Church of England. It is only necessary to add, that the association receives presents of books, as well as pecuniary contributions.

GRAND JUNCTION CANAL
ASSOCIATION.

Another correspondent (vide Answers to Correspondents for July last, page 488,) having referred us to the immoral habits of the boatmen employed on the numerous canals of this kingdom, and the importance of attending to the supply of their religious wants, we have endeavoured to obtain the particulars of what has been hitherto attempted on their behalf.

In 1815, a clergyman resident at a spot where he had many opportunities of conversing with the bargemen of several canals, which intersect the district in his neighbourhood, suggested the idea of supplying every barge with a copy of the holy Scriptures, and also the men who are stationed at the engine houses and the locks. These last, from the confined nature of their employment, have very seldom an opportunity, even if willing, of attending a place of worship. The boatmen very generally discovered great satisfaction at the proposed supply, and expressed their readiness to purchase Bibles and Testaments at reduced prices. Twenty-three Bibles and twenty-two Testaments were in a short time disposed of, and au association was formed, composed principally of ladies, for supplying the boats, &c. A small, depository of books was also established in the vicinity, near the spot where the Aylesbury and Wendover branches fall into the line of the Grand Junction Canal. Since this period, the depository has been supplied to the amount of upwards of ten pounds' worth of Bibles from the Association.

The success which attended this attempt suggested the idea of extending the plan, by the establishment of an institution at Paddington, for the exclusive object of supplying the whole line of the inland navigation.

It appeared, upon inquiry, that the number of boats was between four and five hundred; that the number of men on the line of the Grand Junction Canal, the collateral branches, with the engine and lock houses, might be estimated at six thousand; and that, including their wives and children, the number of persons to be taken into consideration was probably not less than twenty thousand.

These may be said almost to live upon the water, and, by the peculiar nature of their occupation, are precluded from all opportunity of attending public worship on the Sabbath-day. For this deprivation no remedy seemed to offer itself equal to that of providing every barge with copies of the holy Scriptures. To carry this into effect, on March 20, 1816, was formed at Paddington,

THE GRAND JUNCTION AND GENERAL

CANAL ASSOCIATION.

Patrons: The Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Durham; the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Norwich; the Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of G.oncester; Charles Harvey, Esq. M. P.President, Rev. Basil Woodd.-Secretary (gratis), Rev. John Bull, &c.—Treasurer, John Bacon, Esq.-Collector, Mr. Amies, King-street, Edgeware Road.

A depository of Bibles and Testaments was established at Mr. Harrison's Wharf, on the Paddington Bason, and thirty of the Wharfingers became weekly subscribers to the Association.

By these means we understand that a considerable supply of copies of the holy Scriptures has been provided and distributed throughout the whole line of the inland navigation. Endeavours have also been adopted to form depôts at different points of the Grand Junction Canal. Independently of this institution, a supply of Common Prayer Books has been provided, partly gratuitously, and partly at reduced prices. Upon investigating the character of the persons connected with the barges, it was found that many of the boys who navigate them, and the children of the families who live in them, could not read; that many of the elder boys spent the afternoon of the Sabbath-day loitering about the boats and the canal yard, and that their language was most profane and offensive. This circumstance produced, in August, 1816, the adoption of another plan for their benefit, by means of the CANAL SCHOOL, which is held at Paddington every evening in the week; and is free for all children connected with the barges, and the men who work on the wharfs and banks of the canal. It consists of about one hundred and thirty children, boys and girls, together with several boys and young men, about sixteen and eighteen years of age. The conduct and deportment of these young persons is stated to be very gratifying: they learn to read the Scriptures, to repeat the catechism, and to join in the

worship of God, with which the business of the school always concludes. The school is also open on Sunday mornings; and in the afternoon the children attend Divine service at a neighbouring episcopal chapel, where they occasionally, in their turn, repeat their catechism with other schools. There is reason to hope that real benefit has already arisen from these plans, which are supported by annual and occasional subscriptions. OXFORD & OXFORDSHIRE AUXI. LIARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

The Fifth Report of this Society announces the improving state of the funds: 7631. have been received, of which 5601, have been remitted to the Parent Institution: 1086 Bibles and 700 Testaments have been distributed during the year; a larger number than at any previous period. We can give only the following passages from the speeches and Report.

