They express an anxious wish that our plan should be enlarged, so as to comprehead the whole union, in one society. But the managers are of opinion, that when the address of the society shall reach them, together with the explanations which have been directed to be made, they will be convinced that the plan which has been adopted is the most eligible for this country. However, the managers believe, that if no similar societies should be formed in any part of this country, then it will be the duty of the society, to extend its arms from Maine toGeorgia,and from the Atlantic to the Mississippi.

The managers having now had some opportunity of testing the importance and utility of the plan of the Bible Society, by actual experiment, beg leave to make a few observations on the subject in the conclusion of this report.

The necessity for such an institution has appeared much more evidently to the managers, since, in the course of their duty, they have been led to make particular inquiries into the condition of the poorer class of people in this city, than it ever did before. The deficiency of Bibles has been found to be much greater than was expected; and it is believed to be as great in many other places. The number of families and individuals, who are destitute of a copy of the Scriptures is so great, that the whole of the funds in the possession of the society,could be profitably expended in supplying the wants of this city alone: and the opportunities of distributing them in other places are so numerous, that if their funds were tenfold as great as they are, they would still be inadequate to satisfy the demand.

That the institution will be useful, and has already been useful, can be doubted by no one, who values the word of God. Some hundreds of families are now in possession of a Bible, by means of the society, which never had one before. And it deserves to be mentioned, that the books have commonly been received, with emotion, and strong indications of gratitude: and that the application for them is often earnest and pressing. This alone, it is presumed, will be con sidered by every contributor, as a rich remuneration, for all the expense and labour, to which he may have subjected himself in support of the institution.

But besides the good resulting from the promotion of the chief and direct object of the society, the managers are of opinion, that very important and desirable effects will be indirectly produced by this association.

The cordiality and harmony with which christians of so many denominatons have united, in prosecuting this important object, cannot fail of being attended with some good effect on all con

cerned. It is an approximation to that unity andbrotherly love among christians, which all good men so ardently desire. At least, it will have a tendency to remove prejudices by promoting mutual acquaintance between the members of different religious communities.

The managers do, moreover, believe, that the zeal discovered, and efforts made by so many persons in this city, of different conditions and professions, to furnish the poor with Bibles gratuitously, will have a happy tendency to induce many to appreciate the sacred Scriptures more highly than they have been wont to do; and may dispose those who possess Bibles, but have suffered them to lie neglected in their houses, to peruse them with serious attention.

On the whole, the managers feel it to be a duty, to express their gratitude to the Author of every good gift, for the institution of Bible Societies; and particularly, for the degree of favor which He hath been pleased to manifest to this institution. At the same time, they congratulate the society on the pleasing pros pects of success, which are open before them. This continent presents an extensive field for the labors of such societies which, under diligent cultivation, and the blessing of heaven, may be expected to yield a copious harvest.

In the present convulsed state of the European continent, perhaps there is no spot upon earth, from which the light of divine truth might be sent forth more successfully, to various and distant parts of the benighted world, than from this city. The institution of a bible society in this place, therefore, must be consid ered an auspicious event. And the managers do not think that their hopes are too sanguine, when they persuade themselves, that at no very distant period, this society will be found in the foremost rank among those institutions, which picty or humanity has erected for the relief of the indigent, on this continent. And they conclude this report, by declaring it to be not only the object of their prayers, but their hopes, that before the present generation shall have passed away, the holy scriptures will be read by all the principal nations under heaven: and thus the way be opened for the fulfilment of the prediction of the prophet, The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as

the waters cover the sea.

An appendix to this report contains the Interesting correspondence between R. Ralston, Esq. and the British and Foreign Bible Society, which we have already published: also, a list of 295 subscibers at $5 a year, among whom, are 12 life subscriptions of 50dols: Also the treasurer's account, from which it appears, that his receipts amount to$2715,exclusive of the

2001. sterling presented by the British and Foreign Bible Society.

STATE OF RELIGION.

