TRACT SOCIETY.

New publications 157, in ten languages, of which 23 are volumes; total publications 1832, including 374 volumes; total approved for circulation abroad, in about 119 languages and dialects, 2801. Of the American

Messenger over 200,000 are issued monthly; German Messenger, 25,000; Child's Paper about 250,000. Illustrated Christian Almanack for 1853, 250,000; Christian Almanack in German, 30,000.

Circulated during the year, 9,173,640 publications, including 881,766 volumes, and embracing 268,902,315 pages. Total since the formation of the Society, 137,893,480 publications, including 8,416,830 volumes. Gratuitous distribution for the year, in five thousand and thirty-six distinct grants by the Committee, 63,989,976 pages, besides 8,234,865 to life directors and life members; value over 48,000 dollars.

Receipts, in donations, including 17,967 dollars 27 cents in legacies, 147,374 dollars 64 cents; for sales, including periodicals, 237,252 dollars 21 cents: total, 385,286 dollars 68 cents. Expenditures, for publishing books and periodicals, 232,211 dollars 29 cents; for colportage, 79,711 dollars 29 cents; cash remitted to foreign and pagan lands, 20,000 dollars; total expended, 385,075 dollars 7 cents. Due for printing-paper, 16,670 dollars 29 cents; due on the Society's house, 43,192 dollars 91 cents.

COLPORTAGE.-Whole number of colporteurs who have laboured the whole or part of the year, 642, of whom 117 were devoted chiefly to the German and other foreign population, and 126 were students from colleges and seminaries. Of these 642, 41 laboured in New England, 195 in the Middle States, 395 in the Southern and Western, and 11 in Canada. Families visited during the year, 530,758; conversed or prayed with, 260,414; found destitute of all religious books except the Bible, 54,600; destitute of the Bible, 28,243; Roman Catholics visited, 43,824. Total families visited by the Society's colporteurs, 3,252,089.

FOREIGN AND PAGAN LANDS. The 20,000 dollars remitted in cash has been distributed to thirty-nine missions and stations as needed to meet the wants of the ensuing year: 4,300 dollars to Continental Europe: 1,800 dollars for countries on the Mediterranean; 3,800 dollars for Southern India; 3,000 dollars for Northern India; 4,600 dollars for Burmah, Assam, Siam, and China; and 2,500 dollars for the Sandwich Islands, Africa, and our own Aborigines.

HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The Society has had in its service the last year 1087 ministers of the Gospel, in 27 difserent states and territories: in the New England States, 313; the Middle States, 215; the Southern States, 12; and the Western States and Territories, 547.

Of these 584 have been the pastors or stated supplies of single congregations; 288 have ministered to two or three congregations each; and 215 have extended their labours over still wider fields.

Ten missionaries have preached to congregations of coloured people; and 71 in

foreign languages-17 to Welsh, and 46 to German congregations; and others to congregations of Norwegians, Swedes, Hollanders, Swiss, and Frenchmen.

The number of congregations and missionary stations supplied, in whole or in part, is 2,160.

The aggregate of ministerial labour performed, is equal to 878 years.

The number of pupils in Sabbath-schools, is 72,500.

There have been added to the churches, 6,079, viz. 3,362 on profession, and 2,717 by letter. Fifty-six missionaries make mention in their reports of revivals of religion in their congregations; and 426 missionaries report 2,888 hopeful conversions.

Forty-seven churches have been organized by the missionaries during the year; and 39 that had been dependent, have assumed the support of their own ministry.

Fifty-four houses of worship have been completed; 50 repaired; and 66 others are in the process of erection.

Eighty-nine young men, in connection with the missionary churches, are in prepa ration for the Gospel ministry.

There are several other matters deserving of particular attention, and these we shall give in succession:

EDUCATION. With regard to education, it is stated that near 4,000,000 youths were receiving instruction in the various institutions of the country on the 1st of June, 1850; or at the rate of one in every five free persons. The teachers number more than 115,000, and the schools and colleges near 100,000.

