ritual benefit. The Apostle tells us how it came to pass that the Word did not profit certain parties:-" they did not mix faith with it." The mingling of faith, then, is everything in the article of profiting; and where that faith mingles to good purpose, it will always, more or less, turn the matter into the form of devotional aspirations. A small portion of the Word of God read thus, will nourish and edify; whereas whole books may otherwise pass through the mind without leaving one element behind them.

By

The Spanish Protestants, and their Persecutions by Phillip II. An Historical Work. SENOR DON ADOLFO DE CASTRO. Translated from the Original Speech. By THOS. PARKER. Gilpin.

THIS is every way a remarkable publication. The author is a gentleman, whose position gives importance to his actions. He does not avow himself a Protestant; on the contrary, he is careful to abstain from doctrines-professedly limiting himself to fact; but he is not on that account the less, but very much the more terrible an adversary to the impious system. Mr. Parker, his excellent Translator in that capacity, deems it prudent to say nothing of what he knows of the author's religious views, but he sagaciously says, "I have a right to draw my own conclusions." So have we, and our conclusions are, that De Castro, whatever may be his views of the Gospel, as a man of talent, culture, and information, is thoroughly emancipated from the degrading thraldom of Poperya man in our age, worthily representing his own country in a former age, and a great period, when Spaniards were men.

Clara Eversham; or, the Life of a School Girl. A Narrative founded on fact. By HARRIET D'OLEY HOWE. Darling.

A TOUCHING narrative, beautifully illustrated, and the tendency of which is to enlighten the mind, mould the will, purify the heart, and finish the character on Christian principles. By young persons it will be read with an interest which will never flag, and is much calculated to be useful.

Dubourg: or, the Mercuriale. By M. A. S. BARBER. Nisbet.

The volume gives a sketch of the Secret Church of Paris, in the middle of the sixteenth century, forming a sort of episode in history on the points at issue between the Reformation and the Papacy. It is not to be viewed as originating in recent Papal movements, having been completed, with the exception of a few sentences, previously; but that movement will tend to prepare the public mind for the cordial reception of the book, and for deriving benefit from the important facts which it exhibits. It is judiciously conceived, and elegantly written, while it presents a large amount of fact, deduced from the best authorities of the age to which it refers.

History of England for Junior Classes. Edited by HENRY WHITE. Oliver and Boyd. MR. WHITE We are very glad so soon to meet again, and also to find that he is sticking stead

ily to this species of authorship, with which he is so competent to deal. We trust his merits will be appreciated, and meet with such rewards as will encourage him to go forward, for there is still an extended field of work before him. The narrative is terse and clear, while the questions are well framed, and such as to exhaust the subject. The qualities so important in such a work, accuracy and impartiality, may be relied on. The Author has written as a man of no party, and as having no end to serve but that of truth. We always test historians of England, great and small, by such events as the Commonwealth and the Revolution, and the light in which they view such men as Cromwell. Thus tested, Mr. White comes off, with honour. We recommend the volume as an excellent School Book.

Ahn's Practical and Easy Method of Learning the French Language. First Course. Translated from the Thirty-ninth German Edition, and adapted to English Students, by J. P. HALL and THOMAS HALL, B.A., of the University of London, and Assistant Classical and Mathematical Master in the City of London School. Bateman.

THE few words already cited, alone suffice to establish the claims of the present little volume. There must be merit in a publication which has reached thirty-nine editions, and the Messrs. Hall would not have troubled themselves about the publication which had not some intrinsic merit to recommend it. "One of its peculiarities is, that it imitates, as much as possible, the natural way in which children acquire the first knowledge of their mother tongue, and prepare for the study of methodical grammar, and more advanced reading." There is wisdom here, and there is common sense, the basis of all sound philosophy. There are few things about which common sense has been less concerned than in the learning of languages; but happily, in these times, the absurd is giving place to the rational; difficulties are being cleared away; every facility is being supplied to the easy, sure, and rapid acquisition of language. The part now published is complete in itself, and the remainder of the work is in course of preparation. We trust the reception given to this will be such as to furnish encouragement to the parties concerned, and cannot doubt that when the publication is completed it will be a great boon to British families.

Grace and Clara; or, Be Just as Well as Generous. By AUNT KITTY. Green.

