platform were observed His Excellency Admiral Jabat, the Spanish ambassador, the Earl of Tankerville, Count Pápoff, from Russia, &c. &c. A great number of the Society of Friends, both male and female, were present.

Some time after one o'clock the Committee entered the hall, and a few observations having been made by W. Allen, Esq. respecting the absence of His R. H. the Duke of Sussex, who had un. dertaken to preside

Mr. W. Williams, M.P. took the Chair until the arrival of His Royal Highness.

The Rev. G. Clayton then proceeded to read the yearly Report of the Committee to the Society. It stated that the receipts of the last year had just covered the expenditure, but that the operations of the Society had been impeded by the want of adequate resources. They acknowledged the assistance they had received from the Bristol Auxiliary Society, and also from the Corresponding Committees at Bath, Plymouth, &c. No pains had been spared to render the Central Schools as perfect as possible. They now received 500 Boys and 300 Girl scholars, and there were 150 waiting for admission. Since the first establishment of the Boys' school in 1798, the number admitted was 14,606, and of Girls 7420,total 22,026. A public examination took place at the Central Schools on the 27th of March, and was very numerously and respectably attended. Of the eight Madagascar youths stated at the last Anniversary to have been placed under the care of the Committee by the London Missionary Society, one had since died. Four had left school to learn the different manufactures to which they were destined by king Radama, leaving three still in the Society's house. The very great improvement of these youths supplied a striking proof of the facility by which instruction is communicated by the British System.

During the last year they had assisted several schools with grants of slates aud lessons. The schools in the metropolis had been recently visited, and in general were very satisfactorily conducted. These, 57 in number, contained upwards of 9000 children. The Inverness Education Society was making considerable progress in the Highlands. Besides the model school under Mr. Cameron, there were 35 schools, containing 1,524 scholars. In one district, with a population of 600 persons, and in which a few years ago there were but eight individuals who could read, there were now 240 who could read with ease, and not a family was without its Bible. The progress of education in Ireland was highly gratify

The Report then adverted to the progress of the System in foreign parts, particularly in Spain, in the Ionian Islands, in Russia, India, the West Indies, the United States and South America, where several schools are already formed.

Mr. Spring Rice, M. P. moved the adoption of the Report, and kailed the progress of education through the world. Several other Members of Parliament followed; and H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex now entered. Rev. Mr. Townley, from India, stated the happy progress of female education under Miss Cooke.

The accounts of the Society were then read. The income of last year was stated at 2,0537. which was a surplus of 1417. above their expenditure; but there was a balance of 18001. due to the Treasurers. Mr. Allen, the Treasurer, then adverted to the finances of the Society, and recommended a farther effort to render the Society independent.

Dr. Paterson, from Petersburgh, Mr. Lennard, M. P. Rev. Mr. Wilson, from Malta, J. Hume, Esq. M.P. and Mr. Ald. Key, moved and seconded the other resolutions. The Royal Chairman in concluding, adverted with considerable severity to some reflections cast upon the Society as disloyal, though sanctioned by His Majesty, and by his illustrious father.

LONDON FEMALE PENITENTIARY.

THE Annual Meeting of this important charity was held on May 12, at the Crown and Anchor in the Strand. W. Wilberforce, Esq. M.P. in the Chair. The resolutions were moved and seconded by the Rt. Hon. Sir G. H. Rose, M.P., J. Butterworth, Esq. M. P., T. Wilson, Esq. the Rev. Messrs. Watkins, Bartlett, Ruell, Dr. Winter, Blackburn, &c. &c. The Report of the last year's proceedings related some very pleasing instances of the good effects resulting from the persevering endeavours of its conductors. During that period, thirty of the inmates had been placed out to service, and thirty-five had been reconciled and re

stored to their friends. Out of 140 applicants, ninety-five had been received. From the statements in the Report, aud other facts related, and from the account given by Mr. Rawlins, one of the Secretaries of the Liverpool Penitentiary, of equally remarkable success attending that Institution, it can no longer be a matter of doubtful speculation, even in the minds of the most prejudiced, as to the beneficial effects resulting from these truly Christian efforts. Endeavouring to follow the example of the compassionate Saviour, the conductors appear to be steadily and successfully pursuing the object before them, and we very cordially wish them success. From age and infirmity, Lord Carrington has requested to relinquish the situation of President; but to show his unabated approbation of the Society, and of the manner in which it is conducted, he has requested to be placed in the list of its Vice Presidents. W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. has kindly consented to become the President of the Institution.

SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION. TUESDAY, May 13, at Six o'clock in the morning, was held the Annual (breakfast) Meeting of this Society at the City of London Tavern, J. Butterworth, Esq. in the Chair, who stated the great pleasure he felt in finding the schools in a state so prosperous, not only in the spread of school instruction, but also evangelical religion. The Report was read by Mr. Lloyd, one of the Secretaries, which stated the formation of a number of new Sunday-schools in Paris, Charenton, Calais, and Gibraltar. In India, Miss Cooke has under her care 400 female children. A supply of books to the value of 751. has been forwarded to New South Wales; and books to the amount of 111. 9s. have been voted for Van Diemen's Land.

