France, The Irish still were suffered | the condition of her sex in India, the letter from a Missionary + long resident there, will furnish such information as cannot fail to impress the mind with the importance of using the most strenuous exertions to ame liorate their condition; and with respect to the peasantry of Ireland, though the consequences resulting from the want of education there are not of so horrid and fatal a character as in Hindoostan; yet they are such as that a knowledge of them only is necessary to interest the heart, and to go on in their ignorance, with scarcely one solitary effort to rescue them, until the arrival of Bishop Bedel, who did so much honour to England, and to whom Ireland had so much reason to be grateful. He printed a prayer book in the Irish language, and became master of the language of the people for the purpose of instructing them. But beyond the exertions of this good man, very little was done to instruct the unfortunate Irish in the only mode by which instruction could be efficiently administered-engage the co-operation of all who can namely, in their own language. The Irish were superstitiously fond of their native tongue. They declared, that they could only love in Irish.' It was the only mode by which instruction could be made attractive or palatable to them. But although there were more than two millions of human beings who could only speak or understand the Irish tongue, there was now scarcely a copy of the scriptures in the Irish tongue to be found.* He sought among all the book-shops and stalls, and found only one copy, which was sold to him for £2. as a curiosity. The Rev. Gentleman concluded by enforcing that the best and the only effectual mode of remedying the condition of Ireland was, by giving the people a religious instruction, and this could only be communicated to that portion which stood most in need of it, by teaching them in their own language." Female Education Society for IRELAND & BRITISH INDIA: Extracted from the Prospectus. feel for ignorance and misery. Who can behold, without the deepest regret, a mother, with five or more children in rags, not one of whom, though pro bably more than half the children are females, is able to repair their clothes, not having been taught the use of the needle ?-Nor is such a scene an uncommon one; and in addition, not one of the family is able to read, so as thereby to afford instruction to the rest: thus, their outward condition is wretched, their mental poverty still more so, and their eternal state altogether neglected. What the state of society will be under such circumstances is lamentably evident, in many parts of this afflicted but interesting country. But that education will materially improve their condition, and avert many of those evils, is confirmed by the happy experience of some who have enjoyed its advantages. With this conviction, the Ladies who are on the Committee, confidently appeal to the public in general, and to their own sex in particular, for assistance, which is designed to aid the Baptist Indian and Irish Female Schools, in equal pro portions. The Baptist Societies for Education both in India and in Ireland, are al ready pursuing that important work as far as their funds will admit; and in all their schools there are some female Children, but they have a few exclusively for females, to multiply the number of which is the special object of this society. IMPRESSED with the importance of education in general, and of the instruction of Females in particular, a society has been formed with the above designation. The terms India and Ireland will at once direct to the special objects of attention, and awaken the solicitude of all who are acquainted with the state of female society at large in the former; and of RULES. I. That this society be dethe peasantry especially in the latter.signated, The Female Education Society Should this paper meet the eye of any for Ireland and British India. II. That lady who is not fully informed as to the business of the society be conducted by a Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee. III. That a subscription of This refers to the scriptures in the Irish, or Saxon character. The whole Bible has been printed in the Roman letter, and the New Testament in the Irish by the Bible Society. + Address to the Ladies of Liver. pool, by the Rev. W. Ward of Seram pore. Ave shillings per annum constitute a member. IV. That the funds equally divided in the month of April in each year, between the Baptist Indian and Irish Societies, to aid Female Education. V. That a half-yearly correspondence be maintained between the Secretary and the members of the Committee. dividual cases. A pleasing evidence of this occured a few weeks ago, which Iomitted to mention at the time. Two sisters, both in the spelling class in one of our schools, requested a Testa. ment; they were told they should have