and public establishment in the WestIndies, under the immediate care of a Bishop stationed on the spot, of that Form of Ecclesiastical Administration to which we ourselves actually and by preference belong.

If, too, there may exist local peculi arities, by which a complete Episcopal Establishment may be rendered specially desirable, such peculiarities present themselves in our West-Indian Possessions. Those possessions are subdivided into a number of islands, dispersed at a distance each from the other; constituting a scattered assemblage of Christian Associations—Christian already, as to part of their population; and destined, we trust, to become, under our protection, universally Christian as to their inhabitants of every hue and shade of complexion. Among islands thus situated, what could be more manifestly conducive than the habitual presence of a Bishop, to repress disorder in the Churches, to originate beneficial plans, to excite religious exertion, to maintain Christian Unity, to promote brotherly love?

With these arguments, which, had time allowed, might have been enlarged, he would have concluded his observations, if there were not yet a fact too material not to be brought forward by him; although his own name must be mixed, yet he trusted in no unbecoming way, with the communication. It always was very advantageous, in recommending a particular proposition, if it could be shewn to be sustained by undeniable and experimental authority: the proposition was thus rescued from liability to the imputation of being a speculative theory, and was established on a clear foundation of solid and practical usefulness. He had been honoured with the friendship of a Prelate, whose memory still lives in the grateful recollection of the public, the venerable Bishop Porteus. Two circumstances led the Bishop to express his sentiments to him on the religious condition of the West-Indian Colonies: one of those circumstances was, that the Bishop had been successful in his exertions to obtain from his Majesty's Government the appropriation to the instruction of the Negroes, of a fund which had been originally bequeathed to religious uses in our North-American Provinces, but, on the acknowledgment of their independence, had fallen to the disposal of

the Crown: the other was, that he was at Fulham when two Clergymen received Ordination for West-Indian Be nefices. The Bishop, on whom, in virtue of his See of London, the obligation of conducting the Ecclesiastical Concerns of the West-Indian Islands rested, deeply felt the extreme undesirableness of his own situation, and of that of the Colonies- that he had the responsibility of superintendence, without the power of inspection; that he heard of evils, without the possibility of applying a remedy; that he might devise plans of good, but had no capability of promoting them: and added his full conviction, founded on experience, that the religious concerns of the islands could not be efficaciously administered for general improvement, otherwise than by the residence of a local Bishop in the Colonies. He could not entertain a doubt, that if the sentiments of the eminent Prelate who now fliled the See of London could be known to the Meeting, they would be found entirely in unison with those of his revered prede

cessor.

On the grounds thus stated and thus corroborated, he ventured to promise himself the concurrence of the Meeting, in his motion for an Address to the Parent Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, earnestly requesting that Society to make immediate application to his Majesty's Government, in order to obtain the appointment of a resident Bishop for the West-Indian Islands.

Mr. Gisborne was thus forcibly seconded by the Rev. E. W. Grinfield:

In rising to second the Address, which has been so ably moved by the Rev. Gentleman, I hope I may be allowed to thank him, in the name of this Meeting, for the very discreet, prudent, and judicious manner in which he has thus brought this great question before us. There is not an individual here present, who has not felt and admired that prudent and sagacious discretion, which has thus abstained from mixing up with this motion all questions of a political and party description; questions calculated to awaken the prejudices of some, to alarm the self-interests of others, and to inflame the passions of all.

The proposal for an Ecclesiastical Establishment in these colonies, is

founded on a self-evident axiom-"That it is the bounden duty of every Christian Government, to provide for the religious wants of those who are living under its influence and dominion; and that, out of motives of sound policy, as it regards this world, not less than from those more awful considerations which respect another, we are bound to impart that knowledge which contains within itself the blessing and promise of this life, as well as of that which is to come."

Who, that is at all acquainted with the religious condition of either the White or Black Population in our WestIndia Settlements, can for one moment doubt whether they ought to participate more fully and practically in those religious advantages which we are enjoying at home? There are parishes of 30, 40, 50 miles in circumference: in Jamaica, which contains more than 5,000,000 of acres, there are but 20 parishes! Yes, it has a population of more than 400,000 inhabitants, and there are not half the number of parishes and churches, which are contained in the Bath Archdeaconry!

