When we consider the rapid progress of Bible Societies amidst the distress of nations, what may we not expect in more peaceful times? At the commencement of the present century a Bible Society was unknown. It is about 12 years since the British and Foreign Bible Society was formed. How much has been done within this short period. Prejudices the most inveterate have been removed. Christians long separated by names and unknown to each other, have united heart and hand in the good work. nearly 1,300,000 copies of the Scrip- I es new encouragement to exertion, and tures. Thirty auxiliary Societies were calls for gratitude and praise to Him formed the last year in the dominions || who has the hearts of all in his hand. of Great Britain, and several new societies have been formed on the continent of Europe. The St. Petersburgh Bible Society has changed its name to that of the Russian Bible Society, and is extended to all the inhabitants of the Roman Empire. This change is stated to have already produced a good effect. This Society is now printing 92,000 copies of the Bible in twelve different | languages. They have resolved on the thirteenth, viz. the Samogilian. In the words of the Rev. John Patterson,|| "Over what an extent of country are not these languages spoken; from the Arctic Circle to the Tropic of Cancer; and from the shores of the Baltic to the Sea of Baikal!" The increasing sphere in which this Society is acting, will soon | reach to that of the friends of Zion in India, engaged in the same cause. The prejudices of the Roman Catholics against the dissemination of the Scriptures among the common people, are rapidly diminishing. Many of them have become active in the work. Some of the dignitaries of that church warmly recommend Bible Societies both by word and deed. In several places the Bible has been introduced as a school book among the Catholics. Men of the first talents, and holding the highest offices in state, as well as in church, are zealous in this common cause of humanity and religion. It is literally true, that kings are becoming nursing futhers, and queens nursing mothers to the church. The treasures expended in Europe and America in war, since the formation of Bible Societies commenced, would furnish every man, woman and child on earth with a Bible, and would support for life, all the missionaries necessary to preach the gospel in every city, town and village, in heathen lands. May we not reasonably hope that the time is now at hand when the nations of christendom will cheerfully throw into the treasury of the Lord as much of their silver and gold for the advancement of that "kingdom which is not of this world," as they have expended in the defence of temporal kingdoms which The Mahomedans are beginning to ask Christians for their Bibles. The Tartar New Testament is read with avidity by many of them. Some Mahomedans of rank in Western Africa, have received the Arabic New Testament with gratitude, and solicited a fur-will soon be no more. ther supply. The British and Foreign Bible Society are now printing at Berlin a Turkish translation of the Bible, by Hali Bey. This work will probably be extensive ly circulated in Turkey. The missionaries at Serampore are still unwearied in their labors. Their translations embrace 25 eastern languages and dialects. Twenty one are in press. Ten presses are constantly employed and are unable to supply the demand for copies of the N. Testament in the Hindostanee and Bengalee. Thus we see that every year furnish Christians are now awaking from their long slumbers, and are alive to the immortal interests of the heathen. They are putting the "sword of the spirit” into the hands of thousands. The empire of darkness trembles to its foundations. Infidels who used to laugh at the idea of christianizing heathen nations, now look in silent astonishment at the successful exertion of christians in this work. Bible Societies have become popular. The influence in their favor which a few days since was scarcely noticed, has become formidable. The humble rivulet, has, by the aid of tributary The Society then proceeded to the streams swolen to a majestic river,which || choice of officers for the ensuing year: heeds not the obstacles thrown in its and the Rev. Asahel S. Norton, D. D. way to check its course. was elected President. The Rev. Mr. Vice President. REV. HENRY DWIGHT, Corresponding Secretary. ERASTUS CLARK, Esq. The lillle cloud, which lately arose no bigger than a man's hand, has spread itself over a large portion of the globe, diffusing its genial showers, and fertilizing the plains over which it has passed, with the waters of salvation. Perishing thousands have drank of these waters, "of which if a man drink he shall never thirst." The present is a