the situation of his family and station will probably prevent.

16. Brother Poor is here to-day. He is better in health at present; but whether permanently so or not, it is difficult to judge. Brother Richards appears to be recovering in a considerable degree from the ill turn which he had a few weeks since.. The continuance of his life for many months we consider quite uncertain. Still, we see no prospect of immediate dissolution. His cough is not severe, nor very troublesome; he has a good appetite, and sleeps well. He is able to walk about the house for a few minutes at a time, and to take his accustomed exercise morning and evening in a palankeen.

30. I am rejoiced to find that my head servant appears more and more in earnest about the salvation of his soul. I am grieved also to find, that some of the boys, who appeared serious for a time, seem to be losing their serious impressions.

Sept. 1. Brother Poor has determined to take a short voyage as far as Batticaloe, on the south-east part of the Island, in company with Mr. and Mrs. Osborn, of the Wesleyan mission, who are to be stationed at that place. Batticaloe is the S. E. extremity of the country in which the Tamul language is spoken. It is not spoken so far south on the western side of the island. The vessel will probably leave Jaffna on Saturday the 4th, and return in about three weeks.

CONNECTICUT MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

We inadvertently omitted the last month, to notice the Twenty-first annual narrative of this Society. As the narrative is now so generally in the hands of our readers, as through the kindness of the Treasurer, we were the last year enabled to present them with some of the most interesting facts contained in it, and as the season for the annual contribution will have passed before this goes into the hands of our readers, we will for the present only express our satisfaction at finding the concerns of this most valuable society in so flourishing a condition. During the last year their missionaries laboured in Vermont, New-York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri.— The Rev. Hezekiah Hull, is a missionary for the state of Louisiana. Volumes, tracts and pamphlets were distributed by the missionaries.

We hope soon to present our readers with a history of this society, from the pen of a gentleman distinguished for the deep interest which he feels in the prosperity of our religious and charitable institutions.

AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY.

The fourth annivessary of this Society was held in the city of New-York on the 11th instant. Mr. Boudinot, the venerable President of the society took the chair at 11 o'clock. The eighty-ninth Psalm was read by Dr. Richards, and an address of the President, by Dr. Romeyn. The follwing is an extract from the N. Y. Ad

vertiser.

Since the establishment of the Society, there have been printed at its Depository and by its instrumentality, or otherwise obtained distribution, one hundred and serenty-three thousand, seven hundred and fifty two, Bibles and Testaments; there have been issued from the Depository during the past year, 41,192 Bibles and Testaments, and since the establishment of the Society, 97,236. Of the number issued during the past year, 18,637 Bibles and Testaments have been gratuitously disposed of, and sent generally to auxiliaries, and those principally in the new states at the south and west.

The number of Auxiliary Societies, officially known and recognized by the Society, is two hundred and two. The other various information contained in the report, will, we are persuaded, greatly interest the public when it shall be laid before them, and carry to their hearts and their consciences the strongest conviction of the usefulness, unlimited and impartial benevolence of the Society.

When the reading of the report was finished, the following resolutions were moved, seconded, and unanimously adopted, viz:

On motion of John Cotton Smith, of

Connecticut, one of the Vice Presidents of the Society, seconded by Rev. Mr. Lyell, Rector of Christ's Church in this city

Resolved, That the report now read be received and adopted, and that it be published under the direction of the Board of Managers.

On motion of the Rev. Dr. Baldwin, of the Baptist Church, Boston, seconded by the Rev. Mr. McEwen, of New London Conn.

Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Board of Managers for their persevering attention to the business of this Society.

On motion of the Rev. Mr. Stansbury, of Albany, seconded by the Rev. Dr. Beecher, of Litchfield, Conn.—

Resolved, That the thanks of this meeting be given to the Treasurer and Secretaries for their unremitted and valuable services during the present year.

On motion of the Hon. R. M. Sherman, of Connecticut, seconded by the Rev. Dr. Griffin, of Newark, N. Jersey

Resolved, That the thanks of this meet

ing be given to the Congregations, and Individals who have, since the last Report made their Pastors members for life, of this Society.

Each of the gentlemen on moving and seconding the resolutions, addressed the meeting on the particular subjects to which they related, and on the great and interesting objects of the Society, as well as those of our kindred institutions throughout the christian world.

These performances edified and delight ed the audience. Rarely have we witnessed finer specimens of eloquence, or more powerful appeals to the hearts of an assembly in favour of Christian charity and benevolence. Hoping and expecting to be favoured with sketches of them, we forbear to enlarge further on their distinguished excellence of character.

SUMMARY.

Transylvania Missionary Society.-By a Kentucky paper it appears that on Saturday the 29th of April last, the Rev. President HOLLY, was expected to deliver an address to the Transylvania Missionary Society at their request, and it is also stated, that the funds of that society will for the present year, be devoted to the Missionary Establishment at Brainerd.

