human family; that another radically distinct language is being added to the many in which the word of God is now printed; that the ignorant and degraded inhabitants of this island, one of the most remote and unknown of the isles of the Gentiles, are now daily reading in their own tongue, wherein they were born, the wonderful works of God. The Lord has been favouring this Mission very graciously during the past year.

This island has for the most part been without foreign residents during the last twelvemonths. The Australian gold-fields have attracted the most of the floating population from these seas for the last year or two; but the tide is again slightly turning. Some favourable opportunities have occurred of disposing of Bibles in sandal-wood vessels, where they were much needed, and where they were gratefully received.

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Some time ago an English vessel called there, the captain of which had his wife on board, a French lady, whom he had recently married at the Mauritius. The Missionary stationed at the harbour, Mr. Geddie, made up a parcel of tracts for the men in the vessel, and enclosed a French Bible. The captain accepted them cheerfully, and promised to distribute them. few days after, when the vessel was about to sail, he called upon the Missionary, and informed him how delighted his wife was with the French Bible. She had been brought up a Romanist, and had never seen, or at least never read, a Bible before. She had been reading it constantly from the time it was brought on board.

A short time since, a vessel from California to Sydney called at this island for a few days. Among the passengers was an Italian Count, who had taken an active part in the late struggle in Italy, and, on the return of the Pope, had been obliged to leave his native land. He has been travelling through differ

ent parts of the world, and waiting for a favourable opportunity to return home. He spoke English imperfectly. On learning that he had no copy of the Scriptures, Mr. Geddie presented him with a French Testament, which he politely accepted. He had read the Pentateuch, but had never read the New Testament. "This," said he, "is a forbidden book in my country, but I shall read it here without asking the Pope's leave."

If the Holy Spirit accompany the reading of that copy of His word with saving power, as we earnestly pray He may, this nobleman, should he return to Italy, will return a different and a vastly better reformer than when he left his oppressed native country.

THE BIBLE IN BRADFORD.

The following passage is from one of the Colporteur's letters—

"By the time the meeting takes place I shall have obtained about 2000 subscribers in Bradford, and I have now sold 993 Bibles and Testaments. I have found 260 destitute in Bradford, who either bought or become subscribers. Of these about ninety are Roman Catholics. We have seventy-two districts, all supplied with collectors. May God bless them in their work, and make them a blessing! Let us pray, like Moses of old, 'Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children!'

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ON THE DEATH OF A DEAR INFANT.

We have lost our little darling, 'tis a mournful thing to part,
For closely is our precious one entwined around each heart.
But though our tears are falling, and we mourn in sorrow now;
With calm, entire submission, we would desire to bow.

And when we see the dangers of life's tempestuous main,
The storms the mariner must meet the port of rest to gain,
It should soothe us to remember her voyage so quickly o'er,
That her frail bark is safely moored on the celestial shore.

We often asked our gracious God, whose love can never end,
Whate'er might be her future lot, to be her Guide and Friend;
We formed bright hopes for coming years, but He knows what is best,
Our tender lamb is gathered home to the good Shepherd's breast.

How glorious was the change for her! The silver cord was riven,
And the sweet babe became at once the blessed saint in heaven.
How suddenly that infant mind would with new powers expand,
As she joined the ransomed millions who dwell at God's right hand!

What tongue can tell the boundless joy with which our darling knows
That she is rescued from the Fall, safe from all human woes?
What ardent love she feels to Him who bore our heavy load,
And led her to His fold above by such an easy road.

Oh, could we eatch the faintest strain of those melodious lays,
In which, upon her golden harp, she sings her Saviour's praise;
Or gaze upon the radiant home in which she 's dwelling now,
Or see her palm of victory, and the crown that decks her brow,

Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, the joy that fills her breast,—
Should it not comfort us to know she is so richly blest?
Secure from sin and suffering for “ ever with the Lord;"
Can we to such a world as ours wish her to be restored?

No, we resign our precious one to the Redeemer's care;
But, gracious Saviour, hear us now, answer our suppliant prayer.
Grant when our life on earth is o'er, we, and each one we love,
May dwell with her for ever in our Father's house above.

SEPTIMA.

MANCHESTER BIBLE JUBILEE
MOVEMENT.

THE history of the proceedings of the Sunday School Jubilee Committee of the Manchester Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, is given in few words. It consists, generally, of a record of attendance at committee meetings; of the appointment and the reports of deputations to unrepresented schools; of preliminary arrangements for several aggregate meetings of Sunday Schools; and of the unexceptionable results of the movement, in an augmenting balance with the Treasurer; and a partial accession to the sale of the Scriptures, through awakened interest in the cause.

The movement has, however, led to an increase of fraternal feeling among members of the various religious denominations; and to more avowed sympathy with the missionary work of the Bible Society, on the part of the public. Gratifying proofs of disinterested love for the Word of GOD have also discovered themselves to the Committee during their year of effort. Some of "the poor of this world, rich in faith, heirs of the kingdom," have not failed to present their offerings, and the hearty readiness in co-operation such have evinced, while ultimately productive far beyond their own fears, has not a little strengthened the hands of others, and proved a stimulus to brethren in the work. Schools situated in districts abounding in profligacy, themselves partaking of the nature of a hostile force to the prevailing iniquity, rather than being characteristic of the temper and disposition obtaining in the locality: schools thus disadvantageously circumstanced, forming the outposts of the army of the LORD of HOSTS, their conflict severe even for the maintenance of position, the workers unsustained, save by the spirit themselves possess; such have not

proved followers, but leaders; have not waited for, but been prompt to show ensample; herein witnessing that, having given themselves unto the LORD, they were not unmindful of the commandment to minister unto those who are without.

The great want experienced has been the presence of a sufficiently numerous body of gentlemen to visit, inform, and enlist the various schools. Nominally the Committee has included a representative from each of the one hundred and fifty schools in the neighbourhood; but imperfect acquaintance with the projected plan of expenditure, has permitted prejudice to obtain with some; while deficiency in business tact has deprived others of the measure of success their efforts had otherwise ensured. It is true that the work of visitation has to a considerable extent been effected; the total of £542 16s. 34d., to the Jubilee and Chinese New Testament Funds, being mainly the result of such appeal. It is also due that the steady attendance and self-denying effort of two members of the deputation from the Manchester Auxiliary, should be acknowledged. Nevertheless it must still be confessed, that the result does not equal what might have been anticipated; and it is the fact, that there are schools reported" favourable," whose subscriptions have not yet been received.

Doubtless many circumstances of interest have occurred in connexion with the various schools which have engaged in the work, particulars whereof have not reached the Committee. Of ascertained cases of congregations, Christian bodies, or schools, which have distinguished themselves for quiet arrangement, successful result, or gratifying accompaniments, may be mentioned the following:-A congregation, where the Chinese New Testament collecting papers were placed in the pews one Sunday, and re-gathered the next, with a total of £176. A school, where a representation that each little scholar who brought fourpence,