Auxiliary Societies and Associations.-During the year, 52 societies and associations have been recognised as auxiliary, making the whole number now in connexion with the national institution, 241. Of these, the Western Agency, embracing 17 counties in the state of New York, has occupied 30 new fields of labor, and employed 67 missionaries. The Vermont Domestic Missionary Society has employed 29 missionaries in 33 congregations; and the Maine Missionary Society, including an appropriation of $1,000 from the parent society, has supported 40 missionaries in 48 congregations.

Receipts and Expenditures.-The receipts of the society during the year ending 1st of May, 1829, were $26,997 31; which with a balance of $8,233 31 in the treasury, from the receipts of the previous year, made the whole amount, at the disposal of the society, during the year, $35,230 91. The expenditures were $26,814 96.

Amount of labor performed.-It is found by an accurate estimate that the 304 missionaries of this society, within those portions of the last year, covered by their appointments, as such, have performed the full amount of labor which would employ a succession of single individuals 186 years and 8 months. This they have doubtless done with different degrees of faithfulness, as their labors have been attended with different degrees of success; but the Committee have great pleasure in reporting, that, almost without any exception, they have fulfilled their ministry in a manner acceptable to the people among whom they have been chosen and appointed to

labor, while the influence of their preaching has been at least equal to that which ordinarily accompanies the well-directed efforts of the ministers of Christ.

Nearly every missionary has one Sabbath school or more under his care. During the year 289 schools were reported, embracing 15,000 pupils. During the same period 134 Bible classes have been reported, embracing not less than 3,000 members.-The missionaries have also distributed many Bibles among the 3,000,000 of people among whom they are scattered, and most of them have made laudable efforts to supply all the destitute within their several fields of labor. They have also distributed not less than 300,000 pages of tracts.-Education generally, foreign missions, and the monthly concert, exertions for promoting the sanctification of the Sabbath, and exertions for the promotion of temperance, have been essentially aided by the missionaries and agents of the society.

During the year 34 churches under the care of the society's missionaries have been visited with revivals of religion, and the numbers added to the church in their several fields of labor is 1,678.

The Union has three periodical publications, viz. the Sunday School Magazine, designed principally for teachers; and the Youths' Friend, and the Infants' Magazine, designed for different classes of pupils.

Agents.-Fourteen Sunday-school missionaries, of five different denominations, have been employed during the year; who have been very cordially received in all parts of the country, and contributed much to advance the objects of the Union. The Rev. Mr, Boyd has resigned the office of General Agent, and the Rev. Robert Baird has been appointed to succeed him.

Number of Sunday Schools.-An examination of the returns of auxiliaries shows the whole number of schools to be 5;901; of teachers, 52,663; of scholars, 349,202; of teachers professing religion, 930; of scholars professing religion,

1,169; and 234,587 volumes in Sunday-school libraries. Showing an increase during the year of 19,907 teachers, and 89,546 scholars.

The latest intelligence from abroad authorizes us to estimate the whole number of children in Christendom, now receiving Sunday-school instruction, at 1,567,000.

Receipts and Expenditures.-The report of the treasurer shows the amount of our annual receipts to have been $76,800 00

And the expenditures have amounted to

76,574 69 The total amount of sales during the year has been 58,273 57 The following extract strikingly exhibits the vast amount of gratuitous labor which is performed by Sunday-school teachers.

We cannot leave this topic without submitting a single suggestion to reflecting and observing men in the United States. We ask them to estimate (as far as it can be done by a pecuniary standard) the amount which Sunday-school teachers contribute to educate our population. There are 52,663 teachers in connexion with our society, and now engaged in this work, and some of them we know to be men and women whose services in such an undertaking, your money would not purchase. But at thirty-three cents a Sabbath, which was the established rate, when Sunday-school teachers, as at the first, were paid, their compensation would amount to NINE HUNDRED AND THREE THOUSAND, SIX HUNDRED AND NINETY-SEVEN DOLLARS annually.

FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRISON DISCIPLINE SOCIETY.

