constantly employed at the Canstein Institution at Halle, yet that establishment is often unable to meet the demand. An edition of the Bible published there in December, last year, was entirely disposed of by the 1st of February." The desire (writes the Secretary) evidently augments, the more the copies are circulated." To this active Society 500 German Bibles have been given by the British and Foreign Bible Society,

The Hanoverian Institution announces the completion of a new edition of 5,000 German Bibles, which the British and Foreign Bible Society has enabled its Committee to print. The Fourth Report of its Auxiliary at Göttingen, contains the pleasing intelligence that by the liberality of its members and friends, both in the city and country, upwards of 1,000 Bibles have been brought into circulation in the course of the year.

At Nuremberg Mr. Naumann, in conjunction with Professor Krafft, has brought into circulation 1,865 Bibles, and 1,165 Testaments during the last two years. A royal rescript has been obtained for establishing a Central Biblical Institution at this place; but, as some time must elapse before the remaining necessary steps can be taken, 500 German Bibles have been voted to the above named individuals by the British and Foreign Bible Society, for the supply of the pressing wants brought to their knowledge from various quarters.

From Bayreuth, Mr. C. F. Leers, and his fellow labourer, the very Reverend Dean Pflaum, announce that they have completed their third edition of 7,000 copies of the New Testament, printed at the expence of the British and Foreign Bible Society. The distribution of these has been cheerfully undertaken by the Rev. Consistorial Counsellor Kaiser, who has apportioned them to thirty-six deaneries. The money for binding them has been most cheerfully raised. By the labours of these gentlemen this edition has been issued at about fourpence per copy. They also propose to print an edition of 7,000 entire Bibles at an expense of £460, or £480, towards which the Committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society have voted £250.

The last Report of the Saxon Society has not yet arrived, but a letter from the Secretary, Counsellor Böttiger, states " that its Anniversary in August last has proved highly beneficial, that a new stereotype edition of the German Bible had been ordered, and the printing of a second edition of the Wendish completed, at Budissin."

The Herrnhut Branch of the Saxon Society is one of the most flourishing. Its active Committee have received so many and such pressing demands from Lusatia and Bohemia, both for the German and Bohemian Scriptures, that several additional grants have been made for supplying Protestants as well as Roman Catholics.

The Leipzic Society deserves honourable notice, particularly as it has deter mined not to confine its attention to the supply of scriptural wants within the limits of its own immediate sphere, but to embrace other parts of Germany in the arms of its benevolence.

Frankfort has been a scene of much interest during the past year. "Scarce. ly" (writes the Secretary) "had our subscriptions been collected, when such a demand for the Scriptures arose as we never before experienced at this time of the year." From February to June, 5,102 copies have been distributed. Among the applicants have been many travelling mechanics, and a liberal distribution has taken place. This subject came under consideration during Dr. Steinkopff's visit, and so many satisfactory testimonies of real good were adduced, that it was resolved to continue the distribution at a low price for each copy. A gentleman has added his name to the Committee, in consequence of meeting with one of these mechanics, who gave the best evidence of having derived benefit from a Testament thus obtained. The last information from this quarter states that 10,350 Bibles and Testaments have been circulated. Few have been given gratuitously. Some families emigrating to the Brazils have been supplied, and also Roman Catholic pilgrims. The zeal and the extensive sphere of this Society's operations have led the Committee of the British and Foreign Society to present it with 1,000 German Bibles, and 1,500 Testaments.

At Wiesbaden Dr. Steinkopff attended the Anniversary of the Nassau Usingen Bible Society, and his address produced such an effect, that he was requested to

allow of its being printed. The happiest results have followed, and in some very recent communications, it appears that since the visit of the Doctor, 1,210 copies have been dispersed.

The Wurtemberg Society, with its numerous Auxiliaries and Associations, occupies an important station in the Biblical field of Germany. 97,811 Bibles and Testaments have been distributed by its exertions. Fresh applications were received at one meeting of the Committee, which Dr. Steinkopff attended, for 1,850, Bibles and 640 Testaments. Their funds admitting of their granting only 1,200 Bibles, the venerable Secretary encouraged them to allot 500 more; and, as these valuable fellow labourers are impeded in their exertions by the pressure of debt, the sum of £300 has been since granted, by the British and Foreign Society.

