every one of them we may see some proof of the goodness of God, and some pledge of his future favour. Another remark, suggested by the volumes be fore me and their able presenter, leads me to notice a farther signal proof of the finger of God, and the goodness of Providence; that, at the time when this country became possessed of these vast oriental possessions, and the Bible Society was formed, at that time men were raised up who, though some of them had occupied obscure situations, were endowed with most extraordinary talents, and, still more, with a disposition to employ these talents in this great and good cause. At that time, I say, such men as Carey, and Marshman, and Ward were raised up, the last of whom was restrained by his modesty from mentioning what would have flashed conviction on all our minds, that these great and good men were not actuated by any unworthy or improper motives for their conduct that, instead of laying by all which they earn for that period when their strength shall fail, they each of them gave those 1500 pounds a year which they acquire by the labours of their press, and carry it to the temple to be consecrated to the service of God."

R. Grant, Esq.-" I cannot help calling the attention of the meeting to a circumstance related by a worthy coadjutor of this Society, the Rev. Mr. Jowett, who, in describing the result of a visit which he had made to the coasts of the Mediterranean, and particularly those of Egypt and Asia Minor, and, in expressing the feelings which crowded upon his mind, observes, that the opportunities which Athens possesses for works of Christian philanthropy, by the numbers of its visitors are very great, and that Athens is therefore a city with which the Bible Society ought to be associated. And now what must have been his feelings when in the last year a Bible Society, in connexion with your parent society, has been formed, is now in existence, and in actual operation? I cannot describe the emotions with which I heard this remarkable circumstance. Having been excluded from Rome, you made your stand in what was in fact the capital of ancient Greece. That city may again entitle herself to the appellation of the eye of Greece. It was, as your lordship knows, the exertions of the inhabitants of that city which gave us the fables of

Homer; and fame has immortalized the researches of those who first brought forth those immortal works, and gave them without gloss, note, or comment. But a higher boon is reserved for the same city; and it will now, we trust, give to the world works coming from a Higher Hand, and far more interesting to the human race; which inspire all the hope of man, and impart all the happiness of another world. For one moment I will allude to a suggestion of my honourable friend, that all the success of this Society is to be attributed to that noble and sublime principle on which it proceeds. You have gained conquests unknown to former conquerors: but what have been your arms? They have been new indeed. You recollect when one of the ancient warriors sent his sword to one who returned it as not being invincible.' I sent you my sword,' said the warrior,' but not the arm which wielded it:' but I mention this, because it really suggests a noble contrast: it is not the arm, but the sword with you; it is not the vigour of your thrust, but the excellence of your: metal. I would not detract from your merits: your committee at home, and agents abroad are beyond the praise of man; but, if your efforts had been di rected in any other manner, and not to the distribution of the Scriptures, without note or comment, very different effects would have followed. Your power is nothing but the irresistible might of weakness; your courage nothing but patient continuance in well doing: your invasions visits of Mercy; your cry of battle, Peace on earth, and good will towards men."

Lord Gambier adverted to a very flourishing Female Auxiliary Bible Society, in the island of Jersey, formed under the patronage, and in a great measure by the exertions, of Admiral Sir James Saumarez: and his lordship added, that a penny association, in connexion with it, had, within the last year, contributed the sum of 1001.

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. Communications have been received from the Bishop of Calcutta, on the state and prospects of the Society's East-India Mission. His lordship is of opinion, that not fewer than seven effective European missionaries are required for the due discharge of the duties of the several stations; and that

the Society should therefore have not less than eight missionaries in its service, that the supernumerary may be ready to render occasional assistance, wherever wanted. The Bishop adverts, also, to the inadequate amount of the salaries hitherto paid to the Society's missionaries; who, in consequence of the increase of the East-India Company's chaplains, have lost various pecuniary advantages which they were accustomed to receive from Europeans in return for ministerial services. consequence of this communication, it has been resolved to increase the salaries of the missionaries now in India; and to raise the number of missionaries, who are at present only five, in the proportion recommended by his lordship, as soon as fit persons can be procured for that purpose.