A Narrative of the State of Religion, within the bounds of the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and in the states of Connecticut and Vermont, during the time intervening between May 1808 and May 1809. THE general assembly once more approach the churches under their care, that they may lay before them a condensed narrative of the state of religion within their bounds.

The dealings of God with us, brethren, during the past year, call for renewed emotions of wonder, love, and praise. He has not left himself without a witness amongst us; the east, the west, the north, and the south can testify; for in them all, his stately footsteps may be seen. In answer to the prayers of his people, he has come down like dew upon the mown grass, and like showers that water the earth; and we are happy to state that his glory is yet passing before us, and that his power and grace are still displayed in the conviction and conversion of sinners, as well as in building up his people in their most holy faith. These are the great outlines of our situation, to the more particular description of which we now call your attention.

It is with peculiar pleasure, then, that we state, that peace and harmony, so ornamental and necessary to the christian church, have prevailed in the past year, with but few excep. tions, throughout our bounds; that the worship of God has been generally and respectfully attended in our churches; that the distinguishing doctrines of grace have been well received, and in manyinstances have been attended with great and visible success. Although from the great extent of late revivals, and the numbers received into our churches, there was reason to fear that many tares were interspersed with the harvest, yet we are happy to state that instances of apostasy have seldom occurred.

The leading features that have characterized our churches during the last year, have, we apprehend, been a growing thirst for divine knowledge, and an increased attach ment to the distinguishing doctrines of grace. Family visitation and the

catechetical instruction of our beloved youth, have doubtless contributed in a great degree, to excite, as well as to satisfy, this desire. We are happy to state that catechetical instruction has been attended to during the last year, with perhaps greater assiduity, than has ever been witnessed amongst us; and we are persuaded that its results will be highly favora ble to the dearest interests of the church of God in our country. Deeply impressed with a conviction, that holiness becometh his house for ever, the churches of Christ have turned their attention, with increasing care, to the support of a wise and salutary discipline. Societies for diffusing evangelical truth have been organiz ed, and are now in operation; Bibles and small religious tracts have been extensively distributed. Praying Societies, formerly established, have been maintained, whilst many new ones have been added. These institutions, by calling into exercise the latent gifts and graces of the people of God, in an essential part of his worship, as well as in promoting zeal and brotherly love, have served as nurseries of the church, and have produced, and are producing, almost incredible effects upon the moral and religious state of the community.

The presbytery of Long Island has experienced a very general revival from the presence of the Lord. The presbyteries of Albany and Hudson, in some of their congregations, have been visited with divine influence from on high; whilst a large district of East Jersey, as well as its extreme in the west, has known, or is learning to know, the almighty power of God. Acknowledged infidels, and practical unbelievers, who so lately eyed the cross with malignity, and its adherents with contempt, are now seen, in inconsiderable numbers, clothed, and in their right minds, at the feet of Jesus; whilst the poor, dissipated prodigal, who so lately was a burthen to himself and to the world, is seen returning to his fath er's house, or already encircled in his father's arms. Those parts of the church, which were favored with revivals in former years, appear to be securing the advantages they have gained, and to be gathering in the gleanings of the vintage; whilst bod

ily agitations, where they have appeared, have almost wholly subsided, and have given place to calm inquiry into the great and leading doctrines of the gospel.

The assembly have observed with pleasure, that the various missions under their direction have been prosecuted with exemplary diligence and fidelity, and with a measure of success, calculated to rejoice the hearts of those, who have contributed their worldly substance to the support of this great object, and to engage them to a continuance of their liberality. Through the instrumentality of these missions, not only a large population of our own citizens, who would otherwise remain almost wholly destitute of the gospel, have its doctrines and ordinances dispensed among them; but several Indian tribes have the invaluable blessings of civilization and the Christian religion brought within their reach; and the unhappy children of Africa are also greeted with those glad tidings of salvation to which, in a Christian country, they have a peculiar claim.

