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sident of the Union; and he offers better reasons for a jealousy of Papal interference in the case of the new states of America than exist on this side the Atlantic. We have seen that, during the existence of the late Constitutional Government of Spain, the Pope refused to receive an ambassador from his Catholic Majesty, because he was not free. His Holiness thus took the part of the captive Ferdinand against the Cortes, who limited his power; and being still, as the sworn ally of the restored Monarch, opposed to the spirit of reform, he is considered as a dangerous intruder into the concerns of a Republic which was lately a Spanish colony. On this foundation Dr. Mier elevates the banner of alarm, and calls upon his countrymen to resist ecclesiastical pretensions, which may lead to political re-subjection. One Pope gave the new world to Spain before its extent was observed. Another may endeavour, through the influence of the priests, to restore to his Catholic Majesty that portion of the gift which he once possessed, but could not retain. Troops were at first sent to pave the way for missionaries missionaries may now be employed to open a passage for armies. After this expression of alarm, the Doctor proceeds to discuss the rights of Leo XII. and the character of Ferdinand. The Pope claiming only to be the vicar of Jesus Christ, and Christ having said that his kingdom was not of this world, neither can that of the vicar be worldly. How, then, can he interfere for Ferdinand, who is described as a political as well as moral monster?" The Mexicans, he contends, have always been good Catholics, though they have resolved no longer to be slaves. They have decreed that the state permits the exercise of no other religion but the holy Roman Catholic Apostolic religion: and a minister was about to set sail for Rome, to conclude a concordat with the Vatican on terms consistent with national independence. If his Holiness refused to receive the Mexican, as he did the Colombian, Plenipotentiary, from a regard to the remonstrances of Ferdinand, with himself, and not with the Mexican Government, would rest the responsibility of a separation from the Holy See.

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Extract of a letter, dated Mexico, July 2: "It has been supposed that this country was more under the influence of Roman Catholic superstition than the other States of Spanish America, but the letter of Padre Mier on the subject of the circular written by his Holiness, and addressed to the Mexican people, will tend, wherever it is circulated, to produce a contrary impression, Dr. Mier's letter

has been read and approved of by all ranks, and has been copied into the Government Gazette. So much, indeed, has it been sought after, that another edition has been struck off. As this is the first time that the supremacy of the Pope has been called in question, we cannot help considering the reception this paper has met with as a favourable omen."-Times.

Proposed School for the Children of
Baptist Ministers.

IN the Paper on the above subject in
the Baptist Magazine for September,
signed W. S. it is asked, "Might not a
Committee be formed in London, to take
into consideration the practicability of
establishing a school for the Education of
the Children of Ministers of the Baptist
Denomination?" I should most heartily
rejoice if this plan could be realized; but
I fear that the number of existing So-
cieties, and the time and labour their ma-
nagement requires from active persons in
London, will prevent it from being car-
ried into effect. Yet it is very desirable
that those ministers, who are said to have
expressed their willingness to pay even
£10 per annum, should find suitable edu-
cation for their sons. Now I propose,
that until a Society is actually formed,
and the requisite funds are provided,
that they make application to the con-
ductors of established boarding-schools
belonging to our denomination, (of which
there are many under the care of very
suitable persons,) to know at what an-
nual sum, for two years, they will take
their sons, after they have attained the
age of twelve? Let the Editors of the
Magazine be then informed how much
will be required to make up the defi-
ciency, beyond what they will pay them-
selves. I know a case which arose out
of the former letter of W. S. which will
illustrate my meaning. A gentleman in
London kindly added fifteen pounds to
five, which the minister engaged to raise.
For this sum the lad was introduced to a
respectable classical school for a year,
and at the end of that time the master
took him as an apprentice. Thus for only
fifteen pounds given to the poor minister,
his wishes have been accomplished res-
pecting the education of his son, and the
youth has been put in the way of pro-
curing a respectable livelihood. Upon
this plan a small annual sum compara-
tively would be sufficient to accomplish
this very important object.

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ASSOCIATIONS.

SOUTH DEVON AND CORNWALL. THE South Devon and Cornwall Association of Baptist Churches held their first Anniversary Meeting at Truro, on Wednesday and Thursday, the 11th and 12th of May, 1825. The sermons delivered on this occasion were preached by the brethren Burchell, of Falmouth, from John xiii. 35; Nicholson, of Kingsbridge, Matt. xxiv. 14; and Horton, of Devonport, 1 Peter i. 23.

The devotional exercises were conduct ed by brethren Nicholson, of Plymouth; Lane, of Helston; Spasshatt, of Falmouth; Dore, of Redruth; Horton, of Devonport; Clarke, of Truro; Smith, of Truro, (Wesleyan); Hodge, of Chacewater; Rogers, of Helston; and Moore, of Truro, (Independent.)

