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come forward, and repress the current of infidelity which was let loose upon the world.

We learn, with great regret, that this valuable Society is upwards of 1500/. in debt.

Lord Calthorpe, in moving that the Report should be received, said, that there was peculiar propriety in the friends of Christianity endeavouring to communicate the benefits of the Scriptures to the preservers of their country. Nothing could be of greater importance than to render the soldier or sailor always prepared for death; nothing could be so great a corrective as the Scriptures for the vices which were engendered naturally amongst a number of men, gathered together as soldiers. were; nothing could so well tend to humanize, and make war less savage, the Scriptures; by making soldiers Christian warriors, and preparing them to endure, with fortitude and patience, the trials and hardships to which they were subject.

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Major Mackworth, of the Hon. East India Company's service, addressed the meeting, and said, that he had seen many engagements abroad; he had seen the men form in ranks and rush forward to death without knowing where their immortal souls were to go, or even if they had any. He had, when he was young, gone on the field of battle, and examined the books and papers of the dead; but, he lamented to say, that in no one instance did he ever find a Bible or a Prayer Book amongst them. He expressed his pleasure, however, that this state of things was now happily altered amongst the army, and that the Bible was now the companion of the majority. He alluded, in forcible terms, to the humanity of the British army, which called forth a most impressive testimony from the present sovereign of France; and closed by earnestly pressing upon the wife of every officer who was present, the duty of endeavouring to recover the females of the army from the state of misery and degradation to which so many of them were reduced.

The Rev. W. Coldwell, of Stafford, related an interesting anecdote of two soldiers, who, on a foreign station, had been condemned to death; during their confine ment they constantly and fervently read the Scriptures; owing to some favourable circumstances in their case, they received a pardon, and such was the beneficial effect produced upon their conduct, that in less than twelve months they were promoted to the rank of non-commissioned officers. It was thus that the exertions of this Society tended to produce gcod soldiers, good subjects, consistent and exemplary Christians.

Lord Gambier addressed the meeting at some length.

The motion was carried unanimously.

The Rev. G. Clark remarked, that we need not look for personal motives in a case like this: to those high and holy impulses which call upon us to contribute to other Institutions, must here be added the claims of gratitude to those to whom we owe so much. The good order of soldiers in time of peace, was as remarkable as their valour in time of war; but as he cannot be a good soldier who fears death, so he is not a friend to soldiers that does not give them that book which overcomes the fear of death. It was a libel, he contended, upon an honourable and neces sary profession, that its members must be reduced to the state of heathens, and rendered as insensible as the horses on which they rode, to fit them for service. It argued great ignorance of that book which teaches every man to do his duty.

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Lieut. Gordon adverted to the impedi ments thrown in the way of our Missionary efforts, by the immoral conduct of our soldiers and sailors, and thence inferred the importance of the friends of Missions assisting this Society. He then adverted to the beneficial effects of religion, as illustrated in one regiment of Highlanders, of which it had been remarked that it ought to be broken up for non-commissioned officers. It contained no less than 500 communicants: no punishment had curred in the regiment for seven years: there was a fund for the education of their orphans, which was not only sufficient to educate, but also to assist them in setting out in the world. They subscribed a day's pay for every widow belonging to the regiment. At the Cape station they exerted themselves in supporting the Missionary cause, and left 140l. which they had subscribed for this purpose; and when they appeared at New Orleans, 600 strong, every man had his Bible. Such was the tendency of true religion; and he therefore hoped the assembly would consider the claims of the Society, and exert themselves to remove that debt which impeded its exertions.

Major-general Orde said, that if, in obedience to an earthly monarch, the soldier went forth to meet his country's foes, surely we should endeavour, in obedience to the King of kings, to promote the salvation of their souls, who were thus called to bear the heat and burden of the day. Surely we ought to remember the thrice repeated exhortations, Feed my sheep-to be merciful after our power-and as we have freely received, we should freely give.

Capt. H. Gordon, R. N.; Thomas Reed, Esq. Surgeon, R. N.; Sir Claudius Hunter, and the Rev. Bryan Burgess, severally addressed the meeting, which then broke up, deeply impressed and highly gratified.

LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONG THE JEWS.