But whilst events of a prosperous nature are recounted with pleasure, it is the duty of this assembly to inform the churches, thatcircumstances have occurred of an opposite description, and such as ought to be considered as highly calamitous and distressing. They have learned with regret, that, whilst several parts of our country have recently been supplied with a gospel ministry and the regular administration of ordinances, others in these respects are in an exceedingly destitute situation. "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; pray ye, brethren, the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth laborers into his harvest." "In a portion of country of some extent, embraced within the bounds of the synod of Kentucky, we are sorry to learn that a spirit of fanaticism, propagating the most palpable errors, as well as insubordination to the constituted authorities of our church, has greatly prevailed. In consequence of this, some of our congregations have been torn by intestine divisions, and are yet bleeding at eve ypore. The assembly conceive that

they cannot do justice to their own feelings on this occasion, or to the cause of Christ, without noticing in terms of high disapprobation so ruinous a departure from duty; they hold out at the same time the hand of conciliation to their erring brethren, and invite a speedy return to the good order and discipline of our church.

In addition to the above, the assembly have heard with pain of the prev alence, in some parts of their bounds, of a form of religion without its power, as well as of vice and immorality. Luke warmness,detested by the Head of the church; intemperance, ingulfing every social and domestic virtue; an awful profanation of the sabbath sports and unlawful games like so many ensigns of death,have appeared, assailing the kingdom of Christ, and strengthening the empire of his foes. Whilst we are undoubtedly called to mourn over these evils, we are equally called to counteract them; "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, and shall finally prevail." "For Zion's sake, therefore, will we not hold our peace, and for Jerusalem's sake we will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth."

From the accounts received from our sister churches of Connecticut and Vermont, it appears that the great head of the church has manifested toward them, during the last year, the most signal interpositions of divine love and mercy. Yale College has been visited, and a number of her sons have been hopefully gathered into the bosom of the church. Many towns and villages, in both of these states, have felt in a very uncommon degree, the power of sovereign grace; and accessions to their communion have been exceedingly numerous. Infidelity is confounded, or retires from the public eye. Characters distinguished by talents, learning, morals, and property, have been led publicly to profess themselves the disciples of our Lord. A knowledge of the Holy Scriptures is diffusing itself far and wide. We are also informed, that distinguished revivals of religion have existed in several parts of Massachusetts, and that

hopeful appearances have also begun in New Hampshire and in the district of Maine.

On a review of the whole information we have received, the assembly take their stand at the foot of the cross, and rejoice in the wonders of redeeming love.

If the state of religion in the churches under their care had even been generally dark and unpromising, though they might mourn over the ingratitude of man, they could not cease to confide in the faithfulness of God. But in justly deserved wrath, our God has remembered mercy; once more he has given us abundant cause to glory in his name, and to rejoice with trembling.

We have only to add our ardent prayer, that the angel flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to every kindred and tongue, may soon reach the utmost bounds of his destination; that every obstacle that might impede his flight, or stay his progress, may be speedily removed, and that the knowledge of Christ may soon cover the earth, as the waters fill the

unerring and authoritative guide of life, with the most powerful motives to virtue and holiness, and with the only unfailing support and solace in affliction.

If we consider that the Bible views and addresses man as an immortal being, and is designed to secure his eternal felicity, we shall see, that in distributing it, we exert ourselves to promote an infinite good; and will Christian benevolence be indifferent, when such an object is proposed?

It is the influence of the Bible not only to fit men for a future life, but to promote the order,tranquillity, and happiness of the present. In distributing the pure and benevolent system of Jesus Christ, we adopt one of the best methods to refine the temper and manners of men, to restrain unjust practices and licentious desires, to render families peaceful and affectionate, and to improve every relation of

the social state.

It is interesting to recollect the exertions and sacrifices made by the author of our faith, by his chosen apostles, and by Christians of every age, for the purpose of extending through the earth, and of transmitting to all generations, the truth contained in the Bible. This truth has been sealed by the most precious blood; and shall not we count it an honor and privilege to be associated with Jesus Christ and his most faithful servants, in communicating this invaluable blessing to mankind?

