13th Anniversary of the Br. & For. Bible Society. 37 of Ireland have looked, under their distress, for support and consolation, to that source where no one ever looked in vain. I have also the pleasure to state, that the desire for the Scriptures increases among all ranks and denominations of persons in Ireland. I attribute this partly to the pains taken to educate the lower classes of Ireland. A great variety of Societies for the education of the poor have been instituted, which vie with each other; and the whole face of the country is covered with schools and in speaking of those who are instrumental in spreading the advantages of education in Ireland, it would be unjust not to mention an Institution established in this country, to which Ireland is chiefly indebted; I mean the London Hibernian Society, which has schools spread over a large portion of the country, in which nearly 28,000 children and adults are receiving education. 66 My Lord, I am happy to be able to say, that the desire for the Scriptures increases among the Roman Catholic part of our population. I am happy to be able to say, that Roman Catholic children in every part of the country have the Scriptures in their hands, and that no interest employed to prevent their reading the Scriptures has been able to avail. A short time before I left Ireland, I received a communication from a gentleman in a very Catholic part of Ireland, in which he informs me, that he gave the New Testament to ninety children in a school under his care, and ́ that after some time they resigned their Testaments, stating, that they were obliged to do so. He received the Testaments, but suffered the children to attend the school. In the course of a fortnight they came back, soliciting the Testament again, and assuring him, they would read and use it in the school, in spite of all opposition. "My Lord, having spoken of the opposition among some Roman Catholics to the reading of the Scriptures, I trust I shall not give alarm or displeasure, if I say a few words on Protestant opposition. I am aware that the subject is not strictly proper in such a Meeting as the present; and I concur in the opinion, that we should meet in the spirit of harmony and peace, and treat our opponents with forbearance and conciliation: and I trust, I shall show in the course of my remarks, that I am not insensible to these considerations. But I cannot pass over the opposition to which I allude, without injustice to the two Prelates in Ireland, who take a forward part in vindicating the Bible Society. In the course of the last year, a brother clergyman in Ireland published a work against the Bible Society, which had a very wide circulation; and in his late Visitation, the Lord Bishop of Meath took that work with him into the Episcopal Chair, and refuted it paragraph by paragraph. At the last Anniversary of the Hibernian Bible Society, the Lord Bishop of Kildare came forward, and with similar zeal, refuted in a most able speech the statements which it contained. "Having mentioned this publication, I would beg just to add a specimen of the author's reasoning before I dismiss it. I shall first 38 Speeches of the Rev. Dr. Thorpe, and of give his premises, in which we shall agree that the Bible is the very best book in the world. But observe his, conclusion: that this very best book has been the cause of all the mischief and misery that have existed in the country. Now, my Lord, I must confess that I like this kind of reasoning; not merely because it shows something of that vivacity and spirit, under the influence of which my countrymen sometimes pass rather rapidly over premises and arguments, and take their stand upon conclusions; but because I think it will have a most salutary influence upon that part of our opponents who are good and conscientious men; and God forbid we should deny that there are many such among them. I think that this mode of arguing will have great effect with persons of this candid description: for it proves, that the opposition is not so much to the Society, as to the Book which the Society circulates. There is little or nothing said about the Society, but all the objections are brought against the Book which it circulates; and a very considerable portion of those found in the numbers of our opponents, are as well affected and as cordially attached to the Bible as we are. I trust, therefore, that they will revolt from the standard of hostility, and place themselves in the ranks of this noble Institution. "My Lord, having stated to your Lordship and the Meeting something of what has been done in Ireland, I cannot but beg your attention to the magnitude of the work which is still before us. There have not yet been circulated in Ireland quite 300,000 copies of the Scriptures; and let me ask, What are 300,000 copies for a population not far short of six millions? There are millions of Irishmen at this moment who have never seen a copy of the Scriptures. Yes, my Lord, from my own knowledge I say it, there are millions in Ireland who have never seen a