which have been set before us; at that sleepless benevolence, that charity, that loftiness of motives, that grandeu: of design and felicity of result.

There is indeed, my Lord, something singular in this Institution. In the course of a few years, it has sprung up from obscurity to eminence,—not amidst peace and tranquillity, not under the fostering influence of universal approbation; nov under skies always serene and suns always genial; but amidst storms and tempests, amidst calumny and invective, amidst alarming predictions and presages of ill success. It has sprung up with a solidity and strength which ensure its duration; and at the same time with a rapidity of growth which mixes somewhat of awe with our surprise and satisfaction. It is successively enlarging its dominions. Every new day announces the acquisition of a new province, of a new kingdom, I had almost said, of a new world. These are conquests which we love to celebrate, these are the trophies which we erect-conquests, my Lord, which have in them this of peculiarity, that we may indulge in the contemplation of them with unmixed and unqualified delight. For in conquests of another nature, however 'justly earned, how ever sacred the cause in which the sword has been drawn, there is always something which detracts from the joy, and wounds the feelings of humanity. We admire, indeed, those extraordinary achievements which have rescued Europe from the most detestable of all tyrannies: we dwell with transport on the illustrious men by whom these achievements have been accomplished; and in this instance no praise can be exaggerated, no tribute which a liberated world can offer can adequately recompense" our brave deliverers ;-yet, in the midst of all this glow and exultation, there is something which secretly tells us of unwitnessed grief, of hearts that are breaking ́in' solitude and silence; something which tells us of those, at whose expense this mass of happiness has been attained; of those to whom these acclatnations are but the memorials of deeper anguish, and speak only of fathers, and husbands, and brolliers bleeidng and desolate on the plains of death; of those, in a word, on whom the war, without shedding any of its glory, has poured forth all its curses. In order to contemplate such events with unmitigated satisfaction, we must survey them on a large and general scale-we must look at the vast range of operations, the skill and heroism of the combatants, the mighty interests involved in the struggle,

and the splendour of the success; but we dare not descend into a more minute inquiry,—we dare not analyse this splendour, nor examine of what ingredients the cop of rejoicing is composed.

But with respect to the conquests which we this day celeb a e, there is no secret misgiving, no shade which can even for a moment pass over the brilliancy of the scene. Here indeed is ample scope for the. widest views But after having abandoned our imagination to the utmost warmth of philanthropic ardour, after having satisfied our largest feelings, we may fearlessly descend into more minute investigations, and inquire how far individual and domestic happiness are affected by this general beneft. We may enter into the lowest detailsand what are the details, of these triumphs? Griefs allayed, tears wiped away, remorse appeased, gleams of joy diffused over the house of sorrow, sickness divested of its bitterness, the tomb itself sanctified as the threshold of fairer hopes and nobler pros pects. These are circumstances which we may challenge the purest of spiritual beings to witness. The angels of pity and love might descend to trace with rapture every step of our victorious march.

"I may be allowed then, I trust, to express the pleasure I feel at seeing so large and respectable an assembly collected to celebrate this great national festival. My. Lord, I have called it a festival; and am I wrong in so calling it?-I appeal to every man who hears me-A festival indeed of triumphant charity, of expansive benerolence; of benevolence diffusing itself to the utmost limits of the habitable globe; not content with those limits, transcending the boundaries of time and space, and pouring forth the exuberance of its blessings over unseen worlds, and the long flight of innumerable ages.

