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HIBERNIAN BIBLE SOCIETY.

SPEECH OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF TUAM. ANXIOUS as we are to communicate to our readers as extended a report as possible of the proceedings of the several anniversaries; we cannot persuade ourselves to defer the following important speech, addressed by his Grace the Archbishop of Tuam, on taking the chair as President of the Hibernian Bible Society, at Dublin, on the 18th April. "Upon any other occasion, under any other circumstances of the Hibernian Bible Society," said his Grace, "I should not have intruded myself upon this Meeting, nor have taken up its time by any thing that could fall from me; but in the peculiar and critical state in which the Society is now placed, I feel myself called upon to make a very few observations, and in justice to myself to declare why (with all possible deference and respect) I venture so entirely to differ from that exalted character who presides over the Established Church in this country, and thus openly to account (if it should be necessary in a Christian country for its appointed Ministers to account for supporting and upholding an Institution, which has for its object the dis-; seminating the pure and simple Word of God, and proclaiming the glad tidings of the Gospel to an ignorant and lost people), to account, I say, why I am here this day presiding in this chair. I am satisfied that the dignified personage to whom I have alluded, will do me the justice to believe (whatever may be his opinion of my judgment) that my conduct is the result of the dictates of my conscience: as I do from my heart and soul believe, that the course he has thought proper to pursure has emanated from the same source. But, in my view of what has passed since last July, I am grieved that he did not foresee the evil and dangerous consequence to the religion of Christ, that his suddenly withdrawing from such a Society, which he had patronized for years before, would occasion; that he did not try to correct by remonstrance what appeared to him cause of complaint; that he did not try (as upon a former occasion) whether his suggestions-nay more, I may almost say, his directions, would be observed; that he did not try whether his counsel would be totally disregarded, as well as his effort to keep that Society of which he had, by his patronage, by his example, and by his munificence, so long approved, from deviating and wandering from its original purpose. And here, I would for myself declare, and in the name of a powerful and irresistible body of the warmest friends of the Society, some of whom have justly the greatest influence in its concerns, that we should have gratefully

received and supported any reformation which his Grace in his paternal care could have required, consistent with the wholesome and salutary fundamental principles of the Society. I am not aware of all the circumstances which led the Primate of Ireland to form the resolution of withdrawing from the Presidency of the Hibernian Bible Society, nor do I presume to inquire further than his Grace has condescended to avow them in his letter to the Secretary upon that occasion. Now, I have most carefully and attentively considered the original constitution of this Society, and I cannot construe any thing into a departure from those rules and regulations which were adopted as that constitution at its original formation. I would be clearly understood as not advocating any imprudences (if such have ever occurred) into which some of the friends of the Society, in their great zeal for a cause which they love and admire, may have been betrayed; the Hibernian Bible Society are not responsible for such; as well might it be considered that they, and those who have so lately seceded from them, were responsible for the many indecent, and illiberal, and uncharitable, and unchristian letters, which for so many weeks filled our newspapers, and tired and disgusted the public with their abominable and stupid controversy. No; the Hibernian Bible Society are responsible for no such things; and with this observation I say, that from my heart I consider the rules and regulations of the Society at this day as unexceptionable: and whether its constitution has (as appears to his Grace the Primate) changed since its original formation, or (as appears to me) has not so changed, it is now, at this present moment, worthy of the support and patronage of the whole Christian world. It is fair to conclude (although there is no direct charge to that amount in his Grace's' letter) that the Lord Primate must have heard that at the last Annual Meeting of this Society, in this place, observations had been made injurious to the Established Church, and offensive to its members; because (taking the course he has done) he could not have alluded to any former Meeting, having continued presiding over, and thus approving of the Society's measures, until some time after our Meeting in the month of last April. Now I fearlessly, but most respectfully, flatly deny that at the last public Meeting of this Society, any speaker presumed in my presence to utter one word which could be fairly construed into observations injurious to the Established Church, or offensive to its members; and I positively assert, that if any per