one each as soon as they could read, but it would be of no use to them now; but they were still urgent, when the lady in attendance enquired what they From the Rev. Josiah Wilson to Rev. wanted with a Testament: they re J. Ivimey. MY DEAR BROTHER, I AM returned to my post after spending a month in Dublin, collecting the annual subscriptions, &c. I had again the happiness of attending the annual meetings there of the different religious societies, which did not fail to excite the interest usually evinced on these occasions. It is truly delightful to go up out of the wilderness to attend these annual festivals, where there is not only the "flow of reason," but of religious zeal and holy love, calculated indeed to "feast the soul." May the spirits of all the faithful who attended be so refreshed, as that they may return with renewed energy to their labours in the wilderness, that by its cultivation its inhabitants may be brought to taste, to feast upon, and to enjoy this mental and spiritual food. I last evening took a general review of the proceedings in Dublin, for the information of my friends here, which in a numerous congregation seemed to engage their attention, though I fear there are but few in this town capable of appreciat ing the advantages of a knowledge of divine truth: yet as they generally evince a desire to hear, there may be hope concerning them. 1 plied, they had a sister at home who could read, and was ill, and wished to read the Testament; on this representation one was given. Some time after the lady asked the girls after their sister; they replied she was very ill, but she read the Testament. She promised to go and see her; she was not able however to go for a few days, and when she did, the young woman was dead and had just been interred. The lady entered into conversation with the mother, who thanked her for the Testament she had sent, and said, “ It in her sickness," though, she added, was the only comfort her daughter had tears, yet they were tears of joy, and "she wept over it with her eyes full of she died very happy." The mother was in tears during this conversation, but being ignorant of the influence of gospel truth herself, she was unable to explain further as to the experience of her daughter, though she, in this simple way, related its effects on her eldest child, who died at the age of nineteen. May we not hope that this was a brand plucked from the fire, in the last hour of her mortal existence? And should we not be encouraged to persevere in the distribution of the scriptures, and in communicating instruction to the rising generation, yea to all, to whom we can gain access? "The entrance of God's word giveth light: it giveth understanding to the simple." That we may observe more of its beneficial influence, and experience more of it ourselves, is the prayer of Yours, affectionately, J. WILSON. From the Rev. I. M'Carthy to the I could not, on returning home, half meditating on the striking contrast be tween the appearance of things in Dublin in reference to those meetings, and the southern part of this kingdom at the present time. The one was harmony and love, the other anarchy and confusion:-one was a display of plety and intellect, the other of ignorance and mischief: one evinced the triumphs of Immanuel's reign, the Tullamore, March 22, 1823. other the degradation and misery of ON Lord's-day, January the 12th, I satanic influence. Thanks be to God, preached twice at Athlone. I did not in this part of the country, though preach at two o'clock as on former ocignorance, superstition, and vice aw-casions, as Lady Castlemain, and fully prevail, yet there is no public several other females of the most hudisturbance, and there is reason to mane feeling, regularly attend at that hope that those evils are in some mea- hour to conduct the Sunday school; sure abated in a general way; and many children who cannot on the certainly so with respect to many in-week days attend, are instructed by those humane ladies to read in the | scriptures," the wonderful works of God." Before the time of worship at our house, in the evening, I heard a young man of the name of Feely, preach a most delightful gospel sermon in the Methodist meeting-house. He preached out of doors in the former part of the day, and received much opposition from the rabble. This may easily be accounted for, as he was educated to be a priest: hence their indignation was more raised against him than any other person who could stand in a similar situation. I was told he would have come to hear me after the conclusion of his sermon in the evening, only he was informed that persons were watching for him to beat him when coming out of the meetinghouse. I hope that all which is doing for poor Ireland is not in vain. I think that popery in the minds of many has got a deadly wound. Monday the 13th, I preached at eight o'clock in the morning, and inspected the