Burnet, of Camberwell, brought up the draught of the annual letter from the Committee appointed to prepare the same, which he, having read,

Rev. T. Morell, of Coward College, moved, and the Rev. John Arundel, of Southwark, seconded

VI. That the circular letter now read be accepted and printed under the direction of the Committee; and that the best thanks of this Assembly be given to the brethren who prepared it.

The Rev. T. James, of Woolwich, moved, and the Rev. J. Roaf, of Wolverhampton, seconded

VII. That the Annual Address for the year 1838, be prepared by a Committee of the Dorsetshire Association, consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Durant, of Poole ; Keynes, of Blandford; Brown, of Wareham; and Spink, of Wimborne.

It was moved by the Rev. T. P. Bull, of Newport Pagnel, and seconded by the Rev. W. H. Stowell, of Rotherham

VIII. That Benjamin Hanbury, Esq., be requested to continue the office of Treasurer; that the Rev. J. Blackburn, the Rev. W. S. Palmer, and Joseph Wontner, Esq., be requested to continue their office as Secretaries, and that the following gentlemen be the Committee for the year ensuing, with power to add to their number:

Mr. Gull, one of the Secretaries of the Colonial Missionary Society, then read the list of gentlemen proposed as the Committee of the Colonial Missionary Society for the year ensuing, with power to add to their number, when

Mr. George Bennet moved, and the Rev. John Hunt seconded

IX. That the list of Committee of the Colonial Missionary Society now read be approved by this Assembly.

It was moved by the Rev. T. Morell, and seconded by the Rev. John Hunt

X. That this meeting is deeply impressed with the value and importance of those efforts which have been making from year to year to evangelize the benighted districts of our native land, both by County Associations and by the Home Missionary Society; yet feeling convinced that those efforts have hitherto fallen short of the moral necessities of the British Empire, and anxious that our Congregational Churches may be moved to more vigorous and united exertions, it commends to the attention of the Committee of the Union for the ensuing year to deliberate on the practicability and expediency of a general system of Home Missionary operations in connection with our own denomination, which, without infringing on the independence of separate or associated churches, or interfering

with the labours of similar institutions, may secure, under the divine blessing, the most extended enjoyment of Christian ordinances throughout the land.

It was moved by Mr. Josiah Conder, of Watford, and seconded by the Rev. John Hall, of Chesham

XI. That this Union has learned with much satisfaction that his Majesty's Ministers have proposed to bring into Parliament a measure for the abolition of church-rates, the principles of which are calculated, in the opinion of this Union, to satisfy the just claims of all classes of the people, and to heal the dissensions which the imposition and exaction of church-rates have caused generally throughout the country.

The other business of the Assembly having been disposed of, the session closed with a psalm of praise and the apostolical benediction, and the brethren separated to attend the

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE COLONIAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The Annual Meeting was held at noon, on Friday, May 13, in Barbican Chapel, John Remington Mills, Esq. the Treasurer, in the Chair; the Rev. H. F. Burder, D. D. of Hackney, opening the business by prayer.

Rev. Thomas Binney read an encouraging Report, which stated that missionaries have been sent both to the Canadas and Australia during the past year. The Treasurer's receipts amounted to £1,102. 12s. 6d.

The Rev. Dr. Morison, of Chelsea, moved, and the Rev. W. H. Stowell, of Rotherham College, seconded

"That this meeting rejoices to learn that so much has been done on behalf of the British colonies during the first year of this Society's existence, and that it gratefully accepts the Report now read, and orders that it be printed and published for extensive circulation."

The Rev. J. Burnet, of Camberwell, moved, and the Rev. J. Fletcher, D.D. of Stepney, seconded—

"That the incipient operations of this Society not only justify the propriety, but show most forcibly the necessity of its formation; that the field of service appears immense in proportion as it is explored; that enlightened, pious, and faithful teachers are wanted by a waiting people to an indefinite extent; that the present is especially the crisis in which they should be supplied; and that it is eminently our duty to supply them, since the Congregational order has done less, in recent times, for the colonies than any other denomination, and since ministers of that order, from the principles they profess, are earnestly desired by the people."

The Rev. J. A. James, of Birmingham, moved, and the Rev. E. Kirk, of Albany, U. S. seconded-

"That if this Society shall discharge with promptitude and efficiency its various. and arduous duties to our colonial possessions, it must be by a devout determination on the part of our churches to afford it generous and general support; and that it is confidently expected this support will be cheerfully granted, when it is known that their wants are of such an extensive and urgent character, and when it is seriously remembered that our colonies have the first claim on our Christian sympathy, and that in their ultimate, independent, and, perhaps, imperial state, they will, in all probability, retain that very form and character which our own hands shall have impressed upon them."

Mr. Under-Sheriff Wire moved the vote of thanks to the officers, and their appointment for the year ensuing, which was seconded by the Rev. J. J. Freeman, late of Madagascar, but now of Walthamstow.

