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throughout the world; and it is understood and agreed that the hour betwixt eight and nine o'clock in the morning, and eight and nine in the evening, or as near that as possible, shall each day be given to prayer for the objects mentioned in the address.

THE CONTINENT.-BELGIAN EVANGELICAL SOCIETY.-The Belgian Evangelical Society being greatly indebted to its friends in England and Holland for the liberal aid afforded to it during the year 1841, desires, in expressing its gratitude for their liberality, to offer those friends a more detailed account of its labours, than the report published in French contains. This is but just towards those who have so cheerfully made such great sacrifices for the cause of Christ in Belgium, and who, no doubt, will be encouraged thereby, to continue

The following petition with regard to this memorial was transmitted to the General Assembly, and a resolution forwarded thereon. See Assembly Proceedings, p. 267.

Unto the Venerable the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Petition of the Society in Glasgow for Promoting the Revival of Religion.

Humbly Sheweth,

That your petitioners beg respectfully to lay on the table of the Assembly a second memorial, containing a plan for a proposed union for prayer, drawn up by the desire of the said society, and which is thus titled:-" To the children of God scattered abroad throughout the world, this second memorial is humbly submitted, with renewed desires that grace and peace may be abundantly multiplied to them all, through the knowledge of God our Saviour."-1 Cor. xii.

That the society took means to have the memorial which they laid on the table of last General Assembly widely circulated by most of the great missionary societies in Great Britain and on the continent of Europe, as well as in other parts of the globe, and it was cordially received and adopted by all of them, and last General Assembly was pleased to approve "generally of the principles on which the memorial proceeded, and earnestly recommended it to the consideration of the ministers and elders and members of the church." That the Lord having graciously pleased to bless the union for prayer last year as a means of spiritual refreshment to many of his own people, and various applications having been made for its renewal this present year (1842), the society, in compliance with this call, prepared a second memorial, which is now laid on the table; and your petitioners venture to hope the Venerable Assembly will be pleased to take the subject of it also under their consideration,-approve generally of the principles on which it proceeds, and recommend it to the perusal of the ministers and elders of the church, and also of private Christians; and in asking this, your petitioners beg it to be distinctly understood that they have no desire whatever that the Assembly prescribe any rules by which this second proposal for a union for prayer should be carried out; but they humbly suggest that this be left entirely to the consideration of the ministers and elders and private Christians who may adopt it.

Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the General Assembly, approving of the principles of the memorial, may be pleased to recommend the subject of it to all ministers, elders, and other members of the church. And your petitioners will ever pray.

Signed by us, members of, and in behalf of the
WILLIAM WINGATE,
JAMES CRAWFORD, jun. S

VOL. XV. NO. II.

said society,
Elders and Members

of Assembly.

U

their support to the Society. The information given will be chiefly from the journals and verbal communications of the agents themselves.

Genval and Waterloo.-The little flock at Genval consists, not of persons who unite together simply to oppose the errors of the Roman catholic church, but of sincere Christians, who glory in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and suffer persecution for "righteousness' sake."

In order to extend the field of his labours, Mr Vierne has removed his residence to Mount St Jean, and a chapel has been opened on almost the very ground where the memorable battle of Waterloo was fought.

There, a faithful soldier of Christ now wields those arms which are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of the strongholds of Satan.

The Christian whom curiosity may lead to visit the celebrated field, will not be the less interested by perceiving on his left, in the village of Mount St Jean, a very humble house with this inscription over the door “ Chapelle Evangélique;" and when engaged in solemn reflection on the circumstances of that mighty battle, he will be cheered by the thought, that He who came to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captive, to comfort all that mourn, is now preached, where a few years ago, all was devastation and bloodshed. He will be led to look forward with joy, to the glorious time, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither learn war any more, but shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.

In addition to Mr Vierne's labours at Genval and Mount St Jean on the Lord's Day, he has service every Saturday at Ohain. He had begun one at Ransbeck, where about thirty workmen were present, but the day after, a very violent persecution springing up against the person who had lent his house, he has not been able to continue his preaching in that place. Mr Vierne has been also called to visit a most respectable family in a neighbouring town, who earnestly requested him to procure them an evangelist; to facilitate which, they offered gratuitously for three years, a house sufficiently large for a place of worship, and lodgings for the minister.

Besides those who have decidedly joined Mr Vierne's congregation at Genval, amongst whom are twenty communicants, there are several persons under serious and deep impressions, but who have not yet the courage to declare themselves openly. A farmer who lived about six miles from Genval, was one of this number. His friends succeeded in preventing him from attending the place of worship in which Mr Vierne preaches, but not from reading and studying his Testament. Being taken ill, his wife wished to send for the priest: he would not consent to see him, but desired Mr Vierne to be sent for; this his wife refused to do. He continued to read his Testament and to pray up to his last moments, when his friends again insisted on his seeing the priest. He replied: You may fetch him now, for I shall be dead before he can arrive." A few minutes after, he was no more. His friends were obliged to pay a large sum of money to have him interred by the priest.

