HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Address from the Committee of the Home Missionary Society to the Christian Public. The Committee of the Home Missionary Society regret that they are again obliged to appeal to the christian public under circumstances more urgent than any by which they have ever been surrounded; and though they have a prospect of improvement, their present difficulties are such as to cripple their operations, and will oblige them both to cut off some grants to useful and laborious ministers, and to reduce the number of their missionaries, unless some prompt and liberal aid be afforded them beyond their ordinary resources. The Society is now in debt to the Treasurer £1300, and the Committee are not without apprehension that they must even borrow a further sum. While they make this announcement, they can confidently state that a rigid economy has been practised in every department of the Society, and that in promoting its objects they have not allowed themselves to yield to the feelings of christian benevolence, in going beyond the boundaries of prudence. The debt is not one into which they have been betrayed from too sanguinely presuming on christian generosity and divine Providence, but has arisen from circumstances over which they have had no controul, and probably in part from the numerous claims on the bounty of congregations, originating in the distresses of the times, as well as from the diminution of the resources of the best friends of the Society. Yet when the good effected by the Society is considered, when HOME, a name that involves in it all that is dear to us, is presented to us as the scene of its labours; when the souls of our countrymen are at stake, and when the ability still left to aid is estimated; it is hoped and believed that this appeal to christian liberality will not be made in vain. If, however, a reduction of the body of labourers should be the result, the Committee will have the satisfactory reflection, that they did not precede the public in drawing back, and that, in the adoption of means to answer the claims of their perishing countrymen, they have used their utmost exertions. Home Missionary Rooms, 18, Aldermanbury, Feb. 14, 1827. STEPNEY ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION. We are happy to inform the public, that the anniversary of this excellent Institution, held Tuesday evening, January 16, at the King's Head Tavern, Poultry, was attended more numerously and respectably than on any former occasion. The large room in which the business was transacted was filled at an early hour. Joseph Gutteridge, Esq. Treasurer, was called to the Chair. After the Rev. J. Mans had implored the divine blessing on the meeting, a highly encouraging and satisfactory report of the last year's proceedings was read by the late Secretary. Among other important facts it stated, that the number of students had that of those who had completed their been greater than at any former period; course of studies, several had already become pastors of churches; and all had entered upon spheres of useful labour, where their forming similar connexions was very probable. Of the students yet in the seminary, the tutors speak with much approbation; the report having detailed the measures which led to the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Newman, remarks, "the Committee desired, that in the individual who should be selected for the important office that was in some sense committed to their disposal, there should be a happy combination of fervent piety, profound theological attainments, extensive and varied literature, amenity of disposition, and aptness to teach, and that he should be one whose public character would ensure the approbation and confidence of the denomination at large." The Committee having resolved to recommend the REV. S. YOUNG, their highly theological department-the report adds, esteemed classical tutor, to undertake the In urging this recommendation, it is needless to speak of Mr. Young's characfaithful and efficient service have fully enter and qualifications. Twelve years of titled him to the affectionate regards of the Society; and it is not doubted, that the expectations of his friends, and secure as theological tutor, he will amply justify the cordiality and confidence of the public." The report having been read and adopted, it was moved by W. B. Gurney, Esq. who made an appropriate speech on the occasion, seconded by the Rev. T. Griffin, who stated his cordial approbation of the measure, and resolved, "that the thanks of this Meeting be given to the tutors for their diligent attention to the duties of their office during the past year, and that the Rev. Solomon Young be respectfully invited to become Theological Tutor of the Institution." The reso lutions usual on such occasions were successively carried. At the conclusion of the Meeting, it was moved by the Rev. W. Newman, D.D. seconded, and resolved by all, that the thanks of this Meeting be given to Joseph Gutteridge, Esq. for his able conduct in the chair. And on rising to dissolve the Meeting, he said, "I have on this occasion refrained until the appointment was made, to express my opinion of Mr. Young, in reference to his suitableness for the important office to which he has now been chosen ; but it was not because I was doubtful of his ability to fill it well; and now I assure the Meeting, that the choice it has made gives me