struction which it embraces, have increased with the increase of the scholars; and that a considerable proportion of the funds of the past year have been procured by means of those Gentlemen's exertions. Such, however, is the difficulty of procuring subscriptions, that, as stated in the Report, the Directors, if they are not speedily recruited, will be under the necessity of abridging the number of the schools. It is therefore quite out of their power to purchase Bibles, the supply of which is wholly exhausted; and therefore I humbly trust that you will have the goodness to excuse, as heretofore, our supplication for an additional supply. It is necessary to remind you, that the Bibles are not merely used in the schools, but that the children are allowed to take them along with them when they quit the schools: the importance of this mode of distribution requires no comment; but it accounts for the frequency and extent of our de. mands. SLAVE-CONVERSION SOCIETY. THE State and Progress of the State of the Society. The Report of the Society's Proceedings during the last year, though it can be expected to give but an imperfect and very limited view of the state of Religion generally throughout the WestIndia Colonies, bears ample testimony to the beneficial tendency of the plans which have been adopted, at the suggestion of the West-India Bishops, for the Religious Instruction and Education of the Negroes, and to the steady progress which sound Religion is making in their Lordships' Dioceses. In addition to the three Branch Associations previously established, four others have been formed, sanctioned by the Highest Authorities in their respective Islands, and liberally supported by the voluntary contributions and personal exertions of the leading inhabitants. The Society has, in consequence, Establishments in St. Thomas in the East, in the Diocese of Jamaica; and in Barbadoes, St. Kitt's, Nevis, Antigua, Grenada, and St.Vincent's, in the Diocese of Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands; with an increased income of 905l. 10s, 10d. arising from Annual Subscriptions paid to the respective Branch Associations in the West Indies, by resident proprietors and others, and the sum of 7267. 5s. 11d. which has been received as Donations from the same quarter: exclusive of the Subscriptions and Donations of the Island of St. Vincent, of which no account has been yet received.* With this gratifying testimony before them of the zeal and liberality with which the work of Religious Instruction and Education is upheld in the West Indies, the Governors would have been happy to state that the increase of Subscriptions at home had corresponded: applications have been generally made, but with very limited success. They are desirous, however, to do justice to those Proprietors of Estates and other persons connected with West-India Interests resident in this country, who have given active and liberal support to the Branch Associations of the Islands with which they are respectively connected. Among the Donations will be remark. ed the munificent Legacy of 1000l. bequeathed by the Honourable and Right Reverend Shute Barrington, D.D. Lord Bishop of Durham; who, during his life time, was an annual subscriber to the Funds of the Society, and had recently assisted it by a liberal contribution. In consequence of the division of Demerara and Essequibo into Parochial Districts, the Society has been released from the very heavy expense which it had incurred in providing for the Religious Instruction required in those Colonies: and it is gratifying to state that all the Chaplains engaged in its service have been preferred by his Excellency the Governor. The funds thus released amount to 1250l.: of which 1000l. has been placed at the disposal of the West-India Bishops for the maintenance of Catechists and Schoolmasters. At the solicitation of the Lord Bishop of Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, the further sum of 1007. has been voted in aid of the School recently established in George Town under the superintendence of Lady D'Urban; and a similar grant has been made for the Schools in the Bermudas, at the request of the Lord Bishop of Nova Scotia. Humble as his Lordship describes these Schools The sums above stated are given in colonial currency. to be, and far inferior to his proposed arrangements, they have already, he states, been very useful, and are breaking up the ground, and preparing it for better cultivation hereafter. In reference to the Branch Associations formed in the Islands, it is remarked It is with peculiar gratification that the Governors of this Society close their Report with the expression of sincere thanks to the Authorities of the several Islands, who have not merely taken these Associations under their patronage, but have personally exerted themselves in their formation and support; a charitable and pious work, which cannot fail, under Divine Providence, of being productive of the most substantial blessings. £. s. d. W. Cleaver, Rector of Delgany; and at St. George's, in the evening, by Rev. J. H. Stewart: Collections, with Donations, 651. 