"I rejoice, my Lord, to believe that a zeal for this Society is still rapidly extending throughout this nation. I contemplate with the utmost satisfaction this great procession, which, gradually crowding its ranks and enlarging its dimensions, now approaches to lay its tribute on the high altar of national benevolence; a procession composed of whatever can command, or attract, or sanctify; composed of princes, and nobles, and senators, the guardians of our constitution, the fathers of our church. I peculiarly rejoice to see those of the most elevated rank, assuming, with respect to this Institution, and others of a similar nature that precedency which indeed always be

who first commenced the glorious work of African emancipation, has lived to carry it on to this glorious issue! But it is in strict consonance with that vote of the House of Commons, it is the just sequel of that resolution, that this society should now multiply its efforts and enlarge the circle of its opera⚫ tions. If we are resolved that the world shall be free, it becomes this great, imperial, and Christian nation, to provide that this freedom be not a worthless or a pernicious boon. It becomes us to elevate those, on whom we are about to conferi such a gift, to a capacity of knowing its value, of enjoy ing its benefits, and of appreciating the many blessings with which it is stored.

"For this purpose, from distant quarters of Great Britain, and even from foreign lands, we are now united. To you, my Lord, and to your associates in this mighty enterprise, we look for advice, for direction, for example. Lead on then, and we are prepared to follow: heart and hand we pledge ourselves to this sacred cause. Let our past success only urge us to those fresh exertions to which we are so powerfully invited by the present circumstances of mankind. Let Europe, let the World know what resources of compassion are treasured up in the hearts of a free people. Let them see with astonishment, that at the close of a long war, accompanied by many sacrifices, the resources of Great Britain are still inexhaustible; that her philanthropy is unwearied as her courage; that the energies of her mercy are commensurate with the efforts of her power. Let them learn, that however insulated we may be in our situation, however insulated in our laws and manners, however insulated, if you please, in our opinions and prejudices, there is yet one sacred subject on which we acknowledge no insular, no exclusive feeling; and that, in a question of humanity,, we are in the heart of the continent, Let that spirit of benevolence which has already achieved such wonders, now go forth with new strength, and renovated ardour. Let it rush, in the fulness of its blessings, from one extremity of the world to the other, kindling in its course all the elements of moral action, elevating the depressed, consoling the wretched, transforming vice into purity and folly into wisdom, dissipating the chains of ignorance, trampling on the necks of superstition and idolatry, and every where renewing on the face of desolated nature some image of ancient happiness and primeval paradise. "Indeed, my Lord, I know not why I may not be allowed to anticipate the ap

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proach of a period, not perhaps far distant— at least if we may judge from the past→ when, in these our annual meetings, instead of welcoming the inhabitants of a few countries only, we may hail the union of natives of every quarter of the globe; when even from distant realms the delegates of a thousand sister societies may hasten to pay ho mage to the Parent Society; to announce the progressive triumphs of this cause; to tell of kindred institutions starting up, on the banks of remote rivers, and in the depths of hidden valleys; to proclaim the diffusion of these celestial treasures over regions as yet unknown, as yet unvisited by ambition or avarice, and first explored by the daunt less spirit of British benevoleuce. At that period, my Lord, with what transport will the records of this Society be retraced! What blessings will be poured on the hour of its birth; on the nation which gave it being; on the names of those who have watched over its infancy, and contributed to its success! And surely, in the long list of its distinguished supporters, a peculiar gra titude will rest ou those who, placed in the highest rank and station, have thought it no dishonour to associate their greatness with such an object; and who, with no less justness of taste than of feeling, have perceived, that in rallying round this standard they are rallying round that which is not only the best security of social order, the best guard of social happiness, but is also the pledge and promise of a felicity above the warmest conceptions of the human imagination.

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Impressed with these sentiments, my Lord, I cordially concur in the resolution of the Right Rev. Prelate."

Lord Teignmouth here read a communication from the Duke of Gloucester, apologizing for his absence.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, in acknowledging the vote of thanks, observed, that the absence of his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex was solely occa sioned by ill health. They would consider his own thanks as the thanks of the other branches of the family, whose names had been mentioned. The support which he had given to this Institution arose from a conviction which he felt, that it was the most effectual method of rendering realt service to the poorer classes of society. Nothing could be so beneficial as to put the word of God into their hands. He most cordially united in the zeal and gratitude which this Meeting had manifested; and he hoped that in every year, so long as he lived, and was in this country, he should

attend and behold an assembly as respect able as upon the present occasion,

The Earl of Northesk proposed a vote of thanks to the Committee, which was seconded by the Rev. Dr. Romeyn, from New York.

