Mr. Kingdon is still on his plantation in the river, and the want of a mail, I suppose, gives him a month longer, as he was expecting, I heard, instructions to remove.

"This year the anniversaries of Methodists and Baptists have passed over without his being asked to appear on the platform, and I bless the Lord the season has been a happy one, and funds increase. Last year we reached little over 150 dollars from all sources in this country. This year we have raised 380 dollars, so that had we not extended our operations, our funds would have been in excess. But, I believe, dear brother, it is in this way the Lord intends we should act in his cause, walking by faith, convinced of duty to act, next acting faith on divine faithfulness. It will indeed be more gratifying to us to keep funds received from England entirely for the building this year. I now proceed to give facts, reserving further remarks to the future, if permitted, as my time is circumscribed by the immediate sailing of the Packet.

Extract from Remarks of Honduras Baptist Missionary Committee.

'At a meeting of the Committee of the Honduras Baptist Missionary Society, Jan. 5th 1850, present-brethren York, Davis, Braddick, Kerr, Cain, and Henderson. brother Henderson having reported that he had received from England, through the Trustees of the Honduras fund, fifty pounds in goods, and one hundred pounds in cash.

Resolved. That brother Henderson do write and acknowledge the receipt of the above sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, and that the thanks of this committee be offered to friends in England who have contributed, and to brethren Bowser, Norton, and Oliver, who have kindly undertaken the management of the fund.'

"The Third Anniversary [of the Honduras Baptist Missionary Society] was held in the Methodist Chapel on the 9th. A full account thereof will be published in the 'Honduras Watchman,' the second number of which comes out to-morrow, and shall be forwarded in due course. Expenditure of the past year about £114. Income about £52. Deficiency £62. Efforts having been general amongst the brethren, our prospect at the end of 1850 is, that we shall be less in debt than at the beginning of the year 1849, saying nothing of the sum received from the Trustees.

At the close of last year there were in

communion

Excluded, 6; dismissed, belonging to 2nd West Indian Regiment, 6; died, 4..

Restored, 3; received by profession, 20 Total in communion at close of 1849

184

16

being a clear increase of 7 members; whilst there were baptized, at Bakers, 4; at Belize, 5; in all, 9 persons.

"It has been thought now, that brother Thurton has given so much satisfaction to the church in his management of the station at Shibun for two years, that he should be placed on the same footing as brother Kelly, at Bakers; that is, to administer the supper to members of the church residing near, as well as baptism, when satisfied with the profession of candidates. At our next church meeting this will probably be attended to. All the teachers have been present with us at this season, except brother Warner, and brother Crowe. On the occasion of the general missionary prayer meeting on the first of the month, which was numerously attended, and joy inspiring, after the usual course of proceeding, it was proposed, and carried at once into effect, that a brother, in the name of all, offer prayer for brother Crowe, and the cause that detains him in England.

"At our missionary committee meeting last evening, when all the brethren were again present, the business of the past year was gone into, and that of the present before us, with the facts connected with the cause in this country which brought us together. I felt it good to be there, and, as all seemed to act as free, and full of the work, I thought how much better this than dependence on a society could have been at the same time.

"All have left this morning, to be at their stations before the Sabbath, carrying settled accounts, and advances for the ensuing year. When this letter is off at 6 p.m., I shall be alone again, and have breathing time as it were. And I do feel the absence of one; but peace. I shall go to her.

"Captain Thomas has been very helpful to us, and seems to enjoy the season. With kind love to all, and begging that you would notice the arrival of the cases from Ipswich, Berwick, and Roe Green, deferring further particulars, I remain, my dear brother, yours in Jesus." "ALEXANDer HenderSON."

DR. ACHILLI.

