The king sat in his usual place at the east end. Brother Bourne preached in the east pulpit, from Acts ii. 38. Repent and be baptized, &c. Brother Crook in the middle, from Luke iii, 10. Bring forth fruits meet for repentance, &c.; and brother Darling in the west pulpit, from Acts viii. 36, 37. See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized, &c. The king has undertaken to write out a fair copy of the laws for the press, and to send a circular letter to all the Governors on the, subject of education, pressing upon parents the importance of getting their children instructed. On Monday the 17th, all the brethren and sisters met at Wilks' Harbour, and celebrated our Saviour's dying love with much affection and Christian union. The afternoon was spent in arranging the affairs of the Society, drawing up rules for the baptized, &c. After which the brethren returned to their respected stations, with renewed vigour to press forward in the work of the Lord. We remain yours, &c. HENRY BICKNELL. SAMUEL THESSTER. On the 18th of May, an Auxiliary Missionary Meeting was held a Huahine, another island. "When the contributions of each division of the islands were summed up, the total amount appeared to be, "3985 Ohemori, or Bamboos of oil. 95 Taamu-pia, or Balls of Pia, The account of an Auxiliary Society at Raietea is very encouraging. We can only find room for an extract or two. Brother Williams then arose, and proposed that we immediately form ourselves into a Missionary Society, and that King Tapa be the President of it. Brother Threlkeld seconded his motion, and it was instantly approved by a unanimous show of hands.. "Tapa then addressed the people with great propriety and warmth of feeling, saying, Remember what you used to do for the lying gods. You used to give all your time, strength, and property, and lives too. Look at the Marais you used to build for them. Then you had no property; it was all the gods! Your canoes, your pigs, your mats, your cloth, your food, all belonged to the gods. But now, all your property is your own; here are your teachers in the midst of us. God sent them. He is of great compas. sion. They left their own land to come here. Now our eyes are opened. Let us form our conduct by the word we learn. If we are wicked, God will perhaps take our teachers away from us. Let us compassionate other lands. Let us give our property willingly, with the whole heart. We cannot give money, but we will give what we have. Remember there were many drowned who helped to build the ark; do you take care lest you die in your own sins, after sending the Gospel to others; lest you become at last fuel for the fire, as the scaffolding that we use about our houses does. If we are not true believers, God will not regard us. We shall go to the fire of hell! "After Tapa had taken his seat, Puna, a man of very consistent conduct, invited the attention of the meeting, by saying, Friends, I have a little question; in your thoughts what is it that makes the heavy ships sail? I think it is the wind. If there were no wind, the ships would remain in one place; while there is wind we know ships can sail. Now I think that the money of the great Missionary Society is like the wind. If there had been none, no ship would have come here with Missionaries. If there is no property, how can Missionaries be sent to other countries, how can the ships sail? Let us then give what ་ we can.' "Tuahine, one of the cleverest men we have, then stood up, and said,Friends, the kings, chiefs, and all of you; we have heard much speech today; do not be tired: I also have a little to say. Whence come the great waters? is it not from the small streams that flow into them? If there were no little streams, there would be no great bodies of water. I have been thinking that the Missionary Society in Britain is like the great water, and that such little Societies as ours are like the little streams. Let there be many little streams: let not ours be dry. Let Missionaries be sent to every land. We are far better off now than we used to be. We do not now sleep with our cartridges under our heads, our guns by our sides, and our hearts in fear. children are not now strangled, nor our brothers killed for sacrifices to the lying spirit; it is because of the good work of God. He sent his word, and Missionaries to teach us, and we hope there are some who have already believed.' Our "Waver, one of whom we have a very good opinion, whose heart we hope is changed, said, We are now become a Missionary Society, and we are to give our property that the word of God may be carried to all lands; but let us ask, Is it in our hearts? Has it taken root there? If not, how can we compassionate others? We must give our property with love of heart to those who are sitting in the shades of death. Paumona, whose conduct agrees with his profession, said, It would be well if all the world knew the word of God as well as we know it-if all could read it as we read it; if all could hear it every sabbath as we hear it; if all would bow the knee to Jesus-if all knew him as the only sacrifice for sin-then there would be no war. We are to give our property, that other lands may know the true God and his word, that they may have teachers. It is not to be given to the false gods as we used to do. Let us