hands of a British, a free, a generous government, which, we trust, will defend and promote the evangelical instruction of the Heathen, are events which demand the grateful acknowledgement of every Christian heart. MR. KICHERER, IN the month of November, 1805, Mr. Kicherer received a letter from Governor Janssens, requesting him to come to Cape Town, and officiate as a regular minister in one of the vacant churches of its vicinity. When Mr. Kicherer arrived there in February last, he found it in the possession of the English. He had a conversation, however, with the late Governor, and with Mr. Ryneveld, who introduced him to Sir James Baird, who approved of the proposed measure; and requested Mr. Kicherer to choose which of the vacant livings he pleased. Mr. Kicherer, however, declined the choice, and left it entirely to his Excellency. On which Graff Reinet was fixed upon, as being the nearest to the station at Zak River; and it was accepted by Mr. Kicherer, on the condition of his continuing still a Missionary of the Society in London, and the head of the Mission at Zak River. 22 OTAHEITE. A LETTER from the Society of Missionaries at Otaheite, dated July 29, 1805, together with their Journal from December 1804 to the above day, have just arrived by the ship Alexander (a whaler) Mr. R. Rhodes, master. Two English vessels had touched at the island since the date of their last letter, December 12, 1804; but neither of them intending to call there, had brought any communications from England. In reference to their great and arduous work, they say (alluding to their Journal) "We are sorry to say that you will meet with nothing in it respecting the grand object of our Mission, more encouraging than what we have hitherto been able to make known to you. Instructions continue to be given to the iuhabitants of the land in the things of God, but apparently none savingly profit by them; so that as we at first found them, they seem to remain, gross idolaters, enemies to God by wicked works, without God, without Christ, and without hope: yet it must be confessed, that very many of them have a considerable, though unsanctified, knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity." From the general strain of their letter, it appears that the want of success, and the want of society, with their long-continued disappointment in not receiving supplies and letters from England, have concurred to render them un. comfortable; so that some of them have entertained serious thoughts of leaving the island. Mr. Jefferson, we are sorry to hear, has but a very indifferent state of health; and was about to return to England in the Alexander, but seems to have been deterred from that step by the great expence. It seems probable, however, that he may retire, when opportunity offers, to Port Jackson; and continue there, or return to his native country, as circumstances may direct. The political state of the island continues as it was. Peace is enjoyed; but the natives discover a violent propensity to procure implements of war; and will part with property equal to 301. or 40 1. for a musket, which is not worth more than 105. Another of Pomarre's family is dead. Both the King and Queen are in bad health. The Missionaries have sent a great curiosity: Askert letter to the Directors, written by the King's own hand. He applies himself much to the attainment of the English language: in which he is likely, if he lives a few years, to make a tolerable proficiency; but his subjects have not as yet discovered the same laudable disposition.. We are glad to find, that when Mr. Jefferson was expected to leave the island, the King and his family expressed much sorrow; and also signified their wish that more Missionaries, men, women, and children, might be sent to their country. Otoo (who seems to have changed his name to Pomarre) also desired that pens, ink, paper, pen-knives, a writing-desk, a table, and a chair, might be sent to him from isngland. The Missionaries, it appears, have had an opportunity of purchasing a bull; for which they gave 201. and of procuring various necessaries for their own use; for the payment of which they have drawn on the Society for 841. 85. in favour of Capt. Barber, of the ship Myrtle, of India. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. BAPTIST MISSION IN INDIA. FROM the fifteenth number of the periodical accounts, we are enabled to present our readers with an account of the proceedings and success of the Missionary Brethren in Bengal. The preface of this number takes particular notice of the leadings of Providence which have attended the settlement at Serampore, which was an object remote from the intention of the Society, but which has been attended with imThe preface is folportant effects. are lowed by a list of persons baptized in employed half of it in cooking his din ner. Beside the settlement at Serampore, The Missionaries are proceeding with We rejoice to find that the English The Missionaries have sustained a great loss in the death of Mrs. Chamberlain, who died at Cutwa, in Nov. child a few days before. The account last, having been safely delivered of a of her death is singularly affecting. She was a pious Christian, and died repeating the sweet name of Jesus, Jesus! PHILADELPHIA. The Rev. J. JAN., 1806. The new Independent church, South Fourth Street, was open ed for public worship. Hey, stated minister (late of Bristol) preached in the morning from Rev. xxi. 8; and in the evening from Ps. Dr. W. Rogers preached cxviii, 25. in the afternoon, from Luke xiv. 23, last clause. The congregations were numerous, and the services peculiarly imCollections were made, pressive. amounting to 450 dollars. The whole expence of the building (which was planned by Mr. Hey himself, and executed under the direction of Mr. James with remarkable celerity and economy) will amount to 13,000 dollars. Mitchel, U u 2 INDIANS. "In addition to what I have already written, let me mention, that later communications present a still more flattering prospect with regard to the Indians. The cry from the wilderness for the word of life is waxing louder and louder; had we Missionaries and means, such is their present state, that most of the savage tribes might, as we have every reason to believe, be soon civilized and christianized. A second school has been set up amongst the Cherokees, at their pressing request; aud such is his zeal, that our Missionary has commenced this at his own risk. A liberal public, however, we hope, will not suffer him to become embarrassed by his generous deed. As we support the children as well as teach them, you will readily. see that the expence must be consi derable. increases: Oh! that it may reign and "I rejoice that the missionary spirit triumph in the hearts of Christians, till the rich count it an honour to lay their treasures at the feet of Jesus, and hosts of apostolic missionaries go forth with invincible courage, to preach to the Heathen the unsearchable riches of Christ! We live in eventful times: amidst the shaking of nations, God appears to build his temple; and amidst the struggle for earthly crowns by worldly men, Christians appear striving for heavenly crowns. Let us rejoice that Jesus reigns, and has power to make all things subserve the establishment of his kingdom, and the interest of his people! and let us pray for the coming of his kingdom in all its latter day glory!" MISSIONARY COLLECTIONS. Rev. J. Clark and Congregation, Tabernacle, Trowbridge S. D. B. Rev. Mr. Lyndall and Congregation, St. George's in the East G. Edwards and Congregation, Great Marlow, Essex J. Fowler and Congregation, Edmonton Mr. Slatterie and Friends, Chatham J. Battley and Friends, Marple Bridge, Derbyshire HOME INTELLIGENCE. MARCH 19, 1806. The Rev. J. Ballantine was ordained to the office of the ministry, and pastoral charge of the associate congregation in Stonehaven, Mearns-shire. Mr. L. Glass, of Aberdeen, began the service with praise and prayer. Mr. David Blackader, of Brechin, preached on 1 Pet. v. 2, 3, and having put the usual questions, Mr. Ballantine, was by prayer, and laying on of the hands of the associate presbytery, set apart to the office of the ministry. Mr. Blackader then exhorted the minister and congregation to their respective duties, and commended them to God in prayer. He was succeeded by Mr. Daniel Hepburn, of Newburgh, who preached on Acts xi. 23: and concluded the service by prayer. April 9th. The Rev. Robert Moffat was ordained pastor of the associate congregation in Keith, Banffshire. The service was begun by Mr. James Paterson, of Midmar, who preached on Mat. xiii. 52. After the usual questions, Mr. Moffat was, by prayer, &c. set apart to the office of the ministry; the charge to the minister and congregation was given by Mr. John King, of Montrose; he was succeeded by Mr. Robert Campbell, of Peterhead, who preached on Act. x. 30-33, and concluded the service. April 10. The Rev. Walter Graham was ordained pastor of the associate congregation of Forgue, shire of Aberdeen. After praise and prayer, Mr. John King preached a sermon on Heb. ii. 3.; the usual questions having been put and answered, Mr. Graham was ordained in the usual manner; Mr. L. Glass gave the charge to the minister and congregation; Mr. Blackader preached on Heb. xi. 13, 14. 