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assured-then is it not reasonable to suppose that this association-this communion-will be first with those whom we knew and loved on earth; to whom our hearts were most closely linked; who, with the same opportunities and means of grace as ourselves, have been disciplined in the same school, and-if I may so express it-had the spiritual affections and virtues cast in the same mould? This community of thought and feeling, caused by a community of joys and sorrows in their previous state of probation, would naturally attract them together, as kindred spirits. And we can easily conceive how much such an union would tend to enhance their bliss.

now constitute the chief charm of life-they will be purified, strengthened, and perpetuated.

"All is not over with earth's broken tie

Where, where, should sisters love, if not on high?” It is unnecessary to pursue this subject further. From the view we have taken of it, we think it abundantly evident that scripture allows us to hope that we shall know our friends in another life; that all those "who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world and the resurrection from the dead," will be re-united to, and associate with, those whom they knew and loved in this life, "and contribute to each other's delight in that condition of perpetual blessedness."

Miscellaneous.

May we not suppose that Peter now holds sweet couverse with his first Gentile convert Cornelius, and his household, as well as with the angel who bore the message of mercy to this pious centurion? That Paul and Silas are now associated with the jailor of Philippi and his family, whom they were the honoured instruments of converting ? and “that the martyr Stephen, and Saul, that barbarous persecutor (afterDAMASCUS.-The first house towards which we wards his brother both in faith and martyrdom) are directed our course, is situated near the east gate, now joined in bonds of everlasting friendship, and "in the street which is called Straight." According dwell together in the happy company of those who to tradition, it is that mentioned in the ninth chapter washed their robes, and made them white in the of the Acts of the Apostles, which belonged to a Jew, blood of the Lamb?" Is there any thing fanciful in named Judas. St. Paul, struck with blindness, on the supposition that Philip the evangelist, and the his way to Damascus, was conducted thither by his treasurer of Candace again recognize each other?-companions after his conversion. There he was at May we not believe, as the pious bishop Horne has prayer, when Ananias a disciple of Jesus Christ, disaid, that "in heaven the Ethiopian nobleman will rected by a divine inspiration, went to inquire for him again behold the face of his old pastor and father in and laid his hands upon him, and baptized him. In Christ? Numbered with the saints of the Most this house there is a kind of a cell, or very small High in glory everlasting, with what pleasure will closet, where, it is said, the apostle passed three days, they then look back upon the time which they spent without sight, and without food. Here, too, it was, together in the chariot, over the fifty-third chapter we are told, that he had the admirable vision in which of Isaiah; that small portion of time productive of he was rapt into the third heaven. The Straight so much never-ending joy and comfort to them street (via recta) as St. Luke calls it, on occasion of both." the house of Judas, is still standing entire: it is the principal street of the city, running from one end of it to the other, from east to west. The buildings on either side are almost all shops or warehouses, stocked with the richest commodities, both of Europe and of the different parts of Asia, which are brought thither, by the caravans of pilgrims. Dressed, almost all of them, in white, and with studied elegance, the head wrapped in a voluminous turban, which the Damasquin arranges more tastefully than any other Asiatic, the Turkish tradesmen, squatted on their heels before their shops, calmnly wait till a customer comes to rouse them from their indolence. Nothing is more curious to the eye of the European, unused to the sight, than the contrast of that long file of black beards, with the white colour of the garments over which they descend. From the house of Judas, we went to another in the same street, about forty paces farther, where Ananias the disciple dwelt; and in which, if we may believe tradition, he was buried. Close at hand is a fountain from which the water used for baptizing the apostle was brought. This house has been converted into a mosque: we could see only the outside of it. We went out through the east gate, and when we were beyond the walls, M. Tustet showed me the window, or kind of loophole, from which the Christians, being apprized, that the Jews designed to kill St. Paul, and were besetting the gates day and night to prevent his escape, let him down the side of the wall in a basket.