Dr. Leander Van Ess continues his labours in behalf of the British and Foreign Bible Society with his wonted ardour, and new doors are continually opened before him for circulating the Holy Scriptures. He mentions, with delight, applications which he has received from a number of Roman Catholic students in various Universities of Germany, from youths in Latin seminaries, and from mechanics. The military likewise have shared in his attentions. Applications from this quarter became so numerous and pressing that he prudently referred the matter to the commanding officers, who, with many expressions of good will, accepted his offer of New Testaments; and the War Department took the necessary measures for their distribution among the soldiers. An arrangement was also made to prevent any alienation of this sacred property on the part of those who had thus become its possessors. It is gratifying to add, that in many instances the happiest effects have ensued. The Testaments have been read, bad habits have been reformed, and virtuous dispositions cultivated, or in the still more comprehensive words of Scripture, “the old man has been put off, and the new man put on."

The Professor's stock having become exhausted, he has requested its renewal from the British and Foreign Society, and while in asking for 36,000 more Testaments, he confesses that his demand is great; he adds, that truly the demand for the Scriptures is greater.

His efforts in organizing the Nassau and Darmstadt Bible Societies have been crowned with success, and 1000 Bibles and 1000 Testaments have in consequence been presented to each of those Institutions, by the British and Foreign Bible Society.

Dr. Steinkopff in visiting Darmstadt had ocular demonstration of the admirable manner in which the Professor conducts the Society's business. He is indeed "in labours so abundant" that his health began to decline, and he was in consequence obliged to use the bath at Ems. There he continued his sacred work, and formed the acquaintance of two Roman Catholic ministers, who each took away 400 New Testaments. In a late communication he states that the 36,000 Testaments before granted, were reduced to 1000, and requests a further supply of 8000. In this letter he writes, "I am much delighted and comforted with what I see and hear among the peasantry, who call upon me to fetch Bibles. Their tears of joy, on being presented with copies, bear witness to their hunger and thirst after the word of God." From a clergyman the Professor has received an acknowledgment of the receipt of 2,300 Testaments, and a request at the same time of a further supply of 5,000.

To mention all the demands that have been made upon him, or all the grants which have been placed at his disposal, would far exceed our limits. It shall suffice to state, that during the past year, he has distributed nearly 50,000 Bibles and Testaments, making the grand total, since the commencement of his labours, of upwards of 500,000 copies.

PRUSSIA.

Bible Societies.-The last Report of the Prussian Bible Society states, that 11,022 Bibles and Testaments had been issued from the Depository of the Central Society of Berlin, and 22,400 from its forty-two Auxiliaries. It is observed in this document, many thousands of our Christian brethren rejoice in the light of

Evangelical truth, as it beams from the word of God, who were once sunk in the darkness of ignorance respecting those things which belong to their peace."

This Society has willingly acceded to a request on the part of the Committee of the British and Foreign Society to print, at their expense, an edition of 5,000 Bohemian Testaments.

The Königsberg Society advances, in the midst of the difficulties occasioned by the pressure of the times. Through the assistance of the British and Foreign Society, this Institution has printed 5,000 Lithuanian and 5,000 Polish Testaments; and, at its own expense, has prepared 5,000 Lithuanian and 3,000 Polish Bibles.

The Dantzic Society has been enabled to do more in the last than in any preceding year, and a growing desire is manifested among the Roman Catholics for the Scriptures. Ten Roman Catholic schools, the Report states, had requested supplies. The want still existing among the Protestants is also great. One school inspector had found among 1,873 scholars only six Bibles and sixty one Testaments. The Pomeranian Bible Society at Stettin has distributed 5,000 copies. The demands exceeding its own resources, and there being many applications for the London edition of the German Testament, 300 copies have been given by the Society at home. Their Report, after alluding to the convulsions which Christen⚫ dom has experienced, observes, "The consequence of this has been the friendly and fraternal approximation of the majority of religious parties. Divine Providence has made the various Societies, established for Christian purposes, the means of drawing together the bonds of peace."

