(Communicated for the Christian Herald.)

MIDDLESEX AUXILIARY BIBLE SOCIETY. On the 6th of October last a number of gentlemen, of different religious denominations, met at Middlesex, Connecticut, to consult about forming a Society auxiliary to the American Bible Society. Their deliberations resulted in the determination to call a meeting of the citizens of the county with a view to the accomplishment of that object. A circular was issued by a committee appointed for the purpose, requesting the attendance of gentlemen from the several sections of the county, at Middletown, on the 4th of Novem-. ber. A very large and respectable meeting, consisting of christians of the several denominations in the county-Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, and Methodists, was accordingly held at the place and time appointed. In compliance with the invitation of the preparatory committee, the Rev. Dr. Romeyn, Secretary for Domestic Correspondence of the American Bible Society, and Rev. Henry S. Feltus, Rector of St. Stephen's Church, New-York, attended on behalf of the National Society.

The Rev. Mr. Hotchkiss of Saybrook was called to the chair, and Jonathan Barnes, Esq. was appointed Secretary. The chairman opened the meeting by reading the 72d Psalm. Minot Hotchkiss, Esq. then briefly explained the object of the meeting: after which, the following resolution was moved by General Chauncey, Whittlesey, and seconded by Rev. Dr. Lyman: "Resolved, that it is expedient to form a Bible Society in the county of Middlesex, auxiliary to the American Bible Society. The mover and seconder supported the resolution by very apposite and forcible observations on the importance of the general object; the utility of concentrating the efforts of christians in advancing designs of such magnitude and interest as the one in contemplation; the propriety of their being divested of all local or sectarian feelings, and of uniting their efforts to those of the National Society in order to impart energy, activity and effect to the exertions of American Christians in the all important work of spreading the word of life.

The resolution was adopted unanimously.

A committee was then appointed to examine the draft of a constitution prepared by the above committee. The meeting was then adjourned to the evening: when the reported constitution, after undergoing some amendments, was unanimously adopted.

This constitution fixes the annual subscription of a member of the Society at one Dollar; of a member for life at ten Dollars; an annual Director $5; a director for life $30 :-every minister of the gospel, who is a member of the Society, has the same power and privileges as a manager.-The Society is to become Auxiliary to the Connecticut Bible Society whenever the latter shall become auxiliary to the American Bible Society.-The affairs of the Society are to be conducted by a Board of Managers, consisting of a President, eight Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, a Secretary; and not more than twenty Managers, seven of whom shall constitute a quorum.

The principal officers of the Middlesex County Bible Society

elected for the present year are, Nehemiah Hubbard, Esq. President; Jonathan Barnes, Jun. Esq. Secretary; Thomas Hubbard, Esq. Treasurer.

After the election of officers and Managers, the following resolution, moved by N. Hubbard, Esq. and seconded by Jacob Sebor, Esq. passed unanimously-viz.

Resolved, that this Society pledge themselves to use their utmost exertions to promote the prosperity of the American Bible Society. The Rev. Dr. Romeyn, Secretary for Domestic Correspondence of the American Bible Society, then rose, and after expressing his satisfaction at being present on the occasion, and witnessing the unanimity which prevailed, stated the condition of the American Society-what it had done, was doing, &c. what were its views; the effects produced, &c.-He then, in a strain of his own peculiar eloquence, gave a view of what had been the effects of Bibles, and Bible Societies, and the glorious prospect opening to view, through the instrumentality of those and other Benevolent Institutions. The Rev. Mr. Feltus followed, with an eloquent delineation of the effects of the Scriptures, and our consequent duty to circulate them. He expressed his high gratification at seeing persons of all denominations of christians cordially uniting in establishing an Auxiliary Society.

