wilderness." I could wish, if time allowed, to shew out the apostolic origin of our churchthe scriptural authority for her episcopacy-the beauty and devotional spirit that breathes through her Liturgy-the accordance of all her Articles with the book of unerring truth; but, Sir, I have already long enough taken up your valuable time. I could not, Sir, have said less than I have said, from the duty I owe to myself, my country, and my God. I conclude, therefore, by reading an extract from a work which cannot be thought disposed to an overweening attachment to the church-I mean the Edinburgh Review:-"It is no ordinary national benefit to have a number of well educated men dispersed over every part of the kingdom, whose especial business it is to keep up and enforce the knowledge of those exalted truths which relate to the duties of man, and to his ultimate destiny; and who besides, have a sort of general commission to promote the good of those among whom they are settled, in every possible manner to relieve sickness and poverty-to comfort affliction to counsel ignorance-to compose quarrels to soften all violent and uncharitable feelings, and to reprove and discountenance vice. This, we say, is the theory of the business of a parochial clergy. That the practice should always come up to it, it would be folly to assert, or to expect, but such is the innate excellence of Christianity, that even now, amidst all the imperfections of the existing establishment, its salutary effects are clearly felt; and in those numerous parishes, in different parts of England, in which there is no gentleman resident, the benefits of securing the residence of a well-educated man, with no other trade but that of doing good to the minds and bodies of his neighbours, are almost incalculable. In retired parishes, the family of a clergyman is often a little centre of civilization, from which gleams of refinement, of manners, of neatness, of taste, as well as of science and of general literature, are diffused through districts into which they would otherwise never penetrate. And be it observed, that these are the very parts of the country which nothing but an endowed parochial clergy could regularly and permanently influence. In large towns, indeed, and in wealthy and populous districts, the unpaid zeal of individuals might often supply the place of a minister appointed and maintained by public authority. But in parishes where there are no inhabitants but farmers, and one or two small shopkeepers, besides the population of day labourers, it would most commonly be impossible to find an individual willing or qualified to undertake such important duties. Such districts would, at the best, receive only occasional visits from some itinerant instructor, who certainly could ill confer all those various benefits, temporal and spiritual, which might be derived from a resident minister of only equal zeal and capacity. These are the objects for which we desire to retain a religious establishment." (Mr. Flewker sat down amidst loud and continued cheering.)

We have not room for the many other admirable speeches delivered on the occasion.

MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF THE SOCIETY FOR PROPAGATING THE GOSPEL IN FOREIGN PARTS, AT ST. MARY'S HALL, COVENTRY, ON WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29, 1834.

A VERY numerous and highly respectable meeting took place, in St. Mary's Hall, in January, in aid of the Funds of the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts; the venerable the Archdeacon of Coventry in the chair.

The venerable the Archdeacon said how much he regretted the absence of the Bishop of the diocese, knowing how highly he approved of the objects for which the meeting was called; but distance and numerous avocations were the only causes which prevented his attendance. He observed, after an eloquent appeal in favour of those of our brethren, who had been torn, as it were, from the bosom of the mother church, and cast into the wilderness, that on political grounds, on grounds of expediency, the episcopalian church of Canada had claims for support. He considered it to be the main prop of that country's adhesion to our own; besides the disgrace which neglect would entail upon us, and the final separation from the establishment which would consequently ensue, we should be throwing away the strength and sinews of a band of brothers, into the hands of those who were no friends to the interests of this country. He concluded by stating that the secretary (Rev. H. Bellairs) was better prepared to enter into the local detail necessary to be known to the present Meeting, and strongly recommended the society to the support of the laity.

