HARD TEXTS EXPLAINED. the Lord's table, and another of them tra- | time, however, these seem to be again walk- | Portuguese who still cling to the Church of velled eighteen miles last Saturday evening ing in the former paths; and just a few Rome.-I am, affectionately yours, in the in order to attend public worship along with minutes ago one of the deacons, who called common faith, W. H. HEWITSON. us on the following day. One of the most on me, speaking of the spiritual state of the To the Rev. James Macaulay, London. recent of the converts from Popery, and one flock, said gladly, "Just now all is going on whose heart seems to have been truly opened well:" a testimony which accords with the by the Lord to receive the word of grace, is impression that personal intercourse with the labouring under a white-swelling of the knee, converts has of late produced very decidedly which makes amputation necessary as the on my own mind. I am greatly deceived by only means of saving his life. Two or three appearances, if "the vine be not flourishing, Sabbaths ago this man, yielding to an irre- and the pomegranates budding forth." There sistible desire of hearing the Gospel preached is cause to be thankful to the Lord, and to in public, made the dangerous effort of travel- bless his holy name. ling to church on crutches, and home again, -a painful journey of nearly two miles. Surely such as he will rise up in the judgment against those who, possessing "greater advantages, yet neglect the great salvation," and "forsake the assembling of themselves together" in the house of God. The Protestants from Madeira, who have taken refuge here under the banner of Great Britain, already amount to the number of nearly 450, and there is the prospect of this number being soon increased by the arrival of at least 100 additional refugees. Since the month of August last, there has been a succession of flights from Madeira, and that of the now-expected band of refugees will form the last. Yet there is a seed left behind in Madeira, and the Word of God is open in the hands of many. A letter, received by last packet, brings us the joyful intelligence, that "the Word is running still, and being glorified." The Lord's hand will most surely find out all his elect, and the enmity of man will, instead of frustrating, be made subservient to the purposes of everlasting love. Including children, there are more than 300 of the converts in Port of Spain and the surrounding neighbourhood. This is, therefore, the principal scene of my labours. Here we have two meetings for worship on Sabbath, and one every Tuesday evening. This day fortnight, in the evening, I gave an historical account of the Church of Scotland, and chiefly of its contendings, and witnessings, for the crown-rights of the Redeemer. The account of the disruption in connexion with the great and fundamental doctrines, in the maintenance of which it originated, seemed to be listened to with peculiar in terest, and several were melted into tears. On the evening of Tuesday last, after public worship was concluded, the congregation, on the suggestion of one of the elders, resolved that a letter should be written in their name to their brethren of the Free Church of Scotland. The elder who made the proposal is, I believe, engaged during his leisure time in writing accordingly, and the letter, after being approved of by his constituents, will probably be sent off by the earliest opportunity. We had the communion here on Sabbath last, when eighty-five compassed the Lord's table, all but myself being Portuguese. Many of these are, I have grounds for believing, strong in faith, fervent in spirit, rejoicing in hope of the Lord's glorious appearing, and truly desirous of walking with God in the paths of truth and holiness. There are others among them who complain of the want of persecution, saying, "Oh! the persecution in Madeira was good for our souls." These were, for a time, after their arrival in Trinidad, betrayed into unwatchfulness; and the consequence was, that a worldly spirit was beginning to make dangerous encroachments upon them, to the disturbance of their peace and the wounding of their consciences, and, in reference to some cases, I may say, to the hardening of their hearts. At the present WE have received several "Hard Texts,” for the explanation of which there is not room this number. As to John xi. 44 (the resurrection of Lazarus): we only profess to refer to the doctrine and the interpretation of Scripture, not to explain the subject matters of Revelation. This of the resurrection of Lazarus is a difficulty for faith to receive, not for understanding to question. This is a difficulty, at the foundation of the whole Christian doctrine, and the removal of which is necessary to all Christian faith and hope. "If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins." (1 Cor. xv. 17.) We can conceive a Socinian or a Rationalist find ing difficulty in the miracle of Lazarus, but not one who believes "that Christ arose CONGREGATIONAL PRAISE. } To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. REV. AND DEAR SIR,-In expressing the pleasure I have experienced on finding the subject of Congregational singing, brought forward in your excellent publication, I am sure I do but echo the feelings of the majority of your readers. During the last two months sixteen or eighteen catechumens have been examined and admitted to the Lord's table. Some of these, in the course of their examination, have given very satisfactory, and, in several instances, also very touching evidences of a work of grace. The first awakening, the shining in of a new light, the discovery of the heart's corruption, and of sin's infinite demerit, the discernment of Christ's excellence and suitableness as the Saviour of the world, the resting upon his finished work and constant intercession, the peace of