10s. 8d.-April 30: Meeting of the Dublin Ladies' Association, at the Committee Room* in Sackville Street; Hon. and Rev. Archdeacon Pakenham in the Chair: the Meet ing was addressed by the Rev. J. H. Stewart. Among the Resolutions passed at the Meeting of the Auxiliary were the following: That, sympathising as we do, with the Christian World, in the recent death of Bishop Heber, we yet rejoice that he has been enabled to give a direction and an impulse to Missionary Labour; and we would express our acknowledgment that his example and precept are calculated to give efficacy to Education and the Preaching of the Word. -That, while we regret that so many of our fellow-labourers have been removed from Western Africa, we trust that we shall yet be enabled to perceive the blessing of God resting upon the seed which has been sown in that country. -That the success, with which God has been pleased to bless the exertions of the Church Missionary Society, calls on the Christian World to address the Throne of Grace for a more copious out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. Boston-May 27: Sermons, by Rev. Professor Farish, morning and evening, at the Chapel-of-Ease; and, in the afternoon, at Skirbeck: Coll. 221. 2s. 5d. Sermons, by Rev. J. D. Wawn at Navenby, and at Ancaster: Coll. 10. 18s. 10d.-May 28: Third Ann. o Meeting of the Boston Association; Rev. Richard Conington, Chn. Col. 101. Os. 3d. 8 Total...2909 1380 0 Dublin- April 27: the Clerical Friends of the Hibernian Auxiliary met to breakfast at eight o'clock, in the Long Room of the Rotunda, to the number of 130, and were addressed by the Rev. James Haldane Stewart, of London. At eleven o'clock, the Thirteenth Annual Meeting of the Auxiliary was held in the Rotunda; His Grace the Archbishop of Tuam in the Chair: Motions were made or seconded, by the Hon. and Rev. Archdeacon Pakenham, Rev. J. W. Cunningham, Rev. J. H. Stewart, Rev. H. Irwin, Rev. T. Perceval Magee, Rev. B. Williams Matthias, John Cator, Esq., Rev. Peter Roe, Frederick Shaw, Esq., and Rev. C. S. Hawtrey: Col. 167. 11s. 8d. Twenty New Associations had been formed and others revived during the year; the Income of which had amounted to 23187. 10s., being an increase on the Twelfth Year of nearly 2001.-April 29: Sermons; at St. John's, in the morning, by Rev. Lincoln-May 29: Ninth Ann. Meeting; Rev. C. T. Plumptre, Chn. Col. 16l. 10s. 7d, Retford-May 30: Sixth Ann. Meeting, with an Evening Meeting for the Labouring Class; H. Walker, Esq. Chn. Coll. 217. 8s. Gainsborough-May 31: Tenth Ann. Meeting; Rev. G. Beckett, Chn. Col. 127. Hull and East-Riding-June 3: Sermons; by Professor Farish, at Sculcoates, Holy Trinity, and Drypool; by Rev. Thomas Mortimer, at St. John's, Cottingham, and Christchurch; by Rev. G. Hough, at St. Mary's; by Rev. W. Knight, at Potteries; and, by Rev. T. Dikes, at St. Mary's and the Minster, Beverley-June 4: Thirteenth Ann. Meeting, and a Meeting of the Labouring Class in the evening; Rev. T. Dikes, Chn.June 6 Sermon, at St. John's, by Rev. J. D. Wawn, for the Missionary Institution. Total Collections, 2521. 9s. 6d. York-June 3: Sermons, by Rev. J. D. Wawn, at St. Michael le Belfry and at St. Saviour's: Coll. 501.- June 5: Thirteenth Ann. Meeting; W. Gray, Esq. Chn. Col. 411. Os. 9d.--June 6: Meeting, at noon, of York Ladies' Association. Sermon, in the afternoon, at Tadcaster, by Rev. T. Mortimer; and, in the evening, Meeting of the Tadcaster Branch, the Vicar in the Chair. The same evening, a Sermon, at St. Michael le Belfry, York, by Professor Farish, for the Missionary Institution. Pontefract June 7: Seventh Ann. Meeting; Rev. T. Barnes, Chn. Professor Farish and Rev. T. Mortimer attended. Chelmsford & West-Essex-June 10: Sermons; by Rev. T. Bartlett, at Purleigh, Danbury, and Woodham-Walter; and, by Rev. D. F. Harridge, at Woodham-FerriesJune 18: Second Ann. Meeting, in the Shire Hall at Chelmsford; Hon. J. J. Strutt, VicePresident, Chn. Collections, 331. 