The Rev. H. Bellairs then rose and said, that in the year 1828, a meeting
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was held in this city, to consider the best means of supporting the efforts of this society. The result was the formation of a branch society or committee, and 52 persons enrolled themselves as subscribing members of the society. No very great number this (said he) considering the extent of our district'; still our subscriptions have ever been most thankfully received, by the parent society, to which we have altogether transmitted the sum of 319l. There were now 60 subscribers, 42 of whom were clergymen; he mentioned this, not intending any reflection on his lay brethren, but in justice to the clergy of this archdeaconry. (The Rev. Secretary proceeded to read a letter from the parent society, which, we are sorry to say, our circumscribed limits prevent us from giving.) This communication led to the conclusion of making a general appeal to the public. He felt assured that this appeal would not be made in vain. (Here the Rev. Secretary referred to letters from several gentlemen, lamenting their inability to attend the meeting, and inclosing donations in aid of the society's funds.) The Rev. Secretary concluded a very able appeal on behalf of the society's claims to public support.

Lord Lifford then rose and said, that as he had on a very recent occasion expressed his sentiments at some length, at a meeting called for the furtherance of the same object, he should, in the present case, be as brief as possible. He must, however, say a few words, in relation to the present meeting. His Lordship then referred to the Report, published by the society, in which it appeared, that previous to the year 1813, the Government had made the payments to the clergy of Nova Scotia and Quebec, through the hands of the colonial agents, but considered it a cheaper mode to avail themselves of the services of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel; since which time the society had received and paid the Parliamentary grants, in addition to the allowances from their own funds. He certainly was not aware what extraordinary reasons the Government had for withholding what were originally the salaries of the established clergy in the colonies. A question then arose, which demanded the most serious attention-whether we should have an episcopalian church in Canada, or not. If we do not respond to the call, it would be the first step towards the admission of the principle that an episcopal church was not necessary. But he hoped, and felt confident that the call would not be made in vain. There was a cry now raised that a dominant church was not necessary; it was the first time since the introduction of Christianity, that such a doctrine had been advanced; and he felt much surprise when he considered the quarter from which he sometimes heard such a principle maintained. At no former period, he believed, had the opinion been held, that it was not the duty of Government to provide religious instruction for the people. Even at the time of the Rebellion, when various sects were striving for the mastery, the Episcopalian, the Presbyterian, and the Independent-none presumed to deny that some established forms were necessary. He therefore felt surprised that some orthodox dissenters (many of whom he highly respected) should support the principle that no establishment was necessary; they who of course promulgate the doctrine of the depravity of human nature-who hold the necessity of line upon line, and precept upon precept-to counteract the proneness of man to evil-that they should consider it not to be the duty of the state to provide religious instruction for the people. His Lordship then drew a comparison between a government and a bead of a family-whose duties he considered in the same light. It was incumbent on the one to attend to the spiritual welfare of his household, as it was on the other to protect and religiously instruct the children of the state. His Lordship then futher urged the claims of the society, which he said had existed upwards of a century; and bestowed a passing tribute on the memory of the Hon. Robert Boyle, who was one of the society's earliest supporters. At the time this great and good man, and other great writers in England, were defending the cause of Christianity, the philosophers of France were paving the way for infidelity. His Lordship thought it remarkable, that in this country, where religi

ous instruction formed a branch of college education, the great men just alluded to should have flourished-while in other countries, where religious instruction was not so connected with public education-(even Scotland had its Hume)some of the most celebrated writers had been opposed to truth and Christianity. His Lordship concluded a very eloquent appeal by moving the first resolution, which was to the following effect:

"That this meeting, sensible of the blessings of the gospel, consider it their bounden duty to assist in diffusing the knowledge of it as widely as possible, and cordially subscribe to the principle of propagating the gospel in foreign parts."

It was seconded by the Rev. G. L. Cooke, and carried unanimously.

Alderman Osmond here put a question to the chairman, whether the government did not continue to pay the Catholic Bishop of Quebec? to which Lord Lifford replied that he was not certain, but he believed that the government was bound to do so by the treaty of Quebec.

The Rev. W. F. Hook, in an eloquent and appropriate speech, moved the second resolution :

"That the efficiency, zeal, and discretion of the missionaries belonging to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, and acting under the superintendence of the Colonial Bishops, entitle them to the gratitude of every true Christian; and that this meeting do pledge themselves to use their best endeavours to enable the Society to continue the services of pious ministers so devoted to their holy calling."

