factory. One has been brought to God, and we hope will continue faithful to the end. May the Lord grant it. Amen. The Report having been read, the Chairman called on the different speakers to address the meeting. On the motion of MR. J. SNELL, seconded by MR. I. B. VANSTONE, it was Resolved; 1. That this meeting, convinced of the utility and importance of Sabbath School operations, as one means by which to bless and benefit the rising generation, pledges itself to labour in every practicable way, in order to make the different schools more efficient. On the motion of MR. JAMES THORNE, seconded by MR. FRIENDSHIP of Torrington, it was Resolved ; 2. That as it is to be feared that many children are to be found in different neighbourhoods who are not instructed in any Sabbath School, we advise that the teachers and officebearers do their best to find out such children, and bring them if possible, under religious training. On the motion of MR. W. S. PASCOE, seconded by MR. W. MASON, it was Resolved ; 3. That being persuaded that greater prosperity in our schools is much needed, and being conscious that nothing effectual can be done without believ ing, fervent prayer, we would advise that the monthly Teachers' Prayermeetings be regularly attended to, and that special prayer be offered to Almighty God for the preservation of the teachers and children who are converted, and for the conversion of those who are out of the way. A While the different speakers were remarking on these Resolutions, a blessed influence was realized, and the people felt it good to be there. verse or two of a hymn was then sung, the sound of which was truly sweet and enlivening. The sound was delightful. If people were to feel as the writer felt while these verses were be ing sung, they would not come to chapel as often as they do after singing and prayer is ended, but would be there to catch the sweet sounds by VOL. XIX. THIRD SERIES. which the worship of Heaven itself is resembled, and in which angels delight. After prayer the Conference separated, both pleased and edified. J. SNELL. BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY. Questions and answers for the Jubilee year, 1853-4. The Jubilee of the British and Foreign Bible Society has awakened general attention, and induced many inquiries; and as it is important that the support it receives should be the result of knowledge and conviction, it may not be amiss to furnish answers to a few questions respecting it. WHAT IS THE BIBLE SOCIETY? It is an institution formed for the sole purpose of circulating the Holy Scriptures, without note or comment, in all countries, and in all languages. As the work proposed to be accomplished is so great, the founders of the Society adopted the principle of union and co-operation; and hence all who receive and love the Bible have an opportunity given them to assist in its distribution. The Society, therefore, claims the support of all who profess and call ject is to circulate the Bible; and themselves Christians, because its obbecause it seeks to carry on the work by the united efforts, liberality, and prayers of all who approve of the object. WHAT HAS THE BIBLE SOCIETY DONE? Volumes might be written in reply to this question. At present, how ever, the extensive labours and remarkable prosperity of the Society, during its first fifty years, must be told in a few lines. The Society has promoted the Distribution, Printing, or Translation of the Scriptures in 150 Languages or Dialects. The number of Versions (of which specimens were exhibited in the Crystal Palace in 1851,) is 177. Of these, 123 are Translations never before printed. It has been instrumental in circulating, at home and abroad, 26,571,103 copies of the Scriptures, in whole or in part; and has assisted other societies, called into existence by its exerD tions, and stimulated by its example, to circulate about Nineteen Millions more, making a grand total of nearly FORTYSIX MILLIONS. In all its operations the Society has acted in accordance with its designation as a British and Foreign Institution. It must be observed, however, that the land which gave it birth has been favoured above all others. Upwards of Seventeen Millions of copies have been issued in the languages of the United Kingdom; the English, Welsh, Gaelic, Manx, and Irish. These copies have found their way to the mansions of the rich, and the cottages of the poor. They may be seen in the Sanctuary, and in the School-room. The various Benevolent and Religious Institutions of our own country have received numerous grants. Sunday Schools, especially, have received from the Society, in grants, or, at a reduced price, more than a Million of copies. Other countries have been supplied. "Jews and Gentiles" have been equally embraced by it. The Society's own Agents have scattered the seeds of Divine truth over a considerable portion of the globe; while the Missionaries of all Protestant Missionary Societies have received large supplies in the languages of the people amongst whom they have laboured. In this work of mercy the Society