are fathers whose hearts are as tender | as mine:) and if I am called upon to love my neighbour as myself, ought I not to exert myself to assuage such wounded hearts as these ?"-It is with much pleasure we can state, that the sentiments thus expressed are very generally felt throughout the nation; and we most sincerely wish, that the success of this branch of benevolence may be equal to its merit. PORT OF LONDON SOCIETY. AMONG the benevolent institutions which at once characterize our age and nation, there is one which has been recently established for the instruction of British seamen. It has existed little more than one year; but it has met with considerable support, and has been attended with much success. Its first anniversary was held on the 10th of May last, in the evening, at the City of London Tavern, when Sir John Jackson, Bart. was called to the chair. The principal speakers on this occasion, in addition to the Chairman, were the following. The Rev. Mr. Lacy, Rev. Mr. Townsend, Rev. J. A. Coombs, Rev. Mr. Morrison, Rev. Mr. Moore, Rev. Mr. Vowles, Rev. Mr. Thomas, Rev. Mr. Edwards, Rev. Charles Hyett, Rev. Mr. Cox, Rev. G. Evans, Rev. Henry Lacy, Rev. Mr. Crisp, Rev. Thomas Harper, and the Rev. Thomas James. It appears, from the various observations made by these gentlemen, that the primary object of this institution was, to furnish this long-neglected class of the British community, with the Word of God, and with such means for their moral improvement, and attainment of religious knowledge, as their peculiar situation and circumstances demanded. Towards its support, liberal contributions were granted by the Hon. East India Company, by the Parliamentary Commissioners for the better regulation of the River Thames, and by the Police Magistrates of that neighbourhood, independently of the sums obtained from private individuals. With these resources, a vessel was purchased, and fitted up as a floating chapel, for the accommodation of seamen. This was attended by great numbers, whose orderly and serious behaviour soon indicated, that some beneficial effects might be expected to result from the establishment of religious worship among them. And, according to the statement given in the Report produced at this meeting, these expectations had not been entertained in vain. Of the distribution of the Bible among them, which this society from its commencement had in view, they have never lost sight. And although not many striking incidents were related by the speakers, of the effects resulting from this free circulation of God's most holy Word, yet the general tendency of the speeches evinced a conviction, that the seamen surveyed, with much gratitude, the pious exertions which had been made in their behalf. In a political point of view, it was argued, that these institutions were of a most beneficial tendency. This was inferred from the exemplary conduct of such sailors as had been in the habit of reading their Bibles, when the mutiny at the Nore threatened this country with one of the most portentous disasters to which it had ever been exposed. The Rev. Mr. Evans related a circumstance, which lately occurred at a prayer-meeting of British seamen. One of them, in the most earnest manner, gave thanks to God for having put it into the hearts of British Christians to establish this society, and to I prepare an ark for the saving of sailors." In his prayer, he said, 66 Lord, the time, the set time, to favour British sailors is come;" to all which his nautical brethren replied in a hearty Amen. The floating chapel is not designed exclusively for any one sect or party of Christians; but as the institution is founded on the most liberal principles, it is adapted for all denominations. NAVAL AND MILITARY BIBLE SOCIETY. ON the 11th of May, 1819, the thirtyeighth anniversary of this noble institution was held at the King's Concert Room, Haymarket; his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, one of the vice-presidents, in the chair. In addition to his Royal Highness, the principal speakers were, Admiral Lord Gambier, W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P., the Right Hon. Lord Northesk, Hon. and Rev. Gerard Noel, Rev. G. Clarke, Rev. G. Hamilton, the Hon. Capt. Pakenham, Rev. Mr. Beach croft, Rev. Jabez Bunting, Rev. ( Mudie, Rev. Mr. Burn, Lord Calthorpe, and the Rev. D. Wilson. It appears from the Report which was read, that, during the last year, the subscriptions, collections, and donations, in favour of this society, amounted to upwards of £2000. With this sum they have liquidated a large debt, and distributed among the military 6,500 copies of the Scriptures, and 2,600 in the naval department. Of the happy effects resulting from this distribution, many pleasing testimonies were given by the speakers, accompanied with several affecting incidents. It appeared, also, that a general disposition to read the Bible had been awakened; that it was still alive and in full vigour; and that an astonishing change had been effected in the moral views of our soldiers and sailors. Among other proofs, it was stated, that the 92d Regiment had recently purchased upwards of £50. worth of Bibles, to carry with them on a foreign station. It was also observed, that when some agents visited the hospitals, soon after the battle of Waterloo, and inquired among the wounded, whether they would have some books to read? although they at first refused, with some apparent indignity, yet, no sooner were they informed that they might have Bibles, than they changed their replies, and unanimously exclaimed, Yes, yes, bring us some Bibles." 