conscience, again on the third day according to the the love to God, the desire of holiness in Scriptures," as of course our correspondent heart and life, the diligent use of means for does. "If there be no resurrection of the dead the end of sanctification, the inward conflict then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not between the flesh and the spirit, the depend-risen, then is our preaching vain, and your ance upon Divine grace alone, such elements faith is also vain." (1 Cor. xv. 13, 14.) or symptoms of spiritual life have not, so far as could be ascertained, been wanting in the experience of any of the new communicants above referred to; but the evidence afforded of their having been matter of experience was, in a few striking cases, peculiarly clear, full, and affecting. I may here observe, on the other hand, that among the converts to Protestantism there are some who give unequivocal indication of being still "in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity." Of these a few have applied to be taken on examination with a view to communion; and, in one or two cases, I have erased the names of such applicants from the list of catechumens, pressing on them the necessity of their first having repentance toward God, and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ." Some belonging to the class referred to, seem to have great pleasure in hearing the Word of God, but are evidently destitute of spiritual discernment, and of delight in holiness. They have "the lamp" of God's Word in their hand, but they have not "the oil" of God's grace in their heart. But even in their case there is no reason to despair. They are within hearing of the Gospel-call, and the way of access is still open to the mercy-seat. Where sin abounds, there grace is still more abundant. We have nothing to look to or trust in but the free grace of God; and if God's grace were not free, sovereign, absolute, and irrespective of everything, whether good or bad in man, we might well despair. Free grace is the preacher's hope and strength and victory. Above 100 of my people are settled on sugar estates, or cocoa plantations, at the respective distances of ten, fourteen, and eighteen miles. These I visit from time to time, preaching to them in the open air under the shadow of the trees, when there is no convenient place of meeting within doors, and some of these meetings have been pleasant and refreshing. Senhor Arsenio is now, I believe, on his way to Trinidad to labour as catechist among his Portuguese brethren. On leaving Trinidad, I purpose to visit St. Kitt's and St. Vincent's, in both of which islands there is a number of converted Portuguese. In the latter there is also a considerable number of It is a fact to be regretted, that this part of Divine worship has hitherto been so little thought of in our churches. At the Reformation, we find this subject was not overlooked. Unhappily, however, in England and Scotland, either it was not put into action, or the attempt was ill-conducted and abortive. In Germany, the matter took a better course. Luther had ear, science, and execution; and while by his version of the Bible, every line of which bears witness to his euphonic taste and judgment, he stamped the language with classic dignity; his hymns and music, seconded by other and superior poets, poured the stream of sacred melody through the land. To this day, the German Hymnology may be styled a popular treasure of doctrine and practice, and in many instances, has proved a grand instrument of keeping the flame of piety glowing on the peasants' hearths when a spurious gospel had taken possession of the churches. I admire the simplicity which characterizes the general services of our Church; but as regards our singing, we are sadly in want of reform and assistance. There are, doubtless, many to be found in our congregations, whom God has blessed with voice and judgment; if such persons could contrive to sit together near the precentor, and dedicate their musical talents to the service of the sanctuary, the harmony would tend more to excite religious affection among the people, and stir them up to magnify and bless the name of their Heavenly Father. In many of our churches the Psalms are left almost entirely to the support of the precentor, and it is oftentimes exceedingly difficult to sustain the melody properly, owing to the languor and "vacant singing" of the congregation. Many well meaning persons will doubtless object to the desired reform, deeming it at variance with the "simple" style of singing practised (as they say) by Christ and the first Churches. But, Sir, simplicity does not consist in that dry succession of sounds without melody or pathos, which, with some rare and noble exceptions, once constituted the current psalmody of Christian congregagations in this country. The singing practised by the first Churches, consisted of a simple melody or chant, probably adapted to the poetic composition, and frequently sung by alternate choirs, without those combinations of sounds which constitute harmony. But this was the highest point to which singing had then been carried. Since that period, however, all the beauties of counterpoint have been unfolded, giving additional variety and grace and energy to the expression of devotional feeling. The greatest simplicity may be associated with dignity and taste; and among the offerings placed upon the altar of Christian devotion by musical genius, many may be found combining melodies, the most grave or bold, or chaste and sweetly flowing, with all the fulness, richness, and variety of perfect harmony. I do trust that the friends of our Churches will attentively weigh the remarks which have appeared in your pages, and put forth all their endeavours to improve our singing; and sure I am, that in proportion as this is done, the legitimate object aimed at in this essential part of worship will be attained, namely, spiritual edification.