copy of the Scriptures; and there are many, very many, who have not heard of the Bible. In confirmation of this, I appeal to a fact in the last Report of the Sligo Branch of our Society. A poor man, nearly ninety-seven years of age, arrived lately at Sligo in quest of a Testament in large print. I have,' (said the inquiring pauper,) lived ninetysix years without seeing, or even hearing of such a Book; and, now that I am on the brink of the grave, I wish to learn how I may be happy beyond it.' This is not a solitary instance: multitudes in Ireland (as I stated before) have never seen the word of God multitudes in Ireland have never even heard, that the Bible is the word of God. : "My Lord, many of those who, by their crimes in Ireland, have been brought to a shameful end, and who, before their execution, received instruction from the Bible, have expressed their regret, that they were not at a more early period made acquainted with its sacred contents. The notorious highwayman, Grant, whe was lately executed, never saw the Bible till he was placed in the cell from which he was taken to execution; and, after perusing it for some time, he said, Had I possessed a copy of this Book ten years ago, I should not liave been here to-day and he spent J. Thornton, Esq. before the Br. & For. Bible Soc. 39 his last moments in exhorting the thousands around him to get a Bible without delay, and study it. Now, while Ireland is in such a state, what are we doing? We are disputing whether we shall give the Bible or not? Whether it is not a bad thing?-What is the enemy doing? I will tell you one thing; and let that be a sample of what other things he has done, and what he may do hereafter. The enemy, aware that the people, being taught to read, must have something to read, provided something for them; and, in Dublin, within the last six months, a large edition of Paine's Age of Reason' was struck off for gratuitous distribution. This is a positive fact it was struck off, and it is at this moment, I believe, in the course of distribution among the lower classes. "My Lord, this speaks volumes it tells us what we should do ; for, when we see the enemies of God and of truth so active and successful, we, in a better cause, should be equally active, that we may be equally successful." JOHN THORNTON, Esq. Treasurer. "My Lord and Gentlemen, "I cannot but express to you my very grateful thanks for the honour you have done me in again electing me your Treasurer. At the same time, I cannot but observe, that your thanks have in no case been more unnecessarily bestowed than on myself on this occasion. I can assure you the pleasure of the office amply compensates me for all the labours I have in it. I can truly assure you, I receive no letters with greater pleasure, than those letters which contain donations and legacies for the Institution. I can truly assure you, I accept no bills with so much satisfaction, as those bills which are drawn from foreign countries on account of this Society, In commercial transactions, there is always some risk attendant upon payments of whatever kind, but in these transactions I am persuaded there can be no loss. He who pays, and he who receives, are alike gainers; for it is the attribute of mercy, that it blesses him that gives, and him that takes. "It is highly gratifying to me, to be able to state to this Society, that my labours, as your Treasurer, are happily not likely to be diminished. In a year of most unparalleled difficulties, when we must conclude there has been a considerable defalcation of funds in some quarters of the country, there has been an increase from other sources, and other causes, which nearly compensates the loss which may have been occasioned by the distresses of the times. The aggregate amount of subscriptions and donations within the last year has not been less than 62,2861.; the difference between the receipts this year, (exclusive of the sales of Bibles and Testaments,) and the last, is only 6461. "Much has been stated in the Report to which I might call your attention; but I will advert to only one or two points. When it is stated that the Canstein Institution, which, a few years since, I saw mouldering in inactivity, is not now capable of supplying Bibles enough for Germany; when the Moscow Bible Society in 40 23d Report of the London Missionary Society. forms you, that it can distribute 100,000 Bibles; when I turn to the Reverend Gentleman lately arrived from that empire, who states, that he has heard of MS. Bibles copied by peasants, and that when money was offered for them, they said no, they would accept nothing but a printed copy in exchange :'-Gentlemen, when I consider these statements-and I need not go further, be- › cause your own minds will supply all I can say as to the misery of those who are destitute of the Scriptures-I feel convinced that none of us will relax our efforts, because we have supplied our own districts with them. 66 It remains for me to state, that the expenditure of the last year has exceeded the income to the amount of 5000l. I hope, however, God will continue to bless us in our funds, as he has hitherto blessed our exertions. I will now advert to a subject which I believe your Lordship has explained ;-the absence of the Chancellor of Exchequer. I had this morning a conversation with him, and had an opportunity of knowing how firmly his mind was bent on his attendance here to-day. I can testify his disappointment; and, perhaps, a note sent in haste cannot so effectually express it. For many years he has occupied your Lordship's right hand; and when, during the recess of Parliament, he has leisure to meet the Committee, no man is more constant in his attendance, or shows more attachment to the interests of the Society." 