Observations, designed as a Reply to the "Thoughts" of Dr. Maltby, on the Dangers of circulating the Whole of the Scriptures among the Lower Orders. By J. W. Cunningham, A. M. Vicar of Harrow on the Hill, and late Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge.

The Death of Believers precious in the Sight of Jehovah: A Discourse, occasioned by the Death of Maxwell Garthshore, M. D. Physician to the British Lying-in Hospital, &c. To which are added, Notes, biographical, devotional, and miscellaneous. By George Greig. 2s.

MISCELLANEOUS.

An Account of the Life and Writings of

By Henry

Lord Chancellor Somers, &c. Maddock, Esq. of Lincoln's Jun, Barristerat-Law. 4to. 11. 11s 6d.

Literary Anecdotes of the Eighteenth Century, &c. By John Nicholls, FS.A. In six large volumes 8vo., illustrated with fifteen portraits. 61. 6s. boards.

An Explanation of the Causes why Vacci nation has sometimes failed to prevent Small Pox; and also the Description of a Method, confirmed by Experience, of obviating such Causes. By Edward Leese. 8vo. 2s. 6d. Observations on the Disturbances in the Madras Army. By D. Malcolm. Two Parts.

8vo. 6s.

Fables for the Fire-side. By Dr. Lettice. Crown 8ro. 5s.-fine paper 7s.

Poems and Translations. By Reginald Heber, A. M. Small 8vo. 6s. boards.

Substance of a Conversation with J. Bellingham, the Assassin of the late Right Honourable S. Perceval. By the Rev. J. Wil

son. 2$.

Account of the Island of Madeira. By D. Pitta. 8vo.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

WE have already given to our readers, in our Number for May, an abstract of the eighth annual Report of this Society. It now remains to lay before our readers, as we have been accustomed to do, such extracts from the Appendix to the Report, as may serve to convey to them some idea, though a very inadequate one, of the extent and benefit of the operations of this Society. We will begin with its foreign operations. From a German Correspondent at Paris, dated August 2, 1811.

"I am confident, that the German Bibles and Testaments, which I received in Halle, have proved a great blessing, both in Austria and Hungary. I never was, in all my life, received with such real delight, as when I made my appearance at Presburg, with the Bible in my hand. The Bibles and Testaments which I could spare for them at that time, were all sold the next day, with the exception of a few which were furnished to the very poorest gratuitously. All who could, would pay. The Hungarians wish to establish a Bible Society, and an office of their own, for printing Bibles, both in the Hungarian language, and in other similar dialects. They will begin a subscription among themselves, provided the Parent So

ciety in London will assist and support them in such a measure. I gave them great hopes of this, having myself seen what the British and Foreign Bible Society has done, and is willing to do. Remember, and proclaim it as loud as you can, that there are upwards of a million and a half of Protestants in Hungary, and but a few Bibles among them!" From a pious Roman Catholic Parish Priest,

in Bavaria, dated March 20, 1811." "Your love to Christ, and your impartial and comprehensive love to all Christians, who sincerely profess our Lord Jesus, are known to me and to many in Germany. I therefore embrace this opportunity of saluting you (though the least of your brethren), and of thanking you for the lively interest you have taken in our Ratisbon Bible Institution. Our New Testament goes off rapidly. Indeed, there still exists a hunger in the land after the heavenly manna; and the Lord has promised to satisfy this hunger. The Scripture is also a bond of union in Christ: for who hath the words of eternal life,' but Christ alone? To whom else, therefore, shall we go? Whether the translation of the Bible be in Latin, German, or English, is immaterial: the great point is, whether we become better; that is, new creatures in Christ, through faith in him, which worketh by love. This is not effected by the Greek

Latin, German, or English letter, but by the Spirit of God, which we receive freely by faith, that we may work the works of grace and love. Surely the hand of the Lord is not shortened. In these times of general fermentation, when all is shaking, and the vessel of Christ's church appears sinking, he rises with power, cheers his frightened dis ciples, and commands the winds and waves to be still. Let us shew a noble courage: confiding in Christ, we may risk every thing.

"With us matters seem to proceed to such lengths, that we must expect a persecution for our faith's sake: but God will give us all needful grace. We encourage each other in faith, prayer, patience, confidence. Assist us with your prayers. We have to fight the same fight of faith; and have one and the same Lord, even our Lord Jesus Christ. United to him, we are united to each other: neither continents, nor seas; various forms of government, nor different outward confessions of religion, can separate us: all these things pass away; but love abideth. Help us, therefore, to pray, to believe, to suffer, to love; and all will go well for it is a faithful saying, 'that all things work together for good, to them that love God.'"

