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Hibernian Bible Society of Dublin to meet the exigency. The Bishop asserted, that the ignorance which prevailed in that country on the subject of religion was not to be conceived, that the doctrines of the Reformation were utterly unknown in many parts of it. His lordship then described, in a very feeling manner, the recent accession of a Professor of Maynooth to the Protestant Estab lished Church; and concluded by an affecting appeal on behalf of a people who needed so greatly the assistance of the Society, and were so prepared to profit by it.

The Earl of Hardwicke, having been prevented by the crowd from entering the Hall, despatched a letter (which was read to the meeting,) wherein his lordship expressed his regret at being compelled to retire, and the more so because it had been his intention to move the resolution of thanks to the president. Mr. Wilberforce after adverting to the suddenness with which the duty of making that motion had devolved on him, delivered a speech which would deserve to be classed with the happiest of his effusions on any preced ing anniversary. He complimented the noble president on being the centre of the largest religious circle which the world had ever witnessed. "Little did your lordship expect," said Mr. W. "when you returned to your native country, to enjoy that ease and retirement which your pub. lic labors in so arduous a government had earned, that so high and useful a destination was reserved for you as that to which your lordship has been called." Mr. W. then proceed ed to descant, with his usual elo. quence and feeling, on the scene which he now had the satisfaction to witness, contrasting it with the stormy and tumultuous scenes in which so great a part of his time is spent. He seemed to have entered a higher region, and to have left the clouds and storms of this lower world beneath him. The institution appear ed to him very aptly described in those beautiful lines of Goldsmith: VOL V. New Series.

As some tall cliff, that lifts its awful form,

Swells from the vale, and midway leaves the storm:

Though round its breast the rolling clouds are spread,

Eternal sunshine settles on its head.

The Bishop of Cloyne seconded the motion The Rev. Dr. Winter, in moving the thanks to the viec-presidents, delivered a judicious and can. did speech, in which he described, in very appropriate terms, the happy union of Christian parties which this Society exhibited. Lord Calthorpe and Sir Thomas Baring, in severally seconding this and a preceding motion, delivered their sentiments briefly, but in a very feeling and impres sive manner. The Bishop of Meath, a vice president, moved the thanks to the Committee, in a speech of great energy. His lordship concurred with the Bishop of Kildare in representing the state of Ireland as deeply needing the benefit which it was in the power of this Society to impart. The Bishop remarked, that only the skirts of that cloud charged with fertilizing showers, to which the noble president had compared this Society, had yet extended to Ireland. His lordship expressed the warmest satisfaction at witnessing so numerous a meeting, united thus cordially and ardently (n an object of so much importance, and assured them that he should endeavor to impart a similar impression to the clergy of that diocese which constituted the sphere of his labors.

The Right Hon. N. Vausittart, M. P. seconded the motion of thanks to the Committee in a speech distinguished by his customary candor, ability, and discrimination. He bore the strongest testimony, from his own personal experience, to the industry and harmony of the Committee, and the uniformity with which, merging all peculiarities of religious sentiment, they pursued the great object of their appointment.

The thanks to the treasurer were moved by C. Grant, Esq. M. P. and seconded by T. Babington, Esq. M. 41

P. in a short but pertinent speech, delivered under the inconvenience of a cold which almost suppressed his utterance.

The Bishop of Norwich then rose, and moved the thanks to the Secreta ries. His lordship stated, that he could bear his testimony to their zeal; and proceeded to expatiate on their services, to which himself had been witness, with that simplicity, feeling, and liberality. by which he is so much distinguished.

Mr. Steinkopff, in returning thanks, addressed the meeting briefly with that Christian pathos which characterizes all his addresses.

Dr. Burnmark, (Chaplain to the Swedish Embassy) then came for ward, and after appealing as a foreign. er, to the indulgence of the audience, delivered a very sensible, pious, and impressive address. He particular ized the services which the Society had rendered by promoting the print. ing of the scriptures in the Swedish, Laponese, and Finnish languages: and described the value of these services, and the gratitude with which they were felt, in a most interesting

manner.

