CHRONICLE OF BRITISH MISSIONS.

HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE following extracts from the journals of the missionaries furnish obvious reasons for the continued and extended operations of the Home Missionary Society. It will be seen that opposition still meets the Christian efforts of our agents, and that if they were not sustained on their stations by aid from other quarters, the people would very soon be deprived of the ministry of reconciliation. It will also be perceived that gross ignorance of Divine truth exists-especially in parishes where Tractarian teachers are active and influential. But it will likewise be observed, that in the midst of ignorance, error, and opposition, the Gospel is not dispensed in vain.

MISSIONARY EXCLUDED FROM A VILLAGE BY CLERICAL INTERFERENCE.-CASE OF

IGNORANCE.

"In my last journal I gave some intimation that I had reason to fear determined opposition from the clergyman at L- L. A few recent events in connexion with that gentleman fully justify my fear. It appears that he has been working against us, in the most secret manner; where he could not succeed in misrepresenting our cause, he has tried what bribery would do: and has secured his purposes in many instances, so as to astonish our real friends. Some that were amongst the first to speak of the corruptions of the church, and the pleasure they have derived under the "preaching at the meeting," are now willingly drawn to the place where they have often said, " They hear doctrines that are contrary to godliness." But the most serious injury that this teacher is likely to inflict upon us, is in connexion with the man at whose house I preach. It appears that this poor man is quite unexpectedly laid under some obligation to this clergyman-he has it in his power to stop up a pathway that leads to a piece of land, that this poor man rents. This he has threatened to do, unless he will "drive the Methodists away from his house." This threatening has induced the poor man to tell me he hopes I shall get another house. This I have tried to do, but no house can be obtained on any conditions. I have mentioned the case to a friend in the parish, who has some property in the village. He has offered to give a piece of land on which to build a chapel; but it is now rented by a friend of the clergyman. He has heard that we think of building a chapel, and says he will not give up a part of the property unless he is obliged to leave the whole. My friend tells me he will give him a notice paper if I wish it, so that he may oblige him to leave; but I rather hesitate to express such a wish, as sixteen or seventeen months must pass away before we could gain possession. Thus you see my difficulty; I fear I shall be obliged to leave the people to the direction of their "blind guide." There is nothing improper in so calling him, as the following facts will show :-A few months ago he called upon our friend who wishes to have a chapel built, to ask him, "Why he did not come to church?" "Because I can hear nothing about the Gospel at the church!" was the answer. "Indeed! but how is that?" "Simply, because the minister does not understand the Gospel." "But how do you prove that ?" 'By asking you a simple question, What is the meaning of scriptural conversion ?" Scriptural conversion means that when the Jews listened to the preaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles, they were expected to forsake the old dispensation and to receive the new-to become believers in Christ." "Then you think that scriptural conversion is not now needed." Certainly not." "Now here is a proof of your ignorance. If you will go home and read your Bible, you will find that conversion is as necessary now for all men, as it was when Jesus Christ

and his apostles preached to the Jews." But this teacher of others gave proof that he had not taken our friend's sensible advice, by preaching a sermon to show that all original sin is washed away by the waters of baptism, and that nothing more is needed to place children in a safe position.

The other fact will illustrate the value of this kind of teaching.

