vessels lie at one anchorage when discharging, and at another when receiving their cargoes. The custom-house regulations are very strict and the penalties severe. Hence, a service on board of vessels is difficult; and probably little can be effected until a floating chapel can be provided.

Cronstadt. Rev. John C. Webster, chaplain. He has received ordination, and is about to embark for that place; which is the grand port of St. Petersburgh, Russia, frequently urged upon the notice of the Society by Rev. Mr. Knill, and by the Executive Board of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society in London. It is an important post. More than 1100 vessels, including 57 American, were at Cronstadt last year. It is the chief rendezvous of the Russian Navy.

IV. OPENINGS FOR ENLARGED EFFORT. Bordeaux, in France, is supposed to offer many facilities for the labors of a seamen's chaplain; and the Society has been urged by the British and Foreign Sailors' Society to send a man thither. Floriana, in the Gallipàgos islands, is an important port. Joseph Villamil, Esq. the Spanish governor of the colony, has offered every facility to induce the Society to station a chaplain there. It is a very convenient port for many whale ships. From January, 1835, to June, 1836, 102 large ships touched there, to obtain supples. Constantinople is a port to which the attention of the Society has been solicited by the American missionaries there, who have strongly urged its claims. Cadiz, in Spain, is open for the labors of a seamen's chaplain; and an English Wesleyan missionary has already hoisted the Bethel flag. Rev. Mr. Rule, of Gibraltar, has urged the Society to sustain a chaplain there. Openings are presented in almost every quarter of the Batavia, Singapore, and Lehana. At each globe, where the voice of Providence seems to of these places, the resident American mission- say "Enter ye in." But our means are limitaries have been engaged to perform such ser-ed, and our way at present is hedged up. vices for seamen as they can consistently with a due attention to the more immediate duties of their station.

Calcutta. Rev. Mr. Sutton, Baptist missionary to Orissa, was appointed chaplain at Calcutta, but declined; and another appointment will probably be made.

New Orleans, though properly a domestic port, may be noticed here. Rev. Harman Loomis, chaplain, was sent to that city in January last commenced his labors, renting a convenient room, and preaching the gospel to such as might assemble. A Port Society has recently been formed, and arrangements are making to build a mariners' church.

II. DOMESTIC LABORS.

V. THE STATE OF THE FUNDS. At the last annual settlement, there was a balance due the treasurer of $193.61.

The

amount of receipts during the year has been $10,561.66; the disbursements, $14,997.24; showing a balance due to the treasurer of $4435.68. The friends of seamen are earnestly requested to aid in removing the debt, and providing the means of sustaining the operations of the Society.

NEW YORK SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

Abstract of the Twenty-first Annual Report. While the managers find much to humble them, they have cause of gratitude in the conversion of many children and youth.

Under this head are classed the efforts which the Society has made for the benefit of sailors, apart from the preaching of the gospel. The Sailors' Magazine, in an edition of 3,500 copies, is published and distributed monthly. Two editions of the Sailors' Hymn and Devotional Assistant have been issued. Aided by the N. Y. State Temperance Society, 100,000 copies of a Temperance Almanac, adapted to sailors, have been put into circulation. Aided by the American Tract Society, fifty-nine large vessels have been furnished with a permanent library of useful books, of about sixty volumes-increase, 141. cach, in a neat case put up in the forecastle. Our foreign chaplains have been furnished with tracts by the Tract Society, and with Bibles by the American Bible Society.

III. LOCAL INSTITUTIONS. At Portland, Salem, Boston, New Bedford, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, Savannah, and Mobile, there are regular congregations of sailors, with ministers devoted to their instruction; and at Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, the ordinances of the gospel have been introduced. The "American Bethel Society" was formed in June last by a convention held at Buffalo, N. Y.

Schools and Teachers. The present number of schools is 81; in which there are 1021 male and 1192 female teachers-in all, 2223; increase since last year, 104. Of these 1828 are now professors of religion; increase of professing teachers, 132. In 60 schools, there are 731 teachers who have been Sunday school pupils

Number of Pupils. Male-White boys, 5168; colored boys, 366; colored adults, 100; in infant classes, 550; in Bible classes, 492—total, 6586. Female-White girls, 6019; colored girls, 439; colored adults, 228; in infant classes, 867; in Bible classes, 658-total, 7542. The whole of both sexes is 14,128. Of these, 271 have professed religion in the last year; 8689, in 70 schools, read the Scriptures. Thirty-five teachers and three pupils are preparing for the ministry, and three teachers have entered it.

