RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

AN ACCOUNT

OF

THE SIXTEENTH GENERAL MEETING

OF

The Missionary Society,

held in London on the 9th, 10th, and 11th Days of May, 1810.

Ir was lately observed, That the great duty of spreading the gospel among Heathen and other unenlightened nations,' begins to be far better understood than formerly:' we say begins; for as yet, multitudes of Christians are not duly impressed with a sense of it. There never was a time wherein true believers did not love their neighbours; but they did not sufficiently inquire Who are our neighbours? The concern of good people was confined within too small a circle. The narrow bounds of their own Congregation, of their own deuomination,- of their own country, too much limited their exertions; but the state of things is now happily altered. That hateful narrowness of soul, which confined religion within its own contracted pale, which looked upon most others as aliens, and pitied them (to allude to an ancient fact) because they did not keep Easter in their way,' that hateful narrowness of soul begins to be discountemanced; and liberal Christians begin to love and associate with all those who hold the head,' although they may not keep Easter in their way; that is, although their ministers wear another garb, their worship is conducted in a different order, or their discipline is administered in a different manner. 'If,' says the serious and candid belieyer,' my neighbour love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth, I will take him by the hand, as my dear brother; and I will co-operate with him, as far as I can, ia every good and useful design.

This principle was avowed by the first formers of the Missionary Society. Upon this principle, the Society has acted for 15 years; and this principle still unites a great number of zealous Christians, whose zeal for the honour of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the extension of his kingdom, instead of suffering any abatement, seems to manifest itself in an increasing degree, every succeeding year.

Our readers naturally look to us for a particular narration of the Annual Missionary Meeting, which it always affords us much pleasure to detail.

On the Second Wednesday in May (the 9th day of the month) the First Meeting of the Society was held, as usual, at the Rev. Rowland Hill's Chapel, Surry Road: it was never filled at an earlier hour; and multiLudes, who came rather late, returned to their habitations disappointed. The chapel was full soon after Nine o'clock. Mr. Hill commenced the service by reading the prayers of the Established Church; after which Dr. Smith, of Homerton, prayed in the pulpit; and Dr. Collyer, of Peckham, delivered an excellent discourse, from Tuke i. 32, A light to lighten the Gentiles.' From which words the preacher proposed, 1, To explain the import of the text; and, li, To apply its testimony to Missionary exertions. Under the first head, the character of Jesus was considered under the image of Light,' the subjects of his influences, the Gentiles,'-and itis manifestation to the world, universal llumination; for he rises upon the nations to lighten them.' II. In applying this testimony to Missionary exertions, be shewed that it explains the principles on which theyrac

founded; and evinces that they proceed from Nature, Reason, Humanity, Patriotism, and Religion. He thea produced several considerations, by which this society is encouraged; namely, by revelation, by experience, and by existing circumstances. Mr. Bishop, of Ringwood, concluded the

service with prayer.

·

In the evening of the same day, the Rev. Mr. Kelly, of Dublin, preached a very animated sermon at the Tabernacle, from Gal. iv. 18, It is good to be zealous always in a good thing. The preacher made some jndicious remarks on Religious Zeal, distinguishing between that which is genuine and that which is spurious. The gospel was considered as a subject which well deserves the zeal of Christians; and the state of the Heathen, affording a proper scene for the exercise of that grace. The discourse displayed much knowledge of human nature, and much zeal for the propagation of divine truth. Mr. Hughes, of Battersea, prayed before the sermon; and Mr. Redford, of Windsor, after it.

On Thursday morning, the Members of the Society, and other persons friendly to the Missionary Cause, assembled at Mr. Jones's Chapel, in Silver Street, the former places of meeting for the Annual Business having proved too small. William Alers, Esq. (the Treasurer being unavoidably absent) was unanimously called to the Chair. Dr. Cracknell, of Weymouth, implored the Divine Blessing by prayer. The Plan of the Society was read by Mr. Platt; and the Minutes of the last Annual Meeting by Mr. Humphrys. The Report of the Directors was then read from the pulpit, by the Secretary. After which, the acceptance of the Report was unanimously voted, and Thanks to the Directors, for their assiduous attention to the concerns of the Society. The cordial Thanks of the Meeting were voted to Joseph Hardcastle, Esq. Treasurer, for his valuable services, and expressed in a manner which evinced the grateful sense entertained of them by the whole body. The Thanks of the Society were also voted to the Secretary, for his laborious and gratuitous services. Several very impressive speeches were made by the Rev. Msars. Bogue, Waugh, and other gentlemen. The Rev. Mr. Sinari, of Paisley, delivered a judicious address, suited to the important occasion, and concluded with prayer to God.

