and importance of encouraging them. abundantly supplied, they require to be taught the value of money, as the means of attaining future independence. Let the registers of our SAVINGS BANKS be examined, and it will appear that the deposit of a sailor is a rare and remarkable occurrence;-but let the haunts of profligacy and vice be surveyed, and his ability to lay by a portion of his wages will cease to be a matter of doubt. The question then is, Whether you do not, by giving him that which he has the power to purchase, diminish the value of what you bestow, and confirm rather than counteract the influence of habit? 4. But considerations of infinitely higher moment are involved. Every observation submitted in the preceding chapters, with regard to the tendency of Bible Associations to purify and elevate the tone of moral feeling, and to awaken the benevolent principle, applies with increased force to seamen. The very nature of their occupation furnishes an argument to strengthen the appeal. Every region they visit supplies a claim on their sympathy and kindness. But to excite and cherish the inclination to do good, they must be told how it can be effected, and instructed in the mode of proceeding. This is one of the most important objects of a Marine Bible Society. 5. The experience of several years justifies the assertion, that the gratuitous distribution of the Scriptures at home is neither necessary nor prudent. A general desire, not only to possess, but to assist in disseminating the sacred records, is rapidly increasing throughout the kingdom; and there cannot be a doubt, that, by the adoption of proper measures, our seamen will participate in this feeling, and manifest a similar desire to leave the funds of the Parent Society free, for those great and extended objects of foreign usefulness which are daily assuming a more important aspect. 6. It is respectfully submitted, that the instances already adduced confirm the justice of those remarks, and illustrate their tendency. But in order to place the subject in a more clear and practical point of view, the following recapitulation seems necessary : 1. The Whitby, Hull, and Aberdeen Societies, 3771 Bibles & collectively, have purchased at the cost prices, Testaments. and distributed by sale Institution, a surplus balance of rent} £.113.9.3 Remitted, for the general object of the Parent And already report the establishment of Twenty-five Bible Associations on board the ships visited by them. Ꮓ Comparative results.—Marine Bible Societies established in America. 11. The London Merchant-Seamen's Society has 9100 Bibles & distributed gratuitously [Testaments. 3053 ditto. £. 1500. And has not yet reported the establishment of any Bible 7. In submitting this comparative statement, it is far from the author's design to infer that the Committee of the Merchant-Seamen's Society have been remiss, in the discharge of the important duties confided to them. In their Annual Report for 1820, they express, in strong terms, "the regret and disappointment they have felt at the backwardness which has been shewn by the merchants and ship-owners in general to promote the society's objects, notwithstanding all possible means had been adopted to endeavour to awaken the interest, and obtain the countenance of this respectable and opulent class of society." And it appears, by a comparison of that Report with the statement submitted to the annual meeting in 1819, that a material improvement had taken place in the mode of distribution; the proportion of gratuitous grants to salés, during the first year, being as nine to one, but in the second as four to one. That this improvement has been progressive during the third year, the comparative statement given in the preceding division of this section affords a gratifying evidence. Still it must be acknowledged, that even the present state of this society is not such as becomes the metropolis of the British Empire, and the first mercantile sea-port of the world. If there be any defects in its constitution, the candour, the talents, and the piety of those who superintend its executive details, afford the best pledge that they will be remedied: but it depends on the merchants, ship-owners, and underwriters of London, whether this important institution shall assume the high and distinguished rank to which it is so eminently entitled. 8. In no part of the world has the importance of Marine Bible Societies been more sensibly felt, than in the United States of America. Second only to Great Britain in the extent of her mercantile navy, that country manifested, at an early period, a cordial interest in a design so peculiarly calculated to elevate the moral character of her seamen. In the spring of 1816, a Marine Association was established at Philadelphia, countenanced and supported by the merchants of Beneficial Results of Marine Associations. that city. This example was speedily followed by New York, Charleston, and Newhaven; and there is every reason to hope that it will gradually extend to every sea-port of the American Union. The Annual Reports of these societies, and of the local institutions with which they are respectively connected, afford the most gratifying testimonies of their beneficial effects. Of these, the following will be read with peculiar interest : “The Chaplain at the navy-yard, after circulating among the crew of the Hornet sloop of war some copies of the First Report of the society, and exhibiting to them the importance of possessing the holy scriptures, received the following address, which he inclosed to the Secretary in a letter, wherein he remarks:- Judge for yourself; for I have not language to express, what must have been the state of my feelings, when the inclosed paper was put into my hands this day. I have ascertained that it was written, without any assistance, by a common seaman : 'To the Rev. JOHN IRELAND— "We the subscribers, fully impressed with the importance of the truths promulgated by you, kind sir, to the crew of the Hornet this day, are de sirous of uniting with our Christian brethren in the dispersion of the Gospel of that JESUS to whom we all look as our common Saviour; and for that purpose (with our grateful thanks to you for your kind attention), do agree to allow, out of our monthly pay, the mites affixed to our respective names, to the Bible Marine Society, in support of so generous, so worthy, and so charitable an institution. New York, Feb. 1, 1818.' "This was signed by fifty of the crew. The sums affixed to their names were from six cents. to one dollar a month; the whole amounting, during the two years for which they subscribed, to about two hundred dollars. This being communicated to the Board, they immediately passed a resolution expressive of their high approbation of this truly generous and praiseworthy conduct; and, as a testimony of their regard, presented to each of the men a Bible. The purser of the Hornet agreeing to deduct from their wages the sums subscribed, they