The Senior Proctor, after stating various benefits resulting from the Society, remarked, that "though the advocates of the Society might here take their stand, yet he could not but hope that the very provision which had been the occasion of so much offence, the union of Christians of different denominations on common grounds, without any compromise of principle, would promote a spirit of charity and concord; for mutual misapprehensions and prejudices were not likely to be removed by studied separation, and the indulgence of nn favourable suspicions. He had no wish to convert into a field of debate what he knew had been, and he trusted would continue to be, an occasion of exciting the liveliest sympathy of Christian feeling. He believed that it was a gracious appointment of Providence, that most points of duty (though ingenuity might still seem to render them disputable) carried their evidence so strongly on the face of them, that a plain man, who only wished to act right, would feel little or no difficulty. If this were not the case, it is obvions that the greater part of charitable exertions must be either totally suspended, or so far chilled as to lose all their warmth and vigour. It was in this light, he thought, that the claims of the Bible Society would be generally seen; it carried a strong presumption in its favour, and came, if he could trust his own feelings, so powerfully recommended to the heart, that an ingenuous mind would be disposed to

regret that it had ever been made a subject of discussion. He was convinced that, in matters of this nature, a Christian spirit was the safest casuist."

The Principal of Magdalene Hall concluded with reading extracts from his correspondence with the Archdeacon of Bombay, one of their original members, and now president of the Bible Society in that settlement, announcing the translation of St. Matthew's Gospel into the Mahratta and Guzarat language; and others from a friend in Italy, shewing the impossibility of procuring a copy of the Testament in that country; which the Principal confirmed from his own personal knowledge of most of its principal cities. He conceived that if Italy had been the only country completely destitute of the Bible, and there was no reason to expect that the want would be supplied from any attempt within itself, any foreign society undertaking to render so great a service to thirty millions of Christians was entitled to the thanks and co-operation of every be liever. But what he had said of Italy, there could be no doubt, was as applica ble to Spain and some other countries; still more, if possible, to the Mohamme dan and Pagan states, which make up the greater part of the globe. While, then, this deficiency remains, and the most sanguine will hardly maintain that it is likely to cease, the Bible Society, he observed, will be hailed as an universal blessing by all whose charity extends beyond the narrow limits of Britain. Nor, if it be ever suffered to expire, will they find its loss compensated by any or all the many religious associations which are the glory of our country, however pure they may be in their object, or unblameable in their administration.

The Rev. Mr. Marsh, of Nuneham, in allusion to the progress of the Society, remarked, that" the single fact, that it was instituted in a corner, and in the course of ten years had overspread the whole of the civilized world, was itself sufficiently striking: it was indeed a fact to which no parallel can be found in history. But he would not say that it was alone decisive. The simplicity of its plan, the general reception of the Bible as the word of God, the free intercourse now happily subsisting between different nations, were natural causes which materially facilitated its progress. But the chief consideration, which had led many to believe that a

Divine influence had accompanied it, was, that together with the distribution of the Bible, which is the gift of man, there has gone forth an increasing desire for it, which is the gift of God."

After proving this position by various recent facts, he continued to remark, that, "extraordinary as these occurrences were, it was surely more extraordinary still, that all this increasing desire of the Bible should occur at the very time when the British and Foreign Bible Society arose to meet it. These unconcerted coincidences, he said, were among the most authentic marks of the finger of Providence. Christianity was dispensed when the state of the world allowed of its being universally propagated; and, may we not add, the new system of instruction was invented at the very moment when the British and Foreign Bible Society arose to furnish the materials: the British and Foreign Bible Society itself originated when an increasing desire of the Bible was about to give it scope and efficiency. Again, it was a distinguishing feature of this Society, that it furnished 'nothing but what was equally held in esteem among all classes of Christians. But yet, how could the innocence of this principle be recognized, or the utility of it perceived, unless there were a kindlier disposition among Christians to each other, unless there were an abatement of prejudice, a desire to conciliate, a more truly catholic spirit arising amongst us? If it has pleased Almighty Providence to shed abroad these favourable dispositions at the very time when the British and Foreign Bible Society arose to take advantage of them, may we not augur from it his favour to the Society's cause? The great advantage also which is derived from the circulation of authorized versions, in discountenancing those which are heretical, is a benefit the value of which is greatly enhanced by its occurring at a period when active measures are taking for giving currency to those which are dangerous. We know that such measures have been adopted at home and abroad, particularly in Geneva; and we know too, that the superior facility given to the supply of the received translations, by the operations of the Bible Society, has been mainly instrumental in rendering them abortive."