The Rev. Mr. Hughes followed, and offered his thanks to the meeting on behalf of himself and his colleagues, to whom he was not more united in office and in labor, than in respect and affection. Mr. Hughes closed an excellent address by glanc ing at the advantages which would result from this society to Britain, whatever might be her destination.. If she were to remain the arbitress of nations, she would have the means of extensive usefulness, and be a source of happiness to the world. If, on the contrary, her connexion with other nations should be destroy ed, if she could experience such a reverse as to cut off the means of ber commercial wealth and greatness she would have within herself those resources which would sustain her under calamity, and make national adversity contribute to her improve.

ment.

The Bishop of Salisbury expressed the cordial satisfaction with which he

took a share in the duties of this interesting occasion; and moved the thanks of the meeting to the Synod of Glasgow, and the several Synods, Presbyteries, &c. in North Britain, for their liberal contributions and support. This motion was seconded by the Rev. T White, M. A.

Henry Thornton, Esq. M. P. then came forward and moved thanks to the several Auxiliary Societies, &c, In doing this he entered into a detailed and very judicious consideration of the advantages arising both to the funds and operations of the institutions from the establishment of Auxiliary Societies. He appealed to the prodigious item in the cash account of 24,8431. 5s, 10d. furnished by Aux iliary Societies alone,in justification of his statement; and after explaining, in a variety of ways, the solid and permanent benefits connected with this system of localization, conclud ed a very able, luminous, and highly satisfactory speech, by representing the several Auxiliary Societies as possessing claims to the warmest grati tude of the meeting.

Lord Gambier then rose, and mov. ed the thanks of the Corresponding Committee in Bengal. In doing this, his lordship apologized for his inabil ity to support the motion as it deserved. The profession of arms, his lordship observed, was not favorable to habits of public speaking. He did, however, consider it a great honor te perform the lowest office in this society: and, therefore, trusting that his feelings would be accepted as an atonement for the deficiency of his expression, he should satisfy himself with simply offering the resolution which he held in his hand to their adoption. C. Crant, Esq. M. P. seconded the motion.

He

The Rev. John Townsend (of Bermonsey,) in moving the thanks to those gentlemen who had contributed books to the library, delivered a very candid and pleasing address. was followed by the Rev. Mr. Simeon (of Cambridge,) who adverted with much feeling to those laborers in the East, Messrs. Martyn and Thomason, who had commenced their pastoral

duties in the service of his own church, and whom he regarded with the affection of a brother.

The Bishop of Norwich having moved the thanks to Lord Teignmouth for his lordship's conduct in the chair, Mr. Owen came forward, and closed the business of the day by an animated address, He congratulated the meeting on the services which had been rendered this day to the cause of the Society, by Irish and English prelates, by the defenders of our country (alluding to Lord Gambier,) and (pointing to Messrs. Vansittart, Wilberforce, and H. Thornton,) by the enlighteners and liberators of mankind. Mr. O. then called upon the meeting to take a view of the society in reference to the agents which it had called into employment, the various scenes in which it was acting its dignified part, and the objects on which its kindness was extended, The direct advantage of this society was, he said, scarcely greater than the contingent benefit which resulted indirectly from it. While civil polity and social happiness were ultimately promoted, it was impossible not to see and admire in what degree religion profited by the influence of such an association. The correspondence which it elicited, and the testimonies which it collected from every part of the world, were so many depositions from independent and concur ring witnesses to the truth, power, and the excellence of Christianity. Af ter a train of remarks, illustrative of these positions, Mr. O. concluded, by urging the members to take encour agement from the triumphs which they had witnessed this day "Be ye steadfast," said Mr. O."unmoveable -always abounding in this work of the Lord: forasmuch as ye know that your labor has not been, is not, nor ever will be, in vain-in the Lord"

Thus terminated the eighth anni versary of this great institution. The multitude, amounting to between 2 aud 3000 (and which would, had there been space, have amounted to almost double the number) were lit erally of one heart and one mind. Never did the countenances of men

indicate more visibly the strong feel. So per ings of joy and affection. fectly had the great subject absorb. ed all subordinate considerations, that not an expression dropped from any speaker which betrayed a contro versial feeling. A stranger to what has appeared in print would have sup. posed that in this institution of pure and vast benevolence there is (as we trust there soon will be) but one opin ion and one feeling throughout the British empire, and the Christian world. And when the substance of the Report which we are about to give, shall have been read, we scarceassume too much in ly think we claiming for an association so employ. ed and supported, the contributions, the co-operation, and the prayers of sincerely desirous "that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth,"

those who are

The following is a brief abstract of the Report of the Committee which was read on this occasion.

