4. An anonymous letter, very short, containing £300, a donation to the society.*

5. A letter from Ireland relative to Society business there. 6. A discussion about the merits of a book for children. Referred to a sub-committee of two for opinion, &c.

I was not a little interested in the manner of disposing of an American work, which they decided to re-print. Rev. Mr. D. the presiding officer, reported his examination and recommendation. It was entitled "Hints to aid Christians in their efforts to convert men to God." Another highly esteemed member of the committee remarked upon it. It was interesting and gratifying to notice, not only here, but in conversation with clergymen elsewhere, the sensitiveness which is felt in relation to some particular doctrines, which do not, in their estimation, receive due prominence and weight, in the volumes of American divines. The doctrine of the influences of the Holy Spirit it was remarked was scarcely presented in that important light, in the "Hints to aid Christians," in which it should always be. This led to a general remark from one of the gentleman, that they could not understand how that particular doctrine was so much slighted by all the American writers, especially when our country had been the theatre of such displays of the Holy Spirit's power. Had they given this sentiment only an individual application, it would not have surprised me at all. But not confining it to a few, they embraced all American ministers and writers, in the scope of their remark. I found this to be a prevailing opinion in various religious circles, in which I was permitted to mingle. I could only account for it, by supposing that our preachers and writers are so accustomed to the conviction, that the power of the Holy Ghost, is the only power, that can reach the hearts of men, and have seen this truth so repeatedly and abundantly exemplified, that it has become as it were, a component part of all the religious feelings which the American churches have upon the

The following is an exact copy of the letter. TO THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

Your little though very newmerous family (of Tracts) seem to be all of one mind, all point one way. Surely it is to the family of Breatheren that dwells together in unity. Some of the least of this united family are so apart that it will take a Poor ignorant rebiliouse sinner and leade him right to Christ as the only savour. O blessed leaders, may God in mercy increase their number a thousand fold. Inclosed you will receive Three Hundred Pounds towards putting such little whisperers more in circulation, from a well-wisher to their exploits.

19th July, 1833.

Signed,- L.

The same week similar letters, in the same hand-writing were addressed, one to the Missionary Society, containing £400, and another to the Bible Society, with £300.

subject; while our English brethren unused to the practical exhibitions so common with us, guard with heaven-directed caution, the letter of the doctrine lest the full and cordial reception of the great and glorious truth should be weakened or lost, in the absence of experimental illustration. But I digress. The meeting proceeded somewhat as follows.

7. A communication from the British Foreign Sailor's Society, on the subject of supplying the Seamen in the port of London.

8. An application from the Students of the Senior class, under the care of the Church Missionary Soc. for Tracts to distribute during vacation. Number of Students concerned 16.

Perhaps I have given you a description quite long enough. There was, however, one subject brought up at the close of the meeting, which I purpose to inform myself more particularly about, and write you again upon it, as perhaps it may be information that will be of service to you in the great interest of the cause in Persia and Armenia. It relates to a statement made to the meeting by Prof. Blumhart of Basle, relative to Tract operations in those countries.

Packet Ship, at sea, Aug. 27, 1833.

I began this sheet as you perceive, in London, resolved then and there to communicate with you, on those subjects which you requested me to bear in mind while observations and impressions were new and fresh. But the rapid flight of time in the great city, and other reasons prevented the accomplisment of my purposes.

I kept for my own sake all the while I was in London, an eye and an ear almost exclusively vigilant in that cause which you desired me not to forget. I was there about three weeks and had opportunity of attending two of the meetings of the London Committee. After I had written the first part of this sheet, I one day requested permission while visiting the Secretary, Mr. Jones, to see the minutes which contained the important points of Dr. Blumhart's statement. I made notes of them and took them home, intending to make a full communication of all I thought would serve you. You probably know all about Dr. B. At the close of the meeting, one morning, he occupied an hour at least, in stating facts and encouragements to Foreign effort. I will give you the important items of his statement and the proceedings of the committee upon them.

1. That the missionaries at Shusa, had, during the last two years, printed and circulated twenty-four tracts in the Armenian language. That they had been every where well received, and had attracted attention. The Censor had refused permission to increase the number in the series, but had not prohibited the circulation of those already issued. Poor man, little did he think, that issuing such an interdict, was the most direct way that he could take to increase the interest which the people were feeling in religious tracts. And as the missionaries were at liberty to print and circulate editions to any extent, of those already among the community, it was most obviously one of those cases in which God overrules the wickedness of man to promote his own glory.

2. The missionaries are now prepared to print tracts in the Persian language. They have ascertained by some interesting providences, that the Persians are anxious to receive them. They "wait for the Law;" and the "Gospel" we may add. "Funds are needed."

