BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 633, 8 May 1852, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

The Annual Meeting of the Auckland Auxiliary of tLe above Society was held in the Piesbyterian Church, on Monti iy evening last, the 3rd instant. A pi=alm was sung, and a portion of bcripture rsad by the Rev. J. Inglis, when tbe Rev. A. Reid engaged in prayer; after which, The Rev. Wai/ilr Lawkv was called to the Chair, and after a few preliminaiy remarks, in winch he referred to the valuable assistance that had been brought into the Missionury field !>3 r the Bible Society, the boneficial lesults of which had passed undei his own observation in the other islands as well as i« New Zealand, lie called on the Secretary to read the llepoi t. The Rev. J. 11. Fletcher read the Report of the Society for the past year, as follows : —

REPORT. The career of the Parent Society dining the past yeai has been distinguished by eulaiged income, ciicul.ition. and succe-s. The leceipta foi the yeat endir q Mai ill, ls;l, show an inciease on the pievions one of £11,1,93, and the issues of the year me 9W moie tlipn those of the pievious one. The total ot the Society's issues dm ing the past -17 yeais maybe stated in l'oumf ninnbeis <is nearlj 21J millions. The Report is as uuial a lecord of numcions and conclusive pioots how well the fai-spicad agency ot the Society has wi ought in bunging a multitude of minds into actual contact with the Sacied Woid. It has thought no field tuo 1 emote for its teach ; but it has especially studied to conveige an intense influence nj-on the gieat Emopean centres of civilisation and empue. The employment of colpoitems, 01 tia\e)ling vendeis of the Sciiptuies, men of piety and Christian wisdom, has succeeded adiimably throughout France. They meet with much opposition, but also with much sympathy and respect, and especially among the pooiei classes have their eflorts been successful. The sway of the Roman Catholic Piiests overithe people being diminished they turn with thiisty anxiety to the Bible. Dming 16 yeais 2,107,5*8 copies luve been cast as seed upon the untesliug wateis of French society. The Report notices chceiuig symptoms of a revived Chiistianily thioughout Germany. The distubution of Hie Scriptures mcieases, and many Roman Catholics are among the pui chasers. Rome is again impervious to the Sciiptuies. Some two thousand copies of the Italian New Testament, seized in that city-on the lcstoiation of the Pope, were pm chased by the Papal Government and condemned, like Hible-i carters of former days, to the Hames Entrenched within the mighty bulwark* of the Vatican, and defended by the subtle and piactised aits of the Jesuits, the Roman hieiaichy exhibits the most unequivocal symptoms of fear at any appioach of this Society, his silent but stmdy and advancing toe. In the mnthern parts of Italy, neveitheless, 11,251 copies of the Scriptuies had been dispeised in spite of a stiong utteiauee of disapprobation and disti ess, signed by eight Bishops. In Floience, a Tuscan Count, of blameless reputation and loyal principles, had been cast into prison. His indictment descubed his offence as " the leading and commenting upon a chapter of St. John." The ciiculation ot the fjcuptures on the line ot the Biitish Conquests and elsewheie in the East, is worthy of remark. Many ot the lush emigiants to Ameiica had, on their arrival theie, abjured Romanism, and the Bible Society of the United States had dispeised within that einpiie 600,000 copies or portions of the Scuptures. These and many other facts of the same character show an energy of faith and a fei voiir j of Christian chaiity expressive of much vitality in Butish Protestantism, merit our praise to the God of all tiuth and grace. Her then exists at least a foundation for the moie victonons Clnistianity of brightei eias. The Auckland Auxiliary has enjoyed a year of considerable activity and progress. 275 Bibles and 033 Testaments have been issued (lining this period, being neaily twice as many of the former and tour times as many ot the latter as had been issued by it duiing the four years pie\ious. Th, Committee of Ladies pushed into circulation 400 copies in varioue chstiicU ot the town and its vicinage, and though it would be verys fallacious to repaid this sale as an exponent ot so much increase 1 tegai d for the liible, and devotional love of it, thcie can be no doubt that many families wcie thus furnished with the Sciip-, tuies, who eitliei were pieviously without them, or ■neie not supplied siilliciciitly for the necessities of their youngei memben. It cannot be questioned tuithci that increased attention to the Scriptmes must have been awakened ovei the wide field traveled by these honoraty colpoiteurs which may be expected to beai piecious luuls. In conclusion, every aspect of the times and tveiy icsult of our eseitions should piovoke us to uige on enthusiastically and devoutly this "labom of love." " And the spiut and the bude say come; and let him that heareth say come ; and let him that is atlinat come ; And whosoever will, let him come and take of the Water of Life freely."

