FOUR SERMONS, PREACHED IN LONDON, &l)t CIntteenij) General fflzztin% / THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY, MAY 13, 14, 15, 1807, BY The Rev. SAMUEL NEWTON, Witham ; Rev. ROBERT 'JACK, Manchester ; Rev. JOHN GRIFFIN, Portsea ; Rev. HENRY i)RAPER, D.D. London. ALSO THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS, AND A LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. PUBLISHED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SOCIETY. ■»- - ■- ■ LONDON: PRINTED FOR WILLIAMS AND SMITH, STATIONERs'-COURT, LUDGATE-STREET, Bj 8. HoUingiworth, Crane-court, f lect-street 1807. V JLIST OF DIRECTORS, 1807. LONDON. Alers, William, Esq. Ball, Rev. Mr. Brooksbank, Rev. Joseph Brown, Joseph, Esq. Bunnell, Joseph, Esq. Burder, Rev. George Buck, Rev. Charles Butcher, Mr. Robert Campbell, Rev. John Clarke, Mr. William Clayton, Rev. John, junior Cook, Mr. David Cowie, Robert, Esq. Dyer, John, Esq. Emerson, Mr. John Gore, Rev. John Greig, Rev. Mr. Hammond, Mr. George Hawkes, Thomas, Esq. Hardcastle, Joseph, Esq. Hill, Rev. Rowland Hodson, Thomas, Esq. Hollingswori:h, Mr. Samuel Humphrys, Rev. John Jack, Mr. Jones, Rev. Mr. Kincaid, Mr. David Lane, Mr, William Maitland, DIRECTORS. Miitland, Alexander, Esq. Meyer, George, Esq. Nicol, Rev. William Pellatt, Mr. Apsley Pinder, Samuel, Esq. Piatt, Rev. Mr. Reyner, Joseph, Esq. Sims, William, Esq. Steven, Robert, Esq. Steinkopff, Rev. Mr. Townsend, Rev. John Waugh, Rev. Alexander Wilks, Rev. Matthew Winter, Rev. Robert Williams, Rev. Griffith Wilson, Captain James. COUNTRY. Atkinson, Rev. Charles, of Ipswich Bennett, Mr. George, Sheffield Bennett, Rev. James, Romsey Bellin, Mr. John, Chigwell Bradley, Rev. Samuel, Manchester Boden, Rev. James, Sheffield Bogue, Rev. David, Gosport Bruce, Rev. Mr. Wakefield Bull, Rev. Thomas, Newport Pagnell Cockin, Rev. Joseph, Halifax Cooke, Rev. John, Maidenhead Covell, Mr. Henry, Margate Cracknel!, Rev. Mr. Weymouth Daniel, Mr. Samuel, Colchester Dods, Mr. Charles, Gosport Douglas, Rev. Archibald, Reading Durant, Rev. Mr. Poole Evans, Rev. Mr. Coventry Evcict, Mr. John, Warminster 3 Gauntlett, DIRECTORS. Gauntlett, Rev. Henry, Reading Greatheed, Rev. Mr. Newport Pagnell Griffin, Rev. John, Portsea Hamilton, Rev. Mr. Brighton Haweis, Rev. Dr. Aldwinkle Hillyard, Rev. Samuel, Bedford Hopkins, Rev. Mr. Christchurch James, Rev. Mr. Birmingham Jack, Rev. Robert, Manchester Kingsbury, Rev. William, Southampton Kent, Rev. Mr. Gravesend Lowell, Rev, Samuel, Bristol Mends, Rev. Herbert, Plymouth Moorhouse, Rev. Mr. Huddersfield Newton, Rev. John, Witham Phillips, Rev. Mr. Norwich Ralph, Rev. John, Liverpool Richards, Rev. Mr. Hull Shotter, Mr. Gowen Toomer, Samuel, Esq. Basingstoke Wildbore, Rev. James, Falmouth Williams, Rev. Dr. Rotherham. WALES. Jones, Mr. Benjamin, Haverfordwest Jones, Mr. Thomas, Ruthin. SCOTLAND. Balfour, Rev. Dr. Glasgow Belfrage, Rev. Henry, Falkirk Brown, Rev. Thomas, Dalkeith Campbell, Rev. John, Edinburgh Carlisle, William, Esq. Paisley Carlisle, Mr. James, Do. Dickson, Rev. David, Edinburgh Findlay, Rev. Dr. Paisley Hall, Rev. James, Edinburgh Husband, DIRECTORS. Husband, Rev. James, Dumfermline Lawson, Rev. Dr. Selkirk Mackintosh, Rev. Mr. Tain Steven, Rev. James, Kilwinning. IRELAND. Atthill, Rev. Mr. Dublin Blood, Mr. Michael, Do. Buchanan, James, Esq. Tyrone Dowell, Mc. Rev. Dr. Dublin Hamilton, Rev. Mr. Armagh Hutton, Mr. Alderman, Dublin Rogers, Mr. Dublin. FOREIGN DIRECTORS. Baron Van Shirnding, of Dcbrylugk, in Saxony The Rev. Dr. Vander Kemp, Missionary, in Africa The Committee of the Religious Society, at Basil President of the Missionary Society, at Rotterdam President of the Missionary Society, at New York President of the Missionary Society, at Connecticut President of the Missionary Society, in East Friesland President of the Society de Fide et Christianismo, in Sweden Rev. Dr. Mason, of New York Rev. Dr. Verster, of Rotterdam- TREASURER. Joseph Hardcastle, Esq. Old Swan Stairs, Thames Street. SECRETARY. Rev. George Burder, 53, Hatton Garden. The The Directors respectfully submit the following: Form, by which any Benefaction may be made to this Society by WILL. Item, I A. B. do hereby give and bequeath unto C. D. of and E. R of the Sum of to be paid out of my Personal Estate, to the Intent, that they, or either of them, do pay the same to Joseph liardcastle, Esq. ; or to the Treasurer for the Time being, of a Voluntary Society, commonly called or known by the Name of The Missionary Society, which was instituted in the Year 1795, which said Sum of I desire may be applied tozeards carrying on the benevolent Designs of the said Society. SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED AT THE FOLLOWING BANKERS. Drummond and Co. 49. Charing Cross Hankey, Alers, and Co. 7 , Fenchurch Street Hoare and Co. 37, Fleet Street Lef'evre and Co. 29, Cornhill Ransom and Co. 56, Pall Mall Weston and Co. 37, Borough, Southwark. REPORT Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library - http://www.archive.org/details/foursermonspreacOOnewt , V t .a 1EPOET OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1807. S. Hollings worth, Printer, Crane Court, Fleet Street. REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS TO THE THIRTEENTH GENERAL MEETING OP THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY; May 14, 1807. 1 he revelation of the Gospel to mankind, appears to be a blessing intended for universal promulgation. Our glorious Saviour authorized his first disciples, and their successors, to " teach all nations,"— to " preach the Gospel to every crea- ture." At first, this was effected by means both ordinary and extraordinary ; the latter have long since been with- drawn ; but the duty of promulgating the Gospel remains the same, and is to be effected by the use of those means with which the church of Christ is still favoured. Miracu- lous interpositions are not to be expected ; but we have in- tercourse with the nations by means of navigation and com- merce; we have the Holy Scriptures in our hands, which we can translate into various languages ; we have men in- spired with the love of God and their fellow-creatures ; and we have had, for nearly twelve years, a numerous body of Christians, united in " The Missionary Society," whose sole aim, whose ardent and unremitted endeavour it has been, to convey to distant nations the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. To find out messengers duly qualified to evan- gelize the heathen ; to direct their attention to the most pro- mising places; to convey them to their appointed stations; to facilitate their introduction to the people ; and to support them, until Providence may furnish them with needful sup- plies 4 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS plies where they labour, are the grand and important ob- jects to which this Society have constantly directed their attention. In the execution of their plans, the Society have annually honoured some of their brethren with their confidence ; whose duty it is, at the close of their labours, to render to their constituents a full and faithful report of their proceed- ings. Rejoicing in the return of this season, which renews their delightful intercourse with their Christian brethren, and