659

Benevolent Institutions.

660

the Report which was read, and from |ject which the society had in view, and the observations made by the gentle-furnished statements of its vast utimen who addressed the meeting, it lity, not only at home, but also in was evident, that much good had re- foreign countries. sulted from this benevolent institution. In the conduct of the seamen, a reformation of manners was perceptible; and in many vessels that had lately gone to sea, divine service was now regularly performed. The same benevolent spirit had also manifested itself towards this valuable class of men, not only in other ports of England, but also in America.

LONDON HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

THE fifteenth anniversary of this Society, was held on Saturday, May 5th, at the City of London Tavern. Lord Vis. Lorton was called to the chair.

The principal speakers on this occasion were, the Rev. Mr.Martinet from Paris, Rev. Mr. Ward from Serampore, Rev. Dr. Pye Smith, Rev. James Hinton, Rev. Legh Richmond, and the Rev. Mr. Curwen.

In the speeches delivered by the above gentlemen, many pleasing and instructive anecdotes were introduced. Several instances were also adduced, to prove, that the Divine blessing had accompanied the exertions made by the friends of the institution; that some tracts which had been distributed, God had blessed to the conversion of souls in various portions of the globe; and that much religious knowledge had been diffused through the community, by their instrumentality.

This meeting was honoured with the presence of the Hon. Charles Shore, Rev. John Owen, Rev. Wm. Rushe, Sir St. Claudius Hunter, Rev. D. Thorpe, Rev. Dr. Collyer, Hon. and Rev. G. Noel, Rev. J. Addison PROTESTANT SOCIETY FOR THE PROCoombs, John O'Drescol, Rev. Lewis Way, Rev. B. Richings, Rev. E. Burn, G. Sandford, Esq. Rev. D. Wilson, and the Rev. W. Dealtry, who all spoke on the occasion.

The Report, which was read by the Bev. J. Morison, stated, that during the last year, the funds of the institution, which had been in an exhausted condition, were greatly replenished, both by collections and donations. The number of schools assisted by this society, amounted to 534, which contained 54,520 pupils.

The various speeches delivered by the above gentlemen, all tended to show the advantages which must result from educating the peasantry of Ireland; and its necessity was enforced from the relative situation of the two countries, the compact which subsisted between them, and from moral obligation.

RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY.

ON the morning of Thursday, May 10th, the twenty-second anniversary of this society was held at the City of London Tavern, when Joseph Rayner, Esq. was called to the chair. The meeting was opened by the Rev. Mr. Upton with solemn prayer, and the report was read by the Rev. Mr. James.

The report set forth the great ob

TECTION OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY.

THE tenth anniversary of this society,
was held on Saturday, May 12th, 1821,
in a large room at the Old London
Tavern, Bishopsgate-street. The pre-
ceding anniversary of this society
had excited such a lively interest,
that nearly four hours prior to the
commencement of the present meeting,
many persons had secured seats. This
proved a timely precaution, as some
hundreds who wished to attend, were
compelled to retire, from the want of
room. In almost every countenance,
that strong attachment to the sacred
rights of conscience, and to religious
liberty, which is the prerogative and
the boast of every Englishman, was
strongly depicted. It had also been
expected, that Lord John Russel,
of the Duke of Bedford, would take
the chair, and thus sanction with his
presence that cause which has for
ages been associated with the name
of his family and ancestors.
other avocations, however, prevented
him from attending; but his communi-
cation expressed the cordial co-opera-
tion of his feelings, in the designs
which they were assembled to pro-
mote.

son

His

Mr. Whitbread, M. P. for Middlesex, who entered the room accompanied by the Treasurer, Secretaries, and Committee, amidst reiterated

plaudits, was called to the chair after some time, when it was known that his Lordship was unable to attend. The speeches delivered by the different speakers at this meeting, though full and appropriate, were all absorbed in that torrent of eloquence and vigour of thought, with which Mr. Wilks entertained and instructed the audience, in a speech that occupied nearly two hours and a half. This speech, which was frequently interrupted by bursts of reiterated applause, was followed by a string of resolutions, which were unanimously adopted. These were followed by the appointment of a committee to watch the progress of public measures, and to give the alarm should any attempts be made to introduce innovations, or accidentally to infringe upon the rights which the Protestant Dissenters enjoy.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

662

LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING

CHRISTIANITY AMONG THE JEWS.

DURING several years, this truly benevolent institution has laboured under some discouraging circumstances; and it was observed with pain, that many persons, who had previously contributed to its support, had begun to grow weary, from seeing little or no fruit of their labour. Still, however, it had some warm and persevering friends, who, relying upon the Divine veracity, prediction, and promises, have continued their patronage and exertions with unwearied assiduity.