Why may not Moses and Elijah, and Peter and James, and John-all of whom were witnesses of the transfiguration-now, in social intercourse, speak of the time when they met together on the mount, and were permitted to see their Redeemer's "excellent glory," a faint shadow of the glory now revealed to them? As memory retraces that heavenly scene, will not their hearts kindle with more fervent love towards him who hath made them kings and priests unto God." Will they not sing a louder and sweeter strain unto him who has procured for them an open and an abundant entrance into the holy of holies?And will not Peter now exclaim, with more ardent affection, and with more devout thankfulness to his glorified Master, "Lord it is good for us to be here!” (Matt. xvii. 4). Can we conceive of any possible ob stacle to such a union of pious hearts, and holy social intercourse?-to such a renewal of early recollections? Is there any reason why Paul and Barnabas and Luke and Timothy-fellow-labourers on earth, and companions in glory-should not now review, with gratitude and praise, their common dangers and trials, and sufferings, in their efforts for the conversion of the heathen world? If not, and assuredly there is not, then why may not all pious friends and relatives, who have journeyed together through life's pilgrimage, be permitted to meet at its close, and review the dangers and count up the blessings of the way, and with united hearts and voices bless him who conducted them safely to the haven where they would be?

Why may not the parents and their children, brothers and sisters, unite once more in the social circle, and send up their anthems of praise, for being brought together to this state of glory? "Love never faileth;" not even when faith is lost in sight, and hope in fruition. In heaven the love of God and love of our neighbour will be our highest duty, our highest privilege, our highest joy. And so, we trust, it will be, in reference to those endearments which

* From a Pilgrimage to Palestine, Egypt, and Syria. By Maria-Joseph de Gerambe, Monk of la Trappe.

London: Published by JAMES BURNS, 17 Portman Street, Portman Square: W. EDWARDS, 12 Ave-Maria Lane, St. Paul's; and to be procured, by order, of all Booksellers in Town and Country.

PRINTED BY

JOSEPH ROGERSON, 24 NORFOLK STREET, STRAND, LONDON.

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Ecclesiastical Intelligence.

ORDINATION APPOINTED.

BP. OF HEREFORD, at Hereford, Jan. 12. ORDAINED BY BP. OF ROCHESTER, at Bromley, Nov. 10.

PRIESTS.

Of Oxford.-T. P. Phelps, B.A. Worc. Literale.-E. Collins, Lett. dim. Bp. of London.

DEACONS.

Of Cambridge.-C. Acland, M.A. Caius, Lett. dim. Abp. Canterbury; G. D. Parnell, B.A. Down.

BY BP. OF DURHAM, Dec. 1.

PRIESTS.

Of Cambridge.-J. Thurlow, St. John's.

JANUARY 1840.

Ordinations.

Of Durham.-G. Brown, J. Cundell, T. Garnett, J. W. Hick, W. Mackey, F. Thomp

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DEACONS.

Of Oxford.-W. Darnell.

Of Durham.-W. Skene, F. B. Thompson. St. Bees'.-C. Abbott.

BY BP. OF ELY, at Ely Cath., Dec. 1.

PRIESTS.

Of Oxford.-R. H. D. Barham, B.A., R. G. Young, B.A. Oriel.

Of Cambridge.-H. R. Bramwell, B.A. Christ's; F. W. P. Collison, M.A. St. John's; J. Horner, B.A. Clare H.; J. R. Hutchinson,

M.A. St. John's; T. W. Leventhorpe, M.A. Jesus; V. Raven, B. A. Magd.; J. Smith, M.A. Christ's; H. R. Smythies, B.A. Emman.; W. W. Willock, B.A. Magd.

DEACONS.

Of Oxford.-S. P. Roberson, B.A. Worc., Lett, dim. Bp. Lichfield.

Of Cambridge.-R. P. Baker, B.A. St. John's, Lett. dim. Bp.Lichfield; W. H. Bateson, M. A., T. F. Cooke, M.A. St. John's; R. Goodwin, B.A. Clare; C. Grain, B.A. Pemb.; W. A. Smith, B.A. St. John's; J. Sparke, B.A., C. Thornton, Clare.