AUNT Kitty is a capital monitor. She loves, but with discretion. Her rule is gentle, but it is combined with decision. She has here taught much wisdom in a simple way, and imparted lessons to the children which can hardly fail to be profitable to men and women. Mrs. Wilmot has a talent for this species of labour, which she would do well to cultivate. She is a woman of a high order, and is excellently fitted to lecture little folks with prudence. The doctrines of economy and self-denial, as set forth in this book, are invaluable. The whole strain of the volume is excellent, and must prove beneficial to the careful reader.

AMERICA. The events of the month have been unusually important, both as it respects the kingdoms of this world and the kingdom which cannot be moved. In the United States, the war of freedom goes on with vigour, and with hope for the cause of humanity. The Fugitive Slave Law has thrown the whole of that vast community into a ferment. The cruel law, which has been as oil to the bones of one class, has filled the breasts of another with grief, and fired their souls with indignation. The means by which it may be rendered inoperative, evaded, or eluded, are engaging the minds of many of the best patriots of the States. These men have vowed eternal war against it; so long as it exists, men of this stamp will be found to denounce it, and to labour for its overthrow. It really seems probable that this last measure will very materially contribute to hasten on the ultimate and complete destruction of the Slave system. Already it has given a mighty impulse to the Anti-slavery agitation; it has done much to perfect the case of the advocates of the slave; by this atrocious act, the Free are mixed up with the Slave states, and compelled to be partakers of their iniquity. The important distinction between Free and Slave States is now lost; they are all now converted into one vast and imperial house of bondage; and those that will not employ, are no longer permitted to give shelter to the afflicted sons of Ham. The Canadas, too, are brought into mortifying con. trast with the United States; mortifying for the free portion of them, and full of glory for Great Britain. The Canadas are now a City of Refuge for the oppressed, the only City in the New World! All else is darkness, danger, chains, and death! In this arrangement, it is not difficult to see the hand of God. As it is, thousands have fled from the blood-hounds of the pursuers, and secured their liberty against the possibility of being overtaken. Now let us suppose the Canadas had effected the separation from the Mother country, for which not a few have recently contended, and been incorporated with the Union; what would have been the condition to-day of the fugitive slaves? All hope would have been cut off, and the alternative would have been death or slavery. The conversion of the Canadas into federal Republics would have been a sorrowful day for humanity. Christian men will comprehend the subject, and they will deem it one fit for remembrance before the Throne of the Eternala throne based upon justice, and at which the cry of distress is never unheeded.

AUSTRALIA.-The state of things in Australia is far from satisfactory. The Colonists complain that faith has not been kept with them by the Imperial Government. It had been positively promised, they affirm, to the Colonies, more especially to Van Dieman's Land, that no more convicts should be sent among them without their consent. This was both wise and just on the part of the Colonial Office, and gave great satisfaction to the Colonists. But notwithstanding this, one ship has actually arrived with convicts, and a number more are being fitted up for the same object. The result has been, to

awaken among the Colonists a spirit of deep disappointment and resolute resistance. They have determined not to employ one of those unhappy creatures who are thrust upon them, and in public meetings they have passed very strong resolutions condemnatory of the Home Government. The head of the Colonial Office, Earl Grey, on the contrary, has explained, and attempted a defence of his measure, protesting that the idea of an entire cessation of convict importation was never entertained by the Government, and that his language has been strained. This is not the place to discuss the subject; this we have done elsewhere. We have to do here, only with its bearings on the cause of Christ in these new countries. Now nothing is more clear than that the importation of the scum of English society, the sweepings of the jails of Great Britain and Ireland, must be viewed in the light of a calamity, a grievous wrong, a bitter curse. Importation of crime! Alas! this is indigenous to the soul of the human race. Man and sin, society and corruption, are inseparable. Corruption is an article which, so far from requiring to import it, every community can afford to export in large and neverceasing quantities. But with respect to this, there is a peculiarity in new countries. Large numbers of men of doubtful virtue, or of men absolutely bankrupt in character, of their own accord, repair to the Colonies, not a few by stealth and flight-many such men have gone thither who are criminals at large-men who have fled from the hand of justice in the Mother country. The importation of evil to the Colonies is, therefore, preposterous; they have, in proportion to their numbers, far more than the usual amount of depraved human nature to contend with. Under any circumstances, for many a day, the Colonies will present a very mixed character, and, to a large extent, form a house of refuge for vagrants; and is it, then, fair, humane, or patriotic to make bad worseto bring the engine of legislature and governmental administration to bear upon the further depression of morality in these young nations? It is no wonder that the best men in the Colonies are the most forward to yield every opposition in their power to this cruel arrangement on the part of the Home Government, and that the foremost and most determined among them are the ministers of religion. There seems little doubt that the Government will be compelled to give way to the unanimous resistance of the United Colonies. The example of the people at the Cape of Good Hope seems to have been very effective in rousing the Australians to act a similar part, and to defend themselves against this terrible invasion of evil. If we may judge from the accounts which have reached us, and from private communications, the doom of convictism in Australia is sealed. On this point we would submit the practical question to our readers,-Is not this a matter in which the people of Great Britain are most closely interested? Are not our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, there? And are not their highest interests bound up with this measure? Does it not devolve, then, upon the friends of all such at home to do what in them lies to strengthen

