581 Anniversaries of Benevolent Institutions. tion and the omne genus of juvenile literature would be odious. Indeed, the present volume possesses advantages over every similar work with which we are acquainted. For, whilst the selections are throughout highly classical, the best specimens of recent and living writers have been blended with others of older date: hence the pupil is furnished with very obvious means of comprehending the state of literature in the present day, and of discriminating between the compositions of ancient and modern times. A few extracts from the volume will support the favourable opinion we entertain. It is a well-known fact, that Howard, the distinguished philanthropist, who, under the assumed name of Haswell, made the tour of Europe and Asia, to mitigate the sufferings of prisoners, fell a victim to his humanity at Cherson, near the Black Sea, while administering assistance to a sick person who was afflicted with a malignant fever. During his residence in Asia, the following dialogue is supposed to have taken place between him and the Sultan of the Indies : The Sultan and Mr. Haswell. "Sult. Englishman, you were invited hither to receive public thanks for our troops restored to health by your prescriptions. Ask a reward adequate to your services. Hasw. Sultan, the reward I ask, is, leave to preserve more of your people still. Sult. How more? my subjects are in health; no contagion visits them. Hasw. The prisoner is your subject. There misery, more contagious than disease, preys on the lives of hundreds: sentenced but to confinement, their doom is death. Immured in damp and dreary vaults, they daily perish; and who can tell but that, among the many hapless sufferers, there may be hearts bent down with penitence, to heaven and you, for every slight offence-there may be some, among the wretched multitude, even innocent victims. Let me seek them out-let me save them and you. Sult. Amazement! retract your application: curb this weak pity; and accept our thanks. Hasw. Restrain my pity; and what can I receive in recompence for that soft bond which links me to the wretched? and, while it soothes their sorrow, repays me more than all the gifts an empire can bestow! But, if it be a virtue repugnant to your plan of government, I apply not in the name of Pity, but of Justice. Sult. Justice! Hasw. The justice that forbids all, but the worst of criminals, to be denied that wholesome air the very brute creation freely takes. Sult. Consider for whom you plead-for men (if not base culprits) so misled, so depraved, they are dangerous to our state, and deserve none of its blessings. Hasw. If not upon the undeserving-if not upon the wretched wanderer from the paths of rectitude-where shall the sun diffuse his light, or the clouds distil their dew? Where shall spring breathe fragrance, or autumn pour its plenty? Sult. Sir, your sentiments, still more your character, excite my curiosity. They tell me, that in our camps you visited each sick man's bed; administered yourself the healing draught; encouraged our savages with the hope of life, or pointed out their better hope in death. The widow speaks your charities, the orphan lisps your bounties, and the rough Indian melts in tears to bless you. I wish to ask why you have done all this? What is it that prompts you thus to befriend the miserable and forlorn? Hasw. It is in vain to explain: the time it would take to reveal to you Sult. Satisfy my curiosity in writing then. Hasw. Nay, if you will read, I'll send a book in which is already written why I act thus. Sult. What book? what is it called? Hasw. The Christian Doctrine.' There you will find all I have done was but my duty. Sult. Your words recall reflections that distract me; nor can I bear the pressure on my mind, without confessing-1 am a Christian!" 582 The second extract is from the best productions of a man, gifted with excelling genius; only to shew how human passion can mar the most exalted talents : Apostrophe to the Ocean.-BYRON. "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods, From all I may be, or have been before, To mingle with the universe, and feel What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal. Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean-roll! Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain ; Man marks the earth with ruin-his control Stops with the shore ;-upon the watery plain The wrecks are all thy deed, nor doth remain A shadow of man's ravage, save his own, When for a moment, like a drop of rain, He sinks into thy depths with bubbling groan, Without a grave, unknelled, uncoffined, and * unknown. The armaments which thunderstrike the walls These are thy toys, and, as the snowy flake, They melt into thy yest of waves, which mar Alike the Armada's pride, or spoils of Trafalgar. Thy shores are empires, changed in all save theeAssyria, Greece, Rome, Carthage,-what are they? Thy waters wasted them while they were free, Unchangeable save to thy wild waves' play- Calm or convulsed-in breeze, or gale, or storm, . lime The image of Eternity-the throne Of the Invisible; even from out thy slime The monsters of the deep are made; each zone Obeys thee-thou goest forth, dread, fathomless, alone. And I have loved thee, Ocean! and my joy Of youthful sports was on thy breast to be Borne, like thy bubbles, onward; from a boy I wantoned with thy breakers-they to me Were a delight; and if the f eshening sea Made them a terror,-'twas a pleasing fear, For I was, as it were, a child of thee, And trusted to thy billows far and near, And laid my hand upon thy mane-as 1 do here." We dismiss this volume with two words of advice, addressed equally to the teacher and the scholar-Read it. ANNIVERSARIES OF BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS IN THE METROPOLIS. THESE annual meetings are now become so numerous, that our limits will scarcely enable us to do more than merely give their titles, and the names of the chairmen and speakers. This, to every friend of benevolence, will be an occasion of regret, since these anniversaries, instead of declining in public estimation, increase in interest as they advance in years. But these introductory remark must give place to facts. 583 Anniversaries of Benevolent Institutions. Wesleyan Missionary Society.-The anniversary of this society, which took place on Monday, May 3d, in the New Chapel, Cityroad, was most numerously attended, every part of the building being crowded to excess long before the appointed hour. The chair was taken by the Earl of Mountcashel. Among the speakers were the Right Hon. Sir George Rose, Dr. Steinkopff, Rev. Richard Watson, Dr. Waugh, Dr. Milner, G. Bennet, Esq. Rev. Robt. Newton, Rev. Theophilus Lessey, &c. Several of the speeches were both animated and argumentative, others were eloquent and impressive, and all were interesting. The report stated that the number of missionaries constantly employed is 210, that 20,000 children are regularly instructed in their missionary schools, and that the number of persons in society, or church-fellowship, is nearly 40,000. The amount of the contributions within the last year was £49,563, to which may be added £6,500, a legacy from the late Miss Houston. The collections made during the anniversary services, amounted to £1,248. Church Missionary Society.-This anniversary took place on Tuesday, May 4th, at Freemason's Hall, which was much thronged before the chair was taken by Lord Gambier. The company was highly respectable, and the speakers were numerous, and men of superior talent. Among these we noticed the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, Rev. G. Hodson, Bishop of Winchester, Dr. Milner from America, Bishop of Chester, Thomas Fowell Buxton, Esq. M. P. Rev. J. Hartley, Sir George Grey, Bart. Rev. W. Smyley, and the Rev. Baptist Noel. The report stated, that during the year, the income amounted to £47,328, and the expenditure to £48,120, thus leaving against the society a balance of £791. "Christian Instruction Society.-On the same day, Tuesday the 4th of May, the fifth anniversary of this society was held at Finsbury Chapel, J. Labouchere, Esq. in the chair. The report was deeply interesting, and recorded various anecdotes, many of which created some very affecting emotions. It appears that 26,000 families had been visited by the agents of this institution, that many adults had been induced to attend places of public worship, that about 2000 children had been added to the Sunday schools by their means; but that many districts yet remained unexplored. The principal speakers were Dr. Winter, Rev. T. Binney, Rev. A. Tidman, Rev. H. F. Burder, Rev. J. P. Dobson, Rev. John Clayton, Thomas Wilson, Esq. Rev. H. Townley, and the Rev. Dr. Bennet. It will | 584 be impossible for us in this limited epitome to give even an outline of the eloquence displayed, or of the effects produced on this interesting occasion. It appears that a debt of £300 is due to the treasurer, and efforts to liquidate it were made on the spot, which partially proved successful. Sunday School Society.