American Home Missionary Society. In the first year of its existence it extended aid to 196 congregations and missionary districts, in the support of 169 ministers. The whole number of ministers employed since May 9, 1827, is two hundred and one, and the number of congregations and missionary districts aided, two hundred and fortyfour.

Of the whole number of missionaries employed, 125 are settled as pastors, or are statedly engaged in single congregations; and 33, including agents, are allowed to exercise their ministry in a larger extent of country.

The amount of ministerial labor perperformed by the Society's missionaries within the year, is equal to 133 year's labor of an individual; and in most cases, this labor has been of a character which God has owned and blessed. In no less than 39 of the congregations, there have been special revivals; and not less than 1300 souls have been made the hopeful subjects of renewing grace, as the direct and immediate effects of the efforts of the Society in a single year.

Since the last Anniversary, 85 Auxiliaries and Associations have been recognised, among which are the " Massachusetts Missionary Society," the "New-Hampshire Missionary Society," the "Vermont Domestic Missionary Society," the" Hampshire Missionary Society," (Mass.) the "Missionary Society of the Presbytery of South Alabama," and several County Societies recently formed in Ohio and other States.

The receipts of the year amount to $19,799 28, and the expenditures to $17,306 43. There is a balance of $8,539 89 in the treasury, which balance, however, is nearly twice pledged by the engagements of the Committee in more than the sum of $13,000, to congregations, missionaries, and agents, now on the Society's books.

Twenty-five individuals have within the year been constituted Directors for life, by the payment of $100 each, and 108 persons Members for life, by the payment of $30 each. The largest donation received from an individual, (Rev. Mr. Dwight, of Geneva,) is $1000.

American Education Society. Ninety-one young men have been received

upon the Society's funds during the past year, making the whole number who have been aided in a greater or less degree by its patronage 660. The number received during the previous year was 35. The highest number ever received in a single year previous to the past, is 65.

The whole number of young men, now under the patronage of the Soci ety and its Branches, is not far from 300. They are pursuing their studies in 7 Theological Seminaries, 12 or 15 Colleges, and a large number of Academies. The plan of supervision, which was mentioned in the last Report, has been carried extensively into execution during the year; and while the information thus elicited has furnished new evidence of the decidedly promising character of the young men generally under the patronage of the Society, it has, nevertheless, satisfied the Directors of their duty to withhold assistance from seven young men, who were found deficient in the qualifications required by the Constitution.

There are now Branches of this Society in Maine, New-Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and New-York; all of which are in successful operation. The Presbyterian Branch has Auxiliaries in nearly all the Middle States; and a disposition to co-operate in the enterprise has long been manifested in the remoter sections of the Union.

In

The receipts of the year have amounted to $33,017 59; or if we include the revenue of the Branches not reported, $35,000. Of this sum $16,356 88 has been received on account of scholarships, and $5000 as a legacy from the late Hon. William Phillips, who for twelve years was the active President of the Society. More than $1000 is money refunded during the year by former beneficiaries, who have thus, in their turn, become benefactors. their efforts towards their own support, the different beneficiaries of the Society have earned, during the past year, an aggregate of five thousand dol lars; more than $1100 of which was received for various kinds of manual labor, and the remainder for teaching School. In several of the Institutions where the young men are located, arrangements are making for systematic labor and exercise, which promise important advantages, both as it respects

health, and also the economy of procuring a public education. Respecting the necessity of greater effort, the Report says,

"At the rate in which we are now advancing, centuries will waste away before the glad tidings of a Saviour will be spread through the world. A crisis is coming, and unless we entirely mistake the signs of the times, it is not far off,-when it must be decided whether the cause of foreign and domestic missions, as well as the general cause of Christian benevolence, shall be retarded, and the hopes of thousands destroyed, for want of laborers properly qualified to promote them. An enlightened and venerable Professor in one of our Seminaries, who has long occupied a high post of observation, has said, "that, taking into view the missionary as well as the pastoral service, if we had a thousand able and faithful men added at once to our present number of ministers, they might all be usefully employed."

Young Men can be found. Hitherto it has pleased God to take three fourths of our foreign missionaries, and more than one half of our domestic missionaries, from among that class of young men whom it is the object of the Amercan Education Society and other similar Societies to qualify for the ministry. Of 872 young men who have been educated at the Theological Seminaries of Andover, Princeton, and Auburn, 555 have been indigent youth, who needed, and who have actually received, the benevolent aid of the Church. Since the holding of the Convention at Auburn a few months since, when it was resolved to make a special effort for the education of pious young men residing in the Western District, more than fifty applications have been presented for aid. And the Directors express their confident belief that it is in the power of the Presbyterian and Congregational churches to bring forward for this great work two thousand young men in the course of a single year.