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"Do

A young man, who has lately attended our little place at F—, attracted my attention; as he seemed to listen very seriously to all that was said. After noticing his regular attendance for some time, I felt anxious to have some conversation with him. I found he had to travel in the same direction homeward as myself. I then invited him to walk with me. We soon began to talk together. I said to him, "You seem to listen very attentively when in the meeting: do you understand what you hear?" "Yes, Sir, I understands all that you says, but I don't know why you and the folks at meeting should be so serious!" "But have you never been to a place of religious worship before you came here?" Yes, Sir! I used to go to hear Mr. Cat L― L." "Did you often hear Mr. C?” Yes, Sir! ever since I was a lad, till I came here." "What did you learn from Mr. C.'s preaching?" "I don't know." "Did you ever hear anything about Jesus Christ when you went to the church at L- L- -?" "Do you mean Jesus Christ, our Saviour?" “Yes! Do you know what the words 'our Saviour' mean?" "No, Sir!" you not know who he was?" "No, Sir!" "Did you never hear whether he was a man, or an angel, or a God?" "No, Sir! I am sure I cannot tell what he was." "Do you know if ever he was in this world?" "No, Sir!" "Then I suppose you cannot tell whether he is or is not now living." 'No, Sir! I don't know anything about him." "Do you know what ministers mean when they talk about the law of God?" "No, Sir." " Now, when you have been doing anything wrong, for instance, breaking the Sabbath, have you not felt a something in your mind, that told you it was wrong?” “I don't know that I ever did anything wrong in my life, Sir. I never felt anything in my mind that told me so." "What do you think will become of you when you die?" "I suppose if I am good I shall go to heaven." "But what will go to heaven? will not your body moulder to dust, like the bodies of other people?" "I never thought about that before, so I don't know how it will be." "But suppose it should be proved that you are not good; what will become of you then?" "I don't know." Such are the facts as I received them from this young man's lips. He is more than twenty years of age. I rejoice to tell you that he now belongs to my Bible class; and is as capable of receiving instruction as any in the class. But what a painful reflection it is, that here is a large parish about to be given up to a man who has already given proof that he does not understand the simplest doctrines of the Gospel! "If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch!" -Somerset.

DESIRE FOR A DAILY SCHOOL-TRACT DISTRIBUTION.

"We are rather progressing at U— Chapel. The Sunday school is on the increase since we have established a library. We are about commencing a day school in the vestry, for boys from five to twelve years of age, and another for girls.

I have set a subscription on foot, and have collected £24 towards the object. I want to know whether we may have a grant from the central fund, or not. A school we must have: it will prove a great help to the Sunday school; and the latter, rising in the scale of morals, is a nursery for the church. Especially is it necessary to have a good school in this village, when we consider that the children are taught rank Puseyism at the National school here. The people in this place, even churchmen themselves, are not satisfied with the education given, and would be glad of a better school.

During the last month, about two hundred tracts have been distributed in this village and its vicinity; and I am happy to say, that exclusive of the above number, a few hundreds, in different languages, have been given to sailors, of various nations, who sail to and fro close to our port. One of our members, who is a pilot, and a very pious man, has done much good in this way, and has caused some of the seamen to attend our place of worship. May the Lord bless every effort to bring sinners to the foot of the cross."-Somerset.

A BLESSING ATTENDING LAY PREACHING.

"I have to report the hopeful conversion of a poor man about sixty years of age. His case has much cheered my own heart, as evidence of the progress of God's work during my affliction, in the village of C. The church has also hailed it with delight, as an approval of their having commended their brother H. to the work of a village teacher, and he himself needed (for he is timid and weak) such an encouragement, now that almost the whole labour of the Redeemer's cause there devolves on him. This is his first-fruits, but I believe it will not long be alone.