has expended nearly Four Millions sterling! This expenditure, great as it appears, is more than compensated by the delightful fact that the Scriptures thus circulated, far and wide, have been thankfully received, diligently read, and highly prized; and it may be confidently hoped that, by their possession and perusal, multitudes have been made "wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus." Does not a Society which has thus received the blessing of God deserve our most liberal and prayerful support ? WHAT REMAINS TO BE DONE? At Home the work is not finished. The population is rapidly increasing; readers are multiplying; Bibles, like other material things, wear out; and for these reasons the machinery of the Bible Society must be kept in constant activity, to overtake the increasing wants of our own country. Ireland is not fully supplied. Three Millions have been circulated in France, but the population exceeds Thirty Millions. Full one half of the inhabitants of It is Europe are totally destitute. still worse in Asia, Africa, and South America. How can it be otherwise? If all the Bibles ever printed could be collected together, they would not exceed Sixty Millions; and what are these amongst One Thousand Millions of human beings? There is immense work to be done in the department of Translation and Revision; and the work of Distribution has only commenced. How true it is that "there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed !” WHAT IS INTENDED BY THE JUBILEE? Without referring to Jews or Christians for authority or example, it may be stated that the Jubilee of the Bible Society has reference to the past, the present, and the future. It is a proper season to review the past with thankfulness to Almighty God for His goodness in raising, preserving, and prospering the Society. Nor is the season less suitable for serious consideration as to what measures should be taken at present, and what provision should be made for future operations. During the Jubilee Year a loud and strong testimony should be borne everywhere in favour of the Bible and its claims; and in support of man's right to possess and read it. But it is one special object of the Jubilee "to promote, by new and vigorous efforts, the widest possible circulation of the Scriptures, both at home and abroad." With a view to carry out this object, Bible Colportage at home, on a larger scale than ever, is now in operation; large grants of the Scriptures are being made to Prisons, Hospitals, Infirmaries, Unions, &c.; Resolutions have been adopted, and measures are in progress with a view to promote enlarged distributions of the Scriptures in Ireland, India, Australia, and other British Colonies. China, which is now so full of promise, claims a large share of our Jubilee Offerings. CONCLUSION. If the replies to the above questions have been satisfactory; if you approve of the Object and Constitution of the Society; if you rejoice in the work already accomplished under the Divine blessing; if you feel for the millions who are still without the knowledge of salvation; and if you sympathise in the present joyous Jubilee movement; you will be prepared to assist the Society specially during its Jubilee Year; and SECOND ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE. The following Address to the Auxiliaries and Friends of the Society throughout the World, has but lately reached us. A portion of it applies to the observance of a day which is already passed; but with a view of interesting those of our readers who do not see the Society's "Monthly Extracts," we readily insert it. DEAR FRIENDS, When last we had the pleasure to address you, we were on the eve of our YEAR OF JUBILEE, indulging in confiding and hopeful anticipations respecting it, which, through the good favour of God, have not proved unfounded. The proposal then made for the celebration of a Year of Jubilee met with a most gratifying and widespread response. Kindred Institutions and attached friends, in our own country and in far distant lands, even "from earth's remotest bounds," have united to encourage and help us in our thanksgivings and offerings, and to gladden us with assurances of sympathy and goodwill. Numerous commemor ative Services have been held, and joyous Meetings convened, some of them of a singularly interesting and animating character, of which information will already have reached you through the Society's various publications and the public prints. The Commitee now think it right, for the satisfaction of those who have contributed, and as an encouragement to others, to make you acquainted with the amount of money generously placed at their disposal under the designation of the JUBILEE FUND, and of the steps already taken towards appropriating that Fund, in furtherance of the several objects specified on its institution. The Contributions actually received amount to £25,959. Os. 7d., and are daily in creasing; and the Committee are apprised of considerable sums in the hands of local Treasurers and others, which will be remitted in due time. In reference