ing at Constantinople, to translate the Bible into modern Greek. In the eastern hemisphere, the Word of God continues to run and to be glorified. Translations into various languages are still carried on with much spirit and success; and copies of certain portions of scripture are multiplying daily. Among some of the Chinese, the Word of God has been disseminated in their native language; and in New South Wales a Bible Society has been formed. From some stations in the south of Africa, the accounts are favourable; and at Sierra Leone, a Bible Society also rears its head. In the wide field opened in America, the operations of the Bible Societies are characterized by a continuance of that vigour and harmony, which have already afforded such a pleasing spectacle to the inhabitants of Europe. Of the several branches established on this extensive continent, many pleasing accounts might be given; but the limits of a condensed epitome preclude all detail, except in cases of interesting originality. In this Country, in Scotland, in Wales, and in Ireland, the spirit by which the Bible Societies have been supported, seems to grow more vigorous by exercise; and so numerous are the friends who advocate the cause of this benevolent institution, that the voice of opposition is almost too feeble to excite attention. The number of copies issued to subscribers and auxiliary societies, at cost and reduced prices, from the 31st of March, 1818, to the same period, 1819, is, 123,247 Bibles, and 136,784 Testaments; making a total of 260,031 copies being an increase beyond the issues of the preceding year, of 65,980 copies. These, taken in connection with those issued at the expense of the Society from various presses upon the continent, make a total of more than TWO MILLIONS THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND BIBLES AND TESTAMENTS! ANNIVERSARY OF THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. ON Monday the 5th inst. the fifteenth Anniversary of this Society was held at Freemason's Hall, London. No sooner were the doors opened, than a concourse of people entered, by which the room in a short time was nearly filled. It was supposed that no less than 2000 persons were present. There can be no doubt, that the hope of seeing and hearing several illustrious characters, who were expected to honour the meeting with their presence, might have induced some to attend; but independently of this consideration, the interest which the greater part seemed to feel in the success of the Institution, plainly proved that the company at large were actuated by more dignified principles. Among the exalted personages who had excited expectation, were the Duke of Wellington, and Lord Harrowby, who were detained on a Committee of the House of Lords. The Bishop of Durham was also prevented from attending; and notes of apology from the Bishops of Gloucester and Norwich, expressed their regret in not being able to meet their friends on the occasion. These statements and apologies were introduced by Lord Teignmouth, the president, who took the chair at 12 o'clock. The notes which his Lordship read from the two latter, were highly expressive of their warm attachment to the cause in which they were mutually engaged. The Bishop of Norwich, who was detained through bodily infirmities, concluded his note in the following manner: In that hour which is now fast approaching, I am persuaded no reflections will afford me more real joy, than my connection with your Society; reflections far more gratifying than having written a hundred volumes of angry controversy." But notwithstanding the absence of these dignitaries, and highly exalted characters, the interest of the meeting was particularly excited by the dignity, the respectability, and the talents, of those who attended. The principal speakers on this occasion, were the Right Hon. Lord Teignmouth; the Lord Bishop of Cloyne; Sir William Geary; His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester; Professor Kieffer, of the University of Paris; W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P.; Admiral Lord Gam bier; Gerard Noel; Rev. D. M'Bride, and Of the various speeches delivered by these gentlemen on this occasion, it is not practicable for us to give even a condensed outline. In that extensive range of thought which their combined energies displayed, they traversed the different regions of the globe; and, as if presenting from their hands a Bible to every outcast of society whom they found, directed him to search the Scriptures, which contain the words of eternal life. Among the interesting objects which this meeting presented, was a Turkish New Testament, the first that was ever published. It was introduced by Professor Kieffer, as the fruit of his own labour, as the effect of British bounty, and as a present from the Bible Society