The following is the substance of a conversation held with the individual alluded to:-"I sent for you to-night, John, because as you wish to join the church of Christ, I should like to know a little more of your state than I do at present." "Ah! Sir, mine was a bad state a while ago, I had no thought but a mad thought." "But if you had thought about the way in which you were living, and where it would end in the world to come, would it not have been very different with you? Were you not blameable?" "Yes, Sir, if I had thought about it I should have known better, but mine was a giddling thought. At eighteen or nineteen I was in a place of service, where I had to go to church every Sunday, and to family-prayers every night. This did me some good; I was never so wild or larking afterwards. I liked the place, but left through illness." "Did not that illness lead you to care more about your soul?" "No, Sir, as soon as I got better I went with vain company, and never cared to attend any place of worship till I came to your meeting a little more than a twelvemonth ago. Your meeting was the first I ever attended; Mr. H— the first I heard preach there. He gave it to me sadly the first time." "What was it that so troubled you the first time?" "He told me I was a rebellious sinner, and I felt it to be true." "Did this trouble make you keep away from meeting?" "No, I couldn't keep away-I wanted to go a th' morrow. The next week I heard you, Sir, but that didn't come to my heart, I wanted Mr. H- to come again. If I could ha' heard of his preaching twenty miles off, I would ha' gone. I never wanted anything so sadly as I did to hear Mr. H- again." "Does the word of God so trouble you now?" "No, because I don't go on in sin. Before, every thing was a vexation; now, every thing goes easy." "But you have to work as hard for your daily bread as you used to do?" Yes, but it don't go hard, 'tis light upon the mind now." "But what must be done with the many sins of your past life?" 'I must pray to God to forgive them." Why may we hope he will forgive?" "Because he has said he will if we turn to him." Can you tell me why it is he will forgive the returning sinner?" "For Jesus' sake-he bought us, and we must go to him." "Why do you wish to join the church of Christ?" "I wish to join the church that I may be kept from running back, and to be helped on in the Lord's ways." "What persons do you think should join the Christian church?" "Such as put all their dependence on the Lord, and serve him." If this account be thought to be very prolix, my reason for entering so much into detail, is the hope that the case may prove an encouragement to others to hope, to pray, and to labour for the aged." -Gloucester.

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The Directors are happy in being able to state, that the appeal made last month

to the churches in London and elsewhere, on behalf of the suffering Christian poor on some of the Home Missionary stations, was kindly responded to by several churches on the first Sabbath of January. Upwards of £200 has been already contributed, particulars of which will be published. It will give great pleasure to the Secretaries to receive additional aid towards the promotion of this benevolent and Christian object.

IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY.

THE Committee of this institution are happy to report that, during the past quarter, they have sent three new labourers to Ireland; one of whom has become the pastor of the Independent church at Limerick; while a second is ministering the word of the truth of the Gospel in Armagh and its surrounding villages; and the other is labouring in Tralee, an important town in the south of Ireland. Two of these brethren were educated at Highbury, and the third at Spring Hill College; and under the advice of their pastors and tutors, offered their services to the Society, to aid in evangelising the sister isle. They have gone forth in faith and hope, and are commended to the affection and prayers of the churches, that God may abundantly succeed their labours.

Amidst all the discouragements which surround our brethren in Ireland, they are toiling on with diligence and hope, and in some cases, with a cheering amount of success. The following notices and extracts from journals, refer to the services of the Scripture readers, a class of agents whose services have been very useful in Ireland. One of the agents thus writes:

"The number of Roman Catholics I have visited and read to, during the quarter, is 254; number of Protestants during the same period, 785; travelled during the quarter, 286 miles." The tabular return furnished by this agent presents a statement of daily labours, which fully justifies the commendations of his superintendent, who says, "Mr. B. is a most excellent and indefatigable man. His journal exhibits his laborious, untiring, and steady working. He is simple and devoted, and on this, as well as on other grounds, I feel confidence when I pray that there may be much fruit as the result of his efforts." The journal says, "On visiting this thinly inhabited part of the country, I was glad to find some persons engaged in perusing the sacred Scriptures, who, a few months since, thought it painful to listen to the reading of a single chapter.-Visited F., where some of the people paid much attention to the reading of the Holy Scriptures; had a little meeting of twenty persons, most of whom were young, and had committed to memory some of Watts's Hymns for children, in the meaning of which they were instructed; afterwards I read several chapters. At G., as I was not permitted to use my Bible in this Roman Catholic part of the country, I recited several portions of Scripture to the people, with which they were apparently well pleased; conversed with a few aged persons here to-day, and also held our usual prayer-meeting in the evening. On my return home to-day, I met with an accident, which prevented my travelling in my usual way for a week; but during that time I embraced many opportunities of reading and conversing from the Scriptures in my own house.-Conversed with a miscellaneous group of people in the market place, from Acts xvii.-On the road to-day I met a few men, Roman Catholics; I entered into religious conversation with them, and they sat down on the road-side with me, while I read to them the sacred Scriptures. They were well pleased with what I read and said, and finding that one of them could read, I gave him a book.—Visited a few afflicted old people to-day, one of whom is looking forward to the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Another of the readers thus writes:-" In the midst of all the political excitement of this neighbourhood, my work has not diminished, but rather increased. I have