On the 4th of April Mr Vierne writes:-"A woman who attends my preaching, appears to me to enjoy the word of God; a person' told her, that he should no longer frequent our worship because he could not live as we did, and we did not as others did. She replied, "That is the very reason I shall continue to attend: I begin now to understand the gospel, and I wish to understand it still better."

The priests are as active as ever in their efforts to destroy the Holy Scriptures which have been distributed in the neighbourhood. They are also seconded in this most deplorable work by priests of another nation, whom they call up to their help. Mr Vierne in his letter, 29th of April, says :-" Some Spanish priests have been visiting these localities, and have not failed to use all their efforts to injure the work of God, though they have not attempted to

come near one of our brethren. At O- I have been assured that the curé has not succeeded in taking away one single Testament, which are pretty abundant in that village. The Spanish priests did not oblige the people to bring them the Testaments, but recommended those who had the Scriptures in their possession, to be sure to burn them-a recommendation which was not followed."

The establishment of Mr Vierne at Mount St Jean has greatly displeased the adversaries of the gospel, who, through animosity, have instigated the local authorities against him.

Mr Vierne suffers with patience, and waits calmly to see whether religious liberty will be so far violated, as to compel him to leave the country, under pretence of his being a foreiguer and troubling the neighbourhood.

Labouverie.-The work at this station continues to go on gradually increasing; a day school opened during the past year, being extremely favourable to its development. Mr Maton writes on the 6th of January :—“ Our services are regularly attended. I daily perceive that my hearers grow stronger in the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. A short time since, I visited a person, the father of a family, who has not yet been admitted to the Lord's Supper, nor even received as a catechumen. He said, 'Lately I have been considering my past life, and the grace of God towards me, in bringing me at this age to the knowledge of the Gospel. I have spent nearly a whole night in tears. was deeply grieved because I had not sooner known Jesus Christ. What a multitude of sins against this good Saviour should I have refrained from, had I known him before.' His conversation was so interesting that it went to my soul. We all knelt down, the man, his wife, and myself, to render thanks to God our Saviour for his goodness. This visit warmed my heart, and encouraged

me."

I

Mr Maton, although advanced in years, exerts himself in a most remarkable manner. On the 5th of July he says:-" I preach three times on the Sunday, when I am at Labou verie, and give instruction to my catechumens, twelve of whom are adults. We have also a Sunday school, which is conducted by two of our brethren and my daughter. We praise the Lord, that from morning to night the Sunday is devoted to the glory of His holy name."

Will not Christians rejoice with Mr Maton in his being able to write the following?" 26th October 1841. About a year before I took up my abode in this village, a person began to frequent the religious meetings held here, and appeared glad that he had quitted the errors of the Romish church. About twelve months after I began to preach at Labouverie, he became low spirited and melancholy. On my speaking to him, he replied: The word of God constantly accuses us, but I have reason to accuse the word of God. I begged of him to show me the passages he referred to; he refused, saying, it would lead him too far. I continued to visit him regularly, but always found him in the same state of mind. One day he said, I am ashamed to tell you what passes in my mind.' He was much troubled: my preaching only irritated him, and he would not permit his wife to attend our worship. During the last four or five months, he and his family have regularly come to the house of God. Now he says, how happy is a person when he loves the Lord. It is a pleasure to him to accompany me when I go to hold our meetings in different villages, even at a distance of twelve miles. I questioned him as to the change which he had experienced. He has sent me this morning a written account of the work God has operated on his heart. The following is an extract. For two years after I had embraced the Gospel, my soul was distracted by fear. Satan continually filled my mind with the most abominable thoughts, whispering, "Offer these things to thy God." Before I knew the Gospel, I never had such feelings, but ever since, Satan has persecuted me with them. He also ensnared my soul, by telling me, that I had sinned

against the Holy Ghost. I was tempted not to read the Bible any more, being convinced that it would only add to my pain of mind. The more I read it, the more my heart rebelled against God;-the more I accused him. When I went to hear the Gospel preached, my heart would say, what are you going to do there, it will only make you the more unhappy. At times I beard the voice of love, saying, Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. Then again, I thought that it was a folly to believe that there was another life. Oftentimes, when passing by a coal-mine, I have been tempted to throw myself in, saying, my life was but one course of pain and misery. But God, who is rich in mercy, poured out on me a drop of grace in saying, Take care, you will dishonour my Gospel and lose your soul. One day I felt a desire to pray, but I trembled, and even perspired through fear. I said to myself, God will reject my prayer, as he rejected the sacrifice of Cain. I will pray tomorrow. I shall be better disposed to do so. Thus days and weeks fled away without my pouring out my heart before God. Satan held me under his dominion; I dared not frequent the place of worship, nor did I like to bear the Holy Spirit spoken of. I said, He never speaks peace to my soul. I also thought God had saved others, but that he had given me up as a reprobate. I accused him of injustice; for, thought I, although Christ says, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give you;' I ask Him to give me grace, He refuses me. I was foolish. I ought not to have expected anything, for I did not ask in faith. I could say with David, When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

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When He enabled me to pour out my soul before him, He then gave me to feel his grace and peace; since then, I have been happy. I love the children of God, I love his holy word, and I love his service. Now I know that all my conflict was but the pains of spiritual birth, and can say with the Psalmist, Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.'"

