WELSH ASSOCIATION, NEWTOWN, MONTGOMERYSHIRE, June 15-17. ON Tuesday afternoon at two, the meeting commenced with prayer by Mr. Davies. The letters from the churches were read by the ministers and messengers, from which it appeared that the several churches stand fast in the faith, and are, in general, peaceable among themselves; that the brethren T. Jenkins, Bethesda, J. Harries, Newport, and T. Leonard, Bethany, were set apart to the ministry the year past; and that religion prospers in several places. Brother J. Palmer concluded with prayer. Met at six; brother T. Morris prayed, and the brethren J. Evans, Brecon, and J. Evans, Penygarn, preached from 1 Thess. iv. 13-18. Rom. viii. 16, 17. Wednesday morning, at six, J. James prayed, and the brethren Cooke of Oswestry, and D. Saunders of Merthyr, preached from 2 Thess. iii. 1. Gal. iii. 13. At ten, brother J. Jenkins prayed, and the brethren Fisher, of Liverpool, and Jas. Lewis, Lanwenarth, preached from Canticles ii. 4. Psalm cxviii. 27. At two, brother M. Jones prayed, and the brethren M. Thomas, Abergavanny, and C. Evans, Anglesea, preached from John vi. 40. Ephes. i. 18, 19. At six, brother Wm. Jones prayed. The brethren J. Palmer, and J. Harries, preached from Luke v. 8, 10, 11. Exod. xxxii. 26, and concluded with prayer, singing at intervals. We have great cause to bless God for his gracious presence. The subject of the Circular Letter, written by the Rev. J. Jones, is Christian Diligence. State of the Churches since the last Year. Clear increase since the last As sociation...... 340 Ditto in the Western Association 295 The next Association is to be held at Ebenezer, in Merthyr Tydvil, Glamorganshire, on the first Wednesday and Thursday in June, 1820; the letters from the churches to be read on Tuesday, at two o'clock. CAUTIONS. THE Rev. D. Jones of Hereford, desires us to caution our readers against a man of the name of Jobn Isaac Levi, who calls himself a converted Jew. Mr. Jones was deceived by him, and after render ing him considerable pecuniary assistance, recommended him to the Rev. C. Evans, Anglesey, who baptized him in 1815. He has proved to be a wicked man. He is a little man, of dark complexion, and speaks good very intelligent, English. A MAN, who calls himself John, and says that he is a walking stationer out of employ, is imposing upon the religious public as a member of Dr. Steadman's church at Bradford. Dr. Steadman informs Mr. Evans that there is no such person in connexion with his church. He is a wicked character. He is tall and slender, rather dark, and has full eyes. His conversation is free, and his manners are rather insinuating. EMPLOYMENT OF THE POOR. MR. WILLS has sent us the following Overseer at Birmingham: extract from an account given by Mr. B. "That he was an Overseer of the Poor in the years 1817 and 1818; that there were 800 adult poor in the work-house, for whom there was no employment; that about thirty acres of land belonged to the town; that these were let to different tenants; but that four acres were obtained, on which they planted cabbages and potatoes, and obtained a sufficient supply for 600 persons in the house from July to September. In March, 1818, he took seven and a half acres more, and cultivated two acres in flax. The soil was hard and sterile, but being dug by the spade, and the turf buried without manure, it has a very promising appearance." Mr. B. accedes to the sentiment that the culture of land by hand labour is the only suitable em. ployment for the parochial poor. RECENT DEATH. DIED during the past month, at Govilon, near Abergavenny, Mr. Harris, an aged and respectable Deacon of the Baptist church under the care of the Rev. Micah Thomas. His loss will be severely felt. His end was peace. Erratum in our last Number. ART. SURMAN. For Chatham, read Chesham. ST. PHILIP NERI AND THE YOUTH. ST. PHILIP NERI, as old records say, Met a young stranger in Rome's streets one day: To give young folks a serious turn of mind, Tell me what brings you, gentle youth, to Rome. To make myself a scholar, Sir, I'm come. What, must you die, fond youth, and, at the best, Irish Chronicle. Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. Ballina, August 7th, 1819. I believe this country was originally colonized by Protestants; if they were so indeed, how is the gold become dim, and the most fine gold changed! for alas! the glory is departed. The schools, with the scriptures, and an Irish Reader, are the most likely instruments to be productive of good. But the man who goes must be of tried principles, sound in the faith, and, if possible, proof against the characterThere was a fine and generous spiritistic beverage of this country, which I fear evinced at your Annual Meeting. I hope destroys its tens of thousands. something of the same kind is extending in this country. Am I to appoint an "Eagle-street School;" a Hackney School;" and a "Russel-street School ?" I can find plenty of room for them, although my next return will contain as large a number of schools as ever, notwithstanding eleven have been destroyed. The progress of the children in most of the schools, where they have not been prevented from attending by their working in the fields, or by opposition, is particularly pleasing. Applications for schools are increasing, and where some have been broken up, great dissatisfaction prevails among parents and children. From the same, dated Bullina, August 23, 1819. I HAVE now to inform you, that since my last, I have been in Erris. It is true, that I had travelling enough without taking this long journey; but I was very anxious to know the state of the schools there, and therefore I accompanied R. M. in his inspection. We have six schools in that remote part of the country; there are more wanting, in order that the poor