168

191

This is only the way in which the money was remitted; all goes to the chapel fund.

nation which regards this holy word as its best patrimony and its greatest wealth. But my brethren, I need not praise the word of God before you, I am speaking to persons grown up and educated in the school of the Holy Bible, in a meeting for the publication and distribution of that book over the whole world. You are aware that I am just come from Rome, you know something of my history. My great work in Rome was about the Bible. I knew that the Bible alone is able to produce a religious revolution. When I speak of a revolution, I mean an entire change of man, in his relations with God, with society, and with himself. This change in an individual is quiet, but in the masses it is agitated, because very often it is a rapid change of the whole system. Then experience tells us it is never effected without opposition which must be conquered. This revolution I desire for the whole world, beginning at Rome.

"It was in the days of political liberty that the New Testament of Jesus Christ was published in Rome for the first time. At the same moment copies of the complete Bible were introduced, published by the English Bible Society. I and my friends shewed this beloved book to the Romans, who were not slow in asking for it. Our manner of presenting it was simple. We had the book in our pockets, when we introduced topics of religion, and quoted on purpose texts of Scripture. We then took it out of our pockets and read the quotations out of it, I found it better not to offer it, but to let them ask for it, and even as much as possible, to let them be anxious to get it. When I gave it, I used always to exact a promise, that they would read it, perhaps every day. I had the pleasure of seeing in many shops, a group of persons round the shopkeeper, the latter reading aloud the bible which I had given him. The Bible was in the constituent Assembly, in several public offices, and in several military quarters, many soldiers defended their country on the walls of Rome with the Bible in their pocket.

"You will ask me what effect the Bible has produced in Rome. I will tell you. I do not think anything can better answer your question than the encyclical letter of Pio Nono, which you must know from your paper, in which he exclaims against the Bible, the missonaries of the Bible, the Bible Societies, &c., because he says that in this manner, Protestantism, that is, pure Christianity, has entered into Rome, and into many other parts of Italy. I might tell you that after the Bibles were distributed, the Roman churches were quite left by the people, very few going any longer to confession. They talked about religion in the houses, in the clubs, in the streets, and in the shops. It was not only the Pope-King, but the Pope-Bishop that they thought about. After the Bible was

distributed the cry was raised for reform, which has continued, and continues still, with much energy. It is quite certain that the Pope is more afraid of this book than of the Republican bayonet, because he knows that this book is able to destroy his throne in the Vatican. For myself, who love Rome, my country with all my heart, I long for the moment, when by means of the Bible, a throne shall be raised there for Jesus Christ, and for this object I assure you that I am ready to incur new dangers, to encounter new imprisonments, and I would welcome death itself, ifl knew for certain that it would facilitate the reign of God over the world."

On the 7th ult., a meeting was held in Exeter Hall, London, to congratulate him on his escape from the power of the priests. It was crowded to excess, all being eager to obtain a sight of him. At this we need not wonder, as it is not an every day occurrence to see one who has brought down the wrath of the Papists for distributing Bibles in Rome. It is still rarer to see one who has been rescued from the Inquisition.

The meeting was addressed by Angel James, Baptist Noel, and others; Dr. Achilli himself spoke, thanking all his friends for their exertions in his behalf.

Sir Culling Eardly has written a sketch of his life and labours, together with the three letters he wrote to the popes Gregory XVI. and Pius IX. The author forwarded a copy of the work to the Tablet, Catholic newspaper. The Tablet in acknowledging the receipt of it, indulges in a good deal of banter against Protestant societies, and Dr. Achilli, but does not attempt to show that he has done " anything worthy of death or of bonds." He however announces that another life of him will shortly be written, wherein all his foul deeds will be exposed.

Protestant Italian Press, established at London on the 1st of January, 1847.

"The design of our efforts is to contribute, as far as we can, to the overthrow of papacy in Italy; boldly to combat its inevitable consequences, that is to say, infidelity, indifferentism, and hypocrisy; to declare the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ in all its purity, as it is revealed to us in the word of God,-the gospel only, and nothing else than the gospel; and, finally, to promote a spirit of union and love among all Christians, and of benevolence towards the whole human family.