son had been so bold as to venture so to speak, he would immediately have been put down by me, supported by the whole body of the warm and valuable members of the Bible Society. Under no circumstances whatever would I consider it my duty suddenly to withdraw from a Society which I had for years approved, and which I had patronized and supported by my influence, my example, and contribution. Could I bring myself to suppose, that, instead of its avowed object of circulating the Holy Scriptures without note and comment, it was meditating a secret plot to overthrow the Established Church of the country, over which I preside; could I bring myself to think, when I see the successful exertions of this Society in the distribution of the sacred Word of God, when I see the blessed change wrought in a large proportion of the population of Ireland by this means, which God has evidently pointed out to be his will; could I bring myself to think, when I see the happy effects of this Institution in the glorious revival of the religion of Christ throughout the land; when I see the Book of God in the hands of thousands and tens of thousands of my poor fellow-creatures, when but a very few years ago scarcely one copy of it was to be found; when I see the hearts of many of the disobedient, through the simple reading of the Bible, put into their hands by this Society, turning to the wisdom of the just; when I see all this, I say, could I be so infatuated as to bring myself to think that this Society were thus casting out devils by Beelzebub the prince of the devils, yet would I not withdraw from them, feeling as I do, that if such dreadful consequences were to be apprehended from their diabolical exertions, I could never counteract or avert them by seceding. No; if I could bring myself to be alarmed for the safety of the Established Church; if I could bring myself to think that danger and disaffection to the state were hatching in the Committee of the Hibernian Bible Society; if I could bring myself to think that, in the known and certain fact of their having distributed thousands of Biles and Testaments, they were meditating schism and confusion;—

PRAYER BOOK AND

THE Annual Sermon before this Society was preached at Christ Church, Newgate Street, on Wednesday evening, May 1, by the Rev. E. Burn, from Gal. vi. 16: And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them and mercy and upon the Israel of God. We regret that our limits will not allow us to insert an abstract of this admirable discourse.

The Tenth Annual Meeting was held May 2, at Stationers' Hall; the Rt. Hon. Lord Calthorpe in the Chair.

still would I stand upon my post, and, while I had a voice to raise, it should be employed loudly to resist their wicked and hypocritical devices. But, blessed be God, I have no such vain thoughts and apprehensions: approve of the constitution of the Hibernian Bible Society, as it was originally established; I have approved (and I feel strength in my approval in the sanction of its late patron) of its progress up to the last summer; and I have seen no reason since for altering my opinion. So far from apprehending danger to the Established Church from this Society, I do from my heart and soul believe it has been the means of securing many a wavering member of that Church, and of interesting in its cause many sincere and pious Christians dissenting from it: and although I distinctly deny (as has been alleged) that this Society has entirely fallen into the hands of sectaries and seceders; if such were the case, to whom would the blame attach but to us, whose coldness, whose apathy, whose nominal and unhearty support had suffered so valuable an Institution, originating in us, and altogether in our hands, to pass to others, and allow them to build upon our foundation? As for danger to the State, arising out of this Institution, I shall say nothing from myself, but shall simply, and without one single comment, quote the sentiments of the Prime Minister of England, the head of His Majesty's Government, the guardian of our valuable constitution in Church and State, as they were delivered by him some time after the great alarm excited against the Bible Society."

His Grace then proceeded to quote the Speech of Lord Liverpool, at the formation of the Isle of Thanet Auxiliary Bible Society, which our readers will find inserted in our Number for January, p. 32; and after showing how utterly unfounded was an idea which had gone abroad, of the Bible Society and the Society for discountenancing Vice being any way opposed to each other, sat down amidst the justly deserved applause of an immense assembly.

The receipts of the Hibernian Society, for the last year, have exceeded those of the former by no less a sum than 17457.

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and Homilies were, from their simplicity, suitable to every class, and were found highly acceptable when translated into other languages.

The Report was then read, by which it appeared, that the Society had issued considerably more Prayer Books and Homilies during the last year than they had in the preceding (the increase in the issue of the latter amounting to 30,000), and that its cause was more warmly espoused, and its utility more generally acknowledged, than heretofore. The Book of Homilies, previously to the formation of this Society, was considered by far too many, as almost antiquated and obsolete; but through their exertions these valuable compositions had become known to many thousands.

Besides those already circulated, measures had been taken to translate more of the Homilies into the French and Italian languages, and nothing was wanting but enlarged funds for the disseminating of these instructive compositions over the greatest part of the continent, where they are thankfully received, and in some cases highly appreciated.

The Morning and Evening Prayers, the Psalter, and the First Homily, had been translated into Chinese, and had been distributed in various places, not actually in

China, but where those who understand the Chinese language reside. A Chinese servant, resident in this country, was presented with a Prayer Book, which had been translated into the Chinese language by Dr. Morrison, whose name was perfectly familiar to him; for upon hearing it, and seeing the book, he exclaimed, "Good man! good book!" This poor heathen had, previous to his receiving the Prayer Book, been in the habit of burning a piece of paper as an act of worship.

On the shores of the Mediterranean, the calls for religious information were loud and numerous. In Italy, many prejudices against our English Creed had been removed through the reading of the Prayer Book alone. The version of the Liturgy into pure Biblical Hebrew was now recommenced, for the use of the Jews. Homilies in the Manks language had already been scattered among the people of the Isle of Man. The Report, in conclusion, recommended fervent prayers to God for his blessing upon the labours of the Society, without which, all human effort is unavailing.