creatures may obtain the means of instruction, but the present is not the time to appoint them. The schools already established have been in a very flourishing state; but have ex perienced a little interruption from a young priest. The children of the school nearest to his parish attended the public inspection, though he had attempted to prevent it. In these schools, which have not been established more than twelve months, upwards of one hundred children have learned to read; and many who had never seen a Testament, can now read it to advantage, and some can repeat from one to nine chapters. One of these schools is in a populous village at the western xtremity of Europe. We returned by Westport, where I preached to a congregation of about 150 persons. I preached also at Castlebar. I was never at either of these places before; but was obliged to promise to visit them again as soon as possible. The result of my enquiries and observ. ations in this direction constrains me again to say, "Send more labourers; the field is widening, and though I exert myself to the utmost, I cannot cultivate half the land that was before possessed. May the Lord strengthen and fit ine for my labours!" Extract of a Letter from a Reader of the July 18, 1819. I AM happy to inform you, that I perceive a vast change for the better in some of the schoolmasters. I had a long conversation with Mr. W. to-day, and it appears that putting the scriptures into his hands has proved a blessing to him, as he acknowledges that he was in utter darkness until it pleased God to give him an opportunity of reading his sacred word. It would be tedious to enumerate many similar instances. Another of our schoolmasters, J. M. came to my house, bringing some of his neighbours with him, saying, that he thought my conversation would have a better effect than his. I read to them those portions of scripture which I considered best adapted to bring them to the feet of a crucified Redeemer. These were persons who could not read, and who all their life-time had received no instruction, excepting the mass might be so called. I explained to them how Jesus Christ had accomplished the work of our redemption, aud that ten thou sand masses could never bring peace to a guilty conscience. While at home, I am seldom long alone, as persons from the country, as well as in the town, often come to my house with a desire to hear the scriptures. They have generally a long list of new questions to ask. This brings to my recollection that scripture, that it will not be necessary for any one to say to his neighbour, Know the Lord; for all shall know him, from the least unto the greatest. I cannot but notice what a very great change there is in this part of the country, since the time when I myself used to find some secret place for reading the New Testament, jest I should receive injury from my bigotted neighbours: this was about four years ago. The week before last, being in the parish of K. I went to a wake which was held there. It is customary in this country when a person lies dead, for the house to be crowded with people; some cursing, some jesting, &c.; and at some periods of the night, they all join in prayers for the dead! It grieved me that my neighbours and relations should be labouring under so much ignorance, and I rebuked them for their conduct. This was the commencement of a con troversy. One said, "What knowledge can you or the Harts have?" I replied, That I did not profess to have any high education, but that I read the Bible, and it was my sincere wish they would do the same. I then read the eighth chapter of Romans to them; and answered their Humerous questions as well as I could, attempting to expose the absurdity of masses for the dead, &c. They appeared to take great notice of what was said, and I trust that some of them will be benefited by it, as there are some on the enquiry in that part. The wish too that many people express for the speedy return of the Rey. Mr. Wilson, convinces me that the exertions of the Baptist Society are not lost in this part of Ireland. From the same, dated August 19, 1819. I AM happy to inform you, that I have lately met with many persons who appear to have been much benefited by the reading of the scriptures; particularly Roman Catholics, who were, till lately, prevented from hearing the word of God through the influence of their "blind leaders." The priests are, at this period, in great confusion on account of the children in the schools committing the scriptures to memory; and also from finding Testaments in the cabins of the poor: this is a great source of uneasiness to them. They appear to think that their craft is in danger; as they well know that the scriptures are the most powerful engine for shaking the foundation of Antichrist's kingdom. Some of my old neighbours last week accused me of having changed my religion. I said that the name of religion would not save any person. I took out my Irish Testament as a sword by which to defend my cause; and read some passages from Rom. iii. 19-24; John iii. 36, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. They appeared to be very thankful, and one old man took off his hat, while I was attempting to explain to them how Jesus Christ had made an end of sin, and brought in an everlasting righteousness. Another of the men said, that though he generally attended mass, yet he was quite ignorant of what it meant. I told him, that I was quite ignorant too, until the Lord thought fit to show me the efficacy of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, who offers free salvation without money and without price, to such as put their dependence upon him. There were a good many present, and not a word was said against me, but all asked me when I would call again. THE opponents to your plan