Of Dublin.-J. S. Watson, B.A. Trin., Lett. dim. Bp. Bath and Wells.

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Hon. C. A. Trinity (R.), &c.

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f Barlby, near Selby, 1 W. York

Maitland, P.

Moore, T. D.

Vincent, W..

Whittaker, R. N.

{St. Peter's (P.C.), Blackburn, Lane.} {Preb-Kingualor, and

Athnowen (R.), Ireland.

Ch. Ch., Skipton, York.

. St. Aubyn's Ch., Devonport.

Brancepath (R.), Dur. 1449 R. E. D. Shafto, Esq. 811 White Ladies As

Penhow (R.), Mon.

Witton Gilbert

(P.C.), Durham East Allington (R.),

Devon

}

R. Berkeley, Esq.

235 J. Cave, Esq.

194

}

417 D. & C. Durham

303

677 Mrs. E. Fortescue 691 D. & C. Westm.

345

192

224

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Steventon (V.), Berks
St. Andrew c. St.
Mary Breadman

} Whalley (V.), Lanc.

{

Rogiet cum Ifton (R.), Mon. Mounton (P.C.), Mon.

}

2298 Earl of Shaftesbury
Williams, R.
391 Vic. of Hemingbrough 65
Williams, L.
Elder, E. head mast. Durham Sch.
Haughton, assist. min. Bedford Chapel,
Bloomsbury.

Ainger, Dr. rur. dean St. Bees', Cumb.
Baker, W. chap. Lincoln Union.
Brewer, J. S. tut. and lib. King's Coll., Lond.
Butson, Archd. vie. gen. Clonfert Dioc.
Campbell, J. miss. chap. Bristol and Exeter
Railway.

Cockeroft, W. mast. Knutsford Gram. Sch. Eade, I. D. Bp. of Durham's official for archdeaconry.

Hayes, C. lec. of Wath-upon-Dearn, Yorksh. Hobart, Canon-mast. St. Cath. Hosp., Ledbury. Pat., D. & C. Hereford.

Joly, H. E. vic.-gen. and judge of the Consistorial Court, of Tuam. Pat., Bp. of Tuam. Jones, I. T. prof. Welsh, St. David's Coll.

+ Erected in memory of Bishop Ryder.

At Eccleshall Castle, Staffordshire, the Right Rev. Samuel Butler, D.D., Lord Bishop of Lichfield, formerly Fellow of St. John's, Cambridge, and Master of the Gram. School at Shrewsbury. He took the degree of B.A. in 1796, proceeded M.A. in 1799, and B.D.

Abp. Canterbury 1044{ this turn

3660 Abp. Canterbury.

40 Sir C. Morgan, Bart. 186
65 W. Hollis, Esq.
87
Morgan, Canon-mast. St. Ethelbert's Hosp.,
Hereford. Pat., D. & C. Hereford.
Page, J. R. chap. Coll. Civil Engineers.
Robinson, chap. Boston Union.
Rose, H. T. rur. dean Bedford.
Russell, I. L. F. chap. Wareham Union.
Sinclair, J. chap. Bp. of London.
Thomas, R. mast. Monmouth Training Sch.
Willis, W. A. subdn. vic. Choral, Limerick.

Hon. F. Grey declined accepting the living-see last Register.

Clergymen deceased.

Dr.

and D.D. 1811. He succeeded Dr. Ryder as Bishop of Lichfield in June 1836. Butler was born in 1774, and was the first medallist at Cambridge in 1796.

Boake, J. rec. Swalcliffe, Kent.
Brunwin, M. J. rec. Bradwell, Essex.

Breay, J. G. preb. Lichfield, and minis. Christ
Church, Birmingham.

Cookesley, J. at North Cheam, Surrey, 69.
Gilpin, M. p. c. St. Thomas, Stockport.

Greenwood, R. H. at Bracondale, 73.

