received by the public press with the most unequivocal approbation; and we have no doubt, that the present edition will obtain as wide and speedy a circulation as the former. May it lead to all these results, in the experience of those to whom it is specially addressed, for which the gallant author so ardently and devoutly prays.

THE PROVINCE OF REASON IN REFERENCE TO RELIGION, answered in a Letter against Socialism:-Being the Ninth of a Series delivered in the Mechanics' Institute, Southampton Buildings, under the direction of THE COMMITTEE OF THE LONDON CITY MISSION. By JOHN HOPPUS, LL. D., F. R. S. PROFESSOR OF PHILOSOPHY AND LOGIC IN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, London. 8vo. pp. 100.

London:-L. and G. Seeley, 169, Fleet Street.

We can scarcely conceive of any subject, in relation to revealed truth, more important than the one here assigned to Professor Hoppus, nor could the discussion of it have devolved on one more competent to the task. If religion involve our relations to God, and the duties which arise out of these relations, then the mind of man must be exercised in the examination of the book, in which these relations and duties are announced. These relations and duties again involve certain great facts and doctrines; and hence, into the character of those doctrines and facts, it is the province of the mind to enquire. At once, therefore, the whole Bible is reduced to the severest investigation. And as the learned Professor justly remarks, according to the accuracy with which the various relations existing between the objects, on which the thoughts are at any time occupied, are perceived in all their bearings, is the strength of the reasoning power in any individual mind. He then proceeds to show, that revelation, in all its doctrines and discoveries, has nothing to fear from the most searching scrutiny; that there is nothing, and can be nothing, contrary to reason, in the book of God; that the limitation of our faculties may surround us with many difficulties, but that, at each step of our inquiry, even revelation itself does homage to reason, (for she seeks to reach the heart through the understanding ;) that reason, enlightened and sanctified by her presence, may in return bring every power and energy, and lay them as a willing offering on her altar.

But we are not permitted to discuss the subject. This is already done in the Lecture-and it is with no ordinary feelings of satisfaction that we introduce the discourse (a master-piece of enlightened and profound reasoning) to the notice of our readers, and promise them no common gratification and profit in its perusal.

Monthly Chronicle.

REPORT OF THE SWANSEA AUXILIARY

BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILORS' SOCIETY:

Adopted at the Annual Meeting, September 27th, 1841.

A celebrated philosopher being asked, whether he considered the number of the living or the dead to be the greater, replied "You must first tell me with whom am I to put seamen,"-intimating that their employment was so dangerous that he knew not where they should be placed. There is much truth in this saying, when we consider the perils to which they are exposed, both by sea and by land. The long absence of seamen from home is one reason why they are so much forgotten, but their moral and spiritual condition is at length claiming a portion of attention from the christian world. Hence institutions have been established in various ports, under the name of Bethel Unions,-Sailors' Homes,-and Seamen's Friend Societies; but by whatever name they are styled, their object is to benefit and ameliorate this useful class of our fellow-men.

The Institution whose interests have convened us together this evening, is united with that truly catholic society, which for many years has been established in the Port of London, under the name of the British and Foreign Sailors' Society. The especial objects contemplated by that institution, as well as the Swansea Auxiliary, are—preaching to sailors on board ship, or any other convenient place,— furnishing them with copies of the sacred scriptures, and books of a religious character, employing agents to attend Bethel meetings, and visiting seamen on their arrival, and on leaving port,-establishing day and sunday schools for the education of sailors' children,—furnishing vessels with loan libraries,-providing missionaries in the provincial ports of Great Britain and Ireland, and chaplains at the most frequented foreign ports, and to co-operate with the friends of seamen throughout the world, especially the "American Seamen's Friend Society." For several years this auxiliary has occupied a place among the benevolent institutions established in

THE PORT OF SWANSEA.