Another Catholic clergyman writes, "The Ratisbon Bible Institution, the design of which is to circulate the New Testament in the German language, among the Catholic people, goes on very prosperously. The demand for it is very great, even beyond our most sanguine expectation, so that we cannot but wonder and adore. We can hardly print fast enough. Considerable orders for it are received from every quarter, I might almost say from every corner of Catholic Germany. The fifth edition is begun; and were it completed, it would immediately have been sold. I have received 1000 copies of this Testament (paid for by the private contributions of some benevolent British Christians) from Ratisbon, and distributed them all either personally or by the hand of friends. They are most gratefully received, and eagerly read, by old and young, by the children in the school, and by their teachers; nor can I doubt, for a moment, but they will be attended with a blessing. Only let us constantly and fervently pray, that the Spirit of Christ, which he promised to the children of men, may enlighten the minds of all those who read this blessed book, and kindle in their hearts that sacred fire, which our Lord so much wished to see kindled."

April 9, 1811. "As to the Boliemian Scriptures, we have received the pleasing intelligence from several quarters, that both in Bohemia and Moravia, there is still a great desire for the word of God. We are told, that we might immediately dispose of 2000 copies; but, alas! we have none left; and it is impossible for us, with our own means, to commence the printing of another edition."

"To-day I received a letter from a Protestant clergyman in Prague, urging us to print another edition of the Bohemian Bible; and stating, that there were whole Boliemian congregations who had not received a single copy from the former edition, and that he alone could dispose of 500 copies in Prague and its vicinity.' Another clergyman in Moravia writes us also word, "that he had twenty reformed (or Calvinistic) parishes under his inspection, for which he wanted at least one thousand copies;' but adding, that the people of his charge were extremely poor.""

From Stockholm, dated July 9, 1811. "No Bible or New Testament in the Finnish language has been printed since 1776, when the Finnish Bible in quarto, and New Testament in octavo, were printed in Abo. In 1774, Mr. Carlblom, in Stockholm, printed an edition of the Finnish New Testament. For twenty years, there have been no copies of the Bible for sale; and, according to certain information from Finland, there is not, at present, a copy to be found at any price. When the numbers who speak the Finnish language (about 1,300,000) are compared with the few editions of the Finnish Bible and New Testament, which have hitherto been printed, none of which exceeded 5 or 6000, it appears evident that a vast many thousand copies of the Scriptures must be printed and circulated at a low price, before the land cau, in any measure, be provided with the sacred volume."

From a Correspondent at Malta, dated October 2, 1811.

"I have now the pleasure of confirming my friend's report relative to the favourable reception which the modern Greek translation has had, both amongst the Greeks resident here, and those of the Levant; and it is with much satisfaction I inclose a bill for 561.1s. 42. being the amount of sums received by the Doctor, for the various copies of which he has disposed in a manner highly creditable to his zeal and judgment. Various copies

have been confided to respectable individuals proceeding to the Levant, and the most pleasing accounts have been communicated relative to their reception.

The same correspondent afterwards writes, dated March 26, 1812: "Agreeably to my promise, I now hasten to acquaint the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society with some of the particulars respecting the execution of the important trust committed to my charge-the circulation of the inspired Volume in these benighted parts of the earth; which has exceeded my expectations; having only about 200 remaining out of the 950 Italian Testaments. The distribution of these inestimable books was continued by me, without the least opposition, till my departure from Sicily. I have received applications for them from various parts of the island, and have had the pleasure of forwarding them for distribution to Palermo, Trapani, Milazzo, Syracuse, Catania, Jaci Reale, Taormina, &c.; to Corsica, Sardinia, Zante, Pattrass, Constantinople, &c. &c.; as also to a number of French and Neapolitan Officers, &c.; prisoners of war on their return to Naples in June last."

"Since my arrival here, on the 25th of August last, I have forwarded to Zante, 66 Greek, and 58 Italian Testaments; and I am happy to say, that the whole of the Testaments and Bibles, with the exception of a few Italian, have been disposed of, by sale, and that I have applications for more in the different languages, particularly Greek. In short, I have received the most pleasing information from Zante, respecting their disposal in the Ionian islands; and have no doubt, from the favourable accounts I have received, that there is a large field open in these islands for the sale of these inestimable books.

country, and their distribution. The Rus sian government in Finland have also issued a proclamation in his Majesty's name, authorising their free importation into that country. These circumstances are particularly gratifying, as they manifest the readiness of the governments of both countries to encourage the circulation of the Scriptures: and in regard to Russia I entertain sanguine hopes that they may ultimately lead to some extensive plan for the general distribution of the word of life through that vast empire."

From the Rev. B. Kohlmeister, one of the

Moravian Missionaries in Labrador, dated
June 20, 1811.

