aid the progress of knowledge, science, and social improvement.

Resolved, That this committee being entirely

satisfied with the manner in which the Montreal Register has been hitherto conducted by the Rev. J. M. Cramp, A.M., commit the paper to his charge, in full confidence that its reputation will be well sustained, and that it will become increasingly worthy of the patronage of the Baptist denomination in this province.

"Resolved, That the Rev. F. Bosworth, A.M.,

whose valuable assistance has been already enjoyed, and is hereby gratefully acknowledged, be requested to continue his services, and to take the entire

charge of the Register whenever, by absence from Montreal, or otherwise, Mr. Cramp may be prevented from attending to the engagement.

"Resolved, That the secretaries of the corre sponding committees of the Canada Baptist Union, and the ministers of the denomination in Canada generally, with the agents and other friends of the Register, be earnestly requested to promote its circulation, as extensively as possible, in their respective districts, and to forward to the editor, from time to time, intelligence respecting the state and progress of the denomination, and any other information, religious or secular, which may be deemed interesting to the public at large."

ANNUAL MEETINGS.

THE BIBLE TRANSLATION SOCIETY.

The following is the Report of the committee presented to the seventh general meeting, at New Park Street Chapel, April 28th, Henry Kelsall, Esq., of Rochdale, in the chair:

The translation of the word of God into foreign languages, while it is a work worthy to engage the noblest efforts of the human mind, must, from its very nature, be for the most part unattended with any striking incident. The translator pursues his labour in the seclusion of his study, away from the noise and even the observation of the world; and those who sympathize in his toils, and minister to his comfort and support, must do so, not from the impulse which might be supplied by the recital of novel and extraordinary circumstances, but under the influence of love to the Master who employs him, and from a fixed conviction of the necessity of his work, in the order of means, to the salvation of the human race. The committee of the Bible Translation Society feel no anxiety, therefore, though they have no scenes to exhibit, no adventures to relate, no discoveries to announce, no brilliant events to describe, in a word, though they have nothing to offer which is fitted to captivate the imagination, or which appeals to the passions of men. The office entrusted to them makes them familiar simply with matters of business; with the periodical return of so much manuscript copy prepared, so many proof sheets corrected, such a prophetical book revised, such a gospel finished, so many editions put to press, and so many copies of the sacred volume published. And as these are the details which engage their VOL. X.-FOURTHI SERIES.

attention, so they are the materials which details should seem in themselves uninviting, must compose their report. But if such and perhaps even repulsive, it is only to reflect in what close connexion they stand with the advancement of truth and righteousness in the earth, with the intellectual and spiritual renovation of myriads of human minds, with the salvation of men, and the glory of God; and it must be at once felt that an interest belongs to them which is in vain sought after either in the creations of genius, in the discoveries of science, or in the most applauded achievements of ambition.

To facts of this kind they now therefore call the attention of their constituents.

Since the death of Dr. Yates, the translations at Calcutta have been carried on by the Rev. J. Wenger, the Rev. A. Leslie, and the Rev. C. C. Aratoon, while the management of the Baptist Mission press is still in the hands of the Rev. J. Thomas. These brethren have been diligently occupied each in his own department, while they have co-operated with affectionate harmony in the great work to which they have devoted their lives.

"Brother Leslie," says Mr. Wenger," is assiduously engaged in carrying through the press a revised edition of the Hindi Testathat little more than a reprint, with here and ment. At the commencement it was thought there a verbal emendation, would be required. My own expectations were different, and as he advanced with the Gospel by Matthew he found that it would be every way more satisfactory to make rather numerous alterations. Consequently the Gospel by Matthew, as it was printed, will not appear in the new edition, but be replaced by a more revised text. In the meanwhile, the entire impression of that gospel is to be bound separately and distributed in that form; so that it will come into use as extensively as was contemplated, and at a much earlier period. From frequent conversation I have had with brother Leslie, both in his study with the proof sheets before him, and in the streets when walking together on our preaching occasions, I feel confident that this important work could not have been committed to better hands. He is so closely occupied with it, that the remark has frequently been made to me that the recent partial failure of his health is probably owing to the sedentary life he is now obliged to lead."

While Mr. Leslie has been employed upon the Hindi version, Mr. Wenger has been occupied (and we regret to say, like Mr. Leslie, with symptoms of failing health), with the Sanscrit and the Bengali. His Pundit also, in each of these languages, has repeatedly been laid aside by sickness during the course of the year.

The general statement furnished of the position and progress of the translations is in the following terms:

3 A

In Hindi the printing of the New Testament has advanced to the commencement of John, whilst of Matthew 8000 copies, and of Mark 4000 copies, have been struck off for separate distribution.

