The circulation of the Holy Scriptures in English, is rapidly increasing: during this mouth we have sent about 300 copies to different parts of the country, where they are very much wanted, and where the inhabitants are hungering and thirsting for the word of life. By a distribution, made at these places last winter, particularly in one township, much good has been done: the inhabitants, who formerly employed the Sabbath in hunting, shooting, quarrelling, &c. now meet to. gether to read the Scriptures, and send their children to the Sunday Schools, which have been lately established; a Bible and a Testament are occasionally given as rewards. In one of these schools a little girl, who received a Bible, had learnt, during the last three months, thirty-eight chapters; another, who received a Testament, twenty-three chapters. Montreal Bib. Society.

Gratitude for the Bible in Labrador.

The present season has proved very unpropitious to our people. Having been unable to lay in a sufficient stock of provisions for the winter, most of them are in a very destitute condition: indeed some have no store at all. But it is a pleasing feature in the character of our converts, that those who have proved more successful in their exertions to collect some provision, share it with their poorer brethren, as long as they have any thing left themselves: and, notwithstanding their state of destitution, several came to us, entire. ly of their own accord, offering to make again a contribution to the Bible Society from the little stock they possessed. But considering that they had scarcely so much as would suffice for the support of their own life, we felt compelled by a sense of duty, for this present time, to refuse their gift; whilst at the same time, we promised them that, should they be more successful next year, we should most gladly collect their contributions, and forward them to those kind friends, who paid such benevolent attention to the highest interests of their immortal souls; and had undertaken to convey to them the precious word of God without money and without price. It really cost us some pains to persuade them not to send their contributions in the present year; and we observed some of them leaving us with countenances expressive of deep regret and sorrow. long after a woman came to us, belonging to our congregation at Nain, and brought twenty eggs, (of eider ducks,) accompanying her present with these words: "As my hus band could catch so few seals this year, that we have no blubber to spare, but has found some eggs in the islands, I determined to send part of them to those friends who so greatly loved us, that they have printed for our benefit those writings which contain the, comfortable words of Jesus, and freely sent them to us." She added, with tears flowing down her cheeks, "The delightful words of Christ, that he loves sinners, are the most precious and savory, nourishment for our souls." I promised to comply with her wish, and accepted the eggs, which quite cheered and comforted her mind; but being unable to

Not

send the eggs themselves, I beg leave to add to my annual subscription of one guinea the further sum of two shillings as the value of them. Rev. B. Kohlmeister.

GENERAL PROGRESS OF EDUCATION.

Abstract of the Eighteenth Report of the British and Foreign School Society.

THE object of the British and Foreign School Society is to promote Education in general. No catechism, or peculiar religious tenets, are taught in the schools; the poor of every religious persuasion are admitted; the reading lessons consist wholly of extracts from the Holy Scriptures, and every child is enjoined to attend regularly the place of worship to which its parents belong. In the language of the Committee, "Its aim is to communicate that knowledge which is able to make men wise unto salvation." Of course, it may be considered as an auxiliary to all other insti tutions, whose object is the conversion of the world to Christ. The following is an abstract of the information communicated in the eighteenth Report.

ENGLAND. The male and female central schools in London receive, the one 500, the other 300 scholars. These are always full, and numbers are waiting for admission. Since their establishment in 1798, 22,026 have been admitted; and many of these are "now discharging the duties of their several stations in life, in a far better manner than they prob ably would have done, had they not received the benefits of early scriptural instruction."

Of eight Madagascar youths placed at the central school at the expense of government, one is dead. All of them proved tractable, diligent and amiable. Four had been considered fit to leave, in order to learn the different manufactures for which they were destined by their king Radama, leaving three still in the society's house. "Two years ago, (says the Report,) these youths knew not a word of the English language, and were totally ignorant of Christianity. They have now reached the highest class in the school."

Thirty persons have been trained the past year for teachers in other schools; 19 schools have been supplied with permanent masters, and nine others have received temporary as sistance.

The whole number of schools in London, formed on the "British system," is 57, containing upwards of 9000 children. About 300 more are formed in other parts of the United Kingdom.