The following are passages from the Report:-" At home, notwithstanding the apathy of many, and the opposition

of a few, the Society has reason to be grateful to Providence for the support it continues to receive from persons of every condition and all religious persuasions. Such support is unexampled in the history of charitable societies, and,as such, has been regarded by many as honourable to the British public. And honourable it unquestionably is, in some degree, if we are just in presuming that no other people would, year after year, voluntarily raise so large a proportion of their wealth for a religious object, and include foreigners as well as natives within their bounty. Yet add to it the sums expended for the same purpose by similar institutions, and even then how small and insignificant will it appear as a national tribute of piety to all who know the scarcity, and can at all appreciate the worth, of the gift that it bestows."

"The Bible Society has completed its fourteenth year. Its acts may be read in most of the languages of Europe; they have been performed in almost every country: all its proceedings have been public; and for many a year they have been watched by vigilant adversaries. Its constitution has been stated to be dangerous, its tendency to be alarming: even its object has been condemned by some as insufficient; by others, who are yet believers in revelation, as pernicious. But pnremitting enmity has been unable to substantiate its surmises; no misapplication of revenue, no deviation from its avowed principles, has been detected. Let all, then, who yet hesitate, examine its Reports for themselves, and read its genuine character in the grateful acknowledgment of nations. If the result be a conviction that the charges brought against us are unfounded, it will not be enough to acquit our Society of guilt; it will be their duty to assist it in its beneficent career by their prayers and contributions, unless they can find or organize another institution as able and as willing to send the word of God to the ends of the world. If our Society is fit to exist, it is worthy of all that wealth, or genius, or learning, can do to advance it. It would be needless to remind those who have avowed their attachment to the cause, that its claims cannot be satisfied by a cold or timid adherence. We read that Christian charity constrains us to spend and be spent in the service of our brethren; and that it calls upon those that labour

out of their deep poverty to abound in liberality: it assuredly then requires from all in prosperous circumstances much more than a small portion of superfluous wealth, for the promotion of piety and virtue; for this virtue is not delineated in such glowing colours in holy writ to excite a barren admiration, but to encourage activity. May all of

us, and all who in every country are associated in this noble cause, shew by their own practice our value of the book that we bestow. It is thus alone that we can expect the Divine blessing to crown our labours; it is thus, rather than by an elaborate defence, that we shall silence objections, and convert opposition into friendship."

FOREIGN.

NOTHING has as yet transpired as to the effect likely to be produced on the relations between Spain and the United States, by the forcible occupation of Florida; but there are strong indications that the latter power means to retain what it has seized.-A circum stance which took place soon after the capture of Pensacola is thought by some to have put to hazard our own relations of amity with that country. Two Englishmen, of the names of Armstrong and Armbrister, were seized by General Jackson, and subjected to a military trial, on the charge of having instigated the Indians in that neighbourhood to acts of hostility against the subjects of the United States. The particulars of the trial have not transpired. It is only known that it was brief, and ended in the condemnation to death, and the almost immediate execution of the unhappy individuals. It would be altogether rash to pronounce upon the political character of this proceeding nntil all the facts of the case are known. At the same time, it seems, under all its circumstances, to involve a very unnecessary stretch of severity, and something of wanton cruelty, on the part of the American General; and this, indeed, seems to be the impression, not in this country only, but, if we may judge from the American journals, throughout a great part of the United States. If the act was in itself unjustifiable, according to the received law of nations, we trust the American Government will have the virtue and magnanimity to disavow it, and thus to prevent the breach of friendly intercourse between the two countries.

