-a renewal of the above applications, and to accede to them, and to others also, which may hereafter be made, if, after examination, they shall prove satisfactory. From the affecting circumstance just mentioned, it is hoped, the churches will see the propriety of statedly contributing towards the support of this Institution. They are earnestly entreated to consider, whether the Theological Academy has not a claim on their attention, from year to year, as well as the Congregational Union. When they shall observe how immediately it tends to bring forward suitable persons for the preaching of the gospel (that great ordinance for enlarging and perpetuating the kingdom of Christ;) how many preachers, pastors and missionaries, it has already had the honour to furnish; and what an enlarged sphere of useful. ness, both at home and abroad, is presented by the increasing number of those who desire admission into it as Students; the brethren will surely feel that this Academy ought not to be suffered to languish. Several of the churches have, no doubt, shewn a steady attachment to it; and the countenance they have given has greatly encouraged the Committee in discharging the duties of their important trust. It must be obvious, however, to any one who examines the Treasurer's account, that but for the liberality of a few individuals, the undertaking must have already been absolutely arrest. ed in its progress. Those individuals have the cordial thanks of the Committee, and, it is hoped, much satisfaction in their own minds. But it will be allowed that a Seminary, belonging equally to a whole class of churches, ought to receive their u nited and public support. Let the churches consent to make some exertion annually in its favour. Let a particular season be fixed for the purpose. Contributions made for the Congregational Union are requi red to be sent in before the 1st of March. If similar contribution could be made for the Theological Academy, and sent in before the 1st of October, a regular provision would be established, and the Committee would be able to calculate their means, at the time when applications for admission are usually made. It will add greatly to the encouragement of those who have the oversight of this Seminary, if the churches will have the goodness to make and to transmit their contributions, of their own accord, without waiting for personal solicitation. The Tutors have been asked to itinerate for the purpose of making collections; and, in some instances, they have complied. But they trust this will not be exacted of them, as a continual task, in addition to the immediate duties of the weighty charge which already lies on them. They will, at all events, be happy to itinerate, as often and extensively as they possibly can; and will have ad ditional pleasure in visiting their brethren, when it is understood that their object is distinct from the pur. pose of raising funds. The Committee of the Glasgow Theological Academy would. be sorry to express the smallest jealousy of other good works, in which they trust they are themselves interested as well as their brethren; and they are sure that those who encourage Missions, and Missionary or Theological Seminaries, belonging to o ther, and to various denominations of Christians, will readily acknowledge the consistency of promoting similar efforts in their own fellowship. ORDINATION OF MR BEGG. Upon Wednesday, the 4th of No. vember, Mr Alexander Begg, who has lately finished his preparatory studies at Marischall College, Aber deen, and also under Messrs Ewing and Wardlaw, of Glasgow, was set apart to the pastoral office, over the church in Fraserburgh. Mr Hill of began the services of the Jesus, who had an opportunity of witnessing it. Since that period, the labours of our worthy brother, Mr Brown, during the winter season; the occasional labours of other brethren in preaching the Gospel; the teaching of Sabbath evening schools; the establishment of juvenile libraries, and the prayer-meetings which have been formed, have, in connection with other circumstances, united to preserve and increase this spirit of hearing and inquiry, not only in Fraserburgh, but also in several large fishing villages in the neigh There is reason to believe, that many have derived saving and lasting good, from the blessing of God upon the means which have been employed; and at present the appearances are peculiarencouraging. day, by prayer, singing, and reading suitable portions of Scripture. Mr Penman of Aberdeen then gave a view of the nature and design of a Gospel church, from 1 Tim. iii. 15. Mr Robertson of Crichie then proceeded to put the usual questions to Mr Begg, which were answered in a very simple, impressive, and satisfactory manner. After commending him to God, in prayer, accompanied with the imposition of hands, Mr R. addressed him on his duty, as a Christian minister, from 1 Tim. iv. 16. After which, Mr Gibb of Banff addressed the church, upon their duty to their pastor, from He-bourhood. brews xiii. 22. Mr Hill preached to the people in the evening, from Luke xix. 22. The whole of the exercises were peculiarly solemn, and appeared to make a deep im. pression upon the congregation, par..ly ticularly the account which Mr B. gave of his experience, and of his motives and designs in entering in to the ministry. The leadings of Providence in disposing him to fix upon Fraserburgh, as the scene of his labours, in preference to several other places, in which his services were desired, and in which his prospects of emolument would have been greater, afforded the most satisfying evidence of his devotedness to God, and gives ground to believe that the Lord has a gracious and important object in view, in placing him in that part of his vineyard. It is now upwards of two years since Mr B. first visited Fraserburgh, in the capacity of a preacher. Owing to a variety of circumstances, the