day in which it is desirable to live. The events of divine providence unite with prophetic writ in announcing the rapid approach of that illustrious morning, when||REV. the sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings upon all nations. Let us, brethren, not be weary in well doing. Let us be punctual in presenting our yearly offerings. We would call upon churches of every name, to unite with us in this common cause. Recording Secretary. MR. WILLIAM G. TRACY, Treasurer, Here we may deposit a treasure, Directors. from the blackness of darkness through Resolved, That the next Annual Meetthe instrumentality of Bible Societies-ing of the Society be held at the Preswhen these happy souls often thanking||byterian meeting-house in WhitesboGod in the highest strains, shall look rough. around for those who sent them a Bi ble, when they shall run to embrace the kind strangers and with tears of An Account of the Religious Experience gratitude thank them for their benevolence, who will not then rejoice that he was a member of the Bible Society! and death of AURELIA BONNEL. AURELIA BONNEL, daughter of Job Bonnel was born in Brookfield, (Con.) Her parents were members of the PresOn motion Resolved, That the Re-byterian church in that place by whom port of the Directors be accepted and printed. On motion Resolved, That the thanks of the society be given to the Rev. Dr. Backus, for his excellent discourse, delivered to them, this day. she was dedicated to God in baptism. In the year 1795, the family removed to Windsor, in the county of Broome, state of New York. In the beginning of the year 1809, the sudden death of a sister gave some alarm to Aurelia; but the impression was of short duraOn motion Resolved, That the thanks tion. About one year after this event, of the Society be presented to the hon-a brother, who was peculiarly dear to orable Jonas Platt, Esq. for his impor-her, expired. His conversation on leavtant services while President of the So-ling the world, his solemn warning to all ciety. about him, his endearing farewell and joyful departure, made an affecting im-signed. She retained her reason to the pression on all present, but more especially on Aurelia. She inclined to be much alone, gave herself to reading, and progressed in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. At this time, here and there in the neighborhood, individuals were awakened, which led some chris tians to hope for a general revival of religion. This hope was realized in the beginning of the year 1811. Aurelia was arrested, felt herself a sinner and under condemnation. Soon after this,|| she manifested, a hatred to sin on account of its odious nature, a love to the Divine character and law, proper views of Christ and the efficacy of his atonement. She desired to feel towards sin as God does; but feared she did not sufficiently see its evil nature. Christians appeared to her in a new and pleasing light. She was very jealous of herself, lest she might be deceived; but on mature deliberation, she thought it her duty to make a public profession of religion, which she did in the close of the year. In the summer previous to this event she had been visited with sick last; and her farewell address to her parents, relations and friends was solemn and affecting. With the name of Jesus on her lips, she breathed her last without a struggle or a groan. One who stood by, exclaimed, If ever there was beauty in death it was then to be seen! Thus she left her aged parents and relations to mourn their loss and to rejoice in that glorious hope which made death welcome to her. The church have lost a dear young sister, and the neighborhood a friend. The 26th of Feb. 1812, will long be remembered by those who witnessed the departure of Aurelia. Concerning departed saints it may be said, They sleep in Jesus and are blest, Biographical Sketch of the Rev. CLAU- If the pedigree of this valuable man ness which terminated in a deep con- cannot be traced to a noble, it may to a sumption. She freely conversed with pious ancestry, which is far more honher friends on leaving the world, and orable. His grandfather was an elder gave herself much to meditation on di- of M'Culloch's church at Cambuslang, vine subjects. At her request, confer-in North Britain, at the time of the exences were holden at her father's house, which afforded her, in her confinement, peculiar satisfaction. The prospect before her appeared to brighten, and she manifested a desire to depart. traordinary conversions, which took place in the spring of 1742.