they rejoice in the persuasion that this Institution has been instrumental in impart ing these inestimable blessings, is it to them a slight though secondary satisfaction that the efforts of your Society reflect honour upon that church in whose name they have been made; a church the evangelical purity and excellence of whose forms have received the willing testimony of multitudes not in her communion, who join with her own children in praying for her prosperity; and of which not a few persons eminent no less for wisdom than piety have confessed, that no church in the world comes so near to the apostolic form as the Church of England.””

In order to obviate the impression that 30me of the tracts published by the Committee, are of too controversial a nature, they observe, that "they have acted purely on the defensive. They interfere not with any who conscientiously differ from them on the subjects of those tracts. They rejoice when they can walk with their fellow. Christians of other denominations being of one heart and one mind. All that they intend is CONSISTENCY: consistency in defending and maintaining the ground which they have taken; in manifesting the same zealous attachment to their own communion which their Dissenting Brethren do to theirs; in shewing that if DISSENT has her pleas to offer, CONFORMITY need not stand speechless; and that the Church of England, when called upon, is ready to give a reason of the hope that is in her, not only as to her doctrines, but her discipline and her rites; lastly, consistency in fulfilling the royal law of love by communicating to their poor and less favoured brethren of their own church the knowledge which they possess themselves, that they also may be churchmen, not merely by the prejudice of education and the force of habit, but from the sober dictates of their understanding enlightened to discern and value her excellence. They trust that in pursuing this object they have not offended against that meekness and forbearance which are characteristic features of the Religion of Christ, and they would add, of the Church of England; and that if they are zealously affected in what they esteem a good cause, their zeal has not degenerated into bigotry, or savoured in the slightest degree of acrimony toward those who differ from them."

The funds of the Society are stated to have improved. The whole receipt in the last year, from subscriptions and donations, was 1817. 11s. and from sales 161/. 19s. 9d.

The Hon. and Very Rev. the Dean of Wells is President of the Society; J. S. Harford, Jun. Esq. Treasurer; the Rev. J. T. Sangar, and the Rev. J. Swete, Secretaries; and the general Depository of the Society is at Mr. Richardson's, Bookseller, No. 6, Clare Street, Bristol.

SOUTHAMPTON BRANCH BIBLE SOCIETY.

On the 17th of Dec. 1814, at a numerous and respectable meeting of the inhabitants, a Branch Bible Society was formed for Southampton and its vicinity; William Smith, Esq. in the absence of the Mayor, in the chair. The Right Hon. George Rose, M. P. was chosen President;-the Right Hon. Sturges Bourne; Hon. Sir G. Grey, Bart.; Sir Grenville Temple, Bart.; Admiral Sir T. Bertie; Admiral Bligh; Lieut.-General Eveleigh; Arthur Atherley, Jun. Esq. M. P.; W. Chamberlayne, Esq.; Thomas Edwards, Esq. L. L. D. ; and B. G. Wright, Esq. Vice-Presidents :W. Smith, Esq. Treasurer; and John Barney Esq. and Mr. Bullar, Secretaries.

In the course of the proceedings, the Rev. T. Adkins observed, that "the investigation into the deficiency of Bibles in this town, and that of the immediate neighbourhood, has brought to light the mourn, ful fact, that amongst 960 families which have been visited, 415 of that number, containing 1784 individuals, are destitute of the Sacred Word! This is but a specimen of the deficiency; the investigation is far from being complete; and yet nearly 2000 individuals within our grasp are want. ing the word of life. I must confess that I stand astonished at the fact; and as a minister of religion, I take to myself a due portion of shame."

He afterwards remarked, that an opinion was industriously circulated, that this institution was wholly unnecessary, from the prior existence of a District Committee of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, to which he himself was a sub. scriber. But "allowing," he adds, "what, is very problematical, that this Society can supply the want of Bibles at home, it is a very inefficient instrument to circulate

CHINA.

Mr. Milne, colleague with Mr. Morrison in the Chinese Mission, not being permitted to reside at the Portuguese Island of Macao, near Canton, resolved to visit various places in which the Chinese reside, and to distribute among them the Chinese New Testament, which Mr. Morrison had translated and printed, together with a catechism and tracts, in the same tongue. In a letter to the Directors of the Missionary Society, he informs them of an extensive tour of 1400 miles which he made in the island of Java, the opportunities he enjoyed of distributing the Scriptures and tracts, the kindness he received from all ranks of persons, and the probability of good being effected by these exertions.

From this letter, dated at Batavia, July 1st and 2d, 1814, we give the following extract:-"I am just returned from a journey through the eastern parts of Java, and through the island of Madura. During this journey, by the good hand of God upon me, I have travelled about fourteen hundred miles over land without a hurt or a fall visited Bencallan, the seat of the Sultan of Madura, and slept a night in the palace; and also Solo, the metropolis of the So. soon-ham, or Emperor of Java, to whom I was introduced. He reigns over more than a million of people. I have also visited all the towns and villages of any importance, where there are Chinese, from Batavia, near the west end of Java, to Sumanap, on the farther extremity of the island of Madura; except Djoc joo-carta, the capital of the Sultan of Java, which is within about fifty miles of Solo. At all these places I

have distributed Chinese New Testaments, catechisms, tracts, &c. to a considerable amount, and made arrangements for sending some to the Chinese at Banger-masen, Pontiano, and Sambas, on the great island of Borneo.

