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this? To the sceptic and the infidel the whole case is abundantly monitory. Well would it be for such to consider with becoming seriousness the evidences of that Divine system which they scornfully reject, with the difficulties and cheerlessness of their own; and to turn from the hollow dogmas of mere human devising to the reception of its verities, while yet an insulted but merciful God is waiting to be gracious.

Cornwall.

Miscellaneous Articles, Anecdotes, &c.

A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF

PASSING EVENTS.

THE ritualistic superstition has become the leading topic of the day. The periodical press teems with letters, and reports of speeches, lectures, and sermons upon it from the pulpit and the platform. The more infatuated of the ritualists are in raptures at the large amount of attention their practices are attracting. The Pope, were it not for his own heavy troubles, might laugh in his sleeve at what is going on in the Church of England, in connection with "clerical millinery," incense burning, the burning of candles on the altar in broad daylight, confession, absolution, transubstantiation, &c. &c. We hardly think, however, that his Holiness will just now be in a laughing mood. Dr. Manning is confident that he and the late Cardinal Wiseman are about to be proved true prophets by England going over to the Papacy. We fancy, however, he is mistaken. We believe England to be still soundly Protestant at heart, notwithstanding the present movements in the Established Church, and the apparent increase of Popery. But this is no time for silence or inertness. The truth must be manfully maintained, and by the blessing of God it shall prevail and triumph. We have hope even with respect to the Church Establishment. The Bishop of Salisbury has snubbed "S. G. O." for writing against Popery in the Church, but the latter returns to the charge with redoubled vigour, and deals out

heavy blows, both against the bishops and the whole of the ritualistic party. The whole subject must be taken up in earnest, and we think it not improbable that the agitation will result either in a second reformation, so far as the Church of England is concerned, or in the separation of the Church from the State.

Father Ignatius, the Rev. J. L. Lyne, has become curate of St. Bartholomew's, Cripplegate, in the diocese of London. The services are said to be High Church, without being "ritualistic," and Mr. Lyne has abandoned his monkish habit. There is something in this business that does not appear on the surface. We have no confidence in "Father Ignatius." We should have thought the Bishop of London would neither have sanctioned nor permitted such a thing.

The "Liberation Society" is putting forth vigorous efforts this winter. Lectures are being delivered and meetings held in many places in the provinces, and with considerable success. The present aspects of the times are regarded as favourable to the objects contemplated by the Society, and as inviting the vigorous prosecution of its labours. The Society has already effected much good, and we trust a successful future is before it.

The Rev. C. H. Spurgeon has been among the Quakers. The meeting was a most interesting one, and we hope will bear good fruit. It had been in Mr. Spurgeon's heart for some time to seek an opportunity of addressing the Society of Friends, or

as many of them as could be reached, first by the actual voice, and then by means of the press. Painfully impressed with the notorious and undeniable fact that ceremonial worship was setting in against spiritual devotion, it occurred to him that the Friends, from their avowed and cherished principles, were those who ought to be among the leaders of the van in resisting the threatened deluge. He longed to tell them so. He acknowledged that their testimony against evils of the class he wished to be assailed was "clear as a bell," but he wanted it also to be "shrill as a clarion." The wishedfor opportunity occurred, and Mr. Spurgeon said what was in his heart in a Lecture on George Fox, which has since been published.

The year 1866 has in various respects been a remarkable one. "War and pestilence, the fall of dynasties and changes of Government, would alone have sufficed," observes Evangelical Christendom, "to stamp its character as one of the most memorable periods of our time. But this was not enough. We have had signs in the heaven above, as well as wonders on the earth beneath. The meteoric display on the morning of the 14th of last month impressed itself on all who witnessed it as the sublimest as well as the most awe-inspiring spectacle they ever beheld. It seemed as if the stars of heaven were in sympathy with the tottering thrones and princedoms of the earth, and, to use the magnificent language of Scripture, were shaken out of their places as the leaves of a figtree are shaken by an untimely wind. It is true, the advancement of science had enabled astronomers to foretell the phenomenon, and to prepare men for its coming; but no preparation of that kind could steel the heart against the solemnity of the spectacle, nor deaden the impression that here indeed was the finger of God. And though it would be superstitious to connect those fiery showers with terrestrial revolutions in the way of cause and effect, yet even the coincidence is strange and striking. It would seem as if

the Almighty were at last coining out of his place, and all nature were moved to meet him."

During the last month the rainfall, especially in Lancashire and Yorkshire, was very heavy, and most disastrous floods were the result. According to a statement in the Leeds Mercury, thirty lives were lost, while the damage to property may be estimated at half a million sterling. The loss in the Vale of Calder is put down at £200,000; in Wakefield and neighbourhood, at £100,000; and in Dewsbury and its vicinity, at £50,000. In Salford 2,685 houses were inundated, and 3,124 persons thrown out of employment. What uncertainty and insecurity attach to all mundane affairs!

We regret to have to record a revival of the Fenian conspiracy, which has of late presented a somewhat menacing aspect. The Government has, however, adopted such precautionary measures as are deemed requisite to meet the case, and we do not think that anything in the shape of serious alarm need be felt by Her Majesty's loyal subjects.

