THE Third Annual Meeting of the American and Foreign Bible Society will be celebrated on the 23d inst. at 10 o'clock, A. M. in the meeting-house of the First Baptist Church in Second-street, Philadelphia.

The increasing responsibilities and duties of this Institution, call for the sympathy and prayers of all the friends of the Saviour, whose cause it is intended to promote, and they are affectionately requested, earnestly to implore the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit, to direct the deliberations of the Society at its ensuing anniversary.

Life Directors, Life Members, Delegates, Officers of Auxiliary Societies, and the friends of faithful translations, generally, are respectfully invited to attend a special meeting in the Lecture-Room of the Church, one hour (at nine, A. M.) preceding the public exercises of the Society, that the representatives of our denomination from different parts of the land, may unite in prayer for the universal distribution of faithful versions of the Bible IN ALL Our hopes of success in this vast enterprise, are founded upon the promises of God, and the believing prayers of his people, CHARLES G. SOMMERS,

LANDS.

Cor. Sec'y. of A. and F. B. S.

New-York, 1st April, 1839.

VOL. I.

11

BRIEF EXTRACTS, FROM LETTERS TO THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

Brother John Taylor Jones, of Bangkok, Siam, writes on the 20th August, 1838: "Your letter of August, 1837, has come to hand, and in answer to some of your many questions, I would remark, that the number of Chinamen who come to this place, about in the proportion of one-third, and they are in the situation of the Eunuch, when Philip came up to him. Acts viii. 30, 31. The matter and manner of our sacred books is so different from all their previous modes of thought, that unless the distributer is also expositor, comparatively little can be expected. The whole number of missionaries devoted to China is so despondingly small, that they cannot do much in preaching. The great desideratum, therefore, at present, appears to me to be an immediate increase of missionaries, who may explain and enforce the truth as it is in Christ. My attention is devoted to the Siamese-presenting a field of nearly the same extent as Burmah. So soon as our types are completed, we shall be prepared to print the New Testament as fast as the press can work them off—interrupted as it must be by tracts-several of which will be scripture extracts, or scripture stories, as the history of Joseph, Moses, Daniel, &c. We have daily applications, which we cannot supply, as we have only about a hundred of the “parables" left. This is our whole stock in Siamese-I do feel that we shall need large sums for both Siamese and Chinese scriptures; but I cannot forget our need of men—it is a distressing need-God I know is Almighty and Sovereign in his deeds. He can convert Siam without our instrumentality. But unless he does work wonders without human intervention, or more labourers arrive soon, I see not how Siam can be saved. My sadness in view of it is irrepressible, except when I look away to an almighty and compassionate Saviour. Pray, oh! pray for the poor Siamese, and believe me, with sincere affection to yourself, and hearty interest in the operations of the American and Foreign Bible Society, Yours in Christ,

JOHN TAYLOR JONES.

In July last, brother Dean, in an interesting communication, remarks:-In relation to the Chinese around us, I would say, that we have occasion to rejoice in God's goodness and mercy to our little church in these ends of the earth, by bringing a few more from the ranks of heathenism, to join us in the celebration of the Saviour's sufferings and death. Last Sabbath we had the pleasure of baptizing three more Chinese, and extending to them in the name of the Great Head of the Church, and in behalf of our brethren in America, the hand of Christian fellowship. Will you ask the churches in the United States to join us in prayer to the Shepherd of souls, that these lambs of the flock may be kept in the way, and grow strong in the Lord; and that millions of their countrymen may soon be made to feel their sins, and a Saviour's love. Do pray for us -may your labours for the heathen not be in vain in the Lord. Yours truly, WILLIAM DEAN.

APPROPRIATIONS.

At the meeting of the Board of Managers on the 6th of March, 1839, it was unanimously

Resolved, That five thousand dollars be appropriated for printing the scriptures in Asia, as translated by missionaries of the Board of the Baptist General Convention in the United States, and that the same be forwarded to their Treasurer-making in all $20,000 contributed since May last, in aid of the objects of the General Convention. The Rev. L. Bolles, D. D. Corresponding Secretary of the Convention, in a letter dated Boston, 12th March, 1839, acknowledges the receipt of the last grant, and goes on to say: "From my letter of the 28th ult. it will be seen that we are under heavy liabilities for scriptures now being printed in the Burman language, which the funds at our disposal are wholly insufficient to meet. You will readily conceive, therefore, both the relief and encouragement which your appropriation was calculated to give, and especially when associated with the assurance of your continued co-operation.

