There seems a shadow in the day, Her smile no longer cheers, A dimness on the stars of night Like eyes that look through tears. Alone unto our Father's will Our thoughts were reconciled; That He whose love exceedeth ours Fold her, O Father, in thine arms, Lessons by the Way. THE LAST FETTER. WE have had our attention called to the difficulty of an inquirer, and have been requested to endeavour to solve it in this particular corner of our journal. The difficulty, which is far from uncommon, may be regarded as the last powerful fetter by which many a mind is kept in the bondage of that dread which effectually hinders all peace with God. The inquirer in this case imagines that he is to be saved by thinking stedfastly on the truth of the Gospel-that is, by a peculiar fixing of the mind on the truth. His mind is led astray by mistaking the value and importance of its own act of steady thought for the value of Jesus! His error might be illustrated by that of a man who, having been condemned to die, and for whom a sufficient ransom had been paid, should imagine that he was to have peace and joy, not from knowing that the ransom had actually been paid and accepted, but from some mysterious fixing of the good news regarding it. Let the inquirer imagine himself to be such a person. Suppose yourself guilty of some dreadful crime, and lying in the felon's cell condemned to death. Suppose that an officer enters your dreary dungeon with a bright smile on his face, and at once signifies that he has most important tidings for you. Suppose that your interest is thus excited, and he proceeds to say that a generous and wealthy man has pitied your case, and from his abundant resources has paid a full ransom for your life. He tells you that on this account you are perfectly welcome to pardon and liberty. Would you begin to try to fix your mind upon what he said? Would not the good tidings be more than sufficient to fix and fill your whole heart with unutterable peace and joy? Would not all idea of turning your mind to the truth, or of fixing your mind upon that truth, or of looking stedfastly to the ransom, be out of the question? Most assuredly it would. The simple fact that your ransom was paid, and that you were now tree to enjoy a full restoration to life and liberty, would be quite sufficient to banish every fear, and to fill your soul with grateful delight. How is it otherwise with you in the great matter of your soul's salvation? The good news of Jesus is just the fact that he gave himself a ransom for you, and that on this account you are welcome to go near to the throne of God and call him Father-to be forgiven and welcomed as his son. Your ransom is paid-your sin is all answered for-the law of God is magnified and made honourable by a full satisfaction rendered to that broken law for you. On this ground you are as free to Jehovah's friendship as you are to breathe the air. Is not this enough to gladden you? Is it not enough to turn your mind away from all its own fixings, and lookings, and thinkings, and to make you rejoice in the unchangeable truth that Jesus died for you? Your error arises from the false idea that still lingers in your soul, that you are to be saved, not by the power of a Saviour's blood as your plea before God, but by some mental act or work of your own. Is it not true that Jesus the Son of God loved you, and gave Himself for you? Is it not true, whether you think of it or not? Is it not a glorious and most gladdening fact, that your ransom is paid and fixed at God's right hand, even if your mind should wander like a comet through the universe? Cast your mental fixings, and lookings, and stedfast holdings to the winds, and rejoice that God's infinite love is fixed on you, while the atoning work of Jesus is accepted as a full satisfaction for all your guilt. Yes, if you should never be able to stay your mental eye upon any one object for five seconds of time, rejoice that you can appear before Jehovah, and look up for pardon and acceptance, because Jesus died for you. Rejoice that this simple plan is just as good for the troubled and wandering mind as for the most steady imagination that ever fixed on an object of thought. In standing before your God, it will not do to plead, "My mind is fixed," but it will do to plead that Jesus died for you. This is the way, and the only way, of getting clear of this last fetter by which your soul is still held in bondage. Have you reason to fear when you know that your ransom is paid? Have you reason to fear when you know that you are welcome on this ground to call God your Father, and to trust Him as your Friend? Have you not immeasurable rea son to be glad and for ever grateful? Well, then, we say, rejoice, and be exceeding glad that you have such a Saviour and such a God, and such a free access to present pardon and eternal life. Let all your own mental efforts follow the rest of your idols "to the moles and the bats."