The Rev. H. Stowell seconded the resolution, and expressed a hope that the day was not distant, when our beloved sovereign would occupy the chair as President of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and would be supported on the right and left by his ministers.

Mr. J. J. Gurney submitted the resolution to the meeting, which was carried by acclamation.

Lord Bexley returned thanks for the expression of the feeling of the meeting towards him.

The Rev. J. Browne, the newly erected Secretary, moved the thanks of the meeting to the Vice-presidents of the Society.

He

The Rev. T. Lessey, of the Wesleyan Connexion, seconded the motion. thought every religious society was indebted to this, it was the common property of the Christian world. He loved the Society, because its great characteristic was, that it provided instruction for the poor. The rays of human philosophy never fell vertically on the world; but the Gospel of Christianity rose in splendour, to illuminate mankind. It soon reached its zenith, and shed its bright rays in the humble valley, as well as on the highest mountain. The Rev. Gentleman expatiated on the spread of infidelity among the lower classes, which he ascribed to a want of vigilance on the part of those who were not at their posts as they ought to have been.

The Rev. J. Linder addressed a few words to the meeting, in a low voice and foreign

accent.

J. Pease, Esq. M.P. moved a resolution of thanks to the Treasurer and Committee.

The Rev. W. Marsh, of Birmingham, seconded the motion. As a Birmingham man, he might be supposed to be well acquainted with Unions, both political and trade; and if any there entertained fears from them, he did not for from June to Christmas, and from Christmas till now, he had seen nothing to fear. Were there any thing alarming in those Unions, this Union was calculated to render them innoxious. On that platform he saw one vast society of Christian brethren. The institutions that called them together at this time of the year, were the beauty, the glory, the defence of the country. He thought he heard a whisper, that he had a neighbour and a friend sitting on the other side, John Angel James, who was a traveller from Birmingham as well as himself, and he thought the whisper said, "You, John Angel James, Independent, you, William Marsh, Episcopalian, you came here as friends; and when you retire, see that you fall not out by the way." O let that great Missionary, the Bible, have a place in your hearts; and under the influence of that mighty power that gives it efficacy, you John Angel James, and William Marsh, will live and die together in harmony. Let us have Corinthian hands and Macedonian hearts.

1

The Rev. J. A. James being called spa. came forward. He responded, from t bottom of his heart, to every feeling affection to which utterance had been g by Mr. Marsh. He would willingly respal to every challenge for mutual affectis, churchmen called for love, and he cal for love, but let them both call for t But let them be every where what they me at that meeting. Let it not be a platín | Ch charity. Let it be, like our religion, inseparable part of ourselves. He was pe ing no reflection upon others, but, uttering devout wishes, he might say, prayers the God would send them the "spirit of unity" or, to give the true scriptural expression, "Lord, send us the unity of the Spirit?"

The resolution was carried, and the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry moved in thanks of the meeting to the noble Che man, the motion was seconded by the Em of Chichester, and carried by acclamation. Lord Bexley returned thanks, and th meeting separated.

SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

The Annual Meeting took place at Exeter Hall, on the 8th instant. Sir Andrew Agnew was received with loud cheering.

After a hymn and prayer, the worthy b ronet was called upon to take the chair. E said he was convinced that Sabbath school were indispensable, otherwise a large portion of the population would grow up in a st of the greatest ignorance; but all teaching and especially Sunday School teaching, ough to be based on the knowledge of their c mon Lord and Master. It was gratifying him to know, that many of those whom he saw before him, assembled from various part of the country, were the teachers and onductors of Sabbath schools. The good d fects of such a union would not be confe to this country alone. This Meeting not reference to the metropolis alone, or eve to the kingdom, but its beneficial effects mast extend throughout the world.

Mr. W. L. Lloyd read the Report. The following is a summary of the returns Sunday schools:

Four London Auxiliaries Great Britain

In addition to the above, though not in connexion with the Sunday School UnionThe Sunday School Society for Ireland

The London Hibernian Society Sunday Schools

Total of the above
Last year's numbers were

Increase

Schools. Teaches. Schar

518 7216 7479 108486 PIES

The Rev. C. Stowell observed, that there ere many occasions that called forth the cercise of the mind of man, but no occupaon was more solemnly responsible, none so teresting and delightful, as that of leading outh to the truths that relate to eternity. He had to move the adoption of the Report, hich should also be widely disseminated, to ncourage thousands in that department of Christian labour. As general information dvanced, their labours should be redoubled. hings that were most valuable in their proer use, were most injurious when abused, nd when the culture of intellect came to be bused, it must lead to the greatest degree of uin. In some departments of literature, here was not only an increase of infidelity, out an increased effort to diffuse its poisonus principles. It could be met only by one nethod-that which this society had adoptd-the exercise of Christian benevolence argely diffused. One object might strongly impress upon the minds of the meeting the necessity of increased exertions. They could not pass from their closets to the house of prayer, without being assailed by the open desecration of the day of God. Every one employed in the task of instruction, was himself rescued in mercy from these polluting scenes, and was made the instrument, under God, of rescuing the children committed to his care. An observance of the Sabbath was the great instrument by which every other object would be achieved. The rev. speaker then took a general view of religious education, and particularly hailed the announcement, that the Society had commenced the establishment of Sundayschool libraries, and concluded with eloquently descanting on the blessings that would result from the system of Sundayschool instruction being established in France, Germany, and Ireland.