in Paris. These singular coincidences were heightened by the circumstance of the learned foreigner not being able to speak English. His address, which had been written, was read by the Rev. D. Wilson, and received amidst reiterated applauses. had met with the most flattering reception. If there were enemies to the cause of the British and Foreign Bible Society, he knew not where they were, for he had found none. At Constance, he had had an interview with the second ecclesiastic who presides in that church; whose body is sinking to the grave, but whose soul is rising to heaven. "At the close of our conversation," says Mr. Owen, “ I asked him what I should say to the British and Foreign Bible Society? Go;' said he, taking me affectionately by the hand, go, and tell them we are one."" 66 It is much to be questioned, if any preceding meeting, on a similar occasion, had ever excited a more lively interest. A spirit of unanimity every where prevailed; and nothing but the beams of genuine philanthropy seemed to shine throughout the whole assembly. Nor were these testimonies of approbation exclusively confined to those present. A general solicitude to give universal circulation to the Book of God, appeared to be a kind of neutral ground, on which men of different sentiments most cordially met. The establishment of the British and Foreign Bible Society has operated like a cement to unite contending parties, and has given birth to an age of benevolence. Another incident was presented to the notice of the auditors, which is well worthy of being recorded. The Rev. Mr. S. Wood, of Dublin, in the course of his address, stated the following interesting fact. -"But, my Lord, my country has done something for this society. A Lady of piety has made a bequest, and has appointed some friends of mine trustees. To the Methodist Missionary Society she has given £3000; and to the British and Foreign Bible Society, £3000. Her bequest does not end here: for she has left the whole of her estate, of which one rent-roll amounts to £1000 per annum, to be divided yearly, share and share alike, to the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the Society for Methodist Missions. I am call-nisters not less imperiously necessary. ed upon to second the motion of thanks to your highly-esteemed and worthy Treasurer, and beg leave to do so by presenting to you £1500, as the first moiety of the legacy." METHODIST MISSIONARY MEETING. AMONG the various institutions which have been established in this kingdom for the propagation of religious knowledge in pagan countries, those of the Missionaries hold an exalted rank. The publication of the Scriptures, in the order of propriety, seems to take the lead; but the Bible being circulated without note or comment, renders the exertions of Missionary Mi In this useful department, almost every denomination of Christians has nobly come forward; and God has been pleased to bless their labours, by crowning their single and combined endeavours with unexampled success. The Rev. Mr. Owen having visited the Continent during the autumn of On the 28th of April last, the anthe last year, of which we have annual meeting of the Methodist Auxaccount in his interesting letters that have lately been published, adverted to this journey in his speech. He had travelled, he observed, in several countries on account of the Society, and iliary Society was held in Great Queenstreet Chapel: Joseph Butterworth, Esq. in the chair. The principal speakers on this occasion, in addition to the worthy chairman, were as fol lows.-The Rev. Thomas Kelk; a young Russian Physician; the Rev. Samuel Wood, of Dublin; the Rev. John Waterhouse; the Rev. John Hawtrey; William Blair, Esq.; and several other gentlemen.- In this meeting, which was only preparatory to the general association, many excellent observations were made; and the spirit which prevailed throughout the assembly, furnished a pleasing presage of what might be expected in the general meeting which was about to follow. On Monday, May 3d, the general meeting took place, in their large chapel, City Road, which was numerously attended. This meeting commenced at eleven o'clock, when Joseph Butterworth, Esq. was again called to the chair. On this occasion, the principal speakers were as follows. Mr. Butterworth; the Rev. Walter Griffiths; Dr. Zukenbeker, the young Russian physician; William Wilberforce, Esq. M.P.; the Rev. Geo. B. Mitchell, Vicar of St. Mary's, Leicester; the Rev. Mr. Brown, from Hayti; J. Dyer, Esq.; Launcelot Haslope, Esq.; the Rev. Joseph Taylor; Col. W. Sandys, who had spent a considerable portion of his life in India; the Rev. John Hawtrey; J. Wood, Esq. of Manchester; the Rev. R. Watson; Edward Phillips, Esq. of Melkham; the Rev. S. Wood, of Dublin; the Rev. William Martin, of Sheffield; the Rev. Joseph