respiration. Whenever the question shall arise as to what it will be our duty to do for the sustentation of our Missionaries abroad, we should all be ready to say, "Beloved and honoured brethren, reckon upon us; our hearts are with you. When we forget you, let our right hand forget its cunning; let our tongue cleave to the roof of our mouth, if we do not prefer Jerusalem above our chief joy."

I feel that it is sometimes extremely difficult to assign its proper character to the age in which we live; but if there be one duty more strongly binding than another on Christians at the present time, it is the duty, amidst these turbulent elements, of standing close by the ark of God. That was a significant representation made in the Jewish Dispensation, when all the tribesdistinct as was their position-great as were their numbers-were found encamping round about the Ark of Testimony. I believe that is still the point at which the Church of God must assume its proper relationship. I feel that the duty of Christians now is to be looking forward, not by the calculation of circumstances, but with the eye of faith, to its great results; and, as the pilot does not look on the waves which may surge round about him, but to the headland full in his view, so the Christian is to look, from amongst the circumstances surrounding him, to the great point at which he is aiming-the glory of Christ in the salvation of the world. I feel deeply convinced that, amidst all these convulsions of public opinion, if there is one thing embarked in them, the interests of which are likely to be endangered by them, it is the great cause of Missions. We can look, indeed, upon times that are past-and those times are full of pathos and interest-while, as some preceding Speakers have observed, the labours of the London Missionary Society were confined to a few Islands in the South Seas, and the operations of the Gospel there. But when we look at things now, their whole aspect is changed. Now we are standing, not before a few insignificant portions of the earth, but before great and mighty empires at which men might well turn pale. All that philosophy, all that sophistry, can do, is now exerted against us. We go forth to this conflict, but not alone. The very vessel which carries our Protestant Missionaries to their destination, carries to the same fields others as well as them-men with whom the very fierceness of the conflict is to be waged.

From the whole history of the Church, it would seem that when that vampire Popery had once fixed itself on the vitals of the Church, it could never again be made to let go its hold. We have curtailed it of its extremities; but it still adheres, and still draws;

sea.

and, like the polypus, it is ever trying to reproduce itself in a multitude of new forms. But we have no fear for our cause, and no fear for the noble men to whom its agency has been committed. They have piloted us safely through many a dark and troubled Our noble vessel may, indeed, have been rocked by the water surging around it; but the winds, which have lashed the water into billows, are providing for us a serene and more rapid passage. We believe, as we anticipate the day of Christ's dignity and glory, that amongst those who shall be ready to partake of his triumph, there will be one Society begun in faith and prayer; one Society characterized in its early days by eminent simplicity and sincerity; one Society which has been often tried and often triumphant; one Society which has been "persecuted but not forsaken, cast down but not destroyed;" one Society which, bending before the Eternal Throne, shall cast at the feet of the Redeemer one of the many crowns which the Church has to give; and that Society will be our own-the London Missionary Society.

The Rev. J. RATTENBURY rose and said: I could not help thinking, during the progress of this meeting, and while hearing the various speeches introduced, how beautiful is goodness, how powerful is truth, how mighty is love! I did forget, while hearing the eloquent and holy men that have preceded me, that there was such a thing as Dissent. I did forget that there was such a thing as Wesleyan Methodism. I felt that we were raised into a higher atmosphere that we were one in a purer spirit than mere sectarianism of any form or name could produce-that truth, love, goodness, gave a tone and spirit, a union and power, beyond all names and sects and parties-and that here Christ was all in all. I rejoice in having this opportunity of testifying, as a Member of another Church, labouring in the kingdom and patience of the same Redeemer, that you have had your trials and your conflicts; and that you have had, in your ministrations and in your trials, as well as in your successes, signal and remarkable evidence of your being part of the true Church of Christ. You have had your conflicts; but, wherever you have had them you have had your triumphs, because of your conflicts; and it stands as one of the marks, perhaps one of the first marks, of the true Church of the Redeemer,that the providence of God has overruled, hallowed, controlled painful providential circumstances for the prosperity and ultimate establishment of the Church of the Redeemer. Where do you stand as most prominent-where you have had peaceful triumphs, bloodless victories ? Oh, no! Where do you appear the most noble-where you have crowded

assemblies, wealth, talent, beauty, numbers, all on your side? Oh, no! You were most beautiful in the trials of Madagascarthe suffering of the Missionary Spirit in the conflicts of Tahiti-in the evidence that is furnished in these different places, that your profession was something more than a name, that it was based upon a principle by which you can live and die.