Interesting and impressive speeches were addressed to the Assembly by the Rt. Hon. Lord Gambier, Sir S. C. Hunter, the Hon. B. W. Noel, the Rev. D. Wilson, B. Woodd, T. Webster.

LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIANITY AMONGST THE JEWS.

THE Fourteenth Anniversary of this Society was held at the Mansion House, when the Egyptian Hall was filled with an elegant and respectable audience, among whom were a great number of ladies. The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor having taken the chair, briefly opened the business of the Meeting by a short but appropriate address.

The Rev. Basil Woodd then introduced to his Lordship and the company the Jewish children, who sang the beautiful anthem, "Hosanna to the Son of David," with great solemnity and effect.

The Report acknowledged the kindness of several persons in different parts of the country; which had contributed greatly to assist the funds of the Society. Four new Auxiliary Institutions in England and two in Ireland, had been formed, and more were expected. The schools at present contain thirty-eight boys and fourteen girls. A converted Jew, father of some of the above children, was baptized at the episcopal chapel in December last.

The object of the Society is steadily pursued by Mr. Thelwall, at Amsterdam, where a school has been formed for the poorer Jewish children. Mr. M'Caul, his companion, proceeded to Warsaw, where he has been since joined by Mr. Becker. Many Jews enter into conversation with

them, and thankfully received the tracts, New Testaments, &c. in Hebrew. At Frankfort, the Society's missionary, Mr. Marc, continues steadfast and active, nor are his labours without encouraging success, some whole families having been baptized. Having given Tracts to some Jews at Posen, in Prussian Poland, he says, “The news spread amongst them like fire; in less than ten minutes after we began, our room was completely filled; the hall the same, and a great crowd before the house, clamorously asking for Tracts. The crowd then became so great, that in self-defence we were obliged to stop. On Monday it would have been the same had not the government kindly sent us a gendarme, through whose aid we were enabled to keep order, letting only a few come into our room at once. The Missionary expresses, in his statement, his joy at finding, that, instead of being obliged to obtain military aid to save them from the fury of an enraged and bigotted multitude, they were glad to obtain it, that they might not be trodden down by the crowd rushing on them for the tidings of salvation.

In Denmark, at Hamburg, at Gibraltar, Malta, and even on the coast of Barbary, the labours of the Society have produced the best effects.

[To be continued.]

239

REGISTER OF EVENTS.

HOME.

On the last day of April, the Catholic Question, as it is termed, was carried, and barely carried, in the House of Commons. And, on the last day of May, it will, we trust, receive a negative from the House of Lords. At the very moment of our publication it will come under the discussion of that august assembly.

It will be remarked with satisfaction, that the cause of Popery has not shown any signs of increased strength in the pending contest. Seemingly trifling and moderate as was the request, and eloquent as was the advocate, the majority, in the House of Commons, which decided in its favour, was even smaller than that which last session supported the whole question. Seven was the number which then overweighed the scale of the Church and the Constitution. Five only, in a House of 497 members, was the balance in favour of Popery on the late occasion.

On the question for leave to bring in the bill, the numbers were, Ayes 249, Noes 244. On a subsequent division, on the second reading, there were, Ayes 235, Noes 223. After these two attempts to arrest its progress, Mr. Peel declined any further opposition; while Sir Thomas Lethbridge emphatically thanked God "that there were three estates in the realm:"-a sentiment in which we desire to join, humbly trusting to find the second branch of the Legislature wisely efficient in frustrating this attempt.

Few other subjects of importance have yet come under the consideration of Parliament. The House of Commons has resounded with little else than contests on questions of finance and economy. To the reduction of two Lords of the Admiralty, the dismissal of one of the Postmasters General has been added, and a disposition to unsparing retrenchment is manifested.

The Corn Laws have again come under discussion, and an alteration is projected, upon the principle of opening the ports when the wheat average shall have reached 70s.; instead of, as now, 80s.; but with an import duty of 15s. Little can be expected, however, from this step; for the return to a price of 70s. is not to be anticipated.

The Revenue of the country appears to be in a prosperous condition. At the making up of the last quarter's accounts, a surplus of nearly half a million above the same period of last year was reported. And, since March, an increase of more than 50,000l. per week has taken place.

One consequence of this is, that the Administration are the more willing to remit taxes, being removed from the fear of a deficit. An arrangement, therefore, has been made, that the amount of 5,000,000l. now payable under the head of half pay and pensions, shall be distributed over a longer period than it would otherwise continue; and be, in fact, commuted for the sum of 2,800,000l. payable for forty-five years. By this method it is found practicable to reduce at once two millions of taxes. Accordingly, 13s. per bushel has been remitted of the duty on salt, half the tax on leather, and the whole of the war harbour duty.