"The medium which we employ is the Press, in the following manner :

"First, in the publication of a monthly journal, L'Eco di Savonarolo, which circulates not only in Italy, but wherever Italians are found, and particularly in this highly favoured land, the refuge of the exile, and the birth place of freedom. Nor should its value be restricted to the proclamation of the

gospel among the Italians. The Eco di Savonarolo also forms a centre of communication, and a medium of making known to the Christians of England and America the real spiritual exigencies of Italy.

"Second, the composition, translation, and circulation of evangelical books and treatises, written with purity of language, and simplicity of style.

"Our agents are the post, trading vessels, travellers, certain booksellers, and Christian

ministers, within and without Italy, and others which it is not prudent here to indicate.

"The labours of the Editor and contributors to the Eco di Savonarolo are entirely gratuitous, as is also the distribution of the journal among the Italians; and the same is the case with regard to the greater part of the religious books and treatises. Yet notwithstanding the rigid economy practised, it has not paid its expences."

In our last number, we had just space enough to notice the death of our esteemed brother, John Cowan. We now add a few remarks drawn up by a brother who was well acquainted with him, and who had ample opportunities of judging of his character.

PREVIOUS to the time of his joining the church in Galashiels, he belonged to the Secession body, but having changed his views as to the nature and mode of baptism, and also of the constitution and order of a Christian church, he was immersed at Edinburgh, on the 1st of February, 1845. Having gone soon after to reside at Galashiels, his talents for edification led the church to appoint him a preacher, towards the end of that year; and on the 29th of April, 1847, he was ordained a colleague in the pastoral office with Mr. Geo. Paterson. This office he continued to exercise with much devotedness and zeal, and greatly to the increase and edification of the church, until seized with his last fatal illness. Our deceased brother possessed so much natural elevation of mind,- such a calm and equal temper, and amiability of disposition, that he commanded the respect of all with whom he came in contact:-his sincere and unaffected piety was manifest to all who knew him. He had little care for the things of this life, as he on one occasion expressed himself, 1 place myself particularly in the hands of providence, having no doubt but that the God whom I serve, will give me day by day my daily bread, and conduct me in the way that is best for me." His highest desire was to "serve his day and generation according to to the will of God." He felt much pleasure in visiting from time to time the sister churches; and the refreshing nature of these visits will long dwell in the remembrance of the brethren thus favoured, and the loss of them deeply felt.

As a preacher, his talents were of a high order, his discourses were chiefly practical, full of pointed remarks, and forcibly applied. He never hesitated to declare the whole counsel of God, however displeasing it might be to some who heard him. And withal, he possessed so much natural eloquence, as to

render his speaking most acceptable and effective.

In performing the other duties of his office, he exhibited a firmness and decision of mind beyond his years, in striving to maintain the dignity and purity of the Lord's house.

Of high talent as a correspondent, his letters to his friends were ever a rich treat. The fervent piety and the Christian love which they breathed, rendered them truly delightful. Indeed, in all his character and deportment in life, he shewed that he was walking in the fear of the Lord, and earnestly desiring to do his will in all things.

His loss will be most severely felt by his friends, and by the church among whom he laboured, and in the fellowship of which_he walked, until God took him to himself. But this is their consolation, that their loss is his gain. While useful servants are thus removed, let it be the earnest prayer of the Lord's people, that he would raise up faithful labourers in his vineyard.

Although possessing little leisure, even since he undertook the work of teaching, he nevertheless succeeded in improving himself in various branches of useful knowledge, so as to supply in a great measure the defects of his early education.

Like many others who have been zealous in the service of their Lord, it was his anxious wish to devote himself entirely to his master's cause; and it was his earnest wish that he might at some future time, be the honoured instrument of proclaiming the gospel to sinners in a foreign land. The closing scene of his life was peaceful and happy; the truth which he had believed and taught, was to him a source of consolation when heart and flesh failed.

[P.S. We were in daily expectation of receiving a xxvi. 29, in the Christian Advocate, vol. i. p. 352, promised reply to the query on the new wine, Matt. when the intelligence of his death reached us.ED. C. 4.]