CRIME.-From the criminal returns it appears, that the whole number of persons convicted of crime in the United States, for the year ending the first day of June, 1850, was about 27,000. Of these 13,000 were native, and 14,000 foreign born. The whole number in prison on the first day of June, was about 6,700, of whom 4,300 were native and 2,460 foreign.

PAUPERS. The number of paupers in the United States is probably not so large as has been generally supposed. The whole number of persons who have received the benefit of the public funds of the different States for the relief of indigent persons, amounts to 134,972. Of this number there were 68,538 of foreign birth, and 66,434 Americans, while of the whole number receiving support on the first day of June, there were 36,917 natives, and 13,437 foreigners, making a total of 50,353 persons. Of those termed Americans many are free persons of colour. The entire cost of the support of these individuals during the year has amounted to 2,954,806 dollars.

DEAF, DUMB, BLIND, IDIOTIC, AND INSANE. Of our total population, the deaf and dumb are 9,717; the blind, 9,702; the insane, 15,768; the idiotic, 15,706. Of these the coloured deaf and dumb are but 632; coloured blind, 1,715; coloured insane, 612; coloured idiots, 1,476. That is to say, the coloured persons afflicted with these various infirmities are fewer in proportion to their numbers than the whites.

MORTALITY.-The annual number of deaths throughout the country have been to the number of the living in the ratio of 1 to 73; being in the North Western States 1 to 80, and in New England 1 to 64. The reason why the rate of deaths in the North Western States are so much lower than in New England lies in the youthful character of the population of the new States, and the comparative absence of aged persons.

It may not be amiss, in closing, to exhibit the Statistics of the Coloured Races on the American Continent:

THE COLOURED RACES.

Of these, 7,500,000 are in slavery in the United States, Brazil, and the Spanish and Dutch Colonies; 250,000 are in progress of emancipation in the South American Republics; and the remainder3,620,000-are free.

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.

The United Presbyterian Church consists of 504 congregations, under the inspection of 31 presbyteries; 4 of these presbyteries are located in England; all the others are in Scotland.

The number of members in full communion is set down at 151,200. After deducting the removals by death and otherwise, the increase of members during last year is 4,000.

The following is the amount of the various sums raised by the members and adherents during last year, for the maintenance of Gospel ordinances among themselves, and also for missionary and benevolent objects at home and abroad:

year resolved that the lowest stipends shall be augmented to £120 per annum, and afterwards to £150.

There are 174 manses belonging to the body, of the annual value of £2,436 3s., averaging £15.

Of the remaining cost of the erection of the various places of worship, £9,000 has been paid this year. The returns for 1850, 1851, and 1852 show that £36,000 had been paid during these years, which, added to the return for this year, forms an amount of fully £45,000 of debt cancelled in four years.

In 349 congregations there are 572 Sabbath schools, 4,933 teachers, and 40,676 children attending. The advanced classes in these congregations are 430. In 35 congregations there are 51 other schools.

The libraries belonging to 259 congregations contain 104,565 volumes.

CHANCES OF LIFE IN AMERICA. 10,268 infants are born on the same day, and enter upon life simultaneously. Of these, 1,243 never reach the anniversary of their birth; 9,025 commence the second year; but the proportion of deaths still continues so great, that at the end of the third only 8,183, or about four-fifths of the original number, survive. But during the fourth year the system seems to acquire more strength, and the number of deaths rapidly decreases. It goes on decreasing until twenty-one, the commencement of maturity and the period of highest health. 7,134 enter upon the activities and responsibilities of life-more than two-thirds of the original number. Thirty-five comes, the meridian of manhood, 6,302 have reached it. Twenty years more, and the ranks are thinned. Only 4,727, or less than half of those who entered life fifty-five years ago, are left. And now death comes more frequently. Every year the ratio of mortality steadily increases, and at seventy there are not 1,000 survivors. A scattered few live on to the close of the century, and at the age of one hundred and six the drama is endedthe last man is dead.