THE fifteenth Anniversary of this Society was held at Freemasons' Hall, on Friday, May 9th, which was early filled with a highly respectable assembly. While the members of the Society were collecting, the children of the Jewish schools sung several hymns, and some voluntaries were performed on the organ. The chair was taken precisely at twelve o'clock by Sir Thomas Baring, who introduced the business by a general statement of the object and plans of the Society. The object was the conversion of the Jews: the means by which that object was pursued were, 1. the education of Jewish children, of whom 800 bad been instructed since the commencement of the Society, none of whom had returned to Judaism; 2. the delivering lectures to the Jews, at the Jewish Episcopal Chapel, in which the types, prophecies, &c. are explained; 3. the translating and circulating of the sacred Scriptures, especially the New Testament, among the Jews. No less than 10,000 copies of the Hebrew New Testament have already been distributed, exclusive of great numbers of Testaments, in the German, Hebrew, and Judeo-Polish languages; many of which the Society have positive evidence have not only been thankfully received, but diligently perused: yet, notwithstanding the number distributed, when it was considered that the Jews amounted to no less than six millions, it might well be inquired what are 10,000 Testaments among so many?

After the Chairman had concluded his address, the children, as usual, sung "Hosanna to the Son of David." The Rev. Basil Woodd then arose. He spake of the children as a living report, bearing witness in their own persons of the excellence of the Institution. He next addressed the children with his accustomed fidelity and affection, urging upon them the responsibility under which they were placed, by being instructed in the oracles of God;the claims which the Society had upon them to maintain a Christian conduct; and called upon them to pray for a blessing on the instructions which they had received. The cause of Judab, he said, was the cause of the world, and the conversion of Judah would be accompanied by the conversion of all nations; and he there fore entreated the assembly to pray earnestly that these children might, like Samuel, say, 66 Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth;" that when they went forth into the world the Lord might be with them, as he was with Joseph; and that whatever they should do, the Lord might make it to prosper; that, like Mary, they might choose the one thing needful, and with Timothy

might find godliness profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

After Mr. Woodd had concluded, the children withdrew; and the Rev. Mr. Haw, trey proceeded to read an abstract of the Report.

It adverts, first, to the domestic occur. rences of the year, and notices the forma tion of new Auxiliary Societies, or Associations, at Chichester, Gloucester, Portsea, Derby, Clapham, and Percy Chapel. It states, that there is a manifest increase among our countrymen of enlightened, scriptural zeal for the spiritual welfare of Israel; that the income of the Society has been raised to the amount of 10,9241.; and that from Ireland alone, notwithstanding the great national anxiety and conflict which there exists, no less than 11507. has been contributed to the funds of the Society. The Report then notices the spirit of inquiry excited among the Jews, and manifested by the comparative frequency of their publications on the subject of Christianity, and the attention paid by many of them to the Tracts and other publications of the London Society. There are at present in the Society's schools 38 boys and 49 girls. The Society have sent out three missionaries during the year, two to Poland, and one to the Mediterranean, and they have at present seven students in their seminary at Stansted preparing for future services.

The Report next proceeds to notice the foreign relations of the Society. It adverts to a periodical work about to be published in Paris, one prominent object of which is the awakening attention to the conversion of the Jews. It notices the singular circumstance of the chief rabbi of the Jews at Paris accompanying the Rev. Lewis Way to the meeting of the Paris Protestant Bible Society. It states, that in Holland the cause of the Society, though obstructed by many, and, in some respects, peculiar difficulties, is making a steady progress; and especially notices the preparatory work going on amongst the Jews at present. The dissatisfaction felt by some of them with the present state of religion amongst their people; the feeling of the necessity of religion that is growing up among them; the gradual diminution of prejudice; the impression which kindness and friendship are making upon them; all these are illustrated by important remarks and observations from Mr. Thelwall. Report then notices some instances of success communicated to the Society by Mr. T. and proceeds to advert to the interest excited on behalf of the Jewish cause in

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Germany, at Detmold in Westphalia; in Prussia, at Koenigsberg, Berlin ; in Saxony, at Dresden, Leipsic; in Prussian Poland, at Breslau, Cracow, Warsaw; in Russian Poland, &c. ; inserting extracts from the correspondence of Messrs. Goldberg, M'Caul, Becker, &c. The Report then notices the voyage of the Rev. Messrs. Way and Lewis to the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Levant; the formation of a special fund at Nice for the support of a mission to Palestine; the proceedings of Mr. Wolff in his visit to Jerusalem, Antioch, &c. with his address at Malta. The Report concludes by insisting on the necessity of an increase of labourers, an increase of funds, and an increase of prayers.

The Bishop of Gloucester, in moving that the Report be received and printed, most powerfully advocated the cause, which, he assured the meeting, met with the firmest support in the city of Gloucester. His Lordship alluded to the recent Anniversary of the Bible Society in that room, and remarked that the greater part of that holy book was written by and for the Jewish nation. They were, he said, bound in gratitude to serve the Jews, who had suffered scorn and derision on their account in days long gone by, and who had been left to perish millions after millions; but they were bound to serve Him more especially, who was the King of the Jews. The diffusion of Christian knowledge was now operating like a well-marshalled armythe batteries were at play, the mines were springing, and recruits were from time to time coming into the camp.