"I should have addressed the worthy Bible Society in a letter, had not the needful preparations for my voyage of discovery to the north taken up much of my time. Present those excellent men with my most respectful and affectionate salutations. Many affecting scenes took place when the Gospel of St. John was distributed among our Esquimaux, and their English benefactors were mentioned to them. Tears of gratitude ran down many a cheek: and they expressed their wonder and astonishment that there were friends in England who, though entirely unknown to them, yet wished to promote their eternal peace and happiness, by sending them the precious gift of the word of God. Some pressed the little book to their bosom, and looked as happy as if they enjoyed a foretaste of heaven. Others attempted to express their gratitude in letters which they addressed to me. Another advantage has been gained thereby as the Gospel of St. John was given only to such as could read, an uncommon eagerness, has been excited among such as could not, to learn to read, that they might obtain similar

in the distribution of the Scriptures, &c. at this place, on float, &c.; and am happy to inform you of our success in supplying the prisoners of war (1500) at this place and at Gozo with French and Italian Scriptures, with the consent and approbation of the Agent."

From Stockholm, dated Oct. 24, 1811. "It will give you pleasure to hear that the 2500 copies have been sent off to Swedish Lapland; and we daily expect to hear of their having arived at the several places of their destination. The Consistory in Hernosand have issued out a printed circular letter, in regard to their transport into the

teen adult Esquimaux in writing, and I am delighted with the progress they are making. Some have written me very affecting letters. With the translation of the Gospel of St. Luke I have advanced to the 20th chapter."

"From Bishop Tengström, at Abo, in
Finland.

"Since writing to you last, I have received a letter from his Excellency Speransky, concerning our proposed edition of the Finnish Bible with standing types; and have now the heartfelt pleasure to inform you, that his Imperial Majesty has not only graciously ap proved of our accepting the British and Foreign Bible Society's generously-offered gift

From the Bible Society of Maine (North America), Aug. 22, 1811.

"I rejoice to have it in my power to inform your honourable Committee, that we have reason to hope their donation has not been bestowed in vain. It has already called the attention of many among us to our infant institution, and excited a spirit of zeal and liberality, which promises to produce the most happy effects. Most of the towns in the district of Maine, in consequence of circular letters addressed to them by the trustees, have consented to have an annual contribution in aid of our funds. The sums thus collected, with the assistance afforded us by your Committee, will probably enable us to supply, at least, this part of our country with the sacred volume.

"It is scarcely possible, my dear Sir, for any one but an eye-witness to conceive of the deep interest which is here felt by many in the success of your Society; or of the strong emotions which the unprecedented exertions now making in Great Britain for the spread of the Gospel, excite in the breasts of all in this country, who are the friends of our blessed Redeemer. They cannot but consider them as designed to usher in the glorious day, in which the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the seas.""

till all shall be brought to a saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus." Extract from the Third Report of the Phila

delphia Bible Society, May 1, 1811. "The Managers would not do justice to their own feelings, nor, they are persuaded, to the expectations of the Society, should they close their Report without communicating some information relative to the British and Foreign Bible Society, to which the numerous institutions of a similar nature, which seem to be spreading over the face of Christendom, look up as to a common parent." ~" In a word, the mighty efforts of this Society appear to be employed in no less an enterprise than that of presenting the holy Scriptures, in their native tongue, to every people under heaven; and the fairest prospect exists, not only of their ultimate, but of their speedy, success. The annual meeting of this parent Society is held on this day, and it is a pleasing and animating consideration that, in our humble spliere, our exer. tions are united with theirs to extend the empire of our Redeemer; an empire infinitely more glorious and durable than any which is acquired by arms and cemented by blond; an empire which the knowledge and influence of the precious truth contained in the holy Scriptures is eventually to extend, till it embrace in its peaceful bosom all the empires of the world, and Jesus Christ become King of nations as he is King of saints."

(To be continued.)

BATH AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

1811.

"It is an agreeable circumstance satisfactorily ascertained, that many more Bibles are sold annually to individuals, since the institution of these societies through the country. The countenance received from your Society has been of great benefit to us: it has encouraged exertions, the effects of which may be seen in our being enabled, since the publication of the Second Report, to purchase 2,000 more Bibles, making the whole nunber upwards of 5,200, of which short of 1,000 now remain on hand.