--The anniversary of this society was held on the evening of Tuesday the 4th, at the London Coffee House, Ludgate Hill. The chair was taken by the Marquis of Cholmondeley, and the meeting was numerously and respectably attended. The report stated, that during the year, 389 new schools had been established, which contain 37,197 scholars. Bibles, testaments, and school-books had also been distributed to a large amount, and the benefit resulting from their various efforts were obvious in the improved condition of the children. The Rev. John Wilcox, Rev. John Pyer of Manchester. Rev. Thos. Hargan, Rev. James Jeurigh of Wales, Rev. C. Day, Rev. T. Lewis, and the Rev. Charles Owen, addressed the assembly. Several other anniversaries of minor character, but of kindred importance, were held as opportunity offered, some of which claim no small degree of public notice; but our attention is called to such as are more generally known, and have been longer established. British and Foreign Bible Society.The anniversary of this noble institution was held in Freemason's Hall, on Wednesday, May 5th, but through the indisposition of Lord Teignmouth, the Right Hon. Lord Bexley took the chair. The report as usual was long; but the variety it contained rendered it exceedingly interesting. The principal speakers were, the Bishop of Winchester, Lord Calthorpe, Bishop of Chester, Wm. Wilberforce, Esq. Dr. Milner, Rt. Hon.Chas. Grant, M. P. Rev. Rowland Hill, Rev. Daniel Wilson, Hon. C. J. Shore, Rev. Mr. Dixon, Dean of Salisbury, Mr. Worth Newenham, and the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry. The income during the year amounted to £84,982, and [the disbursements to £81,610. Of the sacred writings 434,422 copies had been distributed, and 111 new branch societies had been formed. Society for promoting Ecclesiastical Knowledge. This society held its first anniversary at the London Coffee House, Ludgate Hill, the large room of which was filled with a most respectable audience. Apsley Pellat, Esq. was called to the chair. The design of this institution is, to disseminate, by means of publications, the great and fundamental doctrines and truths of 585 Anniversaries of Benevolent Institutions. 586 For this end Bethel meetings are established on the river, and the floating chapel has regular service every Sabbath; a Christianity. Although in an infant state, it | sailors. has awakened a considerable degree of public attention, and the present anniversary can hardly fail to extend its fame and to pro-day-school has been opened at Wapping; mote its utility. The report clearly delineated the objects and intentions of the society, and the speeches which were delivered excited a considerable degree of interest. Among the speakers were, Rev. James Matheson of Durham, Professor Hoppus of the London University, Rev. J. Morison, Rev. J. Campbell, Rev. Dr. Cox, Rev. Dr. J. Pye Smith, Rev. Mr. Stowell of North Shields, Rice Harris, Esq. of Birmingham, Rev. Dr. Bennet, Rev. Mr. Moase, and the Rev. J. Cobbin. Sunday School Union.-The annual meeting of this society was held at the City of London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, on the morning of Tuesday, May 11th. At six o'clock a numerous and highly respectable company sat down to breakfast, and from thence repaired to the large room, which was soon crowded to excess. The chair was taken by George Bennet, Esq. From the statement given in the report, the schools connected with their Union appear to be in a flourishing condition; but much ground still remains unoccupied. Under the sanction of this Union, missionaries have been sent into different parts, through whose assiduity fifty new schools have been opened, and about six thousand children collected in various parts during the two preceding years. The report traced the progress of this mission with much pleasing regularity, naming the towns and villages which had been benefited by its influence. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. J. Blackburn, Rev. J. Pyer, Rev. Dr. Milner, Rev. D. P. Smith, Mr. J. R. Wilson, Rev. C. M'Ilvane, Rev. Dr. Bennet, Rev. John Brown from Ireland, Rev. T. Griffin, Rev. S. Wilson, Rev. Mr. Farrar, and the Rev. Mr. Hewlett. To increase the funds of the society, an extra-exertion was made on the spot, and £50 were subscribed. The meeting continued until about eleven o'clock, and though many must have been greatly fatigued with the long confinement, all appeared highly delighted with its proceedings. It may be justly questioned if a more interesting anniversary than this has taken place in the metropolis during the present year. Port of London and Bethel Union Society. The third anniversary of this valuable institution was held at the City of London Tavern, on Monday, May 10th, Lord Gambier in the chair. Its great object is to disseminate religious knowledge among the libraries supply books for lending; a magazine is circulated among the watermen; and an asylum has been provided to receive their orphans. At this anniversary it was a gratifying spectacle to behold these orphans ranged in front of the platform. