succeeds me, will rejoice in the harvest which shall be gathered in here. Therefore I hope that my brethren, when they are on their knees, will address the throne of the great King of Israel, that he may pour down his Spirit on this people." In these devout anticipations we sincerely join; adding to them our earnest prayers, that these Missionaries, in common with all others, who teach the essentials of our holy faith, may obtain from the great Head of the church, that success which will be at once an excitement and a reward to their endeavours for the promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the eternal welfare of the human race. LOCK ASYLUM. It seems not to be generally known, that annexed to the Lock Hospital is a charity, called the Lock Asylum, instituted for the reception of as many of the female patients as, upon their discharge, stand in need of a refuge, and desire to forsake their evil courses. At first there was not an Asylum; but it being found that most of the women, upon leaving the hospital, had no alternative but to return to their former mode of life, a penitentiary was humanely provided for them by the governors, at the suggestion of their chaplain, the venerable Mr. Scott. The Asylum has received, since its establishment in 1787, between 600 and 700 young women; of whom about half have been restored to society, many have been brought to sincere repent`ance, and some have died in the faith. Owing, however, partly to its being a second institution, partly to its not being supported by the funds of the Hospital, and partly to its being unknown, the Asylum is by no means adequately supported. At present, indeed, its funds are so low, that the governors have been compelled to reduce the number of women admitted; and unless its pecuniary resources are increased, they shall be under the painful necessity of shutting up the house altogether. They cannot but hope, however, that their present appeal will be attended to by the readers of the Christian Observ er. The situation of the charity has lately been advertised in the newspapers, and the governors have thankfully to acknowledge the following do nations. SOCIETY FOR THE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF SUNDAY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE BRITISH DOMINIONS. The annual meeting of this Society was held at Batson's Coffee-house, on Wednesday the 16th April. From the Report it appeared, that this Society had added 206 -chools, within the last year, to their former list. The Society, since its commencement, has given 460,342 Spelling-books, 90,233 Testaments, and 8,166 Bibles, for the use of 4,917 schools, containing upwards of 410,000 scholars. Earnest applications have been made to the Society, from New South Wales, in behalf of the numerous poor children in that colony, for whose benefit schools have been established at different stations. The Society has sent thither 1,100 Spelling books, and 30 sets of collective Lessons. Similar applications have been made from the isle of Ceylon, where much exertion is making for the moral improvement of the rising generation. The Society have forwarded 400 Spelling-books, and six sets of collective Lessons to that island. The design of this Society, it may be important to state, is not to give a learned, but a religious education; not to exalt the poor above their situation in life, but to make them happy, useful, and respectable members of the community; to give them that Christian knowledge which, through the blessing of God, may make them wise unto salvation, and to bring them up to a love of honest labour and industry, that they may learn to eat their bread with joy and thankfulness. And surely among the means that have been devised for counteracting the effects of human corruption, and for promoting the best interests of individuals, and of the community, the institution of Sunday Schools deservedly holds a very distinguished place. It is hoped, therefore, that the hearts and hands of many may be opened to aid in this labour of love; especially when it is considered how much the peculiar circumstances of the present times tend to strengthen the general motives which should incite us to promote such an institution. Subscriptions will be thankfully received by the Secretary, Mr. Thomas Smith, 19, Little Moorfields; the Treasurer, John Thornton, Esq. King's Arms Yard; and by Sir Peter Pole, Bart. Thornton and Co. Bankers, Bartholomew-lane. FOREST OF DEAN. In our last volume, p. 195, we inserted the Memorial of the Rev Henry Berkin, M. A. on the subject of supplying the means of spiritual instruction to the Foresters on the northeast, or Herefordshire side of the Forest, situated on extra-parochial ground, and amounting to from 1200 to 1500 souls, living in from 250 to 300 cottages. To that Memorial we beg again to call the attention of our readers. In consequence of the aid he then received, from government and individuals Mr. Berkin laid the first stone of a church on the 4th of June last. In eight months, a large church has been built, a churchyard enclosed, and a school-room erected capable of containing 400 children. The church was opened on the 5th of February, by episcopal license, and