The Rev. T. Hameu moved the first Resolution, I. Th.it the Report foe adopted, and that this ?rleeting legaid the success of this branch of the Society for the past ye<u as a cause of sincere giatitude and thiinkiulnuss to Almighty God. After expressing his surprise and regret at tbe absence of the Clergy of the Episcopalian Church fiom tbe Meetings of the f Bible Society here, he said it was with much pleasure he rose to wove that the Repoi tread be adopted. A pleasing reference was made iti it to the success winch, during the past year, had attended the operations of thi3 branch of the Bible Society. A much larger number of copios of the Bible had been cli ciliated than in the preceding year. This circums'anca calls for gtatitude to God* But let us not forget that something more is desired thtm simply the Bible in the honso and on the shelf. Tu<» book must be read. The objective must become the subject truth; it is not till then that Bible ttuth is like the ligtit of the sun, the revealer to the mind of all the objects upon which it falls. There is all the difference in the world between the simple possession of the Bible and the spiritual understanding and pobsession of it. The great Augustine had the objective truth, as ba states, while living in the midst of sinful frivolity and at enmity wilh God, and while searching for happiness in courses of conduct which could not supply it. When, he read, understood, and believed the Bible, he became another man ; his life was changed in character ; and more than ten centuries have witnessed to the difference of truth believed and truth on the shelf. So was it with Wilberforce, who, in eaily life, possessed the Bible, but only to neglect and despise it, till on a journey with Dr. Milner to Rome, he was prevailed on by the Doctor to read the New Tpvtament, and the result wa9 his conversion from carelessness about the Bible to an earnest belief of it, and a corresponding change of life and manners. In like manner must we use means to prevail upon others to read the Bible where we disposs of it, if the benefits of Bible circulation are to be seen and felt. Would not our own increased appreciation, of sacred truth lead to this result, and give weight to our recommendation to otbeis to read it 1 And may the next year's Report contain manyin-taaces of usefulness from the operations of your Society. The Rev. A. Reid seconded the Resolution. t&The Rev. A. Reid seconded the Resolution, and said, Mr. Chairman, after the ample opportunity which 1 had last week of expressing my seniiments on tbe important subject before us, 1 feel that to-night I ought to say but little. Some part of that little you may not deem very complimentary to yourself, for I must tell you, Sir, that when I understood you were to occupy the chair at this meeting I felt very poun. You had intimated on former occasions, when I quite understood who the speaker was at whom you aimed, thztfacU, not metaphysical subtleties and rhetoiical flourishes were what were wanted to g>ace our speeches on such occasions as the present. Then I did not much regard what you said, you were not chairman ; but " now," I thought going home last Wednesday, " Air. Lawry in the chair, nothing but facts will do, and I have none to communicate." Next evening I went down to school, still haunted by this spectral woid fact ; aud after the usual karakia, I read the text "It is more blessed to give than to receive," together with that other, "Ye know tho grace, &c," and endeavoured to give the children a short lesson therefrom. When I thought that they clearly comprehended the meaning of the text, I informed them that on the previous evening I had been lecturing in Auckland on the duty of ciiculating Bible,— that 1 had said some hard things to the pakehas for their partial neglect of duty in this matter. I told them that in riding home 1 had thought, surely my children could give something. I'm always talking about giving ; 1 think they ought to contribute something for the Meeting next Monday. Such was <ny thought. 1 said, now, I know you can't do much ; you haven't much to give ; but you could tlo a little, '('lie widow only put two mites into the treasuiy, and yet Christ commended her more than all the lest, because she gave ot her little. If' we give what we can, it will prove that we are thankful to God for having given us tho Bible, and that we pity those who are not possessed of His Word ; and by doing so we shall be truly work, ing for God, which is what he (alls us all to do What are your thoughts? One of the monitors mimediately said, what you .say is right, we ought to do something, I'll give 10s. And I, said another, will give 7s. This Sir, somewhat st.ulled me. I had baldly hoped to get so much fiom the whole school and reminded them that it was not expected thpy should give all they had, hut only a portion. They quite understood this; and a third announced that if this two former adhered to what they had said, he would give 7a, His wife followed with ' As. Two of your husband a 7s. ? said Ito her. " Kahore, maku ano tnkii," was the re* ply ; and now we hsul, from monitor-, and children, half-crowns, shillings, and fcixp-nces in such inptdity that the secretary's office was anything but <i sinecure, and the only interposition necessary was to caution some of the little fellows ngaiti&t giving all they had, 1 had no occasion to say ghe — and I beg you to notice