* In this neighborhood was born the subject of our Memoir, in or about the year 1768. His father dying, as we are informed, while he was very young, his education devolved on his grandfather and excellent mother, who trained him up in the habits of piety and a strict attention to the Lord's Day. The elements of his classical learning were probably received at Glasgow, which is not far from the place where his parents resi The awful state of the unconverted deeply affected her heart, and she manifested an ardent desire for their salvation. A short time before her death, her father observed to her, that the thought of parting with her, sometimes almost overcame him. To which she replied, father, when you are in trouble, think on the great mercy God has shown to your family,* and let that comfort you. Are you not willing to give up one to Christ who has bestowed on you such peculiar blessings. Through the whole course of her ill-tance, as it is said, with some gay young ness she was serene, cheerful and re * Six of the family had been the subjects of the revival, ded. When a youth, he came over to South Britain, and was for some years Clerk to a respectable solicitor in the city. There he formed an acquain men, whereby his religious habits were soon relaxed; and (which is generally *See Gillis's 1Iistorical Coll. Vol. ii. p. 339, &c. the first step to a dissolute life) he be- they observed his peculiar diligence and gan to saunter away his Sabbaths inattention, and the respectable manner idle amusements; often closing the day in which he acquitted himself in the vaat that popular resort of the vain andrious branches of learning; and we look giddy, the pantheont (as it was then back with pleasure to see how Provicalled) in Spa Fields. This Luz has dence thus prepared him for those atsince become a Bethel, and been high- ||tainments in the eastern languages, in ly honored with the presence of the which he was afterwards peculiarly emGod of Israel. Happily, at this timeinent and useful. he formed an acquaintance with one He had not been long at college be person of a more serious character, who fore he cultivated the acquaintance of led him to White-Row Meeting, where the most serious students, who were alMr. Trotman was then minister; and ready engaged in a devotional society, in the evening,to Mr. Newton's Lecture, which was new modeled by his exerat St. Mary's Woolnoth. It is not tions. They met for social prayer and known whether it was by any partic-expounding the scriptures,twice a week, ular discourse at either place that he besides a more private meeting of a sewas savingly impressed; the means of||lect few at his own rooms on the Satgrace were, however, blessed to him, urday evening, to prepare for the devoand he was soon introduced to Mr. tions of the Sabbath.--Thus, while his Newtou as a young convert of consid-literary studies were pursued with the erable promise; and his conversations with that eminent man led him to devote his talents to ministerial usefulness in the church of England. greatest ardor, he was not unmindful of the study of his own heart, of human na ture, and of theology,---subjects pēcu-liarly connected with his intentions a s In August, 1791, he was admitted to to the Christian Ministry. He observes Queen's College, Cambridge, under the in one of his letters to a friend, on recare of the excellent Dr. Milner, the pre-viewing bis situation, "You see how sent Dean of Carlisle. Here he continu-wonderfully the Lord is blending his ed to reside,almost without intermission, sweets with my billers. An university for full four years; filling up his vaca-is a difficult place to preserve a gospel tions by preparing himself for exercises spirit in; but it certainly is an excellent in the higher branches of mathematical school for Christ's disciples, as they are and classical literature; to which he ex-exposed to trials of various descrippected to be called in the subsequent tions." In another letter, anticipating terms. His own mind inclined to the-the scandal of the cross, he says, "I ological studies, as more essential to his am not yet distinguished by the name future prospects as a gospel minister; of Methodist; but I foresee I shall but his university friends (among whom shortly. How the Lord will assist me were Dr. Jowett and Mr. Simeon) ur-in that trial I know not:-I know I sha!! ged him, for the credit of the gospel, fall, unless he hold me up. At present not to come behind any of the scholars I am in favor with my tutors: indeed, I in his literary attainments. He attend- am more respected than many; but ed all the lectures; and it was matter when my principles are published, 'tis of surprise, even to the tutors, when hard to say whether I shall not forfeit for my sake, happy are ye!' their esteem. Be it so: 'If ye suffer † An accident occurred here, during this period, which may deserve to be mentioned as a caution to thoughtless and active young In a letter dated April, 1792, he gives people.