to the several SPECIAL OBJECTS enumerated in connexion with the Jubilee Fund, and to be assisted by it, the Committee have to state as follows: 1. Resolutions on the subject of COLPORTAGE AT HOME have been for warded to all the principal Auxiliaries; and Grants have been made to the following places-Hereford, Manchester, Norwich, Neath, Minsterly, Chester, Hadley and Barnet, Cheadle, Lancas ter, Dartford, and Swanscombe, Carlisle, Settle, and Pontypool; and arrangements have been made for the em ployment of six Colporteurs in the metropolis. Applications from the county of Dorset, Cheltenham, Woolwich, Newport, Brosely, and other places, are under consideration. The Committees of Auxiliaries in those sea-port towns from whence EMIGRANT Vessels sail have been addressed, with a view to place at their dispos al additional supplies of the Scriptures for the use of Emigrants, and also offering assistance towards the expenses of a local agency for the purpose. Circulars have been sent to the various POOR-LAW UNIONS, offering to supply, when necessary, the Wards and Schools with the Scriptures; up to this date 106 have applied for grants. The Chaplains of PRISONS, and the Secretaries of HOSPITALS, INFIRMARIES, and ASYLUMS, have also received Cir. culars; and from these there are 64 applications now before the Committee. 2. No specific measures have yet been adopted with regard to IRELAND; but a correspondence has been opened with the Committee of the Hibernian Bible Society, as to the best mode of ef fecting an extensive distribution of the Holy Scriptures in that country. 3. Resolutions have been sent to the Auxiliary Societies in the several PRESIDENCIES of INDIA, and the Island of CEYLON; and they have been encourag ed, as a present measure, to make a large distribution of the Scriptures in various languages, in all the Missionary Schools and among the Families of the converts. The Committee have not yet succeeded in securing the services of suitable individuals to undertake the special Missions to AUSTRALIA; and to BRITISH NORTH AMERICA and the WEST INDIA ISLANDS; but they earnestly desire to carry out their plan in reference to this important object. 4. They are also watching with deep interest the progress of events in CHINA, and indulge in the hope that Providence is about to mark out a field for the employment of a considerable portion of the Jubilee Fund in that increas ingly important empire. An additional sum of £500 has just been placed at the disposal of the Corresponding Committee at Shanghai, for printing and distributing new editions of the Scriptures in the Chinese language: with encouragement to ask for more. 5. The amount hitherto distinctly appropriated to the BENEVOLENT FUND is comparatively small, but the Committee trust that it will yet receive a proportionate share of sympathy and support from many friends, who, for the work's sake, esteem those who are employed in it. It is also intended to signalise the Year of Jubilee by special efforts to benefit the "house of Israel," through the medium of the existing Societies for promoting Christianity amongst the Jews. Amongst other collateral measures, inquiries are now being made as to the supply of Students in the Continental Universities; and also as to some other channels whereby the Scriptures may be beneficially distributed on the Continent, by means of our own Agents, with the assistance of judicious local friends. It now remains for us to advert to another object of the present Address: OUR JUBILEE IS NOT YET OVER. It will be remembered, that, for reasons assigned, the 12th of October has been fixed upon for its general celebration by our Auxiliaries, Branches, and Associations, throughout the world, where circumstances will admit of it, and where Meetings have not already been held. Though this day has, in many instances, been anticipated, yet there is reason to believe that it will be extensively observed both in our own and in other countries, in the Colonies and Dependencies, and at many of the Missionary Stations in the remotest parts of the earth. The Committee wish to remind those Societies whose Meetings have been deferred until that period, that it is desirable that the requisite preliminary arrangements should be completed without delay; and they suggest whether, in places where Jubilee Meetings have already been held, it might not be practicable to assemble on that day, the principal Officers, Collectors, and active promoters of the local Societies, for mutual conference; or for such other services as may be thought expedient (in which, perhaps, the young might be especially invited to take part), as an expression of sympathy with those numerous friends in every quarter of the globe who will be then engaged in grateful commemoration of the institution and labours of the Society. Would not such Meetings, combined with with those of a more public nature, contribute to give a character of singular interest, solemnity, and joy, to our Autumnal Jubilee festival? Signed, in behalf of the Committee, ROBERT FROST, GEORGE