Both the gentlemen, from the lateness of the hour, were shorter than I presume they had intended to have been: it was about 9 o'clock when Dr. Romeyn rose. It was matter of regret to the meeting that the gentlemen thought it necessary to be so short in their remarks. There was not, I presume, a single individual present who would not have cheerfully remained until midnight to hear them. The meeting were delighted, and I trust edified. The presence of the Committee was highly gratifying to the Meeting, and I have no doubt conducive to the best interests of the Society. On motion of the Rev. A. Jinks, seconded by Rev. Asa King; Resolved, that the thanks of this meeting be presented to the Committee from the American Bible Society for their attendance at this time, and the interest they have manifested for the welfare of this Society.-Passed unanimously. This resolution was not a matter of form-not a heart but felt grateful for the presence of your Committee.

On motion of Dr. Lyman, seconded by

Resolved, That the thanks of the Meeting be presented to the Chairman and Secretary, for their services on this occasion.

The subscription was then opened. Our worthy President, with his accustomed liberality, subscribed fifty dollars. The subscription is already respectable, and I have no doubt will be a large one for so small a County.

There was a large collection of Ladies present, who were highly interested in the proceedings, and who I trust will form a Bible Association Auxiliary to the County Society.

The Society has been happily established; and I trust the blessing of God will rest upon it, and that it will be conducive to the best interest of the County. I cannot but hope that all the Counties which

have not already an Auxiliary Bible Society, will soon follow our example.

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS AT HAERLEM, N. Y. (For the Christian Herald.)

DEAR SIR,

A desire to aid the cause to which the Christian Herald so eminently contributes, prompted the following communication. Many, and very animating are the proofs which your paper has afforded of the power of good example. Deeply impressed with the importance of this species of intelligence, the writer would merely furnish an item.

In the small village of Haerlem and its vicinity, now exist a branch of the Sunday School Union Society, a Missionary Society, and a Cent Society in aid of the funds of the Theological College at New-Brunswick.

The first, organized in the summer of 1816, has been regularly and fully supplied with Teachers, has contained at one time 70 scholars, and is now in a flourishing state. The fruits of this school are very visible, especially among a numerous population of Africans; one of whom was deeply convicted in the school, and now bears the evidences of a lively, and a happy christian.

The Missionary Society, styled the Haerlem Female Missionary Society, instituted also in the summer of 1816, for the purpose of sending the gospel to the frontier of this State, has now an annual subscription of $110, has received donations to the amount of $153, employed the services in part of a Missionary during three months of the last summer, and has now employed the Rev. Cornelius Bogardus, ordained for this purpose, for a term of five months.

The Cent Society, organized in the latter part of the summer of the present year, has now an annual subscription of $60, with a prospect of considerable enlargement. Other objects of a similar nature have not, in the mean time, been overlooked in this place.

If no other benefit had resulted, or were to result from these associations, than the increased friendship, harmony, and affection of the members, it would amply repay the labour and expense. How multiplied, and how varied the blessings of a humble endeavour to comply with the institutions and requirements of heaven! How rich the exchange, even in this life, for a communication to the destitute of our fellow-creatures! What new inducement is required to "go and do likewise."

Oct. 15th, 1818.

NARRATIVE OF THE STATE OF RELIGION WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF THE SYNOD OF OHIO.

The Synod of Ohio, having heard the accounts of the churches under their care, find that no very material changes have happened during the last year.

In many parts of our bounds religion has gained ground; yet its progress has been very gradual. In some places it has advanced more

rapidly, and occupies a more commanding attitude; and in many congregations it has been stationary, if indeed religion can be supposed to be stationary. Several congregations in the Presbytery of Richland have received a considerable accession to the number of their members, and appear to have enjoyed some encouraging tokens of the Divine presence, although nothing very remarkable has been observed. A large proportion of the country over which the Presbytery extends is destitute of the stated means of grace, and the remainder is but partially supplied. Too much indifference with respect to religious instruction undoutedly prevails: yet it is encouraging to hear of increased attention to Gospel institutions, and growing demand for the word of life.