The Emperor of the French is spoken of as being a good deal disquieted in mind just now. There is little doubt that he was disappointed with the result of the late war in Germany; he will also be somewhat mortified at the failure of the Mexican enterprise; and there is a great ferment among the French Ultramontanes with respect to the withdrawal of the French garrison from Rome. On the latter subject the Pope's myrmidons will be sure to give Napoleon all the trouble they can, but we trust he will be firm, and faithfully carry out the terms of the treaty.

In Italy all eyes are turned towards Rome, and the events that will occur on the 15th of the present month. There is naturally much excitement. The Pope gives no sign of a disposition to be reconciled to the King of Italy, but the contrary. We shall probably have more to write about in relation to Italy a month hence.

The King of Prussia has been

guilty of an act of great folly, and something worse. He has issued a proclamation calling upon the people to set apart a day for giving thanks to God for the restoration of peace, and the great accessions to the Prussian territory; and this form of thanksgiving is rigorously enjoined on the annexed provinces. This is too bad. Had the thanksgiving been simply for the restoration of peace, it would probably have been universally accepted.

Austria is not in the best condition. She is at present inundated with a host of Jesuits and monks from Venetia, to the great discomfort and dissatisfaction of the people.

Some

Spain is very unsettled. thing like a reign of terror has been established, and an insurrection is confidently spoken of. The Queen seems to be infatuated.

Matters are regarded as somewhat more hopeful in the States of America. The elections have gone against the President, yet he holds to his policy in resisting the Congress. What the issue will be is uncertain.

The accounts of the famine in India are more favourable, and harvest prospects are said to be cheering, but much distress still prevails.

Our friends the Wesleyans are having a new missionary ship built, to replace the John Wesley, wrecked last year. The vessel will be a larger and more commodious one than the John Wesley, and so arranged as to secure rapid sailing and easy movement. It is expected to be ready to sail in April next. May it be the bearer of many "heralds of salvation" to heathen lands, who shall be the honoured instruments of bringing a multitude of souls to Christ Jesus!

There is much foreign intelligence of an interesting character as to the work of God.

Twenty-five Protestant missionary societies are represented by about 200 agents in China. There are also some few labourers at work independent of any organization. Of the societies, twelve are British, ine American, and four German.

The largest number of ordained missionaries are employed by the London Missionary Society, which has fourteen, and the American Presbyterian Mission, which has twelve, of this class of agents. The following table gives the total number of missionaries in China in June last, and the number of native converts at the close of the year:— Ordained missionaries, 97; lay missionaries, 14; missionary ladies, 93; whole number of missionaries, 204; number of native helpers, 206; number of members received in 1865, 282; whole number of native members, 3,142. These statistics are given in the "Directory of Protestant Missions in China." From the same source we learn that there are six missionaries, and four wives of missionaries in Japan, and twentytwo missionaries (including ladies), in Siam. These all represent American societies.

The following is from the report of two agents of the London mission at Amoy, published in the "London Missionary Society's Magazine." The date is July last:-"Since the beginning of January, when our last letter was written, eleven new members have been added to the Church. Three of these, two young women and one young man, were baptized by us in their infancy. We trust they are now truly the children of God, by faith in Christ Jesus. Since January last, five of our Church members have been called from our midst to join, we trust, the large and blessed host of the spirits of the just made perfect,' who together enjoy the presence of the Lord in heaven." Unhappily, the same report contains an account of several expulsions from the church for improper conduct.

In the November number of Christian Work, there is, we are glad to say, honourable mention made of the Rev. W. N. Hall, one of our own missionaries in China, and an extract given from one of his letters, showing the progress of our mission at Tien-tsin, especially in the "awakened and sustained interest of so many native women in the truths of our blessed religion."

In the Wesleyan missionary notice for November, there is an extract from a missionary periodical published in India, which sets forth in a clear and striking manner some of the "social changes" now in progress among that vast population. In many of these the friends of Christian missions will trace the certain, though it may be indirect, results of missionary labour, and find encouragement to perseverance in their great work. Old things are evidently passing away, and a new state of things is being brought about. The present is clearly a period of change, consequent upon progress-progress from a low to a higher state of moral and intellectual life. The progress that is being made in the introduction of improved means of communication is, perhaps, not greater than what is going on educationally and religiously. That great absurdity, caste, is giving way; re-marriages of widows are taking place; and female education is being promoted. The ameliorating influence of Christian teaching on the social customs of India, is strikingly apparent; and devoutly is it to be wished, not only that this influence may operate more extensively and powerfully, but that the higher aims of the missionaries of the Cross may be accomplished in the conversion to Christ of the teeming myriads of that country's population. Thank God, this work is going on. Oh, that it may progress a thousand times more rapidly! At

Africa sends us good news. Graham's Town, King William's Town, Annshaw, Fort Beaufort, and Heald Town, the Wesleyan congregations have all experienced a remarkable revival. A missionary thus describes what followed a sermon which he preached to the Fingoes, at Heald Town, on the descent of the Holy Spirit:—“ After a season of silent prayer, seekers were invited to come forward, when I suppose not less than 300 fell upon their knees, and began to cry aloud for mercy, among whom were several Europeans. At first all seemed confusion. the local preachers and leaders appeared confounded. Presently much