Rev. Dr. Blackburne, Warden of Man chester, proposed thanks to the Treasurer, which was seconded by John Poynder, Esq. Henry Thornton, Esq., rose to acknowledge the vote of thanks. He was grateful for the honour conferred upon him, and he could assure them, that he still felt disposed with zeal to serve in this cause. He mentioned the signal advantages which arose to the funds of the Institution from Bible Associations. He could give testimony to their beneficial tendency, even in the promotion of other benevolent objects. He had seen this particularly exemplified in the borough of Southwark, a district with which he stood most intimately connected. He pressed this upon the clergy in particular; for it was by their aid that the funds of the Southwark Society had so considerably increased. He noticed the liberality displayed towards the German sufferers; and that the sums were nearly equal, which had been collected for both purposes, during the past year; proving, that while we were concerned for the souls of our fellow-creatures, we were not inattentive to their bodily wants. He then mentioned, how much the Society was indebted to the labours and exertions of the Secretaries; it was to them, perhaps, more than to any other cause, that so many Associations had been formed, He then moved thanks to them for their exertions.

Rev. Dr. Thorpe, of Dublin, observed, that in Ireland, the cause of the British and Foreign Bible Society was greatly improving. The branches of the Hibernian Bible Society, last year, were 37; but now they have increased to 53. They have circulated more than 50,000 copies of the Bible during the past year. In that country the clergy were united upon this subject. They had three Archbishops at their head, with the whole bench of Bishops, without a single exception. Nor was their patronage nominal. The Lord Primate had remitted, in various ways, three hundred pounds. He was a warm friend of the Institution. The poor in Ireland were anxious to receive the Bible. Females would part with articles of dress to procure a copy. A poor man, who came to a village to purchase two shirts, having heard that a Bible could be purchased, and which he had never possessed, purchased one shirt, and with the remainder

of his money a Bible, saying he would ra ther have one shirt and a Bible, than two shirts without one.-He could give many instances of the good effects of the Bible upon the minds of the poor in Ireland. He would mention one. Ireland, met with a poor woman, who deA person travelling in clared the good effects which a New Testa ment had produced upon the mind of her self and son. She said, that since she had read the Bible, she had become acquainted with her guilt as a sinner, and the necessity of a Saviour. The gentleman asked her, if she had nothing to fear from the priest; and she said, that here she found some diffi culty; that "since she had confessed her sins to God, she had less desire to confess them to man." She mentioned likewise that her little boy, every Sunday afternoon, assembled the women in her neighbourhood in her cabin, and there read to them the New Testament, instead of their going to mass.— We need not go as far as Iceland in order to perceive the want of the Bible. Ireland was equally necessitous: there were two or three millions in that country who never pussessed a Bible. Upon this subject he did not de spair: it was not the characteristic of the Irish to despair.-The Catholics in many places were very desirous of our assistance, and in one of the Branch Societies a Priest was among the most forward of the members. of the Committee. The very opposition of others excitesd inquiry. In one parish, where opposition was manifested, 12 Testaments were left, and notwithstanding the prohibition of the priest, they were speedily rendered illegible by their constant perusal. They would always act, if possible, in concert with the Roman Catholic priesthood; but if they would not afford their assistance, even their opposition excited attention to the Scriptures.

The

The Rev. Mr. Pinkerton, from Moscow, gave a most pleasing account of the esta blishment of a Bible Society in that place. The population of the native Russians, he observed, exceeded thirty millions. first object of the Society was to distribute Bibles in the prisons and hospitals, and then in Siberia, among the poor unfortunate exiles. He had possessed opportunities of recommending this Institution among the Calmucks and Tartais. Already 3000 of the New Testament had been printed in the Tartar language, chiefly at the expense of this Institution, and were now circulating with rapidity. The Mongul tribes of Asia, of which the Calmuck is one, had not been neglected. The Calmuck New Testament

is in progress, and the Society was proceeding to procure a translation in the language of Thibet. He concluded with reading the translation of an Ukase, which had been recently read in all the churches of Russia. (See No. for May, p. 325.)