Harridge, D. F. cur. Lamarsh, Essex, 36.

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Nov. 21.-W. Linwood, Ch. Ch., elected Boden scholar. Nov. 29.-Balliol. Rev. H. Wall, M.A., vice-princ., St. Alban Hall, elected fell.

Select preachers, enter on office Mich. Term, 1840:Very Rev. G. Chandler, D.C.L., dean of Chichester, late fell. of New; Rev. E. Hawkins, B.D., fell. of Exet.; Rev. G. Gleig, M.A., Ball.: Rev. J. R. Wood, M.A., Ch. Ch. ; Rev. R. W. Browne, M.A., late fell. St. John's.

Craven scholar, C. A. Johnson, Brasenose, elected, vice Ryle, Ch. Ch.

Proctors. It has been agreed in convocation, that an annual stipend of 3507., to be paid by the vice chancellor, be in future assigned to each successor of the present proctors, in lieu of all fees and payments of every description at present appertaining to the office; the said fees, &c., to be paid into the university chest, and annually accounted for by the vice-chancellor.

CLASSICAL EXAMINATIONS: MICHAELMAS.

CLASS I-Fraser, J., Linc.; Giraud, H. A., Worc.; Jones, E. R., Brasen.; Jowett, B. P., Ball.; Kay, W., Linc.; Northcote, S. H., Ball. CLASS II. Anderdon, W. H., Univ.; Andrew, S., Linc.; Clarke, T. G., Queen's; Cooke, S. H., Ch. Ch. ; Dalgairns, J. D., Exet.; Estcourt,

Sandes, F. cur. of Lisleton, at Sallowglen, c.
Kerry.

Sandford R. p.c. Crook, Westmoreland.
Taylor, J. p. c. Coppull. Lanc. (Pat. Rec.
Standish); head mast. Heskin Sch.
Turner, G. rec. Kettleburgh, Suff. (Pat. Earl
of Gosford); rec. Monewdon, Suff. (Pat. A.
Arcedeckne, Esq.)

E. D. B., Ball.; Graham, W. B., Magd. H.; Marshall, G.,
Ch. Ch. Price, T. C., Mert.; Sheppard, J. G., Wad.;
Swayne, G. C., C. C. C. CLASS III. Anstis, M., Exet.;
Beckett, W. T., Trin.; Bradley, E., Magd. H.; Conway,
J. J., Brasen.; Dawson, R., Wad.; Fox, H. W., Wad.;
Gray, R. H., Ch. Ch.; Lane, E., Magd. H.; Maule, T. C.,
St. John's; Pearse, T., Magd.; Rawlinson, W. C., Magd.
Hall; Sayres, J., Wad.: Smythies, W. Y., Trin.; Weide-
mann, C. F. S., Ch. Ch. CLASS IV. Bathurst, R. A.,
New; Burney, R. K., Magd.; Corbett, U., Ch. Ch.;
Hathaway, E. P., Queen's; Hobhouse, R., Ball.; Maple-
ton, R. J., St. John's; Preston, T., Exet.; Somers-Cocks,
Hon. C., Ch. Ch.; Tomlins, R., St. Mary Hall; Tuttiett,
E., Ch. Ch.; Wigan, W. L., Ch. Ch.
Examiners.-R. Greswell, R. Michell, R. Hussey, and
H. Wall.

MATHEMATICAL EXAMINATION.

CLASS I-Gordon, J., Brasen. CLASS II. Brancker, H., Wad.; Hobhouse, R., Ball.; Kay, W., Linc.; White, W., Ch. Ch. CLASS III. Cooke, S. H., Ch. Ch.; Dawson, R., Wad.; Gray, R., Ch. Ch.; Marshall, G., Ch. Ch.; Northcote, S. H., Ball. CLASS IV. Lockett, H., Exet.; Somers Cocks, Hon. C., Ch. Ch.

Examiners.-T. Twiss, J. Walker, and N. Pococke.

CAMBRIDGE.