Union for the Observance of the Sabbath. During the season of the Anniversaries, a convention was held in New-York, which resulted, after several meetings, in the formation, on the 9th of May, of a genernl association

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for the preservation of the Sabbath. The meetings were attended by a large number of interested listeners, and more animated and thrilling debate," says the New-York Observer, have seldom, if ever, heard. It arose, not from any difference of feeling in respect to the sacredness of the Sabbath and its grievous profanation, but from honest doubts concerning the best means of promoting its proper observance. Happily, there was but one heart and mind in the result. The formation of a General Society, which should be to its various Branches, Auxiliaries and friends, what the heart is to the human system, seemed now to be regarded with universal favor."

The name adopted is "The General Union for promoting the observance of the Christian Sabbath." The Society is to consist, indiscriminately, of the friends of morality and religion, of all denominations, who may choose to combine their influence for the promoof this interesting object. Any person may become a member by subscribing the Constitution and signing the following pledge, viz.

"We, whose names are undersigned, do hereby acknowledge our obligation to keep the Sabbath according to the Scriptures; and we pledge ourselves to each other and to the Christian public, to refrain from all secular employments on that day; from travelling in steam-boats, stages, canal-boats, or otherwise, except in cases of necessity or mercy, and to aim at discharging the duties of that sacred day; and also that we will, as circumstances admit, encourage and give a preference to those lines of conveyance whose owners do not employ them on the Sabbath."

"It is not the object of this Union," say the Committee in their very eloquent address to the public, "to enforce the laws of the several States in favor of the Sabbath. We have not the madness to think of coercion merely. We know that our countrymen can violate the Sabbath if they will; and our only hope is, that, by the blessing of God, we shall be able to persuade them not to do it. It is by the calling up of a general attention to the subject; by the extension of information; by the power of example; by renovated vigilance in families and

among the ministers of Christ and the professors of his religion; and by withdrawing our capital and patronage, as fast as inay be, from all participation in the violation of the Sabbath,-that we hope to convince the understandings of our countrymen, and awaken their consciencies, and gain their hearts to abstain voluntarily and entirely from the violation of that day which God has given to us as the token of his love, and upon which he has suspended all our hopes for time and eternity.

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"We disclaim coercion in any proper sense of that term; but we avow our purpose, to employ all lawful motives to persuade our fellow-citizens to cease to do evil, and learn to do well," on the Sabbath-day. We have come to the conclusion, to withdraw our capital and patronage from the prostration of the Sabbath, because no alternative remains but this, or the ruin of our Republic. The business of this young gigantic nation, gathered from such a soil, conducted with such enterprise, and stimulated by such characteristic thirst of gain, threatens to bear away, in one deep and resistless stream, whatever is embarked on its bosom; to engulf, in one spacious vortex, whatever falls within the circumference of its attraction. This tide of business is in so many ways interwoven, that individual resistance on the Sabbath, or the resistance of a Town, or City, or State, is hopeless. No alternative is left but union of effort, and withdrawment from the appalling stream, and in such numbers all over the land, as that, if a counter current cannot instantly be formed, a remant, at least, shall be saved."

The Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer is elected President of the Union, and among the Vice Presidents are gentlemen of distinction of various denominations and professions, and in different and distant parts of our land.

POLITICAL.

Congress. A large number of bills have been passed, as the session draws to a close. Among them is the Tariff bill, which we believe' was before its final passage nearly amended out of favor with all parties, and talked out of longer endurance in either House. A bill has also passed, making liberal

provisions for the survivors of the Revolution.

We are glad to learn that Lieut. Percival, of the Navy, is undergoing a trial at Charleston, for his misconduct at the Sandwich Islands.

United States and Great Britain. It will afford the sincerest satisfaction to the enlightened and good of both countries, to perceive the most friendly dispositions reciprocally cherished between the United States and Great Britain.

Three Conventions have recently been concluded between the two gov ernments, which have been published by proclamation of the President. One of these continues in force, for an indefinite period, the commercial treaty of July 3, 1815, which was renewed in 1818 to expire in ten years, (in October next) unless again renewed, as it has been by the present treaty. The other conventions respect the boundary lines between us and that Government.

England. A Bill has been introduced into Parliament for the repeal of the Corporation and Test Acts. It has occasioned much interesting and amicable discussion in both Houses. A very unexpected degree of liberality has been manifested towards the measures on the part of the friends of the Church establishment, and there is a strong probability that the bill will pass. The liberal feeling and good sense of Englishmen will prevail.

Pauperism in England. By late returns to the House of Commons, it appears that upwards of thirty-four and a half millions of dollars were raised by taxation for the support of the poor of England and Wales during the year ending in March, 1827-an amount greater by nine per cent. than that of any former year. Thus the evils of pauperism are alarmingly on the advance. Whether the fact is owing wholly to the increase of paupers, or in part to mismanagement in the collection and distribution of the funds, does About six millions of dol

not appear.

lars out of the sum abovementioned went into the hands of agents.