THE first part of this report is occupied with a survey of the interests of the several states in respect to prison discipline-the improvements which have been made in erecting or modifying penitentiaries and houses of refuge, together with such as are contemplated, or as the welfare of the community require. The State Prison at Wethersfield, Connecticut, and the House of Reformation for Juvenile Delinquents, in Boston, are mentioned with peculiar approbation; and the principles adopted in conducting those institutions, the manner in which they are carried into execution, and the very interesting results which have followed, are given with much detail. Expense of Prisons.-The report also furnishes interesting facts respecting the diminution of the expense of prisons. Respecting the expense to the State of Connecticut it is remarked

The old prison at Newgate cost the state annually, for ten years previous to its abandonment, $8,400; while the new prison has produced an income of $1,000 17 for the first six months, and $3,229 41 for the last year, above every expense; making a difference to the state of $11,629 41, which in three years will defray the whole expense of building the new prison.

The following is a view of Auburn prison relative to the same point.

The prison at Auburn, during the last year, with 570 inmates at its close, earned more than enough to defray all the expenses of its support. The expenses were $33,571 84, the earnings $36,908 81, making the profit to the state, after deducting every expense $3,336 97.

Reformation of Convicts.-Intelligence has been received, during the last year, in answer to letters addressed to post masters and sheriffs, in all parts of the State of New York, concerning two hundred and six discharged convicts; of whom, one hundred and forty-six are reformed. Concerning many of the 146 here mentioned, information has been received three years in succession, giving them the same character; and some of them the character of decidedly pious men. Three years ago, this system of inquiry concerning discharged convicts was first instituted. The first year, it brought favorable returns concerning 52; the second year, concerning 112; and the third year, as already stated, concerning 146.

In the next extract, relating to the new prison at Sing Sing, the cause of this reformation is seen. A similar course has been pursued at the Auburn prison, and is beginning to be pursued at many other prisons and houses of correction.

We have a tabular view furnished by Mr. Barrett, the chaplain, of the recitations of thirtyfive convicts, during a period of 18 weeks, by which it appears that 770 chapters, containing 19,328 verses, had been recited; that 42 entire books had been committed to memory; that one man in 17 weeks committed 49 chapters, or 1,605 verses; that another in the same time committed 1,296 verses; that one man committed in one week, eight chapters, and that others, not mentioned in the table, had committed about 1,000 verses.

Instruction by means of resident chaplains has been introduced into the prisons at Charlestown, Auburn, Sing Sing, and Lamberton. Systematic and uniform religious instruction has been introduced into many other institutions of the kind by means of pious superintendents, and Sunday-school teachers.

Imprisonment for Debt.-The report contains many statements worthy of consideration respecting imprisonment for debt, showing the proportion of debts under $20; the amount of costs compared with the amount of debts; the loss of time compared with the amount of debts; the amount paid compared with the amount of debts; and the effects of the law making it the duty of the creditor to pay the board of the debtor. On the authority of the keeper of the debtors' jail, in the city of New York it is stated

That the number of cases of imprisonment for debt, during the year 1828, was 1,085. The debts together amounted to $25,409 32. The damages to $362,076 99. The amount paid in jail, $295; which bears to the amount of actual

debts, the proportion of 1 to 86; and to the amount of debts and damages, the proportion of 1 to 1,313.

Criminal law.-More than twenty pages of the report are occupied in giving an abstract of the criminal laws as they exist in many of the states, showing what punishments are inflicted for particular crimes, in each respectively. Remarks are also added showing the inequality of the laws in the several states in regard to capital punishments; the inequality of the punishments for those crimes, which in some of the states are, and in others are not, punished with death; the disproportion between the penalty for passing counterfeit money and for adultery; and the importance of having the language of the laws intelligible and the knowledge of them generally disseminated.

Indirect influence of the society.-Among other results which have been indirectly produced by the operations of the society, it is stated that temperance is promoted. A very large portion of those who are committed to the houses of correction, are committed for drunkenness. They are often committed from three to eight times, and the subsequent committal often takes place after the lapse of only a few days, or even one day, from the previous release. In the cases of 28 persons committed for drunkenness, examined in the House of Correction in Boston, the time lost in prison amounted to 32 years, and the expense of supporting them was $3,320.