I honour this Society for its numbers, its sanctified spirit, its high moral position, in this great nation; but I honour it most for its sorrows, its patience, its conversion of the heathen, and for the evidences that are thus furnished that God is with her, and that God will be to her a place of broad rivers and streams. I feel, deeply feel, the weight and importance of the sentiments introduced by Mr. James. Perhaps in all churches the great want at this day is a more abundant diffusion of the Holy Ghost. Pray, Christian people! Pray, and you will take hold of the strength of God. Pray, and you will secure upon your own souls an effusion of heavenly, transforming, sanctifying influence. Pray, and you will bring succour in the time of trial, guidance in the day of perplexity, and power to guide you through the chequered scenes of life. Pray, and your enemies shall be at peace with you; and these wars, and rumours of wars, shall turn out for the furtherance of the Gospel. I am quite of opinion that persecution, or rather oppression, like that which has been endured in Tahiti; the massacres which have taken place at Madagascar; and the trials which several Missionary Churches are suffering in the southern islands of New Zealand, as well as in South Africa, are giving us a far more clear and distinct view, and a far better understanding, of the errors of Popery. The tendency of the English mind in this day is certainly rather to connive at Popery, to apologize for her oppressions, and to give the right hand of fellowship to that system of which it was publicly declared, not long ago in the House of Commons, that it would not rest till Protestantism was destroyed. It is well known that Tahitian oppression has done more to unite Christian Churches on the great question of opposition to Popery, than anything which has occurred within the last twenty years. Now, Sir, if this be the result-if all the churches of this land are benefitted by your sorrowyou will rejoice, and we will rejoice with you.

The Rev. Mr. BOUCHER, a French Pastor, and Editor of a publication in Paris, called the New Voice, then came forward to support the Resolution. He said: In the first part of this meeting there was certainly something calculated to try my feelings. I am not here either for confession or apo

logy. Let us help the French to confess their sins, not as so many in that land do confess them-in the ear of the Priest-but to God; and let every Englishman do the same. It was not so much owing to the power of French pride, as it was owing to the power of the Jesuits, that the events so much to be deplored occurred in Tahiti; and let me say that the Jesuits are not French, any more than the French, as a nation, are Jesuits. The nation at large do not know the facts, and those facts have been most adroitly misrepresented for the purpose of enlisting French sympathies on behalf of the National Flag. I know very well that it would be a great deal more difficult to enlist those sympathies on behalf of the Romish flag. There are liberal men in our country -men who would be very sorry to know that their influence was used for the furtherance of Popery ; but when they are told that their influence is desirable for the sake of the national glory, and of the French Arms; and when their support is solicited for the Flag which has so often been hailed abroad, and which is so dear to them as connected with many victories; then they do make it a point of national pride: but it is under mistaken notions; and the moment they begin to understand that they have been deceived by the Jesuits, however great may be their pride, there is not one amongst those liberal-minded men who would be found advocating the cause of the Jesuits.

Your Missionary cause presents its claims to our minds under a light which has not been pointed out to this meeting by any of the speakers, and to which I would ask attention. I refer to the evidences it affords of the truth and divinity of our Religion. You cannot conceive how much it tries the infidel, or the mere philosopher, to read about the results of the operations of this and other Missionary Societies. These men may quarrel in argument-they may have a great deal of subtlety, and be able to oppose reasoning to reasoning-but what can they oppose to matter of fact? Take a conscientious and honest infidel, and speak to him to the following effect: "Sir, how can you account for the zeal displayed in the Missionary cause? How can you account for our men, both at home and abroad-those who remain on land and those who embark in ships-giving all their power and all their heart to such a work as this? If ever there was a cause of pure, disinterested love, it is the Missionary cause." Perhaps he will answer: "The Church of Rome has its Missions." "Yes, but here is the glory of Truth and Protestantism. The Popish system is a double system-it is (as it was called in this hall a few days ago) a conspiracy against the civil as well as the religious liberties of the