--A lad, about 18, apprentice to a a very detailed account of his employtradesman in the east end of the town, amu-ments, and complains of the langour sing himself one Sabbath day in jumping down the steps of what is now the chapel house, dropped down dead; which was found, on examination, to have been occasioned by the sudden rupture of the gall-bladder, through his violent exertions.-How often is it seen, that in the midst of life we are in death! brought on his devotional duties by excessive study; and of the want of that animation in reading the Bible, and that pleasure in meditating on divine things, which he had formerly experienced. His pious friends at the university, how Rev. R. Whish, of Northwold, in Norfolk. This lady left India to return to England before Mr. B. for the education of her children; but, to his great grief, she died upon the passage. By her he has left two daughters. In 1800, was formed the college of Fort William, in Bengal; of which the ever, urged him to persevere until his excessive attention to learning brought on symptoms of declining health, and even threatened a pulmonary complaint. He now determined to spend a part of the next vacation by the sea-side: but on receiving an intimation from, his mathematical tutor, that he meant to go through two branches of natural philate Dr. D. Brown was appointed Prolosophy (mechanics and optics) in the vost, and Mr. Buchanan Vice-Provost next term, he abandoned his design and and Professor of the Greek and Latin prepared himself to meet the lectures Classics. Among the other professors on those subjects, not merely as a nov- was Mr. (now Dr.) W. Carey, the Senice:-but after this he had a more seriior Baptist Missionary at Serempore, ous attack, and was obliged to relax, for the Sungskirt, Bengalee, and Mahand pay a visit, we believe, to Harrow-ratta languages. This institution, degate. The means used were blessed signed to encourage Oriental Literature, to his recovery, and by a more prudent attention to his health in subsequent studies, he was spared to bring them to an honorable termination. In the latter part of 1792, Mr. B. ac knowledges to a confidential friend, that he had been in great heaviness thro' the former part of the year; but recently it had pleased the Lord to reveal to him more of Christ than he had ever before experienced, insomuch as for some nights to interrupt his sleep, and to give a tincture of religion to his dreams. At the moment of writing, however, he says, This ardor is languishing; but I hope it will never entirely leave me.' In September, 1795, Mr. B. was ordained by the late Bishop Porteus, and soon after introduced into the Church as Curate to the venerable Mr. Newton, at St. Mary Woolnoth, Mr. Thornton, who had borne the greater part of his college expenses, had now a nearer opportunity of judging of his abilities and character; but in a few months he was appointed Chaplain of Fort William, in Bengal. was very friendly to the translation of the Scriptures into the eastern languages, and particularly the Chinese; in which Dr. Marshman, another Baptist Missionary, with one of his sons, and two sons of Dr. Carey, were recently employed, while Mr. Morrison was pursuing the same object at Canton. DEPARTURE OF THE MISSIONARIES. The Rev. JAMES RICHARDS, jun. DANIEL POOR, HORATIO, BARDWELL, BENJAMIN C. MEIGS, with their wives, and the Rev. EDWARD WARREN, missionaries to the east, sailed from Newburyport on Monday, 23d of Oct. on board the brig Dryad, Capt. Buffinton for the island of CEYLON. The day was very pleasant. A large concourse of people assembled on the wharf at which the vessel lay, and on the adjoining wharves, and at other places which commanded a near view of the scene. The deck of the vessel was filled with visitors, mostly females, the particular friends of the missionaries, assembled to bid them á finai farewell. The time approaching when it would be necessary for the vessel to avail herself of the tide, between 1 and 2 o'clock, P. M. the Rev. Dr. Spring Mr. B. left England as a single man; and two accomplished young ladies went out passengers in the same ship.addressed the throne of grace. The The remarkable seriousness of his de- utmost stillness and solemnity pervaded portment became a subject of raillery, the attentive multitude. A missionary which he returned with equal wit and farewell hymn was then sung to the good humour; and the impression of tune of Old Hundred. Many were his talents and piety was so much in his deeply affected and bathed in tears.favor, that he afterwards found in one of After the hymn, the visitors on deck them an accomplished and pious help-immediately stepped on shore the brig meet-Miss Whish, daughter of the left the wharf, spread her sails to the |