"The Chinese are my first object; and my chief attention has been paid to them during my late tour, which lasted for six weeks. But other objects were not neg lected. I baptized one hundred and fourteen but chiefly to the Dutch and their descendchildren,belonging,some toEnglish parents,

ants; and I was commissioned to this ef

fect by the two Dutch clergymen, who, through age and infirmity, cannot remove far from the places of their residence-viz. Batavia and Samarang. This service af forded me some pleasing opportunities of stating the great doctrines of the Sacred Scriptures of endeavouring to prevent the total extinction of the light of the Gospel among the descendants of the once highlyfavoured Dutch-and of attempting to prevent their entire relapse to Mahomedanism and Heathenism, points to which, in my own opinion, they are fast hastening, for want of public instruction. I had also some opportunities of preaching among my own countrymen, who are equally destitute of the ordinances of religion.

"To several Dutch gentlemen I am much indebted for kindness received during some parts of my journey; particularly to the Rev. Professor Ross, who gave me a general letter of introduction to all the Christians on the east side of Java; and to Mr. Hulft Van Koorn, Sourabaya, who rendered me very material aid.

"In consequence of letters of introduc. tion from the Hon. the Governor, I was received every where by the British offi cers, both civil and military, with the ut most kindness, and treated with a hospital. ity which has scarcely a parallel; and not only so, but they also shewed a readiness to forward the objects of my mission. I am under strong obligations to them all, especially to the Hon. Thomas Stampford Raffles, the Governor.

"The Chinese of all ranks, and in every place, receive my books gladly, and listened with patience to what I had to say about the true God. So that what from opportunities of attending to the object of my mission among the Chinese-what from seasons of religious instruction to Dutch

and English-what from intercourse with gentlemen of education and knowledge of the world-what from occasions of stating clearly the object of Missions, and of endeavouring to remove prejudices against them-and what from the view of a highly cultivated country, happy under an enlightened and liberal government, I have much reason to be satisfied with this journey, though attended with some personal inconvenience, and occasionally with extreme fatigue, both by sea and land.

"You will not, of course, in a letter where so many points must be touched on, expect the particulars of my tour they must be reserved to another time. I shall, however, give you a general character of the island, and of its inhabitants,-a character which I have formed for myself, partly from what has come under personal observation, and partly from information drawn from the most undoubted sources.

"In regard to climate, Java affords considerable variety. The sea coast being generally low, and often abounding with jungle, stagnate water, and superfluous vegetation, cannot be generally reckoned healthy. As you approach the mountains, and in proportion as you ascend them, the climate becomes cooler, the water more pure, vegetables more esculent, and a proportionable improvement in regard to salubrity.

"As the length of the island of Java is from east to west, and as its greatest breadth does not far exceed 100 miles, we cannot expect much difference as to health, arising from latitude. But if the theory of Dr. Tongue, of America, be true-viz. 'That health does not depend so much on latitude, as on altitude,' then we may expect that Java will not be deficient, as the mountains are numerous and high, beginning generally at from eight to fifteen miles from

the sea.

"The state of actual cultivation in Java

is considerable, greatly improving, and, in some of the eastern parts, carried almost to the highest pitch.

"As the mountains are high, and abounding with water, which, by proper irrigation, might be carried over a vast extent of good soil, the capability of improve ment is almost incredible. The island, in its present state, nourishes five millions of people on its own surface, and abundantly supplies its neighbours, and is capable, in

my opinion, by progressive improvement, to support thirty millions of inhabitants!

"The character of the people seems to improve in proportion as they are removed from commercial towns on the coast, where, alas! they have learned to impose and to oppress, from the example of Europeans, They are not the savage malicious race which they have been represented to be. I travelled among them unarmed and without fear.

"If after having known the present system of government in theory, and, in some measure, seen its operation on the circum. stances of the people, I were allowed to give my opinion, it would be this:-The people are contented prosperous, and attached to their rulers. But I seem to forget that I am writing only a letter.

"On my return from the east, I found three Dutch Missionary Brethren arrived from London. Their coming here is most seasonable, as both the ministers in the Reformed Church are advanced in age, and the people in many places destitute of the ordinances of religion. Mr. Supper is chosen and appointed to assist Professor Ross Mr. Bruckner goes to Samarang, to take the place of Mr. Montanus. who is now unable to preach; and Mr. Kam goes to Sourabaya, to wait there for a passage to Amboyna, where there is a considerable number of Christians, entirely without a minister, and very desirous of having one. This last step was particularly recommend. ed by our friend, Professor Ross.