1s. 7d. Leeds-June 10: Sermon, by Professor Farish, at Wortley-June 17: Sermons, by the same, at St. Paul's and at Berwick-inElmet-June 18: Fourteenth Ann. Meeting; Rev. W. H. Bathurst, Chn.-June 19: Meeting of the Labouring Classes. Collections, 74. 11s. 9d. Huddersfield-June 17: Sermons; by Rev. W. Madden at Trinity Church, and by Rev. J. C. Franks (Vicar) at the Parish Church, Huddersfield; by the Junior Secretary, at Woodhouse, Honley, and Holmfirth; and, by Rev. L. Jones, at AlmondburyJune 20: Meeting of Liversege Branch, in the morning, Rev. Mr. Robinson, Chn.; and, in the evening, the Fourteenth Ann. Meeting of the Association, B. H. Allen, Esq. Chn. -June 21: Meeting of the Woodhouse Branch; J. Whitacre, Esq. Chn. Collections (exclusive of those at the Sermons in Huddersfield and at Almondbury, which have not been reported) 711. 7s. Bradford (Yorkshire)-June 17: Sermons, by Rev. W. Yate, proceeding to New Zealand-June 20: Ann. Meeting; Rev. H. Heap, Vicar, Chn. Coll. 171, 10s. Manchester & East-Lancashire-June 17; Sermons; by Rev, R. W. Sibthorpe, at St. Paul's and at Wilmslow; and, by Rev. R. Simpson, at Flixton and at St. James's-June 18: Twelfth Ann. Meeting; the Borough reeve in the Chair-June 19: Sermon, by Rev. R. W. Sibthorpe, at St. Paul's-July 1: Sermon, by Junior Secretary, at Colne: Col. 21. 11s. 3d. Total Collections, 1257. 11s. 3d. Halifax-June 21: Fifth Ann. Meeting; Rev. C. Rogers, Chn. Col. 8l. 13s. Staines and Vicinity-June 24: Sermon, at Shepperton, by Rev. Joseph Fenn-July 1: Sermon at Egham Church (Staines Church being rebuilding) by Rev. Joseph Fenn: Col. 19-July 2: Seventh Ann, Meeting; Colo nel Wood, M.P. President, Chn. Col. with Subscriptions, 24l. 17s. Sheffield-June 24: Sermons, by Junior Secretary, at St. Paul's and St. George'sJune 25 Eleventh Ann. Meeting; Rowland Hodgson, Esq. Chn. In the evening, Meeting of the Labouring Classes. Collections, 521. 7s. 6d. Barnsley-June 24: Sermons, by Rev. Robert Simpson; at Barnsley morning and evening, and at Royston in the afternoonJune 26 Meeting at Barnsley; Rev. R. Willan, Chn. Collections, 221. 18s 9d. Kirkby Lonsdale-June 24: Sermons, by Rev. W. Yate, at Whittington, Tunstall, and Leck-July 2: Ninth Ann, Meeting; Rev. W, W. C. Wilson, Chn. Collections, 211. 5s. 6d. Knaresborough-June 28: Thirteenth Ann. Meeting; Rev. T. Kennion, Chn. Col. 71. 11s. Haworth and Keighley-July 1: Sermons, by Junior Secretary: Coll. 151. 78. Kendal-July 4: Ann. Meeting; Edward Tatham, Esq. Chn. Col. 31. 6s, 9d. Maidstone-July 4: Fifth Ann. Meeting of the Kent Association; Sir Edward Knatchbull, Bart. M.P, President, Chn. Lieut. Col. Phipps had the kindness to attend on the part of the Parent Committee: Col: 301. 2s. 1d. Bushey (Herts)-July 12: Meeting for July, 1827. forming an Association; Rev. J. Rosdew, Vicar, Chn. Col. 121. 3s. 6d. BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. As it was expected that a larger number of Ministers than usual would attend the Open Committee, in order to learn more fully the grounds on which it had been determined (see p. 192) that the Missions of the Society and those of the Serampore Brethren should hereafter be mutually independent, the Committee assembled, on Tuesday Morning the 19th of June, at the Place of Worship in Devonshire Square, instead of the Society's House. About three hours were spent on this occasion, chiefly in reference to the questions lately discussed between the Committee and Dr. Marshman. Sermons were preached on Wednesday-in the morning, by the Rev. Robert Hall, of Bristol, at Great-Queen-Street Chapel, from 1Pet.'ii. 21-Leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps; and, in the evening, by the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, of Stepney, from 1 John v. 19-And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. As many sought admission at Queen-Street Chapel who could not be accommodated, the Chapel in Little-Wild Street was opened, and the Rev. John Statham, lately arrived from Calcutta, preached there from 1 Cor. xiii. 8— Charity never faileth. On Thursday Morning, a Meeting for Prayer was held at Eagle-Street Chapel, when an Address was delivered by the Rev. Moses Fisher, of Liverpool. The Annual Meeting was held at Eleven o'Clock, in Great-QueenStreet Chapel; Joseph Gutteridge, Esq. in the Chair. The