that the Missionaries are in safety, and enjoy free access to the heathen natives. Van Dieman's land requires the greatest number of Missionaries, partly on account of the mass of wickedness exported from this country thither. The Report noticed the progress of Missions in West and Southern Africa, the latter groaning under slavery as well as the West India Islands, where the readiness of the poor Negroes to receive the Gospel, calls for more assistance. The Report proceeded to a statement of accounts, the total receipts being £31,748. and the balance remaining due to the Treasurers, £2702.

The different motions were supported by the Rev. Joseph Hughes, John Bacon, Esq. G. Rhodes, Esq. William Wilberforce, Esq. (M. P.) J. Steven, Esq. (Master in Chancery), Williams,

Esq. (M. P.) the Rev. Robert-Newton, the Rev. J. Arundel (one of the Secretaries to the London Missionary Society), the Rev. Jabez Bunting, Dr. Adam Clarke, R. H. Marten, Esq. the Rev. T, Squance, and Benj. Shaw, Esq.

On May 6th, the CHURCH MISSIONAKY SOCIETY held its twenty-third Anniversary at Freemasons' Hall, Lord

Gambier in the Chair.

The Report stated the income of the year at about £35,000.; being a little more than £1000. beyond last year. The first thirteen years had averaged an income of £1,700., their total value being £22,000. The last ten years averaged £24,000 a year! There were promising fields of labour opening in different countries, and not half enough husbandmen for the work. Some thousands of zealous clergymen might be advantageously employed. The Committee had not been able to appoint all who offered themselves, some wanting the necessary qualifications. Of 90 Europeans who had been accepted and sent out, 22 were Englishmen. Out of 57, who had offered themselves within the year, 18 were accepted, 27 declined, and the rest were under consideration. The Report then reviewed, seriatim, the condition of the several Missions. The first in order was that to the North West Americans, an object which seemed of great importance to the Committee, and which had been strongly recommended by an able navigator, Captain Franklyn, as the best means of fixing and civilizing the numerous tribes which rove the immense plains to the West of the United States. The next in consideration was the Mission to the South Sea Islands, and the Committee had to acknowledge, with pain and deep regret, the disappointment which the Society had encountered there. They especially pointed attention to the conduct of the chief

CONG. MAG. No. 66.

(Shungee) who had come over from New Zealand-was hospitably entertained and instructed by the Society, and furnished with ironmongery and other articles of convenience-all of which he exchanged on the way home for arms and ammunition to carry on his wars. The mission to New South Wales was more happy, and occupied 17 Missionaries. That to West Africa was now in a thriving state, though the difficulties were at one time so great as to induce the Society to fear that it must be given up. A letter was read from Mr. Johnson, which conveyed the most encouraging tidings of it. Captain Sabine visited the colony on his way home-remained there six weeks, and affirmed, that for the size of it, there was not so well ordered a community on the face of the earth as that of Sierra Leone. It is remarkable that the settlement was founded simply on the precepts contained in the word of God, and was governed almost without the aid of human laws., Superstition had taken its flight, and fraud and vice were almost unknown. An affecting instance was given by Mr. Johnson, of their primitive and simple manners. Two young men approached the Communion Table, and said, that they were afraid to receive the Sacrament, as they had quarrelled, until they had made it up again. This was soon effected, as each accused himself of having done the wrong. A letter was read from Mr. Jowett, who had obtained leave of the local Government to establish a printing press in Malta. The Report went on to the Asiatic Missions, and the state of the Syriac Church, which were afterwards touched on by Major Mackworth. One of the most affecting parts of the Report was the letter of Miss Cook. It will be recollected that this Lady, with great shrewdness, observing how much the conversion of the Hindoos was hindered by the want of female education among them, generously resolved on taking this task in hand herself. Neither the distance or fatigue of the voyage, neither the burning sky, nor the parching winds, nor the scruples of mere worldly pru. dence, nor the strong barrier of Brahminical superstition could repulse her. She seems actually to have conquered, or at least to have broken in upon their prejudices, which were considered so consecrated and secure by their age, that many English books have been written by philosophers to prove, that the attempt never could succeed.