is to be consecrated in June next. "I have thus," observes Mr. Berkin, "the happiness to see both the present and rising generation, on this side of the Forest, furnished with the means of religious worship and education; but I have, by these means, taken a heavy responsibility on myself, as the funds are still far short of the needful amount. I feel, however, no anxiety for the event; being confident, that the continued benevolence of the public will not be solicited in vain, when the circumstances of the case are known. These poor people have rendered what assistance was in their power; and one man, owner of a quarry, has given the stone. trust, that by means of this work, true religion and pure morality may be the ornaments of the surrounding country; nor does any plan appear more likely to add strength to our excellent establishment, both in church and state, than by making good Christians and peaceable subjects." Mr. Berkin, therefore, solicits subscriptions (however small) in aid of this interesting object. And if any benevolent persons, into whose hands this may fall, would kindly collect a few shillings each among their I friends, a large sum might thus be raised, without inconvenience to the donors for which purpose, he will be happy to furnish any required number of statements In addition to the names of subscribers, inserted in our former volume, p. 196, we observe the following names among others, viz. Earl Bathurst E. N. Thornton, Esq. L.20 0 20 0 0 5 0 0 5 0 0 20 0 0 20 0 0 52.10 0 20 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 21 0 21 0 25 0 21 20 0 20 W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. 5 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 0 5.0 0 Donations will be thankfully received at the following places, where a correct list of the present subscribers may be seen:-Messrs. Hoare's, bankers, Fleetstreet; Messrs. Martin's, bankers, Lombard-street; Messrs. Rivington's, booksellers, St. Paul's Churchyard; Mr. Hatchard's, bookseller, Piccadilly; and by the Rev. H. Berkin, Weston, near Gloucester. CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY. UNITED STATES. A very gratifying intercourse has been opened between this society and the bishops of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Dr. Griswold, the bishop of the Eastern Diocess, has recently published a Charge to his Clergy, in which he earnestly and eloquently urges on them the duty of missionary exertions. He observes, "with sorrow and with shame, that our church has taken but little part in this work." "There is no greater stigma," he adds, "which has justly been affixed to the established Church of England, and sullies that reputation which she has so eminently acquired in the Christian world, than her apathy in regard to "But now we propagating her faith." rejoice to bear testimony that the Church of England is awaking from this lethargy, and arising in her strength." But there is one portion of the Christian Church still delinquent," 66 even the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States." Addressing this church, he remarks" Is it not a fact, that we place improper reliance upon our orthodoxy, as supposing that truth will spread of itself, and bear away the prize; while others, on a worse foundation, by using better diligence, build with more rapidity? If we would maintain that rank among the champions of the Cross to which we think ourselves entitled, let us not rely on the paper arms of canons, creeds, and articles; but put on the whole armour of God; let us press forward, amidst the perils of the holy warfare; the first in labours, if not the first in fame." "It is time that this too just reproach of indolence should be taken away from our church; and that we, who profess the purest faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, should no longer be the coldest in zeal for enlarging the borders of his kingdom. It is time that we show our faith by our works, "Is it not our duty to impart the bread of life to the hungry? And is it less the duty of Christians to make known the will of God to the ignorant, and to rescue thoughtless sinners from misery and shame? Was the command of Christ, to preach his Gospel to every creature, limited to his first Apostles? Has the merciful Saviour no love-no grace-no concern for sinners at the present day? Is it not the duty still of every minister and every Christian, according to his means and opportunities, to sound abroad these tidings of salvation? Was it necessary for the first disciples to labour so abundantly in word and doctrine? Must they encounter perils by land, and perils by water; be in season and out of season; boldly withstand persecution, flames, and death; and reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering? And is it now become of so little concern-are the souls of men now so worthless, and their salvation of so small account, as to give us no anxiety or solicitude-as not to be worth the sacrifice of a few hours from the year, or a few pence from our abundance! Tell it not in Gath. "Why did our blessed Saviour suffer such indignities, and the cruel death of the cross? Why, with such awakening concern, send his Gospel to all the