in the whole compass of human thought, can there be found a nobler form of charity!

We are aware, indeed, of one source of objection. Some whom we now address, will be scarce able to conceive, that in the part of the country in which we live, there can be any such deficiency of Bibles, as to call for the extraordinary exertions proposed. In reply, we would remark, that this deficiency is probably much greater than is generally realized. At least, it is our duty to make serious and faithful inquiry on the subject. If there are to be found, within our circle, families or indi. viduals, destitute of the Bible, ought they not to be supplied? Suppose the defect owing to criminal indiffer. ence and negligence, as much, at least, as to poverty; would no: christian charity wish to proffer them the richest of treasures, however neg. lected, or undervalued? Perhaps the very compassion manifested in such a gift, might arouse some thought less creature to serious attention. Others there are, whose extreme indigence gives them the strongest and most unexceptionable claims to our attention. In most of our towns, there are receptacles for the poor : these would furnish many a suitable object of our charity. There are many Africans among us, utter strangers to the truths taught in scripture. Not a few of them, indeed are altogether unable to read. Others are but partially instructed. Yet who can tell, in how many instances the present of a Bible might stimulate both the one and the other, to acquire the knowledge necessary to peruse it? In the Eastern portion of our common wealth, and in many parts of New Hampshire and Vermont, but recently settled, and thinly populated, it is apprehended there are many families entirely destitute of the word of life; many souls perishing in utter ignorance and stupidity. And though much has been already done to relieve their miseries, more ought to be attempted.

The cases we have thus briefly specified, ought undoubtedly to engage our first attention. Should they prove, on a careful examination, less numerous or pressing than we

have supposed, we shall have reason to rejoice. Our bounty may then flow in other channels. For surely, it needs not, it must not stagnate. The fact, that we have little occasion for a gratuitous distribution of the Scriptures in our sphere, far from constituting a reason that we should do nothing to promote their circulation is one of the strongest arguments that we should do much. In what oth er way, can we so naturally express our gratitude for the mercy which exalts us above thousands and millions of our fellow-creatures? Think, brethren, of the multitudes of poor Africans in various parts of our country, who groan away months and years in bondage; the present scene embittered with every calamity; the future, uncheered by a single ray of hope. Shall we not hasten to impart to them that gospel which is eminently the friend of the wretched; the precious and only source of real comfort, in life and in death? Think of the Aboriginals scattered in various parts of our continent; most of them immersed in the grossest ignorance and idolatry. The territory which they once peacefully possessed, we inhabit; and even into the wilder. nesses whither they have retired be. fore us, our vices have pursued them. But how little have we done to ame. liorate their secular condition! How little, to communicate to them the sovereign and only antidote against human guilt and misery! Is it not time for more strenuous and efficient exertions than have yet been made, to pour on their benighted souls the light of heavenly truth?

As we proceed, the subject expands; and considerations the most affecting and awful press on the contemplative mind. We invite your reflections, brethren, to this simple fact that in the nineteenth century of the Christian era, more than half the human race are as perfect strang ers to the gospel, as though its light had never shone on our globe. Yes; at this moment, more than FIVE HUNDRED MILLIONS of immortal beings, with souls as guilty, and as precious as our own, are utterly ig norant, either of the one living and true Gon, or of JESUS CHRIST, as the only SAVIOR! Alas! the

christian world has been buried in a long sleep; or never could this have been the deplorable case. But we have reason to bless God that these guilty slumbers are vanishing. The cry of distress, issuing from the gloomy abodes of superstition and idolatry, and borne on every wind, has at length pierced the ears and hearts of Christians. Christians begin to feel that they owe a debt to the heathen. Both in Europe and America, a missionary spirit has been enkindled, and the noblest exertions made to spread the gospel of salvation. Perhaps among Protestants, more of this kind has been done in the last 12 or 15 years, than in whole centuries preceding. The thought is animating. Who that has a heart to feel, would not wish to aid in this work of mercy? The attempts of missionaries, it is obvious, must be greatly assisted, and the probability of their success much increased, if, in addition to their oral instructions, they may impart to the heathen, the written word. Indeed translating the Scriptures into languages in which they have been before unknown, and communicating them in this form, to the various portions of the globe, is a species of christian benevolence, pre-eminentin simplicityand efficacy. Thus the fountains of life are opened to a perishing world. In this way, we trust, the knowledge of the Lord will soon overspread the earth, as the waters cover the channels of the

seas.

