core of the disease which affected Ireland. There was another plan of reform laid down: it was said, we must educate the people of Ireland: give them lectures in mechanics and electricity, and weights and measures. This was the way, in the opinion of some persons, in which we might regenerate the people of Ireland. After some further observations, the Reverend Gentleman proceeded as follows:-Divine Providence has now presented us with the exact specific for the calamities of Ireland. She lies before us, like the miserable sinner dying on the road-side; and when the Almighty places in our hands that medicine which can restore her to health, and cause her to rise up a useful, active, and vigorous member, shall we refrain from administering it? I call on you as men-as men of feeling-to rescue Ireland from her miseriespoor, prostrate, and miserable Ireland. My Lord, if there were wanting an additional motive for our exertion, it is that this country has been in part the cause of Ireland's wretched situation; as men of conscience therefore we are bound to assist her, and seek to wipe out from our national character that blot which centuries of misgovernment have left behind. To effect this, you are merely called on for a paltry subscription. Arm us then with your subscription, and with joy will we go forth to rescue Ireland from her thraldom.

Lord Gosford proposed a vote of thanks to his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, whose patronage the Society had beneficially and extensively experienced;

Which was seconded by the Hon. C. Shore, who stated that charges the most unfounded had been made against the Society. These charges, he was glad to find from the Report, had been withdrawn or altogether abandoned. He should notice one, however, which had been still preferred against it-it was that of proselytism. The only persons against whom that charge was preferred were not regular members of the Society, but irregular agents, who wandered about the country and attached themselves to it and even in these instances it was alleged that the Roman Catholics tempted and provoked them to the discussions. But it was proposed to make the Roman Catholics readers of the Scriptures. If they did so, they might have an opportunity of inculcating their own doctrine, and he would be glad to see the Protestant and the Catholic reader placed side by side, and thus carry, as it were, a two-edged sword into the widest wastes of ignorance and the strongest holds of superstition.

The Hon. E. Stanley, M. P., congratulated the Society on their successful exertions during the last year; and expressed his happiness in being able to inform the Society, by a letter which he had only re

ceived that morning from Ireland, that much of the opposition that had been given by the Roman Catholics to the Society had ceased.

The Hon. and Very Rev. Dr. Trench, Archdeacon of Ardee, seconded the resolution. He was "bred and born" in Ireland, and he was even a Connaught man ; and connected as he was by the ministry with that part of Ireland which, in the hour of need, had most wanted relief, and whose wants and weaknesses were relieved by this country, he could not consent to give a silent suffrage on this occasion. The ignorance of the people had been a principal cause of their misery, and this Society had greatly contributed to diminish that misery by dispelling ignorance, and by the best mode, the light of the Gospel. It was with pleasure he would assure them that his countrymen heaped benedictions on their heads for the advantages they derived from them, and of which they were fully sensible and deeply grateful. He was desirous of saying a word upon the subject of education: he understood there was a Commission appointed to inquire into the state of education in Ireland, and that they were shortly about to make a report to Government. He had strong reason to apprehend that in that report it was recommended that the Scriptures should be excluded from the schools, and that by some wretched and contracted compromise it was proposed to substitute some other book in its stead. He stated this to induce them not to relax one iota in their efforts, but to continue them with increased earnestness. Their effort was a noble one: it was the emancipation of the human mind from ignorance. No political right, no political advantage, was of equal importance with this; and as he was upon the subject of rights, he would admit that every member of a government had a right to enjoy all the blessings and advantages of its constitution; but he might forfeit that right, and the question would then arise, when would be the proper time to restore it to him. He would say, that time would be when he was emancipated from ignorance; then, and not until then, would he be qualified to receive the benefit of political emancipation. He was glad to see so large an assembly as the present supporting this excellent Institution, and he could assure them that there was many a grateful heart that day offering up a prayer to Heaven for the success of their exertions.

The Treasurer here read the accounts of last year, and stated that the Society last year had expended 15007. more than received. The annual expenditure was 10,3461. 3s.