In Bengali an edition of the New Testament of 4000 copies, which, at the date of our last Report had advanced to the end of 1st Corinthians, has been completed. There have also been printed, for separate distribution, of the gospel by Matthew 15,000 copies, of Mark 15,000 copies, of Luke 15,000 copies, of the Acts 10,000 copies, of Luke and Acts together 5000 copies, of Genesis with part of Exodus 5000 copies, whilst an edition of the Gospel by John, of 15,000 copies, is now in the press, and has advanced to the twentieth chapter.

In Sanscrit a new edition of the book of Proverbs, of 3000 copies, issed from the press in the early part of the year, whilst an edition of the New Testament, of 2500 copies, has advanced to the fourteenth chapter of Mark. The printing of the Old Testament has not yet been commenced, but the remainder of Ezekiel, the Minor Prophets, and the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, and the first book of Samuel, have been prepared in manuscript; so that the part remaining to be supplied now extends only from the second of Samuel to Esther.

In Hindustani no portion of the bible has issued from the press, but a new edition of the Testament is in hand, and has advanced to about the middle of the Epistles.

In all there have issued from the press during the year,—

In Sanscrit

In Bengali.

In Hindi

Making a total of

Volumes. 3,000

69,000

12,000

£500 to the Calcutta translations. This, in like manner, with three additional grants of the same amount, has been paid to the Baptist Missionary Society; making in the whole, £2050.

The total amount of moneys received dur ing the year is £2125 16s. 1d., in which sum is included a legacy with interest of £213 10s., left by Mrs. Norman of Isleham, Cambridgeshire, and two donations, one of £50 by W. Blacklock, Esq., of Colchester, and the other of £200 by Daniel Sinclair, Esq., of Edradour, Perthshire.

In concluding their report, the committee take occasion to express their belief that as the controversy connected with the origination of the Bible Translation Society has subsided, its real design is beginning to be better understood. It was at first regarded as a sectarian intruder amongst the other religious institutions of our country, and as especially taking up a position of hostility against one of them, in which all denominations of protestants unite in fraternal co-operation. A more mistaken conception of its nature and intention could scarcely have been entertained; and so its friends and founders declared at the time, but in vain. The voice of truth, however, though not clamorous, is potent; and their declarations, though disregarded or mistrusted amidst the strife of controversy, now that the storm is laid, and the Society is left to pursue its course in quietness, are in different quarters receiving the credit to which they have always been entitled. The committee deplore, in common with the warmest advocates of Christian union, that the church of Christ does not advance in one combined phalanx upon the territories of idolatry and heathenism; but they maintain that the same reason which extenuates, if it does not justify, the existence of different missionary institutions, vindicates the existence of the Bible Translation Society. The work which it has undertaken is work which its supporters cannot relinquish, which in their conscientious judgment they think ought not to be relinquished, and which, at the same time, none but themselves will do. They intrude upon no previously occupied sphere of labour, they interfere with the operations of no other society, but "wishing God speed" to all their fellow labourers, and rejoicing to aid their efforts, they only seek to cultivate that corner of the great missionary field from which others, their former coadjutors, have retired. Nor are they without the hope, and the conviction, that amongst Christians of other communions some will be found-they are gratified in stating the fact that some are already found-whose catholic charity will induce them to assist their versions, as they assist those of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and that thus the work of giving God's holy word to the nations may be carried on in the maintenance of that friendliness and harmony

which ought ever to obtain amongst those who

Travelling Agente.

offer in common the same prayer, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Lambeth.

Rev. MANOAH KENT, Shrewsbury.

THE WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

At the annual meeting, which was held in Exeter Hall on the 3rd of May, Sir C. E. Smith, Bart., presided.

The Report stated that, through the kind providence of God, intercourse has been had during the year with every mission of the society throughout the world, however remote; serious calamities, which have threat. ened the prosperity, and even the existence, of some of the missions, have been mercifully averted or greatly mitigated; the missionaries, for the most part, have been preserved in the enjoyment of life and health; a few have returned for a season to recruit their strength in their native country, while six lamented labourers have been called to their eternal reward in heaven. Twenty-five new missionaries have been sent abroad to reinforce the missions, and to extend the sphere of Christian enterprise: an average degree of success has been granted in honour of the labours of the society, and in answer to many prayers; and the liberality of the society's friends has provided funds for the support of the missions which have not merely been adequate to the expenditure authorized by the committee, but have also left a small balance in the hands of the general treasurers for the beginning of another year.

The statement of the income and expenditure of the year ending 31st of December, 1846, was as follows:

Income of 1846, from all the usual sources, towards the regular and ordinary expenditure....

..£115,762 3 2

The ordinary annual expenditure for 1846 has been

Showing a balance of income over the expenditure of...

