still little read. Now, on the contrary, Church Histories are brought into circulation, in a size and form which render them accessible and convenient for all. Of these we know none that we can more cordially recommend to the perusal of young persons in general, and especially of the children of religious parents, than the work which Mr. Timpson has just presented to the public. It is comprehensive without being lengthy, and minute without being tedious. It contains a history of the Church of God from the beginning. That portion allotted to the Old Testament is very judiciously disposed of in about twenty-eight pages: the sacred record itself being little else than a Church History. By this means Mr. T. has left himself room for entering into the most important points connected with the History of Christianity, which he does in seven books, appropriately divided into chapters and sections. One of these books very properly comprises all that relates to the Church from the fourth to the fifteenth century inclusive: the period of greatest barrenness and destitution of interest. To the century of the reformation, and each of those which have succeeded it, a separate book is devoted. The last is entirely occupied with "Protestant Missionary Societies," and must be read with deep interest by the youthful friends of missions. The whole work discovers much patience and extent of research, judicious selection, fidelity and impartiality of statement, candour in judging of characters and events, and a sacred solicitude to exhibit and recommend sound scriptural principles, every thing being referred to the inspired word of God, as the infallible

rule of decision.

The Gospel its own Witness; or, the Holy Nature and Divine Harmony of the Christian Religion, contrasted with the Immorality and Absurdity of Deism. By Andrew Fuller. A cheap Edition, by the London Book Society.

THIS is a timely and considerate reprint of Fuller's unanswerable contrast. Infidelity is varying her modes of attack; and under the mask of the co-operative system, gaining auditors, who would shrink from Taylor and

Carlile. It is now a part of the wily policy of the Owenite lecturers to denounce the infidelity of Deists, and to disclaim all connexion with them. The lecturers embellish their harangues with the emphatic language of Scripture as freely as with the familiar lines of the poets; that thus they may place sacred and human writers on a level. They bring no charges against the Bible; but commend it to be read along with the Koran, and with any books which happen to contain any knowledge. They heavily blame the Jews for crucifying Jesus Christ; and guard the poor against being led away by popular calumnies on the character of philanthropists of his order. Thus infidelity is disowned, that Atheism may be insinuated.

We know something of the policy and proceedings of these artizan lecturers; and will, if it appear necessary, both expose and explain this mystery of iniquity. In the mean time, we welcome and commend Fuller's Contrast. It is invulnerable armour, which any one may wear and wield without fatigue or danger. To vestry libraries and the visitors of the Christian Instruction Societies, it is invaluable; and its very low price renders it acceptable to all.

The Christian Catechist. Part 1. Principles of Religion in Verse, with Scripture Proofs. By John Bulmer. Sixth Edition. Holdsworth and Ball. WE have often thought that one of the best means of promoting the purity and power of religion in our land would be the multiplication of elementary works on Christianity. We hear much just now respecting principle. The scientific man, the politician, and the religionist too, write and talk continually about the importance, the force and the claims of principle. If we mistake not, this is a fact; and we think that it is a very significant fact. The popularity of a word is generally a proof and a presage of the ascendancy of the sentiment which it is intended to express; yes, a phrase or a word loudly and frequently reiterated by a nation's voice is very often a more correct index to the real state of things than all the profound predictions of political economists and polemical divines. The character of a

nation, like the character of an individual, is best learned from little things. Now, although we are not weak enough to suppose that one half of those who speak about principle attach any definite meaning to the term, still our respect for the word is so great that we hope it will never come obsolete, and that its frequent use will only lead all to study and love its import.

It is a grievous thing that the great benevolent healing principles of Christianity are so partially known; that that little volume-the New Testament has been in the world for nearly two thousand years, and yet that so few understand it! The first cause of this undoubtedly is, the radical depravity of the human heart: the next perhaps is this, that many, perhaps most of the teachers of religion, have done more to mystify than to simplify its sublime, but plain principles. We reverence and adore the mysteries of God, but we hate the mysteries of men. However, without intending any disrespect to our ancestors, or praise to ourselves, we really believe that there is an improvement in this respect. We regard the little work before us as a fair proof and specimen of that improvement. Mr. Bulmer's talents and industry to serve the rising generation merit our highest praise.

We have read the first part of the Christian Catechist with great pleasure. The sentiments are scriptural, the proofs well chosen, the language perspicuous, easy, and impressive: the design admirable. We strongly recommend this pamphlet, (and all the other parts of the Catechist which we have seen,) to our readers, especially to the elder children in families and Sunday schools. Those schools in the Metropolis which use the "Cachist," think very highly of it, and are anxious to obtain the succeeding parts. We wish the author great encouragement.

A Father's Tribute to the Memory of a beloved Daughter, with Extracts from the Diary of Miss Eliz. Turner. London. 12mo. pp. 206.