The other speakers were, the Rev. A, Fletcher, the Rev. Dr. Bennett, John Fair, Esq., Mr. J. R. Wilson, the Rev. J. Cunningham, the Rev. J. Blackburn, the Rev. Dr. Morrison, the Rev. Amos Sutton, and W. B. Gurney, Esq. At the conclusion of the meeting, the company joined in singing "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." (To be continued in our next.)

BELGRAVE LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC INSTITUTION.

THE increase of literary associations, not only in London but in the large provincial towns, must have been remarked by every observer. To the admirer of the diffusion of knowledge, this circumstance must have given rise to the most gratifying reflections. Even those who may hold different opinions on this subject, must admit that the tide of intellectual cultivation is flowing on with

Such an institution has long been a desideratum amongst the inhabitants of this suburb of London, and its opening is hailed with great satisfaction by those who have long wished for such a society. A provisional committee was appointed at the close of last year, and a meeting of the subscribers took place in March for the formation of the society under its present appellation. The subsequent arrangements having been completed, the members were again assembled on the 3d of May, to proceed to a formal opening of the institution. The Earl Fitzwilliam, the president, was in the chair, and he was supported by the Earl of Denbigh, Lord Byron, Mr. Ewart, M.P., Mr. Hesketh Fleetwood, M.P., Dr. Lardner, and Dr. Anthony Todd Thompson, all of whom promoted the objects of the institution by taking a part in the interesting proceedings of the day. Report of the provisional committee was read; it announced the engagement of a house for the purpose of the institution in Sloane-street, and that the number of subscribers exceeded two hundred. It also observed, that the foundation of a library had been formed by donations of books from several gentlemen, and that the commencement of a museum had been made by the liberal present of a collection of minerals by J. De St. Croix, Esq. The same Report also alluded in strong terins to the exertions made in establishing the institution by Mr. J. C. Evans, with whom its plan originated.

The

The Duke of Sussex has become patron; and the Duke of Bedford, the Marquis of Westminster, Earls of Morley, Denbigh, and Cadogan, vice-patrons; Earl Fitzwilliam, president; and the Earls of Munster and Burlington, Lords Byron, Morpeth, and Milton, and other gentlemen of influence in the neighbourhood, vice-presidents of the institution.

The means of effecting the objects of the establishment are a library of reference and circulation; lectures on literature, science, and art, natural history, antiquities, &c.; reading rooms; converzatione; and a museum of natural history and antiquities. In

pursuance of this outline of the plan, the first lecture was delivered on the 13th of last month, by Professor Grant, of the London University, on the nature, growth, and history of corals. Previously to the commencement of the lecture, which was fully attended, Mr. Hesketh Fleetwood, one of the vice-presidents, addressed the audience on the advantages to be derived from such societies, and placed their intellectual and social benefits in a true and interesting light. Dr. Grant then delivered his lecture, and explained, with great animation and clearness, the 'treasures of the deep,' as far as they are developed in the structure and organization of zoophites. It is, indeed, an object of surprise and admi. ration, to find that substances so much like plants are indeed only parts of animals, and that, by their astonishing multiplicity, even large islands in the Pacific are gradually formed. This lecture was illustrated by valuable specimens, and a rich succes. sion of drawings. Professor Lindley, Dr. Lardner, and Dr. A. T. Thompson, here promised theirv aluable assistance; which is the more meritorious, as their services, as well as those of Dr. Grant, are entirely gratuitous. This institution has commenced its career under favourable auspices, and we hope ere long that it will take its place amongst the most useful literary establishments, so peculiarly the feature of the present age, and the ornaments of the metropolis.

