information above communicated. They have also voted to the Bible Society at Calcutta the sum of 5001., to enable them to reduce the prices of Bibles and Testaments for the poor Europeans in India; and have also sent 500 Englisli Bibles and 1000 Testaments for sale or distribution at the discretion of the Corresponding Committee. For the books and printing paper they have sent, the Directors of the East India Company have liberally granted freight free of expense.

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One of the first objects of the Com mittee of the Columbo Society was to ascertain the number of Christians in Ceylon, and the languages most familiar to them. The result of the inquiries gives the number of native Protestants as 150,000, and that of the Catholies about 50,000, of which the great ma jority speak Cingalese, and the rest Malabar or Tamul. Scarcely a copy of the Scriptures in either of these lan guages is to be purchased in Ceylon. The edition, therefore, of 5000 copies of the Cingalese New Testament, completed at Calcutta, proved highly acceptable. A new translation is now carrying on under the superintendance of a gentleman eminently well qualified for the task, W. Tolfrey, Esq. whole of the Gospels have been translated and corrected. The translation of the New Testament into the Pali, is also in the course of execution. To remedy the great want of Tamul Scrip tures, it has been recommended to purchase a number of copies from the Tranquebar press. (2)

The

The intelligence from Madras relates principally to the distribution of English Bibles and Testaments forwarded for that purpose, and it is very satisfactory. The demand for the Scriptures in the native languages, is still consider able.

To the Bible Society at Bombay, the Committee have voted 10001.

On the 4th of June, 1814, an Auxiliary Bible Society was established at Batavia, under the sanction of Lieutenant-Governor Raffles. The first efforts of this Society will be directed to print the Scriptues in the Low Malay dialect, into which they have not yet been translated. The contributions at Batavia have been liberal, and the Committee have assisted them by a grant of 5001. The Dutch GovernorGeneral of Batavia, lately appointed in Holland, was one of the first subscribers

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to the English Bible Society at Amsterdam.

At the commencement of the last year, the translation of the New Testa ment into the Chinese language had been completed by the Rev. R. Morris son; and from later advices, it appears that the whole had been printed. A practicable and sure made of circulating it has been adopted by the Rev. W. Milne, Mr. Morrison's colleague, among the numerous Chinese settlers in Java, Malacca, and Penang. He distributed nearly 750 copies among the Chinese at Java; together with 500 copies of the Book of Genesis. He supplied eight Chinese schools with Testaments for, the schoolmasters, by whom they were used as school-books. Mr. Milne received from Governor Raffles encouragement and assistance in his charitable labours. The Committee have encouraged a further edition of Mr. Morrison's Chinese New Testament, by an additional grant of 10001. By the joint labours of Mr. Morrison at Canton, and of the Missionaries at Serampore, it may be expected that a perfect version of the Chinese Scriptures will be accomplished.

A deputation of the Committee had the honour to wait on the Emperor of Russia and the King of Prussia, in June last, for the purpose of tendering to them the thanks of the Society, for their gracions patronage of the principle of its Institution. The deputation was most graciously received; and their majesties condescended to accept copies of the Society's Reports."

Notwithstanding the number of Auxiliary Societies, Brauch Societies, and Bible Associations, which had been previously established, the addition during the last year has not been inconsiderable. Sixteen new Auxiliary Societies have been formed in England, three in Wales, nine in Scotland, and two in the Colonies. From these, and the other Societies previously formed, a sum has been received, amounting to nearly 62,0001.

The Committee, in acknowledging the zeal and energy which have prompted such extensive contributions, express their hope that the facts stated in their Reports will not only confirm, but enlarge the estimate of the utility of the Society; by shewing that the application of the pious munificence of the

United Kingdom has proved extensively beneficial.

The experience of the last year induces the Committee to repeat their earnest recommendation of the establishment of Bible Associations, not only as a means of increasing the funds of the Society, but of ascertaining and -supplying the wants of the Scriptures by the lower orders of the community, in a mode calculated to strengthen the bonds of Christian charity, and to connect the various classes of society in the same labour of love. Bible Associations have not only become more general in the United Kingdom, but have been adopted at St. Petersburgh, Amsterdam, and other parts of Continental Europe. The Committee hope that these examples will produce extensive imitation; by interesting the mass of the population in the distribution of the holy Scriptures, the veneration for them will be increased, and the means of circulating them facilitated and enlarged Nor should it be over looked, that while these Associations leave a larger disposeable fund at the service of the Parent Institution, and supply the inferior orders of society, without occasioning it trouble or expense, they cherish those moral sentiments in the mass of the community, which are in a high degree conducive to personal virtue and to public happi

ness*.

