while I am aware of what is due to the person to whom we should return thanks, I feel on the other hand what is due to his feelings to whom it is my office to move such an acknowledgment: for did we not know before, (which certainly all of us did,) we should learn, from the Report we have just heard, to what an extent that name has gone-an extent to which probably the name of the proudest conqueror never reached; but with this distinction, (a distinction which must be felt by every heart,) that, unlike the name of these conquerors, wherever the name of your President has been known, it must have been blessed. Accustomed, as I have been, to scenes of argument, where every observation that is made calls up an opponent with an argument of an opposite tendency, I feel little equal to such a meeting as this: but it is with a feeling of the most gratifying nature, that I find there is one subject on which all may concur; that there is one point on which we may all assemble, and unite with heart and hand, and that a point not chosen for the purpose of fixing a lever to subvert or destroy the world, but a point on which the centre of the gravity of that world must rest; a point round which all its discordant elements may range themselves in harmony and peace. Having said so much I will only add my wishes and my prayers, that others, better able to do justice to such a subject than myself, may have many, many opportunities of returning thanks to your President on similar occasions.”

LORD TEIGNMOUTH.

"Gentlemen, whatever anticipations we may have formed, of the progress of the great cause in which we are engaged, we have hitherto had the satisfaction to find them realized; and the facts which have this day been laid before us, have added to the numerous proofs of the happy effects of that impulse which has been imparted to the Christian world by the British and Foreign Bible Society.

"Never has the benign spirit of our holy religion appeared with a brighter or a more attractive lustre, since the Apostolic times, than in the zeal and efforts displayed, during the last sixteen years, for disseminating the records of divine truth and knowledge. The benefit of these exertions has already extended to millions, and, when we contemplate the vast machinery now in action for the unlimited diffusion of the Holy Scriptures, the energy which impels its movements, and the accession of power which it is constantly receiving, we cannot but indulge the exhilarating hope, 'that the Angel, having the everlasting Gospel to preach to them that are upon the earth, has commenced his auspicious career. Even now, the light of divine revelation has dawned in the horizon of regions which it never before illuminated, and is again becoming visible in others in which it had suffered a disastrous eclipse.

"But while relying on the prophetic word, we rejoice in the anticipation of a period, however remote, when this glorious light shall shine in all the fulness of meridian splendor, diffusing life and joy to the remotest corners of the earth, we have the satisfactory assurance, that we are discharging a Christian duty of paramount obligation, comprehending in its object the glory of God and the salvation of man. It is our endeavor to raise our fellow-creatures, from that state of moral degradation and spiritual darkness, resulting from ignorance of the word of God, in which such numbers of them are still unhappily placed, by leading them to the pure inexhaustible fountain of heavenly wisdom, from which they may derive light and knowledge to guide them through the intricacies of their mortal pilgrimage, and the hope of everlasting bliss in the life to come: and imbibe that spirit of love which gives animation and warmth to the charities which constitute the ties and happiness of all human relations: and our satisfaction is enhanced by the confidence, that it is an undertaking in unison with the gracious purposes of a merciful God, who wills that all men should come to the knowledge of the truth,' and who, on opening the springs of eternal felicity proclaimed to the uttermost bounds of the earth-Let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.'

"This gracious invitation has been proclaimed to the world through the instrumentality of the Bible Institution; and the eagerness, delight, and gratitude, with which it has been accepted by thousands, authorize the pleasing conviction, that the water of life has not been distributed in vain. Indeed we have ample evidence to support this conviction. We have the testimony of those who have

penetrated the abodes of sorrow, disease, and crime, into which the word of God had been introduced, perhaps for the first time, by this, or a kindred Society, that they had the happiness to find in them many witnesses to its cheering and consoling efficacy.