which tends mutually to reanimate the flame of holy zeal, the Directors for the past } r ear now proceed to detail the result of their consultations, the substance of their cor- respondence with the Missionaries abroad, and the present condition of each of the stations which they occupy. • It is natural, as it has been customary, to begin \*ith OTAHEITE. The state of the Mission at Otaheite appears, from the last account received from the labourers there, dated July 29, 1805, to be much the same as was formerly reported. Unfortunately, the Missionaries had not been able to receive letters or supplies from England ; in consequence of which, they felt disappointed and discouraged ; but we trust that, long ere this, that difficulty has been removed. It has been for a considerable time in the contemplation of the Direc- tors, to procure a small vessel at Port Jackson, for the pur- pose of transmitting from thence the articles sent out for the Missionaries, and which, for want of suitable means of con- veyance, had long been detained there. Instructions to that effect were sent to New South Wales ; and we are hap- py to learn, by a letter from the Rev. Mr. Marsden, our faithful friend, and the chaplain of the Colony, dated Aug. 26, 1806, that he had at length succeeded in obtaining a vessel for this purpose, and that the goods were shipping for Otaheite TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 5 Otaheite on the very day he wrote. We sincerely hope, there- fore, that the wants of the brethren on the island are now amply supplied ; and that they will receive from our commu- nications the most satisfactory proofs of our regard to their comfort and success*. In the letter from the Missionaries, just mentioned, they observe that the political state of the island remained the same as before. Otoo maintained his authority, unmolested, ever since the death of his father Pomarre, and continued to afford the brethren his favour and protection. He had also discovered a partiality for the English language, which he took some pains to acquire ; and had made such a profi- ciency in writing, that he sent a short but friendly letter to the Directors, written by his own hand. It deserves notice also, that when Mr. Jefferson, one of the Missionaries, ex- pressed a desire to retire from the island on account of his health, and was expected to leave it, Otoo and his family discovered much concern, and earnestly requested that more Missionaries, men, women, and children, might be sent from England to settle in their country. The general Journal of the brethren, which the Director* have received, commencing Dec. 12, 1804, and concluding July 30, 1805, together with separate Journals of tours made by the brethren Bicknell and Henry, Elder and Wilson, to preach the Gospel in various parts of the island, evinces, in the most satisfactory manner, the faithfulness and assiduity of the Missionaries, labouring amidst the most discouraging circumstances ; and persevering to preach the Gospel of Christ, in the spirit of the ancient prophets, " whether men would hear or forbear." Referring to their journal, Mr. Eyre, in the name of his brethren, observes, " We are sorrv " to say that you will meet with nothing in it respecting the * This will fully refute the assertion of some writers, particularly of a respectable gentleman in Scotland, in his Prize Essay, who says that this Mission has not only failed in its object, but that " it has been abandoned by its projectors." " grand 6 I?E?ORT OF THE DIRECTORS " grand object of our Mission more encouraging than what " we have hitherto been able to communicate. Instructions " continue to be given to the inhabitants of the island in the * things of Ged) but, apparently, none are savingly profited t( by them ; so that, as we at first found them, they seem to " remain — gross idolaters — enemies to God by wicked works " — without God, without Christ, and without hope: yet it • mast be confessed, that very many of them have obtained a " very considerable, though, as yet, unsanctified, knowledge of " the doctrines of Christianity." From this observation, connected with that which our ju- dicious friend Mr. Mar^den made, when he conversed with some of the natives who occasionally visited New South Wales, and which was mentioned in the last annual Report, we cannot but think a pleasing ray of light penetrates the gloom which has long covered Otabeite. We cannot but hope that when a number of poor heathens, born and edu- cated in total ignorance of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Saviour, " obtain a considerable knowledge of the doctrines of Christianity," the seed of life may be consi- dered as already sown, and a just expectation indulged, that the harvest will one da} 7 bless the eyes of the labourers and of the Society. Mr. Marsden's observation derives additional confirmation from another circumstance. In the course of the last year, two young men, one a native of Owhybee, and the other a native of Otaheite, w r ere brought to England by the captain of a ship, for the purpose of assisting to navigate it, but who were, soon after their arrival, totally deserted by the captain and owners of the vessel. By the humane interfer- ence of Sir Joseph Banks, they were rescued from destruc- tion, and recommended to the care of the Directors, who instantly took them under their protection. By such conver- sation as various persons were enabled to hold with them, it was plainly perceived that the native of Otaheite, who well knew the Missionaries there, and had worked for them as a 2 labourer. Ttl THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 7 labourer, had received some knowledge of the great subjects of revelation, and expressed, in a forcible manner, what we doubt not is the common sentiment of the inhabitants — " that they were very good men — men of God." The Direc- tors finding that the climate of this country disagreed with them, and that their continuance here would probably be fa- tal to them, applied to Government for a i'ree passage for them to New South Wales, which was immediately granted, and with those polite marks of attention and respect to the Societ', which have ever distinguished their conduct, whe.n the Directors have had occasion to solicit their favours. P. S. A letter is just received from his Excellency Governor King, to Dr. Haweis, dated Sydney, Nov. 8, 1806, including a communi- cation from the Missionaries to him, dated March S, 1806", at which time they v/ere in health and safety : *' the king's treatment of us," they say, " is civil and kind ; and though there is no present appear- ance of his, or his subjects, embracing Christianity, yet we are per- mitted, without restraint, to endeavour to plant the Gospel among them." His Excellency, anx.ious to communicate this information, was pleased to forward it by the Alexander, Capt. Brooks, expecting it would reach England sooner than the Buffalo, in which he and the Rev. Mr. Marsden are returning to Europe. His Excellency also kindly adds, that he had put his successor, Governor Bligh, in pos- session of every circumstance and document relating to the Mission at Otaheite, and had no doubt of his paying every attention to it which the object might