On the afternoon of Wednesday, a Meeting for friendly conference on some religious topic was convened. The subject selected was, "The Nature of Heavenly Felicity." Each of the brethren who spoke, directed his observations to some particular feature of the happiness of heaven. The ideas illustrated wereFreedom from sin-Uninterrupted enjoyment of the Divine presence-Perfect love -Enlarged knowledge, and communion

with Christ.

The public services of the Association terminated on Thursday evening, when a Meeting was held for the purpose of stating the objects, and advocating the cause, of the Baptist Home Missionary Society, to which this Union of the Churches is designed to be auxiliary. A Report was read, and a Collection made.

The subject of the Circular Letter for this year is, "The Nature of the Prosperity of a Christian Church, and the best Means of promoting it."

It was agreed to hold the next Meeting at Bovey-Tracey, Devon, and that one of the sermons preached on that occasion should relate to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The next Circular Letter to define "The Privileges and Duties of Church Members."

It was resolved, "That it be recommended to the Churches composing this Union, to take into consideration the expediency of forming some plan for the better regulation of the admission of building cases into this district."

WESTERN DISTRICT. THE Association for part of the Western District, comprising twenty-six churches, was held at Yeovil, on Wednesday and Thursday, June 8 and 9.

Sermons were preached by the brethren Baynes, of Wellington, (Isa. lvii. 1); Viney, (1 Cor. xvi. 13, 14); Crook, of Crewkerne, (Rom. viii. 26, 27); and Shoveller, (Col. i. 27.)-The devotional services were conducted by the brethren Toms, Crook, Horsey, Jukes (Independent,) W. Humphry, Whitby, Cox, Price, Clarke, Viney, and Chapman.

Subject of the Circular Letter:-"The Nature and Effects of true and genuine Religion in the Soul, and the Means of promoting it."

State of the Churches :-Added, 82;Removed, 31 :-Clear increase, 51.

The next Association to be held at Lyme, Dorset, on the second Wednesday and Thursday in June, 1826.

ORDINATIONS, &c.

Ordination of Mr. Walter Gough, at Wem, Shropshire.

JULY 1, 1825, Mr. Walter Gough was set apart to the pastoral office over the Baptist Church at Wem, Shropshire. Mr. Kent, of Shrewsbury, began the service by reading and prayer; Mr. Cook, of Oswestry, delivered the introductory discourse, asked the usual questions, and received the confession of faith; Mr. Price, of Banton, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Jones, of Newton, delivered the charge from Acts xx. 28; Mr. Jenkin (Independent) concluded in prayer.

In the evening, Mr. Kent, of Shrewsbury, addressed the church from 1 Thess. v. 12, 18; Mr. Phillips, of Whychurch, preached on the preceding evening, from Isa. ix. 9. Many ministers, and large and attentive congregations were present.

New Church formed at Milton, near; Northampton.

ON Monday afternoon, June 13, 1825. a new Baptist Church was formed at Milton, near Northampton, consisting of seventeen members, sixteen of whom were dismissed from the church at Road, and one from Northampton. Mr. Knowles, of Hackelton, began the service, by reading and prayer. Mr. Wheeler, of Braybrook, explained the nature and design of church-fellowship, and gave to each member the right hand of fellowship, as they all did to each other. Mr. Gray, of Chipping Norton, addressed the members, and the deacons now elected, and commended them to the Divine blessing by prayer-the ordinance of the Supper was commemorated, under the superintendence of Mr. Heighton, of Road. Mr. Grey preached in the evening.

DOCKHEAD, BERMONDSEY. THE Baptist Church under the pastoral care of the Rev. B. Lewis, having removed to Dean-street, Southwark, with the exception of a few members, who preferred remaining at Dockhead, another church was formed at the last-mentioned place, on Lord's-day evening, October 2, 1825. The services were conducted in the following manner :-Mr. John Pewtress commenced by reading and prayer; Mr. Young, of Alfred-place, Kent-road, preached from 2 Cor. xiii. 11; "Be of one mind, live in peace," &c.; and Mr. Douglas concluded the general service of

the evening. The church was then formed. After which the Lord's Supper was administered by Mr. William Dovey, late of Maiden-lane, Covent Garden: the service concluded by prayer.

On Monday evening, October 3rd, the members held their first Church Meeting, when, after seeking for Divine direction, they proceeded to elect two of their num ber to the office of deacons, who, on the following Lord's-day evening, were set apart by the laying on of hands, and prayer, several ministers assisting on the occasion. The prospect of usefulness is encouraging.

SONNET.