The success which has attended the exertions of the Society has been es tablished in the former Reports. The Report of proceedings during the eighth year of its existence will prove not less gratifying.

1. EUROPE.

1. Finland-It appears that the number of persons who speak the Finnish Language is not less than 1,300,000 and that the various edi. tions of the Scriptures printed in it have never been adequate to their supply. No edition either of the Old or New Testament has been publish: ed for the last thirty years; and scarcely a single perfect copy of the former is to be purchased. On the ground of this information, the printing of the Finnish scriptures has been encouraged by a grant of 5001. The result has been that the Gover nor General, and the Bishop of Fin land, have most cordially approved the measure; and that the Emperor of Russia, in testimony of his approbation, added 5000 rubles from his own privy purse, "Thus," to adopt the words of the Bishop of Finland, "in the Lord's name a foundation is laid for a work, from which religion in general, and the Finnish church in

particular, will, by the help of God, derive a certain and lasting advan tage." A society has been formed in Finland, on the suggestion of the Committee, for the continued circulation of the Holy Scriptures.

2. Lapland-The Laponese Testament, stated in former Reports, to have been printing under the superintendence of Bishop Nordin is now completed; and 2500 copies have been sent into Swedish Lapland. The Royal Chancery of Stockholm addressed a letter to the Committee of the Stockholm Society, expressing the satisfaction of the King with the exertions made for improving the religious knowledge of the Swedish Laplanders. The Russian government has issued a proclamation authorizing the importation of the Laponese New Testaments into Russian Lapland. Measures have been adopt ed for the distribution of 1000 copies in Danish Lapland.

The disposition manifested by the Russian government encourages a hope of the adoption of some exten sive plan for the general distribution of the Word of Life throughout the Russian empire.

3. Iceland-The obstacles to the printing of the Icelandic Bible have been surmounted; and the work will probably be completed by next spring. There is reason to hope that the remainder of the Icelandic Testaments have been forwarded to Iceland.

4. Poland-The completion of the Polish Bible was announced at the last meeting, it is sold for two shillings a copy. The Committee have directed 1000 copies to be gratuitous ly distributed. By the last accounts from Berlin, the Polish Scriptures were in great demand. Many copies had been sent to Warsaw, to Upper Silesia, and to Austrian Galicia. It was the intention of the Koningsberg committee, to furnish every Polish school in these parts with a few Bibles and Testaments gratuitously.

5 Lithuania -The prin ing of the Lithuanian Bible would probably be completed in the month of March of the present year. The Committee have directed 500 Polish Bibles and 1.00 New Testaments to be sent to Koningsberg for sale or gratuitous distribution: the proceeds of the sale

to be applied towards a second edition of the Lithuanian Scriptures. Some copies of the Polish New Testament have been ordered for the use of Poles residing in Great Britain, or visiting it.

6. Bohemia.--The edition of the Bohemian Scriptures promoted by the Society has been exhausted and the demand for them is still extens resid urgent. The Committee, with a view to supply it, have voted 309. for aiding a new edition.

7. Livonia and Esthonia.-The offer to promote the publica ion of the Scriptures in the dialects of Livonia and Esthonia has produced the most beneficial effects. A Society has been formed in Dorpatian Esthonia, for printing and distributing the New Testament. A Society in Revalian Esthonia bas directed its attention to the supply of the Holy Scriptures, in the design of furnishing every col tager with a New Testament: and several respectable characters are engaged in establishing a Livonian Bible Society. The result is, an increased ardor for publishing editions of the Livonian and Esthonian Scriptures. Arrangements were making for this purpose; and the Committee, with a view to forward it, have enlarged their grant of 6 0'. to 1000.

