

THE Annual Public Meeting, on behalf of the Mission, was held at Mr. Shirley's place of worship, on Monday, April 25, Thomas Chapman, Esq. of Ightham, in the chair. The lamented illness of the worthy pastor, which prevented his attendance, could not fail to excite feelings of concern and sympathy; but, inde.

VOL. XVII.

pendently of this circumstance, the meeting was, emphatically, a pleasant one; and the contributions for the past year, amounting to nearly £40, afforded deci sive evidence that the cause of God among the heathen was regarded with the same liberal cordiality as heretofore. The Rev. Messrs. Moore of Tonbridge, Morris of Boro Green, Davis of Bessel's Green, Hannam of Sevenoaks, and Thatcher of London, with the Secretary of the Parent Society, and Mr. Sutton, lately returned from Bengal, took part in the business of the evening.

2 A

Foreign Intelligence.

SERAMPORE.

SEVERAL letters have lately been received from Dr. Carey, which state that his general health appears to be completely restored, and that he has, for some time, been able to resume the labours in which he has been called to engage-labours so numerous and diversified, as that they would seem amply sufficient to engross all the energies of a very powerful mind, though they are all kept in due subservience to his noblest employ-the translation of the Holy Scriptures. Of these, no less than fourteen versions are now advancing towards a termination, each of which is under his personal superintendence, and the several proof-sheets pass three or four times under his revision, before they are finally committed to the press. Some other particulars, on the same subject, will be found in the follow. ing Extract of a letter, addressed to Samuel Hope, Esq. at Liverpool, and dated Serampore, November 25, 1824.

THROUGH the great mercy of God, my self and all the members of the Mission family are well, as are also the Brethren at Calcutta; I may say of all denominations, except the Rev. Mr. Jetter, of the Church Missionary Society, who is about to sail for Liverpool in the Princess Charlotte, on account of ill health. My nephew, Eustace Carey, was also, with his wife, obliged from the same cause to leave this country, in an American ship, a few months ago, and will probably be in England before this reaches you. These are severe losses to the cause of God, as they were both very active and useful men; but the ways of God, though inscrutable to us, are infinitely wise, and I have no doubt but the things which appear to us dark and discouraging, will in due time be so ordered in his wise providence, as to occasion much greater good to the interests of religion, than any other arrangement, however favourable to our wishes, would have done.

The general interests of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus are evidently gaining

ground. Our brethren of the Church Missionary Society are labouring with considerable success, especially in the department of Schools. Our Independent brethren are not behind them; we and our Junior Brethren in Calcutta are doing what we can, and I rejoice to say, that some success attends our labours in all ertion, viz. Education, the translation of the three departments of Missionary exthe Scriptures, and the spread of the gospel by preaching. There are at least ten schools for females at Serampore, and in its neighbourhood, I believe all in a flourishing state. In the College we are doing all we can, and I certainly. anticipate very considerable advantage from it in time. In printing the versions of the Bible, we may go to the very extremity of our funds; the New Testament will soon be published in at least thirty-four languages, and the Old Testament in eight, besides versions in three varieties of the varieties excepted, I have translated seHindoosthanee New Testament. These veral of the above, and superintended, with as much care as I could exercise, the translation and printing of them all. The Chinese Bible, which Brother Marshman translated and conducted through

the press, is not included in the above number. I am fully conscious that there must be many imperfections in these versions; but I have done my best, and I when party rivalry ceases, be found to believe the faults and imperfections will, be much fewer than might be supposed; I think I can speak with some confidence of them, and yet I am not disposed to magnify my own labours. The other department of the Mission, viz. the spread of the gospel by preaching, though gradual in its operation, has been considerably blessed, and the reports from the different stations are such as to call for much thankfulness to God.

It is probable that a circumstantial detail of the numbers at each will soon be published; and as I may, merely writing from recollection, differ from it, I forbear to say any thing specific on that head.

CALCUTTA.

THE following extract of a letter from Mrs. Jonathan Carey to a female correspondent in Bristol, will be perused with interest by those. ladies who are so laudably active in promoting the great work of edu cating their own sex in India.

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