Books. The libraries contain 25,976 volumes. As rewards, there have been distributed, in 52 schools, 129 Bibles, 282 Testaments, 1019

S. S. Hymn Books, and 98 Church Hymn, them were given by circulars and visitation. Books; and, in 35 schools, 18,193 Scripture proof certificates.

Infant and Bible Classes are becoming objects of increased interest in the churches, and efforts to extend and sustain them are earnest. ly recommended.

Need of increased exertions. There are probably 30,000 children of Germans and other foreigners in the city, who are fit subjects for Sabbath schools; many of whom might be brought, by judicious measures, under the moral and saving influence of the gospel.

AMERICAN TEMPERANCE UNION.

Societies have been formed in every ward; and among the various classes of society, so as to give associated influence its greatest power. Great aid has been received from tract visitors. The number of public meetings has been 1897; the increase of members, 17,804; making the whole 88,074. In eight years, since the society was formed, the number of licenses, compared with the population, has decreased 43 per cent. and the number of paupers and convicted criminals in the ratio of 33 per cent.

AMERICAN MORAL REFORM SOCIETY.

The second anniversary of this Society was This truly national institution held its first held in New York, May 10. The report of annual meeting in New York, May 9. It the Executive Committee was read by the was organized by the national convention at secretary, Rev. Mr. Sprague. The report of Philadelphia, and re-organized by the conti- the Ladies Auxiliary Society-an able, eloquent nental convention at Saratoga Springs, in Au- document, was read by Rev. Mr. Martyn. The gust last. It has now set up its standard, Advocate of Moral Reform has a circulation of with the watchword of total abstinence from all from 17 to 20,000; of which 16,000 are received that intoxicates, and under it invites all to by regular subscribers. For some time, there unite who are willing to engage in the con- has been an average of 200 subscribers a week. flict with their country's direst foe. The first There are 226 auxiliaries, 108 of which have act of the committee was the establishment of been formed the last year, embracing 15,000 the Temperance Journal, at Philadelphia, ladies. For some time, they have adopted the which now circulates more than 7000 copies plan of employing female, instead of male mismonthly. A circular to manufacturers has sionaries, for visiting the city. The expericalled forth several highly important answers. ment has well succeeded. They can gain acRev. Dr. Edwards and Mr. Kirk were appoint- cess where those of the other sex cannot. ed to represent the Union at the anniversary During the day, when the men are generally of the British and Foreign Temperance Soci- from home, female visitors have ready access ety, and Mr. Kirk sailed on that errand on the to the female members of their families, to 8th of April.The committec intend to estab- converse and pray with them. The object is lish and foster an active agency in every state prevention-and one means of this is to assist of the Union, and every Province of the Ameri-virtuous females to support themselves, and can continent, as fast as the means can be furnished. Two things show the advance of the great cause-the general adoption of the total pledge, and the commencement of effective legislation against the traffic in alcoholic drinks,

NEW YORK CITY TEMPERANCE SOCIETY. The committee use both the old and new pledges, according to circumstances. But in all their publications, and by the labors of their accredited agents, total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks has been inculcated. Their publications have increased five-fold duding the year. In the small daily papers have been published short pithy articles, which, as facts evince, have impressed and enlightened multitudes. Since August last, a series of temperance meetings, five each week, have been held, which have kept up much interest in the cause, disseminated much information, and added many names to the pledge; and protracted temperance meetings have been held with signal success-the object of which has been to give makers, venders, and consumers of intoxicating liquors an opportunity to defend their practice. General invitations to attend

save them from the temptations arising from indigence. They have opened a register for those who are worthy of employment. The house of reception, for some time maintained, has been given up. The Board have become con, vinced of the futility of any attempt at the re. formation of abandoned females. Nearly 10,000 persons have signed the pledge to discountenance licentiousness in all its forms, by precept and example, and to regard this sin in persons of both sexes as equally infamous. The forma tion of auxiliaries has resulted in immense good, causing the guilty to shrink from the gaze of a virtuous public, and thus betray their true character. Several clergymen have been beneficially employed as lecturers in different states,

AMERICAN HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

During the year the committee have aided in the support of 810 missionaries and agents of whom 764 have labored in the United States, 22 in Upper and Lower Canada, and 24 in France-increase, 38. The congregations aided have been 1025; members received on profession, 3752; Sabbath schools embrace

60,000 scholars; Bible classes, 20,000 mem. bers. Receipts, $85,701; balance on hand last year, $14,930-total, $100,631, all expended, except $2002 in the treasury.