received their certificates of membership. When the resolution was communicated, several of the crew became members for life." "A short time since, a seaman called on one of the managers, and proposed giving a dollar to the Marine Bible Society. He observed, that after the Bible was put on board the vessel in which he sailed, his companions, instead of assembling together to gamble and drink, as they formerly had done, would surround any one who was disposed to read the Bible, and listen to the instructions of heavenly wisdom." "A ship from this port received at Canton a Bible from another ship belonging to this country. The crew, consisting of about thirty, began to read it, and soon became dissatisfied with their former mode of spending their leisure hours. They destroyed a pack of cards which was on board; and, during their voyage home, frequently assembled to read the Bible. Not satisfied with one copy, they resolved, that, should they arrive in New York, they would have Bibles of their own. Several of these men have joined the society." The Committee of the New-York Marine Bible Society, from whose Second Annual Report the preceding Extracts are taken, pointedly observe :-" Of the Bibles distributed by this Society, we Exemplary conduct of Captain Osman.-Stockholm Marine Association. do not know of a single instance of improper usage: but we know of many in which the most happy effects have been produced." In the same Report, a remark is offered, which well deserves the serious consideration, not only of the Committees of Marine Bible Societies, but of every individual connected with shipping, who rightly appreciates his own interest:- "We must avail ourselves of this opportunity to suggest to merchants, ship-owners, and captains, who are desirous of promoting the best interests of seamen, the importance of giving a preference to those men who are members of this society, a list of whom may always be found at the depository. Seamen, in order to be benefitted in this way, must report their names at the depository, whenever they come in from sea, or are in want of employment." The following letter from Captain W. B. Osman, of the ship Pacific, was transmitted, in the autumn of 1817, to the President of the Philadelphia Marine Society, with a box of Chinese silks; and holds out an example worthy of general imitation: "SIR-On my departure for Canton, last year, you did me the favour of placing in my hands a number of copies of the Holy Bible, for the purpose of distribution. I have now the satisfaction to inform you, that, in every instance, they have been received with emotions of joy and gratitude. "Highly appreciating the objects of your institution, while at Canton, I originated, among our countrymen there, a subscription in aid of your funds; and feel much pleasure in communicating to you the result. One hundred dollars were paid to me at Canton, and seventy dollars subscribed payable ia Philadelphia. Believing that the interest of the society would be promoted by the measure, I invested the hundred dollars in Canton goods; which, together with the original book of subscription, and thirty dollars since collected, I now commit to your care, with my warmest wishes for the prosperity and usefulness of your association. If this humble effort to subserve the cause of religion and truth should meet your approbation, I shall be amply rewarded. W. B. OSMAN." 9. In the year 1818, a Marine Bible Association was formed in the city of Stockholm, which distributed, within the first year, nearly three hundred New Testaments to the seamen belonging to the squadron in ordinary at that port. "But (observe the Committee) there are still three hundred more marines, and seven hundred enrolled seamen, who are looking up to your Committee to fulfil their hopes, which have been so long deferred: the intention is, to give each of them a New Testament in duodecimo, that it may be carried either in their knapsacks or tea-chests, when ordered upon duty." Eternity's vast ocean lies before us. Give the mind sea-room; keep it wide of earth, Weigh anchor, spread the sails, call every wind, Eye the great Pole Star-make the LAND OF LIFE!" Grand Junction and General Canal Association. This appears to be the most suitable place for introducing a brief sketch of an institution, which holds a kind of intermediate rank between Marine Bible Societies and those of a more general description. The establishment referred to was formed at Paddington, on the 20th of March 1816, and was designated "THE GRAND JUNCTION AND GENERAL CANAL BIBLE ASSOCIATION," under the distinguished patronage of the Bishops of Durham, Norwich, and Gloucester; and conducted by a President, Treasurer, three Secretaries, and a Committee consisting of thirty-three other gentlemen. The object of this Association was defined in an Address, from which the following is an extract: "The number of persons employed in navigating the boats on the Grand Junction and other canals, is estimated at about 6000: including their wives and families, the number is probably not less than 20,000. These may be said almost to live upon the water; and, by the peculiar nature of their occupation, are precluded all opportunity of attending public worship on the sabbath-day. For this deprivation, no remedy offers itself, equal to that of providing them with copies of the holy scriptures. The BIBLE is the word of life;-it is the Christian's grand charter; it is his guide through a world of sorrow to a world of happiness; it is the rich man's best treasure; the poor man's best friend. The object of this institution is therefore to supply these people with Bibles and Testaments at cost or reduced prices. The experiment has already been made; and the proposal has been most cordially and gratefully received: many Bibles and Testaments have been eagerly purchased; and there appears, on inquiry, a great and increasing desire to possess the Word of God." On the establishment of this society, a grant of three hundred Bibles and Testaments was immediately made by the Committee of the Parent Institution, of which the major proportion were speedily and gratefully purchased by the boatmen. In the spring of 1818, it was deemed advisable to unite this association to the North-West London Auxiliary Society, a measure which has been attended with very considerable advantage. As the constitution of this society is precisely similar to that of other associations,-although its object, as already observed, is restricted to the supply of the canal boatmen and their families,-it is only necessary to add the following summary of its results: Total Amount paid to the Auxiliary Society. . £. 45. 0.10 Total Number of Bibles and Testaments distributed. 426. Nor has the progress of this little Association been unaccompanied by those collateral benefits which never fail to follow the establishment of Bible Societies. At an early period after its formation, a "Canal School" was instituted at Paddington, |