Gentlemen, it must be self-evident, even as far as the White Inhabitants are concerned, this unnatural, this unchristian state of things ought not to be allowed to continue in any part of the British Empire: for I fear it may be said of many of these White Inhabitants, in the expressive words of the Original Charter of this Society, that many of them are destitute of God's Word and Sacraments, and that others are abandoned to Heathenism and Infidelity."

But it is not to be denied (and why should we disguise the fact ?) that, in the proposal for an Ecclesiastical Establishment, we seek the interest, the gradual civilization of the Negroes, not less than the improvement of the White Population. Is there a man, calling himself an Englishman, who does not think that we are bound to provide for the religious wants of a million of human beings, whom we have brought from their native country to till and cultivate our plantations? Whilst they were living in Africa, they were living within those bounds and habitations

which Divine Providence had assigned them; but we, having taken them under our dominion, are bound also to take them under our care and protection. I should blush for the name of Christian, if I could think there were a bosom May, 1873.

in this room which did not beat in unison with these reflections! The love of money must, indeed, be the root of all evil, if it can render the heart dead and callous to the common feelings of humanity. But, Gentlemen, in the want of all other motives, it is fear and self-interest which should compel us to be just and generous to those poor expatriated Africans. For what man can look on his property secure amidst such a fearful majority of barbarians ?—and who can reasonably look forward to the prosperity of our West-India Colonies, in their present condition, who casts his eye on the neighbouring shores of St. Domingo?

By this proposal of an Ecclesiastical Establishment for these Colonies, we seek to advance the general happiness and prosperity of all ranks and descriptions of persons residing on these islands: we seek to secure the safety of the Planters and Proprietors, not less than to better the condition of the Negroes. It is to prevent the recurrence of insurrection, carnage, and massacre-to substitute the dominion of moral feelings for that of fear and of terror-to render masters and servants the mutual benefactors of each other; that we propose this great and important question to the Legislature.

Every man is persuaded that something must and ought to be done, to improve the present state of our WestIndia Colonies. We are persuaded, that the basis of every other improvement must be looked for in the formation of such an Ecclesiastical Establishment as the one which we have proposed. As Men, as Englishmen, as Christians, we earnestly implore the Society to receive our Address; and we are persuaded, that, if it should be adopted, future generations will rise up to bless our memories.

The Address, being put from the Chair, was unanimously carried; and was signed by the Archdeacon on belralf of the Meeting.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Annual Vote to Bishop's College, Calcutta. OUR Readers were apprised, at P. 449 of the Volume for 1821, that the Committee had placed the sum of 1000l. at the disposal of the late Bishop of Calcutta, for the use of

2 G

the College; which was to be con sidered as a Grant for the Year 1822, in the expectation that they should be enabled to follow up this Grant annually with the Vote of a like sum.

Information of this Vote was received in India but a short time before the death of the Bishop. The Statutes of the College not having arrived from England, his Lordship deferred the acceptance of the Grant, on an honourable principle, fully explained in the following extract of a Letter from him to the Corresponding Committee, dated May 29, 1822

It is gratifying to me to believe that the design of the College continues to be approved, when its plan of operations has been somewhat more developed. This second munificent Vote of your Society affords strong evidence to that effect; and I would not be thought to be insensible of their distinguished liberality, if I forbear to consider this gift definitively as a part of the College Resources, till the system under which the Institution will be administered, shall have

been completely settled and clearly understood. That system, as I conclude, will be sufficiently detailed in the College Statutes. Your Society express their desire to educate Students in the College. I cannot, therefore, consistently with correct feeling, though no stipulation is attached to the Grant, proceed to appropriate it, until it shall be known with certainty that their wishes on this head may be justified, and what will be finally the conditions of admission. You may, however, be assured, that a copy of the Statutes shall be forwarded for your information, whenever they shall be received from England; and I have reason to expect them very soon.

The Bishop's lamented death occurring a few weeks after the date of this Letter, no further steps were taken in India in reference to the Grant.

On the appointment of the Rev. Dr. Heber to the vacant See, the Committee placed at his Lordship's disposal the sum of 1000l. abovementioned, voted to the College for 1822; with a request that he would be pleased to appropriate it in such manner as might seem most ex

pedient, and would apprise the Committee in what way, in his Lordship's judgment, the Society could hereafter most effectually render assistance to the College-the Statutes having been framed with that wisdom and liberality, which affords opportunity, both to the Local Governments and the Religious Societies connected with the United Church, of co-operating with the College to the attainment of its great ends.