The St. George Lodge at Warren, and Orient Lodge at Thomaston, Maine, have contributed thirty dollars to the funds of the American Board for the purpose of 'translating, printing and disseminating the Holy Scriptures among the heathen with

out note or comment.'

Two young men are preparing for a mission to the Floridas. They are under the patronage of the Methodist Missionary Society.

A Society entitled the North Western Branch of the American Society for educating pious youth for the Gospel Ministry, was formed at Castleton, Vermont, in the month of February last. The donations and subscriptions received at the establishment of the society amounted to $800. The subscriptions now amount to about $3000, a part of which has been forwarded to the Treasurer.

The following gentlemen were elected Officers of the Society-President, Hon. RICHARD SKINNER.-Vice-Presidents, Hon. Chauncy Langdon, Hon. Charles Marsh, Rev. Samuel Austin, D. D. Hon. Pliny Moore, Gen. Abner Forbes, Hon. Wm. Hall, Hon. Zebulon R. Shipherd, Gen. Samuel Strong, Charles K. Williams, Esq. Titus Hutchinso., Esq. Hon. John H. Cotton, Hon. Joseph D. Farnsworth.Joseph Burr, Esq. Vice-President for life, agreeably to the 7th article of the Constitution. Directors, Rev. Joshua Bates, D. D. Rev. Daniel Haskei!, Rev. Heman Ball, D. D. Rev. Elijah Lyman, Rev. Chester Wright, Rev. Abraham Brownson, Rev.

Jonathan Nye, Rev. Thomas A. Merrill, Rev. William Jackson, Rev. Walter Chapin, Rev. Jedediah Bushnell, Hon. Wm. Slade, jr-Secretary, Wm. Page, Esq.Treasurer, Ira Stewart, Esq.-Executive committee, Rev. J. Bates, Rev. Thos. A. Merrill, Rev. Walter Chapin.

The executive committee have held their first quarterly meeting, and examined six young men whom they have receiv ed as beneficiaries. Five of these are in the first, and one in the third stage of edu cation. Others now pursuing their studies will soon apply for assistance.

A Bible Society has been established at Blakely, Alabama, Auxiliary to the American Bible Society.

In Northampton, Mass, the avails of sev eral acres of meadow land are to be devoted to the use of Foreign Missions.

The Hamilton Baptist Education Society intends sending a missionary among the Óneida and Stockbridge Indians The Oneidas already enjoy the labours of Mr. Williams, an Episcopal Minister; and the Rev. Mr. Sargeant, a Presbyterian, is sta tioned with the Stockbridge tribe.

A letter has been addressed by the Rev. Theophil Blamhard, of Basil, Switzerland, to the corresponding Secretary of the American Board, stating that the Christians of Basil had learned from the British Mis

sionary Register, and the other Missionary Tracts, of the existence of the Missionary, and other religious institutions of this country. He states that in Basil, there was established in 1816, a Missionary Seminary for the purpose of educating German and Swiss youth for missionaries among the heathen. The success of the institution has been signal. Several of the pupils have already entered the service of the British and Dutch Missionary Societies, and eighteen young men are now members of the seminary. Mr. Blamhard solicits in a polite and friendly manner the exchange of Missionary publications, &c.

Spanish Inquisition.—During the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, and in the Pontificate of Innocent VIII. the inquisition was established for the prosecution of heretics. It was originally intended to take cognizance of only the Jews and Moorsbut so rapidly did it extend its influence, that during the sway of Torquemada, the first Inquisitor General, it was calculated that 6,000 persons were burnt by his order, and upwards of twenty thousand fell victims in various other ways. From the above period to the present time, it is im possible to calculate the number of persons who have fallen victims to its horrid cruelties. The late revolutions in Spain have abolished the inquisition, opened the doors of its prisons, and set the captives free. This measure alone is a subject of the highest congratulation to the friends of freedom throughout the world -N Y.Adr,

In Daventry, (Eng.) whose population is considerably short of 3000, the number of subscribers to the Ladies' Bible Association, in the course of 18 months, was 1059. This fact,' observes the editor of the Boston Recorder, displays a zeal for the distribution of the Scriptures, which, it is believed, bas no parallel in this country, nor in any other except England.'

The sum of 300,000 roubles has been appropriated in Russia to the support of schools attached to monasteries. Of this sum the Emperor has already advanced 180,000 roubles, and declares, that it is his personal wish to see schools of truth flourish. Minds are not truly enlightened, except by that divine light which shines in darkness, and which darkness cannot extinguish. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Education ought to be founded on practical christianity.