require. The Rev. Mr. Marsden, in a letter dated Nov. 8, 1806, says, " I hope the sloop I sent about ten weeks ago has reached Otaheite before this, and supplied their wants. " I have fixed Mr. Warner, for (he present, at the Hawksbury Settlement, where he may be useful to the settlers. I have requested the governor to allow him a servant, &c. and have left directions for him to proceed to Otaheite by the first opportunity, after the return of the sloop, provided the Missionaries intend to continue there. I have written to them, requesting them to continue there, if they can with safety, tilt my return, hoping that the Directors may be able to adopt a plan for regular communication with them." AFRICA. REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS AFRICA. It was suggested in the last Report, that the colony of the Cape of Good Hope having reverted into the possession of the British Government, a more direct and powerful sanction would be given to the exertions of our Missionaries among the African heathen ; and that our intercourse with them would be facilitated. The hopes of the Directors have been fully realized; and the information from the several Mis- sionary stations in that country has been very ample and, satisfactory. It will be recollected, that just before the recapture of the Cape by our brave countrymen, the opposition of man)' ill- disposed persons to the Missions had risen to a great height ; and the brethren Vanderkemp and Read were apprehensive that the}' should be obliged to relinquish their work, and withdraw from the colony. They had been summoned to the Cape, where they had vindicated their conduct to the satisfaction of the Dutch Governor ; yet so malignant were their enemies, that he recommended it to the Missionaries to suspend their return to Bethelsdorp to a more favourable opportunity. That opportunity was unexpectedly afforded by the cap- ture of Cape Town, which was no sooner effected, than the general, Sir David Baird, sent for Dr. Vanderkemp, whom he received in the most cordial manner, and even consulted hiin upon the proper treatment of the Hottentot prisoners of war. Shortly after, full permission was granted to resume the care of the congregation at Bethelsdorp, where the Doctor arrived on the 21st of March, 1806. Brother Read, who was desired by Sir David Baud to return by sea,* was pre- served * " On the 8th of February, we went to take leave of his Excellency, when he expressed a wish that I should go by sea, with Captain Cuyler, who was appointed Landrost of Vitenhage, a district to which Bethels- dorp TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Q served from the most imminent danger of being shipwrecked on the coast of Caffraria; but had the happiness of reaching the settlement in safety, and finding it in a flourishing state ; the Lord having blessed the labours of the brethren Ullbricht, Tromp, and Erasmus Smith, in their absence; Mrs. Smith also, who formerly lived at Rodczand, and who had devoted herself to the instruction of the heathen, having become a very great blessing to the institution. Brother Read was re- ceived by the congregation with universal joy and thankful- ness, the poor Hottentots expressing, by their acclamations and caresses, how much they prized the word of life, and: the beloved minister of it. * In addition to the protection and sanction now afforded to this Mission by the English Government, their privileges have been augmented by the spontaneous permission of the Landrost to plough and sow, for the present year, an excel- lent piece of ground belonging to Government. Such was the pleasing state of Bethelsdorp, according to the last accounts received ; and such was the attachment of our worthy brother Vanderkemp to the people, that when he received a proposal from the Directors to remove from thence, in case his further services in Africa should be prevented by the violence of opposition, and to devote his talents to the establishment of a Mission in China, he replied, " I am dorp belongs. A sense 0/ obligation would not suffer me to refuse, al- though it was hard to be separated from my wife, (whose circumstance* -would not allow her to accompany me,) and my dear brethren, &c. ' Letter from Mr. Read, Aug. 2, 180(3. * " We found, to our joy, the work of converting grace going on prosperously; and we admired the success with which that exemplary sister, Smith, had set up a school, in which Hottentot children are in- structed to knit stockings, &c. She is universally respected and be- loved by all our people. Besides her conversation with the females, who seem to be concerned about their souls, she keeps a weekly meet- ing with our baptized sisters; and instructs them, by way of catechis- ing, in the practical, as well as doctrinal, truths of the religion of Christ."' Letter from Dr. Vanderkemp, July 10, 1806. jb convinced 10 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS convinced that God has called me to do his work in the place of my present residence, and that it is my duty to con- tinue in that station till it shall please Him to call me out of it as evidently as he called me into it." The Society will doubtless feel, with the Directors, a. warm sense of gratitude to the great Disposer of all events, who was pleased so remarkably to interpose in favour of the African Mission, at a moment when, to all appearance, it was in danger of being totally suppressed, and when the lives of the Missionaries at Bethelsdorp were threatened. Then it was, that the colony, submitting to the British arms, returned to a Government by which the. rights of conscience are respected, and the shield of power held over good sub- jects who are sincerely aiming to promote the welfare of their fellow-creatures. To that mild and gentle Government the Society is indebted for many favours, which they are de- sirous of acknowledging with gratitude; and above all, they would ascribe to the King of kings, who has all hearts in his hands, every auspicious event, in which the powers of the earth, and the changes of nations, are rendered subservient to the great design of extending the Redeemer's kingdom. ZAK RIVER. CoMMUNicATiONshavebeen received during the past year from Mr. Kicherer, concerning the settlement at Zak River. When upon his journey to it from the Cape, in the month of September, 1805, he was met by Brother Botma, to whom the care of the congregation had been committed when Mr. Kicherer left it to visit Europe; and who informed him that many of the people had been obliged to leave it on account of the excessive drought which had prevailed for a long time ; and which rendered the support of their cattle impos- sible. On the 8th of October, he and his companions reached the settlement, and immediately repaired to their little TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 11 little church, to offer up their devout acknowledgments. In a few days, they had another occasion of thanksgiving, on account of the copious showers which renewed the face of the earth — a blessing which they had not experienced during three preceding years. They sustained, however, a heavy loss, a great number of sheep being stolen by the Boschemen. At the close of the year the settlement consisted but of