"We have satisfactory information of its influences in promoting extensive moral reformation. We have Catholic attestation, that in schools of that communion a new spiritual life, a sense of, and taste for, religion, an aspiration after higher heavenly objects, had been excited in many youthful minds,' by the perusal of the New Testament, and that impressions had been made on them, which justify the most pleasing hopes with respect to future generations. And what is said of the inhabitants of one country, may, it is presumed, be applied to those of others:-'Fruits of piety and good works, the genuine produce of the seed of the divine word, are seen to adorn the lives and conversation of thousands.'

"In these testimonies, the Members and Friends of the Bible cause have ample remuneration for their exertions, as well as the most encouraging motives for perseverance in their work of benevolence. But I do not hesitate to say, in the pious and impressive language of a continental Bible Society

"If among the thousands to whom the Bible is given, only one weary pilgrim of this earth should be refreshed-one sufferer relieved-one weak believer strengthened-one thoughtless sinner roused-one wanderer led back to the right way-one who has fallen raised up-one soul saved-who would not gladly co-operate in such a work, and cheerfully bestow his mite in its behalf?"

"Such are the feelings which have led to results of incalculable importance to the present welfare and eternal destinies of thousands: results, which, with our fellow laborers all over the world, we may contemplate with pure unmingled delight. They are, however, so far beyond the operation of any cause or agency merely human, that the glory of them from first to last must be ascribed to him alone, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working'—while it is our province to be grateful, to be humble, and to adore. By his special favor the Bible Institution has proved a blessing to mankind, and with the continuance of it, which it is our duty constantly and devoutly to implore, it will be hailed by future generations as one of the greatest blessings, next to that of divine Revelation itself, ever conferred on the human race.

"With this high estimate of the beneficial tendency and effects of our Institution, I cannot but connect that of the responsibility attached to the station which I have the honor to hold in it; and, under a deep state of humility suggested by this consideration, I return you my cordial thanks for the approbation which you have been pleased to express of my services.

"Permit me, before I conclude, to congratulate the Members of our Institution on the publication of the third volume of its history. It has a merit which few histories can claim, that of perfect authenticity; but in the presence of the author, I shall not say more than to express my sincere satisfaction, that the British and Foreign Bible Society has found an historian qualified in all respects to do justice to its excellence."

DEPARTURE OF THE ASSISTANT MISSIONARIES.

ON Wednesday the 13th of September, Messrs. John Smith, jun. Calvin Cushman and Elijah Bardwell, with their wives and children, all of Goshen, Mass. and Mr. William Hooper, of Saco, Maine, commenced their journey to join the missionary establishments in the Choctaw nation, as assistants in the great work of civilization and moral improvement. They will travel the whole way with waggons, through the states of New-York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, to Mississippi. They left the places of their residence to which they had been long and strongly attached, with cheerfulness and alacrity, and committed themselves and all their concerns to the disposal of the great Head of the church, in whose service they are employed, and to the promotion of whose glory they dedicate their all. In the early part of their journey, they take with them two well educated and capable young women, who will superintend schools, or some department of domestic economy, as shall be most conducive to the interests of the mission.

ON THE CONDITION OF THE BLACKS IN THIS COUNTRY.

Editorial.

SINCE the publication of our number for June, we have received from the south several complaints against the article, which bears the same title as the one we have now commenced; and though the subject is a delicate one, and requires great caution and prudence in the discussion of it, we think proper, just at the close of our editorial labors, to introduce it again to the notice of our readers.

A Virginia correspondent, immediately on receiving our June number, wrote us an angry letter, filled with the most vehement language, and containing the most serious charges. As, however, these charges were general, and no particular error in our statements was attempted to be shown, we do not feel bound to take any further notice of the communication. If our narrow limits would permit, we should be glad to insert the whole letter, and subjoin such remarks as it would suggest. The letter itself would be a fair exhibition of the manner, in which too many southern people are accustomed to write and speak on the subject of slavery, and the general condition of the blacks.