ON THE VARIABLE STAR ẞ LYRÆ. SIR JOHN HERSCHEL, in his Treatise on Astronomy, has, I believe, an observation to this effect:-"that the phenomena of the variable stars are interesting, inasmuch as they inforin us that in those far distant regions, where all appears still and quiet, action is continually going on; and that many an individual, even in the humbler walks of life, may render some service to the sublime science of astronomy, by watching the periods of these bodies, which the more active astronomer has not the opportunity of doing amidst the numerous and more highly interesting objects that daily claim his attention in the observatory. Among the myriads of suns that meet our view, when night spreads her sable curtain over the world, fifteen have been determined to vary in magnitude: the principal of these is Algol or B Persii; the period of this star is 2 days, 20 hours, 48 minutes, 58 seconds, and 7 tenths of a second, but on account of its long continuance at its

maximum brightness, its variations are not readily seen. One of the most interesting of these bodies is ẞ Lyræ, on account of its alternations of magnitude being readily observed; as the constellation in which it is situated is now becoming a conspicuous object in the eastern hemisphere during the evenings; a short account of the period and variations of magnitude of this star, may probably be interesting to the readers of the Imperial Magazine. It was first remarked to vary from the third to the fifth magnitude in the year 1784, by Mr. Goodricke, of York, who considered that the period was 6 days 9 hours. In the monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society for November 12, 1830, we find that Mr. Birt commenced a series of observations on this star: on the 22d of May, in that year, and at 11 o'clock in the evening, he found it of the fifth magnitude, and equal to and Lyræ; these observations were continued until September 2d, of the same year, when, at 11 o'clock in the evening, he again saw the star of the fifth magnitude, and exactly equal to & and Lyræ, as on the 22d of May, thus giving 103 days for sixteen revolutions, instead of 102 days, which would have been required, if the period was 6 days 9 hours; he, therefore, concluded that it was nearly 6 days 10 hours and 40 minutes. Since this date, he has continued his observations until the present time, and he finds the period still longer; his latest observations appear to indicate a period of 6 days, 10 hours, and 55 minutes nearly; and he conceives that it is not so long as 6 days, 10 hours, and 57 minutes. The star is generally seen of the third magnitude during three successive evenings, then of the fourth during the two following, and occasionally of the fifth, it is then seen approaching the third. For the determination of the period the observations of the minimum appear to be the most useful, as the star continues but a short time at this stage. In making observations of this kind, it is well to compare the star with as many others that are situated near it as possible. The following are well adapted for comparing with 3 Lyra. y, ε, and Lyæ, and μ, §, o, and Hercules. The latest observations of Mr. Birt were on the 15th of May, at 11 in the evening, when the star appeared less than μ Hercules, and brighter than Hercules; and on the 19th of May, at 10 in the evening, when it was seen less than @ Hercules, and about the same as and Lyrae: these observations may serve as data for future observers, by whom the period may be more accurately determined.

GLEANINGS.

Natives of King George's Sound.-Two of the chiefs received an invitation from the captain to take breakfast on board the ship. He, having previously observed that his guests were remarkably fond of fried fish, had plenty of this prepared, together with a suitable quantity of coffee, bread, &c. for their own particular gratification. The invited guests were placed at the after end of the cabin table, himself and officers seating themselves around; before each of the former, the steward, according to directions, had placed a goodly quantity of the fish. Knives and spoons, conveying too dainty a morsel for their liking, were left unemployed, hands the while performing the duty, and stuffing as much into their mouths as could there be crammed; as if fearful there was no more for them, another lot was thrust in by way of filling up; the whole being then twisted and turned about, so that the bones might work or be picked out at the corner of the mouth. In the effort to swallow such a tremendous portion, it was necessary to stretch the neck a little, and bring the head forward, a performance somewhat like that of our domestic fowls, when almost choked with meal. When this was achieved, another mouthful was made to follow as soon as possible. One of the chiefs having his mouth thus comfortably filled, pointed to a dish of brown sugar. A little was put into his already replenished mouth, when, with one puff, he very unceremoniously blew fish and sugar over the dishes and table.Fanning's Voyages.

Chinese ansiety for Christianity.-We had visited a temple upon a high hill. The temples might be called elegant by the Chinese, if the abominations of idolatry did not render such an epithet inapplicable. When I took the books out of the boat, and handed a copy to a man of respectable appearance, he read aloud the title, and, all at once, the crowd rushed upon me, hundreds stretching out their hands to receive the same gift. Within a few minutes the store was exhausted, but the news spread with great rapidity. We saw the people sitting for six hours together on the brow of a hill opposite to which our vessel was lying at anchor. As soon as they saw us approaching near the shores, they ran down the hill with great velocity, grasping the books from my hands, and sped towards their friends in the surrounding vil lages. If ever our Christian books have been read with attention, it was here, at this time.- Voyages along the Coast of China.

Rowland Hill.-When notices were given to him, he used to read them generally aloud; and once an impudent fellow placed a piece of paper on the reading-desk, just before he was going to read prayers. He took it, and began-" The prayers of this congregation are desired-umph-for-umph-' well, I sup pose I must finish what I have begun'-for the Rev. Rowland Hill, that he will not go riding about in his carriage on a Sunday!" This would have disconcerted almost any other man; but he took it up as coolly as possible, and said-" If the writer of this piece of folly and impertinence is in the congrega tion, and will go into the vestry after service, and let me put a saddle on his back, I will ride him home instead of going in my carriage." He then went on with the service.-Life of the Rev. Rowland Hill.

