of amusement and exhibitions of the wonderful and curious, the voyages of steamboats on parties of pleasure, the sale of intoxicating liquors, the vending of articles of general and daily consumption, are likewise contrary to the spirit of a religious observance of that day, and therefore to be watched against and broken through, if it may be, as well as railway traffic. On some of these points we know that much has been done, and while there still remains a vast mountain to be overthrown, yet the effects already produced are a proof of God's blessing on the undertaking, and a stimulus to encourage us in our future efforts.

The new reformation in Germany is rapidly increasing in the number of its adherents. Churches are rearing their heads, influential men seceding from Romanism, (witness Professor Theiner,) and whole communities uniting themselves with it. We regret, however, to record, that disturbances have in some parts arisen, and blood has been shed, as in Leipsic. Much blame is, of course, to be attached to the recently formed Church, whose members should spread their opinions as much by the blamelessness of their lives and their meekness under provocations, as by their published dogmas: but we fear there is much likewise to be attached to the Roman Catholics, who resort to persecution and secular coercion, when they cannot stay the current by gentler means. This the Lutheran Church had to undergo, in the 16th century, in the same country, and this too caused the blood of Protestants in the Netherlands, under the strong arm of Philip of Spain, to flow in torrents. The present movement of Germany, indeed, reminds us not a little of the revival in Religion of the 16th century. A code of articles, too, which they have lately put forth, coincides in many respects with the sentiments published at the Augsberg confession. May God grant them the spirit of a sound mind, a sober and unbiassed judgment, and a sincere and consistent piety. There is a fear lest Czerski, who is joint leader of the party with M. Ronge, should unite himself with the Unitarian portion of the German people; but we trust that his creed may be pure, untainted by any so serious and lamentable an error. The operations of the Societies Evangelique, in France, are also contributing at this time to a great and happy revival.-Lyons, containing a large population, and important from the position which it holds among the silk manufacturing places in France, has become the centre of active and self-denying efforts for the diffusion of the Gospel. Many villages and towns in the neighbourhood, independently of the impression which has been produced in Lyons itself, have had their inhabitants aroused to reflection, examination of the Scriptures, and a rejection of the errors of the church to which

they belong. While light seems glimmering in other parts of France, Limoges, Dijon, &c., which is likely to burst forth one day, we trust, in much fuller blaze and far wider extension. We must refer our readers, for fuller accounts, to the recent report of the Foreign-Aid-Society, in connection with these continential Societies. Mr. Ward has at last quitted the Church of England, for the communion of that church in which he vainly hopes to find peace and repose. We had hoped to have given our readers a short analysis of his manifesto, on seceding, in order that they might detect the unsoundness of the arguments advanced, but our space compels us to defer it.

MISCELLANEOUS.-Accounts from Russia state that 130 Jewish recruits, who had lately joined their battalion, have renounced Judaism, and entered the Greek Church on the same day. We could only wish that they had forsaken their own false religion for a purer form of Christianity. We hope, ere long, to see a Church of England Scripture Reader's Society, established for destitute parishes in this country.-A rumour has spread itself among the French papers, that their Government has determined to give up Tahiti to its own laws and management. We do not think there is much truth in in it, but we only hope it may indicate a spirit of less interference with the Tahitians and the missionaries there.

IOSTER, PRINTER, KIRKBY LONSDALE.

"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for ?"—Rom. viii. 24.