Meeting was addressed by the Rev, Joseph Kinghorn, of Norwich; the Rev. S. Nicholson, of Plymouth;_the Rev. Eustace Carey, and the Rev. John Statham, from Calcutta; the 2 S Rev. Dr. Winter; the Rev. Caleb Separation of the Society's and the Seram- In the Report delivered at the Annual Meeting, the Committee give the following statement in reference to the late arrangements between the Society and the Serampore Missionaries. A notice has already been published, stating that thenceforward the Society at home and the Missionaries at Serampore would constitute two distinct and independent bodies. In a measure so much at variance with the hopes and inclinations of the Committee, they did not hastily concur; nor have they failed to use all such means to avoid it, as in their deliberate judgment appeared consistent with their duty to those for whom they acted. In the new and difficult circumstances in which they have been placed, they have earnestly desired to maintain a conscience void of offence both toward God and man; and, in appealing, as they now do, to the body by whom they were appointed, they feel it incumbent upon them to state the circumstances which have led to the result alluded to. It is well known, that, soon after Dr. Carey was joined, in the year 1799, by the Brethren Marshman and Ward, a way was opened in Providence for such an employment of their respective talents, as, without materially interfering with Missionary Labours, proved a source of considerable and increasing emolument. To obviate the danger of a secularizing spirit, they mutually stipulated that no individual among them should appropriate any part of the proceeds of his labours to his own private use; but that all should constitute a common fund, consecrated, after supplying their own necessary demands, to the service of God and the propagation of the Gospel around them. In the course of years, the Missionary Premises at Serampore were purchased, and other property acquired at that Station. What degree of information was possessed by the conductors of the Mission at home, respecting the property thus accumulated, is uncertain: but there appears reason to believe, that it was purchased with the joint funds of the Missionaries at Serampore and the Society; and it was fully understood, on the most convincing evidence, that it belonged clearly and unequivocally to the Society, and was held by the Resident Missionaries in trust for the Society of which they formed a part. On the lamented decease of Mr. Ful ler, which occurred in May 1815, the affairs of the Mission devolved on those who were but very partially acquainted with the details of its history or the circumstances in which it stood. It became, therefore, obviously needful to make inquiries on these subjects. Though it was understood, generally, that the Society had considerable possessions in India, not an individual knew the tenure by which they were held, or the manner in which they were secured. Such information it was felt desirable to obtain; and a Letter, which arrived soon afterward from Serampore, brought the subject distinctly and forcibly before the Committee. This Letter, dated March 1816, was addressed by the late Mr. Ward to Mr. Burls. Though bearing the signature of Mr. Ward only, it was written avowedly in the names of the three Serampore Brethren. It stated that these Brethren, ". aware of the uncertainty of life, and at the same time of the great importance and necessity of providing for the future carrying on of the Mission Station at Serampore," and securing "the immense property" in land and moveables there, had agreed certain "principles of the last importance to the preservation of the Cause." Among these principles, the proprietorship of the Society was expressly recognised; but, as the plan had not been finally digested, it was to be again revised, and sent to the Society "for their opinion, and, if approved, for their ratification." on This important document was considered at a Meeting of the Committee held at Birmingham in October 1816; and, about two months afterward, by the Sub-Committee then assembled at Oxford. At the last of these Meetings, the Committee felt disposed to adopt the suggestion of a Professional Gentleman from Calcutta, at that time in London, who had recommended that the Society's property in India should be vested in Trustees, some resident there and others in England: the names of eight Gentlemen were then mentioned, who might be