Cumberland-street, in Parsonstown, and we followed him; also, at night, in the Methodist chapel. Protestant families here much pleased and encouraged by the mission. I understand there has not been such a congregation in the Methodist chapel for many years, as there was on the day after the open-air service. Brother Derrington preached in the Assembly-room last night, to a crowded congregation, while I preached at Kinnety. I am engaged to preach in the Square on Saturday, at one o'clock. Brother Derrington has preached ten or eleven times.

MARYBOROUGH, AUG. 12.-Rev. John Stevenson: Brethren of tenth division of Roscrea, Athy, Carlow, Tullymore, and Maryborough, met here on the 10th, mutually to report progress, which is, generally,―In each division several hopeful services those out as well as in doors. Attendance at out-door services from 100 to 400. No case of violent opposition, great caution having been observed by the brethren.

DUBLIN, AUG. 12.-I just write a few lines to say that the accounts which have reached Dublin to-day from the country are very favourable. In Youghal, they are making strides, and numbers come to hear in the Town-hall; very many Romanists always present. In Cahir, much the same as before. Some Roman Catholics, with many Protestants, attend in their little preaching-room. Mallow continues favourable, the Romanists staying within earshot in the open air, and so come within sound of the Word. In Kinsale, the work is so interesting that Mr. [a Church clergyman] wants to be allowed to remain there as itinerant missionary under the Evangelical Alliance. Says the Established Church clergy there gave him the right hand of fellowship, which, had they not done, he would have left the Established Church.

DUBLIN, AUG. 17.-Imust try and give you an outline of how matters stand up to this. Letters this morning from Nenagh and the neighbourhood all around quite favourable. Also from Castleconner, in the Kilkenny district, very favourable. In Kilkenny, Mr. Ker had an interview with the Mayor, at his solicitation, but was unable to get a hearing there, in or out of doors. This is the second trial of Kilkenny. Waterford very favourable; some fresh men going there to-day. And Mr. Kirtland's letter, which he desires to be forwarded to you, speaks for itself in respect to the Maryborough district. The brethren were beaten back out of the eighth division, and are now going, some of them northward, and some to Youghal, to fill up vacancies in the south. Those who have gone to Wicklow and Wexford have rough work of it up to

this. Bray was as bad as Cashel. In Cashel, though they were beaten out, and used shamefully in the Poor-house, it has since resulted in a number of Roman Catholics inquiring, and a six hours' controversy with the Scripture-readers. You remember that this is what we said that day, that even in places in which they are beaten there will be a reaction afterwards in the minds of many. Mere apparent failure in a place is not real failure by any means.

MOUNTMALLICK, AUG. 16.-Rev. C. Kirtland sends from this place extracts from his journal, the most recent portions of which we subjoin:-Wednesday, 10th, Monegal: Collected the people in the streets, and addressed the people. Roman Catholics fetched their children away and shut their doors, but were curious enough to listen at their windows. Many heard. Stones thrown. Through mercy none struck me. Thursday, 11th: Joined Mr. Sibree at Roscrea. Not safe to preach out of doors. Held meeting in Court-house, and preached to a very good audience. Friday, 12th, Mountrath: We mounted a large table in the Square, and began to read the Word. Just then part of the roof of a house fell down, on the very spot we had been standing five minutes before. Signal deliverance. This accident brought a congregation, which was addressed by both of us. After the service was over, the mob closed upon us, struck us several times, and threw filth upon us. Escaped to our lodgings without cuts or bruises. Head constable visited us, and advised us not to venture out afterwards, as the whole force could not save our lives. Promised to guard us out the next morning. Saturday, 13th: Came to Maryborough. Mr. Sibree and myself again separated. I went to Portarlington for the Sabbath. Lord's-day, 14th: Borrowed a chapel and preached in it twice to very good congregations. Addressed an assembly in the market-square in the afternoon. Maryborough, 15th: Stood on the Court-house steps, at one, P.M., and addressed multitudes as they were passing. The crowd grew turbulent and threw missiles. Mr. Sibree was struck, but not injured. Borrowed an unoccupied chapel, and preached to a large audience in the evening. Tuesday, 16th: Went to the Court-house, to hear a case of personal assault on a Protestant by a Roman Catholic at our meeting the day before. We, of course, had nothing to do with it, but simply went to watch the case. Roman Catholic fined 10s., and bound over to keep the peace. Magistrates expressed their determination to protect the missionaries from England. Thus, I have given an outline, and it is but an outline, as will be evident, when I tell you that my journal extends to about sixty pages. We have not preached

controversy, but the simple Gospel, and we feel assured that God will give his blessing.