The schools in the South Sea Islands, West Africa, (negroes) and South Africa, increase and prosper. The New York Female Union embraces 37 schools, 2,854 scholars, and 514 teachers, superintended by a Committee of thirty ladies. The Union for Boys, 42 schools, 540 teachers, and 4,055 boys.

The Philadelphia Sunday-school Union, which extends to thirteen States, has in its connexion 402 schools,4,197 teachers, and 31,297 scholars. This Society bas sent forth a S. S. missionary, who has travelled 2,500 miles to visit the different schools. The Committee here remark, that many of the revivals of reli

gion in America have originated in Sunday-schools. In one church, out of 100 members received into one church, 98 were or had been connected with them. In Canada a S. S. Union has been formed, with which stand connected 28 schools, 200 teachers, and 1,200 children. To this school the London S. S. Union has voted books to the amount of 431. to be sold at reduced prices. There are 858 scholars in Newfoundland, and 233 in Nova Scotia.

In the West Indies, (principally at Antigua,) there are 6,000 S. S. scholars; and the Committee remark, that the four principal Missionary Societies educate no less than 40,000 at their various settlements; but in Demarara negroes are forbidden to learn to read.

Of the Domestic statements of the Society we give the following totals:

RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY. FRIDAY morning, May 16, this Society met at Six o'clock at the City of London Tavern, when no less than 1,054 persons breakfasted, (at their own expense,) and great numbers who came late could obtain no admittance.

At seven o'clock, Jos. Reyner, Esq. (Treasurer) took the Chair, and the Report was read, from whence we extract ihe following particulars. The Russian, Prussian, and other German and Dutch Tract Societies, continue active in printing and circulating tracts : 600,000 have been circulated in the former country. The Paris Tract Society is enlarging its sphere of action; and the labours of M. Malan, of Geneva, claim particular notice. An extensive field is opening in Spain, and 8000 tracts have been already distributed from Gibraltar. Rev. S. S. Wilson is engaged in translating tracts into the modern Greek language, for dis

tribution on the shores and islands of the Mediterranean. Tracts have also found their way into South and West Africa; into the West India isles, and South America, in which latter country there is a most extensive field of circulation. In the United States, Tract Societies have been formed, some of which threaten to rival even England. In short, wherever Bibles or missionaries find admittance, there also is an opening for the circulation of religious tracts; and even in places where they cannot gain admittance.

At home, the Society has published new tracts in all the different series; 105,000 have been last year circulated at fairs, and 206,000 dying speeches in the metropolis. Rev. S. Kilpin has affixed 20,000 of the Society's broad sheets to the walls of poor cottages in the West of England, where they have supplanted a vast mass of superstitious and demoralizing trash. The total distribution of tracts during the past year has been 5,711,000; and from the institution of the Society, upwards of 51 millions.

The receipts of the Society for the last year have been, in subscriptions, donations, &c. 2,1647.; from the sale of publications, 6,6457.-total, 8,809: and its expenses, 8,8521. The collection at this Meeting 647.

In moving and seconding the various resolutions proposed, the meeting was addressed by the following ministers :Rev. Messrs. Irving, J. Clayton, jun. Roberts, Mark Wilks, Hillyard, Kilpin, Campbell, and Treschow; Drs. Pinkerton and Wardlaw. Also by Mr. Alderman Key.

This Society has lately published the following new Tracts. In the first series, No. 192. The Woodman of Switzerland; 193. The two Old Men ;-194. The Nature of an Oath Explained. We are particularly pleased with the last, such a Tract being much wanted; and we think it may very usefully be distributed at County Assizes and Quarter Sessions, and especially to persons who are about to appear as witnesses on any trial. Two or three hundred (at 2s. 8d. per 100,) would be well disposed of on such public

occasions.

The Society has also published some new Children's Books; as, 1. The History of Samuel; 2. The History of Shadrach; 3. The Young Cottager; 4. The Village School; 5. The Image Boys; 4. The Reward Book, Part vii. and viii. Wishing earnestly to forward the benevolent views of this laudable Society, we also insert the following Plan of circula ting Tracts by Loan.

"The Committee of the Religious Tract Society recommend to their Auxiliary Societies and friends, the plan of circulating, Monthly, a number of Tracts by way of loan, done up in stiff covers; for which purpose a selection of Tracts, in twelve books, numbered from one to twelve, is now on sale at their Deposi tory. The plan adopted is this: Notice is given, that once every Month, at a given time and place, an individual will attend to lend and exchange the packet of Tracts. Those who wish to receive them will go accordingly and receive the Loan Tracts; an account of which is entered in a book provided for that purpose; and which may be had at the Depository. A plan so simple, so easy of adoption, and so economical, commends itself to general attention. In some cases, loans of Tracts have been made by personal visitation at the houses of the poor; this plan may be found most expedient in some cases, but it is not so easy as the foregoing, nor so likely to excite the poor to consider the loan as a favour. It has been found expedient to ascertain the number of individuals wishing for the loan, previously to the distribution, in order that a sufficient number of sets may be provided, fully to meet the de mand."