It deserves, then, a serious consideration, whether we are not called to extend our exertions, as God shall give us ability and opportunity, to every part of the globe where they are needed, not excepting the most distant climes. The idea is vast ; but let it not be treated as visionary. By us, it surely cannot be thus treated, without singular insensibility and ingratitude. The favored island from which our ancestors came, was once a scene of idolatry and barbarism. But pious missionaries of other lands sought it out, and gave it the gospel. What would have been our forlorn condition at this moment, had not their souls glowed with that ardor of benevolence which the frigid philosophy of our day brands as extrava.

gant and enthusiastic ? Is it not time that we should rouse from our indolence, and endeavor to discharge the immense debt thus contracted, by conveying the same precious gospel to the most distant and benighted corners of the earth?

Such, brethren, is the object presented before you. Such the cause in which you are invited to engage. And to every reflecting mind,to every feeling heart, we dare appeal, and ask: Is it not a cause most impor tant, most interesting and sublime? Does it not merit an animated and universal support? Does it not imperiously claim the most ardent and indefatigable exertions ?

Our wish is, to disseminate the Bible. And surely, if an object can be named, against which there cannot possibly be raised a plausible objection, it is this. Here all hearts may unite; all hands should be open. Professors of christianity, however different in denomination, or in sentiment, may combine and co-operate to spread those Scriptures which they all consider as containing the words of eternal life. We have long been praying that the gospel may spread, and the knowledge of the Lord fill the earth. Let those prayers no longer be our reproach: but let us be actively engaged to promote their accomplishment. The affluent have now an opportunity to convert to the most important purposes the bounty of Heaven, and in the noblest sense, to enjoy it, by making it the medium of substantial and immortal good to their fellow-creatures. Those who have tasted that the Lord is gracious, and are daily living on the consolations of the gospel, may now gratify the first and favorite wish of their hearts, by inviting others to the heavenly banquet. And can any believe the Scriptures to be the word of God, and the only source of hope and salvation to man, and not realize an obligation to circulate them, if possible, to the remotest bounds of earth?

Christian brethren! while we daily lament the low state of religion in our land; while multitudes around us treat the gospel with cold indifference, and trample in contempt on the pearl of price,let us not despond.

of his age, much and justly regretted, the Right Rev. Beilby Porteus, Lord Bishop of London. His lordship was first consecrated bishop of Chester in 1776, and in 1796, was translated to the see of London, on the death of Dr. Lowth. During the twenty-three years he filled this important situation, his conduct was such as entitled him to the love and veneration of all who knew him. He was a man of truly christian moderation, and, in the performance of his episcopal functions, was ever studi ous of the peace and unity of the Church. In private life his conduct and conversation were always amiable, pure, and exemplary. His writings bear unequivocal testimony tó the anxiety which he felt to advance the interests of religion and morals, not only in his immediate diocese, but throughout the world. It is expected that he will be succeeded by Dr. Randolph, at present Bishop of Bangor.

REFUGE FOR THE DESTITUTE.

The object of this society is, as we have already informed our readers, to provide a place of refuge for persons discharged from prisons or the hulks, unfortunate and deserted females, and others, who, from loss of character, or extreme indigence, cannot procure an honest maintenance though willing to work. For this purpose premises are engaged at Cuper's Bridge, Lambeth, competent to the separate accommodation of the sexes, and capable of any further extension. Here every attention is paid to their morals, and suitable admonition and religious instruction are afforded them. The males and females are lodged and employed in apartments which are entirely distinct the males in splitting firewood and working in the garden; it being intended that other useful trades and manufactures shall be adopted as the numbers increase : the females, in knitting, spinning, making clothes and household linen, washing, &c. &c. As an incentive to good conduct, a certain portion of their earnings is set apart, and allow. ed them if they depart with credit to

VOL. II. New Series.

themselves; and premiums are distributed to such as behave in a man ner peculiarly exemplary. If their conduct prove unexceptionable, reconciliation to their friends is attempted; or proper situations are sought for them; further rewards being bestowed on those who are found to persevere in good conduct. The institution is under the direc tion of a committee, who meet every Wednesday at the Refuge; and is constantly inspected by visitors and sub-committees. The committee have engaged a chaplain, who at tends every Sunday to read prayers and preach, besides attending, during the week, for the purpose of religious instruction.

