Carlisle Patriot 18 May 1844 Propagation of the Gospel (5)

Propagation of the Gospel (5)

Carlisle Patriot - 18 May 1844

..... continued ..... The Rev. H. GOUGH seconded the motion. He said the effects produced by the society were of the best possible description, and all the facts connected with it were such as to warrant them in giving it a warm support. America was undoubtedly the original field of the societies operations, but they extended, besides, to Canada, and from the reports they learned that the clergy there were actively employed, in co-operation with the Bishop, in evangelising the people. In Australia the society was doing a mighty good, but, nevertheless, the neglected state of that country was actually shocking. (Hear, hear.) Indeed, the amount of spiritual distress in the colonies at large was appalling, and it was dreadful to think that thousands left this country year after year, who were obliged to live without having their children baptized, and to have their dead buried like dogs. (Hear, hear.) It was true that a little had been done to remedy this state of things, but how infinitely less that was than what ought to be none [sic]! He hoped, however, that as the society became better known, its resources would improve, and its efforts be more speedily furthered. But it was not to be considered that committees were to be formed solely to collect money, as if money could propagate the Gospel - such a doctrine was most incorrect, for although they should raise millions, they might still be as far as ever from propagating the Gospel. Money was the mere agent, not the soul, and they wanted principally an earnest spirit of prayer, that might fit them to go forth in a true missionary spirit. (Hear, hear.) They had heard of the zeal of the Church of Rome, and he thought it would be well if they imitated its example in that respect, - it would be well if they provoked a little religious jealousy, so as to stimulate their exertions, for he thought they did not yet feel adequately the spiritual destitution that prevailed in our colonies, nor the amount of responsibility that rested upon the members of the Church in this country. (Hear, hear.) The Rev. Wm. BROWN then rose and said, that the resolution he was about to move had already been twice alluded to by those who could advocate it with greater ability than himself; but he could not omit to congratulate the meeting upon the spirit that pervaded its proceedings. He believed he spoke the sentiments of a large part of the Church, when he said that public meetings too frequently produced evil and no good, because the platform was turned into arena for doctrinal strife. He did not mean by this that any were called upon to sacrifice their principles for the common weal, but he mentioned it to show that it was possible for them to hold their own opinions without reference to others. (Hear, hear.) With respect to the objects of their society, he would only say it was not from him they must expect arguments to convince, or eloquence to persuade. The resolution he had to move was - III. That with a view to enable the Society for for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts to meet in some measure the increasing demands which are now made upon its funds from almost every part of the world, and more particularly that the poor may have an opportunity afforded to them of joining in this privilege, The clergy are respectfully requested to establish Associations in their respective parishes. Now, he took it for granted, that there was not a clergyman in the Diocese but gave a hearty support to the society; and he trusted they would all give a public expression to the fervent attachment to its object, as they were those of the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church; but if any one should be disposed to act otherwise, then he would advise him to throw up his Commission at once and quit the Church. There was a time indeed, when he, as the theoretical curate of 130 parishes might have hesitated in recommending parochial committees, although owing to that useful and excellent measure of Sir Robert PEEL, a proper subdivision was about to take place in that district; but here he could have no hesitation in recommending such a course to be adopted, because it was in fact a pastoral paradise. Where the curacies are small, and it is no labour to go round to such of the parishioners and raise subscriptions, however small, to send to the district treasurer or parent society, and he could not but cordially advocate the parochial system recommended by the resolution. (Applause.) W. N. HODGSON, Esq., seconded the resolution. The Rev. Dr. JACKSON moved a vote of thanks to the Rev. E. TUFFNELL for his attendance on that occasion. J. FERGUSON, Esq., of Lowther-street, seconded the motion, and said he was sure that the society only required to be better known than it was to be well supported. (Applause.) The Rev. E. TUFFNELL briefly acknowledged the kindness with which he had been received in the dioceses of Carlisle and Chester. The Rev. W. REES moved a vote of thanks to the Worshipful the Chancellor of the Diocese, who had presided on that occasion. J. FERGUSON, Esq., seconded the resolution. The rev. the Chancellor returned thanks - and said, that the allusion which had been made to a pebble thrown on the water suggested to him the progress of the light of the Gospel, which was increasing more, and more - and had eclipsed the most clever observations of the heathen philosophers, and the positive decisions of the Jewish teachers. Their object should be to add to its vigor where faint, and to endeaver to increase its splendour where it shone most brightly, and so to increase its influence from people to people, and enlighten the whole world. (Applause.) The proceedings having terminated, a collection was made amongst the company, and we understand the sum of £8 17s was raised in the room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This is the end of this marathon meeting. So if you can't find the baptisms and burials of your ancestors in the colonies in the 1840s, you now know why!

 

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