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income cannot, it is quite obvious, afford as much as the man with a small family in the same position of society. If Christians would give about one-twentieth of what they expend annually upon themselves and their families, and one-tenth additional of what they are able to lay by at the year's end, would not the aspect of our dissenting churches soon become vastly different from what it is at present? But some will say, this scale would not do at all for our labouring men. We grant it, and yet we doubt, whether the pious artizan would not be quite as willing to give, to the cause he loved, his sixpence weekly, out of his ten or twelve shillings, as would his richer neighbour to contribute his ten pounds out of his two hundred, which would only deprive the latter of a few luxuries, or a little worldly display, whilst the sixpence of the poor man would deduct from what might be fairly termed the positive necessaries of life. Therefore did our Lord bestow his just commendation upon the two mites of the poor widow, and not upon the donations of the wealthy.

There is another point of view in which the present subject may be looked at, and it is this. We live in a day when subscription lists for all sorts of objects meet the public eye, one and another is commended for his liberality to such and such a benevolent object, whilst others may feel something approaching to shame, at the smallness of their own contribution, where ample means are known to be possessed. Now, why may not the same plan be adopted in our dissenting churches, and each subscriber know what another contributes? It may be urged as a reason against this, that the scriptures enjoia us to secrecy. Yes, in almsgiving; but the support of our Redeemer's cause, and his ministers are, or should be, his representatives, is not almsgiving, but a positive duty, by the allegiance we owe to Christ. In favour of our argument it may not be inappropriate to quote our Lord's injunction, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." But it may also be urged against this plan, that men would give from ostentatious motives, to see their names in a subscription list for a handsome sum; to this it may also be asked as a rejoinder, how many would be ashamed to see their names there for what they now contribute? In the present state every thing good will be tainted with evil; the question should then be, will the good predominate? if it will, we must be satisfied. We might mention another passage of scripture as applicable to the subject: "Provoke one another to love and to good works." Christians should converse together about the matter, and with all prudence, might challenge each other to do what is right, remembering the words of the prophet:

"The liberal deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things shall he stand." Many papers in your Magazine have, in times past, referred to the low state of the churches; is it to be wondered at, whilst Christ sees his ambassadors so badly supported, that he should withhold the visible tokens of his favour? If we would have pentecostal seasons, we must be ready to sacrifice our property in much larger proportions than we have hitherto done. The early Christians gave up their all, and their lives too, for the propagation of the faith which they had received.

Hoping these few thoughts may elicit others from your correspondents, which in the end may be of practical utility,

I remain, dear Sir,
Yours respectfully,

A WELL-WISHER TO THE VOLUNTARY
PRINCIPLE.

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On Thursday evening, at Surrey Chapel, prayer was offered by Messrs. Overbury of Eagle Street and Wills of Ramsgate. Mr. Davis of King Street, Bristol, took as his text the words addressed to our Lord by an afflicted father" Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief." In his discourse he illustrated these three principles as adapted to increase our devotedness to missions:-The infinite value of the individual man-the impossibility of salvation by any other name than that of Christ- and our personal responsibility for the work.

On Friday morning, the annual session of the Baptist Union was held in the Mission House Library. Official duties rendered it impossible for the editor to hear the address of Dr. Cox, or unite in the deliberations that ensued; but one of the editors of the Patriot was present, and he has published in that journal both the address at full length, and an account of the meeting which our readers may find on a preceding page.

On Friday evening, at Bloomsbury Chapel, Messrs. Dowson of Bradford, and Larom of Sheffield, prayed. Mr Young of Cork delivered an interesting discourse on the efficacy

