them from sinking into that state of dependance upon their friends, which, though by no means discreditable when necessary, ought to be felt to be so in those cases in which a prudent self-denial, in the periods of health and vigour, might have gained for them an independent subsistence in advanced age. The class now referred to is, however, far from being the only one likely to be benefited by the present Establishment: it is apprehended that it will be eminently serviceable to those who are possessed of considerable incomes, but who, in case of their early decease, would leave their families in a state of destitution; and these are, frequently, the circumstances of persons engaged in professions or business, many of whom could spare something out of their incomes that would not abridge them of any necessary comfort. The cheapest way of providing for these objects, is to unite with others, so that each individnal may subject himself to a small deprivation, in order that none of them may be subjected to a great suffering. The benefit thus obtained is, of course, contingent upon life. He, upon whom the contingency does not fall, does not get his money back again; nor does he get for it any visible or tangible benefit; but he obtains the best security he is able against future suffering, and the consciousness of that security must be, at all times, a source of satisfaction. He, upon whom the contingency does fall, gets in hard money, all that those who have been exempted from it, have paid; and is thus enabled to sustain or to contemplate an event, which would otherwise be most distressing.*

We have the more readily called public attention to this subject, because some cases of entire ignorance of the existence of such institutions have lately come under our notice.

See the prospectus of the Institution.

Society for the Conversion of the Jews.-A Meeting on behalf of the above society was held at the national school room, Luton, on Wednesday, July 13th. This society is entirely episcopal in its management, although a considerable portion of the funds is subscribed by the Dissenters. In Luton this is peculiarly the case, owing to the fact, that the ministers of that body have always been cordial promoters of the general objects of the society. They have attended the public meetings, and one of them has urged the claims of the London Society from the pulpit. The consequence of this liberality has been, that the strictly sectarian character of the Society has not been noticed, and staunch opposers of the Established Church have contributed to it.

The dissenting minister just alluded to, has for several years conducted the business of the public meetings on behalf of the Jews. He is a determined enemy to what he conscientiously believes to be the abuses of the Church of England, but to that section of the church of Christ, as to every other, he wishes well. Feeling it his imperative duty to oppose some parts of the ecclesiastical establishment, he hailed with pleasure every opportunity of associating with its pious members, or promoting its religious objects. Hence, at the request of pious church-people, he gave his time and influence to the Episcopal Jews' Society. no body of episcopal clergymen could be found to advocate its interests, he did it, and has the pleasure of reflecting that his efforts were not in vain. The return of those seasons when he came in contact with christians of different persuasions was always welcome, as affording a fresh opportunity of proving that persons opposed in many of their opinions, could unite in the promotion of their common christianity.

When

To the meeting of 1836, clergymen of the Church of England were willing to come. The dissenting minister who had sustained the cause in its low estate, of course, expected to join them in the time of its prosperity. Great

then was his surprise and regret when he was waited upon by those very friends, with whom he had formerly cooperated, with a request that he would attend the meeting, but accompanied by an intimation that he would not be permitted to speak. It was stated by them, that as the society was closely connected with the Church of England, it appeared desirable that only clergymen of that church. should advocate its interests. He, of course, begged to decline the honour of attending, and the Jews' interests were espoused, for the first time at Luton, by the ESTABLISHED CLERGY alone.

The ingratitude of this step is too apparent to need one word of comment. Its impolicy will soon be felt. It will naturally be argued, that if the society will be independent of the dissenters, as to its public advocacy, it ought to be independent in every other way. Its friends in Luton will certainly have too much modesty to ask the dissenters for one farthing more. Thus the spirit of party injures the cause of benevolence.

The bearing of measures like these, so bigoted and exclusive, on the questions now agitated between conformists and dissenters, must be of an injurious character. It is not to be expected that a spirit of meek submission to injuries can always be predominant. The exercise of a noble generosity is in the power of the Established church, but it seems averse to use it. Dissenters are not fond of contention for its own sake, but they are prevented by their opponents from laying down their weapons. Thus a war of extermination is carried on, the motto of each party being DELEN DA

EST CARTHAGO.

The meeting which has occasioned these observations, which we have made very unwillingly, was well attended, the dissenters forming a very prominent part of it. Mri Pym propounded his predictions. Mr. Grimshawe, and a Jewish Missionary, were present.

Dunstable Bible Meeting.-It is with pleasure we are able to contrast the above exhibition of bigotry with one of a totally different character. The annual meeting of the Dunstable and Woburn branch Bible Society was held at Dunstable Church, on Wednesday, July 27, at six o'clock in the Evening. We regret that the advancement of the month prevents us from giving more than a slight sketch of the proceedings. The chair was taken by the Rev. S. Piggot, the Rector; the meeting was addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Grimshawe, Burgess, Steinkopff, Hillyard, Gould, Pemberton, and Moody, and by Joseph Payne, Esq. The greatest harmony prevailed, and the deepest interest was excited. The collection amounted to £12.

Had our limits permitted, we should have given extracts from the speeches; but we can only insert the following sweet lines, which were presented to the meeting by Dr. Steinkopff, and copied out by him for the writer in the following manner.

"Lines composed by ABDUL MESSEE,

α converted Mahometan, in Hindostanee, and sung by him and his friends a short time previous to his death.

'Beloved Saviour! let not me

In thy kind heart forgotten be;
Of all that decks the field or bower,
Thou art the sweetest, fairest flower.

Youth's morn has fled, old age come on,

But sin distracts my soul alone;

Beloved Saviour, let not me

In thy kind heart forgotten be!'

The above lines were translated into English by the late Rev. Mr. Thomason."

THE Bible Society occupies the most prominent place among the religious institutions of Britain. It has attained this commanding station principally by its intrinsic worth. A Society for the translation of the Bible into the various languages of the earth; or rather, for furnishing every human being with a copy of it, could not fail of securing effective support. Hence its plan was no sooner developed than it met with the patronage of all classes of the community. Rank and fashion conceded its claims upon their attention, and learning and piety felt honoured in being permitted to promote its interests. Its treasury was enriched with the spendid offerings of princes, and with the mite of the poor.

K