-I remain, Dear Sir, Ever yours faithfully, G. H. EDMONDS. IRELAND'S EVIL CONDITION. To the Editor of the English Presbyterian Messenger. MY DEAR SIR,-I am sure that your readers will be much struck with the following extract from a sermon preached this day twenty-two years since, by the Rev. Edward Irving. The sermon, which was preached for the Hibernian Society, May 17, 1825, is in the third volume of his printed Discourses, and is entitled, "Ireland's Evil Condition." May 17, 1847. M. "I will tell you this one word, that if the mediation of faithful ministers of truth intertere not between God and idolatrous Ireland, he will bring famine, and pestilence, and civil war again as he hath already brought them; and they shall reach unto thy land, also, O England, who hast power over that idolatry, and hast basely used it for thy political conveniency, instead of peopling every parish with a Boanerges, a son of thunder, who might make known the terrors of the Lord, and the coming down upon all who adhere to the Mother of Harlots, and have traffic in her merchandise." Missionary Entelligence. LYONS. FROM Lyons, one of the strongholds of Roman Catholicism, the Report of the Evangelical Society of Lyons is most gratifying. We subjoin a few extracts and facts from it:"In two years, 373 copies of the Holy Scriptures have been sold. Besides this seven colporteurs, or evangelists rather, labour in Lyons and its environs. These meet every fortnight to consult and pray together, and for mutual encouragement. About 600 Catholic families are visited regularly, and not a day passes but some new house is opened to hear the Gospel. The work goes on in these families slowly, but surely, as in the natural world, we distrust too rapid a growth, for we remember the seed that grew rapidly, because it had no root. In the suburbs, the access is more easy than in the town, and the population there amounts to about 100,000 souls. A providential circumstance occurred lately, which has contributed much to the spread of the Gospel. A child of eighteen months old was lost, and being found by a Catholic family, who on inquiry learned that its parents had renounced the Romish Church, they made an effort to reclaim it. A conference was proposed, and a public correspondence took place, between the pastor of the Evangelical Church and the Vicar-General. The entire correspondence has been published under the title, 'On Authority in Matters of Faith.' This controversy has directed public attention to points on which the greatest ignorance had prevailed, and the attendance at the Evangelical Church has since visibly increased. The clergy have been alarmed, and the pulpit, the schools, and confessionals have resounded with passionate attacks, and his Eminence the Cardinal Primate has judged the danger so pressing, that he has addressed a mandate to the clergy of his diocese, on the proselytizing of Protestants. "The Church of Lyons, fifteen years ago, numbered only fifty-five communicants, at last new year there were 331. The total number of admissions since the commencement of the Church has been 690, many of whom have left Lyons to carry the Gospel to other parts of France and elsewhere." INDIA. THE subjoined extract is from a letter dated Conjeveram, 22d January, 1847, from S. Ettirajooloo, a native preacher, and addressed to some friends in Manchester : "My dear Friends,-We have heard with amazement of the astonishing progress your Manchester has made in industry; of her charitable institutions; her educational establishments; her schools for the poor and hospitals for the indigent and the helpless; but that which rejoices our hearts is, that the powerful word of an Almighty God is in the midst of her, that God hath chosen and called many THE Gospel is the "truth which is acfrom this great city to be his rememcording unto godliness." (Titus i. 1.) And brancers, to the praise of the glory of Christ. it will not long abide with any who follow You desire to see the kingdom of Christ not after godliness according unto its guid-coming in abundant grace and great glory. ance and direction. Hence we see so many Wherever the word of the Lord is, there it to lose that very understanding which they must take effect. You know how the most had of the doctrines of it, when once they wretched characters in your city have been begin to give up themselves to ungodly lives. arrested and changed by this word, how the The true notion of holy Evangelical truths rich and noble have been made humble and will not live, at least not flourish, where they meek. This same word is in the midst of us, are divided from a holy conversation. As we and is doing mighty wonders. It is by this learn all to practise, so we learn much by practice.-Dr. Owen. THE life of a Christian is a life of action. It is not talking that will win the crown.Philip Henry. word that eight souls have been brought last year out of heathenism. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.'" After giving a very interesting account of Ramanoojum, one of these converts, of his first convictions, afterwards of his backsliding into heathenism when they had "thought him very near the kingdom;" and finally of his return to them " as a condemned and penitent sinner, eagerly set upon having assurance that his sins are forgiven, and that Jesus is his Saviour," S. Ettirajooloo proceeds to call on all God's people for their prayers and assistance. He writes, "If you knew (speaking of the missionaries and their labours) their peculiar trials, temptations, and work, you would not cease to pray to our Father for them, and you would not withhold your hands from sending labourers into this harvest to help them in this difficult work. We ourselves have been very much struck with our missionaries' selfdenial, watchings, fervent