SCOTLAND. In Scotland, the parochial system of education leaves but little room for new schools. In the Highlands however, under the patronage of the Inverness Education Society, are 35 schools containing 1524 scholars, besides the Model School under the care of Mr. Cameron. The beneficial effects

are already visible. The priests of the Roman Catholic persuasion cordially cooperate in the work.

IRELAND. The Report adverts to the labors of a kindred institution in Ireland in terms of strong approbation. Under its patronage 727 schools, containing 51,637 scholars have been put into successful operation, besides 17 others formed in gaols. More than 100,000 copies of cheap and useful publications have been circulated in the course of the year, making a total of 662,752 in less than six years. The Hibernian Society also patronized 628 schools for children, containing 64,267 scholars, and 103 for adults, in which 6824 persons are intructed. The Baptist Irish Society provides for 90 schools and 7000 scholars. Scriptural instruction is the primary object of all these establishments.

FRANCE. The present number of schools in this country cannot be exactly stated.Discouragements have arisen. Government has not regularly afforded aid. Individuals have discovered great hostility to the diffu sion of knowledge. Several schools have been discontinued; but some new ones have been opened. "The schools in Paris continue to maintain their high character." "The Protestant schools in Bourdeaux, and the south of France, are generally in a flourishing state." The New Testament has been extensively distributed among the schools.

SPAIN. The system of mutual instruction is rapidly advancing under the sanction and at the expense of the government. Schools have been established at Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Cadiz, and many other principal cities and

towns.

NETHERLANDS. The schools in the Netherlands are thought to be in a prosperous state. ITALY. The beneficial effects of the system of mutual instruction are still enjoyed in Italy. There are 28 schools in Tuscany, said to be in a flourishing state.

GENEVA. Besides the original school for 230 boys and the school for girls, a new stone building has been erected at the expense of nearly $9,000, for 320 boys.

MALTA. The School Society at Valetta is still proceeding in its useful career, with increasing encouragement. The Roman Catholic priest, Camilleri, has opened a school for adults, in addition to his other schools for boys and girls, at Casel Zeitum—and all are going on well.

IONIAN ISLANDS. Schools on the British system have been introduced into all these islands under the sanction of government. Two Greek lads from Cyprus, are now receiving instruction at the Central School, Borough Road. In Santa Maura alone, are 12 schools, providing instruction for a population of 12,000 souls.

RUSSIA. A model school for 200 boys has been established at Petersburgh, under the patronage of the Emperor, who grants $7000 per annum for its support. Here masters may be trained for service in every district of the empire. A school established last year for foreigners, contains 200 scholars. The military schools are re-opened. Several villages on Count Romanzoff's estate are injoying the benefit of instruction by means of

monitors selected from his excellency's establishment at Homel.

INDIA. Considerably more than 20,000 native children are educated by the several missionary societies, and the natives are beginning to educate their own children. Miss Cooke has organized 15 female schools capable of receiving 50 children each. "Benevolent Institution" at Calcutta educates nearly 500 indigent Christian children.

The

At Ceylon, a central school for the Galle stations, has been recently established, where masters may be prepared for other places.

AFRICA. Six masters have been sent to the Cape of Good Hope, and are stationed at Stellenbosch, Tulbagh, Caledon, George, Uitenhap and Graaf Reynet. They receive all countenance and support from the members of the government.

At the Isle of France suitable buildings are preparing for a Model School, and active operations will immediately commence.

WEST INDIES. Upwards of 6000 children are educated under the superintendance of the missionaries. Prospects are highly encouraging.

MADEIRA. The "Funchal Association" of which the bishop is president, has recently established a school for the benefit of the poorer classes. It is proposed that masters shall be instructed there, who may hereafter be employed in other parts of the island.

NOVA SCOTIA.' A desire prevails extensively for the establishment of Lancasterian schools, and several young men were about qualifying themselves to communicate the benefits of the system to their respective neighborhoods.

MONTREAL. A Model School has been opened by the "British and Canadian School Society," and contained, at the date of the last advices, 169 children. It is proposed shortly to erect a school house capable of accommodating 400 boys and 200 girls, where masters and mistresses may be fully instructed in the system.

SOUTH AMERICA. Schools have been established at Monte Video, at Santa Fe, and in many neighboring cities and towns. Four schools are opened at Santiago. They are established also in Mendoza, San Juan, Valparaiso and Coquimbo. At Lima, a school society has been formed under the express patronage and direction of government, and at its sole expense. A similar provision was made in the commencement of the last year, for the province of Chili.

