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Kingdom; and which may, with peculiar confidence, be expected in the city of Bristol, so long distinguished for its religion and benevolence. The attendance of Ministers and Christians, from the country around, as well as from the inhabitants of the city, is likely to be very considerable; and an example, it is hoped, will be held forth to other great and populous towns of this kingdom, of that Christian liberality which will enable the Society greatly to increase the number of their Missionaries, who may make manifest the savour of the Redeemer's name in places where Satan has hitherto reigned in darkness, without controul.

It is intended to conclude the solemnities of this Missionary Association, by the administration of the Communion, at the Tabernacle, on Thursday evening.-The Rev. Mr. Bogue to preside.

[Collections for the benefit of the Institution, will be made at the close of the Services.]

PLYMOUTH.

In the populous towns of Plymouth and Dock, where a large number of serious Christians reside, it is proposed to hold a meeting, like that at Bristol, in the following weck. The order of the services is expected to be as follows::

Tuesday, Oct. 13, at half-past 10 o'clock, The Rev. Mr. WILCOX, of London, to preach at St. John's Chapel, Plymouth Dock.

Tuesday Evening, at six, The Rev. Mr. BOGUE, of Gosport, to preach at Batter-street.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, at seven in the morning, The Rev. Mr. BURDER, of London, to preach at the New Tabernacle.

The public meeting for business to be held at Batter-street, at 11 o'clock, in the same morning.

Wednesday Evening, The Rev. Mr. THORP, of Bristol, to preach at Princes-street.

Thursday, Oct. 15, at Half past 10 in the morning, the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper will be administered at the New Tabernacle. The Rev. Mr. BOGUE to preside.

[Collections for the support of the Missionary Institution, will be made at the close of each meeting.]

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BAPTIST MISSION, INDIA. FIRE AT SERAMPORE. Copy of a Letter from Dr. Marshman, of Serampore, to Dr. Ryland, of Bristol, dated March 12th, received September 9th, 1812.

'MY DEAR SIR,

Another

I CLOSED a letter to you on the 10th, but now write anew. leaf of the ways of Providence has been since unfolded, which will fill you both with sorrow and gratitude, and call for the exercise of faith in HIM, whose word, firm as the pillars of Heaven, has declared “ All things shall work together for the good of them that love God."

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Last night, about six, I was sitting in my study, musing over the dealings of God, who had that day week taken my infant son; and what afflicted me far more, three weeks before, dear brother Ward's second daughter, about six years old, in a putrid sore throat. While reflecting on these providences, and attempting to collect my thoughts on "It is of the Lord's mercies we are not consumed,' as a subject for our weekly evening Lecture, some one exclaimed, "The printing-office is on fire!" I ran instantly thither, and beheld, at the lower end of the office, which is a room 200 feet long, a stage containing 700 reams of English paper, sent out to print the Tamul and Cingalese New Testament, enveloped in flames. Every door and window but one, was fastened by a large flat bar of iron which went across it, and was secured by a bolt in the inside. In five minutes the room was so filled with smoke, that a candle could not live. Finding it impossible to open the windows, or for any one to go in without danger of instant death, we fastened that door again, in the

hope of smothering the flame; and ascending the roof, pierced it over the fire; and by incessantly pouring down Water, so kept it under for three hours, that nothing but that paper appeared to have kindled; and there the flame was greatly abated. The alarm which we gave, brought all the Europeans around us to our assistance, besides our native servants; so that we had all the assistance we could desire. While, however the flames were got under there, I looked in, and suddenly saw a flame spread about twenty feet higher up. The smoke and steam increased, so as te reader it death to get three feet within the wall. In a few minutes the flames spread in every direction, and took away all hope of saving any thing from thence, and filled us with terror for Mrs. Marshman's School, about thirty feet to the north-west;-a bed-room for the boys, about sixteen feet full north, which communicated with brother Carey's; and the hall, library, and museum, within twelve feet of it, to the north-east. The wind, however, fell, and it burned as straight upward as a fire on a hearth, and communicated to nothing beside. It remained burning for six hours, and consumed the beams, five feet in circumference, the roof, the windows, and every thing but the walls. Happily, no lives were lost, nor a bone broken The loss we cannot at present estimate. It has consumed all but the six presses, which we rejoice were saved, being in a side-room. Two thousand reams of English paper are consumed, worth at least 5000 7. Founts of types, in fourteen languages, besides English. The editions of the new Testament which are stopped, are nine. The editions of the old Testament are five Among the English works susrended, till we get types from you, are The Sungskrit Grammar; Brother Ward's Work on the Manners of the Hindoos; Confucius; The Dissertation on the Chinese, enlarged; Bengalee Dictionary and a Telinga Graminar. The loss cannot be less than Twelve thousand Pounds sterling; and all our labours are at once stopped.