this, Mr. Chairman, because we frequently hear it as> seited respecting the Maories tliat they are awfullj greedy. J read lately in the New Zealauder an article, copied from the London Atlab, in which they are characterised as the most avaricious people in the world. ] do not believe they are worse than their neighbours in this respect ; and much of the covetousness which they display, is the result of intercourse with Europeans. 1 learn fr in eaily settlers that the Maories were more generous in many respects previous to being brought into such close contact with the pakeha. f One of the monitors gave the name of each of his children and that of his wife, mentioning a small sum for each, and concluding the list with his own name, proving that the example of their Missionaries is not lost upon them with respect to the ?»orfe of giving. He was followed by several, who did similarly, one of them giving sixpence more for his wife than for himself. The Gospel elevates the wife. Not the least interesting part of the proceedings was the donation of a pig by the children collectively. One of the elder lads said, (< We have a pig — it belongs to all the boys. I think we ought te give that." ' Yes, you may think so, but the others may not be of the same opinion." " Ac, ac," shouted the whole, " one pig." " But the pig is intended te give you a change of diet, and you'll hnve no pork ii you give your pig." " Never mind, we have potatoes and rice, and we shall do very well. Put down one pig." The pig was put down ; and had you seen, Sir, the happy countenances of the children as they made this, their first contribution to the Bibla Society, it would have gladdened your heart. At the conclusion of the meeting, at which, T beg to remind you, Sir, there wus no flourish, and you know it would be futile to attempt metaphysics with the Maories, we found that the sum promised, independently of the pig, amounted to more than £5. "On Monday," said 1, "at dinner-time, we shall collect what you have now pfomised." Next day at school, on names being called, it was found that several boys weie absent without leave. ''Wbeie is so and so and so and so?" I inquired. " Kei te boko heibei," was the reply. Then put the pen through their names ; that money is the price of tutu ; and we can't send that to buy Bibles. Monday came, and to day at school, -after dinner, we had an unusually large muster. We sang and prayed, and now for the collection. Fowls had been sold, the pig has been valued, and all stood prepared to give something. To prevent as far as possible all ostentatious giving, we formed in line and walking round the school-room ench deposited bin gift in front of the roaster's desk where stood two of the monitors to maintain order. On counting the collection and adding the mites of the teachers it was found that the amount realized was .£'lo Os. 7d. We laid it on the table in presence of the children. One of the monitors engaged in prayer and beiought the Almighty to accept this their first joint contribution in further ance of His great work. Now, Sir, you wanted facts and these are the best with which I can furnish you. Mr. Reid laid his pupil's donation on the table, before tbe Chaiiman. The Rev. A. Macdonacd moved the second Resolution, 2. Th»t the Society's success for the past year ought to quicken «H inteiested in the circulation of the Bible to renewed and suHamed activity in diffusing the Sctipturcs, aiui to more ' carnrstand pcrfcvciing prayer that the Holy Spirit may render the Scriptures put into circulation more extensively effectual foi the salvation of immoital souls. He said, this resolution views the success of the past year in a proper light, when it considers it as a motive to move on with more life and activity in the blessed work which, as a Society, we are pledged to advance. This is quite in harmony with the nature of vital Christianity, — she lives to advance — her vitality is onward activity. 'From Apostolic days the Bible has run a conquering course, bringing souls under its saving influence, and' crushing-sin in all its aspects by tbe weight of its moral power; and it will go on in the same triumphant career till the last generation of men stall ieel the effects of jts benign influence. To view our past success as an indication that God approves of our work, ought to encourage us to more vigorous efforts. God recognises us as co-workers with him in the great cause of carrying out His grand purposes of mercy, in respect to f.illen and wretched humanity. It is a work tbat draws forth the approving delight of Christ, angels and saints. Who, then, would not be bold and ener< getic in the advancement of a work, the success of which fills Heaven with joy ? The command — u Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel" — is invested with awful authority, and it is still binding upon all the recipients of God's truth. God commands, it