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SOME pleasing instances of converting grace, by the instrumentality of the scriptures, especially the reading of the Irish scriptures, will be found in the letters of our Readers in this month's Chronicle. Mr. M‘Kaag mentions too, that some persons have left the Popish chapels and attend on the Protestant Established Church. As the Society have not the means of providing suitable Meeting-houses in the places where their agents are employed, it is highly probable the parish ministers will find them useful auxiliaries in promoting the enlargement of their congregations. The success with which God has been graciously pleased to succeed the attempts of the Society will, it is hoped, lead to renewed and vigorous efforts so as to provide for the more than exhausted funds, that our exertions may not be cramped for want of money. ̧

From the Rev. J. M'Kaag.

Mr. Simpson, and at York-street, at the same times. The union of denominations in this city at present is highly gratifying. Mr. Cooper delivered an excellent missionary address at Swift's-alley last Monday evening; and Mr. West preached a monthly lecture at the Independent house at Kilmainham on Wednesday evening.

Bellina, March 20, 1823. THE Schools in Tirarey have been severely persecuted within the last three months, and we have reason to conclude that persecution is truly necessary, though contrary to our natural feelings. God has appointed persecution for every one that liveth godly The state of the weather confined me in Christ Jesus. The people that love to Clonmel the whole of February; darkness rather than light will certain- but our congregations, both at the ly take the alarm, and summon all meeting-room and at my own house, their forces, as well as cruelty, to opwere very encouraging. The first Sabpose the reign of grace. In Liney sebath in March was happily spent with veral persons have lately begun to the church at Thurles, and I visited forsake popery, and have gone to the the church at the Hills and the school established church may all the rest the ensuing week. The weather was soon, very soon, follow their example. extremely unfavourable; seventyLast Sabbath-evening I had the seven children attended notwithstandpleasure of administering the ordi-ing, and the attention of the master, nance of baptism to R. Moullarky, J. and the improvement of the scholars, Caldwell, and J. Haran. The latter were highly satisfactory. had threatened last year to kill his own brother for speaking against popery. To Rev. John West.

From the Rev. S. Davis to Mr. Ivimey.
Dublin, March 22, 1823.

MY DEAR SIR,

Mr. Wilson and I came to this city a week since, and are busily occupied in soliciting subscriptions for our Society. I was unable to preach the last Sabbath, in consequence of a violent cold, but I hope to preach at Swift's alley to-morrow morning; and for Mr. Cooper at Plunket-street in the evening, while brother Wilson supplies for

I thank you for intimating in the Chronicle, my exertions to obtain a new meeting and school-house. I am never so happy as when engaged in my beloved work, and I have been prevented but one Sabbath in the last six years and upwards by illness, from proclaiming, to more or fewer, the unsearchable riches of Christ. I trust, while life lasts, it will be my highest joy, next to looking to the Lamb of God myself, to direct others to behold him; fully assured that he is not and cannot, in any instance, be preached entirely in vain.

On my last visit to the Hills I mar-. ried two members of Clogh-Jordan Church. As such a practice is un

known in England, (though quite re-
gular here,) I will state to you the or-
der I observed. The ceremony takes
place in presence of the church, and of
the friends of the parties. After prayer
I read Gen. i. 26–31, Ch. ii. 18-25,
and Mark x. 1-12; and after a few |
observations on the institution in Pa-
radise, and the duties of husbands and
wives, I required the person giving
away the female to state publicly if he
is willing, or is properly authorized,
to give her in marriage. I then
proposed the following questions to
the Man: "Do you desire to be
united in marriage with A. B. ? Will |
you engage before God and this con-
gregation, to be to her a loving and
constant husband, all the days of your
natural life, until God shall separate
you by death?" I then proposed the
same questions to the female, only
varying the first question, thus: "Are
you willing to be," &c. The man is
then directed to put the ring upon the
proper finger, and thus both join hands,
and repeat after me, first the man, and
then the woman; "I take you to be
my lawful wife [or husband] before
God, and this congregation; and en-
gage to be to you a constant and loving
husband [or wife] all the days of my
natural life, until it shall please God to
separate us by death." I then added,
، Whom God hath joined together, let
no man put asunder;" and after a
few words of exhortation, closed in
prayer. The following is the form of
the certificate of marriage.-
.“ This is
to certify, that the undersigned A. B.
and C. D. of
were married, at |
their mutual request and consent, in
the presence of the Baptist congrega- |
tion, at
. this - day of -