66 "In a town," said Mr. Noel, “with which I am connected, a young man entered the army, whose conduct had nearly broken his mother's heart. The regiment, I believe, went to Malta. A short time afterwards, his mother had an opportunity of sending him a Bible. The next time she heard of her son was, when the regiment returned, by which she learnt that he had fallen in the American struggle. But the account also stated, that her son had received the Bible at Malta, and that it had led him to seriousness and reflection. His vicious habits were reformed, and his soul put in possession of solid and substantial peace. But this was not all: she heard, that, at the close of the action in which he received his mortal wound, he was found under a little bush, his Bible open before him, the leaves stained with blood, and his dead head lying on his mother's Bible." 66 Many a blood-stained Bible," it was added by Mr. Hamilton, “has been clasped by a dying soldier or sailor. And of those who have not fallen in battle, but, after the dangers and fatigues of war, have obtained their discharge, and returned to the bosom of their families, how many a veteran has taken the opportunity of collecting his family, or his neighbours, in his humble cottage, and of speaking to them of the Saviour whom the Bible had revealed to him. The Bible has gilded the evening of his days, and shed a lustre of hope over the closing scene of his mortal existence; and on the bed of death he bequeaths that Bible to his grandchildren, as perhaps his only, or, at least, his best gift." LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE twenty-fifth anniversary of this important society was held on Thursday, May 13th, at Queen-street Chapel, Lincoln's Inn Fields; W. A. Hankey, Esq. in the chair. On this occasion the principal speakers were, the Rev. G. Burder, Rev. Dr. Bogue, Rev. Dr. Collyer, Rev. Mr. Orme, W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P., Rev. Mr. Broadfoot, Rev. Matthew Wilks, Rev. G. Clayton, Rev. Mr. James, and the Rev. Jabez Bunting. Although the speeches delivered at this meeting produced a considerable effect, they were much eclipsed by the superior interest which the Report excited. The Report began with a statement of the missions in the South Sea Islands; and, from the documents referred to and produced, it appeared, that both Otaheite and Eimeo had renounced idolatry more than twelve months since; and that, recently, another island, called Marua, had been added to the number, the chiefs having publicly renounced idolatry, by destroying their idols, and demolishing their altars, and expressing a strong desire for Missionaries to be established among them. In the Paumotu islands, which lie to the east of Otaheite, many of the inhabitants had also embraced Christianity. In Otaheite no less than 66 places of worship have been erected, and in Eimeo the number amounts to 18. In both islands, the public prayer-meetings are well attended, and family worship is in general use among the inhabitants. In the latter of these in various districts. The native schools islands, a printing-press has been established. The king of Otaheite repaired thither to behold it, and had the honour of composing an alphabet for a spelling-book, which the Missionaries were printing, and of working off some of the sheets. In these islands, the Gospel of St. Luke is supposed to be in actual circulation. St. Matthew's is completed; and part of the Psalms, and other books of the Old Testament, are translated. On the 10th of December, a vessel called the Haweis was launched, which had been built by the Missionaries. go on well. Eleven of them contain 500 children; but more assistance is required in their superintendence. The distribution of religious tracts is continued, with great prospect of success, especially among the soldiers; with some of whom the Bible is now become an inmate of the knapsack, and it may be found under many a soldier's pillow. At Surat, the English school prospers; and one of the boys, who was formerly a pupil, is now become the master of it. The New Testament and Pentateuch have been translated into the Guzerattee language, and they were waiting for a printing-press from Calcutta. At Madagascar, the mission has had an auspicious commencement, and great hopes are entertained of its prosperity. In China, the labours of Dr. Morrison are still confined, by the rigour of the government, within his own family and a few others. He expected to finish the alphabetical part of his Dictionary some time in November last. But amidst these brilliant successes At Malacca, Mr. Medhurst has been and pleasing hopes, the inroads made extremely active in distributing Chi- by death, and the interruptions occanese tracts, and in superintending the sioned by sickness, extorted many a press, at which sixteen men and two sigh. At Chinsurah, in India, Mr. boys are constantly employed. In the May, by whose labour thirty-three hope of receiving other Missionaries native schools, containing 3000 chilfrom England, Mr. Milne has sent to dren, had been established, has been Cochin China for a learned native; removed from his labour to his reward; and he expected to obtain a Siamese but God has raised up Mr. Pearson, teacher from Penang. But their fa- and qualified him to succeed the devourite project is a new seminary at ceased. The health