30th. J. Dunn (from the Academy supported by R. Haldane, Esq.) was ordained pastor of the Independent Church, Berwick upon Tweed. Mr. Boag, of Reston, began with reading the Scriptures and prayer; Mr. Kirkwood of Ford Forge, preached from Acts xix. 9.; Mr. Hill, of Haddington, 393 lished in London, 1804, was held at Mr. Timothy Thomas's Meeting-house, Devonshire Square, Doctor Jenkins preached. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. gave a solemn charge to the pastor, from Acts xx. 28.; Mr. Kirkwood, addressed the church from Thes. v. 13, 14, 15.; Mr. Brotherston, of Eymouth, concluded; Mr. Hill preached in the evening from Isaiah Iv. 8, 9. April 30. Was held at Huttoft in the Marsh, the 15th General Meeting Oa of the Lincolnshire Association. the preceding evening, after reading and prayer, by Mr. Richards, of Hull, Mr. Bean, of Alford, preached to many people, from Eph. ii. 4, 5. Wednesday morning, Mr. Smelle, of Grimsby, opened the service, with reading some select Scriptures and prayer; after which Mr. Clark,of Brigg, preached from Ps. Ixxxvii. 3.; and Mr. Trolly concluded. Then followed the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, in which all the ministers present engaged; the communicants about one hundred, and the opportunity very solemn. In the evening the service was resumed, when Mr. Clark prayed ; Mr. Gladstone, of Lincoln, preached from John i. 29.; and Mr. Miller, of Partney, prayed again; after which, Messrs. Richards, of Hull, and Woodward, of Pinchbeck, immediately succeeded each other in preaching from Dan. xi. 32. and Neh. viii. 10; Mr. White, with a recapitulation of the whole, and prayer. The congregations The were numerous and attentive. MAY 7th Mr. J. A. James, late student at Gosport, was ordained pastor over the Independent Church assembling in Carr's Lane, Birmingham. Mr. Cobbin, of Banbury, began with prayer and reading the scriptures; Mr. Moody, of Warwick, delivered an introductory discourse; Mr. Steill, of Kidderminster, asked the usual questions; Dr. Williams, of Rotherham, offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Bogue, of Gosport, delivered a charge from Tim. vi. 11. "O man of God;" Mr. Bennett, of Romsey, preached from Rev. ii. 29; Messrs. Osborne, of Worcester, and Burket, of Kenelworth, engaged in prayer. In the evening the congregation again assemble for pub ic worship, when Mr. Jay, of Bath, preached from Exod. Xxxiii. 14, 15, 16.; Messrs. Styles and Edmonds engaged in prayer. MAY 22. LONDON. The Annual Meeting of the Baptist Education Society, estab After public worship was closed, the Committee reported, That since their last Anniversary, two students had been received upon the foundation of the Society, and placed under the care of approved ministers, of their own denomination, for tuition: That there were now three students supported by the Society; and that the account transmitted to them from their tutors, of their conduct and improve ment, was highly satisfactory: That they had received an application from another person, whom they intended to patronize; and they hoped, small as these beginnings might scem, they would, nevertheless, be considered as affording sufficient encouragement for the Society to proceed, by unremitting diligence, to support an institution which promised to be of essential ad The vantage to the church of God. Committee expressed their regret, that their application to the late Rev. Mr. Booth, for printing his sermon, preached at their First Annual Meeting, had been unsuccessful; and that now they were deprived of the assistance of that worthy and excellent minister: a loss which their Society, his numerous friends, and the Baptist churches in general would long deplore. But that they had no small satisfaction in redecting, that this Society had obtained his cordial approbation, and his public sanction; and they indulged a confident hope, that while united exertions were employed to encourage promising talents, and to add a degree of respectability to the Christian ministry, ardent supplications would be presented to "the great Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest." Five Ministers and cleven Gentlemen are appointed a Committee for the ensuing year; by whom, and by the Treasurer, Joseph Gutteridge, and by the Secretary, T. Thomas, donations and subscriptions will be received. May 28. Mr. Robert Winter, late of Newport, Isle of Wight, was set apart to the pastoral office in the church at New Court, Carey