8 Sweden. The active zeal of the Stockholm Society has suffered no abatement. The Swedish Bible is now completed, on standing types; and the number of Swedish Testa. ments, separately printed, amounts to 16,000. Another edition of the Bible, and of the New Testament, will be immediately undertaken; for which an additional donation of 2001. has been voted.

9. Hungary. The distribution of some German Bibles in Austria and Hungary at the expense of the Society, has made known its existence. in Presburg, and has produced most interesting communications from two Professors in that city, by which it appears that there are upwards of a million of Protestants in Hungary, and but few Bibles among those who speak the Sclavonian and Hungarian dialects; many of whom are much depressed by poverty. The Commit tee have promised a donation of five hundred pounds, to aid the printing

and circulation of the Hungarian and Sclavonian Scriptures, if a society shall be established in Hungary for that purpose.

10. France.-The Committee, hav ing sent to France some Bibles for the British prisoners of war in that country, received a letter written by direction of the Minister of Marine, stating that they should be properly distributed.

A German minister, having distributed many copies of the Scriptures in France, which were gratefully received, the Committee directed one thousand copies of the French Bible to be distributed at the Society's expense, among some Protestant con gregations in France.

A member of the Imperial Institute having signified a wish that copies of the versions of the Scriptures printed by the Society might be deposited in that institution, the Committee did not hesitate to comply with it.

11. Germany. They have acceded to a similar request from the keeper of the Imperial library at Vienna; as well as for copies of the Society's Reports. This last request was accompanied by an observation, that "a multitude of strangers, who daily resort to the Imperial Library, would obtain a knowledge of the institution; and perhaps not a few would be in spired with a desire to attempt something similar in their sphere, and according to their power."

The Ratisbon Bible Society have printed and circulated four editions of the New Testament, and a fifth was in the press. This Society is supported by Roman Catholics, and, though produced by the example, is independent, of this Society.

12. Italy and Greece.-The Society's Italian Testaments are in great demand, both at Messina and Malta; and the Archimandrita, at the latter place, has warmly recommended the perusal of the modern Greek Testament, and publicly applauded "the zeal and ardor of the English to circulate the Word of the Lord." This intelligence is from a Roman Catholic correspondent at Malta, of great res pectability, who is of opinion "that there is likely to result from the one thousand Testaments which the Soci. ely has sent, no ordinary good.”

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The Committee have granted fifty pounds for distributing the Scriptures to the poor in Denmark.

11.

ASIA.

1. Syria. The Committee have forwarded a supply of Arabic Bibles, for the use of the Episcopal churches in Aleppo and its vicinity.

2 Hindostan.-The Christians dis. persed over this vast country, includ ing Ceylon, are calculated at nearly a million, using various dialects: few of whom possess the Scriptures. Many of the descendants of Christians have consequently relapsed into idol. atry; and many are Christians merely in name. The Hindoos and Mahom. etans subject to the British authority may be estimated at seventy millions.

These observations suggest the most forcible motives for supplying the wants of the Christians, and for displaying the records of Divine truth to the natives who are ignorant of it.

With this general object, and especially with the view of supplying the demands of the native Christians, in India, an Auxiliary Bible Society was, in February, 1811, established in Calcutta, with the concurrence of the government; and with a very general approbation in all parts of India. At Fort William, it has met with the most liberal support. It has directed eight hundred copies of the Tamul New Testament to be purchased for distribution, as well as two thousand copies of the Portuguese Bible, and five thousand Portuguese New Testaments.

It has contracted

for printing at Serampore five thous and New Testaments in the Tamul, the Cingalese, and the Malayalin dia. lects respectively. The Committee, anxious to encourage these laudable exertions, have determined to aid them by a grant of Bibles, Tesiaments, and printing paper, to the vaiue of one thousand pounds.

The translation of the Scriptures into the dialects of India and the printing of them, proceed as rapidly as could be expected. The Missionaries of Serampore have translated and printed the New Testament in five languages, and the old, in Bengalee, and have translated the Gospels of St. Matthew and Mark into Chinese; the New Testament into four more dialects, and portions of the

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