LONGEVITY OF QUAKERS. Quakerism is favourable to longevity, it seems. According to late English census returns, the average age attained by members of this peaceful sect in Great Britain is fifty-one years, two months, and twentyone days. Half of the population of the country, as is seen by the same returns, die before reaching the age of twenty-one, and the average duration of human life the world over is but thirty-three years; Quakers, therefore, live a third longer than the rest of us. The reasons are obvious enough. Quakers are temperate and prudent, are seldom in a hurry, and never in a passion. Quakers, in the very midst of the week's business-on Wednesday morning-retire from the world, and spend an hour or two in silent meditation at the meeting-house. Quakers are diligent; they help one another, and the fear of want does not corrode their minds. The journey of life to them is a walk of peaceful meditation. They neither suffer nor enjoy intensity, but preserve a composed demeanour always.

SUNDAY-SCHOOL UNION JUBILEE. THE chief event in the religious world of the metropolis, during the bygone month, has been the celebration of the SundaySchool Union Jubilee. On Lord's day, the 10th ult., the schools were collected in the principal chapels throughout the four Auxiliaries, and addressed by ministers and laymen. Dr. Archer preached the Jubilee sermon in Surrey Chapel, on the following Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, a public breakfast was held in the City of London Tavern, the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor presiding. On that occasion there were present delegates from most parts of England, and also from Scotland, most of whom partook of a cold collation provided in the Sunday-school Union, Paternoster-row, in the afternoon. In the evening, the great aggregate meeting was held in Exeter-hall, Mr. Gurney, the Founder of the Union, and still its President, presiding. On that occasion important speeches were made by the Rev. George Smith, S. R. Ward, C. Stovel, W. M. Whittemore, W. Gill, South Sea Missionary, and others. On that occasion the admission was by tickets, charged at 6d. each, while no collection was made either in the middle or at the close of the meeting.

The occasion has, throughout, been one of the deepest interest, and there is reason to believe that the agitation which has already taken place on behalf of the Jubilee movement has most materially contributed' to further the ends of Sunday-school instruction. The sum wanted,-at the lowest computation, £10,000,-has not yet been completed; it is, therefore, intended to renew and carry on the solicitation, until it has been realized. A full Report of the entire proceedings, comprising the Sermon of Dr. Archer, was published in a Double Supplement of the British Banner, of Wednesday, the 20th ult. The project is one which has strong claims on the consideration of all the friends of Sunday-school instruction. Let it not be supposed that it is purely a metropolitan affair. It is much otherwise. Its sphere of operation is in England, her colonies, and the entire world. Out of a benevolent expenditure of £28,000, upwards of £21,000 have been laid out in furtherance of the work out of London. The benefits of the Sunday-school Union, therefore, are universal, and so should be its support.

IRISH MISSION.

THE Great Irish Mission has commenced its operations; and, at this moment, is going

on. Arrangements having been previously made for the tour of the "hundred Ministers," respectively, each of whom is to devote a month to the work, preaching twenty sermons, they met in Dublin for conference and for prayer, after which they went forth upon their mighty enterprise. Religiously considered, this may be looked upon as one of the most important events in the history of Ireland for many generations. It would seem that Providence has been preparing the way for these servants of the "Most High God, to show to the benighted people in the Papal Provinces, the way of salvation." The movement, moreover, is upon a scale which cannot fail to create a sensation. By itself considered, there is reason to anticipate the best results; but, as we previously signified, it will not terminate with this invasion of Evangelical compassion. The effort will be repeated; and movements will grow out of it redounding to the eternal welfare of the Irish peasantry.

AUSTRALIA.