-Banner of Ulster. Evening Talk. JOHN WESLEY'S BENEVOLENCE. PERHAPS there never was a more charitable man than Wesley. His liberality knew no bounds but an empty pocket. He gave away, not merely a certain part of his income, but all that he had; his own wants being provided for, he devoted all the rest to the necessities of others. He entered upon his good work at a very early period. We are told that when he had thirty pounds a year, he lived on twenty-eight, and gave away forty shillings. The next year, receiving sixty pounds, he still lived on twenty-eight, and gave away two-andthirty. The third year he received ninety pounds, and gave away sixty-two. The fourth year he received one hundred and twenty pounds, still he lived on twentyeight, and gave to the cause of God ninetytwo. During the rest of his life he lived economically; and in the course of fifty years, it has been supposed that he gave away more than thirty thousand pounds. In the year 1776 he received the following letter, in consequence of a recent resolution of the Government, that circulars should be sent to all persons suspected of having plate, on which they had not paid duty: "Reverend Sir,-As the Commissioners cannot doubt that you have plate for which you have hitherto neglected to make an entry, they have directed me to send you a copy of the Lords' Order, and to inform you that they expect that you forthwith mark the entry of all your plate, such entry to bear date from the commencement of the plate duty, or from such time as you have served, used, had, or kept any quantity of silver plate, chargeable by the Act of Parliament, as in default thereof the Board will be obliged to signify your refusal to their Lordships. "N.B.-An immediate answer is desired." Mr. Wesley replied as follows: "SIR,-I have two silver tea-spoons at London, and two at Bristol; this is all the plate which I have at present; and I shall not buy any more while so many around me want bread. "I am, Sir, your most humble servant, "JOHN WESLEY." Notices of Books. Contributions towards the Exposition of the Book of Genesis. By R. S. CANDLISH, D.D. Edinburgh: Johnstone and Hunter. Not only is Genesis the first book of the Bible, but to the ethnologist and the poet, it is the most alluring, and to the theologian it it is one of the most instructive in all the sacred volume. "Paradise Lost," "The Death of Abel," ""The World before the Flood," and many more of our sublimest epics and dramas have developed from its fruitful germs; and to say nothing of ethnographical inquirers, all the recent explorers in Egypt, VOL. IV. on the Dead Sea, and in Palestine, are commentators on Genesis. But as the history of the creation and original condition of our race, and as the fountain head of federal theology, this book must ever command the study, devout and affectionate, of the well-instructed divine. And as long as it is studied these " Contributions are sure to be consulted with advantage and delight. Not exhaustive, entering slightly into questions which, however they may engross the philosopher, cannot edify the great congregation; they bring out every G incident with picturesque vividness, and so apply it, as always to render it profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Their surpassing excellence, however, is the skill with which they compare Scripture with Scripture. Genesis is not treated as an isolated book,a monograph of Moses; but it is an integral portion of God's revelation, and, like so many concentric reflectors, all the other books of the Bible are ranged around this one, so that its minutest beauties and most recondite lessons are brought out in the blaze of their united illumination. Here and there matter-of-fact readers may demur to the hypothesis of a lively and suggestive fancy; but imaginative readers will rejoice to find how possible it is to be ideal and independent within the limits of the most sober orthodoxy and the most practical piety. Although it were the only specimen of its gifted author's powers, this work alone would secure for him a distinguished rank among the masters in our Israel. Daily Bible Illustrations. By JOHN KITTO, D.D. Evening Series. Job and the Poetical Books. Edinburgh: Oliphant. So fraught with information, so pleasantly written, and so truly expository are Dr. Kitto's "Illustrations," that we do not wonder at their popularity, and we are truly glad to find a new series begun. Around the Bible as a nucleus the extensive reading and remarkable memory of Dr. Kitto have accumulated facts and elucidations which not only evince it the truest of books, but which, even to ordinary readers, should render it the most charming of books. To intelligent young persons we especially commend these volumes. From page 381 we perceive that the writer is not acquainted with the store-gathering ant. In the "Entomological Transactions," vol. i., p. 103, he will find Colonel Sykes's interesting notices of the Atta providens, and it would be an interesting object of inquiry if some traveller would investigate a little the ant-usages of Palestine. The Unity of the Human Races. By THOMAS SMYth, D.D. Edinburgh: Johnstone. Now that it is reprinted in Britain, we have only to repeat our high estimate of this work. Learned and elaborate, and abounding in curious details, it will remove, we trust, the doubts of the few, and confirm the faith of the many. It is a seasonable contribution to the cause of revealed truth and sound philosophy. Truth for the Soul, taught by means of the Geography of Palestine. Intended as a Companion to Nisbet and Co.'s Map of Palestine. London: Nisbet and Co. THE idea of this little book is excellent, and the fact of its being compiled by the author of "A Mission of Inquiry among the Jews,' is a sufficient guarantee for its execution. Along with a few copies of the Map, it would make a delightful variation on the usual systems of Sabbath-school lessons. The Works of Lady Colquhoun. Nisbet and Co. THIS elegant volume contains "Impressions on the Heart," "The World's Religion," and all the other publications of this pious and gifted lady. Through its medium we hope that she may "yet speak" to many, especially of the higher classes of our country. Aunt Edith: or, Love to God the best Motive. Nisbet and Co. A PLEASING narrative, containing much useful instruction, and many valuable hints on the minor morals. We cordially recommend it to those who want a nice book to read to their children, or for their children to read to themselves. They cannot have better acquaintances than the young folks at Oakfield. ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN LITERATURE. PROCEEDING alphabetically, we begin with the works of our friend, the Rev. T. Alexander, of Chelsea, Christians the Salt of the Earth, and, "Without Christ:" a Word to the Children of his Congregation and Sabbath Schools. Lively and yet searching and solemn, both are well fitted to be useful; and we trust that such direct and vigorous preaching may do much good. The "What hath the Lord spoken?" is a faithful improvement of an awful calamity, by Mr. Hunter, of Southampton. profits of the publication are to be devoted to the fund for the relief of the sufferers from the burning of the Amazon. It is well for the flock at Southampton that they have over them in the Lord one who can improve striking providences so wisely and so well. With a First and Second Catechism for use in Schools and Families, by Mr. Robinson, of Salford, we are not so prepossessed as to wish that it superseded the "Mother's Catechism," and other well-known questionbooks. It is designed for those who cannot read, but it is not quite adapted to infantine ideas.-Have you read the Bible? is an address to the young of his flock, by Mr. Trail, of Manchester, and is the best address to children which we have read for many a day. It is definite in its object, and shows an admirable understanding of the youthful mind. There is life in every line, and from its singularly taking style it is likely to have many readers, both old and young. From the same Manchester press we have an anonymous collection of Hymns for Sabbath-schools. We question the propriety of setting to the tune of the National Anthem such words as "Praise Jesus Christ our King!" Behold a glorious company, All with the harps of God." Last, but not least, would we notice, What should the Government do for Australia? an eloquent pamphlet by one of our lay members, J. R. Morrison, Esq. Our copy is the second edition, and we trust its circulation through the country may be such and we doubt if Sabbath scholars will sing as to command for its representations the with the understanding, best attention of our Colonial Secretary. Of the ability and enlightened patriotism of the author there can be only one opinion. CORFU. Missions. THE REV. W. CHARTERIS TO MRS. PATISON. DEAR MADAM,-In kindest wishes Mrs. Charteris joins me. Throughout the past year Mrs. C. and myself have had good reason to sing of mercy and judgment, especially of the former. Mrs. C. is truly wonderfully restored to health, and is better than she has been for years, giving, I hope, promise of longer days. Mr. Skinner, was the first to whom I sent it. He returned the paper with one dollar, and a very kind note, which I just enclosed with the paper, and sent it to the officers of the 92d, from thirteen of whom I received about 37. From Colonel Bloomfield, of the Artillery - Colonel Tylder, of the Engineers - Colonel Adams, of the 49th, and their respective officers, I received subscriptions, cheerfully and liberally given. Judges Blair, I have to inform you that Dr. Napoleoni Reid, and other friends, whose names I left Corfu on the 14th December, first for have frequently mentioned, were kind as Smyrna, by the Austrian steamer. He usual; so that with little difficulty I colhas written me from Smyrna. His pas- lected 167., with which the poor fellow sage was two days longer than usual, was more than contented. He departed owing to a severe storm, in which they full of trust in God, who, I hope, will give had fears of being lost. He had a num-him a sphere of usefulness and a city of ber of tracts in Greek and Italian, which habitation. he read to and distributed among the passengers and crew. He read to them also chapters from the Bible, copies of which the captain and others desired to purchase, but Napoleoni had only his own. He says that he is not sure whether he will proceed to Salonica, as he had when he left some intention of doing, but that he may remain at Smyrna a week or two, to try if he can fall into practice there, or in some city of Asia Minor. He will have a few pounds on hand after paying for the voyage, medicines, surgical instruments, &c. I drew up a brief memorial of his imprisonment and sufferings. I also cut from the "Witness," of June 18, the paragraph which had been written from Pisa, and attached it to the paper containing the statements by myself. The Rev. Mr. Morgan, son-in-law of Dr. Gilly, the friend and historian of the Waldenses, military chaplain instead of He has been useful to me in my intercourse with the refugee