nations of the earth? To what purpose were all the labours, and sufferings, and martyrdom of apostles, and evangelists, and prophets, unless it be a matter of the utmost importance that men should hear and believe the Gospel-unless it be an indispensable duty and most benevolent work in all Christians, to im part to mankind the knowledge and means of salvation?" No less worthy of a Christian Bishop is the following passage: "Happily for the general state of religion, and to the great honour of the Christian name, the disciples of Jesus are, at the present day, awakening to a sense of this duty, and sending the light of the Gospel to those who sit in darkness. The walls of Zion, we trust, are extending on its true foundation and chief corner-stone-on the apostles, and prophets, and Jesus Christ himself. His kingdom is enlarged by the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Again "Most astonishing have been the exertions, and not less wonderful the effects, of Bible Societies; now extended, or rapidly extending, through the greater part of the Christian world. This is an era of Gospel Light, surpassed only by that of its first propagation: and the great miracle of the day of Pentecost is almost repeated. do the apostles, though all Galileans, preach the Gospel to every creature. Parthians and Medes, Cretes and Arabians, the dwellers in Africa and the remotest parts of Asia, hear them speak, in their own tongues, the wonderful works of God. Much is already done, and more, we may hope, will be speedily effected, by the propagation of the Written Word. It will tend, we may trust, to what is so much by all good men to be desired, the union of Christians in faith and affection, in doctrine and practice. In proportion as they receive these living waters pure from the holy Fountain, they will be refreshed with the same comforts, and imbibe the same spirit. With the Divine blessing, it will facilitate that for which we daily, and, it is to be hoped, most sincerely pray, That all, who profess and call themselves Christians, may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life." A letter has also been received, by the Secretary of the Society, from the Bishop of Philadelphia. "The state of our church," observes the right reverend prelate, "under the Divine blessing, has been gradually improving, ever since the introduction of authority to ordain. With the hope of furthering the same object, we instituted, a few years ago, a society, whose constitution and reports I herewith send. We have, also, within these few weeks, organized another society, whose endeavours are to be extended to New States westward of Pennsylvania. I enclose their constitution; and have the pleasure of mentioning, that a missionary is already on his tour." We rejoice in the promising appear Iances which these communications exhibit. WESTERN AFRICA. The Missionary Register contains extracts from the Journals of the Rev. Mr. Bickersteth, during his late visit to Africa, from which we shall select a few passages for the information of such of our readers as may not have access to that work. Goree, Feb. 23.-"I this morning called upon Colonel Chisholm. He spoke very highly of Mr. Hughes, of his general good conduct and steadiness, and particularly of his attention to the children under his care. An officer who was with him, said, 'I have this to say of Hughes, that you know nothing of him, and see nothing of him, but in his school; and I think him one of the most useful members of society on the island.'" Feb. 25. Sunday.-I performed Divine service in the Government House. The soldiers attended, and some of the inhabitants. Mr. Hughes's children were there. The whole seemed serious and attentive. I told them, after the sermon, that there would be Divine service and a sermon in the evening, at Mr. Hughes's. I overheard one of the soldiers say to his companion, how glad he should be to go to hear the word of God: it was long since he had heard it. I returned to Mr. Hughes's house, and administered the sacrament to him and his wife; and was glad of this opportunity of remembering the crucified Saviour. "Mr. Hughes's room was full at evening service. I read prayers, and preached from Eccles. xii 14. There was a serious spirit in the congregation, but a great noise without. "March 1.-Having been above a week with Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, I may now state my views respecting them. "I think they are both sincerely aim ing to do good in their day, and to advance the kingdom of Christ; and are likely, I trust, to prove a great blessing to Goree; and are, in some respects, peculiarly adapted for the situation. "They appear to have conducted their plans respecting the school with considerable ability; and Mrs. Hughes has paid great attention to the decent clothing of the girls. I certainly think that they ought to be encouraged, as much as circumstances shall allow." The Sierra Leone, March 7.