nation. I can understand the zeal of these men, who aim all the while at political and civil power. I can account for the zeal of these men, who want to get the whole earth at the feet of the Priests, because the Priests will then have power, and influence, and money. But how can you account for the efforts of the Protestant Missionary Societies? You cannot accuse us of wishing for temporal influence. You cannot accuse us of aiming at political or civil power over nations; and, therefore, our conduct remains to be accounted for only on the ground of pure, disinterested love."

Infidels cannot believe in love; they cannot believe because they have had no experiments, no facts to prove, that a man may love his neighbour for his neighbour's sake, and not on account of his own personal interests; which latter is a disguised love, and in reality nothing more than selfishness. Infidels cannot find anything like the love of which I speak in the whole range of their history, and of their infidel philosophy. They are perfectly aware that they could never have amongst them men who would think and feel for the benighted heathen, and that there never was, in fact, such a thing as a Philosophical Missionary Society or an Infidel Missionary Society. Therefore, when they read the Reports of your meetings, and especially that most touching and convincing argument to the man of the world, whose god is gold, that you give your money to support Missions, they are indeed struck with astonishment; and if there be any demonstration of the power of truth which comes home to their consciences, it is when they see, from the conduct of Christian men and Christian women, that love is a blessed reality; and when they find, from our preaching and our speeches, that that love is shed abroad in all lands by the Holy Spirit.

My dear Christian friends, I would put one idea more before the meeting. When you are desired to pray for your friends, perhaps the feelings of your heart naturally run to the Missionary, and it is well ; to the Directors of the Institution, and it is well; to those to whom the Gospel is carried, and it is well. But, my dear friends, think of your foes, and pray for them; think of your enemies-the enemies of your workand exercise faith in praying for them. Pray even for the Jesuits! After all, we believe that they have hearts. They are men; and it is not beyond the reach of Divine grace and power to convert and save them. We, who come from France, bring good news with regard to this part of the question. Roman Catholic Priests are awakened; yea, more than awakened-many of them, are at the present hour converted ; and in those places where they taught false

hood and lies, and superstition and fraud, they preach the pure undefiled Religion of our Lord Jesus Christ and submission to the Word of God. Pray, then, for your persecutors; pray for your enemies; and a day will come when we shall all, Frenchmen and Englishmen, combine to hail the return of the prosperity of Tahiti; and while we sing together, the last note of praise will be heard, perhaps, from Frenchmen, in relation to the prosperity of that island.

The Rev. M. GRANDPIERRE (of Paris) also supported the Resolution. He said: The relations of the London Missionary Society with the Evangelical Paris Missionary Society, of which I am the Representative, are not of yesterday. Twenty years ago Dr. Philip came on a visit to Paris; and, on his return to Southern Africa, he took with him three French Missionaries -the first pupils and first fruits of our Missionary Institution. He conducted them to Cape Town; he established them in Southern Africa; and he bore to them the relation of a father, a brother, and a councillor. During the twenty years which have since elapsed, the French Missionary Society has established in Southern Africa thirteen stations; there are twenty Missionaries at them all, and the number of communicants is at least 1000. The influence of the labours of the Missionaries extends far beyond the limits of their stations. You see, then, that if you have, in some respects, to complain of the French, it is not on account of the Evangelical Missionary Society; and that, if you are at war with us, we are not at war with you. I believe there does not exist a single evangelical Christian in France who has not wept over the sad events of Tahiti, and prayed for the unfortunate Queen Pomare and her poor people. And further, I believe there is not a single evangelical Christian in France who will cease to pray that the change which you anticipate may take place. I bless God that I am here; that I feel myself united in the bond of the Spirit and the love of Christ with you all; and that I find myself to be in a society of fellow-labourers in the vineyard of the Lord.