In

In our Number for January we stated the appointment of a committee for providing tracts to counteract blasphemous and infidel publications. In pursuance of this object, the Society, in addition to its office at No. 21, Fleet Street, for the sale of its publications, and, more particularly, of such tracts as the committee shall adopt for the present purpose, has furnished upwards of fifty booksellers, in London and its vicinity, with books and tracts, as agents of the Society. A correspondence has also been entered into with the diocesan and district committees of the Society, soliciting their co-operation. This call has been attended to with zeal and promptitude; and the district committees of Birmingham, Chester, and many other places, have taken effective measures to awaken the attention of their respective neighbourhoods to the claims of the present times on their exertions and liberality, and to give an extensive circulation to the Society's tracts throughout their respective districts.

Thirty-four new tracts, adapted to the exigencies of the present times, have been published; and, of those and the other publications of the Society, upwards of 400,000 have been issued in the last three months. More than 50001. have been subscribed in aid of this object; besides the collections made by the diocesan and district committees, to defray the expense of circulating tracts in their respective neighbourhoods.

The special committee have made particular inquiries respecting the extent to which the late diffusion of infidel principles has prevailed; and have

been highly gratified to find that a large portion of the kingdom may be considered as free from the infection. The manufacturing districts in the north of England and in the western parts of Scotland, present, as might be expected, a very different aspect. Zealous and persevering efforts are indispensable, in order to check, and, with the blessing of God, to suppress, in those quarters, the growing spirit of irreligion.

SOCIETY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PRISON DISCIPLINE, AND FOR THE REFORMATION OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS.

At a general meeting of the subscribers and friends to this Society, held at Freemasons'-hall on Tuesday, May 23, his royal higness the Duke of Gloucester, K.G. patron, in the chair; several resolutions were unanimously agreed to, the heads of which will put our readers in possession of the principles and proceedings of this most useful national institution.

It was moved by the Marquis of Lansdowne, and seconded by Lord Auckland: "That it appears byreturns which have recently been laid before Parliament, that of five hundred and nineteen gaols and houses of correction in the united kingdom, and to which, in the year 1818, upwards of one hundred and seven thousand persons were committed, twentythree only of these prisons are divided, as required by law, for the classification of offenders; fifty-nine have no division whatever to separate male from female prisoners; one hundred and thirty-six have merely one division; and that in seventy-three prisons only has employment of any description been introduced:-That this meeting feels deeply impressed with the convic tion, that the defective construction and discipline of many of the gaols and houses of correction are productive of much crime and misery; that, as the great end of all punishment is the prevention of crime, this object is best attainable by measures which, while they operate to deter, are calculated to reform, the offender; that experience has satisfactorily demonstrated the beneficial effects of salutary arrangements in prison discipline, by which humane treatment, constant inspection, moral and religious instruction, judicious classification, and well regulated labour, seldom fail, under the Divine blessing, to reclaim the most

guilty, and soften the most obdurate; that the general adoption of an improved and enlightened system, in the construction and management of public prisons, would very essentially contribute to the diminution of crime, aud the welfare of the community; and that this Meeting is therefore strongly convinced of the necessity of continuing its exertions in the collection and diffusion of useful information, the suggestion of beneficial regulations, the circulation of tracts, the preparation of plans for the erection of new, and for the alteration of old prisons, and in otherwise accelerating the adoption of improvements in prison discipline."

It was moved by W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P., and seconded by the Right Hon. William Sturges Bourne, M. P.: "That this Meeting laments to observe the continued increase of youthful criminals in the metropolis and its vicinity, to an extent most deeply affecting the public security: That by a personal inquiry which this Society has made into the cases of two thousand juvenile depredators, there is reason to believe, that in the cities of London and Westminster, and the borough of Southwark, there are upwards of eight thousand boys who derive subsistence by the daily perpetration of offences: That, although some of the circumstances which operate as incitements to juvenile de linquency are difficult of removal, yet there is one cause which admits of specific remedy, and the effects of which are deeplyinjurious-the defective discipline of the gaols: That, crowded as these prisons are with felons, of every degree in guilt, the youth committed on suspicion only, or convicted of his first offence, is necessarily compelled to mix with characters the most atrocious, among whom, if innocent, he must soon be corrupted, and, if guilty, hardened in iniquity: That this Meeting is there. fore decidedly of opinion, that no means for the diminution of juvenile delinquency will be so efficacious as the erection of a prison for youthful offenders in the metropolis, to be conducted on an enlightened system of discipline; a mea. sure which this Meeting is happy to observe has received the sanction and recommendation of the Gaol Committee of the House of Lords."