their hands in all possible ways? Is it not meet that they should use their right of petitioning the Legislature, and memorialising the Crown, and communicating with their parliamentary representatives on the question, thus strengthening the appeal which is made from the Colonies?

SOUTH AFRICA.-But if the state of things in Australia be unsatisfactory, and even painful, it is much more so in South Africa; we regret with the utmost sincerity and the deepest sorrow that a new Caffre war has broken out, which threatens to be of some duration, and fraught with great mischief. Already, there has been considerable bloodshed, and a large destruction of property. Into the causes of the war we cannot enter here. We shall refer only to the effects, which are very lamentable. The work of Christian Missions will, as on the last occasion, be much impeded by it. During the last war, a number of important Stations were destroyed. Such will again be the consequence of the present outbreak. But this is not all. The present conflict will augment the fires of former enmity, and for a generation to come, greatly obstruct the progress of the Gospel amongst that most important class of people, the Caffres. It is not enough to say, the Caffres will infallibly be subdued. This is a matter of course-there is no doubt of that -they cannot withstand the disciplined troops of Europe. But subjugation is a poor preparation for the labours of the Gospel Missionary. Each successive defeat of the natives only serves to add to the detestation and horror with which they think of the white invader. Viewed in the light of Missions, it is most deeply to be deplored; but while this is the primary view in the mind of the Christian-it is by no means the only one. The moral, the social, and the economic effects of such an event, are always a matter of grave consideration. While it breaks up the peace, and disturbs the commercial arrangements of the Colony, it must, nevertheless, add to the burdens of the Mother country; for, of course, they, not the Colonists, bear, and ought to bear, the expenses of such a war, since, had the matter been in the hands of the Colonists, the probability is there had been no war; for it is beyond doubt that, to a large extent, this and former wars have been the result of maltreatment on the part of the Colonial authorities. So that neither the British people, nor the Colonists of the Cape, are to blame, although the British people must clear the score. Already about five millions of money have been spent in Caffre wars-a sum which would have sufficed to have converted the whole of the beautiful region, from Cape Town to Natal, into a garden of beauty.

THE CONTINENT.-On the Continent there has been no material change. The grand spot to which the Christian eye is directed is the Papal States, where there is no improvement whatever, either in the spirit or the administration of the Home Government. The Press is exulting in the fall of the British Ministry, which it deems the consequence of its "violent conduct" in the affairs of the Romish Hierarchy. There can be no doubt that the difficulties of the Ministry were great, and were brought on by this event, and it is convenient for Romish purposes to identify it with a judgment-to dub Cardinal Wiseman a modern

