rises and flourishes in proportion to the extent of her commerce; and since the progress of her commerce is more or less dependant on the character of those who conduct it, and who in their transactions represent the nation at large, it is of the first importance that they should be men in whom we can confide; and of whom, on what shore soever they may touch, we may say, 'These are our epistles, known and read of all men.' It rests almost wholly with them, in their professional capacity, to either retard or accelerate our commercial career. And, consequently if their influence is rightly directed, not only will it tend to foster and strengthen the spirit of commerce, but with the progress of our commerce will science, and civilization, and the arts be promoted, peace secured abroad, and happiness at home; and the only way to make their agency bear favourably on all these great interests, is to improve, exalt, christianise, the men so employed in our behalf.

This is the grand design of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society. And in reference to the cause in general, in which they are engaged, the committee of the East-London Auxiliary, can only refer to the operations of the parent institution. From the last annual report, it appears, that every department of the Society's labours has succeeded beyond the most sanguine expectation;-that in the port of London, the means employed to reach and impress the sailor have been followed by the most decided moral and spiritual results;-that the cause of temperance has made considerable progress, and the ruinous system of crimping, in certain directions, been invaded ;—that nearly one hundred and fifty additional ships have been dedicated to the service of God, and large accession obtained to the number of Bethel captains.

In the provincial ports, there has been awakened a spirit of zeal and effort; and in some places, associations have been formed, which are now in

active operation: while, both on the continent, and in foreign lands, a new era seems to be opening in the history of the sailors' cause. Their claims, which can no longer be denied, must be met, and provision made for the best welfare of our seamen.

The Society employs two missionaries and seven stipendiary agents. The missionaries visit the shipping daily, -distribute tracts, converse with the sailor, and furnish the vessels with suitable libraries,-while the agents in connexion with the missionaries, hold from eighteen to twenty meetings each week, for reading and expounding the scriptures, and exercises of devotion. The society has eight agents in provincial ports, in Great Britain and Ireland;-three on the continent, and is about to station a chaplain at Cronstadt, in Russia;—it has an agent at Sydney, another at Adelaide; and in various parts of the world, enjoys the gratuitous labours of missionaries and others, on the ground of supplying them with books, and tracts, and Bethel flags.

Nor is it now a question whether the sailor values those means which are brought to bear on his condition and character. The falling tear-or the glistening eye-or the eager enquiryor the fervent prayer, distinctly tells us that he thinks, and feels, and is willing to be instructed. A thousand facts come in to prove, that these children of the water, do appreciate the efforts of christians on land.

It affords your committee no small satisfaction, that they have in some humble degree aided in providing for the sailors' wants. The exertions of the Auxiliary, have not in themselves been so enlarged and effective: but the Ladies' Association (the formation of which was announced at the last anniversary) has rendered most important service. In the ladies, the sailor has indeed found the most warm-hearted and devoted friends, and the Society the most powerful Auxiliary.

The ladies of the East-London Association, in reviewing the year in which they have been engaged in their interesting and important work, cannot but express their satisfaction and gratitude for the success with which their labours have been crowned.

Considering the numerous fields now occupied, and the demands made on the liberality of the christian public, some of them commenced their labours encouraged more by the goodness of the cause, than by the measure of success anticipated; all, apparently, resolving, in divine strength, to do what they could. And it is with thankfulness they report that their success has been beyond even the most sanguine expectation. They feel indebted to the friends residing in the east of London, for the kind and generous manner in which many of them have responded to the appeals made on behalf of the truly deserving- but long-neglected sailor; thus enabling them, by their individual and combined effort, to realize the sum of £103 10s. 9 d., chiefly on the principle and plan of 'a penny per

week.'

Still, this field is not fully occupied : other districts might be canvassed, and other collectors employed. The ladies now connected with the association, number only about thirty. They would therefore urge upon those friends present, who have time and opportunity, to join them in this labour of love, assuring them that they will find an ample reward in their work. All that is required, is faith in God, and diligence in duty. Nor is it safe to delay. While some are merely considering the matter, hundreds of these men may be perishing in the mighty deep, and removed for ever beyond the influence of human exertion. 'Whatsoever thy

hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.' The cause is the cause of humanity-the cause of mercy-the cause of God.