about one hundred persons; in the school were thirty-one children, and eleven adults. When Mr. Kicherer was at the Cape, where he married the widow of an officer, he was requested by the Dutch Go- vernor, and afterwards by Sir David Baird, to take upon him the pastoral charge of the church at Graaf Reiner,, with which he complied ; but without relinquishing the superin- tendence of that Mission in which his labours had been so eminently successful. Should the people at Zak River be able to support themselves in that barren country, of which some fears are entertained, the Directors hope that the cause will be supported by the instrumentality of Mr. A. Vos, Mrs. Vos, and Mr. Botma ; and that Mr. Kicherer will occasion- ally visit the institution, and render it every service in his power. THE CORANNAS, AT THE GREAT ORANGE RIVER. In the last Report of the Directors it was noticed that no letter had then been received from the brethren Anderson and Kramer, respecting their Mission among the Corannas on the Orange River ; but that, irom Doctor Vanderkemp's let- ter, it was understood that " their labours were blessed in an extraordinary degree." Since that period, however, very full and pleasing information has arrived from Mr. Ander- son, who was summoned to the Cape by the late Dutch Go- vernment, with the other Missionaries. 3 It 12 EEPORT OF THE DIKECTOKS Jt appears from the journal, that these brethren, finding the ill effects of removing from place to place, determined on fixing themselves, with as many of the natives as were disposed to abide with them, in a stated residence. This, with some difficulty, was effected in the year 1804. In the months of March and April the people were severely visited with the small pox ; and Mr. Anderson himself was danger- ously ill with a bilious fever, without any person at hand to afford him medical assistance. He determined to send some messengers to the brethren who were labouring among the Briquas ; some of whom were, at that very instant, on the load to visit him, and were met by the messengers half-way. When they arrived they found him delirious, and in a very dangerous state ; but by the blessing of God on the methods used by brother Koster, who is possessed of some medical skill, and the kind attention of the brethren Jansen and Van- derlingen, with their wives, he was speedily restored. Soon after which, the Landrost of Tulbary paid him a visit, and treated him with such respect, that from that time the peo- ple behaved far better than before, and the settlement as- sumed a far more promising aspect. They now proceeded to build a house, forty-six feet by sixteen, and afterwards an- other. The number of persons collected at this place is 7&4; and as they are about 31 days' journey from the Cape, though but about five from the Briquas, they would have no means of grace were it not for this station. The brethren began, about September 1805, to form them into a state of order, and to introduce among them the arts of agriculture, in which they succeeded beyond their expectation, but by no means equal to their wishes ; for the situation is, on many accounts, unfriendly to such pursuits, as there is but little rain, except thunder showers at the latter end of the sum- mer, which are generally partial. They are obliged there- fore to content themselves with the production of a few vege- tables and corn for their own use, relying chiefly on their cattle and sheep. The TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 13 The brethren Anderson and Kramer have now been labour- ing among the poor Africans in that quarter, for about six years; and have practised much self-denial in that course of time. They have apologized to the Directors for not writing more frequently, by saying, that they were not willing, on uncertain grounds, co elevate the hopes of the Society too much; but they now rejoice that they have not waited in vain. They have laboured to correct the immoralities prac- tisi c! among the Corannas, particularly their polygamy, and to introduce among them such regulations as to marriage as are adopted in Christian countries. They have sometimes about 250 persons at a uir.t, to hear the Gospel, in the school-room, which is about a third of their whole number, most of whom attend in rotation; about 84 of those who dwell sufficiently near them receive daily instruction, and are taught to read; but the Missionaries were forbidden by Government to teach them to write, without special or- ders. It was their intention, as soon as possible, to form those who appear to be truly converted into a church, hav- ing reason to hope that more than 30 persons were fit for that purpose. The general support of the people, it seems, is scanty, their principal dependence being on the chase; but, by the laudable efforts of the Missionaries among them, they will now have an opportunity of further supplies from their gar- dens, corn fields, and tobacco, which they may cultivate, if they are but industrious, and exchange them among the Briquas and Namacquas for cattle and sheep. They had been occasionally annoyed by a destructive in- sect called a Tortoise, whose bite poisons every plant it touches. At one time, a vast body of locusts passed near their settle- ment about noon, by which the sky was rendered as dark for about an hour as if the sun had been eclipsed, and the noise of their wings resembled that of a mighty wind. They shot, in the course of a single year, fourteen lions, four tigers, and several wolves. For the sake of lessening the expense of 14 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS of the Society, they purchased, when at the Cape, a quan- tity of beads, to be exchanged for elephants' teeth; but they are aware of the danger or losing sight of their great object by engaging in concerns of a worldly nature, and therefore crave such assistance from the Society as may be necessary. In a word, they appear to be much owned of the Lord in their work; " I do not think," says Mr. Anderson, " I have laboured in vain: many circumstances have occurred to es- tablish my mind that I am in the place where the Lord Jesus would have me to be. I preach the Gospel with more delight and liberty, although in a foreign language, than ever I did in my native tongue, and would not exchange my mission for any in Africa.'"' NAMACQUAS. It was last year reported to the Society that the two bre- thren, Christian and Abraham Albrecht, together with Brother Sydenfaden, who is supported by the Metherland Society, all of whom accompanied Mr. Kicherer and the Hottentots in their return from Holland, had departed from the Cape, in order to introduce the Gospel among the Namacquas, a remote and untutored tribe, situated at about a month's jour- ney from the station at the Great Orange River, occupied by Anderson and Kramer. These brethren began their journey on the 22d of May, 1805, and suffered much in passing through the barren de- serts. They had not only to provide for themselves, but for those who conducted their waggons, eleven persons in the whole, which they found exceedingly difficult, and were at one time ready to faint ; when, according to an earnest wish they had expressed to each other, that Cornelius Kok, (a Hottentot who resided