in the year," &c. in words at length.
This was signed by myself, the parties,
and witnesses.

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C. D. is a man that had been bred a Roman Catholic, and a very rigid one. When I first came to this country, he knew nothing of God or godliness; but theLord has blessed his word to his soul so far as that he is enabled to argue against popery, and can eat meat on Friday and Saturday. I have visited a corn-mill, as knowing it to be generally crowded with people, to whom I read and explained much of that word that is able to make men wise unto salvation. The miller is a Roman Catholic, and heard with the greatest at tention: he told his employer that their priests are keeping them in the dark. S. R. had been so much at taehed to me, that whenever I went there, he always stood by me, and said, in the space of fifty years he had not received so much information, and requested I would give him an Irish Testament. The Lord has said in his word, that "he will put his law inte their hearts, and in their minds he will write them," &c. &c.

In John's-town a friend had died; I attended, with many others, at the close of the day. I read out of the Irish Testament the great and precious promises of God to a lost world, which sunk deep into their minds. One said, That is more than ever we heard from our priests; ano. ther said, that the greatest charity had been extended in this country, | and, like the woman of Samaria, they would go home, and report what they had heard. One of the men asked me what was the reason of so many persuasions, or religions ? I asked him, How many were they? He replied, There were more than fifty-two. I begged leave to differ from him, and said, there were but two; namely, the church of Christ, and the church of Antichrist, which are represented by the figure of two, women in the Revelation; the one is represented as a chaste, virtuous woman; and the other as a scarlet whore, which is the church of Antichrist; which I would prove from the scriptures, if he would have but a little patience. Another attacked me, saying, with the greatest impatience, "Is not Peter the rock on which Jesus Christ built his church, and we our faith?" I proved to them that Jesus Christ was the foundation on which we should build our faith, and showed Peter's weakness, in not only denying him, but in cursing and swearing he never knew him. No less

than eighty persons stood, and heard with attention what was never heard in that country before, and declared that they had never heard any thing in which they delighted more.

The above was written before I went to Errice; I am now returned; the schools are doing well, and you shall have the particulars in my next letter.

From a Reader of the Irish Scriptures.

Kilmactigue, March 20, 1823.

REV. SIR,

It is cause of thanksgiving to every one that knows the truth as it is in Jesus, to hear that many are brought from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. At the time I went to live at Boyle, I became acquainted with a name-sake of mine; I began to read and explain the word of God, for him and his family; he and his wife paid the greatest attention. I hope the word was conveyed with power to their hearts, for they told me they would never darken a chapel door; for they find, by reading the word of life, the absurdity of their former belief; they come three times a week to my house, wishing to be instructed in the one thing needful. My friend Mr. Jackman comes also three times a week, for the purpose of holding a prayer meeting, and, which is pleasant to relate, we are getting many to attend, and more Roman Catholics than Protestants, &c.

I have been in the parish of Kilmactigue since Mr. Wilson went off the Lord is still working in this place. I have met with a young lad, who, I hope, is a chosen vessel; he is very much on the inquiry. His brother was brought to a knowledge of the truth a few years ago; he was one of our schoolmasters; his name is Michael M'Ginty, and from his conversation, and through his exertions, the Lord has wrought effectually in his mind, whom the Lord has raised up in the stead of his brother, who is removed from the family.

