for the next twenty years-it may be for the next half century-the great point from which the Christian church is to come in direct contact with the world in its varieties, and in all orders and degrees of policy that calls itself statesmanship. Who knows not this ? You do not get a direct attack on the Sabbath, but you get in the magazine a a paper describing a number of persons going in a third class excursion train on the sabbath morning. It is true, the company is not genteel, some venture to smoke and give evidence of no respectable manners, but they behold the sea-side, spend a happy day, and return home having got the fresh air of Sunday, and go back on Monday stronger in health than when they left home. It is said, "What more do we want than that ?" Some would say, "Yes, we want more than that; we wish some increase of dividends upon our railway shares and an increase of some profitable speculation." But what-is it come to this ?-that the only thing we want on the sabbath day is to go to the sea-side, or go to the green-swards of your glorious England? Is there nothing to be done in bracing the mind by contemplation for the duties of this world and the glories of the life to come-nothing to be done, in the expansion of the intellect, in an increase of a knowledge of the Son of God? Nothing to be done to cheer man's mind amidst all the toils and cares of the world by a reception of the gospel of Jesus Christ in its living and practical power? These are some of the points on which men differ at the present moment. Now, how are we to meet them? Are we to try to put some restraint on the liberty of the press? Are we to do anything by enactment to curb that part of the press which hovers on the border ground between liberty and licentiousness ? When

it is come to that, the pride and glory of England has been trampled in the dust. We must fight the press with the press. The grand object we must have in view

is to fight the impure press with a spiritualized one-to fight error with the weapons and power of truth. And if infidelity does scatter far and wide its forms of impurity, it must be the duty of the Christian church, and of the Tract Society, to scatter in a greater number the leaves which are for the healing of the human heart, the enlightenment of the human mind, and the sanctification of spirits impure without they are sanctified by the Spirit of God. The grand purpose we must have in view in the Tract Society, is to meet every kind and form of untrue teaching by the simple teaching and manifestation of the word of God in all its simple and practical power. I have said, the great question of the day which is presenting itself to the great mass of minds is, the question of the Sabbath. Of that there can be no question, and there should be no mistake. We stand on the general principle as brought out in the history of our beloved land, that the Sabbath is one of the best and noblest bulwarks of freedom, as well as one of the most glorious fountains of happiness to the aristocracy, and of pleasure to the mechanic. Two periods come before us very closely bordering on each other; in the one of which we find a man occupying a throne-a man of sensual habits of mind and morals, who is the hired pensioner of Louis the Great; he sits on the throne spreading far and wide by his example a spirit of immorality among the people over whom he reigns. (I am not trenching on politics.) Before him there was a person at the helm of government, and such was the energy of his administration that the name of an Englishman was a protection throughout Europe. Mark the two. In the days of Charles the Second, you had the sabbath reduced to a day of enjoyment; in the days of Oliver, the sabbath was a day in which you might go through the length and breadth of the empire, and hear the voice of praise from almost In the one case you every house. have a degradation of the throne

and a degradation of the sabbath; in the other you have the elevation of the English character and power, and the sabbath observed and loved as it should be in the consecration of a nation's heart to the service of God, and the homage of the people shown in their zeal in the service of Christ. What I say, is this: If the Tract Society has ever had a duty imposed more urgent and more solemn at one time than another, this is the time for diffusing sound literature in regard to the sabbath day. Saturate the minds of the people with a feeling of reverence for the sabbath. Make a noble protest against the desecration of the day, and a bold vindication of the law and authority of God on that day which he has given to the nations of the earth, as the breakwater of liberty against despotism-a breakwater against the unnatural continuance of incessant labour.

PRIZE FIGHTING.

THE New York Legislature has adopted a very stringent law against prize-fighting. The law will be applicable to the state of New York, and in future every person "who shall set on foot, orinstigate, or move to, or carry on, or promote, or engage in as a witness, umpire, or judge, or do anything in furtherance of the premeditated fight, or contention between game-cocks, or dogs, or bulls, or between dogs or rats, or dogs and badgers, or any other animals," shall be liable to imprisonment and fine to the extent of one thousand dollars.

THE TESTIMONY TO TRUTH

BY EMINENT MEN.

A CHRISTIAN writer has said: "Drink deep or taste not," is a direction fully as applicable to religion, if we would find it a source of pleasure, as it is to knowledge. A little religion, is, it must be confessed, apt to make men gloomy, as a little knowledge is to ren

der them vain; hence the unjustimputation often brought upon religion by those whose degree of religion is just sufficient, by condemning their course of conduct, to render them uneasy enough merely to impair the sweetness of sins, and not enough to compensate for the relinquishment of them, by its own peculiar comforts. Thus these men bring up, as it were, an ill report of that land of promise, which in truth abounds with whatever in our own journey of life can best refresh and strengthen us."