And not in Ireland alone. A movement in the same direction has begun in Paisley, where it is calculated that out of a population of 47,951 in the town, there are upwards of 24,500 healthy persons, above childhood, who never attend a place of worship-who do not even go to mass. The Christian ministers and gentlemen of Paisley have united in an arrangement for the delivery of 100 sermons in streets and lanes, highways and hedges, within the last two weeks of the present month of August. We can hardly imagine that after this Glasgow will be silent, and we dare to hope that the good old fashion of preaching out of doors will be resumed all over Great Britain and Ireland, by the most heavenly-minded and effective messengers of the Cross.-Christian Times.

ROMAN CATHOLIC MISSIONS

IN CHINA.

THE "Univers" publishes a correspondence from the head of the Roman Catholic missions in China, dated Shanghai, 8th June, 1853, by which it would appear that the insurgents, at the taking of Nankin, did not show much sympathy to the Roman Catholic religion. After having described the storming of Nankin, which was taken without much resistance, the writer continues as follows:-"On the 20th March, the insurgents traversed the town without finding much resistance. A venerable old man, chief of the Roman Catholics, was killed in his house with his eldest son; a second son was wounded, and another carried away as a prisoner. On the 21st, the family Tseu, the richest and most considered of our Christians here, was driven out of their mansion, which the insurgents required for their chief, and thirty-one members of this family were burnt alive in a neighbouring house, where they had taken a refuge. This family was in possession of all the ornaments, papers, and money belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, all of which were taken from

them. Several insurgents entered the chapel where the Christians were reciting the prayers of the holy week; they forbade them kneeling down, and ordered the Christians to recite, seated, the new prayer to Tien-Tou. This they refused; upon which the insurgents gave them three days for reflection, threatening to behead them if they should not comply with their orders. On the 25th March, whilst the Roman Catholics were adoring the holy cross, as usual on Good Friday, the insurgents proceeded to enter the chapel, break the crucifix, overthrow the altar, and insist upon the Christians reciting their own prayer, presenting to the latter books wherein it was written. One of the congregation gives to the Chief of the rebels a treatise, containing the explication of God's commandments. After having looked over it, this one returns it, saying, ' Your religion is good, and ours cannot be compared to it; but the new Emperor has given his orders-you must obey or you shall die.' And when the Christians refused to comply with these orders, the soldiers took hold of men and women, tied their hands on their back, and carried them to the tribunal of the Chief or Emperor. After having waited for some time in the street, they were informed that they all should be conducted to death on the ordinary place of execution; and one old man, unable to walk any farther, was beheaded on the spot. After having arrived on this place, and having once more refused to recite the prayer, they were, however, not decapitated, but reconducted into the town, and put into prison. At You-Tcheu, the rebels committed the same crimes as at Nanking. All the administrators of the Christian (Roman) Chapel were taken prisoners, with their families. They were again ordered to recite the prayer of Tien-Tou. Then two amongst them explained, in a loud voice, the Roman Catholic dogmas and religious customs to the assembled crowd; in consequence of which they were condemned-one to 300, and the other to 500, lashes with a verge, and we do not yet know whether these martyrs will be able to survive this cruel flagellation. Thus, of 600 Christians we counted at Nanking, Gang-Tschew, and Tsew-Kiang, fifty have been killed or burned alive, many have been cruelly beaten, most of them have lost all their property and remain captive, exposed to all sorts of dangers for the soul and the body.

