with the wishes of the Committee, I will now give a succinct account of the honourable mission with which it entrusted me to the British and Foreign Bible Society in London. It would, however, have been more agreeable to me if the Committee would have been satisfied with the verbal report which I had the honour to make at its special meeting on Tuesday the 18th of May, and with forming an abstract of what it should deem important for insertion in the monthly bulletin.

" I arrived in London on the 4th of May, and went immediately to the Bible Society house to meet the Rev. Dr. Steinkopff. He was not there; but as soon as my name was mentioned, every person in the office hastened to give me all the instructions I needed. From thence I went to Lord Teignmouth's, to inform him of my arrival. His lordship received me with great cordiality and kindness, and expressed his satisfaction at my journey in order to be present at the public meeting of the Bible Society, which was to be held the next day, and offered to introduce me to it himself. In the afternoon, Dr. Steinkopff called upon me, and expressed his interest in our society with as much warmth as if he had been a member of it; and the regard which he feels for every thing connected with it, inclin ed him to make me the kindest offers of assistance.

According to the invitation which 1 had received, I went the next day at eleven o'clock to the place where the public meeting was to be held. Being introduced by Lord Teignmouth, I was received with much consideration. When the noble président appeared, the whole assembly rose, and the applauses continued till be had taken the chair: he placed me at his right hand.

J

"The meeting was opened with a speech by the venerable president; who expressed in the most affecting manner the

of the Society in every part of the world The meeting heard this report with the greatest attention: pleasure and interest were depicted in every countenance. I will not attempt to give the slightest sketch of these labours; I should fear lest I should weaken their effect by an analy sis: the Report will soon be published; and I am persuaded that its readers will participate in the impression it made upon me, and upon all who heard it.

"The number of copies of Bibles circulated by the Society in the course of the year amounts to 123,197, and of Testaments to 167,298. This distribution has been greater than that of any former year. The receipts amount to 97,718. They exceed those of the preceding year by some hundreds of pounds.

"The Earl of Harrowby, the President of the King's Privy Council, delivered the first address, in a speech as ener getic as eloquent, on a motion for printing the Report. This respectable minister of state dwelt upon the rapid progress of the institution, and represented to the assembly what was recently the situation of England, and what blessings accompanied her labours wherever the exertions of the Society had been able to penetrate, and also the salutary improvements which re sulted from them. The success of twenty years, he remarked, would appear to posterity rather to have been that of a whole century, according to the usual course of human affairs.

"Mr. Charles Grant, a member of Parliament, and also of the King's Privy Council, afterwards took up the same idea, and shewed with great eloquence that the rapid successes of the Bible Society are! unparalleled in history, and may induce future historians to imagine that in our public documents there is a mistake of a figure, and that for twenty we must read two hundred years. This speech was received with intense applause.

Roden followed this

at the twentieth anniversary of a society which the Almighty had made the instru most valuable

to second

blessings. This with profound attention, excited the deepest emotion. Lord Teignmouth request ed the Rev. Mr. Brandram, the worthy successor of the late Mr. Owen in the office of secretary, to read an abstract of the Report of the exertions of the Society during the past year. It exhibited to the public a statement of the good which the Bible Society had effected, during so short a space of time, and the rapid extension CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 275. M

pleasures of life, being at Dublin, went from curiosity to a meeting of the Bible Society false shame induced him to sit down m a corner of the room, that hesa might not be recognized. What he heard d struck him so much, that! be said to him? self, If these thing are true, and I do not follow them, I am a lost man mylo past life has been all wrong. He returned to home, began to read the Scriptures, andot

5 Bovins tesl zieds 38 sio sidia

became a zealous defender of Christianity. At the conclusion of this narrative, his lordship confessed, with the most noble candour and truly Christian humility, that it was his own history which he had just been relating; upon which unanimous applauses burst forth with a sort of transport, and were frequently repeated. The speaker himself was affected even to tears, and every eye beamed with emotion and pleasure. Profound silence followed these plaudits; each individual seemed to look into himself, and to examine his own heart; and a long interval ensued before the speaker could resume his address. He concluded with a zealous exhortation to persevere in a work calculated to produce every where such great effects. The Earl of Roden is one of the most distinguished Irish noblemen, young, and of a most noble deportment. He has served in the army, is a peer of the realm, and occupies a high situation at court.

"Among the subsequent speakers, who all gave additional interest to a subject which appeared to be exhausted, many recalled the attention of the audience to the Bible Societies of France. Lord Bexley, Admiral Lord Gambier, and Sir George Rose, made it the principal subject of their speeches; and, addressing themselves personally to me, they added to the testimony of their approbation of our exertions, and to their prayers for the prosperity of our Society, every thing which could attach additional value to the expression of their feelings, and which could render the mission with which I was honoured increasingly pleasant and dear to me. The whole assembly took part, by their decided marks of approbation, in the expressions of the sentiments of esteem, attachment, and brotherhood, of which the speakers made themselves successively the organs and interpreters.