think English a superior medium of instruction. No man could think so, who is capable of reading and understanding the Book of Job alone, as it is in all the sublimity of the Irish language: and the pious Friar King's Irish Version of the Bible, (commonly Roman character by the British and Focalled Bedell's Bible, now reprinted in the reign Bible Society,) will be ever esteemed as a monument of his profound learning, and a decisive proof of the powers of his native tongue. Why should such a language be abolished-the language of an ancient and once learned people? Help to restore it, Sir; convey the gospel through it to the race of Erin, and your memory will be blessed by future generations. It is said, "Teaching them Irish will increase their animosity to the existing Government." I have never known a truly learned Irishman, who was also a believer in revelation, and yet an enemy to the state; and I am sure that if instructing the Irish will not increase, it cannot diminish their gratitude. The gratitude of English children is frequently and affectionately expressed in public. The Irish children have kind and generous affections. Your books are simple-they are calculated to inspire religious scuți ments, and to produce in their minds humility and attachment. They object still farther, "Comparatively few require instruction in the Irish language." You have stated that 1,500,000 can receive moral and religious instruction only through Irish-Who can deny this, and on what grounds? It must be granted, that a gentleman in travelling through Ireland is generally addressed in English at the inns where he alights: this, however, arises from the policy of the landlord, in taking care that no one approach the stranger but those who speak English; but were he to hear the master conversing with his servants, or the servants with each other, he would be led to conclude that they could speak only their native tongue; and I venture to assert, that in the majority of those inns, almost every member understands Irish; indeed, the servants in many families, and the principal part of the inhabitants of some counties, are unacquainted with English; hence the great necessity for an interpreter in suits at law. I have seen the court in Londonderry idle for several hours for want of an interpreter; and I have myself acted in that capacity in the Protestant counties in the north: viz. Londonderry, Donegal, and Fermanagh. How necessary, then, must they be in the counties of Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Mayo, and many others, where Irish is almost solely spoken? Protestant town of Bandon, provisions are sold in the markets, and cried in the streets, in Irish. Must the Gospel of the Son of God be denied to all this people, because it is acceptable to them only in the ancient and beloved language of their fathers? SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIETY FOR IRELAND. PATRON, His Royal Highness the Dux PRESIDENT, The Right Hon. and Right GUARDIANS. The Most Noble the Marquis and Marchioness of Downshire, the Right Hon. Countess of Kingston, Countess of Charle ville, Earl and Countess of Meath, Earl of Bandon, Earl of Gosford, Vicountess Powerscourt, Viscountess Lifford, Vis count and Viscountess Lorton, Viscount and Viscountess De Vesci, Mrs. P. La Touche, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Armstrong, Hon. and Right Rev. Bishop of Ferns, Bishop of Elphin, Bishop of Dromore, Bishop Hon. W. W. Pole, Right Hon. Robert of Cloyne, Hon. Count De Salis, Right Peel, John D. La Touche, P. La Touche, J. Goff, T. Parnell, Esqrs. and James D. La Touche, Esq. Secretary to the Society. (for proof of which they refer to their Annual Reports,) and perceiving that their Funds do not increase by any means in proportion with the demands upon them, from the rapidly augmenting number of Sunday Schools throughout the Country, deem it a duty to lay their claims before the British Public. The unfavourable circumstances of Ireland, arising from the diversity of opinions In many parts of Ireland I have travelled frequently twenty miles without being able to obtain directions on my way, except in Irish. From Sligo to THE Committee of the Sunday School Roscommon, through the plains of Mayo Society for Ireland, having, by upwards and Galway, and around Loch Coirib, of nine years experience, proved the imalong the extensive banks of the Shian-portance and efficacy of their Institution, non, around the wild mountains of Kinturk, by ancient Innbhirsgeinc to Bantry, and through all the country of Brendin, from Mount Gabriel at Bantry Bay, to Mount Brandon on the Shannon mouth, with vast tracts of country in the north which are too numerous to name, Irish is not only the favourite language, but the only one the inhabitants in general can speak, or through which they can receive instruc-existing among the mass of its population, tion. On the western borders of North Thomond, (anciently a kingdom,) where the inhabitants are as numerous as the fowl on its sea-beaten rocks, English is scarcely known. I need not dwell on the Catholic counties, Cork and Kerry, where even the few Protestants speak their native tongue; in it religious obligations are made, and in it the children are taught the principles of their faith. In some of the largest southern towns, including Cork, Kinsale, and even the together with the habitual non-residence of many of its richest proprietors, render the public institutions of this country the more dependent upon British assistance. The principles of this Society are, that it shall promote the establishment of Sunday Schools in Ireland, by circulating approved plans for conducting them, by supplying them gratuitously, or at reduced prices, with Spelling Books and copies of the Sacred Scriptures, and |