visited a great number of families during the last six months, who were perishing for lack of knowledge. I endeavoured to place the truth before them in their own language, and to explain to them the plan devised for the salvation of their immortal spirits, which the superstitions of Rome have wrapped up in mystery, in order to make merchandise of its deluded followers. I know many persons who are inquiring the way to be saved, and some of whom have applied to me for New Testaments, being too poor to purchase any. During the month of December last, I visited a poor, ignorant, dying man. He told me that he was punishing the body, and in order to mortify his flesh, did not allow his bed to be dressed, that he might make satisfaction for all his sins. He said he had confessed to four priests, and all agreed that he should thus atone. I endeavoured to show him that all this was contrary to God's word, and that unless we obtain the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, by faith, we cannot be saved. He listened attentively, asked me several questions, and wept as I spoke of the love of Christ to poor sinners. Soon after he died. I thank God that I had the opportunity to lay before him the plan of salvation."

Another laborious Scripture reader and village preacher, among other interesting things in his last journal, says :-"I went to see a young woman who had been very ill some time. The neighbours, who had just heard that she was dying, crowded in to see her, as is customary among the peasants of this country on such occasions. I embraced the opportunity of speaking to them on the evil of sin, the certainty of death, and the necessity of our being pardoned through the blood of Jesus Christ, with such other remarks as the occasion suggested. I read the fourteenth chapter of John, and prayed, in which all present, Roman Catholics and Protestants, joined. The solemnity of the scene made them all attentive. When the girl recovered a little, I spoke to her. She appeared resigned to the will of God, and was simply trusting in the atonement of Jesus, but required much instruction. For some time past she had been a regular attendant on my meetings, and has manifested a concern for her soul. I trust that the Divine Spirit has been teaching her the truth as it is in Jesus. Preached to a numerous and attentive congregation, and afterwards examined the Sunday-school children. There is a great improvement in the children generally, here, since we opened our school. Some persons here have got up a prayer-meeting. They hold it every night, except Saturday; is going on well, and our congregation has increased since its commencement. This place never appeared so prosperous as now: to God be all the glory.-In my little congregation at L., there were some Roman Catholics to-night. One of them who attends my meetings regularly, remained after service, and told me that her husband said she might as well turn altogether, as be going so often to preaching. She is anxious about her soul's salvation. A young man in whom I felt a deep interest, and to whom I gave 'Pike's Persuasive to Early Piety,' which he read attentively, now appears to be a changed character. He has commenced praying in the family, and holds a prayer-meeting in a neighbouring village. I trust the Lord has blessed my humble labours to his good. If he continue faithful, he may be very useful here."

Such constant labours, however unostentatiously they are conducted, can scarcely be carried on without opposition, and this our agents have often to contend with, in a spirit of meekness. One of them says, "I have frequently visited this part of the country, where I have read and conversed on the Scriptures with many of its inhabitants. The priest hearing that I came so near his chapel, was so much annoyed at my presumption, as he termed it, that he has prohibited his flock, on pain of being denounced from the altar, from giving me admittance to their houses, or even allowing me the use of a seat to sit upon."

The journals of these readers, with those of others, furnish reasonable ground for belief, that the word of life, put forth by them, is working like leaven, silently but