preach their Anniversary Sermon. Demurring on account of the little countenance given to them by their evangelical brethren in the Establishment, he wished to know the reason why the Eclectic Society in particular did not unite with them. This wish was stated to the Society, and brought on a long and interesting conversation at our last meeting, respecting the nature of Missions. Two points were unanimously assented to; one, that the (London) Missionary Society was not formed upon those principles, which were either calculated to produce success, or to justify our publicly uniting with them: the other, that it was the indispensable duty of every minister of the Church in general, and of ourselves in particular, to promote by all the means in our powers the propagation of the Gospel abroad. We enquired in some degree into the possibility of our doing this, without being irregular, and it was thought that it might be done, without infringing upon the order of the Establishment in any material point. The subject was however thought so important, that it was determined to appropriate another afternoon to its consideration, although it wholly engrossed our last. Accordingly, Monday se'nnight was fixed for the discussion of this question: By what methods may we most effectually contribute to the propagation of the Gospel amongst the Heathen.' On that day I am to move three resolutions, to be entered upon the Society's book, which were partly considered at our last meeting: The first, expressing it to be the duty of each member of the Society to pray daily for a proper spirit to feel the deplorable state of the Heathen, and for direction and grace to endeavour to promote their conversion. This also to be one subject in the prayer made at the Eclectic. The second proposes, that we should each write to four or five of our intimate friends, and engage them to unite with us both in prayer, and also in looking around to discover either a minister or a layman, who appears to be influenced by a true missionary spirit, and who is properly qualified and willing to offer himself to the service of Christ. The third, that we should each bear in our mind the great work of promoting a Mission, and revolve the various plans for best carrying it into execution, as also determine in what country it may be best set on foot. You will see that the object of these resolutions is to set on foot an enquiry, and to direct our attention and those of our friends to the subject. . . . . . . It is not proposed that the Eclectic Society should do more than be the father of such a plan; nor that any funds should be raised till proper men are found, for whom we must earnestly pray; knowing that the Spirit of God must in all these cases lead, and that our business will be only to give temporal assistance and advice to those whom He has appeared to set apart for the work. Recollecting that we once before, at your desire, discussed a similar question, the Society felt the propriety of inviting you to assist at our next meeting, and I undertook to write to you upon that head." This meeting was held March 18th. "Fourteen members were present. Mr. Venn opened the discussion, by insisting upon the duty of doing something for the conversion of the Heathen. Mr. Charles Grant urged the founding of a Missionary Seminary. The Rev. Josiah Pratt advocated the adoption of the Resolution, as 'breathing a quiet, humble, dependent spirit.' The Rev. Charles Simeon, with characteristic distinctness of purpose and promptitude of zeal, proposed three questions: What can we do? -When shall we do it?-How shall we do it? What can we do? We cannot join the (London) Missionary Society; yet I bless God that they have stood forth. We must now stand forth. We require something more than resolutions-something ostensible-something held up to the public. Many draw back because we do not stand forward.-When shall we do it? Directly: not a moment to be lost. We have been dreaming these four years, while all England, all Europe, has been awake.-How shall we do it? It is hopeless to wait for Missionaries. Send out Catechists. Plan two years ago. Mr. Wilberforce.' The result of this meeting was a general consent that a Society should be forthwith formed, by inviting a few of those upon whose concurrence in their own views they could rely; and that a Prospectus of their proceedings should be afterwards prepared, and that then their plans should be laid before the Heads of the Church. The next meeting of the Eclectic was devoted to the same subject, and the Rules of the proposed Society were considered and settled. On the 12th of April a meeting was held at the Castle-and-Falcon Inn, Aldersgate Street, For the purpose of Instituting a Society amongst the Members of the Established Church for sending Missionaries among the Heathen.' The Rev. J. Venn was in the chair, and detailed the objects of the Meeting*." Sixteen clergymen and nine laymen were See Appendix to Rev. H. Venn's Sermon. all that composed that small assembly; but the blessing of God was manifestly with them in their 'work of faith and labour of love.' 'The Society for Missions to Africa and the East,' then formally established, grew and advanced like the grain of mustard-seed; and in less than half a century it has carried the knowledge of the unsearchable riches of Christ' to Western Africa and New Zealand-to India, North and South-to Ceylon and Bombayto the West Indies-to the shores of the Mediterranean-to the wild Indian in North West America;and, at length, has extended its holy efforts to the vast field opened to us among the countless multitudes of China. May the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ rest abundantly upon all who are connected with this and kindred institutions; and may the language of their prayers ever be, 'God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us, that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations!' CHAPTER VIII. HAPPY HOURS AT SHELFORD- -STRAW MANUFACTORY AT STAPLE BOWSTEAD MR. SOWERBY BECHURCH-HIS EARLY DEATH FORD LETTER FROM BISHOP 1800-1807. "Do you remember a very pleasant spot," writes Mr. Thomason to his mother, "where there are two bridges, and you have a sweet view on both sides? Close to that spot is our mansion; the walks extend down to the river. A more beautiful place I never saw it is the garden of Cambridgeshire. When I look around me, it seems a dream: I can scarcely persuade myself it belongs to me. If you think of me between the hours of twelve and two, you may imagine me walking in the shrubbery with my little Hebrew Bible in my hand. Should the sun be very hot, depend upon it, I have taken my seat under the shade of a thick chestnut there I endeavour to collect my thoughts and stir myself up to diligent improvement and application of the Word of God. But alas! I find it easier to admire the landscape around me, than to raise my |