It is computed, that several thousands of sailors annually visit this port, the greater part of whom, it is to be feared, are heedless respecting their eternal interests. But few years have elapsed, since efforts have been made on their behalf, during which period the most pleasing and encouraging effects have been witnessed. The gospel of Christ has proved effectual to their salvation; and numbers who were once slaves of every sinful passion, have become willing servants of Jesus Christ. These pleasing results are constantly witnessed by the gratuitous

AGENTS OF THE SOCIETY,

who regularly on the christian sabbath distribute religious tracts among the sailors

in the port. They are generally received with gratitude, and during the past year about 10,000 tracts, in eight different languages, have been put in circulation ; thus the gospel, by this simple method, has been sent to various parts of the world.

AT THE SEAMEN'S BIBLE DEPOSITORY,

since the last anniversary, there has been a considerable demand for the Holy Scriptures, about sixty Bibles, fifty testaments, fifty hymn-books, and six prayer books have been purchased by sailors at reduced prices. In addition to this, nearly the whole of Mr. Bath's grant of Bibles, to the vessels connected with Swansea and the neighbouring ports, have been distributed.

TWELVE LOAN LIBRARIES,

containing Bibles, Hymn-books, and about 200 volumes of religious publications, have been lent to captains or mates of foreign vessels during the year. A library has been sent in one of the government steamers to Africa, on the Niger expedition. Several of the libraries have been returned with liberal contributions for their use, from the officers and crews.

THE SAILORS' CHAPEL

continues to be well attended-divine service being gratuitously conducted there by eight ministers of the town; who, in succession, officiate every sabbath afternoon. Exertions have been made during the year, to obtain ground for building a new and more commodious place of worship, but at present no definite arrangement has been effected. It is with feelings of gratitude, the committee refer to a liberal grant of Bibles and Testaments for distribution among seamen, recently promised by the most noble the Marquis of Bute, and report the gradual increase of

THE SOCIETY'S FUNDS.

The present year exceeds the amount of any former period-still but little has been accomplished for this excellent institution, in a port whose prosperity is more or less connected with seamen. At this present time, the exertions of the Parent Society are cramped for the want of more liberal support. If christians would but respond to the thrilling appeals which are made, sailors' chaplains and missionaries might occupy spheres of extensive labour; and thus multitudes of seamen would enjoy the same spiritual advantages as landsmen. In behalf of upwards of three millions of sailors, therefore, the society pleads-in aid of men who are hazarding their lives in the protection of our country it lifts up its voice! We do right in kindling the torch to enlighten heathen nations, but we do wrong if any portion of our own countrymen are entirely neglected. Church of the living God! followers of the Redeemer, who have felt the value of your deathless spirit, and necessity of seeking its salvation-behold the "multitude who go down to the sea in ships,” slain by sin, and bleeding at every wound! We admire the character of the philanthropist, who visits the abodes of sorrow and distress, and makes a perilous voyage for the purpose of charity; but this bears no comparison with that of seeking to save souls from death, and directing them to glory, honour, and immortality!

TREASURER'S ACCOUNT WITH THE SWANSEA AUXILIARY BRITISH AND FOREIGN SAILORS' SOCIETY-1841.

[We are happy to state, that H. Vivian, Esq., M.P., presided at the annual meeting, which was also attended by our esteemed friend, Mr. Hewlings, and at which there was exerted a deep and holy interest in the cause of seamen. It is gratifying to refer to the local operations of this efficient auxiliary. Their efforts have been unwearied; and the success, which has accompanied their labours, is such as to animate and encourage them in their high career of enlightened and christian benevolence.]

HELD ON FRIDAY EVENING, 8th OCTOBER.

As the winter has again set in, it becomes necessary to decline almost wholly the open-air services, and those also of Long-reach.— Still, there is enough on the river, and nearer home, fully to occupy every agent: and it is pleasing to record, that the brethren, without exception, seem prepared for renewed and persevering action. May God, in great mercy, shield them from every danger; and may His presence be enjoyed in each meeting!

AGENTS' REPORTS.