It becomes Christians to consider, that their master was very mindful of the poor, and represented his gospel as peculiarly designed for that class of society. Its great truths are level to their capacities; and its precepts and promises are peculiarly suited to impart that support and consolation, and to form that pa tience, resignation, uprightness, and freedom from envy, which are so necessary in a state of poverty. Is there not, then, the strongest obligation to circulate the Bible, as widely as possible among the poor?

It is a distinguishing recommendation of this charity, that when we give a Bible, we communicate an undoubted good. We give what is needed by men of every age, character, rank, and condition. We circulate

not an imperfect production of man, but the book of God; not a work of controversy, but the gospel of peace, which all Christians acknowledge to be the standard by which their controversies must be judged.

This object is recommended by its great simplicity, and by the facility with which it may be accomplished. It requires no intricate arrangements. The distribution of a single book is the only thing intended. The object is so definite, as almost to exclude the possibility of misapplying the funds of the proposed association No heavy burdens need be laid on individuals. A small annual subscription from Christians in moderate circumstances, united with the donations of the opulent, will be sufficient to distribute the Bible wherever it is wanted.

One more advantage, and a very important one, remains to be mentioned. This is an object, in which all Christians may unite. Here is a common ground, on which all denominations may meet, and join heart and hand, and forget the distinctions which keep them asunder. Let Christians of every name concur in the good end here proposed, and they can hardly help improving in that love, which is the badge of the true disciples of the Savior.

There is but one objection which can be offered to the institution here proposed, viz. that the people of this land are too well supplied with Bibles to need the aid of a Bible Society. But we must not judge of the Country at large from what falls under our immediate observation. The Philadelphia Bible Society, in their address to the public, express the opinion, that one fourth of the families of this country are destitute of Bbles. If we confine ourselves to New-England, we have reason to suppose that this want is considera. bly felt in several parts of Rhode-Island, Vermont, New-Hampshire, and the District of Maine. In many houses where the Bible is found, it is so much worn, and so wretchedly printed, that its usefulness is very much diminished. In all our towns, there are poor families to whom a nea: edition of the Bible, in a good type, would be a most acceptable VOL. II. New Series.

present. In our prisons, also, there are many unhappy individuals, who peculiarly need this charity.

These are the considerations which have called forth this address. It is hoped that they will engage the serious attention of the friends of religion and mankind. Those persons, who feel the importance of this object, are respectfully requested to meet at the State House, in the Representa tives' Room, on Thursday, the sixth day of July next, at 3 o'clock, to consider the expediency of associating for the distribution of the Bible. A general attendance of the respectable and influential part of society, and of Christians of all denominations, is desired and anticipated. Boston, June, 1809.

EXTRACT FROM THE MISSIONARY JOURNAL OF REV. THADDEUS OSGOOD, EMPLOYED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL, &c.

FROM the time of his setting out till his return to Boston, was about nine months; during which period he travelled about 3000 miles, passing through the northern parts of Vermont, Lower and Upper Canada, the western parts of New-York and Pennsylvania, the eastern part of the state of Ohio, the western part of Maryland, and closed his mission in the northern part of Virginia. He preached 265 times, administered the ordinance of the Lord's supper 4 times, baptized 26 children and adults, gathered one church, attended 2 funerals, 9 religious conferences,and visited upwards of 50 schools, and a great number of private families.

During his mission, and on his return home, he collected for charitable purposes, upwards of a thousand dollars. The donations were receiv. ed in the towns and cities in the fol. lowing order.

In a number of towns in Vermont, 368-In Montreal and its vicinity, 110-In Cornwall and its vicinity, 20 -In Ogdenburgh, N. York, 25—On the way to Kingston, 10-In Kings. ton, 40-On the way from Kingston to York, 15-In York, Upper Canada, 30--In Niagara, Queenston, and their vicinities, 36-From Buffaloc

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