is ours to obey. Let the past success inspire our hearts with •confidence that God will assuredly crown with more abundant success all our future exertions in bis cause, AmMet it be such a confidence that will lead us to consider as weakness itself, all the elements of evil that would check our onward career. AVhat are infidelity, immorality, and antichrist, when compared with tbe '' mighty weapons of our warfare." They are destined to fall before the conquering power of Divine Truth. r Let this confidence embolden us in circulating tbe book of truth,despite the sneer of the infidel or the frown of tbe Pope. The man of sin hates the circulation of the Bible, because it is that alone which, by tbe power of its light, will detach tbe consciences of a deluded people from the power of an inthralling Priesthood. Let no fear, then, paralyse our efforts to bring into contact with the souls of our fellow men tbe truth of God — that truth which enlightens man in respect to his character, duty, and destiny — and reveals to him a Saviour who is able and willing to save his soul from the ignorance, guilt, and pollution of sin. Let but the knowledge of this truth shine into the hearts of men, and the results will be such as to realize our hopes and gladden our hearts. Would you see infidelity bide her face for ■hame ? — would you see immorality effaced from among the people, and truth forming tbe character and controlling the conduct of a community destined to occupy the high and exalted position to which righteousness alone can raise it? — would you hasten the day when tbe agents of Bible Societies wiil wave the banner of victory, and sing the song of triumph, over tbe grave of Antichrist? — then be energetic in circulating the Word of God, for that is the only weapon before wh ; ch that fell foe must fall conquered and slain. In the resolution we pledge ourselves to more earnest and persevering prayer for the power of the Holy Spirit, to save the souls of men through that truth which we disseminate. ■Without His efficient aid, our efforts are in vain. Be our prayers earnest, then, for the outpouring of the Spirit upon the Church of God. Let us never forget tbat it is the energetic agency of regenerated minds tbat God prospers in carrying on His work in the world. It is His power, "poured out from on high," that gives His people a heartfelt sense of the magnitude and obligation of their duty to circulate the Word of Life;— under His influence they are prepared with self-denying energy to work for the glory of God and the good of man. It is the Spirit of God alone that can open the heart of man to receive the truth which tbe Bible contains— and to see it in all its moial power and beauty ;— then it is that it will become subjective truth in the so»l, preparing it with purifying power for the joys of immortality. This is Divine tiuth saving the human soul. Let us, then, be up and doing — active in our efforts — earnest and importunate in our prayers— and continued success will be ours. The Rev. J. 11. Fletcher seconded tbe resolution, and said — The relation sustained by Great Britain to the Bible is one of the highest honour. Many tire the crowns upon he» head, but this is the most precious — tbat she is a Bible-reading, Bible-translating, and Bibleepreading nation. Foreigners would find England represented in the Crystal Palace, not only by manufactures, and machinery, and tbe fine arts, but als,o by the versions of the British and Foreign Bible Society ; and tbeywould see a Bible-sentence looking down upon the commerce of half the world from the lofty front of the Exchange. We are, then, known and taken to be, at least professedly, a nation making much of Hdy Scripture. The income of this Society ia a noble gush of godly and benevolent sympathies. For though a year be a penuriouß oblation from such a nation as England, compared with tbe affluence of her Peers, and the renown of her merchant-princes — compared with her consumption of costly luxuries, and her outlay for frivolous amusements— yet, compared with the means of the majority of tbe givers, and the multitude of other claims upon tbeir liberality, this is a goodly offering to be every year gathered and prespnted nnew. But unquestionably the fervent charity of a revivod and universally devoted Church would take this sum but as the smallest unit of measure for its own gifts to this eminently Christian enterprise. As a Society, purely and directly religious, we in this resolution make fitting acknowledgement of a necessity for more urgent prayer in its behalf. Without the active alliance of tbat Diving Spirit, who deigns to come in plenitude and majesty at tbe voice of fervent prayer, even tbe Bible will be circulated in vain. It is not enough by a great deal to drop at every door this instrument of alj religtnvs ifnowj/edgp mnd conviction. VVhatis an instilment, however peifect, except there be for it an adequate agent? The Holy Spirit is that agent, and we have simply effected » waste if Hebe not pleased to vitalize the fields we have sown. As a Protestant compact, further, this Society needs tbe Wjoii&iug of deeper, conviction and warmer attachments.