Col. Ewart, in seconding the resolution proposed by the Rev. W. F. Hook, said that after the eloquent and interesting speeches which had been made, he felt considerable diffidence in addressing the meeting; but, having visited the four quarters of the world, he had seen the horrible superstitions of the Asiatics under the baneful influence of the Bramins, also the much-to-be-regretted ignorance of the Africans, and he considered it the duty, the decided duty of every good Christian to assist those pious men, who were subject to deprivations and disappointments which could only be appreciated by those who had witnessed them exerting themselves in the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts.

W. S. Dugdale, Esq. M.P. introduced the third resolution by a few remarks, in the course of which he said that it was not his intention to animadvert on the conduct of his Majesty's ministers for having withdrawn this grant. It was doubtless their duty to husband the resources of the country, though he thought that a portion of the revenue could not be more nobly employed than in the support of this Society. He had, however, no doubt that the Society would be no losers on that account, but that the amount withdrawn would be more than made up to them by the united efforts of the clergy and laity. He then proposed the third resolution, which was seconded, with some appropriate remarks, by the Rev. H. T. Powell, and was carried unanimously. was as follows:

It

"That this meeting view with deep regret the withdrawal of the annual grant of 15,5321. hitherto made by the Crown to the Society, for the maintenance of the clergy in British North America, whereby, though its existence may not be endangered, still its sphere of usefulness in future must necessarily be circumscribed, unless the deficiency be met by liberal contributions."

The fourth resolution was proposed by J. Shuckburgh, Esq. : viz.—

"That in the opinion of this meeting an obligation now lies upon every friend of the church to procure additional subscriptions in aid of the funds of the Society: That donations to the smallest amount should be received; and that persons lending their assistance in collecting them will merit the thanks of the Christian world."

It was seconded by W. Assheton, Esq., and carried unanimously.

The fifth and last resolution was proposed by J. Beck, Esq., who, in a few words, expressed his approbation of the objects for which the meeting was convened, and had no doubt the call would be heartily responded to by all who, like himself, were firmly attached to the established church. (Hear, hear.) The resolution was as follows:

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That the laity present at this meeting, aware of the burthen already imposed upon many

of the clergy of this district, in collecting subscriptions for local charities, would be unwilling to add to their difficulties; but where circumstances will admit of a parochial collection in aid of the Society, they beg to recommend it to their consideration, assuring them, at the same time, of their ready and hearty co-operation."

It was seconded by M. Bloxam, Esq., and was carried unanimously. Thanks were voted to the Archdeacon, for the able manner in which he had conducted the proceedings, and the meeting broke up.

GLOUCESTER BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.

THE Committee of the Gloucester Benevolent Society, in submitting to the subscribers their first annual report, have to solicit that indulgence which may fairly be extended, at its outset, to a scheme for relieving the wants of the indigent; and, at the same time, discouraging the progress of pauperism. The committee, which was appointed on the 6th of November, 1832, commenced by dividing the city and suburbs into 29 districts of nearly equal extent; allotting each to subscribers, who kindly undertook the trouble of weekly visitation, and supplying them with such topics of inquiry into the condition and circumstances of the poor, as the objects of the society required. From the reports of these visitors the lists were drawn up; and the charitable operations have received their directions.

The committee having purchased above 90 tons of the best Staffordshire coals, sold them, during the last winter, from three depôts in different parts of the city, to the industrious poor upon their lists, at 6d. each cwt., being about half the original expense.

The distribution of clothing has been conducted with singular judgment and efficacy, by the charitable zeal of some benevolent ladies in the families of the subscribers, whose exertions cannot be too highly commended. Having procured the materials at a wholesale price, and cut them out themselves, they employed poor females in making them up into articles of clothing, which they then sold to the persons on the lists of the society, at a price little more than half the original cost. The payments of the poor being received by weekly deposits: this system of relief has had the additional advantage of encouraging prudence, forethought, and economy. The committee look forward with confidence to a considerable extension of this excellent department of the charity. A number of blankets have been sold to the persons on the society's lists upon the same plan.

