excites the friends of religion to greater exertions in favour of the calumniated object. Let the weight of their falsehoods be estimated by the fact, that at the meeting we are recording, it was announced, that the new subscriptions and donations (including the collection of the Cathedral) for the two Societies, but principally for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, amounted to 190%, and there is reason to expect a farther increase. Let them also know, that other places in the Diocese have made, and others are contemplating, a similar effort. A holy emulation is roused, and will be felt through the whole Diocese. "The fires expanding as the winds arise, Shoot their long beams, and kindle half the skies." An address was then read by the Rev. J. Hodges, after which the resolutions were proposed and seconded with several animated speeches. In the afternoon nearly sixty of the friends of the Societies dined together, the Lord Bishop taking the chair. He took occasion to reiterate what he had before earnestly pressed upon the attention of the meeting the policy of interesting the laity, the tradesmen and others of the same class, in the societies connected with the Church. He observed, that though he was glad to see the larger subscriptions, yet he would encourage, and consider of the highest importance, the smaller tributes; that he should like to see the friends of the Church coming forward in its cause from the plough, and from behind the counter, with their five shillings, and their half-crowns; and he urged the clergy by no means to overlook these allies. We must express our concurrence in the wisdom of this counsel; it displays a thorough knowledge of our strength and our weakness. We recommend it to the consideration of the zealous friends of the Church. And we call upon our Christian brethren of all ranks and callings, to offer their support, and testify their regard for these Societies, in our judgment best calculated to maintain and to diffuse that "form of sound doctrine," which tends, above all others, to restore man to that "image of God" in which he was created, to promote the happiness of individuals, to secure the peace of society, to mitigate the evils of this present time, and to place within our grasp the glories of eternity. LIVERPOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE. THE Committee are happy to observe, that the operations of the Society in the prosecution of its benevolent designs, as detailed in its last annual Report, will prove highly satisfactory to every member and friend of the institution; and they are led to hope, that the following statement of the number of books, tracts, &c. which, by their direction, have hitherto been distributed throughout this populous town and neighbourhood, will afford a full and satisfactory proof, that they have not been wanting in their humble, but earnest endeavours, by every means in their power, to promote the interests and usefulness of the Parent Institution. Summary Account of Books, &c. issued from the Liverpool Depository. Hence it appears that, during the last year, the demand for the Society's publications has been more urgent and extensive than at any former period; and that the total number of books, &c. which has been dispersed by the committee since their Depository was first opened in May 1816, to the 31st December 1827, amounts to 339,963; a number far beyond any calculation which had been previously made by the Committee, and which has greatly exceeded their most sanguine expectations. From the numerous applications which have been made, and which still continue to be made, at the Depository, for our most excellent Liturgy, of which 2486 copies were dispersed in the preceding year; the Committee have reason to conclude, that a growing attachment to the National Church, and a more regular attendance on its worship, now happily prevail among the lower orders of the community. To the religious education of the poor in the principles of the Established Church, which has ever been a primary object with the Society, every possible attention has, at all times, been paid by the Committee. The number of schools as noticed in the last Report, which have been supplied with the elementary tracts and papers of the Society, amounted to thirty-eight; and to these the Committee have great pleasure in announcing that two more are to be added, which, by a munificent act of the Corporation of Liverpool, have, in the course of the year, been erected for the education of 1200 children, (700 boys, and 500 girls,) so that the number of schools, within the District, which have been benefited by the Society's publications, is now increased to forty, in which about 6800 children are, at this present time, receiving the benefit of a Christian education. In conformity with a standing order of the Committee, seventy-two Bibles, and the like number of Prayer-books, amounting in value to 121. were given to fifty-four boys, and eighteen girls of the Blue Coat Hospital, who, by their good behaviour, during their respective terms of residence, had merited the approbation of the Governors of that most excellent charity, and thereby rendered themselves worthy of the gift. With a view to extend the use of the Circulating Libraries which were granted last year, to such of the schools within the District as might apply for them, through their several Committees, it has been further resolved by the District Committee, that in order to promote "the improvement of the higher classes in each school, a grant of books to the amount of 51. shall be made to every school, (the Committee of which shall apply for the same,) consisting of not more than 100 scholars; and that the sum of one pound be added thereto, to all such schools as shall contain more than 100, and less than 200 children; and the further sum of one pound, in like manner, for every additional hundred." Thus have the Committee endeavoured to provide for the instruction and information of the rising generation, in the hope that, under the Divine blessing, they may, by such means, be preserved from the baneful influence of those licentious publications which are daily issuing from the press, by which many have been seduced to "err from the truth, and to walk in the broad deceitful way that leadeth to destruction." An application having been made to the Committee, by the Secretaries of the Mariners' Church, for a grant of Prayer-Books for the use of the said church; it was resolved, "that a grant of 150 Prayer-Books, amounting in value to 127. 