The anniversary of the present year, (Sir Thomas Baring in the chair,) seemed to furnish a more pleasing prospect than any which had preceded it; but still it appeared from the report, that although the duty of endeavouring to evangelize the sons of Abraham was obvious, much room still remained for the exercise of faith and hope. Some instances indeed were adduced, to prove the beneficial effects of this philanthropic society, by stating specific facts which former exertions had called into existence. This meeting was numerously and respectably attended. Among the spea

THE anniversary of this Society was
held on Thursday, May 10th, in Great
Queen-street chapel, when W. Alers
Hankey, Esq. treasurer, was called to
the chair. Among the numerous an-
niversaries which have taken place in
the metropolis, no one seemed to ex-kers were, R. Grant, Esq. Rev. Legh
cite a more lively interest than this
of the London Missionary Society,
and this was considerably augmented
by the presence of Prince Ratafe, and
of Mr. Campbell the celebrated Mis-
sionary traveller, who has penetrated
farther, perhaps, into the interior of
South Africa, than any other Euro-
pean. Even to those who do not per-
haps feel that interest in the spread of
the Gospel which every Christian
ought to feel, the suppression of the
slave trade, and the civilization of
Africa, cannot but afford cause for
unequivocal satisfaction.

Richmond, Right Rev. Bishop of
Gloucester, Rev. Mr. Bushe, Rev.
Lewis Way, Rev. E. Burn, Rev. Mr.
Jowett, Sir C. S. Hunter, Rev. D.
Wilson, and others.

At this meeting the speakers were the Rev. Dr. Bogue, Rev. Mr. Ward, Rey. J. Brown, Rev. Dr. Steinkopff, Rev. J. Saunders, J. Taylor, J. A. Coombs, T. Jackson, Mr. Marsden, J. Mead Ray, W. B. Williams, Col. Munro, and E. Phillips, Esq. The statements given by these speakers, show the rapid spread which the gospel has lately taken in different parts of the heathen world, particularly among the Islanders in the South Seas, who seem unanimously to stretch forth their hands unto God.

There is scarcely any fact in existence, that can tend more powerfully to prove the authenticity of the scriptures than the phenomenon which the Jews exhibit. Their characteristic obstinacy, so long foreseen, and so clearly foretold, continues to make constant appeal to our senses.

663

Benevolent Institutions.

and so justly been celebrated, still continues to glow with unabated fervour.

About 12 o'clock, the chair was taken by the Right Hon. J. C. Villiers, M. P. On his right hand sat the Earl of Clare, Lord Teignmouth, Lord Dunally, Lord Gambier, Sir James Mackintosh, M. P. Sir Wm. Burroughs, and several gentlemen of distinction, who had filled official situations in India. On his left sat the Lord Bishop of Gloucester, Lord Gosport, Wm. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. The Right Hon. J. Sullivan, Admiral Sir J. Saumarez, Fowell Buxton, Esq. M. P. and several Directors of the East India Company. The room was crowded to excess.

In the various speeches that were delivered, the degraded character of the Hindoos was set forth in a most luminous manner, and the duty of instructing those whom Divine Providence had committed to our care, was enforced by arguments, which, on moral and political grounds, appeared irresistible. It was observed by Lord Teignmouth, that about fifty years since, when he went out to India, he recollects a request made by a native, then in his service, that a letter should be written to his friend who resided at a distance, soliciting him to send a particular stone to him, which he described, as he wanted it to make a God!

The business of the meeting was highly interesting; and the grand object which the society had in view, as expressed in its title, met with the unanimous approbation of all present, who appeared to render it support by their cordial co-operation. The Hindoos were represented as possessing a teachable disposition, and as already prepared for the reception of those truths which can alone ennoble man, and make him wise unto salvation.

ROYAL UNIVERSAL DISPENSARY FOR

CHILDREN, ST. ANDREW'S HILL,

DOCTOR'S COMMONS.

664

On Thursday, the 19th of April, a special meeting of the Directors and Governors was held at the Mansionhouse, the Lord Mayor in the chair. The meeting was convened to receive a communication through Lord Sidmouth, from his Majesty to the Duke of Beaufort, one of the Vice Patrons, signifying that his Majesty had been graciously pleased to take this charity under his Royal protection.

Since the commencement of this institution, no less than 13,202 objects have been relieved; and with a design to facilitate its usefulness, stations have been appointed at Lambeth and Southwark on the same benevolent principles.

ASYLUM FOR THE RECOVERY OF
HEALTH.