We are happy to add that Bishop Heber, who has been for a long time a zealous friend and able advocate of the Society, has become one of its Vice-Patrons. We quote his Lordship's words, addressed to the Noble President of the Society, on accepting the office :

I can truly say that the Committee of the Church Missionary Society, however they may overrate the importance of my services, have not overrated my attachment to their Cause, or to the principles on which they have endeavoured, with such distinguished success, to promote a knowledge of Christianity among the Heathen.

PROCEEDINGS OF ASSOCIATIONS. Second Anniversary of the Chichester and West Sussex.

The Rev. W. Marsh, on his way to attend this Anniversary, preached for the Society, on Sunday, April 6th, at Eastbourne; and on Wednesday, at St. Michael's, Lewes; on Tuesday, at Heathfield. The Collections were upward of 331.

On Sunday, April 13th, Sermons were preached at St. John's, Chichester, by the Rev. W. Marsh; at Huntingdon, by the Rev. John Sargent; and at Lavington and Graffham, by the Rev. G. Bliss and on Tuesday at Stanstead, and on Wednesday at Slyndon, by the Rev. W. Marsh.

The Annual Meeting was held in the Council Chamber at Chichester, on Thursday, the 17th; the President, J. Pemberton Plumptre, Esq. in the Chair.

The Collections at the Sermon and Meeting were nearly 901.

Formation of the Portsmouth, Portsea,

and Gosport Association.

Sermons were preached by the Rev. W. Marsh, on Thursday Evening, the 17th of April, and on Sunday Morning, the 20th, at St. John's, Portsea; and on Sunday Afternoon and Evening, at St. George's. The Assistant Secretary also preached on Sunday Morning at St. George's, and on Sunday Afternoon and Evening at St. John's. On account of some local circumstances, Collections after these Sermons were omitted. A Public Meeting was held, on Friday the 18th, in the Beneficial Society Room, the Rev. W. S. Dusautoy in the Chair, for the more effective establishment of an Association, which has already subsisted, in a private way for many years.

The officers of the Association are as under :

President, Hon. George Grey. Vice Presidents,

Rev. E. L. Benwell, and the Assistant Secretary -Rev, R. Bingham, and Rev. W. Marsh-Major Watson, and Rev. W. Howes-Rev. John Haygarth, and Rev. Edwin Jacob-and Rev. W. Charnock, and Captain Austin.

Nearly 701. was contributed. Fifth Anniversary of the Cambridge. The Meeting was held, on this occasion, on Tuesday, the 22d of April, Francis Pym, Esq. in the Chair. The Assistant Secretary preached at Haslingfield on Wednesday Evening. The Collections were nearly 301.

Movers and Seconders.

Rev. Wm. Leeson, and the Secretary of the Society. -G. Milner, Esq. and Rev. John Hatchard-Rev. James Scholefield, and the Assistant Secretaryand Rev. Professer Farish, and Rev. James Scholefield.

First Anniversary of the Guildford. The Assistant Secretary preached, on Sunday, April the 27th, at Albury, in the morning, and at Wonersh, in the evening; and the Rev. W. H. Cole, at St. Martha-on-the-Hill.

The Meeting was held, on Monday the 28th, in the Town Hall of Guildford; Spencer Percival, Esq. in the Chair. The Collections were above 631.

Movers and Seconders.

Rev. R. P. Beachcroft, and Rev. David T. JonesRev. Richard Whittingham, and Rev. Mr. Cooper -Rev. A. Crespin, and J. Gorham, Esq. - aud Rev. T. S. Grimshawe, and Rev. H. Taṭtam. The Collections were about 30% Seventh Anniversary of the Colchester and East-Essex.

On Sunday, May the 11th, the Rev. Edward Burn, of Birmingham, preached at St. Peter's Colchester in the morning, at East Donyland in the afternoon, and at St. James's Colchester in the evening; and the Rev. W. Marsh, at St. Peter's, in the afternoon. On Tuesday Evening, the Secretary of the Society preached at St. Peter's.

The Annual Meeting of the Colchester Ladies' Association was held on Monday Evening, at the New Room, Red-Lion Walk; the Rev. Charles Musgrave, M.A. late Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, in the Chair: and the Annual Meeting of the Colchester and EastEssex Association, on Tuesday Morning, at the same place; John F. Mills, Esq., Vice-President, in the Chair.