BROWNE, Secretaries. August 23, 1853. BOTLEY MISSION. SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY. The Anniversary of the Bible Christian Sabbath School at Westend, in the Botley Mission, was held on Sunday, May the 24th, 1853. The service was commenced at 10 o'clock in the morning with singing and prayer, and an interesting sermon was delivered by Mr. Raynor, from Portsea. At 2 Mr. Raynor preached a very appropriate sermon to the young, which was listened to with deep attention; after which a few interesting pieces, of a religious character, were recited by the children, and the service was closed in the usual way. In the evening Mr. Hayter, from Southampton, interested the congregation with a pleasing discourse from Prov. iii. 17," Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace," and the children being arranged on the platform by the pulpit, recited a number of suitable pieces and dialogues, which deeply interested the congregation. The service was concluded with singing, prayer, and thanksgiving to Almighty God for his manifold mercies so richly bestowed on us. On the following day the children and their teachers assembled in the chapel which was very tastefully decorated, and the children were amply regaled with tea and cake; after which, a number of friends took tea, and all appeared to enjoy the repast. The tables being removed, Mr. Bristow opened the evening service with singing and prayer, and Mr. Othen being voted to the chair, gave a suitable address. Some time was then occupied in questioning and hearing the children. The chil dren's attainments gave general satisfaction, and reflected credit on their teachers. The meeting was then addressed by Messrs. Pye, Hill, and Hayter. A gracious influence prevailed, and the service was closed with singing and prayer. May the Great Head of the Church continue to bless this delightful institution, and may the children taught therein be made a blessing to the world while they live, and after death reign with Christ in everlasting glory. W. HILL. MISSIONARY MEETINGS. Several meetings in behalf of the Bible Christian Missionary Society, have recently been held in this and the Faversham Stations; the attendance has been good; the influence realized sweet, encouraging, and hallowing; the liberality of the friends beyond expectation; every collection has been in advance of last year, and that, without any special pleading on the part of the speakers. The various congregations have attentively listened, to the affecting statements made, have felt their sympathies moved in behalf of the dark and destitute portions of mankind, and have cheerfully contributed of their substance to improve the spiritual state of the world, and extend the triumphs of man's Redeemer. O that the Church were duly alive to her great commission and weighty responsibilities! JOHN GAMMON. PROSPERITY OF THE WORK, TRURO CIRCUIT. Dear Brother. It affords me pleasure to state, in addition to my last communication, that we have witnessed a delightful work at Hicks Mill. Our friends have laboured hard, and a goodly army from the valley of dry bones have started up into spiritual life. A delightful change has taken place at Bethel. The congregation is greatly enlarged, and many precious souls have been converted to God. Our prospects here are brightening considerably. We are sorry that we have still some very barren spots in the Circuit, but we trust that the revival spirit will go right through the Circuit, the entire, connexion, and the world at large, for Christ's sake. Amen. JOHN BROWN. EDITORIAL REMARKS. WAR, AND GRAIN-DESTROYERS. The Eastern question still remains unsettled, and it would be vain to specalate on the mode of settlement which may yet be adopted, whether by a peace concluded at the suggestion of the other European powers, or whether the Turks and Russians will do battle for it. The friends of peace had need exert themselves to influence the public mind so as to seek for a speedy termination of hostilities, nor should we omit fervent prayer to God that he may "give peace in our time." Doubtless this question has had the effect of enhancing the price of grain, and causing it to advance to prices at which all christian patriots may well express a hope that it will not long continue. The industrious classes must necessarily feel the sad consequences of a dear loaf, and the Agriculturist will be no ultimate gainer. One thing, we think, just now calls for deep thought, we mean the destruction of such vast quantities of grain in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages. Millions of quarters of the better qualities of grain will probably be destroyed, nay worse than destroyed, in malt-houses, breweries, and distilleries, during the continuance of the present high prices of grain! It would probably provoke rebellion, if the government were to license men to take such immense heaps of grain and burn them down to ashes; but wicked as it would be to destroy the food of the famishing by fire, it may well be concluded that it is far worse, to convert them into beverages |