But the

Mordecai, and Lord John a Haman! triumph has been premature, forasmuch as the fallen-down Ministry has been restored to its former functions, and restored all the more to its honour, that none others were able to take its place. At the same time, all things considered, and more especially the emasculation of the Bill, there is too much ground for the Vatican to chuckle and exult in its partial triumph. Parties the best informed, resident at Rome, state that the Pope entertains no doubt whatever that success will attend his operations in England. Lord Aberdeen and Sir James Graham have much contributed to strengthen his hands, nor is he a little comforted by the unwise speeches of Messrs. Cobden, Bright, and Gibson. According to report, a Prelate of high rank, in a recent audience at the Vatican, expressed his conviction, either sincerely or complimentarily, to the Pope, by exclaiming, "In England, Most Blessed Father, you will not fail to conquer;" to which his Holiness replied, "Of that I trust there is no doubt." What say our readers to this? It is but candid to confess that appearances are not a little favourable, and that it is, after all, not improbable that Rome may yet again lift up her head in Britain in towering pride, although but preparatory to her final fall and destruction. Our readers will learn with astonishment that, at the time we write, the Bill, which, with its original provisions, was a most feeble and insufficient remedy for the evils it was meant to correct, has been already 80 amended as absolutely to divest it of any value whatever. It leaves Scotland untouched. And it is probable it will also pass over Ireland. In England, it will limit itself to some insignificant provisions for interdicting Territorial Titles of no value whatever. To deepen the distress of true Protestantism, the Government, through the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has intimated that it is not the intention to deal with the question of Maynooth, that is, to withdraw the enormous grant of £30,000 per annum for the support of that institution, which, at this moment, has within its walls no fewer than 500 young men, preparing for the priesthood. Let the reader mark this-500 young men, at the expense of the Protestants of England, are at this hour preparing for the service of the Romish Church in Ireland, in England, in Scotland, and in the Colonies! Yes! 500 men, at the expense of Protestant England! Let the Students of the Free Church, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the Independent and the Evangelical Union, with those of Lancashire College, Spring-hill College, Western College, New College, Cheshunt, Airedale, and Rotherham, be all combined, and they will constitute but a small minority, compared with the army of the deceivers of the nations in the course of training at Maynooth! The support of Popery ought to be the primary point of attack with the Protestants of Great Britain, and, as we have repeatedly foretold, nothing but such an attack, as has not been often made, will bring the Ministry to withdraw the grant which is so iniquitously bestowed. The fact is, the Government in this matter is weak. It may be doubted whether, as the case stands at present, a very great majority would not declare for the perpetuity of the endowment; another proof how imperfectly the House of Commons represents the feelings of the Nation.

THE VOICE OF PRAYER.

'T is not alone from myriad fanes uprising, With richest symbols deck'd, ascends on high The supplicating voice Heaven's favour prizing, The contrite sigh.

From humbler roofs devotion's incense floateth, Of "upper rooms," where heaven-ward accents flow;

Vain man on outward decoration doateth,

And pompous show.

Our Father-God! what countless souls responding,

That thou hast heard, triumphant can declare, E'en in the sickening heart's most deep desponding,

The voice of prayer!

W. P. ELLison.

A HYMN.

No more, my soul, the creature love;
But fix thy thoughts on Him above,

Who suffer'd all thy pain;

He wept, and bled, and died for thee,
He bore thy sins upon the tree,

To give thee life again.

All mortal love for Him forsake,
And cheerfully His "burden" take,
Thy best, thy constant friend;
He knows thy fears, He feels thy grief,
And will apportion full relief,

Till all thy sorrows end.

Go, then, my soul, approach His cross,
And count as lasting gain the loss

That brings thee humbly there;
Go, seek within His open arms
A shelter from the world's alarms,
A refuge from despair.

See yonder happy blood-bought throng,
Hark, how they pour the notes along,

Through all the heavenly plains;
Archangels join the rapturous theme,
And sing of Him who did redeem
From everlasting pains.

Go, then, my soul, go seek His love,
And let the praise of saints above
On earth by thee be given;
Close to His Cross with ardour cling,
And with enraptur'd sweetness sing,
"No other way to heaven!"
Birmingham, Jan. 8, 1851.

W. STOKES.

EXTINCTION OF THE DEBT UPON THE CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL, WYKE, YORKSHIRE.

ON Shrove Tuesday, the fifteenth annual tea party was held in the above chapel, when upwards of 500 sat down to tea, after which, under the presidency of John Crossley, Esq., Mayor of Halifax, the business of the evening commenced. Addresses were delivered on the following subjects:

:-" Education at all times important, but at the present moment, when Infidelity, on the one hand, and Popery, on the other, are making the most daring attacks on the morals and religion of the people, it is of the highest value," by

Mr. J. Firth; "Education, to be efficient, must be religious in its character," by Mr. Benjamin Lee; "The voluntary system the most powerful and effective method for conferring this description of education upon the masses," by Mr. J. C. Hoatson; "The Sabbath-school takes a prominent place in the work of civilization, but, to Occupy a yet higher position, it must be made more efficient," by the Rev. Mr. Cecil; extinction of the debt on this chapel, a cause of congratulation to its friends and promoters, and ought to stir them up to more renewed and strenuous efforts in the great work of Christianizing and ameliorating the condition of mankind," by the Rev. B. Firth.