2s. 6d. be made to the Mariners' Church Committee for the use of the same; and that they be furnished with any additional number of Prayer-Books, or with Bibles, for the use of the sailors, upon paying the members' prices for the same." Six Welsh Bibles have also been granted for the use of the patients in the Infirmary, at the particular request of the Treasurer. With respect to the state of their funds, and the receipts and disbursements of the year, the Committee refer with no small satisfaction to the account of the Treasurer, which announces a balance in hand, amounting to 1627. 9s. Od. In the appropriation of the means derived from their funds, to the furtherance of the important objects of the Society, the Committee are anxious to state, that a due regard to economy has been observed, whilst, at the same time, the dissemination of religious knowledge throughout the District, has been assiduously, and, they trust, essentially promoted. With confidence, therefore, they now rely upon the continuance of that liberal support, which they have already experienced; and by which alone they will be enabled to meet the increasing demands of the public, and to extend and perpetuate the benefits of this truly Christian Charity. HACKNEY DISTRICT COMMITTEE. A numerous and respectable meeting of the inhabitants of Hackney, "Members of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, or desirous of becoming so," was held, pursuant to notice from the Rev. Archdeacon Watson, the Rector, at the Mermaid Tavern, Hackney, on Monday, the 17th of March, for the purpose of considering the expediency of establishing a "District Committee of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, for the parish of Hackney." The Rev. H. H. Norris took the chair in the absence of the Rector, supported by the Rev. E. Birch, the Rev. C. J. Heathcote, the Rev. E. Irish, the Rev. W. B. Rennell, the Rev. John Sinclair, and about 150 of the inhabitants. The Chairman stated, that the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge had now existed upwards of a century and a quarter, during which period it had been unceasingly employed in the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and such other useful works as were calculated to disseminate sound religious instruction-the establishment of schools for the education of the poor-and the establishment and encouragement of Christian Missions in our Indian Empire. About twenty years ago, in consequence of a large religious excitement which manifested itself in this country, it was considered advisable to enlarge the sphere of the Society's exertions, by the formation of District Committees throughout the country. This measure was carried into effect to a considerable extent; but it was presumed that from the proximity of the parishes in and about London to the Parent Society, it was not necessary to adopt it in respect of them, until the excellent example of the parish of Bishopsgate, a very few years since, had shewn with what great advantages the formation of District Committees was attended, even in the metropolis itself. Their utility consisted in causing the local wants of each neighbourhood to be more exactly ascertained and attended to-in causing the Society itself to be more generally known, and its funds more generally supported. For some time past it had been determined to propose the extension of these advantages to the parish of Hackney; and nothing had delayed the execution of this intention but the severe and protracted illness of the Rector. This meeting was now called at the express desire of the Rector, who had determined that no longer delay should take place as far as he was concerned. The Chairman then proceeded to read the regulations which the Parent Society had established for the formation of District Committees, and announced to the meeting, that he had applied to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, who had undertaken to become the Patron of the institution. The following gentlemen then addressed the meeting, proposing resolutions for the formation of a District Committee, in conformity with the regulations of the Society, and urging their adoption as a most effectual means of strengthening the hands of the Parent Society, and providing for the more effectually carrying into execution in the immediate neighbourhood, all its excellent objects:-viz. Messrs. Clark, Powell, C. Hensley, Skinner, Turner, Freese, John Marshall, Powles, R. Hunt, P. Cazenove, Pulley, and Warburton. The whole of which resolutions were passed unanimously, and a liberal subscription entered into. A Committee, consisting of the Clergy of the three districts into which Hackney is divided, and about twenty of the inhabitants, was appointed for conducting the concerns of the institution. 言い SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL IN FOREIGN PARTS. ROCHESTER DIOCESAN SOCIETY. A PUBLIC meeting for the purpose of forming a Diocesan Society (separate from the District Committee) in aid of the Incorporated Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, was held at Rochester, on Thursday, March 27th, which was most respectably attended. After the very Rev. the Dean of Rochester had taken the chair and opened the meeting, the first resolution for the establishment of a separate Diocesan Society was moved by the Hon. and Rev. F. Hotham, and seconded by the Rev. G. Harker, in a warm and animated speech, in which he stated the beneficial results of the Society's exertions, and more especially in India. The second resolution, for appointing the Lord Bishop of this Diocese the President, was moved by the Rev. D. F. Warner, and seconded by the Rev. W. T. Staines. S. Baker, Esq. moved the third resolution, nominating the Vice-President, which was seconded by Dr. Rowlands. The fourth resolution, for the appointment of a Committee and Officers, was moved by T. Saunders, Esq. and seconded by the Rev. R. Whitehead, who trusted that the effect of this meeting would operate as a stimulus upon the efforts of all who felt interested in a cause so excellent. The sum of nearly 70l., including 81. 