The testimony of God's servants is most abundant and striking, as to the happiness of a life spent in his service; and having once experienced this blessedness, nothing less can satisfy them. From age to age we can trace the same spirit. Hear the aspirations of the devout St. Bernard :- Nothing, Lord, that is thine, can suffice me without thyself, nor can anything that is mine without myself be pleasing to thee." 66 I find," writes Baxter, "that thou, and thou alone, art the resting-place of my soul. Upon the holy altar erected by thy Son, and by his hands and mediation, I humbly devote and offer to thee this heart. It loves to love thee ; it seeks, it craves no greater blessedness than perfect, endless, mutual love. It is vowed to thee, even to thee alone, and will never take up with shadows more!"

Let me give you the testimony left us by Coleridge, one of the most thinking men of his day. These are his words in the decline of life:-" I have known what the enjoyments and advantages of this life are, and what the more refined pleasures which learning and intellectual power can bestow; and with all the experience that threescore years can give, I now, on the eve of my departure, declare to you (and earnestly pray that you may hereafter live and act on the conviction), that health is a great blessing, competence obtained by honourable industry a great blessing; and a great blessing it is to have kind, faithful, and loving friends and relatives; but that the greatest of all blessings, as it is the most

ennobling of all privileges, is to be indeed a Christian."*

Another eminent man, distinguished for his unwearied zeal in behalf of the practice and doctrines of Christianity, Lavater, pastor of the church of St. Peter, at Zurich, in Switzerland, has given us this interesting witness to the satisfaction afforded by the religion of Christ:-"Believe me, I speak it deliberately, and with full conviction; I have enjoyed many of the comforts of life, none of which I wish to esteem lightly often have I been charmed with the beauties of nature, and refreshed with her bountiful gifts! I have spent many an hour in sweet meditation, and in reading the most valuable productions of the wisest men; I have often been delighted with the conversation of ingenious, sensible, and exalted characters; my eyes have been attracted by the finest pro*Letters to his Godchild.

ductions of human art, and my ears by enchanting melodies. I have found pleasure when calling into activity the powers of my own mind; when residing in my own native land, or travelling through foreign parts; when surrounded by large and splendid companies; still more, when moving in the small, endearing circle of my own family; yet to speak the truth before God, who is my Judge, I must confess, I know not any joy that is so dear to me, that so fully satisfies the inmost desires of my mind, that so enlivens, refines, and elevates my whole nature, as that which I derive from religion; from faith in God, as one who not only is the parent of men, but has condescended as a brother to clothe himself with our nature. Nothing affords me greater delight than a solid hope that I partake of his favour, and rely on his never-failing support and protection.-Hints to the earnest Student.

"FEAR NOT, BELIEVE ONLY;" or the power of prayer exemplified in the conversion of G. C. H. 18mo, p. 35.

THE FIRST GOSPEL IN EUROPE. 32mo, p. 32.

THOUGHTS BY THE WAY. 32mo,

p. 32.
INSENSIBLE INFLUENCE.

32mo, p. 32. EXCELSIOR. A truthful sketch of a lovely youth by his mother. 32mo, p. 32.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER'S DREAM. 32mo, p. 32.

THE ALPHABET OF ANIMALS, intended to impress children with affection for the Brute creation. 32mo, p. 32.

CHRIST THE ONLY

REFUGE.

32mo, p. 16.

THE FOLDED LAMBS. 32 mo, p.

16.

:

The above, published by the Book Society, London, with a few Tracts, have been forwarded to us. They are all excellent just the very things called for by the present times. They are short, truly Evangelical, free from all sectarian views, and well calculated to awaken the unawakened, and encourage seeking souls. We heartily wish them an extensive circulation, because we believe they are eminently calculated to do good.

HOW DO I KNOW THE BIBLE IS TRUE? 32 mo, p. 16.

HOW DO I KNOW I OUGHT TO PRAY? 32 mo, p. 16.

How Do I KNOW THAT I HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT? 32 mo, p. 16. Three interesting publications for

the young.-London-Wertheim. THE CORONET AND THE CROSS, or, Memorials of the Right Hon. SELINA COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON. Compiled from authentic documents. By the REV. ALFRED H. NEW.-London -Partridge.

We are informed by the Prospectus that "The object of this work is to give a clear, chronological narrative of the Life of that distinguished lady,— the COUNTESS OF HUNTINGDON; and to present some graphic sketches of the remarkable persons surrounding her, and of the stirring events of her times. It is written in an easy and popular style, and contains such interesting details as cannot fail to render it suitable and attractive to all classes of readers."

1. DIED, at Penzance, on Thursday, June 19th, 1856, MARY ANN, the beloved wife of Brother JAMES GILBERT, aged 27 years.

She was converted to God during the time of a gracious revival at St. Just, about 12 years ago. She was of a meek and quiet spirit, strongly attached to the cause of Christ, and regular in her attendance at the House of God.

