rather than Christian zeal. A good liturgy, if spread through our churches, would place them, in a good degree, on a footing of equality as to a most important part of the services of the sanctuary; and if rendered venerable by time, so as to become an object of common interest and affection, it would be a bond of union to all the societies, however widely dispersed, by which it would be used and revered.

The present remarks are thrown out not as deliberate opinions, but as subjects for thought and discussion. No question deserves more serious

reflection than this, Can nothing be done to render public worship more interesting and useful? The modes to which we are accustomed are not indeed to be hastily abandoned. The partialities and even the prejudices of age are to be respected. But may we not, without offering violence to usages which time has hallowed, make some improvements in our religious services? The influence of Christianity is intimately connected with its public forms and solemnities; and we can hardly promote it more effectually than by rendering these more attrac tive, impressive and powerful.,

Extracts from the first Annual Report of the American Bible Society.

THE Managers of the American Bible Society desire with thankfulness to recognize the hand of their God, which has been good upon the Institution throughout the first year of its existence. The harmony, cordiality, and forbearance, displayed in the proceeding of the Convention who formed it, afford satisfactory evidence of the Divine approbation, and a sure pledge of the Divine blessing upon its future fate. Many who had doubted of the practicability of the plan, yielded to the pleasing conviction that they were mistaken, and joined with those who had never doubted on the subject, in cherishing the hope, that the National Institution would realize the most sanguine expectations of its ultimate prosperity. Its formation was hailed as a great and glorious era in the history of our country, and its means of accomplishing the all-important end of its formation have been increased with more than ordinary rapidity.

The Managers, in entering on the duties of their responsible office, felt that their first exertions ought to be directed towards the procurement of Vol. V. No. 8.

well-executed stereotype plates, for the accommodation of large districts of the American continent. They, accordingly, at an early period, contracted for three sets of stereotype plates in octavo, and three in duodeci

mo.

The octavo sets have all been delivered at the Depository; and measures have been adopted to make them as correct as possible before they are used. The duodecimos will be finished in the month of June ensu. ing: one of which they have resolved to locate in Lexington, (Kentucky,) under the direction of the Kentucky Bible Society.

As they were not in a capacity to print Bibles, having no plates of their own, they declined answering the va rious applications for Bibles which they have received from Auxiliary Societies. They thought that it would be inexpedient to become the purchasers of Bibles for these Auxiliaries; and, therefore, in those cases where monies were sent with the express stipulation that Bibles to the amount should be returned, they resolved, if required, to pay over the same to the Societies which sent them; or to pay over the whole or any part of them, to the New-York Bible Society, whe

would furnish the Auxiliaries with the required number of Bibles.

They were, however, soon enabled, by the munificent liberality of the New-York, and the New-York Auxil. iary, Bible Societies, to supply their Auxiliaries. Those Societies presented them with a set of stereotype plates of the duodecimo size, and brevier type; in consequence of which donation, 10,000 copies, according to their direction, have been printed; of which about 6000 have been sold and distributed. They have lately ordered 2500 copies to be printed from the octavo plates, and 7500 from the duodecimo plates

Applications having been made at an early period, from different parts of the United States, for New Testaments, the Managers took the subject of printing and circulating the New, apart from the Old, Testament, into their consideration. After mature deliberation, they resolved, that for the present it was inexpedient for them to do this in the English language.

As the necessary expences of carrying into effect the vast design of the National Institution were great, the Managers felt it their duty to adopt such measures as promised a supply of their wants. They appointed a Committee in each ward of the city of New-York, to collect subscriptions ; and directed a Circular Letter to be sent to every Minister of the various denominations of Christians in the United States, requesting a congregational collection in their aid-as also a Circular to the different Bible Societies who had not united with the National Institution, soliciting aid; and one to influential men in different parts of the United States, calling them to come forward in the good work, and enclosing a plan for an Auxiliary Society, and Branch Associations. They cannot, at present, state the degree of success which has attended their applications. There is no doubt but many ministers have been omitted, not intentionally, but from want of information. So soon as they are known, application will be made to them.

[The Managers then particularize 43 Societies, formed previous to the American Bible Society, which have

since become Auxiliary-also 42 50% cieties, formed since the American Bible Society, as Auxiliary to that in stitution ]

There is reason to believe that there are more Societies Auxiliary to the National Institution; but the Managers have received no official account of them.

They requested, in the statement published December 17, 1816, every Society becoming Auxil. ary, "so soon as convenient, to give official information of the same to one of the officers of the Board, particu larly noting the time when the connexion was formed." They now repeat the request, with the distinct information, that the organ of communication in this matter, is the Secretary for Domestic Correspondence.

The Long Island Bible and Common Prayer-Book Society has so altered its Constitution, as to aid the Managers in translating and publishing the Scriptures, without note or comment, in foreign languages.

The following Societies, without becoming Auxiliary to the National Institution, have expressed their appro bation of the same by the following donations, viz.

Philadelphia Female Bible Society, 500 dollars: Long-Island do. 200 dolls.; Stanton do. (Virginia) 200 dolls.; Middlebury Female do. 90 dolls.; Charleston, (S. C.) do. 500 dolls.; Cumberland County do. (N. J.) 50 dolls.

