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but to wait with much patience for desired success. With what painful feelings have many of us reflected on the long continued unfruitfulness of the South Sea Mission! But how admirable was the patient perseverance of the Missionaries themselves! For my own part, I could not but hope that their unwearied disposi tion to remain at their post, amidst all discouragements, was a token that God intended ultimately to succeed their efforts, and, thanks to his name, these expectations are now realized. They who have long sown in tears are now reaping with joy. In reading or hearing your Report on these subjects, the prejudices of the well-disposed will not only subside, but he exchanged for exultation and gladness. Those who have formerly objected will, like the remonstrants against the first Christian Mission, not only hold their peace, but glorify God, for his having granted to the most abandoned of the Gentiles repentance unto life." Angels unite in their exultations on this account. If they rejoice over one sinner, in common circumstances, brought to repentance, what must be their joy in hearing of the many hundreds, apparently in the most desperate state, lately converted, through the labours of your Missionaries, to the faith of Christ!

In hearing the Report this morning, I could not help imagining the bliss which will be enjoyed in Heaven from a review of successful Missionary efforts. What does that individual now feel, into whose heart it first entered to bring the gospel into Britain! -and what do they enjoy who aided his exertions in the glorious enterprize, whilst they reflect on its blessed effects! - What does the apostle Paul feel in reviewing his labours, as the great Missionary to the Gentiles ! What does an Elliot, a Brainerd, a Vanderkemp feel! What will our Morrison enjoy! What will our Missionaries in general, who continue faithful to death, experience, in the review of their labours! What will our revered Father Bogue enjoy in the thought of having been employed by divine Providence, as the instrument of preparing many of them for their successful ministrations! What shall we all feel who, from love to the Saviour, have contributed, in any way, to the success of Missionary exertions! It is impossible to describe the blessedness arising from this source. It will be similar in its nature, and only inferior in degree, to that felicity which our adorable Saviour will enjoy through eternity, when, looking on his redeemed out of every nation, and kingdom, and people, "he shail see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied."

It is needless to add that a Report, evincing so clearly the progress of the Society, and the extension of its usefulness in the conversion of multitudes of souls, was received with heart-felt satisfaction and much thanksgiving by the whole congregation. The text of the preacher on the preceding evening furnished the Members of the Society with a devout exclamation 'Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life!'

Thanks to the Directors for their services were moved by Dr. Styles, of Brighton, in a speech of much vigour, and to the following effect :

In rising to propose a vote of Thanks to the Directors for the services rendered by them to the Missionary Society, during the past year, you will grant me your indulgence while, for a few moments, I disclose to you my sentiments and feelings. The cause in which we are embarked is emphatically the greatest and the best, All other objects sink into comparative insignificance. The Missionary Society is dear to my heart, dearer than any of those numerous and valuable Institutions which religion and benevolence have created, and which are unquestionably the chief glory of our country. The Missionary Society is interwoven with my earliest and most powerful associations. No Sooner was new life infused into my nature, and the eyes of my understanding opened, than my attention was directed to the institution, then in a state of infancy. Like the cloud which the prophet beheld from the summit of mount Carmel, it appeared about the size of a man's hand. Some deprecated its approach, as if it were charged with the lightning and the fury of Heaven, others deeme it an empty vapour, that would soon pass away; but it was my privilege to be connected with those who saw in it a messenger of Mercy, fraught with blessings to a famished world. We imagined that we heard the sound of abundance of rain; nor were we mustaken. It covers the whole face of the heavens, and drops down fatness upon the thirsty nations. Whatever can attract man as a lover of his kind, as a social and immortal being, this society possesses in a superlative degree. For my part, I love every thing that is friendly to the sympathies and charities of human nature. We live in a world where all things conspire to interrupt and suppress them; where the institution of society, and the prejudices arising from pride and the collison of party, oppose their gratification and threaten their extinction. The friends of humanity therefore, who feel no antipathies, but against ignorance and vice,