Yet, amidst all, mercy evidently shines. I trembled for dear brother Ward (as our Sisters did for us both) lest the roof should have fallen in with him; or, lest he should have entered too far, and at once extinguish the spark of life. But we were all preserved, blessed be God. The flames touched nothing besides; they might have consumed every thing. The presses are preserved, and happily the matrices of all the founts of types were deposited in another piace; had they been burnt, it must have been years before they could have been replaced. We can now, however, begin casting types to-morrow, if we can find money; country paper can be substituted for English; and thus two or three months will put the Versions of the Scriptures in motion again. But for English we shall be distressed, till you send us a supply. We know not even how to send you a circular letter. I am writing this at Calcutta, to go by the packet this evening, whither I am come to inform Brother Carey; and therefore cannot tell you what types, nor how many. They must, however, be all the sizes from the Text of Confucius to the Minion in the circular letter; also Italian, and every printing utensil accompanying. Perhaps some friend in London, in the printing line, can tell what goes to complete a printing-office with English types. You must also send a fount of Greek and Hebrew. I am distressed to think where you will find money; but send, if you incur a debt; the silver and the gold are the Lord's.' The Christian sympathy of our friends almost overwhelms me. Mr. Browne was confined by illness; but Mr. Bird, his son-in-law, exerted himself for us in the most strenuous manner. I fear it affects Mr. Browne's mind even more than mine own: he sent off an express at midnight, to acquaint Mr. Harrington, who is deeply affected. Poor Mr. Thomason wept like a child to-day, on hearing of it. He begs us to make out a minute statement of our loss; and says he will use allˇdis interest on our behalf. We shall write again to-morrow. I feel assured that the Lord will bring so much good out of it, that Satan will repent it ever was done. How it arose, we know not. J. MARSHMANG

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I am ever yours,

P. S. One thing will enable us to go to work the sooner: the keys of a building, larger than the printing-office, which we had let for years, as a warehouse, were given up to us on Saturday last. Thus, we have a place to resume our labours, the moment types are cast.'

We trust that this affecting event will arouse the attention and excite the generosity of the religious public, both in India and in Britain, so that the loss, great as it is, will be speedily repaired.

On the very same day on which this intelligence was communicated to the Missionary Society, the Directors instantly voted, with the most affectionate unanimity, One Hundred Guineas to the Baptist Missionary Society; and on the following Wednesday (Sept. 16.) the Trustees of the Evangelical Magazine voted for the same purpose Fifty Pounds.

We hear that the British and Foreign Bible Society, with their accustomed liberality, have voted a second sum of £500 to the Rev. Mr. Morrison, of Canton, in China, for his further assistance in that most important of all undertakings, the translation of the holy Scriptures into the Chinese language.

The children of the Sunday School at Sion Chapel have raised, by voluntary weekly donations, Four Pounds for the use of the Missionary Society, since the last Anniversary in May,-accompanied by a letter, expressing in pious and simple language, their motives for making this contribution. We are sorry that we caunot insert it.

Congregational School.

Mr. Editor,-I shall feel much obliged, by your affording room, in this mouth's Magazine, for a few lines respecting the Congregational School. The list of candidates for the next election, it is foreseen, will be long and distressing; and the earnestness of poor ministers for the reception of their children, is very great. The election is unavoidably postponed; and I am fearful the number of admissions must be much smaller than the committee desire, or the nature and number of the applications seem to demand. It is matter of surprise that so many wealthy members of the Congregational Churches, have as yet made no contribution to this Institution. On the other hand, it is matter of thankfulness that so many have shown friendship to it; and that already it has received 12 children

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under its patronage; several of whom are very promising.