3s. collected at the doors, was immediately raised, and it is trusted that the funds will be still more augmented by additional contributions among the members of the Church of England. DEANERY OF ACKLEY. This Committee have put out an appeal in aid of the objects of the Society, grounded upon the following statement::-"That between the autumn of 1825 and the spring of 1826, the Bishop of Nova Scotia, Dr. Inglis, during a journey by land and sea of five NATIONAL April 9th, 1828.- St. Martin's Vestry. At a meeting of the General Committee, the Schools of the following thousand miles, consecrated forty-four Churches, which had been materially assisted by the funds of this Society; and arrangements were made for the erection of many more. The important institution of King's College, Windsor, in that Diocese, has been greatly aided from the same source. The National Schools at Halifax and St. John's, under the sanction of the Society, are introducing this powerful instrument of education into the most remote part of the colonies. In the vast and important Diocese of Calcutta, Bishop's College at that place, founded it may be truly said by the bounty of this Society, though liberally assisted from other quarters, is reported to be in a progressive state of prosperity and improvement, yet cramped, in its momentous efforts, by deficiency of funds. Lastly, at sixteen schools in the neighbourhood of Calcutta, not less than 1280 native boys are receiving from the Society the blessings of edu cation. In reference to the above Societies we subjoin the following letter :— MR. EDITOR, I cannot but think that a very small abridgement of the General Annual Reports of the Societies for Promoting Christian Knowledge, and Propagating the Gospel, in the cheap form of a Tract, might be circulated with much benefit, by the Ministers of country parishes, among the farmers and other respectable and intelligent members of their congregations. It might merely give a short sketch of the rules and designs of the Societies, with some of the most interesting matter contained in the Reports. This, I think, in conjunction with occasional allusions from the pulpit, would be of incalculable service in the cause. I am, Sir your obedient servant, A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETIES. March 18th, 1828. SOCIETY. places were received into union; viz. Illingworth, Hallifax; St. George's District, Sheffield; Pendle, Lanc. 1 X JUV Penter, near Bangor; Withyam, Sussex; and the following grants were made, viz. Aysgarth, N. York, 701.; Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, (conditionally) 100%; Randwich, Gloucestershire, (conditionally) 30%; Lantegloss, near Fowey, (conditionally) 50%.; Illingworth, 70%.; St. George's, Sheffield, (conditionally) 100%. CITY OF LONDON NATIONAL SCHOOLS. The Lord Mayor has kindly given permission for the children of the above Schools to be examined in the Egyptian Hall, on Friday the 16th of May. The examination will commence at a quarter past three; after which, the friends of the Institution will dine at the City of London Tavern. POLITICAL RETROSPECT. DOMESTIC. THE KING.-His Majesty's health continues to improve, and the recovery of his strength is such as to gratify the feelings of every loyal subject. The drawing-room on the twenty-third ult. was numerously attended. FINANCE AND REVENUE.-The Finance Committee have commenced their inquiries with great activity and perseverance. The Bill passed in 1809, authorising persons above thirtyfive years of age to convert funded property into life annuities, is recommended for repeal. The real value of such annuities has been found so far to exceed the estimated, as to render the measure very injurious to the public. The improvement of the revenue of the year preceding the 5th of April, 1828, has been very considerable, and the surplus of the income of this, beyond that of the year before it, exceeds one million sterling, The revenue of the quarter ending on the 5th of April last is 9,898,3617. and exhibits an increase above that of the corresponding quarter in the year 1827, of more than 558,000l. During the last of these periods there is an improvement under every head of revenue, except that termed Miscellaneous, which shews a small deficiency of about 19,000%. sembly these have been brought forward for discussion and adoption.-We particularize one before-named,-substituting a Form of Declaration, in lieu of the Corporation and Test Acts. This has met with almost unanimous approval in both Houses, and will probably have received the Royal sanction before this comes from the press. Another, for the better security of real property in our mighty East Indian Empire. One for the better regulation of the law of distress and replevin in Ireland, the unhappy situation of which country has invited the serious attention of both Houses to other measures now only in suggestion, and therefore such as we cannot record, but of which some will certainly be adopted for the amelioration of the sufferings experienced in that part of the United Kingdom, Laws for the disfranchisement of the corrupt Boroughs of East Retford and Penryn, and the supply of anatomical subjects to our schools of surgery and dissection-the latter highly necessary for the protection of a science important to every individual, and both requisite to diminish crime and promote purity of morals. The means of encouraging pauper emigration continues to engage Mr. W. Horton's attention. The Duke of Wellington has brought forward his projected improvement of the Corn Laws. The measure is by no means a new one. It is merely a modification of the former scale of duties, as will appear from the annexed table. UU |