"Among other speakers, Mr. Gurney, -a banker, of the sect of Quakers, and a brother of that comforter of the afflicted, Mrs. Fry, particularly distinguished himself. He described with an overpowering warmth of feeling the advantages of Bible Associations, and the duty imposed upon every Christian of endeavouring to contribute to the propagation of Christianity. One would not have suspected, from the › brilliancy of his eloquence, that he belongs to the Society of Friends, who are generally Very calm in their speech and deportment; but one might discover it by the profound conviction which animated him, and his great energy electrified the whole meet ingad to clear stipes to ar brimmou’a

Û

"Another speaker, the Rev. Dr. Morrison, lately returned from China, attracted particular attention. He presented to the Society a copy of the Bible in the Chinese language, and made his son, a child of about ten years of age, hold this invalua ble document. This important work is the fruit of the laborious industry of seventeen years, with his late learned friend Dr. Milne. He expressed in a very interesting speech his hope, that the celestial light of the Gospel would soon enlighten the inhabitants of the immense regions where the Chinese language is spoken, and that we are approaching that period in which so many millions of men shall be drawn from that stupid idolatry in which the worship of their false gods still keeps them immersed. The meeting received this remarkable speech with the favour it deserved,

"After the second motion, the President introduced me to the meeting; to which I addressed a few words, which were received with loud plaudits, and accompanied with marks of satisfaction which greatly affected me. Every person addressed to me the most affectionate expressions, and seemed to wish to prove to me how closely they were attached by the ties of brotherhood to the Protestants of France. It seemed to me that we were considered by them as relations whom circumstances had long separated, and whom they were delighted again to meet. I felt myself in the bosom of one common family, in which national differences were absorbed in a united love to Him whom we adore with the same language of heart as our Lord and Saviour. I wish that all French Protestants could have been present, that they might have been convinced that, as Christians, the English are truly our brothers.

"The perfect union which prevailed throughout the whole spirit of the remarks of the different speakers struck me most pleasingly. The statesman, the man of business, the learned man, the clergyman, all spoke the same language: no sect, no difference of situation was perceptible-Christianity appeared to me there in all its purity. I left the meeting with a heart full of gratitude to God for what I had seen and heard my soul, heart, and mind, were filled with the consoling hope, that this large concourse of pious men, inspired only by the love of their fellow-creatures, shall one day find imitators in every place where the Saviour of the world is acknowledged.

I was present three days afterwards at the annual meeting of an Auxiliary Society at Blackheath, of which Lord -887 2201 $1998 21 mortarmha dua y

Bexley is president: it is composed of the united Associations of Greenwich, Woolwich, and Blackheath. This meeting, likewise, was very numerously attended, and was to me not less remarkable than that in London had been. There were many speakers, who all dwelt upon the satisfaction which they felt at seeing the Protestants of France also value the advantages of Bible Associations. Beginning with their worthy president they all addressed me with interest and kindness; and the 'whole audience applauded this manifestation of their sentiments. The same family traits of resemblance were exhibited in all their speeches, as in those in London, and with colours not less brilliant.

The worthy Dr. Steinkopff, in particular, made a speech in which his attachment towards the French Protestants shewed itself in the most affectionate expressions. He forgot nothing that we have effected. He mentioned our Female Associations, and quoted many passages from the interesting productions which two ladies, members of the Committee of the Society, had recentlypublished.-Thewhole Ladies' Association of Woolwich was present, and festified their lively satisfaction. Many of the speakers expressed themselves with remarkable eloquence, and especially with a degree of zeal, which indicated that their whole souls were excited by the sublime truths of the Gospel. I retired from this meeting with the same impression of respect and of pleasure which I had carried from that of London. I shall ever retain a grateful remembrance of it.

"During my short stay in London, I saw several persons of high rank, who all renewed in private the proofs of interest for the French Protestants, which had before been shown me at the public meeting. Our learned colleague, M. Stapfer, from his mission last year, had left the most honourable remembrance, and had acquired the highest degree of consideration in London. M. Kieffer was spoken of in the same manner; and the visit of M. le Baron de Stäel, and that of the Rev. M. Monod, the younger, are still recollected.