THESE words, taken from one of the most exquisitely beautiful chapters of Holy Writ, appears to me to be expressly suitable for the meditation of the Sabbath-school Teacher. Hope is his peculiar anchor; and when he has been tossed on the ocean of uncertainty, blown about by the wind of cutting neglect, and is ready to despair, and say, even when reviewing his Sabbath labours, "all is vanity," then, indeed, may he be said to be saved by hope-hope of a brighter future. Glancing beyond the narrow limits of time, he sees himself standing before the bar of his Creator, face to face with those he so fondly loved to lead Zionward, when travelling through this thorny wilderness, and hears a just Judge pronounce their sins blotted out, by their Saviour's most precious blood, and also hears those words, the sound of which no mortal can anticipate; for "ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered the heart of man to conceive" their import; "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!" Here is the consummation of all his desires, the height of his felicity. But let us pause one moment to see what are the trials with which he has to contend; for had he rest here, this hope would afford no consolation. Suppose him, then, surrounded by a class of ten or twelve children, who, through the stated hours of instruction, appear to give their attention to the things belonging to their peace; yet he himself must constantly be an eye witness to the lamentable difference, as soon as his labour is over; and were it not for the powerful, overweighing promises with which the Bible abounds, that God's Word "shall not return

unto him void, but shall accomplish the thing whereto he sends it," he must sink under his burthen, doubting whether the seed so sadly choked shall ever appear above the thorns. Here, then, he needs that Rock whereon to rest.

Allow me, before I conclude this hasty sketch, to relate two instances, which show that however young or however thoughtless children may be, a word in season may sink deep into their hearts. One of these occurred yesterday. A little child between five and six years of age, who has, for the last few months, been in our Sunday and infant schools, was attacked with hooping cough; and yesterday, her father supporting her while the cough was very violent, remarked, "I fear this will take H. off." As soon as the dear child's breath had returned sufficiently to allow her to speak, she said, "Well, father, never mind: Jesus said, 'suffer little children to come unto me;' and if I die, he will take me to him." These simple words, from the lips of one so young, afforded to my own heart a grateful glow of pleasure, and I desire to thank the Giver of all good, without whose aid, though one may plant and another water, we cannot expect any increase.

The other circumstance to which I allude, regarded myself. At the early age of (as nearly as I can recollect,) three years, when a pious and devoted minister of Christ, (Rev. Henry Mortlock, late of Brighton,) since gone to his rest, called upon my parents, I was taken into the room to him. He talked to me for some time, and, amongst other things, asked whether I prayed night and morning. To this I answered in the affirmative. He next enquired what I prayed for. I told him what I was accustomed to say. Upon this he told me I should talk to my heavenly Father, and tell him my wants, as I should my earthly parents. These words frequently recurred to me; and from that time I pursued the plan; and I have been enabled, though in great weakness, to press onward toward the mark of the prize of my high calling: their early advice having been the instrument, under the divine blessing, of awaking my dead soul to spiritual life.

W.C.

THE QUALIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR

TEACHERS.

NOTES OF AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE HON. AND REV. B. W. NOEL, TO HIS SUNDAY-SCHOOL TEACHERS, ост. 1839.

EDUCATION and good abilities are desirable; but these are not of the greatest consequence. The chief thing is, that they should themselves have an experimental knowledge of divine truth, and that they should have clear views of the doctrines of the Gospel. If they can speak of them from the heart, it will give that power which they cannot have when they are only taught mechanically.

The aim to be kept in view is, to bring the children to know and love the Saviour. Let none who have been a year in the school leave it without a knowledge of the way of salvation and of the doctrines of the Gospel; for when they have once learned the Gospel system, they will not like any other. Doubtless, they will gain temporal advantages by their instruction in the school; they will be more respectable, and will get on better in life. But this is not our aim. Combine, with the teaching of Christian doctrine, the inculcation of Christian principles. What a blessedness it would be if the children could be brought to believe in Christ.

When I look at a little child, I think-If that child learns to love Christ, it is safe for ever. Its parents may die-its relations and friends may die-it may pass through all sorts of trouble-but still it is safe for ever. It is under the care of Omnipotent love.

Make the children acquainted with the precepts of Scripture. It is true that duties flow naturally from doctrines; but children do not infer them. We are apt ourselves to forget, and it is natural that they should. You must teach them to be sober, and clean, and tidy, with other common duties, the neglect of which would bring so much disgrace upon their religious profession. The means to be used are these

1st. Depend exclusively on the help of the Holy