"The

The proceedings were rendered unusually interesting, from the fact announced by the Rev. B. Firth, that the beautiful and commodious chapel, after labouring for twenty-five years under a burdensome debt, was at length freed from all incumbrances, and that a handsome surplus remained towards the erection of a Sabbath and Day-school, which it was intended to set about providing forthwith.

This announcement was received with enthusiastic applause. This, and indeed the entire proceedings, presented a remarkable and encouraging contrast to the state of matters little more than thirty years ago. Then the village was noted as a place of resort for the disgusting scenes of the ring and the cock-pit. All these degrading exhibitions have passed away, and have been succeeded by the more humanizing scenes of Tuesday. A cheering evidence of the power and results of the voluntary system was referred to by the Rev. B. Firth, in the fact, that about twenty-eight years ago, when he first commenced his labours in the village, on one of his visits to a poor family, he desired to see their Bible; the woman of the house, after some hesitation, presented a small tract, asking if that were what he wanted. The state of matters had been much improved in this respect, as, through the exertions of the collectors for the Bible Society, nearly 2,000 Bibles and Testaments had been sold in the village within the last few years; and upwards of 150 magazines are taken monthly by the scholars and teachers in connection with the chapel.

The proceeds of the tea party, with £23 subscribed by the teachers and friends, amounted to upwards of £40.

ORDINATIONS.

The Rev. G. W. Swann was ordained to the pastoral office over the Congregational Church, Armitage, on Tuesday, March 4th, 1851. The Rev. J. Kay, Hinckley, opened the services with reading the Scriptures; and the Rev. T. Hall, Rugely, delivered the introductory discourse. The usual questions were proposed, and the ordination prayer offered, by the Rev. W. Salt, Lichfield. The charge was given by the Rev. G. Swann, Worksop (father of the young minister); and the concluding prayer was presented by the Rev. G. Newton, Birmingham. In the evening, the Rev. J. Cooke, of Uttoxeter, preached to the people. The ministers and friends were generously entertained at dinner by Mr. George Smith, at his own expense.

Rev. Henry Davies.-The ordination of the Rev Henry Davies, late of Newport Pagnell College, took place at George-street Chapel, Ryde, Isle of Wight, February 12th, 1851. The service was commenced by the Rev. F. W. Meadows, of Gosport, reading the Scriptures and prayer. Dr. Ferguson delivered the introductory discourse, in which he set forth the nature and constitution of Christ's kingdom. Rev. E. Giles, of Newport, asked the usual questions, to which satisfactory answers were given. The ordination prayer was offered by Mr. Giles. Rev. G. Smith, of Poplar (Mr. Davies' pastor), gave the charge, founded on 2 Tim. iv. 15: "Study to show thyself approved of God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Rev. J. Basley, of East Cowes, closed the solemnities of the occasion, which were listened to with great attention.

CONGREGATIONAL BOARD OF

EDUCATION.

VARIOUS educational schemes, based on general or local taxation, have been of late propounded, each of which gains some partisans. The advocates of these measures do not, evidently, find it easy to concoct a plan in harmony with the principles of civil and religious liberty, and, therefore, likely to gain general support. This has been the settled conviction of the Congregational Board of Education; and having delivered its testimony, it is anxious to show, by actual results, that a purely voluntary system is not impracticable. It is pursuing its work with steady perseverance, greatly preferring its practical operations in raising up a body of earnest and well-trained teachers, and in seeking to bring into operation whatever plans may render our popular schools less burdensome, to engaging in the turmoil of a bootless controversy. This course will, we doubt not, meet with the approval of all who are interested in the improvement and extension of primary education.

1. Increased Income.-The Board is anxious that its operations should be worthy of the denomination it represents; and measures are in progress, which, it is hoped, will ensure a more general support.

Appeal to the Churches.-An appeal for congregational collections is to be issued, which has been cordially sustained by the following resolution :

"That the Committee of the Congregational Union, anxious that the Churches of our denomination should take their full share in the work of popular education, views the efficient training of young persons, of both sexes, by the Congregational Board of Education, with much interest; and trusts that it will speedily obtain an annual income commensurate with its requirements. At the present juncture of its history, congregational collections are strongly recommended, as affording a favourable opportunity for bringing the subject of Education before the members of our Churches; and as the Board has retained its original constitution agreeably to the feeling expressed at the last Autumnal Meeting of the Union, it is hoped