"I examined minutely the general warehouse, if I may so express myself, of the holy Scriptures. Situated close to the Bible Society house, this vast warehouse is composed of three stories filled up to the ceiling with hundreds of thousands of the sacred Scriptures, in such numerous living languages of the earth, all classed in order and in their respective sizes. My mind was filled with astonishment, and I must say with admiration, in seeing this valua

ble treasure; and I could not avoid in my heart blessing that great nation which, governed by the most noble Christian philanthrophy, thus labours from a little corner to promote the real civilization of all the inhabitants of the globe. Never did Christianity appear to me more great, more really dignified, than in this pious enterprize, in which true citizens of the world labour with a degree of zeal which is above all praise, for the accomplishment of our Lord's prediction, that his Gospel shall be known to all the inhabitants of the earth. I hope that this bright example will one day find imitators in every part of the world, and that ere long we shall not limit our Biblical labours to France, but that we shall enlarge our sphere of action, and that the ties which now unite us to the grand and noble British and Foreign Bible Society, will ever become increasingly intimate by the bonds of Christianity.

"I was obliged to shorten my visit to London, on account of the sudden illness of my son, who had accompanied me thither; but the object of my visit being attained, I hastened my return to the continent, with the hope of having accomplished your wishes."

NAVAL AND MILITARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

We had occasion, in a former Number, to advert to a General Order issued by the Commander-in-Chief, in reference to thedistribution of Bibles and tracts in the army; an order,as we humbly conceived, not necessary for the purposes of military discipline, while it was likely to be highly injurious by impeding the free circulation of the Scriptures among the soldiers. The proceedings of the Naval and Military Bible Society being particularly affected by the order, the Committee have been engaged in communications on the subject, the result of which will appear from the following circular :

The Committee of the Naval and Military Bible Society, having received numerous communications from the members, agents, and friends of the institution, requiring further information and explanation relative to two General Orders recently issued from the Horse Guards, which appear to them likely to affect materially the future operations of the Society, feel called upon to afford such information upon the subject, as may serve to shew to the members of the Society at large, as their constituents, that the Committee have not been unmindful of the interests of the Society; and that their utmost efforts have

been, and will be, exerted to secure and maintain the great and simple object of the institution; viz. the effectual supply of the Navy and Army with the holy Scriptures. "As soon as the Committee became acquainted with the order, No. 414, dated 18th May last, a special meeting was called; and, as the result of the discussion that took place, a letter was addressed to Major-General Sir Herbert Taylor, as Military decretary to the Commander-inChief, stating the views and feelings of the Committee, which led to a deputation of the Society being received by the Duke of York on the 24th June; when, as the consequence of that interview, the Commander-in-Chief was pleased to issue the order, No. 417*, under that date; whereby the Society was again recognised in the public orders of the army, and the advantages obtained by the former order dated 8th June, 1818, (repeated in the general regulations of the army of 1st January, 1822,) were secured and renewed.

"

The Committee, however, have been since in communication with Sir Herbert Taylor, through the medium of one of the members of the deputation, upon the va rious subjects whereon the sentiments of his Royal Highness the Duke of York were expressed to the deputation which had the honour of waiting upon him on the 24th June; and as it appears that the Commander-in-Chief has a decided ob. jection, in a military point of view, to the' employment of regimental or other subordinate officers as agents in the distribution of Bibles and Testaments, the Committee, in deference to that objection, feel it to be their duty to relinquish the active aid of such officers as come under that denomi nation; trusting that in losing their valuable services, and availing themselves of the official channels of communication with Commanding Officers and Chaplains, still sanctioned by his Royal Highness, ar efficient distribution of the holy Scriptures in the army may yet be maintained; and their constituents may be assured that the Committee are determined to make every exertion on their part, to further the grand object of the Society in the manner sanctioned by authority. With that view letters have been addresssed to the Chaplain-General, and to all officers commanding regiments and corps, offering on the

part of the Society the most cordial and efficient co-operation in the distribution of the Scriptures, under the sanction of the General Orders.

"The Committee, however, feel that they should not be duly performing the important duties entrusted to them, were they to confine the distribution of the Word of God solely to the channels opened under the sanction of official detail; but, with an anxious desire to avoid the slightest interference with military authorities and regulations, they intend, by means of civil agents at the different naval and military stations, to provide for the public sale of Bibles and Testaments, from depositories or shops so situated as to afford the utmost facility to such individual sailors and sol diers as may wish to become purchasers at the reduced prices of the Society.

Having thus given a simple narrative of their proceedings under circumstances of peculiar delicacy and difficulty, and developed their intentions as to their future operations, the Committee submit this statement to the liberal and candid consideration of the members of the Society in particular, and to their friends of the religious public generally; with an assurance, that in the conduct of the affairs of the Society their best energies have been exerted to maintain the integrity of the institution, without, on the one hand, doing any thing that could possibly be considered or interpreted as acting in opposition to orders and regulations established by authority, for the maintenance of good order and military discipline; or, on the other hand, restricting the operations and diminishing the utility of a Protestant Charitable Society, whose only and simple object, for nearly half a century, has been the cir culation of the holy Scriptures, without note or comment, in the British Navy and Army.