The Resolution being put and carried,

The Rev. Dr. HALLEY (of Manchester) said: Not a word of comment on my part is necessary to commend to your attention the Resolution which I have to move, for its object is the re-appointment of your Secretaries, your Treasurer, and your Directors. If the meeting do not pass this Resolution spontaneously, it should not pass it at all. If it be not your cordial feeling and fervent desire-founded not on the words of the Speaker, but on the deeds of the Officersthat this Resolution should be carried, look out this day for other Directors and other Secretaries; but if you are satisfied that

their acts speak for them, and declare that they have done well in all that they have done in the past year, then carry the Resolution by acclamation. On that subject not another word from me. I will speak for one moment of the feeling in Lancashire, having had an opportunity of learning it both in its Eastern and its Western Auxiliary As to the re-appointment of the Secretaries, such is our confidence in them, such our satisfaction with their conduct, that I hope we shall show by deeds how cordially we appreciate their exertions. I trust I may go down to the Provinces and that say, the pulsations of the extremity are in accordance with the vibrations at the heart; and that your acclamations this day will confirm, in the best manner, all that I can say on the subject. There has been a little feeling among some friends on the platform that I ought to give something like a response, on behalf of the Metropolitan College with which I was once connected, to a remark of our dear and beloved friend, Mr. James. He spoke of Spring-hill. Now, Sir, within the last few moments it was whispered in my ear-and what a flood of recollections rushed on my mind at the moment it was whispered to me by your late Foreign Secretary-that the Institution at Hackney had, entirely at its own expense, educated and sent out Ten Missionaries. The thought which struck me chiefly had reference to that honoured man, the President of the Institution-that last ray of the glory of the period when this Society was formed. One tear over his grave-one word of respect for his memory! May his Students all cultivate his spirit, and all of them soon be one, without any jarring discord, in their love to this Society, and, at the same time, in their love to one another. He has passed from us within the last few months. His place is vacant, but many of his Students are present; and we may rest assured that, imbued with his spirit, they will follow his example. May that Institution with which he was connected never want a Tutor having the same spirit of loveliness which characterized George Collison! Nor could I-while casting my eye around this platform, and remembering how, with my beloved friend and colleague, Dr. Henderson, some years ago, we recommended to you Dr. Legge-help wishing that Highbury might send you another Dr. Legge; and I trust that another is even now training there to gladden the hearts of us all. The Resolution which I have to move is this: "That Sir Culling Eardley Eardley, Bart., be the Treasurer, the Rev. A. Tidman the Foreign Secretary, and the Rev. J. J. Freeman the Home Secretary, of the Society for the year ensuing:that the Directors who are eligible be re-appointed; --that the gentlemen, whose names will be read, be chosen to fill up the vacancies of those who

retire, and that the Directors have power to fill up vacancies. Also, that the Trustees of the Society be, ex officio, Members of the Board of Direction."

I trust that the vote upon this question will be such that, let what will come, not another word of controversy from the Directors will be thought needful. I cannot refrain from proposing, as an addition to the Resolution:

"That the cordial thanks of this Meeting be presented to the Treasurer, Secretaries, and Directors, for the manner in which they have conducted the affairs of the Society during the past year."

The Rev. T. ADKINS (of Southampton) said: I believe I shall have an echo from every bosom in this vast assembly, when I declare that this cause, always great-this Society, which has increased in strength and in the development of its character as years have rolled on-never appeared so truly magnificent as it does on the day on which we are assembled. For my part, instead of offering the terms of condolence to the Secretaries, Officers, and Constituency, I would offer them terms of unfeigned congratulation. There would never have been that concentrated-shall I say that microscopic-attention to the claims of this Society, which has elicited such good results, had it not been called to pass through temporarily adverse circumstances. It has passed an ordeal-that ordeal has been a fiery one; but the Society has come forth Jike gold purified seven times from the furnace; and never has it appeared so truly excellent as on the day on which we are convened. If you were to paint the moral portraiture of this Society, the temporarily discouraging circumstances through which it has passed would serve only as a dark background, upon which would be painted with clear discrimination-and stand with bold relief-the lovely features of uncompromising firmness, unimpeachable fidelity, and ardent attachment to truth.

The Resolution was then put and carried, the entire Meeting standing to express their approval.