The Bishop of Norwich moved thanks to the Presbytery of Glasgow for their annual collection, and to all other congregations and bodies who had contributed to the funds of the Society.

Lord Gambier seconded the motion. The Rev. W. Dealtry moved the thanks of the Meeting to all the Auxiliary Societies and Bible Associations throughout the world. It had been his intention to remain on this occasion a mere spectator, and to indulge in silence those feelings of admiration and delight, which an anniversary like the present could not fail to awaken in his mind, so long as his heart should beat, and the life's-blood should flow in his veins. A motion, however, had been committed to him, and he scarcely felt at liberty to decline it ;—it was one which had never, he believed, been proposed at any public meeting, since the corner-stone of the world was laid;-it was one which never could be proposed before the present times; and even on this day, he would scarcely have ventured to take it, were he not well persuaded that the Report and the addresses to which they had listened with such earnest attention, had expanded their hearts and elevated their feelings to the full measure and magnitude of this incomparable cause. If, in offering our congratulations to these kindred Societies, we could be influenced by a spirit of party, upon a subject which knows no party, which rises infinitely above all the sordid passions and jealousies of man, he would still thank them for proving, as far as concurrent and independent testimony can prove it, that the principle on which we proceed is not a principle of trick, and antifice, and chicane, but of simplicity and truth; that it is one which appeals to whatever is generous and exalted in our common nature, wherever civilization has led the way.

If he should look at the subject merely as a patriot and an Englishman, he would thank them for the honour which they pay to the land we live in: he would thank them for turning, as if instinctively, to this happy spot, as the grand depository of knowledge and religion, the temple of charity, the citadel of holy truth.

But it was not on such grounds that he would recommend the motion before them. He would take a higher stand. It had been the great object of this blessed Institution to do

good, and to do it extensively. Our interest was the general interest of mankind; the end of our labour is the happiness of the world: and he would congratulate these Societies upon their hearty participation in so glorious a work. He would say to them," We consider the poor and destitute of all lands as belonging to the same family with ourselves; and in doing good, farasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these our brethren, ye have done it unto us. We want no honours, we ask for no praise: if permitted to rejoice in your joy, we are well contented: only let the blessings of them that are ready to perish come largely upon you, and they shall be mingled and combined with ours."

He would thank them for the spirit which they infused into this Institution. It had sometimes been said, that we should presently droop and die! that there were marvellous symptoms of decline upon us already! We ought to blush at the very thought of it. "What! shall we, who have gone forth in the van of the armies, sink and be dismayed, when Auxiliaries like these are pouring into the field? Shall our nerves be unstrung, when Ethiopia is stretching out her hands unto God? Shall our hearts be frozen, when Finland and Siberia are melting? Shall we slumber, when Russia and India are awaking? Can we faint, when the World is rising?

"I would thank them, also, for the cheering prospects which are now presented to us. We seem at once to have emerged into a different climate. The winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come; and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. It was but as yesterday, that we seemed to be placed upon the brow of a mountain, from which we beheld the moral world below us in clouds and commotion: wherever we turned,

We view'd a vast immeasurable abyss, 'Outrageous as a sea, dark, wasteful, wild.' But the clouds are now breaking; the moral darkness is clearing away; the landscape is widening and extending; many worshippers are seen advancing to the courts of the Lord; many sanctuaries gladden the prospect; many harps of Zion fling to the passing breeze their sweet and varied melody. The nations appear to be animated with a new life; and the inhabitants of the farthest East as well as of the Western World, are turning their steps to the city of God.

"I would thank them, lastly, for adding so many links to that golden chain of charity.