"In the furtherance of these objects, and in the maintenance of these principles, the Committee feel that they shall carryi with them the countenance and support of an enlightened Christian public; and they now appeal to them for the only proof required of their approbation and sanction, viz. additional and increased contributions to enable the Committee to meet the un gent demands made and likely to be made upon the Society, for supplies of the holy Scriptures at home and abroad; as it is manifest, that without competent funds, t they will be deprived of the means of giving efficiency to any of the plans in contempla tion, for the extended distribution of the holy Scriptures in the Navy and Army.

EPISCOPAL COLLEGE IN OHIO. With great pleasure we announce that the sum already contributed towards Bishop Chase's truly important objects, of the nature of which our readers are apprised, amounts to upwards of five thousand guineas. Bishop Chase arrived in New York on the 29th of August, and arrangements were immediately entered into with his diocese for holding the convention on the 3d of November. We may hope, therefore, that this venerable prelate is before this time in the midst of his assembled flock, deliberating upon the best plan of carrying into effect the benevolent objects which he has so long had at heart, and which the zeal and liberality of his fellow-Christians in Great Britain have enabled him to commence under the most favourable auspices, and we doubt not with the abundant blessing of the Great Author of every good and perfect gift.-Contributions continue to be received at the banking-houses of Messrs. Hoare, 37, Fleetstreet; Messrs. Hoare & Co. 62, Lombard-street; and Messrs. Drummond, 49, Charing-cross.

We stated, in our Number for April, that the differences of opinion which had arisen in reference to the respective claims of the general seminary at New York, the Ohio college, and the proposed collegiate institution in Connecticut, had been mutually accommodated; and we are happy to add, that this spirit of peace and fraternal union continues, so far at least as the parties connected with these institutions, and their best friends, are concerned; but not, it seems, as respects some litigious individual, who, through the organ of the British Critic in this country, has been striving once more to sow jealousies and discords among brethren. Lest any of our readers who may happen to have seen the remarks in the British Critic should be inclined to attach to them any official importance, we think it but justice to Bishop Hobart and Mr. Wheaton, the two individuals authorised to receive contributions for the general seminary and the Connecticut college, to state, that they have both most explicitly disclaimed all privity to the obnoxious article; and have written to the editor to insert their disclaimer, but their communications have not been allowed to appear and neither the British Critic nor the Christian Remembrancer, we are informed, will admit even an advertisement to be inserted on their cover explanatory of Bishop Chase's object. Such is genuine party-spirit! but happily in this instance it has not been effectual to its purpose; as

appears by the munificent subscription above announced; and among the contributors to which we find the names of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and ten other prelates, and a long list of noblemen, clergymen, and other persons of high consideration both in church and state.

Those of our readers who wish for further information on the subject, we refer to the "Appeal" and the circular issued and signed by Lord Kenyon, Lord Gambier, Dr. Gaskin, and Mr. Hoare, both of which have appeared in our current vo lume; and also to two Letters to Lord Kenyon, on the applications now making in behalf of the above-mentioned institutions; and copies of which may be had gratuitously by any subscriber to either of the three institutions, on application to our publishers.

EAST-INDIAN REGIMENTAL

SCHOOLS.

The benefits resulting from regimental schools are so numerous and important, recording notices of their advancement that we feel the greatest satisfaction in and utility. We copy the following from the Bombay Gazette,

"The annual examination of the regi mental schools, took place on the first of May, with the European Regiment in Fort St. George, and the artillery at Matoonga. At both the children were exa mined in classes, and medals and prizes were given to the greatest proficients: some books were also distributed as re wards to the most deserving of those men who had attended the school during the year. The whole made a very interesting appearance, and the examinations were carried on under the commanding officers and the chaplains; the school of the Eu ropean regiment was also honoured with" the presence of the Commander-in-Chief, the principal officers of the Staff, and the Archdeacon,"

FEMALE PROTECTION SOCIETY,

7149

Mrs. Fry, and some other ladies, have formed a society to afford temporary relief to females of good character, who may be destitute of employment. It more in the following situations of life, who are especially offers protection to young women capable of maintaining themselves, if employed: -Shop-women, teachers in, schools, housekeepers, ladies' maids, and servants generally, of unimpeachable character, if out of place. When it is considered that the first step in the career of the unfortunate females who frequent our employment and its consequence pecuniarys streets, is often caused by the want of distress, the value of such an institution must be obvious to every humane, and Christian mind."