Tottenham Court Chapel was crowded as usual, very early; and the prayers of the church were read by the Rev. Mr. Huckwell, Curate of the Chapel. The Rev. Mr. James, of Birmingham, prayed before the seré mon; which was delivered by the Rev. George Collison, of Hackney. This animated and appropriate discourse was founded on Psalm lxviii. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us that thy way be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God! let all the people praise. thee! Then shall the Earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless! God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.' In this prayer of the church for the Heathen nations, the preacher considered, 1, The pre-eminent importance of its object, -the diffusion of evangelical truth amongst the Heathen, that thy way be known,' àc. ; — 2, Tae propriety of its adoption, arising from the explicit will of God; -3, The beauty of its principles, piety, regret of indifference, union of patriotish and benevolence, &c.; 4, The glory of its accomplisament, the earth shall yield her increase, in the domestic and social elations, in personal character, and in the universal diffusion of evangelical light, &c. The Rev. Mr. Bingham concluded the service with prayer..

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On Friday morning, St. Bride's Church was crowded with a respectable and attentive congregation, Prayers were read by the Rev. Mr. Jones, Curate of the Church. The Rev. W. B. Cocker, Vicar of Bunny and of Runnington, in the county of Nottingham, delivered a pleasing discourse,

from Acts xvi. 9, 10, And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us; and after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.' Several interesting remarks were made on this part of sacred history: - I. An bistorical exposition of the text, illustrating the progress of the gospel in Macedonia; - II. A view of the present state of vital Christianity, the deplorable condition of the Heathen,-the duty of assisting them,-and the peculiar encouragements to attempt their relief;-III. Exhortation to prayer, and to an active support of the cause of Missions; concluding with an appeal to the hearers, on the duty of improving their gospel privileges.

At an Adjourned Meeting of the Society, held in the afternoon at the vestry of Sion Chapel, the Thanks of the Society were voted to the several preachers, and to the ministers and other gentlemen who kindly allowed the use of their places of worship for the Meetings of the Society.

Sion Chapel was filled very early. Some persons took their seats three or four hours before the commencement of the Sacramental Service. The following is the order which was observed on the occasion:- the Rev. W. Kingsbury, who presided, prayed; the introductory address was given by Mr. Hunt, of Titchfield. During the administration, exhortations were given by Mr. Jones, of Silver Street; Mr. Jackson, of Stockwell; and Mr. Bogue. Mr. Hill concluded the whole solemnity with prayer.

The following ministets gave out the Hymus (from the Selection just published) at the several places: The Rev. Messrs. Slatterie, Moore, Raffles, Salt, Bryan, Kent, Piatt, Creak, Styles, Cox, Clark, Mather, Evans, and Maslin.

The Bread was distributed by the Rev. Mess. Adams, Banister, Brooksbank, Dunn, Hillyard, Williams, Hopkins, C. Hyatt, James, Lewis, Macdonaid, Roby, Richards, Sabine, Sloper, Steinkopff.

The Wine was distributed by Rev. Messrs. Arrow, Brick, Bryan, Cloutt, Cracknell, Hobson, Guary, Raffles, Slate, Styles, W. Williams, White, Wilkins, and Dr.. Winter.

Thus ended the Sixteenth General Meeting of the Missionary Society; which was, we are persuaded, no less interesting and satisfactory than any of the former. The grand Christian principle, Faith, working by Love,' seemed to animate ministers and people on this occasion. The confluence of so many persons from distant paris of the country, as well as from the extremities of the wide metropolis, cannot now be imputed to novelty, or to any other than those Christian motives by which believers ought to be impelled, when the glory of their Redeemer is the object proposed. More than a little inconvenience and fatigue is necessarily endured in attending for so many hours in crowded assemblies; but the exercise of love to Christ and perishing men, as well as of a lively hope that He is about to take unto himself his great power, and subdue the nations to the obedience of faith, support and encourage the numerous congregations; while their liberality, notwithstanding the heavy pressures of the times, continues to grow and increase. Those who have attended year after year, stil: come forward to renew their delightful engagements; while others, who had never attended before, confessed that, notwithstanding all they had read and heard of these Meetings, the half was not told them! Many a pious Christian retires from these animating scenes, exclaiming, Blessed are my eyes for they see, and my ears for they hear!' Many a minister, an elder, a deacon, or private member of a church in the country, returns to the place of his residence, enlivened with new zeal for Christ and souls, determined on attempting something more than before to spread the knowledge of the gospel both at home and abroad! The churches of Christ will thus he stirred up to encreasing energy in the Redeemer's cause; and it will become a source

of shame and disgrace if any should refuse to come forward, in this or some other way, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.'

He who bows his ear to the prayers and praises of Zion, will, we firmly believe, graciously answer the petitions which ascended at these Meetjags from thousands of hearts, since they coincide with the object of the Sa vionr's own intercession: -- Ask of me, and I shall give thee the Heathen for thine inheritance; and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession!'

