AFRICA CAMEROONS, Fuller, J. J., Oct. 29; Saker, SIERRA LEONE, Paterson, J., Nov. 12. CALCUTTA, Lewis, C. B., Oct. 20, Nov. 5; Martin, CHEFOO, Kloekers, H. Z., Sep. 18; McMechan, HOWRAH, Morgan, T., Oct. 15. JESSORE, Anderson, J. II., Nov. 4; Hobbs, W. A., KHOOLNEAH, Johnson, E. C., Oct. 17. SHANGHAE, Kingdon, E. F., Oct. 20. AUSTRALIA HOBART TOWN, Tinson, Mrs., Sep. 22. MORLAIX, Jenkins, J., Dec. 2. WEST INDIES-BAHAMAS - INAGUA-Littlewood, W. NASSAU, Davey, J., Nov. 19. TURKS' ISLANDS, Kerr, S., Oct. 25; Rycroft, JAMAICA-ANNOTTA BAY, Jones, S., Oct. 23. STEWART TOWN, Webb, W. M., Oct. 24. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The thanks of the Committee are presented to the following friends:Friends at Cheltenham, by Mrs. Beetham, for a bale of clothing, value £2 10s., for the Rev. J. Clark Brown's Town, Jamaica. Missionary Working Party at Salem Chapel, Cheltenham, ditto, value £4 10s., for ditto. Mrs. Lincoln, Cambridge, and other friends, for a box of clothing for Jamaica. Mr. Risdon, Pershore, for copy of Howe's works, and a parcel of clothing, for Rev. J. Clark Brown's Town, Jamaica, Mr. J. Harvey, Leeds, for a parcel of clothing and medicines for the poor, value £6, for ditto. Mrs. Tritton, Norwood, for a bale of clothing for Mrs. Knilb, Stewarton, Jamaica. Friend at Birmingham, by Mrs. Giles, for a case of articles, for Rev. J. M. Phillippo, Jamaica. Mr. Stradley, Leadenhall Market, for a parcel of magazines. Subscriptions and Donations in aid of the Baptist Missionary Society will be thankfully received by Sir Samuel Morton Peto, Bart., M.P., Treasurer; by the Rev. Frederick Trestrail, and Edward Bean Underhill, LL D., Secretaries, at the Mission House, 33, Moorgate Street, LONDON; in EDINBURGH, by the Rev. Jonathan Watson, and John MacAndrew, Esq.; in GLASGOW, by John Jackson, Esq.; in CALCUTTA, by the Rev. C. B. Lewis, Baptist Mission Press. Contributions can also be paid in at Messrs. Barclay, Bevan, Tritton, and Co's., White Hart Court, Lombard Street, to the account of the JTreasurer. JANUARY, 1865. THE OFFICE OF SECRETARY. THE following letter was addressed by the Rev. F. TRESTRAIL to the Editors of the Freeman. As it places the circumstances in which he kindly consented to serve the Society very clearly and fully before the public, it is deemed desirable that it should also appear in the Chronicle. The appointment must afford pleasure to all the friends of the Baptist Irish Society, and is regarded by the Committee as the best that could possibly have been made in the circumstances described. The prompt and liberal aid of the Christian public is earnestly solicited that Mr. Trestrail may feel he has been well sustained in his efforts to aid the Irish Mission in the present emergency. Contributions sent in as early as possible will greatly facilitate the discharge of duties so kindly undertaken. "Dear Sirs, "To the Editors of the Freeman. "As The Irish Chronicle may not be seen by all our friends in the country, I crave a small space to call attention to the following extract from the current number, relating to the resignation of office by my friend Mr. Middleditch : "The Committee have adopted measures for the discharge of the Secretary's duties in the interval between Christmas and the Society's Annual Meeting, which will, they are assured, be thoroughly efficient and satisfactory. In compliance with their earnest request, the Rev. F. Trestrail has kindly consented to take the superintendence of the Society's affairs for that period, with such aid as may enable him to do so without interfering with the numerous and responsible duties of his own office. The Committee have much pleasure in making an an nouncement which will be gladly received by the friends of the Society throughout the United Kingdom.' "This paragraph is very clear and explicit, and as far as the Irish Society is concerned, needs nothing farther. But as there are some other interests concerned, a few additional observations seem to me desirable. It is well known, I apprehend, that the subject of the amalgamation of the Home and Irish Societies is under consideration, and the Committee appointed to report thereon will bring up some plan at the Members' Meeting in April. It is deemed by all parties most desirable that the Secretariat of both Societies should be held, for the present, only temporarily. To obtain the services of a gentleman conversant with the Irish Society's affairs for so short a period seemed very difficult, and as the proposal made to me was one which asked simply for superintendence, my old love for an Institution I formerly served, my esteem for its Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee, and my desire to promote the interests of a valuable denominational Society, combined to make this request, coming under such very peculiar circumstances, a call of duty, especially as assistance will be given to prevent any interference with my duties here. The