gains. By the influence and machinations of these men, the decrees of France, for instance, against this wicked trade, are rendered in practice little else than a mere mockery. Nay, while British philanthropists are obtaining at home the most humane. regulations and British officers, like Sir George Collier, are vindicating the honour of their country by enforcing her lawsand British Governors, like Governor Mac Carthy, are cherishing and blessing the victims rescued from rapacious and cruel hands-there are men who will calumniate them all, and will leave no effort untried to defeat that work of justice and mercy in which they are engaged.

Under such circumstances, the support of the African institution, which watches with unceasing vigilance, every opportunity of hastening the utter and irrecoverable destruction of this trade, becomes a sacred duty with every humane mind.

Sir George Collier was appointed an honorary Life Governor; as was Prince Hoare, Esq. whose Memoirs of the late Grenville Sharp, Esq. presented to the institution by the author, are likely to produce 500l. to the funds.

SOCIETY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF FE

MALE SERVANTS, HATTON GARDEN.

The 7th annual meeting of this society, (instituted 1813,) took place on Thursday, April 27th, at the London Tavern. Previously to the arrival of the Lord Mayor, who is the President for the time being, the chair was taken by the late chief magistrate, Mr. Ald. Atkins. The Report, which was afterwards ordered to be printed, was read by the Rev. Mr. Watkins, the Secretary, to whom the society owes its formation. It contained much that is interesting both to employers and servants, and made a considerable impression on the meeting. Among other things, it adverted to the cruelty and impolicy of sudden dismissals, and the unfair suppression of character for mere venial offences, as it tended to occasion an increase of prostitution, and sent a female, with all the feelings of an injured person, into the very haunts of thieves and housebreakers. The Report stated the death of two friendless young women in consequence of it, that had come to the knowledge of the Committee; that during the past year many thousand appropriate tracts had been given to servants at the Registry; 88 servants had received Bibles on completing their first year's services, 151 servants had been rewarded with the sum of 2817. 18s. four had received gratuities on their marriage, and four had been assisted in affliction. It is stated that the society's tract, entitled "Friendly Hints to Female Servants," and another called "Maxims of Prudence," were much in request among servants, and that 20,000 of them had been printed, 18,000 of which were now probably in the hands of as many ser

vants. Since the institution, 937 rewards have been bestowed, and the names of 430 females are on the books at the Registry, who will, by tarrying in their places, become entitled to the progressive and accumulating rewards of the society.

PORT OF LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING RELIGION AMONG

SEAMEN.

On Monday, May 8th, was held, at the City of London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, the second anniversary of this institution.

The room, by 12 o'clock, was filled with a very respectable auditory of ladies and gentlemen, and at the lower end of the room many cleanly dressed seamen; and many weather beaten officers, either of the R. N. or the Merchant Marine.

The chair was taken by the Rt. Hon. Adm. Ld. Gambier, G. C. B. H. R. H. Prince Leopold, of Saxe Coburg, honoured the meeting with his presence.

The Report stated, that the truly important object of the society awakens perpetually increasing attention; that sailors were now more identified in Christian society than ever; more frequently seen in religious congregations; and inquiries respecting their moral and religious culture more common than at any period anterior to its institution. That the numbers of seamen attending the worship of God, varied according to the state of the river as to shipping. That when the Upper and Lower Pools are full of vessels, it is not uncommon to witness the spectacle of 60 ships' boats, conveying from 400 to 500 seamen to enjoy this inestimable privilege-a privilege in which many thousands have participated in the Floating Chapel during the past year, in addition to an increased number who resort to other places of worship. That there is now, decidedly, far less swearing among the men who are on board ships, and those who navigate the craft, than there was formerly; and that, consequently, it is manifest that there is a change for the better; and that there is a growing reformation among this class of our fellow-subjects.

HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The

The first annual meeting was held at the City of London Tavern, May 15th, the anniversary being fixed a few months before the time, for the accommodation of the public who attended the other sacred festivities of the season. Sir Thomas Bell presided on the occasion. The large room of the tavern was thronged, and multitudes went away unable to obtain an entrance. Rev. B. Rayson opened the meeting with prayer. The Rev. E. A. Dunn read the Report, which stated that upwards of 7001. had been received, and that six missionaries were admitted into the service of the society, for whom fields of labour were either occupied or designed, in Wilts, bordering on Berks, in Sussex, in Oxfordshire, and in Devon and Cornwall.

MERCHANT SEAMENS' BIBLE SOCIETY.

Monday, May 21st, was held the second annual meeting of this Institution, the Rt. Hon. Adm. Visc. Exmouth, in the chair, accompanied by a number of gentlemen, naval officers, and clergymen of different denominations.

The Report was then read by one of the Secretaries. It stated that 789 vessels had been visited and supplied during the last year, on board of which were near 8000 seamen. The issues of the Merchant Scamens' Society had, during the last year, been 1889 Bibles, and 2665 Testaments. The Report concluded by calling for additional aid, and stating that the East India Company had munificently made a donation of 2001. to the society.

SCOTLAND.

UNION OF THE SECESSION CHURCH.

The public will scarcely require to be reminded of that proposal for Union betwixt the two great branches of the Secession, which we had the pleasure of announcing in our last volume. The plan of union embraced the word of God as the only rule of faith and manners; the standards of the church of Scotland; the Presbyterial form of church government; the grounds of the Secession: the approval of the noble struggles of our forefathers for reformation; and pledged the United Synod to the preparation of a formula, and a common exhibition of their principles.