Movers and Seconders. Rev. T. Newman, and Rev. W. Wilson, (Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford)-the Secretary of the Society, and Rev. T. Knottesford-Rev. Edward Burn, and Rev. Guy Bryan-Rev. C. Musgrave, and Rev. V. M. Torriano-and Rev. W. Marsh, and Rev. W. Burgess. The Collections amounted to 1177. 5s. 11d. First Anniversary of the Maldon, and Witham and Kelvedon, Branches.

Branch Associations at these places had, for some years, contributed to the funds of the Colchester and East-Essex Association: that at Maldon had raised 2121. 17s. 5d.; and that at Witham and Kelvedon, 1671. 13s. Some friends from Colchester accompanying the Deputa

The Anniversary of 1822 was, by mistake, printed the First instead of the Seventh, Sce p. 350 of the last Volume.

tion of the Parent Society who had attended the Anniversary at that place, a General Meeting of the Members and Friends of these Branch Associations was held in the New Room, at the White Hart, in Witham, on Wednesday, May the 14th; the Rev. Guy Bryan, Rector of Woodham Walter, in the Chair.

Movers and Seconders. Rev. W. Burgess, and Rev. Edward Burn-the Secretary of the Society, and Rev. Robert Walker

-Rev. Matthew Newport, and Rev. C. L'Osteand Rev. John Bull, and Rev. W. Burgess. Collected at the Doors, 117. 2s. 6d. Third Anniversary of the North-East London.

The Annual Meeting took place on the evening of Thursday, May the 22d, in the Great Room, at the Mermaid, in Hackney; James W. Freshfield, Esq. the Treasurer, in the Chair. The Report, which was read by the Secretary, Mr. Ballance, included Reports from the Ladies' Associations at Hackney and at Newington: from this Report it appeared that the Income of the Year had been 4731. 4s. 2d.; of which the

Hackney Ladies' Association had raised

2211. 13s. 7d., and the Ladies' Association of Newington and its vicinity 747. 9s. 4d. The Income of the Year exceeded that of the Year preceding by

491. 2s. 2d., and formed a total of Con

tributions raised by the Association amounting to II 171. 13s. Id.

Movers and Seconders.

Rev. W. B. Williams, and Rev. David T. JonesRev. C. S. Hawtrey, and Rev. Edward Irvingthe Secretary of the Society, and Lieutenant Gordon, R.N.-Rev. Thomas Robertson (Chaplain in Bengal), and Rev. M. M. Preston-and Rev. T. Mortimer, and John Ballance, Esq.

Resolution.

-That this Meeting receives with the liveliest satisfaction the report of that distinguished success, which it has pleased Almighty God to grant to the labours of the Society on the coast of Western Africa; and considers this success as a sure earnest and pledge of a far more glorious result of these labours, in all the Society's other Stations, when Faith and Prayer, which numerous difficulties and trials now call forth, shall have been drawn out into their fullest exercise.

On Sunday Afternoon, the 18th of May, a Sermon was preached in aid of the Association, at St. Leonard's, Shoreditch, by the Lecturer, the Rev. Thomas Mortimer, when the sum of 201. 1s. 7d. was collected. Sermons were preached on the following Sunday, the 25th, at the Jews' Chapel, Bethnal Green, in the morning by the Secretary of the

Society, and in the evening by the Rev. C. S. Hawtrey: the Collections were 361. 19s. 5d. The Collection at the Meeting was 311. 3s. 11d.

The Assistant Secretary set forward, a few days after the Anniversary of the Society, on an extensive Visit to the principal Associations in the Counties of Derby, Lincoln, York, Lancaster, Chester, and Leicester. He will be accompanied throughout by the Rev. James Hough, Chaplain on the Madras Establishment; and, in the greater part of the Journey, by the Rev. Professor Farish: and will be assisted, in some parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire, by the Rev. Thomas Mortimer; and, in the latter half of the Journey, by the Rev. James Scholefield and the Rev. George Washington Phillips.

We shall defer our Report of this Journey till it is completed, Mediterranean.

State of the Jews at Alexandria. I left this island, Aug. 25, 1821, and arrived at Alexandria, 5th of September. I visited the Burial-ground of the Jews where I ascertained, from the inscriptions, that there must have been very many Jews at Alexandria 900 years ago; and, among them, great and learned men. There are now per. haps 250 families residing there; a few of them well acquainted with the Law. These few well-informed persons did not only receive from me, with the greatest readiness, the New Testament and Tracts, but even desired them with the greatest eagerness: and two Jews