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Mr Maton adds:-" Although this person feels himself happy, still he is not without his conflicts; for he has often said to me, How rebellious is our nature against God, it will not submit to his will, which is so good; but I know we shall always have to wage a warfare here below.'

In his journal for the same month, Mr Maton writes:-"We have several adult catechumens who go on well, and I hope shortly to see eight or ten persons more added to our church."

In his letter, 30th of December, Mr Maton says, that several persons who had not attended his services for some time, had lately returned; that several others, whom he had not before seen at his church, began to frequent the house of God, and that six Roman catholics, whom he believed to be converted to Jesus Christ, were to be admitted to the Lord's table. Two young men, members of his church, are desirous of consecrating themselves to the work of evangelization, and are spending their little fortune in studying for that purpose.

The cause at Paturages, where Mr Maton aids the Rev. Mr Devisme, offers the same interest, and a new church is in progress of building for the congregation.

Tuintignies. It will be seen by the report printed in French, that not only one evangelist, but three, would find ample occupation amongst the many protestant families scattered over a vast surface, and in responding to the numerous wants which have sprung up in this and the surrounding villages, where the holy scriptures have been distributed.

The Lord alone can raise up and send forth labourers into his vineyard. To him then must prayer ascend, that it may please him to listen to the demands made on the society.

Wherever the blessed light of the gospel begins to shine, there the prince

of darkness is sure to raise an aggressive and violent opposition. Mr Dupont, on the 29th of March, writes:-" The opposition to my labours increases daily. The woman of whom I have before spoken in one of my letters, is determined to separate from her husband, who, I hope, is a converted character. He is in great agony of mind, for he is much attached to his wife and children. This is the greatest affliction that could befall him. His wife is excited to this opposition by her relatives and neighbours, who are joined together to try to make her leave her husband. She does not exactly think that her husband will be lost, but it is the dishonour attached to the name of protestant which troubles and frightens her and her family. I have been told that several men, who have worked in the same shop as this man, when they return home, will not work (as they used to do) on the Sunday. Their wives also are frightened at this, and say that their husbands will become pro

testants."

An old man, formerly a Roman catholic, died in the Lord in the course of the last year. Mr Dupont had the pleasure of preaching the gospel to a crowd of persons who attended the funeral. The multitude listened with great respect and attention to his exhortations and to the hymns which were sung. After Mr Dupont had finished, the son of the deceased, also a converted Roman catholic, spoke in favour of the gospel, making a noble confession of his faith. The emotion became general, even the adversaries of the gospel were touched, and from that time, many prejudices against the word have ceased.

Mr Dupont, in addition to his regular services, devoted two days in the week to the instruction of the children in his own and in a neighbouring village. He has quitted Taintignies for a time, being called to open a new station of evangelization, but not before he had the joy of seeing two persons brought to a knowledge of the truth through the instrumentality of his preaching. One of these persons, before his conversion, had been in the habit of horribly ill-treating his wife, because she frequented Mr Dupont's chapel. A member of the agency who visited this station in the summer, was fully convinced from what he saw, that the work here is making progress. The chapel could not contain all the persons assembled for the service he held, and the meeting was adjourned to a neighbouring meadow. Mr Wacquier, a convert from the Roman catholic church, supplies Mr Dupont's pulpit whilst the latter is absent. Mr Wacquier wrote at the end of the year, that there were some new conversions and continued progress.

Mons.-Different circumstances obliged the society to relinquish their work at this station, but it is gratifying to see that it has been taken up by others. Mr Bahler, formerly an agent of the Evangelical Society, has been called by the Rev. Mr Devisme and the consistory of the church at Mons, to labour in this town; he has consequently quitted the service of the society, and is no longer under its direction. It is not, however, without some difficulty, that the friends at Mons are able to meet all their wants, and to aid them in paying the expenses of their church, fr. 200 were voted to them in the past year from the society's funds.

Mr Girod's correspondence throughout the whole year has been a source of much joy, and has loudly called for praise to Him, who perfects his strength in his people's weakness. Letter after letter has been filled with accounts, giving evident proofs of the blessing the Lord pours down on his ministry. Que letter speaks of a man buying a Testament of a colporteur, and after reading it, feeling an ardent desire for further instruction, and being brought to attend the chapel, delights to listen to the meditation and explanation of the simple word of God. Another letter gives an account of a family being brought to the house of God, through the means of a child, who, after having attended divine worship himself, induced his aged grandfather and grandmother to go

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