Lord Calthorpe seconded the resolution; in doing which he took occasion to commend, in the strongest manner, the system of educating children upon their establishment. His Lordship commended their attempts for the conversion of the young, whose hearts were more open to instuction and conviction.

Lord Bexley declared, that not one of the great institutions of the country better deserved support than this. The Jews had been trampled upon every where, which

was one great cause of their aversion to Christianity. Our forefathers were deep in the guilt of that oppression, and we should endeavour to atone for the crime by a speedy reparation.

Dr. Pinkerton said, he had seen the existing state of the Jews in the continental nations. Of their moral and civil degradation he should not speak. Their religious degradation was perhaps greater than it had been even at the time of the persecution of our Saviour, when the Apostles pitied them. "Their hand was raised against every man, and every man's hand was raised against them." This was the case every where but in England. They still loved Judea. In Holland the rich Jews procured earth from Palestine, to form their graves; and even the poor strewed a few handfuls of this earth in the graves of the dead, to fix their repose.

Sir George Rose called upon Christians in aid of the instruction and conversion of the Jews, who had so long laboured under accumulated prejudices and injuries. He was happy to say, that from much of both they had lately been - relieved, and were now greatly upon the increase upon the continent: but he was sorry to say, that many were kept from professing Christianity through the hatred which they bore to their former persecutors.

Several other gentlemen addressed the meeting, as Major Mackworth, Professor Keiffer, the Rev. Messrs. Cunningham, Thistlewaite, Marsh, &c.; also a converted Jew, the son of a rabbi, returned his thanks for the exertions of the Society in behalf of his nation. In the north of England he met with a man of talent, who spoke very lightly of the objects of the Society, and its effects. He did not suppose they would convert more than one hundred all together. "Be it so (said he); you are a skilful calculator-take your pen now, and calculate the value of one hundred immortal souls!"

Sir T. Baring closed the meeting with an address from the chair, and a collection was made at the doors.

HIBERNIAN BIBLE SOCIETY.

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attachment to the great cause which the Hibernian Bible Society has in hand, would not admit of any light reason for yielding to another my right to the chair at its meeting on Thursday next. But, in truth, unforeseen circumstances have occurred to render my leaving my family at this time (unless absolutely necessary) very distressing. There will be no difficulty from among the numerous friends of the Society to select one to fill the chair every way (except the earnest and anxious desire to promote the glorious object of the So

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Extracts from the Report.

"The whole number of the auxiliary institutions which have been formed or reorganized during the past year is five auxiliary Societies and 30 Bible Associations, making a total of 35; which, added to the Institutions formerly in connexion with you, and deducting those which have been dissolved, make a total of 147 Bible Institutions of all kinds now in connexion with the Hibernian Bible Society.

"To encourage the formation of Bible Associations in those parts of the country where there are fewest resident gentry, to assist the poor in obtaining the Scriptures at a cheap rate, and where the poor stand most in need of such assistance, your Committee have allowed themselves more liberty in making grants to newly formed associations than former Committees considered themselves warranted to do, in the less advanced state of your Society's affairs. They have also, with the same view, appropriated part of your stock of books to the forming of lending libraries of the Holy Scriptures, under the management of Bible Associations; and they have found this measure to be highly beneficial. Wherever sush libraries have been formed they have been productive of the best effects, especially in enabling associations successfully to meet several difficulties to which they are exposed in the discharge of their important duties.

"The operations of the Committee have been considerably fettered and retarded by their too limited accommodation at No. 16, Upper Sackville Street, and by the tinie and attention that were required of them, to obtain more extensive accommodation. They are happy to say, that they have now the near prospect of seeing that desirable object accomplished."

The receipts of the Society for the

last year have been from various sources 4343l. Os. 11d. for which contributions the Committee desire to express their unfeigned gratitude.

"The issues of books from the depository of the Society have been for the last year 8628 Bibles and 7949 Testaments, which have been issued as follows:

"Sold to Auxiliary Societies and Associations 6888 Bibles, 6256 Testaments. "Sold at reduced prices to Subscribers, 1074 Bibles, 739 Testaments.

"Bestowed gratuitously, 666 Bibles, 954 Testaments; making the total issues of the Society, since its establishment, 312,272 Bibles and Testaments.

"The issue of books falls short of what was reported last year by 78 Bibles and 4015 Testaments. In regard to this diminution the Committee would observe, that it is almost exclusively in the issue of Testaments, and that it is nearly accounted for from the circumstance of the Sunday School Society for Ireland having, during the preceding year, purchased at your depository 3000 Testaments; whereas, during the last year, none were purchased by them. Another cause of this deficiency has been, that the efforts of your Committee in forming associations, have been almost exclusively directed to those parts of the country where an extensive sale of the Scriptures is not to be expected immediately.