To exhibit further the expense which intemperance brings on the community, the report furnishes other statements deserving of consideration.

There is another view, not less appalling, concerning the probable number of cases of imprisonment for debt, and the probable expense attending these cases, principally in consequence

of the same vice.

than three fourths of the whole number. The following statement may then be made: Criminals committed to prison during a single year, in the United States in consequence, directly or indirectly, of intemperance, three fourths of 125,000,

Costs of process in 93,750 cases, at $5 each,

Loss of time in prison of 93,750, at 60 cents per day, for 30 days each, Board of 93,750 for 30 days, at $1,25 per week,

Costs of court, juries, &c., in 93,750

cases,

93,750

$468,750

1,687,500

504,539

1,000,000 $3,660,789

Such results rendered only probable, as the consequence of intemperance, may produce some effect by way of restraint. A society then which keeps it constantly in view to trace the connexion between intemperance and crime, is useful in promoting temperance.

The society also promotes the better observance of the Sabbath. It is estimated that the number of persons in prison at a given time, in the United States, is 10,000. It is not a matter of small moment whether the prisons, in which 10,000 persons are constantly confined, shall be so constructed and managed, as that the Sabbath shall be properly observed. In this respect,

there is a vast difference between the prisons at Auburn, Wethersfield, and Sing Sing, and many other state prisons; and between them and the county jails generally. Silence, order, religious instruction in the Sabbath-school, public worship, and private admonition, sympathy and advice, and reading the Bible diligently,-are characteristic of the first mentioned prisons on the Sabbath. Gambling, profane swearing, unrestrained communication of evil, are characteristic of several penitentiaries and of almost all county prisons on the Sabbath.

The society has shown the power of the Bible to awaken an interest in abandoned men and effect a reformation. In the prisons where the system of religious instruction recommended by the society has been adopted, the Bible is the only book to which the prisoners have access. Many in the solitude of their cells have learned to read it, though before ignorant of the alphabet; and have committed large portions to mem

ory.

The value of Sabbath-schools is also shown by the society. The number of scholars in ten prisons mentioned is 885, and the number of teachers 60. The Bible is almost the only book used. The effects of these schools on the pupils is seen in their better observance of the Sabbath, in their influence over others, in the taste for reading the Bible which they acquire, in awakening in them a warm attachment for their teachers and a higher regard for character.

About 16,000 copies, or 1,600,000 pages of the reports of this society have been printed and Europe. very extensively circulated in this country and

Income. The society received during the last year in donations and otherwise, $3,531 38.

ANIVERSARIES OF THEOLOGICAL SEMINARIES.

AUBURN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

The anniversary of the Auburn Theological Seminary was held in the Presbyterian Church in that village on Wednesday, 19th of August. The following are the subjects on which dissertations were presented by the students on the

occasion.

The immortality of the soul, a doctrine of the Jewish and patriarchal dispensations: Italy in the Reformation: The Sabbath made for man: Systematic benevolence: The advent of the Messiah: The agency of the Spirit in conversion: Asaad: Self-denial in the Gospel Minister: Claims of Greece on American Christians.

Addresses were delivered on the same occasion before different societies of the students on -The insidiousness of intemperance: The necessity of ardent piety to maintain sound doctrine in the church: The duty of settled ministers in relation to the cause of missions: The subservience of eloquence to the cause of divine truth.

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT BANGOR.

The anniversary of the Theological Seminary at Bangor, was held on the 9th of September. The topics treated on were-by the Junior Class-Influence of imagination upon the perceptions: Importance to all of thoroughly investigating the Scriptures: Intemperance: Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: The happy results to be anticipated from the present efforts in behalf of children and youth: The claims of seamen: Transfiguration of our Saviour:-by the Middle Class-Superior claims of the Gospel on literary men: Origin and opinions of the Jewish sectaries mentioned in the Bible: Connexion between the doctrines of the Bible and its precepts: Final restoration of the Jews.