love, and tenderness to the backsliders and to the most provoking. Our hearts melted within us when we saw them labouring to the last particle of their strength in this work, and laying themselves down upon their beds altogether exhausted, and with this burden upon their hearts, that souls are not saved. They have spent many a night and day in pleading with souls for Christ, in restoring backsliders, in nourishing and bringing up the young ones of Christ's fold, in reproving and admonishing believers, and in preaching the Gospel to heathen and Mahommedan sinners. How could we then, dear friends, give ourselves to the world when the harvest was so great, the call of providence and of Christ incessantly ringing within our hearts, and when we daily beheld the labours of our dear and beloved missionaries. It would be cruel in any Christian man not to help them, either by his earnest prayers or his substance, or by putting forth his influence to send forth another labourer. Here is another call to you, my dear young friends, to exercise your faith. Sin will lie at the door of your hearts if you do not help them when you have the opportunity. May the bowels of Jesus Christ be moved for us! Our hearts' desire is that many of our countrymen may taste the sweetness of the Gospel and obtain eternal life. May the Lord fulfil our desires and bless the work of our hands! He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities."" CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. WE have received the first three numbers of a new periodical, which has begun with great spirit, and promises to be of much service to the cause of truth; "The Free Church Witness for the Truth in South Africa." Some difficulties had occurred as to the procuring of a site for a Free Church and Mission house; but these we trust, through the care of the Government, will be speedily removed, and one provided worthy of the cause, and of the devoted men asking the site. - On Tuesday, March 16, one of the most beautiful sights that the human eye can rest upon was exhibited in the Lutheran Church in Cape Town, the assemblage, namely, of upwards of Two THOUSAND children from the various schools in which they receive religious and elementary instruction. The ten thousand children assembled once a year in St. Paul's, is a sublime sight; but if this pecially to those who know how these children was less grand it was not less affecting, eshave been gathered from the moral waste, and from what a condition religion and liberty have rescued them. The occasion of this assemblage was to hear from Mr. Bourne, representative of the British and Foreign Bible Society, some account of the means by which the Word of Life is now diffused throughout the world. It was a "Juvenile Bible Meeting," and the crowded state of the Church, which, had it been twice as large, and more general notice given, would have been filled, shows the interest felt by the public here in this grand undertaking.-South African Advertiser, March 20. AUSTRALIA. We have received papers down to January, describing the disruption in the Presbyterian Church there, and subsequent movements. From "The Voice in the Wilderness," published at Sydney, January 1, 1847, the following is extracted::"The Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia has now fairly taken its ground; it has issued its testimony, the original uncorrupted testimony of the Church of Scotland, as now borne by the Free Church, which, though disestablished, is the true Church of Scotland of the present times; and it has declared by what means it proposes to maintain and extend its ministrations. We shall, therefore, in our next and some subsequent numbers, lay before our readers an exposition of its principles as sustaining the three-fold character of a non-erastian Church-a Presbyterian Church-a Church supported by the voluntary contributions of the people." SYNOD OF EASTERN AUSTRALIA. ON Saturday the 10th October, the Rev. William M'Intyre, Rev. John Tait, the Rev. Colin Stewart, and Mr. Martin, Elder, having laid their protest on the table of the Synod of Australia, retired to an upper room in Hunter-street, Sydney, and in the name of the One Head of the Church, for whose royal prerogatives they have been enabled to witness a good, a calm, and consistent confession, formed themselves into a Synod under the above designation:-Mr. M'Intyre, Moderator. Among other things, they have adopted an arrangement for providing Sydney and other places with divine ordinances, till ministers arrive from Scotland: and have resolved that steps be taken without delay, to create a central sustentation fund. The chapel in Pitt-street, Sydney, formerly used by the Independents, has been purchased by the adherents of this new body, and the Voice in the Wilderness states that several ministers,—from the Free Protesting Church, of course, are expected to arrive shortly, one of whom will be settled over this congregation. We had lately the pleasure of seeing in London, Mr. Taylor, who has resided in Sydney, and who intends to return thither after passing some time at the Free Church College at Edinburgh. He speaks much of the wide and interesting field open in Australia, and the miserable deficiency of suitable labourers. AUSTRALIA FELIX. WE have received the first number of a monthly paper called" The Free Presbyterian Messenger for Australia Felix." It is dated December 21, 1846. The Rev. James Forbes, M.A., minister of the Scots Church at Melbourne, Port Phillip, was one of the protesting minority at the disruption in the Synod of Australia. He is engaged along with other brethren in organizing a Synod for Australia Felix. The subscriptions and collections for the various objects of the Free Church in Melbourne exceeded 400%., although the lists were opened only on the 17th of November. "The Voice in the Wilderness," a Sydney