ON Tuesday, May 29th, a meeting of
the subscribers and friends of this in-
stitution took place at the Thatched-
House Tavern, London. The design
of this charity is to afford medical
aid and accommodations to persons
who are poor, but not wholly destitute
of every other resource. Of this de-
scription, multitudes may be found,
who, at a distance from their friends
and connections, can neither procure
nurses, nor command such conve-
niences as their cases may require.
For the relief received, each person
pays a weekly sum, in proportion to
the benefits enjoyed. Since the last
annual meeting, the donations have
amounted to £371. 17s., and the sub-
scriptions to £137. 13s.
At this meet-
ing it was unanimously resolved, that
a proper place for the formation of
an asylum, should speedily be taken;
in consequence of which, a large col-
lection was immediately made.

THE CAMBRIAN SOCIETY.

Or this Society, the first anniversary was held on Thursday May 17th, at Albion chapel, Moorfields, R. H. Marten, Esq. in the chair. It appeared THIS humane and benevolent institu- from the report, that on board of tion was founded in the year 1816, by various vessels lying in the river, from Dr. John Davies, for the sole purpose two to three hundred persons may of affording immediate medical and constantly be found, who undersurgical aid to the necessitous poor stand no language but their own. in all parts of the metropolis and its These ships, when cleared out, are vicinity, without waiting for any other used alternately for preaching and recommendation than that which cala- prayer every Sabbath day, and fre mity and distress can always urge, quently at other times when occasions

665

On the Origin and Nature of Human Knowledge.

offer. This institution appears to have originated in the Port of London society. The object is to protect, facilitate, and cherish, these laudable measures, and to promote, by all judicious means, the spiritual interest of the sailors.

|

666

ing assert, that it is yet in its infancy, and the conflicting opinions of metaphysicians bear them out in the assertion.

When Locke's Essay on the Human Understanding made its appearance, the doctrine of innate ideas was geneOf several other benevolent institu- rally believed; since that time it has tions in London, the anniversaries been gradually losing ground. It rewere held during the month of May.ceived its death-blow from the pen of Many of these, though of local appli- that author, and it is now, by most mecation, must be considered as of much taphysicians, regarded as a wretched importance to several branches of the relic of a dark and barbarous age." community. But as most theists, in their attempts to demonstrate the existence of a Deity, had urged, as an argument in their favour, that, "the notion of a Deity was imprinted on the minds of all men," the levelling of this mound, which ignorance had raised, was view

The same liberal spirit has been diffused throughout the community at large, so that there are few towns in the united kingdom, which, in proportion to their magnitude, wealth, and extent of population, have not emulated the metropolis. These, ined with no small alarm, by many their united energies, even more than her victorious fleets and armies, conspire to render Great Britain the queen of Isles, and to make her a praise in the whole earth.

ON THE ORIGIN AND NATURE OF HU-
MAN KNOWLEDGE RESPECTING GOD
AND DIVINE THINGS.

ter;

(Continued from col. 538.)

THE preceding paragraphs of this article relate to the substratum of matthe following, to the origin and nature of our knowledge respecting God and divine things;-a change therefore has been adopted in the title.

excellent men, who imagined that its demolition would be followed by an inundation of infidelity. Time has, however, proved that their fears were groundless, and that there is no necessary connection between that doctrine, and the proof or belief of an intelligent first cause.

Some facts stated by Mr. Locke, and on which he founded his reasonings, were in substance as follows;that a language existed, which contained no name for God; and a people, in whose minds no traces of a Deity could be found; and, as "God was not in all their thoughts," so they had no priest, no temple, no worship. And though abundance of ridicule has been poured on him, for what his opponents call "his The present inquiry is, whether all credulity in giving ear to the increour notions of the spiritual world are dible tales of Thevenot and others," purely negative. On this subject, as the relations he believed and repeaton most others, men are not agreed in ed, have been corroborated and contheir opinions; and they differ, be- firmed by men on whose veracity may cause the only standard by which it be placed the most implicit reliance. can be decided has not been con- The intelligence received from the stantly appealed to. Our knowledge missionaries to the heathen world, of spiritual objects, is one of those establishes the mortifying truth, that phenomena about which philosophers where no ray from the orb of revelaare in the dark." And humilitating, tion has fallen, there, "the world by to the pride of reason, is the reflection, wisdom knew not God." Their state that though they have been investi- is more deplorable than was at first gating, or pretending to investigate, imagined. The Rev. Basil Wood the nature and operations of the hu- concludes his account of the life and man mind for several thousand years, death of Mowhee, a native of New with "nine-tenths of the phenomena Zealand, thus; 'I have only to add of mind, they are quite out at sea, one remark, which much surprised with respect to their origin." So little myself and friends: it was Mowhee's indeed is the progress that has been opinion, that the New Zealanders made in mental knowledge, that the have no idea of the Supreme Being; wisest of men in this branch of learn-that they perform no religious worNo. 29.-VOL. III.

66

2 U

66

Review-The Cottage of Pella.