The whole great controversy between the systems of Piotestant and Popish Christianity expands from the standing point of this Society, the sufficiency of the Scripture as every man's imperial authoiity and guide in matters of religion. But the success of this war at present is materially affected by one fact, the Romanists of the age are to a extent more aggressive than the Protestants. The Protestantism of multitudes is a mere inheritance. It is held by them without conviction, and their prejudices against the hostile system hardly avail to keep them attached to their own. Popery in England has nothing to fear from such. That mighty despotism deserves some admiration. Let no man deem it a feeble or common foe. Think of its wealth, its immense influence and extent, the puissance and the splendour of its past, its greatness even in decline— the ardour and undying perseverance of its leaders, and the reverential attachment of tens of thousands of its members. This is no fabric of gossamer, be it understood. Shall the insects of the air upheave and overturn the huge dome of St. Peter's? As soon shall a worldly and merely nominal antagonism wage even doubtful battle with this system, which, though drivelling, decrepid, nnd despised at home, has dared a formidable attack on Protestantism hi Gieat Britain, its very citadel. To peril the Church-preferences of many, Roinnnism has not needed to put forth the thunder of her power. It has been sufficient to erect a new Cathedral in their vicinity. The array of a Cardinal's pageant, the embroidery on his robe, the jewellery glittering upon his person, the grace of his plausible oiatory, these, and meaner things than these, have been enough. Romanism may fall by the weight of its own burdens and absurdities, or dissolve by the spreading of a rottenness long since engendered within it ; but Protestantism as it is can hardly do much to hasten its demise. But let a more vigorous and kindly spirit live throughout the great brotherhood of Bible readers, (and there are many symptoms of its arising)— let Protestantism, everywhere radiating from this Society, be the expression of personal conviction and choice, based on the experience of Gon's truth as a saving power, and the career of Popery is ended. This great issue is to be hasted on by the might of prayer— prayer from the Elijahs of the Church — prayer prevalent to shut up or to open Heaven. The Rev. John Isaus moved the third resolution : 3. That in consideration of the British aud Foreign Bible Society furnishing such important aid foi the circulation of the Bible on the Continent of Europe, and also enabling the Mis siouaiies of all Protcst.int Societies to piovide the Word ot Eternal Life to the Heathen, this Meeting considcis that this Society possesses very stiong claims to the increased liberality of all Ihristians for its suppoit. The Resolution, he said, referred in the first place to the Continent of Europe. No one can look at this moment with apathy or indifference on the Continent of Europe. It is heaving with convulsive and revolution ary elements from one end to the other, and why? because it want* the true conservative principles, the truths of the Bible, to regulate its rulers and anima'e its masses. The Continent is, in many places, shut iigainst the Bible ; but amid the ever recurring revolutions many favourable opportunities for the circulation of the Scriptures occur, and the Bible Society is prepared to turn these to the best advantage. It puts annually into circulation, on the Continent of Europe, about 300,000 copies of the Bible or the Testament. Fiance is the most important country on the Continent ; every move in France is felt to the extremity of Europe. More than one-third, nearly one-half, of the Scriptures circulated on the Continent are circulated in France. The Society employs from six'y to a hundred colporteurs traversing the length and breadth of France, and by these chiefly from 100,000 to 150,000 copies of the Scriptures are put annually into circulation. Within the last thirty years three million copies of the Scriptures have been circulated in France by this Society. Such efforts cannot remain long without producing visible effects, and these effects are appearing. In some districts of France whole communes are renouncing popery and coming over to the faith of the Bible. Thiee or four years ago a very interesting circumstance occurred, shewing very forcibly the impoitance of this Society. When the celebrated Arab chief Abd-el-Kader, who caused the French such trouble in Algeria, was biought n prisoner to France, a gentleman interested in his welfare inquired cf him if he Was acquainted with the New Testament. He said, " Very little, and only by hear-say, that he had always wished to obtain it, but had never been able." Abd el-Kader was not an ignorant barbarian, lie was a friend to literature ; a poet ; composed religious hymns, and was consequently religious after the Musstilmsn fat:h. He was not aware that the Bible existed in the Arabic language. The result of this conversation was, that application was made to the Bible Society and eight Arabic Bibles were immediately forwarded for the use of Abd-el-Kader, his children, and