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sacrifice the caste in which he was born, still he can be received into another caste [the Chris tian] equally and perhaps more respectable. Another point. We notice, my dear friends, at the present day, a unity of effort in the Christian churches to send the Gospel to the heathen. This is another indication favourable to our prospects. India is at the present day being taken as by a storm. Almost every religious society has an agent there. If we commence our view at the capital of the country, there we have a powerful Baptist mission. The brethren at that place have taken the lead in translations. There, too we have a powerful Free church-a Scotch mission. These latter have done more in educating the natives. As we follow down the coast, we come to our mission, doing our part, we trust. Still farther down, the General Baptists have their mission-the best in the country. A little farther still, and we find the mission of the Independents. At Madras, we come under the influence of the American Board. They have taken the whole southern part of the Peninsular. As we enter the interior, we find that these various societies are pushing

forward their missions in that direction as fast as possible. The English have conquered, in India, power after power, State after State. Just in the rear of the English army has followed the missionary. The English are at this day engaged in a war with Burmah. result is evident. A mission is now occupying the southern part of what was the State of Rangoon. Thus you see, my dear friends, the Christian church is introducing itself into

India in all directions.

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Wherever a mission is under the necessity of plodding on alone, its influence must be small. The Hindoo will point to a small mission where there are but few converts, and say, "They are foreigners, and will soon be gone." But when they hear from all quarters, from all parts of the country, that the same religion is being preached by similar menthat there are many heathen men who were once worshippers of idols, embracing Christianity, breaking caste, and joining themselves to them, when they hear that Jesus Christ is being proclaimed a new God, of whom their fathers never heard, the impression among them is, as has been already mentioned to-day, that Christianity will, ere long, become the prevailing religion of the country.

Now, my dear, friends, more particularly with regard to our prospects. Let me say then, that the amount of good which will arise from our mission in India will depend entirely upon the labour put forth. As in the illustration, 400 men labour in vain to move the car of Juggernaut, so will a small force in attempting to introduce Christianity into India. 500 men will just move the "car." We have now force enough in India to just keep moving; and just in proportion as we

increase our strength there, as we increase the number of efficient agencies, in just such proportion, or, I should have said, in an increasing proportion, under God, will be our success. Now, my dear friends, if we would have our cause prosper, and hear the early shout, Juggernaut has fallen! has fallen! and India is redeemed-that the country which has been described as fertile as Egypt has become the country of our Saviour-that its pleasant villages now dedicated to idols are dedicated to Christian worship,-if we would see this and hear this, we must put forth an increased amount of labour and zeal, that Christianity may be given to the Hindoo; and if we do our duty, we shall ere long see great good accomplished. [Bro, B. closed his excellent speech with a specimen of Hindoo singing.

MISSIONARY ANNIVERSARTES.

services were held in this place Nov. 23rd, BARNEY, Norfolk.-Our annual Missionary 1852, when we were visited by Rev. W. the evening gave some deeply interesting in. Jarrom, who preached in the afternoon, and in formation relative to China and its prospects. His address was listened to by a very full chapel with the most intense interest. Addresses were also delivered by Rev. G. Short, (P. B.) and Mr. Humphrey. Collections, &c., with the whole proceeds of a public tea, were £7 148.

On the following Thursday evening, May 25th, Mr. Jarrom visited Castleacre, and addressed a good congregation.

RETURN OF REV. J. AND MRS.
BUCKLEY.

From a letter dated Cuttack, Dec. 1st, 1852, we extract the following:

"MY DEAR BROTHER,-After much hesitation and anxiety, we have decided to return for a season to our beloved native land. We have come to this decision with great reluctance and regret, but have, I think, abundant reason to believe that it is in accordance with the will of God. With this persuasion we may hope that Christ will be magnified' by it, and that our temporary retirement from the field will fall out to the furtherance of the gospel. Mrs. Buckley's health, though much better than in May and June, is still very unsettled, and the opinion of her medical adviser has been strongly given that her early return is indispensably necessary, and that the delay of another year would be attended with considerable danger. We intend to leave Cuttack, if the Lord will, at the end of the year, and hope to reach Calcutta in time to embark early in February, in which case we should probably reach England in time for the Association.

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MRS. SARAH HODGSON was the daughter of Samuel Ibbotson, Esq., late of Spring Head, in the parish of Bradford. She was born January 9, 1778, whilst her parents resided in Ovenden, in the parish of Halifax. Some time after her parents removed to Spring Head, they became members of the General Baptist church at Queenshead, when the Rev. John Taylor, (brother of the Rev. Dan Taylor) held the pastorate. The family attended the ministry of Mr. John Taylor; and Mrs. Hodgson was baptized Sep. 14, 1811, and became a member of this church. After the death of her parents, she and her sister removed to Scarborough, where she continued nine years. At this place she was married to Mr. James Hodgson, of Stubbing House, Hebden Bridge, July 3rd, 1828. removed from this place to reside with her husband. Soon after this she was dismissed from the church at Queenshead to that of Heptonstall Slack, during the ministry of the late Rev. R. Ingham. Her bodily health became more vigorous, for more than fifteen years afterwards, than at any former period of her life. But between five and six years before her demise, she was visited by a paralytic stroke. This weakened the physical energies, especially of one