The addition to the funds of the Society, by the liberality of individuals, has not been inconsiderable during the last year.

Scotland, during the last year, has

While this Report was passing through the press, intelligence was received, that a commander of one of his Majesty's packets, on the Falmouth station, had established a Bible Association among his ship's company, heading the list with his own name, and regularly collecting the weekly pence from his officers and crew. This is considered to be the first Marine Bible Association; and if the example should be extensively followed, a regular economical mode of supply will be established for the navy and army; and the moral advantages connected with this system will be conveyed to this numerous and important class of our fellow. subjects.

CHRIST, OBSERV. No. 161.

evinced the continuance and growth of that lively interest which the Institu tion has ever possessed in the hearts of our Scottish brethren.

The progress made in Ireland has also been very considerable. Various auxiliaries to the Hibernian Bible Society have been formed; and that Society has also successfully adopted the plan of Bible Associations. In the last two years the Hibernian Society has issued between 80 and 90,000 copies of the Scriptures: making with the issues of former years, a total of nearly 200,000 copies. The desire to possess the Scriptures, and exertions to satisfy it, have been greatly augmented. The Committee, convinced that the Irish are anxious to read the Scriptures in their native tongue, have determined to print an edition of the whole Bible in the Irish language,

The amount of copies of the Scriptures, issued from March 31, 1814, to March 31 of the present year, is— 126,156 Bibles,

123,776 Testaments; making a total issued, from the com mencement of the Institution, to that period, of

516,479 Bibles,

718,778 Testaments: in all, 1,235,257 copies; exclusive of about 64,025 circulated at the charge of the Society from depositories abroad; making a total of 1,299,282 circulated by the British and Foreign Bible So ciety,

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The Committee conclude their Report with the following reflections.

That an institution formed for promoting the circulation of the holy Scriptures, and restricted to that object alone, would approve itself to the good sense, piety, and benevolence of the Christian world, was reasonably to be anticipated; and the result has exceeded the most sanguine expectations,

Whether we look at home or abroad, we see an ardent active zeal for dif fusing the heavenly light, which was graciously revealed to guide the be nighted pilgrims of the earth to the mansions of eternal rest, peace, and joy, moving in a wide circle of Christian charity, whose circumference embraces the whole human race: a zeal which breathes the spirit of the hea venly hyinn, when the angel announced the birth of the Saviour of the World, 4 C

sumption, that the possession of this invaluable treasure is considered, and has proved, what a gracious God in tended it to be, a real blessing

It shall come to pass, says the Almighty, by the mouth of the prophet, that "I will gather all nations and tongues, and they shall see my glory." It is not for us to know the times and seasons, which God has kept in his own power; but we may be permitted to indulge a humble hope, that the distribation of that revelation which displays his glorious perfectious, may be made instrumental to the accomplishment of the prophetic word.

Let it be our care to improve the times and seasons which are given to us, for making known the ways of God apon earth, and His saving health to all nations; and to encourage, by our example and assistance, that zeal which has been so happily kindled: inculcating, both by our conduct and recommendation, a strict adherence to the principle of our Institution; to the gravity of its object, and the importance of its end; as the surest means of consolidating that spirit of Christian love, which harmonizes the various societies co-operating in this sacred cause, and of rendering the Institution itself both permanent and extensively beneficial.

Above all, let us pray that the influence of that holy Book which we circulate, may not only he felt in our hearts, but exhibited in our lives; that the members of this and every other similar institution may let their light so shine before men, that their Heavenly Father may be glorified; and finally, that those who distribute and those who seceive the holy Scriptures, may be found among the number described by the Apostle in his Apocalyptic vision:

• After this, I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and with palms in their hands, and cried with a lond voice, saying, Salvation to our God, which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."

in London, in the month of May last, to all of their body throughout the world. We do not mean that the account of their sufferings for tithes, or for military claims, is more touching than in former years, or that their testimony to a free Gospel-ministry, &c, is a whit more convincing, however it may have been "gaining ground among us." But passing by these peculiarities, which are essential to their separate existence, we must confess ourselves much gratified with the general strain of the communication.. It is," they say, " from this holy source" (viz. the Divine power)" that every enjoyment both spiritual and temporal flows: it is to the Lord Almighty that we are indebted for the blessing of existence, for the means of redemption, and for that lively hope of immortality which comes by Jesus Christ. To his service, then, dear Friends, in obedience to the manifestation of his power, let us offer our talents; to the glory of his great and excellent name, let us devote our strength and the residue of our days.”