A highly respected friend of ours has received letters from gentlemen in South Carolina, written with a view to be shown to us, which express regret that the article in question made its appearance, and dissatisfaction with the manner, in which the subject was treated. The letters evince a candid spirit; and the character of the writers entitles them to respectful consideration. One of these correspondents, a clergyman whom we greatly esteem, has intermingled other topics with his animadversions on us, so that we cannot, without obvious inconvenience and impropriety, quote his words. He would not wish us to quote them entire. The substance of his remarks is, that the article in the June Panoplist has produced a considerable ferment among those, who have seen it; that he fears the effect will be to diminish the patronage of that work, and to keep alive and increase those sectional prejudices, which have already done so much mischief, in our common country; that the article is regarded as an attack, not only on Virginia, but on the southern states generally and indiscriminately; and that some of the inferences, which it contains, are considered as illegitimate, and as exhibiting more of feeling, than of any other quality.' In a subsequent part of the letter are some remarks, which we insert at large.

VOL. XVI.

61

"If our northern brethren, in commenting on the state of slavery in this country, in terms sometimes severe and almost bitter, would look on the luminous as well as the dark side of the picture, and tell the world the good things that are going on, in relation to slaves, in several places, it would give more effect to their censures, where they are just, and take off the impression, which is too apt to be received by southern men, that in speaking and acting as they do, they are more under northern than Christian influence. Every thing which is now spoken or written by northern men, on the subject of slavery, whether good or bad, right or wrong, is apt to be referred, by southern folks, to the Missouri Question; and to be considered as the effusion of disappointment, or revenge, on account of the decision which took place in Congress, on that topic. Of this spirit many, or at least some, good Christians partake, to a degree greater than one is apt to be aware of; but perhaps not greater than, considering the habits, feelings, views, &c. to which they have been accustomed from their birth, is to be expected. Every reader of John Newton's life must be surprised at the fact of his continuing, even after his conversion, for some time in the slave-trade, without seeming to be aware, at the time, that there was any thing wrong in it.

"Besides, intercourse between many places at the north and many at the south is now so great, so frequent, or rather so constant, that there is ample opportunity for correcting the erroneous impressions, that may be taken up, in relation to each other. The religious privileges of the blacks, in Charleston particularly, are well known, or at least ought to be well known; and they are daily and I may say, apidly, on the increase. But this good influence must go on, in a quiet, retired way, and diffuse itself like leaven. Otherwise, without a miracle, (which we can hardly expect,) every good plan, in relation to the improvement of the colored population, must be frustrated. "The kingdom of God,” in relation to the people in question, must not come "with observation; neither must we say, lo here, or lo there." A fact, with which I have been made acquainted, I would here mention. The blacks, belonging to what is called by themselves the African Society, consisting chiefly, if not exclusively, of Methodists, with one or two free blacks at their head, who it is stated, had received episcopal ordination in Philadelphia, and who announce themselves to be bishops here, have been for some time engaged in building, for themselves exclusively, a place of worship. They obtained, as I understand, the countenance of the Governor, before the commencement of the undertaking. But, since the article in the Panoplist appeared, he has prohibited it, and the work is for the present suspended. You will not be surprised at the jealousy of people against religious ineetings, consisting entirely of blacks, and particularly where the worship is to be conducted by them, when you are informed, that most of the incipient schemes of insurrection, &c. that have been detected, have taken place at professedly religious meetings."

"Rejoicing in the extensive and various and efficient plans for doing good, now in operation among you, I should be sorry to see any of them curtailed, or cramped, or injured by injudicious or unseasonable publications, in any of your periodical papers, which circulate in the southern region. When I have more leisure, I should like to forward a complete account of the number of black members in the different churches;-of the schools for teaching children and adult blacks to read; of classes led by black men, &c. &c. to be published in the Panoplist cr Recorder. Whether I shall ever get time, pressed as I am already on every side, is quite problematical."

