We mentioned in our last, a Society formed by Rev. W. Cooper, and friends, of Plunket Street, Dublin, for the dissemination of the gospel: we now subjoin the following short Extract from their Report:

Referring to that part of their plan which respects sending forth men to preach the gospel in Ireland, the Report says, "We do not mean to depreciate other plans; yet we must avow, that, to us, the foolishness of preaching' is, after all, the most effectual, and the least expensive way of spreading the gospel; and it should never be forgotten that it is God's way. Hereby men are taught the value of the Bible, and will soon procure it for themselves. They learn the value of the soul, and how precious' the redemption of it is. Then how excellent will appear those institutions which facilitate their obtain ing that invaluable book at an

easy rate, and of teaching their poor children to read it!"

The following pleasing anecdote is added; which shews that it is chiefly by the exertions of Missionaries that the perusal of the Scriptures is likely to be generally promoted among the ignorant and thoughtless :

'A preacher, under the late Evangelical Society of Dublin, visited a certain town in the south of this country, where he preached several times. In his last sermon he strongly recommended the reading of the holy Scriptures. The sermon was preached in the morning; and a bookseller told an acquaintance the next day, that a number of Bibles and Testaments, which had lain in his shop for two or three years without any purchasers, were all bought before night! The people were so eager to get them, that he was obliged to hide the last one for his own use!'

AFRICAN AND ASIATIC SOCIETY.
VICE PRESIDENTS,

Right Hon. Lords Barham and Calthorpe ; W. Wilberforce, James Stephen, und T. R. Kemp, Esquires and M. P.

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MAY 5, the Annual Meeting of this Society was held at the Free Masons' Tavern, when a brief but interesting account of the Proceedings of the Committee during the past year was read. It appears that, of the number of Africans and Asiatics who attend the public Lectures, most of them are acquainted with the leading principles of Christianity, and hear with seriousness and attention. In some is perceived the dawn of that light which, we hope, will shine more and more unto the perfect day; and others give decisive proof of a saving change. The Cominittee, anxious to encourage the attendance of the Africans and their children on the means of instruction, have engaged to provide schools for them in their respective neighbourhoods, defraying the expences of books and education, and wish the friends of the Institution to urge any of this class that may be found in their vicinity, to apply, with the certain hope of success, for the free admission of themselves or children to school. During the last ten months sixty Africans have joined the Benefit Society, as subscribing members of a sinal sum weekly; about a hundred-andeighty cases of deep affliction have been relieved in the same time; and it is the wish of the Committee to be enabled, by the generosity of the public, to sweep a wider circle of mercy. It is their wish to adopt some effectual means to remove the necessity for so many of our sable brethren being found in our streets in the character of mendicants.

On the afternoon of the same day, a very respectable and numerous company of the members and friends of the Society, assembled at the Anniversary Dinner, W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. in the Chair, supported by Admiral Lord Gambier and Earl Crauford. After dinner the Africans were introduced to the company, on the part of whom there appeared to be a very lively interest in the prosperity of the Institution, which we hope will continue to increase till its important objects are attained to

ELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE.

their full extent. The Africans, &c. having expressed their gratitude to the company, and especially to Mr. Wilberforce, withdrew; when the Chairman, with his accustomed impressive eloquence, addressed the Meeting on the nature and object of the Society, cordially recommendSeveral other gentlemen ing it to the warm support of all present. spoke on the occasion.

D. NIVEN, Esq. Treasurer.
Rev. G. GREIG, Secretary.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

On Wednesday, the 6th of May, this Society held their Eighth Anniversary at Freemasons' Hall. The attendance was so numerous, that the Hall was filled almost immediately after the doors were opened; and many hundreds were unable to obtain admission. Lord Teignmouth, the President, read the Report; which enumerated, in a variety of interesting and important facts, the operations and success of the institution, and concluded with the most animated and encouraging sentiments. His Lordship then delivered a brief and impressive Address; and proceeded to read a letter from the Bishop of Durham, expressive of his deep regret at being prevented, by the state of his health, from attending the meeting of a Society in which he took so cordial an interest, and desired that a draught of 50 might be accepted as his proxy. The Bishop of Kildare, in an admirable speech, stated the want and acceptability of the Scriptures, not only among the Protestants, but also among very many of the Roman Catholics in Ireland. 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; and, after noticing the recent accession of the Professor of Maynooth to the Protestant Church, 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.