Ladies have often been reminded that the sailor is particularly their friend; and that in the hour of danger he will hasten first to their relief, and their rescue, even at the hazard of life itself. Now while it is not needful to assure the brave and gallant tar, that the female heart is ever susceptible of kindness, they yet feel desirous, if possible, to repay his noble disinterestedness, in a manner that will confer on him lasting benefit; and in no way, they are persuaded, can they do it more effectually, than in discovering anxiety, and putting forth efforts to save him from worse than a watery grave. This, they would assure him, is their aim; and it is gratifying to learn that it has cheered the heart of many a pious son of the ocean, to know that females, not only in the east of London but in other parts of the kingdom, and of the world, are now engaged heart and hand in the sailors' cause.

When tremblingly listening to the howling winds, amidst comparative security on land, and surrounded by many comforts, what heart is not moved with compassion, in reflecting on the tempest-tossed mariner — his ship a wreck, and he, perhaps, (anxious to save a life dear to himself, and valuable, it may be, to some muchloved relatives) at that moment clinging to the shattered rigging, or casting himself on the angry wave-grasping every fragment that comes within his reach-struggling with the very elements of death, and his voice for the first-it may be the last time, rising to heaven for mercy?

This is affecting :- but can a chris

being about six-hundred and fifty,-It is an average of sixteen each. pleasing to look back and call to mind the manner in which I have been received, and reflect on the fixed and steady attention of the seamen to the word spoken, as also the gratitude constantly expressed by so many of them. It is indeed lamentably true, that a great portion of our seamen are yet in a state of ignorance and sin. But, thanks be to God, the labours of the British and Foreign Sailor's Society have been instrumental in plucking many brands from the burning. Instances of good are frequently coming under our notice. During the last three months I have had the pleasure of hearing many young men call upon God, whose supplications plainly indicate their recent conversion to God; and have also conversed with some who are in deep concern about the salvation of their souls. While to many such are unknown, they are well known to those that labour among seamen, and are the sources of our encouragement.

I cannot but recal the case of one who, in some former reports, has been referred to, and who was once notorious for drunkenness and sin, but has lately been savingly brought to the knowledge of the truth. He goes on well-is growing in grace-living a life of godliness. He is a zealous advocate for the principles of temperance. Five new ships have been dedicated to the Bethel cause, the captains of which expressed themselves gratified with the character of the services, and the manner in which they have been conducted -and readily said, individually, "My vessel shall be at your service, whenever opportunity serves."

Several revenue officers have been on board some of the ships where services have been held,-whose conversation and sentiments have given decided proof of their piety. They have expressed themselves as much benefitted by the services. One said, "Sir,

we are in as much, or more need of these services than seamen, because our situation is such, that we cannot, under any pretence, leave our post, sometimes not even set our foot on land for two or three weeks together." From the frequent intercourse I have had with this class, I am satisfied many of them are intelligent and pious men, and the labours of the agents coutribute much to their edification and comfort. It may be asked, are we always meeting with cheering and encouraging events? This is not to be expected, but such a moral influence has christianity exerted on the minds of even ungodly seamen, that when we come in contact with them, as we constantly do, there is every feeling of respect cherished, if not expressed Thus we see, that the religion of the Saviour is the only system calculated to destroy the works of the devil, and effectually impress the minds of men.

Fourth Station,-MR. ABBOTT.— In taking a view of the state of religion in this station, while there is much that calls for unfeigned gratitude to the God of grace, there is much to depress and produce deep humility. On the part of many there is a total indifference to the things that concern their everlasting peace. An affecting instance occurred some time back. On inviting a young man to come over to a Bethel meeting, he refused, exclaiming,"That he neither believed in chapel, church, meeting, or mass, he only believed in eating," and then turned himself away, and walked to another part of the vessel. How different was the reply received from another, who when invited to a similar meeting, answered, "Yes, Sir, as soon as we have finished our suppers, but we have Bethel meetings every night and morning." It is truly affecting to witness the unconcern of many, and the trifling excuses they make when invited to attend the means of grace.