She

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side. These were partially restored in a short time, by the use of means and the Divine blessing. But though she was able to prosecute, to a certain extent, her domestic duties, attend to her reading, to the private and public means of grace with more than ordinary earnestness, yet the bodily ener gies gradually declined. All devisable means were employed to sustain the body and mind, but they failed to prevent the approaching catastrophe, though life was prolonged by the prompt and persevering attendance of a professional relation. She was not below stairs for about nine months previous to her death. The affliction was heavy day and night; and though reason maintained her seat to the last, the body was brought down to complete prostration. About three o'clock in the morning, on Sep. 9, 1852, she expired without a struggle, and the spirit winged its flight to eternal rest and felicity. She was interred at Heptonstall Slack, by Messrs. H. Hollinrake of Birchescliff, and R. Hardy of Queenshead, Sep. 14th, (the anniversary of her baptism) having been a member with the General Baptists forty-one years. Lord's-day, Sep. 26th, Mr. E. Bott, our pastor, preached her funeral sermon from 1 Thess. iv. 13, to a crowded and attentive congregation.

On

Mrs. Hodgson engaged in religion in her thirty-second year. Her cha

racter had been moral, and her associates reputable. Her health was delicate, and she had to sustain protracted and heavy afflictions. These produced a train of serious reflections and pious resolutions, and impressions of which she was the early subject. She possessed a most amiable temper and disposition. This was apparent to all who knew her; and they were appreciated and admired by the family and her friends.

After she entered into fellowship with the church at Queenshead, the members were much gratified with her company; and for her piety, humility and kindness she was held in high estimation. She often intimated that she did not deserve such respect and affectionate treatment.

The Rev. John Taylor paid her particular respect and attention. She derived much encouragement and instruction from her frequent interviews with him at his house, and during his visits at her father's. She was indeed trained in the doctrines and practice of religion by him., Other ministers, especially of the G. B. denomination, were hospitably entertained at her father's house at Spring Head, from whom she derived spiritual edification; and from the high esteem which she cultivated for them, she continued to encourage their visits until the termination of her life.

She was diligent in her attendance on the public and private means of grace. She would not allow trivial impediments to prevent her from worshipping with God's people, and from exhibiting a life of sincere and unreserved consecration to the Lord. But a few years before her last affliction, though delicate and at a considerable distance from the chapel, one whole winter she omitted only one Lord's-day in her attendance. It

was often remarked by her christian

friends that the cold and rain on the Sabbath would not injure Mrs. Hodgson. She was most punctual at her private mecting, and attentive to her devotions in the closet. When she came from her retirement, something very solemn and devout graced her countenance and adorned her deportment.

She perused the Bible with great diligence, and paid a practical regard to its sacred truths. She had a copy of it, with other good books, in the bed-room and the parlour. She had also access to her husband's library, and she improved the opportunity. She selected for perusal some of the most pious and critical authors on doctrinal and experimental subjects; and possessing a most tenacious memory, she became an interesting companion in conversing on the more mysterious and sublime portions of revealed truth. She had more than an ordinary, yea, critical knowledge of the doctrines of the Denomination to which she belonged. This was often noticed by those who visited the place of her residence: and though it may appear too high a statement, yet one of the oldest ministers in Yorkshire, who had known her intimately for more than forty years, has often stated that he had not known so thoroughly pious and consistent female in the Connexion. She often expressed her fears respecting those who are negligent in reading the Scriptures, and lax in their sentiments and conduct, whatever might be their professions, or the offices which they sustained.

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She stood low in self-estimation. This originated in her knowledge of the Divine perfections; of His law, which is holy, just, and good; of the entire depravity of human nature and of her moral impotence. This was not merely a transient influence which passed over the mind, and excited a slight and momentary confession : it was deep and was abiding. This had

MEMOIR OF MRS. S. HODGSON.

sometimes a depressing influence on her spirits but it led her to the atoning sacrifice of our great Redeemer, in whom there are infinite stores of mercy and grace.

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from sin, affliction and sorrow, and enjoy the presence and likeness of the exalted Redeemer. The surviving relations and friends can say respecting her, "Let me die the death of the righteous."

The following appropriate address was delivered at her interment, by the Rev. R. Hardy of Queenshead.