school at ten. I found present thirty-eight children; twenty of them repeated fifty-five chapters since the last inspection: there are sixty-four on the list. At six o'clock in the evening I preached at the town of Furbane: the place where I usually preach is near a quarter of a mile out of town. This is either the third or fourth time I have preached in the town, and already see the salutary effects of it; as many persons who either would not or could not attend at the former place, flock to the latter. If a small meeting-house could be erected in that town, I believe the most lasting and glorious effects would result from it. Tuesday the 14th, on my way to the Queen's County, for about an hour, I had a most interesting conversation with a very intelligent Catholic. We went through all the leading topics of popery, and I showed him how diametrically they stand opposed to the doctrine of the holy scriptures: he seemed to have his mind illuminated by the conversation, and said he should never forget it. Wednesday the 15th, I rode about twenty-one miles to the town of Burros in Ossery, where I remained till Friday, and have some hopes of getting a door open there shortly to preach the word of life, perhaps on my return to that neighbourhood. Friday 17th, I lectured at Dunnecleggan. Satur day 19, at the Poorman's-bridge, and Lord's day the 20th, I preached twice in our new meeting-house at Abbey leix, and though my auditory in the forenoon was not so numerous as on former occasions, in consequence of its inclemency, yet it was pleasing to find, that in the evening I was as well attended as on the former occasion. I preached on Monday evening likewise, and each time had the cheering presence of our divine Lord with us which sweetens all. Tuesday 22, I preached at Read Castle, and though our numbers were not so great, yet we had a most refreshing and memorable time. Wednesday 23, I preached at Annaharvy: the hearts of all present seemed to feel, and I believe good has been done, and that good will be done. Several persons followed me to Ballycommon the following evening, and we then likewise found it good to draw nigh to God. If good be done in these places, we may truly say, "The wilderness has become a fruitful field." I rode home about seven miles the same night after preaching, I had made every arrangement for my journey to Dublin, and set out the next morning to take the caravan from Tullamore; but in consequence of the severity of the frost and snow, did not arrive until Friday 31st. Saturday the 1st of February, I made some arrangements with the Rev. Mr. West, relative to making a col lection in the city to pay the debt due on the house at Abbeyleix; and I must say, that he deserves the thanks of all the friends of Zion, for the love and the zeal he manifested on the occasion; as his house and table were devoted to my use while in the city, and every moment he could spare from his domestic callings was spent in assisting me in my application to the benevolent public. To God I give the glory, that I have been successful in raising that house to the Lord, and that he has opened and disposed the hearts of the friends of truth to contribute to so good a cause, so that I have been enabled nearly to liquidate that portion of the debt I promised to raise in Ireland. I am now ready to go to the land of light, liberty, and wealth, to collect the hundred pounds lent by gentlemen of the committee to encourage us on with the building. Subscriptions and Donations received by the Treasurer, W. Burls, Esq. 56, Lothbury; or by the Secretary, Mr. Ivimey, 20, Harpur-street, London. Missionary Herald. BAPTIST MISSION. THE Friends to this Mission are respectfully informed, that the ANNUAL MEETINGS of the SOCIETY will be held in LONDON, in the course of the present Month, according to the following arrangement: TUESDAY, JUNE 17. MORNING, 11-An open Meeting of the Committee, at No. 6, Fen-Court, Fenchurch-street, at which the Company of such Ministers as may be in Town is particularly requested, especially the Members of the Corresponding Committee. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18. MORNING, 11.-Sermon at Great Queen-street Chapel, Lincoln's-inn-fields, by the Rev, WILLIAM STEADMAN, D.D. President of the Academy at Bradford, Yorkshire. EVENING, 6. Sermon at Surry-chapel, Blackfriars-road, by the Rev. GEORGE BARCLAY, of Irvine, in Scotland. THURSDAY, JUNE 19. MORNING, 9.