The committee occasionally afford temporary relief to persons, until they can obtain parochial or other assistance; and they trust, that, as the funds of the institution increase, they may be enabled to put an end to the plea of necessity, urged by the idle and profligate characters that infest our streets. During the short period the institution has been opened, down to the end of last year, 235 persons have applied for admission or relief. Of these, 100 have been admitted, 59 relieved out of the house, and 76 not considered as proper objects; 54 of those admitted are now in the house. Of those who have left the house some have been restored to their friends; and others placed in situations wherein they are enabled to gain their livelihood.

An establishment of this kind has long been wanted, where the penitent criminal, the deserted female, the helpless laborer, and the famish ed stranger, may find employment, support, and instruction. For these, a refuge is at length actually opened; and when it is considered that it receives those to whom no other refuge from vice and misery is open, and supplies them, not only with sus tenance, but with moral and relig ious instruction, we trust that there will be a general disposition in the friends of humanity and religion, to give it their support.

One guinea paid annually constitutes a governor, and ten guineas paid at once, or within one year, a governor for life. Ch. Obs.

3F

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

We give our readers an abstract of an account, lately published by this Society, of the state of their mis

sions.

In OTAHEITE are twelve missionaries, two of them have wives. These persons have continued to instruct the natives in that and some neighboring islands, notwithstanding many discouraging circumstances which they have had to encounter. "Their labors among the adults," it is said, "have not been so useful as they wished; yet their endeavors to instruct the children and youth are more promising."

IN SOUTHERN AFRICA, Dr. VanTerkemp and other missionaries have labored with success. The settlement called Bethelsdorp, at which the doctor has resided, has lately flourished. It contains about 600 persons, whose civilization and religious improvement are said to be advancing. The neighboring Caffres discover a growing desire for religious instruction. It is the purpose of Dr. Vanderkemp to leave Bethelsdorp to the other missionaries, and to attempt a mission more in the interior of Africa, or in the island of Madagascar.-The missionaries at Orange River are busied in teaching the people to build houses, and cultivate the soil; as well as in instructing them in the gospel of Christ. Sev. enteen persons had been baptized. The natives had suffered from the small pox; but the introduction of vaccination promised to eradicate that disease. The mission to the Namaquas is said to go on well. Mr. Kicherer has charge of the Dutch church at Graaf Reinet, where he has an opportunity of preaching to a great number, not only of the colonists, but of the natives.-When the news of the abolition of the slave trade reached the Cape, the joy was great; and a public day of thanksgiving was observed.

In ASIA, several missions have been begun. At Vizagapatam, Messrs. Cran and Desgranges are employed in instructing the heathen. They have begun to translate the Evangelists into the Telinga language. They have also printed catechisms, &c. in

that tongue, in which work they are aided by a converted Bramin. They preach every Sunday to the Europeans in the fort; and superintend some large schools of native children, which they have established. In the Tinevelly district, Mr. Ringletaube is engaged in visiting the small congregations of Christians scattered over the country, and occasionally in instructing others. He has acquired great skill in the Tamul language. Mr. Vos, formerly a minister of Ceylon, is appointed to the Dutch church at Negapatam, where he enjoys an opportunity of being useful among the native inhabitants. Two missionaries are on their way to the country of the Birmans, and one to Seringapatam; and two are employed in the island of Ceylon. Another missionary, Mr. Morison, reached China, which was the place of his destination, in September, 1807.

Although Mr. Frey, who formerly labored among his countrymen, the Jews, under the patronage of this society, has withdrawn himself from their connexion, they have determined to continue their endeavors for the benefit of that once favored race. Ministers are engaged to preach to them; and essays, written by Mr. Ewing of Glasgow, and other tracts, have been published for circulation among them.

IN AMERICA, Mr. Pidgeon labors as a missionary among the inhabitants of New Carlisle, in New Bruns wick.

In the WEST INDIES, two missions have been begun; one at Tobago, where Mr. Elliott, the missionary, is permitted, on many of the estates, to preach to the Negroes, not a few of whom,it is added, have shewn a great readiness to receive instruction:and another at Demarara, of which an account is given in our present number.

Ibid.

MISSIONS OF THE UNITED BRETHREN.

From the periodical accounts of these missions, lately published, it appears that they were in general progressively advancing.

The total number of Christian Es