of Mr. Knill has Malacca. In a letter from Dr. Morri- also suffered so severely from the inson, he says, "Let me beseech you, tense heat, that he has been obliged to by the tender mercies of God our Sa- leave Madras, and try a cooler air for viour, to continue your paternal care his recovery. This gentleman has trato this mission, and particularly to the velled to South Travancore, and, from infant seminary, the Anglo-Chinese the last accounts, he was much better. college. It is the offspring of your In the death of Mr. Donaldson, the society, and is devoted to the cause of cause has also apparently suffered a common Christianity." Mr. Kam has severe loss. But the same God, that discovered, in different towns in the for wise, but inscrutable ends, perMoluccas, nearly 40,000 native Chris-mitted the death of Stephen, could ditians, who much need, and many of rect even a Saul of Tarsus to supply whom desire, instruction. his place. From India, the intelligence is said to be of the most encouraging nature. In September, 1818, a Calcutta school was founded; and, in their intercourse with the natives, the Missionaries distribute great numbers of religious tracts. In this place, a printingoffice is about to be established, and they are building a large chapel. At Madras, the Missionaries are laudably co-operating with their brethren of the Wesleyan connection, in forming a Bible association. At its commencement, 100 pagodas were instantly subscribed. Large numbers of Bibles and Testaments have been distributed No. 4.-VOL. I. From AFRICA, the Report states, that their accounts are of a pleasing nature. Messrs. Campbell and Philips sailed thither in December, 1818, and arrived in safety on the 23d of February last. The West Indies, and some parts of the continent, hold forth prospects which demand a tribute of thankfulness; although in Trinidad they have met with much opposition. Accounts from Siberia and the Greek Isles were likewise read; and these also present encouraging views. In the support of this extensive work, the sums received, in donations, collections, and subscriptions, amount 2 C ed, from March, 1818, to March, 1819, | siderations, a few years since, induced to £23,000. But, during the same several benevolent individuals to reperiod, the disbursements extended to flect on the moral condition of the £28,658; thus leaving a considerable Jews, and on the practicability of esdebt for active benevolence to dis-tablishing an institution among them, charge. SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRIS TIANITY AMONG THE JEWS. Ir may perhaps be justly doubted, if the history of any nation hitherto recorded in the annals of mankind, has presented to the eye of observation a people more remarkable for incident, obstinacy, and suffering, than the Jews. For many ages, they seem to have been considered as a particular branch of the human family, existing as monuments of the divine displeasure, and as being preserved through a succession of centuries to exhibit a living comment on the truth of prophecy; as a race, whom every one had a kind of inherent right to persecute, and to whom even benevolence itself could not, with propriety, extend its friendly hand. Nor was this display of systematic persecution, merely confined to individual caprice, and hereditary prejudice; nations have engaged in the common exercise of inhumanity and injustice. On the Continent, this afflicted people have suffered severely from the tyranny of oppressive edicts; and even Britain can claim no exemption from the general charge. During the reign of Edward I. in the year 1290, the property of all the Jews in the kingdom was confiscated to the crown; and 280 of this afflicted race were hanged in one day, being charged with adulterating the coin of the realm. In this reign, which these deeds render disgraceful to posterity, upwards of 15,000 were plundered of all their wealth, and shamefully banished the kingdom. Happily, however, for the honour of human nature, the malignant spirit of those vindictive periods of our history has been succeeded, in modern days, by more enlightened views, accompanied with actions less inconsistent with the belief of Christianity, that "the Lord will have mercy upon Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land ;" and that the Almighty, in his ordinary dealings with mankind, works through the instrumentality of means. These con which should have for its primary object, the offer of salvation through that Saviour whom their forefathers slew, and hanged on a tree. To accomplish a purpose so desirable, two things were deemed essentially necessary; namely, the putting of the New Testament into their hands, and an explanation of that Gospel, which, from their earliest infancy, they had been taught to despise. These circumstances called into existence "The Society for Promoting Christianity | among the Jews." No sooner was this intention announced to the Public, than the hand of compassion was opened towards them; considerable subscriptions were raised in their behalf; and, from that period to the present, no methods have been left untried, which appeared calculated to promote the conversion of the Jews to Christianity. But although much zeal and prudence, under the guidance of pious motives, have been exercised, the successes which have hitherto crowned these laudable exertions, have fallen short of those expectations which the means employed very naturally excited. Among the adult Jews, the