At the meeting of both synods, held in April last, these important papers were laid on the table of the respective courts, and were read as introductory to the great discussion. Never was there one in the Secession church more interesting and more critical. Religious persons of all denominations had taken a deep interest in this matter. The petitioners, who had conducted themselves in the interval with the most marked attention to the rules of good order, and had met often to supplicate the throne of God for guidance to their respective courts, had their eyes and their hearts toward the metropolis at this moment. Hopes and fears were excited in a high degree. Many thought that the former would be disappointed, as religious parties once divided, seldom unite, especially those who come into collision on the same scene, and approximate one another most nearly in principles.

In discussions so delicate and difficult-in a process so new and so important-it was not to be wondered at that some diversity of sentiment should have arisen, or that the proceedings should have ben slow; but the harmony was great, and the progress, though deliberate, was gradual. The basis was finally approved and sanctioned by both synods, the union of course is effected.

Thus have two great portions of the religious community, which had been separated for more than seventy years, been happily re-united; and a laudable example has been exhibited, which, it is hoped, will influence the feelings and the conduct of other denominations of professing Christians.

SIR,

UNITED STATES.

CHEROKEE MISSION.-BRAINERD.

To the Editor of the Christian Herald.

Since you have had the goodness to request of me any religious intelligence which I might be in possession of, and should deem worthy of communication from time to time; believing that both you and the Christian public would be pleased with the perusal, I send you the following copies of two letters, one of them addressed to the treasurer of "The Hartwick and Fly Creek Benevolent Society," upon the receipt of the second donation from the society; and the other to "Burlington Beneficent Society," both of which are in Otsego county, (N. Y.)

The "Hartwick and Fly Creek Benevolent Society," have heard the affecting story of our missionaries at Ceylon ;-that for the want of funds, many of the youth in that benighted region, who applied for admission into the school, and entreated with many tears, were necessarily excluded! The society, though small, have undertaken to support and educate five; embracing (if consistent with the views of the A. B. C. for Foreign Missions,) one female: believing as they do, that the period is not far distant, when females, even in that land of moral darkness and death, shall not only cherish a lively interest-but take an active part, in rearing the temple of divine glory. Funds and names have been forwarded to the Treasurer accordingly.

Truly Yours,

L. Beebee.

Brainerd, 14th May, 1820.

Respected and endeared brother in the Lord.

With inexpressible gratitude, your friends at Brainerd acknowledge the receipt of your very valuable box of clothing and precious letters, which arrived the 8th inst. with several others, in good order. As crowding business, and feeble health, renders it quite impracticable for father to write, he has referred it to me to answer the letters; and, although it would be more desirable to present them in his name, yet I trust they will be acceptable in this way, when I mention that the numerous cares, and weighty charge, which must necessarily devolve upon father, appears evidently wearing upon his constitution.

All the clothing you sent, will be very useful in our numerous family. In these, as in many other like expressions of Christian benevolence, we notice the kind hand of our Heavenly Guardian; who anticipates all the wants of His children, and richly supplieth them with every needed good. Indeed were it not for these seasonable supplies which are sent from time to time, so exactly suited to our necessities, we could not sustain our heavy burden; but must, long ere this, have sunk in our overwhelming cares, and the work have been greatly retarded. But the great Lord

of the harvest, He who has promised his Son the heathen for an inheritance, knows perfectly well how to accomplish his purposes-how to carry on his work from step to step; and will, by the mighty power of his arm, lead on the whole army of the redeemed people against all opposition, till he shall have ushered in that glorious day of millennial splendor, which has been long promised, and is now beginning to dawn upon the earth. The work here continues to prosper; and though at times we imagine an intervening cloud, yet again the light appears with increasing brightness, and we find from time to time, fresh cause to renew our confidence in God, and to persevere in the good work which he has given us in this our highly privileged station.

With respect to the school and congregation here, although we cannot say as in times past, we are daily surrounded with those who, with streaming eyes and anxious solicitude, are inquiring the way to life and salvation; yet we can say, the still small voice has not wholly left us. Two very promising youths were lately added to our church, viz. David Brown and John Arch, who appear to be entirely devoted to doing good among this people. D. Brown, who is a younger brother of Catharine, left us last week for Cornwall, (Conn.) where he expects to receive his education. We have now three local schools projected-two in operation, and a third about to be commenced. Brother Butrick is engaged in one at Creek Path, about 100 miles west of us. The call was so urgent there, that although brother B. was much needed here, it was thought best for him to go to commence the school, and to stay until some other teachers could be sent to take the place. Brother B. left us last April. As soon as he arrived there, the natives united and built a very comfortable house, and in less than two weeks after his arrival, the school was commenced. He has about 50 scholars, and more are wishing to attend. Br. B. thinks there will be a sufficient number for two schools, and that they will put up another house for the girls as soon as a female teacher can be sent. More than 100 attend worship on the Sabbath, and all appear very attentive: of several he has hope that a work of grace is begun in their hearts. The children appear well and learn fast. Some of them were spelling in three letters in less than three weeks, who could not speak a word of English. Brother John Arch, of whom I spoke, is with brother B. assisting as an interpreter, and also in teaching: brother John has been in school only about one year; he reads in the Bible and writes quite intelligibly. He is a young man, about 25 years old, a full cast Cherokee, who came from the thick shades of the forest. In many parts of the nation they are calling loud for schools and preaching to be sent among them. Oh, will not our heard? Come over and help us: the harvest truly is the labourers few. Truly it may be said of this wesess, "Here is a large field white to the harvest," for