"Previously to the year that now ends, the Auxiliaries and Associations were chiefly in Leinster and Ulster; and in those provinces almost every new Auxiliary and Association requires a considerable supply of books; but, during the last year, your new Associations have chiefly been in Connaught and Munster, where the sales are, from the circumstances of the people, much more limited. Every year the demands of those persons, who are previously desirous of possessing the Scriptures, must diminish, because every year a considerable portion of them are supplied. Through this cause, the sale of some of your Associations, especially in the province of Ulster, is but a fraction of what it was at their commencement. give one instance; the Ladies' Association at Coleraine received from your depository, during the year that ended April last, 440 Bibles and 244 Testaments. During the last year they have received only 32 Bibles and no Testaments. The reason is obvious, that nearly all, who in that district, containing about 5000 inhabitants, would receive the Scriptures, were supplied during the first year. The Rosstunor Auxiliary and Association are similarly circumstanced. Their sales have been greatly diminished, because they have supplied with the Word of God nearly all those whom they found

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disposed to purchase it, and have now to work their way among a people whose minds are not yet prepared for reading the Scriptures, or for breaking through the obstructions that are laid in the way of their possessing them.

"Your Committee are far from regarding this as a discouraging circumstance. Your work hitherto has been chiefly preparatory: you have done much towards providing those persons with the Word of God who are disposed to receive it; you have awakened a desire in those who possess and value it, to see others possess and value it alse; you have acquired much experience and information, and have so systematized your plans of procedure, that you can give immediate direction and assistance to all who are disposed to co-operate with you;

and you have been the instruments of eatiing forward many labourers into this field of useful exertion. You have already made more than a commencement, in inducing that class of the community to receive and read the Scriptures, who formerly would have been prevented by their own unhappy scruples, or by the influence of others; you have thus, through the good hand of your God upon you, effected much that is important in itself, and more that is important as a preparation for future operations. Still, however, the greater part of your labour is before you; you are now but little more than beginning to work upon the great mass of the people of Ireland, and, considering the circumstances in which they are placed, you must expect to find your labour for some time more arduous."

WEST INDIAN SLAVERY.

THIS interesting question was brought before the House of Commons on Thursday the 15th of May, by Mr. Buxton, who after a long and argumentative speech moved the following resolution:

"That the state of slavery is repugnant to the principles of the British constitution and of the Christian religion, and that it ought to be gradually abolished throughout the British colonies, with as much expedition as may be found consistent with a due regard to the well-being of the parties concerned."

Mr. Canning considered the terms of this motion too decided and comprehensive. He therefore moved an amendment in the following words:

"That it is expedient to adopt effectual and decisive measures for ameliorating the condition of the slave population of His Majesty's Colonies.

"That, through a determined and vigorous, but at the same time judicious and temperate, enforcement of such measures, this House looks forward to a progressive improvement in the character of the slave population, such as may prepare them for a participation in those civil rights and privileges which are enjoyed by other classes of His Majesty's subjects.

"That this House is anxious for the accomplishment of these purposes at the earliest period that may be consistent with the welfare of the slaves themselves, the wellbeing of the colonies, and a fair and equitable consideration of the state of property therein."

With this amendment, Mr. Wilberforce and other advocates of the cause of African freedom advised the honourable mover to be content, inasmuch as a step would certainly

be gained by its unanimous adoption, while the possibility of carrying the original proposition appeared doubtful. Accordingly Mr. Buxton withdrew his motion, and Mr. Canning's Resolutions were unanimously agreed to.

At the close of the discussion Mr. B. asked for a distinct understanding of what points of the question had been reached. He wished to know how far they could agree as to the desirable improvement of the state of the negro slaves. If he correctly understood the Right Honourable mover of the amendment, it was his opinion, that the use of the cart-whip might be put an end to—(Mr. Canning assented); that the flogging of females should be discontinued (Mr. C. assented); that the Sunday should be secured to the slaves as a day of rest and instruction-(Mr. C. assented); that the acquisition of property should be attended with security- (Mr. C. assented); that existing difficulties in the obtaining manumission should be removed─(Mr. C. assented); that the praetice of venditioni exponas should be abolished-(Mr. C. assented). He also understood, that the reception of the evidence of a slave in courts of justice was considered a doubtful point. Lastly, he wished to know what was intended respecting the children of slaves, as to their continuance or their release from the condition of their parents.

Mr. Canning replied, that he abjured the principle of perpetual slavery. He thought that a time must be expected when the children should be born free, but he was not prepared to go farther, or be more explicit on the present occasion.

Register of Events, Notices, &c. unavoidably postponed.

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