After the Bishop of Gloucester and Lord Calthorpe had addressed the meeting,

Major Mackworth, a gentlenian of youthful and interesting appearance, of peculiarly modest and intelligent deport

2/U

ment, advanced to propose a resolution. Before doing it, he wished to say a few words, the result of actual observation, on the state of the Missions in Southern India; but he felt so inadequate to do justice to the task, that he must look up for a moment for assistance, to a higher power to give him strength and utterance. He would describe what he had seen, with as much brevity and simplicity as possible, and leave it with abler hands to make the impression on their minds. On taking leave of India two years ago, he paid a parting visit to the Missions in the South of India. The progress of the Gospel was evident-not great-more of a promise of what should happen, than what had really occurred. Acknowledging this, to which the cause of truth compelled him, he would have no reserve in stating other things, which went to show the great importance of their labours in that quarter of the world. He visited Tranquebar, as being the central scene of their establishments. He called upon a native Indian of the Soodra Caste, who kept a small school outside the town, which had been set up by Dr. D————, a Danish Missionary. He passed one evening and a night, with the master and his scholars, who knelt down of their own accord, and offered up a prayer of thanksgiving for the knowledge of the Gospel, and invoked the blessings of heaven on their British fellow subjects who had taught it to them. This, be it remembered, was the prayer of a native Christian Indian-one of the scholars had converted à part of his family. Another had, with eight shillings, which were furnished him to make a voyage, bought a Bible, depending upon two shillings, which he had of his own, for the expences he should incur. He was reading his Bible as he travelled on, and met with a poor Indian; he drew the Indian into discourse, who listened attentively to the revelation of a crucified Redeemer. The Indian at last sighed, and said, he wished he had a Bible. The boy asked him if he could read, to which the Indian replied, No. The boy asked if his son could read, and the Indian said, Yes. The boy gave him the Bible, bought with his hard earned money. He related the case of another youth, who, being duly educated, refused a profitable establishment, near Madras, because, he said, it was his duty first to go and preach the Gospel of truth, for thein formation of his native village. The gallant and pious Officer had visited the interesting Syriac church at Travancore, and staid with them a whole fortnight. He visited all the churches, even the most remote. While he was upon this subject, he must rescue

the character of Dr. Buchanan, who had incurred odium and most unmerited reproach. The Doctor, so far from having stated any thing incorrectly, or in a tone of exaggeration, had contented himself with half of what he might justly have stated. He (Major M.) was present at the first Syriac sermon preached in the native tongue to the Syriac Christians. After it was over, the elders gathered round, and repeated many passages of the discourse with delight and thanksgiving. He visited the College, and was gratified with the progress of the students. He described the union and usefulness of the Missions as most excellent and exemplary. The Syriac Metropolitan Bishop acts under their instructions, which are delivered to him with secrecy and politeness, befitting the dignity of his station among his churches. The Missionaries are in the habit of praying together, and taking the sacrament before they depart on their various duties. He concluded by moving a resolution, recommendatory of prayer for India and Ceylon, in regard to their degraded state of morals, particularly in the burning of widows; and also for an increase of labourers in that vineyard.

Lord Gosford, Mr. Wilberforce, Sir George Rose, Lord Rocksavage, the Rev. W. Marsh, the Hon. and Rev.

Powys, the Rev. Robert Daly, and the Rev. Basil Woodd, successively addressed the assembly.

The BRITISH and FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY, held its Anniversary on the 7th of May, at Freemasons' Hall, Lord Teignmouth in the chair.

The proceedings of this noble Association are so extensively distributed, that we shall decline any abstract of the Report.

THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONG THE JEWs held its Meeting on Friday, May 9, at Freemasons' Tavern. Sir T. Baring, Bt. in the chair.