Nov. 27. The following grace passed the senate:-To purchase of Count Munster, from the Woodwardian fund, a collection of geological specimens, about 20,000 in number, at the price of 5001.

Craven Scholarship.-The vice-chancellor has given notice, that there will be on Monday, the 27th of January 1840, at nine o'clock, an examination of candidates for the scholarship upon this foundation, lately holden by Mr. W. A. Osborne, of Trinity college.

The Norrisian professor of divinity has given notice that his lectures in Lent term 1840, will commence on the 5th of February.

Dec. 9. The very Rev. Dr. Peacock, dean of Ely, was on Monday elected a sen. fell. Trin., in the room of the Rev. R. H. Greenwood, deceased.

Dec. 7. The Norrisian prize was adjudged to D. Moore, of Cath. Hall, for his essay on the following subject:"The divine origin of the holy Scriptures may be inferred from their perfect adaptation to the circumstances of human nature."

King's.-R. Williams, A. B. Simonds, and E. Balston, elected fellows.

Cath.-W. R. Sharpe, elected Skirne fellow.
Christ's.-J. Clark, B.A.; H. B. Mason, B.A., elected

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the new library that a balance will be due to Messrs. Rigby, on the completion of their contract, amounting to 37451. That, in addition to the above, there will be required for paying the architect, the clerk of the works, and for incidental expenses, a sum probably not less than 20001. That it further appears that the University possesses no adequate funds applicable to the liquidation of these demands. That the balance of the subscriptions to the new library now in the hands of the bankers amounts to no more than 7211., thus leaving a debt of somewhat more than 5000l., for the payment of which the University stands engaged, and no provision has been made. That, although it is expected that some portion of this sum of 50001. will be obtained from such subscribers to the new library as have not yet paid their subscriptions, from members of the University who may be disposed to add to their former contributions, and from those who have not at present contributed towards that important object, the syndicate are of opinion that measures should immediately be taken for enabling the vice-chancellor to meet the deficiency above stated. That the syndicate see no better means of effecting this purpose than by appropriating thereto, for a limited period, a part of the Library fund.' That they therefore recommend that the 'Library - fund' be charged with the annual payment of 5001. for a term of years not exceeding twelve; upon which annuity they are of opinion that the requisite sum may be raised. In making this proposition, the syndicate deem it right to observe, that the whole of the Library-fund accruing to the present time has not been expended; but that they do not think it advisable that the accumulations amounting to 3777-91., new 3 per cent stock, should be applied towards the payment of the existing debt. They would further observe, that the principle of this proposition is recognised in the report of a syndicate, which was printed and circulated throughout the University in the month of February 1831; and the syndicate now recommend this course with the greater confidence, inasmuch as the present annual amount of the Library-fund (16004) exceeds that contemplated by the framers of the original grace of the 7th of Dec., 1825, by the sum of 4001." Confirmed by grace, Dec. 11.

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DURHAM,

The warden has appointed Rev. T. W. Peile vicemast. for current year. The dean and chapter have annexed two fellowships to the two chaplainships, held by Rev. J. Cundill, B.A., and Rev. T. Garnett, B.A.

ADDITIONAL CURATES' SOCIETY.

They have also established three fellowships, to be held for six years, if not vacated by marriage or preferment, and to be filled up in 1839, 41, 43.

Proceedings of Societies.

We have been requested to invite the attention of our readers to an advertisement respecting the Additional Curates' Society, the object of which is to supply to incumbents of poor and populous parishes the means of providing additional clergymen. A very general wish has been expressed, during the last two years, that a district-society should be organised in this university (as is the case at Oxford, Bristol, Manchester, Bury St. Edmund's, and many other places throughout the country); and it is hoped that those who approve of its object and management will signify their intentions, before the members of the university separate, in sufficient numbers to ensure the formation of a district committee against the beginning of the ensuing term. The following short statement will exhibit the present condition and pressing demands of this most important institution:

Grants made in the year ending at Easter 1839
Amount so appropriated

Amount of grants to which the Society is pledged for
the year ending at Easter 1840

Present income

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i. e. Balance remaining to meet new applications New applications, received up to July, 1839

£9,700

6,915

6,600

.