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. R. Stowel, Rev. R. Dobson, Mr. R. H. Marten, Rev. Dr. Milner, Captain Gambier, R. N. Rev. C. M'Ilvane, Rev. J. Campbell, Rev. Dr. Styles, and others; but of their speeches we cannot enter into any detail. Prayer Book and Homily Society.The eighteenth anniversary of this society was held on Thursday, May 6th, at Freemason's Hall, Lincoln's Inn Fields, Lord Bexley in the chair. The title of this society assumes an episcopalian aspect, but it breathes a liberal spirit, and has been rendered exceedingly useful. Its design is to give circulation to the liturgy, homilies, and other formularies of the established church, not merely in this country, but also in foreign parts. Speeches were delivered by the Rev. Mr. Pritchett, Lord Calthorpe, Archdeacon Hoare, Rev. Edwin Sidney, Capt. G. Gambier, R. N. Rev. Mr. Newman, Rev. D. Wilson, Rev. Dr. Milner, the Dean of Salisbury, Hon. and Rev. T. Noel, Bishop of Winchester, Lord Mountsandford, and Sir S. Hunter. British and Foreign School Society.The anniversary of this long established institution was held at Freemason's Hall, on Monday, May 10th, when Lord Bexley, through the absence of Lord John Russel, was called to the chair. The report detailed the progress and state of the society, and furnished many instances of the benefits which had resulted from its operations in various parts of the world. This was an anniversary of considerable interest. The principal speakers were Daniel Sykes, Esq. M.P. Rev. Rowland Hill, Hon. and Rev. Gerard Noel, Rev. William Hamet from America, Rev. James Sherman, G. Bennet, Esq. Thos. King, Esq. Rev. S. Wilson, Mr. F. Fellenburg of Switzerland, Rev. J. Brown of Ireland, J. Labouchere, Esq. and the Rev. J. Sampson. Naval and Military Bible Society.At the anniversary of this important institution, held at Freemason's Hall, May 11th, the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Lorton was called to the chair. The report stated, that during the year 13,233 copies of the Scriptures had been distributed through the army 758 Anniversaries of Benevolent Institutions. and navy in various parts of the world. The debt also, which at the commencement of the year amounted to £704, was reduced to £57.8s. 1d. In the mean while the number of subscribers had increased, the contributions had been liberal, and in nearly all its branches the affairs of the society presented a pleasing aspect. Among the speakers were Lord Bexley, Sir John Franklin, R. N. Capt. Colin Campbell, R. N. Col. Broughton, Rev. Edward Ward, Captain Vernon, R. N. Mr. Walker a lieutenant in the army, Rev. Mr. M'Ilvane, Hon. Capt. Noel, R. N. Rev. E. Sidney, Lieut. Rhind. Capt. G. Gambier, R. N. Capt. Elliot, R. N. Hon. and Rev. B. Noel, and the Rev. J. Halden Stewart. The anniversaries of this society, which has now subsisted about fifty years, has generally been interesting, but in few instances more so than on the present occasion. Newfoundland and British North America School Society. This anniversary was held at the London Coffee House, Ludgate Hill, on Wednesday, May 12th, Lord Bexley in the chair. The operations of this society being confined to given districts, the interest it excites bears a correspondent character. The report stated, that the accounts from the schools which had been established, were favourable, and that a balance of £139 remained in the treasurer's hands. Joseph Wilson, Esq. Rev. Edwin Sidney, J. Labouchere, Esq. Rev. Henry Budd, Lord Mountsanford, Rev. Thos. Harding, Rev. Thos. Sims, and Thos. Lewis, Esq. severally addressed the meeting. | 588 Hankey, Esq. in the chair. The report stated, that through the exertions of this society the light of the gospel had been carried into various portions of the globe, that many had received the momentous truths of revelation, and that their prospects were pleasing both at home and abroad. The expenditure during the year amounted to £36,000, and the contributions to £39,678, for general purposes, and for particular ones to £6,641, making a total income of £48,000. The principal speakers were, Rev. Jno. A. James, Rev. John Hatchard, Rev. G. Munday, Col. Phipps, Rev. Dr. Bennett, Rev. Dr. Milner, George Bennet, Esq. Rev. Algernon Wells, Rev. Rowland Hill, and Thos. King, Esq. The subscriptions in the chapel amounted to £285. Religious Tract Society.