Mr. Wilberforce delivered a speech which weuld deserve to be classed with the happiest of his effusions on any preceding Anniversary; and descanted, with exquisite beauty 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, within the beams of celestial light, and to have left the clouds and storms of this lower world beneath him. The Institution appeared to him very aptly described in those beautiful lines of Goldsmith:

As some tall cliff, that lifts its awful form,

Swells from the vale, and midway meets the storm;
Tho' round its breast the rolling clouds are spread,
Eternal sunshine settles on its head.

The Bishop of Cloyne followed Mr. Wilberforce; after which the Rev. Dr. Winter delivered a judicious and candid speech, in which he described, in very appropriate terms, the happy union of Christian parties which this Society exhibited. The Bishop of Meath, in a speech of great energy, 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 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.

The Bishop of Norwich moved the Thanks of the Meeting to Lord Teignmouth, for his conduct in the Chair; which, being carried unanimously, terminated the Eighth Anniversary of this Institution. The multitude, amounting, it is supposed, to more than 2000 (and which would, had there Gg 2

been space, have amounted to almost double the number) were perfectly of one heart and one mind. Never did the countenances of men indicate more visibly the strong feelings of mutual joy and affection than those of that vast assembly. So perfectly had the great subject absorbed all subordinate considerations, that not an expression dropped from any speaker which betrayed a controversial feeling. A stranger to what has appeared in print, would have supposed that in this Institution of pure and vast benevolence there is (as we trust there soon will be) but one opinion and one feeling throughout the British Empire and the Christian world. And when we state that the number of Bibles issued last year was 35,690, and of Testaments 70,733, besides the number circulated abroad by the Society's aid; and that the net income of last year was 43,532. 12s. 5d. and its expenditure (including its engagements) 46,5307. 10s. 11d. we scarcely think we assume too much in claiming for an Association so employed and supported, the contributions, the co-operation, and the prayers of those who are sincerely desirous that all men should be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.'

LONDON FEMALE PENITENTIARY.

THE Fifth Annual Meeting of this excellent institution was held on Tuesday the 12th of May, at the New London Tavern, Cheapside, William Alers, Esq. the Treasurer, in the Chair; and we are happy to hear that it was more numerously attended than any former anniversary. From the interesting Report of the proceedings of the last year, which was presented on this occasion, we with pleasure extract a brief Summary. It begins with stating, that an unquestionable title to the Premises of the Institution (which are now securely held for a term of 74 years, at a pepper-corn rent) having been obtained, the erection of the East Wing was immediately begun; and that there was a probability of it being occupied in the course of a few weeks. An Infirmary and a prompt Reception Ward are proposed to be forthwith erected in the garden; on the completion of which the Asylum will be capable of containing about 100 objects. Since the last Anniversary 234 females have applied for admission, most of whom were under the age of 21 years. Of these, 45 were admitted; five have been dismissed for ill behaviour; five have left the house at their own request; and five, after having applied for admission, when made acquainted with the duties and discipline of the Charity, declined their application; 13 have been reconciled and restored to their friends; 17 placed out in service; one reconciled to her husband, and one married; one also, reconciled to her friends during the preceding year, has, during the present, been respectably and comfortably married. Two have died, leaving behind them pleasing evidences of the sincerity of their repentance, faith, and reformation. "Several very interesting particulars relative to these two young women, are given in the Appendix to the printed Report *. The information received by the Committee respecting those placed in service, has been extremely gratifying and encouraging. Four, since the last Annual Meeting, have received One Guinea each, having continued one year their places; and Two have received Two Guineas each, having remained in their respective places two years. The conduct, likewise, of the women in the Asylum has, with few exceptions, been commendable. The produce of their industry has considerably increased during the last year; above 10007, having been received for articles manufactured in the AsyJum. The Report states, that the exhibition of these articles for inspection and sale, has contributed greatly to enlarge the number of visitors; and that, by their purchases, donations, and subscriptions, the funds have thus been very materially benefited. During the last year the following Donations were received :-Lord Carrington, 50.; Lord Calthorpe, 50%.;

* Sold by Hatchard, 190, Piccadilly; and Gale and Curtis, Paternoster Row.