period of this desired superintendence is so brief, and the necessity of the Society so urgent, that I felt to refuse the sacrifice of the time and leisure required by compliance with a request most carnestly urged, would be very unworthy. On these grounds I have consented to undertake this duty till April, and I shall feel exceedingly glad if my doing so may help the Committee in their labours, and aid any efforts towards a suitable permanent arrangement. "I am, dear Sirs, yours very truly, "FRED. TRESTRAIL. "33, Moorgate-street, E.C., Dec. 8, 1861." CARRICKFERGUS. THE new meeting-house in this town was opened for Divine worship on Lord's day, November 11th. Sermons were preached on the occasion by the Rev. R. M. Henry, of Belfast, and the Rev. J. Douglas, of Portadown. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, the attendance was large, and collections were made greatly exceeding the expectations indulged. On Monday evening, 12th ult., a public meeting was held, when D. Pasley, Esq., presided, and addresses on various topics referring to the revival of religion, were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Price (Wesleyan), the Rev. Mr. Reeve (Wesleyan Association), the Rev. Mr. Close (Reformed Presbyterian), the Rev. Mr. Fletcher (Independent), the Rev. J. Douglas, of Portadown; and Mr Aldridge, of Dublin. The Rev. R. M. Henry closed the interesting services by prayer. Tea was supplied gratuitously by friends in the town. The Christian kindness of many persons belonging to various denominations will long be remembered with grateful pleasure by the pastor and members of the church. COLERAINE. MR. TESSIER has recently supplied the following letter on the religious condition of a large portion of the people of Ireland : "My dear Brother, "We often hear about 'Ireland's miseries,' and, in fact, so much about them that we almost begin to feel miserable ourselves. If we would, however, shut our eyes to the fact at any time, and imagine that the Irish people are the happiest people under the sun, our dream is soon dispelled by the next column that meets our eye in the newspaper, and which graphically describes the miseries to which the Irish people are subject. We seldom find a remedy given for these evils. It appears, in fact, that it is with them as with the potato blight,' the cause of the disease is unknown. To me, however, it is not the poverty of the people generally which is the greatest evil, but the spiritual darkness that hangs over their souls. To be poor is not the greatest evil; but to be without Christ, this is the most tremendous of all evils. The fact is patent to those who know anything at all of Ireland, that millions of the population are adherents to the most false and pernicious system of error that has ever appeared in the world. The effects of this system are seen in nearly every country of the globe. It is not where Popery, but where Protestantism flourishes that we find real prosperity. I do not say that Popery is the cause of every evil that we find in this country; but I believe it to be the chief cause. Were this to cease, Ireland's miseries would be greatly alleviated. The remedy that I would give for Ireland's miseries is the Gospel, and if it does not reach them all, it will certainly remove the greatest. It strikes at the root of a God-dishonouring system, and raises up the mind of man from its degradation. There are, doubtless, difliculties in the way of giving the Gospel to the people, and it needs much prayer and great grace to do it effectively. I suppose that emigration will tend to uproot the prejudices of the people, they being delivered by it in a great measure from priestly domination. But we have a great work to do at home with the masses that remain. What will so affect them for good as the sweet influences of the Gospel of Christ? I think we have in the town in which I live an illustration of the benign effects of Protestantism. ness and wretchedness are not the prevailing things in this part of Ireland. The people generally are in a respectable if not in a wealthy condition; and the town, compared with many other Irish towns, is a pattern of order, neatness, and morality. These are some of the effects that flow from our glorious Protestantism. You will be glad, I am sure, to hear what we are doing as a denomination in this place. We are, of course, small compared with the dominant parties that surround us, but we are becoming better known as Baptists than we were. There are so Idle few of our ministers labouring in Ireland that in some places the people scarcely know what a Baptist is. It is remarkable, the prejudice that some have imbibed against our principles; but if we had more labourers, i think we could easily push on our cause in the north of Ireland. In my position here there is no Baptist church with a stated minister for many miles. I am, therefore, shut out from any communication with my brethren in the ministry. We hear of one another by the hearing of the ear only. The day, however, is coming when we shall be better known, and our principles embraced, and the Baptist name cease to be a name of reproach, and become a name of glory. As a Church, we have great cause for thankfulness, for in the midst of the reaction of revival time, and the constant emigration of the people, we remain as numerous, as united, and as prosperous as ever. The result of our denominational efforts in Ireland are in some cases exceedingly gratifying, and will be more so as we are remembered at a throne of grace.' 