For the purpose of being enabled to state at the Annual Meeting of the Society an account of the Receipts and Disbursements, the Directors have thought it advisable to close the account on the 1st of April, and not on the 1st of June, as formerly. The following Statement, therefore, comprizes ten months only, instead of twelve :

Amount of Collections, Donations, Subscriptions, Legacies,

and Interest of Stock

Expenditure on Account of the various Missions

Leaving a Balance due to the Treasurer of

£ s. d. 5298 15 2 5579 10 9

£280 15

The Collections made after the Public Services, are as follows:

4

THE Third Annual Meeting of THE LONDON FEMALE PENITENTIARỲ took place on the 8th of May, at the New London Tavern; and was very respectably attended. On account of more time having elapsed, to give effect to the Society's exertions, the Report on this occasion was far more interesting than on either of the former Meetings; and the contents disclosed, fully warrant the expectation of the friends of the Institution, as to its future utility.

It appears, that there have been 130 applicants within the last year; 32 of whom have been received ; 11 have been reconciled, and two returned to their friends. Ten have been put out to service, and one has died.

A very affecting Letter was read, as part of the Appendix, received (among several others) from the Mother of two of the Penitents, who, by the Society's means, had been restored to her arms, making her, as she herself expresses it, the joyful mother of two once lost children. A very pleasing Letter was also read from one now in service; which affords good evidence of a real change of heart; and among the number of these stated to have been placed out in service, in the last Year's Report, que ha› been married, and lives in credit and comfortable circumstances.

Two now in the house have had property left them by their parents, in the last year; and the Father of one of them has bequeathed to the Institution 100. They are waiting the direction of the Committee, as to their future path in life.

A young woman who lately died, was a native of the East Indies, well brought up, who, after having encountered various difficulties and trials, one day purchased an article wrapped up in a leaf of the New Testament, containing the 8th chapter of St. John's Gospel, and being induced to read it, was so deeply impressed with the compassion of our Saviour set forth in those words, Woman, where are thine accusers ?'

M m

Go and sin

no more,' as to induce her to purchase a Bible, in order to read St. John's Gospel. This produced some salutary effect on her mind. She was much distressed. While wandering one day, she knew not whither, and with every door of hope apparently shut against her, she recollected having seen the board of the London Female Penitentiary; but had forgotten the situation. She enquiredfor it frequently, and at length found it. In the interim of much hesitation, dreading to ring the beil, lest she should be refused, the gate was opened. She spoke to the attendant; and receiving a kind answer, she ventured in, and told all her case to the Matron, who immediately received her until she should, by her good behaviour, be entitled to be put on probation. She continued a year and a quarter in the Asylum, mani. festing a humble, grateful, and a deeply penitent frame of mind, verified by the papers she left behind, which contain many pleasing evidences of a work of grace on her heart. These, with a more detailed account, are given in the Appendix. On Sunday the 8th of April, a great change took place: she expired, exclaiming with her latest breath, I know that my Redeemer liveth!'

The Report then gives a detail of some of the leading characterestics of the objects that have been, and still are under the care of the Society, comprehending the cases of poor orphans, who, at a very tender age, had fallen into the hands of designing persons of their own sex, and been treated with atrocious barbarity, of some, who had moved in the superior walks of life, being neither destitute nor forsaken, had voluntarily abandoned their vicious courses, of others who had become the wretched victims of their more wretched, false friends, of a few who had made attempts at suicide, all of whom were within the walls of this house of Mercy, thankful and happy. Comprizing also accounts of some who had been discharged from workhouses, when restored to health; but, for want of character, disabled from getting their living, had sought refuge in the Asylum, — of others, who had received their first cheek in the very walks of Sin by means of religious tracts; also of several who had become blessings to their relations and others, by their writing to them, and exhorting them to attend divine service, of a few brought over from foreign climes, and of several who had been enticed up to London from dis'ant parts of the country, by artifices, cloked under fair promises, and bad fallen sacrifices to the basest conduct. More particular accounts of some of these cases are given in the Appendix to the Report; among which, we cannot forbear noticing, with great pleasure, the information given of the women having formed a Tract Society among themselves, sanctioned by the Committee; and also a Compassionate Fund for the advantage and relief of those applicauts for whom there is no room in the house, supported by the sacrifice of part of their earnings, and the money they choose to receive for that purpose, in lieu of alowances of tea, &c. which they voluntarily forego for the relief of others, who are, as they once were, in destitute circumstances. It was by this means that a religious tract found its way to the heart of one, who has been since received into the house.

Some, now in the house, have been thought worthy to superintend parts of the work; and, in order to encourage the Society's labours, and to shew that the most abandoned are reclaimable by their means, under the Divine Blessing, one now in the asylum is adduced as an instance, who, after having been in the most open course of vice for eight years, is one of the most industrious in the house, as well as skilful in instructing the others in shoc-making, and by her assiduity, the women have not only made all their own shoes, but several pairs both of women and childrens' shoes for sale.

It is impossible, within our limits, to do justice to this truly interesting Report; to which, therefore, we must refer our readeys for further infor matios, being july convinced they will be amply compensated for the trouble of its perusal. We only just add, what is noticed towards the