As soon as the day of election is fixed, and the number of children determined upon, general notice will be given,

Yours, &c. JOHN TOWNSEND. Bermondsey, Sept. 16, 1812.

London Female Penitentiary.

THE Committee are happy in acquainting the friends of this Institution, that the Wing lately erected and paid for, is already inhabited, the number of objects on the Establishment being now 70. When the additional building, now erecting on the east side of the garden and already covered in, is completed, containing an Infirmary and prompt reception ward, the charity will commodiously inclose within its walls 100 objects.

The Committee have very recently paid a moiety of the experce of the erection down the garden; in effecting which, however, they have been necessitated to sell out the remaining money in the public funds; and, for want of money in their Treasurer's hands, are unable to discharge pressing demands upon them for the current expences of the Institution.

The sum of about 2000 is ir mediately wanted to complete the present building contract, including the expence of absolutely necessary furniture.

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To the Reports the religious Public are referred for the good which, under the blessing of God, it appears has been effected by means of this excellent charity;

for which, and for the support that the Institution has hitherto received, heartfelt gratitude to the Lord is largely due.

It is very evident, however, that not the prosperity only, but the very existence of the charity, depends upon an increase of zeal, exertion, and liberality on the part of the religious public; who will not permit an Institution to sink, or even to decline, which possesses so many irresistible claims to their benevolent regard, and in the success of.which they have hitherto taken so laudable an interest; so far indeed from suffering it to languish, the Committee confidently hope that, by the instituting of Auxiliary Societies, by the aid of Collections at Sermons, and the exertions of benevolent individuals, the expectations of the Committee will be more than fulfilled in the future gradual enlargement and constantly increasing utility of the Institution.

By Order of the Committee, Pentonville, T. PELLATT, October, 1812. Secretary. Subscriptions are received by W. Alers, Esq. Treasurer; Mr. Pellatt, becretary, Fenchurch Street; Mr. Andrew Johnstone, Collector for the Western District, 9, Weston Street. Pentonville; and Mr. Robert Elwin, Collector to the Eastern District, 7, Somers' Place West, New Road.

NOTICES.

Cambridgeshire Auxiliary Missionary Society. The first General Meeting of this newly formed Institution is intended to be held at ROYSTON on Tuesday, October 27; when two Sermous will be preached on the occasion, both in the morning; one by the Rev. Mr. Harris, of Cambridge; and the other by Dr. Winter, of London.

East London Auxiliary Missionary Society held their first General Meeting at the Rev. Andrew Reed's Chapel, New Road, St. George's in the East, on Monday evening, September 21. G. Green, Esq. Treasurer; and the Rev. Mess. Hooper and Reed, Secretaries.

The West London Auriliary Mission, ary, Society was expected to hold their first Quarterly Meeting at the Scots Church (Dr. Nicol's) in Swallow Street, on Monday Evening September 30 ;-of

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The Autumnal Meeting of the Bedfordshire Union of Christians, will be held at St. Ives, Herts, on Wed. Oct. 7, when Mr. Jay, of Bath, and Mr. Hobson, of Malden, are expected to preach. -It is intended in the afternoon to institute a benevolent Society for the relief of aged and infirm Ministers, and the necessitous Widows and Orphans of Ministers, in the county of Bedford and neighbouring counties.

The next Half yearly Meeting of the Wilts Association, will be held ou Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Rev. Mr. Gough's Meeting, Chippenham.

The Quarterly Meeting of the SalopAssociation will be held at Oswestry, on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15 and 16. Mr. Harris to preach on Thurs day evening; and Mr. Augear on Friday afternoon. A double Lecture in the evening

CHELTENHAM. The Rev. Mr. Brown, of Euley, in Gloucestershire. has accepted of the pastoral charge of the new Chapel at Cheltenham, which he enters upon at the commencemeut of the next year. It will be supplied in the present month (October) by Dr. Collyer; in November, by Mr. Beanett, of Dursley; and in December, by Mr. Cobbin, of Crediton.

A correspondent from Stockport remarks, that the Pardon for illegal Oaths has had the happiest effect in allaying the fears of the quiet part of this neighbourhood. You would be surprised to see the numbers of poor deluded creatures who come to be, as they call it, untwisted The measures of Government have, we strongly hope, broken the vile combination of mischievous men. I am truly happy to inform you, that, I believe, not a single dissenter of any denomination has been found twisted in: at least, I have not heard of one instauce.