be diligent, and spend our strength in this good work.' "Another observed, Friends, there have been many from amongst us who have been pierced with halls; let us have no more of it; let our guns be rotten with rust, and if we are to be pierced, let it be with the word of God.' -brother Williams then arose, and after some recapitulatory remarks, explained more particularly the design of the Society, and gave many reasons why they ought to collect their property. He urged it as a duty they owed to God, and to the Missionary Society in London. He contrasted the blessings they now enjoy, compared with their former wretched mode of living, and then referred to those countries where men and women are burned, where little children are given to feed beasts, and where old people are drowned; showing at the same time their need of the word of the true God. He concluded with incitements to perseverance and industry. "Brother Threlkeld expressed the joy of his heart in witnessing so great a number assembled for so good a purpose; and after several appropriate remarks, he cautioned the people more particularly against the idle tales of worthless seamen. Perhaps,' said he, they will tell you that we want your property for ourselves; but you know better. We have never yet requested your property. For all we have received of you, we have given our own property. We have not come here to deceive you. Is there any one here who has been injured by us? Let him speak out. Are there any here present who have lived at variance before? Gratify your teachers, by burying your grievances, and live in peace. Love each other, as it becomes all who regard the word of God. Show your willingness to do so, by holding up your right hand.' This was instantly done. "Brother Orsmond then proposed that the next Missionary Meeting be holden in May, 1820, and that the kings and chiefs be requested to complete our intended new large place of worship by that time. To this they promptly agreed, and the meeting concluded. A lively interest was excited in the minds of all, it was the topic of conversation for weeks after; and some have already begun to collect their cocoa-nuts for the annual contribution. Our spirits are revived, our zeal invigorated, and our determination to spend and be spent in the cause of the Redeemer strengthened. With prayers and ardent wishes for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem, we remain, &c. (Signed) J. M. ORSMOND. L. E. THRELKELD. J. WILLIAMS. "Since the baptism of the king, about thirty-five persons have been baptized in Eimeo only, beside a number in Tahiti, &c." We have seen some of the above accounts published from another quarter in a small Tract; To this is appended an original letter of Pomare, which displays seriousness and good sense. PROPOSED MEASURE FOR THE UNIVERSAL EDUCATION OF THE CHILDREN OF THE POOR. We think it right to direct the attention of our Readers to a Bill introduced by Mr. Henry Brougham into Parlia ment, as it is a measure pregnant with danger to the Protestant Dissenters; and should it unhappily be passed into a law, | will be productive of more misery, and more immorality, than any Act of Parliament has done since the period of the famous Schism-Bill, (to which it is closely assimilated,) passed in the last year of Queen Anne. Mr. Brougham's object is, that a schoolhouse shall be erected in every parish, the expenses of which, according to his own estimate, will amount to five or six hundred thousand pounds! By no means this a trifling object for parishes when so much poverty and distress prevail in the country! But in addition to this, will be the permanent charge of supporting the school-masters, &c. &c. These, however, are but inferior considerations. It is the great feature of the Bill of which we most seriously complain, that which throws an overwhelming weight of power and patronage into the hands of the established clergy thus increasing their ability to perplex and harass the Protestant Dissenters; and which, if it be not prevente will be a source of incalculable distress to many of our congregations in England, and especially in Wales! love and respect religious worship, "Let them go to church in the morning, and let their afternoon be devoted to that innocent play which is most congenial to their age!! With respect to the children of Dissenters going to their own churches and chapels it is nothing more than just and proper. Of course no conscientious Dissenter will allow his children to go to a Protestant church, any more than a Protestant will suffer his children to attend the service of the church of Rome!!" Those who know how very easy it will be for the regulation of an Act of Parliament to be violated, by those whose incli nations will lead them to do so; espe cially when the parish clerk is the school-master, and the parish parson the sole judge in any matter of abuse, will calculate upon the manner in which Protestant Dissenters are likely to be treated if they should happen to have cause for complaint! It is a hard case for Dissenters to be represented, if they should act conscientiously, as having an equal abhorrence to the Church of England, as Protestants have to the church of Rome; and if they should not act conscientiously, and permit them to go to Church and learn the