3. Dr. B. said that at Basle, Tract operations were confined to a few individuals, but that a supply of German tracts from Hamburg would be very acceptable.

After Dr. B. had retired, a notice was given by one of the Committee of a motion to be put the next meeting (this appeared to be their custom in all appropriations,) to place at the disposal of the German Missionaries at Shusha, a sum not exceeding £50, for the publication of Tracts in the Persian language and a sum not exceeding £20 for the re-printing of Armenian tracts.

Also to grant to the Basle Missionary Society £10 in German tracts from Hamburgh.

Also a selection of books, to be made out from the publications of the Society in London, to the amount of £10 for the use of the Students in the Missionary Institution at Basle.

I need not assure you that all the friends of the Tract cause in England, feel the deepest interest in the operations of our Society. It was truly gratifying to meet, in every quarter, such evidence of real Christian interest in the United States. The members of the Committee who are most active and devoted in the cause manifested repeatedly a kind and degree of interest in our operations, that I did not expect. They are very desirous to have you extend the influence and usefulness of your book department. This branch of their operations is regarded as of primary and fundamental importance. They esteem it as elevating the character, establishing the rank and influence,

and as promoting the interests at home and abroad, of every department of the institution. I made some enquiries respecting the commencement of their book publications, and of the various stages of progress in that part of the establishment, while it has been reaching its present degree of magnitude and perfection.

I conversed with Messrs. Davis, Lloyd and Jones, the three leading men in three of the departments, repeatedly on the subject. They proposed to give me in writing a series of statements bearing upon it, that might be interesting and useful to you and your coadjutors, on our side the Atlantic. I was however, prevented by press of engagements from receiving them. I suppose it is of no consequence. Suffice it to say, they are all anxious to have the American Society adopt more fully a system, which has been so signally blessed to them, and which they supposed might be far more useful in a country, where the whole structure of society and the genius of all its institutions is so much more favorable to its usefulness than their own.

One of the Committee a most excellent man, and ardent Christian, a Baptist brother, told me he should think his life well spent, if he could be the means of bringing about in the American Society, the adoption of that system which has done so much for them. This good man is a Christian of the "highest style." Who is of Paul, and who of Cephas, are questions that never trouble him. Who loves Christ is his brother."

So far the letter. In a subsequent number we may call the attention of our readers to the origin of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

A BENEVOLENT BISHOP.

"Dr. Wilson, the late worthy and benevolent bishop of Sodor and Man, once discovered a clergyman at Bath, who, he was informed, was sick, poor, and had a numerous family. One day, in the evening, he gave a friend fifty pounds, requesting that he would deliver it in the most delicate manner, and as from an unknown person. The friend replied, 'I will wait upon him early in the morning.' The bishop rejoined, 'You will oblige me, sir, by calling directly: think of what importance a good night's rest may be to the poor man.'

TO THE EDITORS.

MADAME NECKER ON PRAYER.

Geneva is thought of as a place in which irreligion and infidelity have not only gained the ascendency but are still advancing. During a visit there, however, several years since I found abundant evidence that the good seed had been planted, and was springing forth in many hearts. Never did I see a house more filled with the spirit of Christ than one which I visited when there. Among other most interesting acquaintances, I was introduced to Madame Necker, a daughter-in-law of the minister of Louis XVI. who seemed to have the simplicity of a child in reference to the Gospel, and yet perhaps, she was not fully in possession of its principles. She observed to me in the course of conversation" You have seen Madame She

is an old Christian; but we are but children, we have just come out of darkness and do not see every thing clearly." From a work of this lady on education, I send you an extract which may show the spirit of some of the Christians of Geneva. OMICRON.

"The defect of all the systems in which the attempt is made to found the entire moral character upon some principle of our nature, is that it points us to resources which fail in the time of need. No doubt the principles of our nature are the only ones from which we can set out; nothing which is strange to our heart can have influence upon it, but an external power which should correspond to our internal constitution, would be so much more salutary because it would raise the soul at the moment when it was despairing of its own strength. The system above alluded to, would make us draw upon ourselves, and we have no confidence in ourselves. They point us to reason when we are no longer reasonable. They tell us to call for the aid of virtue, when it is virtue itself that is enfeebled. As soon as a desire has reached that intensity which is called passion, a single idea possesses us, and plunges us into a dream from which there is no awaking; all the proportions of our moral nature are changed; all our sentiments betray us; and those which should defend us, take the side of the strongest! The impulse of passion we mistake for energy, and power to do good; and the shadow of a false virtue contributes still farther to draw us astray. How can we know ourselves when we are a prey to such a delusion? Where shall we find an asylum in a heart already seduced? That point of support without the world, which Archimedes demanded in order to set the world in motion do we not need this point without the soul, in order to move the soul itself.