of prayer, founded on words contained in the eighth chapter of the Revelation:-" And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand; and the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth, and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." The object of the preacher was to show that the prayer of the church was influential on all the great events of prophetic time. The teaching of the vision was elicited by asking three questions. I. What is the subject of the prayer of all saints? This saint-prayer, it was observed, asked-The overthrow of a gigantic world-power which, in almost every age had presented a powerful obstacle to the progress of the gospel-the destruction of Antichrist-and the lordship of the world for Christ. II. What place in the divine arrangements is assigned to prayer? The vision placed the offering of prayer at the forefront of those great changes which were to take place in the world. The seven angels with their speaking trumpets, were bidden to wait till the prayers of the saints were offered. It was as though God had said to those about to make proclamation of great future events, The prayers of the saints must be taken into the account. Let us hear the martyr-cry. Give attention to the wrestlers who take heaven by force. This, it was shown, was a principle of the divine government. At the opening of the apocalypse not a seal was broken, till the prayer of the saints was recognized (v. 8). The same place was assigned to prayer at the opening of the gospel dispensation. The scenes of the pentecostal day were the open, world-view of the opening dispensation. The Christian eye discerns the ten days' prayer-meeting that preluded these demonstrations. III. What incentives to prayer are supplied by the vision? 1. The link that unites prayer, and the putting forth of the divine power is clearly discerned. In the vision this link is brightened into an imposing visibility. The identical censer, with whose incense the prayers were mingled, was filled with the fire of the altar, and when its contents were thrown on the earth, "there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake." 2. The intercession of Christ mingles with the prayers of all saints. The early disciples tried the power of the new name which had been given them, when the great high priest had newly passed to the higher sanctuary, and brought down one of the richest blessings that earth had ever received. 3. The prayers of the saints have accumulated before the

throne. As the cries of the prophets and righteous men, ill treated of the Jews, were treasured to bring down wrath upon a generation who crowned their fathers' wickedness; so the prayers of the long train of witnesses await a fulfilment when persecuting powers shall be overthrown, and Christ placed on the throne of universal empire.

The annual meeting of subscribers to the Baptist Irish Society was held on Monday morning in the Mission House. On the motion of Mr. Larom, seconded by Mr. Birrell, Mr. Angus, president of Stepney College was called to the chair. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and acknowledged, after which the secretary read the minutes of the various committee meetings held during the year. These last included a letter from the treasurer referring to the principles on which he thought the financial proceedings ought to be conducted, and on which alone he could consent to retain his office. A resolution was then passed expressing earnest desire for the continuance of his valuable services, and adopting his suggestions. The secretary and committee were then re-appointed, with the exception of four gentlemen whose ill health or pressing engagements had interfered greatly with their attendance during the past year, and whose places were supplied by the addition of the Rev. J. Aldis, the Rev. J. Howieson, the Rev. W. Walters, and Marcus Martin, Esq.

On Monday evening, at Finsbury Chapel the annual meeting of the Baptist Home Missionary was held. After prayer offered by Mr. Larom of Sheffield, the chairman, Solomon Leonard, Esq. of Bristol, opened the meeting in an appropriate speech, and the Rev. S. J. Davis, the secretary, read an abstract of the report. He read also the Cash Account, the treasurer being prevented from taking his customary part in the engagements of the evening by an affecting occurrence which had suddenly rendered him a widower. In ascending the stairs when going to rest a few nights previously, Mrs. Bousfield fell, and concussion of the brain was occasioned, which terminated fatally. Mr. Enoch Griffiths of Upwell, an agent of the Society, moved the first resolution; and was followed by Messrs. Landels, Stovel, and Noel, who all delivered effective addresses.

On Tuesday morning, the Baptist Missionary Society held its annual meeting of subscribers in the Library of the Mission House. J. L. Phillips, Esq., presided. After the transaction of routine business, the report of a committee of seven which had been appointed last year to inquire if it were possible without impairing the efficiency of the Society to reduce the expenditure of the

home management was brought up, and occasioned a long discussion. Ultimately, it was referred to the consideration of the incoming committee. The scrutineers having brought up the result of the ballot, it was found that the committee chosen were the same as the last, with the exception of Messrs. J. J. Davies, B. Williams, and J. H. Hinton, for whom are substituted Messrs. G. H. Davis of Bristol, G. Gould of Norwich, and J. J. Brown of Reading.