Catechism, that they will then be considered as not Dissenters, but "Nothingarians," or Anythingarians." We feel persuaded that a Bill which breathes the immoral spirit of the "Bill of Sports;" and of the exclusive spirit of "An Act to prevent the growth of Schism;" will rouse the feelings of Pro From the report of Mr. Brougham's Speech, published in the "Times" of June 29, 1820, we learn that Mr. B. requested the House to observe how he had united and knitted the system with the Protestant establishment. The senior parish officers were to read the certificates, [of the candidates for the office of school-master-which are to be granted by the Parson of the Parish-testant Dissenters to oppose it by every and to certify that the candidate is a churchman,] and to declare by letter to the resident Parson, on whom the choice of the meeting had fallen. He doubtless here would have the church with him, but he feared that the sectaries would be against him. Their argument was, "You are making this a new system of tithe. You are placing a second parson in each parish, whom we must pay, though we cannot conscientiously attend to his instructions. He bowed to this position." means in their power. This we know is the resolution of the "Protestant Dis senting Ministers of the three Denominations in and about the Cities of London and Westminster," and also other bodies of Dissenters. We understand that it will not be attempted to pass this Bill during the present Session of Parliament, and we hope therefore, sufficient time will be found for every congregation of Protestant Dissenters in England and Wales, to prepare and present petitions to both Houses of ParAs to the mode of religious instruc-liament, and if necessary to the King: tion in these schools, Mr. B. proposes, that the Bible shall be used, and no other book without the consent of the Parson; that the children shall be taken by the master to the Parish Church, except the children of those Dissenters who shall refuse; that the church-catechism shall be taught to the children in the evening, with the before-named exception; and in order for the children to praying that a Bill so unjust in its principle, and so vexatious in its enactments, may not become the law of the land. We conclude by exhorting our Readers to make constant supplications to the God of all Grace, that he will interpose by his providence, and prevent a measure which in our opinion will be very injurious to the interests of religion and morality. THE applications transmitted to us as Secretaries to "The Protestant Society for the protection of Religious Liberty," from all parts of the country, respecting the Bill announced to Parlia ment" For the Education of the Poor," whilst they gratify the Committee and afford us encouragement, are too nume rous to receive individual replies. For the Committee of that Institution, we therefore request you to state in your publication, that they had anticipated the difficulties of the measure before it was publicly explained; and that they were prepared vigilantly to observe that explanation, and carefully but candidly to examine the developement of the design. To the Committee it has appeared to originate in imperfect information, and to be one of the most needless and objectionable measures that have been recently submitted to Parliament. Its final adoption the Committee would greatly deplore, and will be impelled by public duty strenuously to oppose. Nor will they be daunted in that opposition by their knowledge that the measure may have eloquent, powerful, and hierarchial support; since numerous communications already indicate that their opposition will be assisted by Dis senters and Methodists of every denomination; by Quakers, Catholics, and Jews; and by pious and liberal members of the established Church, who dissapprove of sacramental tests, of the further union of the Church and the State, and of the additional intermingling of clerical functions with civil duties and secular affairs. But as the measure is postponed for six months;- -as no further proceedings can occur until another session of Par liament as any Bill then introduced must be deliberately discussed; and as the plan may then be greatly modified and improved, the Committee deem it respectful to the benevolent proposer of the measure, as well as obviously expedient, to abstain from any immediate and public opposition to the plan, Yet they assure their friends, that their vigilance will not abate, and that they will invite their assistance when danger is imminent, and whenever com bined and general efforts may be required, and can avail. At that season they have been taught by experience to believe, that all the numerous congregations connected with their Society, and all the friends of liberal education and religious freedom, though habitually lovers of peace, roused by their call, and impelled by principle and duty, will instantly awake; and they hope that their prompt, universal, temperate, but firm, and zealous co-operation, will induce the Parliament, the Administra tion, and even the most determined advocates of the measure, to treat their disapprobation with the respect which their numbers, their property, their intelligence, and especially their moral and religious character, will well deserve. Great, however, will