Street. Mr. John Humphrys, of Union Street, Southwark, began the service with prayer and reading the Scriptures; Mr. Burder delivered an introductory discourse, and read an Account of the Proceedings of the Church; also the Call, addressed to Mr. R. Winter, and his reply: the Members avowed their adher RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. ence to the invitation by holding up their hands; and Mr. R. Winter testified his acceptance of it, and assigned the principal reasons which induced him to consider it as a call of duty; Mr. Barber engaged in prayer; Mr. J. Winter, of Newbury, preached a suitable and edifying sermon from 2 Cor. iv. 15.; Mr. Clayton concluded with prayer. THURSDAY, June 12, Mr. Hackett was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church assembling in Market Street, May Fair, London. Mr. Brooksbank began the service with prayer, &c.; Mr. Burder stated the nature of a gospel church, &c.; Mr. Simpson offered up the ordination prayer; Mr. Buck declined the charge; Mr. Atkinson the general prayer; Mr. Stoilery preached to the people; Mr. Gore concluded. This interest commenced about eleven years ago, by the meeting of only two or three young men, who wished to introduce the gospel into that dark part of the metropolis. They proceeded by slow degrees, first assembling with a few persons in an upper chamber. In the year 1801, they opened their present place of worship, and have been assisted by a variety of ministers. At length Mr. Backet (late of Hoxton Academy) who has for a few years been the assistant of Mr. Miller, at High Wycomb, received an unanimous call, and has become their pastor. Palestine Association. We understand that a Society has been established for the purpose of promoting the knowledge of the Geography, Natural History, and Antiquities of Palestine, and its vicinity, with a view to the illustration of the holy writings, and the promotion of Biblical and historical knowledge. It has been regretted by all who have attended to the subject of Syrian Antiquities, that much valuable local information is still wanted for the illustration of the ancient historians, sacred and profane, who have treated on the affairs of that province; and that, notwithstanding the learned and laborious compilations of Adriconius, Revenelli, Cellarius, Fuller, and Lightfoot, the more recent details of Reland, Calmet, &c. many of the most important points are still left unexamined that there are many chasms which ought to be filled up, and a variety of easy and obvious facts that have been little, if at all, attended top. It affords us pleasure to hear that this Society are now engaging proper persons to execute this plan. When we consider the high respectability of its original Institutors and Members, and the importance of its objects, we eapnot but entertain hope, that they will meet with every requisite encouragement. For a more ample account, we must refer our readers to proposals, &c. delivered by W. Hamilton, Esq. No. 5, ́ Saville Row, to the Gentleman present at the formation of the Society, and to a set of resolutions and suggestions then adopted. At a numerous Mecting of Independent Ministers, held at St. Paul's Coffee-house, May 17, for the purpose of considering the expediency of a more general union among the ministers and members of congregational churches throughout the kingdom, it was unanimously resolved, That such an union is highly desirable; and the Ministers belonging to the Independent Board, together with some other Gentlemen, were requested to consider of a Plan for that purpose. Since that time, we are informed that the Ministers of the Board have held a special meeting on the business, and have appointed pine of their number to prepare the outlines of such a Plan. The British and Foreign Bible Society have lately been favoured with a noble present from a lady of quality: the sum of one thousand guineas. A few nights ago, a gentleman (said to be the master of an academy, in the vicinity of London) came, at a late hour, to the Key Hotel, in Chandos Street, much intoxicated. He occupied an apartment with an unhappy female, in which a fire broke out about three in the morning, which alarmed her; and she laboured, though in vain, to awaken him; but his extreme intoxication had rendered him insensible; and he was burnt to death in the house, which was entirely consumed. — Such a death, in such circumstances, inust excite in every serious bosom reflections of the most painful nature. Happy will it be if the awful event should deter any persons from visiting those detestable houses. |