The Silesian Bible Society, at Breslau, distinguishes itself by active exertions in the circulation of the Sacred Books in German, Bohemian, Polish, and Hebrew. The Schoolmasters take an active part, and ninety-one schools send in their valuable collections. The distress is great, the harvest having failed; but the churches are said to be better attended, the hearts of the people being more susceptible of the consolation of eternal life. "We cannot," adds the Report, "but adore the wisdom of Divine Providence in raising up at this juncture an Institution, without which we should not have had it in our power to distribute so many copies. Notwithstanding their deep poverty, many of the poor refused to receive the boon of a Testament or a Bible gratuitously. We must,' they exclaimed 'give our mite.' "

Mr. Hillmer, one of the privy counsellors of his Prussian Majesty, has sent the pleasing information of a revival of zeal at Liegnitz, and preferred a request to the British and Foreign Society for some Bibles: 500 copies have been cheerfully granted. Mr. H. has himself distributed 14,000 Testaments among Roman Catholics in this district.

In addition to these Auxiliaries there are many more in active operation, but our limits prevent a more detailed account.

DENMARK.

Bible Societies.-The Danish Bible Society has circulated, during the last year, 10,000 Bibles and Testaments; making a total of 100,000 since its formation. "We have reason to believe," writes the Secretary, "that the greater part of this distribution has fallen on good ground." The Greenlandish and Faroese translations proceed. Of the latter, the Gospel according to St. Matthew has been completed, and an edition of 1,500 printed: of the former, the Psalms of David have been finished, and are now in the press. Ten new Auxiliaries have been formed, and in every part a thirst after the divine word increases: greater, perhaps, in consequence of the temporal distress felt throughout the country.

Through the persevering labours of the Sleswig-Holstein Society 50,000 copies of the Scriptures have been brought into circulation. The number of its Auxiliaries increases; and in its Report many very gratifying testimonies are given of the good-will with which the cause is supported.

The Rendsburg Bible Society has issued 4,582 copies of the Scriptures.

The many difficulties necessarily attending the work of translation are for cibly pointed out in this Report; and the Society, in consequence, proceeds with slowness and caution. The Hindoostanee Pentateuch is now in a course of distribution, and the New Testament has been commenced. The kindness of the Rev. W. H. Mill, Principal of Bishop's College, in revising the proofs of the New Testament, has been deeply felt; and the Calcutta Committee confidently anticipate important improvements in this edition. Mr. Bowley's New Testament in Hinduwee has advanced to the Philippians. A new edition of the Bengalee, after a careful revision by the Translation Committee, has been sent to the press.

In consequence of a grant of the British and Foreign Bible Society in aid of the translation department of the college, founded by the late Bishop of Calcutta, the Rev. T. Robinson, chaplain at Poonah, applied for his Lordship's sanction to a projected version of the Old Testament in Persian; and on its being ascertained that the proposed work fell within the terms of the grant, it has been commenced, and from the acknowledged abilities of the gentleman who has taken it into hand, high expectations are entertained that it will supply an important desideratum.

BOMBAY.

Biblical Translations.-From Bombay information has been sent of the entire Testament in Goojurattee having been completed, and put into extensive circulation. This work was finished in eight parts, equal to 1,000 copies of the whole Testament, of which about one-half had been already distributed.

Associations have been formed in regiments belonging to the Presidency; and from these, 400 rupees have been presented to the Bible Society.

The American Missionaries in this quarter continue their labours of translation, and have been aided by a grant of 100 reams of paper from the British and Foreign Bible Society, for the purpose of printing the Scriptures.

Remains of the Ten Tribes.-A Letter from Thomas Jarrett, Esq. of Madras, inserted at page 287, supra, mentioned the transmission of some documents referring to an attempt made to obtain further information respecting Beni-Israel, or the supposed descendants of the long lost ten tribes; towards whom the attention of the Christian public had been directed, by the conjectures of Sir W. Jones, Dr. Buchanan, and others, and latterly, by the discovery of Jewish manners and customs amongst the sepoys in the British army in Bengal. We now subjoin those documents, consisting of (ABCD) the queries suggested by Mr. Jarret; and the result of Mr. Sargon's enquiries, as contained in his letters, dated Madras, (E) and afterwards Cochin, 30th June, 1823, (F).

(A, B, C, and D.)

Queries respecting the Beni-Israel.