May the blessing of Heaven attend our united efforts to give the unadulterated word of God to all the dwellers upon earth. Very affectionately yours, L. BOLLES, Cor. Sec'y."

At the same meeting, it was unanimously

Resolved, "That one thousand copies of our Brevier New Testament be presented to the New England Sabbath School Union." The following is an extract from the letter acknowledging the grant, and the safe arrival of the books.

Dear Sir-Your letter containing a resolution of the American and Foreign Bible Society, presenting one thousand copies of your Brevier New Testament to the New England Sabbath School Union, was duly received. The Testaments came safe to hand a few days since.

In the absence of the Corresponding Secretary, allow me, in behalf of the Board of our Union, to express to you, and through you to the Board of the American and Foreign Bible Society, our acknowledgments for your very generous donation. Be assured, that this instance of your kind regard to our Institution, will long be remembered with pleasure.

I ought to state before closing, that the mechanical execution of the Testament you have sent us, is in our opinion highly creditable to your Institution. Many have spoken of it with much pleasure. I have seldom seen a Testament presenting so fair and beautiful a page.

Hoping that your praiseworthy Institution may be crowned with the blessing of heaven, and be instrumental of accomplishing great good, I am with Christian esteem, your obedient servant, H. S. WASHBOURNE, Agent of N. E. S. S. U.

AUXILIARY SOCIETIES.

Auxiliary Society of the South Baptist Church, New-York.

This Society, Auxiliary to the American and Foreign Bible Society, held its third anniversary, in their meeting-house in Nassau-street, on the evening of the 12th ult. The attendance was good, and we were happy to perceive that a growing interest appears to be felt in the success of this, as yet feeble but interesting auxiliary.

In the absence of the President, the chair was taken at half past 7 P. M. by the Pastor of the church.

The Annual Report was read by the Rev. Edwin H. Hawley, from which our limits permit us only to extract a few sentences in relation to the efficiency of auxiliaries, in which we most heartily concur.

“The existence and aid of auxiliaries are by no means to be overlooked. We sometimes when gazing upon the bosom of a majestic river, forget the thousand brooks and rivulets which murmur down the mountain's side, or pass silently through the vale, and constantly feed the noble stream which otherwise would soon pass away. So in relation to the Bible Society of this church, and its numerous sisters, who bring their dollars by tens, fifties, and hundreds, and throw them into their parent's lap. Though we make but little noise, we are not thence to infer that we are doing no good. We trust, brethren, that we have felt the grandeur of the enterprise in which we have embarked-that we have counted the cost, and are willing to continue faithful unto the end.

"It would be entirely unnecessary to enlarge upon the excellence of our cause-that of sending the word of life to perishing millions-of sending the light of life to those who are already stumbling upon the dark mountains of sin, soon to fall, and rise no more-of pointing thirsty, perishing souls to the Rock' whence the healing streams do flow.'

"Here we are then, brethren—a little band, pledged to lend our influence—support, and prayers-feeble though they may be to that noble Institution, the American and Foreign Bible Society, whose object is to supply the world with the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ.

"This Society was formed on the 17th November, 1836, since which time its success has been various, and we fain hope that at no time has it been, or will be, any otherwise than encouraging.

"During the past year, $100 have been contributed towards the funds of the Parent Society.

"But millions of dollars could immediately be profitably employed in multiplying co pies of the word of life. Let us then commence the work anew-let us cast our bread upon the waters, and we shall find it after many days."

After the acceptance of the report, the following resolution was offered by the Rev. Z. Grenell, and supported by pertinent and interesting remarks.

Resoled, That whereas Jehovah has revealed in the Bible, the guilty and condemned state of all mankind; and also, the only remedy provided for man's salvation, by faith in the atonement of Christ: this meeting would render devout thanksgiving to God, that life and immortality are brought to light through the gospel; and we do now pledge ourselves, by prayer, and in every other practicable way, to promote the distribution of the sacred Scriptures.

The Rev. D. Dunbar presented the 2d resolution, which he also accompanied with comments, in his usually pleasing manner.

Resolved 2d, That this meeting is deeply impressed with gratitude to Almighty God for the prosperity with which he has crowned the efforts of the American and Foreign Bible Society, and willingly acknowledge the proposition, that duty to God and concern for the spiritual interests of mankind, demand that all who love the truth as it is in Christ, should assist that Institution in prosecuting its noble design of giving to all nations the whole Bible faithfully translated.

