receive the light of the Gospel-to embrace a religion which inspires and produces so many virtues. And on the other shore, in Spain, they banish from their sacred asylums, virgins consecrated to the Lord, and seek by every means to deprive them of the resources necessary for the sustenance of life.

"Does not this seem to announce, as I have already said, and make it be feared, that for Spain the terrible moment is arrived when God in his justice wishes to carry elsewhere the torch of his faith, and to accomplish the fatal threat which the Saviour uttered against the Jews, as cited in St. Matthew: 'The kingdom of heaven shall be taken away from you, to be given to another people who will produce fruit.' -chap. xxi. 43.

"Nevertheless, these too-legitimate fears are combated by consoling hopes of a better future. A great portion of this gallant nation and of its clergy have preserved in the recesses of their hearts, the faith of their ancestors, and a filial attachment for the holy see, as on the banks of Babylon the captive Israelites cherished in their thoughts and hearts the memory of their beloved Jerusalem. Besides, Spain counts in heaven so many intercessors, that my hopes shall not prove vain. It seems to me that I behold at the foot of the Almighty throne, the tutelary angel of this kingdom surrounded by all the saints which Spain has brought forth, by those founders and reformers of orders, who, after having achieved so much good during their lives in the church by their holiness, continue to work out the same end by the zeal and piety of their numerous posterity, the Dominics, the Ignaciuses, the Joseph Cazalanses, the Johns of God, the Peters of Alcantara, the Theresas. Ah! my heart tells me that the voices, the ardent prayers of so many heroic intercessors will appease the Divine justice, and that the Lord will cast upon Spain and Portugal the eyes of his mercy. But in appointing the day that his clemency may visit this people, may our submission to the decrees of his providence be unshaken."

The revival of Popery in Belgium, aided as it is by the virtual apostasy of King Leopold from that religion which made the house of his fathers great, is a theme on which this aged orator dwells with marked complacency :

"Our consolation and our joy increase still more when we consider the state of the church in Belgium. I have seen in the course of my life, four different dynasties reign successively in this industrious and interesting country. The three first, rivals and oftentimes opposed by political and commercial interests, agreed and perfectly resembled each other in one thing-in their application to trample upon and torment this good people, so truly Catholic, by religious innovations. These three first dynasties having been driven off either by foreign arms or by the insurrection and resistance of the people, Divine Providence has at length accorded peace to those good Catholics, and it has executed its design by a wonderful stroke of its omnipotence, by one of those means which the straightened ways of human wisdom might find contrary to the proposed end, means well expressed by this ingenious proverb of the Portuguese language, Deos escreve dirieto sobre uma regra estorta.'-God writes on a curved line. In effect, God to procure peace for the Catholics, called the fourth dynasty. He raised upon the throne a new prince, strange by country, born and educated in Protestantism, and attached to the sect of Luther. Who would not have thought but that the enemies of religion would have found a support in him? Well! this prince, worthy to be proposed as a model to those who have had the good fortune to be born in the bosom of the true church, has perfectly learnt the truth and justice of the celebrated words of the great Osius, bishop of Cordova, to the emperor Constance, Tibi Deus imperium commisit, nobis quæ sunt ecclesiæ credidit'—

N. S. VOL. VII.

5 0

It is to you, prince, that God has committed the empire; but it is to us that he has confided the interests of his church.

"When the new king of Belgium took possession of the throne, the words he addressed to the clergy expressed the same thought, and he has faithfully kept his promise; for to give to his people a guarantee and complete assurance of the attachment of the new dynasty to the Catholic religion, he desired that his children should be baptized and brought up in our holy and august religion."

Italy is of course eulogised, but it seems that it is still troubled by the doctrines of Jansenism :

"Nevertheless, we had also the unhappiness of seeing in the seventeenth century, penetrate into Italy, a hypocritical sect from Flanders, and which in order to hide the more securely its intentions and dark projects, disavowed its real existence. Though proscribed and struck with the anathemas of the holy see, it found an easy access, a well-wishing reception in certain cloisters, whose destruction it had already perfidiously meditated, and in the universities, where unnatural children of Italy, unworthy to bear its name, and ungrateful towards heaven and its numerous blessings, embraced the errors of this sect, and dared to defend them. From this double source of public instruction spread and rapidly propagated among politicians, magistrates, and men in the bosom of civil tribunals, those principles of defiance, of jealousy, and of hatred towards the holy see, which, even under the reign of princes, whose private and public conduct was Christian, and whose intentions were pure and religious, reduced the church to the sad bondage of Agar, she who in sacred things should be free and independent queen."