Even

of the noise subsided, and little more than sighs and groans were heard. After a short time, one after another got into liberty. As the Spirit of bondage unto fear' gave place to the 'Spirit of adoption,' the sight was indescribable. They generally rose to their feet, clapped their hands, and with eyes sparkling, and countenances beaming with joy unspeakable,' they broke forth into a burst of praise; one shouting, 'Satan is overcome! Satan is overcome!' Another, an old grey-headed man, exclaiming, 'My Father hath delivered me! My Father hath delivered me!' Most of my time was occupied in putting down the names of those who had found peace. We were five hours hard at work, and at the close 140 persons professed to have obtained a sense of the pardoning love of God." Two days afterwards another meeting of a similar character was held in the same place, when 160 professed to find peace and joy through believing, making in the two days 300 who had professedly obtained salvation. At the time the missionary wrote, the glorious work was still progressing.

The President of Conference is reported to have given as follows the purport of other accounts received from the same district:-In one place 300 conversions; in another, 500; in another, 800. In one circuit more than 2,000, in all, of native population, and more than 600 of English; and in the midst of all this a missionary rejoicing over the conversion of all his children. There is, it is stated, the delightful spectacle of the various agents of the society, and, indeed, the whole Church, aroused to renewed aggression on the kingdom of darkness, and labouring with almost universal success.

On Sunday, September 30th, there swept over the Bahamas a hurricane, which for duration, force, and destructiveness, is described as being without a parallel in the history of the West Indian Islands. The Wesleyan Trinity Chapel, Nassau, stated to be the finest ecclesiastical structure in the West Indies, has been utterly destroyed. Other mission property has also suffered very

severely in the general disaster; five churches or chapels, and three schoolhouses, being partially or wholly destroyed in Nassau alone. From Turk's Island, the Baptist missionaries write, describing scenes which are truly appalling. The inhabitants have, as may be naturally supposed, been plunged into the greatest distress and suffering.

The Baptists have re-commenced missionary operations at Morant Bay, in Jamaica. "The first service," writes the Rev. W. Teall, who officiated, "was held in a classhouse, which was saved from being burnt by a marine, who was about to fire it, but seeing a New Testament on the table, did not carry out his intention. The people had not been able to meet since martial law prevailed, and no song of praise had been heard there for months. The place was well filled, and many could not get in. It would have done you good to hear how lustily they sang for the first time, in such a place, after the late sad events. Many faces were wet with tears of joy." At this no one will be surprised. We trust there will never be a recurrence of the "sad events" to which reference is made by Mr. Teall.

From carefully prepared statistics, it appears that the Christians in church fellowship in Madagascar number altogether 4,374 persons; and that these represent a total Christian population of more than 16,000, showing how great has been the increase since the day of freedom dawned upon the island. The village congregations are said to have been much unsettled of late by the circulation of reports that the Queen intended to forbid the holding of meetings for prayer; but, happily, this is a mistake. The Queen does not appear to have any such intention.

From the same districts in Eastern Polynesia, are reported both trials and joys, disappointments and successes. Thus, it is stated that, in the Friendly Islands, the great changes introduced by the new code of laws, and the state of unrestrained freedom now enjoyed by the people, have been in some cases abused, and there have been some attempts to re

suscitate certain heathen practices. On the other hand, in the Vavan group (also in the Friendly Archipelago), we hear that a blessed revival has been going on. In the year, about twenty new Wesleyan chapels have been erected in the district, and all, it is said, free of expense to the society.

Similar is the experience of the missionaries in Western Polynesia. In the same letter, from a Wesleyan minister at Bau, in Fiji, which tells of the last year's returns showing a large increase of both "members" and "attendants on public worship," we read of a chief, a professing Christian too, inciting his heathen neighbours to an attack upon a town, which resulted in some of the Christian inhabitants being killed, and the greater portion of the circuit in which it occurred was thrown into a state of tumult, alarm, and confusion. It appears that, in many parts of Fiji, murder, cannibalism, and polygamy are very prevalent. The Rev. F. Langham states that a chief sent a party of young men to a Christian town, with strict orders to "surround the catechist's house and kill him, with some of his pigs, then bring them all to the chief's town, and cook them together, so that he might taste a teacher's body." How revolting! Well may Mr. Langham exclaim, "Alas! Fiji is not yet saved!" Still, the efforts of Christian missionaries have not been without good results in Fiji; and the time shall come, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it, when, not only in Fiji, but everywhere, sin and crime shall disappear, and the purifying, ennobling, and joyinspiring religion of Immanuel shall prevail and triumph. Oh, that this time might come soon! Dec. 8th, 1866.

L. S.

THE CELESTIAL SCENERY OF THE MONTHS.

I.-JANUARY.

ASTRONOMY is not only the most dignified, but the most ancient of the sciences. In its study the mind is employed in the contemplation of the same objects which engaged the

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