The subject of the Bishop of Peterborough's Eighty-seven Questions, will, we understand, come before Parliament in a very few days.

FOREIGN.

FRANCE is at the present moment agitated by the tumults of election contests. One fifth of the Chamber of Deputies is, by the Charter, annually replaced by newly-elected members. The elections do not appear to incline decidedly on either side. In the metropolis, indeed, the Opposition have gained the return of ten members out of twelve, the total number. But in the provinces the Royalists claim the advantage. At Lyons itself, an Opposition leader has been defeated by an adherent of the Ministry. It is said, that the number of Ministerialists returned is 54, of Oppositionists 36.

SPAIN is still the scene of domestic conspiracy and desultory warfare. the final settlement, time only can show.

What will be

Between RUSSIA and TURKEY nothing decisive has yet taken place. It is said, however, that the great expense attending keeping up the armies, on either side, must lead to a speedy determination of some kind,

Notices and Acknowledgments.

WE have been favoured with communications from J. W. M.-Litoreus-J. D. W. Paanons-Christian, and H. M.; all of which will most probably appear.

We extract the following passage froin a communication signed M. E.

"If every female in England who has the power, (and who in the higher and mid"dling classes has not?) would spend one hour each day in working for the destitute "Irish, in the course of the summer, we might make clothes enough to cover a large 'proportion of the perishing, half-naked women and children."

We apprehend the Irish are more destitute of food than clothes; but we gladly embrace the opportunity of giving publicity to any suggestion which may relieve our suffering fellow-subjects.

J. D.'s hint has been acted upon; his letter is under consideration.

We are much obliged to Amicus Hibernicus for his communication, which would have appeared in the present Number had it not been for the press of important matter. A Constant Reader is informed-1. That a candidate for holy orders must forward to the Bishop a testimonial signed by three beneficed clergymen, stating, that they have personally known him for three years; that he hath during that time lived piously, soberly, and honestly, and diligently applied himself to his studies; nor hath maintained or written any thing contrary to the doctrine or discipline of the Church of England. 2. That persons are admitted, in some dioceses, candidates for holy orders who have not been at either University, and that in such cases a person may afterwards obtain a degree; and, 3. That as the inquirer must of course relinquish his present pursuits for some time, it may be fairly questioned, whether the interval can be improved so well in any other way as by entering at college. Had the inquirer's letter contained any direction, he would have received an answer per post. In all cases, our secrecy may be depended on. Senex-Mary S.-G. W. and J. B. of W. are under consideration.

R. S. is answered per post. Type, and J. A. B. are inadmissible.

Investigator is informed, that the Review of Mr. Hall did not proceed from the pen of the gentleman named in a late Leicester Chronicle. The anxiety manifested, and the dishonourable artifices resorted to in order to discover the name of the writer, are not very consistent with that affectation of contempt for his arguments which the friends of Mr. H. have found it convenient to adopt.

In answer to the query of G. B. Ñ. we would observe, that by the Act passed 52 Geo. III. c. 155, § 2, it is enacted, that no congregation or assembly for religious worship of Protestants (at which there shall be present more than twenty persons, besides the immediate family and servants of the person in whose house or upon whose premises such meeting, congregation, or assembly shall be had), shall be permitted or allowed, unless the place shall be certified to the bishop, or archdeacon, or justices at the General or Quarter Sessions. The whole number of hearers, therefore, must not exceed nineteen.

There is a doubt, whether a Minister has not a right to instruct the people of his parish when and where he pleases; but, in the present state of things, we should not advise a Curate to make the attempt.

Cases have also occurred where clergymen have caused houses to be certified; and there is nothing, we conceive, irregular in doing this when such houses are too far distant from the church for the inhabitants to attend, and when they are only used by regular Ministers-the general expediency of this is more than doubtful.

In the particular case before us, we should certainly advise to keep within the number allowed by the late Act. A little real or even supposed irregularity may be the means of abridging a Minister's usefulness all his days; while a patient self-denial may overcome existing obstacles and difficulties.

Lately published.

The Life of the Rev. Thomas Scott, late Rector of Aston Sandford. Including a Narrative drawn up by himself, and copious Extracts from his Correspondence. By John Scott, M. A. Rector of North Ferriby, and Minister of St. Mary's, Hull. large Volume, Octavo, with a Portrait.

In one

Belshazzar. A dramatic Poem. By the Rev. H. H. Milman, Author of the Martyr of Antioch.

Sacred Literature. · A Sequel to Oriental Customs. By the Rev. Sam. Burder, M. A. In two Volumes, Octavo.

The Duties of Churchwardens explained and enforced. A Charge delivered to the Clergy and Churchwardens of the Archdeaconry of Colchester, in the Year 1821. By the Rev. J. Jefferson, A. M. F. A. S. late Arclideacon.

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