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She was a pattern to her family and neighbours of piety and industry. Religion was the leading business of her life. The sacred fire was constantly on the altar of the heart. DEAR FRIENDS,--The mournful Religion was not merely assumed at event which has brought you together certain periods: it engaged inces- to-day, has no doubt for some time sant attention. It was daily the first past been foreseen and expected. The thing and the last, and it verily filled surprise is, not that it has occurred, the space between the two extremes. but that it did not take place at a How unlike the lukewarm, the double much earlier period. Till now, the minded and the formalist! The domes- flickering lamp of life has been pretic business of the day did not quench served from extinction by the oil of the glowing fervour of mind. She kindness. God has approved of that was remarkably attentive to her house, kindness and will reward you for it, her husband and domestics. Whilst but he will not suffer the tenderest she contributed to their temporal com- love to alter his great resolve, 'dust fort, their spiritual interests were not thou art, and unto dust shalt thou reneglected by her. The residents in turn.' But though events of this the immediate vicinity were not neg- description may be foreseen, this does lected. The youths and those ad- not altogether divest them of their vanced in years can bear testimony to afflictive character. We cannot thus her anxiety for their spiritual welfare. bid adieu to those that had reciproShe loved and promoted peace. cated our love and friendship; that This was a very prominent feature, had rejoiced with us in our prosperity always visible, exerting its benign in- and wept with us in our adversity; fluence. The atmosphere in which that were seen day after day busy in she respired was salubrious with it. the performance of kind offices, the The emanations from her, how kind, great end of which was to make us how affectionate, how healing! If happy as we journeyed on the pilgrimthe painful incidents of life agitated age of life, without the most lively the mind momentarily, how soon did sorrow. It would be treason to napeace beam from the countenance, fall ture, under such circumstances, to from the tongue, and characterize forbid the flowing tear, or suppress itself in generous deeds! the upheaving sigh. "Jesus wept."

During the severer and latter part of her affliction the mind was sometimes depressed by interposing clouds and darkness. In this state she expressed her unworthiness and fears; but when life drew nearer a close, a settled peace and tranquility appeared to be enjoyed uninterruptedly, and in this state she was released from most oppressive sufferings, and, we trust, was visited by a celestial envoy, who conveyed her spirit to a region where the inhabitants are for ever released

In the vicinity of Queenshead, in a beautiful green field, on the declivity of a hill, there is a spring of water, clear as crystal; around this gushing spring, on the 14th day of September, in the year 1811, a number of the followers of Jesus were assembled. They united in singing one of the songs of Zion, and in imploring the blessing of the Father of their spirits, and then, pointing to the example and command of Him who sitteth upon heaven's bright throne, our departed

sister was led down into the water and was baptized "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." We are assembled on the forty-first anniversary of her baptism to commit her mortal remains to "the house appointed for all living." How different our employment! How different our feelings!

In reflecting upon the past we are devoutly thankful that the former of these events ever transpired. May we be able to bow, as to the latter, with holy resignation to the will of Him who is too wise to err, and too good to be unkind.' There is not time to enter into a minute review of the life and character of the departed. We feel it due, however, to her memory to say that her christian course, from its commencement to its termination, was marked by scriptural consistency. There are no dark spots in the lovely portrait of christian excellency bequeathed to us by our departed friend. The one half of her life was not spent in mourning over the sins and follies of the other. We ask not your charity to cast a veil over any portion of her life. We know of nothing that was not strictly in harmony with the requirements of the holy religion which she professed, and which she so highly adorned.

The christian female baptized at the same time, in speaking of her the other day, said she was always a quiet, steady person, as well before as after her baptism. 'I lived with her seven years, and was frequently employed in the family other seven, and I never saw her in a passion in my life; nor did she ever give me a wrong word. When she went out of doors

for a short time she had generally a book in her pocket. I have no doubt of her piety, and that she has got to a place of happiness.'

Such is the pleasing testimony of this pious sister; and I mention it the rather because it relates to a period respecting which some of you can know little. No doubt that meek and quiet spirit, that lovely christian carriage which contributed to the happiness of this domestic, has contributed much to your happiness, my brothers and my sisters, as it has done to mine and to many more, who like me, have had the happiness to spend short portions of time under your hospitable roof. In a word, the late Mrs. Hodgson was eminently pious. This manifested itself in her hatred to sin, her love to the house of God, to devotion, and to those books which treat on experimental and practical religion. For her to live was Christ, and to die gain. She sleeps in Jesus; and while the mournful employment is ours to commit her body to the grave, her spirit, purified and emancipated, is mingling with kindred spirits in those happy mansions which the Saviour has prepared for them that love him. The memory of the just is blessed.' Many will cherish the memory of the departed, and look onward to the time when they will meet again; but especially will this be done by the surviving members of this family. Our prayer, beloved friends, is, that you may long live to shed around you the light of christian love, and that at length it may be your happiness to follow the departed to the realms of pure, perfect, and everlasting rest. Amen." J. H.

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THE HOLINESS OF GOD.

The infinite and incomparable glory | dispensations, obedience to his comof God, is a truth which lies at the mands, confidence in his power and foundation of all true religion. It wisdom; and it stimulates us above leads us to revere and worship him. all things to desire his favour and love. It inculcates on us submission to his The recognition of this truth is per

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