The most likely way to find out this interesting race of people called BeniIsrael, and supposed to be a portion of the long lost ten tribes, will be to state those marks and circumstances by which some of them have already been discovered; they are as follows:

Some came to Cochin, who were sepoys belonging to the 8th regiment Bombay Native Infantry.-They attended on the Sabbath-days, (Saturdays) the white Jews' synagogue at Cochin until three o'clock in the afternoon, when they left it to prepare for parade, &c.-They used only one prayer whilst there (Deut. vi. 4.), "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord."-They caused their children to be circumcised by the Mohel, or circumciser of the White Jews, and not by the Black Jews, or by Mahometans.-They sent their children to the Hebrew White Jews' school whilst at Cochin.-They are a courageous race of men, and of

Biblical Intelligence.

quite a distinct cast from those termed Black Jews, whom they look upon as inferior to them. They spoke the Hindee language.-They were said to be addicted to idolatry.-A rabbi named Benjamin, passing through Poonah, found some of these people, who were sepoys. They sent to him to request he would slay their fowls, &c. under the idea of the sanctity of his character.-The second battalion, first regiment Bombay Native Infantry, commanded by Capt. Staunton, at the affair of Corygaum, on the 1st January, 1818, is said to have been chiefly composed of Beni-Israel. Some people of a like description were found in America. They used the same prayer as above. They held Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to have been their progenitors, and pretended to be of the posterity of Reuben; they said they had been brought into the country by the particular and miraculous providence of God.*

There are said to be a number of Jews, supposed to be Beni-Israel, living out of the walls of the town of Bombay, who are a different race of people from the White Jews who live within its walls. They have a synagogue there, but had no Sepher Tora, or Book of the Law, when the late Dr. Buchanan visited them in 1808, only a few loose leaves of prayers in manuscript. They dwell in a street by themselves, and do not mix with the natives. In their occupations they are chiefly cultivators of the soil, though they enter the military service. The names of the place where they reside, is called Barcally. They have a chief among them, who is a Subadar in the army.-At Dewanghur, two days journey south of Bombay, a number of these people are stated to reside.

The people above described must be carefully distinguished from the Afghans, whose history is as follows:-They say they have traditions that they are of Jewish origin, and are the posterity of Melic Talut or King Saul, and are sons of Afghan, one of the grandsons of King Saul, but are not inclined to acknowledge their descent, though attested by the best l'ersian historians.-They assumed the title of Muluc, kings, which they now enjoy.-They divided themselves into four classes. 1st, Those whose fathers and mothers were Afghans: 2nd, fathers Afghans, mothers different nations: 3d, mothers Afghans, fathers different nations: 4th, Children of women whose mothers were Afghans, and fathers and mothers of a different nation. They have the titles of Patan and Khan; the former are divided into a variety of sects.-The Afghans live in the mountain of Solomon, near Kandahar, and the circumjacent country; they are called also Solimani.-They profess Mahomedanism, though they believe themselves to be of Jewish origin. They bear a strong resemblance to the Jews.-Their families are said to be distinguished by the names of Jewish Tribes, but they studiously conceal their origin.-They use the Pushtoo language, which has a strong resemblance to the Chaldaic.-A considerable district under their dominion is called Hazarch, or Hazaret, (2 Esdras xiii. 40-47). Some are still said to exist in the mountains of Caboul, who never embraced the religion of the Koran, who are termed sea-posh, from their always wearing black, (Mr. Vansittart and Sir W. Jones, and Faber's Judah and Israel, Vol. I.)

The Beni-Israel are supposed to be in great numbers in countries between Cochin and Bombay, the north of Persia, and among the hordes of Tartary, and in Cashmire.

Such being the extent of our knowledge respecting the Beni-Israel, it is desirable to obtain more certain and correct information on the following points;In what countries are they to be found, what is their colour, and what cast of people do they resemble in their complexion ?-What is the language they speak, and the names of places where they dwell?-Do they know any thing of the Hebrew language, or the Bible?-Do they know where they originally came from, and have they any account of their history, oral or written, and how long have they resided in the villages where they are?-Are they not the same people termed Afghans or Afghani, and do they not trace their descent from Israel, and posterity from King Saul? Are they addicted to idolatry, and if so, what kind of idolatrous ceremonies do they use?-Do they themselves circumcise their children, or do the White

* Vide Calmet under the word "Transmigrations," with the Fragments there referred to.