We must yet make another extract, that our readers may know how the present state of religion in England, is spoken of in the high places of Rome:

"It is with a very different feeling that I consider what passes in another country, in which for many ages religion groaned under a most bitter and a relentless persecution. There they refused to the unfortunate Catholics even the consolation of freely exercising their worship; and not only was not that worship tolerated, but it was proscribed under penalties the most severe and the most cruel. At present, by a wonderful mutation, we see in those same regions new temples and magnificent cathedrals rising up; we see the building of convents and monasteries for the religious of the two sexes—and a well-wishing and generous hospitality is offered to the priests of those foreign nations who have been struck down by the persecutions of their country. It is easy to perceive that I speak of England. These facts are not a little consoling; but there is no reason to flatter ourselves with the idea which some persons do, that the Anglican sect is on the point of expiring. It is very true that it is every day losing ground, abandoned as it already is by numberless sectarians who have fallen into a complete incredulity, and by many others, who, enlightened by Divine grace, are returning to the bosom of their mother, the Catholic church, which has never ceased to feel for them the utmost tenderness. Nevertheless, this Anglican church, all tottering and shaken though it appears to be, is supported by two firm stays-the power of the aristocracy and the opulence of the clergy.

"As long as it shall be permitted to the great ones of this country to distribute to their brothers, to their children, to their nephews, the opulent revenue of episcopal endowments, and the rich benefices which annually raise six million pounds sterling, it is in vain to hope for the disappearance of this sect. But if the Lord continues to

bless the zeal and the labours of our clergy in England, we shall soon witness the abandonment of Protestant pastors by the greater portion of their flocks. It is seldom in Ireland that the Protestant minister of a parish has a larger congregation than his wife and children and clerk. As to the rest, that which the Anglicans call defection, but which we call conversion, will force the government to make serious reflections. In other times it might be feared that it would make the persecution more violent; but in the actual state of Europe we must look for favourable results from it to the cause of the Catholics."

When the Cardinal delivered this passage, he must have forgotten what he had said about Germany. In England, he regards aristocratical alliances and worldly wealth as the strength of the Anglican church; but he confessed that they were the weakness of the Germanic church, and that since it was stripped of its worldly rites and pompous trappings, it has increased in moral power and spiritual efficiency. May not this also be true of the Church of England? so that if "the great ones of this country" should be no longer "permitted to distribute" to their family connexions its enormous wealth, would not that event which he anticipates as the instrument of ruin to Protestantism in England, in fact be the occasion of its glorious renovation?

As to the statement that the numberless sectarians of England "have fallen into a complete incredulity," we can only say that if he means "complete incredulity" as to the authority of the papal see, the truth. of apostolical succession, the weight of tradition, &c. &c.; we must admit the fact; but if this "complete incredulity" relates to the Christian faith, the sacred writings, and the triumph of scriptural Protestantism, he is altogether mistaken; and when the day of trial comes in England, by the grace of God these contemned sectarians will show the agents and emissaries of Rome, what their faith is by their works.

THE EDITOR'S TABLE.

A MEMOIR of Greville Ewing, Minister of the Gospel, Glasgow. By his Daughter. 8vo. pp. 672. With a Portrait. London: J. Snow.

The Child's Guide through the Bible: or a Help to understand the Bible as the Record of God's Plans for teaching Men Religion. By Mr. Evans Fletcher, B. A. 12mo. pp. 148. London: Hatchard & Son.

Histoire Critique du Rationalisme en Allemagne depuis son origine jusqu'a nos jours. Par Amand Saintes. Deuxième Edition. Revué et augmentée. 8vo. pp. 572. Paris: Brockhaus et Avinarius. London: Williams & Norgate.

Exposition of Hebrews xi.; as setting forth the Nature, Discoveries, and Effects of Faith. By an Indian Layman. 12mo. pp. 316. London: Seeley & Co.

An Examination of the Principles and Tendencies of Dr. Pusey's Sermon on the Eucharist; in a series of Letters to a Friend. By the Rev. B. Godwin, D.D., Minister of New Road Chapel, Oxford. 8vo. pp. 82. London: Jackson & Walford. Journals of the Rev. Messrs. Isenberg and Krapf, Missionaries of the Church Missionary Society, detailing their Proceedings in the Kingdom of Shoa, and Journeys in other parts of Abyssinia, in the years 1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842.

To which is prefixed, A Geographical Memoir of Abyssinia and South-eastern Africa, by James M'Queen, Esq., grounded on the Missionaries' Journal and the Expedition of the Pacha of Egypt up the Nile. The whole illustrated by two Maps engraved by Arrowsmith. 8vo. pp. 626. London: Seeley & Co.

Immortality its real and alleged Evidences; being an Endeavour to ascertain how far the future Existence of the Human Soul is discoverable by Reason. By I. T. Gray, Ph. D. 8vo. pp. 32. London: G. & J. Dyer.

Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. Edited by Wm. Smith, LL.D., Ph. D. Part IV. 8vo. London: Taylor & Walton.

A Pastor's Memorial of Egypt, the Red Sea, the Wildernesses of Sin and Paran, Mount Sinai, Jerusalem, and other principal localities of the Holy Land, visited in 1842; with Brief Notes of a Route through France, Rome, Naples, Constantinople, and up the Danube. By the Rev. George Fisk, LL.D., Prebendary of Lichfield, &c. 8vo. pp. 462. London: Seeley & Co.

The Perils of the Nation. An Appeal to the Legislature, the Clergy, and the Higher and Middle Classes. Second Edition, revised. 8vo. pp. 382. London: Seeley & Co.