The following extracts are taken from a letter, written by a SouthCarolina planter, with whom we have not the pleasure of being acquainted, but whose character is distinguished for amiableness and piety. Both he, and the writer of the preceding letter, are natives of the state in which they live.

"This communication, my good sir, has been delayed by the protracted illness, and the death of - which prevented my procuring a few documents to forward you, that, if expedient, in your judgment, might be submitted to the perusal of the Editor of the Panoplist, to rectify some mistakes in the publication of

the June number of that work, wherein he states, that nothing has been done in the way of bettering the colored people in the Carolinas. I have not procured the Reports of the Sunday School Societies in this city, as I intended, but was prevented; which contained information most conclusive; but I send to you the Report of the Harmony Presbytery, and the Constitution of the Charleston Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Society. In the first are expressed the feelings of the truly pious generally, as well as the facts of the uncommon religious attention of the slaves and people of color in this state, and the unexampled efforts, which have been made for their instruction. In the sixth article of the last, is a transcript of the privileges granted to the people of color, by every previously organized Sabbath School institution among us. And likewise there are very many schools in our city, conducted by colored teachers, for the tuition of colored children, as well as hundreds of other people in the country and city both, who read the Scriptures and other religious books to their fellow servants, and are daily teaching them to read. In short, I feel no hesitation in saying, it has been a subject of deep interest with me for years past; and that, as far as my influence extended, they have had all possible prudent means of instruction, and I conscientiously add, that there never was a more rapid change for the better in the state of any people, than in theirs for the last ten years. Indeed, subordination is losing ground too fast for their own happiness, and the safety of our domestic policy. There have been recent instances of unprovoked attacks from some of them, on respectable citizens peaceably walking our streets, and the perpetrators sentenced to severe punishment by our laws.

"I really fear, that such publications, with the consequent licentiousness of these people, will defeat the professed benevolent design of their authors, and paralyze the exertions of the pious of these states, by inducing their legislators to pass laws prohibiting any assemblages of them for instruction, as inconsistent with our internal safety; when, if we are left to the benign influences of the spirit of Christianity, that is spreading through the region, a little time will level all distinctions in one united effort for promoting the glory of God, and the temporal and eternal happiness of mankind. I do believe, that a respectable part of this community, as to numbers, as well as otherwise, would at this moment rejoice to see such a day, regardless of the pecuniary loss sustained by them, if the minds and state of our posterity were prepared by habits of more exertion for their temporal comfort, and the minds of these people by moral and political instruction.

"Surely it cannot be the disposition of any individual Christian among our eastern brethren, that these people should be let loose among us, with the character now belonging to so great a portion of them, while we are making every exertion, consistent with our own safety, to promote their happiness, both temporal and spiritual,-and are not at the same time, chargeable with the evil of their slavery, which, it is well known, is coeval with our existence; and its extirpation certainly calls for the union of moderation and prudence, on the part of its Chris

tian advocates at least.

"The following occurrences in two instances of the present week, I think you will agree, are strong evidences, that these are not the oppressed people, that they are supposed to be.

"At the funeral of Mrs. on Monday last, 30 adult slaves followed her corpse to the grave with such lamentations, that her influential male heirs present found it difficult so far to quiet them, as to permit Dr.'s address on the occasion to be heard. Such affection and regret for her death are not consistent with a state of oppression.

"Yesterday afternoon eleven slaves were admitted at one time to the ordinance of baptism, and will be admitted to-morrow to the ordinance of the Lord's Supper: all after a course of instruction, continued for months before, occasionally by ****, but uniformly by the intelligent, and we believe pious colored man ****,-besides that many of them read fluently.

"But enough, my dear Sir: you know my individual opinion on this subject, and I feel justified in believing there are thousands here of the same opinion. The Lord's children among us, I trust, are disposed to say, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, regardless of any temporal sacrifice; and as He shall from time to time open the way, be ready to aid his work. We hope and believe, this