Benson; R. Fawcett, Esq. of Bradford; and some others. In the speeches delivered by these gentlemen, a comprehensive survey was taken of the condition of the heathen world; and the necessity of sending Missionaries to instruct the benighted nations, was enforced by arguments that were at once interesting and impressive. The Report, which was luminous and comprehensive, was read by the Rev. Messrs. Watson and Bunting. It contained a general survey of the Methodist Missionary exertions in the various parts of the world, from the year 1786, to the present time; and stated, with all the precision that could be expected, the numerous benefits which had resulted from their united labours. It appears from this Report, that the number of their Missionaries is between eighty and ninety; exclusively of those employed in Ireland, and on the continent of Europe. In the colo nies of the West Indies alone, the members of society amount to 20,000; independently of that innumerable company, which, since the year 1786, have taken their departure from the region of slavery, to the liberty of the sons of God in the celestial mansions. The Rev. Mr. Wood, of Dublin, took occasion to mention the circumstance (to which we have aleady adverted, in our notice of the Bible Society,) respecting the bequest of £3000, left by a young Lady in Ireland; and presented £1500, as one moiety of the sum. This meeting, which we have already noticed began at 11 o'clock, continued until half-past six in the evening. It was opened with prayer, and concluded with singing the praises of God for all his mercies. The whole was conducted with much decorum and solemnity. A collection was made throughout the congregation; and we have no doubt, that many will have reason to remember with gratitude through life, the serious impressions which their minds this day received; and we may charitably hope that it will be renewed with several in eternity. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. ON Tuesday, May 4th, the nineteenth Anniversary of this Missionary Society, was held in Freemasons' Hall. The business commenced at twelve o'clock, when the Right Hon. Lord Gambier, the President, was called to the chair. His Lordship introduced the business of the day in a truly Christian manner, and adverted to a train of circumstances which called aloud for the gratitude of all. He also expatiated at some length, on the nature of the glorious work in which they were then engaged; and recommended to those whom he addressed, the necessity of calling to mind the blessing of God, which had rested on their united endeavours. were The principal speakers on this ocJohn casion the following. Thornton, Esq.; Mr. Dealtry, of Clapham; the Rev. Mr. Matthias, of Dublin; Wm. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P.; the Rev. J. W. Cunningham, of Harrow; the Rev. R. Davies, from Columbo; the Rev. Dr. G. Hamilton; the Rev. Mr. Marsh; the Rev. Charles Simeon; the Rev. Mr. Beachcroft; the Rev. Lewis Way; the Rev. M Noel; the Rev. E. Bickersteth; and the Rev. D. Wilson. In the various addresses delivered by these gentlemen, an earnestness to see the kingdom of the Redeemer flourish, was as conspicuous as in the other assemblies, of which we have already given an account. On the condition of the heathen, much sympathetic feeling was excited among the people, as well as manifested by the speakers. Several interesting anecdotes were related, illustrative of their state of mental darkness; the tendency of which was, to enforce the necessity of continued exertions, to rescue them from their state of moral degradation, and from rites polluted with obscenity and stained with blood. to their God; and to expose them to public view, in such conspicuous places as are most likely to ensure their being read. The eyes of many, who never attend any place of worship, it has been thought, may be caught by these means, through which, it is hoped, God may convey his blessing to their hearts. Of its practical utility, we can at present say but little. It is sanctioned by many respectable names; and, from the Report which was read at the general meeting on the 10th instant, it appears, that the expenditure in printing, placarding, and distributing, has amounted to about £50. LITERARY FUND, FOR RELIEVING DISTRESSED AUTHORS. AMONG the benevolent institutions with which this country abounds, this, which tion, must always be particularly intenow presents itself to our consideraresting to Authors. So early as the year 1773, some hints were thrown out for the establishment of a fund, among the Literati of this country, for the purpose of relieving Authors of real merit, when, through misfortunes, they were brought into actual distress. For some time, this excited a degree of attention; but after several deliberations, the scheme was abandoned altogether, as being