We extract a few sentences from the conclusion of the Report.

"The astonishing efforts which have been made of late years for the extension of Christianity, and the success which has attended those efforts, may serve to stimulate and encourage. We see in these latter days a greater wonder than the philosophers of yore ever anticipated. We see that the world itself is moved: the Book of Truth is the lever by which, through the divine power and blessing, this mighty achievement is accomplished, and education may not be unaptly represented as the fulcrum on which that lever rests. time is come that prophecy predicted, "Many

The

shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." To labor in this cause, and thus to be instrumental in accomplishing the gracious plans of Heaven, is the highest honor man can reach: of this honor let us be ambi. tious; let us resolve to consecrate to the Most High the talents, energies and opportunities with which we are intrusted; and let us determine never to be at peace with ignorance and sin, but to carry on this holy and honor able war till the enemy is driven from the field of battle, and it shall be no longer necessary that "every man shall teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord," because "ALL shall know him from the least even unto the greatest."

Great Britain.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Extracts from the Twenty-third Report.

The steady rate of the Society's increase has been mentioned. That rate of progress has been greatly augmented during the last ten years, chiefly in consequence of the estab lishment of associations-the income of the Society in its thirteenth year having been 30007. [13,333]; while, in its fourteenth, the formation of associations, which had their origin chiefly in the zeal awakened throughout the country for opening India to Christianity, the income rapidly rose to a gross amount of nearly 12,000l. [$53,333], not deducting the expenses attending the associa tions.

As there was an error of some importance in stating the proportion between the annual receipts of the Society, for the first ten and the last thirteen years of its existence, in the last volume of the Herald, p. 263, we repeat the substance of that statement with some corrections.

The whole income of the first thirteen years was little more than $98,000; -the income of the last year alone, has been $157,000.

The average annual income of each of these thirteen years was a little more than $7,500; -that of each of the last ten years has been upward of $113,000.

Promising fields of labor are opening on every side; and a far larger sum might be profitably expended in promoting the conversion of the heathen, than is as yet placed at the Society's disposal The missions already formed, particularly those in Africa and India, are beginning to ask for more funds to enable them to extend their exertions: the Committee beg, therefore, to urge on all the Society's friends every practicable exertion to increase its means of usefulness.

fications were not such as to induce the Committee to accept them, though of their piety, generally, they had no doubt. Of 57 offers of service, 18 have been accepted, 27 declined, and 12 are still under consideration l'here are, at present, 22 students preparing, under the Society's care, for future service; 14 in different parts of this country, and eight at Bâsle.

Summary View of Missions.

In the nine missions of the Society, there are forty-three stations, which have two hundred and twenty-six schools connected with them; some of which schools are, in fact, separate stations, being established in con siderable places, at a distance from the head. station. Those stations and schools are occupied by three hundred and forty-seven laborers, of whom 109 are Europeans, and 238 were born in the respective countries where they are employed. The number of scholars under the Society, is twelve thousand three hundred and eleven: of whom 8610 are boys, 2354 girls, and 1547 adults.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, the Committee wish to remark, that, encouraging as the progress which has been already made, a far greater work yet remains to be done; for the work, on which the Christian Church has yet entered, can be called great, only in comparison with that of former years: it is little indeed, when considered in reference to the exertions which are still required.

And, to these exertions, the Christian Church is now manifestly called. It is the command of God, that this sacred work of evangelizing the world should be under taken;-his promise is engaged in support of his servants, while they labor herein to make Him known; the manifestation of whose glory, as displayed in the Gospel, is placed, as it were, in their hands;-his providence opens before them the opportunities and the means of labor;-his power will uphold their weakness, and subdue their foes;-and his grace will crown their conflict and toil with a victory, which shall be the subject of everlasting praise.

CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY.

THE Report of the Christian Knowledge Society for the year 1822-1823 states that the receipts and disbursements of the Society have been greater than in any preceding year. The circulation of publications from April 1822 to April 1823, was as follows:

Bibles

Testaments and Psalters Common Prayer-Books Other bound books Small tracts and papers

Nos. Grat. Total. 38,6591 900 39,559 55,737 1,667 57,404 101,964 1,862 103,826 86,042 83,888 2,154 817,283 296,597 1,118,880 Grand total, 1,400,711

The Board have placed $26,666 in the

Gospel, for the purpose of endowing five scholarships in Bishop's College, Calcutta, to be called "Bishop Middleton's Scholarships" in honor of the late bishop of Calcutta, and of supporting a Tamul teacher in the College.