WORKS of this kind are grown into too much disrepute. It is not, indeed, to be expected, that the reader will

feel a degree of interest equal to that of the writer. But there is a certain class of the most sincere Christians, who peruse the spontaneous expressions of other Christians' diaries, with peculiar satisfaction. If it be interesting and profitable to mark the rich display of divine grace-the eminent and glowing piety exhibited hereby in the temper and conduct, under prolonged affliction-and the happy end and triumphant entrance into a world of immortality; then will the reader be highly gratified in the perusal of Miss Turner's life and diary. Though only twenty-four years of age, yet few persons of those converted in youth, and who have ever been keeping on 'the steady tenor of their way,' to glory, arrive at fifty to that eminence in the divine life which this young lady realized. We cordially recommend this small volume to young ladies at school, instead of " the light reading for leisure hours" too much in vogue in the present age. Nor will "the mother in Israel" be disappointed, if she look into it. Few, who "know the grace of God in truth, will lay aside this book without going through it, when they once begin. The bereaved father may justly lament the early fate of such a lovely child!

On the Advantages of the present Times, with regard to Freedom and Knowledge, and on ourconsequent Duties. A Lecture delivered at the opening of the Fourth Session of the Southampton Literary and Philosophical Institution, on Tuesday Evening, Dec. 1832. By John Bullar. Longman & Co.

THIS is a very interesting and useful pamphlet, characterized by much good sense and information on the part of the lecturer. It contains a brief but luminous view of the progressive advancement of personal liberty and general knowledge which has been enjoyed by an highly-favoured country, from the rude and barbarous times of the ancient Britons, down to the present age. There is also a fearless and manly avowal of the importance of Christianity, and our supreme obligations to it as a nation. We can faithfully assure our readers, especially the younger part of them, that they will not fail to be highly amused and interested by the perusal of this tract, and

A BEAUTIFUL volume, the production of an accomplished lady, whom we congratulate on her entrance into the regions of sacred poetry, attuning her lyre to "David's harp of solemn sound." We quote a part of one piece for its application to the " signs of the times."

"Do we not live now in those evil days
Which were foretold

In holy writings and inspired lays
Of prophets old?

"There is a wild confusion in the world, Like the vexed sea;

And ancient thrones are from high places hurled,

Yet man not free.

habitants of Hadleigh and its neighbourhood. Second Edition. 2. The Moral and Ecclesiastical States of Britain the causes of our National Adversity. 3. The Injustice and Inefficiency of Church Establishments.

Preparing for publication, Sermons by the Rev. R. W. Hamilton, Leeds.

Shortly will be published, Reflections and Admonitory Hints of the Principal of a Seminary, on retiring from the Duties of his Station, by John Fawcett, of Ewood-Hall, near Halifax.

The Rev. J. Fletcher, D.D. is engaged in preparing a Life, &c. of the late Rev. Wm. Roby, of Manchester.

Select Library, Vol. VI.--Lives of celebrated Missionaries, by John Carne, Esq. Author of Letters from the East.

In June will be published the "Literary Pancratium," or a Series of Dissertations on Theological, Literary, Moral, and Controversial Subjects. 8vo. By

Robert Carr and Thomas Swinburn Carr.

We are happy to announce that a larger Memoir of Felix Neff than appeared in our last Number, is preparing for publication by the Gentleman who supplies us with that article.

S s

AN APPEAL ON BEHALF OF THE CON

GREGATIONAL DENOMINATION IN
MONTREAL, CANADA.

The importance of Canada, as a valuable and extensive part of the British Empire, is now distinctly recognized and appreciated. Its present population is above a million of souls, the larger part of whom are emigrants from Great Britain and Ireland, with their immediate descendants. Besides the natural increase, which, as in all newly settled countries, is very great, it receives annually a large addition from Europe and the United States. The number last year from the former alone was between fifty and sixty thousand, and nearly double this number is expected to arrive during the ensuing season.

The city of Montreal in Lower Canada, the emporium of both provinces, contains already 30,000 inhabitants, one-third of whom are Protestants, the remainder are Catholics. The various denominations of Protestants, viz. Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists, have their respective churches and chapels; while the Independent denomination alone has no appropriate place of worship, nor, until now, could its members enjoy, in accordance with their views, the ministry and ordinances of the Gospel.