The last meeting to which it is possible to refer in the present number is the Public Meeting of the Baptist Irish Society in Finsbury Chapel, on Tuesday evening. This was well attended, and distinguished for the more than usual excellence of all the speeches delivered. The Treasurer, who presided, after prayer by Dr. Acworth, opened the meeting, and the Secretary read a report which will be found in the Irish Chronicle. Mr. Bowes of Blandford Street then moved, "That in the opinion of this meeting the blessings which our Lord Jesus Christ bestows upon the individuals of every nation who commit themselves to his guidance are the blessings most needed by the people of Ireland; that this meeting earnestly desires therefore that His gracious message should be made known to all the inhabitants of that afflicted country, and that it rejoices in the information contained in the report now read respecting the diminution of burdens which have long repressed the energies of the Baptist Irish Society, and the increasing readiness of Christian friends to co-operate in its support." This resolution having been seconded by Mr. Manning, of Frome, was passed unanimously; the meeting united in singing, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," &c., and a collection amounting to £22 was made. Mr. Young, of Cork, then moved, "That this meeting having heard with pleasure the list of Officers and Committee appointed yesterday at the private meeting of Subscribers, cherishes a lively hope that the gentlemen who have undertaken the management of the Society's affairs for the ensuing year will be sustained by the confidence of their constituents at large; and that they will be supplied with funds sufficiently ample to enable them to discharge the remainder of the debt, and enlarge their operations in a manner in some degree corresponding with the importance of Ireland as a field for missionary labour." This resolution having been seconded by Mr. Haycroft of Bristol, was also passed, and after an expression of thanks to the chairman, the assembly broke up, the only cause for regret having been that when Mr. Haycroft rose the time was too far advanced to allow of his saying what he had intended to say on this

occasion.

An appeal to British friends of American negroes is being made at the present time by Mr. Edmond Kelly, a coloured minister who has been for some time pastor of a baptist church in New Bedford, in the United States. After purchasing himself, he has made his wife and children his own by payment of about £660, of which he was necessitated to borrow a portion which he is now endeavouring to collect in this country. His case is recommended unequivocally by our wellknown friends, Mr. Girdwood and Dr. Sharp, the latter of whom says, in a letter to us: "You may place entire and implicit confidence in all his statements."

We have just discovered that the following notice, intended for our last number, was accidentally omitted:-"The Rev. Joseph Garside, having resigned the pastorate of the baptist church at Ogden, Lancashire, is now removed to Slaithwaite in Yorkshire, his former residence.",

BRISTOL ASSOCIATION.

We are requested to announce that the meetings of this association are to be held at Devizes, on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days of June. Brethren Bentley, Baines, Haycroft, and Middleditch of Frome to preach. In case of failure, brethren Morris, Newman, Crisp, and Anderson.

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION.

The Baptist Southern Association will hold its annual meetings at Whitchurch, Hants, the first Tuesday and Wednesday in June. Brethren Bulgin of Poole, and Green of Niton to preach. The business begins at eleven o'clock on the Monday morning.

DEVON ASSOCIATION.

The Devon Association will meet at Kingsbridge, on Wednesday and Thursday, June 16th and 17th, 1852. The business meeting will commence precisely at nine o'clock, a.m.

WESTERN ASSOCIATION.

The friends at Taunton, having intimated that the holding of the association at the time appointed would be exceedingly inconvenient, if not impracticable, in consequence of the great agricultural meeting which is to be held there this year, it has been deemed desirable to postpone the meeting of the association for a fortnight. It will be held, therefore, at Taunton, on Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th of June next, the week after instead of the week before the meeting of the Devon Association.

MAY, 1852.

ANNUAL REPORT.

THE course pursued recently by the Committee of the Baptist Irish Society will be understood the better, if a glance be first taken at its financial history during the last twelve years.

In the spring of 1840, when the annual accompts were made up, it appeared that there was a balance against the Society of £262. In 1841, that balance had increased to £435; and it went on enlarging till 1845, when it amounted to £1904. In the ensuing twelve months more than a thousand pounds were received in legacies, and exertions were made to liquidate the debt, which would probably have proved successful, had not calamities occurred which could neither be foreseen nor prevented. The general failure of the crops on which the millions of Ireland were dependent brought upon the unhappy people all the miseries of famine, and diverted the resources of their friends into other channels than those in which they had been accustomed to flow. The absolute destitution of the poorer classes, the depreciation of property which impoverished thousands who had been in better circumstances, and the destructive pestilence which ensued, brought after them a train of consequences which may be overruled for ultimate good, but the immediate results of which were universal distress and prostration. The benevolence of British Christians was aroused, and, among others, the habitual supporters of this Society generously contributed funds which they entrusted to its officers for distribution among the starving. These contributions having been made specifically for the temporal relief of the