"If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.”-
"Whosoever will let him take the water of life freely."
How bright and broad the stream that Rock supplies,
Beneath whose shade the desert-wand'rers find
Unequalled aid to cheer the weary mind!—

'Tis this that fam'd Olympus far outvies,
And e'en the springs from Helicon that rise,
With Zion's waters once compar'd, all taste
Bitter; and though the sun-scorch'd traveller haste
To ev'ry earthly source,-fond expectation dies.
See how he toils across the sultry waste;
Yonder's a stream! he thinks, and thither hies

With bounding hope and parched lips-when lo!
'Tis glowing sand that mocks his straining eyes.
But Zion's stream deceives not, nor shall cease to flow,
Until we've all, like Israel, pass'd the desert through.

B. C.

• The phenomenon here referred to "is produced by a diminution of the density of the lower stratum of the atmosphere, which is caused by the increase of heat, arising from that communicated by the rays of the sun to the sand with which the stratum is in immediate contact;"-in consequence of which the traveller imagines that he sees, at no great distance, "something like a lake or river of fresh water. If, perchance, he is not undeceived, he hastens his pace to reach it sooner; the more he advances towards it, the more it dies from him, till at length it vanishes entirely, and the deluded passenger often asks, where is the water he saw at no great distance. He can scarcely believe he was so deceived; he protests that he saw the waves running before the wind, and the reflection of the high rocks in the water."

This phenomenon existed in the great desert of Judæa, and is expressly alluded to by the sublime and elegant Isaiah (xxxv. 7. Bishop Lowth's translation,) who, when predicting the blessings of the Messiah's spiritual kingdom, says:

The glowing sand shall become a pool,

And the thirsty soil babbling springs.

By the Arabs, as well as the Hebrews, it is termed (serab); and to this day the Persians and Arabs make use of it, by an elegant metaphor, to express disappointed hope. The appellation by which this phenomenon is now generally known is Mirage. -See Belzoni's Narrative of his Operations and Researches in Egypt, and Horne's Introduction to the Critical Study of the Scriptures, Vol. iii. p. 56, 57.

Calendar for Movember.

1. Sun between the Earth and Mercury, IV. 30 morn.

5. Moon passes Jupiter VIII. 22 aft. 6. Moon passes Mars II, 15 aft.

8. Moon passes Venus VII. 88 morn. 10. New Moon IX. 14 morn. Too far south to cast her shadow on the Earth.

10. Moon passes Mercury VII, aft.

11. Herschel south IV. 7 aft. Altitude 15° 39'.

19. Ceres south XI. 50 morn. Altitude 23° 9'.

25. Full Moon IV. 12 aft. She passes through the Earth's shadow. She rises eclipsed IV. 3 aft. Eclipse ends V. 19.

26. Moon passes Saturn at midnight.

Irish Chronicle.

To the Secretaries.

Limerick, Sept. 15, 1825. With this I send you a statement of the schools, under my superintendance, for the present quarter, ending October 1, which are, as usual, persecuted. The visit of the Commissioners of Education has done no good whatever; but, on the contrary, it appears to have confirmed opposition; and the separating system recommended by them will, I have no doubt, promote the most unhappy differences, and confirm bigotry and superstition, if adopted. Conciliation is out of the question; the difference made in the education of the children will excite increase, and confirm prejudice. I have seen children of the same persuasion, of different hedge schools, when they met, began to fight, for no other reason, only that they belonged to different schools, wherein the children of the same school are generally fond and united. What must it be when the difference is introduced into the schools? But still worse in some parishes, where there is scarcely a Protestant, the Bible is entirely excluded, and the poor Roman Catholic children are for ever destined to perish in sin and ignorance. Whether or no, the Roman Catholics are not to have the scriptures, "which are able to make them wise unto salvation," and teach to fear God and honour the king, and to be in subjection to the powers that be, as or

dained of God.

Another objection to the system is, that the poor and extremely distressed people must principally pay for the education of their children, when the kind hearted and the benevolent would have cheerfully freed them from that burthen. Nothing could be more admirably adapt ed to the circumstances of the country, than the system of education recommended and practised by the Baptist Irish Society, and also the Hibernian Society. I would add the Education Society, but that has withdrawn its friendly assist ance from the other Societies, in consequence of the recommendation of the commissioners.

If those Societies could have proceeded as they have done, the mental wilderness

* See Irish Chronicle for July, 1825.

would soon become a fruitful field, they would unite and enlighten the people, and would attach themselves to the king and constitution. I beg leave to mention two instances, which will show the great importance of scriptural instruction. I have just returned from the most remote, barbarous, and neglected part of Ireland, situate between sixty and seventy Irish miles west of Limerick, the western point of Ireland, in the county of Clare; the population is incredible; and for twentythree miles, from Kilrush to Loophead lighthouse, there is but one Roman Catholic chapel, and no other. The people have no regard for the Lord's-day, they work in their fields, and fish, and pursue brutal exercises; very few of them ever go to chapel, it is so distant.