PRESBYTERIAN EDUCATION SOCIETY.

This is a voluntary association located in New York. In their 19th annual report, the Board state that they commenced the labors of the year burdened with a heavy debt. The times have been difficult; yet they have met all their appropriations, and reduced their debt about $3000. Appropriations, amounting to $23.904, have been made to 500 young men in 76 institutions of learning; and 115 new applications have been received. The receipts of the year were $31,684. The debt of the society, at the last report, was $8000, and is

now $5100.

AMERICAN ANTI-SLAVERY SOCIETY.

AMERICAN BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.

meeting in New Vork, Z. Lewis, Esq. in the This Board recently held an anniversary chair. Prayer was offered by Dr. Hillyer, of New Jersey. Rev. Mr. Armstrong, one of the secretaries, read a statement of the condition prospects of their missions. Resolutions were passed, recommending fervent prayer for the promised influences of the Holy Spirit to give saving efficacy to the whole system of missionary faithful to their trust, may expect the cordial effort-purporting that the Board, having been and steady support of those who love the cause of Christ-and that the friends of the cause should consecrate to it in a higher degree than heretofore the fruits of Christian economy and self-denial. Several addresses were delivered. At a meeting for the American Board in Philadelphia, Mr. Armstrong read a statement of their operations during the last cight months. They have now 33 distinct missions, 85 stations, 128 ministers, 18 physicians, six of The fourth anniversary of this society was whom are ministers, eight printers and bookheld May 9. The report states, that 483 new binders, 140 female assistants, five native societies have been organized during the year, preachers, 72 native assistants-total 460. making the whole number 1006. State socie- Seminaries are in operation at Ceylon, the ties have been organized in Michigan and Sandwich Islands, Beyroot, and Constantinople, Pennsylvania. The number of presses, wholly containing nearly 400 pupils. They have 19 or in part devoted to the propagation of anti-printing presses in operation-publish two peslavery doctrines, has been multiplied. The total receipts of the year have been $36,567.92; of which a large sum has been expended in the support of living agents. Upward of 70 have been appointed, and of these 65 were for some time employed in the service of the society. The issues from the press have been, 7877 bound volumes; 47,250 tracts and pamphlets; circulars, &c. 4100; prints, 10,490; Anti-slavery Magazine, 9000; Slave's Friend, 130,150; Anti-slavery Record, 103,000; Human Rights, 189,400, Emancipator, 168, 120-total 669,387.

AMERICAN PEACE SOCIETY.

Six new auxiliaries have been formed in colleges and theological seminaries, and two societies among the ladies. The Essex Co. Olive Branch Circle held a peace fair very successfully in Salem, Mass.-a new expedient. The society has published some new tracts, and issued, in all, about 35,000 peace tracts, during the year. Many newspapers have engaged in the cause. Three ministers have labored in the field as agents, besides four theo. logical students and other voluntary lecturers. The funds collected far surpass those of any former year; yet the treasury and tract depositories are nearly exhausted. Formerly, readers of the tracts were wanted; but now, tracts for the readers.

riodical papers at the Sandwich Islands—a semi-monthly, of 3000 copies, and a monthly, for children, of 1000. The receipts since Au gust, 1836, have been $179,311; the expenses, including debts, $290,000.

METHODIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The 18th anniversary of this Society was lately held in New York. The annual report showed a great increase in the Society's operations. They have eleven missions among the Indians, embracing the Wyandots; Choctaws, west of the Mississippi; the Oneidas; South Indians, including the Cherokee, Creek, and Choctaw nations; the Northern Indians, including the Shawnee, Delaware, Peori, Kickapoo, and Kansas tribes; the Saganaw and Hu. ron; the Oneidas and Menominees in the vicinity; the Sault de St. Marie; Cherokees within the Holstein conference; the Oregon; the Winnebagoes and others on the Upper Mississippi. A reinforcement has been sent, by way of the Sandwich Islands, to Oregon. The Liberian mission, superintended by Rev. J. Seys, is very prosperous. The missions to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Ayres present pleasing prospects of success. On domestic missions labor has not been bestowed in vain. Exertions for the benefit of colored people have been successful. Of them, there are in the communion of the Methodist E. Church, chiefly slaves, in the southern and western states, about 82,000.

MEETINGS IN PHILADELPHIA AND LOUISVILLE.

BAPTIST BOARD OF FOREIGN MISSIONS.