h ; s suite, all of whom were able to read. What effects these Bibles produced had not been ascertained. Italy is scarcely inferior to France in interest and importance at present. During the late revolution 12,000 copies of the Scriptures had been put into circulation in Italy out of the Papal States. When the Pope fled from Rome the press was immediately in operation and 10,000 copies of Diodati's Italian version of the New Testament were immediately printed. They had heard that 2000 of these had been burned, and when the French took possession of Rome other 4000 copies, which the American Consul kindly took into his custody, were sealed up, and remain in that state, so far as we have heard, to If is day. In Florence 3000 copies of Archbishop Martini's Testament shared a similar fate. But the books are there ; the Society and its agents are ready for any providential opening. The arm of the oppressor may be broken at any moment, and the Bible —the terror of the Papacy — may, as in the days of Paul, circulate freely, even in the eternal city itself! The Bible Society is the right hand of every Protestant Mission. It is the armory whence all their weapons must be drawn. China, a world in itself, has lately been opened up for the Gospel, and the Bible Society are doing their utmost to furnish the Scriptures to that mighty empire, and happily, cheap as Bib'es are in our language, they can be printed cheaper in China. It has been ascertained that in China the New Testament can be published for three.pence or three -pence half penny ft copy. Here is cer ainly no waste of money; it is the maximum of value for the minimum of expense. The Bible Society has published fourteen millions of copies of the Scriptures in English, three millions in French, and eight millions in other languages. When the British and Foreign Bible Society was instituted the Bible existed in only about thirty lan. guages. but through the aid of this Society it has been translated into one hundred and fourteen languages or dialects in which it was previously unknown. The printing and circulation of the Scriptures in foreign languages is now the Society's most expensive and perhaps most important work. This is peculiarly its own work. It has done much for this part of the globe. To the natives of New Ze«lnnd, Feejee, Tonga, Samoa, Rarotonga, Tahiti, and the Marquesas, it has aided in supplying, in whole or in part, the Word of God to every one of them " in their own tongue wherein they were born." The Sandwich Islands have been supplied by the American Bible Society, but the work is far, very far, from being finished. It was only the other day, he said, that he had received a letter from the only missionary in the New Hebrides where there are 40,000 natives, stating that he had just completed the translation of the Gospel according to Matthew, and making inquiries if it could be printed in Auckland. Before vegetable life can appear three conditions must be present j there must be soil, seed, and the influences of the sky. Why was it that before the arrival of the colonists in this settlement the fields were not waiving as now in autumn with yellow grain ? The soil was the same, and the seasons were the same ; but there was no seed ; no wheat had been cast into the soil, and from century to century all lay wild and waste. Before spiritual lite is produced three conditions are also required; the human mind, the Word of God, and the Spirit of God, must all come into contact. In the heathen world there is mind, and there is the Spirit of God, (or since the day of Pentecost the Spirit has been ofllcially upon the eaith to carry on the work of salvation, but as the sun produce* no effect upon the soil in the absence of seed, so ihe Spirit never operates upon the soul, so fur as we know, except by the Word. What an importance is thus attached to the Bible ! What claims upon the liberality of Christians has the Bible Society } " The field is the world;" "the sower sowelh the Word." This, I say, saith the Apostle, •' He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, but he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." 2 Cor., ix., 6, 7. " Evsry man as lie hath purposed in his heart so let him give: not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver." The Rev. Titos. BuoDtE seconded the Resolution. The Rev. R. Waiid moved the fourth Resolution, vrhirh was seconded by the Rev. T. llamer, 4. That the tlianki of the Meeting be piesentcd to the Treasurer, Secretaues, Collectors, and Committee lor their services during the past year, and th.it the following Gentlemen be the Ofliceu 4)i(l Committee foj the ensuing vmi, mill po>ver to fill uj> var pantjfs .

IIECEIPTS. Disbursements. £ s. A. Balance in hand. . 16 15 5 Collection at Public Meeting, May 15th, 1851, 7 15 ;,\le of Bibles and Testaments . . . 30 14 11 uibsciipttons. . . 11 15 0 Discount on pin chase of London Bill . . 1 10 0 £ s. Aug. 1, 1851, Fire Contubutions .30 0 April 28, 1852, Paid on Pin chase Acct. 40 0 Fiee Contributions. 10 0 .Sundry Expenses 012 Punting au<l Stationery 2 1G d. 0 o 0 8 1 67 10 9 To Balance 15 12 0 £83 c 9 £83 8 ; 9

Mr. Rout presented the Balance-sheet for the year, inch he lead.