AFRICAN INSTITUTION.

FRIDAY Noon, May 16, the Annual Meeting of the members of this Institution was held at Freemasons' Hall. There was a numerous assemblage of ladies present, and the platform was crowded with noblemen, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished individuals.— H. R. H. the Duke of Gloucester in the Chair.

T. Harrison, Esq. Secretary, read the Report. It contained an interesting detail of the proceedings of the Institution since the last Annual Meeting; and, among other matters, it stated that the Duke of Wellington had not been enabled to effect any decisive arrangements with the king of France relative to the abolition of the Slave Trade : it also expressed regret and disappointment at the result of the conferences held at Verona on the same subject.

The meeting was successively addressed by the Marquis of Lansdowne, Mr. Buxton, M. P., Count de Torreno, Member of the Spanish Cortes, (who, in the French language, expressed the good will of his country to the objects of this Institution,) Lord Calthorpe, J. Stephens, Esq. Mr. Wilberforce, M. P. and H. R. H. the Chairman, who expressed his satisfac

tion that slavery was becoming much more circumscribed; at the same time, exertions were still necessary to extend the blessings of freedom, in co-operation with North America and other free go

vernments.

HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

THE Annual Sermons of THE HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY were this year preached at Salters' Hall, on Monday Evening, May 19, by the Rev. Thomas Adkins, of Southampton, from Jer. viii. 21, 22; and on Tuesday Morning, May 20, at Craven Chapel, by the Rev. Dr. Wardlaw, from 1 Cor. i. 26-29. The attendance was respectable, and the collections were good.

The Annual Meeting of this Society was held at Spa Fields Chapel, Thomas Walker, Esq. in the Chair. The Rev. C. Hyatt gave out a hymn, which a crowded assembly devoutly joined in singing. The Rev. W. Roby prayed, and the Rev. F, Moore read the Report. After which the Meeting was addressed by Thomas Thompson, Esq. Rev. Messrs. Irving and Henry, Dr. Wardlaw, H. Lacey, Mr. Stuart, (of Dublin) T. Golding, Thomas Wilson, Esq. Rev. A. Douglas, J. Irons, W. Salt, S. Kilpin, Mr. Kemp, (Tutor of Cheshunt College,) Mr. Miller, (cash Secretary,) Rev. E. A. Dunn, Mr. Millar, (of Glasgow) Mr. Kirwan, Mr. Smith, (of Rotherham,) and Mr. Cobbin.

The amount received at the Meetings was 2601. The Report states that the Society has now twenty-four stations, employs twenty-two missionaries, who preach in 189 villages, and have nearly three thousand in their Sunday-schools.

CONTINENTAL SOCIETY, For the diffusion of Religious Knowledge over the Continent of Europe by Native Local Preachers. Established in 1818. THE above Society held its Fifth Anniversary General Meeting on Wednesday Morning, May 21st, at Freemasons' Hall, and it was fully and most respectably attended. The President, Sir T. Baring, Bart. M. P. took the Chair, and opened the business of the day with some appropriate remarks. Indisposi tion, however, compelled him to retire before the conclusion of the meeting, when he was succeeded by Gen. Neville, one of the Vice Presidents of the Society. A very interesting Report was read by the Secretary, the Rev. Isaac Saunders, A. M., and suitable resolutions, founded

VOL. I.

lected.

Reports may be had at the Continental Society Office, 8, St. Andrew's Hill, Doctors' Commons.

PROVINCIAL.

ANNIVERSARIES.

ON Tuesday and Wednesday, April 1 and 2, was held at Newcastle-underLyne the Annual Meeting of the Staffordshire Association of Congregational Churches and Ministers. Mr. Cooper, of West Bromwich, and Mr. Whitridge, of Armitage, preached on the occasion. This Society has resolved, that the name henceforth shall be, "The Staffordshire Association of Congregational Ministers and Churches, and Auxiliary Home Missionary Society;" and that instead of employing their funds as formerly, in supporting itinerants, they shall be remitted to the Home Missionary Society, with the understanding, that that Society shall, as far as possible, supply the destitute parts of the county with Missionaries. We are glad to learn that the cause of Christ appears to be exciting considerable attention in Staffordshire; and that three new chapels among the congregationalists have been erected during the past year, and two or three others proposed; all of which, except one, are for the accommodation of an extensive population, which were previously destitute. We hear that the next Annual Meeting is to be held at West Bromwich.

ON Wednesday, April 2, the Anniver sary of the Dorset Missionary Society was held at Swanage. Rev. T. Durant 2 D