“ The approach to Sierra Leone forms as interesting and picturesque a scene as I remember ever to have seen. high mountains, their lively verdure, the lofty palm-trees, and the change of scene arising from our gradual progress up the river, with the sight of the ships, the town, and the Kroomen in their canoes rowing towards us, renders the whole scene novel and animated," March 11. I have been, this morning, to see two slave-ships; one taken lately in the Gambia, and the other in the Rio Pongas. Truly distressing ideas were necessarily suggested to the mind. "One was a small two-masted vessel, about the size of an English pilot-boat, but not half so well furnished. It contained, when taken, seventy-three human beings, sixty of whom were slaves. They must have been literally crammed together under the deck, on the top of water-casks which were put under them in the hold. There were wooden gratings to keep them down. In other 3 parts of the vessel there was rice sufficient to feed them on the voyage. The other vessel was much larger, and was intended to contain about three hundred slaves. Only one hundred and twenty had been taken into the ship, when it was captured. Many of these had since died, from the previous close confinement. Five had died even in coming from Goree. "The captured slaves were standing or sitting on deck, and seemed happy in their deliverance. They have been partly clothed, and are now regularly provided for by Government." "The settling of the captured Negroes in the colony is likely to promote its rapid improvement; and, probably, will ultimately prove greatly subservient to the extension of the Gospel. They form an assemblage of all the neighbouring nations; and from their liberation, and the provision with which they are furnished for at least a year, they will naturally feel indebted to their deliverers. They soon learn something of English; and can easily be gathered together for public worship and instruction. These things seem so many leadings of Providence, to induce us to make our chief attempts within the colony." "It appears very important to mark the indications of a providential leading. Among these, I consider the protection of an established government, the facility and safety of intercourse with the people, the economy attending a mission, and the number that may be easily collected together. In the absence of supernatural inspiration, such circumstances may be considered as the call, Come over, and help us! and all these things speak strongly in favour of our exertions in the colony." เ Gambier, March 21.-" The change that appears to be made in three or four of the Gambier girls is worth all the labour and expense that has been bestowed on Africa. Their minds seem renewed, and their hearts made soft and tender, by Christian principle. It was truly interesting to find feelings which mark and distinguish the real Christian, in those who were born heathens, and who, in all probability, would have continued such, but for our Society, as God's honoured instrument." Rio Pongas, March 24.-" About two o'clock we crossed the Rio Pongas mudbar, and have since (now seven in the evening) been slowly advancing up the river. The banks are low, and lined on each side with mangrove-trees. There is no open ground till we come to a small village, called Charleston, of six or eight houses, belonging to Mr. Samo. Here was once a slave factory. The view was very beautiful, and became more so towards evening, when the burning rays of the meridian sun ceased to have power. I could almost fancy myself on some parts of the Thames: but here were no towns with churches for the worship of God; no cheerful and hospitable mansions; no birds refreshing us with their songs; but a death-like silence! I could not but attribute it to the slave trade, that no towns are built here; and then, at once, rushed into my mind all the scenes of cruelty, tyranny, rapine, and oppression, which have passed in this river; and the still greater tyranny which Satan exercises over benighted millions! I felt happy in coming on a different errand; and grateful that my beloved country had renounced that sinful traffic." March 29.-"I have been engaged the whole of this morning in examining the boys separately, and have been much gratified. No school of English boys that I am acquainted with would have answered the questions so seriously and so feelingly. Surely the labour of God's servants has not been in vain! Surely God's Spirit has striven, and is yet striving, with the hearts of these children! I already feel a great love for these children." March 31. Sunday." The children sang the hymn which begins This day belongs to God alone’— very sweetly; and I afterwards talked to them from Isaiah lviii. 13, 14, showing them what they should not do on this day, and what they should do; and that if they attended to this day as they ought, how God would bless them. "I cannot look on these dear children without much interest. It is, indeed, pleasing to see ninety children, the offspring of slave-traders, and of headmen and other natives, gathered out of the midst of the heathen, and entirely intrusted to us, to teach them White Man's Book. Surely we should discern in such a sight, a favourable sign of the times for poor Africa; and though we have gained as yet but little, yet this should keep alive our hopes of more. "The heart sighs when it feels that, perhaps, among these little ones, many, possibly most, may fall into their coun |