Although the state of the weather was very inauspicious, yet the attendance was highly respectable, and the character of the meeting was altogether encouraging. We shall take an early opportunity of presenting to our readers a more detailed account of the state and prospects of this important Society.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF IRELAND.

The Annual Meetings of the Congregational Union of Ireland were held in Dublin on the 25th, and 26th, and 27th of April, the Rev. John Blackburn, of London, delegate from the Congregational Union of England and Wales, having preached in behalf of the Union, at York Street and King's Inn Street Chapels on the preceding Lord's Day, when liberal collections were made.

On Tuesday morning, at 11 o'clock, a prayer-meeting was held in York Street Chapel, when the Rev. Messrs. Carlile, of Belfast; Carrol, of Richill; and Potter, of Coleraine, led the devotions of the assembly, and a suitable address was delivered by the Rev. J. Powell, of Naas. After the public service the ministers and delegates from churches, who had arrived, met for conference. In the evening the Rev. J. Blackburn preached an instructive and impressive sermon in Zion Chapel, King's Inn Street, on "the love of the Spirit.' The Rev. W. Brown, of Moy, read the Scriptures and prayed before sermon, and the Rev. Samuel Shaw, of Donegal, concluded.

On Wednesday morning the ministers and delegates again assembled for conference, a considerably greater number being in attendance than on the day preceding. In the evening, at 7 o'clock, a public meeting was held in York Street Chapel, when the Rev. O. T. Dobbin, of Arundel, Sussex, prayed; the Rev. Messrs Potter, White, and Toye, missionaries of the Union, gave detailed accounts of their labours to a large and interested auditory; the Rev. N. Shepperd, of Sligo, closed by prayer.

On Thursday morning upwards of 100 ministers and lay friends breakfasted together, when the Rev. Messrs. Jordan, Carrol, Shaw, Gibson, and Shepperd gave brief accounts of the state of their respective churches, and the Rev. J. Blackburn favoured the meeting with an able and satisfactory statement, explanatory of the course adopted by the English Dissenters on several questions of national importance, affecting the purity and prosperity of Christ's Kingdom. The effect of it upon all present was deep and gratifying, and must have greatly increased the sympathy and confidence previously cherished towards the body he represented, while it breathed throughout the spirit of the man of God, influenced by genuine catholicity towards all the Saviour's followers. A vote of thanks was passed unanimously and cordially to Mr. B. for his address, accompanied by a request that he would embody a summary of it in his speech at the Annual Meeting to be held in the evening of the day. The ministers and delegates then adjourned for conference, when several resolutions were passed unanimously, approving of the measures adopted by the Commmittee, and recommending others, among which were the engagement of two additional agents, and that application be made to the ministers and churches of our denomination in England and Scotland for aid in carrying out the designs of the Union.

In the evening of the same day the Annual Meeting of the Union was held in Zion Chapel, King's Inn Street, Charles Meares, Esq. Treasurer, in the Chair. The Rev. S. Shaw, of Donegal, prayed. The Report of the Committee stated the labours of the Rev. I. Potter, in Coleraine and its vicinity, extending also to Bulycaster and Cushendun. In Coleraine a church, consisting of 23 members, including three deacons, has been lately formed under his pastoral care. The Rev. J. White is engaged with promise of success in Newtown-limavady and neighbouring places; and the Rev. T. Toye in Clonakilty and other towns in the county of Cork. The students of Manor Street Theological Institution have been regularly employed in the suburbs of Dublin, and the two seniors have been engaged for some weeks in the course of the year, one in the counties of Kilkenny and Carlow, and the other in connexion with Mr. Potter. The Report also adverted to the call for additional agents, which the committee have received, and the application of suitable individuals to be employed under its auspices. It gave a general view of the state of the churches, and concluded by a reference to the present circumstances of the denomination in Ireland. An

audited abstract of the Treasurer's accounts having been laid before the meeting, it was resolved unanimously

1. On the motion of the Rev. W. H. Cooper, seconded by the Rev. J. Radcliffe "That the Report and Statement of Accounts now presented be approved, printed, and circulated; and that the Treasurer, Secretary, and Committee be re-appointed for the year ensuing, with power to add to their number."

2. On the motion of the Rev. O. T. Dobbin, seconded by the Rev. N. Shepperd-"That while acknowledging the obligation of endeavouring to spread the Gospel throughout the world, we are especially bound to promote it in our own country that we rejoice in the measure of success with which it has pleased God to favour the Irish Congregational Union during the past year; and that we are called upon to give to that institution our continued, energetic, and prayerful support."

3. On the motion of the Rev. W. Brown, seconded by P. D. Hardy, Esq.— "That we welcome among us with much pleasure our esteemed and respected friend the Rev. John Blackburn, of London, as delegate from the Congregational Union of England and Wales; that we are highly gratified by the assurances given by that body, and the Congregational Union of Scotland, of their affection and sympathy towards the Churches in Ireland; and that we cordially reciprocate those assurances, trusting that peace, prosperity, and usefulness will be multiplied to the sister churches in every part of Great Britain."-This resolution having been passed, the Chairman gave to Mr. Blackburn the right hand of fellowship, and Mr. B. acknowledged the vote of the meeting in an address abounding with Christian sentiment, and which will not soon be forgotten by those who heard it.