most

and to who every thing human is a subject of affectionate interest, are im. periously called upon to unite in promoting every object that affords a reasonable promise of meliorating the condition of their fellow-creatures; and where there is a great variety of such objects, and our meaus and energies are limited, an election should be made of those which open the fairest prospects of success, and the operation of which is both simple and extensive, embracing all the interests of Time and all the glories of Eternity. Such an object is the Missionary Society; but there is such a peculiar sanctity in its character, it is so thoroughly imbued with the ignominous qualities of that cross which has ever been a stumbling-ble ck to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks, that in general it can only look for support among those who, imbibing the apostolic spirit, can glory in that which excites the world's contempt. Not to feel a lively interest in those plans, which are designed to extend the empire and glory of that divine and spiritual religion which it is our happiness to possess,-not to enrol our names as active and efficient members of those societies which have this grand and beneficient object in view, is to be deficient in a very essential requisite of Christian character, and to be actuated by a totally different spirit from that which has distinguished the church in modern times, a spirit, with which Christian Britain has been remarkably imbued, and which has lived and triumphed amidst those political convulsions of the earth which have been uncongenial with its nature, most opposed to its influence. During the awful struggle of more than twenty years, in which the fate of Europe hang in trembling suspense; when tyranny, under all its forms,--threatened to annihilate order and freedom in every state, when the foundations of the earth were out of course, the sun and the moon turned into blood, and when a scene was presented to the affrighted imagination like that which our great poet describes at the appropriated residence of the dæmon of Evil; during the whole of that long, dismal, and appalling struggle, the Shekinah of divine glory shone with uncreated brightness from the heights of Zion,-a beacon to the universe. The peaceful religion of the holy Jesus, spread more widely its influence than at any former period, since the days of the apostles, and while our highly-favoured country was sustaining the whole shock of the political tempest, she was the chief instrument of Mercy to an afflicted world," the Missionary of the nations, the tutelary Angel of the human race! In Zion was God known, his name was great in Israel. To be zealous and devoted to this great cause, resolving to promote it to the utmost of our power, making it paramount to every earthly consideration, has been stigmatized as enthusiasm ; there is indeed a fanatical temper which is as foreign from the spirit of true religion, as it is repugnant to its interests; but not to be zealously affected in a good thing, is to possess the name of Christian, and to be destitute of the power of Christianity. For what is this zeal? What, but the noble conduct, expression, and energetic display of all the virtues of Christianity! It is the impulse of Faith that would create the scene it anticipates; it is Hope on the wing to plant the tree of life that we may enjoy its fruits; it is Holiness labouring to check the torrent of abounding iniquity, and Charity, wiping away the tears from the cheek of Sorrow, placing the crown upon the head of her adorable Lord, and inspiring the children of men with mutual kindness and universal brotherhood. It was this zeal that gave prominence to the moral glories which throw a sphere of light around our great Redeemer!

This motion was seconded by Thos. Wilson, Esq.

The Society was, in the next place, called to the performance of a new duty, the election of a Treasurer to succeed Joseph Hardcastle Esq. whose resignation had, with the deepest regret, been accepted by the late Directors. We shall here insert the notice of this event in the Report.

'Amidst the occasions of congratulation, which we have the pleasure this day to present to the Society, we are under the painful necessity of stating a circumstance deeply to be regretted by us all. We advert to the resignation of our highly valued Treasurer, Joseph Hardcastle, Esq, who, from the commencement of this institution, has, with no less advantage to the Society than honour to himself, fulfilled the duties of that important office, His intended removal from the metropolis, rendered desirable by the state of his health, has induced him to relinquish his responsible office, the duties of which he would no longer be able personally to superintend. This resignation the Directors have accepted with extreme reluctance, still retaining the persuasion that the cause itself will ever remain dear to his heart, and that to the last hour of his life he will continue one of its most attached friends and warmest supporters. The Society

will therefore be called this day to the performance of a new duty, in the election of a successor, in the office of Treasurer.'

The Thanks of the Meeting to the late worthy Treasurer, were then moved by the Rev. Mr. Bogue, of Gosport, who, in the most feeling manner, expressed the high sense which, in common with all the friends of the Missionary Society, he entertained of the amiable character, exalted worth, and eminent services of Mr. Hardcastle. This was seconded by the Rev. Rowland Hill, who concurred with the last speaker in paying a deserved tribute of respect to that excellent person, whose active services the Society could no longer expect to enjoy. How fully the meeting entered into the views of the mover and seconder of the vote of Thanks, was clearly manifested by the manner in vehich this large assembly expressed their approbation, all standing with uplifted hands.