They anxiously caution Friends against an eager pursuit after the things of this life.

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That contentment which characterizes the pious Christian, is a treasure which we covet for all our members; and we especially desire that those who are setting out in life may so circumscribe their expectations, and limit their domestic establishments, as not to bring upon themselves expenses which could only be supported by an imprudent extension of their trade. Care in this respect will enable them to allot more of their time to the service of their fellow-men, and to the promotion of the Lord's cause. We believe that, were parents to instil into the minds of their children principles of moderation and œconomy, suited to their future expectations, it would, under the Divine blessing, not only conduce to their preservation, but promote their safety and comfort in life."

lies, who have themselves experienced the benefit of religious instruction, will do well to consider whether, in this re spect, they have not a duty to discharge to their servants and others of their household. Parents looking sincerely for help to Him of whom these Scriptures testify, may not unfrequently, on such occasions, feel themselves enabled and engaged to open to the minds of their interesting charge, the great truths of Christian duty and Christian redemp. tion."

It also earnestly recommends to the young to allot a portion of each day to read and meditate upon the sacred volume in private: and steadily to direct their minds to Him who alone can open and apply the Scriptures to their spiritual benefit. "In these seasons of retirement, seek for ability to enter into a close examination of the state of your own hearts; and, as you may be enabled, secretly pray to the Almighty for preservation from the temptations with which you are encompassed."

It concludes with exhorting "all of every age and of every class, to remember, that if we obey the Divine commandments, we shall do all to the glory of God; we shall always acknowledge that it is of his mercy, if we ever become partakers of the unspeakable privilege of the true disciples of Him who died for all, that they that live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him who died for them, and rose again.""

INSTRUCTION OF ADULTS.

▲ numerous and respectable Meeting was held at the New London Tavern, Cheapside, on Tuesday the 11th July; the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, in the chair, to consider the propriety of instituting a Society for teaching Adult Persons, within the City of London, to read. His Lordship opened the proceedings by a clear statement of the importance of the object for which the Meeting was convened, and by a declaration of his cordial approbation of it.

Various other gentlemen having illustrated and confirmed his Lordship's statements, and expressed their conviction of the benefit to be derived from such an Institution, a Society was established, under the designation of "THE CITY OF LONDON SOCIETY FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF ADULTS." The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor was appointed

President;-Sir John Sylvester, Bart Recorder; John Anstey, Esq.; Sir Clau dius Stephen Hunter, Bart.; Matthew Wood, Esq.; and George Bridges, Esq., Aldermen; and Thomas Bell, Esq., Vice-Presidents ;-and Joseph Fry,Esq., Treasurer.

It is proposed by this Society to divide the City of London into districts; each of which shall be under the direction of a Sub-committe. All orderly persons of both sexes unable to read, of sixteen years of age or upwards, will be considered proper objects of its care. The men and women will be taught in separate places by persons of their own sex.

"The moral and political importance of such a Society for the City of London must be obvious to every reflecting mind, when it is considered that the aggregate of crimes by which our gaoļu are crowded appears, from authentic information, to be attributable, in a great degree, to ignorance.

"The necessity for this Institution is further evinced by the computation, that there are many thousands of Adult Persons in the City of London alone, and in England at large, upwards of one million three hundred thousand, unable to read.-`

"The utility of instructing Adults is already confirmed by abundant experience: similar societies having been established in the cities of Bristol, Batli, Salisbury, and Norwich; the towns of Ipswich, Yarmouth, Plymouth, Sheffield, and Uxbridge; the borough of Southwark, and the village of Hackney, and in many other parts both of England and Wales. Hence it is confidently hoped, that such a design for the first city in the world, will awaken and call into action every Christian and every påtriot, who has it in his power to promote so good a cause.

"Every person subscribing five shillings or upwards, annually, or reddering service as a teacher, will be considered a member of this Society, during the continuance of such subscription or service ; and every person giving a benefaction of five guineas, or upwards, at one time, a member før life, nota valit

“Every person subscribing Poke guinea, or upwards, annually, will be considereú a governor during the con tinuance of such subscription; and every person giving a benefaction of ten guineas, or upwards, at one time,