-A Prayer-meeting for the Mission, at Eagle-street Meeting. Home Proceedings. SUCCESS OF THE PLAN FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE DEBT. ral funds of the Mission. The Committee have no reason to suppose that this sentiment will not be universal among the contributors. Should, however, any be differently minded, and conceive that the Committee ought strictly to confine themselves to the sum originally mentioned, such persons will be WITH feelings of the most lively considered entitled to receive back a satisfaction, we announce to the proportion of their Subscription, calfriends of the Society, that the sub-culated in the ratio of the excess of scriptions for the liquidation of the debt of £3000 are at this date (May 24) fully equal to the purpose. As all the lists from the country have not yet arrived, the precise amount engaged for is not exactly ascertained, but it is probable that the affectionate zeal of our friends may have furnished, in the whole, a sum rather exceeding the amount solicited. Several of our correspondents, wisely considering that this strenuous effort may, perhaps, occasion some little defalcation in the receipts for the next year, have ed their kind and earnest hopes that a surplus may arise to assist the gene express the whole sum received beyond the sum required. (viz. £3000) But as it is exceedingly desirable that the accounts should be finally arranged in time for the Annual Meeting, the Committee beg that any such claims may be preferred, by letter addressed to the Secretary, at farthest by the 12th instant. Conformably to the original proposition, lists will immediately be forwarded to all the Subscribers, who will see the propriety of remitting the sums which have been so kindly.promised, with as little delay as possible. The Committee trust that all their friends, in town and country, will unite with them in fervent thanksgivings to the God of all grace for this gracious interposition on behalf of the Society. AUXILIARY SOCIETY FOR Part of the Western District. THE fifth half-yearly Meeting of the Auxiliary Baptist Missionary Society for part of the Western District, was held on Wednesday, April 2, at Bridgewater, Somerset. A preparatory discourse was delivered by Mr. O. Clarke of Taunton, on the preceding evening, from Acts iv. 12. Neither is there sal We trust that our respected friends referred to in the following letter, as well as the writer, will excuse the freedom we take in inserting it; and that the insertion may have the effect of leading others, to whom, in the arrangements of Divine Provi-vation in any other: for there is none dence, property may descend, to imitate so laudable an example, and devote the first fruits to His glory who is Giver of the whole.sions, from Luke vi. 36. Be ye there Miss Whitchurch Miss Phebe Whitchurch . £100 100 100 100 £500 Salisbury, May 14, 1823. MY DEAR BROTHER, other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. On the following day, Mr. Baynes of Wellington advocated the cause of Mis fore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. The devotional parts of these services were conducted by Messrs. Fry, Clulow, (Independent) Humphrey, Singleton, and Horsey. which the Secretary read the report, containing a brief sketch of the origin, progress, and present state of the Parent Society. Several resolutions, embracing the leading objects of Missionary exertion, and strenuously recommending their support, were proposed and seconded by Messrs. Viney, Humphrey, Clarke, Gabriel, Smith, (Wesleyan) and Singleton, who accompanied them with animated addresses that were received by a numerous audience with the liveliest interest. We are happy to add, that the pleasure excited by the former meetings of the Society, suffered no diminution in the present instance, In the evening of the same day, (Wednesday) a public meeting of the Society was held in the Independent chapel, which was kindly lent on the occasion. The business of the Meeting was opened with prayer. The My friends desire me to present Rev. R. Horsey, having been unanitheir christian regards to the Commit- mously called upon to take the chair, tee of our Missionary Society, request-stated the object of the meeting, after ing their acceptance of the above to fund, that the interest may be appropriated to the support of a Native School in India, to be directed wholly by the Committee, and to be established in what place soever may be judged best for the furtherance of the object. They have a preference in favour of Female Education, but they are willing to leave this to the discretion of the Committee, who are also appointed to select the Trustees, with the condition that the Pastor of the Baptist Church in Salisbury shall be one of them. A name for this School will, of course, be granted to the Benefactors, who, as they have devoted this sum from feelings of affectionate and grateful recollection towards pious and recently departed orelatives, wish it to be designated, "The Whitchurch Family School." >. They hope, too, that such a name may attach the succeeding generations of their family to the interest. My motive in the appointment of the Trustee, you may imagine, is of the same class. I am, my dear Brother, yours very affectionately, JOHN SAFFERY. Rev. John Dyer. that the whole of the services connect ed with them were well attended, that |