Owing to changes in the course of studies, no class left the seminary this year.

NEWTON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

The anniversary of the Theological Seminary at Newton was held on the 10th of September. After an examination of the students, the follow

ing public exercises were performed-Essays by the Middle Class-The use of imagination in expounding the Scriptures. Exposition of 2 Pet. 1. 20: Knowledge of the Hebrew poetry a help in the interpretation of the Scriptures: The 'Man of Sin,' 2 Thes. ii. 3: Translation of Psalm cx. with remarks: The reasoning in 1 Cor. xv: Also an address before the Society for Missionary Inquiry.-Essays by the Senior Class.-The Babylonian captivity: The Christian ministers' motives to diligence: Rise of the Papal power: The critical study of the Bible the vital part of a theological education.

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT ANDOVER.

The anniversary of the Theological Seminary at Andover was held on the 23d of September. The following were the topics discussed by the class which left the seminary.

Use of other men's thoughts: Inspiration of Paul: The tree of life, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil: Accommodation of classical habits to the work of a village preacher: Effects of sectarian zeal on the cause of truth:

the meaning of the phrase, 'the righteousness of God,' Rom. i. 17: Character of Thomas Shepard: 'Secret profanation of the Sabbath: Condition and prospects of the heathen: Ignatius Loyala: Jesuitism in the United States: Importance of a clear perception of evangelical truth: Influence of natural temperament on Christian character: The Waldenses: The Scriptural use of the number seven: The parables of Christ: Exposition of Rom. ix. 3. Manner of conducting theological discussion: Exposition of John xvi. 8-11: Sublimity of conception promoted by the study of the Bible: Divine benevolence displayed in the precepts of the Moral Law: The persecution of Christians under Nero: Moral obligations of the preacher to be eloquent: Source of Universalism: Expository preaching: the duties of Christians towards the Aborigines of our country: Influence of prayer on the mind: Are the rules of interpretation which are applied to other writings applicable to the Scriptures? The preacher's success dependent on divine influence: Means of promoting revivals of religion: The location of Eden, Gen. ii. 8, 10-14: Influence of indefinite phraseology on the preacher's work: Influence of theological opinions on sacred eloquence.

The number of those who completed their course of studies this year was thirty-three.

On the afternoon of the preceding day, the Porter Rhetorical Society held its anniversary. The exercises were an oration by Martin M. Post of the graduating class, on "The union of studious and active habits in a preacher,' a poem, by Richard H. Dana, Esq. of Cambridge, on 'The Soul;' and an address by the Rev. Richard S. Storrs, of Braintree, on the 'Influence of the present age on the eloquence of the pulpit.'

On the evening of the same day the Society of Inquiry respecting Missions held its anniversary. The usual address was not delivered, owing to sickness. Prof. Stuart made an address stating the origin and general objects of the society.

On the evening of the anniversary a sermon was delivered before the Society of the Alumni, by the Rev. Gardiner Spring, D. D. of the City of New York, from Heb. xiii. 17. They watch for your souls as they that must give account.

A large number of clergymen and others held several meetings, during the season of these anniversaries, to consult on measures for promoting the study of the Bible in the original languages, which resulted in the organization of a society for the purpose of acquiring and promoting the knowledge of the Scriptures in the original languages. Prof. Stuart, of Andover, was elected President, Mr. Calvin E. Stowe, of Andover, Secretary, and Mr. E. C. Tracy, of Andover, Treasurer.

BIBLICAL INQUIRER.

The prospectus of a work to be entitled the Biblical Inquirer has been issued by Professor Stuart and Mr. Calvin E. Stowe, of the Andover

THE BOARD.

In the following abstract of the minutes of the meeting, the most important subjects brought forward, and the proceedings of the Board with reference to them are arranged under appropriate heads, without particular regard to the order of business at the meeting.

