AT A MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

January 16, 1809. "EXTRACTS from two letters from Robert Ralston, Esq. addressed to Josiah Roberts, Esq. were read, dated Philadelphia, November 10th, and December 13th, 1808, containing an account of the measures which had been successfully adopted to procure the formation of a Bible Society in that city, on an extensive scale."

"A letter was also read, from Robert Ralston, Esq. treasurer of the Bible Society, instituted at Philadelphia, on the 12th of December, 1808, addressed to this committee, announcing the formation of such a Society, inclosing a copy of its constitution, and soliciting the countenance and assistance of this society, as an encouragement to vigorous exertions in America."

"Resolved unanimously, That the sum of two hundred pounds be granted to the Bible Society at Philadelphia, and that it be communicated to the members of that Society, that this committee will extend their aid to them, in proportion as they can extend the sphere of their operation." Extracted from the minutes, JOSEPH TARN, assistant sec'y.

From the Rev. John Owen, Secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, to Robert Ralston, Esq. Fulham, near London, Jan. 25, 1809. DEAR SIR,

I HAVE great pleasure in reporting to you the high satisfaction which the committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society received from your communication relative to the Bible Society, recently formed at Philadelphia, of which you are the treasurer.

The committee considered the intelligence as announcing an event from which through the divine blessing, the most auspicious consequences may be expected to result. Under this impression they immediately voted the sum of two hundred pounds, in aid of your funds, and as a testimony of their readiness to afford you the desired encouragement with the least possible delay.

It was the unanimous dispo. sition of the committee, to have

manifested their respect for your undertaking, by granting you a pecuniary supply upon a much larger scale: but they were restrained from indulging it, by the consideration of those limits which you appeared to have prescribed to the plan and designation of your Bible Society. Had it entered into your views, to comprehend as many provinces as could be brought to concur with you in one institution, of which Philadelphia might be the centre, the committee would have regarded your plan as better adapted to the accomplishment of your object, and would gladly have extended to it a proportional degree of pecuniary encouragement. As it is, they very cordially hail, in in its limited engagements, the “day of small things;" and confidently trust, that you will be stimulated to give it as much enlargement, as the local circumstances of your country will admit.

Proceed therefore, dear sir, in giv. ing to your infant institution, every possible degree of latitude and efficiency. Hold out the Scriptures in their naked simplicity, as a rallying point to the several denominations of christians in the American union : and reckon, in the prosecution of this glorious work, upon the blessing of God, the prayers of all good men, and the cordial co-operation of the British and Foreign Bible Society. I am, dear sir, yours very faithfully,

JOHN OWEN, secretary. Robert Ralston, Esq. treasurer to the Philadelphia Bible Society.

Extract of a letter from Josiah Roberts, Esq. of London, to Robert Ral· ston, Esq. treasurer of the Bible Society, established at Philadelphia.

London, 16th January, 1809.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

CONCEIVING it possible that a line may yet be in time to reach the packet before her departure from Falmouth, I hasten to inform you without delay, that the result of the application this day to the committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, in behalf of the Bible Society, established in your city, is a donation of two hundred pounds sterling; for which sum you are authorized to

draw upon Joseph Reymer, Esq. and your bill will be duly honored.

The communication you were pleased to make on the subject was laid before the committee, and produced a most favorable impression; one feeling seemed to animate the whole body on the occasion, that of fraternal affection to our fellow christians in America, who in such circumstances are holding out the right hand of fellowship, and asking our co-operation in the glorious work; to use the expression of a member of the committee, "the challenge is accepted, and we hail the auspicious

event."

By the first departing vessel, the resolution of the Society and their answer to your communication will be forwarded you; but I was charged particularly to state, that the assistance of the Society is by no means intended to be confined to the sum now granted, should the scale of your institution be extended, which is earnestly desired; and could it be made the foundation of a society, confined not to one state, but embracing the whole of the United States, under the title of the Union Bible Society, or United States Bible Society, much larger assistance would be afforded; had the plan already adopted, been of this extensive nature, a grant of at least five hundred pounds, would have been voted this morning. You can however, on the spot, be better able to judge of the plan which is most calculated to be effectual.

A valuable friend on the committee, who has given much attention to the subject, particularly remarks on the good effects in point of union, which have arisen to this society, from having the proportion of members, of each religious denomination forming the committee, fixed in the constitution; probably this idea has already been adopted, though in the United States it must be of smaller Importance than in this country, where as there is an established religion, little jealousies are more to be feared in bodies uniting from different denominations for one great object. I am, most truly, my dear friend, yours with affection,

JOSIAH ROBERTS.

From the same to the same.
London, January 21st, 1809.