in that part of the country,) would come to their assistance, they were almost immediately grati- fied with the appearance of his son, who assured them that his father TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 15 father was coming to help them with two yoke of oxen. This proved a great relief for the present ; but in the prosecution of their journey fresh difficulties occurred, every one being ready to perish with hunger and thirst: they met with re- peated disappointments when they expected to find water; and were obliged to lodge in places infested with wild beasts, and where the Boschemen had before murdered all the inha- bitants. In these distressing circumstances it was determined that Mr. Christian Albrecht, and some attendants, should pro- ceed to the Great Namacquas, to explore the countiy, and learn the disposition of the people. This was happily effect- ed ; and he returned with the joyful news that he had dis- covered two fountains, which they called " The Happy De- liverance," and " The Silent Hope." At the latter they shortly arrived, rejoicing in the merciful preservation they had experienced, and still more in the apparent readiness of the poor pagans to receive the Gospel message. At the close of the year 1805, their work commenced in this place. They found, however, that their settlement would be more con- veniently formed at " The Happy Deliverance," which was but a few miles distant from "The Silent Hope." Having heard that Chacab, the chief of a kraal in that neighbourhood, was inclined to receive the word, Brother Sydenfaden was dispatched to the place of his residence, where, under a tree, he preached the Gospel to him and his people. After the service was concluded, the chief express- ed his satisfaction with what he had heard, and said — " This " word is too great that we should not accept it. All the "chiefs of Namacqua-land must come hither to hear; hi- " ther must they come, under this tree, to hear : then shall " they find that the word of God is great. Harmony must " also prevail; all the chiefs must have one heart and mind, " and accept this doctrine : then the doctrine must be es- " tablished in the centre of the country, that every one may " have access to it." This 1(5 REPORT OF THE DITtECTOHS This declaration of a person of influence, filled the heart of the Missionary with joj r , which Mas, however, soon damped hy the efforts of one Absalom, who was esteemed as a kind of sorcerer among these benighted people. This wicked man laboured to fill their minds with prejudice, and to dissuade them from paying any attention to the word; and at first so far prevailed, that Brother Sydenfaden thought his life in danger. But when he reproved him before the people, face to face, he was ashamed, trembled, and pro- mised to make no further opposition. The chief, Chacab, declared that he was still attached to the Missionary, and said, " I would fain accept the word of God. I shall come " myself, and see if the Oorlam Hottentots* accept of it; " and if they do, I shall then make it my business that all " the chiefs of the whole Namacqua-land shall accept it; for " if I only accept it, I shall be murdered by the rest, and it " will occasion a war." This pleasing event, together with the accession of a con- siderable number of the Hottentots from the surrounding country, determined the brethren to continue at the Happy Deliverance, notwithstanding considerable difficulties with which thev had to struggle. It was found necessarv to erect a building in which divine service might be held, for in the open air they were exposed to danger from venomous crea- tures, which abound; one evening, while preaching, a ser- pent entwined itself about the leg of Christian Albrecht, but, happily, left him without doing any injury. In the begin- ning of March, 130G, they were making bricks for the in- tended building. In the month of May last, this Missionary was obliged to visit the Cape to procure necessary provisions, and expected to return to the settlement in June. The bre- thren were then fully determined on continuing with the people, should they be able to maintain themselves in that * These are Hottentots who have lived with the peasants among the Christians, and are therefore considered by the Namacquas as better informed, and more civilized than themselves. spot. TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 17 spot. They had laid out a garden, but were doubtful of its success ; they were apprehensive also that the country would prove too dry and barren for the production of corn, so that they expected to be obliged to live wholly without bread ; but they were in hopes that, from their vicinity to two large fountains, and four smaller ones, they should be preserved from the effects of excessive drought, and enabled to main- tain their cattle, upon which they must principally depend for subsistence. Under all these discouragements, however, these new Missionaries, who appear to be entirely devoted to the service of Christ, derive comfort from the prospect of usefulness to the poor heathen. They are very thankful to God for his most merciful preservation, when travelling through the desert, and guiding them to a people who seem, willing to receive the Gospel. " We have suffered," say they, " very much, during our journey through the barren deserts : but God shews us that he is a hearer of the prayers of his servants. We foresee that we shall be for some time in want and poverty; but if we exert ourselves, and keep up our spirits, we trust the Lord will assist us in procuring ne- cessary food. We have upwards of three hundred of the Oorlam and River Hottentots with us, who have now daily an opportunity of being instructed in the truths of the Gos- pel. It appears to us that the heathen here have a desire to be acquainted with the Word of Salvation. Though we suf- fer poverty, and are in want of all earthly comforts which we could have enjoyed in our native country, yet we are satis- fied, if we perceive that our feeble endeavours are blessed from on high. We shall always rejoice, if we can be instru- mental of the extension of the kingdom of Christ." NORTH AMERICA. The Directors intimated, in their last report, that they had agreed to extend the term of their engagement with Mr. c Hilly aid, 18 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS Hillyard, at Newfoundland, from three, to four years : timJ; period is nearly expired, and his return to his native country may be shortly expected ; yet it is possible that he may be inclined to return to St. John's, and settle as the pastor of the church in that place. It is proper to observe, that Mr. Hillyard has always conducted himself as a pious, faithful, Missionaiy ; and although he has not had opportunity to es- tablish a Mission among the heathen, he has contributed to the dissemination of Gospel truth in several dark and desti- tute places in Newfoundland. Only one letter has been received, during the last year. from Mr. Pidgeon, the Society's Missionary at New Carlisle ; from which it appears that he has visited Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island, as a preacher of the Gospel ; and the Directors have reason to believe that a Divine blessing has attended