church was then reduced to a few members. The spirit of hearing was likewise in a great measure gone, both in the town and neighbourhood. But, through the blessing of God accom. panying Mr B.'s labours, which, in-tarily collected and subscribed in stead of a few weeks, as was originally intended, were, at the earnest solicitation of the people, prolonged to several months, prejudice was dispelled, and a spirit of hearing and inquiry excited, which at once gratified and surprised all the friends of The meeting-house is in such a state of decay, that it would immediately require a new front-wall and a roof, to render it secure; and it is at the same time so small, that, on many occasions, it cannot contain above one half of the people, who are anxious to attend upon the preaching of the Gospel. A new and larger place of worship is therefore absolutely necessary. The brethren present were so impressed with a sense of the absolute necessity of this measure, that they earnestly recommended, and unanimously pledged themselves to exert all their influence, in their respective congregations, to procure collections and subscriptions, to assist the church at Fraserburgh in this work. As a proof that the public in general are desirous of hearing the Gos.. pel, and willing to assist in providing accommodation for this purpose, upwards of L. 60 have been volun Fraserburgh, and the vicinity, to assist in building a chapel, in ten days after the ordination took place; principally among those who have no immediate connection with the church. These facts, in connection with others, which might be men tioned, may serve to convince the friends of Christ in different parts of the kingdom, that Fraserburgh is a station of very great importance, and that, by contributing for the above mentioned purpose, they will render a very essential service to the cause of religion in that part of the country. It is intended to make an appeal to the liberality of the friends of Je sus, in various parts of the kingdom, early in the ensuing spring; and, as the church are poor, and can at present do comparatively little, to for. ward this necessary undertaking, the brethren consider it their duty earnestly to recommend their case to all who feel interested in the prosperity of Zion. CONTINENTAL SOCIETY.. A Society has been formed in London, whose object is to aid the progress of divine truth over the Continent of Europe, by employing persons properly qualified, chiefly natives of the respective countries, to preach the everlasting gospel wherever Providence opens a door, and to distribute the Holy Scriptures where they are wanting. We understand this Society has emanated from those pious persons who have attempted the revival of evangelical principles in Geneva, where the greater part of the cler gy, as well as laity, appear to be sinking into the gulf of deism, and are become of so profane a character, as to adopt many of the biasphemies of Vol.aire. having the whole of the operation part of the great machine in my hands, I cannot neglect my proper business for a moment without its being more or less felt in all its parts. Our Bible Society prospers more and more: all is in full activity. The Scriptures are demanded and read, and the blessing of the Most High attends their perusal; so that pure religion is much on the increase. We have now commenced printing the modern Russ. This is without doubt the most important work undertaken by any Bible Society as yet. The effects are incalculable. The preaching of the gospel in English is not without its effects, even upon those who never hear it. The Lord's day is kept more sacred, and religion is becoming more the topic of conversation and more fashionable. They have now evening service in the Episcopal chapel; but this will make our attendance better much beloved and liked as a preachrather than worse. Mr Swan is lose him. His heart is set on miser. We only regret we are soon to sionary work, and my conscience will not permit me to spoil so excellent a missionary. Some souls have been brought to the knowledge of the truth, and others are inquiring. Every thing indicates that religion is prospering among you. I am happy to see so much life in the Edinburgh Missionary Society. The demand for religious tracts here is also great. I lately received fron a Lady 8000 tracts in the Finnish language, for these poor people in the province of Petersburgh. A friend of mine distributed 4000 in 14 days. They come at the distance of 40 versts to get a tract, and read it with tears. There appears in several places an awakening among these gin to have prayer-meetings in their poor oppressed people, and they be own houses. There is also a great demand for copies of the Scriptures, which we are able to satisfy. The Lord is indeed doing great things, whereof we ought to be glad. BAPTIST MISSION. The Periodical Accounts of the Baptist Missionary Society, No. 33. are just published, from which we purpose giving some extracts. In the mean time, we present our readers with the following letter, which contains the latest intelli. gence. Extract of a Letter from Dr Carey to Dr Ryland, dated Serampore, the 11th of April 1818. staying a little time, expressed a wish to go by land to Surat, a journey scarcely thought practicable; his intention was to preach, and distribute the word of God all the way. We encouraged the undertaking, and furnished him with books, &c. for the journey. We received letters from him till he got to Allahabad, but had not for a long time heard of him, when I received a letter last week from General D. informing me that he was in his camp at Toda, near Ooduyapoora. The General I wish I could possibly find leisure had treated him very kindly, and to communicate to you all the good asked him to breakfast and dinner things which are taking place in this with him. An escort of Sepoys was country. Brethren