LONDON TRACT SOCIETY.

FROM the Depository of the London Tract Society were issued, during the last year, 5,711,000 tracts; making a total, since the formation of the Society in 1799, of more than 51,00,000, exclusive of several millions printed at the expense of the Society abroad, or reprinted from its publications.

CHARITABLE SOCIETIES' HOUSE.

A HOUSE has been recently established in London, by benevolent individuals, for the accommodation of religious and charitable Societies, which is designed as a central point of communication between such institutions. The property of the house is vested in a board of Trustees, who hold it solely for its appropriate use. Ten or eleven Societies may be accommodated, each with a room for an office; and with the periodical use of a spacious committee room as often as required. Various facilities are provided for the transac tion of business, and for mutual intercourse. A Library of reports and official documents is contemplated, for common use.

ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN THE BRITISH DOMINIONS.

"THE Society for mitigating and gradually abolishing the state of Slavery throughout the British dominions," is exerting an influence which promises the happiest results. At the last session of Parliament 230 petitions in behalf of the object were presented from different parts of the country. The Society cherishes sanguine hopes of success; and from the tone of public feeling, and the aspect of the discussions in Parliament, their hopes appear to be well founded.

Russian Asia.

SCOTTISH MISSION AT ASTRACHAN.

Conversion of Mahomed Ali.

Mirza Mahomed Ali is a young man, 21 years of age, the only surviving son of a venerable Persian, who was for some years chief judge in the city of Derbent, and afterwards removed to Astrachan. The young man was

introduced to the Scottish missionaries as a teacher, and was found qualified to instruct in Turkish, Persian and Arabic. Discussions became frequent; and while they often produced in him the most violent rage, he yet courted their renewal. The first indications of conviction in his mind are thus stated in the journal of Mr. M'Pherson.

April 16, 1823-Mahomed Ali, my Arabie teacher, came at his usual hour. On offering a few remarks upon the absurdity of the system of divinity which formed the groundwork of our studies, I was more than surprised to hear him reply, "I no more believe what is contained in that book," pointing to the Mahomedan Confession of Faith. Hearing this unexpected concession, I was the more encouraged to enter into serious conversation with him. He now told me, that his soul was in deep waters; and that he could not sleep at night, from reflecting upon his perilous situation, in professing a religion which he was afraid was not the true one.

From this time he appeared to be in great anguish of spirit, while he became more and more convinced of the truth of Christianity. On the 19th the following conversation took place between him and Mr. McPherson.

"Do you believe," said I, "the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, as received by us, to be a revelation from heaven?" "Yes; and I believe that the Korân is a false book," was his reply. I asked him, "Do you now believe that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of sinners?" "O yes," was his answer.-"What views have you of your own character?" "I see myself to be poor, wretched, miserable, and undone; that all my prayers, my worship, and obedience, in times past, were vain and unprofitable,""Do you see your need of the Holy Ghost to sanctify your affections and purify your heart?" He still answered in the affirmative. "Now," said I, "all that you require is, to believe in Jesus Christ for the salvation of your soul. Come to God as a guilty sinner; and entreat, that, for Christ's sake," He would freely pardon all your sins, and remove your doubts and fears."

He was much affected with the relation in which he stood to his venerable father. "I am sure," said he, "that my apostasy will bring him down with sorrow to the grave." He spoke very feelingly of his father's peculiar situation; and added, "My father has many enemies at Derbent; and when they hear of his son becoming an Infidel, they will rejoice and thank God for it."

On the 21st he thus expressed his feelings: "I know that God is about to call me to endure afflictions for his name's sake; but I trust that he will enable me to hold out. I once thought that I should like to leave this country; but, upon more mature reflection, I am convinced that it is my duty to remain and suffer all the will of God."