6,700 100 51

Cambridge Paper. INCORPORATED SOCIETY FOR BUILDING CHURCHES, &c. At the Nov. meeting, the Bishop of London chairman, after other business, the following grants were made :1. A church at Ardsley, par. Darfield, York; at Marshwood, Dorset; Tipton, St. Mary's Ottery, Devon; Puckforton, Chester; Leekhampton, Gloucester.

2. Building a chapel at Porthleven, par. Lithnuy, Cornwall; Dolfer, Kerry, Montgomery; Holbeach Fen, Lincoln, par. Trinity Coventry; Cornish Hall End, par. Finchinfield, Essex; Camborne, Cornwall.

3. Rebuilding chapel, Wynford Eagle, Dorset; Yeaveley, p. Shirley, Derby; Landysilio, Pembroke.

4. Increasing accommodation, at Cuthberts Barton, p. Stanwick, York; at Barton, Beds.; at Kimbolton, Hants; Wem Salop; Messing, Essex; Bray, Berks.; Backford, Chester.

5. Purchasing a dissenting meeting-house for chapel, par. Ravelstoke, Devon.-Applications since 31st March, 1839, 118; grants made, 93; additional sittings, 29,964; free, 21,741; money granted, 14,7301.

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CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Various mis-statements having gone forth, relative to the society's mission at New Zealand,-such, for instance, as that the mission was originally established, and for a long time systematically conducted, on the principle of first civilising and then Christianising the natives;" and others calculated to cause prejudice in the minds of many against its operations,-a circular, bearing date, Nov. 29, 1839, has just been published by the committee, which must convince every candid reader, how utterly erroneous such statements are. It concludes with the following remarks:

"The committee having long pressed on government the obligation to take measures on behalf of the natives of New Zealand, feel strong satisfaction that this has at length been done. While it will be the duty of the missionaries to limit themselves more cautiously than ever to their appropriate work, the committee will rejoice to find their legitimate influence rendered subservient to the social and religious welfare of the natives in the new circumstances in which they are about to be placed. The

In some of these cases new churches are actually built, and only wait for want of funds to maintain a curate; in others temporary aid only is asked till local funds can be raised. Under these circumstances the committee have promised assistance, in reliance upon increased public support, in default of which the grants so promised must be withdrawn.

steps taken to locate large bodies of settlers in New Zealand must likewise needs have an important bearing on the mission. Toward these parties it will be the duty of the missionaries to conduct themselves in a kind and friendly manner, at the same time that they rigidly abstain from mixing themselves up with their plans and proceedings. The progressive enlargement of the mission to its present extent,-especially in the new circumstances in which it must hereafter be carried on, and the arrangements of an ecclesiastical nature, to which the committee look forward as the result of the bishop's visit,-call for modification in the administration of the mission, answerable to its advanced state and altered circumstances. The amount, too, to which the expenditure of the mission has of late risen, demands investigation, especially in the actual state of the society's finances, without any imputation on the missionaries by whom its affairs have been locally administered. The committee have, therefore, come to the determination to send a deputation to New Zealand, composed of one clergyman and one layman, in order to a thorough investigation of its whole state and circumstances, and with the view to such arrangements, both secular and ecclesiastical, as its situation and that of the island may demand. The missionaries themselves feel the need of such a measure, and call for its adoption. In these circumstances, the committee are most solicitous to engage the services of two suitable persons for the objects above specified, with as little delay as possible. The committee, in conclusion, earnestly solicit the prayers of their friends, that the great Head of the Church may be pleased so to provide for the wants of the mission, in its present critical situation, as that its future operations may prove eminently conducive to his glory, in promoting both the temporal and eternal welfare of this interesting people in the momentous change which they are about to pass through.

SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE.