The Earl of Rocksavage congratulated the Society upon the progress they had

being fitted to ameliorate the temporal circumstances of those who participate in its benefits, that we solicit assistance. Man is not to be viewed solely as an inhabitant of the present world: he is but a pilgrim here, journeying to eternity. We ask, Is he by nature qualified for an entrance upon the world of spirits? Scripture informs us, and observation corroborates the testimony, that by nature man is a transgressor, lying beneath the curse of God's violated law-that his affections are estranged from their rightful Sovereign -his moral constitution diseased and vitiated. We claim your co-operation in circulating a volume among the adult and youthful portion of the community, which announces peace and pardon, rich, free, and complete, through the atoning blood of Calvary; which proclaims reconciliation through the mediatorial sacrifice of the great Redeemer; which contains truths, that, when believed, under the agency of the Divine Spirit, renovates man, and restores him, in some little measure, to that state of moral resemblance to his Creator in which he was originally formed. The next ground upon which I would rest my solicitation is, the adaptation of the London Hibernian Society's system to the circumstances of Ireland. 1 will not dwell upon this particular; the So ciety's several Reports contain, in detail, the principles upon which the Institution acts. I will merely observe, that the plan adopted by the Society is not mere theory; it is the fruit of practical experiment, and years of trial have demonstrated its efficacy. The next reason why I would crave assistance is, the increasing demand for schools and Scripture readers. I can bear testimony to the readiness with which instruction for their children is embraced by the peasantry. And, allow me to remark, that that readiness continues, notwithstanding the opposition. Might I here be permitted to state a fact or two, in order to shew that the discussions which recently took place in Ireland were attended with beneficial results. In the first place, there was an increase, I believe, of over 5000 copies of the Scriptures in the issue from the Hibernian Bible Society's repository for the last year. There was an increase of 5000 for the whole year, while for the last quarter, ending December, there was an increase of 3000 above the preceding quarter. The discussion commenced, I think, in September, and continued, with some intervals, till about the 19th of November. From the coincidence of the discussions with the increase in the issues of the sacred Scriptures, and the demand for the inspired volume in the towns in which the discussions took place, may we not fairly infer, that that issue was mainly owing to the spirit of inquiry which the discussions ex

cited. Another fact which I beg to mention is, that, subsequently to a discussion, twenty poor Roman Catholics met together, to debate whether they ought to read the Scriptures. They decided the question in the affirmative. After another discussion, nearly, if not fully, two hundred Roman Catholics attended a lecture on the Scriptures, and conducted themselves with the utmost decorum and propriety, and evinced the greatest attention. But in special reference to the anxiety of the peasantry to obtain instruction for their children, I beg to state two anecdotes.

Lord Gosford here rose. He did not conceive that it would be advantageous to the interests of the Society to prolong the line of discussion adopted by the Rev. Gentleman. Whatever difference there may be on particular subjects, he thought the Society should soar above them, and only think of the principles upon which they acted.

Mr. Pope resumed, and said: Bowing to the suggestion of the Noble Lord, I shall not proceed exactly in the same strain. I beg leave briefly to notice a point or two more-the advanced period of the day, and a knowledge of the gentlemen who are to follow me, teach me brevity. I would ground our claims upon the necessity which exists for such a Society as that whose cause we are advocating. I say that it is impossible that the Roman Catholic Priesthood, from their numerous avocations, and from the extent of their parishes, could supply instruction to all the youth of their respective flocks. I rest not this remark upon mere observation, but upon a letter addressed by the Rev. Mr. Doyle, parish priest of Bray, county Wicklow, to the Roman Catholic Association, requesting a supply of tracts and books, and founding his application upon his own inability, arising from his professional engagements, to supply in-. struction to all his charge. I may add, that were the Roman Catholic priesthood able to communicate instruction to every individual member of the flocks-viewing that instruction in the light of the Revelation with which we have been blessed, I cannot avoid considering it as opposed to scriptural truth; and therefore I would crave scriptural education for my countrymen. Lastly, my Lord, I would remind the present assembly of the debt which this country owes to Ireland. Six centuries have the two countries been united. I will connect but one remark with this statement look at the state in which Ireland is. But I forget that I plead in the presence of Britons. Whence the need of fervour and warmth in the presence of those who, when Ireland's temporal necessities demanded relief, generously and munificently came forward, and drove famine from her shores? I will merely

say, that bounty, splendid and well-timed and necessary as it was, has passed away like the morning cloud or the early dew: the effects of the London Hibernian Society, and of similar institutions are not limited by time. When this world shall have passed away, the glorious results of the labours of this Institution will, we trust, under the Divine blessing, be displayed in many a glorified spirit encircling the everlasting Throne, and singing Hallelujahs to God and to the Lamb for ever and ever. The Reverend Gentleman concluded amidst repeated cheers.