-This anniversary, like that of the Sunday School Union, took place in the morning, at the City of London Tavern. It commenced at six o'clock, on Friday, May 14th, the Hon. T. Erskine in the chair. The report stated many pleasing facts, which demonstrated the benefits resulting from the distribution of tracts. Some of these were remarkably striking, and awakened a considerable degree of interest. On each side of the Atlantic this powerful engine is in extensive operation, and the numbers circulated exceed common calculation. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. Dr. Smith, Rev. Dr. Milner, Rev. D. Stewart, Rev. John Boddington, Rev. John Dyer, Rev. D. Wilson of Malta, and the Rev. H. D. Stowell, who kept alive the attention of the listening audience with scarcely any intermission. Continental Society.-The annual meeting of this society was held on Thursday, May 13th, at Freemason's Hall, the Hon. J. J. Strutt in the chair. The professed design of this society is, to propagate pure and undefiled religion, and to direct the attention of the people to the signs of the times. These intentions are effected by means of books and agents. The Right Hon. Lord Mountsandford, Rev. Mr. Mayers, William Cuninghame, Esq. Rev. Henry Pyt, Henry Drummond, Esq. Rev. Joseph Irons, Lord Mandeville, and the Rev. Hugh M'Neile, were the principal speakers. Irish Evangelical Society.-At this anniversary, held on Tuesday, May 11th, at the Finsbury Chapel, Finsbury-square, Thomas Walker, Esq. presided. The report stated, that the receipts of the year were £3134, and the disbursements £3103, leaving a small balance in the hands of the treasurer. Some alterations had taken place in the arrangements of the society. In Ireland the number of agents had increased from 24 to 51, and their exertions had been attended with general success. In Dublin their labours had been largely rewarded; in Connaught they had five missionaries and fifteen readers, and in the other provinces a force corresponding to their work. The British Reformation Society. This anprincipal speakers were the Rev. J. Black-niversary was held at Freemason's Hall, on burn, Rev. David Stewart, Rev. John An- | Friday, May 14th, Lord Viscount Mandegel James, and the Rev. Wm. Irwin. Inde-❘ ville in the chair. The great object of this pendently of the common collection made on such occasions, some voluntary contributions greatly increased the amount. society is, to watch over, revive, and enforce the doctrines and principles recognized at the Reformation. The report stated in brief terms the war that subsisted between this society and popery, and the necessity of rallying round the standard of Protestantism, 589 Death of Dr. Brown.-Query.—Gleanings. which is unfurled. Frederick Vernon, R. N. Rev. J. Haldane Stewart, James Edw. Gordon, Esq. Rev. J. Irons, Hon. and Rev. Gerard Noel, Dr. Milner, Rev. William Dalton, Rev. Hugh M'Neile, Rev. Baptist Noel, and the Rev. George Washington Phillips, in succession addressed the meeting, but many of their speeches were more eloquent than prudent, and approximated too nearly to a spirit of intolerance. Lord Bexley, Captain (To be resumed in our next.) DEATH OF WM. LAURENCE BROWN, D.D. THIS learned and truly excellent gentleman, who was professor of Divinity, and principal of Marischal college, and one of the ministers of the West church, Dean of the Royal chapel, and chancellor of the most ancient Order of the Thistle, died at Aberdeen, May 11th, 1830, in the 76th year of his age. Dr. Brown was a native of Utrecht, where he became minister of the English church, and acquired distinction and honours, by his publications and talents. Driven from his native city by the French, he came to Scotland, where he remained honoured, useful, and respected, until death terminated his mortal career. From several works, his name has obtained publicity and increased reputation, but from no one more so, than his " Essay on the Existence of a Supreme Creator,' for which was awarded to him the Burnett Prize of £1250. His remains were interred in the church-yard of St. Nicholas. funeral procession was attended with signal honours, the shops in the streets through which it passed being voluntarily closed, as a tribute of respect to his memory. Query by a Subscriber. The Do the Presbyterian clergy in Ireland, solemnize the marriage ceremony; and are marriages thus solemnized, strictly legal?Is it by the publishing of banns or otherwise?