23d Report of the London Missionary Society, (continued from p. 27.) SOUTH AFRICA. STATIONS WITHIN THE COLONY. Cape Town. Mr. Thom has lately taken a journey of ten weeks into the interior; in the course of which he travelled 1100 miles, and preached to thousands of Colonists, Hottentots, and Slaves. It has pleased God to deprive Mr. Thom of his excellent wife, who seemed remarkably qualified to be his helper in the MissionWork. ary Stellenbosch. The Ministry of the Gospel in this place, by Mr. Bakker, is still accompanied with the divine blessing; and the people, grateful for the privileges which they enjoy, are generous in their contributions, not only for the support of this Mission, but for the extension of the Gospel in other places: as a proof of which, they have paid, in the course of the last year, to our agent at the Cape, the sum of 400 rix-dollars. Caledon. 66 Mr. Seidenfaden and Mr. Wimmer, the Missionaries at this place, report, that the preaching of the Gospel is attended by the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit. So many are inquiring, What shall we do to be saved?" that much of their time is occupied in conversing with them. The church consists of 67 adult persons; and there were many candidates for baptism. The people attached to this Settlement are numerous, and daily increasing; but they 23d Report of the London Missionary Society. 41 are extremely poor, and unable to build the edifices requisite. Civilization increases in an encouraging degree. During the last year, they grew about 70 quarters of wheat; whereas, formerly, they never sowed any; but they are in want of agricultural imple→ ments. They also need a fresh supply of Bibles and School-books, which will be forwarded. As a proof of their progress both in civilization and religion, they have raised a fund among themselves, amounting to 80 rix-dollars, for charitable purposes. High Kraal. Mr. Pacalt gives a favourable account of the state of his Mission. About 300 persons are attached to the Settlement, but cannot attend constantly, on account of their scattered situation and various employments. Twenty-two converted Natives, among whom was a man nearly 100 years of age, have been baptized, and others appear to be seriously concerned about religion. A School is supported, in which many receive daily instruction The progress of civilization is very encouraging. A large quantity of wheat is sown, and considerable gardens are cultivated. They have 400 head of cattle, 70 sheep, and 15 horses, and pay taxes to the amount of 426 rix-dollars. Mr. Pacalt salutes the Directors, and desires them to say to the great assembly, at their annual meeting, that "they (the Society) clothe the naked, that they visit the sick, that they heal the wounded; that they give drink to the thirsty, and feed the hungry with heavenly food."" My poor congregation," says he, "thank you with all their hearts; because, when they were lying in their blood, none cared for them but the English Samaritan, who bound up their wounds, poured in oil and wine, and took care for their future comfort." Bethelsdorp. The work of conversion among the Hottentots is still going forward, though not in so rapid and remarkable a manner as before. "Our School," says Mr. Read, "flourishes. We only want Bibles: we have only 8 Bibles for 50 or 60 Children, who read them with great eagerness. The Farmers, also, frequently apply for Bibles; so that we could soon dispose of two or three hundred." This want was no sooner made known to the British and Foreign Bible Society, than it was amply supplied. A new Settlement is formed by order of Government, to be called Somerset, in the neighbourhood of Theopolis; and Samson, a converted Hottentet, who is a good preacher, is invited to reside among them, as their instructor. Theopolis. By a series of events which Mr. Barker could not control, he wase prevented from going to Lattakoo, as was proposed; and, at the earnest request of the people, induced to continue, for the present at least, at Theopolis. Here, in connexion with Mr. Ulbricht, who, we are concerned to find, has been much reduced by illness, he appears to have applied very diligently to all his Missionary labours, not only in preaching the Gospel, (in Dutch, which he has acquired), and keeping school, but by working with his own |