sufferers from famine, they could not be applied to the general purposes of the Society, or to the discharge of its incumbrances, and thus the debt was greatly increased. Six thousand pounds were raised for this humane purpose in the course of two years, and sent to the conductors of this Society; but, in the same two years, the funds for spiritual purposes fell off to the amount of nearly two thousand. The effects of the blow thus struck continued for some time in operation; and when your Committee took office last April, the debt with which they had to struggle amounted to £1828 4s. 1d.

It appeared to your Committee, therefore, that the financial embarrassments of the Society demanded their first attention; and that, however painful it might be to themselves to turn from the more inviting occupations to which the state of Ireland would have led them, to the cheerless task of supplying funds to defray a past expenditure, they were called in divine providence to this exercise of self-denial, and bound to make the removal of that financial paralysis under which the Society was suffering their chief object. Their views were seconded at the public meeting in Finsbury Chapel, when two or three zealous friends who were present offered to give a hundred pounds each towards the removal of a thousand pounds of the burden in the course of the year. This object has been kept in sight during the last twelve months. Handsome contributions have been received from many individuals; some congregational collections have been made towards it; members of the Committee, and ladies

:

hoped that plans now adopted will produce results which will manifest themselves plainly and undeniably in the

of

country have performed themselves those services which have been rendered formerly by costly deputations. Deacons and private members churches have kindly collected subscriptions from their own immediate friends and forwarded them; and many individuals have sent their checques or post office orders, without solicitation, or the intervention of any other person. The experience of the year has given no reason to distrust our friends in the provinces with regard to the future; and if they continue to act as they have acted during the last five or six months, an immense saving will be effected; the work will be done better than it was done by strangers; while a host of concomitant evils will be completely avoided.

of their acquaintance, have taken cards by means of which they have obtained donations in their respective circles. The result is that for this special pur-year now commencing. Fastors in the pose of diminishing the debt, the sum of £890 11s. 4d. has been received. But in this case, it affords the Committee great pleasure to add that instead of the General Funds of the Society being meanwhile impaired, they have been augmented there is a surplus which more than supplies the deficiency of the special contribution. Cordial responses have been made to the appeals printed from time to time in the Chronicle, so that, with the exception of the year already mentioned in which an extraordinary amount of legacies came in, the receipts of the Society taken altogether this year, have exceeded the receipts in any previous year of its existence. The special contributions amounting to £890 11s. 4d., and the surplus of the General Fund amounting to £488 2s. 2d., have together sufficed to reduce the debt by the sum of £1378 13s. 6d. The balance against the Society now is £449 10s. 7d., a sum too large indeed, yet smaller than the balance against the Society has been before for the last ten years.

A second object which your Committee has had in view has been the reduction of expenses incurred in obtaining contributions. In this their success has been less apparent than in the other particular, but, it is believed, not less real. It may seem, on an inspection of the cash account, as though the cost for this, and other things connected with the management of the Society's affairs had been very large; but this has arisen from circumstances over which the Committee has had no control, connected with the fulfilment of previous engagements. A large proportion of the receipts of the year has been forwarded spontaneously, at a very small cost; and it is confidently

A third object to which the Committee has given attention has been a revision of the agency in Ireland. This would have been desirable had there been no necessity for retrenchment; as, in the course of a few years, such changes take place, both in persons and in places, as call for re-examination and alterations in matters of detail. The inadequacy of the funds, however, furnished an urgent reason for reducing the number of persons in the service of the Society, even in cases in which efficiency was undoubted. Care has been taken to retain those agents who appeared to be the most valuable; but the Committee are anxious that it should be understood that it is not to be regarded as a token that any one was worthless, that his connexion with the Society has ceased. They have been obliged, in some instances sorely against their will, to dispense with the aid of some whom they would gladly have continued to maintain. As

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