The Key to Modern Controversy; or the Baptism Regeneration of the Established Church explained and justified; in reference to the late charge of the Bishop of London. By the Rev. G. Bugg, B. A. 12mo. pp. 72. London: Seeley & Co.

The Trial of the Spirits; or Popery brought to the Scripture Test. The substance of two Sermons preached at Hanover Chapel, Walworth. With Notes, &c. By H. L. Poppewell. 8vo. pp. 40. London: W. Bennett.

Religion in the United States of America; or an Account of the Origin, Progress, Relations to the State, and Present Condition of the Evangelical Churches in the United States; with Notices of the Unevangelical Denominations. By the Rev. Robert Baird. 8vo. pp. 736. Illustrated with Maps. Glasgow: Blackie & Son. London: Duncan and Malcolm.

Selections from the Kur-an, commonly called in England, the Koran; with an interwoven Commentary; translated from the Arabic, methodically arranged, and illustrated by Notes, chiefly from Sale's Edition: to which is prefixed an Introduction taken from Sale's Preliminary Discourse; with corrections and additions. By Edward William Lane. 8vo. pp. 318. London: J. Madden & Co.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

NEARLY ready. The third and concluding volume of "Historical Memorials relating to the Independents or Congregationalists; from their Rise to the Restoration of the Monarchy, A. D. 1660. By Benjamin Hanbury." Published by the Congregational Union of England and Wales.

In the Press. Anecdotes of Peter the Great, Emperor of Russia; intended to exhibit the Result of Perseverance and Laborious Exertion in overcoming Difficulties. By the author of "a Visit to my Birth-Place." 18mo. With a Frontispiece.

Preparations being in progress for publishing a new Memoir of President Jonathan Edwards, the celebrated American Divine, it is earnestly requested that all individuals who have in their possession manuscript letters from him, would forward copies of the same to the Editor of this Periodical. It is also requested that all those who possess manuscript letters from Dr. Jonathan Edwards, junr., Dr. Joseph Bellamy, Dr. Samuel Hopkins, and Dr. Stephen West, of America, would forward copies of the same to the Editor, as it is in contemplation to publish the Biographies of those eminent Divines.

In the Press, and speedily will be published, the Life of Dr. Adam Clarke. By

James Everett.

CHRONICLE OF BRITISH MISSIONS.

HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Statement read by the Rev. Dr. Matheson at the Autumnal Meeting of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, held at Leeds, 12th of October, 1843,

IN presenting a statement to this Assembly respecting the Home Missionary Society of London, it appears only proper to recognise, as a kindred and valuable coadjutor, the West Riding Home Missionary Society. You are all well acquainted with the important help which it renders to the cause of evangelical truth in this part of England, by the aid it affords to feeble churches, and by the support it gives to Missionary labours. The large annual sum collected by the churches of this Riding in sustaining its operations, proves the deep interest which they take in the spread of the Gospel around them. Indeed, if it were possible for all the other counties of England and Wales to act in a similar manner, there would be no necessity for a central Home Missionary Society. The existence of any such society, is a proof that there is some deficiency or inability in the churches of other districts of England. This is the case, and it is on this ground that the strong are called upon to help the weak. If the vigorous churches, however, give all their strength to their own district or county, what is to become of those places that are destitute? If there are not eight counties in England in which Home Missionary operations are carried on without help, where is that help to come from, but from sister churches able to assist? If that, however, is withheld on the ground that they should confine their efforts to their own county, we can see little hope for the evangelization of our beloved country, as far, at least, as our own denomination is concerned. There are some county associations so feeble that they are unable to sustain one agent. It is chiefly to provide for cases of this kind, that the Home Missionary Society exists. But again, it must be asked, how can it obtain funds to aid such destitute districts, if not from the churches that are able to help themselves and to assist others also? There can be no difference of opinion as to the necessity that exists for enlarged efforts in promoting Home Evangelization; and there can be little diversity of sentiment as to the suitableness of the plans pursued by the Home Missionary Society for accomplishing that object. Happily these have been tried and found successful. The Society was formed in 1819. For several years its income and operations were contracted. Both of these have, however, been much enlarged, especially since it became connected with the Congregational Union. A statement of results can now be presented to the churches of our denomination, not unworthy of their reception and their confidence. It is no insignificant agency, to be able to speak of 150 excellent men, who are entirely devoted to the work of the ministry in connexion with your Society, or with pastoral charges. It is no small matter to report, that more than 50,000 persons regularly hear the Gospel from the lips of your agents. It is encouraging to know that the ministry of reconciliation is brought, through their instrumentality, within the reach of hundreds of thousands of the most destitute of England's population, in the agricultural districts of thirtyfour counties. It is an interesting fact that in 662 towns, villages, and hamlets, the standard of the cross has been planted; and in calling men to rally round it, the trumpet gives no uncertain sound. Besides this direct and simple method of making known the Gospel, it can be stated, that there are 218 Sunday-schools in connexion with the Society, containing upwards of 13,000 children, who are taught by upwards of 1700 teachers. The agents have also under their special care 110 Bible classes, containing 1400 scholars. Several thousand copies of the Scriptures have been