Adam and Sut proceeding to Kato, the next stage, ton, with sister Sutton, are safely ar- from which another would proceed rived, and will soon proceed: bro- to Rampoora. The General kindly ther Adam to Surat, and brother furnished him with provision, and Sutton to Orissa, (I believe to the put him under the protection of the town of Cuttack, which is the capi- escort. He gave him a letter of intal of the province, and by far the troduction to Zalem Sing, Governor most eligible station for a mission.) of Kato; and another to BrigadierAbout a month ago, brother Ward General Sir John Malcolm, by whose took a journey to Chittagong, to see camp he would pass, in all probabithe brethren there; who, by the lity. Sir John Malcolm is personaldeath of De Bruyn, (who, you will ly acquainted with us, as was Genebefore this have heard, was murder- ral D.: this secured their good will. ed by his interpreter), were left as Carapiet was within a month's jour sheep without a shepherd: he apney of Surat. About the time he' pears to be greatly delighted with them. The whole number baptized there of the Mug nation (or Ara kaners) is ninety; all of them now living. Of these brother Ward has baptized eighteen, since he has been there; and has appointed readers from among themselves; brother Peacock is gone thither to superintend them. De Bruyn laboured among them, loved them, and as it were laid them in his bosom. They speak a dialect of the Burman language. Indeed they were formerly Burman subjects, but the year I ar. rived in India, they fled from the tyranny of the Burman Government to take refuge among the English, and Government assigned them the whole of the country south of Chittagong, for about 100 miles, to Ramoo, the frontier town. Brother Carapiet Aratoon came here some months ago, and after left us, the army took the field to oblige the native powers, (Scindia in particular), to unite with us in suppressing a number of predatory hordes, who for some years past have plundered the frontiers to a great amount, and committed most horrid cruelties. These people, after plundering our possessions, fled with their booty to the countries of the native princes, who, for a share of the plunder, protected them; the war was commenced to prevent this protection. Carapiet had, therefore, to go through the seat of war, and to run the risk of these plundering parties. Indeed General D. observ ed, that had not an escort been going in that direction, he could not have proceeded, as the whole country is infested with bands of robbers, who seize upon all travellers. Thus mercy has prevailed on our brother's behalf. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. Letter from Professor Van Ess, dated Marburg, June 16, 1818. THE resolution of the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society has made me happy beyond the power of expression. Now I shall be able to carry on the great work of God, to which his unmerit ed grace has called me, a weak instrument, with means more commensurate with its vast extent, and to enlarge the sphere of my opera. tions. I see, already, in spirit, mountains depart, hills remove, and a high-way preparing for the increase of the Word of God, both far and near; for He who has helped us will continue to bless his Word and his work. Obstacles, which, like gigan. tic mountains, appal cur eyes, are by him wafted out of sight; as a feather is breathed away, and as an atom vanishes before the wind. J From June, 1816, to June, 1818, there have been distributed by me 101,195 copies of my New Testa ment; and if the edition, with large print had been ready a year sooner, 50,000 copies more would have been issued.* It is my earnest request to the British and Foreign Bible Society, that they would enable me to have at all times at my disposal 36,000 copies of my Testament, half small and half large print, which, together with carriage and binding, uld cost about 21661. sterling. is sum I would intreat their geerosity to assign in the name of esus Christ, for the salvation of immortal souls, in order that the work of God, which is also your work, may not for a moment be ob.. *To enable this indefatigable distributor to keep the stock of German Testaments required, the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society have voted him a further grant of 20007.; he having previously distributed 233,341 copies! VOL. VI. structed in its way to greater and wider extension. Every thing which you have had the goodness to communicate to me of the wonders which God has wrought by means of the Bible Society, has highly delighted me, and filled my heart with gratitude to God. Indeed, who is there that does not here observe the finger of God? He does wondrous things; praised be his name! That important prophecy"The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come"-is developing before our eyes. "Yes, verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world." I might have sent you a volume of copies of letters; but having had only one clerk in my office for these several days, he has been occupied with important correspondence; I have, therefore, made him copy but a few. However, the echo of every letter is this: Fruits of godliness, of repentance, of regeneration, of the knowledge of God and of Christ; comfort, peace, and consolation, are produced, every where, by this seed of God sown in hope. An altogether new spirit is observable in many schools among the children, through whom the parents also are made acquainted with this Book of Books, To thousands and thousands to whom the New Testament was before unknown, it has now become the greatest treasure, and the most precious jewel. My church is frequented by many Jews, and numbers of them are fond of reading my New Testament. Several pious Ladies labour effectually in dispensing blessings by means of the New Testament, with which I furnish them. |