I preached two Lord's-days at Thisbaha, where there are some excise preventive guards lately placed, some of whom are Protestants, who heard with gladness, it also being a rare thing, no church within twenty miles of them. I slept for thirteen nights on a green straw bed, in a dirty cabin, on a wet floor; and during that time I did not cease to speak to the people night and day, principally in the Irish language, as there is scarcely a word of anything else spoken. I have learned to read the Irish, that I might read to the people in their own language the blessed word of life.

In the midst of this benighted and far distant region, the Baptist Irish Society has an Irish school, at a place called Thrustleave, where there are thirty in attendance, half of whom are reading the Irish scriptures. J-N-, the master, is a most devoted man, and goes a great distance round to read the Irish scriptures to the people, who hear him with the greatest attention. Now I mention the great importance of scriptural instruction: In giving me an account of his labours, he said he was reading the 22nd chapter of Luke in Irish, relative to the sufferings of our blessed Lord, when one of the number who were present, said to the rest, in Irish, " If I were going to murder, or rob, or injure my neighbour, do you think I could do it, when I should think of these words?"

He was reading the Irish scriptures at another time, to several people, when a man acknowledged and said," I intend

ed to have injured such a man, and to have driven all the cattle I could collect one night, to have destroyed all his wheat, oats, and potatoes, but when I heard J-N- read the Irish Testament, my conscience would not let me." These two instances alone say more, in my opinion, for the great importance of scriptural education, than all that was ever said by its devoted advocates. I was informed that the Popish Bishop went into the neighbourhood lately, and desired the people to be aware of the books, that there was poison in them. The priest destroyed the first school the Baptist Irish Society established there about six years ago; they were the first, and the only persons, who sent the preached and the inspired word of God into that dark and remote region.

In the Bird-hill school, six of the children repeated from memory the Gospel of Matthew and three chapters of the Epistle to the Romans each; four repeated ten chapters each; two said four each, which makes 234 chapters. The children of the Black-water school still appear to exceed them. The schools would all flourish, and the nation would soon be evangelized, were it not for the priests.

W. THOMAS.

To the Secretaries.

Boyle, Sept. 13, 1825. I have now seen nearly the whole of the schools, in both districts, and though there are still some discouraging circumstances attending some of them, I have to state, that I was never more gratified than I have been in the inspection of

others.

There are three parishes where the most determined and persevering opposition is maintained, in which we have eight schools; all of them, however, give pleasing evidence that the people are determined to have their children educated, for some Roman Catholic as well as Protestant children are found in all of them. As a contrast to the proceedings of the priests in those parishes, I have pleasure in stating, that we have the continued co-operation of some others; and in one instance, one who was formerly hostile, is now an encourager of the schools; and, consequently, in a school that I inspected in his parish, there were 199 pupils, 49 of whom were reading the Testament, and most of them committing portions of it to memory. In another parish, the priest went with me to inspect the school,

and was evidently interested in the proficiency of the children, of whom there were 121 present-30 being in the Testament class, and committing it to memory.

After the examination of the children, in their presence, and that of about 20 adults, he requested from me the present of an English Bible, which request I have cheerfully complied with.

I was also much pleased with the proficiency of the children in some other schools, particularly the Harlow, and the Alie-street female schools; in the latter of which there is a little girl who can repeat 100 chapters very correctly, who is only nine years of age. In these and other female schools, it was highly gratifying to me, as well as to the children, to present them with some of the work-bags, pin-cushions, &c. which were kindly given me for the purpose by some ladies in London.

You will be gratified in the perusal of some of the readers' journals, as clearly proving that the labours of the Society are succeeded by him in whose cause they are engaged. In one of them, viz. from T-C, there is an account of the death of his father, which will be read with great interest. It was such a death, as I should have anticipated from such a character, for though poor as to the things of this world, and an illiterate man, he was evidently "rich in faith," and an heir of that kingdom which shall never be moved.

He was brought to a knowledge of the truth, by the instrumentality of some of tized at an early period of its operations the agents of the society, and was bapin this country. I was early acquainted with him after my arrival, and have reason to believe that he was enabled to adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour. He frequently evinced great strength of

mind;

and had he enjoyed the advantages of an early education, in all probability he would have been a very useful character. The clear and faithful manner in which he was accustomed to speak of the where it is cordially received, has often gospel, and the effects it will produce afforded me pleasure; and he has often been admired by his superiors in rank, for his pointed manner of speaking to them on the concerns of their souls; in fact, he feared his God, but knew no other fear. From all I know of him, I can heartily join with his son, in saying, may my last end be like his."

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J. WILSON.

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