WE are happy to find that the stream of emigration is somewhat diminished. Recent intelligence has contributed not a little to abate the fervour of that class that were the most intent upon changing countries. It is now found that the gold, notwithstanding that £14,000,000 have been transported from Victoria in a single year, is a lottery, in which men may spend their all to gain nothing, and then be thrown upon the resources of the Colony, which at present are completely overborne by the emigrant flood. What is wanted above all things now, is 10,000 or 20,000 tradesmen, such as are required in new countries,-men to rear buildings, to prepare implements of agriculture, and to meet the primary wants of society. The wonder is, that multitudes of these repair not thither, forasmuch as they could unspeakably improve their own circumstances, and also mightily subserve the interest of civilization and religion. Respectable tradesmen, carpenters, bricklayers, and such like, at this moment might realize, even in a servile capacity, £1 a day. Let it not be said that if they earn much their outlay would be corresponding, and that, therefore, there would be little gain. Such is not the fact. Bread, meat, and other things, are nearly as cheap there as here. The only thing that is incredibly extravagant, is, house-rent, domestic, and other service. It were worth while here for mul

titudes of clever people, in their prime, or in middle life, to contract a debt that they might transport themselves and their families to Victoria. They would, in every case, be able to cancel their obligations in a single year, and afterwards do for themselves and their households more in a few years than they can expect to realise in England during a life time. We rejoice to find that the Colonial Missionary Society has been taking very decisive steps in the matter, and has already arranged for sending forth a number of efficient ministers, to contribute their quota to the spiritual illumination of the country.

THE CHINESE REBELLION. THE Insurgents are still advancing. Sir G. Bonham, Her Majesty's Plenipotentiary, has taken steps to obtain some positive information relative to the true state of things, and the facts which have been recorded are of the most extraordinary character. The Insurgents are said to be Christians of the Protestant form of worship, and antiidolators of the strictest order. Nay, a very correct translation of the Bible is in free circulation amongst them; and zeal, "amounting to fanaticism," is said to be leading them on to attempt "the utter destruction of the whole Tartar race." The Jews on entering Palestine, could scarcely have been more intent on the removal of the Canaanites. Smoking, drunkenness and other vices, are utterly repudiated. Their notions of God, too, are strongly Scriptural; while they seem to have in them a dash of millenarianism. They hold that their Chief, on carth, is to be a person known as Tae-PingWang, which, being interpreted, means, "Prince of Peace." Much said of the singular sobriety of their deportment, the purity of their moral character, their devotedness of spirit, and their constant reference of everything to their "Heavenly Father." How the matter will terminate none can tell; but certainly the appearances are very extraordinary, and such as possess the deepest interest to the friends of Missions.

TURKEY AND RUSSIA.

THE Church of God is deeply interested in the peace of the earth, and must ever remain, therefore, the opponent of war. The aspect of things, for some weeks past, in the East, have been alarming, although closely examined, it has not been very apparent, that war would ensue. The union of England and France seemed to furnish sufficient guarantee, that peace would be preserved. The conduct of Russia appears to have been as wauting in honour as her

professions are in truth. But, at the time in which we write, there appears no reason to doubt, that ultimately all will be adjusted, and peace preserved, at least for the present. But our concern is mainly with the moral aspects of the question. Already there seems reason to believe, that both civil and religious liberty will benefit by the events which have transpired. Turkey will speedily become a great mission-field; and since there idolatry has no place, nothing is wanted but a power from on high to accompany the word, to give speedy efficiency to the establishment of the kingdom of Christ.

THE BURMESE WAR. WHILE the American Board of Foreign Missions are primarily interested in the Burmese War, the Mission Cause is one, and hence all Societies and all Christians are concerned in the matter. It is known to many of our readers, that Burmah was the prime sphere of the labours of Judson, with his admirable companions, both male and female. At present, we regret to say, there is no prospect of a speedy termination to that unhappy strife. The Commissioners, British and Burmese, appointed to conduct the negotiations, separated not only without agreement, but more at variance than ever. The work of annexation is still going on, and by consequence, the sphere of British influence and Christian Mission extending.

MEMOIRS OF SUNDAY-SCHOOL
TEACHERS.