This Board held its annual meeting, April 23, Rev. Dr. Daniel Sharpe, Vice President, in

has attended the Sunday school efforts for the last year, it was observed that 500 schools, numbering probably 15,000 scholars, had been added throughout the Union.

ANNIVERSARIES IN LOUISVILLE.

In the last week of April were held, at Louisville, anniversaries of the Sunday School Union, the General Assembly's Board of Edu. cation and Missions, and the W. F. M. Society. We prepared an abstract of all the proceedings; but have room only for the following paragraphs.

Western Foreign Missionary Society. April

Prayer was offered by the chairman, Rev. Wm. L. Breckinridge. Addresses were delivered by Rev. Messrs. Wm. C. Anderson, agent, John B. Pinney, E. P. Humphrey, and J. C. Young.

the chair. After the usual devotional exercises, extracts of the annual report were read by Rev. Dr. Bolls, the corresponding secretary. The general aspect of the missions under the patronage of the Board is highly encouraging. They have under their care 24 missions; 12 among the Indians; one in Hayti; three in Europe-in France, Germany, and Greece; one in Africa, and seven in Asia; 35 stations, exclusive of many out-stations; 53 missionaries and assistants, including 49 preachers and six printers; 160 native preachers and assist-27. ants, exclusive of helpers in the printing department; 30 churches; 1300 members, of whom 300 have been baptized the past year, of whom 50 were among the Indians, and 100 among the Karens; 45 schools, with 700 scho- On motion it was Resolved, That the success lars. There are four printing establishments of the gospel in our own country greatly de-at Shawanoe, Maulmein, Bankok, and Ladi-pends (under God) upon the vigorous prosecu. ya, to which are attached 11 printing presses, tion of the foreign missionary enterprise-That and type for printing in 14 languages, besides as the present denominational organizations of English. The pages printed in 1835 at Maul- the church are likely, with little modification, mein and Shawanoe were about 8,500,000. to extend far into the period of the world's illu. The receipts for the year ending April, 1837, mination, ecclesiastical combinations for the were $70,010.06, of which 10,000 were from management of foreign missions promise great the American and Foreign Bible Society, and permanency and safety-That, assured as we 10,000 from Virginia, S. Carolina, and Geor- are, by prophecy, that the conversion of the gia, for publishing the Scriptures in foreign world will be accomplished; and, encouraged languages. as we are, by the state of the present times, to believe that this glorious consummation is soon to be effected; it is the duty and privilege of all Christians greatly to increase their efforts in the cause of missions.

AMERICAN BAPTIST HOME MISSIONARY SO-
CIETY.

The annual meeting of this society was held April 27, the President Hon. Heman Lincoln in the chair. The treasurer's report was read. The receipts during the year have been $13,680.40; expenses, $13,556.40. The number of missionaries employed was 120; persons baptized by them were 3,332; ministers or. dained by their aid, 27; churches constituted, 33. Sundry resolutions were offered, and ably sustained by Messrs. Wayland, Peck,

and Bennet.

AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

THE CONVENTION.

In the Presbyterian we find a report of the proceedings of the Convention called by the minority of the the General Assembly of 1836, and from it derive the following information: The Convention met in Philadelphia, on May 11th, and continued their sessions daily until the 18th, and held some meetings after the General Assembly met. The first day was devoted to humiliation and prayer for divine aid and direction. This body consisted of 124 members. Rev. Dr. George A. Baxter was apThe 13th anniversary of this society was pointed President; Rev. Dr. C. C. Cuyler, Vice held May 23, Alexander Henry, Esq. in the President; Rev. T. D. Baird and Rev. H. S. chair. Prayer was offered by Dr. Ludlow. Pratt, Clerks. Various things, in relation to The treasurer, Paul Beck, Esq. read his re-the existing state of the Presbyterian church, port. Several resolutions were offered and were the subjects of attention and considerasupported in speeches distinguished by zeal tion; and resolutions were passed, condemning and eloquence. The report of the general prevalent errors in doctrine, in church order, operations of the Union was read, and present-and in discipline. ed an encouraging view of the prosperous condition of the society and its numerous branches. As one evidence of the great success which

The doctrinal errors specified have respect to the introduction of sin, election to eternal life, the first sin of Adam, the state of infants,

GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Abstracied chiefly from the Presbyterian. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian church met in Philadelphia, May 18, 1837, and was opened with a sermon by Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, Moderator of the last As

original sin, imputation of Adam's sin and] Christ's righteousness, the design of the suffer. ings and death of Christ, ability of sinners, intercession of Christ, saving faith, regeneration, doings of men, moral agency, righteousness of Christ, the reason why some differ from others. The errors in church order relate to the formation of Presbyteries without defined or rea-sembly, from 1 Cor. 1:10, 11. Rev. Dr. David sonable limits; refusal of Presbyteries, when Elliot was elected Moderator; Rev, John M. requested by members, to examine applicants Krebbs, Permanent Clerk; and Rev. Horace for admission into them; licensing to preach Pratt, Temporary Clerk. Rev. Drs. Witherand ordaining to the ministry persons who do spoon, Alexander, Beman, and Cleland, Rev. not fully receive our standards, and even such Messrs. Murray, Todd, and Latta, with Messrs. as openly deny fundamental truths; the multi- Coe, Fullerton, Kiddoo, and Smith, elders, plication of creeds inconsistent with each other were appointed a committee of bills and overand with the Confession of Faith, and contra- tures; Rev. Drs. Junkin and Cuyler, Rev. dictory to the Bible; the needless ordination of Messrs. Plumer, M'Kennan, and Dickinson, a multitude of evangelists, and the consequent with Messrs. Jessup, Ewing, M'Dowell, and tendency to a neglect of the pastoral office; the Lenox, a judicial committee. The other usual disuse of ruling elders in portions of the church; committees were also appointed. The Memothe election and ordination of ruling elders, rial of the Convention was presented to the with the express understanding that they are Assembly, and, after some debate, was referred to serve but for a limited time; a progressive to the committee of overtures. That commitchange in the system of Presbyterial repre- tee reported it as being in order, and moved sentation in the General Assembly; the unlim- that it be taken up. The report was read and ited and irresponsible power assumed by seve. accepted. The Assembly discused at length, ral associations of men, taking the control of that part of the Memorial which relates to the affairs in the church out of the hands of Pres- Union of the Presbyterian with the Congregabyteries; the unconstitutional decisions and tional churches, and finally adopted the resoviolent proceedings of several General Assem-lutions which it contains. The one abrogating blies, subversive of Presbyterian government. the act of Assembly of 1801, entitled, " A Plan The errors in discipline are manifest in the of Union," was carried by a vote of 143 to 110. impossibility of obtaining a plain and sufficient The annual report of the Trustees was presentence against gross doctrinal errors, either sented and read. The amount received during in thesi or in books; the public countenance the year was $27,000; and the expenditures given to error in preaching, newspapers, were, $26,957. The annual report of the Truspamphlets, periodicals, and books, subversive tees of the Theological Seminary at Princeton of truth and order; disorderly and unseasonable was presented, accepted, and ordered to be meetings of the people for worship, hasty ad- printed in the Appendix to the Assembly's missions to church privileges, and indulgence Minutes. Fifty copies of the annual report of of immoral members; the conduct of some min- the American Board of Missions were presentisters in propagating errors, and of others who ed to the Assembly, and distributed among the neglect to preach, turn to secular pursuits, or Presbyteries. The Assembly were invited to embark in wild and extravagant speculations. attend at the delivery of the annual sermon Miscellaneous resolutions were adopted, fa- before the American Sunday School Union, and vorable to the immediate abrogation of the ex- at the anniversary of the Society. Dr. Tucker isting plan of union between the Presbyterian and Mr. Boyd, delegates to the General Synod and Congregational churches; to the examina- of the Reformed Dutch church, made reports; tion of ministers from other denominations, which were read and accepted. The Report applying for admission into the Presbyterian of the Directors of the Theological Seminary church; to the exercise of discipline by the ju- at Princeton was read, accepted, and ordered dicatories of the church upon those who hold to be printed in the Appendix to the Minutes. the forementioned errors; the non-recognition The highest number of students in the last of churches as Presbyterian which are not or- year was 142; the present number is 134. Mr. ganized according to the constitution; to the Baird presented the report of the Directors of exercise of great caution by our national socie- the Western Theological Seminary. The proties in the selection of their travelling agents fessors have discharged their respective duties who may visit our churches; and to giving with diligence and faithfulness; and the stupreference and support to those religious peri- dents, in general, have industriously prosecutodicals and papers which are sound in the ed their studies. During last winter, 37 have faith. The Convention prepared a memorial, been in attendance. Want of funds has preembracing the principal subjects referred to invented the completion of the Seminary. The the preceding sketch, to be presented to the Assembly was invited by Mr. Julius R. FriedGeneral Assembly. lander to visit the Pennsylvania Institution for