This must be understood of emigration, not of

engaging with any missionary society. But we have altogether abandoned.—ED. C. A.] good grounds for believing that, of late, this idea was

THE party which had disturbed us, was the advanced guard of the great body of the pilgrims. At 5, just at the dawn of day, the last made its appearance, coming over the crest of a high ridge, in one tumultuous and eager throng. In all the wild haste of a disorderly rout Copts and Russians, Poles, Armenians, Greeks, and Syrians-from all parts of Asia, from Europe, from Africa, and from far distant America, on they came; men, women, and children, of every age and hue, and in every variety of costume; talking, screaming, shouting, in almost every known language under the sun. Mounted as variously as those who had preceded them, many of the women and children were suspended in baskets, or confined in cages; and, with their eyes strained towards the river, heedless of all intervening obstacles, they hurried eagerly forward, and dismounting in haste, and disrobing with precipitation, rushed down the bank, and threw themselves into the stream.

They seemed to be absorbed by one impulsive feeling, and perfectly regardless of the observations of others. Each one plunged himself, or was dipped by another, three times below the surface, in honour of the Trinity; and then filled a bottle, or some other utensil, from the river. The bathing dress of many of the pilgrims was a white gown with a black cross upon it. Most of them, as soon as they were dressed, cut branches of the agnus castus, or willow; and dipping them in the consecrated stream, bore them away as memorials of their visit. In an hour they began to disappear; and in less than three hours, the trodden surface of the lately crowded bank reflected no human shadow. The pageant disappeared as rapidly as it had approached, and left to us once

more the silence and the solitude of the wilderness. It was like a dream. An immense crowd of human beings, said to be 8000, but I thought not so many, had passed and repassed before our tents, and left not a vestige behind them. Every one bathed, a few Franks excepted; the greater number in a quiet and reverential manner; but some, I am sorry to say, displayed an ill-timed levity.

Besides a party of English, a lady among them, and three French naval officers, we were gladdened by meeting two of our countrymen, who were gratified in their turn, at seeing the stars and stripes floating above the consecrated river; and the boats which bore them ready to rescue, if necessary, a drowning pilgrim.

We were in the land of Benjamin; opposite was that of Reuben; which was in the country of the Ammonites, and on the plain of Moab.

A short distance from us was Jericho, the walls of which fell at the sound of trumpets; and fourteen miles on the other side was Heshbon, where Sihon the king of the Amorites dwelt.

Upon this bank are a few plane trees, and many willow and tamarisk, with some of the agnus castus. Within the bank, and about the plain, are scattered the acacia, the nubk (spina Christi), and the mala insana, or mad apple. On the opposite side are acacia, tamarisk, willow, and a thicket of canes lower down.

The pilgrims descended to the river where the bank gradually slopes. Above and below it is precipitous. The banks must have been always high in places, and the water deep, or the axe head would not have fallen into the water, and Elisha's miracle would have been unnecessary to recover it.

Dear Sir,-Will you, or any of your correspondents, favour me with the meaning of Jam. v. 14-16,"Is any sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church, &c."

This is a passage much used by the "Latter-day Saints," or Mormonites. I think an explanation of it in the Christian Advocate would be instructing to to many. I am dear Sir, Yours truly, ELIZA.

Sir,-It would be highly gratifying to me, and I doubt not to many others, if you, or some of your

correspondents, would give an exposition of Matt. xvi. 28, "Verily I say unto you, there be some standing here, which shall not taste death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."-W. T.

Dear Sir,-I should feel exceedingly obliged if either yourself, or some of your correspondents would give an illustration of Heb. ii. 10, particularly the expression being made "perfect through sufferings." Hull, Feb. 1830. J. C.

Is the injunction of the apostle Paul (“Salute one another with an holy kiss") intended to be observed in the church as a Christian ordinance? If not, how ought it to be attended to by the churches in the present day? GUILLAUME.