4. On the motion of the Rev. J. Carlile, seconded by the Rev. W. Foley"That we gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity now afforded for publicly testifying the good will which, as Congregationalists, we cherish towards all the people of God, assuring them that we account it a privilege to recognize the fellowship of Christian piety wherever it exists, and hope that, while steady in maintaining our peculiar principles, we shall be enabled, through the grace of our common Lord, to preserve with all real saints the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

5. On the motion of the Rev. C. B. Gibson, seconded by the Rev. W. Fordyce "That, believing in the personality and divinity of the Holy Spirit, and in the necessity of his power to work in ourselves and others whatever is well-pleasing in his sight, we invite all who desire the purity, harmony, and efficiency of the church and the conversion of the world to the faith of Christ, to engage more earnestly in prayer for his influences, and to persevere therein until the earth is filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." The meeting closed with singing and the benediction.

NOTICES OF COLLEGE ANNIVERSARIES.

The friends and subscribers of the Dissenting Colleges are informed, that the Anniversary of Highbury College will be held, D. v. at Claremont Chapel, Pentonville, on Wednesday evening, June 28, when the Rev. James Stratten is expected to give an address, after which the business of the Annual Meeting will be transacted.

The Annual Examination of the Students at Homerton College will take place on the following day, Thursday, June 29, at 11 o'clock, A. M. when the attendance of subscribers and its friends in the ministry of the gospel is requested.

The Western Academy Anniversary will be held in Exeter, on Wednesday, June 28, at 10 o'clock, A. M. The students will be examined on the preceding day, at 11 o'clock, A.M.

MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE.

PROTECTION OF THE ABORIGINES TRIBES.

It is a melancholy fact, that the intercourse of Europeans with the uncivilized Aboriginal Tribes has, in almost all cases, been characterized by injustice on the one side, and suffering on the other. By fraud and violence, Europeans have usurped immense tracts of native territory, paying no regard to the rights of the inhabitants. In close alliance with the process of usurpation, has been that of extermination, which has already been carried to an incredible extent. In some cases the work of destruction is already complete, while in others it has made, and is still making, the most fearful advances. There is scarcely a tribe that has had communication with what are called the Civilized Nations which is not the worse for the intercourse. European diseases and vices have been so deeply ingrafted, that the extinction of the native races cannot be far distant, if measures be not speedily taken to check the growth of these evils.

It is, however, satisfactory that the desire to improve the religious, moral, and political condition of mankind, keeps pace with the increasing intellectual freedom of our native country. We, as a nation, have not only sought to loosen the mental bondage of our own countrymen, by the establishment of schools and the removal of many barriers to religious and intellectual improvement, but we have struggled to establishh the liberties of man in our colonial possessions, by the abolition of negro slavery. Societies have also been established for the diffusion of Christianity among ignorant and idolatrous nations, and much good has resulted from their labours. But, although these efforts have been made to benefit the slave population and aboriginal tribes, we can as yet be scarcely said to know the extent of our duties towards the uncivilized races of our fellow-men. The Missionary Societies are established on such principles and for such objects as prevent them from interfering, except on particular occasions, with the civil and political condition of the natives. They have, however, long felt the importance of protecting the natural rights and promoting the civilization of those communities for whom they provide the constant administration of Sacred Truth.The British and Foreign Aborigines' Protection Society has been formed for these purposes.

The first object of the Society will be to collect authentic information concerning the character, habits, and wants of the uncivilized tribes, and especially those in or near the British Colonies. Our present knowledge is for the most part confined to the imperfect notices of travellers, who, with numerous admirable exceptions, have devoted so little attention to the subject, or have been so much biassed by prejudice, as to forbid full dependence on their opinions. Further evidence will, consequently, in many cases be required, before efficient measures can be adopted to relieve the condition and to promote the civilization of the several communities. The Society has therefore commenced its operations by the election of Corresponding Members, the number of whom will, from time to time, be increased; and by the information they give, and that derived from other sources, the future proceedings of the Society will be in a great measure regulated.

It is not, however, sufficient that the Society alone should be in possession of accurate information. One of its most important duties will be to communicate in cheap publications those details which may excite the interest of all classes, and thus ensure the extension of correct opinions.

It is probable that some cases may be brought under the attention of the Society in which the interference of the Legislature may be required, and it will then be necessary to appeal to the Government, or to Parliament, for the relief of those who, as natives of our Colonies, have a right to the protection of British laws. The distinctions which have been drawn between the privileges and immunities of the settler and of the native must be removed. Nor will this, it is anticipated, be difficult of accomplishment, for the inquiries recently made by the House of Commons afford a prospect that the political and social injustice so long suffered by the Aborigines will soon receive the attention of an enlightened government.