paper, says, Dec. 1, "Mr. Forbes considers, and we fully concur with his views, that Australia Felix is in every way sufficiently important, to constitute a field for an independent Synod. He proposes, therefore, in conjunction with ministers he expects from Scotland and elsewhere, to form à Synod in the Port Phillip district." We fervently pray that success and the blessing of God may rest upon these movements of the faithful brethren in the ministry and their adherents in that distant colony. DESTITUTION IN SCOTLAND. A PUBLIC meeting was held on the 5th March, at Calcutta, convened by the High Sheriff, on a requisition signed by nearly a hundred gentlemen, representing all sections of society and community there, British and Indian. The speech of the night was that of Dr. Duff, who made an eloquent appeal to the meeting in behalf of his suffering countrymen. He was followed by Dr. Carew, the Roman Catholic Archbishop, who expressed his admiration of Dr. Duff's patriotism and charity, and wished that his Irish countrymen had an advocate of such eloquence to plead their cause. A Committee was formed for carrying out the objects of the meeting. So actively did the subscriptions commence, that by the steamer which left on the 9th March 30,000rs., or about 3,000l. was sent off; and it was expected that a large sum would be further realized. Bengal Hurkaru. PROSPECT OF DEATH. EXTRACT of a Letter of Samuel Rutherford to George Gillespie, who had written saying, he felt he was near to the gates of death, Sept., 1648: little sanctification. Ye know that inherent holiness must stand by, when imputed is all. I fear the clay-house is a taking down and undermining: but it is nigh the dawning; look to the east, the dawning of the glory is near. Your Guide is good company, and knoweth all the miles, and the ups and downs in the way:-the nearer the morning, the darker." "EVEN SO, COME, LORD JESUS."—Oh, how sweet to be wholly Christ's, and wholly in and made complete in Christ; to live by faith Christ! to be out of the creature's owning, in Christ, and to be once for all clothed with the created majesty and glory of the Son of God, wherein he maketh all his friends and followers sharers; to dwell in Immanuel's high and blessed land, and live in that sweetest air, where no wind bloweth but the breathings of the Holy Ghost; no seas nor floods flow, but the pure waters of life that proceed from under the throne, and from the Lamb; no planting but the tree of life, that What do we here but sin and suffer? Oh, yieldeth twelve manner of fruits every month! when shall the nights be gone, the shadows flee away, and the morning of that long, long day, without cloud or night, dawn! Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." Oh, when shall the Lamb's wife be ready, and the Bridegroom say, "Come!"-Samuel Rutherford. The NATURAL AFFECTION.-Grace rooteth not out the natural affections. He commandeth you to weep: and that Princely One who took up to heaven with him a man's heart to be a compassionate High Priest, became your fellow and companion on earth by weeping for the dead. (John xi. 35.)—Samuel Rutherford. FREE GRACE.-Want is an excellent qualification; and "no money, no price," to you who dare not glory in your own righteousness, is fitness warrantable enough to cast yourselves upon him who justifieth the ungodly. Samuel Rutherford. "Reverend and Dear Brother, I cannot speak to you:-the way ye know; the passage is free and not stopped; the print of the THE BIBLE. But above all, my dear footsteps of the Forerunner is clear and friends, I exhort you as a brother, as a minister manifest; many have gone before you. Ye of the religion of Jesus Christ, to adhere to will not sleep long in the dust before the day the blessed Bible, as the only supreme and break. It is a far shorter piece of the infallible rule of faith. When you want a hinder end of the night to you than to Abra- pleasant walk, go forth into the sweet verdant ham and Moses; beside all the time of their fields of revelation, and you will find the air bodies resting under corruption, it is as long balmy and salubrious; the trees all loaded yet to their day as to your morning-light of with the most luscious fruit the branches awaking to glory; though their spirits, hav-bending beneath the weight of their honied ing the advantage of yours, have had now the fore-start of the shore before you. "I dare say nothing against his dispensation. I hope to follow quickly. The heirs that are not there before you, are posting with haste after you, and none shall take your lodging over your head. Be not heavy. The life of faith is now called for; doing was never reckoned in your accounts, (though Christ, in you and by you hath done more than by twenty, yea, an hundred grey-haired and godly pastors,) believing now is your last. Look to that word, Gal. ii. 20, Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' Ye know the I that liveth, and the I that liveth not; it is not single ye that live. Christ by law liveth in the broken debtor; it is not a life by doing or holy walking, but the living of Christ in you. If ye look to yourself as divided from Christ, ye must be more than heavy. All your wants, dear Brother, be upon him: ye are his debtor: grace must sum and subscribe your accounts as paid. Stand not upon items, and small or sweetness, and the prospect will ravish your soul, while you gaze from the mount of Bible promise on the land that is afar off. Adhere stedfastly to the Bible; it will guide you across the stormy and tempestuous sea of life; it will pillow your head in the hour of sickness and death; and its truth will be your passport in your ascent from earth to heaven. If individuals or Churches have forsaken the Word of God, beware of following their fatal example, never more fatal than at the present moment in this great country. Sweep the rubbish of false tradition away wherever it obstructs your path to God's holy Word, and for the sake of the enlightenment and elevation of prostrate humanity, assist the friends of the translation and circulation of the blessed Bible into all the languages and through all the countries of the earth.Lecture by the Rev. Josias Wilson, delivered at the Hanover Square Rooms, January 12, 1847, before the "Young Men's Christian Association;" on "the points of similarity between Romanism and Judaism.” Poetry. THE ONE MEDIATOR. A VISION. "I am the Lord: that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images." -Isaiah xlii. 8. "There is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."