Other Societies, not Bible Societies, have made donations, of which an account will be found in the keport of the Treasurer.

From this account of the Societies, who either have become Auxiliaries, or cordially approve of the National Institution, it appears evident, that a very large proportion of the talent, respectability of character, and influence in political society, is engaged in befriending its design, and securing its permanency. From letters received by the Board, there is no doubt other Societies already in existence will accede, and new ones be formed: and the time cannot be far distant, when in every part of these United States, the American Bible Society will have Auxiliaries. This event is most devoutly desired, to secure the circulation of the Scriptures through

sut our country, with the best pros. pect of success.

It would be an act of injustice to that sex who contribute so essentially to the relief of our cares, whilst they heighten our purest pleasures, not to notice, in a prominent manner, their active benevolence in aid of the Society, not only in forming Auxiliaries, but also in constituting, in so many places, their Pastors Members for life. They thus manifest the sense which they cherish of their obligations to that holy volume, whose truths have elevated them in Christian lands to their just and all-important station in society, and qualified them to perform the duties of that station with honor and success

The Managers have directed their attention, also, to the translation of the Scriptures into the Indian languages of our country, and the publication of the Spanish New-Testament, and of the Scriptures, in the French.

They have, moreover, received from the New-York Bible Society, who are not weary in their acts of liberality to the National Institution, all the copies in sheets of the French Bible in their possession, amounting to about 1000,

The Managers have ordered 200 Gaelic, and 200 German Bibles, to be transmitted to them from England. Whenever they find that a greater number is wanted, they will not fail to procure the necessary supply,

As inquiries from different parts of the country were made on some points of importance, the Managers thought it proper to remove the difficulties which existed in the minds of many persons against a union with the American Bible Society, to publish, towards the close of the last year, the following information on those points,

viz :

1. That every Auxiliary Society must determine for itself, what is their surplus revenue after supplying their own wants; but that funds, when given, are at the sole disposal of the Managers. They will, however, thankfully receive recommendations as to the best way of disposing of the surplus revenue of any Auxil jary, reserving to themselves the right of adopting or rejecting the recommendation.

2. As to the interpretation which

each Auxiliary Society has a right of giving as to the extent of their wants, the Managers respectfully suggest the propriety of each Auxiliary con fining itself to its natural bounds. Unless this be done, one Auxiliary may interfere with another, and thus, while one district is doubly supplied, another may be left destitute.

3. It is distinctly understood by the Board, that every Society becoming Auxiliary has a right of withdrawing from the connexion when it sees fit so to do.

4. In conducting the business of the Board, the most scrupulous attention is paid to the diversity of denomination which exists among Chris tians. The meetings are opened with reading a chapter of the Bible selected by the presiding officer, and no other religious exercises are perform. ed: The Managers are deeply sensible that they superintend the concerns, not of a party, but of the whole body. of Christians, who are united in the National Institution for the sole purpose of distributing the Bible without note or comment,

As one of the principal objects of the American Bible Society is to supply the great districts of the American Continent with well-executed stereotype plates for printing the Bible, the Managers request that Bible Societies, in different parts of the country, would send such information as may enable them to determine in what places the unappropriated plates may be located to the best advantage.

Among the first measures adopted by the Managers, was to make an of ficial communication to the British and Foreign Bible Society. of the formation of the American Bible Society.

The worthy President of our Socie. ty had, however, anticipated the wishes of the Board; and, through him, the Committee communicated their satisfaction at the event, and a donation of £500 sterling, which was accepted with suitable acknowledge. ments to that Society. Since that time, the Committee, with their accustomed and honourable liberality, havę presented to the Society a set of the Versions of Scriptures printed by them, and also several sets of their Reports. In doing this, they have an

ticipated the wish of the Board of Managers, who had forwarded an order for the same.

In consequence of the necessary absence of the Secretary for Foreign Correspondence on account of his health, no correspondence has been opened with other Foreign Societies. The President, however, addressed a letter to the Russian Bible Society, which has been honoured with an answer of congratulation and wishes for our prosperity. A letter has also been received from the Hamburgh and Altona Bible Society, of the same description, soliciting a correspondence with us.

The Managers have thus given a plain narrative of their proceedings, for the information of the Society. It will be readily perceived that their situation was not merely novel, but in the highest degree difficult. They had no experience, and yet the public expected great things. Every part of the machine which they were directed to superintend was new and untried. Its operations, however, have thus far succeeded, and afford conclu sive evidence of its capability for far

more extensive usefulness to our common country.

The Managers did not feel themselves warranted at first to afford monied aid, or even Bibles, to those Auxiliaries who applied for both. Their plans to be accomplished, they knew would involve them in heavy expense; and they could not with certainty calculate upon a surplus of funds. Such, however, has been the rapid and increasing augmentation of their means, that they have been induced to afford the following gratuitous supply of Bibles, to Auxiliaries whose wants were great and pressing. East Tennessee Bible Society, 500 Bibles; Steuben County (New-York) Bible Society, 100; Essex County (New-York) Bible Society, 100

So soon as their present engagements will permit, and the liberality of the American people shall furnish them with the means, they will cheerfully become almoners, in money, as well as Bibles, to all such destitute parts, at home and abroad, as may require the one or the other Thus far they have endeavoured to discharge their duties, not only faithful

ly but intelligently, so as to ensure the approbation of the Society and the public.