A PROPOSAL has been started for a Cheap Issue of the "Memoirs of Sunday-school Teachers," published by Mr. Snow,-viz., to present a copy to the library of every school in London and its vicinity; and for this purpose ten gentlemen are required to contribute six guineas each. Sold at the original price, this number must be doubled, and more; but Mr. Snow, with a most laudable liberality, and willing to add something to the celebration of the Jubilee of the Sunday-school Union, will make a large contribution in the way of reduction, by setting apart for the purpose 1000 copies at 1s. 3d. Of the work itself it is impossible to speak in terms too high. It consists of a selection of the most eminent individuals, male and female, lay and ministerial, who have sustained the office of teachers; and to the volume is subjoined a most valuable Appendix, comprising a comprehensive treatise on Sunday-school operations. Our excellent friend, Thomas Thompson, Esq., will be one of ten gentlemen to further the object.

MESSRS. Trubner and Co. are the American Booksellers, Paternoster-row, Loudon.

The name of Dr. Alexander is familiar to Christian readers in England, but we believe few of them have seen this, his last, and by far his greatest work,-a work which, had he done nothing else, would have rendered him a benefactor of mankind, and constituted a monument which will bear down his name to a very remote posterity. It is affecting to be informed, that the splendid volume of 600 large pages was actually monumental. Before the Author had quite completed the noble structure, it pleased the Creator and Judge of all to remove him to a better world. This event, however, was not altogether unprepared for, since the materials of the publication had, to a certain extent, appeared in separate volumes, whereas now they are thrown into a continued series, and presented in a state of unity. The chasm which succeeded at one great period of the Annals has been supplied by the hands of a gentleman whose learning and discretion commended him to Dr. Alexander, as every way fitted for the responsible undertaking. This confidence was not misplaced, since he has performed his part with complete success, and, we believe, to the satisfaction of all competent judges. The history, in its present completed state, constitutes a most valuable addition to the class of literature to which it belongs. The work is not to be viewed as posthumous. On the contrary, the revision was completed by the venerable and celebrated Author a short time previous to the illness which terminated in his death, although circumstances delayed its publication for a considerable time afterwards. It deserves to be noticed, that the fifth and sixth Parts of the work contain all that is needful to the student in Prideaux's "Connection of Sacred and Profane History."

It may be proper to state the range embraced by the work. It starts, then, with Creation, bringing the history of the chosen people downwards to the death of Joseph. Here, of course, the sacred narrative supplies the facts. Part II. proceeds from the death of Joseph to the death of Moses, embracing the various nations, especially those of the inspired

history, with much valuable and expository observation. Part III. proceeds from the death of Moses to the commencement of the Regal Government,— a portion marked by the same minuteness, comprehensiveness, and condensation, as that which precedes. Part IV. introduces us to the Kings, recording all the facts comprised from the institution of the Regal Government to the Babylonian Captivity, giving an account of the Jews in their state of bondage. Part V. covers the whole of the space from the Captivity to the Conquest of Judea by the Romans; and here the Author deals largely with other as well as the inspired sources, tending to complete his narrative and to illumine his path. This Part is one of an impressive and even exciting character, detailing frightful events, and setting forth the conduct of the Jewish people. War and contest form no small portion of the subject. Part VI. proceeds with the Conquest of Judea by the Romans till the Destruction of Jerusalem. Here the facts are necessarily supplied, to a great extent, from without: we have the Birth of the Saviour-The Preaching of the Apostles -The Planting of the First Churchesand the Condition of the Jews in Jerusalem and throughout the World; till at last we reach the dreadful day of the Feast of Tabernacles, and the bloody circumstances attending it, which prepared for the memorable hour when Titus brought his army to Jerusalem, and commenced the siege, when the Temple was set on fire, and the walls thrown down, its site ploughed over, and the predictions of destruction which had gone before fulfilled to the very letter!

Dr. Alexander properly remarks that the same reckless folly which actuated the Jews in Jerusalem marked their conduct in other countries. In Egypt, and elsewhere, they exposed themselves, by their madness, to the same destruction. The same reckless infatuation seems to

have actuated the surviving portion of the nation for ages. They were ever prone to rush upon courses which exasperated their enemies, and brought upon themselves the vengeance of power. In the reign of Trajan and of Adrian, the gentlest of the Emperors, the disorders of which they were guilty were such as