Portugal, is disquieted by the revolution which has recently taken place

in its government. The Infant Don Miguel, who assumed the regency in February, and took the oath of fidelity to the constitution, has pursued a course of measures entirely subversive

of that instrument. He dismisses from office men obnoxious for their liberal principles, takes upon himself the character and style of royalty, and has done every thing short of openly proclaiming himself absolute king. He is restrained from proceeding to this extent, by the influence of the British ambassador, and by the mixed complexion of public opinion. It is needless to say that there is in Portugal, as in every Christian country, a spreading leaven of hostility to the old doctrines of despotism and legitimacy.

Russia and Persia. A treaty of Peace between these powers, after some equivocation and delay on the part of Persia, was finally concluded at Tourkmantchai on the 22d of February. Russia acquires,-besides a large sum of money, a very valuable accession of territory," the khanats of Erivan and Nakhetchevan," which are to be called the Province of Armenia.

Russia and Turkey. The world is still held in suspense respecting the issue of affairs between the Czar and the Sultan. Abundance of rumors have been circulated and eagerly read, but this only is certain :-nothing decisive has yet taken place, while both Governments continue their preparations for war as though war were inevitable.

Batavia. The war continues between the Dutch and Japanese, and the latter have become too powerful for the Dutch Colonists and troops. The climate has made fearful havoc among the last reinforcements, sent from the Netherlands. Out of 5000 soldiers, 1000 have fallen victims and died, and 1000 more were in the hospitals, and the remainder were so enfeebled by disease, and so weak, that all offensive operations were of necessity resigned, and the Dutch Colonists and troops were reduced to act together on the defensive. It is not impossible that Batavia will, ultimately, be lost to the Netherlands.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Calamity at Boston. A very distressing accident occurred recently at the laying of the corner-stone of a Metho

dist Church in Boston. Near the close of the exercises, and while the Rev. J. N. Mafit was addressing the audience, a part of the flooring gave way and instantly precipitated about two hundred persons into the cellar, twelve feet in depth. Many bones were broken and other injuries received, some of which it was feared would prove mortal. Several had both legs broken. The sufferers were not less than forty in number. Many of them being poor, a collection was taken up for their relief.

Ecclesiastical aggrandizement. The Church Register (Philadelphia) publishes the following account without comment, as though such pageantry were in no wise inconsistent with the

simplicity of the gospel.

chester. The Right Rev. Dr. Sumner, Enthronement of the Bishop of Winthe new bishop of this diocese, having determined that he would be enthroned in the cathedral in person, and not as usual, by proxy, considerable interest was excited to witness the ceremony. Since the Reformation, no bishop of Winchester has, we are informed, been enthroned in person. The bishop, surrounded by the dean and chapter, the archdeacons and clergy of the two archdeaconries within his lordship's spiritual jurisdiction, Winchester and Surrey, proceeded to the cathedral. About eleven o'clock, prayers were chaunted by the minor canons and choristers, his lordship having first been seated on the episcopal throne, in the great aisle. The ceremonial was as simple as the sublime liturgy which accompanied it. The cathedral was full to overflowing, of respectable persons; and there was not throughout its whole space, a single spot vacant. After the ceremony had concluded, his lordship, proceeding in the same manner as he had entered the cathedral, retired to an adjoining chamber, where the clergy of the diocese attended, and paid their respects. His lordship dined with the Mayor and Corporation in the evening; and several other parties were given on the occasion.

March 12-Rev. THEOPHILUS PACKARD, Jun. was ordained associate Pastor of the Church in Shelburne. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Humphrey, of Amherst.

April 9 The Rev. EBENEZER CHEVEER Over the Presbyterian church at Waterford, N. Y. Sermon by Rev. Mr. Tucker of Troy.

March 26-The Rev. THOMAS AYER

at Albany, Me. Sermon by Rev. Allen Greely, of Turner.

April 16-The Rev. MARTIN TUPPER, over the first Congregational Church in Hardwick. Sermon by Rev. Mr. Ely, of Monson.

April 17-The Rev. SAM'L WHELP LEY over the first Congregational Church in East Windsor. Sermon by Rev. Joel Hawes, of Hartford.

April 10.-The Rev. THOMAS H. SKINNER, D. D. was installed Pastor of Pine-street Church, Boston. Sermon by Rev. Edward Beecher, of Boston.

The Rev. HERBERT C.THOMPSON was ordained as an Evangelist in the second Baptist Church, Richmond, Va. Sermon by Rev. Eli Ball.

The Rev. ASHBEL S. WELLS

as an Evangelist at Utica.

Feb. 6.-The Rev. JOSEPH PEPOON as an Evangelist, by the Presbytery of Grand River. Sermon by Rev. G. H. Cowles, D. D.