the highest satisfaction." All the friends of this still rising seminary were delighted with the honourable testimonies borne by different speakers not connected with the Committee, to the moral and literary adaptation of Mr. Young to his somewhat new course of duties. We were particularly pleased with the ready and forcible address of one gentleman, who had long enjoyed the intimate friendship of Mr. Young, and had been in his earlier days under the fostering care of the same Institution. This individual bore testimony at once to the "simple evangelical character of his religious opinions, the extent of his metaphysical researches, and the piety of his daily practice-a piety which had safely guided him in the investigation of those dark and subtle questions, which had perplexed the understanding and unsettled the moral views and convictions of men, who, in point of capacity, erudition, and science, have no superiors and few equals.". The friends of the Institution will be happy to learn, that since the Meeting, the Rev. Dr. Newman, to whom an annuity of £75. per annum had been unanimously voted for his faithful services during fifteen years, and in consideration of the pecuniary sacrifices he made when he occupied the office of theological tutor, has nobly relinquished his claim to this annuity, by which act of generosity he bas in effect become a subscriber for life, of a sum to the amount specified. RECENT DEATHS. On the morning of Friday, January 12, the REV. JOHN HESELTON, of Morley, near Leeds, in Yorkshire, departed this life in the 26th year of his age. This exemplary and devoted servant of Christ was educated at Airedale College, under the superintendence of the Rev. W. Vint. While a student he preached with considerable acceptance in many parts of Yorkshire, and there is reason to believe, that not a few will rise up and call him blessed, as the honoured instrument of their salvation. His prospects at Morley were bright, and his mind was often cheered, by witnessing an evident increase in the church and congregation. Only one year and six months, however, was he permitted to watch over them as their spiritual pastor, and for three or four months of that time he was unable to officiate in any public service. During his last illness he displayed great spirituality of mind, and was manifestly meetening for an inheritance among them who are sanctified. He died of consumption, resting on the Rock of Ages, and breathing out his soul to God in prayer on behalf of his much loved people. His remains were followed to the silent tomb by neighbouring Ministers who held him in high respect, by mourning relatives, and by a large congregation of weeping friends. Dr. Boothroyd, of Huddersfield, improved his death from words of his own selection, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right." Died at Islington, on Saturday, February 17, aged 31, the REV. THOMAS GILBART, the valued Secretary of the Irish Evangelical Society. His public course, though, alas! so short, was varied and eminently useful. At the early age of seventeen, he entered the Academy at Hackney, under the patronage of his venerable friend, the Rev. Matthew Wilks, where he pursued his studies for the Ministry with unusual diligence and exemplary consistency, which secured for him the affection of the whole academic fa mily. He commenced his stated Ministry at Bushy, Herts, where he was surrounded by an affectionate people, from whom, however, he felt it his duty to separate in 1818, to become pastor of the church at York Street, Dublin, vacant by the removal of the Rev. James Stratten to London. The Committee of the Irish Evangelical Society, referring to Mr. G. in their report for 1819, stated, that "he is exceedingly attentive to the interests of the Society, and the Committee hope that he will long continue in a country where steadiness, activity, and charity are so urgently required." Two years, however, had scarcely elapsed before the Committee were compelled, by the resig nation of their able Secretary, the Rev. Mark Wilks, to invite Mr. G. to remove to this metropolis to supply the vacant office. To this request Mr. Gilbart replied, "that, though not desirous of leaving Ireland, yet he could cheerfully leave her for her own sake;" and thus undertook those laborious duties which first broke his health, and induced that disease which has brought him so early to the grave. He was interred at BunhillFields, on the 23d ultimo; when his bcloved tutor, the Rev. G. Collison, delivered an impressive address; and the Rev. T. Lewis, of Islington, offered prayer. The pall was supported by the Rev. Messrs. Yockney, Stratten, Curwen, Hasloch, Hyatt, and Blackburn; several other Ministers followed with the mourning relatives. The loss of Mr. Gilbart's persevering exertions will be deeply felt by the Irish Evangelical Society at this peculiar crisis of its history, when it presents special claims to the support of the christian world. The resources of this valuable Institution are in a very impoverished state; and the respected Treasurer, Thomas Walker, Esq. is greatly in advance of the Society. Never were its operations, however, more effec tive than at present. No inconsiderable portion of the recent and most beneficial excitement produced in Ireland, and which has led to so many hundreds of conversions from popery to the Protestant faith, may be traced to the labours of this Society's agents. We are informed, that