The TWENTIETH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS was held in the Lecture Room of the First Presbyterian Church, in the City of Albany, on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of October. Of the Members there were present—

Hon. JOHN COTTON SMITH, LL. D.,
President.

Hon. STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER, LL. D.,
Vice President.

JOSEPH NOURSE, Esq.

Rev. DAVID PORTER, D. D.
Rev. CALVIN CHAPIN, D. D.
Rev. EDWARD D. GRIFFIN, D. D.
Rev. ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER, D. D.
Rev. ALEXANDER PROUDFIT, D. D.
Rev. ELIPHALET NOTT, D. D.
Rev. SAMUEL MILLER, D. D.
Rev. JEREMIAH DAY, D. D. LL. D.
Rev. LYMAN BEECHER, D. D.
Rev. LEONARD WOODS, D. D.
Hon. WILLIAM REED,
Rev. JOSHUA BATES, D. D.
Rev. WILLIAM M'MURRAY, D. D.
SAMUEL AGNEW, M. D.

Rev. JOHN CODMAN, D. D.

JEREMIAH EVARTS, Esq.

Rev. WILLIAM NEILL, D. D.
Rev. GARDINER SPRING, D. D.
Rev. NATHAN S. S. BEMAN, D. D.

Rev. WARREN FAY, D. D.

Rev. JOHN LUDLOW, D. D.

Rev. THOMAS DEWITT, D. D.

ELEAZAR LORD, Esq.

Rev. BENJAMIN B. WISNER, D. D.

HENRY HILL, Esq.

Of the Honorary Members there were present

WILLIAM JAMES, Esq., Hon. SAMUEL M. HOPKINS, JOSIAH SHERMAN, TILLY ALLEN, Esq., GALEN BACHELDOR, Esq., JOHN WILLARD, Esq., ISRAEL SMITH, Esq., VOL. XXV.

ROBERT BOYD, Esq., JOHN T. NORTON, Esq., NATHANIEL DAVIS, Esq., Rev. WILLIAM B. SPRAGUE, D. D., Rev. HENRY R. WEED, and Mr. TIMOTHY FASSETT, Albany; ANSON G. PHELPS, Esq., and Rev. WILLIAM PATTON, City of New York; | ORRIN DAY, Esq., Catskill; JOSIAH BISSELL, Jr. Esq., Rochester; Rev. JACOB VAN VECHTEN and Rev. ERSKINE MASON, Schenectady; Rev. LEONARD B. VAN DrсK, Coxsackie; Rev. SAMUEL C. AIKIN, Utica; Rev. MARK TUCKER, Troy; Rev. WILLIAM BLAIN, Cold Spring; Rev. H. H. KELLOGG, Salina; Rev. RICHARD S. CORNING, Otisco; Rev. E. D. WELLS, Oxford; Rev. DANIEL L. CARROLL, Brooklyn; Rev. GEORGE B. WHITING, Canaan; and Mr. A. CROSBY, White Creek, N. Y.; Rev. ASA HILLYER, D. D. Orange, N. J.; Hon. BENJAMIN TALLMADGE, Litchfield; Rev. ERASTUS SCRANTON, Orange; Rev.JoNATHAN COGSWELL, Berlin; Rev. RALPH EMERSON, Norfolk, Rev. DAVID L. OGDEN, Southington; Rev. HENRY BENEDICT, Norwalk, and Rev. RALPH W. CRAMPTON, Woodstock, Conn.; Rev. GORDON DORRANCE, Windsor; Rev. RALPH W. GRIDLEY, Williamstown; Rev. THOMAS SHEPARD, Ashfield; Rev. ARTEMAS BOIES, South Hadley; Rev. HENRY B. HOOKER, Lanesborough; Rev. DANIEL CROSBY, CONway; Rev. CALEB KNIGHT, Washington, and Rev. WILLIAM WILLIAMS, Salem, Mass.

The meeting on the first day was opened with prayer by Dr. Neill, and on the succeeding days by Drs. Spring and Porter.

Dr. M'Murray was elected Assistant Recording Secretary for the meeting. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read.