'PRAY FOR US.' "The Rev. C. J. Middleditch." DERRYNEIL, CLOSKELT. THE progress of this interesting cause is thus described by Mr. MACRORY:"My dear Mr. Middleditch, As the year is drawing near its termination, I will give you a brief statement of the progress of the Lord's work in this place. Twelve months ago we were busied in the erection of a chapel wherein to worship the Lord, and preach His Gospel. At that time the building had not risen much above the ground. Now, thanks to the King and Head of the Church, notwithstanding many difficulties from want of funds and sectarian opposition, we are privileged to worship in a substantial edifice, 50 feet by 42 feet, with an elevation sufficient for gallery when needed. We have also a comfortable vestry, wherein our social meetings and Sabbath-school are held. The entire cost is £250, of which a considerable sum is yet unpaid. We could not have succeeded thus far had not the Lord raised up a noble-hearted and generous friend, Mr. Samuel Rea, the owner of the soil, to whom we are still deeply indebted. I have no doubt you will sympathize with our people when I inform you that they are worshipping in a building neither floored, ceiled, or plastered, which, of course, is very uncomfortable. To remedy this, the sum of £150 additional will be requisite, so as to complete the whole. I trust our brethren across the Channel, with their large-hearted and Christian liberality, will not permit the Redeemer's cause to languish and suffer in Derryneil for want of funds. I may say that the want of funds has been the greatest barrier we have hitherto had. I well know that many have been and are still standing back, watching the issue of the struggle, fearing to join us formally, lest we should be swamped for want of aid. I do not justify the sentiment; still such is the fact. Notwithstanding these difficulties, however, the Lord has set His seal to the work in the conversion of souls and additions to the Church. Since my last return of forty-five members we have received a number by baptism, and at present there are seven who, I believe, will soon put on their Lord by baptism. One of them was formerly a Roman Catholic. For some time he has been in connection with the Presbyterian Church, but now is a regular worshipper with us. Another, whom I lately baptized, had for several years held the office of Preccntor, in the Established Church at Hilltown (a village seven miles south of Derryneil), and has given up salary and former connections, though a poor man. He is a regular and useful member with us, though his dwelling is five miles distant. He frequently addresses meetings in course of the week. Our meetings here are steady, and on the whole increasing. Our morning service on Lord's day is generally composed of members and their children, and those who are looking forward to connection with us. Our evening service is attended by persons from all districts around, and varies from seventy to several hundreds; as, for instance, when baptism is announced. On LONDON- Contributions received on behalf of the Baptist Irish Society, from November 18th to £ s. d. By Rev. T. Berry- Yorkshire- Bingley 0 2 0 0 0 7 6 50 1 0 0 1 1 0 Hebden Bridge Leeds 1 0 0 Lancashire- 0 10 0 Accrington 0 5 0 Ashton-under-Lyne .................................. Bacup £ s. d. 180 8 12 7 Bourton, by Rev. J. Toll Cardiff, by Rev. J. Wilshere Comrie, McFarlane, Mr. Exeter, Adams, Miss Hemel Hempstead, by Rev. W. Emery Leicester, Charles Street, by R. Harris, Esq.... 18 6 3 400 Liverpool, Coward, John, Esq. .................................... 10 0 0 Norwich, by Mrs. E. Smith.................. 0 10 0 17 10 11 Bury.. 6 12 6 200 6 2 2 11 5 9 0 15 7 Colne 1 2 0 Oswaldtwistle 0 10 0 3 0 Preston..... Rickmansworth, Steane, Rev. E., D.D. ...... 5 0 .......... St. Albans, by W. L. Smith, Esq. .......... 13 13 5 2 0 10 Earl's Barton Middleton Teesdale 2 0 0 Hackleton 2 0 0 26 12 9 LEGACY. 4 6 8 1 11 0 19 2 13 2 0 2 17 6 1 14 3 4126 017 6 0.10 0 110 6 330 94 8 8 0.12 0 4 16 4 388 076 176 117 6 1 16 0 14 5 6 Mr. BOURNE, of Grange, desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the following acceptable contributions:-A THE MISSION is now truly encouraging. Several of the Churches bid fair to become self-sus- **CONTRIBUTIONS are respectfully, yet earnestly, requested; and will be thankfully received |