MY DEAR FRIEND,

I WROTE YOU very hastily the 16th instant, immediately on my return from the meeting of the committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, to communicate the result of the application, inclosed to me under cover of your much esteemed favor of the 13th ult. That letter and also your favor of the 10th November, were read before the committee, and made a most pleasing impression on the minds of the chairman, (lord Teignmouth) and all the members present; indeed universal satisfaction was expressed at the intelligence they contained; and the sum of two hundred pounds sterling was unanimously voted to the Bible Society of Philadelphia, with a recommendation to enlarge the sphere of its operations and an assurance in such case of further assistance. Under cover hereof, you will find a copy of the resolution, extracted from the minutes, and before this is closed, I hope to receive from the secretary an answer to your communication, to lay before the Bible Society of Philadelphia. For the said sum your bill on Joseph Reymer, Esq. of this place, will be duly honored.

Had this institution been proposed in the first instance to embrace the whole of the United States, a much larger sum, at least five hundred pounds, would have been voted in aid of the object, but as you justly remark, it was highly desirable that no time should be lost; and I rejoice to find that the good work is begun; other societies will no doubt be formed for the purpose, and if they could be so instituted as to branch out from yours, which is in a central part of the United States, so as to form one great body, the friends of the object here think that it might be more extensively useful, than if different societies under various titles be formed throughout the union. On this subject the supporters of the cause in the United States are able to form the best judgment, but being strenuously urged by several friends of the Bible Society here, I was unwilling not to mention it.

It is truly delightful to witness the

happy influence which has been produced here, by different denominations of christians uniting together in this work of faith and labor of love; they become better acquainted with each other, esteem each other more highly, and exhibit to the world a convincing proof, that in promoting the best interests of immortal beings, and the glory of God, christians who differ on many inferior points, can draw together and harmonize as one great family in which the power of religion is felt and exemplified. What sight can this earth exhibit more gratifying, more consolatory! One turns to it with delight, when the mind is distressed and terrified by the scenes which are presented every where around us, the awful effects of our common apostasy from God, the source of every enjoyment. affectionate friend,

Your

Loango,

Benguela,

Angola,

Mataman,

JOSIAH ROBERTS.

FIELD FOR MISSIONARY EXERTION.

THE harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few: pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest. Matt. ix. 37, 38.

Such as are but little acquainted with geography, or who have not attended particularly to the population of our globe, can form but an incompetent idea of the evils sin has produced, and of the loud call for fervent supplications and vigorous exertion. The subsequent statement, it is believed is so far from being extravagant, that, if error exists it will be found in its deficiency and not in its excess. HEATHEN OR PAGANS

for the most part worshippers of idols, of priests, of the heavenly bodies, &c. IN ASIA.

Places.

Samocida,

Inhabitants.

Islands in some of which there are many

Mahometans,

17,000,000

IN AFRICA.

18,000,000

2,000,000

2,000,000

1,800,000

1,500,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

3,500,000

2,000,000

1,000,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

10,000

1,500,000

15,000,000 2,000,000

10,000,000

8,500,000

10,000,000

10,000,000

Of negroes in a state of heathenism. The Little Antilles, contain 150,000 The Bahamas,

The Great Antilles,

22,000

300,000

The Carribbees and other

islands,

400,000

Vast numbers of Jews are scattered through Europe, Asia, and Africa, and a few through North and South America, on whom, when Moses is read, the vail resteth even to this day.

The above statement is drawn chiefly from a work published by Dr. Carey, in the year 1792, entitled "An Inquiry into the obligations of christians to use means for the conversion of the heathen." It has been corrected as far as practicable by the works of geographers, travellers, and navigators who have written since that time. Evan. Intel.

CONTRIBUTION FOR RELIGIOUS TRACTS.

[We have formerly mentioned the success of Rev. THADDEUS OSGOOD,a missionary employed by the Society for propagating the gospel among the Indians and others in N. America, in collecting money for the purpose of procuring the printing of religious tracts for distribution, among the destitute inhabitants on the north western frontiers of the United States, and in Upper Canada. We have published the names of these contributors, as an incitement to others to imitate their good example, and to shew the fidelity of the missionary, in ex

pending the charity entrusted to him. We have lately received a letter from Mr. Osgood, containing another list of contributors, which we give to the public for similar reasons.-The sums are indeed small; but when the limited circumstances of the contributors are considered, together with the benevolent purposes for which their money is given, and the cheerfulness with which their offerings are made, we think their names deserve to be recorded. The list follows.