The Rev. Mr. Hawtrey stated that the total amount of subscriptions, for the last year, was £10,924. (exceeding last year £230.) of which Ireland had contributed, notwithstanding the privations under which that country had recently laboured, no less than £1,150. Within the year, 8,824 copies of the Scriptures, in whole or part (including above 3000 Testaments in Hebrew, German, &c.) had been issued, and no fewer than 74,000 tracts. An additional number of Missionaries were going out to Poland, where the efforts of the Society were strongly felt. In Holland a steady progress was making, notwithstanding many and peculiar difficulties, which

arose from the great dissatisfaction the Jews there felt at the state of their own religion. The Report cited cases of infidelity cured by the means of the Society; and one case of a thief who had been condemned to imprisonment in the House of Correction at V. converted without any persuasion from the clergyman or prospect of advantage. The Jew was baptised-remained in prison until his offence was expiated, and was now in the service of a man who placed the most unbounded confidence in him.

The Bishop of Gloucester, Lords Calthorpe and Bexley, Dr. Pinkerton, and Sir George Rose, spoke in succession. Several other gentlemen addressed the Meeting, and a converted Jew, the son of a Rabbi, returned his thanks for the exertions of the Society, in the bealf of his nation. In the north of England he met with a man of talents who spoke very lightly of the object of the Society, and its effects. He did not suppose they would convert more than 100 altogether. "Be it so (said he), you are a skilful calculator-take your pen now and calculate the worth of 100 immortal souls."

On Monday the 12th of May, the Eighteenth Anniversary of the BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY was held at Freemasons' Hall, W. Williams, Esq. M. P. and afterwards the Duke of Sussex, in the chair. The Rev. G. Clayton read the Report.

It stated, that the receipts of the last year had just covered the expenditure, but that the operations of the Society had been impeded by the want of adequate resources. They acknowledged the assistance they had received from the Bristol Auxiliary Society, and also from the Corresponding Committees at Bath, Plymouth, &c., and they recommended, as one of the most efficient measures for the support of the Institution, the formation of Auxiliary Societies throughout the kingdom. Their object was not confined to place or party, but contemplated the welfare of all classes, and of all the nations of the earth. No pains had been spared to render the central schools as perfect as possible. They now received 500 boy and 300 girl scholars, and there were 150 waiting for admission. Since the first establishment of the boy's school in 1798, the number admitted was 14,606, and of girls 7,420, total 22,026. A public examination took place at the Central Schools on the 27th of March, and was numerously attended. Of the eight Madagascar youths, stated at the last anniversary to have been placed under the care of the Committee, one had since died. Four had left school to learn the different manufactures to which

they were destined by King Radama, leaving three still in the Society's house. The very great improvement of these youths supplied a striking proof of the facility by which instruction was communicated by the British system. During the last year they had assisted several schools with grants of slates and lessons, A second edition had been printed of the Scripture Lessons in 12mo. An edition

in French has since been added, and a large edition was also printed some time ago in Russia. The Committee particularly recommended the formation of district school associations, the most effectual mode of supporting which was the demand, in addition to the aid of the benevolent, of a small weekly sum from each scholar. The schools in the metro

polis had been recently visited, and in general were very satisfactorily conducted. These, 57 in number, contained upwards of 9,000 children. The Inverness Education Society was making con siderable progress in the Highlands. Be

Of

sides the model school under Mr. Cameron, there were 35 schools, containing 1,524 scholars. In one district, with a population of 600 persons, and in which a few years ago there were but eight individuals who could read, there were now 240 who could read with ease, and not a family was without its Bible. The progress of education in Ireland was highly gratifying. By the last report of "the Society for promoting the Education of the poor in Ireland," it appeared that the number of their schools was 727, containing 51,637 scholars. these schools 17 were formed in jails, and had produced the happiest results. More than 100,000 copies of their cheap and useful publications had been circulated. The London Hibernian Society, patronised 575 schools, in which 53,233 children were educated; 90 other schools were under the Baptist Irish Society, containing 7,000 scholars. The Irish poor eagerly embraced the opportunity of procuring education for their offspring, and the children usually evinced great ardour in the acquisition of knowledge.