"PR. XAV. MARESCA,
"Apostolic Administrator of Nankin."

haven, per Rev. Josh. Burns... Association.-Brampton, per Mr. J. J. Johnstone

4 2 1

1 810

£544 17 4

the congregation there. He testified to the entire unanimity that prevailed amongst the members and adherents of that congregation, and laid on the table a call in favour of Mr. Henry Gamble, preacher of the Gospel, to which there were appended eighty-three signatures.

Mr. Monteith moved that the call do lie on the table, and that the clerk of the Presbytery be instructed to inform Mr. Gamble of its presentation, and to request him to communicate with the Presbytery respecting it at a Meeting to be held on the 27th inst. After conversation, this Motion was unanimously agreed to.

A Memorial from certain persons formerly connected with the congregation lately assembling in Chadwell-street Church, and others, was read, praying the Presbytery to sanction the opening of a place of worship in Dalston. On the Motion of Mr. Weir, a Committee was appointed to inquire into the whole circumstances of the case stated in the Memorial, and to report.

The Presbytery then adjourned, to meet on Tuesday, the 27th inst.

PRESBYTERY OF BIRMINGHAM.

THIS Reverend Court met at Dudley on Tuesday, the 6th ult. Present: Rev. Dr. Bryson, Moderator, and Messrs. Lewis, Mackenzie, and Speers, ministers ; and Messrs. Roxburgh and Sharpe, Elders.

The Presbytery appointed Dr. Bryson and Mr. Lewis, ministers; and Messrs. Roxburgh and Sharpe, members of Commission.

The Committee appointed to take charge of the Missionary Station at Smethwick gave in the following report :-The Committee beg to report that the station has been regularly supplied with preaching since last Meeting. That in compliance with the wish of those attending Divine worship, the Lord's Supper was dispensed there on Sabbath, the 31st July, on which occasion the Rev. Mr. Anderson, of the Free Church of Scotland, officiated by appointment of your Committee. That the attendance on the Sabbath and week-day services has been steadily increasing; and that there does not appear to be anything in the present circumstances of the station calling for special remark. The report was adopted, and the Committee were reappointed, with instructions to lay upon the table at next ordinary Meeting a Communion Roll.

Mr. Roxburgh laid on the table two extract minutes from the records of the session of Broad-street, Birmingham, stating that the Rev. T. S. Anderson, of Crailing, and the Rev. J. Duns, of Torpichen, had preached to the congregation assembling at the Corn Exchange, Birmingham; and

affirming that they had thereby "virtually ignored and set at nought the deliberate and solemn decision of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church in England,” and requesting advice on the matter. After lengthened consideration, a Motion to the following effect was moved and seconded: -That the Presbytery approve the diligence of the Session in watching over the interests of the congregation of Broad-street, and, without adopting their views regarding the breach of discipline alleged to have been committed by Messrs. Anderson and Duns, recommend the Session, should they see fit, to transmit these extracts to the brethren referred to, and also to the Presbytery of which they are members. An Amendment was thereafter moved, to the effect-That, inasmuch as the acts complained of involved the relationship subsisting between the Free Church of Scotland and the Presbyterian Church in England, the Presbytery order the papers to lie on the table till next ordinary Meeting. The roll having been called, the Motion was carried by a majority of one, and judgment having been declared accordingly, Mr. Lewis dissented from the finding.

The attention of the Presbytery having been called to the circular letter issued by the School Committee, urging upon congregations the necessity of establishing dayschools, the Presbytery recommend the matter to Sessions within the bounds, and earnestly advise the setting up of dayschools wherever it may be found practic

able.

The Presbytery adjourned to meet at Birmingham on the first Tuesday of November, at three o'clock, P.M.