"These worthy brethren are stationed in spheres of immediate and, I hope, of great usefulness, and two of them freed from charge on the Society. I sincerely hope, however, that as you have judiciously

recommended in their instructions, they will not forget the primary object, the con version of the Heathen, and will estimate the importance of their present situations only in as far as they may subserve this.

"After having been here for some time, and obtained information on various subjects, it would have been particularly gratifying to me, if, as I mentioned to you in my last, one had taken up the Chinese language; another, the Malay; and a third, the Javanese, with a view to missions in these languages. I have mentioned this to them, but they have not yet had time to decide.

the full effect of the books which have been extensively circulated among them cannot be expected without living instruc

ters.

"Some friends seem to think that I ought to return to the Chinese here, as they imagine I have gained their confidence; and that, were I able to preach, I should be heard without prejudice.

"I highly value the judgment of these worthy friends, and I hope shall ever be ready to obey the call of Providence to a useful situation. I must confess, however, that, though in all probability it would be more for my own personal comfort and that of my family to be here, I still feel my mind binding me to China itself.

me; the precarious state of his he progress of the translations, diction my own imperfect knowledge of guage; the great propriety of t together, in case of sickness or d vast importance of continuing th at Canton, &c.;-all these, w others, strongly induce me to con Mr. Morrison, should it be the w to carry me back in safety.

"I am truly glad to inform y consequence of the kindness of t nor, the expense of my last journ been very heavy. It would have to 1600 rupees had I been oblig for the horses."

THIS department of our work will occupy but a very narrow space. When we have said that there is a strong rumour that the Congress at Vienna has terminated its labours, we have exhausted all that we can venture to state on that subject; and from the Continent no other authentic intelligence of the slightest interest has been received during the present month. The Duke of Wellington has quitted Paris, and has replaced Lord Castlereagh at Vienna. The latter nobleman' is daily expected in this country.

We are happy to state that the American frigate President, commanded by Commodore Decatur, has been captured by the British frigate Endymion, Capt. Hope,

after a close action of two hours and a half The Endymion was part of a squadron of four ships engaged in the pursuit of the President, but the action had ter minated before any of the other ships came up. The President had six feet water in the hold, when taken possession of. On board the Endymion, eleven men were killed, and fourteen wounded. The loss on board the President is stated to have been much greater. The President had more guns and heavier metal than the Endymion, and about one hundred and thirty

more men.

Parliament met, pursuant to ment, on the 9th inst. A bill brought in for regulating the tra ta, and for permitting a direct in between that island and the We Another bill has been brought in tinuing the restriction of cash pa the bank. The chief measures, which have been introduced, which respect the corn laws, and cial system.

On the former subject, the which it has been proposed to I to adopt, are, 1st, That the im and warehousing for re-exporta reign grain, should be at all ti permitted: 2d, That when th price of wbeat shall reach 80s. p for home consumption: 3d, Tha then foreign grain may be freely own colonies in North America, portation may take place when th price of wheat shall reach 67s. pe -We mean not at present, to ent discussion of this very extensive and complicated subject. The ge ing of our minds, we confess, a time, is in favour of the system ing with it as little as possible

tive

enactments.

Mr. Vansittart has in part

In our last Number we communicated to our readers the afflicting intelligence of the death of Henry Thornton, Esq. M. P. for the Borough of Southwark. We ventured at that time to express an earnest hope-a hope which we still cherish-that an authentic memorial of this excellent and extraordinary man would be given to the world by some person qualified for the undertaking. In the mean time, we thankfully avail ourselves of permission to publish a sermon delivered on this malencholy occasion, by a clerical friend, on the first Sunday after the funeral (Jan. 29.) All who had the happiness to be acquainted with Mr. Thornton will readily bear witness, that the preacher has not erred on the side of panegyric. The text was taken from Malachi iii. 16, 17. And a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his Name: and they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.

FUNERAL SERMON ON HENRY THORN

TON, ESQ.

THE dispensations of the Almighty, in the moral government of the world, are of a nature so dark and mysterious, that the wise and the good have sometimes beheld them with wonder, and sometimes almost with dismay.

The same causes which exercise the faith and patience of the righteous have a tendency to give confidence to the wicked. They see no remarkable instances of Divine retribution, and therefore they learn to fear none : they perceive that the blasphemer and the profligate pursue their course with impunity; that they even make a boast of sin, and flourish in their crimes: hence it is that their own hearts are fully set in them to do evil. Of this class were the infidels of Judea, whom the Prophet reprehends in the chapter before us. They were stout against the Lord; and said, "it is vain to serve God: what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? and now we call the proud happy; yea they that work wickedness are set up; yea they that tempt God are even delivered." The fallacy of this reasoning is beautifully displayed in the words of the text. The Prophet calls our attention to a future day he informs us, that however the righteous may seem at present to be depressed, they are not forgotten; and that a marked distinction will assuredly be made between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. The passage seems from its connexion. to relate, in the first place, to the