Sept. 11. Died George Conquest, M. D. of Chatham, aged 57, nearly 40 years a member of Mr. Slatterie's church; and for some time a deacon.

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THE London Directors of the Missionary Society beg leave to express their Thanks to the several Ministers and Christian Congregations who have thus kindly interested themselves in the good work; and assure them that they will endea vour, from time to time, to transmit them Missionary information, to enable them to cherish this heavenly flame of zeal in their different places.

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To the Rev. George Lambert and to the Deacons and Church under his pastoral care, the Directors acknowledge great obligations for kindly giving a Collection, a second time within six weeks, in aid of the Missionary Society: and also for instituting an Auxiliary Society in the town of Hull which, by the divine blessing, is likely to engage the pious regard of zealous Christians of all denominations in that town.

They beg leave also to present their cordial Thanks to the kind friends among the Wesleyans, who have helped them in the Lord, and especially to Messrs. W. and T. Robinson, at Bridlington Quay; to Mr. Longridge, at Sunderland; to Mr. Oxley, at North Shields; to Mr. Little, at South Shielas; and to Messrs. Wawn, Flanders, Farrah, &c. at Newcastle upon Tyne, for the use of their spacious chapels at these places, and for cordially aiding the Missionary Collections.

They beg leave also to assure the Rev. Messrs. MacIndoe (Secretary) Davidson, Smith, and also Mess. J. Dobson (Treasurer) B. Brunton, T. Gibson, and J. L. Angas, of the deep sense they entertain of their efficient services as a Committee, in the handsome Collections at Newcastle; and gladly accept of their kind offer to continue their services for the present year, in order still more extensively to benefit the Missionary cause.

The Directors beg the Rev. B. Hobson, of Driffield, and Rev J. Arundel, of Whitby, to receive their Thanks for accompanying Mr. Collison in his journey, and for lessening his labours, and most materially aiding the object in exciting the prayers and liberality of thousands in the behalf of the poor heathen.

Mr. COLLISON begs leave to return his Thanks in this way to his two kind brethren for their assistance, and to all Christian friends who so hospitably received them and helped them on their way.

Collections and anonymous, Donations.

£. 8.

d.

Collection at Mr. Hillyard's Meeting, Olney, by Rev. Mr. Stoddard 12 0 0 Aberdeen Female Society for the Support of Missions

20 0

Female Servant Society for the Translation of the Scriptures 20 0

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From a few Friends near Crichie, North Britain

Yarm (Friends there) by Rev. Mr. Corker (omitted last Month)

Rev. J. Sykes and Friends, Guestwick, Norfolk

A Friend, by Rev. R. Hogg

Auxiliary Society, Banff, North Britain, by Rev. Mr. Gibb

Hackney Auxiliary Society

Collected at Cheshunt, on occasion of a Sermon by Rev. J. Hyatt
Donation by W. T. Cheshunt

Collection at Rev. Mr. Hillyard's, Bedford, by Rev. T. Jackson
A Friend, by Rev. W. Curtis, Wrestlingwerth

Collection at the Antiburgher Sabbath School, Haddington

2 6 6

55 16 4 10 7

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1 00 21 5 0 500

11 11

1 0

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10 14

9

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Rev. Mr. Whitridge and Friends, Oswestry

Donation from the Monitors of ditto, at one penny per week
General Association, South Wales, collected at their Second Meeting

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IN presenting to the Directors of the Missionary Society the following state. ment of the oblations which the churches he had the opportunity of visiting very willingly made, for building the house of the Lord, Mr. WAUGH, craves permission, in this public manner, to convey the warm acknowledgements of his heart to all his dear brethren, for their kind reception of his visit, and their ready co-operation in promoting its important object. To the Reverend the Synod of Ulster, and to the Reverend the Associate synod of Ireland, his obligations are great, for the liberal countenance, notwithstanding the pressure of the times, which they gave to his mission; and though he was prevented, by indisposition, from availing himself of the permission granted to him, he looks torward, with assured hope, to the period when the appeal will be made, and made With success, to the sympathy and succour of the numerous churches under their

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