Simple Espedient. In the granite quarries near Seringapatam, the most enormous blocks are separated from the solid rock by the following neat and simple process. The workman having found a portion of the rock sufficiently extensive, and situated near the edge of the part already quarried, lays bare the upper surface, and marks on it a line in the direction of the intended separation, along which a groove is cut with a chisel about a couple of inches in depth. Above this groove a narrow line of fire is then kindled, and maintained till the rock below is thoroughly heated, immediately on which a line of men and women, each provided with a pot full of cold water, suddenly sweep off the ashes, and pour the water into the heated groove, when the rock at once splits with a clean fracture. Square blocks of six feet in the side, and upwards of eighty feet in length, are sometimes detached by this method, or by another equally simple and efficacious, but not easily explained without entering into particulars of mineralogical detail.Herschel's Natural Philosophy.

Wonders of Nature.-There is a very curious plant, termed dionea muscipula, or fly trap, that secretes a sweetish fluid in its leaves, not unlike honey, by which flies are attracted; immediately on being touched, the leaf contracts, and being of a thorny, prickly nature, the animal is crushed to death, as if for its temerity.

Ruling Passion.-When Malherbe was dying, reprimanded his nurse for making use of a soled in her language! and when his confessor represen to him the felicities of a future state in low and expressions, the dying critic interrupted bim "Hold your tongue," he said; your wretched only makes me out of conceit with them!"

The favourite studies and amusements of learned La Mothe le Vayer consisted in account the most distant countries. He gave a striking pr of the influence of this master-passion, when de hung upon his lips. Bernier, the celebrated tra ler, entering and drawing the curtains of his bed take his eternal farewell, the dying man tursing him, with a faint voice inquired, Well, my fret what news from the Great Mogul?"

Jewish Tracts.-The Jewish authors were fond allegorical titles, which always indicates the m puerile age of taste. The titles were usually adap to their obscure works. It would exercise an al enigmatist to explain their allusions; for we understand by "The Heart of Aaron," that it i commentary on several of the prophets. Bones of Joseph" is an introduction to the Talm "The Garden of Nuts," and "The Golden Apple are Theological questions; and The Pomegrana with its Flower, is a treatise of ceremonies pot more practised. Jortin gives a title, which he s of all the fantastical titles he can recollect, is one the prettiest. A rabbin published a catalogue rabbinical writers, and calledit Labia Dormientim from Cantic. vii. v. 9." Like the best wine of my loved that goeth down sweetly, causing the hp those that are asleep to speak." It bath a double men ing, of which he was not aware, for most of his ral binical brethren talk very much like men in the sleep.-D' Israeli.

Literary Notices.

Just Published.

The Improved Version, truly designated a Cred By Robert Halley.

Part III. of the Architectural Director. Billington, Architect.

By John

Instructive Fables. By the Author of "The La Day of the Week."

Miscellaneous Poems. By T. W. Aveling.
Baines's History of Lancashire. Part 40.

Part 13 of a New Edition of the National Portrait Gallery, with Memoirs of Her Most Gracious Xa jesty Queen Adelaide; the Princess Victoria; Lord Brougham; and Sir David Brewster.

Part 5 of Fisher's Views in India, China, and th Shores of the Red Sea. From Original Sketches by Commander Robert Elliot, R.N.

Memoir of the Rev. C. Neale. By the Rev. Wa Jowett,

Memoirs of the Rev. Basil Woodd, A. M. The Pulpit, Vol. XXIII. containing Sixty Sermon and Lectures.

England; an Historical Poem. By J. W. Ord Vol. I.

Memoirs of the Rev. Dr. Buchanan. By the Re Hugh Patterson, D.D.

Sermons. By e Rev. H. Fell.

Private Devotions. By Bishop Andrews.
Last Words of the Martyrs.
Remains of Dr. Payson.

A Treatise on Doubt on Religions Questions. The Gradations of Sin; a Sermon occasioned by the Execution of T. Gee for Incendiarism, at North ampton. By the Rev. J. Clark, of Guilsboro.

In the Press.

An Essay on the Deaf and Dumb. By J. H. Curts Esgre.

The Lays and Legends of Spain; to form the Fourth Monthly Part of Mr. W. J. Thom's National Laya and Legends.

The Duty of a Christian State to Support a National Church Establishment; the Scriptural character and poculiar claims of the Church of England; five Ser mons preached by the Rev. Joseph Holmes, M. A. A Treatise on the System of Intercourse and Com munication in Civilized States. By T. Grahame. Sylloge Theologica; a Systematic Collection of Tracts for the Use of Students in the University, and of the Younger Clergy. By the Rev. Dr. Words worth, of Cambridge.