Extracts from a Pastoral Letter of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States.

66

HAVING in a former Number of the Christian Disciple reviewed a Pastoral Letter of the Synod of Philadelphia, in which there were some things hard to be understood” and still harder to be believed and approved, we rejoice in an opportunity to exhibit some extracts from a Pastoral Letter of the General Assembly, which are of a more pacific and amiable charac ter. This Letter from the General Assembly, is perhaps one of the most exemplary and unexceptionable which has ever appeared from an ecclesiastical Body that assumed to be "the Supreme Judicatory" of any church or sect of Christians. Excepting this assumption of power, there is very little in the Letter to be disapproved, but much to be commended. The Presbyterians have an unquestionable right to judge for themselves in mat ters of faith, and to enjoy their own opinions unmolested: Nor are they to be censured for an attachment to articles of faith which they believe to be consistent with the sacred scriptures. The following passages will show the style and spirit of the address to the churches:

VERY DEAR BRETHREN,

Assembled, by the good Providence of God, as the supreme judiciary of our Church, we are constrained to address you, and to endeavour to impart to you some of those views and feelings to which our counsels have given rise, and which are suggested by the present aspect of the church and of the world

At such a period, dear brethren, let it be impressed upon the mind of every member of our church, that we are called to humble, diligent, perse: vering exertion. Much has been done; but much more remains to be done ;-and much, we hope, will be done by us. Every day makes a demand upon the time, the affections, the prayers, the property, and the influence of the people of God, which

it would be ingratitude, cruelty, nay treachery, to repel. Let every one, then, in his place and proportion, endeavour daily to add something to the common amount of effort to prepare the way of the Lord

Let the MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL in our communion, be every where found engaged in preaching the truth, as it is in Jesus, with affectionate zeal. Let them go before their people in every holy example, and in every pious and benevolent exertionLet it be manifest to all, that they seek not their own, but the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Let all the MEMBERS OF OUR CHURCHES consider themselves as called upon, in their several stations, to do something to do much for Christ. Millions of our race are still sunk in ignorance and depravity. Dark and waste places abound, even in our most populous and enlightened neighbourhoods, and still more in the remote portions of our church.

In these hallowed labours let none refuse to join. It is among the distinguished glories of the commencement of the nineteenth century, that PIOUS FEMALES are more extensive. ly associated, and more actively use-. ful, in promoting evangelical and benevolent objects, than in any former period of the world. Let them go on with increasing activity and ardour in these exertions, so worthy of women professing godliness, and so useful to mankind

Let

Let not even LISPING CHILDHOOD, or TENDER YOUTH be idle. every Bible Class, every School-association, every employment which brings your beloved children together, be made a medium for conveying to their minds that benign impression, which shall enlist them on the side of truth and of the church of God, from the earliest dawn of reason.

To these efforts in behalf of the cause of Christ, join fervent, united PRAYER. We need not remind you, brethren, that all Zion's blessings come down from her King and Head; and that he will be inquired of by his people to do for them that which they need and desire:

Endeavour to maintain A SPIRIT

OF HARMONY WITH ALL DENOMI

NATIONS OF CHRISTIANS. While

you contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and bear a faithful testimony to the Apostolic doctrine and order, which we profess to receive; let no bigotry, or prejudice, no party rancor, or offensive crimina tion pollute your testimony. Remem. ber that the period is approaching, when all real Christians shall see eye to eye; when they shall be united in opinion as well as in affection. Cherish now the sentiments which correspond with this delightful anticipation. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and evil speaking, be put away from among you with all malice; and continually look and pray for the happy period when believers of every name shall agree to act together upon the great principles of our common salvation.

Finally, dear brethren, be UNITED AMONG YOURSELVES. If you desire to profit by your spiritual privileges: if you hope to be instrumental in promoting the cause of Christ, or to be honoured with his blessing: cherish harmony of affection, and union of ef fort.

CONTRAST BETWEEN CROWNED HEADS.

The Emperor Alexander, and the King of Hungary.

THE Emperor Alexander has issued a Rescript in favour of a sect of dissenters from the Greek Church. It forbids all further persecution of this sect, and observes," Does it become a Christian Government to employ harsh and cruel means, to torture and exile to bring back into the church those who have gone astray? The doctrine of the Redeemer who came into the world to save the sinner, cannot be spread by restraint and punishment. True faith can only take root, with the blessing of God, by convic tion, instruction, and mildness, and above all by good example."-Boston Intelligencer, July 19, 1816.

ORDER OF THE KING OF HUNGARY.. BUDA, MAY 3.

Prohibition of Bible Societies in Hun

gary.

THE following circular letter to the Clergy in Hungary was issued already