his faithful ministrations. Mr. Pidgeon informs the Directors, that Mr. Mitchell, who formerly laboured under the patronage of this Society, continues diligently to preach the word in Nova Scotia; and with encouraging success. SOUTH AMERICA. When the Directors learnt that, in the course of Divine Providence, the populous and important town of Buenos Ayres had become a part of the British Empire, they were desirous of seizing the first opportunity of sending thither the invaluable treasure of the Gospel of Christ; they saw with what avidity the British merchants extended their commer- cial concerns to that country, and they felt anxious to com- municate, with at least an equal zeal, the superior benefits of a pure religion. Mr. Creighton, one of the Missionary Stu- dents, was therefore dispatched in the ship " Spring Grove" to that station. It was not expected that he could immedi-r ately discharge all the duties of a Missionary, as the preju- dices TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 1Q dices and interest of the Catholic ecclesiastics might present a powerful obstacle; but it was hoped that while employed in learning the language of the country, he would be acquir- ing the most useful information of the state of religion, and of the wa} r in which he might best employ himself, and others who might hereafter be sent, among the native heathen ; it was also hoped that he might be of essential use to the sick among our British soldiers, and be serviceable in the religious instruction of their children. The Societ} r need not be informed, that before the fleet of British merchant-men arrived, Buenos Ayres had reverted to its former possessors ; and the particular door of usefulness which had been opened, was, for the present, closed. When Mr. Creighton arrived in the Rio de la Plata, and re- ceived this afflictive intelligence, he was at a loss how to act; but after due deliberation, he prudently determined to wait there till he should see in what manner depending affairs would terminate. Since that time, Monte Video, another considerable town in the vicinity, has yielded to the British arms ; and Mr. Creighton, it is hoped, will now enjoy an op- portunity of rendering some useful services to the general cause of religion in that quarter of the New World. It was natural for Mr. Creighton earnestly to wish for the help of a colleague, in his remote and arduous station ; but however desirous the Directors were to comply with his wishes, pru- dence requires them to defer this measure for the present, especially as no student from the Seminary could be conve= niently spared. SEMINARY. The Directors report with pleasure the flourishing state of the Seminary at Gosport, conducted by our much-esteemed brother in the most satisfactory manner. A t'tw students have been added during the last year. Mr. Zwaar, a piou* 20 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS pious and promising young man from Germany, who was sent to Madeira for the benefit of his health, has been re- moved to a better world. Mr. Creighton is gone to South America; and Mr. Gordon and Mr. Lee are gone to Asia. Thirteen students remain in the Seminary. We trust that their number will, ere long, be augmented by many more devoted and zealous young men, for still the harvest is im- mensely great, and Missionary labourers are deplorably few. May the Lord of the harvest excite, at this our Anniver- sary, many more pious youths to offer themselves to that service. ASIA. Three years have now elapsed since the Directors had this satisfaction to announce a" beginning of Missionary operations towards this most populous and interesting quarter of the world. The importance of the undertaking had long lain upon their minds, and was felt, in some degree, even at the commence- ment of this Institution ; a memoir on the subject having then 'been presented, approved, and referred for further considera- tion. As the Divine Providence, whose aspects and direction, in conjuction with the clear declarations and injunctions of the Written Word, is to be observed and followed in Mis- sionary undertakings, evidently pointed out the vast territo- ries generally known by the name of " India," as peculiarly claiming the compassionate regard of British Christians, it was exceedingly gratifying to the feelings of the Directors, when the Great Head of the Church enabled them to com- mence this Mission, even on a very diminutive scale. Al- though this branch of our Missionary labours is vet in its in- fancy, and will require many years to attain a permanent es- tablishment, yet we have good reason to encourage ourselves and the Christian world — for ** Who hath despised the day TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 21 of small things?" The good providence of God has appeared for us in the most encouraging way, and the grain of mustard seed, which may be sown in various parts of that great pe- ninsula, will, we trust, in due time, become a great tree, and fill the whole land. Since the last Report, which stated |hat the brethren Cran and Des Granges had been at Vizigapatnam about three months, and were diligently employed in the acquisition of the Telinga language, the Directors have published, in two periodical numbers, the Journals of their transactions down to the close of 1805 ; and within these few weeks, letters and journals have been received, which bring clown the nar- rative of their proceedings to the month of November 1806, when they had finished their Missionary-house for about 1500 rupees, and had under their care between thirty and forty young persons, about twelve of whom were children of cast, and the rest children of colour, many of whom could repeat the catechisms, &c. The miserable state of the numerous youth in their neigh- bourhood, has induced them to devise more extensive means for their instruction, by drawing up an address, with a plan for a charity school, which had been presented to the Euro- pean gentlemen and ladies in the settlement; who had most readily adopted the proposal, and subscribed near 1300 ru- pees for the building, besides some monthly subscriptions for the support of the scholars; and they expected soon to see the foundation of the school laid in the vicinity of their house. The brethren can now read and write the language with ease, and Mr. Des Granges has translated some passages of the Scripture into it, for the use of the natives: and their steadfast friend at Madras has freely offered to print tracts for them at the Asylum. This they esteem a great blessing ; but as the brethren earnestly desire to see the whole of the Scrip- tures in Telinga, they wish to know from us, what encourage- ment they may expect from their native country to accomplish this great work ; and they have hopes that their friends at Viziga- 22 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS Vizigapatnam, and at Madras, will assist by their contri- butions*. For preaching the Gospel, or rather conversing with the natives on the subjects of Divine Revelation, thev had then an open field ; the surrounding villages are many and popu- lous; they were daily visited by natives of different casts, who heard with attention, some approving of the doctrine, and acknowledging