The Committee the adverted to the progress of education in foreign parts. The last report of the Society for Elementary Instruction at Paris had not yet reached the Committee, and therefore they were unable to furnish exact particulars of the present number of schools in France. The communications during the past year were of a discouraging tendency. The aid hitherto granted by the Government had not been regularly supplied; and that cause, together with the efforts of individuals hostile to the diffusion of knowledge, had contributed to weaken the hands and depress the spirits of the promoters of education. The sys

tem of mutual instruction was rapidly advancing in Spain, under the sanction and at the expense of Government. Be sides the military school, there were three others at Madrid, and others had been established at many other principal cities and towns. In Italy the system was still enjoyed, notwithstanding the operation of that hostile interference which was adverted to in the last Report. The British system had been introduced into all the Ionian Islands under the sanction of Government. From the vici

nity of those islands to Greece, the Committee hoped that at no distant period the system of mutual instruction would be introduced into that land of classic lore. Two Greek lads from Cyprus were now receiving instruction in the Borough Road. In Russia the system was prospering. A model school for 200 boys was lately established at Petersburgh, to which the Emperor had given the sum of 7000 rubles per annum. In India the native schools educated above 20,000 children. At Calcutta Miss Cooke had organised 15 schools for girls. By the Benevolent Institution of Calcutta nearly 500 indigent Christian After adverting to Ceylon, Malacca, and the Cape of Good Hope, the Report stated, that under the superintendence of the Missionaries in the West India islands, there were upwards of 6,000 children educated. In the United States of America, the cause of education was steadily advancing. The Oneida Indians were receiving instruction under the auspices of the American Baptist Society. In Nova Scotia there was an increasing desire for establishing Lancasterian schools. In Canada, the British and Canadian School Society had been formed, and the measure was sanctioned by the Catholic priests of Montreal. The progress of education in South America must afford heartfelt pleasure to every one concerned in the best interests of mankind. school had been opened at Monte Video, in the presence of the Captain General and the Corporation of the city. The British system was also introduced into Colombia, under the sanction of the authorities of that state. At Santa Fé a large school had been established, containing 600 scholars; two more were in progress, in addition to about 40 others in the neighbourhood. At Lima a School Society had been formed under the express patronage and direction of the Government, and at its sole expense, by which it was contemplated to spread education throughout the province of Peru. A similar provision was made last year for the province of Chili.

children were educated.

A

S. Rice, Esq. M. P., Evans, Esq. M. P., W. Smith, Esq. M. P., W. Whit. more, Esq. M. P., the Rev. H. Townley,

Professor Stapfer, W. Allen, Esq., Lennard, Esq. M. P., the Rev. S. S. Wilson (of Malta), Joseph Hume, Esq. M. P., and Alderman Key, strongly recommended this admirable Society to public patronage.

MERCHANT SEAMEN'S AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. The Anniversary was held on May 8th, at the City of London Tavern. Lord Exmouth in the chair.

The Report was read by the Secretary, (Mr. Suter.) It stated, at great length, the last year. the progress the Society had made during A great change had been effected in the manners and morals of had been circulated. Bibles and Testasailors, amongst whom the Scriptures ments were now made part of the furniinstructed in the way of salvation, that ture of ships, and sailors were thereby they might be prepared, at any sudden call, to meet the face of their Maker. Such a change had been wrought in any sailors, that in their desire to obtain the Scriptures, they had actually purchased them out of their own wages. They were now neither so profane nor

profligate as heretofore. In some inStances they had declined breaking the Sabbath, though requested by their Captains to do so. wrought in the Captains themselves, A great change had been their commands were often unaccompanied by curses, and one of them had said he endeavoured never to work his men on Sundays, if it could be avoided. Another had acknowledged to the Society's Agent that he was one of the "greatest scamps immaginable," before he received the Scriptures from them. steady men, to whom property might be In fact, sailors were now becoming sober, and courage might be equally relied entrusted with safety, and whose honesty

upon.

The number of Bibles sold by the Society last year at Gravesend, amounted number left without payment (many of to 730, and 79 Testaments ; and the which have been since paid for) 90 Bibles, and 356 Testaments. The total distribution from the commencement of the Society in 1818, is 7,190 Bibles9,279 Testaments.

The LONDON HIBERNIAN SOCIETY met May 10, at Freemasons' Hall. H. R. H. the Duke of Gloucester in the chair.