the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, of Stepney, has engaged, during the present month, to visit Reading, Devizes, Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester, and several other towns, on behalf of this good cause. REMOVALS AND NOTICES. The Rev. John Davies, late of New Cross, Deptford, having received and accepted a very cordial invitation from the church and congregation assembling in Sheaf Street Chapel, Daventry, Northamptonshire, to become their minister, commenced his pastoral connexion with them, on Lord's day, the 11th of February. The Rev. W.J. Hope, of the Congregational School, has engaged to supply, for the present, the vacant church at New Cross. The Rev. Caleb Evans Birt, A. M., of Derby, has accepted the unanimous call of the first Baptist Church, Portsea, to the co-pastorate with the venerable Rev. Daniel Miall, and enters on the office the 25th instant (March.) The Anniversary Meeting of the Society for the Relief of the Widows and Children of Protestant Dissenting Ministers, instituted 1733, will be held on Wednesday, the 4th April next, when a sermon will be preached at the Old Jewry Chapel, removed to Jewin Street, Aldersgate Street, by the Rev. D. Davison, the Minister of that place. Service to begin at twelve o'clock precisely. The friends of the Society will afterwards dine together at the Albion, in Aldersgate Street. We are happy to understand, that the Rev. Mr. Leach, formerly of Shepton Mallet, has accepted the pastoral charge of the church and congregation in Robert Street, Grosvenor Square, London. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND MINOR CORRESPONDENCE. COMMUNICATIONS have been received during the last Month from the Rev. T. James-J. Gawthorn-J. Thornton-J. Morison--J. Turnbull-T. BinneyDr. Harris-Dr. J. P. Smith—J. Matheson--H. Bean--I. Cobbin-and W. J. Hope. Also from Messrs. R. Joyce--J. Woodford, Jun.-J. Warrington--S. Wallis--E. De Caligny--T. C. H.--and T. L. F. Mr. Wallis informs us, that there are two or three errors in the notice of the death of M. Wilson, Esq. in our last number; the most important of which is, that he was not even a member of the church at Kettering, and, in course, not “a beloved deacon ;" he, however, has left, we understand, some substantial proofs of his love to that church, and we can assure Mr. W., that our Correspondent who furnished the notice has no taste for the burlesque," and is in general correct in his statements. Why should we give up his name? Several communications have been received on the subject, of "The List of Congregational Churches," &c. published in our last Supplement. To those who have estimated the labour of its compilation, and have congratulated us on having accomplished it, we return our best thanks. To those who complain of omissions, &c. we beg to make a few remarks. 1. That as far as our knowledge extended, we designedly omitted all those Societies, which use the Liturgy of the National Church, because, however estimable and useful they and their pastors may be, yet as Congregationalists have uniformly advocated and practised free prayer up to the present time, we were not prepared to enrol our friends and brethren, who use a form of prayer, with a people who have always been non-conformists in that particular. 2. That as Ten Counties did not send us any returns, which we distinctly stated in the introductory matter prefixed to each list, we were left to compile the account of these from the best sources within our reach, and in those Counties occur a great majority of the omissions which have been pointed out to us. We earnestly invited the aid of ministers and laymen to make the list complete, and we can only regret, that in Ten Counties there was not found a minister or deacon who would voluntarily bear a part of the trouble we had undertaken for the benefit of our churches in this business. We derive no pecuniary emolument from our labours, and our brethren should bear in mind, that if this work be of any value to our Denomination, they should on that account feel as much interest in its success as ourselves. 3. That no private consideration led to the omission of any church, and that several which have been pointed out, escaped us through inadvertency--as it is our wish to include in our denomination all that maintain congregational order in connection with truth and holiness! THE interest taken in the propagation of Christianity in China, in consequence of the successful labours of Dr. Morrison, in translating the Scriptures into the difficult lan guage of that country, is very great. It is also known, that the Roman Catholics long bad a mission in China; but which, owing to causes not generally understood, failed in accomplishing the object which the Church of Rome had in view. The following very curious account of the Catholic Mission, is a translation of a very scarce Tract on that subject by Dr. Mosheim. We are sure our readers will be obliged by our bringing it before them. THE following is an account of the Revolutions among that part of the Romish communion, which is established in China, of the controversies which have arisen among the Missionaries, and of the disturbance occasioned thereby, even amongst the subjects of the Bishop of Rome in Europe. It may seem proper to begin where father Du Halde leaves off; but I find it indispensably necessary to go farther back, to the infancy of the church in China. It will