The report for 1839 has just been published, appended to which is the sermon preached at St. Paul's, June 6, 1839, by the Bishop of Durham, from Eph. vi. 4. The receipts for the year, including the money paid by members on account of books delivered on the terms of the society, 52,7651. 5s. 7d., dividends on stock, &c., and sale of exchequer bills, is 98,6851. 7s. 10d. The total number of books supplied is as follows:-Bibles, 108,132; New Testaments, 102,121; Prayer-books, 227,362; Psalters, 14,198; bound books, 161, 167; tracts, 2,276,166. There is very much valuable information contained in the report, especially in the correspondence; and it is most gratifying to find, that the report closes in the following tone of thankfulness for the past, and hope for the future. "Thus has the society again rendered an annual account of its efforts in contributing to spread the knowledge of God, and of Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. For the full success of these proceedings, it can only look to the Most High, and to the influence of the Holy Spirit, who has often vouchsafed to make human instruments effectual to the accomplishment of great designs. While, therefore, with feelings of gratitude for the past, the society gives God the praise for what has been done in his name, it will still, in the spirit of humble supplication, continue to rely on his help and blessing, in its future endeavours to promote the present and eternal well-being of men. In conformity with the principles on which it was first established, the institution has, during the past year, expressed its views and wishes on two important questions, namely, those of general education, and religious colonial provision; on the issue of which, in this Christian nation, mighty interests undoubtedly depend. The reasons for these views appear to the society to be gaining additional strength every day; and it is hoped that they will have

their weight in quarters in which their importance may be practically acknowledged. If, however, in the business of instruction, any other foundation than that which is laid be recognised and adopted by some; or the spiritual sustenance for the hungry souls of our brethren in the Church in the colonies be dealt out with a sparing hand; still this society will not suffer itself to be deterred or discouraged in the prosecution of the good work in which it has been so long engaged. It will persevere, with becoming zeal, in the use of such means as the good providence of God may see fit to place in its hands towards attaining its great and glorious objects of bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; maintaining and promoting the knowledge of pure and uncorrupted Christianity at home; and communicating the blessings of the Gospel to distant parts of the world; that the way of God may be known upon earth, his saving health among all nations."

INDIGENT BLIND VISITING SOCIETY.

The fifth report has just been forwarded to the editors, from which the following interesting statements are selected. The society, the house of which is at 20 Red Lion Square, is deserving of cordial patronage.

"The committee of the Indigent Blind Visiting Society, in presenting to the subscribers and friends of the institution an account of their proceedings during the past year, desire to express their unfeigned thankfulness to almighty God, for the support he has afforded them, and for the blessings which through their instrumentality he has been pleased to pour upon many of the blind persons, who, during the five years of their existence as a society, have been under their care. It has been found advisable to discontinue the plan of employing children as readers to the blind, and to appoint adult-persons of piety and experience, who are members of the Church of England, and who are not only capable of reading the Scriptures, but also of conversing with the blind, and impressing upon them the importance and necessity of attending the public worship of almighty God. Thus, in many instances, those objections have been over-ruled, that are advanced for their neglect of frequenting God's house, where prayer and supplications are wont to be made. This brings before the public a most interesting feature of this society, and displays its character and usefulness, not only as a visiting society of the blind, but also as a friend to aged Christians, whose temporal circumstances it is enabled to improve by employing them at a small weekly salary as readers; thus endeavouring to carry out the apostolic precept, to do good unto all men, and especially unto them who are of the household of faith. It will be seen, from a few extracts from the visitors' and readers' reports, that God has been graciously pleased to continue his blessing on the labours of your committee. Several of the blind persons who, before they were visited by the society, were careless as to the salvation of their souls, are now regular attendants at the house of God, and are extremely desirous to hear his holy word read to them: thus, many have been built up in their most holy faith; others, who had strayed into the paths of error, have been brought back to the Gospel of Christ; and, during the last year, two have been removed from this world of sin and sorrow to that of purity and peace, who, by means of this society, had been led to walk in the way which leadeth to eternal life. In accordance with a resolution agreed upon at the last annual meeting, such blind persons as could not conveniently meet our readers daily, have been visited every alternate day. By this arrangement your committee are happy to state, that they have been enabled to admit many fresh cases, and thus to extend the usefulness of the society, so that there are at the present time seventy blind persons provided with Scripture-readers, twentyfive with Bibles, and twenty regularly conducted to Church. There is however still much to be done in this sphere of usefulness; and it is the painful task of the committee to add, that a large proportion of their fellow-creatures who are afflicted with the loss of sight, are not only in the most destitute circumstances, but are living in the total neglect of all the means of grace. At the present time there are several persons recommended to the committee, who cannot be provided with readers or conductors until the funds