be the satisfaction of the Committee, if intermediate representations and private labours shall prevent the necessity of such public exertions, and of that pleasure we shall cordially and joyfully partake. We remain, Your devoted faithful servants, THOMAS PELLATT, JOHN WILKS. July 19, 1820. THE SOCIETY FOR The Relief of Aged and Infirm PROTESTANT DISSENTING MINISTERS. THIS benevolent Society, which was instituted in 1818, held its Annual Meeting at the King's Head Tavern, Poultry, May 25, 1820. The Fund already amounts to £5,000 Reduced 3 per Cents; £1,000 Navy 5 per Cents; and £450 Cash. Donations and Subscriptions are received by the Treasurer, (James Gibson, Esq. 49, Lime-street; by the Secretary, (Rev. Thomas Cloutt,) 14, Penton-row, Walworth; by the Collector, (Mr. Norton,) 47, Fish-street Hill; and by Sir James Esdaile and Co. Lombard-street. 1 NEW CHAPEL OPENED. TROSNANT, MONMOUTHSHIRE. A NEW Bapist Chapel was opened at Trosnant, Monmouthshire, April 19, 1820. Meeting at 10, 3, and 7 o'clock, and the preceding evening. Welsh Sermons by Messrs. Hiley of Llanwenarth, Jer. xxxii. 40; Davies of Tredeger, Isaiah liv. 1, 2; Edmunds of Caerphly, Job vii. 37; Philips of Caerleorn, Isaiah xii. 6; and Jenkins of Hengoed, Ps. Ixviii. 18.-English Sermons by Messrs. James of Pont-rhydy. run, Matt. xvi. 18; Davies of Hereford, Mal. i. 11; and Leonard of Magor, Rom. i. 16.-Reading and prayer by Messrs. Davies of Argoed; Lewis of Glasgoed; Michael of Sion Chapel; and Evans of Penygarn.-Hymns by Mr. James of Pont-rhyd-yrun. The Chapel will contain about 1000 hearers; expenses about 660l.; subscriptions, &c. 2004; debt 4604.; collections after the sermons above 241. April 22, Mr. John James, Minister at Pont-rhyd-yrun, near Newport, Mon mouthshire. ASSOCIATIONS. BEDFORDSHIRE. THE Fifth Annual Meeting was held at Leighton Buzzard, on Wednesday, May 3, 1820. Brother Such of Steventon began with reading and prayer. Brother Cuttriss of Ridgmount preached from Rom. vi. 1, 2. Brother Peacock of Rushden, from Tit. iii. 11, 12. It was on this evening that the Association had to acknowledge one of the most providential deliverances of two of its members from an untimely grave, that has ever fallen to its lot to record. Having determined to go by water from Burnham to St. Osyth, they left home early in the morning, together with a little boy who accompanied them, after commending themselves to the care of that gracious Being who is too wise to be mistaken, too good to be unkind, and who, while he has an ear to hear, has also an arm to save. They had sailed for some hours in comfort and safety; and every thing seemed to promise them a speedy and pleasant interview with their ministering brethren and friends; when, on a sudden, and without any apprehension of danger, the accident occurred, which is thus described by brother Garrington. "The sails being again set, and the anchor weighed, I felt remarkably com fortable with the full prospect of spee dily and pleasantly arriving at St. Osyth The boat, however, had scarcely come to the use of her helm, when a sudden gust of wind laid her side under water, from which she did not recover, but gra dually (and which was remarkably pro vidential) filled with water, till the weather side was uppermost, and the sails flat on the surface, which prevented her from turning keel upwards. In an instant, without being aware of danger, we were plunged into the water, which gradually rose till it had reached the mouth of myself and brother Haynes, the little boy clinging to his shoulder. Each of us got to the weather side, keeping as close as we could together, and just able to maintain our hold, In the Evening, brother Simmons of though even the upper side was considerOlney preached from Numb. xxiv. 15-ably below the surface of the water. 17, and concluded the services of the day. Collected for the Baptist Mission, 51. Ss. 9d.* In the Afternoon the letters from the Churches and the circular letter were read, and other business transacted. ESSEX. On Tuesday, May 30, 1820, the Ministers and Messengers of the Baptist Churches in the County assembled at Thorpe. The afternoon was occupied in transacting the business of the Association. Evening, 6 o'clock, brother Miller prayed. The letters from the different churches were read, and brother Bolton concluded with prayer. We shall be obliged to our Correspondents who favour us with an account of Associations which have been held, if they will have the goodness to add the time and place of the next Association. It is not probable we could have continued our hold many moments longer, nor perhaps even so long as we did, had it not been for the hope set before us. At the very moment of our extremity a revenue cutter's boat, manned by three men, was putting off from the shore to go to a distance, but which came immediately to our assistance, two of the men rowing, and one ready to hold out (as he cheer. fully did) both hands to lay hold of us." Such is the description which our brother has given of the kind interven tion of that indulgent Providence, to whose gracious care both he and his companion had committed themselves, and but for which, in all probability, they might have sunk into the arms of death, might have left the Association to be *The Itinerant of the Association. |