It was moved by Earl Grosvenor, and seconded by Stephen Lushington, Esq. M. P. LL. D. :

"That it has been ascertained by this CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 222

Society, that a great proportion of the juvenile depredators in the metropolis are the victims of parental neglect, entirely destitute of moral and religious instruction, and very frequently without any means of procuring an honest subsistence: under such circumstances the temptation to plunder becomes almost irresistible, and it is the duty as well as the interest of the community to diminish that temptation by every practicable precaution, and to reclaim those who have deviated from the paths of honesty: That this Society has therefore adopted arrangements for the relief of destitute boys, desirous of abandoning their vicious habits, but who, without such assistance, must have recurred to dishonest practices for support: That the success of the Society, in reforming a considerable number of youthful criminals, has been highly satisfactory; but it is greatly to be regretted that the low state of its finances has obliged the Committee to reject the earnest petitions of many who have had the strongest claims for assistance."

It was moved by Sir Thomas Baring, Bart., M. P., aud seconded by William Allen, Esq.:

"That this Meeting learns with much pleasure the exertions of the Dublin Association for the Improvement of Prisons and Prison Discipline, whose valuable labours have essentially contributed to excite inquiry, and otherwise promote improvements in that part of the United Kingdom: nor can this Meeting withhold the expression of its sincere delight, that the philanthropic interest which happily prevails on this important subject throughout the kingdom, has extended to foreign countries: that a Society has been established in Russia, under the immediate patronage of the Emperor, for the improvement of Public Prisons, auxiliaries in connection with which are forming in the principal towns of that vast empire: that in France, the Royal Society for the Amelioration of Prisons, of which the king has been pleased to declare himself protector, is in active operation; that in Prussia and Sweden a strong disposition has been shown to prosecute this benevolent work; and that prospects of a most encouraging nature have lately opened, which afford the Society a well-grounded hope that the period is at hand when humane and enlightened principles of discipline will be carried into practical operation through31

out the prisons of every European State."

It was moved by the Hon. Henry Grey Bennet, M. P., and seconded by Joseph J. Gurney, Esq. :

"That this Meeting begs respectfully to express its grateful acknowledgments to those Magistrates, and other friends to the improvement of Prison Discipline throughout the kingdom, whose co-operation has materially facilitated the objects of the Society, and upon whose continued exertions the success of any plan for this purpose must essentially depend."

It was moved by Lord Belgrave, and seconded by the Hon. and Rev. G. Noel: "That it is impossible, on the present occasion, to omit the declaration of the high sense which this Meeting entertains of the unwearied and benevolent exertions of the Ladies' Committees visiting Newgate and the Borough Compter, who, under circumstances the most disadvantageons, have strikingly exhibited to the world the powerful efficacy of religious instruction, kindness of treatment, and judicious discipline, in reclaiming the most depraved; and this Meeting earnestly recommend their example to ladies inhabiting the other populous cities, as calculated to produce the most beneficial effects upon the moral improvement of prisoners."

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Our readers will recollect the resolution of the Committee, placing the sum of five thousand pounds at the disposal of the Bishop of Calcutta, for the establishment of the Mission College projected by his lordship. The following correspondence on the subject is so honourable to all parties, that we feel much pleasure in laying it before our readers. We earnestly pray for the blessing of God on his lordship's well-planned and benevolent efforts for extending the light of Christianity among the Mahomedan and Pagan residents in his extensive diocese; and we trust that all who have this great object in view, and especially the members of the same church, may ever preserve that Christian unity of spirit which is pre-eminently calculated to recommend our holy religion to the attention of the natives.

ward to your lordship, a copy of a Reso lution of the Committee of the Church Missionary Society for Africa and the East,' passed on the 12th instant; and cannot but express my earnest hope, that it may please God to grant his blessing to your lordship's plan, and fulfil your utmost wishes for the benefit of India. "I have the honour to remain, my lord, your lordship's very obedient servant, JOSIAH PRATT,

Secretary, Church Miss. Soc." Letter from the Calcutta Corresponding Committee to the Bishop of Cal

cutta.

cc Calcutta, Dec. 27, 1819. "My lord-We have the honour to inclose a letter, addressed to your lordship, which was brought out by the Rochester in a parcel from the Rev. Mr. Pratt, Secretary of the Church Missionary Society.