Sir C. E. EARDLEY, in proposing a vote of thanks to the Chairman, said: That valuable as were the services of the respected and honoured father of the Chairman, they must all rejoice to feel that the Chairman had that day been discharging a duty equally great; and,whilst they thanked God for the liberation by the father of the bodies of the Negroes of the West Indies, they could also thank God that the son loved to contribute to the liberation of human souls from the worse domination of sin. He moved::

"That the respectful and cordial thanks of this Meeting be presented to Sir Edward North Buxton, Bart., for his kindness in presiding on the present occasion, and for his valuable services in the Chair."

The Rev. G. CLAYTON, in seconding the Resolution, said: We have had a halcyon day. Few such days are recorded in my recollection as we have had the bliss of spending on this occasion. Some may have entered the room with fear and trembling; but, as in many cases, our fears have been put to the blush, and I trust that our faith in God will have been strengthened by what we have witnessed this day. As regards the Resolution, it is an encouragement to know that that promise of Divine revelation is in course of fulfilment before our eyes: “ Instead of the fathers, it shall be the children whom thou shalt make princes in all the earth." Sir, it is a princely position which you have occupied to-day-a position which the kings and rulers of the earth, if they were wise, would regard with envy. Allow me to conclude with four recommendations: Think much of the Society-pray much for the Society-speak much for the Society-and, above all, give much to augment its resources.

Sir C. E. EARDLEY then put the motion, which was carried by acclamation, the Meeting standing to express their concurrence.

The CHAIRMAN: I will say but one word, my friends, in concluding this meeting. I can assure you it has given me great satisfaction to fill the honourable post which I have occupied this day. I have listened to the proceedings with the deepest interest, and I hope that my interest, not in this Society only, but in the great cause of Missions generally, will have been increased by my presence here to-day. I trust that prosperity will continue to attend this Society. While you have good reason to continue your confidence to those gentlemen to whom you have entrusted the management of your affairs, my own opinion is, that this Institution and others of a kindred nature will probably have great difficulties to contend with during the ensuing year; and you cannot retire with a better resolution than to follow constantly the injunction of Mr. James, of Birmingham, to commend it to God continually in your prayers. I feel much indebted for the kindness with which I have been received this day.

The Rev. JOHN BLACKBURN pronounced the Benediction, and the Meeting then separated.

The CHAIRMAN then rose and said, that the Meeting would be glad to learn that one of the most numerous and deeply interesting meetings ever held in connection with the London Missionary Society had taken place that morning, His anticipations regarding it had been more than realized. Now that the whole state of the Society had been laid bare, and the labours of its Secretaries disclosed, his mind was not only satisfied, but cheered. He approved of the mode in which the affairs of the Society had been conducted with reference both to China and Tahiti, and he rejoiced in the manner in which its Funds had been managed. It was astonishing, that, during the past year, considering the circumstances of the times, the Funds had not been greatly diminished. That was a proof that God was with them, and giving a right direction to their minds.

The Rev. D. E. FORD rose to move:"That the enlarged facilities afforded by the providence of God, for the wider extension of the Gopel in heathen countries, present the most powerful inducements to young men of tried Christian character and suitable qualifications to devote themselves to this sacred and glorious enterprize."

The world could not sympathize (he said) with the Christian in his efforts, but

a day would come when their importance would be seen. The honour of the nineteenth century would be, that it matured a work whose design was to convey the message of heaven's mercy, and to complete the triumph of the Saviour's cause. He was sure he spoke the sentiments of the Constituents of the Society when he said that he honoured and confided in the Directors who were placed at the helm of affairs. There were many blessings connected with this Institution which never appeared in the Report. The meetings held in connection with it had been accompanied by the conversion of some of those attending them. The Resolution had reference to young men. Were there none present who would consecrate themselves to the Missionary cause? Let not bashfulness or timidity keep them back. If they might not be deemed suitable for foreign labour, important spheres of usefulness might open before them at home.

The Rev. Mr. CAMPBELL (of Edinburgh) in seconding the Resolution, said, that want of money might be remedied, but the want of men of ability, education, and piety, should deeply impress itself on churches, and lead them often to make it a subject of conversation and prayer. In

the