A collection was taken, and the following board of officers for the ensuing year, duly elected.

President-N. Caswell.

Vice-Presidents-Rev. John Ellis, John Speir, F. Derby, J. H. Brundage, W. Sharp, S. W. Benedict.

Secretary-F. Thomas.

Treasurer-William Tracy.

Managers-J. Johnson, R. Lewis, W. Hammond, R. C. Bell, H. Prowitt, R. Sears, B. H. Clift, G. Allen, L. C. Heath.

The services were closed by a benediction from the Rev. John Ellis, and singing by the choir, who interspersed the exercises with several appropriate pieces, which reflected equal credit upon their judgment in selection, and their skill in execution.

In short, the meeting was one of interest, and all present probably left the church more deeply impressed with the moral grandeur of the enterprise which the Parent Society have undertaken, and to the faithful execution of which they have most solemnly pledged themselves before the church, the world, and Almighty God.

On the 5th January last, the Baptist Church and Congregation at Little Rock, Arkansas Territory, Resolved to form themselves into a Bible Society, auxiliary to the American and Foreign Bible Society. And they have promptly forwarded to the Parent Society, the amount collected at the meeting, which they modestly call "a little rifl issuing from the hills of Arkansas," but which we hope will yet swell into the fulness and power of an overflowing stream.

Among the resolutions unanimously passed at the meeting of this society, the following express the views entertained by this new auxiliary, in common with the denomi nation in the United States.

Resolved, That we most heartily approve of the American and Foreign Bible Society, and that it is entitled to the patronage of every believer in divine revelation.

Resolved, That the Corresponding Secretary be directed to forward to the Parent Society, such funds as are now in the treasury, to aid them in printing THE WHOLE WORD OF GOD.

They have adopted the constitution printed in the Annual Report of the American and Foreign Bible Society, and elected the following persons as officers of the society.

REV. W. W. STEVENSON, President.
JOSEPH CASLING, Cor. Secretary.
ZADOCK FORD, Treasurer.

Annual Meeting of the Bethel Bible Society, Trenton, Kentucky.

The anniversary of this efficient auxiliary was celebrated in the Bethel meeting-house, Christian County, Ky., on the Saturday preceding the 4th Lord's day, in November last.

In their Report, they acknowledge the able services, and lament the recent death of their late President, Rev. William Tandy. Rev. Elisha Vaughan, one of the VicePresidents, was called to the chair. The services were highly interesting, and a feeling, unanimous and animated, was evinced in favour of the universal distribution of faithful translations of the scriptures in all lands.

The following officers for the ensuing year were then elected.

REV. REUBEN Ross, President.

The amount collected by this society and forwarded to the treasurer of the American and Foreign Bible Society, amounted, notwithstanding the still lingering pecuniary embarrassments of the community, to one hundred and thirty dollars and twenty cents. Of this sum a part was contributed to constitute the following brethren Life Members of the American and Foreign Bible Society.

This society held its second anniversary at Grant's Creek, on the 12th November last. A large delegation from the churches, and numerous other friends of the Bible cause, gave interest and efficiency to the meeting. In the absence of the President, J. C. Keeney, one of the Vice-Presidents, was called to the chair at half past 6 P. M.— The following among other appropriate resolutions, was adopted.

Resolved, That the object of this society is highly important, and that the claims of the world, demand increased effort to distribute the Word of Truth, to all those who are destitute of the sacred treasure.

The society also passed a resolution to forward their funds on hand, to the treasurer of the American and Foreign Bible Society.

The following officers of the society for the ensuing year were then elected.

From the annual report of this society, in which they speak favourably of the labours of the Parent Institution, our limits will only allow us to make a briefextract. After saying that from July, 1836, to May, 1838, the American and Foreign Bible Society have expended $35 500 for the publication of the Bible in seven languages, of which amount $25500 have been contributed to aid the Baptist General Convention, they go on to remark :"This would seem a sufficient answer to the objection, that the American and Foreign Bible Society would operate against the General Convention. It seems, indeed, that the society is doing much to forward the objects of the Convention, and that the two institutions are most cordially and efficiently co-operating to accomplish the great and glorious work of giving the Bread of Life to a perishing world."

At the close of this interesting meeting, it is gratifying to perceive the wisdom and enterprise of this society, in providing for the efficient prosecution of its object, by the appointment of twenty-one ministering brethren, as Agents, to collect funds and to form auxiliary societies in every county in the state. From such enlightened zeal in the Bible cause, we may confidently anticipate a very favourable result.