"On the way from Buffaloe to Pittsburgh. M. Landon $1, S. Reed 1, J. Wythe 1, E. Mervin 1, Capt. J. Forbs

1, R. Haynes 1, S. Tylee 1, J. Tylee, Esq. 1 50, G. Clark 1. At Pittsburgh. Rev. R. Patterson 2, Rev. J. Taylor 1, J. Baird 1, S. Allen 2, W. Bonnett 2, Maj. J. Craig, 3, W. Gazzam 1, M. Wrenshall 1, J. Wilkins, Esq. 1, Gen. J. Wilkins 1, W. Semple 1, A. Downing 1, J. Sewell 1, J. Faris 1, C. Cowan 1, Z. Farmihill 1, W. Gib. son 1, W. Graham 1, J. Morrison 1, M. Lawrie 1, R. Cunliffe 1, J. Shelton 1, Maj G. Denney 1, R. Spencer 1, J. Little 1, Col. J. Ohora 3, J. Barker 1, O. Omsby 1, Gen. P. Newell 2, J. Crommel 1, J. Sumrill 1, J. Woods, Esq. 2, Dr. N. Bedford 2, Z. Cramer 2, J. Ross, Esq. 2, B. Robbins 1, B. Bacude 1, Banton and Milton 1, D. Mc'Kuhan 1, T. Ralon 1, Washington (Penn.) Rev. M. Brown 1, N. Plummer 1, A. Reed 1, T. Acheson 1, J. Simmonson 1, P. Campbell, Esq. 1, B. Jackall 1, A. Murdock 1, J. Mountain, Esq. 1, J. Kerr, Esq. 1, D. Weilds 1, J. Shannon 1, H. Wilson 1, R. Hazelet 1, T. Mc Farden 1, Brown and Simple 2, D. Moore 1, H. Whylee 1, from Washington to Cumberland. Dr. G. Mitchell 1, J. Bowman 2 50, E. Bayless 1 50, J. Hazelip 2, W. McMahon, Esq. 2, S. Smith, Esq. 2. These complete my long list."

TETRAGLOT BIBLE.

[In the Panoplist and Missionary Magazine, for February last, we published a communication on the subject of a Tetraglot Bible. This has been made the topic of conversation among a number of learned men, and a plan for publishing such

I was highly pleased with the observations which, in a late Panoplist, were made on a Tetraglot Bible. The importance and utility of such a work, must be readily acknowledged by every friend to biblical literature.

Unquestionably Van der Hooght's edition of the Hebrew Bible is preferable to any other.

Extensive knowledge, an accurate judgment, and a sacred regard to truth, are essential in those who may be employed for selecting the best copies of the Bible in the other languages, which the Tetraglot proposes to embrace.

I cordially approve of the plan of printing the Old Testament in four columns, a column for each language, on the same page.

I should much prefer the Latin to the French version of the New Tes

tament.

The Tetraglot Bible will be of vast benefit to those who examine, with critical attention, the Holy Scriptures. I ardently hope that before a very distant day, we shall be favored with this highly important addition to our theological libraries. It is sincerely wished that the gentlemen, who are engaged in editing the Panoplist and Missionary Magazine, will lend their encouragement and support to the accomplishing of this object. Much might be done by the literary efforts of a pious and learned body of respectable men. Such a work would be a most honorable proof of the enterprise, taste, and literature of our religious public. I would most cheerfully contribute every thing, whcih my circumscribed sphere of influence will permit, to give effect to any proposals which might be issued for the publication of the work.

With affection and esteem,
your obedient servant.

GREAT BRITAIN. Annual Examination of Homerton Academy.

IT having been judged expedient to alter the mode of conducting the annual examination of the students at Homerton, on Tuesday, June 28, they were examined there as usual, before several of the ministers and gentlemen who belong to the two societies by whom the institution is supported, as to their progress in classical, philosophical, and theological learning; and the next day three English orations were delivered publicly on theological subjects, at the meeting house in New Broad Street, before a numerous and respectable auditory, who expressed themselves very highly gratified with the spirit and talents discovered by the young men, while it afforded the sincerest pleasure to the friends of that venerable and useful institution, and encouraged the pleasing hope of their being hereafter eminently useful to the churches of Christ. Rel. Mon

Hoxton Academy.

A NUMEROUS meeting of the supporters of this institution was held in the adjoining chapel, on June 22, when three of the students delivered themes on the following subjects. Mr. W. Jones, The religious persecution of our forefathers. Mr. Redford, The progress of the gospel in Britain since the revolution. Mr. Suelgar, The latter-day glory. Mr. Slate and Mr. Buck engaged in prayer. The next morning, there

was an association of the ministers educated in this academy; who gave very interesting accounts of the progress of the work of God in their different congregations. In the evening, Mr. Castleden of Woburn, preached on the wisdom of winning souls; Mr. Thomas and Mr. Hooper engaged in prayer. Ibid.

Catholic College at Maynoth, Ireland. A REPORT of the state of this college has been laid on the table of the house of commons ; a few extracts from it will probably interest many of our readers.