-Timothy ii. 5. 'Twas when in deep, deep sleep I lay, As he for man "the wine-press trod" No Mediator but himself Appear'd upon THAT throne. Intent I gazed, and saw a host, A glorious multitude, Who cast their crowns before his feet, "Not unto us, not unto us," They sang with loud acclaim, "But be the glory and the praise To thee and thy great Name! "For thou, Lord, hast redeemed us And saved our souls from sin and death, The "Virgin" there I saw enthroned, Could never answer prayer. And when they called her " QUEEN OF HEAVEN!" "TO HIM alone be power ascribed Who' bruised the serpent's head.' "My soul abhors your impious prayers, He only answers prayer, who was, O still, as on that Sabbath morn, I see from far and near And still, as then, I seem to catch the sweet and solemn Of psalms, from where the flock were met, beyond yon Now loud it swells to God our strength, and now it dies And a low faint whisper steals along, as the people stand Scarce can I hear the earnest voice, wherewith the pastor And now 'tis lost, as solemnly the Sacred Book he reads. Save when the loud tones reach my ear of the preacher's "Oh! hear that watchman's trump," methought; "then Though soon my warning voice should tell that threat'ning Then, in defiance, more than dread, around I cast my When, far o'er Straven's heights, I saw the men of blood Whereof when I had signal made, at once I looked to see And their hearts aroused to bold resolve, by the reviving "Ye've heard the precept," Douglas cried; "'tis time for "One foot we will not flinch," cried all; "Heaven witness "Who is this boasting Philistine, that he should dare defy The Lord hath done great things for us, and greater yet will do, For what is it to Him to save by many or by few ?" Small was the band, and rudely armed, then marshalled No burnished helm or hauberk there flashed back the No drum rolled out its call to arms; no trump its war No blood-red banner proudly waved, to lead them to the But calmly rose the voice of psalms, and floated far away, Emblem of Christ's meek, suffering bride-the lily 'mong I saw them trooping on their way; I heard their joyful "Now be the Lord our shield," I cried; "the Lord in Then downward from this height I sped, to join the faithful band, For well I weened that day had work for every willing With sturdy step to yonder spot, our fearless way we took, brook ; hair When now we saw fell Clavers, with his blood-hounds, He little thought when he set out to hunt his wonted prey, [JUNE "Ho! who will cross the brook," he cried, "and charge the foe with me?" "All! all!" cried Burleigh, "we will make one deadly charge with thee." Then onward o'er the marsh we pushed, and plunged and struggled through. His bristling ranks, as we advanced, black Clavers round him drew. Like two dark clouds with thunder charged, that burst with wrathful sound, We closed, while poured the crimson rain upon the soaking ground. Into the midmost of the foe the dauntless Burleigh pressed, Where, floating on the surge of war, gleamed Clavers' snowy crest. As melts the breaking billows' foam, that crest was torn and tossed, And like a spent and ebbing wave fled Clavers with his host. When men rose up against us, had not God been on our The waters had gone over us, high swelling in their pride; Notices of Books. The Provincial Letters of Pascal. A new Translation with Essay, by M. VILLEMAIN. Memoir, Notes, and Appendix. One vol. post 8vo. Seeley, Burnside, and Seeley, London. Ar a moment like the present, when the public mind is powerfully incited in regard to the doctrines and discipline of the Church of Rome, when attempts are making to remove the bul warks which our ancestors have erected against its encroachments, and when Jesuitism itself has found advocates within the walls of a British House of Commons, we hail with much pleasure the appearance of a new edition of the immortal "Lettres Provinciales" of Blaise Pascal. Having recently referred to Pascal's work in noticing another translation of the Letters, the object of the present notice will be best served by simply stating, that this trans. lation is ably executed, and that the translator has shown himself well acquainted with his own and the language of the original. The Pascal, a translation of the very interesting work is accompanied by an original memoir of essay by Mons. Villemain, the French Minister of Public Instruction, which was prefixed to the French edition, and some notices of Pascal's eminent cotemporaries who assisted in Jesuits and their adherents. The volume is the work, and underwent persecution from the well got up, and we recommend it to the attention of all, but particularly of the younger part of our readers. of the appendix much matter, new and inteIn the preliminary memoir, and in the notes resting to the English reader, will be found, especially with regard to Pascal's personal history. Pascal was little accessible to female attrac"It has been generally supposed that tion, and never or very remotely contemplated entering into the married state. An By the Rev. JAMES G. SMALL, Author of "The Highlands," Then he, who ne'er had mercy on the helpless or the interesting hypothesis upon this subject has, "Songs