The Rev. Mr. Urwiek (of Sligo) seconded the fifth resolution. He defended the Society against the charge of proselytism. The only instrument used was the Bible; and if this be proselytism, he hoped all men would be proselytes. He hoped that doleful day would never come when scriptural education should be withheld from Ireland.

The Rev. E. Irving could not express the agony he felt at the interruption of his Reverend Brother, who had been detailing the interesting facts to the Society, which fell within the scope of his observation in Ireland. He had been waging a spiritual warfare there, and he came to give an account of what he had witnessed, when he was put down and interrupted by those rules and regulations which prevail in political assemblies, but which ought not to have been introduced here.

If such regulations were to prevail, he, for one, would retire in silence, and preach the word of God, and uphold the glory of the Gospel of God, in that place in which he would not fear interruption-in which the King -upon the throne dare not interrupt him.

This Society rests upon a rock-that rock was the Scriptures; and if they changed or abandoned the sound foundation on which they stood, their hope of success was over. The Roman Catholics had been spoken of, but they had not so much to fear from the Roman Catholics as they had from their own indifference and apathy, and hesitation to execute the sacred commission of Christ, which has been entrusted to them. They should uphold the church, maintain the principles they professed, and in which they believed, and not permit themselves upon any occasion to abstain maintaining its doctrines. The dissemination of the Gospel was the most effectual way of bringing about the moral regeneration of a people. To it Caledonia, bleak Caledonia, owed the morality of its people, and their dependence upon their own industry, and their independence of others; and he was now anxious to extend the blessings which she enjoyed to the sister island, and greatly would he rejoice to "Green Erin" enjoy the same spiritual efflorescence that she possessed, and was proud in the possession of. He was desirous of making these few observations in seconding this resolution. He did not know what risk he ran in making them, but he knew what risk he should encounter if he did not make them.

see

A complimentary vote of thanks to the Chairman (Lord Gambier) was then moved by Lord Barham. Sir T. Baring, W. C. Wilson, Esq., severally addressed the meeting, which broke up at nearly five o'clock, when a very liberal collection was made at the doors.

The Twenty-sixth Anniversary of the Religious Tract Society was held at the City of London Tavern, Bishopsgate street, on Friday, the 13th of May, at half past six in the morning as usual. An abstract of the Report was read, from which it appeared that the operations of the Society had considerably increased. The sales of Tracts during the past year amount to 10,100%.: the grants of paper, tracts, and money to Foreign Societies and Missionaries, with translations and gratuitous issues at home and abroad, exceed the sum of 3000l.; while the whole amount of subscriptions, donations, legacies, and contributions, within the same period, only amount to 2,3701. The Report also stated, that the Committee had added several tracts to their publications upon the Doctrines and Truths of the Reformation, and that large grants (of more than 70,000 tracts) had been made for circulation in Ireland.

The resolutions were proposed by Al

derman Brown; and by the Reverend E. Bickersteth, T. Mortimer, R. Pope, Dr. Morrison, John Clayton, S. Dwight, W. Reeve, J. Hooper, S. Kilpin, W. Urwick, and others; who referred to the extending operations of the Society, and related many instances_of usefulness from its publications. But the most important and interesting occurrence arose from a circumstance quite unexpected, as well as novel in the anniversaries of this and similar institutions in the metropolis. A Roman Catholic gentleman endeavoured to interrupt the proceedings as soon as the Report was concluded, and some other individuals of the same persuasion made similar attempts; but were told, that, not being members of the Society, they could not be allowed to interrupt the business of the institution. They, however, repeated their interruptions, but were repressed by the general expression of indignation manifested at their interference. At length, on

their loudly exclaiming against some arguments and facts brought forward by the Rev. R. Pope and W. Urwick, those gentlemen promised to stay after the business of the meeting was finished; and, if the Roman Catholic gentlemen then wished to state any objections, they would reply.