In the latter end of September last, the Rev. J. Smith, A. M. and the Rev. R. Miles, formerly of the London Missionary Society, arrived together at Montreal-having devoted themselves to the service of the Redeemer, in Canada. The former is engaged as Tutor of the Literary and Theological Seminary, in connexion with the "Canada Education and Home Missionary Society," Mr. Miles was urgently solicited by a respected individual (formerly a member of the Rev. G. Ewing's Church, Glasgow), who warmly espoused the cause, and a few other friends of the Independent denomination, to commence his ministry in Montreal, with the view of endeavouring, under the Divine blessing, to esta

blish a Congregational Church in this city, and so to be more efficiently instrumental in promoting the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom through both provinces of Canada. For this purpose, a school-room was immediately hired, and public services commenced on the following Sabbath, when the attendance was highly encouraging. The accommodation, however, thus provided was soon found to be inadequate to the increasing attendance; when, through a zealous friend of the cause, a larger and more commodious place was obtained. This has been fitted up for the use of the congregation, which now usually amounts on the Lord's day to about 300 persons. A Sunday School is also begun, which continues to increase, and presents pleasing prospects of great usefulness. A considerable rent is, however, paid for the place thus occupied-its tenure is precarious -and although its local situation is not unfavourable, there is every prospect that it will soon be too small to accommodate the attendants.

To give, therefore, stability and permanence to the work, which has thus been so auspiciously commenced, the friends of the cause are exceedingly desirous of erecting, without delay, a suitable place of worship, with accommodation for the Sunday School, in an eligible situation; and this they desire, not merely on their own account, and the rapidly increasing Protestant population of this city, for whom an adequate provision does not at present exist, but that, when thus settled, they may be better able afterwards to assist in forwarding the work of God throughout this interesting and extensive country, where there are thousands of their "kinsmen according to the flesh" destitute of the Gospel of salvation. This important object they are, however, unable to accomplish without assistance. The sum of £500 (a part of which is already subscribed) they hope, by great exertion, to raise in Montreal, but this amount will be ina

dequate to effect their purpose, as the larger portion, if not the whole, of this sum must be necessarily expended in the purchase of a suitable plot of ground.

To whom then can they look for the necessary aid to accomplish this good work, but to the friends of the Redeemer in Great Britain? and surely it is not too much for them to expect a small portion of that Christian liberality which flows so freely into other channels. And upon the benevolent assistance of the churches and congregations of the Independent denomination, the infant cause at Montreal has special claims, as there exists, at present, throughout this extensive country, but one Congregational Church.

This appeal is strongly recommended by R. Alliott, Joseph Gilbert, and Richard Alliott, jun. Nottingham; John Arundel, James Bennett, D. D., H. F. Burder, D. D., John Clayton, jun. M. A., E. Henderson, P. D., J. Pye Smith, D. D., H. Townley, and Robert Winter, D.D., London.

MONMOUTHSHIRE ENGLISH

ASSOCIATION.

THIS Congregational Association held its meeting at Chepstow, 11th April,

1832.

Religious Services. Preached, Messrs. Armitage Byron, Lewis: engaged in prayer,Messrs. Evans, Powell, Loader, and Coombs, (Baptist.) Hymns,

Messrs. Lamb and Thomas.

Business-Received Sunday school reports on the increase.

The plan of the Congregational Union, as proposed in London, May 13, 1831, approved.

Pontypool and Cardiff cases taken into consideration.

Ministers admitted into this Association; viz. Rev. B. Byron, of Newport, successor to the late Rev. Jenkin Lewis; Rev. D. Lewis, Abergavenny, successor to the late Rev. J. James; Rev. M. Evans, Pontypool; late minister (Langharne.)

Mem. The Rev. T. Lamb is now supplying the chapel at Chepstow.

JOHN ARMITAGE, Secretary.

HAMPSHIRE ASSOCIATION. Irish Education Bill. Ar a meeting of the Ministers belong

ing to the Independent Churches of Hampshire, convened at Romsey, the 18th April 1832,

Rev. W. Thorn, Chairman; Resolved, That the plan proposed by his Majesty's government, for the education of Ireland, has the approbation of this Association, and that they concur in the petition presented by the Congregational Board on its behalf.

BLACKBURN INDEPENDENT ACADEMY, LANCASHIRE.

Extract from the Fifteenth Report just published.

AT the time of the publication of last Report, there were eight students in the Academy. Four of these had been fully admitted, at different times, to the advantages which the Institution affords; the remaining four had just been received on probation. Of the latter number three were fully admitted at the following mid-summer, after the usual six months' trial; a benefit which the Committee did not think proper to extend to the remaining student yet resting their decision on grounds which did not impute to him ministry with a special view to his naany incompetency for prosecuting the tive country, Wales, should he incline

so to do.

At the same meeting, Mr. Tobias Carlile, from the church under the care of the Rev. William Brown, of Moy, County Tyrone, Ireland, was received on probation. It is proper to state that this candidate was admitted with the express understanding, that it was the expectation of those ministers who recommended him, and his own intention, that Ireland, his native country, should be his future field of labour, should he be spared to enter on the ministry. While the Committee regarded this Academy as primarily a local institution, and therefore have given no pledge of being ready, to any indefinite extent, to educate ministerial candidates for service in other quarters of the country, they trust their supporters will coincide with them in the conviction, that it would be shutting up their compassions from a part of the United Kingdom which has peculiar claims upon them, were they to decline rendering any aid in supplying the benefits of a well-edu