The Secretary read the Report for the present year. It was of great length, and detailed the various and increased operations of the Society. From this it appeared that the number of schools in Ireland, under the patronage of this Society, are considerably on the increase. They are dvided into three classes, as follows:

Of these last nearly nine tenths are Roman Catholics, and of the whole, about five sixths. The increase within the last year, upon the whole, is 13,640 scholars.

The Society also has 22 Readers of the Scriptures, in daily employ, and 8 principal Inspectors in uniform circulation through the scenes of its labours.

The Society also distributes the Scriptures both in English and in Irish. The distribution of last year has been, Testaments, English 11,107 Irish 822 Bibles,

Do. 1,015 Do. 100 These making 92,600 Bibles and Testaments since the commencement of the Society, and the Society's funds were, through recent legacies, &c., in a flourishing condition. Instead of being in debt, as formerly, they have £3000. in the hands of their Treasurer.

Lord Lorton, the Rev. J. W. Cunningham, the Hon. C. Shore, Lord Gambier, Dr. Wardlaw, and other able speakers, addressed the assembly; but the greatest impression seems to have been produced by Lieut. Gordon, who was introduced by the Secretary as a gentleman to whose exertions the Society had been much indebted."

66

Mr. Gordon said, that his exertions had been greatly overrated by the gentleman who had introduced him to the meeting. He had spent twelve months in Ireland, and in the space of that time had devoted much attention to the affairs and proceedings of the Society, but he had never acted or been considered as an avowed agent; and he now made this statement, because it would show that his testimony, whatever it might be, would at least have the merit of being disinterested. Keeping in mind the difference between a plain detail of facts and a speech, he would state to the meeting the result of his own observations. During his residence in Ireland, he had examined the plan and practice of every benevolent institution in that country, and he had returned with the conviction that the Hibernian Society was more applicable to the state of that country than any other. The first thing that he should observe respecting the Society was, that without any Committee, and without general support in Ireland, it had already extended its operations over 24 counties. The system of the Society with regard to its schoolmasters was particularly worthy of attention; for by quarterly examinations a standard was fixed to judge of the efforts of each individual, and if any schoolmaster was

found to be beneath that standard, his salary was not paid. There was therefore a necessity not only that he should do his duty, but that he should do his duty well. The adult schools established in Ireland broke in on the evening confederations which were so general in that country; and he had no hesitation in saying, that thousands who attended the adult schools were by that employment prevented from attending illegal meetings. The Readers of the Society were found to be of service where it was impossible for ministerial activity to be of any service, and the Inspectors of the Society were men of tried zeal and prudence. Mr. G. then went on to state, as a proof of the eagerness with which the schools were attended, that he had in one instance found a school of only 12 feet square, in which 87 children were educated, 32 of whom could not only read the Testament, but understand what they read. Among the various modes of opposition which had been tried, those who were unfavourable to the Society had in some instances surrounded the Society's school with other schools. In one instance six schools had been set up in the neighbourhood of one of the schools of the Society. The consequence, had been, that the number of scholars attending that school had, in the first instance, been reduced from 80 to 10. Still, however, the Society had persevered, and the first quarter's return after the establishment of the six schools had shown, that two of them had been discontinued. Two more had given way by the next quarter, and from the last return it appeared that only one of the rival schools was in existence, and that the master of that was anxious to be engaged in one of the Society's schools.

THE PORT OF LONDON SOCIETY met at the City of London Tavern, on Mouday the 12th of May. Lord Gambier presided, supported by the Earl of RockSavage and R. H. Marten, Esq. The Rev. Mr. Irving commenced with prayer. The Rev. John Innes moved the printing of the Report; Lord Rocksavage seconded the motion. The Rev. Messrs. Irving and J. Clayton, Dr. Andrews, J. Philips, Esq., Lieut. Gordon, R. N., Alderman Key, and R. H. Marten, spoke on the occasion.

THE NAVAL AND MILITARY BIBLE SOCIETY held its Anniversary Meeting on the 13th of May, at the King's Concert Room, which was exceedingly crowded, and much interest was excited by the proceedings of the day. Viscount Lorton in the chair.