This course was adopted. When the business of the Society had concluded, Joseph Reyner, Esq., the Treasurer, left the chair, and Alderman Key was requested to act as chairman. The two Roman Catholic gentlemen who had been most prominent in interrupting the proceedings of the Society (one of whom announced himself as a Mr. Fitzgerald, though there is some doubt whether this is his real name, and the other a Mr. Rolfe) were admitted to the platform, and spoke at considerable length. They had a most fair and impartial hearing, and were allowed to address the meeting as long as they pleased without interruption, and encouraged to speak with the utmost freedom. They were severally replied to by the Rev. R. Pope and W. Urwick, who, in the spirit of Christian meekness, and without any controversial bitterness, most ably refuted the 'miserable sophistries and misrepresentations of their opponents; stating the fundamental truths of the Gospel in the fullest manner; shewing how the system of Popery was opposed thereto. All political discussion was carefully avoided by these advocates of the Reformation, whose endeavour was rather to refute error by plain and full statements of the truth, than to dwell upon the outward corruptions and superstitions of the Church of Rome. It is impossible to enter into a fuller detail in these pages; and it is the less necessary, as an account of the proceedings will be

PRAYER-BOOK AND

The Annual Sermon for this Institution was preached at Christ Church, Newgate street, on Wednesday evening, May the 4th, by the Rev. J. Kempthorne, B.D., from Isaiah lx. 5: "Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee." The preacher shewed, first, that "the world, according to the prophetic writings, will be converted; and, when converted, will constitute One Church;"and, secondly, that "the Church of England is peculiarly calculated, under God, to promote these great objects."

The Annual General Meeting was held on the 5th, at Stationers' Hall, when the Right Hon. Lord Bexley, the president, took the chair at twelve o'clock. The

published in a few days by the Religious Tract Society. The result was highly gratifying to a numerous assembly of more than a thousand persons, who listened with deep interest and attention to this discussion, which lasted more than two hours after the business of the Religious Tract Society was concluded: so that the whole proceedings were not terminated till after twelve o'clock; when Alderman Key briefly addressed the meeting, thanking them for their fair attention to both parties, and added a few remarks upon the conviction, which was evidently brought home to the minds of the auditors, of the value and importance of the truths of the Gospel as stated in the writings of the Reformers.

The result of this discussion, we trust, will satisfy Roman Catholics of the impolicy of continuing to obtrude themselves, as they have recently done, upon' Protestant assemblies, to interrupt the proceedings. It will also make the active operations of the Religious Tract Society more extensively known; and we hope will produce increased support to its funds, as its income from the public during the last year (except the sale of Tracts) did not exceed 24001.; a sum quite inadequate to the extensive operations of the Society both at home and abroad, and to the large circulation of Tracts which they desire to make in the sister kingdom.

The publications of the Religious Tract Society during the past year exceed one hundred, many of which are upon the important subjects just noticed; among which we would especially recommend a small monthly publication entitled "The Lollards." The Depository is No. 56 Pater

noster row.

HOMILY SOCIETY.

Report having been read, various resolutions were recommended by Lord Gambier; Earl of Rocksavage; Sir G. H. Rose; the Hon. B. W. Noel; the Rev. Messrs. W. Armstrong (Missionary to the United States of South America), W. Dealtry, J. Kempthorne, Dr. Morrison (from China), R. Newstead, C. Simeon, and B. Woodd; and by J. Poynder and G. F. Stratton, Esqrs.

The receipts of the Society for the last year amounted to 1781. 12s. 10d.; and its expenditure to 18041. 9s. 7d. The Society have outstanding claims upon them to the amount of 1450. The collections at the sermon and meeting were 837. 10s. 4d.; since which time the Court of Directors of the Hon. East India Company has voted one hundred guineas in furtherance of their objects in the East.