A few days ago this parish priest was collecting oats. When he same to the village that Brother Harin lives in, he passed by his house, and would not go in, knowing what character he was; but Harin's brother prevailed on him, and brought him in, for the purpose of having a conversation with him. The first question the priest sked him was, Why he left the church

of Rome, wherein his forefathers lived and died?" I am sure (said H.) if my forefathers had been allowed the liberty of reading the scriptures, there is no doubt but they would have seen the errors of that church wherein they were taught to seek life in themselves, where there was nothing but death; and to set at nought the blood of Jesus, which cleanseth from all sins." "O (said the priest) you are mad; don't you know the sacrament of penance

was left to us, to save us from damnation." "No, (said Harin,) if we could be saved by the sacrament of penance, Christ died in vain." He grew enraged, and left the house.

This parish is in a disturbed state, in consequence of the priest being daily speaking and inflaming the minds of the people against those whom the Lord has called out from the delusions of the church of Rome. The Rev. Mr. Neligan is exerting himself in their behalf, and receiving them at his house, giving them religious instruc tion. Blessed be the Lord he never left his children without a friend, both for their spiritual and temporal wants.

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The Most High has been pleased to crown with success our feeble endeavours to bring many of our poor benighted countrymen to a knowledge of the truth, by means of his revealed word, read to them in a language which they love, and which is intelligible to their understandings. In the beginning of August last, I visited a village called Ballinabul, where I taught P. S. (who was then a prejudiced Roman Catholic,) to read the Irish Testament. I met this young man since my last, and I cannot fully express the joy and satisfaction I felt, when I found him possessed with such clear views of the doctrines of the gospel, and showing such unshaken confidence in his divine Redeemer. He told me that he could not sufficiently express his gratitude to the Society, by whose means he was instructed, and made wise unto salvation, that his mind was enlightened by the force of that sacred word, to which he was obliged to yield, and confess that Christ was the only refuge for the guilty, to be depended on for life and

salvation. He said that he would never call on any other mediator, any other priest, but on him who alone was the great Apostle and High-priest of his profession, able to change the hardest heart, and save to the uttermost. And all this simple and affecting narrative he delivered with a glow of countenance, which showed affection and gratitude.

Every place where I go, I hear the poor Catholics exclaim against their clergy, for endeavouring to hinder them from hearing or reading the scriptures, and seem to be much surprised at the cause of their opposition, which I have known to beget inquiry, and inquiry to end in the discovery of truth. Priest O'C. came some time ago to A. D.'s house, near Mr. Thompson's place, to whom I gave a Bible when I taught for the Society in that vicinity: D. seldom ever looked into it, until the priest came to reprove him, and told him if he did not return it speedily he would make an open example of him. D. promised he would obey him; but as soon as he went away, he said to himself, that he would not part with it until he should know the contents thereof, and the doctrines which the priests dreaded so much; which induced him to read it from cover to cover. I went to see him a few days ago, when he told me, that if all mankind were of his opinion, superstition, idolatry, and the fear of man would soon cease, and scripture knowledge would prevail in the world. I asked him what was his hope of salvation. He replied, "I know that my own works of righteousness will not save me, because I have none; for my works condemn me, and are sinful; and as one criminal cannot release another, neither can a priest forgive me, who is a sinner himself; nor can angels atone for sin, or intercede for sinners, but my whole confidence is entirely in the Saviour, who has freely shed his blood for me, and for such sinners as I am, who firmly believe in his most glorious and holy name, and obey his precepts. C. taught this man to read the Irish Tes

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tament, in which he takes great de light, and always carries it in his pocket, for the purpos of reading it to every person with whom he may have any intercourse.