The Rev. Henry F. Burder acknowledged, on behalf of Mr. H. the honour which had been done him by this vote, in a speech to the following effect:'Superior, as I am well persuaded Mr. Hardcastle is, to the desire of human applause, it would have been impossible for him, had he been present on this occasion, to have witnessed, without lively emotions of satisfaction and delight, the manner in which his services have been appreciated and acknowledged. As Treasurer to this Society, he has experienced peculiar pleasure in its growing prosperity, and in the annual augmentation of its funds; nor will he ever cease to feel deeply interested in its operations and success. The finances of this Society have now attained a greatness scarcely anticipated by its most sanguine supporters, in the early years of its existence; and yet they are small when compared with the magnitude of the object we have to accomplish,- the illumination of the world: they are small when compared with the resources of the religious public in this country, and eveu in the metropolis; they are small when compared with the debt we owe to the Heathen world,-a debt acknowledged by the apostle of the Gentiles,-a debt contracted by our participation of human. nature, and by our personal interest in the redemption of the Son of God,-a debt which has been accumulating through the lapse of 18 centuries, and which Christians are only now beginning to discharge. How powerful an incentive to attempt, without delay, the liquidation of this debt, arises from the Report now read, from which it appears, that even in South Africa there is a prospect of the Missionary settlements being soon able to support themselves, and to send out native preachers without further aid from us. Soon we may lose much of the honour and the opportunity of doing that, which we are at present, urged by the most powerful of all claims, to do with all our might.'

The Directors, aware of the great importance of providing a swi table successor, had, after deliberate consultation, previously agreed to propose to the Meeting, William Alers Hankey, Esq. as a gentleman with whose qualifications they had long been well acquainted; and who has, for many years, proved himself the warm and stedfast friend of the institution. This gentleman being prop osed, was most unanimously and cordially elected Treasurer for the ensuing year.

Mr. Hankey came forward, and, with a modesty and feeling which did him great honour, expressed his readiness to serve the great cause, as far as his health and important avocations would permit.

The next vote of Thanks was to Mr. Burder, the gratuitous Secretary of the Society, which was moved by the Rev. Mr. Cockin, of Halifax, and seconded by the Rev. Mr. Campbell, of Kingsland. Mr. B. returned thanks, and agreed to continue in the office, upon the presumption that the Directors would adopt effectual means to lighten the burden of duty which has hither to devolved upon him.

Mr. Wilks moved, That the Thanks of the Meeting should be given to the several Auxiliary Societies, male, female, and juvenile, in town and country, and to the ministers and their congregations by whom collections had been made, for the very important aid they had afforded to the funds of this Society. This motion was seconded by Mr. G. Townsend, and cordially adopted by the Society, who cannot but appreciate very highly the activity and generosity of the ministers and other Christians who have so nobly supported the funds of the Institution.

The meeting closed soon after two o'clock, with a vote of Thanks, moved by Dr. Smith to the worthy Chairman, James Kirkpatrick, Esq, for his able and impartial conduct as the Chairman upon this interesting occasion.

TOTTENHAM-COURT CHAPEL.

This place also was well attended, notwithstanding heavy showers of rain; and the service commenced half an hour before the appointed tiree. Prayers were

read by the Rev. Mr. Geary; after which the Rev. Mr. Durant, of Poole, prayed in the pulpit. The Rev. Mr. Brotherston, of Dysart, in Scotland, had been requested to preach, and would readily have complied with the wish of the Directors, but he was prevented, by circumstances which he could not controul, from leaving his parish at that time. The Rev. JOHN TOWNSEND, of London, who, in several foriner years, had been urged to preach for the Society, but modestly declined that service, had intimated, that in case of disappointment or emergency, he would undertake it. The Directors pleaded his promise on the present occasion, and Mr. Townsend consented at a very short notice to preach.

Mr T's. text was Isaiah lii. 10, All the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God.' From these words the preacher, 1. Described the nature, extent, and blessedness of that salvation which is provided for sinners, revealed in the Scriptures, and preached in the gospel. 2. He enlarged on the excellency of this salvation, as being exclusively the work of the infinite Jehovah, originating in the eternal purpose of grace, published to sinners through the medium of promises and prophecies, accomplished by the incarnation and death of Messiah, and applied by the power of the Holy Spirit. 3. He considered the gracious promise in the text-that, all the ends of the earth should see this salvation; under this head of discourse--the deplorable state of the heathen-the duty of Christians to endeavour to evangelize them-the proper means to be employedthe ground of encouragement as to future success, and the progress already made by the Society. The preacher concluded with an Address to the Directors and friends of this and similar institutions, to Christian females, and to young people. Mr. Chaplin, of Bishop Stortford, in Essex, closed the service with prayer.

FRIDAY.

ST. BRIDE'S CHURCH, FLEET STREET.