it to be better than their own; others affirm- ing " that it is all one, and he that adheres strictly to the tenets of the religion of his country, will be accepted of God, and admitted into Heaven!" The Bramins are their greatest ene- mies, yet they continue to visit them ; so that they have sel- dom less than four or five with them, and they earnestly hope and pray that some of them may be caught in the Gospel-net. They continue to perform Divine Service, and preach in the Fort to the Europeans, and half-cast, who understand the English I&tiguage'; their hearers increase, and they have the pleasure to observe a visible change in the conduct of some, and an increasing desire to attend the means of grace: the more serious part of their heareis attend their weekly meet- ings, and often express a hope that the Lord has called them by his grace. All the gentlemen of the settlement attend public worship occasionally. Our Brethren, thus actively and usefully em- ployed, approved of God, and acceptable to men, both Na- tives and Europeans, high and low, appeal forcibhy to us in the following energetic strains. " Forget not to view the vast plains of Hindoos! an, and * number the inhabitants if you can. They demand your * On this subject the brethren write thus: " We wish to attempt *' this arduous task, Divine Providence having placed us where the " language in question is spoken, which seems essentially necessary, and " that Missionaries who believe the Scriptures, should execute the work, *' in preference to employing a graceless Bramin, few w3l denyj not " to mention that a Braminical translation would only be of use among •' his own tribe > for the Ipwer classes would not understand it;!" iC a;ttea- TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 25 " attention ; they claim your pity; tbey call on you for aid ; ery interesting particulars of the colony of Jews at this place, the only synagogue of that people in India; and also furnishes some curious in formation respecting the Syriac Christians, who are numerous on that part of the Malabar Coast. After obtaining from this worthy officer a promise of his influence to procure from the King of Travancore an order for building a church J* *l 26 "RETORT OF THE DIRECTORS Our authority, sent him last year, will enable him, we hope?, to commence his plan of establishing a Seminary; and we trust our next accounts will confirm our confidence in his talents, and exhibit the power and grace of God operating by him in the diffusion of the pure Gospel of Christ in those countries, which he has chosen as the scene of his Missionary labours. The Directors wi.ll now intreat your attention to another important branch of the India Mission; namely, that which is destined to SUHAT. In the last Report, it was mentioned that the Brother Love- less remained at Madras, while Dr. Taylor proceeded to Ben- gal, to visit the Baptist Brethren at Serampore, and obtain such information at Calcutta, as might be useful with regard to the languages, and other objects connected with the in- tended establishment of this Mission. The accounts received from these brethren come down to October last, when Dr. at Magelandy, which the Divan, or prime minister of the King, has since granted, and still pursuing his proper work a» an itinerant la- bourer, after a variety of incidents, and meeting here and there with jome sincere Christians, he returned to Palamcotta in July; from whence he shortly after again set out, and visited repeatedly all the- Missionary stations in the Tinevelley district, a circuit of above 400 English miles; endeavouring to rectify abuses, discharge unworthy and unqualified catechists, and to purify the professing church as far as in his power. Our brother writes towards the conclusion of his Journal thus> " Every thing i-n this country seems to draw to a favourable crisis ; my " two youths in a course of preparation for the ministry, promise well; " when engaged with them my heart is at rest. I maintain them out of '» my allowance, and wish for nothing more ardently than to be enabled, " hy some means, to begin a more numerous Seminary. The Lord pre- " serves my health in the midst of fatigue and vexation, keeps me from " falling into gross sins, and has procured me here a field of usefulness, " and an excellent opportunity of collecting information and experience " towards the management of a great Missionary concern in these lands." Taylor TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 27 Taylor was on his passage from Bengal to Bombay, having found that it was not practicable to make the journey by land, as he had projected. His departure for Surat had been deferred by the afflictive intelligence of Mrs. Taylor's death. His mind was so depressed, and his health so much impaired, that he thought it best to return to the society of his friends at Bengal, until his mind should recover that tranquillity need- ful to enable him to prosecute the great objects before him.- The time he thus passed at Serampore, was employed in making progress in the Mahratta, the Hindostanee, and the Persian languages; and the brethren having no medical man among them, he endeavoured to repay to their families, by his skill in that department, some of those obligations which their hospitality and friendship had laid him under. The Directors gladly embrace this opportunity of testifying their high sense of their obligations to those christian friends, while they most cordially rejoice in the success with which the glorious Head of the Church has been pleased to bless their labours. The communications received from Mr. Loveless at Madras are very satisfactory, and have renewed, with great force, upon the minds of the Directors, the necessity of finding a godly and accomplished minister to reside at Madias, as a cen- tral and most useful station for promoting the plans of the Soci- ety in spreading the Gospel throughout various parts of India. Our Brother Loveless, whose humility and devotedness is conspicuous in the whole of his conduct, is exceedingly de- sirous to follow Dr. Taylor to Surat, but cannot, from a sense of duty, leave Madras, until his station as a preacher at the chapel in the Black Town is supplied by a suitable minis r er. He had, in the interim, at the request of a worthy friend, to whom the brethren are all much indebted, accepted the of- fice of schoolmaster of the Male Orphan Asylum at that place. His Journals from August to September last, contain some interesting particulars, which will be given to the public in our periodical accounts. With regard to Seringapatam, a Mis- sionary Station which the Directors have long contemplated as 28 Report of the directors as exceedingly desirable, he writes, " that a military officer" " of rank stationed there, had expressed his desire, and the " pleasure it would give him, to receive and patronize Mis- " sionaries at that place, where the casts are by no means so " formidable an obstacle as might be supposed, the late Tip- " poo Suitaun having considerably broke them down bv his " tyrannical proceedings, and especially by circumcising the " Bramins;" and this encouraging view < f that station was further corroborated by all his reverend friends at Madras. His hearers were increasing at the chapel, and he had established public family worship among the people at the Asylum, at which many of the youths attended. On several occasions he was solaced with the conversation and assistance of some evangelical clergymen, one resident in India, and others newly arrived from England. In respect of the reverend Missionaries established at Vepe- ry and at Tranquebar, to whom the Directors had addressed friendly letters above a year ago, their kind and cordial senti- ments of Christian love, and unitedness of heart, to the great work in which we are severally engaged, continue unabated. Some have written us to that effect; and he is directed by others to convey these friendly sentiments to us. Thus our dear brother seems acceptable and useful in his present temporary situation, though not strictly engaged in Missionary labour among the Heathen until he can remove to Sural.