B. L., whose conversion I mertioned in my last, has been much persecuted by the priest for eating meat this Lent, who told her that she should go to Bridget's Well, and perform a station there, as penance for that enormous crime." I wll not (said she) obey any of the five clerical commandments, for ten are enough; and I have broken them all according to scripture." "Who told you?" said he. “It has been read for me (answered she) by those who are appointed to read it; who told me that abstaining from meat on a certain day could not atone for the crimes of that day; and they also told me, that the Saviour was the only ransom for sinners who believe in him; and that our making a saviour of our good works, and they mixed with bad works, is nothing short of blasphemy." "I see (said the priest) you have be come a preacher; but if you don't do as I bid you, I will make you sorry when it is too late."

From the Rev. John West to Mr. Ivimey.

Dublin, March 27, 1823.

and 1000 Testaments, the gift of the THE 100 large and 500 small Bibles, British and Foreign Bible Society, are a most acceptable present; not only to supply the schools; but many adults, who cannot purchase them, are sup plied gratis.

Amidst all the confusion in Ireland, there never was such a spirit for reading the Holy Scriptures as at this time, which I trust is a favourablė sign.

The 1000 Testaments are most of

them sent off into the country, to the respective agents.

Yours respectively,
JOHN WEST.

Missionary Herald.

BAPTIST MISSION,

Home Proceedings.

to consider that the time within which the subscription must be filled up, is nearly completed, and that therefore it is particularly desirable that whatever is intended to be done, should be done at once. They would remind all who wish well to the cause, and to whom

Plan for paying off the Society's God has given the ability, that the

Debt.

contribution of each person is, from the nature of the case, of far more value than the identical sum so contributed, and that every person who adds his name to the list will, if called on for the money, have the delightmoval of a burden which, in one form ful gratification of insuring the reof the Society for seven or eight years. or other, has impeded the operations

A list of the sums already subscribed may be seen at the Missionary Rooms, No. 6, Fen-court, Fenchurch-street; the General, or Corresponding Comor by application to any Member of mittee in town or country.

IN our Number for February last we stated that the Committee had adopted a plan for the immediate liquidation of the debt of £3000 yet remaining due from the Society, on the principle of a subscription, payable only in case the whole sum should be raised; and it was added, that prompt measures would be taken to introduce the plan more fully to our friends at large. Since that time, the subject has occupied much of the anxious attention of the Committee, and they gratefully acknowledge the readiness and zeal which have been shewn, in a variety of quarters, to co-operate with them in this important and most desirable effort. It has gratified them especially to observe that, in different parts of the country, individuals, to whom a donation of £10 would be impracticable, have united their contributions so as to make up that sum, agreeably to the suggestion already thrown out. The Committee are persuaded that the friends of the Society will hear with great pleasure that more than £1600 is already subscribed; and as many individuals in the metro-Notice to Auxiliary Societies, &c. polis, from whom contributions may be hoped for, have not yet been waited on, and the lists from Bristol, Bir- THE Treasurers of Auxiliary Sociemingham, Norwich, Leeds, and other ties, and other friends who may have large and opulent places, have not been monies in hand on account of the Soreceived, there is every reason to ex-ciety, are respectfully reminded that pect success, provided only that those who approve the object, whether in town or country, will promptly and vigorously exert themselves.

This exertion, therefore, the Committee do most earnestly and respectfully solicit. To fail in the accomplishment of this important object, when it has advanced so near attainment, would indeed be painful; but they entreat the readers of this paper

VOL. XV.

Satisfied that the cause they are pleading is the cause of their adorable Master, the Committee leave it in his hands, and to the affectionate and grateful regards of his people; and they doubt not that He who noticed, with such condescending approbation, the widow's mite, will remember, in his mercy, the work of faith and labour of love, which, on this occasion, his servants may shew unto his name.

the Treasurer's account for the year will close on the first of June, and that therefore all payments intended to ap pear in the Appendix to the next Annual Report, must be made in the course of the current month. It is requested that the respective accounts may be sent properly balanced, and that lists of Subscribers, &c. in alphabetical order, be forwarded at the same time.

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