-How long have they been thus privileged? GLEANINGS. British Slavery-On Monday the 30th of Novr., 1829, four men, labourers, were sold by auction, at the Nag's Head and Plough, at Stapleford. The sale commenced by sticking a pin in the candle, when the highest bidder before the pin fell out, claimed the man as his rightful property for one month at the price he had bid. One strong hard-working man, with a family of small children, was sold for 4s. 6d. per week; another, with a wife and large family, for 3s.; another for 3s., and a fourth for 2s. 9d.; and it is understood that the sale is to be repeated every month.-Nottingham Review. 590 Potato on the Mountain Orizaba.-M. M. Shiede and Deppe, in a letter to Baron A. Humboldt, giving an account oi their ascent to the great volcano of Orizaba in Mexico, mention, that they found the potato in a wild state, at a height of 10,000 feet above the level of the sea. It was about three and a half inches high, with large blue flowers, and tubers the size of a hazel nut. Action of the Upas Poison.-The common train of symptoms is, a trembling of the extremities, restlessness, erection of the hair, affection of the bowels, drooping and faintness, slight spasms and convulsions, hasty breathing, an increased flow of saliva, spasmodic contractions of the pectoral and abdominal muscles, retching, great agony, laborious breathing, violent and repeated convulsions, death. The action of the Upas poison is directed chiefly to the vascular system. The volume of the blood is accumulated in a preternatural degree in the large vessels of the thorax. The circulation appears to be extracted from the extremities, and thrown upon the viscera near its source. The lungs, in particular, are stimulated to excessive exertions. The vital viscera are oppressed by an intolerable load, which produces the symptoms above described, while in the extremities a proportionate degree of torpor takes place, accompanied by tremors, shiverings, and convulsions. The natives of Macassar, Borneo, and the Eastern Islands, when they employ this poison, make use of an arrow of bamboo, (to the end of which they attach a shark's tooth) which they throw from a blow-pipe or sompit. The Upas appears to affect different quadrupeds with nearly equal force, proportionate in some degree to their size and disposition.-Memoirs of Sir T. S. Raffles, by his Widow. Fire-Dresses of the New Police.-On Wednesday, March 17, 1830, Colonel Rowan and Mr. Mayne, the commissioners of the new police, were in attendance at an early hour, together with several superintendents and inspectors, at the office in Scotland-yard, to inspect several fire-dresses for the use of the new police in cases of fire, should they be considered available in saving the lives of the inhabitants of houses on fire. The inventor of these fire-proof dresses is the Chevalier Aldini. A large fire was made, and several of the constables put on the dresses. The outer dress is a kind of wire gauze, under which is another dress, also fire-proof, of a different material, and of a more pliable nature." The constables held their heads in the fire for above ten minutes without feeling the least heat; and also held a red-hot poker in their hands till it was quite cooled, without sustaining the least injury. After several experiments of a similar nature, the commissioners expressed their approbation of the invention, and intimated their intention of trying the efficacy of the fire-dresses in a few days on a more extended scale, as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made for the purpose. From what we could learn, it is the decided opinion, that the fire dresses will be approved of by the commissioners, and, if that should be the case, it is intended to have a sufficient number of dresses at the different police stations, to be in constant readiness for the use of the police-constables in case of fire. Luther's Bible-In the course of the five-and-forty years after the first publication of Luther's translation of the Bible, it went through one hundred and one entire editions! One alone (Canstein) disposed of 1,670,333 copies between the years 1715 and 1795. Natural Eloquence.-" Who is it," said the jealous Ruler of the desert, encroached on by the restless foot of English adventure-"Who is it that causes this river to rise in the high mountains, and to empty itself into the ocean? Who is it that causes the loud winds of winter, and that calms them again in the summer? Who is it that rears up the shade of those lofty forests, and blasts them with the quick lightning, at his pleasure? The same Being who gave to you a country on the other side of the waters, gave ours to us; and by this title we will defend it," said the Warrior, throwing down his tomahawk upon the ground, and raising the war-sound of his nation. From the Notes to a Speech delivered by Wr. Steele at Limerick. |