of the Vineyard," &c.) Come here, my son, and stand with me, where forty years I stood upon my lonely watch, against the prowling foe, My step that then was firm and light, is slow and tottering weak, Was fain to send his flag of truce, and fain for peace to But we would not be deluded by his oily words of guile, We sought not man's compassion, but we cried for help from Heaven; We asked the Lord to guard us, and his gracious aid was The clouds of battle lowered and flashed, and many a But scarce a bolt wrought scaith on us, He shielded us so We bowed a moment as they fired, and baulked their first Their blood flowed fast, as rank by rank, we rose and paid They fetched a compass round our flank, and hand to hand we strove; Half that assailing band we slew, and half to flight we The tug was fierce and furious, when we heard a loud 'Twas gallant Nisbet riding in hot haste to join the fray. however, been raised by his admiring commentator, M. Faugère; and as he is a writer evidently not prone to take up opinions without careful investigation, carries_with_it_much weight and probability. The Duke de Rouanez, the devoted friend and enthusiastic admirer of Pascal, had a sister, who, at the commencement of their intimacy, was just entering womanhood, beautiful and accomplished. Her age was scarcely sixteen, and Pascal was in his twenty-eighth year. The interesting Charlotte de Rouanez seems to have at once imbibed the enthusiastic admiration of her brother for his friend, and he became her confidant, her instructor and correspondent. M. Faugère has brought forward a series of touching letters from Pascal to his fascinating friend and disciple, part of which were known before to exist in manuscript, and others which had till now been undiscovered; and these, although, through the severity of ideas of the Port Royal Brethren, and others, in whose custody they had remained, they have been obviously denuded of all topics but those of a religious nature, bear evidence of no common measure of interest, on Pascal's part, in the well-being of his correspondent."-Memoir, p. lxvii. "It is also supposed that under the influence of this attachment, Pascal wrote his graceful Essay on the Passion of Love," the pure and elevated sentiments of which have evidence of being drawn from far deeper sources than a general knowledge of nature and the heart. They bear all the stamp of personal experience. "It was a love probably that was 'never told;' nurtured in the silent recesses of his own 'bosom; not, perhaps to the last, wholly extinguished, but abandoned through hopelessness, or superseded by yet higher and nobler aspirations. Whatever it was, however, it is now gone down with his ashes to that oblivion in which are wrapt many of the secret passages that have adorned or afflicted the feverish existence of genius and virtue."p. 458. Charlotte de Rouanez seems at one time to have contemplated the renunciation of all her prospects in favour of a conventual life. She passed a novitiate in the convent of Port Royal, but quitted it shortly after Pascal's death, and re-entered the world. Her subsequent history is not recorded. Pascal died 19th April, 1662, just two months after the completion of his thirty-ninth year. THE text is Exodus ii. 6, " And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children." The discourse is a very earnest and effective appeal in behalf of the young, shewing that we ought to manifest, by giving religious education, true compassion on their souls. Sermon preached in the Scotch Church, St. Peter's-square, Manchester, on Wednesday, March 24, (the public Fast-day,) by the Rev. ALEX. MUNRO, A.M. Manchester: Ambery, Market-street. THE text is from 1 Kings viii. 37-40, most appropriate for the occasion, and well handled and applied. Ahab's Humiliation; or, Temporal Judgments Averted by Temporary Repentance. A Sermon preached on the National Fast-day. By the Rev. D. FERGUSSON, of Liverpool. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co. THIS is the substance of a discourse preached in St. George's Presbyterian Church, Liverpool; and the subject is treated in a way worthy of the solemn occasion. Sanctuary Service. By the Rev. J. W. TAYLOR, Free Church, Flisk. Third Thousand. Birmingham: John Turner, 31, Temple-row. London: Partridge and Oakey. THIS is a minister's address to bis people regarding the duties of church attendance; the duty, privilege, and blessedness of rightly waiting on the Lord in the sanctuary. It contains very solemn appeals, and is enlivened by anecdotes of the experience of the people of God:-"A sentence in the sanctuary has often solved doubts and difficulties which reasoning and research had in vain contended with. Asaph was pained with doubts until he went to the sanctuary of God, and 'then he understood. Dr. Owen had at first many difficulties and fears. He went when in London to hear Mr. Calamy preach. A country minister filled the pulpit. Owen felt disappointed. But the despised country minister was to him the messenger of God for good. His text was, 'Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?' Owen's case was met, and by that simple sermon all his doubts were dispelled. He entered into peace." The Good News. By ROBERT HENDERSON, Preacher of the Gospel, Westminster Presbyterian Church. London: Nisbet and Co., Berners-street; and Mudie and Sons, Coventry-street, Haymarket. A CLEAR and simple statement of Gospel truth, written in an earnest and affectionate style. Dick's Christian Philosopher. Wylie's Scene from the Bible. Vols. I. and II. William Collins, Glasgow and London. We have already called the attention of our readers to this series of cheap and popular works. The present volumes, to the young, especially, will be valuable, containing much useful information and many interesting descriptions. Memorials of the Rev. Josias Wilson. N. H. Cotes, Cheapside. THESE