Intelligence.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CROOKHAM.-On Wednesday evening, the 13th of July, a soirée of the congregation, and their friends, was held in the above church. The evening was very favourable, and the attendance large. Above 650 persons sat down to tea, after which the Rev. Mr. Murdoch, of Berwick, having returned thanks, a Report was read to the congregation, of which the following is a brief abstract: It embraced a period of fifteen months from February, 1852, when Mr. Edmonds' ministry practically commenced, till May, 1853, during which time the congregation has increased above sixty, exclusive of young communicants, and inclusive of these, above 130; besides a few who have taken sittings, but retain their membership with other congregations. The Sabbath-school and Bible classes have also increased. It showed the financial condition of the congregation to be not only satisfactory but cheering in the highest degree, as compared with the past.

The contributions made for the Schemes of the Church and local purposes, within the time specified, alone amount to £91 14s. 8d., and if to this be added the £23 proceeds of the teameeting after clearing all expenses, it leaves the handsome sum of £114 14s. 83d., contributed by the congregation in little more than a year, exclusive of the minister's stipend. As an additional proof of the harmony, good feeling, and hearty co-operation of the congregation with their minister, it is due to them here to their number supplied the good things necesmention that no fewer than eighteen ladies of

sary for eighteen tables, or 234 persons, and thus materially contributed to realize the object of the meeting, namely, the removal of a manse debt, which was contracted some few years ago. The Meeting was addressed by the Revds. Messrs. Murdoch, of Berwick, Hunter, of Horncliff, and Robinson, of Etal, in interesting and appropriate speeches; after which a vote of thanks was given to the ladies, and the meeting separated, highly delighted with the proceedings, and especially gratified by the cheering and encouraging statements of the Report.

STAFFORD.-The Anniversary Sermons, in connexion with this church, were preached by the Rev. J. M. Martyn, of Hanley, on Sabbath, following, L. J. Abington, Esq., of Hanley, the 21st of August. And on the Monday week delivered a most interesting lecture on Sinaitic inscriptions, which was listened to by a large audience with great attention and evident pleasure. The collections amounted to nearly 127.

MADAGASCAR.-A letter has lately been received from the Rev. Mr. Ellis, who, with the Rev. Mr. Cameron, was sent as a deputation to Madagascar, by the London Missionary Society. It does not appear that the laws against Christianity were actually repealed, though it is believed their execution has been, to a great degree, suspended. The Prince, it appears, is only third in rank and authoritythe Queen being first, and her high officers next. The Prince is not Commander-in-Chief of the army, but first officer of the palace. The son of the late Rainiharo is Commanderin-chief, having been appointed, it is said, through the influence of the Prince, who is regarded as his personal friend. There were general reports, but no official information, of the desire to renew the trade and cultivate the friendship of England. Letters from the capital speak of the great increase of the Christians in Madagascar, of their having not fewer than seven places (houses) in the capital where they meet during the night, for worship, for administering baptism, and for celebrating the Lord's Supper; and that they have access, it would appear, without difficulty, to the Prince, at his house within the precincts of the palace:-There are, also (continues Mr. Ellis), letters from Prince Ramanga, a nephew of the Queen, and cousin of the Prince, requesting that Bibles, Testaments, and smaller books may be sent to him at the capital, and naming the agent at Tamatave, to whose care they may be sent. Further, we learn from one of the merchants here (St. Louis), that his correspondent at the capital informed him that, in the end of the last year, a large

Meeting was held, attended by the chiefs fron many of the provinces, at which the desirableness of changing the system of exclusive restriction, and inviting foreigners to renew their trading relations with Madagascar, was discussed, and, though not agreed upon, yet was so strongly urged, that the decision was adjourned, and another Meeting on the subject was to be held in March last. There is no account of any recent persecution, or arrests and punishments on account of religion; only as to the afflicted state of those in bonds and slavery. The prohibitions of Christianity, and censures of those professing it, appear to be still put forth, but not followed by any actual punishment. Looking at the whole of the information we now possess, from a missionary point of view, I cannot resist the conviction that, though the state of things in Madagascar is different, and, indeed, unfavourable, as compared with the hopes and expectations cherished respecting it when I left England, yet there are not a few indications that the state of feeling and opinion respecting Christianity are tending towards its toleration, if not open admission and approval.