* * He concludes his advices in these words: " My situation T feel very " arduous, as 1 have 300 boys under my care. I am schoolmaster un- •• der Doctor , the superintendant of the Institution. The school is ** divided Into classes, which are taught by boys chosen from among * themselves, and my office consists in seeing those do their duty, and " in watching over every part of the school. Their moral conduct and *' religious instruction are peculiarly under my charge, therefore I am ♦' constantly employed in reproving and correcting vice, and eocourag- •« ing virtue, among all classes. This affords a fine opportunity to shew «' the deformity of the one, and the loveliness of the other, and to re- " commend 4 TO THE MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 29 CEYLON. Recent accounts have been received from the Missiona- ries at ibis populous island, where, beside the heathen, many thousands reside, who have the name, and not.iing more, of Christianity. Brother Vos, who was appointed minister of the Dutch Church at Guile, has been removed to Culmnoo, whore he preaches to a few Dutch who attend the church, and to a greater number in his own house; he preaches also at two or three other private houses on the week-days, and takes pains to catechise the young people. A Cingalese mi- nister, who has resided many years in the island, is now pro- ceeding with a translation of the Old Testament into that language, which was long ago commenced by his father. The jSevv Testament, which is already printed in Cingalese, is now very rarely to be procured. A very interesting account of the state of matters at Jaflf- napatnam has been communicated by Brother Palm, who is stationed at that place. He has acquired so much of the Malabar language, as to enable him to speak a little in it, particularly to the children whom he catechises. He intends, hereafter, to proceed into the interior of the country, and live entirely among the heathen, for whose salvation he ap- *' commend true religion in its native beauty. Indeed it presents a large " field of usefulness, as several of them are arrived to y ars of natuiitv; " and there ae i$ttsstonarp §&>octetp, AT THE TABERNACLE, Wednesday Evening, May 13, 1807. BY THE REV. ROBERT JACK, OF MANCHESTER SERMON II THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF THE CHURCH, THE EFFECT OF DIVINE INFLUENCE. Isaiah xxvii. 6. He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and Jill the face of the world with fruit. 1 HE text is supposed to have had its literal accomplish- ment when Jerusalem was delivered from the destroying army of Sennacherib. But the grace of which it speaks did not terminate in that great temporal deliverance. It is under- stood by Christian interpreters to extend to the times of the Gospel, and to lay a foundation for our hope of nobler blessings, and of better days. The posterity of Jacob were a highly favoured people, and were distinguished from the other nations of the earth by the most honourable appel- lations, and by the most exalted privileges. After, however, many vicissitudes, for disowning and rejecting the Messiah when he came, they were disinherited by the offended God of their fathers, deprived of all their peculiar privileges, ex- pelled from the land of promise, and are become miserable wanderers among the nations. What shall we say then to these things ? Is there no Israel now to be found, among whom God's name is great? \ea, veriiy, though Israel according to the flesh be no more the people of God, still, # " there is a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people, a true circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.'' Many sinners of the Gentiles, f " who sometimes were far off ; are now made nigh by the blood of Christ/' and have * 1 Pet. ii. 9. Phil. iii. 3. t Eph. ii. 13. become, 54 THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF THE CHURCH, become, through faith, the spiritual children of Abraham, the true Israel of God. Such, the Scriptures assure us, are " Israelites indeed, * though Abraham be ignorant of them, and Israel according to the flesh acknowledge them not, for f if we are Christ's, then are we Abraham's seed, and iieirs according to the promise." There is a period, however, announced in ancient prophe- cy,, a happy period, when £ " Israel shall be yet a blessing in the midst of the land,'' Converted to the faith of Christ, and: restored to their own land, we have ground to believe tlvat they shall be incorporated with the Christian church in one spiritual society, of which Israel according to the flesh was a figure. No remaining distinction shall then subsist Iretwixt § " Jew and Gentile, Barbarian, Scythian, bond and liee. They shall be all one in Christ Jesus." No longer shall abey regard each other as jj " strangers and foreigners, but ®s fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." " Built upon the foundation of the apostles and yrophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, they shall grow up inlo a holy temple in the Lord." %" If the falling away of the Jews hath proved the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gen- tiles, how much more their fulness ? If through their rejection the Gentiles became reconciled to God, what shall the re- ceiving of them be, but as life from the dead V The time when these events shall take place is emphati- cally styled, in the language of prophecy, that day, and the fatter days, doubtless ultimately referring to the days of the Gospel, and, in particular, to a time in the Christian dispen- sation which is yet future, and which respects a more ad- vanced period in the kingdom of God. l\\ considering the • .', ine administration toward the church, whether Jewish or Christian, we must perceive that nothing has yet occurred in ks pas; experience commensurate in extent, duration and #iory, to ihe pleasing predictions of ancient prophecy. When this * # " time to favour Zion" shall come, we are not ihle positively to determine ; but we know that there is a set time, beyond which its approach cannot be delayed, and that > i. q it arrives, ". the Lord shall build up Zion, and shall ir in his glory." Then it is promised, " He shall cause them that come of Jacoh to take root, Israel shall ' >.. Ixiii. tfS. f Gal. Hi. £9. | Ibai. >-ix. 24. § Gal. iik 28. Cat iii. 1 1. |j Efb. ii. )