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Joseph and Thomas Walker; Esqrs. Rotherham, 50%. each; a Lady, by the Rev. Dr. Winter, 100.; and by Mrs. Farish, of Cambridge, 34/. 4s. collected amongst her friends: 2801. has also been collected by the Matron, and two of the Ladies' Committee at Chichester, Portsmouth, Bognor, and the Isle of Wight. The Legacies received during the same period are, 1007. by the late Mrs. Roberts; 100%. by Thomas Woodroffe Smith, Esq. of Stockwell; 1007. by John Hankinson, Esq. late of Hackney; and 100%. by William Taylor, Esq. late of Newgate Street, who had been a liberal benefactor to the institution. Mr. Thomas Pattison, the late Collector, has resigned the office, because it occupied too much of his time. Two new Collectors have been elected. Mr. Andrew Johnstone, of Weston Street, Pentonville, for the Western; and Mr. Robert Elwin, No. 7, Somer's Place West, New Road, for the Eastern District. It appears, that, in addition to the sum of £3547 paid for the lease of the premisses (which will be held rent free for the term abovementioned) the Committee have already paid for the Wing lately erected (exclusive of furniture) except 360.; but the expenditure on account of the Building Fund has exceeded its income 8701. The cost of the proposed Infirmary and prompt Reception Ward, is estimatedjat about 1500/. Thus, exclusively of absolutely necessary furniture, the deficiency of the Building Fund will be about 2750/.; for the raising of which sum the Committee confidently rely on the liberality of a generous public. — They conclude in the following impressive manner :

Before your Committee close their Report, they deem it incumbent upon them to endeavour to impress upon this meeting, and upon the friends of the institution at large, the indispensable necessity which exists for their most active exertions, not only with a view to replenish the building fund, but to provide for an increased annual expenditure, which will be a necessary consequence of the enlargement of your asylum. For these purposes, let each member of this Society employ his influence in his circle; let him disperse the addresses and annual reports of the charity; let him introduce it as a topic of conversation, and earnestly plead in its behalf; and if any one inquire how the funds of this society are applied, let it be said, In snatching the perishing body from the grave, and the agonizing soul from perdition, in pouring the balm of consolation into the wounded conscience, and assuaging the sorrows of the bursting heart,-in receiving back the strayed sheep to a fold of safety and comfort, in providing a shelter for the houseless wanderer, even though from a foreign clime, if she directs her steps to virtue and to God, in opening a door of mercy to the returning sinner, — in imparting light to the dark mind, and encouraging the relentings of the contrite heart, in teaching idle hands to labour, and the tongue on which hung cursing and bitterness,' to praise and glorify its Maker, in reviving the expiring voice of conscience, and investing that internal monitor with the controling authority and sin-deterring sanctions of a divine religion,-in directing the defiled to the fountain of purity,—in instructing the Penitent how she may obtain pardon, peace, and consolatiou, and be reinstated in the forfeited favour of Heaven, in directing her where she may acquire strength to resist temptation, and grace to enable her to live uprightly, virtuously, and piously for the future,-in qualifying her for making the best possible compensation to society, for the injuries she may have formerly done to it,-by henceforth setting to others a good example, and conscientiously discharging all the personal, relative, and social duties which may devolve upon her. Such are among the best answers to the question, How are the funds of this society employed?-and such are the grounds upon which your Committee trust every friend to this most interesting and truly benevolent charity ill earnestly plead in its behalf; and may a gracious and bountiful. Providence eminently prosper all your beneficent endeavours !'

On the same day, the Ladies who are friends to the above charity, held their Annual Meeting in Cateaton Street, which was numerously and respectably attended.-Lady Bensley presided.

On the preceding Friday, a sermon was preached for the benefit of the institution, at St. Antholin's church, Watling Street, by the Rev. Thomas Scott, A. M. Rector of Ashton Sandford, Bucks. We understand this sermon will be printed.

RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

THE increasing interest, and extensive usefulness of this Society, brought upwards of 900 persons to their Annual Breakfast, at the City of London Tavern, on Thursday, the 14th of May. Their Thirteenth Annual Report presented an animating view of the Transactions of the Committee during the past year; and it must be truly gratifying to the public to learn, that this Institution, which at first appeared but as a little cloud, no larger than a man's hand,' is now watering every quarter of the globe; and fructifying the earth by the diffusion of divine truth. The eagerness with which the Tracts are received, the attention with which they are read, and the regard they have excited to the study of the holy Scriptures; together with the effectual change that has been evinced in the conduct of numbers after reading them, is in the highest degree encouraging. Some striking facts, in support of this assertion, were mentioned by different persons present.

It appears that the Committee have made several additions to their Tracts, of both series, and have also enlarged their selection for Sunday Schools, to afford a greater variety to the teachers in selecting Tracts with Cuts, as rewards for good behaviour.

The total issue during the last year has been nearly three millions of Tracts, which exceeds that of the preceding year by more than a million. Of this excess about 200,000 have been of those intended chiefly for hawkers; a very considerable proportion of which have been diffused in channels that would otherwise have been supplied with profane or lewd histories, or ballads.

The increased circulation of Religious Tracts in England has been chiefly effected by the numerous Auxiliary Societies, of which a con siderable number have been added to the list during the past year.These Societies have been very actively engaged in promoting the pri