April 22.-Mahomed Ali made his appearance to-day at the usual hour. His father sent, the night before, for one of his Persian friends, and requested him to take his son aside, and give him some salutary counsel. The following conversation ensuede

"So you intend to become a Christian." "Yes, I do."-"Are you not satisfied with the Korán, and with your own religion?" "No. Can you prove to me that the Koran is a revelation from heaven?"-"Come, come; tell me how much money the English mollahs have given you for becoming a Christian." "Read the Gospels, and reflect seriously on them; and, at the end of three days, you will not ask me that question."-"Remember, your father, your honor, your reputation, are all at stake: it will be for your advantage in this world not to change your religion." "What will that avail me, if I must suffer the wrath of God in hell for ever?"-"You will be persecuted." "The Gospel saith, And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also the other." On hearing this reply, the Persian gentleman was confounded, and said, "Why do you not tell your father these things?" "By the blessing of God, I intend to inform him," was his reply.

He slept none during the course of the night; but was engaged in constant prayer both for himself and his father.

April 23-Mahomed Ali still professes his attachment to the doctrine of the cross; and says that he is determined, by the grace of God, to make an open profession of his faith in Christ. The Persian gentleman has been using every means in his power to withdraw him from the faith of the gospel; but without effect. That gentleman acts in the capacity of mediator between the old man and his son. He is a man of extensive knowledge, and approved piety in the Mahomedan faith; yet so successfully has Mahomed Ali applied to his conscience the arguments with which the Gospel furnishes him, that he has come to the following conclusion:-"Perhaps you may be right. You may have truth on your side."

After this his father treated him with the greatest harshness. He was exposed to much contumely, and confined and beaten severely, till the missionaries applied to the governor, by whose authority he was lodged in safety in the mission house.

Upon inquiring of Mahomed Ali, as to the state of his mind during the time that he had been confined by his father, he said that it was in the most peaceful and happy state, notwithstanding all the wrangling and abuse to which he had been exposed;-that his tongue was quite tired, by the perpetual discussions which he was obliged to enter into, with crowds of Persians who visited at his father's;-that God had, indeed, been a mouth and wisdom to him; for that, upon no one occasion, had he not been able to give them such answers, as they could neither gainsay nor resist: so that the father declared to his son, "The devil has more power over you than even the Englishmen have; for if they were to preach and argue as you do, all

the town would renounce our prophet and become Christians."

The meekness with which he was able to bear their ill usage, strikingly exhibited the deep influence which his Christian belief exercised over his heart. One man called upon him for the purpose of arguing with him; and, after giving him many bad names, began to pray to that God "who neither is begotten, nor begets"-this is one of the distinctive titles of God by Mahomedans-that, before this week was ended, he would shew his just displeasure against this apostate, by causing him to die. After he had finished, Mahomed Ali said, "You have now prayed for me: I shall pray for you:"-and, raising his hands and his eyes to heaven, he entreated that God, in his mercy, would lead this man into the true way of salvation, and deliver his soul from the pains of hell.

The Greek Archbishop claimed, in behalf of his church, the right of baptizing the new convert; but when the missionaries contested it, the subject was referred to the decision of the Emperor. The following is an extract of the letter from Prince Galitzin, received in reply to that of the missionaries, dated at St. Petersburgh, May 30, 1823.

His Majesty the Emperor having himself perused, with the greatest satisfaction, the account of the conversion of this Mahomedan, has most graciously been pleased to order me, Gentlemen, to inform you of his Majesty's pleasure, that this Persian should receive bap. tism in the communion with which he wishes to be united.

This measure is in perfect accordance with the privileges graciously bestowed, on the 25th December, 1806, on the Scottish colony settled in the Government of the Caucasas: in the articles of which, is contained a sufficient decision, authorising them to receive, by holy baptism, all who are converted to the Lord through your instrumentality.

The delight with which I communicate to you this pleasing intelligence, is equal to the cordial joy which was afforded me by the perusal of your interesting letter. May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed and glorified! May his blissful reign be ex tended every where throughout the earth!

He was baptized in the presence of Greeks, Turks, Persians, Frenchmen, Britons, Ger. mans and Armenians. Subsequent accounts state that "the work thus happily begun is extending its influence over other Persians."

Endia.

NATIVE COLLEGE AT SERAMPORE.

THE London Missionary Register contains an abstract of the third Report respecting the Serampore College from which we make the following brief extracts.