A

MRS. HARRIET BEECHER STOWE ON LITTLE CHILDREN.-One cold winter morning, I looked into a millin er's shop, and there I saw a hale, hearty, and well-browned young fellow from the country, with his long cart whip, and a lion shag coat, holding up some little matter, and turning it about in his great fist. And what do you suppose it was? baby's bonnet! A little, soft, blue satin hood, with a swan's down border, white as the frill of rich blonde around the edge. By his side stood a very pretty woman, holding, with no small pride, the baby, for evidently it was the baby. And one could read the fact in every glance, as they looked at each other, and at the little hood, and then at the large, blue, unconscious eye, and fat, dimpled cheeks of the little one. It was evident that neither of them had ever seen a baby like that before! "But, really, Mary," said the young man, "is not three dollars very high?" Mary very prudently said nothing, but taking the hood, tied it on the little head, and held up the baby. The man looked and grinned, and, without another word, down went the three dollars (all the last week's butter came to), and as they walked out of the shop, it is hard to say which looked the most delighted with the bargain. "Ah," thought I, "a little child shall lead them." Ah, these children!-little witches!-pretty even in all their thoughts and absurdities!-winning even in their sins and iniquities! See, for example, yonder little fellow in a naughty fit; he has shaken his long curls over his deep blue eyes, the fair brow is bent in a frown, the rose leaf is pushed up in infinite defiance, and the white shoulder thrust naughtily forward. Can any but a child look so pretty even in its naughtiness? Then comes the instant change; flashing smiles and tears as the good comes back all in a rush, and you are overwhelmed with protestations, promises, and kisses. They are irresistible, too, these little ones. They pull away the scholar's pen; tumble about his

papers; make somersets over his books; and what can he do? They tear up newspapers; litter the carpets; break, pull, and upset, and then jabber their unintelligible English in self-defence; and what can you do for yourself? "If I had a child," says the precise man, "you should see." He does have a child; and his child tears up his papers, tumbles over his things, and pulls his nose, like all children; and what has the precise man to say for himself? Nothing. He is like everybody else; 66 a little child shall lead him." Poor little children, they bring and teach us human beings more good than they get in return. How often does the infant, with its soft cheek and helpless hand, awaken a mother from worldliness and egotism to a whole world of new and higher feeling? How often does the mother repay this by doing her best to wipe off, even before the time, the dew and fresh simplicity of childhood, and make her daughter too soon a woman of the world, as she has been ?-The hardened heart of the worldly man is touched by the guileless tone and simple caresses of his son, but he repays it in time, by imparting to his boy all the crooked tricks and hard ways and callous maxims which have undone himself. Go to the gaol the penitentiary-and find there the wretched, most sullen, brutal, and hardened. Then look at your infant son- such to some mother was this man. That hard hand was soft and delicate; that rough voice was tender and lisping; fond eyes followed as he played; and he was rocked as something holy. There was a time when his heart, soft and unknown, might have been opened to questions of his Maker, and been sealed with the seal of Heaven. But harsh hands seized it, and all is over with him for ever. So of the tender, weeping childhe is made the callous, heartless man; of the sneering sceptic-of the beautiful and modest, the shameless and abandoned-and this is what the world does for the little. There was a time when the Divine One stood upon the earth, and little children sought to draw near to Him. But harsh human beings stood between Him and them, forbidding their approach. Ah! has it always been so? Did not even we, with our hard and unsubdued feeling, or worldly and unscriptural habits and maxims, stand like a dark screen between our child and its Saviour, and keep, even from the choice bud of our heart, the radiance which might unfold it for paradise. "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not," is still the voice of the Son of God; but the cold world still closes around and forbids. When of old disciples would question their Lord of the higher mysteries of His kingdom, He took a child and set him in the midst, as a sign of Him who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven. That gentle Teacher still acts the little child in the midst of us! Wouldst thou know, O parent, what is that faith which unlocks heaven? Go not to wrangling polemics, or creeds or forms of theology, but draw to thy bosom thy little one, read in that clear and trusting eye the lesson of external life. Be only to thy God as thy child is to thee, and all is done. Blessed shalt thou be indeed-" a little child shall lead thee."