pensation derived their efficacy, in atoning for the transgressors, from their Divino appointment for this very purpose,' seeing they were established by God for the time being, or as the temporary means of expiating the sins of the people until He should come, who by 'one offering hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified." We do not indeed suppose that the Jewish sacrifices purified the consciences of the people from moral defilement, any farther than they served as a means of directing the minds of the worshippers to the perfect sacrifice thereafter to be made by Him who was 'once offered to bear the sins of many. The Jewish sacrifices were chiefly of a legal character, designed to atone for those sins which would otherwise have cut off the transgressors from the privileges of their sanctuary; and hence they were offered annually, both in behalf of the priests themselves, and the people; but the offering of Jesus Christ, being infinitely meritorious, is available in a moral point of view, and cleanses our consciences from dead works to serve the living God.' In a word, we consider all the ordinances of God, whether under the old or new covenant, as deriving their efficacy, as means, for the salvation of sinners, from the Lord Jesus Christ, who 'through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God;' and that a hearty belief in His atoning merits is essential, as a condition of our justification before God; and moreover that this faith, working by love, producing all good works, must be persevered in in order to attain everlasting life. Thus the sacrifices of the Israelites were typical of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and, therefore, of themselves, could never make the comers thereunto perfect; but, when used in obedience to the Divine requirement, and by faith in that great High Priest whom they prefigured, they were the means of atoning for their sins as often as they were offered.

AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY.

Seventeenth Annual Report of the American Bible Society, presented May 10, 1833, with an Appendix, containing extracts of correspondence, together with a list of Auxiliary Societies, life directors, and members.

By those who take an interest in the great Bible cause, this report will be read with deep attention and pious gratitude. Following the example of its noble and philanthropic predecessor, the British and Foreign Bible Society, the American Bible Society is contributing to replenish the world with the pure word of God, and is thus aiding to make the triumphs of the cross of Christ the more complete.

Since its commencement in 1816, it has issued one million five hundred and thirty-three thousand six hundred and sixty-eight' copies of Bibles and Testaments, in seven different languages, namely, the English, French, Spanish, German, Welsh, Irish, and Indian. During the seventeenth year of its operations, it has issued ninety-one thousand one hundred and sixty-eight' copies of Bibles and Testaments. It has expended, during the past year

Received, during the same period, including a balance of

$1,261 77 from last year

Leaving a balance against the society of

$86,362 25

86,197 25

165 00

Allowing the amount expended to have been applied for the manufacturing and distributing the Holy Scriptures, together with salaries of travelling and local agents, all of whom are employed in advancing the objects of the society, it will be perceived that each copy of these Scriptures, including Bibles and Testaments, has cost the community nearly one dollar. This result is proved thus:Number of Bibles and Testaments issued during the last year Amount expended

91,168

$86,362 25

According to this calculation, this certainly is an expensive concern to the community.