Memorials consist of sermons preached by the Rev. James Hamilton, of London, and the Rev. Dr. Morgan, of Belfast; addresses at the funeral by the Rev. Messrs. Nicolson and Chalmers, of London; a letter of sympathy to the River-terrace Church Session and congregation from the English Presbyterian Synod; and a prefatory notice by Dr. Morgan. We need say little as to the matter of these memorials, as we trust that this cheap tract will be in the hands of all our readers, who are interested in the mournful event; and who is there that does not feel the loss of Mr. Wilson as a common loss, and the history of his public life as a subject of near interest to all! In Dr. Morgan's sermon a narrative is given of Mr. Wilson's ministerial life, and no one could better have given this valuable information. "Our acquaintance," says Dr. Morgan," commenced in boyhood, at the University, where he was well-known and loved as an affectionate, hearty, and joyous youth. From that period to the present, we never lost sight of one another, but lived in habits of great intimacy and friendship." In Mr. Hamilton's sermon the personal features of Mr. Wilson's mind, and the affecting scenes of his last illness are painted in true and glowing colours. The addresses of the other two brethren of the Presbytery are solemn and weighty, as befitted such an occasion; breathing at the same time the chastened joy of men who sorrow not as others who have no hope, but who were committing a brother to the ground, in sure and certain hope of his resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ. The letter from the Synod testifies how much the departed brother was loved by all, and the general sympathy felt for those who are mourning his loss. THE JEWISH SABBATH. ON Friday Aaron always returned an hour before the Sabbath, that he might have time to put on his best garments, and repair to the synagogue. His robe was composed of fine black velvet, fastened in front with silver hooks. His girdle was silk, and its long ends fringed. His cap was a rich sable, brought from his native country. When Aaron returned from the short synagogue service of the Sabbath eve, he was rarely without a companion, for he made it a rule, Sabbath comforts, which, of course, included every week, to invite a needy Jew to share his the next day. During his short absence, Jemima had made the customary arrangements which devolve on Jewish women. The bright brass lamp, with its seven burners, suspended from the centre of the ceiling, was replenished with pure olive-oil, and lit up at the appointed moment. A white cloth covered the table, to denote that it was the Sabbath eve. On the table were the loaves of Sabbath bread, made by Jemima. The broken end of one of them manifested that she had The loaves were not forgotten the tithe. covered with a square of satin, richly embroidered, and fringed with gold lace. This antique relic had been in Jemima's family for three generations. Next to the bread was a small silver cup for the consecrated wine, and a salt-cellar, because salt is always added, in accordance with the commandment. On the return of her husband and his guest, the wine followed. A plentiful supper was served blessing and distribution of the bread and by the hospitable hostess. The males then sang hymns for the Sabbath during the rest of the evening. As the Jews are not allowed, by their traditions, to meddle with light or fire on the Sabbath, the poor would be in a pitiable situation, but that there are Gentile women who go to a certain number of houses to light and keep up the fires. She is denominated by them the Sabbath Goya (or Gentile.) It is a curious fact that they despise this and have a meaner opinion of her than of any other Christian, because she earns her bread by an act which, in their creed, is sinful in itself, and at once marks her as having no part in the holy covenant. TUESDAY. person, TUESDAY is considered by the Jews as the most auspicious day in the week for any new undertaking. The reason assigned for this opinion by the Rabbies, whose chief learning is often displayed in such curious subtelties, has its foundation in the first chapter of Genesis. The inspired writer has there accorded, that the Divine Creator of the universe, though he designed on the first day to pronounce his work to be good, did not so express Himself on the second day, i.e. Monday, but on the third day, i.e., Tuesday, said they, God pronounced the work to be good twice; and for that reason, Tuesday is preferred as being the most auspicious day to begin temporal affairs.-The Orphans of Lissau. We recommend this little book ("the Orphans of Lissau,") to our readers as containing most instructive and interesting information regarding the customs and manners of the Jewish nation, especially as to their domestic and social life. SUNDAY TRADING AND SIGHT-SEEING. LET the poor man never lose sight of this important fact, in contemplating the social benefits of the Sabbath-day,-that a weekly day of rest is but another term for seven days' maintenance for himself and family, as the consideration for six days' labour! Let him, we say, never lose sight of this fact, when thinking on the Sabbath, or enjoying his day of rest, and we are certain that he will, with us, consider that man the best friend of the industrial classes, of all degrees, who is most anxious to prevent the secularization of the Sabbath ;—and him the greatest enemy which the poor man has-the greatest enemy to his spiritual and intellectual improvement, as well as his physical comfort, whatever his mind from a just reverence and respect for other professions,-who seeks to divert his the day, by flimsy pretexts of rational amusement, or by more cogent arguments for engaging in the performance of anything which wears the air of manual labour.-Sunday trading is one of these snares-let every |