Her health for some time previous to her departure had been failing, and she gradually sunk until life became

extinct.

She had the victory over the last enemy, and we doubt not but that she is gone to be for ever with the Lord.

2. DIED, at Paul, in the Penzance Circuit, on Friday, June 20th, 1856, THOMAS HICKS, aged 66 years.

Brother Hicks was converted to God nearly 40 years ago, and became identified with the Methodists. Our dear Friend was an ornament to society, his conduct reflecting credit on his profess ion. Coming into the neighbourhood of Tredavoc where we have a society, it being more convenient for him to meet, he became a member. His health had been failing for some time, and for the last fortnight he was confined wholly to his bed. He said but little respecting his state of mind, but what he did say was expressive of his un

VOL. XXI. THIRD SERIES.

shaken confidence in Christ, and that he was going to be for ever with the Lord. JOHN BROWN.

3. DIED, in the triumph of faith, in the Parish of Jacobstow, County of Cornwall, August 2nd, 1856, THOMAS PROUT, aged 27 years About eight or nine years he was a consistent member of the Bible Christian Society. In the different places where he lived as a Farmer's servant, he gave unmistakeable evidence of the genuineness of his christian profession.

About four or five months before his decease, being drenched with heavy rain, and continuing in his wet clothes, he took cold, which ended in a rapid decline. Being persuaded in his mind that it would end in his dissolution, he manifested great resignation to the Divine will, accompanied with patience and heavenly consolation.

For the last day or two, through weakness, his voice failed; but with eyes and hands uplifted, he continued in whispers, "Praise God; praise God!" retaining consciousness to the last. It may be truly said of him that he ended his short career in and praise. prayer Juvenile reader, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."

W. MASON.

398

Collingwood, Graham's Street, Off Smith's Street, June 17th, 1856.

Dear Brother.

I feel a pleasure in sending few you a scraps of religious intelligence respecting Chapel Anniversaries that were held in the Kooringa Mission, South Australia, prior to my leaving that station.

On the 9th and 10th of March, 1856, we held the services in connexion with our Chapel Anniversary at Kooringa. Two sermons were preached by Br. Hillman, and one by Mr. Wright, Primitive Methodist. On the Monday we had the most interesting tea meeting that we ever held at Kooringa, which was followed by a spirited public meeting, presided over by myself, and addressed by Messrs. Hillman and Wright. Br. Ridclift was taken ill, and had to leave the platform. I believe he was seized with a certain Fever that spreads its pale mantle on such occasions over persons of timid constitution. I have suffered from the same complaint more than once. All the services were very interesting, and that interest was partly produced by the admirable performances of the singers, most of whom are members of society. We raised the sum of one hundred and seven pounds towards liquidating the debt on the chapel. The enlargement of the chapel involved us in a debt of £700, and in twelve months after it was re-opened it is reduced to £400. The chapel is well filled, Sabbath after Sabbath, and all the sittings have been let from the first quarter after its enlargement. To God be all the praise.

On the 16th and 17th of March, 1856, we celebrated the Anniversary of Auburn Chapel, which is situated in a very promising district. On the Sabbath Br. Hillman preached morning and evening, and myself in the afternoon. On the Monday we had an interesting Tea party, which was followed by a meeting of an extraordinary character.

It was certainly the best I ever witnessed in a financial point of view. From the child whose articulations were scarcely distinct, to the person of hoary hairs, whose dwelling is near the shadow of death, all seemed to feel one common interest. The meeting was ably presided over by Br. Abraham George, and addresses were delivered by the Brethren, Pellew, Hillman, and Rowe. The re ceipts, with a few promises to be paid on or before the first of August, 1856, amounted to the astonishing sum of £120, at which time the Chapel will only be £100 in debt.

On the 23rd, and 24th of March, 1856, the Anniversary services in connexion with Allen's Creek Chapel were held. On the Lord's day Br. Hillman preached morning and evening, and myself in the afternoon. We had the usual tea meeting on the Monday, which was succeeded by a public meeting, presided over by the writer, and addressed by the Brethren, Thomas, Barnden, Hillman, and Culver. The receipts were about £20. Undesignedly we came in contact with the Wesleyan School Anniversary at Kapunda, which made against us. The debt on this place of Worship is reduced to £100. The chapel was built at the time that the present Gawler Mission stood connected with Kapunda, and was Superintended by Br. S. Keen, greatly assisted by the brethren, Culver, and Fursman; but was transferred to the Kooringa Mis sion before it was opened. Kapunda is again formed into a separate Mission, and it now belongs to it.

By the last District Meeting I was stationed here, to take charge of our interests in this Colony; but in conse quence of the badness of Br. Lee's knee, it was expedient for me to remain in South Australia until such time as a person could be secured to take the appointments in that Colony. A brother has been secured, whose name, charac. ter, and circumstances, you will be acquainted with before this reaches you.