Italians. He distributed among them tracts and other works, and collected them for me when I wished to see them in our school-room. My interest in this class of men increases daily, and my labours among them are more abundant than formerly. I began, as soon as I could after our sojourn in the country, to hold a prayer-meeting with two or three families of them. Our meetings became in a short time more numerous. Once a fortnight I intend, God willing, to preach a discourse fully written out. This I have done three times; our fourth service of the kind will be held on Sabbath next, the 4th January. I expect a larger audience still; my last congregation amounted to fifty, and our schoolroom would contain nearly seventy if crowded. They were all most cordial, and did not dismiss till I had come down out of the pulpit, and they had shaken hands with me, or given a kind "felice notte." I would have this service every Lord's-day evening, but am prevented by the arduous work of preparation, in which I am ably assisted by my friend, Mr. Stevens. It is also right to alternate this service with one in English, and thus allow to the poor soldiers an opportunity of withdrawing themselves from the many temptations of their profession, which are perhaps greater on the evening of the Lord's-day than on any other. They have the same advantage on Tuesday evening, at our prayer-meeting. Few of the soldiers lately come avail themselves of it; but we have more from the artillery, with whom I have been longer acquainted. I am very glad and thankful to inform you that our Girls' School is prospering under our new teacher, Miss Harriet McKenzie, whose sister, our former praiseworthy schoolmistress, I had the pleasure, on Nov. 29th, of joining in marriage to Mr. McKay, schoolmaster of the 92nd Highlanders, a genteel and well-educated young man, whose emoluments are such as I hope will maintain him and his partner very comfortably. This was my first marriage ceremony, and I assure you I felt deeply interested. Our Girls' School numbers nearly forty; we expect more when the weather improves and the days are longer. There is at present a party of travellers at the Club Hotel. Mrs. R. came on Tuesday last to hear the school examined; she seemed greatly pleased with the specimens of writing, reading, and especially with the singing. On leaving, she gave Miss McKenzie two dollars to give the children a little Christmas treat. I then accompanied her to Mrs. Dickson's school, with which she was also much gratified, and gave Mrs. Dickson a half sovereign for the same purpose. To-day Mrs. Charteris and I, by Mrs. D.'s invitation, went to see the fête, and a truly pleasant one it was. There were fortyfour girls present, the majority of them Greeks, some of them of apparently seventeen or eighteen years of age, who come to be taught English, which they read with an accent very perfect. This school is a great advantage to Corfu. Mrs. Dickson is really a veteran teacher, and is now ably assisted by her son, a very promising young man, who came lately from America, after finishing his literary curriculum at college. Our boys' evening class began very well; but a month of wet weather, during which torrents of rain fell, considerably thinned it. However, after this season, it usually increases. We had, in the beginning of November, as many as thirty-six. LETTER FROM MR. NICHOLSON. THE following extract from a letter lately received from the Rev. Mr. Nicholson, late of London Wall Church, we are sure will gladden the hearts of not a few of our readers who lamented his departure from the midst of us : "Hobart Town, Van Diemen's Land, 10th September, 1851. "MY DEAR SIR,-I have been much longer in writing you than I expected and intended, but I dare say you will have heard of me through our friend, Mr. Nisbet, before this reaches you. I have now been five months in Van Diemen's Land, and have much ground for thankfulness, on looking back, over all the way which the Lord hath led me since leaving the shores of my native land. My reception here, where I arrived on the 9th April last, was most cordial. The circumstance of our sailing first to New Zealand, where I was detained two months, greatly protracted my voyage to Hobart Town, so that from the time of my sailing from the Thames, to the time of my arrival here, was seven months. The friends here had consequently received the intelligence of my sailing from London long before I reached them, and were not a little anxious about me before I made my appearance. They hailed my arrival with most affectionate greetings, and showed me no little kindness. state of matters as to the formation of a Free Church congregation immediately occupied my attention, and I found that a large hall, capable of containing from 500 to 600 people, had been secured at a rent of 251. a year for preaching in. In this place I accordingly preached, morning and evening, on the first Sabbath after my arrival. There might be from 150 to 200 persons present. In the course of a few Sabbaths the attendance considerably increased, and has been gradually augmenting, till now the place is regularly, Sabbath after Sabbath, perfectly packed. Indeed, many come who cannot get in, and from the crowd and the heat much inconvenience is felt. The Lord seems to be countenancing and blessing us, and many a warm-hearted The |