prejudices and obstinacy, by which their ancestors were distinguished, still remain visible. The numbers who have been induced to hear, are not very considerable; and among these, there are not many who have given evidence of a' saving acquaintance with God. This general character, however, is not without some pleasing exceptions, which cherish the hopes, and stimulate the exertions, of those who have engaged in the benevolent design. The conversion of the soul, whether of Jew or Gentile, is the work of God. Man is only an instrument in his hands. But it is his duty to use the means prescribed, and to leave the event to omnipotent power. Influenced by this principle, many benevolent individuals met together in Freemasons' Hall, London, on Friday, May 7th, to hold the annual meeting for Promoting Christianity among the Jews." On this occasion, the principal speakers were the following Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. president, who took the chair; W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. Lord Gambier, Rev. Lewis Way, Rev. Legh Richmond, Rev. J. Owen, Rev. D. Wilson, Rev. C. Simeon, and the Rev. W. Marsh. It appears from the Report which was read, that, among the children for whose instruction the society had made provision, the prospects of doing good seemed favourable. In the boys' school, they had 42; and in the girls', 38: eight boys and ten girls had been admitted during the preceding year; and four boys had been bound apprentices to different trades. At Bethnal Green, a school-room had been erected for the boys; and £750 had been subscribed towards the building of another for the girls. It also appeared, that the New Testament, in Hebrew, had been stereotyped, and that 10,000 copies were now in the press; that 1000 copies of the Hebrew Testament, and several thousand tracts in German and other languages, had, during the last year, been in circulation on the Continent; and that the Rev. B. N. Solomon had been appointed to preach to his Polish brethren, under the special protection of the Emperor Alexander. During the preceding year, the collections, donations, and subscriptions, amounted to £9,287. 15s. 2d. and the disbursements to £9,910. 4s. 9d. The Report being read, the children made their appearance, and afforded much gratification to the auditors, by the neatness of their dress, the propriety of their behaviour, and the pleasing harmony of their voices, in singing a hymn before they retired. At this meeting, it was stated by the Rev. Lewis Way, that "Associa tions are daily increasing in support of this society; and that in Ireland Christians seem to be peculiarly sensible of its importance. They have a Christian feeling for the benighted Israelites; and are as anxious about the soul of a Jew, as of a Gentile." In this kingdom, also, the same benevolent disposition has been powerfully excited towards the Jews. This has been incontestably proved by the liberal contributions which have been made in their behalf. And though Israel be not gathered, yet we cannot doubt that such services, springing from Christian benevolence. are pleasing and acceptable in the sight of God. To extend the influence of this benevolent institution, and to excite an increased attention in a Christian public to the condition of the Jews, the Rev. Mr. Simeon, of Cambridge, and the Rev. W. Marsh, from Colchester, have lately visited Liverpool; and in several churches in this town and its vicinity, so effectually have they pleaded the cause of these descendants of Abraham, as to call forth an affectionate feeling for this long neglected race. On Thursday the 9th instant, a public meeting was held in the MusicHall, which was numerously and respectably attended. At this meeting, a variety of important and interesting documents, respecting the Jews, was produced. These related partially to such as inhabit this country; but principally to those who reside on the Continent, which these gentlemen has lately visited, for the express purpose of ascertaining the state of their moral character, and their prevailing dispositions towards the principles and doctrines of the Gospel. Alluding to the moral condition of the Jews, and the difficulty of inducing them to believe the Gospel, Mr. Legh Richmond made the following observations." If they are so degenerate, our care should be the greater These documents, among other artifor their recovery, and it should act as cles, consisted of an EDICT, which the a stimulus to our exertions. We have king of the Netherlands had lately seen what the ever-to-be-revered How-issued, to encourage and promote the ard has done by his perseverance; and what that good woman, Mrs. Fry, is doing; and her scholars are none of the most virtuous. The baser the character, the more her attention is drawn towards them. Trifles deter her not in the prosecution of her work; but she presses forward, and her efforts have been crowned with remarkable Let us also persevere, and due season we shall see a glorious harvest springing from our labours.' success. literary, moral, and religious improvement of the Jews, within his dominions. They also contained a PROTOCOL, similar in its tendency and effect, signed by the representatives of all the Allied Sovereigns, lately assembled at Aix la Chapelle. These documents, in conjunction with other communications, which state, that a spirit of ininquiry has lately been awakened among the Jews, furnished some pleasing presages of future good, and produced, |