"What abondant reason to rejoice has each member of your Society, in reflecting not only on its unparalleled success, but also on the effects produced by its influence and example! May He, in whose hands are the hearts of all men, continue his blessings on your labours, and enable you to extend them

Bart.in the chair. The vice-presidents are, the Earls of Leven and Melville, and of Cork and Orrery; Sirs H. Mann, R. Wilmot, and H. Bateman, Barts.; W. G. Langton, Esq.; and the Mayor of Bath for the time being. Charles Phillott, Esq. was chosen treasurer; and the Rev. James Oliver, and T. Blake, Esq., secretaries. We shall be anxious, when we can find room for it, to extract a few passages from the eloquent speeches of Mr. Owen and Mr. Hughes, delivered on this occasion; the former establishing the lawfulness, practicability, and even necessity, of such an union as the Bible Society exhibits; and the latter bearing his testimony to the excellence and utility of the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, and declaring that "the consideration of what its principles, exercised with Christian courtesy and zeal, might effect, induced him to wish

#

that its constitution did not preclude him, as a Protestant Dissenter, from being numbered among its members."

UXBRIDGE AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY.

A meeting of the members of this Society was lately held at Uxbridge, and a report of the year's proceedings was made by the committee. It states, that 233 Bibles and 1251 Testaments had been distributed during the year, and that there were yet many deficiencies to be supplied. Besides the usual parochial distribution, the committee had passed a vote, by which a Bible of a large type is allotted to each of the barges navigating the Grand Junction Canal between Brentford and Rickmansworth, and is attached to the barge itself by a printed label, specifying its name, and inviting the crew to read it. This example is strongly recommended to all other societies within whose districts canals have been cut.

The committee state the following important fact. It might have been expected," they say, "that in consequence of the recent circulation of the Scriptures in the neighbourhood, either gratuitously given or disposed of at reduced prices, the sale of Bibles and Testaments, on the usual terms, would be considerably diminished, if not altogether precluded; but this, it appears, is so far from being the case, that, since the institution of the Uxbridge Society, the demand on the trade, for the purchase of Bibles, has been increased in a threefold proportion; a circumstance which indicates a growing spirit of religious inquiry, and

both rewards and stimulates exertions to spread the word of God."

M. P.; Sir David Wedderburne, Bart. M. P. Admiral Eliab Harvey, M. P.; John Maitland, Esq. M. P.; Rev. T. Layton, M. A.; Rev. E. N. Walter, B. A.; Philip Sansom, Esq.; Abel Chapman, Esq.; Charles Welstead, Esq.; Joseph Cockfield, Esq.; and James Gascoigne, Esq. vice-presidents: Wm. Masterman, Esq. treasurer: and the Rev. J. Bunyeats, Rev. H. Lacey, and Henry Cockfield, Esq. secretaries.

The gallant Admiral, who filled the chair, observed, in the course of his speech, that as a seaman, he was not much used to public speaking, and his profession was not the most likely to lead him to speak on religious subjects; but he was convinced that the distribution of the Bible must be attended with the happiest effects; and he could add, from his own observation in the navy, that there was the highest state of discipline on board those ships in which the Bible was most read.

A considerable sum of money was subscribed, and the proceedings of the day appeared to create a great interest in the minds of those who were present. This is the fourth Auxiliary Bible Society that has been established in the county of Essex.

RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.

We alluded, in our last, to the bill for extending the liberty of religious worship, which had obtained the concurrent sanction of both Houses of Parliament. It received the royal assent on the 29th of July. The following is an abstract of its principal provisions. It wholly repeals the acts of 13 and 14 Car. II. chap. i.*; of 17 Car. II. chap. ii.*; and of 22 Car. II. chap. i. It enacts,

SOUTH-WEST ESSEX AUXILIARY BIBLE

SOCIETY.

A respectable meeting was held on Tuesday, the 28th of July, at the White Hart Ina, Woodford, for the purpose of forming a South-West Essex Auxiliary Bible Society; Admiral Harvey, member for the county, in the chair; who opened the business of the day in a neat and appropriate speech. The other speakers, on the occasion, were the Rev. Mr. Owen and Rev. Mr. Hughes, two of the secretaries of the parent institution; the Rev. Dr. Schwabe, minister of the German Chapel, Goodman's Fields, who at tended for the Rev. Mr. Steinkopff, the foreign secretary; and various other gentlemen. The Right Hon. Lord Henniker was chosen president: Sir Robert Wigram, Bart.

worship of Protestants shall be held, at which more than twenty persons are present besides the family and servants of the per son in whose house or premises the meeting shall be held, shall be registered, as

This act respected the Quakers.

This act, the Five-Mile Act, forbad, under a penalty of 40., any person who should preach in a conventicle from coming within five miles of any corporate town sending members to Parliament, unless in passing on the road, without taking a certain oath.

The well-known Conventicle Act; an act founded on the most intolerant principles, and full of harsh and revolting provisions; but which had, in a considerable degree, been disarmed of its severity by the Toleration Act (1 William and Mary, c. 18), and some subsequent acts.