The government of Spain has addressed a manifesto to the great powers of Europe on the subject of her South American Colonies, in which she solicits their mediation to restore her refractory subjects to their allegiance.

She promises on her part a complete amnesty for the past, liberal regulations on the subject of commercial intercourse with other friendly nations, a perfect equality as to civil and military employments between her Spanish and American subjects, possessing suitable qualifications, and a readiness to accede to such measures, consistent with her rights and dignity, as may be proposed to her by her high allies.

The Congress will not assemble at Aix la Chapelle until the 27th of September.

DOMESTIC.

The internal state of the country continues tranquil; and although most of the spinners and weavers of Manchester continue to hold out for higher wages, yet scarcely any thing like tumult has occurred among them.-Her Majesty's health, which we stated in our last to be in a very precarious state, has unexpectedly and considerably improved.

The harvest is nearly concluded, the weather having been more uniformly and intensely hot than has been remembered for many years. The crops of wheat have in some measure suffered from want of rain, but are represented as being, upon the whole, a full average. supply, and of good quality. The long continued drought has, however, done considerable injury to the crops of barley and beans, and to the gardens and grasslands throughout the country, and especially round London.

In the dearth of other matters, the newspapers have been chiefly filled during the last month with the details of the assizes. Two trials involving circumstances of peculiar atrocity--namely, that of Charles Hussey, for the murder of Mr. Bird, and Mary Simmons, his housekeeper, at Greenwich; and that of G. Chennell and J. Chalcraft, for the murder of Mr. Chennell, and Elizabeth Wilson, his housekeeper, at Godalming— have excited great and general interest.

In several circumstances a considerable resemblance appears between these two awful deeds; with the particulars, how. ever, of which, we shall not harrow up the minds of our readers. With regard to Hussey, the evidence, which was circumstantial, was indubitably strong; and indeed a considerable part of the stolen property was found secreted in his possession. He had vehemently denied all participation in the murder; nor did he publicly confess his guilt even on the scaffold; and it was generally supposed that he had died without making any disclosure. Shortly after his execution, however, a paper was conveyed to the daily journals by the Rev. Mr. Rudge, the clergyman who attended him, giving an account of Hussey's full confession of his having planned and insti-, gated the robbery; but the murder he attributes to two other individuals, whom he states to have sailed within a few days after for the East Indies, and who perpetrated the bloody work while he kept watch without. Mr. Rudge very prudently withheld this information from the public for a short time, until dne measures could be taken by Government for apprehending the persons mentioned by Hussey, but whose names have not been disclosed. We should greatly doubt whether much credit is due to this confession, after his pertinacious denial of guilt almost to the very close of life. It deserves, however, the fullest investigation.

The murder of Mr. Chennell and Mary Simmons was, if possible, perpetrated under still blacker circumstances than that of Mr. Bird and his housekeeper; the murderers being no other

than the servant and the son of the deceased. Their guilt appeared indubitable to the jury, from a long train of closely connected circumstantial evidence; and both the court and the pub. lic at large appear to have been fully satisfied with the verdict. Nothing indeed was wanting but the confession of the criminals themselves, who, we greatly lament to say, persisted to the last in their denial, notwithstanding the most conclusive proofs of their guilt. At the same time we do not think that any material weight ought to be attached to circumstances of this kind, or that any feeling of distrust respecting the justice of a verdict where the evidence has been full and conclusive, ought to arise in the minds of a jury, or of the public, merely for want of this melan choly satisfaction; which, however, as it is naturally felt to be a satisfaction, ought not to be left unsought whenever it is attainable. False shame, infidel principles, the dread of entailing a stigma on relations and friends, a horrid secret oath, perhaps in some cases mere obstinacy, and, more perhaps than all, a half-cherished hope of the possibility of escape, even on the scaffold, as long as the crime is strenuously denied, and innocence asserted, may prevent a hardened criminal, one especially who is capable of a cool premeditated murder, from acknowledging the justice of his sentence; and many of these motives may continue to operate at the very moment when he is conscious be is about to appear at that Higher Bar, where it must be for ever ratified, and a far more awful doomfawarded than any human tribunal can inflict.