In Lancaster Presbytery, also, the attention and earnestness of the people seem to increase. Several congregations and neighbourhoods have been favoured more highly with Divine influences, reviving to churches and awakening to sinners-Granville and Athens may be mentioned here, in both which there have been considerable additions to the church; and also Greencastle and Centreville, two small vacancies, towns in Fairfield county, where a promising church has been formed, to which near forty persons, who profess to have obtained the hope of life within the last year, have joined themselves.

Throughout the greater part of this extensive Presbytery, however, there is much reason, we hear, for the complaint of deadness. Too many real Christians may be slumbering and sleeping with the hypocrite. Too many churches may not consider, as they ought, the importance of the blessings which they enjoy, the necessity of faithfulness, and the danger of desertion.

The Presbyteries of Washington and Miami have experienced but little change for some time past. Most congregations under their care have gradually, and some have rapidly increased in the number of church members. No remarkable effusions of the grace of the Holy Spirit have been noticed, nor have any remarkable declensions occurred. It cannot be observed without pain, however, that in the region which includes the northern part of these Presbyteries, the greater number of the labourers in the vineyard have been removed by death or otherwise: yet we trust that others will be found to fill their room.

While, then, we lament that, in a painful degree, iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold, we have much reason for rejoicing, thankfulness, and hope.

Some, perhaps much good has been done, and our prospects may be considered as brightening. We will not despise the day of small things. Let us pray that God would grant us times of refreshing, that Christians may be comforted and edified, and that many sinners may be converted.

May we and all Christian ministers, and all Christian churches, perform our duties with fidelity and success, and receive an everlasting crown from our Judge, who is our Saviour. Amen.

Resolution respecting Incestuous Marriages.

The committee appointed to take into consideration the overtur

respecting the marriage of brother and sister-in-law, beg leave to present the following report :

It is not necessary that the Synod should at this time enter into a full investigation of this subject: but is sufficient to say, that such marriages are prohibited by our Confession of Faith, Chap. xxiv. Sec. 4. where it is said, a man may not marry any of his wife's kindred near'er in blood than his own, nor the woman of her husband's kindred nearer in blood than of her own; after having stated that marriage ought not to be within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity forbidden in the word of God, and referring us by a note to the 18th chapter of Leviticus, particularly the 18th verse.

STATE OF RELIGION IN NORTH CAROLINA. Extract of a letter from the Rev. Saml. C. Caldwell, in Mecklinburgh County, N. C. dated Sept. 22d, 1818.

You will, no doubt, expect that I shall give you some account of the state of religion amongst us, but I am really at a loss to know how to describe it. The ministers of religion are, I think, unusually assisted in the discharge of their duties, in unfolding the truths of the Gospel-in explaining the method of salvation through the righteousness of Christ-in opening the treasures of grace contained in the promises, and in describing the nature, limits, and obligations of the divine law; but their success in bringing men to Jesus-in persuading them to embrace the Gospel, and to renounce the devil, the world, and the flesh, is not very considerable-Charitable institutions have multiplied exceedingly. There is a Sunday school at almost every church, in which black people are taught to read. Tract Societies are very numerous. We have a Bible Society called the Concord Bible Society, which has hitherto held its meetings in Charlotte and Sugar Creek Church. We have a Missionary Society which meets annually on one of the days of Synod. The funds are respectable and increasing.

St. Louis's Psalter.-From a Paris paper.

The Count de Noailles, ambassador from France to Russia, has had the honour to present to the French king, in a private audience, a magnificent Psalter, which belonged to St. Louis, and of which Prince Michael Galitzin, Equerry to the Emperor Alexander, has made an offering to our Sovereign. This Psalter made a part of a curious library that Prince Michael possesses at Moscow.-The count de Noailles having manifested a desire to him to see a book so precious return into the hands of the august descendants of St. Louis, the prince handsomely determined to send it to the king. An authentic note, found in the beginning of this Psalter, shows that it was given to Charles V. in 1363, by the Queen Jeanne d'Evreaux.