are increased. Your committee therefore most earnestly solicit additional support, that the labours of the society may be still much more extended. It is for the blind they plead-that they may have the tidings of salvation proclaimed to them, and may, by the preaching of the Gospel, be induced to accept the invitation to the marriage-supper of the Lamb."

IRISH ISLANDS.

Last Yearly Statement.-It is now nearly five years since the directors of the Achill Mission, contemplating the melancholy condition of the islands generally round the coast of Ireland, were induced to adopt a plan suggested to them for the amelioration of this interesting and isolated part of the country, by taking the direction and management of an auxiliary association, the funds and various resources of which were to be devoted entirely to the benefit of these hitherto neglected places. They were neither ignorant of the evil, nor indifferent to the objection, which, even at that period, naturally suggested itself in the formation of new plans, having the public bounty for their sole support: they believe that the unnecessary multiplication of societies is a great evil; but, on the other hand, they discovered, after close investigation, that none of the existing societies, however excellent their object, had fully reached the forgotten and distant habitations of the thousands who people the isles around the coast, and that the existence of these institutions was consequently of little or no avail as regarded them. The directors also found that, from the remoteness of these localities, and the difficulty attending all communications with them, both by sea and land, years were likely to elapse before the most distant hope could be entertained of their receiving a full share of the benefit to be derived from existing societies; and that to meet the pressing claim of a people so situated, a society should be formed, that might unite in itself all the benevolent objects of the various institutions now in operation. The directors have consequently left themselves the liberty of employing every means and instrument which the exigencies of the islands may require, for the temporal and eternal advantage of their inhabitants; and satisfied that the best interests of the people will be best attained by extending among them the principles and doctrines of the Established Church, to which they are themselves devoted, they have held that object steadily in view in all their plans and operations. The preaching of the everlasting Gospel by duly ordained ministers, they doubtless esteem as the highest of these means; nevertheless, the experience of many centuries having convinced them of the inefficiency of preaching to any people in a tongue which they consider foreign, if not unknown; they have been delayed in the use of this means by the impossibility of obtaining clergymen who can preach in Irish. In awaiting this desirable object, however, they have been engaged in a most important preparatory work, sowing the seed of divine truth by wellinstructed and pious agents, and affording a sound religious education to the rising generation; thus preparing the way for proclaiming hereafter the glad tidings of eternal life. Nor have they contented themselves with an useless inoperative desire, that the Gospel should be proclaimed in the native tongue to this part of the population, but believing that in the fourth century of the Reformation, the day is far, too far, spent already, they have done what in them lay to remedy this deficiency; and in November of 1837, they connected with their society a promising young man who speaks the Irish fluently, and has now entered college as a candidate for the ministry. In the intervals of college duties, his services have already been found very useful; and the acceptance secured to him, by his knowledge of a language so entwined with the affections of the people, already proves the wisdom of this effort. The directors, earnestly desiring to strengthen the hands of their dear fellow-labourers in the ministry, have thankfully availed themselves of the gratuitous services of clergymen residing in the neighbourhood of the islands, enabling them, by the use of the society's boats, to visit and instruct their own people, and supplying instruments through whom they may communicate with a

• The office of the society is at 16 Upper Sackville Street, Dublin.

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