To this must be added the surplus balance of 1845 of.........

Making a total balance in the hands of the Treasurers of............

111,534 8 8

4,227 14 6

766 14 10

£4,994 9 4

If the income of the year be examined, it will be found that there is an increase on the whole of £2838 13s. 8d., and that this advance has arisen from an increase in every general source of income. The increase on the home receipts is £2067 15s. 9d. The following are the particulars. The receipts from the Home Auxiliaries, including the contributions received at the Mission House, amount to £82,950 7s. 5d., and show an increase of £1515 is. 11d. The Juvenile Christmas and New Year's Offerings amount to £4770 198. 8d., being an increase on this delightful source of income of £284 10s. 3d.. The receipts from Ireland have been £6462

5s. 10d., showing an increase of £262 3s. 10d. The receipts from Foreign Auxiliaries on the mission stations are £11,788 6s. 5d., being an increase of £114 1s. 10d., and the miscellaneous receipts in the form of Colonial Grants, Legacies, Dividends, New Donations on Annuity for Life, &c., have amounted to £9790 3s. 10d., being an increase of £656 16s. 1d. on this item for the year. In the receipts at the Mission House, already adverted to, they are not any very large donations like those received from some of the society's more wealthy and generous friends in 1845; it therefore becomes evident that there has been a considerable advance in the income from the auxiliaries in the Home Districts, for which the society is indebted to the increasing liberality of its friends at large, and to the untiring zeal of the collectors, male and female, and the various officers of the society, whose labours the committee continually bear in grateful remembrance. The committee fix their attention on the home income with the greater interest because it is less liable to fluctuation, and more to be depended on than the income from the other sources; and they mark its steady progress and increase as indicative of an enlarged acquaintance with the value of missions, and the duty of supporting them, on the part of the Christian public, and as a pledge that this great work shall be sustained and extended in proportion as its nature and results shall be ascertained and understood. . . . .

The committee do not disguise from themselves the difficulties which will attend the commencement of a mission to China, and the delays which may occur before suitable agents can be found and prepared for so important an undertaking. They may be considered as having the object in contemplation, rather than as intending to proceed to its accomplishment immediately.... The details of the contributions to the funds of the society, received during the year 1846 from the several auxiliary and branch societies at home and abroad, and of the income arising

from other and miscellaneous sources, were then read. The home receipts amounted to £82,950 7s. 5d.; the Juvenile Christmas and New Year's Offerings for 1846 (received in time), and balance of those for 1845, £4770 19s. 8d. The receipts in Ireland (including expenses, &c., £489 148. 6d.) to 12s. 11d.; the total receipts from foreign £6552 0s. 4d;-making a total of £94,183 auxiliaries, &c., were £11,788 6s. 5d. The miscellaneous receipts (including grants) were £9790 3s. 10d.-Making as before stated, a total amount of regular miscellaneous receipts,

from all sources, of £115,762 3s. 2d.

Twenty-five missionaries, and six wives of missionaries, have been sent out by the society since the last anniversary. Seven missionaries, with two wives of missionaries have, during the year, returned to their

...

several foreign stations, after visiting this country; and Mr. Whitehouse, who had long been usefully employed in the West Indies, but had returned to England for a season, has again been appointed to the foreign work, and, with his family, has proceeded to the Bahamas. . . . The society has also sent out, during the year, six catechists or teachers... Six much lamented missionaries have been removed by death:-Mr. Findlay at CapeCoast; Mr. Marshall at Newfoundland; Mr. Dowson at New Providence; Mr. Francis Wilson at Vavau; Mr. Palmer in Kaffraria; Mr. Hann at Jamaica. To this affecting record must be added that of three excellent females, wives of missionaries, and of Mr. Lynn, mission school-master at St. Mary's, Gambia. . . . . The following is a general summary of all the Wesleyan missions:

...

Hall on the 4th of May it was stated that At the annual meeting held in Exeter the total income of the society during the year had been £116,827 18s. Íld., exceeding that of the previous year by £14,369 18s. 6d., and larger than that of any former year. "The increase," says the Report, "is chiefly owing to the large amount of legacies former year being £3075 68. 8d., and in received within the year, the amount in the this year to £14,174 68. 7d., exhibiting an increase of £11,098 19s. 11d. The large abled the committee to accomplish an imand unexpected amount of legacies has enportant financial arrangement, namely, the raising of the capital of the society to the down with an unpaid debt of £13,500, and amount contemplated at its first formation in the year 1842. The society was then pressed was obliged to deliberate upon measures by which its operations might be contracted; but committee to which we resign our functions now it has an ample working capital, and the will have the delightful task of selecting, amidst many inviting calls for enlarged opera tions, those which shall appear most important and promising."