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Rev. W.B.Williams, of Rams Chapel, Homerton, read prayers; and Rev. JOSEPH JULIAN, Rector of Hasketon, near Ipswich, preached from 1 Cor. xv. 58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.' After some observations on the utility of decision and firmness of mind in the pursuit of great objects, and the display of these in the character of Paul, he considered the text as defining that disposition which is particularly requisite in Missionary exertions; affording, at the same time, the strongest encouragements to perseverance in them. In the first part of his discourse, the preacher considered what that work of the Lord is, to which the apostle alludes; and here he took a view of man's original and his fallen state; the necessity of an atonement for sin, and of the sacrifice of the Son of God; the gradual revelation of mercy to mankind, and the full display of it in the glorious gospel, which it is the work, of Ministers and Missionaries universally to proclaim. Mr. J. next considered the exhortation in the text, be stedfast, &c. shewing, that the most strenuous exertions are required in Missionary causes. Here he referred to Scriptural instauces of firmness and zcal in the prophets and apostles, and especially in Paul; and mentioned, with honour, more modern instances of the same graces. He dwelt on the necessity of perseverance in the good work; and observed, that highly as he venerated the British and Foreign Bible Society, and cordially as he wished its success, yet that it appeared to him incomplete without Missionary efforts; insisting upon the necessity of preachers to explain, as Philip did to the Ethiopian noble nan, the sacred contents of the Bible. Dispatch was also urged as necessary: millions, he observed, millions of our fellow-creatures, generation after generation, had passed into the eternal world, unpitied and unhelped; and that millions at this moment demand our attention! He appealed to the consciences of men to do that for others, which, in similar circumstances, they would judge ought to be done for them. 3. He considered the encouragement held forth in the text; the success of past efforts, and the hope of greater still, from the promises of God, and the intercession of Christ, concluding with a warm and affectionate exhortation to activity and liberality.

[These sermons will be printed, and published, together with the Report, List of Directors, Auxiliaries, Subscribers, &c. with all possible dispatch.]

On FRIDAY afternoon, at four o'clock, the Society met in the school room at SION CHAPEL, and voted Thanks to the Ministers who preached on this occasion; and also the Rev. Row. Hill, John Wilson, Isaac Smith, Esq and the managers of

the other chapels; to the Rev. W. B. Williams, for reading prayers; and to the Vicar and Churchwardens of St. Bride's, for the use of their various places of worship.

FRIDAY EVENING.

To prevent the inconvenience arising from a greater number of communicants than could be accommodated in one place, three chapels were designated for the celebration of the Lord's Supper-that feast of love, in which the disciples of Christ express their affection both to him and to each other.

SION CHAPEL.

The Rev. John Mead Ray, of Sudbury, presided at the Sacramental table; the Rev. Joseph Cockin prayed; the bread and wine were distributed by the Rev. Messrs. Blackburu, Bridgeman, Brittan, Cockin, Coulson, Evans, C. Hyatt, Innes, Jackson, Lloyd, Martin, from France, Macdonald, W. Marther, Moore, Owen, Parry, Pine, Purkis, Redford, Richards, Reed, Vautin, and Williams; the Rev. Messrs. Hillyard, Hyatt, Redford, and Wilks, gave addresses.

SILVER STREET CHAPEL.

Mr. Bogue presided. The service commenced with prayer, by Mr. Perrot, of Reading. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Bogue, Cox, Prankard, and Jones, minister of the place. The elements were distributed by Messrs. Hopkins, Tidman, Trowbridge, Dagley, Adams, Gore, Brown, and Thornton.

ORANGE STREET CHAPEL.

Mr. Roby presided. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Roby, Eccles, Steinkopff, and Griffin. Prayers by Messrs. Collison and Fletcher. The elements were distributed by Messrs. J. Townsend, Slatterie, Collison, Dr. Winter, Harrison, Dunn, Start, Morrison, Day, Johnson, Shepherd, Skine, Chapman, Brown, Wood, Arrow, Slate, Thomas, Yockney, Hunt, James, Hartley, Palmer, Geary, Styles, Wilks, Perrot, Clout, Cobbin, Lewis. The communicants found this to be a very solemn and interesting service.

The following ministers engaged in some of the devotional parts of the services; viz. Messrs. Arrow, Owen, Parrot, T. James, J. Knight, Ellings, Muston, Smelt, &c.

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These collections were truly liberal, though the amount was not quite equal to that of the last year; but the deficiency may be readily accounted for. The weather was remarkably unfavourable, and doubtless prevented the attendance of many persons. The exertions of the Auxiliary Societies in London have been very great; to which, perhaps, may be added the collections made in the preceding week, and even in the same week, for several other institutions. Taking these circumstances into the account, together with the present unhappy state of trade in general, the amount of the collections must be deemed exceedingly large and liberal; evincing, in connection with the attendance of the congregation, and the Missionary ardour manifested among them, that this good and great cause is advancing with rapid strides, and that we may reasonably indulge the most pleasing expectations of seeing yet far greater things effected, in the wider spread of the glorious gospel among the Heathen.

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