wholly impracticable. In this state things continued until the year 1788, when the idea of a lite In what manner soever the inhabitants of Britain may be characterized, in the present age, no picture can be faithful that does not include its prominent feature of benevolence. On the 6th instant, the friends of this society assembled at the London Coffee-house, Ludgate Hill. It appears from their Report, that 10,153 Prayer-books, 1117 Psalters, 314 volumes of the Ho-rary fund was again revived. This milies, 28,150 Tracts of ditto, and 1325 copies of the Articles of the Church of England, had been distributed in the Oriental and European languages, during the last year. This meeting was attended by several of the gentlemen whose names we have already mentioned; and also by one or two, who only appeared on the present occasion. The general object of all these institutions may be considered as the same, the diffusion of useful knowledge, and the eternal welfare of mankind. SCRIPTURE ADMONITION SOCIETY. THIS benevolent society is not of long standing. Its principal object is to print select portions of Scripture, that expressly condemn the prevailing vices, and enforce the duties which mankind owe to one another, and also was occasioned by the death of Floyer Sydenham, a learned and an amiable man, who had been arrested for a small debt, under some circumstances of peculiar distress. The person with whom the idea of reviving the fund at present originated, determined to make his appeal to the liberality of individuals. To give publicity to an advertisement which he had drawn up, he received eight guineas from the Club; but, during two years, it produced little more than enough to defray its own expense. In 1790, the society, however, was publicly founded; since which period it has received many valuable donations; has obtained the patronage of the Royal Family; a Royal charter has given it a legal existence; and it is now supported by regular subscriptions. At the last annual meeting, which took place at Freemasons' Tavern, on www warm, May 6th, 1819, the following address, | Feelings too fervent waste the heart they And a wide void of aching sorrow form; here? These light the eye of pleasure, these beguile Like Stars that on Heaven's ample forehead Yet shew their brightness in the lake below; The light and lustre of life's lowly stream. Ah! who can speak the evils numberless, wave, And Genius slumb'ring in an early grave. The demon Madness life's fair prospects sears, Poor child of Genius! Fortune's glitt'ring toy, Till tardy laurels deck his mould'ring head, And Fame, that cheats the living, mocks the dead. Oft toils in vain, or fate the boon denies, Fame, that vain echo of an empty blast, Extends its arch of beauty o'er his Tomb! Shall such scenes last?-no, let each gen'rous Aid to avert the deed shall be "twice blest;" Which to the gen'rous mind it will impart ; ceives, Yes it must be the Tree which the warm zeal Of WILLIAMS planted for the public weal; high, Beneath a genial clime, a cloudless sky, REPORT OF BRITISH TRADE AND COMMERCE. SINCE Our last report, the commercial hemisphere has become more overcast, and we should feel happy, if we could discover any traces of a brighter day approaching; but the embarassments already noticed have not diminished. Confidence, the life-blood of commerce, is at a very low ebb; and the operations of merchants are now very limited, in comparison with former times. Vessels laden with the products of the four quarters of the globe have poured into our harbour, adding to the stocks already greatly accumulated, and increasing the embarassments, which numbers of merchants are experiencing, from having embarked on a larger scale than what the present diminished state of commerce would justify. The origin of the evil seems to have arisen from the conflicting discussions carried on with respect to the resumption of cash payments by the Bank of England: the narrowing of discounts has been one of the results; and a system of reserve adopted by the monied interest, who have withdrawn their capitals from circulation, and cramped the operations of the mercantile and manufacturing interest. Well-informed persons seem to think that a crisis is not far distant, when a re-action must take place; and if it be not so sudden or extensive as might be wished, yet it will be of a healthier complexion when contrasted with the sudden fluctuations which have marked the trading of past years. It is a consolation, amidst the gloom which hangs over commerce, that the present year is likely to be crowned with a plentiful harvest: appearances are now very favourable, and it is anticipated that the various crops will be gathered fully a month earlier than in precedin Near the Metropolis, the hay-harvest has commenced, and the earth seem teeming with her bounties. years. |