"We have received instructions, in forwarding this letter, to express the Society's respectful acknowledgments of the enlarged views so eminently displayed in your lordship's plans for promoting the conversion of the native population of India, as detailed in your letter to the Secretary of the Society for propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts; and to say, that they request your lordship will be pleased to accept five thousand pounds, in aid of the projected Mission College. It is their desire that this sum be placed at your lordship's entire disposal, at snch times and in such manner as you may direct;' and we are accordingly prepared to fulfil their wishes, whenever we may be honoured with your lordship's instruc

tions.

"It cannot be necessary to add the expression of our high satisfaction, in being the organ of such a communication. Our own feelings are entirely in unison with those of the Society for whom we have the honour to act; and we cordially rejoice in the Christian liberality with which your lordship's grand missionary measures have been encouraged.

"We have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship's most obedient and faithful servants,

"G. Udny, J.W. Sherer, Dan, Corrie, J. Parson, T. Robertson, T. Tho

mason.

Corresponding Committee.

"Chouringhee, Dec. 27, 1819. "Gentlemen-I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your lett

of this day's date, inclosing an official communication from the Rev. Josiah Pratt, Secretary of the Church Missionary Society, of the 17th July last; from which it appears, that the Society approve the plan for a Mission College lately recommended by me to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts: and have moreover been pleased to mark their approbation by a vote of five thousand pounds, in furtherance of the design, to be placed, as you inform me, at my entire disposal.

"It can hardly be necessary to assure you, that I have derived the highest gratification from this intelligence. I thankfully accept, and will, with the Divine blessing on my endeavours and purposes, faithfully apply, this munificent donation.

"At the same time I rejoice to learn, that your own sentiments are so strictly in unison with those of the Society for which you act; and I thank you for the expression of your satisfaction in the encouragement afforded to measures, of which Providence has vouchsafed to make me the humble instrument, and which I fervently pray may redound to the glory of God upon earth.

"I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, With much regard and respect, Your very faithful servant,

"T. F. CALCUTTA."

The Report of the Society when printed will give us an opportunity of detailing its general progress. In the mean time, our readers will be gratified to find that its funds have considerably increased. The Secretary reported at the annual meeting, that notwithstanding the liberal contributions collected for another Society, in pursuance of the King's Letter, and in which he most cordially rejoiced, he was able to state an advance of above two thousand pounds, for the Church Missionary Society, beyond the preceding year; that being about twenty-eight thonsand pounds, and this thirty thousand pounds. This advance he attributed to a forcible appeal to its friends, both from the pulpit and in private.

In

the course of the past year, several new associations had been formed, particularly one at Chester, from which eighteen hundred pounds had been received.

PRAYER-BOOK AND HOMILY

SOCIETY...

After a sermon by the Rev. J. Scott, M. A. of Hull, preached at Christ Church, Newgate Street, the annual meeting of the above Society was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, in the Strand, on Thursday, the 4th May; the Right Hon,

Lord Gambier in the chair.

The Report of the Committee for the last year was read: the substance of which was, that during that period 9,731 Homily Tracts translated into foreign languages had been distributed abroad, or among merchant vessels which had come to this country; that the first three Homilies had been printed in Welch, and also translated into Manks; that Sunday schools, barracks, coasting and other vessels, had from time to time been supplied with Prayer-books, Psalters, and Homilies; and that 125 Prayer-books, 200 enlarged Psalters, and 3,700 Homily Tracts, had been granted to the settlers going to the Cape of Good Hope. During the last year the Society had completed editions of the Common Prayer in the Welch language, as also in the Irish tongue and character; both of which had been highly apledged, by persons who feel an interest proved, and most thankfully acknowin the welfare of those countries.

The next point of importance related to versions of the Common Prayer in the Tamul and Malayalim languages, of Travancore; upon which subject, for the benefit of the Syrian Christians communications from Vepery and Madras had been received by the Committee. The Report stated, that the Society had contributed towards defraying incurred by publishing editions of each the very large expense which must be of these translations, and expressed the great regret of the Committee that they had been able to do so little.

The total issue of bound books-that

is, Prayer-books, Psalters, and Homi, lies, during the year-bad been 11,581; and that of Homilies, the Articles of Religion, and the Ordination Service, as tracts, 34,714.

The Committee concluded by stating, that though many difficulties were to be stantly have done, very strong encouencountered, yet finding, as they conragements in the nature of the work itself, in the fixed character and objects of the in. stitution, in unexpected supplies raised up in times of difficulty, in the very pleas.