The missionaries in the Society Islands, in a letter to the secretaries of the British and Foreign Bible Society, thank them for the paper given them by the Society, and state, that of 3000 copies of the Gospel of St. Luke, nearly all had been distributed among the natives. They wish to print 10,000 copies of the Gospel, and of the Acts of the Apostles. These will soon be ready for the press.

'li is

common to see those who have

cooling shade, or in their own houses, teaching those who know not. Not content merely with what they can learn at school, they frequently sit in circles till midnight, teaching each other. In some of the Islands, where a missionary has never resided, the natives can read and write and many have known how to teach their neighbours, before their names were ever enrolled in the school-book.

We have often witnessed and deplored the condition of both American and English vessels that touch here; and should be glad, could we have a few English Testaments to supply such vessels.'

Of the Gospel which was printed, the copies were given to the chiefs for distribution in proportion to the number of those who could read in their respective districts. This pleased them much. Every district by this means received a few; and we are now happy to say that there is scarcely one left unbound. Indeed it was remarkable with what diligence they got the skins of goats, dogs, &c. for the purpose of binding them themselves; and from the observation they had made of our work, they have bound them strongly and neatly. Never did we see such eagerness for the word of God! We have more than 6000 readers, and the number will probably soon be doubled.'

The

In England a Society has been formed, called the Continental Society, the object of which is, by the support of missionaries, and the distribution of books to convey the light and blessings of christianity to the inhabitants of the continent. Catholics of France and Germany, in many instances, receive the agents of this Society with joy, and the hope is cherished that many have been made the subjects of divine grace.

The London Society for the conversion of the Jews, has eighty children under its instruction.

The floating chapel in the Thames is attended by many sailors, whose regard for religious services appears to be increasing. The congregation sometimes consists of from 500 to 600. These are mostly sailors, as motives of curiosity have ceased to attract visitors from the city.

DONATIONS TO RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.

The Treasurer of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, acknowledges the receipt of $2198 91, in the month of March; and in April the receipts amounted to $2399 02.

The Treasurer of the American Bible Society, acknowledges the receipt of $4106 68, in the month of April.

The Treasurer of the American Education Society acknowledges the receipt of $341 13, in the month of April.

278

cons.

May 2d, at New-Brunswick N. J.; the Rt. Rev. Bishop Croes, admitted CLARKSON DUNN, to the holy order of Deacons.

May 10th.-The Rev. MARSHALL SHED, was ordained pastor of the church and society in Acton, Mass.Sermon by the Rev. Mr. Greenough.

May 10th. The Rev. CHARLES JENKINS, was ordained pastor of the second congregational church and society in Greenfield, Mass.

May 14th.-The Rev. ANDREW BIGELOW, was ordained in the University Chapel, Cambridge. "He is to take charge for a limited period of the congregational society in Eastport."

UNITED STATES.

CONGRESS adjourned on the 15th inst. after a session distinguished for its length, and for the importance of the subjects which were brought before it.

Regretting as we do, the decision of the Missouri Question, which will ever remain a stigma upon our national character, and which is a most aggravated national sin, we rejoice that a law has been made for the more effectual abolition of the slave trade. This trade is henceforth to be considered as piracy, and punishable with death. By a reference to our summary it will be seen that former laws have not prevented the purchase of slaves, by American citizens on the coast of Africa. While many, and perhaps all who voted for this law, did it under a conviction of duty, it may be readily seen that it is favourable to the interests of the slave-holders, as it will increase the price of slaves, great numbers of whom will be wanted for the cultivation of the country west of the Mississippi.

Our relations with Spain continue unaltered. In consequence of the revolution in that country, no measures were adopted to enforce the fulfilment of the treaty.

The bill for establishing a new Tariff was lost in the Senate, and a bill for imposing duties on sales at auction was subsequently abandoned.

An important act has passed respecting navigation. By this act it is declared, that after the thirtieth day of September next, the ports of the United States shall be closed against every vessel owned wholly or in part by a subject or subjects of his Britannick Majesty, coming from any place in the province of Lower Canada, or from New-Brunswick, Nova-Scotia, the Islands of Newfoundland, St. John's, or Cape Breton, or their dependencies: the islands of Bermuda, the Bahama Islands, the islands called Caicos, or from any other port or place under the dominion of Great Britain in the West Indies or on the continent of America south of the southern boundary of the United States, and not included in the act to which this is supplementary.'-. The act also requires that such goods as are imported from the above men tioned places, (with the exception of Lower Canada,) shall be the produce or manufacture of the place where the same shall be laden, and that such goods shall be directly imported into the United States. The Editor of the New-York Advertiser observes, "the experiment about to be tried by this measure is an important and deeply in teresting one. Much difference of opinion as to its expediency exists among commercial men. To say the least of