be difficult to understand what has passed of late, without knowing many of the preceding transactions. The whole history of this church is connected. The latest events are consequences of the measures first taken. Indeed, there is another reason for this retrospect. Du Halde has not related all that he might and would have related, had he been an impartial historian, and in some instances he departs from the historical character, to assume that of a panegyrist and arbitrator. I think it expedient to guard the reader against the influence of his eloquence, as well as of his silence. This cannot be done by a mere continuation of his history. However, I shall be as concise as possible. My authorities are unexceptionable. Most of them are N. S. No. 28. borrowed from both the contending parties, neither of which will choose to dispute the equity of judgments pronounced at Rome, and of the bulls of Pope Clement the Eleventh, and Benedict the Fourteenth. And from these authorities my account is chiefly extracted. I shall carefully distinguish matters of doubtful or uncertain credit, and my own reflections will be easily discerned from the testimony of others. The founders of the Romish Church in China were three Italian Jesuits, who were sent into that empire by the superiors of their order towards the end of the sixteenth century; Roger, a Neapolitan; Pasio, of Bologna; and Matthew Ricci, of Mazerata, in the Marquisate of Ancona. It is true, that before these, some other Roman ecclesiastics travelled to China, and promised to found a Christian church there. Halde and all the Jesuits are cautious of mentioning these predecessors of their brethren. And the Dominicans and Franciscans, who are at enmity with the Jesuits, give them incessant praise. The effect of great partiality, envy, and indiscretion on both sides; on the one hand, a needless caution; on the other, an ill-grounded vanity. The Jesuits might safely mention, Z and their enemies would suffer the Bonzes, and was instructed by little by forgetting them. What- them in the language, customs, ever their good intentions might and learning of the Chinese.* His be, their travels and labours proved parts and temper won him the fruitless. The only merit they affection and esteem of all his have, is that of landing in China, teachers. At leaving this school, before the Jesuits, and wishing to he was well enough versed in preach there, if they could have Chinese learning, to be a match obtained permission. It is certain, for the greatest philosophers of that the three Jesuits before men- the empire. He laid aside the tioned were the first founders of habit of a Jesuit, because he perthis branch of their church. They ceived it brought him into conhad learned the Chinese language tempt, and put on that of a Chinese before their arrival, so that they philosopher. This improved the could immediately enter upon their reputation he had already acquired commission. by his accomplishments. philosophers of the country embraced him as a brother and member of their society, and the people honoured him the more, for seeing him respected by their sages. Pasio and Roger had not been many years engaged in it, before they were recalled. Ricci was therefore the only one remaining, and he carried on his undertaking with great zeal and assiduity. In very few years he had a numerous congregation, consisting of the literati as well as the populace. He was assisted in time by fellowlabourers; but whilst he lived, he was at their head, in point of abilities as well as rank. He knew more perfectly than any of them, how to affect and win the minds of all orders of men, and to season the doctrine he taught according to the palate and genius of the Chinese. So that he justly merits the title given him, by his order, of father and founder of the Church of China. Ricci was a man of no common abilities. Besides a natural complacency, discretion, and benevolence, he had great sagacity and learning, was patient and indefatigable to a high degree, ready in conforming himself to every one's opinions and views, and had an unbounded zeal to promote the interests of his church. He was perfectly skilled in mathematical learning, which of all others is most esteemed in China. This opened to him the hearts of the great and learned. He spent seven successive years among those idolatrous priests, whom they call . The He wrote some books in recommendation of the Christian faith, which were eagerly read, for they were written in the language used at court, and among the literati. The principal book he published was printed at Pekin, the capital of the empire, in the year 1603, and is entitled, " Of the Divine Law." This piece is censured and extolled by different parties. If we believe the enemies of the Jesuits, it is abominable, in that it connects and intermixes the doctrine of Jesus with the morals of Confucius, As I know no more of the book, than what is reported by the Jesuits and their adversaries, I cannot give my opinion. The life of Ricci is written at large by a masterly hand, Father Orleans, a French Jesuit. It is hardly possible to read this life without admiring the great abilities of the man, though the application of them may not in every case be defensible. But Ricca, with all his abilities, learning, and experience would have been the pastor of a very small flock, had he pursued only See Lettres edifiantes et curieuses des Missionaires. Tom. viii. p. 229. |