The committee, apprehending that the most effectual mode of preventing the poor from having recourse to parochial relief, was to provide work for those who were thrown out of employment, hired land adjacent to the city, where they have engaged all who applied, in spade husbandry, by piece-work; giving such wages as (although somewhat below the ordinary rate) would enable the industrious to maintain their families, until they could procure other employment. With the same view, they engaged with three of the city parishes to employ labourers in sweeping clean the streets; whereby they also obtained manure to be used on their land in the culture of potatoes. The latter measure they believe to have proved beneficial, in setting an example of keeping the streets of Gloucester in a state of greater cleanliness than had before been practised but the committee do not feel justified in repeating this plan; since the engagement with the parishes, lasting for a whole year, has compelled them to employ persons at periods when labour is abundant; and when, therefore, the peculiar objects of the charity are not promoted. But the other plan of giving temporary employment in spade husbandry has proved eminently successful, as it has enabled the committee to supply work to every individual (not receiving parish relief) who applied: this system, therefore, they propose to enlarge in the ensuing year.

They have no means at present of estimating the extent of the moral influence and the good produced by the operations of the society, except that criterion which is open to the community at large: the great diminution which has recently taken place in the poor's rates of the city seems to prove, in the plainest manner, that this influence has been considerable.

The public will observe that the whole of these operations have been effected by means of subscriptions amounting to 937. 148.; by donations of 1137. 10s.; and by the proceeds of a bazaar for the sale of fancy and other work, amounting to 51. 148.; for which the society is indebted to the same benevolent ladies who have conducted the clothing department.

As the produce of the potatoes grown on the society's land cannot yet be ascertained, the committee are unable, at present, to state what has been the cost incurred by the society in supplying labour to the unemployed poor. But, although the season has been unfavourable to potato crops, they are of opinion that the price at which the produce will be sold, added to the value of the manure procured for the ensuing year's cultivation, will nearly balance the sums expended upon labour.

The committee cannot refrain from adverting to some incidental advantages which have resulted from this establishment. The situation, circumstances, and character of the poor having, by this means, become better known to the affluent, the temporal and spiritual wants of the deserving have, in many instances, been supplied by individual charity: bibles and prayer books have been given to them; and the sick have obtained admissions to the Infirmary and Dispensary.

The business of visitation having been found to interfere too much with the various occupations of the members of the committee, a number of ladies have most kindly and benevolently offered to assist in that office; and, from the zeal which they have already shewn in the cause of the charity, the committee anticipate the most favourable results from their exertions in this department.

In conclusion, the committee beg to invite the attention of all their fellowcitizens to the objects and the operations of the society, with a humble hope that they will be found deserving of encouragement, as the most effectual means, under the blessing of Divine Providence, of diminishing and preventing the evils brought upon the population by the uncontrolled extent of pauperism. Nov. 11, 1833. J. H. GLOUCESTER, Chairman.

Circular to the Visitors of the Benevolent Society.

THE Committee of the Benevolent Society respectfully suggest to the visitors some particular topics of inquiry, to which it will be expedient to direct their attention in visiting the houses of the poor in their respective districts.

After ascertaining that the master or mistress of the house does not receive parochial relief; and after learning the occupations, the number and ages of the family; it will be expedient to inquire,

1. Whether they can read, and, if so, whether there is a bible and prayer book in the house.

2. Whether they attend regularly on Sunday at a place of worship. 3. Whether they ever had parochial relief, and, if so, how long since.

4. Whether their children are sent to school at a proper age, and to what school.

5. Whether their children, when old enough for work or for service, can obtain occupation.

6. At what times of the year, and under what circumstances, are they generally in want of employment.

7. Whether they are members of any benefit society.

8. Whether they deposit any money in the savings bank.