requested to act as Trustees, subject to the approval of the General Committee; who were to be summoned finally to adjust the points, whenever the revised plan should arrive from Serampore. Till June 1818, a period of a yearand-a-half, no further steps were taken by the Committee, because this expected document had not reached them from Serampore: but, at that time, a Letter of great length was received from the Missionaries there, the contents of which filled the Committee with surprise and concern. It appeared that the proposal to invest the premises at Serampore in the hands of Trustees appointed by the Society, (a proposal, which, though suggested, had never been actually adopted) was regarded as unjustifiable in itself, and as indicating a distrustful and unfriendly spirit. It was affirmed that the property in question, though devoted to the Cause of God, had never been given to the Society; and, to guard themselves against any inconvenience which might follow a claim of this nature on the part of the Society, they executed a legal instrument, formally excluding from any "title to the property or administration of the premises" all persons belonging to the Baptist Missionary Society, unless elected as Trustees by the Serampore Missionaries themselves. To this unexpected communication a reply was sent, dated June 26, 1818. In it the Brethren were implored to consider the nature and consequences of the step which they had taken. They were assured, that, so far from regarding them with suspicion or distrust, the Committee felt such confidence in their wisdom and faithfulness, as to be willing, as far as they were personally concerned, to resign every thing to their sole management; but that, in the measures then adopted, they could not acquiesce without surrendering the interests confided to their care. In a more numerous Meeting of the Committee, held at Birmingham in the following August, the subject was again considered and several Resolutions were passed, recording the conviction of the Committee, that they were responsible to the public for the due applica. tion of the Serampore Premises; and earnestly recommending the Missionaries there, so to secure them as to meet the approbation of the Christian Public in Britain. When our late friend Mr. Ward arrived in England, in May 1819, it soon appeared that he felt as much anxiety as ever respecting the settlement of the property at Serampore, and was wholly dissatisfied with the arrangements then existing. Anxious to bring the matter to a final termination, the Committee conversed repeatedly with Mr. Ward; and embodied their own views in a series of Resolutions, dated Dec. 31, 1819. These re-asserted the sentiments previously adopted at Birmingham, in more full and explicit language; and, having been communicated to Mr. Ward, he, without pledging his Brethren at Serampore to similar views, declared his own concurrence in them. Soon after these Resolutions reached Serampore, the Brethren then at that Station answered them by others, dated July 14, 1820, expressing their regret that it should have been supposed that they entertained any wish to alienate the property from the Society, and their willingness to make, if it were practicable, such alterations in the Deeds as might render them unexceptionable. Had measures been taken to effect this object, the discussion would, of course, have been brought to an immediate and agreeable termination. Subsequent Letters, however, did not fulfil such an expectation; but, on the contrary, indicated unabated dissatisfaction with the proceedings of the Committee. With a view to dissipate this impression, and set the whole question at rest, a full Explanatory Letter was drawn up in April 1821; in which the assurance was repeated, that the Committee had been actuated by no design toward their Serampore Brethren but that of protecting their reputation, while, at the same time, they had been constrained to fulfil their own duty to the public. It was added, that, having done all that appeared practicable, they must close the correspondence by again declaring that the mode in which the property was still settled was not satisfactory. In August 1822, Mr. John Marshman arrived; and, soon after, held repeated conferences with the Committee on this point. A memorandum was afterward prepared, stipulating, on the part of the Serampore Missionaries, that they should yet frame their plan "for securing the Establishment there to the great ob |